Yearender: Ten years on, BRI blazes new path of win-win cooperation for common development

16:59, December 29, 2023 By Lyu Hui ( Xinhua

This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows a decoration for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation near the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over the past decade, the BRI cooperation has made remarkable achievements, injecting new impetus into the global economy, creating new opportunities for global development and blazing a new path for all humanity to realize modernization.

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed to jointly build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which are now known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the trans-national cooperation under the framework of the BRI has ever since extended from the Eurasian continent to Africa, Latin America and the South Pacific.

Ten years on, the BRI has evolved from a vision into reality, from general framework into concrete projects, becoming the worlds most popular international public good and the largest international cooperation platform.

By June 2023, China had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations across five continents. And over 20 specialized multilateral cooperation platforms were established under the BRI.

Why is the BRI so popular? The answer lies in the fact that the BRI responds to the expectation of all the participating countries to achieve shared development and prosperity and aspiration of all peoples for better life.

The BRI pursues development, promotes win-win outcomes, and inspires hope, President Xi told participants attending the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which decodes the BRIs success in the past ten years.

Pursuing common development

Global development faces multiple challenges, such as sluggish economic recovery, surging de-globalization, imbalanced economic development, and increasing wealth inequality. To make things worse, rising unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are hampering global cooperation and recovery.

The BRI offers the world a timely and practical solution infused with Chinese wisdom to those challenges.

The BRI is committed to enhancing policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity in an effort to promote global development that is balanced, coordinated, inclusive and shared by all.

Over the past decade, China and BRI partners have endeavored to build a global network of connectivity consisting of economic corridors, international transportation routes and information highway as well as railways, roads, airports, seaports, pipelines and power grids.

The network, known for its multi-channels of the land, the ocean, the sky and the Internet, has effectively facilitated the flow of capital, technology, commodities, and professionals among the countries involved and created better environments for development.

During the ten years, BRI cooperation in various fields such as transportation, agriculture, energy, communication, education and healthcare has helped the participating countries make good returns, which has reinforced their capacity of development, and addressed the significant bottlenecks restricting their economic growth.

They included such BRI landmark projects as the China-Laos Railway which has turned landlocked Laos into a land transport hub, Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Railway which contributes 2 percent to the African nation's economic growth, and Indonesias Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, which plays a pivotal role in narrowing regional development gaps and promoting economic integration of the region, while greatly improving local peoples lives.

As a Chinese saying goes: "Don't just give a man fish; teach him how to catch fish." This is what the BRI aims to help the participating countries create more jobs and reduce poverty as soon as possible. China has so far dispatched more than 2,000 agricultural experts and technicians to over 70 participating countries and introduced more than 1,500 agricultural technologies such as Juncao and hybrid rice in the BRI countries. The establishment of Luban Workshops and vocational schools under the BRI has also helped the countries to cultivate professionals from local poor people.

"I acknowledge that my story and dreams would be irrelevant, were it not for the BRI, which has truly opened doors for my career," said Mirriam Gakii Kirimi, a young woman currently working as an interpreter for Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau which contracts to build road and dam projects in Kenya.

Over the past decade, Belt and Road cooperation has also galvanized up to 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investment globally and created more than 3,000 projects and 420,000 jobs for the participating countries.

The World Bank has estimated that by 2030, BRI-related investments could lift 7.6 million out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, British scholar Martin Jacques described the BRI as an "epic project, epic narrative, and epic reflection on Chinese history," observing that it is transforming the global agenda, offering developing countries a new path to prosperity.

The BRI provides a critical and effective way to help developing countries achieve sustainable development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

New path to modernization

Belt and Road cooperation was proposed by China, but its benefits and opportunities are for the world to share. The BRI aims to open up a new path for all humanity to realize modernization.

The modernization we are pursuing is not for China alone, but for all developing countries through our joint efforts, Xi said when elaborating Chinas vision to pursue global modernization, adding that it is to enhance peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation and bring prosperity to all.

Historically, the economic globalization dominated by a few rich countries has never contributed to the common development and many developing countries have benefited little and even lost their capacity for independent development, making it hard for them to access the track of modernization.

Thanks to the BRI, many developing countries have gained increasing access to global markets, eased their financing problems for much-needed infrastructure projects, filled an "infrastructure deficit," strengthened their comparative advantages, and boosted their capacity for independent economic development.

The BRI dovetails with regional and global development plans and initiatives, including the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

According to Turkish Ambassador to China Ismail Hakki Musa, only a few imagined that the BRI would have such influence and force to transform the world in economic, infrastructure and development areas. "Today everyone is aware of the fact that this is an unprecedented achievement," he said.

Jiri Paroubek, former prime minister of the Czech Republic, said the BRI will help many countries of the developing world to increase their development, and also the living standards of the people.

Fairer global governance

The BRI's success since its inception is based on its core principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits that promote multilateralism as well as equitable and just global governance.

Those principles have become recognized globally, with reference in important documents from international organizations and bodies like the United Nations and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The BRI has gradually formed a new vision of global development and governance, with development-oriented, open cooperation, multilateral consultation and harmonious coexistence as the underlying principles, said a research report entitled "The Belt and Road Development Studies -- A Synergy Approach to Global Development".

The BRI is not a solo endeavor by China, but a collaborative effort involving all participating countries. Under BRI framework, all countries, irrespective of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants, contributors and beneficiaries.

Advocating consultation rather than confrontation, removing walls rather than erecting walls, integration rather than decoupling, and inclusiveness rather than exclusion, the BRI sets a new paradigm for state-to-state relations that shapes the international order towards greater justice and equality.

The BRI demonstrates a completely new model of international relations, where countries are able to build mutually beneficial economic partnerships without any political pressure, said Kirill Babaev, director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

"What has happened over the last decade then is a profound shift from a unipolar world to a multipolar one," said Martin Albrow, a fellow of the British Academy of Social Sciences. "In this China has been a major contributor, for its influence in the world through building new channels of communication has grown enormously."

The BRI does not have a set of broad ideological conditions to which countries must adhere in order to participate. The BRI model allows countries to develop projects with China that are specific to their needs," said Annita Montoute, acting director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.

The BRI rejects zero-sum thinking and discards the Cold War mentality of ideological rivalry and geopolitical competition. It transcends differences in ideologies and social systems, enabling different countries to share opportunities, realize common development and prosperity.

At the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October 2023, Xi announced eight major steps to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, including further improving connectivity, supporting an open world economy, promoting green development, and advancing scitech innovation.

As a long-term, transnational and systematic global project of the 21st century, the BRI, robust and fruitful in its first decade, will be full of dynamism and vitality in the years ahead.

Embarking on the new journey toward its second decade, the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation will demonstrate greater creativity and vitality, become more open and inclusive, and generate new opportunities for both China and the rest of the world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Commentary: Washington's speculative charges against China expose hegemonic anxieties

Xinhua) 17:41, December 31, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- When it comes to smearing others based on fabrication, the United States is an absolute master.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI and other agencies believe China "could use" AI to gather data on Americans at a scale that was never before.

It's a matter of repeated occurrence that U.S. officials, especially intelligence officers with a sense of mystery, made accusations with similar speculative words "probably" and "appear to be."

Has anyone in Washington presented any proof? Not yet. And don't expect there will be any.

Such irresponsible remarks show how the sole superpower of the world arbitrarily attacks other countries at its will as it is scrambling to keep its global supremacy. And those U.S. agencies have for long been grappling with notorious credibility problem.

Just in November, a bipartisan group of 11 U.S. House lawmakers asked the Biden administration to probe and potentially sanction Chinese drone maker Autel Robotics, based on their unfounded and speculative concerns of national security and the claim that the company appears to be "potentially supporting Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine."

Of course, China is not the only victim of U.S. speculative accusations. The United States launched a war against Iraq in 2003, claiming that the Mideast country possessed weapons of mass destruction; no such weapons have ever turned up.

Behind U.S. recurrent malicious speculations are its tendency to judge others through a self-referential lens and its sense of insecurity regarding its hegemony.

In the realm of data theft, the United States reigns supreme. Washington has been working with its "Five Eyes" allies and others to conduct secret data-stealing operations worldwide. Multiple media outlets revealed that the U.S. National Security Agency tapped directly into the servers of internet firms in a surveillance program known as Prism, involving internet giants such as Microsoft, Google and Apple. The leaked Pentagon documents in April also revealed how Washington spies on other countries, both allies and foes alike.

The United States is simply playing the trick of a thief crying "stop thief."

Furthermore, the United States regards its technological edge as the cornerstone for maintaining its hegemonic status. China has repeatedly stated that it never seeks hegemony. However, the superpower remains apprehensive about China's rapid technological progress, worrying being outdone.

Nevertheless, instead of focusing on advancing its own technology, the United States opts to sabotage China's progress, even by employing underhanded tactics. It did so with Japan's semiconductor industry; now, it wants to halt China's further tech breakthroughs.

It fabricated tons of excuses to clamp down on China's high-tech enterprises, putting more than 1,000 Chinese companies on sanction lists or export controls. From Huawei taking the brunt to the 36 Chinese companies recently added to the trade blacklist in December, groundless accusations, repeatedly cited national security risks, made-up tales and unjust sanctions have dominated Washington's bullying of China. The paranoid superpower is unwilling to sit by and let China's high-tech development flourish.

A clean hand requires no washing. The United States is welcome to present proof of its accusations. Otherwise, it should learn to become a more responsible global power and quit spreading lies.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Economic boost expected as digital nomads embraced

By Jung Da-hyun

The Ministry of Justice announced, Friday, that it will initiate a test phase of a visa allowing foreign nationals to travel here to work, starting in 2024.

This new plan aims to encourage individuals to stay in Korea for an extended period.

"Workation," a term created by combining work and vacation, refers to a contemporary working trend where individuals continue their regular work routine while embarking on long-term travel. Countries in Europe, Central and South America and Southeast Asia have recently introduced workation visas for digital nomads in response to the emerging trend.

Korea did not have such visas available previously. Foreign nationals interested in working and traveling in Korea have to obtain a tourist visa, which limits stays to less than 90 days.

The newly proposed workation visa, set to be introduced on Monday  the first day of 2024  will allow foreign nationals engaging in a workation in Korea to stay for up to one year from their entry date and can be extended for a further year.

Eligibility for the visa includes those affiliated with foreign companies who have worked in the same industry for over a year. The visa can also be extended to their families, excluding children aged 18 or older, and the children of accompanying family members.

Their income should be more than twice Korea's gross national income from the previous year. Requirements such as purchasing personal medical insurance and home evacuation coverage of more than 100 million won ($7,750) must also be met.

Recipients of the workation visa are prohibited from engaging in employment with a local company or taking part in for-profit activities in Korea and must obtain a separate work visa for profit-related activities.

Visa applications can be submitted at Korean embassies abroad, and those currently on short-term stays in Korea can also change their visas if they meet the requirements.

The introduction of the workation visa is anticipated to stimulate economic activity as high-income foreign nationals explore various regions of Korea and it presents an opportunity to enhance the global promotion of Korea, according to the justice ministry.

Meanwhile, the ministry unveiled the fourth edition of its foreign nationals-related policy plan on Thursday, which will be applied in 2027.

The plan encompasses the creation of an immigration office tasked with establishing a comprehensive government-wide system to promote immigration policy. The primary objective is to streamline the development of strategies for effectively managing the inflow and integration of immigrants.

In addition, to prevent the social exclusion of vulnerable immigrants, such as women and children, a system allowing all foreign children to apply for birth registration, regardless of their residence status, will be introduced.

This move aligns with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) recommendation for a universal birth registration system.

The fourth edition of the foreign nationals-related policy plan outlines five goals: promoting economic and regional development through immigration; implementing a safe and orderly society; fostering social integration among people and immigrants; respecting the human rights values of immigrants and establishing a foundation for immigration administration in line with global standards, according to the justice ministry.

At the same time, the government also announced its plan to reduce the number of illegal aliens from 420,000 to 200,000 by promoting a five-year plan to halve illegal stays.
Sparkler to celebrate the New Year

Tick, tock, tick, tock. If you think about it, time is literally on its own schedule, which means even after you have raised your glass to celebrate the New Year where you are, other places around the world will still be patiently waiting to do the same. Its all because there are actually 38 different time zones across the globe!

Because of this, some countries may even ring in the New Year an entire day before you do (depending on where youre located) while others might not until almost a full day later. No matter where you fall into the lineup, starting 2024 will be a memorable and exciting experience. It will be a time filled with hope, inspiration and fresh starts. A day where you can begin to work toward your goals and look forward to the days that are ahead. Thats why its a holiday that is so widely celebrated around the world.

If youre curious about which locations are the last places on Earth to enter into the New Year, keep reading! Were revealing the names of those areas, as well as the very last spot that will be ringing in 2024. You might be surprised to see which ones are on the list.

Related: 100 New Year Instagram Captions That Will Have Your Feed Perfectly Festive for 2024

What's the Last Place To Celebrate the New Year?

While the first place on Earth to celebrate the New Year is Kiritimati Island at 5:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, the last two places do so pretty much an entire day later! Baker Island and Howland Island are officially the last destinations to ring in 2024 at 7:00 a.m. EST on Monday. If youve never heard of either island before, they are located southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.



However, unlike Hawaii, Baker Island and Howland Island are actually uninhabited, so, sadly, there wont be anyone popping champagne bottles at midnight in those specific regions. Instead, itll just be another day there for the seabirds and turtles who call those tropical areas home.

Related: From Kissing at Midnight To Cleaning on NYE, 25 New Years Superstitions To Try

What Other Areas in the World Celebrate the New Year Last?

Believe it or not, most of the world will have already entered 2024 by the time these last few areas do. We rounded up the regions that enter the New Year just before Baker Island and Howland Island. They are listed in order of when the clock strikes twelve there in Eastern Standard Time.

1. East Coast areas of the United States, like New York and Washington D.C., and places such as Peru, Ecuador, Montreal and Havana all ring in the New Year at midnight EST, making them some of the last places to do so.

2. An hour later at 1:00 a.m. EST on Monday, January 1, other regions of the United States, like Chicago and Dallas, along with Mexico City and Costa Rica, enter 2024.

3. At 2:00 a.m. EST on Monday, its January 1st in some of the Southwest states in the U.S., like Utah and Arizona, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico.

4. When its 3:00 a.m. EST on Monday morning, its officially New Years on the Pacific Coast of the U.S., in cities like Los Angeles. The British islands of Pitcairn and Vancouver, Canada, will also celebrate at that time.

5. Alaska gets to say Happy New Year! at 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday. Regions of French Polynesia do as well.

6. Thirty minutes later, at 4:30 a.m. EST Monday, its time for the Marquesas Islands to leave 2023 behind.

7. 5:00 a.m. EST Monday morning is when Hawaii and New Zealands Cook Islands say goodbye to 2023.

8. When 6:00 a.m. EST comes around on Monday, January 1, thats when American Samoa and Pago Pago enter the New Year. They are the last populated places to celebrate 2024 in the whole world and do so just an hour before Baker Island and Howland Island finish off the list.

Next: Closing Our Eyes While Opening Our Hearts30 Transformative New Year's Prayers
A major Sierra pass has reopened after authorities investigated a suspicious package Saturday along Highway 50 in El Dorado County.

The 40-mile stretch of highway linking Sacramento to the Lake Tahoe Basin was shut down just after 11 a.m. as the California Highway Patrol and the El Dorado Sheriffs Office investigated a suspicious package. Authorities said the item posed no threat to the public.

A suspicious item was located adjacent to Highway 50 near Strawberry and the investigation is ongoing to determine what that device is, said Officer Andrew Brown, a spokesman for the CHPs Placerville office.

A CHP dispatcher said the roadway between Sly Park Road, east of Pollock Pines, and Meyers reopened just after 1 p.m. but declined to comment further.
The UN base in Timbuktu was one of its last in the country

UN peacekeepers are due to finish their withdrawal from Mali on Sunday, after a long-running mission lasting a decade.

Minusma - the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission - began in 2013 after an armed rebellion, but has been asked to leave by the country's ruling military government.

The UN mission's head said it did a lot but fell below expectations.

With some 310 peacekeepers killed, Minusma was the UN's second deadliest mission worldwide, after Lebanon.

In the summer, Mali told the UN that its 12,000 peacemakers needed to leave, and the UN Security Council voted to withdraw the mission.

UN staff have been leaving in stages for months, with a deadline of 31 December for full withdrawal.

On Friday, local media reported that Minusma had handed over control of one of its last major camps in the northern Timbuktu region ahead of the deadline, for security reasons.

Timbuktu was one of three sites which were supposed to remain open to manage the end of the mission after 31 December, but the UN was worried about the presence of militants, reports said.

El-Ghassim Wane, head of the UN mission, said in a recorded statement that there was a "gap between what we were mandated to do and we were able to do".

"We did a lot but definitely it was below expectations and below the needs," he added.

A member of Germany's armed forces who served as part of Minusma kisses his partner after arriving back in Germany earlier this month

Security in Mali is fragile, with armed Islamist and independence movements active.

Mali is suspended from regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States, along with Guinea, Niger, and Burkina Faso - all of which are also run by military governments that took power in coups.

In September, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso created a defence pact called the Alliance of Sahel States.

Like Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are rejecting longstanding links to France and are growing closer to Russia, with French forces now having left all three countries.

The UN mission began 10 years ago, after separatist rebels and Islamist fighters banded together and occupied northern Mali in an effort to create a separate state.

France sent troops to try and put down the uprising, followed by UN peacekeepers.

The threat from Islamist militants, who have killed several thousand people and forced tens of thousands from their homes, continued over the years.

And despite the presence of UN peacekeepers and French troops, who led counter-terror operations, the number of terror attacks in Mali steadily increased, as did the number of Malians joining insurgent groups. France announced it was withdrawing troops last year.

Mali has been run by military leaders following two coups in 2020 and 2021.

The country has been struggling with a widespread jihadist insurgency that has made much of the north and east ungovernable.

In recent years, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara had made major gains, occupying large swathes of territory.

Many central regions have also recently been experiencing a surge in violence perpetrated by militants linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups.

Fighting also broke out again in August between the separatists and government troops after eight years of calm, as both sides scrambled to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of the UN peacekeepers.
In 2024, Texas is set to give police even broader powers to apprehend migrants on charges of illegal entry

EAGLE PASS, Texas (AP)  Before settling in New York City like thousands of other migrants this year, Abdoul, a 32-year-old from West Africa, took an unexpected detour: Weeks in a remote Texas jail on local trespassing charges after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

I spent a lot of hours without sleeping, sitting on the floor, said Abdoul, a political activist who fled Mauritania, fearing persecution. He spoke on the condition that his last name not be published for fear of jeopardizing his request for asylum.

Starting in March, Texas will allow police to arrest migrants who enter the state illegally and give local judges the authority to order them out of the country. The new law comes two years after Texas launched a smaller-scale operation to arrest migrants for trespassing. But although that operation was also intended to stem illegal crossings, there is little indication that it has done so.

Abdoul, 32 year-old migrant from Maghama, Mauritania poses for a photograph at his shared apartment on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

The results raise questions about the impact arrests have on deterring immigration as Texas readies to give police even broader powers to apprehend migrants on charges of illegal entry. Civil rights organizations have already sued to stop the new law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, calling it an unconstitutional overreach that encroaches on the U.S. governments immigration authority.

On Thursday, the Justice Department told Abbott that it will also bring a lawsuit unless Texas reverses course on the new law by next week, according to a letter that was first obtained by Hearst Newspapers.

Since 2021, Texas authorities have arrested nearly 10,000 migrants on misdemeanor trespassing charges under what Abbott has called a arrest and jail operation: Border landowners enter agreements with the state authorizing trespassing arrests, clearing the way for law enforcement to apprehend migrants who enter the U.S. through those properties.

The arrests have drawn constitutional challenges in courts, including claims of due process violations. More recently, one landowner asked officials to stop the trespassing arrests on their property, claiming authorities never had permission in the first place.

Abbott had predicted the trespassing arrests would produce swift results. When people start learning about this, theyre going to stop coming across the Texas border, he told Fox News in July 2021, when Texas-Mexico border crossings reached 1.2 million that fiscal year.

That number has ticked up even higher over the past fiscal year, topping 1.5 million.

Theyre still coming through here, said Sheriff Tom Schmerber of Maverick County, where Abdoul crossed the border and was quickly arrested in July.

Abbott suggested this month Texas may soon phase out the trespassing arrests as it moves forward with illegal entry charges that can be enforced most anywhere in the state, including hundreds of miles from the border.

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The trespassing arrests have been a cornerstone of Abbotts nearly $10 billion border mission known as Operation Lone Star that has tested the federal governments authority over immigration. Abbott has also sent an estimated 80,000 migrants on buses to Democratic-led cities, strung up razor wire on the border and installed buoy barriers on the Rio Grande. Last week, Abbott sent a flight of 120 migrants to Chicago in an escalation of his busing operation.

The mission is visible in Maverick County, where many of the arrests have taken place. Patrol cars are parked every few miles along the two-lane roads leading to the border city of Eagle Pass. Along the Rio Grande, state troopers from Florida, one of several GOP-led states that have sent National Guard members and law enforcement to the border, work in tandem with Texas officials.

Abdoul was arrested in the citys Shelby Park, a small piece of greenery touching the river with a ramp for boaters. It was the Fourth of July when Abdoul set foot on American soil for the first time. Officers standing nearby asked him a few questions and quickly took him into custody.

He said that he was given small food portions in jail and was so miserable he would say anything to get out. He pleaded guilty to trespassing, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail.

Its unknown how many of those arrested on the border for trespassing remain in the U.S., were deported, were allowed to stay to seek asylum, or had their cases dismissed. But Kristen Etter, an attorney who said her legal organization has represented more than 3,000 migrants on the trespassing charges, said the majority of their clients were allowed to stay and seek asylum.

She said many migrants seek out law enforcement at the border because they want to surrender.

If anything, rather than being a deterrent, it is attracting more people, she said.

Migrants wait to be processed by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after they crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The trespassing arrests are spearheaded by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which said the states border operation has resulted in more than 37,000 total criminal arrests. Spokesperson Ericka Miller said officers have stopped gang members, human traffickers, sex offenders and others from entering the country.

Had we not been there, all of it likely would have crossed into the country unimpeded, Miller said in an email. The state of Texas is working to send a message to those considering crossing into the country illegally to think again.

Rolando Salinas, the mayor of Eagle Pass, signed a blanket trespassing charge affidavit to allow arrests like Abdouls on park grounds during a spike in migrant crossings in July. Following local backlash, he rescinded the affidavit before signing it again weeks later. Ultimately, Salinas said, he supports the operation because it has brought needed law enforcement personnel to the city.

Our force is not big enough to maintain the peace of Eagle Pass if we have 10-15,000 people coming through, Salinas said.

State Rep. David Spiller, who authored the new arrest law Abbott signed this month, said he believes border crossings would be much higher without the trespassing prosecutions. But he said those cases add to prosecutors workloads, depend on cooperation from landowners, and, even if defendants are convicted, the offense is not deportable under federal law.

Those charged, Spiller said, are presumably assimilating into the U.S. population.

Were doing what we can, but were only slowing down that process, Spiller said. We havent stopped anybody.

Abdoul went to New York City after his release, where he said he was allowed to stay at a shelter for a month. He now rents a room with a cousin and is awaiting a work permit. Then, he said, he will get a job and try to go to school until an immigration judge decides his future next spring.

When everything is finished and my case is guaranteed, I want to go to school because I started school and my dream is to be well educated, Abdoul said.

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The post Texas has arrested thousands on trespassing charges at the border. Illegal crossings are still high appeared first on TheGrio.
ELKADER, Iowa  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis offered the clearest indication yet that he would pardon former President Donald Trump if he were to be convicted on the multiple criminal charges he faces, clarifying previously murky answers on how the Republican governor would use his pardon powers if elected president.

In an exchange with reporters after a campaign event in Iowa on Friday, DeSantis said when asked about a pardon for Trump that he had "already said that long ago."

"I think we got to move on as a country and, you know, like Ford did to Nixon, because the divisions are just not in the countrys interest," he said.

Pressed again on whether he would specifically pardon Trump, DeSantis reiterated, Yeah, I said that months ago. Asked by NBC News to confirm the governor meant that he would indeed pardon a convicted Trump if elected, DeSantis' campaign spokesperson said, "Correct," in a response on Saturday.

Since launching his campaign in May, DeSantis has seemed to tiptoe around the question of pardoning Trump if he were to win the White House. In an interview with former Fox News host Megyn Kelly in late July, DeSantis seemed to acknowledge that he thought granting clemency was in the best interest of the country.

Well, what Ive said is very simple. Im going to do whats right for the country," DeSantis said. "I dont think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison."

DeSantis has faced the hypothetical question at other points on the campaign trail. During his first campaign stop Friday at a veterans outreach center in Iowa, a voter asked DeSantis outright if he would pardon the former president. The Florida governor swiftly pivoted to another subject, saying, Ive addressed that, but thats a different thing."

The previous lack of clarity from DeSantis on the question of a pardon for Trump reflects the difficulty he and other GOP candidates face in trying to siphon support from Trumps base while simultaneously seeking to distinguish themselves as alternatives to the former president in the nominating contest.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley gave similar reasoning to DeSantis' at a campaign event in New Hampshire on Thursday, echoing her comment in June that she would likely pardon the former president if he is convicted.

"I would pardon Trump if he is found guilty," Haley said in response to a question from the audience. "A leader needs to think about what's in the best interests of the country. What's in the best interests of the country is not to have an 80-year-old man sitting in jail that continues to divide our country. Whats in the best interest of the country would be to pardon him so that we can move on as a country and no longer talk about him.

Haleys comments drew criticism from fellow Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, who suggested she was not being honest with voters about Trumps conduct in office.

We need to tell the truth about this, said Christie, a former New Jersey governor who has become one of Trump's most vocal critics. Christie told voters at an event in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire that pardoning Trump would make the United States no better than a lot of these tin pot democracies ... around the world.

GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a frequent Trump defender, has said he supports pardoning the former president and that it would help reunite the country. In an interview with ABC News in September, Ramaswamy said he draws a distinction between bad and illegal behavior in reference to Trumps actions leading up to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and his handling of classified documents, adding that the former president should not be prosecuted for those actions.

Trump is facing dozens of felony counts in four criminal cases against him, which separately include allegations of election interference in federal and state cases, mishandling of classified documents, and falsifying business records in relation to hush money payments. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied any wrongdoing in the cases.
By Ivana Sekularac

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Thousands gathered in a square in in central Belgrade on Saturday in the biggest protest yet over parliamentary and municipal elections on Dec. 17, results of which the demonstrators want anulled.

Protesters waving Serbian flags and holding a banner reading "We do not accept" cheered Marinika Tepic, a leader of the opposition Serbia Against Violence alliance, who has been on hunger strike since Dec. 18.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won 46.72% of the votes in the Dec. 17 snap parliamentary election, according to preliminary results from the state election commission.

"These elections must be annulled," Tepic, who came to the stage with the help of two colleagues, told the protesters, gathered in front of the landmark Moskva hotel.

Serbia Against Violence, which placed second in the general election, has accused the SNS of widespread vote fraud, which the authorities deny.

An international monitoring mission following the vote said the SNS had gained an unfair advantage through media bias, the improper influence of President Aleksandar Vucic, and voting irregularities such as vote buying.

Serbian authorities deny any irregularities.

Jovana Djokovic, a 29 year old software developer, said she had come to the protest with her parents who drove to Belgrade from the central town of Kraljevo, 177 kilometres south.

"I came here to express my disagreement with election result. I feel responsibility to be here," Djokovic said. "Elections were not fair."

The opposition has since Dec. 17 held daily protests against the election results in front of the election commission, mostly attracting several hundred people.

The Saturday protest was supported by students' organisations and by an initiative gathering public figures including prominent intellectuals and actors dubbed ProGlas.

Serbia Against Violence came second in the election with 23.56% of the vote. The Socialist Party of Serbia was third with 6.56%.

Full results of the elections are not likely to be published until some time next month.

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by David Holmes)
U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire and sank three small boats carrying Houthi militants in the Red Sea on Sunday, after U.S. warships responded to a distress call from a merchant vessel, military officials said.

A Maersk container ship, the Singapore-flagged Hangzhou, issued a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. local time, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Sunday. The merchant vessel said four small boats were attacking it.

WATCH: Tensions escalate as Houthi leaders threaten more Red Sea attacks

"The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew-served and small-arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel," Central Command said.

Helicopters from two U.S. ships -- the USS Eisenhower and the USS Gravely -- responded and issued verbal calls to the small boats, U.S. officials said.

PHOTO: In this photo posted to social media by U.S. Central Command, the USS Gravely is shown. (U.S. Central Command)

While the helicopters were "in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms," Central Command said.

Service members aboard the Navy helicopters returned fire and sank three of the four small boats, killing the crews, U.S. officials said. The fourth boat fled the area.

In a statement Sunday, the Houthis said they lost 10 group members after U.S. forces fired on their vessels, referring to the engagement as "dangerous behavior" that will have "negative repercussions."

The group also said it will continue operating in the Red Sea. "The American enemy bears the consequences of this crime and its repercussions," the group said, in part.

The group also reiterated that it will "not hesitate to confront any aggression" against Yemen and renewed its "advice to all countries not to be drawn into the American plans aimed at igniting the conflict in the Red Sea."

The U.S. does not seek to escalate the conflict, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on "Good Morning America" on Sunday.

"We don't seek a conflict wider in the region and we're not looking for a conflict with the Houthis," Kirby told ABC News' Whit Johnson. "The best outcome here would be for the Houthis to stop these attacks as we have made clear over and over again."

PHOTO: Protecting shipping lanes amid Israel-Hamas war (ABC News)

Sunday's incident was the second time in 24 hours that the Hangzhou had issued a distress call, U.S. Navy officials said.

The ship had been traveling on Saturday evening about 55 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, when it was hit by an unknown object, a Maersk spokesperson told ABC News.

The 14,000-container vessel continued north afterward, heading toward its destination of Port Suez, Egypt.

"Maersk can also confirm that after the initial attack on the vessel, four boats approached the vessel and engaged fire in an expected attempt to board the vessel," said Adhish Alawani, a Maersk spokesperson.

Maersk has delayed all transits through the area for the next 48 hours, as the incident is investigated, he said.

Kirby emphasized the importance of the Red Sea shipping corridor and the critical need to keep it safe and open for international commerce.

Asked if a pre-emptive strike is on the table, Kirby said "we're not ruling anything in or out."

"We have made it clear publicly to the Houthis and privately to our allies and partners, and we're going to make the right decisions going forward," he added.

US Navy sinks 3 Houthi boats attacking merchant ship in Red Sea, US says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP

Virginia senator Tim Kaine has added his voice to a rising chorus within the Democratic party questioning the Biden administrations legislatively unconstrained transfer of US munitions to Israel.

In a news release on Saturday, the Democratic senator  a member of the Senate armed services committee  said weapons transfers must come under congressional oversight.

Related: As Gaza death toll mounts, Israelis look in vain for any sign of victory

Just as Congress has a crucial role to play in all matters of war and peace, Congress should have full visibility over the weapons we transfer to any other nation. Unnecessarily bypassing Congress means keeping the American people in the dark, Kaine wrote.

We need a public explanation of the rationale behind this decision  the second such decision this month, he added.

On Friday, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, had approved the sale of 155mm projectiles and related equipment valued at $147.5m, an increase from an earlier approved order for tens of thousands of rounds of the heavy artillery munitions.

It said that Blinken had determined and provided detailed justification to Congress that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel and that the sale was in the national security interests of the United States and thereby exempt from congressional review under arms-export control laws.

The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self defense capability, the statement added.

Kaine said in his statement that he strongly condemned Hamass 7 October attacks on Israeli civilians, which killed about 1,200 people, and had been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

At least 21,672 people have been killed in Gaza and 56,165 wounded since the war began, according to the most recent numbers from the Gaza health ministry.

Kaines statement added to administration concerns that its policy of military transfers to Israel, including a $14.3bn package announced in November that Biden called an unprecedented support package for Israels defense, is out of step with US domestic and international public opinion.

On Friday, South Africa called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to find that Israels war in Gaza is a violation of the Genocide Convention of 1948. The filing accused Israel of engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Separately, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said that soldiers with the IDF fired on a UN aid convoy returning from a delivery in northern Gaza, an incident the UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths condemned as unlawful.
A Whatcom County resident survived the deadliest tsunami in recorded history when she was just 13 years old. Now, 19 years after the disaster, shes telling her story.

Monica Connelly was vacationing on a beach in Thailand with her parents on Dec. 26, 2004, when the Indian Ocean Tsunami, also known as the Boxing Day Tsunami, struck the shore.

It killed almost 230,000 people  including both of Connellys parents  and displaced 1.7 million others after it hit coastlines in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand.

When the tsunami first hit, Connelly ran but was quickly swept up by the force of the water. Then she was swimming. She said her survival instincts kicked in.

For the most part, there was no time to process things, to feel things, or even to feel fear, Connelly said.

She struggled to get her bearings underwater as she tried to reach the surface. Connelly was unable to breathe and her whole body was in pain, she said.

During that whole time, thoughts come to my mind just guiding me on what to do. I dont even think about it, I just obey it. And it was only afterward that I feel like this was God guiding me, Connelly said.

Monica Connelly survived the Indian Ocean Tsunami at age 13 in 2004. 19 years later, in 2023, she published a memoir about her experience.

She managed to reach the surface but passed out from exhaustion. When she woke up, she found the strength to hold onto a nearby cable between two trees. The water eventually receded, people started showing up to help survivors, and a stranger told Connelly where to go for safety  the mountains.

I believe I met God that day and I believe it was God who saved me, ultimately, because I survived this disaster thats still considered the deadliest tsunami in history  without a scratch on me. I was completely uninjured, Connelly said.

Connelly said as tragic as her experience was, it was also a very spiritual one. She said she was inspired by the love people showed one another. She said it helped her to carry on by focusing on that instead of the tragedy.

There was a lot of chaos surrounding it but there was a lot of love, too. People were truly loving on each other, Connelly said. You had people from all nationalities, all different backgrounds and cultures, even speaking different languages. But none of it mattered. There were people heading toward the beach risking their lives just because someone might be out there.

Surviving A Tsunami At Thirteen: A Memoir was published this fall and details her experience. She said writing the book was helpful for her healing process.

I was struggling with the question of Why? Connelly said. As Im remembering and reliving all of this, I start noticing that there is a lot that I can learn from this.

Connelly hopes her story inspires others and that people can learn from her experience.

After the tragedy, Connelly went on to live with family in Portugal. She eventually met her husband in Ireland and moved with him to the United States. They now have two children and live in Birch Bay.

On the anniversary of the tsunami every year, Connelly goes to the beach and throws flowers in the water to honor her parents. She visited the water in Birch Bay on Tuesday with her children, marking 19 years since the tragedy.

Connelly is hosting an author event at Bellewood Farms in Lynden at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. She will be sharing some of her story and selling copies of her book.
By Jung Da-hyun

Beginning in 2024, Seoul Metropolitan Government officials with childcare responsibilities will have the flexibility to customize their work schedules according to their children's age groups.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced, Thursday, the implementation of a new system for its workers, empowering them to effectively balance work and childcare.

The system grants pregnant employees the flexibility to prioritize self-care by reducing their daily working hours by two, enabling them to work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This adjustment aims to help them avoid congested commuting hours.

Parents with children aged up to five will be able to manage their working hours flexibly, either leaving work three hours early or arriving three hours late, facilitating time for childcare.

Parents with elementary school children, aged six to eight, who return home early from school, will benefit from the introduction of flexible working hours in the city. This initiative allows them the option to leave work four hours early for four days a week, facilitating their engagement in educational guidance for their children. Compensatory work hours can be extended on another day to ensure overall work commitments are met.

In contrast to the limitations of the existing childcare support system, which faced challenges, the new system will automatically enroll officials to allow them to choose the most suitable work time based on each child's age group.

To further incentivize and recognize employees utilizing these flexible work arrangements, departments with a higher proportion of parents will receive priority in new employee assignments. Additionally, during regular personnel evaluations, employees with childcare responsibilities will be prioritized for placement within their respective departments, thereby reducing their overall workload.

"We hope these efforts will inspire similar initiatives in the private sector, fostering a societal culture where childcare concerns are collectively addressed rather than being solely the responsibility of individuals," said Jung Sang-hoon, the head of the local autonomy administration bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
2023 was a grim reminder of the dangers that threaten a world without powerful leadership

The countries of the Global South, especially Arab nations, found new confidence to pursue their own destinies unfettered by American hegemony. (Image by starline on Freepik)

Man and Nature conspired to make 2023 one of the most disastrous in living memory. Governments confronted each other while public opinion across the globe condemned the inhumane violence over the vengeance that Israel exacted on Gaza, Russias military adventure in Ukraine, and Chinas muscle-flexing in the Far East.

India thrived on the worlds distress. Distrusting Palestinians, Israel turned to India for thousands of unskilled labourers. The Ukraine war enabled India to import cut-price Russian oil and profit handsomely from selling refined products to Western governments that cannot deal directly with Russia because of American sanctions.

But 2023 was also a grim reminder of the dangers that threaten a world without powerful leadership. Minor quarrels can spiral into major conflicts when national ambition is unimpeded by international obligations. The countries of the Global South, especially Arab nations, found new confidence to pursue their own destinies unfettered by American hegemony. Friction sizzled in Myanmar, Yemen, Congo, Sudan and elsewhere. China continued to nibble at Indias northern border while treating the South China Sea like a domestic lake.

Nearly 60,000 people died when an earthquake ravaged Turkey and Syria. Nearly 15,000 were killed in what Russian President Vladimir Putin calls a special military operation and not an invasion of Ukraine. Indians recalled Operation Polo, which sealed Hyderabads accession to the Union.

Israels relentless bombing of Gaza, ignoring President Joe Bidens feeble objections, killed more than 20,000 people and reduced bustling Gaza to a wasteland. Pope Francis was appalled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, he declared.

India sent Chandrayaan-3 to a virtually unknown corner of the Moon and claimed a place in the global sun. India also overtook Chinas population, accounted for the largest diaspora known to mankind, and the biggest expatriate remittances. It remained the worlds biggest democracy. But for Sabeer Bhatia, ethnic Indian inventor of Hotmail, 90 per cent of the innovation industry is copycat in India, there is nothing new they do. The United Nations Security Council did not elevate India to the high table of international management.

Israel insisted that targeting civilians was not its policy. India insisted that eliminating dissidents was not its policy. Canada accused India of being complicit in the murder of a Canadian citizen, Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar; the US claimed Indian agents had conspired to murder Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who held an American passport. The death in Army custody of three Kashmiri civilians prompted protests.

Indias Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and consequent transformation of Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union territories. China and Pakistan did not return chunks of the state that they had seized to either UT. The summer was the hottest ever the world over. Glacial floods nearly washed away the Himalayan state of Sikkim as many Sikkimese celebrated the birth centenary of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, their last king, who was deposed in 1975 when his kingdom became an Indian state.

Representatives of nearly 200 countries for the first time agreed to shift from fossil fuels and set 2050 as their target. The prospect of an Opposition-mukt Bharat loomed over India as the BJP bagged Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh while BJP presiding officers of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ousted 146 Opposition members. India retreated to Bharat as the Oppositions INDIA alliance -- more chiefs than Indians -- grabbed the headlines. Some chiefs were miffed by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee pushing Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the Oppositions prime ministerial candidate.

A team of rat-hole miners who rescued 41 labourers trapped in an underground tunnel in the lower Himalayas for 16 days after all mechanical methods had failed, rejected the governments Rs 50,000 reward as paltry. A 24-year-old student at Pragues Charles University ran amuck and gunned down 14 people before shooting himself.

The late Pranab Mukherjee, Indias 13th President, warned from beyond the grave: We are in [the] twilight of democracy but are unfortunately unaware of the impending dangers. His daughter Sharmistha cited that diary entry in her book, Pranab My Father: A Daughter Remembers. Mukherjee feared for Parliament. Others feared Parliament. Mamata Banerjee was relieved not to be a member any longer. Thank God I am not an MP now, or I would have been suspended, she exclaimed.

She had reason to worry. Like the 146 suspended MPs, she too had demanded clarifications from Prime Minister Modi and home minister Amit Shah of the December 13 episode when two men jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors gallery and set off smoke bombs. Two others were arrested with smoke bombs outside the Parliament building.

Several factors seemed to vest the incident with more than ordinary significance. Too much meaning need not be read into the episode taking place on the 22nd anniversary of a far more deadly event -- the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament by five gunmen. Nine people were killed as were all five attackers. It may also have been a relatively small matter that as governor of West Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Rajya Sabha Chairman, had fallen foul of Ms Banerjee and her ruling Trinamul Congress party in almost everything. But the real mystery is: who had organised the intrusion? How were participants recruited? What was their motive?

Thanks to official secretiveness, the answers remain a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, like Churchills famous definition of the Soviet Union. Even Soviet reticence wasnt inexplicable to Churchill who thought that the key was Russian national interest.

What national interest was at stake here? Joblessness was the obvious trigger, with the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy reporting 47 million, mainly youth, unemployed, and even Mr Modi admitting that poverty is the biggest caste, although shying away from holding a countrywide caste census. But neither he nor the home minister has said a word about the incident, and certainly not in Parliament which BJP politicians appear to shun. Nary a squeak either from BJP MP Pratap Simha, who, intriguingly, signed the pass for the December 13 intruders. Why did he do it?

One of the demonstrators reportedly tweeted: What India needs is a bomb. What India is getting this New Year is the grandest temple ever to proclaim that the secular republic is really a proudly Hindu nation, with a brand-new international airport for wealthy Ram bhakts. Any representative of the people who has another order of priorities can be suspended. Democracy provides its own processes for suppressing dissent. Pranab Mukherjees warning comes to mind.
The bishop of Myanmar forced by the army to take refuge in the forest, the "disappeared" ministers in Beijing, the president of Vietnam who invited Pope Francis, Pita Limjaroenrat and the stifled change in Bangkok, the nuns next to the victims of the war in Gaza: the year that is drawing to a close through some symbolic characters chosen by AsiaNews.

What did 2023 represent for the peoples and Christian communities of Asia? Once again this year, AsiaNews has selected ten faces from the different areas of the continent to retrace some of the most significant stories we have told during the twelve months that are now drawing to a close.

CELSO BA SHWE, Bishop of Loikaw (Myanmar)

Ordained in June, Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of Loikaw was, in spite of himself, one of the protagonists of this new year of war in Myanmar, the third since the military coup d'etat that removed the democratically elected government on 1 February 2021. The diocese of Loikaw, in fact, the capital of Kayah State, is now one of the places most affected by the civil conflict, but also one of the cities where the Christian presence in Myanmar is most deeply rooted. Tens of thousands of people have fled and the bishop himself took refuge "in the forest" in November, after the military took control of the cathedral to use it as its own military base. In Nattale, Bishop Ba Shwe wrote: 'Despite the suffering, the Church founded by Christ in Loikaw is alive and present. We know that the Good Shepherd cares for his flock, for which he gave his life'.

CHINA'S MISSING MINISTERS

2023 in Beijing was the year of resounding new 'purges' in the palaces of power just a few months before the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress, which in October 2022 was supposed to give the image of unchallenged leadership to Xi Jinping. The axe of the 'anti-corruption campaign' has hit officials at every level, from the generals in charge of the missile system to the head of the religious affairs department. But the two most clamorous cases have concerned two leading politicians: since 25 June, the then Foreign Minister Qin Gang, former ambassador to Washington and considered a loyalist of the president, literally disappeared. Replaced in his role with the return of the expert Wang Yi, there is no longer any news of him and intelligence sources even speculate his death after the Russian secret services accused him of passing information to the United States. The same fate befell Defence Minister Li Shangfu in October, who has not appeared in public since 26 August and just yesterday was officially replaced. All this happened in the year of the increasingly evident difficulties of the Chinese economy, which led Beijing to even decide to stop releasing data on youth unemployment.

VLADIMIR KARA-MURZA (Russia)

Twenty-five years in prison on charges of 'treason' and activities as a 'foreign agent'. The sentence was imposed in April by the Moscow court on Vladimir Kara-Murza, a 42-year-old publicist and university lecturer, considered after Alexei Naval'nyj the second biggest opponent in Russia of Vladimir Putin, who is preparing to run undisturbed for a new presidential term in March 2024. Former president of the Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom in Russia, as a TV journalist he held regular broadcasts between 2019 and 2022. After criticising the invasion of Ukraine Kara-Murza has been in prison since 11 April 2022. From his cell, he managed to bring out a document entitled 'The Church and War', which is a harsh indictment of the Moscow Patriarchate, in which he defends priests who are being punished for their stance on the inadmissibility of the ongoing bloodshed in Ukraine.

PITA LIMJAROENRAT (Thailand)

A new face in Thai politics, Pita Limjaroenrat seemed destined to become premier after the May elections, in which his party, the progressive Move Forward Party, received the most votes, thanks mainly to the support of young people, who have long been calling for a reform of the law on lese majesty, used by the government to suppress dissent and the activities of opponents. The conservative, monarchist and pro-military elite, however, resisted the change and, after discrediting Pita by accusing him of several crimes, appointed Sretta Thavisin of the Shinawatra family's Pheu Thai party as Prime Minister, in an unprecedented alliance with yesterday's former enemies.

VO VAN THUONG (Vietnam)

Elected in March, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong is a symbol of the new course between Hanoi and the Holy See that should lead to official recognition and full relations, interrupted in 1975. The latest step came in mid-December, when the Head of State sent a letter to the Vatican containing an official invitation for Pope Francis to visit the country. Previously, the president and pontiff had met in Rome in July for the signing of the agreement that, after years of negotiations, paved the way for the presence of a permanent representative of the Holy See. In the joint communique there is a reference to being "good Catholics and good citizens", a key passage in a communist nation and one that remains an unresolved knot in relations with China. From this perspective, the work done by Hanoi and the Vatican represents an ideal path to follow. The government's announcement came on the sidelines of Vo Van Thuong's Christmas Eve visit to the archdiocese of Hue, the local Church where the shrine of Our Lady of La Vang is also located.

LICIPRIYA KANGUJAM (India)

In India, 2023 was marked by severe inter-ethnic violence in the north-eastern state of Manipur. Since the clashes broke out in May, almost 200 people have been killed, while about 50,000 have been internally displaced: the Kuki, with a Christian majority, who traditionally inhabit the hilly areas, have left their homes in the villages closer to the plains, in the same way as the Meitei, mostly Hindus, who occupy the Imphal Valley but have abandoned the Kuki-majority districts. It is a clash in which the ethnic-religious dimension is intertwined with the problem of a fair distribution and management of land in a very poor area. And it is in this context where peace and environmental justice are intertwined that the commitment in Manipur of Licypriya Kangujam, who at 12 years of age is one of the youngest activists in the global youth movement for the fight against climate change, fits in. In June, she was received in audience at the Vatican by Pope Francis. On that occasion, speaking about Manipur, she said that "children desperately hope for peace. We should live in peace and harmony, together'.

KALPONA AKTER (Bangladesh)

An exploited worker in textile factories since childhood, Kalpona Akter has never stopped fighting for the rights of women working in Bangladesh's most important industry, which supplies clothes to the biggest international clothing brands. Founder of the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity, she demands fair wages and greater safety in the factories. Demands that in recent months have also been taken up by the opposition, represented by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, a political formation that for months has been calling on the ruling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to set up a neutral government ahead of next year's elections. After the premier's refusal, clashes and strikes by workers and party supporters increased.

THE NUNS OF GAZA

The sisters of are the face and symbol of the Christian presence in a Strip bloodied by the war launched by Israel against Hamas in response to the terrorist attack on 7 October. The Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa's relgious sisters, have been present for 50 years and are one of three of the women's congregations present along with the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and those of Our Lady of the Rosary. They all chose to stay, despite the possibility of evacuation. Together with the vice-parish priest Fr. Youssuf Asad - the parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli is stuck between Jerusalem and Bethlehem where he was when the conflict broke out and is not allowed to return - they take care of more than 700 people sheltered in the Holy Family, the only Catholic church in the Strip. Among them are about sixty disabled people or those with psycho-physical problems, for whom the nuns take care. Not even they have been spared by the conflict, since the house has been besieged by the army in a war operation and, the night before the killing of two Christian women shot by an Israeli sniper on 16 December, tanks had targeted the institute causing damage and injuring a nun's leg.

ANTUAN ILGIT (Turkey)

The first Jesuit - and the first bishop - of Turkish origin, born in Germany and converted from Islam: 51-year-old Bishop Antuan Ilgit, auxiliary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, is the vow of rebirth of the Turkish Church, which has long emphasised the importance of local vocations to support the path of evangelisation. The appointment by Pope Francis is also a sign of attention and closeness to a community hit by the earthquake on 6 February 2023, devastating the heart of local Christianity: Antioch, a ghost town after the earthquake. Just in the aftermath of the main quake, Bishop Ilgit had collected the Eucharist from the tabernacle in the rubble of Iskenderun Cathedral. Last summer, he met the pontiff together with a group of boys and girls from Anatolia for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. "Being hope for the earthquake victims, rebuilding cathedrals and houses, assisting refugees" were the urgencies of the mission, as he told AsiaNews on the day of his appointment, which he described as a sign of "the pope's trust in the young people of a Church that, until now, has been mostly foreign".

SAO ICHIKAWA (Japan)

At birth she was diagnosed with congenital myopathy, an incurable disease that affects the muscles. For this reason, Sao Ichikawa grew up in a wheelchair and has been using a machine to breathe since the age of 14. Starting from her personal experience at the age of 43, she published her first novel Hanchibakku (Hunchback): a humorous work that recounts disability and also highlights, and criticises, the privileges of able-bodied people. With this book, she won the Japanese Akutagawa literary prize this year: she is the first person with a disability to receive this prestigious award.
At the Angelus on the last day of 2023 the appeal that "those who have interests in these conflicts should listen to the voice of conscience". On the feast of the Holy Family the invitation to "always defend and support the family, the fundamental cell of society". Benedict XVI's remembrance one year after his death: "He served the Church with love and wisdom, from Heaven he accompanies us".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "At the end of a year, should we have the courage to ask ourselves how many human lives have been lost by armed conflicts, how many deaths? And how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty? Whoever has an interest in these conflicts should listen to the voice of conscience."

This is the appeal that even on the last day of the year Pope Francis launched from his window on St. Peter's Square in the Angelus of today's Sunday in which the Church celebrates the liturgical feast of the Holy Family.

The pontiff also invited today not to forget the people who suffer because of wars. And together with the tormented Ukraine and the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, he addressed a special thought to the Christians of Nigeria who suffered very serious violence with hundreds of deaths in Plateau State just at Christmas. I pray for them and their families.

The pontiff also invited us to remember "the tortured Rohingya", exiles from Myanmar, who in recent days have been victims of attacks in Indonesia.

Celebrating the Holy Family of Nazareth, the pontiff then addressed his blessing to all the families of the world. Let's not forget that the family is the fundamental cell of society  he added  it must always be defended and supported.

In his reflection before the Marian prayer, Francis had commented on the Gospel passage of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, proposed by the liturgy. He observed how as a gift they brought the most humble and simple offering among those provided. And Mary receives the prophecy that "a sword will pierce her soul". They arrive in poverty and leave with a load of suffering"  commented the pontiff.

"This is surprising: the Family of Jesus, the only family in history that can boast the presence of God in flesh and blood, is poor instead of being rich. Instead of being facilitated, it seems hindered. Instead of being free from fatigue, it is immersed in great pain."

The Pope continued, noting this reveals something very beautiful: By choosing a family expert in suffering, Jesus says to our families: 'If you find yourself in difficulty, I know what you feel, I have experienced it: I, my mother and father we tried it to also tell your family: you are not alone'.

Finally he invited all the families to learn from the families of Nazareth the ability to be amazed. Knowing how to be amazed first of all by God, but also by one's spouse, for example by taking him by the hand and looking into his eyes in the evening for a few moments, with tenderness. And then marvel at the miracle of life, of children, finding time to play with them and listen to them. And marvel at the wisdom and serenity of grandparents, who bring life back to the essentials. Finally, be amazed by your own love story, in which God believes, even when it seems to us that the negative aspects prevail."

Finally, Pope Francis reminded the faithful of the first anniversary of the death of Benedict XVI. One year ago, he said, he concluded his earthly journey after having served the Church with love and wisdom. We feel so much affection for him, so much gratitude, so much admiration. From heaven bless us and accompany us."
How to Handle Her Breasts

Our A-to-Z Guide to Touching Breasts, from Gentle Caresses to Kinky Nibbles

For all the time we spend obsessing about breasts, the actual, real-life encounter with them can be a bit intimidating. Sure, there's the bra, blocking our access like a maddening finger puzzle, but even when we're confronted with bare breasts, a lot of us freeze up.

Our instincts aren't always the best guide here, either. What do women actually want us to do? Cup them? Suck on them? Compliment them? Do we spend too much time focusing on them or too little? Should we be rough or gentle, or some combination of both? And if a combination, how do you know when

RELATED: How to Finger a Girl

Hitting the proper spots isnt an exact science  womens tastes will always vary  but it does take some nuance and practice. It's well worth it, though, since the breasts are one of the main places women want to touched when things get hot and heavy.

With that in mind, here are 10 techniques to keep in mind if you're looking for inspiration.

Cup Them From Behind

So heres a slight conundrum: Boobs are best viewed head-on, and, yes, its always great to touch a pair thats offered to us. But theyre actually easier to cup if youre standing behind your partner. And when you approach them that way, you can explore the other parts of her body on your way up  or down  to her breasts. Youll also be able to massage them more easily than if you were facing her. And when you caress a womans breasts, her brain releases oxytocin  a chemical that makes you feel good  Beverly Whipple of Rutgers University says. For added effect, try this in front of a mirror. Just dont stare too intently at the action  its not an out-of-body experience.

Use Your Lips and Tongue

Were not going to get Oedipal with you here, but, yes, men have been known to enjoy putting their mouths on a breast or two. And women who like having their breasts touched wont object to this, either, says one researcher from Indiana University. When youre doing it, though, remember that too much intensity might be creepy  and possibly painful. Also, show some restraint when it comes to her nipples. Yes, theyre very sensitive, but so are the other parts of her boobs. And this should go without saying, but dont give one boob so much attention that you neglect the other.

Get Her Wet

Your shower can be a pretty erotic place. Assuming you use hot water, her blood temperature will rise and her skins sensitivity will increase, says Sandor Gardos, founder of MyPleasure.com. That means that your caresses will feel a lot better than they do in your bed or wherever else you might be. And you can lather em up with soap, a touch that she will also appreciate. Then there are the possibilities a detachable showerhead opens up. So play until youre pruney  this is one shared shower where you wont have to worry about dropping the soap.

Rub Them Through Her Bra

Were all anxious to see whats underneath, but there are reasons to delay the big reveal, and she might enjoy at least one of them. Before you take that final layer of clothing off, use it to turn her on by rubbing gently over it. This will stimulate her in a way that skin-to-skin contact cant  especially if her bra is sheer. You might also want to try it with different materials after her clothes are off. According to Ian Kerner, author of She Comes First, the idea is to let her experience new sensations. Its not something youll want to do for an extended period  at some point, shell probably finish disrobing herself  but its worth a few minutes, especially when you consider that more than 81% of women say that nipple stimulation causes or boosts their sexual arousal.

Motorboat Her

The Frat Pack comedies of the mid-aughts introduced an entire generation to motorboating  planting your face in a girls cleavage and shaking your head back and forth while making a revving sound by vibrating your lips together. Admittedly, this places your enjoyment well before hers, since youre essentially treating her body like a comic prop. If she was reared on the same sophomoric movies as you, you'll get a laugh out of this and make things a bit more lighthearted. But it isn't all for gags: her breasts do consist of three erogenous zones (nipples, areolae  the area around the nipples  and the breasts themselves), and if you focus more on alternating between these zones than making funny noises, you can turn her on.

Be Gentle

Were not suggesting you turn up the slow jams in an attempt to create some sort of faux-sensual experience, but, as sex writer Michael Castleman says, a little softness isnt such a bad thing. Rather than grabbing her boobs, as you might see done in porn, caress them. Stroking them gently, if only for a few minutes, will feel intimate for both of you. It will also show that you understand a thing or two about rhythm. We do advise, however, that you refrain from moaning creepily adding breathy commentary. Inspired though it may seem, it's usually completely unnecessary.

Tease Her

Boobs are sensitive. We all know that. But while you might want to touch every millimeter of them, sometimes, less is more. So tread lightly. Hold your hands just above her breasts; as soon as you feel her nipples brush against your palms, rub them in circles as gently as you can. Do the same to the surrounding areas. The idea is to make her feel like your hands  yes, the same hands that might have helped you motorboat her minutes before  are barely there. This will stimulate the microscopic hairs on her breasts and nerves under her skin, says Jaiya, a sex writer. Its really about nuance, and a little will go a long way.

Get a Little Rough (But Not for Too Long)

Lets get this out of the way right now: Dont maul her boobs. Ever. Sure, its tempting, but you will come across like an overeager teenager. More importantly, it wont make her feel good at all. That said, there is room for a little aggressiveness, as long as you limit it to some friendly squeezing or nibbling at  and we cant emphasize this part enough  the right moment. You can judge when that is for yourself, but we sincerely hope its self-evident. Were also counting on you to know when its over. As Dr. Madeleine Castellanos notes, breast play is most effective when it starts gently and builds up as a woman becomes more turned on. So in this case, timing really is everything.

Tug Gently on Her Nipples

Many women complain that men treat their nipples like  and we didnt come up with this ourselves  elevator buttons. You shouldnt need to be told not to do that. But some of the same women will tell you that they enjoy having their nipples tugged on gently  and, as research out of Rutgers University showed, sensations from a woman's nipples travel to the same area of the brain as those from the vagina and clitoris. So its almost certain shell appreciate the attention. Lets not get carried away, though. This isnt enjoyable for prolonged periods, and it has to be done delicately. But if youre up to the task  which you probably are  dont hesitate to do it. Just remember that her pleasure comes first.

Pay Attention to the Less Prominent Areas of Her Breasts

When you first see her breasts, your eyes and hands will be drawn to her nipples and the areas around them. And thats fine. But once youve taken stock of those areas, youll want to explore the regions around them. The sides of her breasts are responsive, too. So are the bottoms. In fact, one study from the University of Vienna showed that larger breasts are 24% less sensitive than small ones and can handle more stimulation, so youll definitely want to take these areas into account. The same study also showed that the top of the breast above the nipple is actually the most sensitive area  even more than the nipple. This can mean different things for different women  focus on this area if she isnt feeling much, and go lightly if shes super sensitive. You dont need to give them inordinate attention  that would just look weird  but acknowledge that they exist, and do to them what you would to her more obvious pleasure centers. You might even discover one of her sweet spots in the process.

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Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), rejected former DPK leader Lee Nak-yon's call for his resignation, Saturday, after failing to patch up their differences.

The two sides met for talks in Seoul after the former party leader demanded Lee Jae-myung step down and agree to form a joint interim leadership committee ahead of the general election scheduled for next April.

The current leader rejected both demands and called on the former leader to remain in the party during their meeting, according to DPK spokesperson Park Sung-joon in a briefing.

The former leader has vowed to launch a new party next year if Lee declines his proposal by the end of the year.

"I earnestly told him that leaving the party is not the path to go," Lee Jae-myung told reporters after the meeting.

The former leader told reporters that he will go his own way when asked about his future plans, effectively expressing his departure from the DPK. (Yonhap)
Many of history's great cars were born as a result of racing efforts, or more precisely the carmakers' push to comply with regulations while at the same time offering the vehicle the best shot at winning. And the Ford Galaxie 500 Lightweight is just one example of that.

Photo: Mecum

Photo: Mecum

The Galaxie came about in 1958 as a full-sized car, and it was named so as Ford was trying to capitalize on the public's interest in the then-nascent space race. It was successful enough to be kept in production for 15 years and, unlike many of the American-made cars we talk about here, was even sold abroad, more specifically in Australia and Brazil.It was on the home market where the Galaxie thrived, and it did that to such a degree it even prompted the Blue Oval to rely on it heavily for its Total Performance program.That's the program that gave birth to the Lightweights as well, machines on four wheels meant to take on rivals in the Super Stock series, more specifically the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Catalina.As you might imagine, there weren't all that many Ford Galaxie 500 Lightweights produced. In 1963, for instance, the model year this here example belongs to, only 212 of them were made.In this case Lightweight meant the fitting of special components meant to keep the weight of the vehicle down as much as possible. That translates into stuff like the hood, fenders and decklid made of fiberglass. Elsewhere, more specifically on the bumpers, fender apron, and radiator support, aluminum was used, while the interior was fitted with Bostrom lightweight seats.They all also came with significant improvements over what was offered before, prompted by the requirements of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile - Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (FIA-ACCUS).Both the NHRA and NASCAR were part of this body at the time, and that meant they too had to adopt an increase in engine displacement for cars, to 427ci (7.0 liters).That's the exact displacement the engine held in the bay of this Galaxie. The engine, part of Ford's FE-series, is capable of developing a total of 425 horsepower thanks to a Holley 4-barrel carburetor setup. Power is handled through a heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission, the only one a race driver needs to get the job doneThe car is not a random Galaxie, but a car that was present on race tracks back in the 1960s, and even earned a nickname for itself there.The Ford was the tool of the trade for Burl Hawkins, a race driver on the payroll of an Oklahoma-based team called Bill Doenges Ford. The Galaxie was raced under the man's control as the Dragon Waggin, a name that can still be seen on its body right alongside the names of the team and its driver.For some reason the Galaxie was not used as a racer for long, and in 1969 it entered the collection of Oklahoma-born Rick Kirk. It was not just another car collection, but at the time of the man's passing in 2018 was one of the most impressive gatherings of Lightweights in the world.During its time in this collection, this particular Galaxie was used in nostalgia events. Back in 2016 a major restoration process on the car ended, leaving it in as-raced condition, both mechanically and visually.Painted white over a red interior, the car now comes under the spotlight thanks to the fact it will try to sell in Kissimmee, Florida, in the early days of January 2024. And it does so sporting not only all of the above goodies, but even the Creitz Automotive sponsor logo decals in the rear side windows, which were kept on during the restoration process.Auction house Mecum is tasked with finding a new owner for the vehicle, and to make sure the bidding will be intense the owner throws into the package a lot of documentation, including previous registrations, vintage photographs and Ford memos about the Lightweight program.The car is listed as a star of the Kissimmee auction, but no mention is made as to how much it is expected to fetch. It does seem there is a reserve on the vehicle, but Mecum does not say how much that is.We do know how the car performed during previous auctions, because since the passing of Rick Kirk it has been after new owners at least twice. Back in 2018, for instance, at a sale held by the same Mecum, the Galaxie went for $126,500.Then it had another shot at stardom back in 2022, also at the hands of Mecum. This time bidding went as high as $130,000, but the car's owner at the time refused the offer.We'll see how it performs in 2024, and we will of course come back on this story with the proper update.
Redesigned from the ground up on the Tundra's TNGA-F platform, the 2024 Tacoma comes in eight grades. Five of them are equipped with a rather polarizing chin spoiler, which is designed to improve airflow. Grades featuring said chin spoiler come in the form of the SR, the popular SR5, the TRD PreRunner, the TRD Sport, and the range-topping Limited.

4WD

Photo: The Fast Lane on YouTube

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Andre Smirnov and Nathan Adlen of The Fast Lane decided to investigate whether that unattractive piece of plastic saves you fuel, and the answer is  not surprising anyone  yes. But first, let's talk about the red-painted truck in the video below. As you can tell from the look-at-me radiator grille and the badging, this fellow is a Limited with the bone-stock wheels and tires. More specifically, 18-inch alloys and 265/65R18 Michelin Primacy LTX road-going tires.The Limited is 4x4 by default. It's the only 2024 Toyota Tacoma with full-time, and it's the only grade with Adaptive Variable Suspension. A pre-production truck, this particular example of the breed is equipped with the high-output version of the 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four mill. The hybrid version will be available in the second quarter of 2024, with hybrid production starting in April 2024.That said, the awkward-looking spoiler measures just around 8 inches (make that 20 centimeters in the metric system). With a power tool and a 10-millimeter socket, Andre requires a little over a minute to remove the 9 bolts that hold the spoiler. Four of them are located inside on the sides of the spoiler, whereas the remaining five are at the front.Without the spoiler, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited used 2.293 gallons (8.67 liters) of 87-octane gasoline over 57 miles (91.7 kilometers) of highway driving at 65 to 75 miles per hour (104.6 to 129,7 kilometers per hour). That means 23.36 mpg (10.06 l/100 km) without the spoiler, which isn't bad at all.With the chin spoiler, the midsizer drank 2.369 gallons (8.96 liters), resulting in 24.06 miles per gallon (9.77 liters per 100 kilometers). The Environmental Protection Agency's ratings are 20 city and 23 highway for a combined 21 miles per gallon (11.2 liters per 100 kilometers). Both loops were performed at circa 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which means 12.7 degrees Celsius in most other countries.The chin spoiler will save you money at the pump, there's no mistaking that, but how much money? For starters, the difference in highway fuel consumption between the spoilered and non-spoiler Tacoma Limited is 2.9 percent. Suppose you're covering 15,000 miles per year at 23 miles per gallon, which is a bit unrealistic if you live in a busy city. According to YouTube user @bbeckers24, that amounts to less than $60. The math checks out, and $60 a year is a price that many owners are certainly willing to pay.One has to wonder if Jay Leno is also enjoying a 2.9-percent aerodynamic advantage over people with less prominent chins. All joking aside, Toyota is required to spend valuable R&D money on designing chin spoilers for trucks due to something called CAFE. First enacted after the 1973 oil crisis, the corporate average fuel economy regulations include efficiency standards for HD trucks and commercial vehicles.Thefinalized CAFE standards for model years 2024 through 2026 in April 2022, requiring an industry-wide fleet average of 49.2 mpg (4.78 l/100 km) for passenger cars and 35.1 mpg (6.70 l/100 km) for light trucks. With the Tundra i-FORCE MAX averaging 22 mpg and the F-150 PowerBoost listed with 25 mpg to its name, said targets are nigh-on unrealistic.The most efficient internal combustion-engined truck on sale in the United States today is the 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid, which promises 37 miles per gallon (6.35 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined test cycle. By comparison, the Maverick Turbo can't do better than 26 mpg (9.04 l/100 km).
The world of Hot Wheels is so huge that it might be difficult for most people to grasp. Mattel has mainly focused on creating tiny cars. But there are also spaceships, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, and the list continues.

Fright Bike

Photo: eBay/User kevinandlizvogel

Dodge Tomahawk

Photo: eBay/User Painted Desert Treasures

HW450F

Photo: eBay/User Budget Online Store

Blastous Moto

Photo: eBay/User CHD Collectibles

Honda Monkey Z50

Photo: eBay/User K and K Toys & Collectibles

I'm passionate about anything related to motorcycles, so I have a small collection of tiny bikes at home. But neither is a Hot Wheels product, as they're too little and unrealistic. I've ignored most motorcycle castings in recent years and wondered if there's any chance Mattel will become better at it. The first one came out in 1975. The Motocross 1 was part of the Flying Customs series alongside the Street Eater.The diecast manufacturer didn't release another bike for the next 20+ years. And the custom Scorchin' Scooter chopper could have been better. Still, I wanted to compile a list of the five best Hot Wheels motorcycles. With 58 castings, it was easier than I initially expected. Some models didn't make the list, as they had too few variations. That includes the Harley-Davidson Buell and the Kawasaki Ninja GPZ 900R from Top Gun Here is a chronological list of my favorite Hot Wheels motorcycles. The Fright Bike might not sound like much initially, but one glimpse will tell the whole story. It immediately reminded me of the Suzuki DragonFly dragster I sat on earlier this year.And suddenly, I'm interested in starting a 1/64th-scale motorcycle collection. Phil Riehlman designed this bike for its 2001 First Editions debut. Between its debut and its demise in 2015, Mattel revealed 14 variations, all rolling on MC3 wheels. The 2005 Rebel Rides model in Translucent Green is one of my favorites.But I'd like to get my hands on the 2012 Motor Cycles model with a plastic rider. One seller on eBay is asking $114 for 66 pieces of two iterations of the Fright Bike. But if my math is correct, you will only need $200 or less for all the iterations of this casting.On the list of most insane motorcycles ever built by man, the Dodge Tomahawk would undoubtedly be one of the memorable ones. With four wheels and a Dodge Viper V10 engine underneath, some would refrain from calling it a motorcycle.Even so, that didn't stop Mattel from developing a 1/64th-scale version of the 250-mph (400 kph) rocket. Mark Jones designed the casting, which was only available between 2004 and 2016.That was enough for ten variations, all of which used Tomahawk-exclusive wheels. As with the Fright Bike, you can always opt for one with a rider included. Apart from the three Motor Cycles releases, my favorite is the 2005 Mainline iteration in Chrome Gold because it is "Shiny!!"While the Tomahawk is an impossible dream, riding a bike like the HW450F is much more feasible. I've said it before, but in 2024, I will try this class of motorcycles. When this Phil Riehlman-designed casting debuted in 2007, it used the name Wastelander.Until 2022, Mattel used 32 variations of the HW450F, although I am trying to remember seeing one in stores. There was no new model for 2023, but the 33rd iteration is coming up in 2024.As you'd expect from a bike like this, it uses Off-road tires throughout the line-up, albeit with different finishes available. Once again, the Motor Cycles variations featured a plastic rider, which is the best way to market the product.The fourth item on my list also has a fictional name, but we can all relate to the three-wheel design. This casting reminds me of a drift-trike I had some fun with years ago. And I prefer this look to the Can-Am Spyder way of doing things.Fraser Campbell designed the Blastous Moto in yellow for its 2012 New Models debut. It's one of my favorite color combos, although I wouldn't pass on the 2013 Metallic Pale Blue iteration either.Look for the Cool Classics model if you'd like something different for your collection. That one featured a Spectrafrost Red finish and Retro Slow Wheels. If you can get one for less than $10, that sounds like a good deal!I'm six feet (183 cm) tall but still keen to ride a Honda Monkey Z50. If that were an option, I'd even be down to race one on a go-kart track alongside ten other nutheads. And it's undoubtedly one of the most fantastic Hot Wheels motorcycles out there, as you'd expect from something out of Jun Imai's hands.Between 2016 and 2020, Mattel introduced seven variations of this tiny bike, and I wonder why it stopped doing so. They all featured MC3 wheels, and I'm a big fan of the first four color choices.In 2019, the Monkey Z50 graduated to Treasure Hunt status, but the all-black finish took away some of its charm. If this casting returns in 2024, I'm buying one to start another mini-collection.
Almost anyone in this world had a problem with a vendor at least once. It happens. After all, companies are run by people, and people do make mistakes. It's understandable, especially if your grievance is resolved in due course or there's a deal that helps both parties put the issue to bed. However, in this man's case, calling and complaining in person for months did nothing. So, he took it upon himself to warn others about that particular store. Here's the gist of it.



Photo: Tanks a Lot on Facebook



All the customer wanted to do was point out that not sticking to your end of the deal isn't fair. He argued that the store should have truly listened to what he had to say, checked the kitchen, and devised a solution.



The man's idea of a protest quickly gathered the public's support, and many came out saying that the home improvement store was not as good as some might have believed. Some even shared horrific stories where customers almost lost their houses because of deals that went wrong. The British media also got involved. Multiple online outlets wrote about the man's initiative.



Despite all that effort and community support, it took the company around three days to react.



Fortunately, in the end, his plan worked. Corporate got in touch with the righteously disgruntled customer and said they would attempt to fix the problem. The brand also apologized to customers who had to see that military vehicle and the sign attached to it.



You could call it a "tank of shame." The only problem is that it's not a tank. It's a self-propelled artillery machine that's part of the armored fighting vehicles the British Army used up until the early '90s. Some units are still in service, but in India.All the customer wanted to do was point out that not sticking to your end of the deal isn't fair. He argued that the store should have truly listened to what he had to say, checked the kitchen, and devised a solution.The man's idea of a protest quickly gathered the public's support, and many came out saying that the home improvement store was not as good as some might have believed. Some even shared horrific stories where customers almost lost their houses because of deals that went wrong. The British media also got involved. Multiple online outlets wrote about the man's initiative.Despite all that effort and community support, it took the company around three days to react.Fortunately, in the end, his plan worked. Corporate got in touch with the righteously disgruntled customer and said they would attempt to fix the problem. The brand also apologized to customers who had to see that military vehicle and the sign attached to it.

A British man spent over $31,000 (24,500) on a new kitchen. The shop he chose to get the furniture also offered transport and installation. Going forward with the provider of all the cabinets and drawers made sense. What the customer didn't know was that he would end up with a ton of troubles afterward.The kitchen was shipped and installed, but the experts who were supposed to do all the work accordingly failed to deliver. The customer complained about not being satisfied with the job the fitters did. He explained that the doors weren't closing properly, the cabinet doors were crooked, and even mold started to appear. However, it got him nowhere. The company refused to address the man's complaints.All of the above happened in February. Fast forward to December, and after many attempts to reach a deal with the home improvement store, the man decided to take matters into his own hands.He waited 10 months before he decided enough was enough. The grandpa got a "tank" from a British company that specializes in allowing people to experience such military equipment (and more!), stuck a very creative sign of complaint on the turret, took it to the store's front entrance, and parked it in such a way that it couldn't be towed. It was very close to a lighting pole.The sign comprises a playful take on the selling party's name and is a distinct warning other shoppers can see on a clean and attention-grabbing "tank." It's hard to miss something green and big that rides on continuous tracks and has a fully rotating turret.
AWD

CVT

ICE

EV

The ninth generation, unveiled in the United States as the follow-up to the best-selling mid-size sedan, will be manufactured on the same TNGA-K platform as its predecessor but with sensible updates across the board  both technical and in terms of styling. In North America, all trims will feature a hybrid powertrain with 225 hp and there's also optional, in which case the combined output goes up to 232 ponies.Inside, there's the latest Toyota infotainment system on a screen of up to 12.3 inches with a digital cockpit for the instrument cluster, plus the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Basically, that is the new gold standard in the ailing mid-size passenger car segment for worldwide four-door saloons.It's going to be a tough one to beat, but maybe it won't be impossible. While America doesn't put much of a fight anymore  the $25k Chevrolet Malibu only has a 1.5-liter turbo and apowertrain so that it won't be a menace, the Asian foes are still present on the market. The recently introduced eleventh-generation Honda Accord, which is also available as a hybrid model for $32,545, is a clear and present danger, but it's also not the only one.For example, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators thinks that Nissan could easily put up a more significant fight if they did something with their Altima business sedan. The current sixth generation has been around since 2019 and also got a refresh for the 2023 model year. However, the good folks over at the Next-Gen Car channel on YouTube believe that for the 2025 model year, it's already the ripe time to welcome the seventh generation into the CGI fold.Their resident pixel master, aided by the modern AI software tools, has a muscular vision of the next iteration  and sometimes doesn't even give it four doors, just two. But maybe that's not enough to threaten the 2025 Camry's hypothetical crown. As such, the parallel universe of vehicular CGI also has a revival planned  the return of the Ford Fusion (Mondeo) four-door sedan.This idea comes from CarsVision instead, where their CGI expert dreams of the Fusion (Mondeo) with all types of powertrains  includingand plus the streamlined appearance of a fastback. Obviously, this mid-size sedan wearing the AI-whirled badge of Blue Oval greatness is also a direct response to the Tesla Model 3 sedan, not just the 2025 Toyota Camry. So, would you like to see it clash with the Nissan Altima, Model 3, and Camry or not?
Tesla has already warned customers that the Cybertruck, with its body of stainless steel, is next to impossible to paint. But there is always the wrap solution. And here is the first-ever Cybertruck in gloss black.

Tesla announced that it would offer wrapping solutions right from the factory . The Cybertruck Color Paint Film in either black or white that the carmaker offers costs $6,500 and can be purchased in the Tesla App by scanning the QR code on the online shop page. The price includes the material and installation in a Tesla service center in California.There will also be shops specialized in changing the looks of vehicles that will cover the Cybertruck in any color or pattern design that may go through the customers minds. The straight surfaces and sharp angles of the electric pickup truck will make things simple for the experts.However, so far, we have only seen the Cybertruck with very limited customization. Almost all Cybertrucks that we have laid our eyes on so far were sporting the unpainted stainless steel body.Unplugged Performance came up with a model in white , shown in a rendering, at the beginning of December, together with various off-road accessories.Days before the official handover event held at the Giga Texas, Teslas design chief, Franz von Hotzhausen, was spotted driving out of a cars and coffee event in a Cybertruck in matte Stealth Black . It drew attention everywhere it went, eveybody wanted a piece of that. But here comes something that takes the spotlight off the matte black. It is the gloss black.A video uploaded in former Twitter / current X shows the Cybertruck in a gloss black wrap, displaying an eye-catching shine. It is so shiny that it mirrors everything around it. It is the idea of the T Sportline team. The company is a manufacturer of aftermarket accessories.For the moment, Tesla is selling only the Foundation Series variant, which starts at $120,000 to those who cannot wait for the lesser trims coming for more affordable prices. Only ten examples were delivered on November 30, during the handover event held at the Giga Texas, with few others being delivered without much fuss. So, the aftermarket shops offering wrap solutions arent exactly crowded for the moment.The gloss black is not yet listed on the firms website. But they offer Satin Stealth Black, Crimson Red, Forest Green, Glacier Blue, Satin Rose Gold, and several neutral shades for $4,750. So we should expect the shiny black to be available for a similar price. All customers have to do is confirm that their Cybertruck is either delivered or on its way in order to make an appointment with the shop.
When was the last time you used coordinates to find a location on this planet? I don't mean typing in an address in some readily available navigation app, but actually using numbers for latitude and longitude. Never, right?

Coordinates for location on planet Earth (and pretty much everywhere else, for that matter) are intersection points in an imaginary grid. We call the coordinates system in use today the cartesian system, after French mathematician Rene Descartes, who basically invented it in the 17th century.The system is very simple, and forms the basis of all other nav solutions we take for granted. The reason we don't use it today on a daily basis is the fact Waze, Google Maps, and all the others have made finding a location as easy as locating your favorite drink in your supermarket.So, for instance, if you want to visit the Harley-Davidson headquarters you simply type in 3700 West Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sure, in some nav apps, you could type in the coordinates, but who does that anymore?In case you didn't know it, Harley's HQ in the cartesian system is 4302'45.852"N 8757'37.713"W. A mouthful, but still a bit of info may come in handy when looking at the custom V-Rod we have here.On the bike's custom fuel tank, but also on its aftermarket rims, the garage responsible for the build, Germany's Bad Boy Customs, placed those exact numbers, are a reference to Harley's main location in Milwaukee.A nice touch, one would say, and so far unique among all the custom American motorcycles that have crossed our path over the last few years. And quite fun, too, if you go ahead and type in the numbers in a nav app.The cartesian coordinates of Harley's HQ are of course not the only modifications made to the V-Rod. Bad Boy performed the usual magic on the motorcycle, gifting it with new wheels (19-inch front and 18-inch rear, with the one at the back 300 mm wide), new fenders to go with them, and a leather saddle fitted for effect on top of the frame.All over the place the eyes fall on various covers, strategically and effectively placed where they are needed the most (on the airbox, swingarm, and axles, just to name a few). Up front there is an aftermarket handlebar with custom tips, riser, and the appropriate mirrors.Mechanically speaking the bike was not significantly modified from stock, as it still uses the native engine. There is an air suspension system now backing its travels, and that's about it.Bad Boy calls this modified Harley the Geo Blade 300 Chrome Gold . The last time we heard of it was back in 2017, when the thing was up for grabs. The cost of the two-wheeler is not known, and so is its current location.
31 December 2023 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

After thirty years of occupation, Azerbaijan has set the goal of fulfilling serious obligations. This inevitable goal served both the complete restoration of territorial integrity and the prevention of terrorism in the country - and finally, Azerbaijan was able to achieve its goal.

On September 20, 2023, separatism and terrorism were completely eliminated after the anti-terrorist measures that lasted only 23 hours. However, there is still an outstanding question: Is there a need for a peacekeeping contingent to monitor the situation in Garabagh?

Azerbaijan as a result of the Second Garabagh War liberated 10 thousand square kilometres out of 13 thousand square kilometres under occupation for 30 years, where on the remaining three thousand square kilometres the Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed until November 2025. The Russian peacekeeping troops deployed in the region were to ensure the security of civilians and the region, according to a trilateral declaration signed on 10 November 2020, and with the arrival of the Russian peacekeeping troops, separatist formations deployed in the region were to leave the territory.

Azerbaijan stated that it does not enter this territory where peaceful Armenians live in order not to harm the peaceful population and to show humanity. As President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, from now on this issue will be resolved peacefully.

Even though 3 years have already passed since the adoption of the tripartite statement, the separatist clan continued to arrive in the region using armed forces as an instrument of diplomatic negotiations. Separatist clans continued to carry out construction works, infiltrated the liberated territories, and continued to lay mines. From 10 November 2020 to 11 September 2023, 306 people were injured by mines in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

The last mine incident on 18 September, prompted Azerbaijan to launch an anti-terrorist event on 19 September 2023. Azerbaijani army accomplished the task in 24 hours, eradicating and disarming the separatist clan and liberating the territories from them.

Azerbaijan's agenda is to achieve peace in the South Caucasus and sign a peace treaty with Armenia, marking the end of the 200th conflict between the neighbours.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in a recent interview that Russia is resolving with Azerbaijan the issue of peacekeepers in Garabagh, and the possible extension of their stay in the region.

"Russia after the agreement of the Armenian leadership to recognise Garabagh's belonging to Azerbaijan is considering with the Azerbaijani side all issues on the stay of its peacekeepers in the region," the Russian diplomat said.

M.Galuzin said that since the document has not been cancelled yet, Russian peacekeepers should stay in the region until November 2025.

"The situation has changed a lot after Yerevan decided to recognise the region as Azerbaijani territory." The relevant decision was consolidated at a summit under the auspices of the European Union, starting with a meeting in Prague in October 2022." Galuzin added.

Azerbaijani political analyst Farhad Mammadov believes that the 4th clause of the agreement is exactly about this, and Russia has latched on to this clause of the statement making it work in Russias favour.

"However, Mr Galuzin, along with mentioning the possibility of prolonging RPC's stay, did not mention the formula for RPC's withdrawal from Garabagh.

The Trilateral Statement is important for Azerbaijan in at least three circumstances:

- Armenia recognised the presence of its Armed Forces on Azerbaijani territory and has to withdraw them;

- Armenia undertook to provide communication to Nakhchivan;

- The statement stipulates the mechanism of RPC's withdrawal from Azerbaijan.

According to the expert, Baku will not withdraw from the trilateral statement, and if Armenia wants to withdraw, it should get Baku's support, and for this purpose, the bilateral document should recognise the fact of occupation of Azerbaijani territories and renew the obligation to provide communications to Nakhchivan.

In total, 12 observation and 16 temporary observation posts of Russian peacekeepers have been shut down since 19 September this year. The big question is why Armenia has not provided any conditions for the implementation of the projects during the last three years. Following the Tripartite Statement of 10 November 2020, Armenia should provide access from the western regions of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, and facilitate the opening of the Zangazur corridor.

In addition, peace talks also mean the restoration and development of economic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as between Armenia and Turkiye. It also serves as a guarantor for the overall prosperity and security of the region.

As for the monitoring of the situation by any peacekeeping unit in the region, the expert said: "The need for Russia's peacekeeping contingent in the region may cease to exist in the near future."

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Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33

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Survey indicates no party holds comfortable lead

By Lee Hyo-jin

Exactly 100 days are left until the April 10 general elections.

The conservative People Power Party (PPP) is determined to reshape the composition of the current Assembly, dominated by its liberal adversary, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). The DPK, meanwhile, is determined to maintain its dominance to act as a counterbalance to the governing party and the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

The upcoming elections could be more unpredictable than previous ones, as prominent politicians  Lee Nak-yon from the liberal bloc and Lee Jun-seok from the conservative camp  have announced their intentions to form new parties to challenge the traditional two-party race.

Nevertheless, all players face an uphill battle in winning the hearts and minds of voters, as no one currently holds a comfortable lead, according to a recent survey conducted by Hankook Research at the request of the Hankook Ilbo, the sister paper of The Korea Times.

The polls, conducted between Dec. 26 and 27, revealed that 35 percent of 1,000 people aged 18 and above who were surveyed remain undecided about which party candidate to vote for in their constituency in the upcoming elections. Another 29 percent said they would vote for a PPP candidate, while 25 percent voiced support for a DPK candidate.

Among the respondents, 30 percent agreed that the DPK should win the elections to help indicate the public's disapproval of Yoon's government, while 26 percent believed that the PPP should win, thereby showing their distrust of the main opposition party. However, another 22 percent said both sides deserve the public's disapproval.

The PPP is seeking to regain voters' trust under the leadership of Han Dong-hoon, who assumed the role of the party's interim chief in late December after resigning from the post of justice minister.

Hopes are high that Han, an outspoken former prosecutor, will spearhead those efforts.

According to the poll, 41 percent of respondents believe that Han's leadership will boost the PPP's approval rating in the elections.

Meanwhile, the DPK chairman continues to grapple with efforts to move past the shadow of his scandals, including a contentious land development project in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, among other controversies.

In the survey, 48 percent said that the result of Lee's trial would be a key election issue. More than half, or 57 percent, thought that Lee should resign from his post as DPK chairman.

Due to the ongoing internal feud caused by Lee's weakened leadership, the main opposition party has so far failed to properly utilize to its advantage the public's growing discontent toward the Yoon administration and the governing party.

Despite the public being beset by a slew of scandals surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee  with 51 percent of the respondents citing a special counsel investigation into her stock manipulation allegation as a key election issue  not many are turning to support the DPK.

It remains to be seen whether the new parties, led by the former PPP and DPK leaders, will be successful.

Only 18 percent of the respondents indicated that they were willing to vote for a new party created by the former PPP leader, while 20 percent expressed support for the former DPK leader's group.

Yoon's sluggish approval rating

A year and a half into office, Yoon is still grappling with low approval ratings, as the survey showed. This could pose challenges for the ruling party, as the upcoming parliamentary elections are widely seen as a referendum on Yoon's leadership.

According to the poll, 58 percent disapproved of Yoon's job performance. The ratio was higher among liberal supporters, with 84 percent disapproving and only 12 percent approving. Among conservative supporters, 65 percent approved, while 31 percent disapproved.

Among the 577 respondents who held a negative view of Yoon, 31 percent cited concerns about his background as a prosecutor and his appointments of public officials based on personal connections rather than professionalism. Additionally, 23 percent pointed to a lack of leadership, while 12 percent raised issues regarding scandals involving the president's family members.

The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, with a credibility rate of 95 percent. Further details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commissions website.
31 December 2023 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Kazuo Watanabe, Azernews reports citing the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry.

The Ambassador Watanabe presented a copy of his credentials to Jeyhun Bayramov. The parties discussed the agenda and prospects for bilateral cooperation, as well as the situation in the region.

At the meeting, the importance of friendly ties and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan in a number of areas was underlined

The sides emphasized that there are wide opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the field of green energy, transport and logistics, etc.

An exchange of views also took place on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

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31 December 2023 12:09 (UTC+04:00)

Under the instruction of Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Azerbaijan Armys servicemen visited martyrs families in various regions of the republic on the eve of the holidays, Azernews reports citing the Defense Ministry.

The servicemen congratulated the members of martyrs families on the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, as well as enquired about their concerns.

During the meetings, medals of the martyr servicemen, awarded according to the relevant Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 7, 2023, were presented to their family members.

On the eve of the holidays, the graves of the martyrs were also visited and their memories were honoured with deep respect and reverence.

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31 December 2023 12:35 (UTC+04:00)

The Central Election Center (CEC) will print 6,524,000,203 ballot papers for the upcoming presidential elections, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Ravzat Gasimov said this at the CEC meeting, Azernews reports.

He noted that the text, form, number, and rule of ballot papers should be approved at least 35 days prior to the voting day.

Recall that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree holding an early presidential election in the country on February 7, 2024.

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31 December 2023 11:15 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with embassy employees who were declared as "persona non grata" by France without any stated reason.

Jeyhun Bayramov thanked the embassy staff for their fruitful diplomatic service.

He noted that France's unfounded decision represents another setback to the current bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and France.

The minister highlighted that the source of tension in bilateral relations lies with the biased stance adopted by France towards Azerbaijan.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov wished the embassy employees success in their future diplomatic activities.

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31 December 2023 16:11 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Ministry of Emergency Situations appeals to the population with a request to strictly observe fire safety rules during the New Year celebrations:

- New Year tree installed in houses and festive halls must be firmly attached to the floor, its branches should not touch the ceiling and walls;

- Use serviceable electrical equipment in lighting;

- New Year tree cannot be decorated with flammable toys;

- Fireworks are not allowed in enclosed spaces.

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31 December 2023 18:20 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A library of the Organization of Turkic States and the presentation of a 100-volume series of books entitled "Pearls of Turkic Literature" has taken place in Istanbul, Turkiye. The event was attended by representatives of the organization's member countries, Azernews reports.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, writer Khairiddin Sultanov spoke about ongoing projects to popularize and preserve the literary heritage of the Turkic peoples.

A 100-volume series of books, consisting of works by classics and modern writers of the Turkic world, as well as Azerbaijani writers and poets, was included in the OTG library fund, and was also donated to the Turkish Presidential Library and university libraries.

The event participants expressed gratitude to the OTS Chairman, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for publishing this collection of valuable works.

Founded in 2009, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as an intergovernmental organization, OTS is committed to the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states, as well as the maintenance of international peace, security and development of good-neighbourly and friendly relations.

Its four founding member states are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye. During the 7th Summit held in Baku in October 2019, Uzbekistan joined as a full member. Hungary received observer status at the Organization during its 6th Summit in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic in September 2018. In the 8th Summit held in November 2021, Turkmenistan and in November 2022, Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus joined as Observer Members to the Organization.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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31 December 2023 16:30 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijan Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved another candidate for the post of president, said the CEC Secretary Arifa Mukhtarova.

After discussions, the issue of approving the candidacy of Avaz Temirkhan for the post of President of Azerbaijan was put to a vote and adopted. So, the number of candidates for the presidency has reached seventeen.

On December 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree holding an early presidential election in the country on February 7, 2024.

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31 December 2023 23:48 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year, Azernews reports.

In his address, the President said:

The year 2023 is coming to an end. A number of significant events took place in the life of our country in 2023. Of all these events, however, the restoration of our state sovereignty will forever remain in the memory of the Azerbaijani people. Following a one-day anti-terrorist operation carried out in 2023, Azerbaijan fully restored its state sovereignty, the occupying forces were expelled from the territory of Azerbaijan, the enemy army was crushed, and its military hardware was either destroyed or taken over as trophy. I would like to once again sincerely congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of this historic event.

When the Second Karabakh War ended in 2020, and our flag was raised in Shusha and other liberated territories, we all knew perfectly well that our work was not completed. Azerbaijan had to restore its state sovereignty in full, and so it did.

We wanted to resolve the issue peacefully for three years. We believed that the Armenian leadership would properly analyze the results of the Second Karabakh War and draw the right conclusions. Unfortunately, this did not happen. For three years, not only did Armenia fail to fulfill its obligations, but it actually staged new military provocations against us and carried them out. The 15,000-strong Armenian army illegally stationed on our lands was not withdrawn from Karabakh. On the contrary, new weapons, ammunition, military equipment and mines were delivered into Karabakh, and mine terror against us continued.

Of course, we could not put up with this situation. We repeatedly warned the leadership of Armenia and the western countries behind it that this situation could not continue like that. Either the separatist regime is dissolved, and the Armenian army is withdrawn from our territory, or we would restore our state sovereignty by force. Regrettably, our words fell on deaf ears. The anti-terrorist operation, which started on September 19 and lasted only one day, even less than that, ended with complete victory of the Azerbaijan army. The separatist regime collapsed, fell to its knees before us, waved the white flag, surrendered, was forever expelled from our lands, and thrown into the trashcan of history. With this, the very roots of separatism in Azerbaijan were eradicated, and separatism  that scourge will never raise its head in our lands again.

The Azerbaijan army demonstrated its professionalism and heroism again. Our soldiers and officers showed an example of self-sacrifice. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace! Their dear memory will live in our hearts forever. I must state that the blood of our martyrs did not remain unavenged. We took revenge on the battlefield, for our soldiers, officers, civilians, victims of Khojaly, the martyrs of the First and Second Karabakh wars, as well as the anti-terrorist operation.

In April 2023, we fully restored our territorial integrity. A border checkpoint was established on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in the direction of Lachin, and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has been fully restored since that day. The people of Azerbaijan remember very well the anxiety that it caused around the world, especially in western countries standing behind Armenia and constantly supporting it, as well as the baseless accusations made against us. But no accusations and pressure could affect our resolve. I said back then that no-one could influence our determination. We are on the right path, we have regained control over our border, and we will not allow anyone to call the shots on our land. This is our land, we are the owners of this land, we will do whatever we think is necessary within the framework of international law, including international humanitarian law. But that did not serve as a lesson for the occupiers. It did not serve as a lesson for the anti-Azerbaijani forces standing behind them either. This is why the anti-terrorist operation carried out in September was inevitable, we carried it out and are proud of it. Every citizen of Azerbaijan and every Azerbaijani across the world rightly feels proud of that.

Karabakh and East Zangezur have turned into a huge construction site now. We are rebuilding our cities and villages, and about 5,000 formerly displaced persons returned to their native lands this year. In March of this year, on the eve of Novruz holiday, there was a festive mood in the village of Talish, as displaced persons returned to their native homes. In August, celebrations were held in the city of Fuzuli and the village of Zabukh. This year, displaced persons returned to Lachin as the Independence Day was celebrated  May 28 was a great holiday in Lachin. Prior to that, as you may know, displaced persons had settled down in the village of Aghali. So, life has now returned to five residential settlements.

I must also note that formerly displaced persons and refugees will return to several more residential settlements in 2024. I want to share the joyful news with them today and inform that the villages of Karkijahan, Malibayli and Turshsu will be completely restored and made available to the formerly displaced persons during upcoming year. Residents of Khojaly and Khankendi will also return to their homes.

In addition, several residential settlements will be ready to accommodate formerly displaced persons. We, the owners of these lands, are building and creating there. We are a nation of creators. For 30 years, the Armenians had been destroying our lands, razing our houses, historical buildings and mosques to the ground, committing acts of genocide against us, perpetrating the crimes of urbicide and ecocide. Our rivers have been poisoned and our forests have been destroyed. All this was done by the Armenian state. Unfortunately, they have yet to become an object of condemnation for these crimes in the West.

Double standards are pervasive in the West today. The people of Azerbaijan are well aware of this and, at the same time, know perfectly well that we will do what we think is right despite all the pressures, threats and unfounded accusations. Just as we have done to this day, we will continue to do so. The Armenian leadership should also draw the right conclusions from these historical lessons and behave in such a way as not to provoke our anger.

We have also successfully conducted an economic policy this year. An independent economy allows us the opportunity not to depend on anyone, not to depend on any international financial institution, and we are not.

We have significantly strengthened our army, elevating the level of professionalism and creating new armed units. These units, working together with other units of armed forces, demonstrated exceptional professionalism in the anti-terrorist operation. New weapons and military equipment have been purchased and delivered to the country with a number of new contracts signed. Let me also state that domestic military production will be significantly increased next year. The public and private sectors will invest at least one billion manats in military production next year. Thus, we will not just provide ourselves with critical assets, Azerbaijan will also become a country to be reckoned with on a global scale. The volume and range of our military products will increase to a large extent.

Our international prestige is growing by the day. In December, all countries of the world unanimously voted to hold the world's largest international conference in Azerbaijan  COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan next year. This is a sign of tremendous respect and reverence from the international community, but also a high assessment of our transition to green energy. The green energy transition is our priority, and the region's largest renewable energy plant was put into operation in Azerbaijan this year  a 230-megawatt solar power plant has already been fully integrated into our energy system. Based on the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed, 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy will be created in Azerbaijan in the next few years and Azerbaijan will become one of the world leaders in this field. Of course, the fact that COP29, an international conference on climate change will be held in Azerbaijan is further evidence of our successes in this field.

This year was declared a Year of Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan. The 100th anniversary of the National Leader was widely celebrated across the country. I spent this dear day for me, my father's birthday, in Shusha. Addressing the people of Azerbaijan from the central square of Shusha, I expressed my heartfelt words and said that our actions were the greatest sign of respect for the memory of the National Leader. I believe that our National Flag that I raised in Aghdara, Asgaran, Khojavand, Khojaly and Khankendi on October 15 was a sign of profound respect for the memory of the National Leader. Our Victory Parade in the central square of Khankendi on November 8 was also a sign of our immense reverence for the memory of the Great Leader.

Today, Azerbaijanis all over the world are truly proud of independent Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijanis of the world are celebrating the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day with a completely new mood. For three years now, Azerbaijanis of the world and all the people of Azerbaijan have been very excited and are holding their head up high with dignity.

Our historic victory, our victory in the Second Karabakh War, the anti-terrorist operation, liberation from the occupiers and the collapse of the separatist regime have rightly brought all Azerbaijanis together into one fist. The Iron Fist has been the symbol of our victorious chronicle. Today, the Iron Fist is also a symbol of our unity, and I would like to assure the people of Azerbaijan and all Azerbaijanis of the world that the Iron Fist will always be in place.

Dear brothers and sisters, I wish you robust health and every success. I do hope that 2024 will be a successful year for our country and people. Happy holidays!

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1 January 2024 00:21 (UTC+04:00)

Our international prestige is growing by the day. In December, all countries of the world unanimously voted to hold the world's largest international conference in Azerbaijan  COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan next year. This is a sign of tremendous respect and reverence from the international community, but also a high assessment of our transition to green energy, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year.

Saying that the green energy transition is Azerbaijans priority, the head of state noted: Based on the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed, 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy will be created in Azerbaijan in the next few years and Azerbaijan will become one of the world leaders in this field. Of course, the fact that COP29, an international conference on climate change will be held in Azerbaijan is further evidence of our successes in this field.

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31 December 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Poland was renewing a search operation for elements of a suspected Russian rocket on Saturday, which it said had violated the country's airspace on Friday morning, Reuters reports citing the Polish army, Azernews reports, citing international media outlets.

"We inform that on December 30...a ground search will be carried out in the Lublin Voivodeship for possible elements of the object that violated Polish airspace yesterday," the Polish army's operational command wrote on social media platform X.

"The aim of the search is to definitively confirm that no element of the object remains on Polish territory."

Polish military officials said on Friday that the object had left the country's airspace within three minutes of entry from the direction of its border with Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian side and allies have initially confirmed our radar records that the object had left Polish territory," a spokesperson for the operational command told Reuters.

The search was scheduled to run until 1900 GMT after being paused overnight, he added.

Some 480 soldiers of the Territorial Defense Force were to take part in the search near the city of Zamosc in southeastern Poland, the operational command said on X.

On Friday evening Poland's foreign ministry summoned the Russian charge d'affaires, demanding an explanation for the violation of its airspace by a guided missile.

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Seoul residents battled through the heaviest snowfall recorded for December since 1981, as a winter storm dumped more than 10 centimeters Saturday, with more snow expected in many parts of the country ahead of the new year.

A heavy snow advisory was in effect for the entire capital, except for southwestern Seoul, parts of Gyeonggi Province and most parts of the eastern province of Gangwon earlier in the day, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

As of 4 p.m., the advisory remained in effect for most parts of Gangwon, with up to 1 to 4 centimeters of snowfall per hour pounding the inland and mountainous areas of the province.

The advisory is given when the snowfall is expected to reach 5 centimeters or more within 24 hours.

Seoul saw its heaviest December snowfall since 1981, in terms of the maximum depth of newly fallen snow at 12.2 cm . On Dec. 19, 1981, Seoul recorded an all-time December high of 18.3 cm.

The city government said it has deployed 4,689 personnel and 1,218 pieces of equipment for snow removal efforts across the capital.

The snowfall caused minor traffic collisions across the city, with traffic being partially restricted on a five-lane road in central Seoul among others.

The weather agency said light rainfall of less than 0.1 mm or snowfall of less than 0.1 cm is expected in the eastern parts of Gyeonggi Province and South Chungcheong Province.

It had said there may be more heavy snow warnings in the broader capital area and inland parts of the eastern province of Gangwon due to incoming snow clouds from the Yellow Sea.

For Sunday, it forecast cloudy weather across the country, with rain or snow in the morning, and the possibility of heavy snowfall in the coastal areas of Gangwon in the afternoon. (Yonhap)
31 December 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

The death toll caused by floods in Ladysmith Town, South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, has risen to 14 while 10 others are still missing, Azernews reports, citing Xinhua.

The heavy rains on Dec. 24 resulted in Bellspruit River bursting its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road in Ladysmith.

The disaster management teams are working with the police to continue to search for those missing people, said Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, an official from the department.

"We also urge all family members not to delay reporting their missing loved ones. This will greatly assist in the mobilization of search teams and allow us to get support from the various organizations we collaborate with on disaster matters," Sithole-Moloi said.

The South African Weather Service predicted that rains will continue in various areas of KwaZulu-Natal, according to Sithole-Moloi, who urged people to be cautious when traveling.

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31 December 2023 21:43 (UTC+04:00)

The EU countries have agreed to abolish border controls within the Schengen zone for Romania and Bulgaria at sea and air borders, but they still remain at land borders, Report Informs referring to the European Commission, Azernews reports.

The European Commission welcomes the unanimous decision of the EU Council to admit Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, starting with the abolition of border controls at air and sea borders from March 2024. This step will stimulate travel, trade, tourism and strengthen the internal market. Discussion of the next decision regarding the abolition of controls at land borders, will continue in 2024, reads the statement.

The expansion of the Schengen zone was discussed in early December, but the issue was not put to a vote due to lack of consensus.

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31 December 2023 22:09 (UTC+04:00)

Seoul residents battled through the heaviest snowfall recorded for December since 1981, with more than 10 centimeters of snow dumped Saturday, as the country braces for snow and rain expected ahead of the new year, Azernews reports citing Yonhap.

A heavy snow advisory was in effect for the entire capital, parts of Gyeonggi Province and the eastern province of Gangwon earlier in the day, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

As of 4 p.m., the advisory was lifted in all of Seoul but remained in effect for most parts of Gangwon, with up to 1 to 4 centimeters of snowfall per hour pounding the inland and mountainous areas of the province.

The advisory is given when the snowfall is expected to reach 5 centimeters or more within 24 hours.

Seoul saw its heaviest December snowfall of 12.2 cm since 1981, in terms of the maximum depth of newly fallen snow. On December 19, 1981, Seoul recorded an all-time December high of 18.3 cm.

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By Katie Spence at The Epoch Times

The Earth has entered uncharted territory and life is under siege.

The public has failed to heed this message and now time is up, warns a recent report from Oxford Academics BioScience.

The authors of the report say the catalyst behind the dire warnings is escalating concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2).

To salvage what remains, the authors say a much faster phase-out of oil, coal, and other fossil fuels is necessary. Failure could cause water and food shortages, plus extreme heat, for a third to half of the worlds population.

The message is similar to that of the United Nations (U.N.), President Joe Biden, the World Economic Forum, and countless government leaders: CO2 concentrations are too high, and the continued burning of fossil fuels, which release CO2, will cause people to die.

Thus, the U.N. states its necessary to spend trillions of taxpayer dollars on climate friendly initiatives such as wind and solar energy and eat less meat , while the Biden administration has called for a full transition to electric vehicles.

However, not all scientists share the same view.

According to Patrick Moore, chairman and chief scientist of Ecosense Environmental and co-founder of Greenpeace, the climate change messaging isnt based in fact.

The whole thing is a total scam, said Mr. Moore. There is actually no scientific evidence that CO2 is responsible for climate change over the eons.

Mr. Moore said that over the past few decades, the climate message has continually changed; first, it was global cooling, then global warming, then climate change, and now its disastrous weather.

Theyre saying all the tornadoes, all the hurricanes, all the floods, and all the heat waves are all caused by CO2. That is a lie. ... Were part of the cycle, he said.

We dont need CO2. For us, its a waste productwe need oxygen. But plants are the ones who made the oxygen for us, and were making the CO2 back for them.

He said the burning of fossil fuelswhich emit CO2is a good thing for plant life.

We are replenishing the atmosphere with CO2 up to a level that is much more conducive to life and growth of plants, in particular.

Weather-related deaths and climate disasters have in fact declined precipitously over the years, according to John Christy, a climatologist and professor of atmospheric science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the director of the Earth System Science Center.

In 1925, there was an average of 484,880 climate-related deaths worldwide, according to Human Progress . Since then, its steadily decreased, with the latest report from 2020 showing there was an average of 14,893 climate-related deaths worldwide.

CO2 is portrayed now as the cause of damaging extreme weather. Our research indicates these extremes are not becoming more intense or frequent, Mr. Christy told The Epoch Times. Thus, CO2 cannot be the cause of something not occurring.

The U.N. is planning for countries to cut emissions to as close to zero as possible by 2050.

The plan is collective suicide, says Malgosia Askanas, a senior research and development associate at Aurora Biophysics Research Institute.

Ms. Askanas said the concern over CO2 is not based on science.

It started with the hysteria of the New Ice Age and a little-known CIA report in 1974 that claimed that a major climatic change was underway, she said.

Later, the global cooling alarmism morphed into its opposite, by employing the false notion of global warming due to excess CO2which is chemically a falsehood. Carbon Dioxide and Life Mr. Christy said the earths climate has tremendous natural variability and that its currently in a gradual warming phase.

CO2 has been unfairly demonized because it is actually plant food in its atmospheric form, and it is the consequence of generating carbon-based energy, which unquestionably improves lives around the world, he said.

He calls CO2 the currency of life.

In past epochs, there were many times more CO2 levels in the atmosphere than today.

Mr. Moore pointed to a graph that charts CO2 and temperature over the past 500 million years. Its very clear that CO2 and temperature have been out of sync more often than theyve been in sync, he said.

That more or less negates the whole idea that theres a direct cause-effect going on there.

Mr. Moore says current CO2 concentrations are historically low.

Going back 150 million years, CO2 was somewhere between 2,000 and 2,500 parts per million (ppm), he said.

Generally, atmospheric CO2 is low (around 180 ppm) during glacial periods and higher during interglacials, according to the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Before the Industrial Era, circa 1750, atmospheric CO2 was about 280 ppm for several thousand years, the IPCC states.

The current peak level in the atmosphere is around 420 parts per million (ppm), according to 2021 data from NOAA Research.

Mr. Moore says that thats a good thing, and that the push for net-zero CO2 is a disastrous policy. Anything under 150 ppm is starvation level for most plant species.

CO2 is only now at 0.042 percent of the atmosphere. And the fact of the matter is plants would prefer between 1,500 and 2,000 ppm for optimum growth, Mr. Moore said.

Commercial greenhouse growers worldwide purposefully increase the CO2 level in their greenhouses to between 800 and 1,200 ppm. Really, its about 2,000 where youre at the optimum level for trees and plants, in general.

Patrick Hunt, president of Climate Realist of BC, said people dont generally understand CO2.

Theyve been told that a warmer Earth is bad, although evidence shows thats wrong, he told The Epoch Times. In the Dark Ages, it was colder. It was colder and not nearly as comfortable living during the Little Ice Age.

But during the medieval warming period, they had enough money left over to build cathedrals.

Mr. Hunt said biomass, or plant growth, on earth has increased by 20 percent over the past 40 years, and 70 percent of that 20 percent growth is attributed to CO2.

In 2018, NASA published a report showing that the Earths greenness was increasing, which showed that the health of forests, grasslands, and farms was more robust.

It is ironic that the very same carbon emissions responsible for harmful changes to climate are also fertilizing plant growth, which in turn is somewhat moderating global warming, said the report co-author, Jarle Bjerke of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.

Temperature and CO2 as a Net Good Since 1950, CO2 emissions from humans have risen exponentially, Mr. Moore said, but the temperature hasnt responded the same way. Subsequent maps have continued to show increases in the Earths greenness.Since 1950, CO2 emissions from humans have risen exponentially, Mr. Moore said, but the temperature hasnt responded the same way.

Theres no way that that can be a cause-effect relationship. The cause is supposed to be CO2. But if CO2 was responsible for warming, it would have warmed more than it has, he said.

The main global movement against temperature rises is the U.N.s Paris Agreement , a legally binding international treaty to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels.



Global surface temperature from 65 million YBP showing the major cooling trend over the past 50 million years. While the poles were considerably warmer than they are today, there was much less warming in the tropics, which remained habitable throughout. The Earth is now in one of the coldest periods during the past 600 million years. (Courtesy of Dr. Patrick Moore)





The agreement was enacted in 2016 and more than 195 countries have entered into it. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement in June, 2017.
Joseph M. Hanneman, writing at the Epoch Times, reports: The U.S. Supreme Courts decision to take up a Jan. 6 case that challenges the most frequently charged felony from that day could upend more than 330 criminal cases and eliminate the most potent weapon wielded by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

On Dec. 13, the High Court granted certiorari to a petition of appeal from Jan. 6 defendant Joseph W. Fischer, 57, of Jonestown, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Fischer is among the hundreds of defendants in cases regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach who are charged with corruptly obstructing an official proceedingthe joint session of Congress that met to tally Electoral College votes and hear objections from members.

The DOJ put the Jan. 6 protesters in its sights with the unprecedented use of a 2002 evidence-tampering statute to prosecute them for delaying the counting of votes from the 2020 presidential election.

First Two Jan. 6 Appeals Reach Supreme Court

The Supreme Courts decision could knock the heart out of hundreds of prosecutions and quash the unorthodox use of a law not designed to apply to anything but corrupt accounting practices.

18 U.S. Code Section 1512(c) reads:

Whoever corruptly (1) alters, destroys, mutilates, or conceals a record, document, or other object, or attempts to do so, with the intent to impair the objects integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding; or (2) otherwise obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

The charge has been levied in federal court against high-profile Jan. 6 defendantsincluding former President Donald Trump, Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes III, former Proud Boys chairman Henry Enrique Tarrioand hundreds of lesser-known figures.

Even defendants who came to the U.S. Capitol well after Congress was evacuated on Jan. 6 were charged with obstruction of an official proceeding. A number argued unsuccessfully at trial that they couldnt have obstructed Congress because they werent present in the Capitol when lawmakers left the House and Senate chambers.

Mr. Fischer was indicted in March 2021 on charges of obstruction of an official proceeding; civil disorder; assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Pressure for Plea Deals

Defense attorneys have said the maximum 20-year prison term that comes with a violation of 18 U.S. Code Section 1512(c)(2) puts tremendous pressure on defendants to take a DOJ plea offer rather than go to trial.

Eleven of 12 district judges in the District of Columbia federal court have upheld the DOJs use of Section 1512, while U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols has thrown out the charge in seven Jan. 6 cases.

Critics say prosecutors use of Section 1512 has weaponized a statute that was never intended to address political protests or First Amendment activities. One legal researcher called it dangerous.

If the Biden DOJs adventurism is allowed to stand, it will permanently change the ability of the government to suppress the rights of American citizens, Jonathon Moseley told The Epoch Times. Every American will be at the whim of any prosecutor to terrorize them.

Mr. Moseley said that if the Supreme Court strikes down the use of Section 1512 in such a manner, it could lead to new trials.

If the attorney files a Rule 33 motion for a new trial based on this new information, they'd probably get it, and they probably get a new trial without that count, Mr. Moseley said. I think it would be better just to dismiss it entirely.

In its reply brief, the DOJ criticized the defendants cramped, document-focused interpretation of Section 1512, arguing for a more expansive reading of the term otherwise.

Accordingly, giving the statute its natural reading, Section 1512(c)(2) prohibits corruptly obstructing an official proceeding in a different way or manner than the acts of document alteration, destruction, and concealment targeted in Section 1512(c)(1), U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote.

Huge Humiliation

Defense attorney William Shipley, who worked as a federal prosecutor for 22 years, said that if the Supreme Court strikes down the use of Section 1512, it will be a major blow to the DOJand draw adverse scrutiny to the majority of D.C. district judges.

Its going to be a huge, huge humiliation for the Department of Justice, which has run crazy with this interpretation, Mr. Shipley told The Epoch Times. Because theyve never used the statute in this same way before. This is a novel use, even by DOJ [standards], of this particular statute.

This would be a humiliation of the entire management of the department that is behind the use of the statute.

The DOJ has taken misdemeanor trespassing and property damage cases and turned them into 20-year felonies by using Section 1512(c)(2), Mr. Shipley said.

And so its just a hammer that they have been able to bludgeon people into pleading guilty with to avoid the consequences of going to trial and [possibly] losing. And oh, by the way, theyve won every trial, which they knew they would, he said.

Retired Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz said most of the protests at the Capitol were protected First Amendment demonstrations.

Look, these were not obstructions of justice, Mr. Dershowitz told Newsmax on Dec. 15. These were attempts to exercise First Amendment rights to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Some of the people went too far and destroyed property, but those people who just tried to influence the congressional hearings were exercising their constitutional right.

Edward Tarpley, a defense attorney who represented Mr. Rhodes in the first Oath Keepers trial in 2022, said the Supreme Courts decision to hear the appeal is a tremendous victory.

Virtually everyone agrees that this statute was never intended to be used the way the DOJ has used it against the January 6 defendants, Mr. Tarpley told The Epoch Times.

History of Section 1512(c)(2)

The statute was part of the mammoth Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which aimed to combat corporate fraud and increase accountability in the financial disclosures of publicly traded companies. The legislation was co-authored by Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Rep. Michael Oxley (R-Ohio).

The Sarbanes-Oxley bill (HR 3763) was approved by the U.S. House in a 4233 vote and by the Senate 990. President George W. Bush signed the act in the East Room of the White House on July 30, 2002.

No more easy money for corporate criminals, just hard time, President Bush said at the signing ceremony. The era of low standards and false profits is over. No board room in America is above or beyond the law.

Sarbanes-Oxley was driven in part by public outrage over corporate fraud scandals at Enron Corp., WorldCom Inc., Tyco International Ltd., Adelphia Communications Corp., and other firms.

Energy giant Enron used suspect accounting practices in an effort to hide its shrinking profits and inflate the appearance of earnings. The company kept failing assets off the books by transferring them to special purpose entities (SPE)partnerships with outside entities.

The provisions of Section 1512(c) used against the Jan. 6 defendants are contained in a section of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act titled the Corporate Fraud Accountability Act of 2002.

After the Securities and Exchange Commission began investigating Enrons use of SPEs in 2001, some officials at Arthur Andersen LLP began shredding documents connected to Enrons audits. Arthur Andersen served as Enrons auditor and as a consultant to the company. Enrons stock shortly went into free fall. In December 2001, the $60 billion firm filed for bankruptcy court protection.

Defense attorney Joseph McBride said he believes that the DOJs novel use of the law is based on corruption and political hatred.

For the love of God, what do the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and election-related protests have to do with each other? Mr. McBride told The Epoch Times. Ill tell youabsolutely nothing.

Judge Nichols threw out the obstruction charge filed against Mr. Fischer and defendants Edward Jacob Lang, 28, of New York, and Garret A. Miller, 37, of Texas. Mr. Miller and Mr. Lang filed similar petitions of appeal with the Supreme Court, but the justices agreed to take up only the Fischer case.

In a March 2022 memorandum opinion, Judge Nichols said the charge against Mr. Miller requires that the defendant have taken some action with respect to a document, record, or other object in order to corruptly obstruct, impede or influence an official proceeding.

Miller, however, is not alleged to have taken such action, he said.

Judge Nichols said he was faced with a serious ambiguity in a criminal statute. Federal courts have traditionally exercised restraint when evaluating the reach of a statute and applied the rule of lenity to resolve any ambiguity in favor of the defendant, he said.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit muddied the waters in April with a fractured 111 decision. Only a partial concurrence by one of the judges appeared to reverse Judge Nichols and uphold the DOJs broad interpretation of the law.

Among the complicating issues in the case is the lack of a definition for the term corruptly and whether the term otherwise in Section 1512(c)(2) refers to conduct listed in Section 1512(c)(1)altering, destroying, mutilating, or concealing a record, document, or other objector has a much broader meaning.

Judge Nichols said legislative history supports a narrow reading of subsection (c)(2).
One ironclad rule of criminal procedure is that prosecutors are required to hand over exculpatory evidence to defendants before trial and not sit on it. Exculpatory evidence is that which could show a defenant is either not guilty or could lessen his guilt. The release of all the J6 videos has shown that there was lots of exculpatory evidence that the J6 prosecutors violated the rights of defendants by failing to turn it over. This makes all of the Jan. 6 trials little more than Stalin Show Trials.

The most recent video evidence that the prosecutors failed to turn over involves one of the real fruitcakes prosecuted, Q Anon Shaman Jacob Chansley, but even fruitcakes deserved fair trials in our system. Chansley received a 41 month sentence and has just been released after serving a good chunk of it. He was the figure wearing the face paint and buffalo horns.

The video withheld from Chansley's attorney shows Chansley reading President Trump's tweet to the crowd telling them they should go home, and adding from himself that he thought everyone should go home. It also shows him asking police if it was okay to walk into the Capitol and getting an affirmative response.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/12/new-video-hidden-public-q-shaman-stands-outside/

The J6 trials are making an absolute mockery of American justice. One hopes that Chansley will get some financial compensation for this miscarriage of justice and that ethics complaints will cause revocation of the law licenses of the prosecutors involved, but we should not be holding our breath. America as we have known it is slipping away from us. Prosecutorial misconduct of this nature should not be tolerated in a fair and honest judicial system.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/continuing-plot-silence-trumps-2024-comeback
By Yi Fuxian

MADISON, Wi.  Earlier this month, the ratings agency Moodys cut its outlook on Chinas sovereign credit rating to negative, citing risks from a deepening property crisis and a prolonged growth slowdown. In fact, Moodys now predicts that annual economic growth will fall to 4 percent in 2024 and 2025, before slowing further, to 3.8 percent, on average, for the rest of the decade. Potential growth will decline to 3.5 percent by 2030. A major driver of this slowdown will be weaker demographics.

Not surprisingly, Chinas leaders said they were disappointed with the downgrade, claiming that the economy still has huge development resilience and potential and will remain a powerful engine of global growth. But Chinas assessment of its potential growth is based on deeply flawed forecasts.

On Aug. 24, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping convened nine economists  including former World Bank Chief Economist Justin Yifu Lin  for a symposium that would guide the 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Based on that discussion, Xi declared that it was completely possible for China to double its GDP per capita over the next 16 years.

Lin explained the logic behind this optimistic forecast. In 2019, Chinas GDP per capita was only 22.6 percent of the level in the United States (calculated by purchasing power parity). Germany was at the same level in 1946, Japan in 1956, and South Korea in 1985, and their economies grew at an average rate of 9.4 percent, 9.6 percent, and 9 percent, respectively, over the subsequent 16 years.

Even hampered by low population growth and a trade and technology war with the U.S., Lin concluded, Chinas potential annual growth  8 percent in 2019-35 and 6 percent in 2036-50  could easily translate into real annual growth of 6 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Per this forecast, Chinas GDP would surpass that of the U.S. in 2030, and be twice as large by 2049, at which point there would be four times as many Chinese as Americans.

Lin had previously made even more optimistic predictions. In 2005, he forecasted that Chinas economy would be 1.5-2 times larger than Americas by 2030 and that there would be five times as many Chinese. In 2008, he was even more sanguine, predicting that Chinas economy would be 2.5 times the size of Americas by 2030. In 2011, he was back to forecasting that Chinas economy would be twice as large as that of the U.S. in 2030, and in 2014, he returned to his 2005 forecast that Chinas economy would be 1.5-2 times larger.

Over the years, Chinas leaders have embraced Lins forecasts as a kind of vindication of their political system and governance model. The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, Xi declared in 2021, but time and situation are in our favor. Similarly, Ma Zhaoxu, the vice minister for foreign affairs, pledged last year that, in the face of efforts to impede Chinas rise, Chinese diplomats would uphold the spirit of struggle to ensure the countrys continued development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders eagerly presented Chinas response as a reflection of its institutional advantage.

But, however appealing to Chinas leaders Lins economic forecasts may be, they have proved wildly wrong, not least because they fail to account for Chinas bleak demographic outlook. Both a higher median age and a higher proportion of people over 64 are negatively correlated with growth, and on both points, China is doing far worse than the three countries to which Lin compares it.

When Germanys GDP per capita was equivalent to 22.6 percent that of the U.S., its median age was 34. In Japan and South Korea, the median age was just 24. After those 16 subsequent years of strong growth, the median age in the three countries stood at 35, 30 and 32, respectively. Contrast that with China, where the median age was 41 in 2019, and will reach 49 in 2035.

Likewise, at the beginning of the 16-year period to which Lin refers, the proportion of people over 64 in Germany, Japan and South Korea was 8 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively; at the end, it stood at 12 percent, 7 percent and 7 percent. In China, that proportion was 13 percent in 2019 and will be 25 percent in 2035. In the 16 years after the proportion of people over 64 reached 13 percent in Germany (in 1966) and Japan (in 1991), these economies average annual growth was only 2.9 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.

Moreover, in Germany, Japan and South Korea, the labor force (aged 15-59) began to decline in the 12th, 38th and 31st years after their per capita GDP equaled 22.6 percent of that of the U.S. The decline in China began in 2012.

If one imagines Chinas economy as an airplane, the 1978 launch of the policy of reform and opening up would have been what ignited the fuel  the young workers  that enabled the economy to take off and fly at high speeds for three decades. But, in 2012, the fuel began to run low, causing the plane to decelerate.

Instead of adjusting to their new reality, the Chinese authorities  heeding the advice of economists like Lin  continued to lean on the throttle by investing heavily in real estate, thereby creating a massive property bubble. It is obviously dangerous to continue flying at a high speed without enough fuel, which is one reason why some economies are attempting to de-risk their trade by shifting supply chains away from China, which is currently the main trading partnerships with more than 140 economies.

Western observers tend to focus on criticizing Chinese leaders rhetoric and decisions. However, pointing out the errors in the forecasts that form the basis of Chinese policy may be more constructive. For the countrys sake, the decisions made at the upcoming Third Plenum of the Communist Party of China must reflect reality, not more pie-in-the-sky predictions.

Yi Fuxian, a senior scientist in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is the author of Big Country with an Empty Nest."
The wife of Julian Assange has paid tribute to campaigning journalist John Pilger as a consistent ally of the dispossessed.

Stella Assange, whom the WikiLeaks founder married while in prison, was among those who called the ITV documentary maker one of the great journalists.

Pilger had pushed for the release of Assange, who has been in the high-security Belmarsh Prison in London since he was removed from the Ecuadorian embassy, and criticised his friends imprisonment.

John Pilger has died aged 84, his family has announced (Ian Nicholson/PA)

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) also called the 84-year-old documentarian, who died on Saturday according to his family, a giant of journalism.

On X, formerly Twitter, Stella Assange wrote: Our dear dear John Pilger has left us. He was one of the greats.

A consistent ally of the dispossessed, John dedicated his life to telling their stories and awoke the world to the greatest injustices.

He showed great empathy for the weak and was unflinching with the powerful. John was one of Julians most vocal champions but they also became the closest of friends.

He fought for Julians freedom until the end. We are all Spartacus if we want to be, he wrote in his last published piece. This was John, challenging us until the end. Lets always seek to rise to the challenge. Thank you, dear friend.

Next year, the High Court will hear Julian Assanges final appeal against being extradited to the US, where he fears a sentence of 175 years.

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Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the NUJ, said: John Pilger was a giant of journalism who in his reporting career witnessed momentous historical events such as the assassination of Robert Kennedy and the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Biafra.

He was also a pioneer of television as a vehicle for investigative journalism, producing groundbreaking work across the BBC and ITV.

The NUJ member was also a most redoubtable supporter of progressive campaigns creating work that was the embodiment of journalism that managed to be simultaneously fair and balanced, whilst unequivocally on the side of the underdog, according to Ms Stanistreet.

Pilger worked to bring to light atrocities in Cambodia, the thalidomide scandal and various conflicts.

Senior BBC journalist John Simpson wrote on X: Very sad to hear of the death of John Pilger. I was fond of him, and I think it was mutual, even though we disagreed on many things over the years.

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But I admired the force of his writing, even when I often didnt support what he wrote, and he was always warm when we met.

Pilger had been outspoken about his views on American and British foreign policy.

Lindsey German, of the Stop the War Coalition, who have organised pro-Palestine protests, called Pilgers death a very sad loss to the whole movement.

She added: He was a fearless and honest journalist who was a major critic of western imperialism, and whose experience of covering successive wars gave him a real insight into who benefits from the horror of war.

He was a great friend of the anti-war movement in Britain and lent his powerful voice to a number of campaigns.

Stop the War has also claimed that Russias invasion of Ukraine was partially caused by Nato expansion in eastern Europe.
A woman is due to appear at Craigavon court this week accused of telling lies in relation to the murder of Odhran Kelly.

Crystal Angela Redden will appear in the Magistrates Court this Friday accused of perverting the course of justice. It is claimed that on December 7, the 30-year-old made a false statement with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Redden, from Garland Avenue in Lurgan, will be the fifth person and the third woman to be charged in connection with murder of 23-year-old nursing assistant.

Odhrans body was found beside a burning car in the Edward Street area of Lurgan in the early hours of Sunday, December 3 after he had been reported missing.

Andrea Catherine Stevenson (left), Gary Scullion (centre) and Stephanie McClelland (right)

The two men who remain in custody charged with his murder are Shane Harte (31) from Headington House and Gary Damien Scullion (31) from Edward Street, both in Lurgan.

The other two women, Stephanie McClelland (36), from Shan Slieve and 43-year-old Andrea Stevenson, from Edward Street in Lurgan, are accused of trying to dispose of Odhrans body.

During a bail application by McClelland earlier this month, the court heard that she was one of the people captured on CCTV carrying Mr Kellys body to a car which was later set alight.

Shane Harte

A police officer told the court when they were called to reports of the car on fire, they discovered a badly burnt body beside the vehicle.

During initial interviews Stephanie McClelland denied involvement but she later admitted it was her captured on CCTV carrying the body of Mr Kelly from a flat opposite to the car.

Granting bail to McClelland, Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes said while I fully appreciate why the police were objecting to her being freed, at the height of the prosecution case, at the moment, it appears to be a woman with no previous, at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
A dangerous paedophile is back behind bars after breaching an order designed to protect the public from him.

Roy Simm, who has a conviction for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl, was thrown back in jail after being arrested drunk and on drugs at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Lord Kilclooney has caused anger and upset following a social media post on New Years Eve in which the former MP appeared to criticise gay people for flaunting their sexuality.

The cross-bench peer was widely criticised, including by an openly gay MP, after he made the controversial remarks on X (formerly Twitter) early on Sunday morning.

"If you are gay  and it appears that many are  you do not need to mention it every time! he posted at 8.39am.

There is no obvious context for the comment which, according to the social media site, was made from Donegal.

If you are gay - and it appears that many are - you do not need to mention it every time!  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) December 31, 2023

On Sunday night, the post had been viewed almost 200,000 times and attracted nearly 500 replies, as well as over 140 reposts. The vast majority of comments were critical or derisory.

Openly gay Labour MP Chris Bryant responded asking: What is it to you?

Dozens of other account holders also replied with rainbow flag emojis to tell the former Ulster Unionist MP for Strangford: I am gay.

"If you are an idiot  and it appears you are  you do not need to confirm it daily, one person posted.

The controversy resulted in many users posting raunchy memes and light-hearted comments ridiculing Lord Kilclooney.

"Imagine tweeting this at 8.30am on a Sunday morning, one post read.

One woman wrote: I'm gay and when I was a kid I knew of zero gay people in real life and the only gay women on TV usually got murdered. So it was quite difficult to conceive of a world where I could be gay safely.

"Now I mention being gay 100 times a day to normalise that for people and for me.

The member of the House of Lords, who is also known as John Taylor, has a history of causing outrage online.

In 2020 he was urged to apologise for referring to US vice-president Kamala Harris as "the Indian".

"What happens if (Joe) Biden moves on and the Indian becomes President. Who then becomes Vice President?" the peer tweeted.

Lord Kilclooney agreed to withdraw the remark, but denied it was racist and refused to say sorry.

"Whilst Biden is proud to be Irish and Harris is rightly proud of her Indian background I certainly withdraw my reference to her as an Indian as it seems to have upset some people," he clarified on social media at the time.

"I did not know her name and identified her with the term Indian. Most people understood. Racist NO."

The row followed two other occasions when the former deputy leader of the UUP was accused of racism regarding tweets about Irish premier Leo Varadkar.

In November 2017, Lord Kilclooney referred to the Taoiseach as "the Indian" before withdrawing the post.

But six months later the peer referred to Mr Varadkar as typical Indian online.

In October 2023, Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler told Lord Kilclooney that he would be seeking legal advice over what Mr Butler alleged was a scandalous lie made by the peer in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Lord Kilclooney claimed Mr Butler defended the killing by Israel of children and civilians in Gaza and appeared to double down when challenged about an abominable lie.
Paddy Harte, chairman of the Board of the International Fund for Ireland at Belfasts Peace Walls (Liam McBurney/PA)

Good progress is continuing to be made in negotiations to transform some of Northern Irelands peace walls which separate communities.

More than 100 barriers remain and range from high concrete walls to gates and fences to buildings, and are owned by a number of bodies, from the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and private bodies.

They were erected from the 1970s in response to attacks and disorder during the Troubles.

The International Fund for Ireland support programmes in areas divided by peace walls working with local residents to support changes or in some cases removals.

Fund chairman Paddy Harte said there has been major progress in a number of areas including the opening of a gate at Flax Street in north Belfast as well as talks around a barrier at Adam Street, also in north Belfast.

He also pointed out that while it is often quoted that more barriers were built after the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998 than before, no new barriers have gone up since 2008.

While there are about 100 remaining, mostly in Belfast, there has been lots of progress, at Black Mountain, the gate being opened at Flax Street, he told the PA news agency.

We have in Moyard where there was a run down playground at a peace wall, now social housing is going up.

In greater Whitewell a wall has been reimaged, and it looks like what normally should be there.

He also described major gains in Londonderry where a wall has substantially come down, while at North Queen Street in north Belfast a wall which was right up against houses has come down.

There are quite a number of successes. Like everything success is contagious and as good stories come out, there are more signs of movement, he said.

Mr Harte said they first started collecting statistics around peace walls in 2017 when 68% of people wanted peace walls down, which went to 76% in 2019 and 83% in 2022.

I qualify that by saying that brought down in the lifetime of our children or grandchildren, he said.

So our challenge, as in the stakeholders and the groups, is to do whatever we can not to pass that on to the next generation, that whatever we can do in our lifetime is the challenge, because that is to say we want our children and grandchildren to be safe but were also passing on the only visible symbol of division and sectarianism, and we have an obligation not to leave it to the next generation, where we possibly can.

Its a big challenge and its a difficult thing but we need to set ourselves that.
Rescue says more focus needed on irresponsible owners and breeders

The USPCA has said that simply banning XL Bully dog breeds will not do much in the way of preventing injuries caused by these breeds and instead more attention needs drawn to irresponsible owners and breeders.

Since the Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) came into effect 32 years ago, the charity pointed out that it has not been effective in reducing dog bites and human deaths and urged the Northern Ireland government to take an evidence-based approach when dealing with potentially dangerous dogs.

Simply adding more breeds to the banned breed list without addressing other aspects of this complex multi-factorial issue, will not protect the public, they said, adding that there is currently no robust research to demonstrate that XL Bully breeds or types are any more aggressive than other dogs.

Aggressive behaviour can be influenced by factors such as how they are bred, reared and experiences throughout their life, the charity said.

There needs to be a stronger focus on the enforcement of legislation on those irresponsible owners and breeders.

Earlier this year Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced XL Bullies would be banned following a spate of attacks. The ban, however, will only apply to England and Wales  not Northern Ireland  and will come into effect from February 1.

New restrictions in England and Wales came into effect yesterday, meaning XL bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public under new restrictions.

Breeding, selling or abandoning the dogs also became illegal there yesterday, with owners being urged to apply for a certificate of exemption for current pets before a January 31 deadline. As well as neutering XL Bullies, owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped.

USPCA chief executive Nora Smith has advised owners of XL Bully-type dogs here to ensure their pet is registered at a vet, microchipped and licensed.

We sincerely hope that [the Government] take an evidence-based approach to dealing with dangerous dogs in Northern Ireland. Early indications from the Scottish government are that they will not be following the BSL which is shortly being introduced to England and Wales, she added.

Nora Smith, USPCA

Concerns have previously been raised by the USPCA that Northern Ireland could become a dumping ground for these dogs as the ban will not extend here.

This could result in these dogs being placed with owners with little or no experience of the breed, which would compromise the welfare of the dog and potentially also public safety, said the charity spokesperson.

The owners of Halfway Dog House Rescue in Ballymena said they have been inundated with messages and calls from dog wardens and other rescue centres unable to house them  not just from Northern Ireland but also from the Republic of Ireland and England since the announcement was made.

We have been receiving up to 60 messages a day and honestly we feel so helpless because we cant rehome them all, they said.

Rescues are really going to struggle after this ban comes into place, thousands of innocent dogs will be killed and its just awful.

Its the biggest ban to have ever come into place because its so widespread for this dog type and we are just struggling to cope, and I feel terrible every time.

We only rehome Bully breeds, and as far as I know we are the only rescue who exclusively rehome this type of dog here.

The rescue centre currently houses 18 Bully-type dogs and puts potential owners through a stringent interview process before agreeing to rehome the dog.

They claimed in their experience there was sometimes a lack of research about the breed by prospective owners who then physically cannot handle the animal and ultimately end up giving them away.

These types of dogs get a bad reputation and people just dont know how to handle them, they said.

No dog is born bad, it is all to do with how they were raised, and we have found the biggest issue with owning an XL Bully is separation anxiety.

These are not wee dogs for the house and taking in a rescue can be stressful, taking anywhere from three months to three years for them to properly settle, you just dont know, but now because people havent raised them properly or they have been mistreated they are now being banned.

No Bully owner would ever condone the attacks that took place, but responsibility should also have been put on the owners of each of these dogs, where they came from and their background.

This ban is not going to solve the problem, it is not the answer, it will only keep happening if there isnt a clamp down or heavy fines for licensing and microchipping, as well as these backyard breeders.

The USPCA will be holding a free online workshop on January 17, which will create a safe space for owners of XL Bully-type dogs to share concerns and questions.
The premises had been the focus of protests and rumours in recent weeks that it was to be used to house asylum seekersFire comes after a spate of blazes at premises linked to asylum accommodation, including the Ross Lake Hotel in Co Galway

Gardai are treating the fire at a Ringsend pub which was earmarked to be turned into a homeless family hub as a deliberate criminal act.

A forensic examination of the scene has now been completed and Gardai are treating the fire as criminal.

The Taoiseach had said every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice if the fire at a pub in Dublin earmarked to be turned into a homeless family hub turns out to be arson.

Leo Varadkar expressed his concern about the fire in the former Shipwright pub in Ringsend and said he was relieved that there were no injuries.

The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Siochana, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire. If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice. Anyone with information should contact the Gardai. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families.

The building in Ringsend that was earmarked for use as a family hub for the homeless was badly damaged by a fire in the early hours of this morning.

The blaze broke out on the vacant former Shipwright / Sallys Bar pub on Thorncastle Street in the south city at around 2am.

It had been acquired by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) for use as a family hub, but had been the subject of protests led by anti-immigrant activists amid incorrect rumours it was to be used to house asylum seekers. The DRHE says it told local people and politicians of its intended use, but this evening local councillors insist there were not informed.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that it sent six units, including a turntable ladder, to the scene to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported but the building was extensively damaged.

The Garda Press Office this morning said gardai had attended at the scene of a fire, and that the scene is currently preserved for forensic examination.

Photographs posted on X by Dublin Fire Brigade showed the top floor of the three-storey building ablaze as well as an area at the back of the premises.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned that arson is a very serious crime, and said the blaze at a vacant Dublin pub that was to be turned into a homeless hub to house families is under investigation by An Garda Siochana.

If this was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established, the perpetrators will be brought to justice, she promised.

Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.

An Garda Siochana is doing everything possible to determine the cause of the fire, the minister said, before asking for the assistance of citizens.

I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact An Garda Siochana, the Minister said.

Local Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said in a post on X that the building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) as a family hub for homeless people.

This is so unbelievably sad to see, she wrote, thanking Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin City Council for bringing the fire under control.

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that Dublin City Council had increased water pressure in the area at the time of the fire to assist in the operation to bring the fire under control.

The building had been at the centre of incorrect rumours circulating that it would be used to house asylum seekers, with protesters gathering outside in recent weeks.

Anonymous anti-immigrant agitators online had also made calls for it to be burnt down.

It comes two weeks after the vacant Ross Lake Hotel in Roscahill, Co Galway, was burnt out in an arson attack after it emerged it was to house 70 asylum seekers. There have been a number of similar incidents around the country as the Government struggles to house asylum seekers and refugees.

The DRHE, which allocates emergency accommodation for the homeless in the Dublin area, confirmed today it had planned to use the former Shipwright pub for emergency accommodation for families, and said this had been confirmed to people contacting the DRHE and to local politicians.

We have a number of families who are currently homeless and seeking accommodation in the area, so it is very disappointing. Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent, it said.

If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter. The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened, it added.

Dublin Fire Brigade said it was notified of a fire in a premises on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend shortly after 2am, and on arrival firefighters found a well-developed fire with heavy smoke drifting over the locality. Six fire engines responded to the fire including two turntable ladders to fight the fire from above.

The fire was brought under control by 5am with nearly 30 firefighters working at the fireground. The incident concluded at 6am and the scene was handed over to Gardai. No injuries were reported, a spokesperson said.

Three TDs from the constituency of the fire condemned it outright.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark visits the Danish Church of St Katharines in Camden, for a celebration church service to honour her Golden Jubilee in 2022 (Gareth Fuller/PA)

A Lutheran pastor who led a service at a church in London attended by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark for her golden jubilee has hailed her as a beacon after she announced her surprise abdication.

Flemming Kloster Poulsen said she was a perfect mix of royal and at the same time down to earth when, in December 2022, she attended the Danish Church of St Katharines in Camden, north London, for a service to honour 50 years since her accession to the throne on January 14, 1972.

His words of praise come after the 83-year-old queen on Sunday announced during her New Years address that she would abdicate on January 14, paving the way for her son Crown Prince Frederik to accede to the throne.

She was said to be close to the late Queen and is a distant relative of the King.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark during her visit to the Danish Church of St Katharines in Camden (Michael Harrit/The Danish Church London/PA)

Mr Poulsen, 66, who was pastor at St Katherines for seven years before stepping down in October, told the PA news agency: Her parents, King Frederik (IX) and Queen Ingrid, they were guests of honour when the Danish Church was inaugurated in 1952 in London.

So her relationship with the church started with her parents and ever since shes visited the church on several occasions, and in 2020 she designed a chasuble, the garment a priest is wearing during service, designed by the queen and she herself embroidered parts of this chasuble. Yeah, thats really wow.

And it was sent to church during the pandemic and two years later when the pandemic was over and she was able to travel she visited the church, that was December 2022, and she attended a service and I, during the service, was wearing this chasuble designed by her.

So that was, for me, a very special occasion because I was wearing a chasuble designed by the Danish queen and she was attending the service. It was a great thing.

The queen created a red chasuble with a large cross-shaped embroidery in bright colours on the back that symbolises the Danish flag.

She also embroidered the Luther rose in the middle of the cross, a common symbol in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Mr Poulsen said that after the service they invited her to their kitchen in the vicarage adjacent to the church and she came and a had a drink and a chat and  it was very, very nice.

He added: She was obviously the queen but at the same time it was kind of down to earth, she was visiting church, the priests and the vicarage and saying hello to people.

I would say she was a perfect mix of royal, queen, and at the same down to earth. She said hello, we shook our hands and she asked How are you getting on here at the Danish Church in London? and asking relevant questions, so that was really an experience.

On her surprise abdication, Mr Poulsen, who now lives in Randers, Denmark, added: I saw it on television when she announced she was retiring and surprise thats one thing, and at the same time, really, really a feeling of gratefulness. Shes been a fantastic queen of Denmark and in many ways shes been a beacon, I mean the way she had conducted herself, her service as queen, shes been a beacon.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the Queen was stepping down on Sunday, offering a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

In February 2022, the then Duchess of Cambridge was the outgoing Danish queens guest during a two-day visit to the northern European country.

The then Duchess of Cambridge is welcomed by Queen Margrethe II (centre) and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark during a visit in 2022 (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Kates trip was in part to honour the historic ties Britain shares with Denmark and celebrate the countries joint jubilees that year  the late Queens Platinum Jubilee and the Golden Jubilee of Queen Margrethe, both of which fell in 2022.

The late Queen was said to be close to Queen Margrethe and sent her a private message of condolence after her husband Prince Henrik of Denmark died in his sleep at the age of 83 in 2018.

In 2012, Queen Margrethe revealed how she had always admired her British counterpart and that she has helped influence herself as a queen after watching how dedicated she was to her nation.
Efforts to find Madeleine McCann continue with the same determination, commitment and vigour and will eventually yield results, her parents have said.

In a message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page on Sunday, Kate and Gerry McCann said there was no new significant news to share in the search for their daughter, but vowed to persevere.

The McCanns post read: Another year comes to a close. Im sure theyre getting shorter!

Whilst there is no new significant news to share in the search for Madeleine, efforts continue with the same determination, commitment and vigour.

We believe such perseverance will eventually yield results.

Thank you again for your support, Christmas wishes and shared hope.

Despite our own personal circumstances, it is impossible to be unaffected by the awful events happening around the world this year with so many wars, immeasurable pain and suffering, children abducted, killed and orphaned.

Lets hope that 2024 brings a greater love for mankind, hope and peace to us all.

Madeleine McCann (Family handout)

It comes after Portuguese police reportedly apologised for the way detectives investigated the case and treated the family.

Madeleine vanished in May 2007 while on holiday with her parents in Praia da Luz, after they left the then three-year-old and her younger twin siblings asleep in their apartment while they went out to dinner with friends.

During questioning of Madeleines parents in September 2007, detectives made them both arguidos  or suspects  in their daughters disappearance.

That status was eventually lifted and the investigation was shelved in 2008, but the couple remained under suspicion in Portugal for years.

Months after Scotland Yard launched its own investigation, Operation Grange, into Madeleines disappearance in 2013, Portuguese police confirmed that a review of their original inquiry had uncovered new lines of inquiry, and they reopened the case.

The officers also gave their support to the German authorities who believe their prime suspect, 46-year-old German national Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender, kidnapped and murdered the youngster.

Brueckner is in prison in Germany for the rape of a woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, and is suspected of further rapes and child sexual abuse committed in the area between 2000 and 2017.

He has reportedly denied any involvement in Madeleines disappearance.

Earlier this year, a reservoir in Portugal was searched and items were seized after German prosecutors received certain tips about the case.
Toward global pivotal state based on domestic unity

The New Year is finally on the horizon. In the Oriental zodiac, this is the year of the Blue Dragon. The Blue Dragon symbolizes good fortune and power, the image of which was used mainly in palaces for kings and emperors. Now it also represents presidential power in Korea. A dragon dream is considered as the most powerful and auspicious vision. We wish the Republic of Korea to leap forward this year as if it is flying high into the sky like the dragon beyond the huge challenges that lay ahead.

Despite such expectations, the looming tasks seem pressing and crucial, requiring us to be fully ready to brace for them. If not, we may face a serious debacle.

The first and foremost challenge lying ahead for Korea Inc. is the forthcoming general elections slated for April 10. The ruling and opposition parties have already begun life-or-death bouts in the lead up to the parliamentary polls. For President Yoon Suk Yeol, the election in April is all the more significant as it will largely determine his political fate.

With only a 30 percent or more approval rating, Yoon has been desperate to improve his party's chances in the elections. Unless his ruling People Power Party (PPP) garners a majority in the polls, Yoon may suffer from a lame-duck presidency, unable to push for state administration effectively during his remaining tenure.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has launched sharp offensives by passing the controversial bill for the introduction of a special counsel to investigate an alleged stock price manipulation by first lady Kim Kepn Hee. As the PPP put it, the DPKs tactics are adroitly devised to maintain the upper hand over the governing camp ahead of the elections.

The special prosecutor bill has many problems. For instance, the prosecutors under the previous Moon Jae-in administration investigated the stock-manipulation suspicions for more than 18 months but to no particular avail. Yet Yoon and his party should remember that the DPK would not have attempted tabling such a bill unless Yoon's support rate was miserably low. His wife has been a "persona non grata" even among conservative voters. Various surveys show that some 70 percent of the people support the introduction of an independent counsel while opposing the possibility of Yoon vetoing the bill.

Now, the president needs to show an open attitude in dealing with the state administration. He should first host the New Year press conference to candidly express his views and call for the public's understanding regarding diverse and pending issues, thus retaining the peoples trust.

Yoon needs to confess honestly concerning the allegations that his wife received luxury handbags, sincerely apologize to the people and take necessary measures. Although Yoon had pledged fairness as his motto, he failed to abide by it after taking office.

Expectations are growing over the emergence of former Justice Minister and Yoons close confidant Han Dong-hoon as the PPPs interim leader. Yet such expectations are chiefly due to the negative perceptions of DPK leader, Lee Jae-myung, who has been tainted by judicial hurdles allegedly involving numerous crimes.

Furthermore, Han will not be able to overcome his caretaker role should he fail to get out of the haunting image of being perceived as Yoon's avatar. The DPK should also double down on efforts to reset itself as the inheritor of traditional democratic forces. It should cast off its image of being the party that grants Lee immunity from prosecution.

General elections are watershed events that determine the nations fate. As a result, voters should carefully choose the right people, so that they will work for the nation and the people.

The challenges in the new year will also come from beyond Korea's borders.

North Korea has been persistently building up its nuclear capabilities, intensifying tensions on the Korean Peninsula. And regional tensions will likely heighten further, amid the growing rivalry between the United States and China. The Sino-U.S. conflict will also aggravate supply chain disruptions involving, for instance, semiconductors and rare earth metals.

Dramatizing such a threat, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un allegedly instructed his officials to prepare to create a great stir in South Korea, early this year.

In response, Seoul has been fortifying relations with the U.S. and Japan by agreeing to extend nuclear deterrence. Yet such efforts seem insufficient, given the possible weakening of U.S. influence amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Seoul should also be fully prepared for the possible reelection of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president in November. The security situation on the Korean Peninsula has been highly volatile prompting the need for South Korea to play the role of a global pivotal state. Instead of the role of a mere mediator, Seoul needs to play a more proactive role to initiate regional policies.

Beyond trilateral cooperative ties with the U.S. and Japan, it should also seek to mend ties with China and Russia to maximize national interests. It also should find a breakthrough concerning deadlocked inter-Korean relations through dialogue toward reconciliation and peace on the peninsula.

We hope Korea Inc. will make a leap forward beyond its challenges, boosted by the energy of the Blue Dragon.
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and on the Harbour Bridge as part of New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney (Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image via AP)

Some partygoers around the world have already celebrated the countdown to midnight on New Years Eve with fireworks and brightly lit signs.

It offered a hopeful start to 2024 for some, even as the worlds ongoing conflicts raised security concerns and led to muted or even cancelled festivities.

As the clock struck midnight in Australia, more than a million people in Sydney  a number equivalent to one in five of the citys residents  watched a 12-minute firework display focused on the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the shore and from boats in the harbor.

Its total madness, said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had waited in line since 7.30am to secure a prime waterfront place.

Sydney

Organisers worldwide have readied for large-scale celebrations despite the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

In New York City, where there have been near-daily protests sparked by the Israel-Hamas war, officials and party organisers said they were prepared to ensure the safety of tens of thousands of revellers who will flood Times Square in the heart of Manhattan.

China celebrated the new calendar year relatively quietly, with most major cities banning fireworks over safety and pollution concerns.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his New Year address that the country would focus on building momentum for economic recovery in 2024 and pledged China would surely be reunified with Taiwan.

Fireworks at the Taipei 101 building during the New Year celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan (Chiang Ying-ying/AP)

In Taipei, Taiwans capital, the mood appeared upbeat as people gathered for a fireworks show at the bamboo-shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper, as well as at concerts and other events held throughout the city.

In India, thousands of revellers from the financial hub of Mumbai flocked to a bustling promenade to watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea. In New Delhi, fireworks raised concerns that the capital  already infamous for its poor air quality  would be blanketed by a toxic haze on the first morning of the new year.

Temple bells rang out across Japan as people gathered at shrines and temples. At the Tsukiji Temple in Tokyo, visitors were given free hot milk and corn soup as they stood in line to strike a big bell, and a pipe-organ concert was held before a majestic altar.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis recalled 2023 as a year marked by wartime suffering. During his traditional Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peters Square, he offered prayers for the tormented Ukrainian people and the Palestinian and Israeli populations, the Sudanese people and many others.

At the end of the year, we will have the courage to ask ourselves how many human lives have been shattered by armed conflict, how many dead and how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty, the pontiff said.

People celebrate New Years eve at a promenade in Mumbai, India (Rafiq Maqbool/PA)

In Russia, the countrys military actions in Ukraine have overshadowed end-of-year celebrations, with the usual fireworks and concert on Moscows Red Square cancelled, as last year.

After shelling in the centre of the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday killed 24 people, some local authorities across Russia also cancelled their usual firework displays, including in Vladivostok.

Millions throughout Russia were expected to have tuned into Russian President Vladimir Putins New Years prerecorded address, where he asserted there was no force that could divide Russians and stop the countrys development.

Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 35 people on Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

In Muslim-majority Pakistan, the government has banned all New Years Eve celebrations as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians. In an overnight televised message, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar urged Pakistanis to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza by beginning the new year with simplicity.

People walk next to luminous shapes in central Istanbuls Taksim Square, in Istanbul, on Sunday (Emrah Gurel/AP)

New York Mayor Eric Adams said there were no specific threats to his citys annual New Years Eve bash, which was set to feature live performances from Flo Rida, Megan Thee Stallion and LL Cool J, as well as televised appearances from Cardi B and others.

Organisers said in-person attendance was expected to return to pre-Covid levels, even as foot traffic around Times Square remains down slightly since the pandemic.

New York City police said they would expand the security perimeter around the party, creating a buffer zone that would allow them to head off potential demonstrations. Officials also planned to monitor any protests with drones, the mayor said. During last years New Years Eve party, a machete-wielding man attacked three police officers a few blocks from Times Square.

Security was also be heightened across European cities on Sunday.

German authorities said they had detained three more people in connection with a reported threat of a New Years Eve attack by Islamic extremists on the world-famous Cologne Cathedral.

Fireworks explode as thousands of people gather to attend the new year celebrations in the main business district in Jakarta, Indonesia (Achmad Ibrahim/AP)

In Berlin, some 4,500 police officers are expected to keep order and avoid riots like a year ago. Police in the German capital issued a ban on the traditional use of fire crackers for several streets across the city. They also banned a pro-Palestinian protest in the Neukoelln neighbourhood of the city, which has seen several pro-Palestinian riots.

In France, 90,000 law enforcement officers were set to be deployed, domestic intelligence chief Celine Berthon said on Friday. Of those, 6,000 will be in Paris, where French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said more than 1.5 million people are expected to attend celebrations on the Champs-Elysees.

Ms Darmanin cited a very high terrorist threat partly because of the Israel-Hamas war. Police for the first time will be able to use drones as part of security work, she said, and tens of thousands of firefighters and 5,000 soldiers would also be deployed.

New Years Eve celebrations in the French capital will centre on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, including DJ sets, fireworks and video projections on the Arc de Triomphe.
With her megawatt smile in defiance of her cancer battle, charity awards tot Star Award in recognition of her courage

Christmas celebration last year before Pia-grace was diagnosed with mum Teonna and brothers Brogan, Hunter and Devlin

A one-year-old Co Antrim girl who came through a brave battle with cancer last year has received a very special award in honour of her courage.

Little Pia-grace Gamble from Larne was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in April, just weeks after celebrating her first birthday.

The tot  who spent seven months undergoing aggressive treatment and surgery  had her spirits lifted in December when she was given a national gong, the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx.

Pia-grace during treatment

The award is backed by a host of famous faces, including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and childrens TV favourite Mister Maker.

As well as a star-shaped trophy, Pia-grace received a 50 TK Maxx gift card, T-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities.

Her brothers Devlin (12), Brogan (11) and Hunter (4), also received a special certificate.

It was last April when her mum Teonna noticed something was wrong with Pia-graces legs, but she had no idea of the devastation that was to come.

She seemed to have lost the power in her legs, her movement had gone and she was crying a lot, said Teonna.

I was really concerned, so I took her to hospital where I was told it was viral. I visited hospital a second time, but again was sent home having been told it was viral.

Teonna Gamble with her daughter Pia-grace

But Teonna wasnt convinced and decided to take Pia to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

She recalled: I was determined I wasnt leaving until I got answers and eventually Pia was admitted.

Doctors said it may be a brain tumour so they carried out further tests, including an MRI scan and advised us to bring family to the hospital. I guess they thought we may need some support.

Then came the devastating news on April 27 her little girl had cancer.

I remember just feeling numb, dizzy and in shock and cant really remember much of what he was saying, said Teonna.

But I do remember him telling us she had neuroblastoma on her chest wall, which had grown into her spine, which was the reason for no movement.

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer affecting nerve cells, most often diagnosed in children under the age of five.

Cancer Research UK helped develop the drugs busulfan and melphalan used to treat it and also helped fund an international trial showing they could improve survival for children with advanced neuroblastoma.

That was really good to hear, explained Teonna, as this is research which could help with Pia-graces treatment. It gives us hope.

Christmas celebration last year before Pia-grace was diagnosed with mum Teonna and brothers Brogan, Hunter and Devlin

Pia-grace began her treatment right away, but after a few courses of chemotherapy, an MRI scan showed it wasnt working.

She was then put on a more intensive form of chemo.

She became very poorly, picking up infections. She lost all of her beautiful hair, but through all of this Pia-grace always had a smile on her face. We were relieved that this treatment seemed to be working as her movement began to get better again, said Teonna.

In October Pia-grace had to undergo surgery to remove the cancer on her chest and while it was a success, sadly further tests have revealed more cancer in her spine.

We now have to watch and wait. If it becomes aggressive there are plans for further treatment. I am constantly worried about this happening, but at the moment I have got my baby girl back and treasuring each day with her.

Having seen her youngest child come through so much in such a short period of time, Pia-graces mum didnt hesitate to nominate her for a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award.

Throughout all this, she has been absolutely amazing and I am so proud of her. I wanted to show just how special she is and to make memories, said Teonna.

I dont think it has really hit me yet as I have just been keeping busy, but those doctors are true heroes and I thank every single one of them.

Pia-grace Gamble

There are around 60 children aged 0-14 years diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland every year.

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, where Pia-grace is being treated, is one of the many centres across the UK taking part in groundbreaking clinical trials coordinated by Cancer Research UKs Childrens Cancer Trials Team.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Northern Ireland, Jean Walsh, said: Pia-grace is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award.

Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment  and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects.

Thats why were supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.

Were urging people to nominate inspirational children for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.

Pia-grace

The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UKs work into childrens and young peoples cancers. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than 44million for vital research to help improve survival.

To nominate a star visit cruk.org/starawards
Loyalist gang used Tina Turner classic as theme song but Adair says Provos most sophisticated paramilitary grouping

Ex-UDA kingpin Johnny Adair believes the IRA were the most effective guerrilla army of all time and admitted he wouldnt have the courage of the Hunger Strikers.

Convicted terror chief Adair (60) has also fondly remembered narrowly escaping jail with his nipples intact after a prison officer attempted to remove his jewellery with a hacksaw.

Speaking to career criminal and anti-Islam hate preacher Tommy Robinson on his podcast, Adair was full of praise for his deadly enemies of the past and revealed he would have refused to go on hunger strike for his cause.

Robinson says: Ive seen the IRA described as the best guerrilla warfare army there has ever been, to which Adair says: And they were, thats a fact and Im not scared to say that, Ill not tell a lie, of course they were.

Their bombmaking technology was a step ahead of the British Army, the army tried to keep ahead of them and the IRA was always in front.

Even the Hunger Strikers, I grudgingly respect them men too, they starved themselves to death for a political cause, dedication at the highest level.

Now Im dedicated, and I knew one day I could lose my life and the IRA would get me, and I accepted that because I didnt know what day it would be.

These hunger strikers, death was staring themmuns in the face for 60-odd days. If I was asked to give my life on hunger strike? No I wouldnt do it, I wouldnt have been as brave to do that.

I was willing to accept that the IRA might kill me but I couldnt see it coming, theyre sneaking up behind me or riddling my car, its unexpected.

But these men knew what they were doing, volunteered to die and starved themselves for a political cause.

Tommy Robinson aka Stephen Yaxley-Lennon

Regaling thug Robinson with tales from the clink, Adair also spoke about how he nearly lost his nipples when a no-nonsense prison guard insisted on removing his nipple jewellery.

They were Nazi b******s, Im cocky right so I had rings in my nipples, you know two wee sleepers, he said, adding: and heres your man, Right Adair get them out, so I took my earrings out and when it came to the nipple piercings I pretended I couldnt.

I said to him, I cant get it out, its welded and he says, Thats alright, and next thing this c**t screw with a big white doctors coat on and all comes along with a hacksaw and I says, Oh f**k that!

The c**t was going to saw them! Heres me, Nah f***ing take them!

Robinsons rap sheet includes convictions for violence, financial and immigration frauds, drug possession, and public order offences.

He has previously served at least three separate custodial sentences; in 2005 for assaulting an off-duty police officer who intervened in a domestic dispute; in 2012 for using false travel documents; and in 2014 for mortgage fraud. He is also a convicted stalker.

Johnny Adair was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 1995 for directing terrorism before being released in 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement and later survived an assassination attempt at a Belfast UB40 concert the same year.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Cloudy skies with afternoon snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 32F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
OTT Taxi in North Adams will temporarily shut down on Monday as it looks for a new location
New jobs, finding out neighbors can be neighborly and never-ending car troubles: This is the kind of 2023 some Berkshire residents had.

But with these changes came lessons learned.

The Eagle asked six people in the Berkshires what the past year has meant to them, as well as their hopes for 2024.

For Joselise Mossetty, a new job brought with it a measure of inspiration. The 27-year-old Pittsfield resident was previously a shift leader at Walgreens, and she took a job as a youth development professional this year.

It's a complete change of pace, she said. While she was initially drawn to her new job by the pay, What kept me there was not only the job itself, but the kids that you meet.

She described them as very interesting, just different personalities, calling her work exciting.

You know, you dont really come across people like that in life that have so much to offer, she said. You get to see a child that has the potential to become such an important person. They all think outside the box.

She said one thing shes learned this year is to save her money.

I was spending my money just because I wanted to live it up, she said. But saving your money is so important. They dont teach you that in school, though.

In 2024, I am hoping for more change, Mossetty said. I like it when nothing is consistent and everything changes.

Kristen Dagruel thought 2023 would bring her first child, but Reed, now 13 months, was born a bit early, arriving in 2022. Instead, this year brought a first house to Dagruel and her husband, Jason.

Born in Great Barrington, Dagruel spent her early years in the Berkshires and then moved with her family to Florida. She met her future husband in 2017, and the two married in 2019. She said they wanted to buy a house in the Berkshires and settled on a duplex in the center of Otis.

Whats it been like since moving in?

Its been wonderful, said Dagruel, who is 29. I mean people are super sweet. You definitely get that small town feel, which I love. But you still are very connected. I didnt realize how people still came over and greeted you and then said, 'Hi,' as neighbors as soon as you move in, which was beautiful.

As to life lessons, this year Dagruel learned to accept offers from others.

Its been a really hard thing, but its been huge after having a baby and having community and family reach out, she said. And it's been wonderful. Just to have the help. Even if it's just the smallest little thing like having somebody hold the baby really quick.

As to 2024, Dagruel said shes hoping to spend more time outdoors, snowmobiling and camping.

The year 2023 was about people for Steven Bateman of Pittsfield.

The 58-year-old said the highlight for him was the birth of his grandson. Losses of friends and family brought the years toughest moments.

Were at that age, you know, just people passing away," he said. "You just cant escape it."

Bateman took part in organizing two events this year that he particularly enjoyed: the 32nd annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby in June and a reunion for people who used to go to Coolidge Park that was held at Tavern at the A. Putting together the Coolidge Park reunion took some digging, Bateman said, including mining the archives of The Eagle.

Reflecting more broadly, Bateman also mentioned two more low points: the continuing war in Ukraine and the war in Israel since Oct. 7, particularly the losses brought on by both.

In 2024, hes looking forward to the birth of another grandchild.

And Bateman, who plays guitar, is hoping to get back together with the classic rock band Red Handed.

For James Martin, 2023 brought a series of health issues and car trouble. Martin, 60, helps a friend who does glass work and woodworking.

With help from his girlfriend and sister, the Lakeville, Conn., resident bought a 2002 Nissan Xterra and then the head gasket blew.

So dummy me, instead of just turning it off and replacing the head gasket, I tore the whole motor out and took it all apart, cleaned it all out because there was gunk in the motor," he said. "They put a gasket sealer in the oil and really made it just like maple syrup.

He got the SUV running, but then sensors began lighting up and the car started breaking down again.

It might make it 5 miles, might make it 150 miles and it just shut off, he said. ... It was just ridiculous. I think it was cursed.

He also owns a 1985 Ford Bronco, what he described as a collectors car.

It ran me pretty good, but every time I tried to use it, its got a really small six-cylinder in it, and it just overheated all the time, he said of the Bronco. It'll still start and run, but it's just an old vehicle, and it's just not meant for driving around in the hills and everything and being on the highway.

For a second time, his sister and girlfriend, Sue McCabe, chipped in to buy him a 2006 Honda Odyssey.

I finally got something thats running.

His hope for 2024 is to save some money and buy a vehicle thats reliable enough to take his girlfriend out West.

We're planning on maybe taking a trip to Vegas and maybe get married out there, he said.

Brian Formel moved from Great Barrington to a small town in Colombia four years ago. He lives on a small farm in a fishing village and can walk to the beach. He was in town this week following a death in his family.

Of the year, he said, '23 was a really good year. I think that its the way you look at life, he said. If you're a positive person, you're not some negative person, I think every day is a good day.

He has high hopes for the United States in 2024.

What I hope for in '24 is that we get somebody that wants to run our country the way this country should be run, he said. This is the greatest country in the world. And it's a melting pot as of today. I think that the American people actually have lost the American dream, and people who are coming from abroad ... they're achieving it.

For Cordelia Moran, 18, of Pittsfield, it was a year of immense change.

She graduated from McCann Technical School in the spring and began her freshman year at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where shes studying business with a concentration in accounting.

It was challenging towards the end with college and everything, she said. But overall, it was a good year. It was the end of my senior year, which was fun. And then I graduated high school, which was a big accomplishment. So, overall, I would say 2023 was a good year for me.

She named one recent disappointment that was fresh in her mind.

"I was disappointed with the lack of snow this Christmas," she said. "It was sad. Waking up to a nice sunny day on Christmas morning, no snow on the ground."

As to lessons from 2023, I guess to just go with the changes in life because you can't prevent them, she said. And it's easier to just go with them than to try to change them.

Whats she looking forward to in 2024?

New opportunities, both socially and academically, she said. Starting a new school year, I think now that I'm already in the flow of it is going to be good. And I just think that 2024 will be a productive year for me personally.
By Robert Neff

They say that time is the most precious thing in life  far more valuable than money or luxury goods. People often freely (and sometimes, grudgingly) give and receive it between friends and family, but would you be willing to steal it from strangers?

In July 1884, Ensign George C. Foulk, a naval officer attached to the American legation in Seoul, had a very hard time keeping his goods safe  even within the legations walled compound.

On the night of July 14, Foulk returned to his room and discovered his gold watch and chain were missing. He was convinced the thief was a visiting Korean officials servant. Just earlier that evening, Min Yong-ik had paid a brief visit to the legation while on his way home from a dinner. According to Foulk:

As is usual with Korean officers, a large crowd of Mins servants were with him, these men hold the officer on his horse, or carry his chair, umbrella, chamber-pot in a leather bag, smoking utensil, seals, etc. While Min was in my house all these devils were hanging about the door and windows.

When Foulk discovered his watch was missing, he notified Min Yong Ik and the whole government. However, it wasnt the only theft. Five days later, his revolver was stolen from one of his trunks, and, perhaps even more alarming, the guest house was rifled and furniture and fixtures were taken. It seems that almost every other night there was a break-in  and the thieves were stealing everything, including the gate bell.

The Korean government provided the legation with a guard of soldiers, but Foulk declared them to be worse than useless, as they, too, would rob as quickly as anyone else. The handful of Americans at the legation took it upon themselves to establish their own night patrol and Foulk expressed the great desire to shoot an intruder as a fatal example for any other would-be thieves.

The loss of his service revolver was only a minor inconvenience as it belonged to Uncle Sam, to whom [Foulk would] report its loss being in the execution of duty. His personal goods, however, which amounted to about $125, was his own responsibility.

Perhaps the greatest loss to him was his watch. Shortly after its loss, he wrote to his parents: I must have a watch here, so the loss falls all the harder on me, and still harder as the Lancaster watch was the very best time keeper I have ever seen.

A month later, he wrote:

I have heard nothing of the fate of my watch. Its loss was a sorry one to me both as to value in money and the high opinion I had of it. I have had to buy a new watch costing $65 as I cannot get along without one in my duty.

Although he was probably unaware of it, shortly after the loss of his watch, the Lancaster Watch Company went bankrupt after only 5 years of operation. A quick perusal of the companys catalog reveals that the cheapest nickel plated watch sold for $24 and the highest priced was $100. We dont know where Foulk obtained his replacement watch, but it does not challenge the imagination to assume he purchased it from Walter D. Townsend, the representative of The American Clock & Brass Company, who just happened to be in Korea at the time.

Foulk and the American legation were fortunate; their intruders did nothing more than steal, but other victims were not so lucky.

On the night of June 2/3, 1889, a Chinese shop in Seoul was attacked. The proprietor was stabbed to death and the shop robbed of gold and silver valuables and a large number of watches. The total value was about $7,000. Once the shop was looted, it was set on fire presumably to destroy any evidence that might lead the Chinese and Korean authorities to the perpetrators.

A newspaper in China soon reported:

Tick, Hing & Co. are the agents of the China Merchants Steam Navigation Co. in Corea. Much sympathy is felt for them. They had many friends, owing to their universal courtesy and strict integrity. Whether Coreans or destitute Chefoo Chinamen did it is not yet known. But robbery of money and valuables seem to have been the object. Messrs. Tick, Hing & Co. were not insured, and their loss must be very serious.

Not long afterwards, the company and the Chinese Legation in Seoul offered a reward of 1,000 dollars for the arrest of the criminals. It isnt clear if anyone ever collected that reward.

It seems somewhat ironic, but in May 1896, Townsend, whom we mentioned earlier and was now living in Jemulpo [modern Incheon] and running his own company, was a victim of a time-stealing thief. Someone broke into Townsends home and stole a clock, three revolvers and some articles of clothing. He was convinced that the thief would eventually try and sell the goods to a foreigner so he put an ad in the local newspaper offering a reward of $20. There was a sense of optimism that the culprit would soon be tracked down and arrested.

Americans werent the only ones suffering from thefts. In September of the same year, Dr. Oliver Avison, a Canadian, had several valuable articles, including a gold watch, dress goods and blankets stolen from his summer house on the Han River. According to a newspaper report: The detectives have been sent to work at the case and the Police Dept. is confident of catching the culprits before many days.

The police may have been confident but werent very timely when it came to thefts and robberies.

On January 31, 1897, a Japanese man traveling from Jemulpo to Seoul was attacked near the rest stop (about half-way between the port and the capital) by a band of twenty highwaymen from Whanghai province. The merchant was badly abused by his robbers, but was saved when people at the rest stop heard his cries for help and came to his rescue. The victim lost his watch, blankets and some $30 in cash.

This area appears to have been a popular site for violent robberies. In early December 1899, another Japanese man  this time an employee for the railroad  was murdered by a fellow employee. The victim had been savagely attacked - suffering wounds to his face and back  and it was believed robbery was the motive as his watch and chain and his wages (about $30) were stolen. The murderer was quickly apprehended.

Even in the capital, the police were not safe from robberies. In late June 1897, a police sergeant named Kang Chong-wo was attacked on the street of Seoul by a highwayman and relieved of his watch, pocketbook and even his clothes. The newspaper stated the obvious  The thieves are getting bold now a days.

Pak Chun-son was quite the cat burglar of his time. First he broke into Myoungdong Cathedral and stole a barometer, then he went to one of the schools in Jeongdong and stole a clock. But time ran out for him in early September 1897 when he entered the German consulate and tried to steal a gun. The consulates employees apprehended the thief and turned him over to the police. The items were later recovered.

Gyeonghuigung, known as the Palace of Serene Harmony was anything but serene in the late 19th century. It was commonly known by Westerners as The Mulberry Palace (due to the large number of mulberry trees that had been planted on its grounds in the early 1880s) and widely believed to be dangerous  not only because of the ghosts and demons who were supposed to haunt its abandoned halls, but also because of the real threat of tigers and leopards that prowled it at night. It was a place where you could lose your life and, in early November 1897, your watch.

According to a newspaper account, a Western woman went for a walk on the palace grounds and was accosted by a Korean boy [probably a young man or laborer and not a child] who asked her the time of day. She took out her gold watch and showed the dials to the boy. He snatched the watch from her hand and made his escape through the opening of the palace wall.

A 30 dollar reward was offered but it is not clear if the watch was ever recovered. An American resident in Jemulpo suggested: The prevalence of this kind of sneak thieving is worthy of note. It is not a Korean [thiefs] trick to grab things from a pedestrian and it has been learned probably from foreigners.

There were other ways to steal time. According to a newspaper account in August 1897:

The city Government keeps two men at the bell house in [Jongno], whose duty is to strike the bell at noon and midnight for the benefit of the people. Lately these men became drunk and did not attend to their duties at the proper hours. A few nights ago one of them struck 12 oclock at half past four in the morning. The Governor of the city discharged both of them and appointed two new men. We have been assured by the city authority that the new appointees do not touch a drop of whiskey or any other beverage of similar nature which makes one forget the weary hours of the summer days. (Or rather nights in this case). It may be so.

While the bells sound was for the benefit of the people, things were changing:

In June 1898, The Korean Repository reported the clear sweet tones of the beautiful bell in the new Roman Catholic cathedral are among the pleasant sounds heard in Seoul now. It acknowledged that the Korean bell at Jongno while not less sweet in tone has the great disadvantage of inferior location.

Jongnos bell was an iconic part of Westerners descriptions of life in Seoul in the 19th century, but by the late 1890s, its time of importance was seemingly coming to an end. The establishment of streetcars contributed to the abolishment of the nightly curfew and the closing of the city gates. Clocks and watches were everywhere and visages of the past were fading with each passing moment.

Fortunately, the bell was not lost with the passage of time and even now retains its glory. If you get a chance tonight, visit Bosingak (at Jonggak station) and listen to the hauntingly beautiful sound as this relic from Joseon rings in the New Year.

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.
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Suspended Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Shannon O'Brien and her lawyer, Max Stern, spoke with reporters after a Dec. 14 hearing in Suffolk Superior Court.
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Seizes spurious medicines valued at Rs 6 lakh

In a significant operation, the Drug Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has successfully dismantled a spurious/counterfeit drug manufacturing racket operating in Kukatpally, Hyderabad. The authorities seized counterfeit medicines valued at Rs 6 lakh from an unlicensed entity named Rams Pharmaceuticals located in Moosapet.

According to DCA officials, Rams Pharmaceuticals was illicitly producing counterfeit Anti Ulcer medicines in the name of a Punjab-based company without the requisite drug license from state regulatory authorities. Initial investigations revealed that Kouchika Ranjith Kumar, along with Mada Pavan and Shaik Subhani, were engaged in the illegal manufacturing of spurious drugs at Rams Pharmaceuticals, posing as a Food Supplement manufacturer.

The illicit products were then supplied to a wholesale distributor, M/s. Biomedic Pharmaceutical Private Ltd, situated in Nizamabad district.



Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of Drugs Control Administration (DCA) Telangana, disclosed that acting on reliable intelligence, a team from DCA's Medchal zone conducted a surprise raid at Rams Pharmaceuticals' premises in Moosapet. The company, holding a Food Manufacturing Licence (FSSAI license), was found to lack any drug manufacturing license.



During the raid, DCA officers uncovered the manufacturing of Anti Ulcer medicines, specifically "Essom-RD (Esomeprazole Gastro-Resistant & Domperidone Sustained Release capsules)," based on label foils linking the drug to QP Phermachem Ltd in Punjab. Stereos used for printing batch details on medicine labels were also confiscated.



The investigation further revealed that the counterfeit drugs were supplied to M/s. Biomedic Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. in Nizamabad through Jaypee Daily Parcel Services located in Kukatpally. DCA officers in Nizamabad subsequently raided the distributor and seized 29,600 capsules of the spurious drug.

G. Sreenivas, Assistant Director, Medchal, and Drugs Inspectors N. Sahaja and M. Sreebindu conducted the raid at Moosapet, while P. Sarala, Deputy Director, Nizamabad, and Drugs Inspectors N. Narsaiah, V. Srikanth, and R. Srilatha carried out the operation in Nizamabad.



DCA officials said that the spurious drugs pose a severe threat to public health, jeopardising patients' well-being. The seized counterfeit medicines have been taken for analysis, and further investigations will be conducted to take legal action against all involved offenders. The DCA remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain, as observed by the drug regulatory authorities.
In the dynamic landscape of global healthcare, India emerges as a promising frontier for life sciences clusters, offering a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. Globally, it is recognised within the top 12 biotechnology destinations and ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region. Indias BioEconomy exceeds a valuation of $92 billion in 2022, driven by bioinnovation and biomanufacturing. Estimates show the market is likely to reach a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 per cent, reaching $427 billion by 2030. At the cusp of 2024, stakeholders must understand the intricacies of this sector as well as its potential to not only revolutionise healthcare but also stimulate economic growth. Lets dig deeper.

Life sciences clusters in India play a pivotal role in ensuring creating and sustaining this momentum to foster innovation, drive research collaboration, and serve as catalysts for sustained economic prosperity. India, with its vast and diverse population, is on the precipice of a healthcare revolution. The life sciences sector, comprising pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology, has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. This surge in demand positions India as a key market and an attractive location for fostering innovation and developing solutions. Government policies further support this measure, actively promoting a conducive environment for businesses.

Challenges on the Horizon

While the canvas appears ripe for transformation, navigating the challenges accompanying this journey is crucial for success. Some hurdles faced by the life sciences clusters include:

Regulatory Complexities: The regulatory framework in India, while evolving, can be intricate and time-consuming. Navigating through approvals, compliance, and licensing processes requires a nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape. According to the Global Innovation Index (GII) report, published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) every year, Indias regulatory environment ranks 68th.

Infrastructure Deficits: The development of life sciences clusters hinges on robust infrastructure, from state-of-the-art research facilities to efficient transportation networks. Investing in such infrastructure is imperative for attracting top talent, fostering research excellence, and promoting seamless collaboration between academia and industry. As the country aims to emerge as an R&D hub, world-class infrastructure will play a key role in attracting companies to both establish and expand their footprint here. A concerted effort is needed to bridge existing gaps and position India as a global life sciences hub.

Talent Acquisition and Retention: The life sciences sector demands a highly skilled and specialised workforce. Attracting and retaining top-tier talent is a challenge that must be addressed strategically. A high-level committee developing science & technology (S&T) clusters in India helmed by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and NITI Aayog notes that as of 2018, India had 156 researchers per million citizens, about a tenth of the global average of 1,500, and much lower than China and the U.S, where the numbers are 1,096 and 4,217 researchers per million people, respectively. Lack of intellectual assets is a shortcoming that educational institutions, in collaboration with industry players, should address by designing programmes that align with the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals.

Opportunities to Excel Unveiled

The hallmark of successful clusters is the high level of organic activity in which stakeholders experiment with different models of collaboration and partnership, with a willingness to try new models and not fear failure. India has four primary clusters for science & technology companies, including life sciences, in the top 100, where Bengaluru ranks 56, Delhi 64, Chennai 83, and Mumbai 84. When harnessed judiciously, the challenges of cluster-based infrastructure can pave the way for opportunities that can transform the life sciences landscape here into a thriving ecosystem of innovation and growth.

Global Collaborations: The interconnected nature of the life sciences industry opens avenues for global collaborations. Indias immense market potential has been drawing some MNCs, who play a pivotal role in boosting innovation at various levels. By facilitating collaborative ventures with local entities and undertaking knowledge exchange, they create an environment ripe for innovation, navigating complex global regulatory frameworks all the while. Indian life sciences clusters can strategically partner with international counterparts, fostering knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and cross-border investments. This accelerates innovation while enhancing the global standing of the Indian life sciences sector.

Innovation Ecosystems: Life sciences clusters provide fertile ground for innovation ecosystems to flourish. By creating environments that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, including partnerships with technology firms and startups, clusters can serve as incubators for groundbreaking ideas. Incubation programmes, funding mechanisms, and mentorship initiatives will be vital in nurturing the next generation of healthcare innovators. Strengthening local and state-level innovation should be a priority, an area where Karnataka has made a head start. Its pioneering Research, Development, and Innovation Policy recommends this as a focus area to nurture the S&T cluster in Bengaluru and incubate other similar clusters in the state. The state has recently launched an Rs 25 crore-strong deep tech cluster seed fund to nurture startups that can significantly impact the capabilities of the life sciences sector too.

Market Access and Affordability: India's life sciences clusters can act as a gateway to diverse markets, aiding in clinical trials and market access. It also presents an opportunity to diversify the life sciences portfolio by incorporating traditional medicine and biotechnology to cater to a broader spectrum of healthcare needs for India's vast and diverse population, a unique market for life sciences products and services. The development of clusters should be aligned with strategies to improve market access and affordability. This includes initiatives to reduce the cost of healthcare delivery, increase the penetration of advanced medical technologies, and enhance the accessibility of life-saving pharmaceuticals.

As they expand, life sciences clusters generate employment spanning R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and sales, reducing unemployment and fostering socio-economic development. A thriving sector positions India as a key global player, capitalising on cost-effective manufacturing and a skilled workforce. This enhances exports, fortifying the nation's economic resilience. Investments in education, research, and development within these clusters contribute to a knowledge-driven economy, attracting foreign investments and establishing India as a frontrunner in the global knowledge economy.

The future of life sciences clusters in India is both a challenge and an opportunitya canvas awaiting the strokes of strategic vision and collaborative efforts. We must embark on this transformative journey, catalysing a brighter and healthier future for the nation.

Vishal Goel, Managing Director, Rx Propellant
By Yun Byung-se

Fire everywhere, a senior EU official expressed at a recent Korea-Europe conference in Brussels to assess the world situation following the Hamas attack on Israel. It echoed my remarks to the same audience that a Pandoras box has been opened wide on multiple fronts  geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-technological as well as on the global governance dimension.

This convergence of views is, of course, only a partial representation of ongoing debates among policymakers and opinion leaders on the current state of world affairs and their prognoses for the future. Some focus on immediate symptoms, whereas others fathom the root causes of what may be called poly-crises or tectonic changes in the global order.

With the end of the post-Cold War era, we are now entering a fragmented world, fraught more with perils than opportunities, of "unknown knowns," "known unknowns" and "unknown unknowns." Geostrategic competition has triggered gaping geo-economic fractures in trade, finance and technology transfers, putting economic security upfront. What we are witnessing is a serious gap between global challenges and global responses  an over-supply of problems with a clear deficit of solutions.

This lacuna mainly stems from the hard reality that the old order is gone, but a new order is yet to come. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres elucidated in his New Agenda for Peace report last July that power dynamics have become increasingly fragmented in this moment of transition to a new global order and new poles of influence are yet to assume the leadership to address the poly crises that are roiling the world today.

Likewise, the Munich Security Index 2023 testified to a new age in global politics marked by an omnipresent sense of insecurity. In addition, the latest 2023 NEAR Global Survey Report released in Seoul in early December 2023 highlighted such concern over the ever-deepening, widening and prolonging divide along geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-technological fault lines.

However, views are diverging when it comes to the sense of urgency and priority of challenges and prescriptions for the future. They tend to vary, depending on where you belong  Global West, Global East and Global South  and whether you are part of certain like-minded groupings.

As for the U.S., its 2022 national security strategy report focused on ten global priorities, including competition with China, Russian aggression against Ukraine, existential threat from climate change, pandemics, economic turbulence and North Korea. The latest Hamas-Israeli war will be added to the list.

Like-minded G7 leaders chose two dozen areas of concern last May while prioritizing the Ukraine-Russia war, economic security, the Indo-Pacific (China, North Korea, etc.), the global economy, climate change, energy/food/health security, emerging technology such as AI, human rights and democracy, and the Middle East.

The historic Camp David leaders statements last August highlighted geopolitical competition with China including over the Taiwan Strait, climate crisis, support for Ukraine and the U.N. Charter, North Korean nuclear provocations and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), economic security and supply chain resilience, and emerging technology.

In contrast, the G20 leaders declaration in New Delhi in September was long on issues of growth, sustainable development, technology/digital divide, health, climate change, energy transition, multilateral institutions and terrorism, but very short on geopolitical issues except the Ukraine war.

So what will be your bet on top priorities in 2024? Cues come from two global reports mentioned above. The Munich Security Report 2023 revolves around five key areas of the future battleground  revisionist states (Russia and China), human rights, global infrastructure, development cooperation, energy security and nuclear order.

The 2023 NEAR Global Report offered its policy suggestions for future global and regional order in five key areas  management of order transition, U.S.-China strategic competition, economic security and supply chain resilience, Indo-Pacific strategies and what is defined as new multilateralism of symbiosis in which mutually reinforcing division of labor is critical among big powers, middle powers, the Global South and reformed global institutions.

Last but not least, the outcome of forthcoming elections in key stakeholders in the emerging international order, particularly the U.S., can lead to tectonic shifts in how the global order is shaped and managed, including major power competition and U.S. global role. More than two billion people in roughly 70 countries, including India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Russia, Ukraine and nations represented under the European Parliament, will head to the polls in 2024. South Koreas general election in April will be another barometer for its own future political and strategic landscape.

Indeed, multiple daunting challenges are ahead of South Korea. It will have to navigate turbulent waters both at home and abroad safely and in the right direction. For that, it needs a grand strategy for the coming decade of danger as well as a crisis management plan for the unknowns across regions and domains.

Over the short span of 20 months, the Yoon Suk Yeol government made impressive achievements in key foreign and security policy areas, such as the ROK-US alliance, Korea-Japan relations, trilateral security cooperation among Korea, Japan and US, Korea/Japan/China trilateral cooperation, the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Global Pivotal State Initiative.

Nonetheless, we cannot afford to be complacent in the face of a shaky transition to a new world order. South Korea should be present at the creation of that order as a rule-shaper, not as a rule-taker or bystander. It demands a farsightedness, resolve and strategic mind to look over the horizon.

Allied leaders proclaimed the Atlantic Charter at the height of World War II. Likewise, key stakeholders in peace, prosperity and freedom can take advantage of the ever-fragmenting world order to explore the possibility of an IndoPacific Charter as suggested by the 2023 NEAR Global Survey Report. If realized, it will be a new Magna Carta, charting a new international order in this region and beyond.

Happy new year of the Blue Dragon!

Yun Byung-se, a former foreign minister of South Korea (2013-17), is now Chairman of Seoul International Law Academy (SILA), a board member of the Korea Peace Foundation and a member of several ex-global leaders' forums and task forces, including the Astana Forum and its Consultative Council.
Compete with visions and policies instead of mudslinging

The 22nd general election, which will reshape the parliamentary power landscape, will take place 100 days after New Years Day.

As election day approaches, a sense of crisis is gripping the presidential office and the ruling People Power Party (PPP). According to a survey, 35 percent of voters said they would vote for the governing party to support the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. However, 51 percent replied they would elect opposition candidates to keep the government in check.

If the opinion poll figures are reflected in the votes cast on April 10, Yoon will become a lame duck for the remainder of his term. Unable to turn his agenda into laws, he will have to resort to presidential decrees to govern while vetoing numerous opposition-led legislations  as he has been doing until now.

Reflecting the urgency of the situation the PPP faces, the party will launch an emergency committee today. Yoon virtually handpicked Han Dong-hoon, the former justice minister and his most trusted aide at the prosecutors' office, to head the committee.

But will Yoon's tactics work? The odds do not appear to be in his favor.

Han is the third interim leader of the PPP in the past 16 months. Why has the ruling party had to change its leader almost every five months? At the center of the turmoil is the presidents low approval rating. Yoon won the election with 48.6 percent of voter support, but saw it fall below 40 percent only two months after taking office. His approval rating has since remained in the low 30 percent range. That shows where the problem lies.

In the same survey, respondents cited five negative things about Yoon  economy, diplomacy, overall ineptitude, lack of communication and one-sided administration  and in that order. To be very generous, the first three could be due to inexperience and take some time to improve. But the last two are personal. They can and should have been changed quickly. Even the presidents core supporters point out similar things: they agree with the direction of Yoon's policies, but disagree with his governance style.

We have called for the president to cease acting like a top prosecutor and become a chief executive. Korean prosecutors live by command and discipline amid a strict hierarchy. They disallow dissenting opinions and move like a single organism. Yoon has tried to maintain his relationship with the governing party vertically. Even many PPP officials question whether theirs is truly a democratic organization.

Its symbolic that a young former PPP leader bolted the party to create a new one Wednesday, citing the presidents arbitrary governance style.

The ruling camp expects Han, its new young leader, to heighten its chances of winning votes in April. There is no guarantee Han will pull that off. Everything will depend on whether Han, often called the presidents avatar, can form a horizontal relationship between the party and the president and how frankly he communicates with the leader. However, many doubt that will happen.

Even if Han successfully performs his role and the PPP wins the polls, that may not be entirely good news for Yoon as a politician. It might repeat the past examples of unpopular incumbent presidents and popular interim party leaders becoming the next presidential candidate.

Ironically, Yoon's less popular opposition counterpart has also faced a tough time. Rep. Lee Jae-myung, who heads the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has been exposed to judicial risks for various charges and criticized for similar problems to the president  a lack of communication with rival factions and relying only on core supporters.

Whats missing in these leadership controversies are the policies that can change peoples lives. Policy differences between the right-wing PPP and the relatively left-leaning DPK must exist. However, voters do not know those differences because the parties do not discuss them. They are focused only on who will run in what precincts.

Leaders must communicate with party members and the public more openly and freely. They should discuss real issues, like the economy, climate, peace, and security, and compromise with opponents if needed.

Next year will mark another significant turning point. Korean leaders cannot afford to be engrossed in petty power games. They must make people lead better lives by upholding national security and supporting the economy through competition and cooperation instead of trying to destroy each other.
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Postal Code
One thing 2024 is sure to bring is political upheaval as we head into a year of elections that will include local and European elections, the 2024 US presidential election, and likely general elections in Ireland and the UK.

Here, we have a look at what's at stake in each of these elections, and the factors that may influence them.

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European elections

The local and European Parliament elections will take place from June 6th to 9th, 2024.

Ireland currently has 13 MEPs. In June 2023, the European Parliament adopted a resolution to add an additional 11 MEPs. Ireland gained one MEP under this arrangement, increasing from 13 to 14.

The sitting Irish MEPs are Frances Fitzgerald, Mairead McGuinness, Maria Walsh, Sean Kelly, Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael), Barry Andrews, Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fail), Ciaran Cuffe, Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party), Matt Carthy (Sinn Fein), Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (Independent), Clare Daly and Mick Wallace (Independents 4 Change).

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Of this list, Ms Fitzgerald, Ms McGuinness and Ms Clune have announced they will not contest the next election.

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Ahead of the general election, the Coalition parties will hope to retain, or increase, their seats in Brussels, but this may well be a difficult task.

Sinn Fein will be looking to gain seats. While it has little to do with who ends up in Leinster House, the European elections are often seen as an indicator of a party's popularity at home.

Clare Daly and Mick Wallace have seen a drop in popularity at home due to their contrarian stance on issues such as Russia and Iran.

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It's unclear whether MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace will run for re-election.

They have also gained popularity in authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China, where they have become stars of their state media channels.

They have yet to confirm if they will seek re-election.

A number of far-right hopefuls, from the likes of the Ireland First party, may emerge, but it is unlikely they will gain a significant number of votes.

Local elections

Each local government area is divided into local electoral areas (LEAs) where three to seven councillors are elected on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

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The local elections could arguably be a bigger indicator of how parties will fare in the next general election than the European vote will be.

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The last local elections in 2019 saw Fianna Fail win 279 seats, followed by Fine Gael with 255 and Sinn Fein with 81.

This is likely to be flipped on its head. While the two government parties will hope for good results, they will likely have a significant drop, while Sinn Fein will be hoping to make big gains in a rehearsal for the general election.

General election?

The next general election has to be held by March 2025. However, in all likelihood, it will be held in 2024.

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Sources have indicated a November 2024 general election is most likely, with one last budget for the Coalition just before Taoiseach Leo Varadkar looks to dissolve the Dail.

In terms of strategy, Fine Gael are likely to continue their attacks on Sinn Fein, with a sort of 'be careful what you wish for' message for voters.

Like Fianna Fail and the Green Party, they will try to emphasise the achievements of the Coalition, but this will be tricky as all the parties have insisted they will campaign on their own merits rather than as a collective.

For Fianna Fail, there are other possibilities. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has made it clear he will not work with Sinn Fein, but if their showing in the general election is poor his hand may be forced, as a number of TDs and senators in the party have indicated they would be open to the idea.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin will be in a tricky position if his TDs and senators push for a coalition with Sinn Fein.

For Mary Lou McDonald and Sinn Fein, the message is simple: Change.

They have seen a slight dip in the most recent opinion polls, but they consistently come way above the government parties.

There will be 174 TDs in the next Dail. While Sinn Fein would like a majority, the reality is they will have to deal with other parties despite their popularity.

A left-wing coalition with one or more of the likes of the Social Democrats, People Before Profit or Labour will make government formation a tricky and complex process.

Some form of coalition with Fianna Fail would be historic, and the problem for Sinn Fein will be accusations that their message of change wasn't really as different as they led supporters to believe.

The Green Party are likely to struggle as their best option would be the status quo remaining, which is not impossible but very unlikely.

British general election

The next UK election can be held no later than January 2025, but British prime minister Rishi Sunak has already indicated he will call an election in 2024.

Despite the fact his leadership has been more stable than the chaos of his predecessors, Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, the prognosis for the Conservative Party is grim.

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The botched Rwanda legislation has stalled again, despite the fact Mr Sunak has doubled down on it, and all the opinion polls suggest voters are sick of the Tories.

That means Sir Keir Starmer can be all but certain of becoming the first Labour prime minister since Gordon Brown in 2010.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (centre right) visits the Tapa Nato forward operating base in Estonia close to the Russian border where he and shadow defence secretary John Healey (centre left) saw exercises and met soldiers deployed with the British Armed Forces.

Like Sinn Fein here, the party has been taking positions on issues that they will be facing in government barring a big shock at the polls.

US presidential election

November 5th, 2024 will see the eyes of the world on the United States.

Unless former president Donald Trump's legal cases take a dramatic turn, it seems all but inevitable that we will have a rematch of Biden v Trump.

Ron DeSantis, who was seen as Mr Trump's main challenger for the Republican nomination, has seen his campaign falter.

Nikki Haley has been gaining momentum. However, the former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador still faces an uphill battle as Mr Trump has a percentage lead of 40+ points in all polls.

Mr Biden's support of Israel, and voter concerns about his age, have been stumbling blocks for the Democratic president, who has seen his approval ratings dropping at a crucial period.

In most national polls, Mr Trump holds a slender lead over Mr Biden, so it is likely to be a tight race.

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If the rumours prove true and an Irish general election is called for November 2024 as well, it will be a busy month!

Voter issues

In Ireland, housing and health will dominate again.

The Government will point to progress in the Housing for All programme, but homeownership remains out of reach for thousands of people, so Sinn Fein's message of change will likely be popular, as it will be for the faltering health service.

An area that will be tricky for both government and opposition parties is immigration.

Ugly scenes like the Dublin riots and the burning of a hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, are worrying.

Mary Lou McDonald will have to grapple with issues around immigration as her party targets a first spell in government.

The latter was rightly condemned by politicians across the board, but Ms McDonald added that she understood people's concerns around the levels of immigration.

With ongoing wars, and climate refugees, these numbers will only grow and while people do have legitimate concerns about capacity, TDs will also have to address the rise of far-right agitators trying to capitalise on the problem.

AI and misinformation

All of the above mentioned elections will be targets for viral misinformation, much of it through elements of artificial intelligence such as deepfakes.

Dr Dympna O'Sullivan, senior lecturer in computer science and academic lead of the Digital Futures Research Hub at Technological University Dublin, feels the threat is very real, as Ireland heads into a busy period of elections.

In a recent interview with BreakingNews.ie, she said the Electoral Commission, who will be in charge of the response to these threats, should respond by rolling out a public information campaign on how to spot signs of misinformation.

Israel-Hamas war, War in Ukraine

While the stance in Ireland and Britain is likely to be quite similar in the event of a government change, the US election will have massive ramifications for both.

Mr Trump has claimed he could end the war in Ukraine "in 24 hours". In reality, a second Trump term would be bad news for Ukraine as Mr Trump is likely to cut all funding for their fight against Russia.

Where he stands on Israel is less clear, but a Trump administration would undoubtedly be isolationist in nature.
Updated: 6.44pm

The Minister for Justice said those who set fire to a former pub in Ringsend "will be brought to justice".

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Helen McEntee said the blaze in Ringsend in Dublin shortly before 2am on New Year's Eve was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established.

In a statement released on Sunday evening, Ms McEntee said: "Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences."

The fire broke out in a disused pub on Thorncastle Street which had been earmarked to be used to house homeless families.

No one was injured in the fire, and the scene has been preserved for a forensic examination.

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The Minister added no one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.

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The incident is being investigated by gardai, and Ms McEntee urged anyone with information to come forward.

Earlier this month, anti-immigrant protests were held at the building in response to false claims that it was to accommodate asylum seekers.

Persistent false rumours had been spread by anti-immigration activists that the building would house asylum seekers, and some social media accounts had called for the building to be set on fire.

The building had actually been taken over by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) to accommodate homeless families.

Earlier this month, the International Protection Accommodation Service and Department of Integration said they had not received any proposal for this property and therefore has neither considered nor examined this property for use.

It comes after a former hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway was destroyed in a suspected arson attack earlier this month after being acquired for accommodation for asylum seekers.
The number of students attending multi-denominational schools at post-primary level has exceeded the numbers enrolled in Catholic schools for the first time ever during the current academic year.

New figures published by the Department of Education show there were 201,102 pupils attending multi-denominational schools across the Republic in September representing 48.3 per cent of the total.

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At the same time, there were 199,292 students in Catholic schools accounting for 47.8 per cent of all enrolments at secondary level.

Multi-denominational schools in Ireland outnumbered Catholic secondary schools for the first time in 2018 but until now enrolments in Catholic schools had still remained higher.

The change was driven by a four per cent increase in enrolments over the past 12 months in multi-denominational schools with pupil numbers up 7,747.

In contrast, the growth in student numbers in Catholic schools was smaller at 0.8 per cent with a net increase of just 1,519.

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The Department of Education said the number of post-primary schools had been gradually rising for the last number of years in tandem with demographic changes.

The latest figures show the number of multi-denominational schools has remained unchanged over the past 12 months at 358, while the number of Catholic schools has decreased over the same period by six to 337.

Overall, the number of students attending post-primary schools rose by 2.5 per cent in September to 416,631  an annual increase of 10,239.

Excluding students from the Ukraine, the increase would have been 7,782 or 1.9 per cent.

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The number of students from Ukraine enrolled at post-primary level on December 21 has risen by 24.7 per cent to 6,836 since the summer holidays.

They were enrolled in 593 different schools  82% of all secondary schools  and accounted for 10% or more of student numbers in 36 schools.

Eight counties account for half of the total of Ukrainian students at post-primary level Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Clare, Mayo and Wexford.

Meanwhile, there was an increase in the number of all students attending post-primary schools in all local authority areas for the current academic year with the sole exception of Clare where enrolments fell by 49.

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The largest increases in absolute terms were in Cork County and Fingal where there were over 1,000 extra students attending secondary level compared to the previous year.

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In contrast to strong growth in enrolments at post-primary level, the number of pupils attending primary schools has fallen by 0.4% to 546,787  a decrease of 2,411 compared to the 2022/23 academic year.

The decrease would be more than twice as high but for the impact of students from Ukraine.

The preliminary figures show that the annual decrease would have been 1.0% or a net reduction of 5,577 in overall enrolments if children from Ukraine were excluded.

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A total of 10,558 children fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine were enrolled in primary schools in September  an increase of over 3,100 over the previous 12 months.

Since then the number of pupils from Ukraine has continued to increase by over 600 to reach 11,165 by December 21.

The age of children from Ukraine attending primary schools is spread fairly evenly across classes with the greatest number (1,544) enrolled in 3rd Class.

There are 1,656 schools  54 per cent of all primary schools  with students from Ukraine enrolled

They accounted for more than 10% of student numbers in 244 schools.

The highest concentration of Ukrainian pupils at primary level are found in Cork (1,153), Dublin (1,131), Kerry (1,099), Donegal (950) and Wexford (605).

The smallest numbers are located in Monaghan (88), Longford (107), Kildare (169) and Carlow (169).

The number of pupils attending primary schools in the Republic has been falling since 2018, although the first influx of Ukrainian refugees halted that trend briefly in 2022.

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The latest figures also reveal that the decline in numbers attending primary schools has not been spread uniformly across the country.

The largest decreases occurred in Dublin City and Cork County where both have recorded a net reduction in enrolments of 669.

In contrast, several counties showed an increase in enrolments due to the effect of Ukrainian pupils including Donegal and Mayo which had a net increase of 348 and 290 respectively.

The figures show the vast majority of students at primary level still attend Catholic schools, although the proportion has dropped slightly from 88.9% in 2022 to 88.6% this year.

The number of pupils attending Catholic primary schools has fallen by 3, 507 to 484,577.

The fastest growing category by school ethos in both percentage and absolute terms is multi-denominational schools where enrolments now account for 8.1% of the total compared to 7.8 per cent in 2022.

The number of students attending multi-denominational schools has risen by three per cent in the past year with an additional 1,273 students to bring the total to 44,254.

Over the past academic year, the total number of Catholic primary schools in the Republic has decreased by eight to 2,731.

The number of multi-denominational schools has grown by two to 168 over the same period.

The number of Church of Ireland and other schools has remained static at 168 and 22 respectively.

In the past 12 years, the number of Catholic schools has fallen by 126 as a result of closures and amalgamations, while an extra 71 multi-denominational schools have been established.
A yellow wind warning is currently in place for Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

Met Eireann said westerly winds veering northwesterly will be strong and gusty at times.

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They said potential impacts include loose debris, objects displacement, difficult travelling conditions and waves possibly overtopping.

The weather warning is valid from 11pm on Saturday night to 5pm on Sunday.

Sunday will be breezy or windy with scattered showers and occasional bright periods. Some of the showers will be heavy and there is a chance of hail and thunder.

Highest temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees with a fresh to strong and gusty westerly wind, very strong in the southwest.

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Most areas will be dry and bright on Monday morning, but there will be some showers in Ulster, and it will be cloudy with patchy light rain or drizzle near the south coast.

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Rain will spread across the country from the southwest during the afternoon and evening.

Light to moderate south to southwest winds at first, becoming easterly and increasing moderate to fresh.

Fresh to strong westerly winds will develop in the south and southwest in the evening. Afternoon temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees.

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Rain will move northeastwards across the country during the morning and afternoon on Tuesday, followed from the southwest by scattered showers. Highs of 7 to 10 degrees in a freshening southwest breeze.

A mix of cloud and some sunny spells then for Wednesday but some showers will move into western and northern counties during the morning and afternoon. Staying mostly dry across Leinster and east Munster with highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in a moderate westerly breeze.
Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people on Sunday, hospital officials said, as the military targeted areas in several parts of the territory a day after the countrys prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a ceasefire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central part of the tiny enclave, after Israel this week made that region the new focus of its war.

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The war has raised fears of a broader regional conflagration.

The US military said on Sunday that it had shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired towards a container ship by Yemens Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

(PA Graphics)

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Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same ship, but US forces opened fire, killing several of the armed crews, the US Central Command said.

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Israel says it wants to destroy Hamass governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where the group launched its October 7th attack on southern Israel which killed 1,200 people, and took 240 people hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

Israels unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,600 Palestinians and wounded more than 55,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations.

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Israels bombardments have flattened vast swathes of the territory, making parts uninhabitable and displacing some 85 per cent of Gazas inhabitants.

Palestinians load the bodies of relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip on to a truck in Deir al Balah (Adel Hana/AP)

Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of dense urban neighbourhoods which house refugees from the war surrounding Israels creation in 1948 and their descendants. The fighting has left Palestinians in Gaza with the feeling that nowhere is safe.

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In the area of Zweida in central Gaza, an Israeli air strike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

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Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it is battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding.

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It also said its forces operating in Shati, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a nursery school and defused it.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter.

There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

Israeli security forces take up positions during a military raid in the Askar refugee camp near the West Bank city of Nablus (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

Hamas continues to launch rockets towards southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

The magnitude of the destruction in Gaza coupled with the wars length has raised questions about the achievability of Israels goal to quash Hamas as well as about its plans for post-war Gaza.

Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip, without saying what would come next.

At a news conference on Saturday, where he said the war will continue for many more months, he reiterated his intention to preserve an Israeli military foothold in a narrow strip of land in southern Gaza near the border with Egypt.

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Israeli security forces arrest two Palestinian men during a military raid in the Askar refugee camp near the West Bank city of Nablus (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

(It) must be in our hands, it must be sealed. Its clear that any other agreement will not guarantee the demilitarisation that we need and require, he said.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons in through the Egyptian border, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

In his public remarks about Israels plans for the Gaza Strip, Mr Netanyahu has also said he will not allow the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the West Bank, to participate in any future rule over Gaza.

That position has put him at odds with the Biden administration over who should run Gaza after the war.

The US backs the idea that a unified Palestinian government should run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood.

Israeli media have reported that Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly dodged holding meetings with his War Cabinet about the post-war possibilities.

On Sunday, Israels far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and re-establish Jewish settlements in the territory, from which it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not two million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

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Mr Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a War Cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighbouring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, as well as other friendly Arab countries.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesman, said late on Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting.

Mr Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

A former member of Mr Netanyahus Cabinet has offered one of the partys first public apologies for the internal strife that preceded Hamass October 7th attack.

Knesset member Galit Distel Atbaryan was speaking in an interview with Israels Channel 13 on Sunday.

She said: Im here sitting and telling you, the democratic, secular public: I sinned against you, I caused pain for you, I caused you to fear for your lives here, and I am sorry for this.

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Ms Distel Atbaryan added she was also taking responsibility for her role in the massive protests and civil discord that erupted after Mr Netanyahus right-wing government attempted to implement a far-reaching overhaul of the judicial system.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said in his televised New Year address that China will surely be reunified with Taiwan, renewing Beijings threats to take over the self-ruled island, which it considers its own.

Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to regard the island of 23 million people with its high-tech economy as Chinese territory and has been ramping up its threat to achieve that by military force if necessary.

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China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose, Mr Xi said in his annual address, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

China has described Taiwans January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections as a choice between war and peace.

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Beijing considers the presidential front-runner, William Lai, from the ruling Democratic Peoples Party, who currently serves as vice president, a separatist and has accused him and Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen of trying to provoke a Chinese attack on the island.



(L to R) Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate William Lai, China-friendly Kuomintang Party candidate Hou Yu-ih, and Taiwan Peoples Party candidate Ko Wen-je (Pei Chen/Pool/AP)

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On Saturday, Chen Binhua, spokesman for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, called Mr Lai a destroyer of peace following a televised debate earlier that day in which Mr Lai defended Taiwans right to rule itself as a democracy.

Mr Chen said Mr Lais discourse at the debate was full of confrontational thinking, adding that the vice president is the instigator of a potential dangerous war in the Taiwan Strait.

Mr Lai had said during the debate that Taiwan is not subordinate to China and that he is open to communications with Beijing as long as there is equality and dignity on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

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While Mr Lai does not describe himself as seeking independence from Beijing, he generally maintains that Taiwan is already an independent country.

His election rivals include Hou Yu-ih, from the more China-friendly Kuomintang Party, and Ko Wen-je, from the Taiwan Peoples Party.
The US military said on Sunday that it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired towards a container ship by Yemens Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same ship, but US forces opened fire, killing several of the armed crews, the US Central Command (Centcom) said. No-one was injured on the ship.

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The Houthis acknowledged that 10 of their fighters were killed in the confrontation and warned of consequences.

The Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou reported that it had already been hit by a missile on Saturday night while transiting the Southern Red Sea and requested assistance, Centcom said in a statement.

The USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the call for help, and the Denmark-owned vessel was reportedly seaworthy and no injuries were noted, the statement added.

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A 20mm Phalanx CIWS weapons defence cannon mounted on the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely (John C Clark/AP)

This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19th, Centcom said.

In another statement, Centcom said the same ship issued an additional distress call about a second attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.

The attackers fired small arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou, getting to within about 65ft (20m) of the vessel, Centcom said.

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A contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, the central command said.

US helicopters from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier and Gravely responded to the distress call and, while issuing verbal warnings to the attackers, the small boat crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.

The US Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defence, sinking three of the four boats, killing the crews, while the fourth boat fled the area, Cencom said, and no damage to US personnel or equipment was reported.

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The Denmark-based shipping giant Maersk, owner of Maersk Hangzhou, said on Sunday it would suspend shipping through the Red Sea again after the two attacks on its freighter.

In light of the (most recent) incident  and to give time to investigate the details of the incident and assess the security situation further  it has been decided that all transits through the area will be postponed for the next 48 hours, Maersk was quoted as saying by the Danish public broadcaster DR.

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The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports.

They say their attacks aim to end Israels air and ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip following the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7th.

On Saturday, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East said Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Since the Pentagon announced Operation Prosperity Guardian to counter the attacks just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have travelled through the Red Sea region, and none has been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper said in an Associated Press interview.

In Washington, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council sidestepped a question about the possibility of a pre-emptive strike against the Houthis to safeguard commercial shipping in the vital waterway.

I wont say whats on or off the table right now, John Kirby told ABCs Good Morning America, adding, Were going to do what we have to do to protect shipping.

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He said the US has significant national security interests in the region and were going to put the kind of forces we need in the region to protect those interests and were going to act in self-defence going forward.

He said the US has made it clear to the Houthis that we take these threats seriously, and were going to make the right decisions going forward.
Police are investigating after a disruptive passenger had to be pinned down by flight attendants on a Qantas flight from Bali to Australia in the early hours of Sunday.

A witness said the man had gone crazy on board flight QF46, which departed Denpasar on Saturday night and landed safely in Melbourne just before 7am on Sunday.

Footage from the flight shows the man was tackled to the ground by a group of passengers before a flight attendant used his knee to pin him to the floor of the cabin.

On arrival, Australian Federal Police officers boarded the aircraft and questioned the Victorian man, 28, before he was taken for a medical assessment.
John Howards cabinet dumped its support for an emissions trading scheme to reduce the nations greenhouse emissions after the prime minister warned senior ministers that industry leaders were strongly opposed to the idea.

Cabinet documents released on January 1 by the National Archives show that in 2003 - almost a decade before the Gillard government would introduce its carbon tax  the Howard government backflipped on its moves towards a trading scheme that had been supported by ministers including then-treasurer Peter Costello and foreign minister Alexander Downer.

John Howard talks to then Labor leader Simon Crean in the House of Representatives in August 2003. Days later, Howard would convince his cabinet to dump support for an emissions trading scheme. Credit: Penny Bradfield

The documents show that in the first half of 2003, the issue of how to reduce Australias greenhouse gas emissions was a growing concern. The Howard government in 2002 had decided not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol which, unlike almost every other nation, actually gave Australia the ability to increase its emissions.

While opposed to signing the protocol, the government wanted to meet its commitment which forced it to consider ways to bring emissions down.
Commentary: Building community with shared future promotes human progress

Xinhua) 17:48, December 31, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Since it was first proposed in 2013, the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind has developed from a single thought into a scientific system that has been put into practice via broad international cooperation, becoming a groundbreaking initiative leading trends of the times and promoting human progress.

Aiming to develop an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity, building a community with a shared future for mankind is the noble goal pursued by China in conducting major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era, as stated at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs which concluded Thursday.

Building a community with a shared future is not about replacing one system or civilization with another. Instead, it is about building a world where countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures, and levels of development share interests, rights, and responsibilities in global affairs, creating greater synergy for building a better world.

Such ideas point out the direction needed for human society to realize common development, lasting peace and security, and mutual learning between civilizations. These ideas have been warmly echoed by the international community. The vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind has been written into resolutions of the UN General Assembly for seven years in succession, and also included in resolutions or declarations of multilateral mechanisms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.

China also put forward important initiatives such as building of a global community of health for all, a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and a community of life for humanity and nature, giving a strong boost to global governance in various sectors.

China has built communities of shared future with dozens of countries and regions, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative it proposed have gained support from over 100 countries, and the Global Civilization Initiative has received positive feedback.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides a platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind through diverse high-quality cooperation. Under the BRI, China has signed more than 200 documents on cooperation with over 150 countries and in excess of 30 international organizations. From 2013 to 2022, the cumulative value of trade between China and other BRI countries reached 19.1 trillion U.S. dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4 percent.

After 10 years of development, the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind has become an international consensus, since it not only offers answers to questions regarding the development of human society but also responds to the common pursuit of people across the world seeking peace, development, and cooperation.

In the new decade, China will continue to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind with practices to expand substantive cooperation at different levels and in various sectors and to bring countries together to meet challenges, thus ushering in a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress for the world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
By Robert Neff

In 1927, Miss Jeannette Oldfather, an American missionary from Iowa, wrote, Christmas in Korea is a happy affair [although] there are few gifts for the children. She was especially concerned for the children on Ganghwa and the smaller islands surrounding it where the children have never seen dolls. However, she was determined to change that  with, of course, Santa Claus help.

Of course, none of the children actually saw Santa that year. He was far too busy to put up with the bureaucratic paperwork that was required to visit the islands, so, instead, he sent Miss Oldfather. According to her, to get to Ganghwa Island and some of the nearby smaller islands from Jemulpo (modern Incheon), she was forced to take a coastal steamer part of the way, then a motorboat and finally an open Korean sailboat. The trip was not as tedious as the paperwork was:

[In] addition to the regular information as to name, birthplace and business, which the government requires when we buy our tickets [to the island], the man asked me to write my name in Japanese (which I cant do), when they already had the Chinese characters of my name, which are also used in Japanese.

Once she arrived at the islands dock, she had to walk five kilometers to the missions rest house in Ganghwa City. Instead of finding a warm, comfortable bed, she found a minor disaster:

There I found that the bedding line had broken, dropping the bedding on the damp clay floor of one room, while in the other room, the clay floor [had] fallen in so that I could not heat the floor (by a style of flues underneath) and dry the bedding. That meant unpacking all my baggage roll, to get the bedding, and packing it again the next morning, but we, the baggage coolie, and I got off at six in the morning on our [20-kilometer] trip across [Ganghwa] Island.

Yet, despite these initial hardships, she remained very positive and noted the islands scenery was beautiful during the winter. She also displayed a fair amount of patience  something many people are short of during the holiday season.

While waiting for a boat to take her to one of the smaller islands, she was besieged by a group of curious folks that kept coming and going to look at her and discussed and questioned her every move. In her letter, she acknowledged that she was a little tired from her long walk and found the boys to be a bit rude but for the most part, the little youngsters were dear, and the women friendly.

Of course, her hair (which her Korean spectators announced to be yellow) and her white skin (she put question marks next to the white, so I am assuming she had a darker complexion) attracted the most attention. Amusingly, despite having been in Korea for only three years, she was able to understand some of the conversations she overheard about her:

Wheres she going? Just look what all shes got there. Well, would you look at that fan! I wonder how old she is. How old are you? Oh, yes, these foreigners have all colors of hair. Aigo, whats she doing now? Do you suppose thats beer shes drinking? (My poor innocent tea  how quickly I set them right!) Wow, the foreign men, they are horribly tall; one used to travel this district. O, will you take this youngster along with you and raise it as your own? My husbands dead. (Of course, I knew in spite of the clipped hair it was a girl. Not so would they talk of sons.) O, say do you eat (smoke) tobacco? (I am speechless for a moment.) Well, whats she eating now? Huh, of course its western bread.

It isnt clear what the children on Ganghwa and the surrounding islands received, but we know the gifts Santa gave the children at the mission schools in Jemulpo.

At a little ceremony in their kindergarten, the little kiddies in their best, looking like little flowers in the bright colors of the Korean costume, all excited and wiggly, taking peeks on the quiet, at the [Christmas] tree up in front, were presented with their gifts. Each little girl received a tiny celluloid doll and a yarn ball while the boys each received a nice plump cloth dog or rabbit, which they seemed to like, as it was made of red cloth.

The following day the elementary students received their gifts from Santa. He presented the first grade girls with dolls, and a box of crayons and a pencil for the second graders, a notebook and a ruler for the third graders and for the fourth graders a handkerchief and a pencil.

They were, for the most part, practical gifts to aid them with their schoolwork but Santa truly showed compassion and understanding with his gifts to the fifth graders. He presented them with a small bottle of hand lotion. Oldfather explained:

At that age, when they must help with the cooking in an unheated dirt-floored kitchen, and often do the family washing, outside, in cold water, at some stream, even in midwinter, little hands become so chapped and bleeding a soothing lotion is much appreciated.

The position of the sixth graders was also considered as they were soon to graduate [and] the dignity of their positions required [them to receive] a bit more than their younger peers. They were presented with a notebook, a pencil and a handkerchief.

We do know that a couple of dolls, left over from the schools in Jemulpo, were sent to the islands where they were received with great joy. In her letter thanking one of Santas helpers in Iowa, she wrote: What they [] mean to the girls there you cannot imagine, unless you know the hardness, the poverty of their lives, and their home conditions.

I know very little about Jeannette Oldfather, but this year, when I think about the jolly old fellow, it wont be Saint Nick who I am thinking about  it will be Oldfather.

I wish everyone a great holiday season. Stay warm and take care.

I would like to thank Diane Nars for her invaluable assistance and friendship.

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including "Letters from Joseon," "Korea Through Western Eyes" and "Brief Encounters."
Tel Aviv: Mia Schem had been held hostage in the Gaza Strip for three days when, she said, she underwent surgery for a gunshot wound she sustained in Hamas attack on Israel. For days afterward  forced to share a room with her captor  she received no painkillers and had to replace her own bandages.

The account by Schem, who has talked about her 55 days in captivity with two television stations and in a photo essay published in the newspaper Yediot Ahronot, has touched a particular nerve in Israel.

French-Israeli woman Mia Schem is greeted by her mother and brother at the Hatzerim Air Base on November 30. Credit: AP

It echoes those of other hostages: a lack of food and water and minimal access to medical care. But her interviews and written account, which could not be independently confirmed, have offered the most detailed look at what life was like in captivity.

Schem, a 21-year-old Israeli French citizen from Shoham, Israel, was kidnapped by Hamas after fleeing the Nova music festival during the October 7 terrorist attack that killed about 1200 people in southern Israel. Early in the war, the group released a video of her in captivity, the first on any of the more than 230 hostages.
Cairo/Gaza/Jerusalem: Israel must take full control of the Gaza Strip border corridor with Egypt to ensure a demilitarisation of the area, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, as Israels military pushed deeper into central and southern Gaza.

Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu said: The Philadelphi Corridor  or to put it more correctly, the southern closing point [of Gaza]  must be in our hands. It must be shut. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarisation that we seek.

This drone image shows thousands of tents used by displaced people in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Credit: AP

He did not elaborate. If accomplished, such a move would mark a de facto reversal of Israels 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, placing the enclave under exclusive Israeli control after years being run by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Netanyahus comments about the buffer zone came as Israeli military forces pressed ahead with an offensive that the prime minister reiterated will last for many more months.
Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, a former longtime producer of American Idol, accusing him of sexually assaulting her when she was a judge on the reality show in the early 2000s.

In the lawsuit, Abdul says that during one of the early seasons of American Idol, Lythgoe shoved her against the wall of a hotel elevator, grabbed her genitals and breasts and began shoving his tongue down her throat. Abdul said in the lawsuit that she tried to push Lythgoe away, and that when the elevator doors opened, she ran to her hotel room and called one of her representatives in tears.

American Idol judge Paula Abdul in 2005. Credit: AP

Lythgoe helped turn American Idol into a phenomenon in the United States in 2002 after developing an earlier iteration of the show in Britain. He was also a creator of So You Think You Can Dance, on which he appeared as a judge for 16 seasons.

Representatives for Lythgoe did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
THE CUTTING-OFF WAY: Indigenous Warfare in Eastern North America, 1500-1800 Author: Wayne E Lee Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel Publisher: University of North Carolina Press Pages: 287 Price: $29.95



SHADOW EMPIRES: An Alternative Imperial History Author: Thomas Barfield Publisher: Princeton University Press Pages: 366 Price: $35



WHAT THE TALIBAN TOLD ME Author: Ian Fritz Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pages: 288 Price: $29.99



By Thomas E Ricks $35 $29.95

One of the benefits of studying the military histories of non-European groups is that it reminds us that there are very different means of waging war, as well as reasons for doing so.

One of the benefits of studying the military histories of non-European groups is that it reminds us that there are very different means of waging war, as well as reasons for doing so.

In The Cutting-Off Way: Indigenous Warfare in Eastern North America Wayne E Lee argues that the fluid, Native American style of war was quite alien to the European soldiers who encountered it. Tribes like the Tuscarora and the Cherokee avoided battles and conventional sieges, instead carrying out dispersed campaigns of ambushes and raids, which could be sustained for years. They often travelled light, subsisting on parched corn supplemented by occasional hunting, and fought in loose formations that rewarded individual initiative and marksmanship.



The weakness of the Indian way of war was that it was difficult to operate continuously, a fact that European foes exploited. In turn, Native American fighters saw that the key vulnerability of British, Spanish and French military expeditions was their long supply lines.



Being good at conquest isnt just about logistics and battle tactics. Todays anti-woke warriors in Congress likely would be surprised by the Boston University anthropologist Thomas Barfields insightful Shadow Empires: An Alternative Imperial History. Barfield concludes that one key to building a successful empire is the management of diversity  ethnic, religious, cultural, geographic and economic. Empires were not only comfortable with diversity, they thrived on it, he writes.



The Umayyad Caliphate of the eighth century, for example, stretched from Spain to Central Asia, areas that had never come under the same polity before. In an interesting analogy, Barfield writes that the Umayyads ran a franchise empire, not unlike McDonalds, in which local governors, or franchisees, were free to adapt local customs as long as they maintained basic commonalities.



Barfield concentrates his imaginative retelling of world history on the domains that dominated the Eurasian landmass for centuries, especially the Chinese, Roman and Persian empires. Of those three, his favourite is the Persian system. For one thing, they did better at managing leadership succession; new rulers emerged from among the royalty, but there wasnt a strict queue for the throne. This balance, he asserts, kept Persian rule from becoming so insular and unworldly that it could no longer govern effectively, as often occurred in China, but avoided the free-for-all civil wars that periodically debilitated the Roman Empire.



But many of these empires possessed a common vulnerability, Barfield finds: They were essentially built to control agrarian societies and were unable to adjust to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism.



Barfield concludes by turning that analysis on todays great powers. The Peoples Republic of China, he says, resembles an even more precarious imitation of the old agrarian empires that collected revenue from peasants and in turn gave them security and stability, but no political voice. The country, he writes, in trying to suppress non-Han ethnic groups, has inherited the Qings territorial base but not its cosmopolitan outlook.



He is most pessimistic about Russia, which he says operates as if it were the medieval Grand Duchy of Muscovy but armed with nuclear weapons. He suggests that Vladimir Putin may be leading his country toward a new version of the anarchic, famine-ridden Time of Troubles that plagued the Russian Empire from 1598 to 1613.



Barfield is an expert on Afghanistan, which Ian Fritz, who served as a US Air Force linguist in that country, distinctly is not. I wanted to like Fritzs What The Taliban Told Me. These are the sort of books young men write when they realise that their empire has sent them to kill without regard to the effects that doing so will have on those who are killed or on those who do the killing.



The book is lively at times but ultimately disappointing. I had hoped to learn from this book how the Taliban fought. But the enemy in Afghanistan didnt tell Fritz much except they didnt want him there.



Mainly, the war drove him crazy. As he puts it, My consciousness was blown up. But that doesnt mean Fritz developed an understanding of the war or the nation. He states, for example, that Afghanistan as a country is little more than a fairy tale constructed by Western colonialism, which is simply incorrect. The roots of the nation go back at least to the 18th century, and arguably to Mahmud of Ghazni  the first ruler to be a sultan  around the beginning of the 11th century.



Inadvertently, his memoir mirrors the American war in Afghanistan, which amounted to an imperial expedition executed incompetently, even carelessly, and certainly without the cultural and historical understanding that successful

empires so valued.





The reviewer is The New York Times military history columnist.

2023 The New York Times News Service
Pilot unions at Air India on Sunday expressed "concern" over the Tata Group-owned airline's alleged threat to the cockpit staff with "appropriate measures" if pilots report sick for duty.

In a communication to Air India senior vice president for flight operations Manish Uppal on Sunday, Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) said that reporting illnesses without the "fear of reprisal" is in the interest of flight safety.

IPG is the wide-body aircraft pilots' body at Air India while ICPA represents pilots who fly narrow-body Airbus 320 family aircraft of the full-service carrier.

The copies of the letter have also been marked to Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, DGCA Vikram Dev Dutt, Air India Managing Director and CEO Campbell Wilson, among others.

"We are writing to express our concern and objection regarding recent communications implying threats of appropriate measures for sick reporting," the pilot bodies said in the communication.

Stating that the IPG-ICPA understand the importance of maintaining a productive and efficient work environment, the two unions said, "It is crucial to acknowledge the significance of pilot's health and its cascading effect on flight safety."



There may be instances where pilots feel "intimidated" or "compelled" to operate flights despite their health concerns, potentially jeopardizing the safety of the flight, the letter warned.

"Threatening employees for reporting sickness not only violates ethical principles but also goes against the Aircraft Rules Act, 1937," they said in the communication.

The DGCA places a high priority on safety, the physical and mental health of pilots of utmost importance, the letter stated, adding, "pilots should feel comfortable reporting illnesses without the fear of reprisal in the interest of flight safety.
Stating that there is no nomenclature for the three groups who have come together, Akato said they will approach the Centre for political talks.

Three Naga groups have come together and decided to pursue negotiations for a solution to the decades-old Naga Political Issue with the Centre jointly.

The decision was taken on Saturday during a meeting attended by leaders of the three groups -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Akato Chophy, NSCN led by Khango and Naga National Council (NNC) led by Z Royim. All three are splinter groups.

"The three groups have come together to have a joint political venture in 2024," said Akato, while addressing journalists after the meeting here in the presence of leaders of the other two groups.

Asked if they have already approached the Centre with their decision to hold a dialogue, he said, "We have made separate approaches in the past but now we will make a joint effort on the Naga issue."



Akato also affirmed that they would be holding a dialogue separate from the negotiations being held by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) with the Centre.

The NNPG is composed of only seven groups while other Naga groups have been left out, he said, announcing that the three groups welcome like-minded organisations to join them for the cause of Nagas.

Stating that there is no nomenclature for the three groups who have come together, Akato said they will approach the Centre for political talks.

The Naga Political Issue is considered the longest-running insurgency in the country. The Centre has been holding separate negotiations with NSCN-IM since 1997 and the WC NNPGs since 2017.

Eight years have passed since the signing of the acclaimed Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 with NSCN-IM and another six years have gone by following the inking of Agreed Position on November 17, 2017 with WC NNPGs.

The NSCN-IM has remained adamant on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas as well as integration of Naga-inhabited areas spread over four states of India -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, and also Myanmar.

On the other hand, the WC of NNPGs has expressed its willingness to accept whatever is granted for now and continue with the talks.

Nonetheless, as of now, there is no significant development in the political negotiations between Centre and the Naga groups.
Over the course of months, an Associated Press photographer travelled across Afghanistan from its eastern border with Pakistan to its western border with Iran, getting to know displaced people and returned refuges and capturing their images.

The barren desert plain among the mountains of eastern Afghanistan is filled with hundreds of thousands of people.

Some live in tents. Others live out in the open, among the piles of the few belongings they managed to take as they were forced from neighbouring Pakistan.

The sprawling camp of people returning to Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing is the latest facet of Afghans' long, painful search for a stable home.

More than 40 years of war, violence and poverty in Afghanistan have created one of the world's most uprooted populations. Some 6 million Afghans are refugees outside the country.

Another 3.5 million people are displaced within the country of 40 million, driven from their homes by war, earthquakes, drought or resources that are being depleted.

Over the course of months, an Associated Press photographer travelled across Afghanistan from its eastern border with Pakistan to its western border with Iran, getting to know displaced people and returned refuges and capturing their images.

Afghanistan is already a poor country, especially after the economic collapse that followed the takeover by the Taliban two years ago. More than 28 million people two-thirds of the population rely on international aid to survive.

The displaced are among the poorest of the poor. Many live in camps around the country, unable to afford enough food or firewood for heat in the winter. Women and children often turn to begging. Others marry off their young daughters to families willing to pay them money.

In an camp for internally displaced people outside Kabul, it was 15-year-old Shamila's wedding day. She stood in a bright-red dress among the family's women, who congratulated her. But the girl was miserable.

I have no choice. If I don't accept, my family will be hurt, said Shamila, whose father did not give the family's name because he feared being identified by the Taliban. Her groom's family is giving her father money to pay off the debts he's had to take on to support his wife and children.

I wanted to study and work, I should have gone to school, Shamila said. I have to forget all my dreams so at least I can help my father and my family a little and maybe I can take the burden off their shoulders.

Pakistan's decision earlier this year to deport Afghans who entered illegally struck hard. Many Afghans have lived for decades in Pakistan, driven there by successive wars at home. When the order was announced, hundreds of thousands feared arrest and fled back to Afghanistan. Often Pakistani authorities prevented them from taking anything with them, they say.

Their first stop has been the camp in Torkham, where they might spend days or weeks before Taliban officials send them to a camp elsewhere. With little food and little to protect them from the mountain cold, many in the camp are sick.

In one corner of the camp at the foot of a mountain, 55-year-old Farooq Sadiq sat among some of his belongings, wrapped in cloth, with his wife and children on the ground beside them. Sadiq said he had been living in the Pakistani city of Peshawar for 30 years and owned a home there. Now they had nothing, not even a tent, and had been sleeping on the ground for the past eight nights.

I have nothing in Afghanistan, no house, no place to live, not enough money to buy a house, he said. He hopes to settle somewhere in Afghanistan and get a visa to Pakistan so he can go sell his home there to use the money for his family.

The expulsions from Pakistan have swelled the already large numbers of Afghans who try to migrate into Iran, hoping to find work.

Every month, thousands cross into Iran at the border near Zaranj. It's a risky route: In the dark of night, with the help of smugglers, they clamber over the border wall using ladders and jump down the other side.

Mostly young men, from 12 to their 20s, use this route, planning to work in Iran and send money home to their families. Many are caught by Iranian border guards and sent back.

The other way is longer a drive by car for hours to Afghanistan's southwest border, where they cross into Pakistan to make their way to its border with Iran, passing through mountains and deserts. In Pakistan, fighters from the Sunni militant group Jundallah often attack the migrants, killing or kidnapping Shiites among them.
In new fighting, Israeli warplanes struck the urban refugee camps of Nuseirat and Bureij in the center of the territory Saturday as ground forces pushed deeper into the southern city of Khan Younis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza will continue for "many more months", pushing back against persistent international ceasefire calls after mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in the besieged enclave.

Netanyahu thanked the Biden administration for its continued backing, including approval for a new emergency weapons sale, the second this month, and prevention of a UN Security Council resolution seeking an immediate cease-fire. Israel argues that ending the war now would mean victory for Hamas, a stance shared by the Biden administration, which at the same time urged Israel to do more to avoid harm to Palestinian civilians.

In new fighting, Israeli warplanes struck the urban refugee camps of Nuseirat and Bureij in the center of the territory Saturday as ground forces pushed deeper into the southern city of Khan Younis.

The Health Ministry in Gaza said Saturday that more than 21,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's unprecedented air and ground offensive since the deadly October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. The ministry, which does not distinguish between the deaths of civilians and combatants, said 165 Palestinians were killed over the past 24 hours. It has said about 70 per cent of those killed have been women and children.

The number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza combat rose to 170, after the military announced two more deaths Saturday.

The war has displaced some 85 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, sending swells of people seeking shelter in Israeli-designated safe areas that the military has nevertheless bombed. Palestinians are left with a sense that nowhere is safe in the tiny enclave.

With Israeli forces expanding their ground offensive this week, tens of thousands more Palestinians streamed into the already crowded city of Rafah at the southernmost end of Gaza.

Thousands of tents and makeshift shacks have sprung up on Rafah's outskirts next to UN warehouses. Displaced people arrived in Rafah on foot or on trucks and carts piled high with mattresses. Those who did not find space in overwhelmed shelters pitched tents on roadsides.

"We don't have water. We don't have enough food," Nour Daher, a displaced woman, said Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. "The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldn't bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk."



In the Nuseirat camp, resident Mustafa Abu Wawee said a strike hit the home of one of his relatives, killing two people.

The (Israeli) occupation is doing everything to force people to leave, he said over the phone while helping to search for four people missing under the rubble. They want to break our spirit and will, but they will fail. We are here to stay.

More US weapons for Israel



The State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress he approved a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed for 155 mm shells Israel bought previously.

It marked the second time this month that the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel. Blinken made a similar decision on December 9 to approve the sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $ 106 million.

Both moves have come as President Joe Biden's request for a nearly $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs remains stalled in Congress, caught up in a debate over US immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally contingent on concrete steps by Netanyahu's government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.

The war's timeline



Blinken, who has repeatedly traveled to the Middle East during the war, was expected back in Israel and other countries in the region in January. US officials have urged Israel to start shifting from high intensity combat to more targeted operations, but said they were not imposing a deadline.

Netanyahu said Israel needs more time.

As the chief of staff said this week, the war will continue many more months, he told a televised news conference Saturday. "My policy is clear. We will continue to fight until we have achieved all the objectives of the war, first and foremost the annihilation of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.

More than 120 hostages remain in Gaza, after militants seized more than 240 in the October 7 assault that also killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Netanyahu is also at odds with the Biden administration over who should run Gaza after the war. He has rejected the US-backed idea that a unified Palestinian government should run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. Instead, he has insisted on open-ended Israeli security control in Gaza, without saying what would come next.

Trading for hostages



Families of hostages and their supporters have demanded that the government prioritise hostage releases over other war objectives, and have staged large protests every weekend, including Saturday.

Egypt, one of the mediators between Israel and Hamas, has proposed a multistage plan that would kick off with a swap of hostages for prisoners, accompanied by a temporary ceasefire along the lines of an exchange during a week-long truce in November.

Hamas insists the war must end before it will discuss hostage releases. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Beirut, reiterated that position Saturday, but also told The Associated Press that we have not given any final answer so far to the Egyptian proposal.

Asked about reports of possible progress toward a deal, Netanyahu said Saturday that we see a possibility, maybe, for movement but that he did not want to raise exaggerated expectations.

Difficulties in delivering aid



More than a week after a UN Security Council resolution called for the unhindered delivery of aid at scale across besieged Gaza, conditions have only worsened, UN agencies warned.

Aid officials said the aid entering Gaza remains woefully inadequate. Distributing goods is hampered by long delays at two border crossings, ongoing fighting, Israeli airstrikes, repeated cuts in internet and phone services and a breakdown of law and order that makes it difficult to secure aid convoys, they said.

Nearly the entire population is fully dependent on outside humanitarian aid, said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. A quarter of the population is starving because too few trucks enter with food, medicine, fuel and other supplies sometimes fewer than 100 trucks a day, according to UN daily reports.
The US said the 22nd attack on international shipping by the Houthis since October 19 caused no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or any reported injuries.

Yemen's Houthi rebels show no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East said on Saturday, even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Since Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have travelled through the Red Sea region, and none has been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said in an Associated Press interview.

He said additional countries are expected to sign on. Denmark was the latest, announcing on Friday it plans to send a frigate to the mission that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced during a visit to Bahrain, where the Navy's 5th Fleet is based, saying that this is an international challenge that demands collective action.

The narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and then the Suez Canal. The crucial trade route links markets in Asia and Europe. The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have damaged vessels, led multiple shipping companies to order their vessels to hold in place and not enter the strait until the security situation improved. Some major shippers were sending their ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, adding time and costs to the journeys.

Currently there are five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, said Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet. Since the operation started, the ships have shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles, he said.

Just two days ago, the USS Mason, a Navy destroyer, down a drone and anti-ship ballistic missile that were fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis, according to US Central Command.

The US said the 22nd attack on international shipping by the Houthis since October 19 caused no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or any reported injuries.

I expect in the coming weeks we're going to get additional countries," Cooper said, noting Denmark's recent announcement.

The US has said that more than 20 nations are participating, but a number of those nations have not acknowledged it publicly.

Cooper said the coalition is in direct communication with commercial ships to provide guidance on maneuvering and the best practices to avoid being attacked, and working closely with the shipping industry to coordinate security.

An international task force had been set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the region. But Cooper said Operation Prosperity Guardian has more ships and a persistent presence to assist vessels.

Since the operation started, the Houthis have stepped up their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, Cooper said. We are cleareyed that the Houthi reckless attacks will likely continue," he said.

The Houthis seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a grinding war against a Saudi-led coalition that sought to restore the government. The militants have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthi threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. That has escalated to apparently any vessel, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries such as Norway and Liberia being attacked or drawing missile fire.

The shipping company Maersk had announced earlier that it had decided to re-route its ships that have been paused for days outside the strait and Red Sea, and send them around Africa instead. Maersk announced December 25 that it was going to resume sending ships through the strait, citing the operation. Cooper said another shipping company had also resumed using the route.

"Commerce is definitely flowing," Cooper said.
By Robert Neff

Often business is nothing more than the purchase of another persons time. But sometimes, it takes a physical form. One of the earliest business transactions involving Americans and Koreans took place in the summer of 1883 when Kim Ok-kuin, a Korean official, purchased a number of items from James R. Morse, an American businessman who owned The American Clock & Brass Company in Yokohama, Japan.

In a letter to the American legation in Seoul, Morse wrote about quite a friend of [his] residing in Seoul, who has been doing considerable business with me in the way of fine jewelry, furniture, etc. I have imported some very nice goods for him and other things, expensive watches, gold and platinum chains, and I have his order for some rather expensive furniture.

The watches Kim Ok-kuin (the quite a friend) purchased were gifts for the royal family and were solid gold with diamonds. They were, by no means, cheap. In 1879, gold watches in Yokohama were selling between $55 and $120  I am assuming the watches studded with diamonds that Kim bought were even more expensive.

Watches were the ideal gift  especially in Korea as they were extremely popular and hard to come by. American naval officers visiting Korea were frequently mobbed by the common people; not so much because they were foreigners, but because of the strange things they possessed. According to one visiting naval surgeon in early 1884:

[The Korean common peoples] curiosity is extremely for anything peculiar as photographic instruments and guns, watches or jewelry. But, he added, Ordinarily they pay little attention to us on shore and never follow us offensively in crowds. I guess the crowds in Seoul were a little pushier but still respectful enough that the officers did not feel threatened.

In 1884, it seems like everyone was trying to buy a watch. In the mountainous region of Gangwon Province, the blacksmith at the Jardine Matheson & Co.s gold prospecting site really wanted a watch and was willing to pay good money for it. When the British representative of the company arrived for a visit, the blacksmith asked the Englishman to buy a silver watch in Shanghai and send it back to him at the camp. The Englishman agreed but apparently did not complete the request in a timely manner causing the frustrated blacksmith to implore the camps supervisor, a Dane, to take the opportunity to make inquiry about the delinquent purchase.

I am unsure if the blacksmith ever received his watch but, a few months later, the Dane sent another missive to the companys offices in Shanghai complaining about a watch. Apparently, a local Korean magistrate initially refused to take any gratuity for [the] services he rendered to Jardine Matheson & Co., but this may have been because he was looking for something more valuable than money  time (in the form of a watch). According to the Dane, I have already presented his father with my silver watch, when he asked me to sell it to him, and I suppose he expects the same.

Watches were very popular gifts. On the New Year 1884, Rose Foote, the wife of the American Minister to Korea (Lucius Foote), presented Yun Chi-ho, a solid gold watch. Yun Chi-ho, at the time was an employee in the American legation, but he would later play a leading role in Joseon politics, even after Korea was annexed by Japan.

Judging by the various conflicting accounts (naval officers accounts and her biography by her close friend), Rose was a very interesting character. She also seems to have had a strange sense of gift giving.

In honor of the Korean queens birthday, in November 1884, Rose presented the Korean queen with an oil painting (I am assuming she didnt paint it but had brought it with her from California), and, at the same time, presented a gold watch chain to the palaces senior lady-in-waiting. I guess beauty and value truly are in the eye of the beholder, but I think I would have preferred lady-in-waitings gift. However, I cannot help but wonder what happened to the painting  has it disappeared forever with the passage of time or has it been forgotten and is gathering dust in one of the palace archives or in a museum?

The royal family also gave out watches. In mid-May 1884, a competition was held in the palace in which a gold watch was given as the grand prize. Yun Chi-ho attended but did not win. He doesnt seem to have been bitter about not winning  perhaps because he already had a couple of gold watches.

Not all recipients of these timely prizes were Korean. In 1896, The Independent, a newspaper published in Seoul, wrote:

The students of the Royal English School had their new uniforms on yesterday and drilled before His Majesty in the afternoon. They looked really neat and orderly and they drilled remarkably well. His Majesty was very much pleased with them and thanked Professors Hutchinson and Halifax for their creditable instructions. The English Sergeant who has been drilling these boys received a handsome gold watch from His Majesty for his service. There were a number of spectators from the different Legations and all seemed pleased with the boys. We hope this recognition from His Majesty and praises from the others will encourage the students in adopting more progressive ideas.

Of course, receiving gifts could also be dangerous. In September 1897, Yun Chi-ho wrote in his diary:

His Majesty [Gojong] was very gracious. He took my watch and examined it, asking me where I got it. Of course I could not tell him that it was a present of Kim O.K. He asked me if I had given my wife a nice watch. I told him that she has the watch given me by the late Queen.

The Kim referred to was, of course, Kim Ok-kuin, whose time had ran out when he was assassinated in China in 1894 with the Korean kings blessing. The corpse was brought back to Korea and chopped into parts at Yanghwajin ferry landing (near Hapjeong Station) as a warning.

Sometimes gifts were exchanged between monarchs and their royal families.

When Prince Henry (Albert Wilhelm Heinrich) of Prussia, visited Korea, he presented Prince Yi Jae-sun (often known to the foreigners as The Fat Prince), the most valuable present he could find to remember him [Yi] by, an imperial gift from one royal prince to another. The gift was an American watch which William Franklin Sands, an American advisor to the Korean government, caustically noted could be bought for a mere 10 dollars.

And, to the Korean emperor, the Prince Henry presented a carved wooden cuckoo clock such as hands in every peasants house in the Harz Mountains.

I believe Sands harsh criticism may have been influenced by his own personal dislike for the Prussian prince, but that story will have to wait for another time.

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.
By Baek Byung-yeul

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will unveil home appliances utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES), offering consumers the experience of a more convenient lifestyle based on the emerging technology, according to the companies, Sunday.

The CES will be held in Las Vegas from Jan. 9 to Jan 12. At the worlds largest tech show, the two Korean Big Tech companies believe that smart home appliances integrated with AI, will be the cornerstone of lifestyles in the future and therefore, plan to unveil their unique products to preempt the market.

Samsung Electronics will introduce the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo and Bespoke Jet AI vacuum cleaners, which feature enhanced AI capabilities at this year's edition of the CES.

The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo, capable of both dry and wet cleaning, has greatly improved its object recognition capabilities and possesses even more precise driving via the use of AI technology, according to the company.

"Using the AI floor detection function, it distinguishes between hardwood floors and carpets and cleans according to the floor material," the company said. "The AI-powered object recognition function has also evolved to recognize and avoid not only small obstacles about 1 centimeter high but also a wider range of objects such as smartphone cables and pet waste pads."

The Bespoke Jet AI, a stick-type vacuum cleaner, has also enhanced its AI mode to categorize and optimize suction power based on brush load and pressure, the company said.

Samsung also applied AI to food-related products. Its Bespoke Refrigerator Family Hub Plus, to be unveiled at the CES, will include an AI Vision Inside feature, which detects the ingredients inside of the fridge and recommends a list of recipes that can be made from them.

Through the Vision AI function, which has been trained by analyzing about a million photos of different types of food, the new product automatically creates a list of tasty recipes, Samsung said.

"Samsung Food app recommends recipes based on the ingredients stored in the refrigerator using the AI Vision Inside feature. Consumers will be able to check the recipe found in Samsung Food on a large screen while cooking, and if they send this recipe to the oven or induction, it automatically sets the optimal time and power for the menu," the company said.

LG Electronics will also unveil its vision to provide consumers with a better experience by applying AI technology to home appliances.

The most notable product is its Smart Home AI Agent. LG said this product, which applies robotics and AI technology, can act as a helper that can do some of the things people do at home.

With its advanced two-legged wheel design, the AI Agent is able to navigate the home independently, LG said.

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, LG said.
An employee with Walmart at 3550 Cummings Hwy. told police two people at self-checkout were scanning clothing with the wrong tags on them. Loss prevention apprehended the people as they were leaving. The amount of the discrepancy came to be approximately $65. The loss prevention employee ran the cameras back but was unable to find proof that the man and woman were responsible for the tag swaps.



* * *

Police were called to Walmart at 501 Signal Mountain Road where they intercepted shoplifting suspects with loss prevention personnel. The suspects were escorted to the loss prevention office and the merchandise was recovered. The suspects were let go with a warning.

* * *

A Circle K employee at 4026 Shallowford Road told police when she got to work, she set her belongings behind the counter towards the end and went to work. She received a notification from Cash App that someone attempted to use her Cash App card at a Speedway for $26.60. When she received this notification, she realized someone had reached around the counter and taken her wallet. She had her debit card and $130 in cash in her wallet. She described her wallet as a sunflower with all her identification. She couldnt tell which Speedway where her card was used.

* * *

A woman on Walker Avenue told police over the phone the passenger side rear window was broken out in her vehicle overnight. There were no visible signs of entry into the vehicle.

* * *

A man on Boynton Drive told police he accidentally left his vehicle unlocked overnight and someone got into it. He believed they were trying to steal the vehicle because they popped the ignition and tried to start it. The man didnt know who could have done it. He just wanted to report the damage done to his ignition to file an insurance report.

* * *

A woman on Jarnigan Avenue told police someone went inside her 2014 Subaru Forester sometime during the night and took approximately $1 in U.S. coins. She said the person also stole keys to a 2021 Honda Sport. The Honda is currently in the process of being reprogrammed. Police reviewed video footage and observed that around 5:13 a.m. three people exited a compact SUV. The three were seen going through vehicles; however, police could not obtain further information about the three.

* * *

An employee of Clements Auction, 7022 Highway 153, called police and said there was a homeless man on site who was not supposed to be there. Police identified the man and he was trespassed and left without incident.

* * *

Police were notified by a manager of the Hamilton County Tag and Title Office that there was a couple there attempting to get title for a vehicle via fraudulent paperwork. The officer and a detective with CPD Auto Crimes responded to the Tag and Title office and spoke to the couple. They were attempting to get a title for a white 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. The man said he purchased the vehicle down in Florida from TitleKing Express for $500. He said he found the vehicle on Facebook Marketplace. He said the vehicle needed a large amount of work and that's why it was so cheap. He said the person he purchased it from said he owned TitleKing Express. He was told by that person to come here to the Hamilton County, Chattanooga Tag and Title Office to submit this paperwork in order to get a title for the Caprice. He said once he returned to Florida with the title, then he would be able to take possession of the Caprice. He said the vehicle was still in fact located in Florida. The paperwork the man submitted to the Tag and Title Office showed the Caprice had a garage keepers lien on it for $380. The paperwork listed a man, owner of Williams Global Transport Corp, as the "owner" and seller of the Caprice. The paperwork for the garage keepers lien is consistent with other fraudulent paperwork with this exact same company listed on it in a very similar manner. This case is pending further investigation.

* * *



Police were called about a man sitting on the Spring Creek bridge looking like he was going to jump into the highway. Police found the man was standing on the sidewalk of the bridge, looking out. He told police he had just stopped to take a break and he was ok. Police asked him if he wanted to talk and if he wanted to hurt himself. He said he was just out for a walk to get some fresh air and clear his head. He said he did not want to hurt himself or anyone else, but did not want to talk. He left the area headed northeast toward Eastgate Mall.

* * *



A woman told police she experienced damage to her property at 501-599 Ochs Hwy. Police located her Toyota in the right shoulder. She said she was driving in the area when a rock fell from above her and hit her vehicle. Police observed a dent to the roof of the woman's vehicle and a cracked windshield. She wanted a report for her insurance. She drove her vehicle from the scene.

* * *



A resident on Elmo Avenue called police about a white Buick that she thought may be stolen. Police found the Buick backed into a spot. The Tennessee tag number came back stolen out of Hamilton County. NCIC confirmed that the vehicle was stolen and attempted to make contact with the owner. Dispatch was unable to reach the owner via cell phone, so the vehicle was towed by United Wrecker to their lot at 2815 Calhoun Ave. The vehicle was taken out of NCIC as stolen.

* * *

A woman on N. Moore Road called police in regards to some suspicious activity on her cell phone. She said over the past few months she has been noticing some unusual activity on her phone. She said her password has been changed on multiple accounts, along with her phone location being inaccurate. She said she spoke with T-Mobile and they told her to file a report with her local police department.



* * *

A woman called police from I-Specialize, 5701 Brainerd Road. She said she brought her iPad into the business to have it repaired, and now she wanted her iPad and money back. The store owner agreed to this, but said that the store has a non-refundable service fee of $45 and she would get her money back, except for the $45. The owner gave the woman back all but the $45, and gave her a nicer screen on her iPad than when she brought it in. The owner said he wanted the woman trespassed, so police told her that she was trespassed from the business.

* * *

A verbal disorder was reported at a residence on School Drive. A man told police he was picking up his stepson and the stepson's girlfriend there. He said the homeowner is the biological father of his stepson. He told police an argument ensued between himself and the homeowner, due to past relations with each other's spouses. The homeowner had a similar statement. The homeowner said that he wanted the man trespassed from the property. The man was made aware about being trespassed. Both of them parted ways.

* * *

A woman on Dorris Street told police she was very upset and she was in a verbal argument with her husband, but would not discuss what it was over. She said the argument was over finances and accusations of his infidelity. He denied any infidelity and said his wife is upset that she cannot spend more money. Both were asked multiple times by different officers if anything got physical, and both said it did not. The woman also denied that he kept her from leaving. Both decided to separate for the night and the woman left to go to her mother's residence in Red Bank.
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If you have a large family, you sometimes feel obligated to invite certain relatives you arent close to or dont have a relationship with to important events like weddings, even if you dont want to.

One woman and her new husband recently got married in an exclusive location and only wanted close friends and family to be there. When her estranged aunt showed up with her family in tow, she made her leave early.

Shes 26 and married her husband three weeks ago. Shes from France, and her husband is from South Africa, so they decided to host an intimate wedding at a beautiful lodge where guests could see exotic wildlife.

They rented the lodge for two days, one for the wedding ceremony and the second for a post-wedding pool party. They did this to give a special treat to her relatives who had to travel a long way to make her wedding.

We only invited 30 people, the people we love, she explained.

I had a huge argument with my aunt eight years ago, and weve cut ties ever since. But [while] doing the invitations, I thought about how close we used to be [and] I decided to invite her. There was no plus-one for anyone, so I only invited my aunt, not her partner or her kid, since I barely knew their names.

Her aunt was very happy to be invited but quickly insisted that her partner and kid be allowed to attend the wedding. Soon enough, her mom took her aunts side and pressured her to allow her aunts entire family to come.

She did her best to stand her ground, but her aunt became more persistent. Eventually, her aunt told her shed buy her entire family tickets to South Africa for a family vacation during the wedding. Then, once her aunt had heard that some of her guests couldnt make it anymore, she suggested that those spots be used for her family instead.

After more back and forth, she gave in and told her aunt that her partner and kid couldnt attend the wedding but were allowed to join her for the pool party the next day.

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Home U.S. Church of God suspends pastor charged with possessing over 100 images of child sexual abuse

The Tennessee Church of God has suspended Rick Sentell, a senior pastor at a church in Cleveland, following his indictment by a Bradley County Grand Jury on charges of possessing over 100 images of child sexual abuse on his laptop.

T. Wayne Dority, the Administrative Bishop of the Tennessee Church of God, confirmed the suspension to News Channel 9, which quoted Dority as saying that the church was informed about Sentells indictment last week.

Sentell, who served at the now-inactive Cornerstone Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been suspended from all ministerial activities in line with Church of God policy.

Sentell was found with more than 100 images of child pornography. He was still listed as the senior pastor on Cornerstone Church of Gods website which was subsequently taken down after local media outlets reported his arrest, Channel 9 noted.

The indictment specified that between April 1 and Sept. 7, Sentell knowingly possessed material featuring a minor in sexual activity. Sentell did knowingly possess material that included a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive, says the indictment, according to WTVC.

The Cleveland Police Departments Sgt. Evie West was quoted as saying that Sentells arrest followed a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Sentell is scheduled for a court appearance on Jan. 8, 2024.

The Bradley County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Sentell made bond last week, set at $75,000, Local 3 News said, adding that he was arrested on Christmas Day and booked the following morning.

The grand jury charged him with sexual exploitation of a minor, involving over 100 images.

Dority noted that Cornerstone Church of God had previously been suspended as an active congregation and is no longer meeting. He expressed prayers for all involved in the matter.

The Church of God Jerusalem Acres rented their facility to Cornerstone COG for Sunday services for about three years, ending this past summer. According to the COG Jerusalem Acres, the COG Cornerstone doesnt have a permanent address after selling their church building years ago. They described Sentell as a previously faithful and caring person.

We knew Pastor Sentell to be a faithful man of God, a kind and caring person. His family as well. Were devastated by recent events and heartbroken for everyone affected. Were praying for all, the church was quoted as saying.
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday declined to veto a government tribunal's decision to ban imports of Apple Watches based on a complaint from medical monitoring technology company Masimo.

The U.S. International Trade Commission's order will go into effect on Dec. 26, barring imports and sales of Apple Watches that use patent-infringing technology for reading blood-oxygen levels. Apple has included the pulse oximeter feature in its smart watches starting with its Series 6 model in 2020.

"After careful consultations, Ambassador Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITCs determination and the ITC's decision became final on December 26, 2023," the agency said in its decision.

Apple can appeal the ban to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Masimo has accused Apple of hiring away its employees, stealing its pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into the popular Apple Watch.

A jury trial on Masimo's allegations in California federal court ended with a mistrial in May. Apple has separately sued Masimo for patent infringement in federal court in Delaware and has called Masimo's legal actions a "maneuver to clear a path" for its own competing smart watch.

A presidential administration has not vetoed an ITC ruling since 2013, when President Barack Obama's administration overturned an import ban on Apple's iPhones and iPads in the company's patent dispute with Samsung.

Apple said on Dec. 18 that it would pause sales of its latest-edition Series 9 and Ultra 2 smart watches in anticipation of the ban.

The Biden administration in February chose not to veto a separate import ban on Apple Watches based on a patent-infringement complaint from medical technology company AliveCor. The ITC has placed the ban on hold for other reasons.

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. (Reuters)
Home Church & Ministries UK-based Methodist Church issues guidance discouraging use of terms 'husband' and 'wife' Church told CP they are 'very proud' of their guidance 'to repent of any hurtful language'

The Methodist Church in Great Britain released an "Inclusive Language Guide" this month advising Methodists to avoid using gendered terms such as "husband" and "wife" because such allegedly assumes what is not "the reality for many people."

"As Christians, we need to have the courage for conversations that can sometimes be difficult, to recognize that we sometimes exclude people, to listen with humility, to repent of any hurtful language and to take care with how we listen and what we say or write, in the Spirit of Christ," says the guidance, which will be updated every six months.

The guidance offered as a general principle the idea that there is "infinite variety in the way that Gods creation is expressed in human life," and offered "husband" and "wife" as examples of terminology that "may sound inoffensive but it makes assumptions about a family or personal life that is not the reality for many people."

The guidance offered the words "parent," "partner," "child," and "carer" as suitable alternatives.

The guide goes on to list extensive categories of people with whom Methodists are advised to use "sensitive and inclusive" language when addressing minorities that have been "marginalized and/or demonized by common culture."

The guide urges steering clear of "ageism" by avoiding terms like "old people," to embrace "anti-racist language" by encouraging use of "ethnicity" instead of "race," and to avoid language that negatively emphasizes a person's immigration status or English skills.

Antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric are also discouraged, and the guidance also encourages Methodists to tread carefully with their terminology when addressing "disabled and neurodiverse people" and those with mental illness.

The guide emphasized why its important that the U.K.-based Methodist Church "uses language that is inclusive of LGBT+ people," and advised using the language an individual prefers, including the pronouns by which they choose to identify.

The denomination passed resolutions in 2021 to approve the blessing of same-sex unions and recognize cohabitating couples.

"Using the language that individuals use for themselves shows that we care as a Church and that we affirm them as a child of God," the guidance says.

The guidance concludes by pointing readers to nonprofits that include the left-wing Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Stonewall, an LGBT charity in the U.K. whose guidance found its way into schools throughout the country.

We are proud of our Inclusive Language Guide," a spokesperson for the denomination told The Christian Post. "It helps the Church hold conversations without making assumptions or inadvertently causing upset. Some find this especially useful when talking with those who may have had a different life experience to their own."

Regarding whether gendered language would still be used in Methodist marriage ceremonies, the spokesperson said: "Couples getting married in a Methodist Church will discuss with the minister how they wish to be referred to during their service. This ensures that the ceremony reflects who they are."

Father Calvin Robinson, who has been outspoken in fighting progressivism in the Church of England, blasted the U.K.-based Methodist Church for its guidance and suggested it's symptomatic of a neo-Marxist attempt to effectively destroy it.

"This is not Christianity," Robinson wrote on X. "It is Critical Theories: 'smash heteronormativity.' It is no longer enough to acknowledge disordered lifestyles. Everything normative and ordered must be demolished for fear of causing offense."

"Critical Theories is neo-Marxism. It is a communist ideology, antithetical to the Christian faith. It is not possible to be a communist *and* a Christian. One must make a choice. Embrace the ways of this trendy yet toxic ideology, or embrace Gods order," he continued, and urged the Methodist Church to "pick one."

.@MethodistGB brands terms 'husband' and 'wife' offensive.



This is not Christianity. It is Critical Theories: smash heteronormativity.



It is no longer enough to acknowledge disordered lifestyles. Everything normative and ordered must be demolished for fear of causing offence. pic.twitter.com/8OaUgMH6Nc  Fr Calvin Robinson (@calvinrobinson) December 28, 2023
Faith focus: Navigating the New Year with help from the Bible

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, a wave of anticipation sweeps across the globe. For many, the transition from one year to the next symbolises a fresh start, a blank canvas upon which aspirations and resolutions are painted. In the Christian tradition, this annual reset can hold a particular significance, serving as an opportune moment to rededicate oneself to a life guided by faith and spiritual principles.

Reflection on the past

The phrase "out with the old, in with the new" takes on a profound meaning in the context of Christian living. It prompts believers to reflect on the past year, acknowledging both triumphs and shortcomings. This introspection becomes a spiritual exercise, fostering a humble recognition of one's dependence on divine guidance and grace.

In moments of hardship, the Bible can become a sanctuary of comfort and assurance. Its narratives of faith, redemption, and God's unfailing love serve as a reminder that we are never left to face challenges alone. Through life's trials, the scriptures offer a steady source of solace and strength. As Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) records and as Christ beckons to us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

A Personal touch

My journey into the significance of a new year and spiritual renewal carries a personal touch. I vividly remember my time attending Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) Church as a student during London's wintertime, being on the cusp of an old year and, with some trepidation, about to enter a new one. The vibrant community, passionate worship, warm and inspiring Bible teaching all played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of Christian living. It was at these HTB services and via their Alpha Courses that I first grasped the transformative power of faith and the importance of rededicating oneself to a life aligned with God's word.

Rebirth and redemption

The concept of rebirth is central to Christian theology. Just as the changing calendar marks a new year, Christians believe in the possibility of personal rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) encapsulate this transformative process: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

The dawn of a new year becomes a symbolic moment for Christians to renew their commitment to living a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. It is an opportunity for a spiritual rebirth, a chance to shed old habits and embrace a renewed sense of purpose.

Rededication to Christian values

At this juncture in our calendar, 2024 invites believers to reevaluate their priorities and ensure that they are in harmony with Christian teaching. It calls for conscious effort to strengthen one's relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and fellowship with other believers. This rededication extends beyond personal spiritual growth to encompass a commitment to serving others and spreading the message of love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Accepting God's timing

In the Christian faith, time is not merely a linear progression but a meaningful journey guided by divine providence. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." The transition into a new year reinforces the belief in God's perfect timing and plan for each individual.

If you feel inspired to commit to studying the Bible for one year and joining others on this journey, please find further daily guidance at this free HTB weblink - www.bibleinoneyear.org

How about making a New Year's resolution with a 12-month reading challenge? All that is needed is the willingness to make a new beginning, and the decision to make a fresh start. John, 1:1 (NIV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
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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.
By Jhoo Dong-chan

DSF L&I won the 1st Korea ESG Award in the small- and medium-sized manufacturer category, the company said in a press release, Tuesday.

The logistics service provider emphasized its commitment to fostering an ESG culture, citing initiatives such as the development of reusable cups and a container circulation service utilizing Near Field Communication technology.

We are a pioneer in the sector, said a DSF L&I official. Our commitment to carbon reduction in the consumer sector is evident through our extensive production of reusable cups and containers.

The company added it is also satisfying the EUs supply chain due diligence and the U.S.s climate disclosures in logistics where a number of domestic firms are still experiencing difficulties.

This years Korea ESG Awards was hosted by the Korean ESG Association jointly with the National Assembly ESG Forum. A number of domestic organizations, including the Korea Automobile Environment Association, also sponsored the event.
By Park Jae-hyuk

POSCO Group made an unusual comment on Friday, refuting the National Pension Services (NPS) claim that the steelmaker is suspected of using unfair methods to reappoint the incumbent chairman, Choi Jeong-woo, to lead the nations fifth-largest business group over the next three years.

Even if the incumbent chairman seeks a third term, he has the right to make the decision, Seoul National Universitys mechanical engineering professor Park Heui-jae, who heads the POSCO Holdings CEO recommendation committee, said in a press release issued at 1 a.m. on Friday. Regardless of the incumbent chairmans decision, our committee will review all candidates without bias for the sake of POSCOs future and shareholders.

The remarks came as NPS Chairman Kim Tae-hyun raised questions on Thursday about the process of selecting the next POSCO Holdings chairman, considering the CEO recommendation committee is comprised of outside directors appointed under Chois leadership.

As we said when KT searched for its next CEO, companies with dispersed ownership should maximize their shareholders interests by avoiding discrimination against outsiders in favor of insiders when appointing their chief executives, Kim told reporters, indicating the state pension funds intention of putting the brakes on Chois attempt to serve another term.

The NPS is the largest shareholder of POSCO Holdings with a 6.7 percent stake.

Even before the pension fund leveled the criticism, the government and the ruling People Power Party maintained a negative stance on Choi, who was appointed under the presidency of Moon Jae-in.

Although POSCO was privatized in 2000, the government has continued exercising its influence over the steelmaker and its affiliates through the NPS, forcing Chois predecessors to step down after political turnovers.

Industry officials raised concerns over the repeated replacement of the CEOs of companies with a multiple ownership structure, pointing out the possible inefficiency that it causes to their management.

It may cause a problem if the NPS meddles excessively with management of private enterprises, said Yoo Hwan-ik, head of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) corporate policy division. The NPS should be more cautious about its interference in management, although it should request transparent governance structures.

There is speculation that POSCO Group may follow suit concerning KT, which failed to reappoint former CEO Ku Hyeon-mo after facing opposition from the NPS, the largest shareholder of the telecommunication firm.

Although KT proposed Yun Kyung-lim, head of the group transformation division, as Ku's alternative, the state pension fund also opposed the appointment of Yun, who was regarded as Kus close aide. KT eventually appointed former LG CNS CEO Kim Young-shub as the new CEO back in August.
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former fixer and lawyer, said in court papers unsealed on Friday that he mistakenly gave his attorney fake case citations generated by an artificial intelligence program that made their way into an official court filing.

Cohen, who is expected to be a star witness against Trump at one of the former president's criminal trials, said in a sworn declaration in federal court in Manhattan that he did not realize the citations generated by Google Bard were fictitious.

Google Bard is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Alphabet's Google. The case citations were included by an attorney for Cohen in a motion seeking an early end to his supervised release following Cohen's imprisonment for campaign finance violations.

U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman earlier this month said three court decisions cited in the motion did not exist. He directed Cohen's lawyer, David Schwartz, to demonstrate why he should not be sanctioned for citing non-existent cases.

Cohen, who was disbarred nearly five years ago, in Friday's filings said those citations came from his own online research and that he had not expected Schwartz to "drop the cases wholesale into his submission without even confirming they existed."

Cohen said he had "not kept up with emerging trends (and related risks) in legal technology and did not realize that Google Bard was a generative text service that, like ChatGPT, could show citations and descriptions that looked real but actually were not."

"I deeply regret any problems Mr. Schwartz's filing may have caused," Cohen said in the filing.

Furman in an order on Friday gave Scwhartz and prosecutors until Wednesday to respond to Cohen's filing. A spokesperson for Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams declined to comment. Schwartz's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.

Courts nationally are grappling with the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence programs like OpenAI's ChatGPT and how to regulate their use in court proceedings.

Two New York lawyers were sanctioned in June for submitting a legal brief that included six fictitious case citations generated by ChatGPT.

Cohen was recently a witness in New York state Attorney General Letitia James' civil fraud case against Trump.

Cohen is expected to also testify in the state criminal case against Trump that accuses him of falsifying business records to hide reimbursements to Cohen for a $130,000 payment to silence porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. (Reuters)
Queen Margrethe II gives a New Year's speech and announces her abdication from Christian IX's Palace, Amalienborg Castle, in Copenhagen, on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announced Sunday that she plans to abdicate after 52 years and hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

The queen, who is Europe's longest-reigning living monarch, announced during her New Year's speech that she would step down on Jan. 14th, which is the anniversary of her accession to the throne at age 31 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.

Margrethe, 83, said the back surgery she underwent in early 2023 led to "thoughts about the future" and when to pass on the responsibilities of the crown to her son. "I have decided that now is the right time," she said in her speech.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen paid tribute to her in a statement, offering a "heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom."

Margrethe is the "epitome of Denmark" Frederiksen's statement read, and "throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation."

The 6-foot-tall (1.82-meters-tall), chain-smoking Margrethe has been one of the most popular public figures in Denmark, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial. She often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and her talents as a linguist and designer.

A keen skier, she was a member of a Danish women's air force unit as a princess, taking part in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. Margrethe remained tough even as she grew older. In 2011, at age 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan wearing a military jumpsuit.

As monarch, she crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands  the two semi-independent territories that are part of the Danish Realm  and was met everywhere by cheering crowds.

Denmark has Europe's oldest ruling monarchy, which traces its line back to the Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958. Although Magrethe is head of state, the Danish Constitution strictly ruled out her involvement in party politics.

Yet the queen was clearly well-versed in law and knew the contents of the legislation she was called upon to sign.

She received training in French and English from her earliest years, as well as Swedish from her mother. In addition to archaeology, she studied philosophy, political science and economics at universities in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Cambridge along with the London School of Economics and the Sorbonne in Paris.

Ever since his birth on May 26, 1968, Frederik Andre Henrik Christian has been the heir to the Danish throne.

He is the oldest son of Queen Margrethe and her late French-born husband, Prince Henrik, who died in February 2018. Frederik, 55, has a younger brother, Prince Joachim.

Since the age of 18, he has served as regent whenever his mother was outside the kingdom and carried out official duties, shaking hands with thousands and receiving foreign dignitaries.

The queen's announcement made up only a few sentences at the end of her wide-ranging New Year's speech which reflected on the "turbulence and upheaval in the world" amid the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the climate crisis.

But she also thanked her nation's people for "the warmth and hospitality I meet with everywhere in Denmark."

While lavishing accolades on the queen, the prime minister also looked to the future.

"In the new year, Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed king. Crown Princess Mary will become queen. The kingdom will have a new regent and a new royal couple," he said in his statement. "We can look forward to all of this in the knowledge that they are ready for the responsibility and the task."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with soldiers stationed near the north of Gaza Strip in Jerusalem on Dec. 25, 2023. Avi Ohayon | Anadolu | Getty Images

Israeli jets intensified attacks on central Gaza on Sunday, residents and medics said, as battles raged through the rubble of towns and refugee camps in a war that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would take "many more months" to end. Netanyahu's comments signal no letup in a campaign that has killed many thousands and leveled much of Gaza, while his vow to restore Israeli control over the enclave's border with Egypt raises new questions over an eventual two-state solution. Air strikes pounded al-Maghazi and al-Bureij in the center of the Palestinian enclave, killing eight people in one house and driving more to flee to Rafah on the border with Egypt from the front lines where Israeli tanks are battling Hamas fighters. Read more about the Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu says war on Hamas will go on for 'many more months'

Maersk pauses Red Sea sailings after Houthi attack on ship

Muslim leaders expand campaign to abandon Biden in 2024 over war

Palestinians stream into Gaza town as Israel expands offensive A Red Crescent video published on Sunday showed the chaotic aftermath of strikes in central Gaza, as rescuers worked in the dark to carry an injured child from smoking rubble. The stated goal of Israel's military is to eliminate Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that launched a surprise cross-border assault on Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and grabbing 240 hostages. Israel's air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 21,800 people according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, with many more feared dead in the rubble, and pushed nearly all its 2.3 million people from their homes.

An Israeli soldier operates in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout picture released on Dec. 29, 2023. Israel Defense Forces | Via Reuters

Palestinian health ministry casualty figures do not differentiate between fighters and civilians but the ministry has said 70% of Gaza's dead were women and under-18s. Israel disputes Palestinian casualty figures and says it has killed 8,000 fighters. The war and lack of supplies have left 40% of Gazans at risk of famine, the Gaza director of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said on social media on Saturday. Israel blockaded most food, fuel and medicine after the Oct. 7 attack. It said on Sunday it was ready to let ships from some Western countries deliver aid directly to Gaza's shores after security checks in Cyprus. People on Sunday sat outside their makeshift tents in Rafah, wedged among the ruins of houses destroyed by Israeli bombardment, as some sought food or clean water, Reuters photographs showed. In central Gaza, dark smoke rose above the fighting.

'Where will people go?'

The United States, Israel's main ally, has urged it to scale down the war and European states have signaled alarm at the extent of Palestinian civilian suffering. However, Netanyahu's comments on Saturday, when he said he would not resign despite opinion polls showing his government is broadly unpopular and defended his security record despite the Oct. 7 attack, indicate there will be no easing any time soon. He said "the war is at its height" and Israel would have to retake control of Gaza's border with Egypt  an area now crammed with civilians who have fled the carnage across the rest of the enclave, leading aid agencies to set up "tent cities" for displaced families sleeping rough on the streets. Retaking the border could also constitute a de facto reversal of Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, raising new questions over the future of the enclave and prospects for a Palestinian state. In his last comments as Israeli Foreign Minister before switching to the energy portfolio on Sunday, Eli Cohen said the border was the likely source of weaponry Hamas had obtained over recent years. Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh in the Israeli-occupied West Bank said via social media that Israel taking over the border was evidence of a decision "to completely return the occupation". Egypt's Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on Israeli plans to retake the border area or on whether Hamas weapons had entered Gaza from Egypt. "We moved here from Khan Younis on the basis that Rafah was a safe place. There is no space in Rafah as it is overcrowded with displaced," said Umm Mohammed, 45, a displaced Palestinian woman sheltering by the border. "If they control the border where will people go?" she asked, saying this would be "a disaster."

Maersk cargo ship comes under attack
McDonald's Malaysia has sued a movement promoting boycotts against Israel for "false and defamatory statements" that it says hurt its business, seeking damages amounting to 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million).

Malaysia, a majority-Muslim country, is a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, and some Western fast-food brands in the country, as in some other Muslim nations, have been targeted by boycott campaigns over Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), which is the licencee of McDonald's in Malaysia, is suing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement for a series of social media postings allegedly linking the fast-food franchise, among other companies, to Israel's "genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza".

According to a writ of summons dated December 19 sighted by Reuters, Gerbang Alaf Restaurants alleged that BDS Malaysia incited the public to boycott McDonald's Malaysia, which led to a loss of profit and job cuts, among other damages, due to closures and shortened operating hours of its outlets.

McDonald's Malaysia confirmed it filed the suit against BDS Malaysia to protect its "rights and interests", it said in a statement on Friday.

In response, BDS Malaysia said it "categorically denies" defaming the fast-food company and would leave the matter to the court.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31)  Two people died in a fire that broke out at the MRB Condominium Building in Barangay Ususan, Taguig late Sunday afternoon, just hours before the country celebrates New Years Eve.

Based on the Bureau of Fire Protections initial report, the blaze which originated from a junk vehicle was reported at 4:58 p.m.

First alarm was raised at 5:04 p.m. It was put under control at 5:07 p.m. and declared fire out less than an hour later at 5:27 p.m., leaving two dead.

This story will be updated.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31) - The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday urged parents and guardians to be more responsible for their children as the agency recorded eight more firecracker-related injuries on New Year's Eve, including one 4-year-old who lost all five fingers on his right hand.

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag in a briefing expressed concern over the number of children being rushed to hospitals due to injuries caused by illegal firecrackers.

"The DOH is seriously concerned how such deadly and illegal fireworks are able to reach the hands of young children," he said.

According to the DOH's latest data, firecracker-related injuries reached 115 as of 5:59 a.m. on Dec. 31.

All eight new cases are males with ages ranging from four to 37 years old.

Tayag said the 4-year-old from Central Luzon lost all his fingers in his right hand after lighting an illegal "dart bomb" at home.

"We ask our police to crack down further on those selling illegal fireworks that find their way to destroy the hands and futures of Filipino children," the DOH said in a statement.

Of the total injuries, the DOH said 44 were from Metro Manila, followed by Central Luzon and Ilocos Region with 13 cases each.

It said six out of 10 injuries were caused by illegal fireworks and firecrackers, including boga, 5-star, piccolo, pla-pla, and dart bomb.

In treating firecracker-related injuries, the DOH said the best first aid treatment is to wash and clean the wounds before trying to add pressure to stop any bleeding.

The DOH encourages the public to use party horns and other noisemakers, and to watch community fireworks displays instead to enjoy a safer New Year's Eve.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31)  Devotees of the Black Nazarene flocked to Quiapo Church Saturday night until Sunday morning to join the "walk of thanksgiving," ushering in the activities for Feast of the Black Nazarene 2024.

Chief of Quiapo Church DRRM Bro. Rumel Eijansatos reported that around 15,000 devotees participated in the two-hour procession that started at 11:45 p.m. on Saturday. A rosary communal prayer was conducted before the procession.

The Andas of Hesus Poong Nazareno officially reached the patio at 0145H (1:45 a.m. on Sunday), he added.

The Quiapo Church said there were eight minor medical cases.

Iyong dati nating ginagawa, ganoon pa rin. Pero dapat yung dati nating pag-iingat, pagsunod, pakikiisa ay ganun pa rin. Kahit na medyo excited tayong lahat, wag natin kalilimutan yung tatlong yon - gawin pa rin nating banal, maayos, at ligtas, Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang said on Sunday.

[Translation: We should just do what we have been doing for the past years. But of course, we have to be more careful and follow the rules even if were all excited. Lets not forget three things -- to keep the activities holy, proper and safe.]

READ:

PNP bares prohibited items during Traslacion

IN PHOTOS: Witnessing Traslacion 2020

The Hijos del Nazareno earlier released the schedule of activities for Feast of the Black Nazarene 2024, which will culminate in the Traslacion on January 9:

Here is the list of activities for Jan. 1-9, 2024.

 Barangay Visitation (Quiapo community) - Jan. 1 and 6

Replica blessing and procession - Jan. 3 and 4, 1:30 p.m.

Jan 5, 2024: First Friday of the year 2024, masses will be from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Jan 6, 2024: Mass for volunteers at 6 p.m., start of pahalik at 7 p.m.

January 8: Continuation of pahalik, Visperas masses -- 5 a.m. to noon, Fiesta masses 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Panalangin sa Takipmsilim at 5:30 p.m., vigil and program at 6 p.m.

January 9: Feast of Black Nazarene, Misa Mayor at midnight, vigil
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31)  Several local government units in Metro Manila are holding free concerts and community fireworks displays to welcome the New Year.

Quezon City will be welcoming 2024 with a concert led by host-comedian Vice Ganda and iconic bands Mayonnaise, Shamrock, Cueshe and many more at the Quezon City Memorial Circle at 6 p.m.

Taguig City brought three-fifths of the Korean girl group Red Velvet to ring in the New Year with a bang. RV's Irene, Seulgi, and Wendy, OPM icon Ely Buendia, Zack Tabudlo, KZ Tandingan, and Adie will be performing at 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City starting at 6 p.m.

Makati City, meanwhile, tapped Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, P-pop kings SB19, and Filipino acts Sponge Cola, Al James, and other musical theater artists. The countdown event will be held at the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue (near Ayala Triangle Gardens).

Other countdown events and free pyrotechnics shows will also be held in other cities in the region:

- City of Manila, Jones Bridge in Binondo

- Mandaluyong City, Greenfield District (5 p.m) and Mandaluyong City Hall (7 p.m.)

- San Juan City, Pinagbuhatan Shrine (10 p.m.)

The Department of Health is encouraging the public to attend the events and enjoy the lights shows at a safe distance.
Coastal communities in California faced another day of towering waves and possible flooding on Saturday as officials issued evacuation orders in some areas and warned residents to stay off beaches and coastal roadways.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles forecast significant flooding in low-lying coastal areas with powerful waves and strong rip current posing an "exceptional risk" of drowning and damage to structures like piers and jetties.

Waves as high as 20 feet (6.1 meters) could wreak more havoc on waterside homes in vulnerable communities along much of the California shoreline, which was battered by extreme surf and heavy rains over the end of the week.

Officials in southern California's Ventura County issued an evacuation warning on Saturday for residences along the Pacific Coast Highway and area beaches remained closed, the Ventura County Fire Department said.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, forecasters said a coastal flood warning and high surf warning would remain in effect into early Saturday afternoon. Breaking waves of 26-30 feet were expected along west-facing beaches along the central and northern California coastline, it said.

Ventura, about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Los Angeles, was hit by the extreme weather conditions beginning on Thursday, when heavy surf inundated homes and businesses with seawater, sand and ocean debris, damaging structures and reportedly injuring at least eight people.

The treacherous surf and coastal flood threat was attributed to a Pacific storm system that also brought heavy downpours to much of the West Coast on Friday night, while coinciding with the latest arrival of exceptionally high tides known as king tides. (Reuters)
If you grew up in the 80s (or on ancient VHS tapes in the 90s and aughts), youre all too aware that creative types can set out to deliver fun for the whole family and end up serving pure terror. This was the decade when Hollywood decided to make a sequel to The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy gets nonconsensual electroshock therapy, and thats not even the part that gives children nightmares. Sometimes, scenes intended to be a little disturbing just overshoot the hell out of their mark and land squarely in pants-soiling territory.

For Redditor RexBanner1886, one particular moment of 1996s Mars Attacks! really got to them. Just after the cartoonish death of a soldier played by Jack Black, the film then cuts to the soldiers loving, proud parents, who have been watching the massacre live on television, they told r/Movies. Blacks father, Joe Don Baker, reacts to his sons death by trying to change the channel and mumbling, It didnt happen, it didnt happen. I still think this is a startlingly dark and horrific  and pretty realistic  depiction of how a parent might immediately begin processing seeing their childs horrific death.

They then asked for more moments in films more disturbing than the creators likely intended, so get ready to relive your childhood trauma.

22 Mars Attacks!

21 Beetlejuice

20 Labyrinth

19 Home Alone Advertisement Advertisement

18 The Goonies

17 Who Framed Roger Rabbit Advertisement Advertisement

16 Bad Boys II

15 Back to the Future Advertisement Advertisement

14 Wonder Woman 1984

13 The Transformers: The Movie Advertisement Advertisement

12 The Lost World: Jurassic Park

11 Jurassic World Advertisement Advertisement

10 King Kong

9 The Nightmare Before Christmas Advertisement Advertisement

8 The NeverEnding Story

7 Short Circuit 2 Advertisement Advertisement

6 Ernest Scared Stupid

5 Superman III Advertisement Advertisement

4 Poltergeist

3 Gremlins Advertisement Advertisement

2 Watership Down
Patrick Stewarts memoir, Making It So, came out in October, regaling readers with tales from his days on the stage, Star Trek: The Next Generation and in the X-Men franchise. One surprising tidbit? He had a lousy time hosting Saturday Night Live in 1994. You often hear about Steven Seagal, Milton Berle and Justin Bieber  hosts that are considered the worst in the eyes of SNL cast members, but what about the other way around? Which hosts, like Stewart, had a miserable time?

Here are five celebrities who hated their time on SNL

Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.

1 Patrick Stewart Play Heres an excerpt from that memoir that says it all: This should have been one of my crowning achievements, as it is for many of the actors, comics and athletes who get to host the show, wrote Stewart. But I wasnt as loose then as I am now, and I found the whole experience incredibly stressful. My opening monologue was one of the more awful ones in the history of the show, full of lame Star Trek jokes that I failed to land, and I just didnt connect with SNLs cast, as talented as they were. Advertisement

2 Betty White Play Advertisement Advertisement In the PBS special Betty White: First Lady of Television, the beloved comics agent, Jeff Witjas revealed that the 88-year-old battled stage fright when she hosted. According to Witjas, White rehearsed vigorously all week, but on Thursday gave him a look hes never seen before. Whites words to Witjas: Never again. Maybe I pushed her a little too far and a little too much, because I was pushing her out of her comfort zone, he says. But after that moment of panic, she went right back into the regular Betty White.

3 Paul Giamatti Play Advertisement Advertisement In Amy Poehlers book, Yes Please, she tells the story of asking host Giamatti if he was having fun. His response: This is a fucking nightmare!

4 Seth Meyers Advertisement Heres a guy who used to be the shows head writer, for Aykroyds sake. But when Meyers returned to host a few years after leaving SNL, he got a rude awakening. If you asked me what it was like to host, I would tell you today  and I worked there longer than almost anybody  I was like No one tells you anything, he told Howard Stern. Like, even I, who had worked there, couldn't believe how it works. And I retroactively felt so guilty about how I had treated hosts for my time there. And let me make it clear, I was always very polite to hosts. I always wanted them to score. If they won, I feel like we won. But a host sometimes would say to me, I dont understand what Im doing in this sketch. And in my head what I wanted to say is Just fucking do it. Advertisement Advertisement Then when I hosted, Meyers confessed, there were a few times where I realized what I was thinking was I dont understand what Im supposed to do in this sketch.
A federal judge has ordered the public disclosure of the identities of more than 150 people mentioned in a mountain of court documents related to the late-financier Jeffrey Epstein, saying that most of the names were already public and that many had not objected to the release.

The people whose names are to be disclosed, including sex abuse victims, litigation witnesses, Epstein's employees  and even some people with only a passing connection to the scandal  have until Jan. 1 to appeal the order, signed Monday by Judge Loretta A. Preska.

For several years, Preska has reviewed documents sought by the Miami Herald from a civil case, filed by one of Epstein's victims, that eventually was settled.

Many of the records related to that lawsuit were publicly released in past years, but on Monday the judge made determinations about some portions of the records that were initially withheld on potential privacy grounds and what can be made public about certain people mentioned in the records.

In many instances, she noted that individuals had given media interviews or that their names had previously emerged publicly in various ways, including at a trial two years ago of Epsteins associate and former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Preska concluded that some portions of the records should remain confidential, including those identifying people who were children when they were sexually abused by Epstein and had tried to maintain their privacy.

The Epstein case has spawned countless conspiracy theories about the possible involvement of rich and powerful people in sex trafficking.

The three criminal cases brought by federal and state authorities, however, have focused on allegations about sexual abuse by Epstein himself and Maxwell.

Epstein took his own life in August 2019 in a federal lockup in Manhattan as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. He was accused of luring numerous underage girls to his homes under the guise of giving him massages, and then sexually abusing them.

Maxwell, 61, is serving a 20-year prison sentence after she was convicted in December 2021 of helping Epstein recruit and sexually abuse underage girls. (AP)
Friendship goes both ways in quake-hit areas

Xinhua) 17:50, December 31, 2023

LANZHOU, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zein Alabdin Ali, a Syrian doctoral student who has lived in China for years, lay sleepless until dawn after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit northwest China last week.

Ali, 33, hailing from Damascus, the capital city of Syria, came to China to study in 2010. The earthquake occurring in northwest China's Gansu and Qinghai provinces reminded him of an earthquake that rocked Syria months ago.

"When my country was hit by the earthquake, China was among the first to extend a helping hand," said Ali. He added that he regards China as his second home and would love to help with the earthquake relief work as much as possible.

On Dec. 20, only two days after the quake, Ali arrived in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu, with a non-governmental rescue team and then rushed to the quake-hit areas at midnight. After resting for only two hours, he started his four-day volunteering work, helping survey needs and coordinating and distributing relief supplies across several earthquake-stricken villages.

At the same time, another Iranian volunteer, Akbari Morteza, also joined the relief efforts.

Morteza, 37, comes from Qom City. Qom became a sister city with Gansu's Linxia City in 2017, and Morteza was invited to teach Persian at a vocational school in Linxia.

Linxia is only 40 kilometers from the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan, where the quake was strongly felt. Morteza volunteered to go to the quake-hit areas to join rescue efforts.

Morteza said China has offered all kinds of aid during the past few earthquakes in Iran, and he is willing to reciprocate this friendship.

According to the Foreign Affairs Office of Gansu Province, sister cities, including Christchurch of New Zealand, Akita Prefecture of Japan, and Govi-Altay Aymag of Mongolia, sent letters of sympathy after the earthquake.

As people's lives in the quake-affected areas resumed steadily, Ali and Morteza also returned to their cities and resumed regular lives.

Staying focused on the follow-up reconstruction work in the earthquake-stricken areas, they said they wished the people there an early start to a new life.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Israelis and Palestinians end a dark year on Sunday, with no end in sight to the deadliest military offensive on Gaza, triggered by Hamas' bloodiest attack on Israel.

There has been no respite from Israel's air raids, artillery fire or ground fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to the despair of Palestinians surviving the onslaught.

"We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the New Year at home with our families," said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

"We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace," said the 33-year-old from southern Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict.

Gaza's health ministry says the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 21,672 people, mostly women and children.

The fighting began with Hamas's bloody Oct. 7 attacks, which left about 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Militants also took about 250 people hostage, and Israel says 129 of them remain in captivity.

The Israeli army says 170 soldiers have been killed in combat inside Gaza.

An Israeli siege imposed after Oct. 7, following years of crippling blockade, has led to dire shortages of food, safe water, fuel and medicine in Gaza, with aid convoys able to offer only sporadic relief.

The U.N. says more than 85 percent of Gaza's 2.4 million people have fled their homes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war against Hamas will last for "many months"  until the Palestinian militant group has been eliminated.

"We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," he told a news conference.

As Netanyahu spoke, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home.

"I hope there's going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. I'm trying to hold on to every shred of hope," said Nir Shafran, 45.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on Oct. 7.

"I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasn't with him.

So I went with him and I came back without him and it's like time has stopped ever since," he said.

In southern Gaza's Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages.

"The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity, in fact we are functioning at 300 percent of our... capacity," doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

"The beds are full... and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies."

The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said.

In central Gaza's Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike.

"We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family.

Two adjacent houses were targeted," said the area's civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi.

International mediators  who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza  continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

U.S. news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were "in the process" of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

A response will come "within days," the group's chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been "giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept".

"We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation."

The Gaza war has intensified tensions across the region.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

On Saturday, the U.S. military said one of its destroyers shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from territory controlled by the rebels.

The U.S. Central Command described it as the "23rd illegal attack by the Huthis on international shipping" since November 19.

Israel has also traded frequent cross-border fire with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

"We are striking hard against Hezbollah (...) and if Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran", Netanyahu warned Saturday.

In Syria, at least 23 pro-Iran fighters  five Syrians, four Hezbollah members, six Iraqis and eight Iranians  were killed on Saturday in raids "likely" carried out by Israel, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (AFP)
Russia on Sunday said it attacked military facilities in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight, including a hotel housing military commanders and "foreign mercenaries," in response to Ukraine's strikes on Belgorod the previous day.

Kharkiv officials had said that at least six missiles hit Ukraine's second city, injuring at least 28 people and damaging residential buildings, hotels and medical facilities, followed by waves of drone attacks on housing blocks.

Russia's statement said its attack hit the former Kharkiv Palace hotel and the headquarters of the Ukrainian Security Service for the Kharkiv region.

It said military and intelligence officers involved in Ukraine's attack on Belgorod had been among those killed, along with "foreign mercenaries and militants" preparing to carry out cross-border raids.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region adjoining northern Ukraine, said the death toll from Saturday's Ukrainian rocket attack on the regional capital had risen to 24.

In a posting on Telegram he said there were also 108 wounded and that 37 apartment buildings had been damaged.

There was no official comment from Kyiv in the hours after the attack on Belgorod and Reuters was unable to independently verify the Russian reports.

Like other Russian border zones, Belgorod has suffered shelling and drone attacks all year, which authorities have blamed on Ukraine, though none have previously been on such a scale.

Both sides deny targeting civilians in a war that Russia launched against its neighbour in February 2022. The United Nations says that more than 10,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and nearly 60 people inside Russia.

Ukrainian news outlet RBC-Ukraine on Saturday quoted unidentified sources as saying that Ukrainian forces had directed fire at military targets in Belgorod in response to the massive Russian bombardment of cities and infrastructure across Ukraine the previous day.

Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that Ukraine had fired its missiles from the Kharkiv region across the border. (Reuters)
More than 4,360 people, including combatants and civilians, were killed in Syria's civil war in 2023, in the thirteenth year since fighting began, a war monitor said on Sunday.

The figure was an increase on 2022, when 3,825 people were killed.

That was the lowest annual death toll since the conflict began in 2011 with the government's brutal crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This year's count included 1,889 civilians, 241 of them women and 307 children, according to the United Kingdom-based Observatory, which has a network of sources inside Syria.

Syrian government forces accounted for almost 900 of the dead this year, with other fighters including from the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, pro-Iran groups, Islamist factions, Islamic State group jihadists and foreign combatants accounting for the rest.

Over the years, the country's conflict spiralled dramatically. It pulled in foreign armies, militias and jihadists, killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions and ravaged the country's infrastructure and industry.

With Iranian and Russian support, Damascus has clawed back much of the territory it lost earlier in the conflict, although large parts of the country's north remain outside government control.

Front lines have mostly quietened in recent years and annual death tolls dropped to lower levels.

Nevertheless, violence persists. The Observatory reported that several people including a fighter and a child were killed on Saturday in government bombardment of "residential areas and a market" the city of Idlib.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, controls swathes of Idlib province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces -- the last major bastion of armed opposition in Syria.

A ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey was declared in Idlib after a Syrian government offensive in March 2020, but it has been repeatedly violated.

Also on Saturday, 25 pro-Iran fighters were killed in air strikes in eastern Syria "likely" carried out by Israel, the Observatory said, raising an earlier toll of 23.

The dead included five Syrians, six Iraqi fighters, four from Lebanon's Hezbollah group and 10 other non-Syrian combatants, the Observatory said.

Israel, which has launched hundreds of strikes on Syrian territory since the war began, rarely comments on individual attacks but has repeatedly said it will not allow its arch foe Iran to expand its presence in the country.

Israel has intensified its strikes in Syria since its war with Hamas began on October 7. (AFP)
Hong Kong democracy activist Tony Chung, who once called for the city's independence and was the youngest person to be jailed under its national security law, said on Friday he would seek asylum in the United Kingdom.

Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests in the former British colony.

In 2021, Chung, then 20, became the youngest person to be jailed under the security law after he pleaded guilty to "secession" and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Chung said he had "safely arrived in the United Kingdom and have formally applied for political asylum upon entry", according to a statement posted on Facebook early Friday but dated Dec. 27.

He said he had been closely watched by Hong Kong's national security police despite his jail term having ended in June and was blocked from taking up work.

The Washington Post reported he was released early for good behavior.

Authorities also stopped him from seeking legal assistance by citing a confidentiality clause under the security law, Chung added.

He said he got permission to leave Hong Kong by saying he wanted to go on holiday in Okinawa, Japan, and sought help once he was outside Chinese soil.

Calling himself a "Hong Kong exile," Chung said it was impossible for him to return home in the foreseeable future.

"I believe that only with the collective efforts of the Hong Kong people can Hong Kong once again become a home that we can be proud of," he wrote.

"I believe that as long as the Hong Kong people never give up, the seeds of freedom and democracy will sprout alive again."

AFP has contacted the police for comment.

Chung was previously the convenor of Student Localism, a small group he set up five years ago as a secondary school pupil to advocate for Hong Kong's independence from China.

Separation from China was then a fringe view in Hong Kong, although calls for self-rule became more vocal during the 2019 protests.

In 2020, Chung was nabbed by plainclothes police from a coffee shop opposite the US consulate, where he was allegedly planning to seek asylum. (AFP)
Freedom of speech is not the property of one side in any culture war. It belongs to the whole human race.

Indeed, for those of us who enjoy it, nothing is more precious.

As Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the independent regulator for higher education in England, I oversee the Office for Students's duty to protect the lawful speech rights of speakers at universities  students, staff, visiting speakers  independently of the viewpoint that they are expressing.

It makes no difference whether you are in favour of Brexit or against it. It makes no difference what side you take on statues or pronouns or colonialism, or abortion or animal rights, or Ultra Low Emission Zones. You can castigate the monarchy or defend it. You can argue that Britain is fundamentally racist or that it never was. You can speak or write as a Marxist, a post-colonial theorist, a gender-critical feminist, or anything else  if you do it within the law.

Also, freedom of speech is not just one political position or value among many. Supporting freedom of speech is not like supporting Scottish independence or opposing an increase in VAT. Nor is it like socialism or one-nation conservatism.

Arif Ahmed is Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom of the Office for Students

Freedom of speech does not tell you what the outcome of any political or scientific debate should be.

What it does tell you is how that dispute should be conducted: namely, through open and tolerant discussion in which all sides feel  and really are  free to express their views.

So what matters, within the confines of the law, is not what side you take, but that you get to choose what side you take. A great historian once wrote that it is a rare and happy age in which you may think what you like and say what you think. It is a rare and happy place, too.

The core mission of universities and colleges is the pursuit of knowledge, and the principles of free speech and academic freedom are fundamental to this purpose.

They provide a necessary context for advancing new ideas, encouraging productive debate and challenging conventional wisdom.

But today there are persistent and widespread concerns that many in higher education are being silenced, either by the activity of the university or by its inactivity. And that silencing may fall disproportionately on those who are most vulnerable. For example, on the student who might join university eager to debate contentious issues about gender identity, or gay rights in Islamic law, or the Black Lives Matter movement.

When an institution fails to protect, or punishes, legal speech, the chilling effect goes well beyond the speaker.

The 2023 National Student Survey found that one in every seven students in England feels unable freely to express their own views at university. Those who say 'only one in seven' (14 per cent), as though it were some kind of victory for freedom of speech, are missing two points.

First  free speech is there to protect minorities. Saying it is OK that self-censorship affects only a minority is like saying it is OK that poor healthcare only affects people who are unwell. And second, in what world is 14 per cent an acceptably low figure? How can anyone be happy that 14 per cent of those in higher education are missing out on a fundamental prerequisite of higher education?

History teaches it is the powerless and the marginalised who benefit the most from freedom of speech. As many of its defenders have said, freedom of speech matters most if speech is all you have. Far from there being a serious tension between equality and freedom of speech, the evidence is that they are, for the most part, mutually supportive.

There is an argument against freedom of speech. We know more about most things than we did 50 years ago, and more about almost everything than was known 100 years ago.

This includes scientific progress but it also includes moral progress.

Students join the Resist Racism demonstration as protesters march from Portland place to Downing street on March 18, 2023

Britain at least is a more open, tolerant and welcoming place for all people than it was 50 years ago, and probably much more so than 100 years ago.

But if there is such a thing as progress, what is the point in hearing people repeat views that are outdated and wrong?

There are two answers. The first is that progress, if it happens at all, does not happen evenly.

Though in some circles a scientific advance might be universally accepted, much scientific progress, and perhaps most social and political progress, meets resistance before it gains acceptance.

It is rare for either side in a debate to change its mind as soon as it meets objections. But over time you can plant a seed in someone's mind and attitudes do change.

For many students, university might be the only time in their lives when they have the time and the freedom to embark on this exploration.

A generation deprived of that freedom may never appreciate what it has lost.

The second answer is that you cannot know something is true unless you know why it is true, and you cannot know why it is true unless you know why at least some alternatives are false.

That is why it is vital to challenge students' most basic assumptions.

Student and tutor might be convinced that economic immigration is a net positive for developed countries, that capital punishment is a net negative, and that abortion raises no serious moral concerns. And yet in teaching these subjects, the tutor may have a duty to play devil's advocate  to question the arguments and to put the best possible case for the opposite. There is no more effective way to get the student to think for themselves.

It is essential for society to function that we settle disputes not through violence but discussion. For this to happen, it is vital we learn to tolerate views we might find wrong-headed and even appalling.

Tolerance for disagreement is therefore a public good, like public utilities or clean air and water.
There was a time when royal life was marked by scepticism about new media, including social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter (now X).

But that's all changed in the past 12 months - and how.

There was a notable breakthrough when the royals began to post professionally edited reels of big royal occasions, including the Coronation.

But leading the way are the Prince and Princess of Wales who have steadily increased their presence on the web and now employ their own in-house videographer.

Kate seems happy to pose for pictures while visiting Nottingham Trent University

Social media platforms are playing an ever greater role for members of the Royal Family, particularly the Waleses

On his trip to Bournemouth in September, William was practically mobbed. Most wanted a selfie - and he readily obliged

Prince William, poses for selfies with members of the public as he visits Pret A Manger on September 07, 2023 in Bournemouth

Prince of Wales takes a selfie with members of the public outside Dowlais Rugby Club during a 2 day visit to Wales on April 27, 2023

Wales takes a selfie with a member of the public outside Dowlais Rugby Club, April 2023

Prince of Wales meets members of the public whilst visiting The Street community hub during an official visit to Scarborough

The royals began to shake up their social media presence by posting professionally edited reels of big royal occasions and amping up the seflie-taking during engagements this year

Perhaps taking a leaf from Harry and Meghan's book, sharp videos allow the royals to reach a wide audience on their own terms - including a younger section of society than might otherwise be possible.

Here, MailOnline takes a look at the Prince and Princess of Wales' social media accounts and how they appear to be working so far...

Twitter

Kate and William have used X, formerly known as Twitter, for almost a decade as they share insight into their royal engagements and favourite charities

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently started providing full round-up of their engagements for September on their Kensington Royal Twitter account.

Their Highnesses posted a thread of photos documenting their happenings throughout the month, including both solo and joint engagements.

The first tweet in the thread read: 'Welcome to the September Rewind with The Prince and Princess of Wales.'

The monthly round-up is a new feature for the royal couple and comes after they ramped up their presence on social media earlier this year with glossy videos documenting bog royal occasions.

Kate and William are also known to use their platform to highlight causes close to their hearts. Recent retweets on their page include charities such as Mind, Baby Loss Awareness and The Earthshot Prize.

Having first joined the app in September 2014, the Waleses have amassed quite an audience with 2.8 million followers.

On Tuesday, a schoolboy was fortunate enough to receive a personal message from Prince William on Twitter, now also known as X, after he was unable to join him at a school event.

Freddie Hadley, 12, invited the future king to visit St Michael's Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, to attend the launch of a mental health awareness campaign yesterday.

His invitation was posted on social media by teacher Kerry Whitehouse, the school's mental health lead, and went viral after gaining more than 140,000 views.

However, while the Prince and Princess of Wales had already committed to another trip to Birmingham to attend a youth forum, he made sure to apologise to Freddie and his school friends.

He wrote: 'Good afternoon Freddie, I'm so sorry Catherine and I can't be with you and the rest of the students at St Michael's today. Tackling mental health challenges and stigmas head on is so important, please keep up this important work. W'

Instagram

The Prince and Princess of Wales often take to Instagram to share photos of their many engagements as working royals

The couple initially launched their Instagram account back in 2015, with the username a nod to their former titles: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

In more recent times, the couple's social media has developed a modern touch and is becoming more experimental with their use of Reels, Guides and Highlights.

Kate and William also began posting behind-the-scenes footage from royal events, including King Charles' Coronation on their official Instagram - giving fans the true inside into their lives.

Thankfully, this appears to have paid off for the couple, who now have a staggering five million followers on Instagram, which is almost two million more than King Charles and Queen Camilla, who have 13.1 million.

Other royals who enjoy the social media platform but don't have as much of a reach as the Waleses include Princess Eugenie with 1.8 million followers, Mike Tindall with 597k and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at 142k.

YouTube

Kate and William announced the launch of their YouTube channel in May 2021, and have since posted 86 videos to raise awareness for charities and their official outings

Kate and William announced the launch of their YouTube channel by sharing a slick promotional video back in May 2021.

At the start of the video, the couple were seen sitting on their sofa at their Norfolk home of Anmer Hall, with the Prince turning to his wife and joking: 'By the way you need to be careful what you say now because these guys are filming everything.'

The flashy video then went on to show various clips from engagements over the years, including Kate launching her Early Years survey in February 2020 and the couple visiting Pakistan in October 2019.

READ MORE: How William and Kate have transformed their social media Advertisement

The launch came days after royal experts praised the couple for sharing a family video of themselves outdoors with their three children for their tenth wedding anniversary.

Having proved to be quite a success since then, the page now has 656k subscribers and millions of views between their 86 videos.

The couple use stylishly-edited videos to raise awareness for charities and their official engagements.

Recent videos include insight into their visit to the first regenerative ocean farm in north Wales and a promotional video announcing the launch of Prince William's Homewards imitative to end homelessness.

Footage captured by the pair ranges from direct-to-camera interviews with the Prince and Princess of Wales to unprecedented footage filmed in their Kensington Palace home and inside Buckingham Palace.

Many believe that that the couple's brand new 'social media blitz' would win over young people

Locals taking a selfie with Catherine and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in March 2022 in Kingston, Jamaica

TikTok

The Prince and Princess have not yet joined TikTok, amid scepticism from the British government over its security after government workers were banned from downloading the Chinese-founded app onto their work devices.

However, Kate and William have reportedly had talks with TikTok, but it was more to gain an understanding of how the platform works.
He said they charge for extra to prevent people 'abusing' the sauces

A former employee said there are allocations depending on the meal

Have you ever wondered why an extra sauce sachet isn't slipped into your McDonald's bag?

A former McDonald's worker has shared how the fast food chain determines the number of sauces each person gets while answering a question posted to Quora: 'Are McDonald's employees told not to give out so much sauce?'

'We're not told not to give out "too much sauce" but instead we are told that each specific purchase has a defined sauce packet given for free,' Quora user Ivan Josiah Lapis said in the post.

Ivan, who said he worked at a McDonald's in 2013, explained that for an order that consists of four to six nuggets, the customer would be allocated one sachet of sauce - and an extra packet could be added at the worker's 'own discretion.'

According to a former McDonald's worker, they're told 'not to give out "too much sauce" but instead we are told that each specific purchase has a defined sauce packet given for free'

'If you got a 10 pack nugget, you are provided two for free automatically and another for free at our discretion, if the customer asks,' he explained.

'If you got a 20 pack, you get three, and another extra at our own discretion. This extra packet is totally accounted for within the cost but we try to save them so that we can save.'

Ivan explained why they charged for extra sauces, saying that the corporation would save money for every 20 sauces they didn't hand out.

'The less you have to spend on these things, the more you can allocate your budget on more pressing losses,' he said.

'The main reason we charged for extra packets is to prevent abuse.

'It's fair to assume that two packets of sauce is enough for a six pack nugget, right? If you need more than that, then what the heck are you doing with the nuggets?'

According to Ivan, they implement charging for extra sauces to 'prevent abuse.'

'Realistically we really don't mind giving extra if it makes you happy, just that the price of an item isn't just accounting for the ingredients and materials,' Ivan said.

Ivan explained why they charged for extra sauces, saying that the corporation would save money for every 20 sauces they didn't hand out

'Most people forget that labor and other expenses such as electricity and gas also needs to be accounted for,' he pointed out. McDonald's doesn't really make much money as you think when it comes to individual sales. So, we save where we can.'

In a recent addition to the post, Ontario, Canada-based Ivan pointed out he wrote that post more than five years ago, so the policies may have changed since then.

Another Quora user, Kayla Gerard - who worked at the chain in 2018, according to her profile - wrote: 'Managers get in trouble for their employees giving away sauce for free.

'It is not that we are being greedy with our sauce, we are just trying to do our jobs without getting in trouble.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Ivan and McDonald's for comment.
She discovered she was pregnant hours before she gave birth

A teen mom has recalled the terrifying moment she discovered she was pregnant - just hours before giving birth.

Laren Dawn Nelson, 18, from Washington, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Silas, after finding out she was expecting when she went to the hospital for what she thought to be a stomach bug.

The teen had what's known as a cryptic pregnancy - which is when someone doesn't know they are expecting because their symptoms are mild enough to pass as an illness.

Now, Laren has spoken out about the moments that led up to her giving birth and how her family helped her get through the shock.

Laren Dawn Nelson, 18, from Washington, has recalled the terrifying moment she discovered she was pregnant - just hours before giving birth (seen while pregnant)

She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Silas after finding out she was expecting when she went to the hospital for what she thought to be a stomach bug

The teen had what's known as a cryptic pregnancy - which is when someone doesn't know they are expecting because their symptoms are mild enough to pass as an illness

The 18-year-old went through high school graduation, senior prom and her birthday - all while not knowing she was expecting.

How Laren didn't know she was pregnant until she was in labor: What is a cryptic pregnancy? A cryptic pregnancy is a mysterious pregnancy that goes unnoticed right up until labor begins

It occurs in about one in 475 women

During cryptic pregnancies, symptoms are mild enough to pass as a temporary illness

If someone continues to take birth control while pregnant, they might not experience pregnancy symptoms and therefore have a cryptic pregnancy

Source: Flo.Health Advertisement

Shortly after graduating high school, Laren spent the summer lounging around with friends up until she came down with COVID-19.

However, even after recovering from the virus, she still felt as though something was wrong.

But the teen tried to ignore her symptoms and went out with a friend instead.

While out, her friend realized Laren looked ill and suggested they go to the hospital.

Laren explained: 'I went to the grocery store, my best friend met up with me and she said, you don't look good and she brought me to the hospital.

'At the time we were guessing that a virus I had a year prior was coming back and attacking my stomach - we figured it was that, we expected the worst, but hoped for the best.'

Once there, Laren explained that she was suffering from abdominal pain every few minutes.

It was then the nurse suggested she take a pregnancy test just in case.

Laren said: 'The next thing I know the nurse looks at me and says you're pregnant - and you're also in labor.

'I was in complete shock - I did not know what to think - I started laughing and crying at the same time.'

She added: 'This was way out of our expectations. I took the pregnancy test that the nurse asked me to and I made my friend wait in the waiting room.

Now, Laren has spoken out about the moments that led up to her giving birth and how her family helped her get through the shock

The 18-year-old shockingly went through high school graduation, senior prom and her birthday - all while not knowing she was expecting (pictured at her prom while pregnant)

While at the hospital, the nurse suggested she take a pregnancy test just in case. Her son is pictured

'This nurse comes out she has this look of shock on her face, she told my friend to get a wheelchair and told me to sit down.

'I sat down and I was like, "Oh, no, what is happening," because I was having these pains every couple minutes, which I didn't know at the time that they were contractions.

'We went into the next room and when I got into there I see my teacher's wife, and my cousin who worked at the hospital - I was like, "Oh, this is weird, this kind of awkward" and then she said, "Ladies, I want you to sit down."

'I sat down and my friend grabs my hand and I'm like, "What's going on? Like am I going to die? Is it something to be afraid of?"

'The next thing I know, she's like, "So you're pregnant and you're also in labor."'

Laren said: 'The next thing I know the nurse looks at me and says you're pregnant - and you're also in labor'

The nurse explained that Laren was experiencing a cryptic pregnancy

The nurse explained that Laren was experiencing a cryptic pregnancy.

According to AmericanPregnancy.org, a cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth pregnancy, is when a woman doesnt know shes pregnant either because testing methods fail to detect the pregnancy or she doesn't notice she is experiencing symptoms of pregnancy.

Research estimates one out of 475 pregnancies may go undetected or unnoticed until the expecting mother is about 20 weeks' pregnant.

One in 2,500 cryptic pregnancies arent recognized until the woman goes into labor.

After hearing the news, Laren was shocked and all she could think to do was call her mother - who didn't even believe it could be true.

She said: 'My friend was holding my hand and all I could think was - shoot, I need to call my mom.

'My friend calls my mom and she's like, "Hey, so Laren's in labor - I brought her to hospital and she's pregnant."

'My mom instantly starts panicking saying, "Who's there?" and questioning if it was some of the sort of sick joke.'

However, it was certainly not a joke and later that day, Laren gave birth to her baby.

After hearing the news, Laren (seen while expecting) was shocked and all she could think to do was call her mother - who didn't even believe it could be true

The 18-year-old noted that while it was a shock, she has relied on her friends and family for support

She added: 'Next thing I knew, I was pushing and then I had a baby - it was crazy.

'I heard the cry and I started crying and then I looked over at him and he looked perfect.

'His name is Silas, and he is the sweetest little baby in the whole world, he's perfectly healthy and he is living his best life.'

The 18-year-old noted that while it was a shock, she has relied on her friends and family for support.

'My parents have been a huge help and my friends have been amazing. I didn't think at 18 I'd be a mom,' she concluded.

'Once I graduated, I thought now is the time to live my life and live a little - now I get to live my life a little differently than I had planned.

'But I'm not complaining, he's perfect, he's the best baby ever and I'm lucky.'
She explained some of the lingo that has confused her the most

She listed some of the biggest differences she's noticed since she moved

Kayla moved from New York City to Auckland in New Zealand in August 2023

An American living in New Zealand has shared some of the differences she's experienced since moving - with phrases like 'up the Wahs' leaving her completely puzzled.

Kayla, who moved from New York City to Auckland in August, has documented her move and life overseas on TikTok, with some things taking a little longer than others to get used to.

In a clip posted to the video-sharing app, Kayla explained some of the words and phrases she's had to Google since moving abroad - admitting learning the local vernacular is harder than she thought it would be.

The first thing Kayla, who moved after she was offered a job in the country's North Island earlier in the year, said baffled her was seeing the phrase: 'Up the Wahs.'

Kayla, who moved from New York City to Auckland, New Zealand in August, has documented her move and life overseas on TikTok

Kayla explained some of the words and phrases she's had to Google since moving abroad - admitting the local vernacular is harder than she thought it would be

'The first time I kind of just let it go but then I saw it on this billboard and this school and then I went somewhere and it was the name of the Wi-Fi,' she exclaimed.

'The last straw was when I was moving in to my new flat and two of my new flat mates put it in the group chat and I was like okay, we gotta learn what this means, so I Googled it.'

She continued: 'It's just the slogan for the [Warriors] rugby team. But I guess a lot of people are a fan.'

The next word is 'arvo,' which she heard when looking for a flat to live in.

'I was going to view a flat and the girl who was showing it to me "can you come this arvo,"' she said incredulously. 'Like, I don't know, maybe?'

'Like what the heck is arvo?' she continued. But luckily, a simple Google solved her problems.

'It means afternoon,' she explained.

Another obstacle Kayla has faced is the different names for certain things - like sweet potato - which she says is called a kumara in New Zealand.

Kayla said she loved nature, and living in New Zealand has provided access to lots of hikes and camping trips she always dreamed of going on

Although admitting she misses Trader Joe's, stooping, and friends and family, Kayla loves her life in Auckland

In some of her TikTok videos, Kayla pointed out some of the strangest differences she's encountered since moving to the other side of the world

'This is a little different because this is actually not English,' she explained.

'But I had a coworker tell me about this food she got and she was saying "kumara" and I was like "what's kumara?"' Kayla recalled.

'She told me what is was but it took her a second [to remember what it was called],' she laughed. 'It means sweet potato.'

Kayla explained that kumara was the Maori word for sweet potato.

'That one was a fun one, I liked learning that word,' she said.

The other word she's had to Google is "tramping," which she admitted was one of the more crucial words she learned.

'This one is important for me to know cos I'm planning on doing a lot of this over the next few weeks while I'm in New Zealand,' she said.

'Tramping is hiking, but if I do ever refer to something as a hike people know what I'm talking about,' she assured her international viewers.

In a later video, Kayla pointed out more of the strangest differences she's encountered since moving.

'First things first, they drive on the left side of the road here, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car,' she listed.

'I haven't driven in New Zealand yet, and I'm scared to do that. But I have crossed the road many of times.

'If there's anything that is going to kill me while I'm living in New Zealand, it's gonna be being hit by a car.'

She also mentioned public transportation, admitting she's never had to physically flag down a bus before moving to Auckland.

'I would be sitting at the bus stop, and the bus that I needed to get on would just, like, drive right past,' she recalled. 'I was so confused - I thought that I was at the wrong bus stop or something.'

Kayla listed public transportation as another difference, admitting she's never had to physically flag down a bus before moving to Auckland

She also mentioned using the metric system, how elevators are numbered, and turning outlets on and off as other things she's had to get used to

Kayla continued: 'Then once I actually was able to get on a bus I realized that people were like, like, hitchhiking the buses when they wanted to get on.'

Her other key differences include people parking on the grass instead of the curb and the difference in flying domestically.

Lastly, she outlined the dining experience as another big difference, explaining when you pay a server doesn't bring the check to the table - but patrons settle the bill at the front counter.

'The server doesn't bring the bill to you, you have to, go to the front to pay on your way out,' she explained. 'I'm sure it connects to the fact that you don't have to tip.'

She also mentioned using the metric system, how elevators are numbered, and turning outlets on and off as other things she's had to get used to.

Although admitting she misses Trader Joe's, stooping, and friends and family, Kayla loves her life in Auckland.

'I'd always wanted to travel and live abroad,' she explained. 'I love the city and the energy but when it came to the things that really make me happy in life, New York made it really really difficult to achieve those things.'

'I wanted to move to a place which had a lot of access to nature,' she explained further, saying New Zealand provides her access to the hikes and camping trips she's always wanted close by.

'New Zealand has all of the travel and adventure opportunities I could ever want.'
The British royals have faced turmoil recently, but 2024 might bring change

It's been a tumultuous year for the British royal family amid heightened tensions between the Firm and Prince Harry.

The royals have faced a series of explosive events in 2023, from the release of the Duke's memoir Spare to the controversies reignited by Omid Scobie's Endgame.

But with a new year comes new beginnings, and recent developments suggest King Charles, 75, is in a forgiving mood - indicating the possibility of reconciliation between himself and his LA-based offspring.

Just days ago, the King's benevolence saw Sarah, Duchess of York, 64, attend her first Christmas Service at the Sandringham Estate for over 30 years.

The former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, 63, has certainly had her ups and downs in the royal family. But on Christmas day, the connection appeared restored as she joined the royals in Norfolk.

Charles appears to be in a forgiving mood following Sarah Fergusons' return to the Christmas service at Sandringham this year, which might extend to his youngest son in 2024. Charles and Harry are pictured above in 2019

Fergie might have had a comeback into the family tradition, but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remained across the pond for the festivities - which follows a year of separation during several key royal events.

Earlier this year, it emerged that Harry and Meghan's daughter Princess Lilibet had been christened in an intimate ceremony at their home in Montecito, California. However, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate did not attend.

A bulletin published on the Royal Family's website showed a busy schedule of public duties from the week of February 25 to March 3, which may have been a pointed reply to the claim that they snubbed Lillibet's Moneticito christening.

The list showed how the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on February 25.

The following day, the Princess Royal and her husband Captain Tim Laurence watched the International Rugby Match between France and Scotland at the Stade de France in Paris.

Later events saw the King meet European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen after Rishi Sunak's revised Brexit agreement, while Prince William and his wife visited a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Wales - meeting vulnerable service users among a host of other engagements.

Royal experts were left confounded over the christening arrangements of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet, with a question mark over whether the baby's blue-blooded relatives were invited.

Royal author Omid Scobie claimed King Charles, the Queen Consort ands the Prince and Princess of Wales 'declined' an invitation to attend Lilibet's christening in California.

Tensions within the father son duo intensified following the release of Prince Harry's memoir - Spare

Sarah Ferguson returned to the Christmas church service alongside Prince Andrew and other royals for the first time in over 30 years

Scobie, who has previously been sympathetic towards the Sussexes, insisted the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales were invited to the ceremony but chose not to attend.

It is not known whether any other Royal Family members were present, nor when the British royals were invited - or how the message was sent to the UK.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'It would be for The Duke and Duchess to confirm who attended their daughters christening.'

However, Princess Diana's older sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, were present at Princess Lilibet's christening, according to reports.

Prince Harry's two aunts on his mother's side were said to be among the 20-30 guests at the 'intimate' ceremony and following party which was held at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Montecito mansion.

It is not clear when the Duke of Sussex last saw his aunts, although they have been present at his important life events along with Prince Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer.

Prince Harry looks on at his brother Prince William in the front row during the coronation of their father King Charles III at Westminster Abbey

Prince Harry wore an awkward smile as he was forced to watch the Coronation of his father King Charles III from his relegated seat in the third row - while his brother Prince William took centre stage

The Duke of Sussex finally emerged as he joined other members of the royal family in entering the church in central London, before being seen walking down the aisle by himself

Two months later, King Charles' Coronation bought further speculation about the feuding family.

Prince Harry wore an awkward smile as he was forced to watch the Coronation of King Charles III from his relegated seat in the third row - while his brother Prince William took centre stage alongside Kate Middleton.

Meghan, on the other hand, did not attend the event and stayed in California with Archie and Lilibet, perhaps because the Kings' Coronation fell on the same day as Archie's fourth birthday.

Omid Scobie confirmed Archie's birthday 'played a factor in the couple's decision' and he expected it would be a 'fairly quick trip to the UK' for Harry.

During his fleeting appearance, the Duke of Sussex seemed keen to put on a jovial display at Westminster Abbey amid ongoing speculation of the Royal Family's inner turmoil.

Wearing medals pinned to his suit jacket, he had been seen laughing and smiling as he entered the church alongside Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and their respective husbands Jack Brooksbank and Edo Mapelli Mozzi.

He awkwardly nodded at other guests as he endured a solo walk down the aisle to take his seat next to his cousins ahead of the arrival of his father and Camilla.

The Duke and Duchess were once a key part of the family. They are pictured with Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour 2018

Harry appeared to bow his head as the newly-anointed King walked past him on his way out of the Abbey - although much of his true reaction was blocked by a feather on Princess Anne's hat.

The prince had not been seen for over 24 hours after his arrival and accommodation plans remained shrouded in secrecy - before it emerged he had flown into the UK on a commercial American Airlines flight on Friday morning.

Tensions were exacerbated at the event following the release of Harry's memoir Spare, which was published in January.

Attacks rained down in every chapter of the book: from accusations that his brother assaulted him in a row over Meghan to swipes at Camilla as a perceived 'evil stepmother' when she first entered the fold.

Harry also alleges that William and Kate  his once adored sister-in-law who is now painted as cold and unfriendly  encouraged him to wear his infamous Nazi fancy dress outfit.

In a leaked extract of his highly anticipated autobiography, Spare, Prince Harry recounted a meeting with his father and brother after Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021

The cover of Prince Harry's highly anticipated autobiography, Spare

Fast forward to the end of the year, and another bombshell book launched a string of attacks at the royal family - Omid Scobie's Endgame.

Harry and Meghan's cheerleader-in-chief, who is based in east London, accused King Charles and Prince William of 'scheming against one another' while calling the Princess of Wales 'cold' and 'a Stepford wife'.

Holding no prisoners, he also took aim at Princess Anne, saying she convinced Charles to evict Harry and Meghan, while also saying Camilla has 'no relationship' with Harry.

Scobie, 42, has been branded 'nasty' and 'disgraceful' by royal experts over the claims.

His astonishing attack on the Princess of Wales, lambasting her for 'advocating for mental health causes while ignoring Meghan's cries for help', while also branding her a 'part-time working royal' over the number of engagements she carries out were branded 'unfair' and 'unwarranted'.

Despite the high drama, several recent instances have indicated a forgiving mood in Charles and an optimistic and cohesive future for the family.

And ties between the father and son haven't completely severed - with Harry calling his father on his 75th birthday, reports claimed.

The Duke of Sussex and his family did not travel to London where Charles held a small celebratory gathering at Clarence House last month.

A week before the celebration, Harry re-ignited his public war of words with the Royal Family, declaring that he has had no contact with Buckingham Palace over the Kings 75th birthday celebrations.

However, it appeared there was an olive branch from Montecito, with a phone call in the afternoon or evening due to the time difference in California.

A 'well placed' source told the BBC that Harry would want to speak to his father on his big day.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was said to call his father on his 75th birthday today, but stayed away from the celebrations

Charles was working on his birthday, and launched the Coronation Food Project with the Queen which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need

With conversations apparently in the works, a fully-fledged reconciliation might be on the cards.

And forgiveness is certainly in the air - following Charles decision to permit Prince Andrew and his wife Sarah Ferguson to the Christmas day festivities at Sandringham.

The Duke of York, 63, and the Duchess, 64, walked behind senior royals as crowds lined the road outside the St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas Day service on the Norfolk estate.

It's the first time Fergie has joined the royals for the walk in over 30 years, following the couple's high profile divorce in 1996.

But King Charles softened that approach last year and invited her to join the family at Sandringham for the first time in decades, though she didn't join them for church.

For the second year in succession, Andrew made the walk from Sandringham to church with the other royals - symbolic of his gradual rehabilitation within the monarchy.

Sarah Ferguson was all smiles as she attended the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Chruch

Fergie is pictured arriving with Prince Andrew, her daughter Princess Beatrice and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi

On the topic, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden said: 'The Kings embrace of the Duke and Duchess of York shows that there is a way back for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.'

'He demonstrated his capacity for forgiveness by inviting Sarah, Duchess of York to join her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, and senior members of the Royal Family at church in Sandringham.

'The fact that Andrew was also with the working royals, for the second year running, shows that the King is determined to be a forgiving monarch.'

In addition to the Christmas event, Sarah has enjoyed life back in the royal fold in recent times.

Despite divorcing in 1996, Andrew and Fergie's assets are still so entwined, so that good fortune for one means good fortune for the other. They still live together at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate and recently sold their jointly-owned 17 million ski chalet in the Swiss resort of Verbier.

Andrew, too, has had some good luck  financially, at least.

Charles agreed to foot his brother's estimated 3million-a-year bill for private bodyguards after his police protection was withdrawn.

And while there is no pressing desire on the part of the King to find a new job for Andrew, the Monarch is said to be warming to the idea that Andrew might be permitted to use 'HRH' on his correspondence again, something previously denied.

Only time will tell if Charles will extend the same level of forgiveness to his youngest son, but his capacity to forgive is certainly evident.
A woman who has travelled the world as a solo backpacker has revealed the countries where she felt unsafe as a woman navigating a new place alone.

The TikToker named Nora, who goes by the name Nora the Explorer on the social media platform, posted a video sharing her advice with other female travellers who might be considering visiting such nations.

At the beginning of the video Nora, who is originally from Hungary but now lives in Australia, insists that the countries are still worth visiting and she is only speaking from her experience.

She went on to list the nations where she did not feel safe while travelling around - and revealed some frightening anecdotes as she did so.

After watching her video, other people revealed the countries where they had felt unsafe travelling - while one person pointed out travellers could face uncertain conditions anywhere in the world.

Solo traveller Nora took to TikTok to reveal the countries where she has felt the least safe travelling as a woman

At the beginning of her video, Nora told viewers she was going to list the countries where she didn't feel safe as a woman backpacking alone.

However she added: 'I still had a wonderful time in all these places. It could have happened anywhere.

'It doesn't mean the whole country is unsafe and you shouldn't visit it.'

The countries she lists are: Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, South Africa, Australia, Denmark, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

As she discussed Vietnam, Nora recalled a frightening experience in which she and a friend believe they were drugged at a bar in Hanoi.

Nora, who is from Hungary but now lives in Australia, revealed her frightening experiences while travelling alone

She recalled her friend 'acting strange' after finishing her drink - and soon realised the young woman was in trouble.

Nora said she and some other friends from the hostel took the young woman, who could barely speak, back home - but before leaving the bar, Nora said she also finished a drink.

When they returned to the hostel, Nora said she also began to feel unwell and soon fell unconscious after fainting in the shower.

She warned female travellers to be wary when they are out and about in bars abroad after her frightening experience.

In later videos, Nora went on to explain other experiences she'd had in countries she now considers less safe.

After visiting the Philippines and Sri Lanka, she claimed: 'These were the top two countries where I experienced men being extremely pushy and not really taking no for an answer.'

She recalled a couple of occasions on which she was encircled by men while out in bars with her friends, leaving them feeling intimidated.

However, despite experiencing this 'a few times' in Sri Lanka, Nora said it is still her 'favourite country in the whole world'.

Although Nora now lives in Australia, she revealed that she spent 10 years in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she began to feel unsafe as time passed.

'The last one or two years, I don't know what happened but I did not have a night where someone did not touch my butt inappropriately in a club or in a bar,' she said.

Nora added that Denmark is 'one of the safest, happiest countries in the world', and she does not believe her experiences should deter anyone from visiting.

Responding to her videos, many people shared their own experiences of feeling unsafe in countries around the world - with many making the point that such experiences can happen to women in any country.
A new mother gave birth on Christmas Day - exactly 30 years after she was born.

Katie Fuller, 30, shared her festive birthday with new son, Barney Forsythe and said it was the best present she could have wished for.

And the chances of them sharing a birthday on Christmas Day are 0.0075 per cent.

While originally planning to be induced, Katie's contractions began naturally on Christmas Eve - and she was in labour for 32 hours.

Katie, a recruitment business owner from Hemel Hempstead, said: 'Barney was my best Christmas - and birthday - present ever.

Anne and David Fuller on December 25 1993 with Katie as a baby - exactly 25 years before she would give birth to her own son Barney

NEW MOTHER: Katie on Christmas Day with her new baby Barney - who was born on the same date as her, just 30 years later

New parents Katie Fuller and Harrison Forsythe with Baby Barney, pictured just days (on December 29) after Barney was born

'I feel like I'm only just coming back down to Earth - I didn't expect to give birth on Christmas Day. I was like, "what the hell is happening?"

Katie says growing up as a Christmas baby has been 'tricky' - and she hasn't always felt like she gets a 'full birthday experience'.

While her parents, Anne, 71 and David Fuller, 75, have always treated her birthday and Christmas like two separate days, giving her double the presents, she missed out on spending her birthday with friends.

Going forward, she plans to celebrate Barney's birthday twice - with a party earlier in the year and presents at Christmas.

'While it is nice to always have my family around me on my birthday,' Katie added, 'I can't see my mates because they're all celebrating Christmas at home.

'It's tricky being a Christmas baby - I want to raise Barney with two separate birthdays. Like the Queen used to have.'

Katie had planned to be induced on Christmas Eve, when her contractions began naturally at 11am the same day.

She was due to have a cervical sweep - a procedure to induce labour - at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, which she attended anyway.

Harrison and Barney not long after the birth. Katie says she plans to give Barney two birthdays a year to celebrate

CHRISTMAS BABY: The chances of a baby (Barney pictured) sharing a birthday with their mother on Christmas Day are 0.0075 per cent

Katie's fiance, gas engineer Harrison Forsythe (pictured) at the hospital with his new son baby Barney

But her midwife confirmed she was already 2cm dilated - and the baby was ready to be delivered.

She said: 'They told me they were keeping me in - I thought I'd be alright on my own.

'But then I realised I didn't have to wait to be induced anymore - Barney was coming out.

'It was a real slow process, all Sunday night and during the day on Monday - and very painful.'

Katie's fiance, gas engineer Harrison Forsythe, 30, joined her in the hospital on Christmas Day, alongside her sister, 49-year-old Louise.

According to Katie, being a Christmas baby isn't always easy, as you often won't get to see you friends, and don't feel like you get the 'full birthday experience'

Katie says she 'definitely [doesn't] mind sharing a birthday with Barney', and says the pair will enjoy lots of joint birthday parties

Her epidural failed - and after 'hours' with the baby stuck at 5cm, doctors delivered via c-section.

Barney was born at 5:40pm on Christmas Day - 30 years, 13 hours and 40 minutes after his mum.

Katie added: 'I definitely don't mind sharing a birthday with Barney - we'll be having lots of joint birthday parties - it's an incredibly special thing.

'And what are the odds!

'A mum and son sharing a birthday on Christmas Day - it's the craziest thing I've ever heard.'
A fitness fanatic has apologised after being criticised for heading to the gym in painted-on leggings for an ill-fated 'social experiment'.

Natalie Reynolds, from the US, decided to work out in the leggings painted over her swimsuit on 27 December - and she didn't quite get the reception she expected.

In a video posted on X - formerly Twitter - Natalie is approached by a man who isn't too impressed with her lack of attire - and tells her she needs to leave.

Natalie has since apologised for the so-called 'social experiment', writing on social media: 'I've made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgment and I don't expect to be forgiven.

'I am simply here to apologize.'

Guy in the gym presses me for wearing painted paints  pic.twitter.com/3w85pCEEfv  natalie reynolds (@onlynatreynolds) December 27, 2023

Natalie Reynolds, from the US, decided to work out in the leggings painted over her swimsuit on 27 December - and she didn't quite get the reception she expected

The 26-year-old was wearing blue body paint over a pair of nude swimsuit bottoms, and a purple painted 'sports bra' over nipple covers. At the time of the video, she was also wearing a black jacket.

Ahead of the controversy, she said on X: 'I started getting this painted on me at 11:30am and I got done at 4:15pm.

'So, I'm sitting up for, like, five to six hours. It's painted on pants - so this is all paint. This is swimsuit bottoms.'

Natalie then made her way to a nearby gym, where she was confronted by a man.

He said: 'If you don't have clothes on, you need to be out of here.'

She responded that she does have clothes on, but he reiterated that her attire is 'not fine'.

Sharing the video on social media, Natalie said: 'Guy in the gym presses me for wearing painted pants.'

In a video posted on X - formerly Twitter - Natalie is approached by a man who isn't too impressed with her lack of attire - and tells her she needs to leave

Natalie has since apologised for the so-called 'social experiment', writing on social media: 'I've made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgment and I don't expect to be forgiven'

The video has since gained more than 40million views, with one person insisting the gym should have banned her for the stunt

The video has since gained more than 40million views, with one person insisting the gym should have banned her for the stunt.

Another said: 'Its seriously gross in a gym if she sat anywhere to do a legitimate workout'

A third commented: 'You were in the wrong. If the rules weren't clear enough, then Gym Etiquette should be obvious to you. People are there for gains, not whatever this is.'
A two-year-old girl with a condition so rare she is the only person in the world to have it has been hailed as a 'true miracle' by her mother.

Amelia Pepper, from of Newark, Nottinghamshire, was born with the one-of-a-kind genetic sequence which causes vision and movement impairment and has left her facing an uncertain future.

But despite doctors warning mum Sian Lawrence, 27, her daughter would never talk she has defied the odds to speak and is now a 'very chatty' little girl.

Sian had first been referred to a specialist at 20 weeks pregnant, as doctors were concerned about baby Amelia's heart.

It was confirmed that Amelia had a hole in her heart, which is often associated with the possibility of Down syndrome.

Amelia Pepper, from of Newark, Nottinghamshire, (left) has a condition so rare she is the only person in the world to have it. She has been hailed as a 'true miracle' by her mum Sian Lawrence, 27 (right)

But four weeks after Amelia's birth at Kings Mill Hospital, doctors noticed a unique genetic sequence  with no existing syndrome on record to compare it to.

She does not have a named condition, but has a translocation - meaning there is an unusual arrangement of her chromosomes.

Sian said: 'She's a miracle to be here - because she has her own unique way she's completely individual in that sense.

'We can't say what Amelia's future is going to be like because she's the only child with her genetic sequence.

'She is the only one in the world with it on record.'

Amelia's condition means she must be tube-fed to avoid breathing fluid into her lungs, and her decreased muscle tone means that she cannot sit up, walk, or crawl on her own.

She is also partially sighted and despite doctors believing she would never speak, her vocabulary now regularly includes words like 'mum,' 'dad' and 'hello'.

Sian said her daughter is a 'happy and bubbly' girl  and is preparing to enrol her in a specialist nursery next year.

Amelia was born with the one-of-a-kind genetic sequence which causes vision and movement impairments and has left her facing an uncertain future

Amelia's condition means she must be tube-fed to avoid breathing fluid into her lungs, and her decreased muscle tone means she cannot sit up, walk, or crawl on her own

Sian added: 'When I was pregnant, we found out that Amelia had holes in her heart and got referred over to Leicester to a specialist.

'They confirmed that she had an atrioventricular septal defect, or holes in her heart, and we got told that it's linked to Down syndrome.

'They mentioned having further testing, but we actually didn't want the extra testing because we said our baby is who they are, and we'll love them no matter what.

'When she was born, they noticed quite a few different characteristics, and they didn't really fall into a specific bracket for a syndrome.

'It came up when she was four weeks old that she's got an unbalanced translocation that's never been seen before, so geneticists have nothing to compare it to.

'In general, she is a really happy and bubbly girl, but she's developmentally delayed for her age.

Doctors warned mum Sian that her daughter would never talk but she has defied the odds to speak and is now a 'very chatty' little girl

'We know she can say certain words, but certain words that she does say aren't as clear to people that don't know her.

'She can't sit up unaided, she can't roll, and she's unable to stand or walk.

'She's got specialist equipment, like a standing frame and a specialist chair, as well as a specialist buggy.

'She can say 'mum' and 'dad' and 'hello' or 'hi' really clearly  and she repeats 'oh no' when I say it.

'Her favourite time is when she's in her sensory room, which was fundraised through family and friends, and she loves being in there.'

Sian hopes that Amelia will be able to bond with her three-month old brother in the future as well  and is eager to see what the future holds for her family.

She added: 'In the future, we know there are going to be a lot more hurdles medically, but we just hope that she's enjoying life as much as she can.

'In the next few years, we're really looking into helping Amelia decide whether she wants to do something or not through using 'yes' and 'no'  whether that's verbally or through technology.

Amelia has also been benefiting from the Play Therapy Pod service offered by Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children

'We're also looking into wheelchairs for when she's a bit older, to give her that little bit of independence as well  that's something that I really hope the future holds for her.'

Amelia has also been benefiting from the Play Therapy Pod service offered by Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children.

Sian added: 'The sensory toys on loan from Newlife are great additions to the room and really help her development - it's lovely to see her interact, play, and learn.

'It came at a time when Amelia was in and out of hospital and unfortunately Amelia's first Christmas was in hospital.

'It was just so magical and she's doing so well.'
The Royal Family has wished the nation a 'Happy New Year' taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share its good wishes.

An animated post shared by The Firm shows an illustrated image of Buckingham Palace.

As fireworks illuminated the skies around the Palace, they form the words: 'Happy New Year.'

In addition, the message is accompanied by a positive caption wishing all the best to those who read it.

It says: 'Wishing you a Happy New Year!'

An X (formerly Twitter) post by the Royal Family today wished its followers a 'Happy New Year', using an animated image of Buckingham Palace

It seems likely that members of The Firm may be looking forward to a calmer 2024, after a somewhat tumultuous 2023.

The royals faced a series of explosive events in 2023, from the release Prince Harry's memoir Spare at the beginning of the year, to the controversies reignited by Omid Scobie's Endgame recently.

But recent events appear that King Charles, 75, may be in a forgiving mood.

Just days ago, the King's benevolence saw Sarah, Duchess of York, 64, attend her first Christmas Service at the Sandringham Estate for over 30 years.

However, Fergie might have had a comeback into the family tradition, but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remained across the pond for the festivities - which follows a year of separation during several key royal events.

Earlier this year, it emerged that Harry and Meghan's daughter Princess Lilibet had been christened in an intimate ceremony at their home in Montecito, California. However, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate did not attend.

A bulletin published on the Royal Family's website showed a busy schedule of public duties from the week of February 25 to March 3, which may have been a pointed reply to the claim that they snubbed Lillibet's Moneticito christening.

Royal experts were left confounded over the christening arrangements of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet, with a question mark over whether the baby's blue-blooded relatives were invited.

Where there have been ups and downs for the Royal Family in 2023, Sarah Ferguson appeared pleased to attend her first festive season in Sandringham for three decades

Royal author Omid Scobie claimed King Charles, the Queen Consort ands the Prince and Princess of Wales 'declined' an invitation to attend Lilibet's christening in California.

Scobie, who has previously been sympathetic towards the Sussexes, insisted the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales were invited to the ceremony but chose not to attend.

It is not known whether any other Royal Family members were present, nor when the British royals were invited - or how the message was sent to the UK.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'It would be for The Duke and Duchess to confirm who attended their daughters christening.'

Two months later, King Charles' Coronation bought further speculation about the feuding family.

Prince Harry wore an awkward smile as he was forced to watch the Coronation of King Charles III from his relegated seat in the third row - while his brother Prince William took centre stage alongside Kate Middleton.

Meghan, on the other hand, did not attend the event and stayed in California with Archie and Lilibet, perhaps because the Kings' Coronation fell on the same day as Archie's fourth birthday.

Omid Scobie confirmed Archie's birthday 'played a factor in the couple's decision' and he expected it would be a 'fairly quick trip to the UK' for Harry.

Fast forward to the end of the year, and another bombshell book launched a string of attacks at the royal family - Omid Scobie's Endgame.

Queen Camilla, 76 and other members of The Form have spent the Christmas period in Norfolk, and it appears the festivities will continue throughout New Year's Eve

Harry and Meghan's cheerleader-in-chief, who is based in east London, accused King Charles and Prince William of 'scheming against one another' while calling the Princess of Wales 'cold' and 'a Stepford wife'.

Holding no prisoners, he also took aim at Princess Anne, saying she convinced Charles to evict Harry and Meghan, while also saying Camilla has 'no relationship' with Harry.

Scobie, 42, has been branded 'nasty' and 'disgraceful' by royal experts over the claims.

His astonishing attack on the Princess of Wales, lambasting her for 'advocating for mental health causes while ignoring Meghan's cries for help', while also branding her a 'part-time working royal' over the number of engagements she carries out were branded 'unfair' and 'unwarranted'.

Despite the high drama, several recent instances have indicated a forgiving mood in Charles and an optimistic and cohesive future for the family.

And ties between the father and son haven't completely severed - with Harry calling his father on his 75th birthday, reports claimed.

The Duke of Sussex and his family did not travel to London where Charles held a small celebratory gathering at Clarence House last month.

A week before the celebration, Harry re-ignited his public war of words with the Royal Family, declaring that he has had no contact with Buckingham Palace over the Kings 75th birthday celebrations.

King Charles appeared in good spirits as he celebrated the last day of the year by attending a morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham today

However, it appeared there was an olive branch from Montecito, with a phone call in the afternoon or evening due to the time difference in California.

A 'well placed' source told the BBC that Harry would want to speak to his father on his big day.

The King and Queen marked the final day of the year today wrapping up in thick coats and gloves as they attended the final Sunday service of the year in Sandringham.

The monarch and Queen Camilla, 76, have spent the Christmas period in Norfolk with their family, and it appears the festivities will continue throughout New Year's Eve.

But before welcoming in the New Year with their family, the royal couple arrived at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on Sunday to attend the final service of 2023.
Women are redefining the traditional idea of family as more choose to prioritize their financial and professional goals, putting off having children until later in life.

For the first time, the average age of American women giving birth reached 27 years in the US, the highest on record and up from 21 years old in 1970 - when the government first began tracking the ages of new moms.

That age is even higher among college-educated women, whose average age at first birth is around 30 years old.

The age of first-time mothers, however, varies among states, with coastal areas and liberal hamlets having on average a higher age at first pregnancy compared to rural areas, the Great Plains, and the South.

Nine of the top 10 states for the youngest first-time mothers were located in the south, while coastal states and liberal enclaves in the northeast had higher proportions of older women becoming mothers for the first time.

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The Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed 2021 birth rate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was expressed as the number of births per 1,000 women in two separate age groups  teenagers and older adults in their 40s.

Arkansas had the largest share of youngest new mothers on average, with a birth rate of 26.5 births per 1,000 women in the 15 to 19 age group, nearly twice the national average of 13.9 births per 1,000 women in that age range.

Mississippi had the second highest proportion of youngest new mothers on average, with 25.6 births per 1,000 women in that age range, more than 82 percent above the national average.

Louisiana took spot number three with 24.5 births per 1,000 women 15 to 19 years old.

Oklahoma came in fourth and Alabama rounded out the top five.

Completing the top 10 was Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Texas and New Mexico, where the rate of births in women 15 to 19 age range was about 37 percent above the national average.

Meanwhile, with the exceptions of Hawaii, California, and Alaska, all of the states with the largest shares of the oldest new mothers on average were located on the eastern seaboard.

New York had the largest share of older first-time moms of all states, with a birth rate of 17.5 births per 1,000 women in the 40 to 44 age group.

New Yorks birth rate among older new moms was about 46 percent above the national average birth rate for women in that age group.

The US average is 12 births per 1,000 women ages 40 to 44.

New Jersey had the second-highest share of older new mothers on average, with a rate of 17 births per 1,000 women 40 to 44, which is about 42 percent above the national average.

Hawaii and California took spots three and four and Massachusetts landed in fifth.

Rounding out the top 10 were Maryland, Alaska and Connecticut (tied for seventh), Virginia, and Rhode Island.

National data from the CDC has previously shown the birth rate for women aged 40 to 44 rose four percent in 2022 from the previous year, reaching a record high.

There was also a 12 percent uptick among women who were aged 45 to 49 years old, from 0.9 births per 1,000 women in 2021 to 1.1 in 2022, the first change in this rate since 2015, and another record level.

The increase among older women having children comes as America's fertility rate hovers at just below 1.7 births per woman. It hit a record low in 2020 at 1.6 when the pandemic led many couples to put off having children.

For women aged 40 to 44 years, the fertility rate was 12.5 births per 1,000 women, while for those in the older age group, it was 1.1 per 1,000.

But birth rates continued to decline among women aged 20 to 34 years  and hit a record low among those aged 20 to 24 years.

Among teenagers, the rate hit a record low of 13.9 births per 1,000 women in the age group  after falling eight percent from 2007 to 2021.

The number of American women with at least one child has fallen to just 52.1 percent, while the number of men dropped to 39.7 percent in 2019

More people are putting off starting a family until later in life, instead choosing to focus on their career, travel and social life in their younger years.

Experts have blamed plummeting birth rates on the 'Instagram' generation prioritizing careers, traveling and their social lives over having babies.

Dr Melissa Kearney, an economic professor at the University of Maryland, previously told DailyMail.com: 'There has been a greater emphasis on spending time building careers. Adults are changing their attitudes towards having kids.

'They are choosing to spend money and time in different ways... [that] are coming into conflict with parenting.'

Others have also raised concerns over the rising cost of living and student debt, which they say leave many feeling financially unable to start a family until later in life.

A survey by the personal financing company Bankrate found only 26 percent of childless adults say they feel financially secure.

A poll of 1,500 American adults by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek published in April found more than 50 percent of Gen Zers and Millennials between the ages 18 to 34 said that they would consider having children if the cost of living was lower.

The rise of technologies such as in vitro-fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing have also played a role, as more and more women gain access to fertility-preserving care to conceive later on in life when they feel ready.

YOUNGEST MOMS Arkansas: 26.5 births per 1,000 women 15 to 19 Mississippi: 25.6 births per 1,000 women Louisiana: 24.5 births per 1,000 women Oklahoma: 24.1 births per 1,000 women Alabama: 22.9 births per 1,000 women Kentucky: 22.3 births per 1,000 women Tennessee: 21.5 births per 1,000 women West Virginia: 20.9 births per 1,000 women Texas: 20.3 births per 1,000 women New Mexico: 19 births per 1,000 women Advertisement
There are more than 100 places in the UK where emergency sewage overflow pipes have been built over, MailOnline can reveal.

An interactive map has revealed the 107 places in England and Wales where homes, schools and even a playground have been built on top of sluices that are allowed to spew filth and chemicals.

It came as one woman said she had been forced to abandon her home for three years because of a 'leaking emergency overflow pipe'.

Julie Houldershaw, 54, and her mother, 76, left their three-bedroom house in Gosberton, Lincolnshire, after the stench of sewage became unbearable.

She thinks the rancid smell stems from a leaking emergency overflow pipe in front of her home and now shares a caravan with her mother at the back of their home to avoid the stench.

IS YOUR HOME NEAR AN EMERGENCY SEWAGE OVERFLOW PIPE? USE THE INTERACTIVE MAP BELOW TO FIND OUT

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Stonar School in Wiltshire has a permitted emergency overflow pipe on the site

An emergency overflow pipe at Springfield School in Crewe is next to the children's playground

Anglian Water suggested Ms Houldershaw should speak to Lincolnshire County Council as Highways was responsible.

However, the Council denied Highways were responsible in a response to a Freedom of Information request.

Emergency overflows are separate to storm overflows and only operate in urgent circumstances such as electrical power failures.

Julie Houldershaw, 54, and her mother, 76, abandoned their three-bedroom house in Gosberton, Lincolnshire, after the stench of sewage became unbearable

Instead, the pair have been forced to live in this grimy caravan because of the foul smell

Ms Houldershaw managed to take a photograph of the inside of the pipe using specialist equipment

The Environment Agency (EA) said it will only issue permits for emergency overflows in circumstances where the need to allow for emergency overflows to protect critical infrastructure, people and the environment outweighs the risk of a potentially polluting discharge occurring.

Water firm failings Anglian Water: Pleaded guilty and was hit with a fine of 2.65 million for dumping Sewage in the North Sea Dwr Cymru: Breached regulations more than 200 times in the last six years Hafren Dyfrdwy: Made to give back 400,000 to customers Northumbrian Water: Issued a 540,000 fine after pleading guilty to polluting a watercourse Severn Trent Water : Fined 1.5m by a court for illegal sewage discharging 360,000 litres of raw sewage from Worcestershire treatment plants in 2018 Southern Water: Fined a record 90m back in 2021 for sewage dumping South West Water: Fined 2.15m for illegally dumping sewage into rivers and the sea in Devon and Cornwall Thames Water: Fined 3.4m for pumping 'millions of litres' of undiluted sewage into rivers near Gatwick Airport United Utilities: Fined 800,000 for illegally abstarcting 22bn litres of water in Lancashire and causing damage to an important aquifer Wessex Water: Fined almost 300,000 for supplying water that was unfit for human consumption and criticised for paying 200,000 in bonuses to four bosses Yorkshire Water: Publicly apologised Environment Agency revealed earlier this year that three of the worst rivers for raw sewage in England and Wales were in their county Advertisement

It said that from 2025 there will be a phased implementation of monitoring on all permitted emergency overflows.

All permitted emergency overflows are required to be fitted with alarms, which should signal when there is a problem with the pumping station.

The EA said water companies must notify the EA when they detect a pumping station failure that is likely to cause pollution.

When there is a problem, the EA said it will investigate and take enforcement action where necessary.

Many water companies have been embroiled in accusations they are illegally pumping sewage into Britain's rivers and streams.

Severn Trent Water, Southern Water, South West Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water and Yorkshire Water all have permits for emergency overflow pipes in places that have built on top of the pipes. None of those companies commented.

Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water, Southern Water, South West Water, Thames Water and United Utilities declined to comment.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Northumbrian Water, Wessex Water and Yorkshire Water did not respond to a request for comment.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: 'Emergency overflow permits only operate in urgent circumstances to prevent environmental damage or harm to the public and action is taken to ensure these are allocated appropriately.'

Water UK, which represents all the water and wastewater companies in the UK, did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for Affinity Water said: 'Here at Affinity Water, we supply only clean water to our customers and do not manage sewage.

'We have the following page on our website that can advise on wastewater suppliers: https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/my-water/waste-water'

Springfield School declined to comment.

Stonar Schools has been contacted for comment.

Is YOUR home affected? Email chris.matthews@mailonline.co.uk
Disgraced cops purged from the Metropolitan Police this year can today be revealed as part of the scandal-hit force's 2023 'wall of shame'.

From a perverted recruit who shared a depraved image of a woman's decapitated body being violated by two men and a wannabe stuntman who lied about hitting a 14-year-old boy, to a sex fiend firearms cop jailed for raping and abusing 12 women.

More than 100 officers have been sacked by the Met as it seeks to root out dodgy cops and predators from within its rank, as part of a sweeping crackdown on standards, which top brass hopes will boost public confidence.

About 350 officers were on a backlog for a gross misconduct hearing towards the end of then year - and about 1,600 Met cops and staff are being investigated for alleged violence against women and sexual abuse.

The clampdown is part of a vast vetting and review process of the London force's 44,000-strong team of officers and staff following the 2021 rape and murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens.

Now, MailOnline is revealing some of the disgraced cops given the boot by Scotland Yard during the past 12 months - which includes a former top commander who drew up the force's anti-drugs strategy but was fired for refusing a drugs test.

PC Liam Boshein - jailed for vile decapitation sex picture

Boshein (pictured right in the mask) has since left the police force. He admitted being in possession of the 'grossly offensive' image, which the Crown Prosecution Service labelled as 'frankly repulsive'

Rookie cop PC Liam Boshein found himself serving a stint behind bars after he shared a twisted pornographic photo of two men having sex with a woman's decapitated body with a fellow trainee for 'banter'.

The 25-year-old's conduct was said to fall into a wider 'culture' within the Met of officers looking to 'impress each other' by sharing grossly offensive images.

Boshein, whose father was also a police officer, was jailed for 42 weeks after admitting being in possession of the 'grossly offensive' picture, which the Crown Prosecution Service labelled as 'frankly repulsive'.

Judge Timothy Mousley KC said 'a sentence of imprisonment is unavoidable', adding: 'You were a serving police officer and that of course is a very serious aggravating feature.'

Portsmouth Crown Court also heard how the disgraced PC sent a message to trainee officer Mark Hamilton, saying the depraved image was 'still not as bad as the pregnant bird' in which a woman giving birth was seen alongside an erect penis.

Boshein, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to committing the offence between November 7 2019 and April 4 2021, with prosecutor Tim Devlin there seemed to have been an 'element of banter' behind the sick image being sent.

The disgraced cop was 'shocked' at seeing the obscene photo when questioned by fellow officers and insisted he had not been 'sexually aroused' by it. The image was the only one out of 296,000 on his devices found to be pornographic.

Sex monster cop David Carrick jailed for life

Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape.

Serial rapist David Carrick was jailed for a minimum term of 30 years after a judge revealed the 'self-pitying' sex fiend tried to kill himself while in custody.

Justice Cheema-Grubb slammed Carrick, 48, for taking 'monstrous advantage of his victims' while serving as a Metropolitan Police officer for more than 20 years.

At least five of his victims bravely attended Southwark Crown Court in February to watch as their attacker was jailed for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days in prison before being considered for parole.

During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said former firearms officer Carrick had taken 'monstrous advantage' of his victims with whom he had 'brutal, controlling and coercive relationships' with.

She told the 'evil' rapist he 'behaved as if you were untouchable', adding it was a 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law' having lost his liberty, job and status.

Some of his victims had bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) was sentencing the 48-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court yesterday as details of some of his horrific crimes emerged including how he used 'power and control' to carry out 'violent and brutal' sex attacks

Over the two-day sentencing hearing, details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.'

Victim impact statements were read out in court, including one woman who said she had 'encountered evil' on the night she was repeatedly raped by Carrick, after pointing a black handgun at her head and putting his hands around her throat.

The serial rapist had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat.

Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'.

Upsetting photographs showing the cupboard under the stairs where he locked one woman naked as a form of punishment, a black whip he used and surveillance cameras to spy on victims were released.

During sentencing, Justice Cheema-Grubb spoke of the 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law'.

She told Carrick: 'Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women.

'You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally, and you behaved as if you were untouchable.

'You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you.

'For nearly two decades, you were proved right but now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low.

'You have lost your liberty, your job and your status. You have before you the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years.'

Following his sentencing, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded his crimes a 'scar on our police', while Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing.'

Wannabe stuntman PC Alexei Zalesskiy sacked after hitting boy, 14

Martial artists and wannabe stuntman PC Alexei Zalesskiy (pictured) was sacked for gross misconduct after he punched a 14-year-old boy during an arrest and then lied about the incident in his statement. He was fired alongside colleague PC Conor Ryan

Wannabe stuntman PC Alexei Zalesskiy and his colleague PC Conor Ryan were sacked after punching and kicking a 14-year-old boy during an arrest - before lying about the incident in their statements.

Part-time paratrooper Zalesskiy - a keen martial artist - and Ryan were found to have used excessive force on the child after being called to reports of a fight involving a knife at Finsbury Park, north London, in April 2021.

The schoolboy was part of a group of youths stopped by officers, though no knife was found following a number of stop and searches. The boy later spat in Zalesskiy's face before running off.

The two cops chased him down. During the arrest, Zalesskiy punched the teenager at least once in the side of the head, while Ryan kicked him in the 'neck/head area' and struck him in the thigh with his knee.

Zalesskiy and Ryan then lied in their statement's about the boy's behaviour - with CCTV proving their claims were false, the College of Policing said. Both were dismissed for gross misconduct in May, with a panel find the officers had breached police standard of professional behaviour for use of force and honesty and integrity.

No further action was taken against the boy.

Since being sacked, Zalesskiy has retrained to become a stuntman, boasting online about his 'wide range of experience in all aspects of frontline policing' and 'extensive experience in infantry soldiering' as a reservist in the elite Parachute Regiment.

Bondage-obsessed deviant PC Sam Grigg

PC Sam Grigg bound the woman's mouth with tape and cut her with a knife when he eventually took the tape off, after taking 'pleasure' in watching her try to escape

PC Sam Grigg, the bondage-obsessed cop who was sexually aroused by handcuffing and arresting women, found himself being jailed for four years for binding the ankles and wrists of a female housemate with duct tape.

The sexual deviant also bound the woman's mouth with tape and cut her with a knife when he eventually took the tape off, after taking 'pleasure' in watching her try to escape.

When the woman threatened to report him to the police, Grigg chillingly told her: 'Who are you going to tell, I am the police.'

Judge Peter Lodder, KC, said the 10-minute incident must have seemed like 'an eternity' to the victim, adding they would have been akin to '10 minutes of terror'.

Jailing the disgraced 36-year-old former Met officer in February, he said: 'I find you to be dangerous.'

Describing Grigg's victim's horrific ordeal, the Judge added: 'Your victim hasn't slept properly since, has experienced nightmares, didn't eat for a long time, is jumpier in everyday situations... She has self-harmed and has considered using a knife on herself as well.

'Sadly, for a wholly innocent victim, she has even questioned whether she was to blame, and wondered if she had brought this upon herself.'

PCs Jonathan Clapham and Sam Franks cannabis arrest 'lie'

PC Sam Franks (left) and PC Jonathan Clapham (right) were sacked for gross misconduct after black athletes Ricardo Dos Santos and Team GB star Bianca Williams were arrested

PC Franks (left) and PC Clapham (right) are pictured detaining Mr Dos Santos after PC Franks lied and claimed he could 'smell cannabis' in the athlete's car

PCs Jonathan Clapham and Sam Franks got more than they bargained for when they pulled over and arrested two black athletes.

The pair of officers were among a group of Met cops to stop Portuguese Olympian Ricardo Dos Santos, 28, and his girlfriend Bianca Williams, 29, a Team GB star, outside their west London home on July 4, 2020.

Ms Williams and Mr Dos Santos had been driving back from training, with their three-month-old baby in the car, when they were pulled over.

In video footage of the arrest, Franks is heard telling a visibly furious Mr Dos Santos that he could 'smell cannabis in the car'. This allegation was a lie - and one that would later see both him and his colleague, Clapham, sacked for gross misconduct.

The misconduct panel heard they followed Mr Dos Santos in their police carrier because of the 'appalling' and 'suspicious' nature of his driving and were doing their duty when they conducted the stop and search.

During his evidence, Mr Dos Santos accused the officers of detaining him for 'DWB, driving while black'. The hearing was told Mr Dos Santos was stopped nine times within four weeks of buying a car in 2018.

After being sacked in October, a fundraising campaign was launched for the two disgraced officers, which drummed up more than 155,000. But it was slammed by the public.

Author Alice Vinten  a former London constable  condemned the donations on X, formerly Twitter. 'Is this what we do now?' she wrote. 'Raise money for lying cops?'

Oxford-educated Sgt Laurence Knight jailed for stag do sex attack

Laurence 'Larry' Knight, 34, carried out the attack after his group were entertained by strippers at their AirBnb in the Sussex resort, just two weeks before his wedding

Shamed Met Sergeant Laurence 'Larry' Knight was once a high-flying chemistry student at the University of Oxford.

Now he is a prisoner serving a two-year jail term behind bars after sexually assaulting a stranger during his sordid stag do.

Knight, 34, attacked his 21-year-old victim while celebrating his upcoming nuptials in Brighton on July 17, 2021, which saw himself and his pals partying with strippers in their AirBnb.

The officer, who was based at Stoke Newington police station in north London at the time, met his victim in the city centre before taking her to the beach and assaulting her after he moaned about having a 'rubbish night'.

The court heard how Knight moved her underwear to one side and touched his terrified victim intimately after she told him: 'You're getting married in two weeks'.

In July, the disgraced cop - who studied at the prestigious Balliol College - was jailed for two years for sexual assault. He was cleared of rape.

Knight's victim was left needing counselling following his attack, a judge said, with the woman's mother telling the court: 'She was broken, defeated, unrecognisable as my precious daughter who is usually so full of life. Her innocent view of the world and of those in it was destroyed that night.'

Knight's wife did not attend the hearings but he was pictured still wearing his wedding ring. It's not known if the pair are still together.

Commander Julian Bennett's drugs test shame

Commander Julian Bennett (pictured), who has served in the force since 1976, was cleared by a disciplinary panel of using the drug at home in late 2019 but was found to have failed to provide a urine sample for a drugs test in July 2020

Commander Julian Bennett, who drew up an anti-drugs strategy for the Met, was sacked after being accused of smoking cannabis and refusing to carry out a narcotics test.

Mr Bennett, who joined the force in 1976, had already been cleared by a disciplinary panel of using the drug at home in late 2019 but was found to have failed to provide a urine sample for a drugs test on July 21 2020.

As a result, he was suspended on full pay in July 2021 while police authorities began an investigation which concluded in November, when it was found his actions in refusing to give a sample amounted to gross misconduct and he was dismissed.

His former flatmate Sheila Gomes claimed Mr Bennett had used the illicit substance daily before breakfast and leaving for work at New Scotland Yard, but the three-person panel rejected that allegation.

By failing to provide the sample, Mr Bennett (pictured) was found to have breached force standards for honesty and integrity, orders and instructions and discreditable conduct

After Ms Gomes reported Mr Bennett in July 2020, he was called in and, in the presence of an assistant commissioner, was asked to provide a sample. He offered to resign on the spot instead.

The senior officer said he had been taking CBD (cannabidiol) to treat facial palsy and was worried the sample would come up positive for an innocent reason.

Mark Ley-Morgan KC, representing the Metropolitan Police, said it would have smacked of 'organised corruption at the highest level' if Mr Bennett had been allowed to resign on the spot.

Mr Bennett wrote the force's drugs strategy for 2017-21 as a commander for territorial policing.

The document called Dealing With The Impact Of Drugs On Communities, set up plans to raise 'awareness of the impact of drug misuse'.

Freedom of information requests showed Mr Bennett presided over 74 police misconduct hearings involving 90 officers between June 2010 and February 2012.

Out of the hearings involving Mr Bennett, 56 officers were dismissed - more than three-quarters.

Speaking at Mr Bennett's misconduct hearing, panel chairman Akbar Khan said it was 'highly improbable' the top cop 'believed he had a good reason for failing to comply with a lawful order'.

'Harm has undoubtedly been caused to the reputation of the Metropolitan Police Service,' the chairman said.

Speaking after the case, Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray said: 'Julian Bennetts actions were deplorable. He was a senior officer and showed complete disregard and disrespect for the standards we must all uphold.

She added: 'In the last year the Met has been making greater use of accelerated misconduct hearings to fast track cases where the evidence is irrefutable. This allows us to dismiss officers far more quickly.'
People say kids do the funniest things - but it looks like animals are getting in on the act.

Winners of the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards captured animals in a series of unlikely poses - from a smooth-coated otter in an arabesque pose to an air-playing kangaroo and a very dejected-looking owl, the images are likely to raise a smile.

More than 5,300 entries were submitted by 1,800 photographers this year. Jason Moore's Air Guitar Roo was the overall winner, capturing a kangaroo in a hilarious pose. He also received the Alex Walker Serian Creatures of the Land Award.

Other winners featured in this year's Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards include Vittorio Ricci, Otter Kwek, and Delphine Casimir for their stellar photos of a faceplanting bird, a ballet-dancing otter, and a resting monkey.

Showing off his incredible air guitar skills, this kangaroo was camera-ready for the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. It bagged photographer Jason Moore the overall winning prize and the Alex Walker's Serian Creatures of the Land Award

Italian photographer Vittori Ricci won the Spectrum Photo Creatures in the Air for his photograph of a diving bird that looks an awful lot like an accidental faceplant

Arabesque otter: This smooth-coated otter appeared to mimic a ballet dancer as it fell from overhanging leaves right in front of Singaporean photographer Otter Kwek who called the image Otter Ballerina a natural. It on the Creatures Under the Sea Award

If Angry Birds were real... Polish photographer Jacek Stankiewicz captured this remarkably cartoon-like image in Bialowieza Forest and it won the Affinity Photo 2 People's Choice Award and the Junior Award

I Finally Learned To Fly is a photo by Timea Ambrus that captured a ground squirrel mid-air. It's one of three images that won Ambrus the Amazing Internet Portfolio Award

The competition was founded in 2015 by Paul Joynson-Hicks - a wildlife photographer currently living in Tanzania. He was inspired to organize the competition by one of his own photographs.

Co-founder and head of judging Tom Sullam joined Hicks in creating what is now a global competition shortly after the idea was first thought out.

According to the Comedy Wildlife Awards website, competition officials want viewers to share their enjoyment in nature and take the time to recognize its value.

Israeli photographer Tzahi Finkelstein took this photograph named The Happy Turtle after it appeared to smile at a dragonfly on its open mouth. The swamp turtle is a common reptile in Israel

Is it Friday yet? This great gray owl gave photographer John Blumenkamp plenty of material to work with thanks to its dejected appearance and pose. Despite its whopping size - the great grey owl is the largest in North America measuring about 2ft tall - it's an elusive species

One for the family album: British photographer Zoe Ashdown captured this image of a family of gannets. The birds mate for life and return to the same nest year after year to raise their young. The birds have their own greeting ritual that strengthens their bond

Puffins breed in large colonies and dive for food. British photographer Brian Matthews's photo Don't Look Down was an image masterpiece that was a highly commended winner shows the puffin staring intensely at jellyfish below him

A baby kangaroo looked like it was surprised by Australian photographer Lara Matthews taking a photo of it popping up behind an adult. The highly commended winning photo was taken at Westerfolds Park in Melbourne, Australia

Paint me like one of your French girls, Jack: Delphine Casimir named this photo The Rainforest Dandy. The peaceful-looking monkey was in Ubud, Bali, when the Belgian photographer got a shot of it in the rainforest forest. Despite stealing Casimir's biscuit, the monkey proved photogenic enough to be the subject of a highly commended photo

A macaque looks like it is attempting to direct humans or animals in this photo by Pratick Mondal in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India. The picture, named Look At Right Bro, was an unplanned photograph taken by Mondal, who was hoping to photograph jackals and hyenas

This comedic mishap looks like a white-winged dove flew head-on into a cholla cactus skeleton in India, photographed by Wendy Kaveney

Named Snowball, this photograph, from a distance, may look like one with drawn-on eyes and a stick on beak. It's actually a photo of a white grouse bird taken by French photographer Jacques Poulard

This highly commended photo by Dakota Vaccaro looks like a fox taking a smoke break and chilling with a cigar. The animal is practicing its hunting skills on moss and branches

All photos this year were chosen by 14 judges, including competition creators Hicks and Sullam.

Competitors can submit up to three images into each category, except the Amazing Internet Portfolio.

Filmmakers can also submit up to two video clips to the competition's only video category.

Other judges this year include National Geographic photographer Charlie Hamilton James, Amazing Internet co-founder Andrew Skirrow and Celina Dunlop, the head of pictures at The Economist.
California, Nevada, New Hampshire and North Carolina all saw members of their homeless communities being targeted by killers in the last few months

Homeless communities across the U.S. have been hit by a wave of violent attacks - with encampments in four different states targeted by shooters in just three months.

The homeless and drugs crisis tormenting major cities across the US has spiraled out of control in recent years, leaving many residents and local businesses furious over the downfall of their neighborhoods.

Residents are often too terrified to walk the streets and fear for the safety of their family, while rampant lawlessness is increasingly driving tourists and trade out of cities - with many companies shutting up shop altogether due to looting.

But officials now have an added concern: the victimization of homeless populations.

In 1993 a prosecutor referred to the homeless people being regularly targeted by murderers as 'The Shadow People'.

The killings of innocent displaced people are attributed to 'thrill-killing' by criminologists, and they are rarely reported on. Murderers are usually seeking power when they victimize homeless people, according to experts.

Since October four states - California, Nevada, New Hampshire and North Carolina - have reported violent shootings targeting homeless people.

As resentment builds, there is increasing concern the trend may continue.

Earlier this month, LAPD revealed it was on the hunt for a suspected serial killer 'preying on the unhoused' after three homeless people were murdered in a week

The murders occurred on November 26, 27 and 29 in three separate locations around downtown in South Los Angeles - causing a wave of panic within homeless communities

All of the victims were men seeking refuge in alleyways or open areas overnight, and all were alone when they were shot and killed in the early hours of the morning

Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, was arrested during a failed robbery attempt just east of Los Angeles and is facing charges related to the shootings of the three homeless men

Los Angeles is estimated to have a homeless population of over 75,000 on any given night - a nine percent increase since 2022

Los Angeles

Earlier this month, LAPD revealed it was on the hunt for a suspected serial killer 'preying on the unhoused' after three homeless people were murdered in a week.

The murders occurred on November 26, 27 and 29 in three separate locations around downtown in South Los Angeles - causing a wave of panic within homeless communities.

Los Angeles is estimated to have a homeless population of over 75,000 on any given night - a nine percent increase since 2022.

All of the victims were men seeking refuge in alleyways or open areas overnight, and all were alone when they were shot and killed in the early hours of the morning.

Investigators noted similarities between the three murders based on physical evidence and surveillance footage - which led them to believe that the incidents were related.

'A single individual approached each one and shot and killed each one as they slept,' LAPD Chief Michel Moore said.

'The suspect, hooded, targets lone, unsheltered individuals sleeping on the streets, shooting them before fleeing in a vehicle without any observed altercation', LAPD added.

One of the three victims was a 37-year-old man who was killed in south Los Angeles early on the Sunday morning.

The following day, around 4:45am, a 52-year-old homeless man was shot to death in downtown LA, and the third victim, in his 60s, was killed the day after.

Democrat Mayor Karen Bass said: 'This is a killer who is preying on the unhoused.'

'Many friends and family members know how to reach their unhoused relatives. We need you to contact them today. We need you to tell them about this danger,' Bass urged residents of Los Angeles.

Moore said he was particularly worried about homeless people isolated from larger communities like shelters or encampments, because this makes them even more vulnerable to the person believed to be targeting displaced people.

Authorities called upon the community to help identify a dark-colored sedan and the man who appeared in surveillance footage.

Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, was later arrested during a failed robbery attempt just east of Los Angeles and is facing charges related to the shootings of the three homeless men.

'We're unclear whether or not he has any prior violence that may have been unsolved or undetected to this point,' Chief Moore said.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Powell could have more victims across the country.

On the same day LAPD revealed its displaced community was being targeted by a killer, Las Vegas cops announced they too were hunting a gunman who had shot five homeless people

The Vegas shooting occurred at around 5:30 pm on December 1 near a freeway overpass in the northeast of the city, according to Las Vegas PD Lt. Mark Lourenco

At least 6,566 people were reported as homeless in Southern Nevada - where Las Vegas is located - as of late January of this year, according to statistics from the Southern Nevada Homelessness Continuum of Care

At least 6,566 people were reported as homeless in Southern Nevada - where Las Vegas is located - as of late January of this year, according to statistics from the Southern Nevada Homelessness Continuum of Care

Of the entire homeless population, about 3,780 were living on the street, outdoors, in vehicles or in encampments. A further 132 were located at the Courtyard Resource Center, while 2,654 were in emergency shelter or transitional housing

Data shows that 16,251 people will experience homelessness in Las Vegas at some point this year. This is more than double the highest figure ever recorded in Las Vegas - in 2015, 7,509 homeless people were counted

Las Vegas

On the same day as their Los Angeles counterparts announced that they were seeking a serial killer, cops in Las Vegas launched their own probe into a killer who shot five homeless people in a singe, mass attack, on December 1.

The Vegas shooting occurred at around 5:30 pm near a freeway overpass in the northeast of the city, according to Las Vegas PD Lt. Mark Lourenco.

All five of the victims were homeless.

One man in his 50s died following the attack, with four left badly injured.

A subsequent investigation revealed that a male had approached the encampment and opened fire on the homeless people living there.

Surveillance footage was obtained showing the suspect running past a nearby business, entering a dark SUV and fleeing the scene.

After fleeing north to Sandhill Road - the suspect got out of the SUV and hopped into the passenger seat of another vehicle that appeared to be waiting. No arrests have yet been made.

At least 6,566 people were reported as homeless in Southern Nevada - where Las Vegas is located - as of late January of this year, according to statistics from the Southern Nevada Homelessness Continuum of Care.

Of the group, about 3,780 were living on the street, outdoors, in vehicles or in encampments. A further 132 were located at the Courtyard Resource Center, while 2,654 were in emergency shelter or transitional housing.

The data also indicated 16,251 people will experience homelessness in the community at some point this year. This is more than double the highest figure ever recorded in Las Vegas - in 2015, 7,509 homeless people were counted.

A homeless encampment in Nashua, New Hampshire, saw a terrifying shooting that left four people dead - police arrested 31-year-old John Smith Jr. (pictured) in relation to the killing

The victim, Katherine Bathrick (pictured), said the shooting has left her 'walking in fear'

New Hampshire

In October, a recently established homeless encampment in Nashua, New Hampshire, saw a terrifying shooting that left four people dead.

Homelessness in New Hampshire has shot up 52 percent since last year, preliminary statistics reveal.

Data from one night in January 2023 recorded 2,441 people as homeless - 2,103 were sheltered and 338 were not. The last time the state saw numbers higher than 2,000 was in 2008.

The recent attack occurred on October 4, when a man shot a woman in the area of Crown Street and Chase Street.

Police arrested 31-year-old John Smith Jr. for criminally threatening with a deadly weapon and charged him for falsifying physical evidence, destroying video footage of the incident as well as three counts or reckless conduct with a deadly weapon.

The victim, Katherine Bathrick, said the shooting has left her 'walking in fear'.

'I have to walk with a damn machete because I'm scared for my life,' she told NBC. 'Sad. Judged. Just trying to get by you know. To have a stranger just say the things he did to me and shoot at me, it sucks.'

Smith repeatedly called Bathrick a 'junkie' and told her to 'get off my property' before her shot her multiple times, according to court records.

'I was scared, I was terrified obviously and I stopped up there because I didn't know if he was going to keep pursuing me and I didn't want him to come down here and start shooting at everyone else, you know what I mean? Like shooting at someone three times,' Bathrick said.

The violent incident has left everyone living in the area of the new homeless encampment feeling unsettled.

'The atmosphere's been a little tense. Everybody's been a little on edge,' one man said.

'Those few people that do have issues, everybody puts all the attention on them and kind of groups the rest in the demographic,' another woman said.

Members of the homeless community said they didn't have anywhere else to go.

'The other places we've tried to go, the city put us here! The city's responsible for us here! We can't go anywhere else,' Bathrick said. 'No there's no shelters available!'

Smith was taken into custody and held on preventative detention pending his arraignment in Hillsborough County Superior Court.

Two men and two women were also killed in a murder-suicide at a homeless encampment in Autryville, North Carolina. The shooter reportedly had an ongoing relationship with one of his victims Carrie Nicole Trampel, 41 (pictured)

North Carolina

Two men and two women were also killed in a murder-suicide at a homeless encampment in Autryville, North Carolina, on November 26.

Dwane Paul Miller, 40, shot all three victims before turning the gun on himself, Sampson County Sheriff's Office said.

According to the sheriff's office - all four people involved had been living at the camp for several weeks, indicating that the shooter himself was homeless.

Miller and one of his victims - Carrie Nicole Trampel, 41, had an ongoing relationship involving domestic violence issues, a preliminary investigation revealed.

The other victims were Daniel Jay Wiltshire, 44, and Amber Rae King, 43, who were both from Autryville.

North Carolina reported 9,382 homeless people in January 2022 - 38.6 percent of those were unsheltered.

This is a 1.1 percent rise since 2020 - but a dramatic 23 percent drop since 2010.
Preppers - those who stockpile supplies in anticipation of a catastrophe - are also increasingly young, left-leaning Americans who fear a Trump presidency

Preppers - those who stockpile supplies in anticipation of a catastrophe - are also increasingly young, left-leaning Americans who fear a Trump presidency

They point to global conflicts, risings costs of living and next year's fiercely divisive presidential election as triggers for societal collapse or World War Three

They point to global conflicts, risings costs of living and next year's fiercely divisive presidential election as triggers for societal collapse or World War Three

epper groups are abuzz with concerns that the world faces a 'perfect storm' of crises which mean 2024 heralds the 'beginning of the end' for global civilization

Pr epper groups are abuzz with concerns that the world faces a 'perfect storm' of crises which mean 2024 heralds the 'beginning of the end' for global civilization

Global conflicts. Rising costs of living. The migrant crisis.

Mix in a presidential election which threatens to stretch political divides to breaking point and it's easy to see why many Americans fear what 2024 has in store.

But some aren't just braced for hardship ahead, they're convinced the 'perfect storm' of crises will herald a catastrophe like no other.

Prepper communities are abuzz with fears that next year marks 'the beginning of the end', with speculation about doomsday outcomes from economic and societal collapse to devastating cyber attacks or World War Three.

And the prepper movement  loosely defined as those stockpiling supplies in case of a massive global catastrophe  no longer draws entirely on outlandish concerns like Illuminati-style conspiracies or alien invasions.

M.D. Creekmore, a prepper with a YouTube following of more than 82,000 subscribers, believes an extreme catastrophe which could cause societal collapse in 2024 is 'definitely a possibility, and a likely one at that'

Conflicts including the war in Ukraine have also fueled concerns in prepper groups that an escalation could result in World War Three. Pictured: Ukraine's 45th separate artillery brigade fires at Russian positions in the Donetsk region on December 16 2023

Today, they talk about real-world events like the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the unstable economy or the threat to America from Russia and China.

Prepping is also no longer perceived as a right-wing pursuit dominated by government-fearing radicals. Young people on the left are in on it , too  and they're just as worried about what next year has in store.

M.D. Creekmore, a prepper with a YouTube following of more than 82,000 subscribers, believes an extreme catastrophe which could cause societal collapse in 2024 is 'definitely a possibility, and a likely one at that'.

In a bleak assessment of world events, he tells DailyMail.com 'a global conflict could go nuclear and probably would'.

'This is one of the darkest and most uncertain moments in recent history since World War Two,' he said via email.

Creekmore's recent videos, which have garnered tens of thousands of views, include doom-mongering titles like 'Martial Law Endgame?!', 'The United States is DOOMED?!' and 'All Hell is Fixing to Break Loose'.

In a video uploaded on December 5 titled '2024 Predictions: Are you prepared for what's coming?', he opines about six issues that he believes could trigger a catastrophe.

Creekmore predicts an economic downturn that 'may even [lead to] a complete economic collapse in the United States', talks about mass migration across the Mexican border, and predicts the Israel-Hamas conflict could 'spread out into a wider war'.

He speculates on the war in Ukraine (Zelensky could be 'lynched up and killed by his own people', Creekmore says) and state sponsored cyber attacks. He says the presidential election could even lead to 'civil war'.

Dante Vicino is the executive director of Vivos, a company which bills itself as 'an epic humanitarian survival project' and sells doomsday shelters in remote areas. He said sales of bunkers have surged as more people prepare for a global catastrophe

The company's sites include a community of 575 bunkers at a former Army based in a remote patch of the Black Hills mountain range of South Dakota

For $55,000 plus annual ground rent of $1,091, customers can secure a deceptively comfortable concrete and steel hideaway which they can escape to in the event of a global catastrophe

Many people would write off the bulk of Creekmore's predictions as wild or extreme  but he said more people than ever are interested in his channel and prepping as a whole.

'More people are seeing what is happening,' he said. 'They go to the supermarket and spend $100 on what they used to buy for $75. Unfortunately, many conservatives think that Donald Trump will be elected in 2024 and that he will fix everything. However, in my opinion, that isn't going to happen.'

Creekmore checks many of the boxes associated with a stereotypical prepper. Disillusioned by the government, he takes a right-wing view on issues like immigration and flirts with conspiracy theories including that the 2020 election was stolen.

But he is reluctant to be pigeon-holed and adds: 'The media here in the U.S. have lumped preppers in with 'racist,' 'far-right radicals,' etc., and that simply is a false narrative.

'Preppers are simply people with enough common sense to see what is happening and to prepare for it the best that they can while hoping that nothing ever happens. Kind of like people paying for home insurance, just in case, while hoping that their house never burns.'

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a new type of prepper is emerging: young, left-leaning but just as afraid the world as we know it is on the precipice of collapse.

Brekke Wagoner, who runs the Sustainable Prepping Instagram channel, has videos about 'LGTBQIA emergency planning' and writing disaster plans for a climate disaster.

Brekke Wagoner from North Carolina is among younger, more liberal people now prepping for a possible future disaster they fear could cause a societal collapse

Her videos are focused on climate-related disasters.

'Basically our weather is going to be more intense because of global climate change, if for no other reason you should have an emergency plan to deal with these inclement disasters, because they're coming whether we want them or not.'

She added: 'An electromagnetic pulse that takes out the electrical grid could happen. A nuclear war might happen. A civil war might happen. But a storm will happen.'

Some 40 percent of Gen-Z American adults born after 1997 now say they've spent money on prepping supplies this year, with a chief concern being civil unrest triggered by the 2024 election.

Donald Trump is currently the favorite for the Republican nominee and will likely face off against Joe Biden in the polls.

Trump - currently facing a number of criminal cases including on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election - has caused alarm with comments indicating he'd be a dictator on 'day one' and could 'weaponize' the justice department against his opponents, something he's repeatedly accused Democrats of doing.

Prepping expert and author Brad Garrett said: 'On the left, you have people afraid (Trump's) going to declare himself dictator of the United States and people on the left are going to end up as targets in some sort of authoritarian system.'

He said the right is gripped by 'general malaise and a fear of society unraveling'.

Some 40 percent of Gen-Z American adults born after 1997 now say they've spent money on prepping supplies this year, with a chief concern being civil unrest triggered by the 2024 election

Donald Trump will likely face off against Joe Biden in the 2024 election, which threatens to deepen the political divide in America. Some people have started prepping because they fear the election will trigger civil unrest

Garrett added: 'We do have this authoritarian streak running through the right, and prepping plays into that. They are prepared for violence, no question.

'But you're also seeing an increase in militancy on the left. I'm seeing a lot of liberal preppers buying guns, saying that they waited too long. It's an unfortunate arms race that I do think we're going to see escalating as we head into the election, particularly if it's Trump versus Biden.'

The creeping fear has led to a rise in Americans taking more stringent measures to prepare for a doomsday scenario. But not all of those investing tens of thousands of dollars into preparedness are conspiracy theorists or radicals.

Dante Vicino is the executive director of Vivos, a company which bills itself as 'an epic humanitarian survival project' and sells doomsday shelters in remote areas.

He told DailyMail.com there has been a 1000 percent increase in interest in the bunkers and a 400 percent increase in sales in recent months.

Vicino said his clients have a 'degree of level-headedness'. They look at world events and want an 'insurance policy that they hope never to have to activate'.

The company's sites include a community of 575 bunkers at a former Army based in a remote patch of the Black Hills mountain range of South Dakota.

For $55,000 plus annual ground rent of $1,091, customers can secure a deceptively comfortable concrete and steel hideaway which they can escape to in the event of a global catastrophe.

'I think the average person is seeing now more than ever, that 2024 could be the perfect storm,' Vicino said.

'Given the events of recent years, and specifically of 2023 and the state of the world, I think now there is a more widely accepted and more tangible reason to prepare than there ever has been  meaning it's within people's grasp, and you don't have to stretch your imagination anymore to understand the why.'

He points out that 'you don't have to be a prepper, you don't have to be tuned into the alternative news stream' to see a world-changing catastrophe as possible.

'You can just have a layperson's knowledge of world events and of the US economic state. And I think it's very tangibly real to say, hey, this could actually spell disaster,' Vicino said.

Vicino distances himself from more extremist prepper circles who make outlandish predictions about exactly what will happen and when.

On Facebook, the private 'Doomsday Preppers Worldwide' group recently reached 56,000 members

But he adds: 'With that being said, it is impossible to not recognize what is going on in the world.'

On Facebook, the private 'Doomsday Preppers Worldwide' group recently reached 56,000 members.

Recent posts include tips for what to do when 'SHTF' - a common prepper term meaning 's*** hits the fan' - photographs of food stockpiles (one member claims to have enough food saved to last 25 years), and questions about how to defend against an electromagnetic pulse attack which would down the internet and ruin the electricity grid.

A private chat within the group is titled 'The beginning of the end 2024' and has around 200 members.

Members share conspiracy theories about Bill Gates and election interference. One recently wrote: 'I believe that there will be a cyber attack that will bring America down, and maybe the whole world down.'

'There will be a 'scare event'. Not sure what, but seems like it will be 'nuclear' bc Trump keeps bringing it up in his speeches,' another said.

A third member invited members to join an 'off grid community' he is planning to create.

The overriding theme among many of their concerns is there are secret plots beyond the average person's control. Usually, the government is responsible.

Professor Chad Huddleston, a prepper expert who teaches at Southern Illinois University, told USA Today: 'That's the impetus for all the preppers I've ever dealt with: They saw something and felt the government could not or would not help.'
Former residents of Alcatraz island - both inmates and the civilians who worked there - have described life on the infamous 'Rock,' with its wild parties and dark secrets.

Better known for it's notorious criminal residents - including Al Capone and Alvin 'Creepy' Carvis - the island off the coast of San Francisco was also home to several civilian families.

Jolene Babyak lived on Alcatraz with her family as a child for two years in the mid-1960s when her father worked at the prison, telling SFGate it was a 'really wonderful place to grow up and to live.'

For Babyak, the place holds happy memories with themed parties, movie screenings, dances, potlucks and her first kiss.

But for prisoners it was a brutal, dark place.

Alcatraz in the 1930s - from the 1930s to 60s, Alcatraz was America's top maximum security prison

Jolene Babyak spent three years living with her family on Alcatraz as a child

It was an island of two halves, while prisoners sat in their cells and plotted their escape, the dozens of civilian residents took part in themed parties and mini-plays.

Babyak told SFGate: 'Everybody dressed up and we did skits. It wasnt Hollywood, but it was very entertaining.'

Roughly 70 guards lived there with their families at any one time, living in a residential block, Building 64, and socializing together.

There was a pre-school, a small shop and a post office and the inmates did all of their laundry.

Rent was cheap, just $18 a month, which was very low for the time, with amazing views and some residents even had color TV.

There were holiday parties, with Halloween games, prizes and a summer party on the pier known as the 'watermelon feed' where everyone ate fruit and the children took part in three-legged races.

There even was an annual 'lampshade' event where the women on the island would get together wearing hats made of lampshades.

Babyak said some of the guards even dressed up as 'ballroom girls' and did the can-can dance, she added: 'Liquor wasnt allowed, but Im pretty sure some of them carried flasks in their garters.'

After one of the costume parties on the island when she was 15, Babyak said she even had her first kiss.

She said: 'I liked living here. It was fun. It was unique, you know?'

The cell house block is visible on the island with the old barracks and dock where prisoners and staff would arrive to

A map showing the key Alcatraz buildings and guardhouses

Bill Baker was imprisoned on Alcatraz for three years from 1957 for car theft, he said the worst part was the boredom

Children living on the island were shuttled to school on the mainland by boat, where their home was a fascinating topic of discussion.

The only rule imposed on the young residents was to never interact with prisoners, under any circumstances.

But on the other side of the island's high walls, some of the 20th Century's most notorious prisoners were living out their days.

Bill Baker was imprisoned on Alcatraz for three years in 1957 when he was just 23.

Unlike some of the other inmates he was just there for car theft, but he had been sent to Alcatraz as punishment for trying to escape from his last jail.

The worst part for him, he said, was the sheer boredom.

He said: 'You were locked in your cell most of the time. It was all about boredom and how you dealt with it. In the long run, the boredom, the repetition, the routine could wear you out.'

Instead of being rehabilitated, Baker said he just learned more criminal tricks inside, learning how to counterfeit payroll checks and making hooch from rotten fruit in a bin.

But it wasn't all misery, he wrote in his memoir: 'Happiness comes in small packages in prison, but it comes.

'It has to get through the gray filter of awareness that youre locked up. But it gets through, somehow.'

The cell quarters perch on top of the island with sheer cliffs dropping down to the sea

The infamous prison island is known as 'the Rock'

But Babyak said the island also held dark secrets - with one of her main memories being how terribly prisoners with mental health issues were treated.

She said: 'Being schizophrenic on Alcatraz did not improve their situation, you know, their mental health.

Baker added: 'They didnt deal with mental health  they said go see the preachers. Of course, they did give away some pills. They gave a lot of Thorazine to the ones who were really, obviously sick.'

Jan Peters, 62, was the last child to leave the site of the island prison when it closed.

His father Arnold Peters had been in charge of relocating the inmates to other federal prisons.

In 2013, on the anniversary of the prison's closing, Peters said: 'I'm realizing that we were a part of American history.'

Peters and former Alcatraz resident John Brunner, whose father was the prison's electrician, said living next door to the country's most dangerous criminals was ideal.

They never saw the inmates and had world-class views, fishing and friends.

'It was fantastic to live here. We never had to lock our front door,' Brunner said with a chuckle.

There were 378 cells at the prison in total with this number including isolation cells. The cell pictured is adorned with artworks made by the inmate in a bid to brighten things up

Alcatraz inmates seen entering the mess hall in their prison uniforms in 1954

One of the guard towers on Alcatraz Island with the city of San Francisco in the background

Al Capone was imprisoned on Alcatraz for four and a half years until he began to suffer from syphilis and was transferred off in 1939

Alcatraz, which is set on a rocky outcrop one mile offshore from San Francisco, operated for 29 years as a penitentiary and during that time it held some of America's most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly.

The infamous gangster known as 'scarface,' Al Capone, was imprisoned on Alcatraz for four years until 1939.

He was joined by fellow gangster George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, who served 17 years on the island.

But three of the most famous inmates are the ones who managed to escape.

Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin, who were all serving time for bank robbery, vanished from the prison in San Francisco Bay on the night of June 11, 1962.

The men used spoons and forks to burrow their way out of their concrete cell and crafted a raft out of raincoats.

They made dummy heads made of plaster, flesh-tone paint, and real human hair and left them in their beds to fool the night guards.

After they were discovered missing, the prison went into lockdown and an intensive search began.

Although many historians believe they perished in the frigid, treacherous currents surrounding the maximum-security island prison, their bodies were never found and some believe they made it to freedom.

Mug shots of the three prisoners that made a rare escape from Alcatraz. From left to right: Clarence Anglin, John William Anglin, and Frank Lee

Morris and the Anglin brothers left cleverly-built dummy heads made of plaster, flesh-tone paint, and real human hair in their beds that apparently fooled the night guards

An officer reveals an escape route that three prisoners carved in their concrete cell using cutlery

The prison closed on March 21, 1963, shortly after their disappearance, however the two incidents were unrelated.

The decision to close the prison was made before the three criminals disappeared on the grounds that it was too expensive to keep operating.

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), an estimated $3 million to $5 million was needed just for restoration and maintenance work to keep the prison open.

The Bureau said: 'That figure did not include daily operating costs - Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other Federal prison (in 1959 the daily per capita cost at Alcatraz was $10.10 compared with $3.00 at USP Atlanta).'

The main expense was due to the fact that Alcatraz was an island and all of the goods had to be shipped there by boat.

The BOP notes: 'For example, the island had no source of fresh water, so nearly one million gallons of water had to be barged to the island each week.

'The Federal Government found that it was more cost-effective to build a new institution than to keep Alcatraz open.'

Alcatraz, which is set on a rocky outcrop 1 mile offshore from San Francisco, operated for 29 years as a penitentiary and during that time it held some of America's most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly

One of the cells in Block B from which the three prisoners escaped. The photo shows view of the interior of cell from the door and the method used by the inmates for hiding their chiseled exit

Following the announcement of its closure, signed off by U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Alcatraz's population was slowly whittled down, with inmates redistributed to other federal prisons.

The press were invited to watch the final 27 inmates being marched out on the final day of its operation.

Frank Weatherman, who was the last inmate to be banished to Alcatraz in December 1962 and the last to walk out, simply told journalists, 'Alcatraz was never no good for nobody,' when he was asked for his opinion on the place.

After the prison closed, the island - which was owned by the federal government - was left abandoned.

During its abandonment there were several occupations by Native American activists, who were campaigning against the U.S. Government's Termination Policy and the broader plight of Native Americans.

While there were various plans of what to do with Alcatraz in the pipeline, including it being turned into a resort complex, it was eventually decided to preserve it as a historical site.
Sen. Eric Schmitt predicted Congress will never come together on a foreign aid and immigration package because President Biden is not interested at all in securing our southern border.

Joe Biden owns this. His party wants this, the Missouri senator said in an interview with DailyMail.com, expressing skepticism that he could even vote for such a package.

I'm skeptical that any kind of language change we might get, that even if it's better than what we have now that it's going to be enforced by an administration that just doesn't believe in the rule of law.

Prior to his first year in Congress this year, Schmitt led the legal case against the Biden administrations repeal of Title 42 and Remain in Mexico.

Sen. Eric Schmitt predicted Congress will never come together on a foreign aid and immigration package because President Biden is not interested at all in securing our southern border'

We had to go to the court over and over and over to force the administration to actually abide by court orders telling them you have to keep doing this. So it's just not in their DNA right now, he went on. They don't want to turn anyone away.

In fiscal year 2023 border agents apprehended migrants nearly 2.5 million times at the southwest border - a new record. Migrant crossings are on track to hit a new monthly record in December.

Reflecting on his first year in Washington, Schmitt said he was honored to be given the job but but frustrated by the way Capitol Hill operates.

We don't spend any time on the floor debating some of the most important issues of our time, said Schmitt.

I think it leads to a lot of frustration. I think this deadline politics, it's more focused on deadlines instead of dollars, is leading to a lot of frustration.

After weeks of back and forth over a package that would include Israel and Ukraine aid and border restrictions, the Senate jetted off last week with no legislative text in sight.

When lawmakers return, they only have a matter of legislative days to figure out a spending plan for fiscal year 2024. The Senate has only passed three of 12 appropriations bills - with deadlines for spending fast approaching on January 19 and February 2.

Migrants seeking asylum wait to be processed by the United States Border Patrol after having crossed the Rio Grande River from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico, on December 28

Only 21 bills have passed both chambers and become law in the past year.

'We don't have many vehicles for legislation to actually move to the floor. There's just not a lot happening on the Senate floor, and that really lays at Chuck Schumer's feet,' Schmitt went on, referring to the Democratic majority leader.

In 2024, Schmitt said he'll focus on his work on the Armed Services and Commerce, Science and Transportation committees instead.

'We cannot lose the space race to China,' the senator said.

'We need a lot of rare earth materials , they're talking about mining asteroids in space. So there's a lot of things are going to happen in the next 10 years on that front that are going to determine our place in the world.'
The Virginia socialite mom snared in an FBI sting for allegedly planning a horrific assault on an eight-year-old girl  has made another bid for freedom, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

Eleanor Hunton Hoppe has again asked for pre-trial release from the Central Detention Facility in Washington DC where she has been held since her dramatic arrest at a hotel in March.

Weeks ago in November, DailyMail.com learned that the 45-year-old had been considering a plea deal by the government, but we can also reveal that the offer may now be off the table.

Hoppe  who is the ex-wife of a federal judge  filed a motion to be freed on December 9 saying she was 'not particularly dangerous' and wants to be allowed to live with an aunt while proceedings continue.

It is the second time the mom-of-two has attempted to be sprung from incarceration over the case in which she's accused of driving to meet a man she believed would bring his young daughter so they could abuse her together.

Eleanor Hunton Hoppe, 45, filed another motion for her release on December 9, saying she's 'not particularly dangerous' and has asked to live with an aunt while she awaits trial

Hoppe (pictured left with her ex-husband Judge Joel Hoppe) had been offered a plea deal by the government in her child porn case earlier this year, legal filings previously revealed

Her first attempt was in April when she tried to convince a judge she was an 'upstanding citizen'  and deserved freedom because she was a University of Virginia graduate and had worked at a law firm.

But the judge threw out the plea, saying the 'weight of evidence is strong' and she is 'a grave danger to the community'.

This time Hoppe's bid is revealed in a motion to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on December 12 in which the government asks for details of her medical treatment.

The mom  a member of one of the most prestigious legal families in Richmond  told the court in her first release attempt that she suffers serious conditions, including multiple sclerosis. She said this needs intensive care that is not available in jail.

Of the new bid, the government wrote: 'On December 9, 2023, the defendant filed a motion for release from pre-trail detention, alleging that the DC Department of Corrections is not providing her with her required medications on a daily basis.

'The defendant argues that she is not 'particularly dangerous' and requests release into the custody of her aunt.

'In order to respond to the defendant's claim, the government needs information from DOC regarding its provision of medication to the defendant the government therefore seeks and order from the court.'

Two days later Judge Rudolph Conteras ordered the DC Department of Corrections to hand over the information.

Uncertainty over Hoppe's plea deal offer  exclusively revealed by DailyMail.com  was also referred to in the government's December 12 motion.

New filings obtained by DailyMail.com reveal details of her bid for freedom, in which she claimed she is not receiving proper medical care behind bars for her health conditions

Judge Rudolph Conteras ordered the DC Department of Corrections to hand over information regarding its 'provision of medication' to Hoppe behind bars

It wrote: 'On August 11, 2023, the government formally extended a plea offer to one count of coercion and enticement. To date the government has not received a response regarding a plea from the defendant.

'On October 23, 2023, the government informed counsel for the defendant that the plea offer would expire on the date of the next status hearing (then set for December 12, 2023, now December 14, 2023).'

The arrest of Hoppe, the ex-wife of federal judge Joel Hoppe, stunned elite communities in Charlottesville, where she was living and her native Richmond, where she grew up amid wealth and privilege as a member of a legal powerhouse family.

She was snared at a hotel in Warrenton, Virginia, in March after allegedly arranging to meet a man she believed was a perverted father she had met on a fetish website.

It is claimed she planned to sexually abuse the man's eight-year-old girl with him. But the girl was fictitious and the man she had been chatting with online turned out to be an FBI agent.

Hoppe's ex-husband Joel Hoppe, a magistrate judge in the Western District of Virginia, sought to modify the custody agreement for his two daughters after her arrest earlier this year

Hoppe had messaged the undercover cop sickening details about what she wanted to do the child, according to court filings.

She was also accused of sending the agent a 30-second video and three still images of young minor girls being horrifically sexually abused by men.

Hoppe pleaded not guilty to distribution of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor and attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.

DailyMail.com has previously revealed astonishing exclusive details surrounding the case  including her ex-husband's fight for sole custody of their 10 and 12-year-old daughters in which he confided her alleged sexual exploits.

The ruling in April against her release contained the startling claim that she 'allegedly used her own minor daughters as a lure to engage with the undercover officer, who she believed to have access to a minor child'.

It also determined: 'Although there is little to no evidence that Ms. Hoppe poses a flight risk, the government's allegations suggest that she poses a grave danger to the community.

'First, the government presented evidence that Ms. Hoppe has knowledge of sophisticated encrypted communication platforms, which are known to law enforcement as popular applications among people trafficking child pornography.

Hunton Hoppe's dramatic arrest outside a hotel in Warrenton, Virginia in March came after weeks of messaging with an undercover FBI agent about a fictitious eight-year-old girl she allegedly sought to abuse

Joel Hoppe filed for divorce from in May 2020, eight months after the couple separated, claiming she 'initiated sexual contact, and committed adultery' with another man

'Her alleged use of these platforms is indicative of consciousness of wrongdoing.

'Second, Ms. Hoppe's alleged actions target the most vulnerable victim population  young minor children.

'Finally, Ms. Hoppe's alleged actions demonstrate a willingness to put other minor children at risk. Considering this high risk of danger to the community, this factor weighs strongly in favor of pretrial detention.

'Taken together, the court finds the government has proved by clear and convincing evidence that no combination of conditions could ensure the safety of the community.'

Hoppe had previously worked in child advocacy and support organizations and was a volunteer at her prestigious local Episcopal church in Charlottesville that is affiliated with the University of Virginia, DailyMail.com has already revealed.

The mom is accused of entered a fetish website where users discuss and trade images of child sex abuse, according to the criminal complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

She allegedly used the screen-name 'titotori' and started an email chat with another user, who was an undercover FBI Task Force officer based at the Washington DC field office and operating out of a satellite location.

According to the filing, Hoppe told the agent she was a mother and wanted to chat about 'taboo parenting'.

The undercover officer responded he was the father of a young girl, at which point Hoppe directed the agent to a social media app that encrypts messages.

There, she used the name 'tori4fun' and in a series of messages starting February 23 she revealed she lived in Charlottesville.

The agent asked Hoppe to verify she was 'safe' by sending an image of herself holding up her thumb near her breast. The photo showed her lifting her shirt up, exposing her bare breast and with her face partially visible, said the filing.

A criminal complaint obtained by DailyMail.com earlier this year confirmed she was charged with three federal crimes: Distributing child porn, enticement of a minor and attempted transportation of a minor with attempt to engage in sexual activity

On February 27, the Virginia mom allegedly contacted the agent through the app to ask about the abuse he was perpetrating against his daughter, saying 'what do you think your next step will be?'

Throughout the message exchange Hoppe expressed an interest in traveling to Washington to abuse the undercover agent's fictitious daughter with him, the papers stated.

She repeatedly said she wanted to help the 'father' introduce the eight-year-old to sexual activity  and around March 12 it was agreed she would travel from her home, said the filing.

Hoppe is said to have messaged the undercover agent with the sickening words: 'I can't wait and then of course, putting her to bed and waking her up to do a few extra things will be so fun.'

She then suggested something about anal sex, later adding: 'Has she seen videos of little girls with her dad yet?'

Hoppe is then said to have sent the agent a 30-second clip of a 'small-framed female who appears to be on a bed'.

The complaint says: 'The small female, who appears to be a minor, can only be seen from behind, and she is nude from the waist down.' It continues to say that a man is having sex with the female in the video.

According to the criminal complaint Hoppe wrote to the agent on March 8 regarding the daughter: 'A great thing to do is wake her up by trying new things  that hazy/dreamlike state is perfect to introduce a variety of new things.'

Four days later while allegedly discussing travel plans, the report says she wrote: 'If I were you, I'd start building up Thursday telling her that you know it's gonna be super fun we're gonna hang out with an old friend of yours.

'It's going to be the best night ever blah blah blah and then once I get there, obviously, it will take a slight turn.'

On March 16, the filing says, Hoppe sent three images to the undercover agent who was in an FBI office. All three showed men having sex with prepubescent minor girls.

That afternoon it was agreed she would travel 70 miles to a hotel in Warrenton.

'Hoppe sent the UC (undercover officer) a photograph of a pink silk robe she would bring, with the message, 'Her big girl robe for tonight'.'

Even as she traveled for the meeting, Hoppe messaged with horrific instructions and suggestions, it is alleged. However, she was arrested as soon as she arrived at the hotel.

Despite claiming she had traveled there to save the child from abuse, officers found a pink children's bag containing lubricant, silk underwear and a pink silk robe in her car.

Judge Hoppe, who sits at the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, later filed for sole custody of their children days after the arrest, citing shocking allegations in legal documents exclusively revealed by DailyMail.com.

The ex-spouses had previously agreed to joint physical custody in May 2021 after a messy divorce battle  during which the magistrate judge accused his ex-wife of hunting for sex with other men and women.

In court papers filed in Albemarle Circuit Court, Virginia, Joel, 46, further claimed that his ex had brought a sexual partner back to the marital home while their young daughters were there.

Judge Hoppe filed for divorce in May 2020, eight months after he separated from the daughter of high-profile attorney Eppa Hunton V, 75.

His five-page complaint for sole custody, obtained by DailyMail.com, stated: 'On or about August 7, 2019, defendant initiated sexual contact, and committed adultery by having oral sex, with a male partner, not her spouse.

'On August 22, 2019, defendant had sexual intercourse with a male, not her spouse, in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia.

'Subsequent to those two sexual encounters, defendant has, on frequent occasions, attempted to engage other men and women for sexual encounters.'

It then added: 'Upon reasonable belief, defendant has brought a sexual partner into marital residence. while the minor children were present. The aforesaid behavior exposes the minor children to risk of emotional harm.'

The $200,000-a-year judge also made clear he was not involved in anything his then-wife was doing, with the complaint stating: 'The adultery was not procured nor due do the conniving of the plaintiff.'
These are the dirty dozen Britons, among the most wanted criminals in the world.

The list features murderers, rapists and terrorists - including the 'White Widow' Samantha Lewthwaite, who is believed to be with jihadis in Yemen.

The 40 year old fled the UK for South Africa in 2009 before traveling to Tanzania and Kenya, who are seeking her extradition.

She is one of 12 Britons on Interpol's Red Notice list. Member states can apply to Interpol to issue a Red Notice to seek suspected criminals from across the globe.

The Red List is updated on an hourly basis and lists some of the most wanted criminals in the world.

Lewthwaite was married to 7/7 suicide bomber Germaine Lindsay.

Samantha Lewthwaite, 40, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is better known as 'The White Widow' who was married to a 7/7 suicide bombers

Lewthwaite, pictured, is wanted by authorities in Kenya over her alleged involvement in the 2013 Westgate Mall Attack which killed more than 70 people

Interpol issued a Red Notice warrant for her arrest after she was linked to the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Kenya, which left five Britons and 66 other people dead and injured around 200 others.

Security services believe her other atrocities include the slaughter of 148 people by gunmen at a university in 2015.

In Yemen, she is understood to have recruited female suicide bombers with bribes of 3,000. She is also thought to have sent male suicide bombers as young as 15, high on heroin, to their deaths.

She met her first husband, who killed himself and 26 others in 2005, after being introduced by extremist cleric Trevor Forrest, also known as Sheikh Abdullah el-Faisal.

Security services believe her other atrocities include the slaughter of 148 people by gunmen at a university in 2015

Lewthwaite was married to 7/7 suicide bomber Germaine Lindsay, pictured right

As well as Lewthwaite, Arti Dhir, 59, from Hanwell, west London is also on the list. She is accused of the kidnap and murder of her adoptive son in Gujarat in India.

Indian authorities believe Dhir and her 34-year-old husband Kaval Raijada, 35, of arranging the kidnap and murder of 11-year-old Gopal Senjani.

Gopal was stabbed to death on a road in Gujarat, shortly after Dhir took out a 150,000 insurance policy on his life.

Herself and her husband went to Gujarat in 2015 and promised Gopal a better life in London.

The High Court in London refused an extradition request from India because of human rights concerns.

Arti Dhir, 59, from Hanwell, west London is also on the list. She is accused of the kidnap and murder of her adoptive son in Gujarat in India

The United States is hunting Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh, 50, who is accused of being involved in the kidnap and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

Sheikh is believed by US intelligence agents of luring Mr Pearl to a meeting in Karachi, Pakistan in 2002 to arrange an interview with a prominent Islamic cleric.

Mr Pearl was abducted, tortured and decapitated by terrorists.

Sheikh, from Wanstead, east London, had been tried for Mr Pearl's murder in Pakistan and sentenced to death, but the conviction was overturned on appeal.

He was then released from jail.

The United States is hunting Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh, 50, who is accused of being involved in the kidnap and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl

Estonian officials want to find 72-year-old Robert Timmins who is accused of manslaughter, drunk driving and unlawful handling of firearms.

The seaman allegedly killed his neighbour in 2011 and has been on the run since.

Estonian officials want to find 72-year-old Robert Timmins who is accused of manslaughter, drunk driving and unlawful handling of firearms

Commercial pilot Daren Michael Elarmo, 54, from London is wanted by the United States on suspicion of kidnapping and child abuse. He is accused of abusing two boys having groomed them over social media.

The suspected paedophile was last believed to have been living in Spain.

Teacher Harris John Binotti is wanted by authorities in Myanmar where he is accused of murdering a former colleague, Gary Ferguson in November 2016.

The 32-year-old from Dumfries, Scotland is believed to have fled across the border to Thailand.

Commercial pilot Daren Michael Elarmo, 54, from London is wanted by the United States on suspicion of kidnapping and child abuse. He is accused of abusing two boys having groomed them over social media

Teacher Harris John Binotti is wanted by authorities in Myanmar where he is accused of murdering a former colleague, Gary Ferguson in November 2016.

Masood Ul Haq, 50, from Kashmir, Pakistan also has British citizenship. Is accused of planning terrorist atrocities as well as leading a banned organisation

Masood Ul Haq, 50, from Kashmir, Pakistan also has British citizenship. Is accused of planning terrorist atrocities as well as leading a banned organisation.

Haq, who can speak English and Urdu, is around 5ft 6 tall and has a black mole on his left cheek. He also has a scar on his right hand.

According to Interpol, Haq is also accused of having 'nefarious designs against the state'.

Ramesh Philippe Dusoruth, 54, is wanted in Bermuda where he faces fraud charges.

His charge sheet includes 'furnishing false information to the Bermuda Monetary Authority' and 'fraudulent inducement to arrest' and 'removing criminal property from Bermuda'.

Ramesh Philippe Dusoruth, 54, is wanted in Bermuda where he faces fraud charges

John Collin, 70, is wanted in Malaysia as he is 'awaiting punishment for charges of murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder'

Mohammed Ali Ege, 46, who was born in Dubai, is wanted in India

John Collin, 70, is wanted in Malaysia as he is 'awaiting punishment for charges of murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder'.

Mohammed Ali Ege, 46, who was born in Dubai, is wanted in India.

He is wanted in relation to a number of fraud and forgery charges as well as harbouring an offender and destroying evidence.

He is described as having a scar on his left arm and a black mole on his right hand.

Ibraheem Masood, 25, is wanted by Pakistani officials over alleged terrorism offences and leading a banned organisation.

He has both British and Pakistani citizenship and has a black mole on his neck.

Asif Iqbal Mohammed Memon, 43, who was born in Mumbai, India in 1980, is wanted by authorities in India on suspicion of money laundering.

The Times of India said officials believe his family are part of an international crime syndicate and have seized several properties.

He can speak both Hindi and English fluently.

Asif Iqbal Mohammed Memon, 43, who was born in Mumbai, India in 1980, is wanted by authorities in India on suspicion of money laundering

Ibraheem Masood, 25, is wanted by Pakistani officials over alleged terrorism offences and leading a banned organisation

According to Interpol: 'A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.'

However, according to Reuters, some member states have been 'abusing' the Red Notice system.

Russia and China have been using the system to get political critics arrested.

More than 10,000 Red Notices are issued every year on behalf of its 195 member states.

Interpol's Secretary General Juergen Stock told Reuters: 'We have a small percentage, maybe 2 per cent, 3 per cent of tricky notices. The overwhelming majority concerns murderers, rapists, drug smugglers and what have you.

'Have we made one or the other mistakes perhaps where we had to correct a decision? Yes. I'm not saying it's perfect but I'm saying it's very robust.'
When 2024 Democratic presidential hopeful Rep. Dean Phillips took over his family's booze business in 2000 he oversaw a raunchy ad campaign used to sell Revelstoke, a spiced Canadian whisky.

The ad campaign used strippers to sell the whisky and suggested men needed to drink more of it to deal with overweight, undesirable women.

It also used creative technology so that the name of the whisky brand would show up in urinals as male customers went to the bathroom.

Phillips has used his business background as a benefit since launching a political career in the aftermath of former President Donald Trump's 2016 win.

The Minnesota Democrat was dubbed the 'charming liquor heir' as he flipped a Republican seat blue in 2018 for the first time in 60 years.

During Rep. Dean Phillips' early tenure serving as CEO and president of Phillips Distilling Company he oversaw an ad campaign for Revelstoke whisky that suggested men needed to drink more of it if they were going to have to be around unattractive women

The same ad campaign, which ran in the men's magazine Maxim, showed a man at a strip club receiving a lap dance from a half-naked woman. 'In Canada, the average pay check rarely lasts two weeks. It's more like twenty songs,' the ad said

Rep. Dean Phillips, a Minnesota Democrat, decided to launch a Democratic primary bid against President Joe Biden in late October. He hopes to perform well in the New Hampshire primary, where Biden won't be on the ballot

Phillips' mother had remarried the heir to Phillips Distilling Company after his father died in Vietnam when the congressman was just six months old.

In his early 30s, Phillips took over the company as president and CEO after he earned his MBA at the University of Minnesota's business school.

In profiles of Phillips - who launched a primary bid against President Joe Biden in late October - that part of his career is often mentioned because the congressman is credited for bringing Belvedere vodka from Poland to the United States.

What's gotten less attention is some of the marketing tactics the company deployed.

A February 2001 Strategy article about the ad campaign noted that, by design, it wasn't 'politically correct' and was a 'throwback to campaigns of old when fun was fun, and advertisers were a little more libertarian in their willingness to offend.'

The ads were designed to run in men's magazines Maxim and Stuff and cater to 20 to 35-year-old males, the article said.

They mock Canada using the tagline, 'Strong, smooth whisky from a country that requires it.'

Part of Revelstoke's advertising from that time period also included heat activated urinal ads, which displayed the brand's name as a man was going to the bathroom on them

And each ad lays out a scenario in which 'a massive consumption of whisky is required to complete the task at hand,' the Strategy article said.

One such scenario is a man having to deal with an overweight woman who has sidled up next to him at the bar.

That ad shows a man in a flannel shirt looking over at a bleach-blonde woman wearing an ill-fitting tank top and skinny jeans.

'There's something to be said for occasions like this. Like, "Make that a double,"' the ad says.

Another ad shows a half-naked stripper giving a man in a Hawaiian shirt a lap dance.

'In Canada, the average pay check rarely lasts two weeks. It's more like 20 songs,' the ad says.

Peter Holmes, a partner at the Toronto-based advertising firm Holmes & Lee, acknowledged that part of the ad campaign was to poke fun at Canada.

'And since all that most Americans know about Canada is that they do not really want to go there, we felt we had to remind them exactly why they don't,' Holmes told Strategy.

And Phillips himself talked about the ad campaign in a July 2001 article in AdAge about using scantily clad women to sell alcohol.

'It is indeed the easy way and the effective way,' Phillips said at the time. 'It's hard to be in this business and not look at the success of beer advertisers and argue that it doesn't work.'

In the AdAge story, Phillips said the stripper advertisement was designed specifically for Maxim and wouldn't be used beyond that.

Phillips said that he received no complaints about the ad - but rather 75 requests for posters.

When asked by DailyMail.com if Phillips would sign off on the ad campaign now a spokesperson for his presidential campaign said Friday: 'Dean Phillips does not like these ads and would not sign off on them.'

As a congressman and presidential candidate, Phillips has characterized himself as fighter for women's bodily autonomy amid the fallout from the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Phillips, now 54, jumped in the presidential race due to concerns over Biden's age.

Biden turned 81 in November and is the country's oldest president.

Phillips is hoping to gain traction in New Hampshire, where he won't have to compete with Biden on the ballot.

The president won't appear as a candidate on the January 23 ballot due to a Biden-sanctioned move by the Democratic National Committee to reorder the Democratic primaries.

While New Hampshire has traditionally hosted the first-in-the-nation primary, after the Iowa caucuses, the Democrats wanted to bestow the honor to South Carolina, the state that resurrected Biden's 2020 primary bid.

The Republican leadership of New Hampshire refused to change the date for the Democratic primary, so an 'unsanctioned' primary will take place the same day Republican voters head to the polls.

Even as a write-in candidate, Biden is around 35.6 points ahead of Phillips, according to the Real Clear Politics polling average in New Hampshire.

Biden receives 47.3 percent support from New Hampshire Democrats, compared to 11.7 percent for Phillips and 8.7 percent for self-help guru Marianne Williamson.
People line up to pose and take photos with curly-haired Elli like 'a celebrity'

A young British backpacker found herself in the spotlight and became an unlikely celebrity during a recent trip to China thanks to her striking natural hairstyle.

Eleanor Hodgson, also known as Elli, posted a video to her TikTok account @ellitravels on August 15 of the moment Chinese crowds flocked to pose and take pictures with her.

The travel enthusiast and blogger, who boasts almost 5000 followers on the social app, has documented her travels around South East Asia, visiting countries such as China, Thailand and Vietnam.

In the video, which has since amassed over 24K views and 700 likes, Elli attached a caption, which reads: 'One of our craziest places to travel was China, we drew a crowd wherever we would go, taking photos all the time and often being filmed.'

Elli's boyfriend, Nathan, captured the surprising moment during their trip to Tiananmen Square in the city centre of Beijing - home to the world's largest inner-city square that can hold up to a million people.

A young British backpacker found herself in the spotlight and became an unlikely celebrity during a recent trip to China thanks to her striking natural hairstyle of golden curls

Eleanor Hodgson, also known as Elli, posted a video to her TikTok account @ellitravels of the moment Chinese crowds flocked to pose and take pictures with her in Beijing

While visiting the tourist hotspot, Elli, whose long, golden-blonde curls contrasted against her all-black outfit, quickly garnered attention.

The content creator can be seen posing and smiling next to dozens of locals who embraced her while grinning excitedly at the camera.

In one scene, Elli poses in the middle of a group of six, before going on to take photos with two elderly women and two elderly men.

Crowds of locals - mainly of an older age - are seen patiently awaiting their turn for exclusive pictures with the blonde backpacker, as they prepare the cameras on their phones - ready for the perfect snap.

In a text overlay as the footage played, Elli said: 'POV: you're a blonde, curly tourist in China and everyone wants photos with you like you're a celeb.'

Elli told MailOnline: 'We got asked for photos constantly in our 5 day trip. We would go on public transport and people would ask for my photo or ask for my partners photo. Everywhere we went people would ask for a picture, it was very sweet.

'The video on my TikTok shows me at the Forbidden City, as soon as we began queuing for entry lots of people began staring at us without saying anything.'

She added: 'Our tour guide translated that a lot of people were tourists from the countryside in China and hadn't seen anyone that looked like me before. As soon as one person asked for our photo in the Forbidden City, a crowd started to draw.

The content creator can be seen posing and smiling next to dozens of locals who embraced her while grinning excitedly at the camera

'It was pretty surreal and after a while we thought we cant take any more photos or we're not going to have time to see everything. Overall the experience was positive and we got used to it very quickly.'

Other curly-haired tourists who had previously visited some South East Asian countries shared their own wholesome experiences of being inundated with photo requests from curious locals.

One woman asked Elli if China was safe, but she replied: 'I felt completely safe, everyone is super lovely, you'll have the best time.'

One person wrote, 'Experienced the same without blonde hair,' while another jokingly warned, 'Go to Indonesia (not Bali) it will be way 'worse.''

Another tourist, who had been visiting China at the time, wrote: 'I have black curly hair - today I got an entire group of school children take my picture on the Great Wall. They are all so kind.'

Other curly-haired tourists who had previously visited some South East Asian countries shared their own wholesome experiences of being inundated with photo requests from locals

A final spiral-curled individual wrote: 'All the time in Laos and Vietnam. I have red curly hair.'

Elli's positive experience as a tourist in Asia could not be said for another British woman who revealed the derogatory comments that she received about her weight while working abroad in Asia 'as a fat person.'

Twenty-year-old Anna travelled around Asia while picking up work along the way - but the once-in-a-lifetime trip was affected by hurtful comments about her weight.

Anna told her followers in a TikTok clip about the comments she received, which included 'fatty' and 'bigger people sweat more,' and said they 'altered her 'brain chemistry.'
XL Bully owners gathered together for a joint walk to celebrate the last day their pets could walk around without a muzzle before the controversial breed is banned today.

More than 30 dogs including those of the huge breed packed the seafront in Margate, Kent, as the meet-up promenaded through the seaside town.

Under plans announced by Rishi Sunak earlier this year, the killer breed must be muzzled in public and legally registered by the end of January following a spate of fatal and serious attacks in the UK earlier this year.

It comes as a part of laws that will also make it illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed dogs that meet the XL Bully definition from December 31.

The gathering - which was organised by social media group Paws4Play - was designed to take place before the day before the ban came into place.

One of the organisers, posting on Facebook, said: 'It's the last day that XLs don't need to be muzzled by law so thought they could make some friends before.

More than 30 dogs including those of the huge breed packed the seafront in Margate, Kent, as the meet-up promenaded through the seaside town

The gathering - which was organised by social media group Paws4Play - was designed to take place before the day before the ban came into place

'Lots of dogs don't know what a muzzle is and don't often come into contact with dogs that have muzzles on. This can cause a little confusion and some dogs can be a little scared or intimidated by such a strange new thing.

'So hopefully if they meet without them then come the 31st when they have to be muzzled the dogs will already know their scent and won't be so put off.'

Speaking after the event she added that she had a 'great time' as she thanked everyone who went on the walk.

She continued: 'A massive thank you to everyone that came along today to show their support. I wasnt expecting so many people to turn up!

'We had a great time and hope we all see you next time too. Our dogs will have to be muzzled and on a lead of course but whatever keeps them safe is good by me.'

All dogs had to be kept on a lead for the entirety of the walk and all dogs that were 'reactive' or in season were banned.

Handlers had to be over 18 and there had to be at least one for every dog - as organisers insisted that it was 'not a protest'.

Speaking after the event ended, pharmacy-worker Laura Sullivan said that she was in 'fat head heaven' after joining the rally for support

All dogs had to be kept on a lead for the entirety of the walk and all dogs that were 'reactive' or in season were banned

Handlers had to be over 18 and there had to be at least one for every dog - as organisers insisted that it was 'not a protest'

She said: 'What a great walk today, I went for support and gotta admit was in fat head heaven.

'But this just goes to show the difference in these amazing dogs and why this ban is so b****y flawed.

'All these amazing dogs were so well behaved, not just local but coming from all over Kent even Camber Sands and Mr Grey from London (dog not human). And even Paw Patrol joined us.

'Well done everyone who attended, all those who tooted as they drove past in support, the walkers with dogs/and or children who stopped to say hi.

'The love was immense for these beautiful innocent souls and their families. My heart breaks for you all.'

Videos showed owners lined up with their pets along the Margate shorefront after they met at 1pm today.

Many of the dogs were in coats to brave the cold weather as dozens of XL Bullys could be seen straining at their leads as they met in the sand.

Some, already in muzzles, posed for photos with their humans.

The crowd - made up of men, women and children - later walked along the concrete promenade as their huge dogs walked ahead.

Attendee Megan Shead said: 'It was so lovely to meet all of your lovely XL Bullys. Happy smiles and waggy tails all round which was lovely to see.'

Tiffany Withams added: 'Thank you for letting us join you today, we loved meeting lots of gorgeous dogs.

Many of the dogs were in coats to brave the cold weather as dozens of XL Bullys could be seen straining at their leads as they met in the sand

'Buddy had an amazing time. He was even introduced to sand, which he loved.'

And Caz Austin said: 'This is my beautiful Roxy. She loved seeing everyone and making new friends despite the sad circumstances.'

It comes as MPs have warned the government and police are not ready to enforce the ban when it comes in, as it emerged that almost 2,000 exemption applications were made in the first week that the scheme was open.

Figures released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) under Freedom of Information laws show there were 1,846 applications in the week of November 14 and and 349 were approved, reports the i.

More than 6,000 have been approved to date, according to a government statement, and ministers estimate there are 10,000 XL Bully dogs in England and Wales. Some charities believe this to be a conservative estimate.

MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee have written to Defra expressing 'significant concerns' about its introduction.

In the letter, the committee said it was particularly concerned about the ability of 'frontline workers, including the veterinary sector, police and local authorities' to cope with enforcing bans and putting dogs to sleep.

The Dog Control Coalition (DCC)  a group of animal organisations opposed to the ban  says more than 200 dogs are still waiting for a new home at rescue shelters. They face being put down if they cannot be rehomed before December 31.

The crowd - made up of men, women and children - later walked along the concrete promenade as their huge dogs walked ahead

It comes as MPs have warned the government and police are not ready to enforce the ban when it comes in, as it emerged that almost 2,000 exemption applications were made in the first week that the scheme was open

But the RSPCA said the measures were "not the answer" and warned of a "huge risk" that rescue centres and vets will be unable to cope with a likely surge in demand.

Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the charity, told the PA news agency: "What is really concerning is because the ban has come in at such a pace that there may be owners who are not ready for this, being able to ensure their dog is happy wearing a muzzle.

READ MORE: My American Bully XL may look scary... but I trust her with my nine-month-old - 'heartbroken' owners defend giant breed that has now been banned in UK after spate of vicious dog attacks Bear's (pictured) owner says he is gentle and he trusts him with his young daughters Advertisement

"There is some fear that people for whatever reason may have left it a bit late and about what that means."

She added: "Breed is not a good or reliable predictor of aggressive behaviour.

"Whether or not a dog goes on to use aggressive behaviour depends on how they've been bred, how they've been raised, their life experiences."

Instead of targeting dogs with new laws, Dr Gaines said existing legislation should be used more effectively to clamp down on people who exploit and irresponsibly breed the animals.

And she warned against "misleading the public that they're going to be safer when really we have to tackle root causes".

The ban on XL Bully type dogs was announced following a spate of fatal and serious attacks in the UK earlier this year.

Among those to have been killed this year were Ian Price in Stonnall, Staffordshire in September, and Ian Langley in Sunderland in October.

XL Bullies  who have their roots in the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, which is banned in the UK  have also killed children, including ten-year-old Jack Lis in November 2021 and 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch in March 2022.

Campaign group Bully Watch claims Bully breeds, popular on social media and adored by celebrities such as rapper Drake and Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock, have been linked to 14 fatal attacks since 2021, and 351 attacks this year alone.

The Centre for Evidence-Based Regulation of Dangerous Dogs, a voluntary research group, estimates that XL Bully dogs make up less than one per cent of all UK canines, but were responsible for 44 per cent of attacks in 2023 and 75 per cent of deaths in the last three years, reports The Guardian.

The pattern of attacks prompted the government to legally define XL Bullies in order to include it as a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Dogs that fit certain physical characteristics must be registered as an XL Bully on the Index of Exempted Dogs and neutered. Exemption certificates cost 92.40 and require insurance.

Those who opt to put their dogs to sleep can claim up to 200 compensation from the government to cover the costs of euthanasia, but many are trying to rehome their dogs to either avoid putting down their pets or because of a lack of vets.
In her last New Year message to the nation, delivered on December 31, 2022, Nicola Sturgeon sounded like a woman on a mission.

The then First Minister spoke of her governments priorities, promising to look to the longer term with optimism and resolve.

There would be work to tackle poverty, support for public services and a real effort to help the NHS recover from the strain placed upon it by the pandemic.

Almost half of the SNP membership rejected Humza Yousaf's vision for the party

There was, said Ms Sturgeon, much to look forward to in the year ahead. Let us, she went on, continue with real hope in our hearts to build that fairer, greener and more prosperous country we all want to see.

Just 46 days later, she announced her resignation, sending shockwaves through Scottish politics and throwing the SNP into chaos.

The party has yet to recover. The year 2023 has been the SNPs Annus Horribilis, and the future looks just as miserable for the Nationalists.

After almost two decades of rigid party discipline, splits began to emerge within days of Ms Sturgeons resignation statement on February 15.

The SNP leadership contest which followed was divisive and often ill-tempered.

Ms Sturgeon promised not to interfere in the selection of her successor but sources close to her were quick to make clear that she preferred Humza Yousaf  the continuity candidate  over his fellow challengers, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

When Ms Forbes  a devout Christian and member of the Free Church of Scotland  told an interviewer that, had she been an MSP at the time legislation was passing through Holyrood, shed have voted against legalising same-sex marriage, senior Nationalist MSPs spoke out against the prospect of her becoming leader.

Many party members chose to ignore those voices and although Mr Yousaf won the race, Ms Forbes ran him a very close second. This meant the new SNP leader  and First Minister  inherited a party which had seen almost half of its members reject his vision.

Desperate to unite his party behind him, Mr Yousaf promised hed be the First Activist. All this achieved, however, was to confirm to the pro-Union majority of Scots that their views would continue to be ignored.

As he reflects on his time in office so far, Mr Yousaf could be forgiven for damning the day he decided to stand for the SNPs leadership.

Much of his misery stems from the agreement to bring the Scottish Greens into government.

A number of Green initiatives have failed or been dropped as unworkable since Mr Yousaf assumed power.

The Deposit Return Scheme, chaotically stewarded by Green Minister Lorna Slater, was abandoned after a chorus of complaints from within the drinks industry.

And the Highly Protected Marine Areas proposal, which would have severely restricted fishing and leisure activities in numerous coastal locations, suffered a similar fate after complaints from fishing industry leaders, backed by a number of Nationalist MSPs.

Without question, the biggest policy headache inherited by Mr Yousaf was the plan to reform the Gender Recognition Act (GRA).

Shortly before Christmas 2022, MSPs voted to change the law allowing trans people to self-ID into the legally recognised sex of their preference.

Early in January 2023, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack announced that he would be blocking the legislation, using section 35 of the Scotland Act, on the grounds that it would negatively impact on the UK-wide Equality Act, which allows, among other things, for the provision of single-sex spaces.

Despite widespread public opposition to the planned change in the law and a mass of legal opinion that said Mr Jack was within his rights to block the flawed legislation, Mr Yousaf pushed ahead with a legal challenge, misleadingly accusing Mr Jack of trying to undermine Scottish democracy.

Unsurprisingly, the Court of Session supported the Scottish Secretary, and reform of the GRA will not now proceed.

This was not the only time the SNP Government was embarrassed in court.

This month the Court of Session rejected a bid by officials to prevent publication of details of an inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon broke the ministerial code during her handling of allegations of sexual misconduct by her predecessor, Alex Salmond.

A major test of Mr Yousafs popularity came in October, with the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, caused by the recall by constituents of former Nationalist MP Margaret Ferrier whod been convicted of breaking coronavirus lockdown laws.

Mr Yousaf and his party were utterly humiliated. Scottish Labour romped to victory, taking more than half of all votes cast.

The sense that Mr Yousaf could get nothing right grew stronger.

The defection from the SNP to Alex Salmonds Alba Party by Ash Regan, the MSP who came third in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon, was another blow, revealing deep splits in the independence movement.

But Mr Yousaf was not solely a victim of circumstances. He was perfectly capable of inflicting damage on himself.

His remarkable decision to stand by Health Secretary Michael Matheson, who claimed 11,000 in expenses for data run up by his sons on a parliament-provided iPad and then lied to the public about the affair, showed an appalling lack of judgment.

The truth about Mr Mathesons expenses claims had to be dragged out of him by journalists and opposition MSPs.

Throughout the scandal, Mr Yousaf repeatedly tried to declare the matter closed, creating the impression he did not take seriously what appeared to be a major abuse of parliamentary expenses.

An investigation by Holyrood authorities into the circumstances of Mr Mathesons claims is expected to conclude by the middle of January.

This litany of misery would have made the past year challenging enough for Mr Yousaf but one thing overshadowed his every move.

Within weeks of the First Minister taking office in March, officers from Police Scotland swooped on the house shared by Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.

At the same time, the partys Edinburgh HQ was raided.

Officers seized numerous files and arrested Mr Murrell, questioning him as a suspect in an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety within the SNP.

Two weeks after Mr Murrells arrest, the Nationalists former treasurer Colin Beattie was also picked up by police and questioned.

Soon afterwards, The Scottish Mail on Sunday revealed that, as part of their investigations, officers had seized an expensive motorhome which had been parked outside Mr Murrells mothers home.

Worse was to come. On Sunday, June 11, Police Scotland arrested Ms Sturgeon who  like her husband  was then questioned as a suspect in their ongoing probe.

Although Ms Sturgeon, Mr Murrell and Mr Beattie have not been charged with any offence, the continuing investigation sits uneasily alongside the SNPs promise of a new, more honest politics.

As he prepares for the coming parliamentary term, Mr Yousaf will wish to break free from the scandals and crises of the past year and, finally, stamp his authority on his party.

I think his chances of achieving this are vanishingly small.

The First Minister leads a divided party and a divided country, the ongoing police investigation hangs over him, and SNP support is drifting away.

Polls suggest Labour and the Conservatives will take seats from the SNP.

Should the Nationalists suffer major losses at the next General Election, expected in 2024, the First Minister is liable to face a leadership challenge.

Mr Yousaf has had a most miserable time as leader of the SNP. The way things are going, his colleagues may well relieve him of that burden in the year ahead.
Almost four years on from the UK's formal departure from the EU, there is no shortage of talk of Brexit freedoms.

But those freedoms are of limited value if not accompanied by a genuine and firm resolve to capitalise fully on the enormous potential now open to Britain as a free and sovereign nation.

The fact is that, almost eight years on from that epoch-making Leave vote, we should now re-commit to the fulfilment of the British people's judgment.

And dare I say, in what will almost certainly be a General Election year, we Conservatives must focus on creating a clear, principled dividing line between ourselves and a Labour party which, never let it be forgotten, is led by a man who bitterly opposed Brexit and then demanded a second referendum to try to reverse the people's vote.

To that end, I propose ten New Year Brexit Resolutions  ten ways of helping to deliver what the British people decisively asked for.

FREEDOM: Millions voted in 2016 for the benefits that Brexit could bring  now the Government must deliver them

1 Most importantly, we need to recognise that our Parliament is now sovereign again.

For the first time in half a century, we have complete freedom to make our own laws in whatever way we want.

We must remind ourselves  and I include Tory Ministers in this  that we no longer need to kowtow to Brussels.

We must seize the opportunities that legislative independence presents to build the world's most competitive economy.

2 Crucially, we must use that sovereignty to take back control of our own borders.

Of all the reasons that people voted to quit the EU's grasp, the ability to decide who should come to this country was, for many, the most important.

Within weeks, the Government will reveal further details of precisely how it intends to resolve the cross-Channel small boats crisis and execute its plan to send illegal migrants to Rwanda.

So I urge the Prime Minister to reflect on the mandate he has from the Brexit vote to use our Parliamentary sovereignty to disapply, as appropriate, any obsolete international arrangement that denies us control over our own national borders.

Vitally, that includes, if necessary, reassessing the European Convention on Human Rights  a charter which made sense 70 years ago in the aftermath of World War Two, but is now cynically exploited by people-smugglers to advance their disgraceful trade.

3 We should take even greater advantage of our ability, post-Brexit, to run our own foreign and trade policy.

We can strike new international agreements designed to benefit British people, rather than being obliged to take into account the needs of other EU countries whose priorities are very different from our own.

Pleasingly, progress in this area has been made and the Trade Bill, which will confirm Britain's membership of the 12 trillion Trans-Pacific Partnership, is well on the way to becoming law.

It is disappointing that hoped-for deals with India and the US are yet to materialise, but Ministers should redouble efforts to secure trade agreements with those important partners, knowing that they have been made possible by Brexit and could not have happened had this country remained yoked to the EU.

David Jones is Tory MP for Clwyd West and deputy chairman of the party's European Research Group

4 We must complete the clear-out of all the estimated 4,000 EU-era laws that remain on our statute book.

It is to the regret of many of us that only about 600 Brussels-derived regulations and reels of red tape will have been culled by tonight's original  but since amended  deadline when it had been agreed that finally EU laws 'would be sunset, enabling the UK to create regulations tailor-made for its people'. It is imperative that the review process set up by the Retained EU Law Act should be accelerated, to purge our legal system of Brussels-derived law as quickly as possible.

In that context, we should capitalise on the benefits of the Common Law, the most elegant, sophisticated and flexible legal system in the world, shared with the US and most of the Commonwealth.

5 The Commonwealth, with its deeply established ties of friendship, is another priceless asset we must use.

Those ties, and the commonality that comes with the English language, can be a springboard to forge even closer, mutually beneficial relationships with our natural allies and trading partners.

6 Our liberation from EU control offers greater scope to transform our tax system to encourage economic growth.

We should, in particular, set a highly-competitive Corporation Tax rate to attract inward investment. We are free to raise VAT thresholds to encourage entrepreneurship.

And we should scrap our ridiculous and pernicious tourism tax. Currently, overseas visitors pay 20 per cent VAT on goods purchased here, but if they buy them in EU countries, they are entitled to claim the tax back. This is a deeply damaging tax and the exact opposite of what Brexit should mean.

Three of the world's top ten universities are British (Oxford (pictured), Cambridge and Imperial College, London)  none are in the EU

7 All of us should take pride in Britain as a highly-innovative country with a long history of excellence in research.

Three of the world's top ten universities are British (Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, London)  none are in the EU.

Now free and independent, the Government must liberate that natural inventiveness by creating a much more nimble approach to regulation, so different from the EU's stultifying 'precautionary principle' which focuses on the risks of a new product or service rather than its benefits.

8 Britain must harness its Brexit freedoms by pressing on with setting the world's highest animal welfare standards.

We are right to stop live exports, which we couldn't do as an EU member. But we should go further, for example outlawing pig farrowing crates and inhumane methods of poultry-rearing.

9 Brexit must mean Brexit in every part of the country.

It is deeply distressing that, as a consequence of the Northern Ireland Protocol and the more recently agreed Windsor Framework, an integral part of our country is becoming progressively detached from the rest by being obliged to follow EU standards for goods. This must end as a matter of priority.

10 My last Brexit resolutions concerns our traditions: the national characteristics that make us what we are.

If people want to buy or sell goods in pounds and ounces, they should be allowed to do so. After all, we buy beer in pints and measure speed in miles per hour  as indeed does the US. Welcome as it is that the pint bottle of champagne so beloved of Winston Churchill is to return, the Government should go the whole hog and allow people the freedom to use imperial measures if they wish.

So, let's make 2024 the year of Brexit delivery. And in an Election year, reap the rewards of the millions who voted for it.
Scotland's leading expert on bacteria has warned that there could be further cases of a potentially deadly E.coli strain linked to artisan cheese.

One Scot has died in the outbreak, which has seen 11 people treated in hospital and at least 30 cases in people aged from seven to 81 across Britain.

An urgent product recall has been issued but it is feared more of the cheese could still be in cupboards or hampers across the country.

Bacteriologist Professor Hugh Pennington said: The bacteria can remain in the cheese for some time and, despite the mass publicity, not everyone will have heard about the recall.

CONCERN: Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire cheese has been linked to outbreak

People may have some of this product, for example, in a Christmas hamper and may not be looking at the label in too much detail.

I would be surprised if there were not some more cases, although I suspect it would not be a large number as the outbreak has been running for about six months now in terms of the 30 cases reported.

There could be as many as hundreds of cases of E.coli in Scotland in a year. However, this particular strain is not that common.

There will also have been cases which have gone under the radar as those involved have not been ill enough to seek medical advice.

The risk may be small but if you get infected and are very young or elderly the chances of it being quite a serious infection can be quite high.

This is the nastiest food poisoning bug you can get, because the toxin causes severe symptoms, with a minority of people experiencing serious kidney issues.

Multiple organs can be affected and you only have to consume a very small amount of the bacteria to become infected.

Cheesemaker Graham Kirkham, who is based in Lancashire, said he understood eight people of those affected have eaten our cheese.

He added: We are devastated. We are part of a bigger investigation and we have stopped any more cheeses going out.

Four of Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire cheese products have been recalled by the Food Standards Agency as a precaution.

They are mild and creamy Lancashire, tasty Lancashire, mature Lancashire and smoked Lancashire.

All sizes of No 1 Waitrose and Partners and Farmhouse Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire cheese with use by dates from October 30 to January 16 have also been withdrawn from sale.

A Waitrose spokesperson said: 'We've recalled one line as a precaution, and as part of a broader recall by this cheesemaker. None of our other products are impacted, and we're sorry for the inconvenience caused.'

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Public Health Scotland confirmed the death in Scotland but said that they were unable to provide details of the persons age, sex or location.

The UKHSA said that in addition to the person who died, another 15 males and 15 females have been affected.

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea and extreme abdominal pain.

Cases linked to the outbreak have been reported across Scotland and England since late July with most reported in December.

Stuart McAdam, head of incidents at Food Standards Scotland, said: We are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, especially as it has been sold as part of a Christmas gift hamper, and so we are urging consumers to check whether they have this product or may have gifted it to others.

A Public Health Scotland spokesman said: We can confirm one death associated with E.coli 0145 in Scotland. We are continuing to monitor the situation.
A hero mother drove to Belgium in a stunning eight-hour round trip after Eurostar cancellations gave her 'no choice' but to travel more than 250 miles to rescue her daughter.

Joanna Mitchell, 57, and husband Grahame Mitchell, also 57, drove from Whitstable, Kent, to Bruges after their daughter Jade, 34, was stranded by cancellations on the channel-crossing train.

Teacher Jade and her husband Sam had left their 18 month and five-year-old children with his parents for the first time ever as they looked forward to a Christmas break - but their dream four days away turned into a nightmare as they found out they could not get home.

After finding out their train was cancelled over social media, the couple soon found there was nowhere in the historic city they could stay that night as they desperately tried to find a way to get back to their little children.

Eurostar cancelled all of its services on Saturday, leaving around 30,000 furious passengers unable to move in London after flooding hit the major tunnel connecting Britain to mainland Europe.

Joanna, who runs a community care company, said: 'We really had no choice. Otherwise, my daughter would have been stranded out in in Belgium.

Joanna Mitchell, 57, and husband Grahame Mitchell, also 57, (pictured together) drove from Whitstable, Kent, to Bruges after their daughter Jade, 34, was stranded by cancellations on the channel-crossing train

Teacher Jade and her husband Sam had left their 18 month and 5-year-old children with his parents for the first time ever as they looked forward to a Christmas break - but their dream four days away turned into a nightmare as they found out they could not get home

Passengers at Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International after all trains were cancelled

'There's no guarantee they'd get home tomorrow and they had nowhere to sleep, nowhere to stay because everything was fully booked in the city for New Year's Eve.

'Over the phone was complete tears, the lot. Because all she wanted to do was get home to her children.

'Eurostar offered no alternative. It was your train's cancelled, end of. People have saved up a lot of money to plan these trips at peak times so I just feel their communication could have been a lot clearer and a lot better.

'For people that are abroad, trying to get back home - offer an alternative offer solution rather than just create the problem.'

In an update posted on its website, Eurostar said passengers can reschedule their booking free of charge or cancel their booking for either a credit note or a refund.

Joanna ended up paying just under 500 in tickets to get across the channel to get her daughter and son-in-law home.

Setting off at 10.30am, she and Grahame only got home at 6.30pm - nearly exactly eight hours later.

Jade and Sam had left their children with Sam's parents, and they were looking at an impossible task to get home as their hotel told them they were all booked up for the night and they couldn't extend their stay.

Her parents decided to take the Eurotunnel across to Calais before driving up to Bruges - only stopping to pick up some Belgian beers for when they got home.

Joanna continued: 'It's their first time away from their kids who are five and 18-months-old. The other grandparents are babysitting and she was very anxious about leaving them in the first place.

Jade and Sam had left their children with Sam's parents, and they were looking at an impossible task to get home as their hotel told them they were all booked up for the night and they couldn't extend their stay. Pictured: In the back of Joanna's car finally on their way home

But even when they had collected Jade and Sam the Kent couple's problems had not come to an end - as they were forced to wait an hour to get through passport control in France (pictured)

'We were like: "Just crack on go have a break." Every parent needs a break from their horrible little children!

'They had a lovely, lovely time and were forward to traveling home today.'

Talking about the huge journey, Joanna said she was happy to do it for her child.

She added: 'They needed to get home.'

But even when they had collected Jade and Sam the Kent couple's problems had not come to an end - as they were forced to wait an hour to get through passport control in France.

And Sam after a restless day Sam has now had to be driven by his father to Ebbsfleet where he left his car, so he doesn't get fined for overstaying his parking.

Speaking from her driveway at the end of the stressful journey, Joanna said she was looking forward to a cold drink to calm her nerves.

She joked: 'I've got an Italian one chillin in the fridge that's been waiting for the last 30 minute so the Belgian ones have got time to cool down!

Joanna and Grahame crossed the channel on the Eurotunnel (pictured) before driving up through France to Belgium

The queue for passport control was extremely long, and was packed with other tourists trying to get home through another route

'Wait for the New Year? Absolutely not! They'll be gone in the next hour - we deserve it!

'I've said - just remember it's Mother's Day in March! She'd better pull out the stops otherwise I'll take her back!

'We're sitting here thinking: "Yeah! Parents of the year!" It was that or we babysat - so these are the extremes we go to to get out of babysitting!'

Eurostar said in a statement late on Saturday that the flooding in the tunnels had been brought back under control but speed restructions will be in place for trains running in the morning.

On Saturday the water brought international rail traffic between London and the European mainland to a halt, disrupting New Year travel for thousands of passengers - the second major headache for customers this holiday season.

It came just a week after a surprise industrial strike by French workers thwarted Christmas travel plans for thousands on December 21.

It was not immediately clear what had caused the flooding in the railway tunnels under the River Thames near Ebbsfleet, east of London.

Television footage showed water gushing into one of the tunnels and covering the track, while at St Pancras station in London hundreds of stranded passengers with suitcases sat waiting on the concourse.

Many hoping to ring in 2024 with a romantic night in Paris, watch fireworks from the ski slope or enjoy a family holiday to Disneyland have been left devastated, with some left in tears on yesterday afternoon at St Pancras International.
Crime is rising where cuts to police officer numbers have been deepest, a Scottish Mail on Sunday investigation has discovered.

Force chiefs have axed hundreds of cops as they struggle to balance the books  and have warned that more may follow.

But disturbing evidence shows thugs, yobs and thieves are increasingly active in communities where the frontline has been depleted.

Police Scotland has 13 regional divisions, yet the four where officer numbers have shrunk the most are experiencing localised explosions of lawlessness.

In these areas  which include the cities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth  recorded crime has bucked the national trend and is climbing.

THINNER BLUE LINE: Police Scotland fast approaching smallest service in 13 years

Collectively, they are performing worse than the rest of Scotland in every category of crime, including violence, sex attacks and theft.

Scottish Police Federation general secretary David Kennedy said: Were not surprised that reduced police funding  a loss of 2 billion over the past ten years  has had a devastating impact on communities.

The presence of police patrols is a deterrent to crime  these figures cement what we have been telling Ministers for years.

The people of Scotland need and deserve policing that is properly funded, but we are fast approaching the smallest service for more than 13 years. Its simply not good enough.

Between September 2019 and September 2023, local officer numbers  excluding centralised units such as armed response and traffic  dropped by 3.4 per cent from 12,610 to 12,183.

Nearly half of the cuts were focused on only four divisions  North East (A); Tayside (D); Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire (L), and Dumfries & Galloway (V). Here, numbers dropped more sharply, by between 4 per cent and 9.7 per cent.

We compared recorded crime during the period from September 2018 to September 2021 with the latest data for September 2020 to September 2023  and our analysis makes for unsettling reading.

Overall, crimes across Scotland fell by 2.2 per cent from 902,608 to 882,511  but in A, D, L and V divisions they rose by 2.1 per cent, from 197,481 to 201,666.

Together, these areas fared worse in all five crime groups: violent, sexual, dishonesty, damage, and crimes against society.

They saw serious assaults rise by 3.8 per cent, while across the rest of Scotland they fell by 11.7 per cent.

Robberies soared by 13.8 per cent but dropped by 7.3 per cent elsewhere.

Car thefts and shoplifting cases increased by 18.4 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively  yet in other areas they were up by only 2 per cent and 1.4 per cent.

Chiefs in the North-East recently unveiled a pilot in which minor crimes will no longer be investigated where there is no obvious lead.

But we found that while local officer numbers there have been slashed by 8.5 per cent from 1,145 to 1,048, violent crime is up 8.8 per cent, sex crimes up 18.1 per cent and crimes of dishonesty up 5.7 per cent.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: The careful compilation and analysis of this data appears to confirm a very simple truth  that the SNPs reckless reduction of police officer numbers is resulting in rising crime.

Communities across Scotland are paying the price of nationalist incompetence.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: The acute pressure on public finances will continue to bring urgency to the principle that Police Scotland must be as efficient as possible.

If what we do doesnt protect the vulnerable from harm, prevent crime or support our officers and staff, we will challenge that and redirect resources to prioritise the front line.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: Recorded crime is at one of the lowest levels since 1974. There are 379 more police officers than in 2007.
Anger is mounting after 80 councils decided to scrap citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day with the move exposing bitter divisions around the national day.

Those opposing expressed their fury and dismay on social media at abandoning the ritual and accused councils of pandering to a minority that believe January 26 should be marked by mourning over the dispossession of Indigenous peoples.

Others have supported the move saying citizenship ceremonies have been held at other times besides Australia Day in the past.

The federal Opposition has vowed to reverse the trend as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is accused of trying to abolish the tradition.

After the Albanese government repealed a law forcing councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies 80 local governments have scrapped the ritual

'How bloody pathetic is this once great country becoming ?' one person fumed on social media platform X.

'Far left/green councils,' another added.

'Jan 26 is Australia Day supported by the majority of Australians, only ones that don't support it hate this country.'

'It's a bloody slap in the face to those that pay rates to keep them in a job,' another infuriated X user wrote.

'We need to phase out local council...they are another level of unnecessary government and are barely able to function even with limited responsibilities like rates, garbage, sewerage, pet control etc,'

'They (councils) are at odds with 62% of the country,' another person wrote referring to the percentage of voters who rejected the Indigenous Voice to Parliament at the October referendum.

However, some supported the move with a number pointing out that citizenship ceremonies took place throughout the year.

'Farcical front page in the Herald Sun listing 80 councils choosing not to do a citizenship ceremony on January 26,' tweeted Stephen Mayne, the founder of left-leaning news and opinion newsletter Crikey.

'We do them every month so why does one have to be on this controversial date?'

'My citizenship ceremony wasn't held on Australia Day,' another said.

'Turnbull's government forced councils to hold it on 26th January in 2017.'

'So what, who cares?' another person tweeted.

'They run their citizenship ceremonies on a normal work days, Rate payers should save money No double pay during the week.'

In reply a supporter of the date said it was true citizenship ceremonies are held on other days 'but the decision not to hold them on Australia Day smacks of self-righteousness and hypocrisy!'

Australia Day has become a polarising event with some believing January 26 should be marked as a day of mourning over the dispossession of Indigenous peoples

'For immigrants looking to obtain citizenship, an Australian Day ceremony is just that little more special!' they argued.

In late 2022 the Albanese government scrapped a rule that forced councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies.

Mr Albanese assured Aussies at the time that 'there are no changes here'.

Only four councils, including the City of Sydney opted to boycott the event this year in the wake of the recent rule change but than quadrupled for 2024.

On Saturday the Herald Sun revealed that more than 80 councils across Australia have decided to scrap citizenship ceremonies on January 26, which included more than a quarter of the councils in Victoria.

The federal Opposition vowed to reverse this trend.

'If the Coalition wins the next election we will do everything we can to unite Australians on Australia Day,' Shadow Minister for Immigration Dan Tehan said:

'This will include by ensuring new citizens have the choice right around our nation of having their citizenship ceremony on our national day.'

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said the government had no plan to change the date of Australia Day or to outlaw the holding of citizenship ceremonies on that date if councils wished to do so.

'I look forward to welcoming new citizens at ceremonies in the coming weeks, including on Australia Day,' he said.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said her council's decision to scrap its January 26 citizenship ceremony had widespread support and that Australia Day was a 'painful' day for many people.

Ms Moore said the City of Sydney would hold ceremonies on January 29 instead, in line with the new government code, just as it did this year.

She said ceremonies formerly held on January 26 in the City of Sydney had low turnouts of only 10-15 people, while their new January 29 date was expected to see 160 people become Australian citizens.
An American Airlines passenger has been caught on camera being restrained by crew after he had a meltdown before the flight could take off.

The unidentified man was meant to travel from Rio de Janeiro on Friday night and land in Miami early Saturday morning on Flight 9948.

But before the flight could take off, he reportedly had a meltdown for unknown reasons.

He had to be restrained by an American Airlines crew member and four passengers in the plane before security arrived.

A Spanish-speaking American Airlines passenger was caught on camera being restrained by crew after he had a meltdown before the flight could take off

The unidentified man was meant to travel from Rio de Janeiro on Friday night and land in Miami early Saturday morning on Flight 9948

Footage shows the man can be heard screaming for 'help' and 'they're killing me' in Spanish while one of the other passengers tries to duct tape his mouth.

According to flightaware.com, the flight did not experience any delays despite the incident.

According to Local 10 News, no arrests have been made as of today afternoon.

One passenger told the channel that she was shocked when she heard about the incident.

'That is very nerve-racking, that's crazy that happens, you know', said the unknown traveler.

American Airlines has not yet responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

He had to be restrained by an American Airlines crew member and four passengers in the plane before security arrived

Footage shows the man can be heard screaming for 'help' and 'they're killing me' in Spanish while one of the other passengers tries to duct tape his mouth

This travel advisory comes after multiple incidents of on-air meltdowns have been reported this year, notably when Tiffany Gomas went viral for her infamous plane altercation, which claims started as a dispute over AirPods

This incident is one of the many flight meltdowns reported this year, notably when Tiffany Gomas went viral for causing a scene on her American Airlines flight.

She was heard shouting 'that mother f***er is not real' at another passenger as she left the aircraft and ended up losing her job due to the meltdown.

The 38-year-old marketing executive could be seen loudly telling a male flight attendant near her seat on the flight from Dallas to Orlando: 'Stop the f***ing plane, stop the f***ing plane, stop the plane.'

Police reports show she had accused a relative of stealing her AirPods, before screeching that the plane was not safe and would not make it to its destination.

The video's poster, who goes by @texaskansasnnn, claimed the incident delayed his flight by three hours.

The TikTok user said the woman 'somehow didn't get arrested and got back through security after the whole plane had to deplane.'

She later made her rounds on news shows and podcasts, sharing her regret and embarrassment at losing control and becoming famous for all the wrong reasons.
The body of a whale that was found washed up on the Thames estuary shoreline by a dog walker has finally been removed after three days.

Dramatic footage captured the moment that the young female fin whale's lifeless body was dragged across the river by boat crews.

The public had been warned to stay away from the dead whale amid fears it was carrying harmful bacteria and might explode.

The marine giant was found by dog walker Jack Theed and his son Jude on the Thames estuary shoreline in a remote part of Cliffe, on the Hoo Peninsula, on Wednesday.

It was initially thought to be a Minke whale but images posted to social media have helped the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme to identify it as a juvenile female fin species.

The body of a whale (pictured) that was found washed up on the Thames estuary shoreline by a dog walker has finally been removed after three days

Previous efforts to remove the decomposing corpse weighing several tons had been hampered by Storm Gerrit. But the body of the dead whale has now been taken to a 'safe location'.

A PLA spokesperson said: 'Thanks to favourable weather and tidal conditions, our Marine Services team were able to remove the whale from the foreshore earlier today.

'It has been taken to a safe location for collection by a specialist team.'

Mr Theed, a 33-year-old commissioning engineer from Kent, found the whale while out walking with his son Jude, their pet cocker spaniel and a friend.

'It was just absolutely massive,' he said.

'We think it was hit by a boat as it had propeller marks all down its side.

'It also had a rope around its tail, so it may have died in the water and then been put there.

'Somebody may be waiting for a high tide to then take it back out.

'I've lived in Cliffe for 23 years and never seen anything like this before. The bit I walked around isn't somewhere a lot of people go.

The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme identified the whale as a juvenile female fin species

Dramatic footage captured the moment that the young female fin whale was dragged across the river by boat crews

'I would guess it's about 30ft, but it's hard to gauge of course.'

It's not the first time huge whales have been found as far up as the River Thames. In 2019 a whale dubbed 'Hessy the Humpback' died after swimming into the Thames Estuary and colliding with a ship.

A year earlier, 'Benny' a Beluga whale, was another unexpected visitor to the Thames Estuary at Gravesend.

He became a tourist attraction before disappearing from the river in May, eight months after first being spotted.
A crackdown on yobbish behaviour and vandalism was demanded last night after claims that fewer than one in 20 cases led to charges last year.

Home Secretary James Cleverly faced calls to stop the culprits escaping justice.

Citing the Home Office's own statistics, the Liberal Democrats said that only about four per cent of vandalism cases resulted in a charge last year.

They said that in 2022/23, 20,180 criminal damage cases ended with a charge out of the 490,534 cases recorded across England and Wales.

There was also a 16 per cent decrease in the number of convictions compared to the previous year.

Home Secretary James Cleverly is facing calls to stop the culprits escaping justice after 20,180 criminal damage cases ended with a charge out of the 490,534 cases recorded across England and Wales recorded in 2022/23

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said the statistics were 'a total disgrace'

Last night, Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael told The Mail on Sunday: 'Across the country thousands of people are seeing their homes and vehicles damaged, only for those responsible to get away with it.

'It's a total disgrace. This Conservative Party's incompetence and neglect of frontline policing has left too many communities living in fear.

'We need a return to proper community policing.'

The statistics show that there was also a 16 per cent decrease in the number of convictions for criminal damage compared to the previous year

A Government spokesperson said last night: 'We recognise the impact anti-social behaviour, including vandalism, can have on town centres and communities.

'That is why our anti-social behaviour Action Plan, backed by 160 million of new funding, gives police and local partners the tools and funding they need to tackle these crimes and to make our streets safer.'

Sources added that the Government had made it clear that police must take a zero-tolerance approach to all crimes.

They said that all forces had made a commitment to follow all reasonable lines of enquiry to ensure more criminals are caught and justice delivered for victims.
Police are being told to ask suspects and crime victims whether they are male, female or intersex.

The move has been branded woke, ludicrous and a clumsy attempt to pander to transgender activists, who argue biological sex is on a spectrum and there are more than two sexes.

The new guidance, titled Protected Characteristics: Operational Recording Data Standard, has been devised by members of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

Its aim is 'to provide policing with consistent values by which to record protected characteristics'.

Such characteristics include age, sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion and being married or in a civil partnership. Under the Equality Act 2010 it is illegal to discriminate against a person based on any of these features.

Dr Nicola Williams said: 'Intersex is a medical condition and a disorder of sexual development'

However, Dr Nicola Williams, a biologist and director of feminist group Fair Play For Women, opposes the guidance. She said: 'Intersex is not a third sex and it should not be categorised as that. Intersex is a medical condition and a disorder of sexual development.

'You either have male disorders of sexual development or female disorders, so people are still male or female even if they fall under this intersex umbrella. Anything that smashes the idea that sex is not binary adds to this idea that sex is on a spectrum, which has been promoted by trans activists.'

Dr Kate Coleman, of Keep Prisons Single Sex, which campaigns for women to be held in female-only prisons, said: 'It is inaccurate, deeply offensive and ludicrous to state, as this question does, that people who've been diagnosed with differences in sex development are neither male nor female.'

Harry Miller, founder of Fair Cop, which challenges police infringement of free speech, added: 'This is another rejection of the biological reality by the police.

'It's simply pandering to transgender ideology. It's got nothing to do with policing and it doesn't make anybody safer.' The outcry over the guidance comes amid concern about the increasing tendency of police forces to record the gender that a suspect identifies with, rather than their biological sex.

An investigation by Keep Prisons Single Sex last year found that 13 police forces said that where a suspect has a self-declared gender identity, they will record this rather than their birth sex.

Dr Kate Coleman, pictured, said: 'It is inaccurate, deeply offensive and ludicrous to state, as this question does, that people who've been diagnosed with differences in sex development are neither male nor female'

Feminist campaigners have repeatedly warned that failing to accurately record a person's biological sex will skew the crime figures and make it appear that offences are being committed by women when the offender is in fact male. There are no centralised Home Office rules on the recording of 'protected characteristics' by police forces.

But the recommendations made in the NPCC guidance were agreed in May by the Chief Constables' Council, which represents police forces nationwide.

It is now up to individual forces to implement the changes. The majority will be expected to follow the approval of the police chiefs.

In the guidance, alongside the advice for officers to ask suspects if they are male, female or intersex, it is stated the definition of sex is the same as the Government's.

This explanation of sex, the document explains, refers to 'the biological aspects of an individual as determined by their anatomy, which is produced by their chromosomes, hormones and their interactions, generally male or female and something that is assigned at birth'.

However, Fair Play For Women and Keep Prisons Single Sex pointed out that the definition of biological sex in the Equality Act  the legal blueprint for protected characteristics  only stipulates two sexes: male and female.

Last night the NPCC declined to respond to the criticisms of its guidance.

Click to read the Keep Prisons Single Sex report on new police guidelines for recording protected characteristics: https://kpssinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Protected_Characteristics_Operational_Recording_Data_Standard_for_Policing_2023.pdf
Special Counsel Jack Smith on Saturday urged a federal appeals court to reject former President Donald Trumps claim that he has presidential immunity against criminal charges for seeking to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election.

Smith, who is overseeing the prosecution, argued in a court filing that nothing in the Constitution or American legal tradition supports giving former presidents 'absolute immunity' from criminal charges for action taken while in office.

Smith said creating such a legal shield would place presidents above the law, a precedent he argued 'would be particularly dangerous'.

Trump has claimed that the presidency is 'cloaked with absolute immunity' from prosecution, Smith said. 'He is wrong.'

Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, is appealing a lower court ruling denying his bid to dismiss the election charges based on his claim of immunity.

Special Counsel Jack Smith on Saturday urged a federal appeals court to reject former President Donald Trumps claim that he has presidential immunity against criminal charges

Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination in 2024, is appealing a lower court ruling denying his bid to dismiss the election charges based on his claim of immunity

His lawyers argued in a December 23 filing that allowing Trump to be charged for conduct related to his official responsibilities would undermine the presidency.

Smith argued that the separation of powers mandated by the constitution and legal precedent make clear that a former president can be charged for crimes he committed while in the White House 'including, most critically here, illegal acts to remain in power despite losing an election.'

A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is scheduled to hold arguments on the matter on January 9.

The outcome of the dispute is critical for both sides, especially since the case has been effectively paused while Trump advances his immunity claims in the appeals court.

Prosecutors are hoping a swift judgment rejecting those arguments will restart the case and keep it on track for trial, currently scheduled for March 4 in federal court in Washington.

But Trump's lawyers stand to benefit from a protracted appeals process that could significantly delay the case and potentially push it beyond the November election.

Trump's lawyers maintain that the appeals court should order the dismissal of the case, arguing that as a former president he is exempt from prosecution for acts that fell within his official duties as president.

His lawyers argued in a December 23 filing that allowing Trump to be charged for conduct related to his official responsibilities would undermine the presidency

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges that he defrauded the United States, obstructed Congress and violated the civil rights of voters through schemes to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

The case is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump faces and one of two that relate to his alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election. He has pleaded not guilty in all cases and denies any wrongdoing.

Trump, frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, has accused prosecutors of a politically motivated effort to damage his campaign for the 2024 election. State-by-state contests to select a GOP nominee begin on January 15.

The timing of the court's decision is seen as crucial to whether Trump will stand trial beginning in March as scheduled. Progress in the case has been halted while the immunity appeal remains pending.

Smith earlier this month asked the US Supreme Court to bypass the lower appeals court and immediately decide the issue, in an attempt to stave off Trumps attempt at delay.

The Supreme Court denied the request, leaving the issue for now with the D.C. Circuit court.
A haunting sermon delivered by one of two Sydney fathers killed in the horror smash near Lithgow has resurfaced.

In the sermon, which David Drozd, 49, recorded during the Covid pandemic, he talked about 'the shadow of death' and 'meeting the Lord face to face'.

A passionate speaker about the Bible as well as being a traffic safety engineer, Mr Drozd died in the five-car crash which left 15 others in hospital at 12.50pm on Friday.

Among the people rushed to hospital were his children - including two who were critically injured.

Jason McMahon, 42, lost his life as well in the multi-car pile-up on the Great Western Highway at Wallerawang, west of the Blue Mountains.

Mr Drozd was on his way to Dubbo, where his eldest daughter Miriam Grey lives, driving with his wife Nicole, 41, and five of their children aged 5-15 when Mr McMahon's Isuzu D-Max collided with their Kia Carnival.

Details about Mr Drozd have since come to light and include revelations he was to become a grandfather for the first time in the new year and that he was a lay preacher at the Central Mountains Baptist Church.

A passionate lay preacher David Drozd (above with his wife, Nicole) delivered a haunting sermon in which he spoke about the 'shadow of death' and 'meeting the Lord face to face'

Mr Dozd's daughter Miriam and son-in-law Jacob Grey posted a tribute and an appeal for prayer 'for our siblings who are still in critical conditions. Family are now all at Westmead together'

In a March 2020 sermon he delivered at the church, located in Hazelbrook in the lower Blue Mountains, Mr Drozd revealed his profound knowledge of scripture.

In the 40-minute lesson about the Book of Revelation, he said he was a born-again Christian and described how he tried to educate his 'atheist brother' on the teachings of the Bible.

Mr Drozd used Covid as an allegory saying that God or Jesus could 'shine light in the darkness and the shadow of death' and urged his listeners to not be afraid.

'We will see him in our final day,' he said.

'Do not be afraid. When we see the Lord face to face, when we walk with him, you don't have to fear.'

Mr Drozd's son-in-law Jacob Gray has posted on Facebook that the family were now all at Westmead Hospital together.

'Please continue to pray for our siblings who are still in critical conditions,' he wrote.

A GoFundMe, launched to raise money on behalf of Miriam Grey 'to assist (David's) family in this very difficult time', has so far raised more than $27,000.

Mr Drozd has been remembered as a well-respected traffic engineer who seven years ago wrote a report for Penrith City Council about hazards on the same road where he lost his life.

NSW Police are seen at the scene of the five car crash, which claimed the lives of two fathers, on Friday

He also ran the council's Bible study class.

Mr Drozd started his own traffic consulting company in 2012, and was described by one mourner as 'an absolute gentleman and passionate road safety campaigner'.

It was revealed that the other victim, Mr McMahon, was also a loving dad who was about to marry the love of his life

His son Connor, 19 paid a heartbreaking tribute on Saturday night.

'I've lost the man I've always wanted to become, he was the sort of person to just drop everything to go help someone,' he said in a statement.

'I'm going to miss my dad every minute.

'He didn't get to see me start a family of my own.'

Mr McMahon had spent time riding dirt bikes at Sunny Corner, a well-known trail biking area 30km west of where the crash occurred.

Jason McMahon (above) 42 was remembered as a loving father who had been planning to marry his fiancee and was returning from dirt bike riding at Sunny Corner

The harrowing scene on the highway after the five vehicle crash in which two fathers died and five people were critically injured including two of David Drozd's children

He was returning home to Sydney with family friend Declan Jones when his eastbound ute towing a motorcycle trailer collided with a westbound Toyota Hilux.

That Toyota then struck a Hyundai Tuscan - hurling it from the highway and trapping the occupants.

Mr McMahon's Isuzu then hit the Kia Carnival driven by Mr Drozd head-on, trapping the father-of-nine who died at the scene.

A Nissan Patrol towing a caravan then collided with the Isuzu's trailer.

A separate GoFundMe crowdfunding page for Mr McMahon's fiancee and children was created late Friday night.

'Unfortunately the McMahon family have lost a big role model in their life,' it reads.

'His family have lost a son, a dad, a fiance and more.

'The whole purpose of this GoFundMe is to help his fiance and the rest of his family, to raise money to follow through with any funeral costs.'
President Joe Biden took wife Jill and granddaughter Natalie out to dinner in St. Croix on Saturday as he closes out the year on the U.S. Virgin Island.

The family appeared to be having a good time on their trip. The president, 81, said his new year's resolution is 'to come back next year.'

'I know you guys hate this assignment down here. I'm sorry to bring you down here,' he joked to the reporters questioning him after he left the restaurant.

His comment came during his first public appearance on the island since arriving on Wednesday.

While Biden has been enjoying sunny skies and 80-degree weather, awaiting him back on the mainland will be a series of political storms. The president has a busy year ahead of him as he seeks a second term in the White House, works with Congress to pass a federal budget and deals with wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East.

President Joe Biden, during his vacation on St. Croix, said his new year's resolution is 'to come back next year'

The Bidens visited Too.Chez in downtown Christiansted, which is known for its seafood cooked by a team of father and son chefs. They are known locally for having the best catch of the day.

Biden appeared to enjoy his night out. He stopped to talk to patrons dining on the restaurant's porch as he exited the building. And there were several around of applause heard before he came out of the dining establishment.

Before they sat down to eat, the president and first lady conducted an interview with Ryan Seacrest, which will air on New Year's Eve as part of ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest.

Earlier Saturday, the president closed out the year with a trip to church in a rare public appearance during his free Caribbean vacation, where he's staying at a beachfront villa owned by a billionaire Democratic donor.

A devout Catholic, he rarely misses weekend mass. Neither Jill nor Natalie accompanied him to church.

The Bidens are staying on St. Croix through New Year's Eve with no word yet on how they plan to celebrate the turn to 2024.

Jill Biden exits Too.Chez restaurant in downtown Christiansted in St. Croix

President Biden waves to some patrons as he leaves Too.Chez restaurant

President Joe Biden waves as he leaves Holy Cross Catholic Church in Christiansted

The Biden family are staying rent-free at a 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.

The Bidens also spent last year at the Neville home and 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.

Biden arrived on the island on Wednesday after spending Christmas at Camp David.

Until Saturday, he has stayed behind the closed-gates of his villa.

On Friday, he pushed Congress to 'step up' and send more aid to Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a massive aerial strike against the embattled nation.

But he made his appeal in a lengthy statement that was issued by the White House. In it, he blasted the attacks and used the ocassion to re-up his appeal to Congress to pass his $61 billion aid package.

'Strikes reportedly hit a maternity hospital, a shopping mall, and residential areaskilling innocent people and injuring dozens more. It is a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two years of this devastating war, Putin's objective remains unchanged. He seeks to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. He must be stopped,' Biden said.

'Unless Congress takes urgent action in the new year, we will not be able to continue sending the weapons and vital air defense systems Ukraine needs to protect its people. Congress must step up and act without any further delay,' the president added.

Biden has asked Congress for $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.

With US aid in doubt, Russia tried to overwhelm Ukraine's air defences on Friday with attacks across most major cities. The Ukrainian air force intercepted 87 of the missiles and 27 of the Shahed-type drones overnight, Ukraine's military chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said.

President Biden made his first public appearance since arriving in St. Croix

Biden attended mass at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in downtown Christiansted

The villa sits on Solitude Bay, which has access to a private beach and is owned by Democratic donors Bill and Connie Neville

The villa the Bidens are staying in has a tiled infinity pool

Biden is being briefed regularly by aides while he's on vacation.

Presidents can work anywhere and a secure work station is set up where ever they are staying.

Biden is dealing with the recent bombardment in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Middle East and the surge in migrant crossings at the southern border.

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.

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.

But the president still has a few days in paradise.

The Bidens have a long family tradition of spending time on St. Croix, visiting there nearly every year since 2008.

Both the president and first lady are known to enjoy beach time. The Bidens own a beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and their granddaughter Natalie arrived in St. Croix on Wednesday for a vacation

The home the Bidens are staying in features colorful decor and has a private beach

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.
A former world champion cyclist has been charged over the death of his Olympian wife after allegedly hitting her with a ute.

Rohan Dennis, 33, was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

Melissa Dennis, 32, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and died shortly after.

The fatal collision happened on a leafy tree-lined street in the inner northern suburb of Medindie at around 8pm on Saturday.

The couple were both Olympic-level cyclists, with Rohan taking home a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze in 2020 while Melissa missed out on a medal in 2012 by just 0.18 seconds.

Former world champion cyclist, Rohan Dennis (left), has been charged over the death of his Olympian wife Melissa (right) after allegedly hitting her with a car

The fatal collision happened in the wealthy North Adelaide suburb of Medindi at around 8pm on Saturday, with police announcing they had arrested and charged Rohan on Sunday morning

While she never stood on an Olympic podium, Melissa and her team would go on to win gold for the women's pursuit at the 2015 World Championship, breaking the event's world record.

That same year Rohan set a record for the longest distance travelled in an hour and started the Tour de France in pole position after winning the stage one individual time trial with a record-breaking pace, but finished the tour out of the top 100.

He would go on to be awarded the Sir Hubert Opperman medal and trophy for Australia's best all-round cyclist for 2015.

Rohan announced his retirement at the end of the 2023 season through an Instagram post in February, dedicating a large part of the post to his wife.

'Thank you Melissa Dennis for supporting me throughout my entire professional career, all while raising two of the best kids I could ever ask for,' the post reads.

Just six days prior to the alleged incident, he posted an image of the couple and their two children in front of a Christmas tree, the caption reading: 'Merry Christmas from our family to yours'.

Melissa's death marked the 114th life lost on the state's roads this year, a jump from the 71 lives lost at the same time last year.

Medindie is known for its 'old money' real estate with colonial era houses on large plots of land, and has a median house price of $3million.

It is just minutes from the suburb of Gilberton where an Adelaide doctor was allegedly murdered inside his $2million home two weeks ago.

The silver and bronze medal winner at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics was granted bail to return to court on March 13 (pictured, Rohan)

Just six days prior to the alleged incident, Rohan posted an image of the couple and their two children in front of a Christmas tree, the caption reading: 'Merry Christmas from our family to yours'.

A couple in the Medindie street where Melissa was allegedly fatally struck said Dr Michael Yung's death had put everyone on edge.

'Everyone has been a little bit more wary, unnerved after the murder of the doctor in Gilberton, making sure their gates are locked, that sort of thing,' a married couple told The Advertiser.

'But other than that it's always been such a quiet street.'

Local resident Andrew Boaucaut, 71, said he heard the aftermath of the crash.

'All I heard was just one long siren,' Mr Boaucaut said, 'there was no smash bang or anything like that, just the siren.'

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Rohan was granted bail and will return to court on March 13.
Supermarkets face a ban on plastic packaging for some fruit and vegetables under new rules that will force them to sell more fresh produce loose.

The Government is considering introducing the new guidelines in a victory for The Mail on Sunday's campaigns to combat the UK's growing amount of food and packaging waste.

In a return to traditional greengrocer methods, shoppers will have to pick exactly how much fruit or veg they want instead of buying pre-packed larger quantities.

It will cut down on the amount of food being thrown away by encouraging people to buy no more than they need.

But it is also expected to lead to a huge reduction in the thousands of tons of plastic packaging that ends up in landfill or being burned in the UK every year.

The Government is considering introducing new guidelines for supermarkets to reduce plastic packaging on fruit and vegetables in a victory for The Mail on Sunday's campaign

Research shows every person in the UK throws away 76kg of food a year, an increase of 9kg on 2018.

The plastic packaging crackdown has been recommended by anti-waste charity Wrap, which advises the Government, although it is believed that some delicate items such as soft fruit will be exempt.

While many supermarkets already sell fresh produce in recyclable or compostable bags, the new rules will make it compulsory.

Environment Minister Robbie Moore said: 'Nobody wants to see good food go to waste. It harms our environment, it's bad for business  and it's morally indefensible.'

Tory MP Sir Robert Goodwill, chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee said: 'I welcome any attempts to reduce plastic packaging of supermarket food, and allow more people to buy fruit and veg loose.'

Sir Robert, himself a farmer in North Yorkshire, added: 'Of course, some foodstuffs such as cucumbers will always be better sold pre-packed to lengthen the life of the product and prevent leakage that contaminates other foods.

While many supermarkets already sell fresh produce in recyclable or compostable bags, the new rules will make it compulsory

'But that packing doesn't always have to be in plastic and, where possible, wholesalers and supermarkets should do their utmost to use recyclable, paper-based packaging.'

Catherine David, director of behaviour change and business programmes at Wrap, said: 'We waste 12 per cent of the food that we buy, with an average household of four throwing away 1,000 of good food each year.

'This is happening because our food system is making it hard for people to buy only what they need, and to use more of what they buy.

But a British Retail Consortium spokesman warned that any rules should not go too far, saying: 'There are economic and technical barriers to increasing loose produce (such as imported products), which would not be resolved by bringing forward legislation.

'With grocers already facing very significant cost increases across the supply chain it's important any further regulatory burdens are proportionate and part of a cohesive strategy.'
Bosses at Britain's biggest companies will earn more by Thursday morning than the average worker is paid in a year, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Our 'Fat Cat Files' show that a typical chief executive of a FTSE 100 company is now paid 4 million - well over 100 times a full-time UK employee's average salary of just under 35,000. But some earn much more and can have even bigger pay gaps with workers.

The news comes despite salaries rising at their fastest rate on record amid a cost of living squeeze fuelled by soaring food and energy prices, which are only now abating.

And it follows calls from business groups that executives should be paid even more if the UK is to compete as a global financial centre.

The calculations are based on the median pay figures for bosses and ordinary workers. Among the biggest Footsie earners last year was Albert Manifold, the chief executive of construction group and Tarmac-owner CRH, which made headlines earlier this year by shifting its stock market listing from London to New York.

Salaries are rising at their fastest rate on record amid a cost of living squeeze [Stock image]

In 2022, Manifold was paid 10.4 million  259 times more than the average CRH worker. That meant that CRH had the largest pay gulf of any blue-chip company. But this could get even bigger as US-based executives earn far more than their counterparts in Britain.

The analysis of Footsie company accounts  which excludes three investment trusts where boardroom pay is much lower  chimes with a recent report from the High Pay Centre think-tank.

It found that the pay gap between chief executives in the broader FTSE 350 index and their workers widened to 57 times, up from 56 times in the previous year. In the first year of the pandemic, the disparity fell as bosses gave up rewards to show solidarity, according to Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre.

But pay gaps have returned to pre-Covid levels in the last two years, he said. Companies listed in London with more than 250 staff must disclose the pay ratio between the CEO and employees.

The High Pay Centre found those with the lowest paid workers were retailers JD Sports, WH Smith and pub chain Mitchells & Butlers. Julia Hoggett, head of the London Stock Exchange, has called for a 'constructive discussion' about pay amid fears that talented bosses could be tempted to ditch UK companies for the US, where potential rewards are higher still.

Bosses at Britain's biggest companies will earn more by Thursday morning than the average worker is paid in a year [Pictured: Bank of England]

Simmering shareholder anger at the largesse shown to some executives occasionally boils over.

One of the biggest revolts came last month at Unilever when the owners of Ben & Jerry's ice cream were forced to freeze chief executive Hein Schumacher's salary for the next two years after investors voted against the company's pay report.

Also in the doghouse is education publisher Pearson, where nearly half of its investors refused to back its pay policy. Cevian, its largest shareholder, recently called on Pearson to move its main listing to New York to improve shareholder value.

Pearson and Unilever are among a swathe of quoted companies on a Government list of shame over excessive pay. Firms where more than a fifth of shareholders protest are placed on the register, which is compiled by the Investment Association.

The list was introduced in 2017 due to concerns that corporate greed was damaging confidence in capital markets.
News On Japan - Jan 06

In a New Year's tradition that started over a century ago to help firefighters of this flood-prone area overcome their fear of water, local members of a Yamanashi City brigade were doused with cold water to symbolize purification and renewal of their commitment to bravery and service.
Households will be able to switch their energy supplier within seven days, under plans being considered by Ministers.

Officials are looking at replicating the banking switch guarantee, which lets people easily change current accounts, in the energy industry. This could lead to customers saving hundreds of pounds a year.

A source familiar with the plans said switching would become a 'one-click process' by improving the way data is securely shared between energy firms, adding that the goal is to 'take seven-day current account switching and clone it'.

The reforms, which are being worked on as part of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, would save consumers money by boosting competition in the sector.

At present, energy regulator Ofgem requires energy companies to help customers switch within 21 days, but in practice this process can take far longer and is prone to errors.

In the Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the Government will 'kickstart a Smart Data Big Bang'

In some cases, customers waited more than 100 days to change provider. Complaints to the Energy Ombudsman hit a record high last year, with switching problems being one of the main causes of complaint. Of the total cases heard, 75 per cent ended up being resolved in the customer's favour.

In 2013, then-Chancellor George Osborne introduced the Current Account Switch Service, which put the onus on banks to help people move accounts  and guaranteed it would be done in seven days.

Conservative MP John Penrose said the UK's open-banking rules, which facilitate data sharing between financial institutions, should be replicated across 'broadband, energy and water bills as soon as possible'. He called on Ministers to set out a timeline 'within weeks'.

The reforms would save consumers money by boosting competition in the sector (Stock image)

In the Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the Government will 'kickstart a Smart Data Big Bang' and explore 'innovative opportunities across seven sectors: energy, banking, finance, retail, transport, homebuying and telecoms.'

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake has told MPs a timetable for the reforms should be set out next month. He said: 'We are planning to open up databases right across our economy to allow for more competition in the worlds of energy, telecoms, and buying and selling houses.'

Former Digital Minister Matt Warman said: 'Too many companies take advantage of customers' loyalty. Making it easier to switch will save people money and make sure businesses aren't tempted to be unscrupulous.'

Consumer expert James Daley, founder of Fairer Finance, said: 'There is definitely a need to help people switch more easily. A lot of people feel overwhelmed, particularly in the past few years when bills have become enormous.'

He also urged Ministers to introduce a 'consumer duty' on energy giants to 'put an onus on firms to help customers get the best deal'.
Queen Camilla has she revealed she is absolutely 'hopeless' at mimicking characters from Harry Potter when reading to her grandchildren.

The 76-year-old has been delving into her literary favourites in a new podcast series called The Queen's Reading Room, which will be released weekly from January 8.

Discussing her fondness for stories about the boy wizard, she revealed her husband, King Charles, is a much better impressionist who can 'do all the voices'.

Asked what books the Queen most enjoys reading to her grandchildren, she said: 'I think the one I enjoyed reading more than anything else was Harry Potter all the stories.

'I can't mimic voices for love or money. I'm completely hopeless at it. I was a really bad actor at school and I've never been able to master the art of mimicry.

Queen Camilla has she revealed she is absolutely 'hopeless' at mimicking characters from Harry Potter

The Queen said it is her favourite book to read to her grandchildren, but her husband is 'better' at doing the voices

The King and Queen are to celebrate Christmas Day alongside other members of the royal family at Sandringham

'But my husband, he does it brilliantly, he can do all the voices.'

The Queen, who has five grandchildren, said she will tell listeners on her new podcast what her all-time favourite reads are in the eight-part series.

It comes after a BBC documentary offered people a behind the scenes look at the Royal family during Charles III's year of Coronation.

In the film, the Queen's sister said the couple are 'yin and yang' but make an utterly formidable team.

Annabel Elliot described her sister as the King's 'rock', while Camilla's close friend, Lady Lansdowne, said the fact that the couple had to 'fight' to be together has only strengthened their unshakeable 'bond'.

And speaking publicly for the first time about the King and Queen's long relationship, Princess Anne  not known for her emotional effusiveness  gave her sister-in-law the royal seal of approval.

'I've known her a long time off and on. Her understanding of the role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding,' she said.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the coronation

Stronger than ever: Charles and Camilla stroll around Birkhall in the BBC documentary

Prince Louis grinned as he shared a joke with Mia Tindall on Christmas morning

King Charles waved to the crowds as he and Queen Camilla walked to church on Christmas Day

'This role is not something that she'd be a natural for but she does it really well. She provides that change of speed and tone, that's equally important.'

Each episode of Camilla's new podcast features a segment from herself before a different guest is interviewed.

Among the guests are Sir Ian Rankin, Dame Joanna Lumley and David Baddiel.

In the first episode, crime author Peter James discusses how how he manages to come up with so many ideas.
A man charged with the murder of a 'Good Samaritan' father-of-two who was killed after being rammed by a car is also accused of trying to kill his own mother and sister, it has emerged.

Hassan Jhangur, 23, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court yesterday accused of murdering Chris Marriott, who died while trying to help a stranger who had been left unconscious in a fracas outside a wedding party in the Burngreave area Sheffield.

Jhangur, from Sheffield, is also charged with the attempted murders of five other people.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that this includes 51-year-old Ambreen Jhangur, understood to be the suspect's mother, 51, and Nafeesa Jhangur, 32, who is thought to be his sister.

It's believed that Nafeesa was the unconscious woman being helped by passersby.

Father-of-two Christian Marriott, 46, was killed after being rammed by a car in Sheffield

South Yorkshire Police said seven other people suffered injuries during the incident

Christian Marriott and wife Bryony Marriott. They had two children, aged six and eight

The scene on College Close in Burngreave as the police cordon was in place. Hassan Jhangur has been charged with murder

Jhangur stood in the dock on Saturday wearing a grey t-shirt, grey tracksuit trousers and with a cast on his right lower arm and a black eye.

During a three-minute hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address before the six charges were read to him.

The suspect is accused of attempting to murder Hasan Khan, the 19-year-old groom, his father, Riasat Khan, 42, and Alison Norris, a 58-year-old local Labour councillor and midwife, according to reports.

Ms Norris, who also rushed to help the unconscious woman, is understood to be recovering at home in Sheffield.

She was elected as a city councillor last year in Woodhouse and local politicians spoke of her 'kindness'.

The groom suffered stab wounds and his father received head injuries, his shaken mother revealed after the attack.

Both have been released from hospital and allowed home after police lifted a cordon surrounding the premises.

It is believed there had been a dispute between two families after the wedding of British-Pakistani teenagers.

One woman remains in hospital in a serious condition, the force confirmed

Hassan Jhangur, 23, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court after he was charged

Alison Norris, 58, a married mother of two, also stopped to help an unconscious woman injured during a fracas following a wedding party in Burngreave, Sheffield

The injured woman is said to have been involved in an altercation which had been reported to police shortly before the horror incident.

South Yorkshire Police say a 32-year-old woman remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Mr Marriot had been walking with his wife and two young sons near their home when he rushed to the aid of the woman lying in the road.

While his family returned home, he and other passersby - including Ms Norris - tried to provide first aid but were knocked down as a car ploughed into the crowd.

Mr Marriot's family described him as 'a wonderful husband, dad, brother, uncle - and friend to many' in an emotional statement.

They said he devoted much of his life to helping others including at Sheffield College, Jubilee Foodbank and Debt Advice, Voluntary Action Sheffield, Community Money Advice (CMA) and as a trustee of MASKK (Manor and Castle After School and Kids Klubs).

Mr Marriott was on a post-Christmas walk with his family including his wife Bryony

They continued: 'The circumstances of his death, although tragic and unfathomable to us his family, show the sort of man he was - to go to help rather than to turn away.

'Chris was also a man of faith who wanted others to also experience the joy he had found trusting in Jesus. We take comfort in these most difficult of times in our belief that he is with his Lord and Saviour, while we mourn his loss.'

His family also urged anyone with any information to share it 'so that we can understand better the circumstances in which he died'.

Jhangur was remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on January 2.

It is reported that he nodded at three people in the public gallery, understood to be his relatives, as he was led from the dock.
Surrey Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend says trans activists trying to oust her

A Tory police tsar claims transgender activists and Left-wing rivals are trying to oust her over her anti-woke views on sex and gender.

Surrey Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend survived a vote of no confidence after she criticised pro-trans lobby group Stonewall.

In a Mail on Sunday article, she had attacked Stonewall's influence on policing policies, saying it spread a 'dangerous transgender ideology that threatens the safety of our women and girls'.

Trans activists reported her to Surrey Police and Crime Panel, which cleared her of a breach of public conduct.

The PCP then received a complaint from Reigate Tory MP Crispin Blunt, a Stonewall supporter who backs allowing people to self-identify their sex. This too was dismissed.

DEFIANT: Lisa Townsend vows to fight on to protect women from predators

Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke (pictured), an activist for the 'LGBTQI+ Community', accused Ms Townsend of 'misusing her platform to campaign against the trans community'

The latest attack is from Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors in Surrey Heath, who passed a motion of no confidence in Ms Townsend.

They will write to the Home Secretary calling for her position to be axed. They add that she has abused her status to 'promote Right-wing culture war talking points'.

Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke, an activist for the 'LGBTQI+ Community', accused Ms Townsend of 'misusing her platform to campaign against the trans community'.

Last night Ms Townsend accused councillors of attacking her over her 'public views on the need to protect women and children from the harm that male predators pose'.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: 'It is our longstanding policy to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners. We believe taxpayers' money should be invested in frontline policing instead.'
Israel fought in streets against Hamas in southern Gaza to capture Khan Yunis

Israeli troops fought street battles against Hamas terrorists in southern Gaza yesterday as they sought to capture the key city of Khan Yunis.

The military said it targeted Hamas strongholds, as well as an explosives-making factory, a 'war-room' used by the terrorists and several underground tunnel networks.

The assault deep into the south of Gaza came as Israel's army also launched strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in neighbouring Lebanon and Syria.

The ground offensive in Khan Yunis was yesterday accompanied by strikes on refugee camps in the outskirts of the city where the Israel Defence Force (IDF) said Hamas hideouts were located.

The deadly air and land attacks killed at least 165 Gazans and left 250 others wounded, the Hamas-run health ministry said.

AFTERMATH: A child is hauled from the rubble after Israeli strikes on Gaza

Palestinians inspect the damage following Israeli strikes on the Zawayda area of the central Gaza Strip

As the Bureij, Nuseirat and Maghazi camps were being bombed, the IDF showered them with leaflets in Arabic telling the almost 90,000 residents and 61,000 displaced Gazans to move southwards.

The IDF's Lt-Col Peter Lerner told The Mail on Sunday: 'We are killing tens of Hamas terrorists every day. So far we have killed 8,000  that is about a third.

'Our end-game is to restore security and stability to Israel. We will protect our forces and our country. We will not live under threat  we have an obligation to our country.'

Lt-Col Lerner added that Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon was firing anti-tank guided missiles, drones and rockets into Israel every day, which could lead to an all-out war between the two sides.

'There are 50 to 60 different daily incidents from the Lebanese border,' he said. 'They are risking the stability of the region. Hezbollah needs to look closely at what is going on in Gaza, and if they continue they will bear full responsibility.'

The offensive came amid a furious diplomatic row between Israel and South Africa after it accused Tel Aviv of carrying out genocide against Palestinians. South Africa also urged the International Court of Justice at the Hague to order a halt of attacks.

In response, the Israeli government said it 'rejected with disgust' the genocide claims, and in turn accused South Africa of collaborating with Hamas terrorists.

A view of the damaged buildings and cars as residents search for their belongings among the rubble after Israeli attack on Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza

Smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during the Israeli bombardment, on December 30, 2023

Israel's air and ground offensive against Hamas has displaced as much as 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip's 2.3 million residents
Police forces are dealing with a serious and growing number of cases of spy drones being used by criminal gangs and stalkers.

Officers are being called out around 16 times a day because of the devices, with forces receiving 18,290 complaints about drone misuse in the last three years.

The criminal use of drones rose ten per cent in the first ten months of this year against the same period last year, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Last night, senior police figures called for a new registration system for drones, warning they were increasingly used by drugs gangs to spy on each other, as well as by stalkers, and by criminals to survey farms before raiding them for machinery and animals.

Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi, National Police Chiefs' Council lead on drones, said: 'We have seen an increase in reports of use of drones by criminals.'

Police forces are dealing with a serious and growing number of cases of spy drones being used by criminal gangs and stalkers

Katy Bourne, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, said: 'Police need to be able to track irresponsible and threatening drones back to their pilots so that they can be interviewed and, if appropriate, arrested.'

Drones are also being flown into restricted flight zones, such as those around airports, potentially putting lives at risk.

A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 264 passengers came within 50ft of crashing into a drone just five minutes after taking off from Heathrow in September.
Jon Cruddas said it was 'difficult to identify purpose of a Starmer government'

Labour doubts about Sir Keir Starmer burst into the open last night after one of his MPs accused him of being 'detached from his own party'.

Jon Cruddas, who has been an MP since 2001, said that it was 'difficult to identify the purpose of a future Starmer government'.

In extracts published by the Observer from his book A Century Of Labour, marking 100 years since the formation of the first Labour government in 1924, Mr Cruddas wrote: 'Labour appears to be content for the coming Election to amount to a referendum on the performance of the governing Conservatives rather than a choice between competing visions of politics and justice.'

The Dagenham and Rainham MP added: 'Despite a successful career as a human rights lawyer, as Labour leader Starmer appears disinterested in questions of liberty and freedom.'

The criticism emerged just as Sir Keir raised hopes of Labour returning to power, telling voters in his New Year message: 'Let's make sure this is the year where together we get Britain's future back.'Jon Cruddas, who has been an MP since 2001,

Jon Cruddas, who has been a Labour MP since 2001, accused Sir Keir Starmer of being 'detached from his own party'

Last night, one Shadow Cabinet Minister close to Sir Keir took a swipe at Mr Cruddas, saying: 'It's easier writing books about Labour victories than it is achieving them. Keir has taken Labour from its worst defeat since 1935 to finally being in a position to win again.'

A Labour spokesperson said: 'Keir Starmer has driven change throughout his entire career.

'In under four years, he has fundamentally changed the Labour Party to make it a Government-in-waiting, acting in the service of working people.

One Shadow Cabinet Minister backed Starmer and said 'Keir has taken Labour from its worst defeat since 1935 to finally being in a position to win again'

'As Prime Minister, he'll change the country for the better.'

He added: 'With his leadership, the next Labour government will be mission-focused on moving our country forward, ending the cost-of-living crisis, taking back our streets and getting the NHS back on its feet.

'Only Keir Starmer and the Labour Party have a long-term plan to give Britain its future back.'
The School of Divinity relocated in 2015 leaving valuable materials behind - the TikTokers have now been accused of trespassing

The group filmed their actions as they explored the abandoned building, discovering abandoned books and statues from the archives

A group of TikTokers in Washington D.C. broke into the former location of Howard University's School of Divinity and appeared to uncover a wealth of treasures inside including abandoned books and statues from deep within the archives.

Benjamin E. Mays Hall housed the department from 1987 until 2015, but when staff moved to a new building on campus, rather than remove everything from inside they simply boarded up the structure with plywood leaving the place to rack and ruin.

It made for an all-too-tempting trawl through the archives as the group posted their actions to social media.

In the video, the group can be seen rummaging through Mays Hall, running through its library, flipping through books and files, and even setting off a fire extinguisher while inside.

A group of TikTokers broke into the former site of Howard University's School of Divinity, Benjamin E. Mays Hall uncovering a wealth of treasures as they did so

The School of Divinity relocated in 2015 leaving valuable materials behind

Intricate glass windows and frescos could be seen on the building's exterior

In 2015, the School of Divinity relocated from Mays Hall, pictured, on the University's East Campus to a new home at the University's West Campus in Washington D.C.

The creator of the TikTok admitted how the group initially had trouble breaking into the building with the doors and windows having been boarded up, but the group persisted and was able to force their way inside through a mechanical room.

Aside from hundreds of books, some of which date back to the 1860s and earlier, the building also appeared to be something of a time capsule as the group revealed forgotten computers and telephones from the 1980s and 90s .

In 2015, the School of Divinity relocated from Mays Hall on the University's East Campus to a new home at the University's West Campus.

At the time, all of the necessary educational content needed for to maintain the school's degree course was transferred to the school's new location including priceless works of art, administrative files, and other archival materials.

But due to the limited amount of space at the school's new site, the remainder of the school's possessions continued to be stored at Mays Hall.

When staff moved to a new building on campus, rather than remove everything from inside they simply boarded up the structure with plywood.

The group filmed their actions as they explored the abandoned building

The group discovered a broken statue simply lying around on the floor

Abandoned books from the archives were found in a 'creepy library'

Row upon row of books could be seen in what would have been the school's library

The building was something of a time capsule revealing computers and telephones from the 80s and 90s

The group appeared to have a lot of fun generating clouds with a dry ice fire extinguisher

There also looked to be space for students to have slept within the school

The school did not appear to be impressed by the TikTokers' actions which they described as plain and simple trespassing.

'Despite the University's efforts to remove historically relevant materials from the site in 2015, the actions of those who trespassed and broke into Mays Hall remind us how some are willing to violate the sacred boundaries of our beloved Historically Black Colleges and Universities campuses and threaten to embolden others with similar actions,' the establishment said.

The university say that following the incident, Howard University's Department of Public Safety will increase their security patrols of the site while a full reassessment will take place regarding the contents of the building, securing it from unlawful access.

A grand piano also appeared to be in fine working order in the school's abandoned chapel

After spending some time inside, the group decided to venture up to and into the bell tower

The TikTokers even run the bell - no doubt alerting those nearby to their presence

In a lengthy letter the university accused the TikTokers of trespassing

'While DPS continues to investigate, we want to make it abundantly clear that the University condemns the unlawful entry of this group of misinformed individuals,' Dean Rev. Kenyatta Gilbert wrote in a statement.

'The University is taking the necessary steps to ensure the School of Divinity's most precious archival materials are in safekeeping.

'We take this incident of trespassing very seriously and the Howard University Department of Public Safety (DPS) has already begun investigating the matter,' Rev. Gilbert said.
An Argentinian tourist has suffered a shocking road rage ordeal which has tarnished her time in Australia, which had up until now been 'beautiful'.

Chiara Sofia, 26, was parked in a car in Byron Bay in northern NSW when a man allegedly reversed towards her and blocked her at around 12.30pm last Wednesday.

She 'politely' asked the man to move forward, but he allegedly then 'became full-on aggressive, throwing insults left, right and centre' and smashed her windscreen.

'We ended up having a bit of a heated argument - I'll admit, I took it up a notch by tossing some soy sauce his way,' she told Byron News.

The freelance photographer said she ran back to her car, but then a woman who was with the male - who has not yet been identified - tried to open the driver's door.

Chiara Sofia, 26, was parked in a car in Byron Bay in northern NSW when a man allegedly reversed towards her and blocked her at around 12.30pm last Wednesday

Ms Sofia said the man then pounded on her windscreen over and over until it shattered (pictured)

Ms Sofia said the man then pounded on her windscreen over and over until it shattered.

She felt the couple was 'dangerous' and said she the police, who have confirmed an investigation is underway.

'Officers from Tweed Byron Police District have commenced an investigation into an alleged malicious damage of a vehicle occupied by a 26-year-old woman by another motorist in a carpark on Lawson Street North Carpark, Byron Bay, occurring about 12.30pm on Wednesday (27 December),' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'Neither parties are believed to be known to one another and there were no reports of any person being injured.

'As inquiries continue police are urging anyone who may have any knowledge of the incident  or any available dashcam/mobile phone footage  to contact Byron Bay Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.'

Ms Sofia said that since she has been in Byron Bay she has 'been treated by the community in the most beautiful way. So this is a real shame.

'It has left me stressed, traumatised and afraid.'

She has also had to pay for the repairs to the car which is owned by a friend.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Sofia for comment.
A Kentucky nurse who woke up from routine kidney stone surgery to find she'd had a quadruple amputation due to sepsis has shared a heartbreaking picture of herself smiling as she left her hospital bed for the first time.

Lucinda Mullins, 41, a mother of two young boys, went to get a kidney stone removed from her body but it got infected and became septic.

She was first taken to Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford and from there to a University of Kentucky hospital in Lexington on an ambulance.

But doctors had to amputate both of her legs and informed her she would lose both of her arms below her elbows too.

While many may lose courage after multiple amputations, Mullins' sister Luci Smith released pictures of them smiling through the pain outside hospital.

Lucinda Mullins, 41, a Kentucky mother of two boys, who went for a regular kidney stone surgery but ended up losing both of her legs and arms, is seen smiling bravely despite being covered in bandages and in a wheelchair

While many may lose courage after multiple amputations, Mullins' sister Luci Smith, released pictures of the former nurse smiling through the pain

Lucinda Mullins, 41, a mother of two boys, went for a regular kidney stone surgery ended up with a quadruple amputation after the operation took a dark turn

Mullins is seen smiling bravely despite being covered in bandages and in a wheelchair.

In a Facebook post, Smith thanked people for their 'support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits' and said that Mullins would soon transfer to Cardinal Hill for a few weeks.

She said: 'We would like to thank everyone again for all of the support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits (her favorite) You guys are amazing. In the next few days we will move to Cardinal Hill for a couple weeks and then come back for hopefully her final surgery. Y

'Each day is a blessing from God and we will continue to praise him for the miracles he has performed. Today she got to leave the room and we ventured outside for some fresh crisp air. Keep praying and she'll keep fighting until we are finally home.'

With a brave face, Mullins said: 'I've lost my legs from the knees down bilaterally and I'm going to lose my arms probably below the elbow bilaterally'

'I'm just so happy to be alive. I get to see my kids. I get to see my family. I get to have my time with my husband. Those are minor things at this point,' she said

As the former nurse prepares for rehab, physical therapy and prosthetics, a GoFundMe page has been set up for her to deal with medical bills

Earlier this week, with a brave face, Mullins told LEX 18: 'I've lost my legs from the knees down bilaterally and I'm going to lose my arms probably below the elbow bilaterally.

'The doctor I used to work with, he kind of was like, 'This is what they had to do to save your life. This is what's happened'.'

When asked how she was staying upbeat, Mullins said: 'I just said these are the cards I've been dealt and these are the hands I'm going to play.

'I'm just so happy to be alive. I get to see my kids. I get to see my family. I get to have my time with my husband. Those are minor things at this point.'

Apart from her family and friends, the mother also found support within her community.

'At one time I think they told 40 people were in the waiting room here. The calls and the texts, the prayers and the things people have sent. The little words of encouragement

'I just can't fathom that people are doing things like that for me,' Mullins said while in hospital.

Apart from her family and friends, the mother also found support within her community

As the former nurse prepares for rehab, physical therapy and prosthetics, a GoFundMe page has been set up for her to deal with medical bills.

Her friend, Heather Beshears set up the crowdfunding page and wrote: 'Cindy, as most of her friends call her, is a lovely, caring, brave and beautiful young lady who has recently experienced a life-changing tragedy that will leave her as a quadruple amputee.

'Cindy and her family will have to make a few adjustments to their home to accommodate Cindy's needs as well as her prosthetics and adaptive equipment.

The costs of all of this can be overwhelming. We started this fundraiser because we want to support our hero Cindy, as well as her husband DJ who has been by her side every step of the way.'

The fundraiser has raised $84,094 out of its $250,000 goal.

Common complications involved in kidney stone surgery are infection, blood loss during the procedure, stones not breaking down and injury to other organs.
TOKYO, Jan 01 ( News On Japan ) - The sending of New Year cards in Japan over the last 45 years has dwindling to less than half, a historic low since the beginning of an annual survey.

Only 43.8% of a surveyed 400 office workers said they would send New Year's cards this season, marking the first time the number has fallen below half since the survey began in 1979, according to stationery giant Pilot.

The average number of New Year's cards sent remained the same as last year at 36 cards.

The peak year for sending New Year's cards was 2001, with 96.9% of respondents participating, a number that has now dropped to less than half.

The main reason for not sending cards was "using messaging apps like LINE instead," cited by 61.0% of respondents. The second most common reason was "preparation is bothersome" at 45.7%, followed by "using social media like Facebook or Instagram instead" at 32.7%, and "not having the habit of sending them" at 26.9%.

The most unwanted recipients of New Year's cards were "bosses or colleagues," with 44.3% of responses focusing on work-related contacts.

When asked if the tradition of sending New Year's cards is necessary in the future, 55.2% of the respondents answered "yes."
Boulware's study of 150 neighborhoods in Durham County, North Carolina found a connection between high levels of structural racism and poor health

Blackstock said individuals are only about 20 percent responsible for their health and the other 80 percent is determined by racism

A guest doctor on MSNBC has claimed people are only about 20 percent responsible for their own health and racism and systemic issues are to blame for the other 80 percent.

Charles Coleman Jr., filing in for Ali Velshi on MSNBC on Saturday, brought Dr. Uche Blackstock and Dr. L. Ebony Boulware on the show to discuss Boulware's recently published study on racism and health conditions.

Blackstock, who is set to a release a memoir called Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine next month, commented on how structural racism affects health outcomes.

'Individuals are only responsible for about 20% of what makes them healthy. The other 80% are these systemic factors that Dr. Boulware and her colleagues studied in this very, very important research,' Blackstock said.

'I think so often we think about health as individual choices that patients make. And instead, we really need to understand how practices and policies, you know, the legacy of slavery, the legacy of Jim Crow, current-day systemic racism impacts the health of our communities.'

Dr. Uche Blackstock (pictured) appeared on MSNBC and said, 'Individuals are only responsible for about 20% of what makes them healthy. The other 80% are these systemic factors'

Dr. L. Ebony Boulware (pictured) recently published a first-of-its-kind study looking at how structural racism is connected to poor health

Blackstock said, 'Because of discriminatory housing policies and other racist practices, we are seeing what were seeing now in terms of these high burdens of chronic disease in our communities. Diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, essentially its killing us.'

Boulware's study called Residential Structural Racism and Prevalence of Chronic Health Conditions, which published last week, is the first of its kind to look at how racism is related to poor health.

The study looked at 150 neighborhoods in Durham County, North Carolina and used public data from 2012-2018 and deidentified electronic health records from 2017-2018 to investigate of structural racism is associated with higher levels of chronic health conditions.

Some of the factors of structural racism looked at include the percent of white residents in a neighborhood, tree cover, crime rates, election participation, median income, poverty rates, unemployment and police shootings.

Boulware said, 'We defined structural racism as factors which work together to create discriminatory conditions in neighborhoods that disadvantage ethic and racial minorities.'

The results found areas with higher structural racism indicators were associated with greater neighborhood prevalence of chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension.

Blackstock said, 'Because of discriminatory housing policies and other racist practices, we are seeing what were seeing now in terms of these high burdens of chronic disease in our communities'

Blackstock, who is set to a release a memoir called Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine next month, commented on how structural racism affects health outcomes

'What we found, in short, was that if there was more structural racism in a neighborhood, the health of the neighborhood was worse,' said Boulware.

Over the summer, the American Medical Association, the largest organization of doctors in the US, urged doctors to ditch body mass index (BMI) as the primary measurement for a healthy bodyweight, citing its 'racist' roots.

The group said the metric has been used for racist exclusion and fails to consider differences in body composition that vary based on race and sex.

Body mass index (BMI), devised by a white man considering white bodies, is measured by dividing a person's weight in kilograms or pounds by the square of height in meters or feet, and it has been deeply ingrained in the medical system as a way to measure population health more broadly.

But on an individual level, BMI does not take into consideration relative body shape and how fat is stored. For instance, Asian people who fall within a 'healthy' BMI range are still at a high risk of diabetes.
Kim Jong Un has called for 'overwhelming' war readiness as he announced a military buildup and said he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea.

The North Korean leader lashed out at America in lengthy remarks on Sunday, wrapping up five days of ruling party meetings that set economic, military and foreign policy goals for the coming year.

'Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula,' he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

Kim vowed to launch three new spy satellites in 2024, build more military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal, which analysts estimate could already include 20 to 60 warheads, if not more.

'The grave situation requires us to accelerate works to acquire overwhelming war response capabilities and thorough and perfect military readiness to suppress any types of provocations by the enemies at a stroke,' Kim said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for 'overwhelming' war readiness as he announced a military buildup for 2024 on Sunday

Kim vowed to launch three new spy satellites in 2024, build more military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal, which analysts estimate could already include 20 to 60 warheads

North Korea already has one spy satellite in orbit, which was launched in November.

In July, the reclusive country revealed two new types of military drones, which strongly resembled the large US Global Hawk and the medium-sized US Reaper, according to the Stimson Center's 38 North.

At this week's meeting, Kim said he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the 'persisting uncontrollable crisis situation' which he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

'I believe that it is a mistake that we should no longer make to consider the people who declare us as the 'main enemy'... as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification,' KCNA cited Kim as saying.

'North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war,' he said, calling the South a colonized state completely dependent on the United States for national defense and security.

He ordered the military to prepare to 'pacify the entire territory of South Korea,' including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack.

Kim's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States.

Experts predict North Korea will maintain a campaign of military pressure for leverage around the U.S. presidential elections in November, which could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who traded in both threats and historic diplomacy with Kim.

'Pyongyang might be waiting out the US presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration,' said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Women's University in Seoul.

President Joe Biden's administration says it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more missile tests banned under United Nations' sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gestures during the December 2023 plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, in Pyongyang on December 28

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his daughter and an official watch what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile launching from an undisclosed location in North Korea

This undated picture released this month by North Korea shows the test launch of a Hwasongpho-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at an undisclosed location

Since last year, Kim's military has test-fired more than 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the mainland US, in violation of UN bans.

The US also increased drills and deployed more military assets, including nuclear-armed submarines and large aircraft carriers, near the Korean peninsula.

Kim said the return of such weapons had completely transformed South Korea into a 'forward military base and nuclear arsenal' of the United States.

'If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept,' Kim said.

Kim said he has no choice but to press forward with his nuclear ambitions and forge deeper relations with other countries that oppose the United States. North Korea has deep ties with both China and Russia.

'North Korea is preparing for further escalation of tension with Washington and Seoul, for at least a year or more, and its hard line policies are likely to be accompanied by efforts for dialogue as well ahead of the U.S. election,' Yang Uk, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies said.

'Kim is building on his success of the spy satellite to do three more because he knows satellite capabilities are powerful targeting tool for better nuclear command and control.'

South Korea holds a parliamentary election in April that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned on Thursday that 'there is a high possibility that North Korea could unexpectedly conduct military provocations or stage a cyberattack in 2024, when fluid political situations are expected with the elections.'

In the past year, North Korea says it successfully launched its first military spy satellite and test fired new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), seen as having the range to deliver a nuclear warhead to anywhere in the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un views a missile launcher before the launch of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile during what North Korea says is a drill this month

This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what the country said is the launch of the Malligyong-1, a military spy satellite, into orbit on Nov. 21, 2023

Kim Jong-un visits the Pyongyang General Control Centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration to inspect photos from his new spy satellite last month

A new reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex appears to be operating for the first time, the U.N. nuclear watchdog and independent experts said this month, which would mean an additional potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

North Korea has not tested a nuclear weapon since 2017 but in recent years has taken steps to resume operations at its testing site.

Kim said 2024 would see further military development, including strengthening the nuclear and missile forces, building unmanned drones, expanding the submarine fleet and developing electronic warfare capabilities.

The fleet of spy satellites would represent the first such capability for the North.

That successful launch in November was preceded by two failed attempts last year when its new Chollima-1 rocket crashed into the sea.

The move raised regional tensions and sparked fresh sanctions from the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea.

Pyongyang has yet to release any imagery from the new satellite, leaving analysts and foreign governments to debate its capabilities.

The apparent success also came after Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to help North Korea build satellites.

South Korean officials said Russian aid likely made a difference in the success of the mission, though experts said it was unclear how much help Moscow could have provided.
The husband of a wedding planner who organised Margot Robbie's nuptials has been jailed after making plans to sexually abuse an 11-year-old.

Wedding celebrant Adam Magnus, 53, was sentenced to over two years prison after bragging about how he was going to sexually abuse an 11-year-old girl.

However, with time already served behind bars while awaiting sentencing Magnus could walk free in May.

Magnus had attempted to groom a mother online, who was actually an undercover police officer, and make plans to abuse her 11-year-old daughter.

The 53-year-old, who lives at Lennox Head near Byron Bay in the north east of NSW, told the officer his wife had 'no idea' about his double life.

'Im (sic) sure your husband has no idea of your thoughts,' Magnus wrote on a chat site in February under the alias 'verydirtymindguy, according to court documents obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Wedding celebrant Adam Magnus, 53, sent this image of himself to what thought was the mother of an 11-year-old

'Im (sic) 53 and my wife has no idea either.'

'Im a niceguy (sic) but like to take control love it hot dirty kinky and pervy.'

After sending a photo of him relaxing on a lounge with a glass of wine - the same image he promoted his wedding celebrant business with - Magnus told the detective online he was attracted to 'young' girls.

'How young?' the officer replied.

'From 10 up,' Magnus said.

Magnus also instructed 'the mother' to introduce her child to pornography and sent pages of messages outlining the explicit and twisted fantasies of what he wanted to do with both mother and child.

Eventually Magnus spoke to the undercover officer on the phone and he suggested a meeting place in Ballina, in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

'Does she (the daughter) know it's our special secret?' Magnus asked in one of the exchanges.

Police pounced when Magnus arrived at the designated spot on March 14.

Arresting officers found that Magnus's ute contained a bag stuffed with sex toys, rope and a camera, according to a police fact sheet.

Magnus and his wife Jane (pictured left) run a wedding events company that has attracted star clients

Magnus pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sexual activity and using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 earlier this month.

Judge Priestly sentenced Magnus to 27 months in prison, with 14 months non-parole, meaning he will be eligible for release in May 2024 under strict conditions.

Magnus spent eight months in Clarence Correctional Facility before his sentencing and did not apply for bail.

In September 2020 Magnus posted a police amber alert for missing girl Laine Ella-Hyland, who was aged 11 at the time and was subsequently found safe and sound.

Underneath the post the comment is made: 'Hope you didn't steal her'.

'Check your basement freak,' another person comments.

Both comments attracted on like by a third party.

Magnus's wife Jane boasts of organising 'rock star parties' through her Byron Bay Luxury weddings company.

Mrs Magnus is not accused of any wrongdoing and there is no suggestion she was aware of her husband's alleged crimes.

The couple, who share four adult children together, first met when they were working on a failed restaurant project, which later led to the wedding events business.

In a June 2020 Facebook post Magnus described himself as a 'real all rounder guy' in and he praised his 'beautiful wife Jane'.

Mrs Magnus organised the 2016 wedding of Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie and producer Tom Ackerley at the Coorabell estate near Byron Bay

'You may know her, she's a bit of a legend in the wedding industry and together I like to think we are a great team,' he wrote.

The pair worked together on the 2014 wedding of designer Dan Single and his supermodel wife Stephanie 'Bambi' Northwood-Blythe, with Jane planning the big day and Adam acting as celebrant.

When Single and Northwood-Blythe later broke up, it was the Magnuses who broke the news to Daily Mail Australia.

The high-point of Mrs Magnus's career undoubtedly came when she was given the responsibility of organising the intimate 2016 wedding of Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie and producer Tom Ackerley at the Coorabell estate.

Magnus was not the celebrant.
Newly-released footage shows the chilling moment a Florida honors student confessed to brutally stabbing and killing his mother despite pleading not guilty.

Earlier this month, Derek Rosa, 13, pleaded not guilty to stabbing his mom Irina Garcia, 39, over 40 times and slashing her neck on October 12. No motive has been offered over the grisly killing.

But in a newly obtained police interrogation video, the teen is seen describing the size and color of the knife he used to commit the heinous crime.

Footage shows Rosa calmly nodding his head yes when a Hialeah Police Department detective asks him whether he killed his mother.

Footage shows Rosa calmly nodding his head yes when a Hialeah Police Department detective asks him whether he killed his mother

In a newly obtained police interrogation video, the teen is seen describing the size and color of the knife he used to commit the heinous crime

The detective further questioned: 'Your mom was sleeping?' and Rosa confirmed: 'Yeah, she was sleeping'

Rosa is accused of killing his mother, Irina Garcia, 39 (pictured) on October 12 before sending photos of her body to a friend on social media

The detective questions the accused on how big the knife was and what was the color of the handle.

The teen casually said that he used a big-sized kitchen knife and that the handle was purple.

The detective further questioned: 'Your mom was sleeping?' and Rosa confirmed: 'Yeah, she was sleeping'.

The video also shows the teenager showing detectives his bloody hands and pointing to his neck when asked where he stabbed his mother.

He also tells the detective that his mother screamed when he attacked her.

But when asked why he killed Garcia, he went the bathroom and then asked for an attorney.

On December 15, a pre-trial hearing saw prosecutors play a recording of Rosa speaking to a detective directly after the stabbing, where he said: 'I woke up, I grabbed one of the kitchen knives and I went to her room... I killed her.'

After hearing the disturbing tape, Miami Dade Circuit Judge Richard Hersch ordered the teen to be held in an adult jail, the Miami-Dade Metro West detention center, until his unscheduled trial commences.

While denying the teen's motion for bail, the judge remarked on harsh conditions he has reportedly been kept in, adding: 'I am disturbed by the relatively small amount of time the child is permitted outside his cell.'

Derek Rosa, 13, (pictured at a previous hearing) was heard in a chilling recording telling a detective he 'killed her' after he allegedly stabbed his mother 46 times when she slept

Rosa, with his hands covered in blood, is seen making a 'hang loose' surfer gesture of friendship. The photo is believed to be the one he sent to his friend, with the word: 'Goodbye'. He then called 911 to allegedly say he had murdered his mother

At a separate hearing, prosecutors shared harrowing babycam footage showing Rosa standing over his sleeping mother in her bed, moments before he allegedly stabbed her 46 times.

The 13-year-old was seen in eerie black and white images looming over his mom with a time stamp at 11pm. Rosa called 911 to report the murder around 11:30pm.

Another haunting photo released by investigators shows Garcia in her bed, cradling her 14-day-old baby, at 10:23pm the same evening. Investigators believe she was fast asleep when the attack began.

Officers have detailed finding a grisly scene when they arrived at the home, with Garcia left splayed on the floor with dozens of knife wounds, including a slashed artery in her neck.

Laying near to the deceased mother was her two-week-old baby still laying in her crib.

In another image released to the court, Irina Garcia is seen lying on the bed at 10:23pm on the night of the murder, cradling her 14-day-old daughter

Rosa is also accused of taking a smiling selfie to a friend directly after the killing, where he was sticking his tongue out with what appears to be blood smeared on his hands.

Police said after taking the pictures; Rosa asked a dispatcher if the move was 'bad'.

He also allegedly claimed that he found two guns owned by his stepfather after the stabbing and planned to commit suicide but didn't go through with the plan.

His family have expressed their shock at the alleged murder, saying Rosa was a 'good kid' and that 'no one could imagine this would ever happen'.

His attorneys have not argued any mental health issues contributed to their client's mindset at the time of the killing.

The pink-handled knife covered with blood that prosecutors say was used in the crazed attack were also shown to the court.

The knife is seen at the crime scene in Hialeah, Florida. Rosa has been charged as an adult with the killing

Prosecutors released the photo of the bloodied kitchen knife allegedly used in the crazed stabbing

He was initially held in Miami-Dade's juvenile detention center for two weeks after his arrest on October 12, until his charged were upgraded to first-degree murder by a grand jury and he was transferred to Metro West.

The denial of the teenager's bail on Friday came after a six-week long hearing process to determine where he will be held until trial, as it was ruled he will be housed in an adult jail.

As Judge Hersch admitted he was disappointed to see Rosa's living conditions, he denied the motion as he had 'not found a clear violation of his constitutional rights.'

The detective who interviewed Rosa after he allegedly carried out the murder, Hialeah Police officer Joseph Elosegui, said on Friday that investigators found additional evidence after looking through Rosa's internet activity.

He claimed the 13-year-old researched the best way to kill someone and whether a small knife would be able to cut through bone.

Elosegui said the friend Rosa allegedly sent the selfie to was identified as named 'Sweden', and he also sent two pictures of his mother, reports the Miami Herald.

The detective was heard in the chilling recording of Rosa's alleged confession telling him 'it's okay, you can say it', before the teen was heard allegedly admitting to the killing.

Rosa (seen in his mugshot after his arrest) is only out of his cell for around 20 hours a week and is being served breakfast between 1am and 2am, according to his lawyers

The apartments where Rosa lived in Hialeah, Florida, where he allegedly stabbed his mom to death on October 12

As the recording was played, Rosa buried his head in his handcuffed hands and grew emotional as his attorneys comforted him, after their requests to keep the recording sealed were also rejected.

Their motion argued that it was unconstitutional to keep Rosa in an adult cell, claiming he is kept in unsustainable conditions and is only outside the cell for 20 hours a week.

They claim he is served breakfast between 1am and 2am, can't access his glasses without direct request, and he is not on any specific educational class schedule.

Attorney Armando Luis said he has had 'no contact with his father, no contact with his grandmother or family', and has not done so for over 30 days.

However their request was criticized by Assistant State Attorney Rachel Morales-Gellis in her closing argument, saying: 'The defense keeps making reference to adult-sized sweaters... I don't think that would rise to a constitutional issue.'

Hersch also rejected their claims in the motion, reportedly arguing the defense failed to prove he was in any danger in the adult jail either physically or psychologically, nor that he was left without any education.

His instructors previously testified that he will receive six lessons a week in math, science, social studies and reading, each lasting between 90 minutes and 2-and-a-half-hours.

Guards also testified that he is the only child in Metro West who has a security detail outside his cell at all times, and he is heavily protected anytime he does leave.
Critics are accusing the DOJ of sweeping additional charges against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried under the rug, after prosecutors said he would not face a second trial for campaign finance violations following his conviction last month.

In a letter filed on Friday night in federal court in Manhattan, prosecutors said the 'strong public interest' in a prompt resolution of the case outweighed the benefits of a second trial.

In his letter to the court, US Attorney Damian Williams noted that prosecutors introduced evidence about all of the dropped charges during Bankman-Fried's monthlong first trial, where he was found guilty on all counts.

The additional, now dropped, charges included campaign finance violations and bribing foreign officials, which have yet to be approved by officials in the Bahamas, per the agreement that led to his extradition.

Some Republicans cried foul, noting that Bankman-Fried was a major donor to Democrats, including a reported $5.2 million infusion into President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign.

Sam Bankman-Fried is seen with Rep. Maxine Waters, a California Democrat and ranking member of the Banking Committee, in a photo prior to the collapse of FTX

'So we won't know which politicians he bribed or who's campaigns he influenced? That collective sigh of relief you are hearing is from the DEEP STATE,' tweeted Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican.

The move also drew criticism from within the cryptocurrency industry, including Paul Grewal, the chief legal officer of crypto exchange Coinbase.

'I think this is a miscarriage of justice. The public interest in a public airing of charges almost always matters. Campaign finance charges are at the very top of this list,' Coinbase's chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, wrote on X.

'What politicians and others knew what and when are critical questions that deserve answers,' he added. 'Dropping this on a Friday night before a holiday only fuels public cynics about the politics of all this.'

Last month, jurors convicted Bankman-Fried, 31, on all seven fraud and conspiracy counts he faced.

Prosecutors had accused him of looting $8 billion from his cryptocurrency exchange customers, and using the cash to buy lavish Bahamas real estate, fund risky trades, and splash out huge political donations.

Bankman-Fried had faced six additional charges that had been severed from his first trial, including conspiracy to make unlawful campaign contributions, conspiracy to bribe foreign officials and two other conspiracy counts.

The bribery charge related to allegations that Bankman-Fried made a $40 million cryptocurrency payoff to Chinese officials so they would unfreeze his hedge fund's accounts.

Evidence at the first trial indicated that Bankman-Fried directed 'straw donor' donations to US political candidates using customer funds, as he sought to influence regulations.

Bankman-Fried was known as a major donor to Democrats, but prosecutors say he also contributed to Republican campaigns as part of the alleged illicit donation scheme.

Bankman-Fried himself has claimed that he donated nearly as much to Republicans to Democrats, but said his GOP donations were funneled through 'dark money' channels because he feared 'super liberal' journalists would 'freak the f*** out if you donate to Republicans.'

According to a superseding indictment, Bankman-Fried 'misappropriated and embezzled FTX customer deposits,' including more than $100 million spent 'in campaign contributions to Democrats and Republicans to seek to influence cryptocurrency regulation.'

US Attorney Damian Williams noted that prosecutors introduced evidence about all of the dropped charges during Bankman-Fried's first trial, where he was found guilty on all counts

Critics are accusing the Department of Justice of sweeping additional charges against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried under the rug

The indictment also alleged that Bankman-Fried concealed the source of campaign donations by making them in the names of various FTX executives, including former engineering director Nishad Singh.

At trial, Singh testified that Bankman-Fried directed that money from his Alameda Research hedge fund be used to make political donations even after he learned the fund owed $13 billion to customers in September 2022.

Singh said he continued to receive transfers from Alameda, allowing Bankman-Fried associates to use the money to donate to US Democratic candidates and causes in what he called a 'straw donor' scheme.

'There was an enormous hole,' said Singh on the witness stand. 'Alameda sending me money to spend ... necessarily deepened that hole.'

Bankman-Fried had been extradited in December 2022 from the Bahamas, where FTX was based, to face the seven earlier charges.

The Bahamas has yet to grant its consent for a trial on the remaining charges, and there was no indication of a timetable for their decision, prosecutors said in the memo explaining the move not to seek a second trial.

Bankman-Fried's guilty verdict came nearly one year after FTX filed for bankruptcy, erasing his once-$26 billion personal fortune in one of the fastest collapses of a major participant in U.S. financial markets.

Bankman-Fried could face decades in prison when he is sentenced in March by Judge Kaplan in Manhattan.

Prosecutors said much of the evidence that could be offered at a second trial was already presented at the first trial.

They also said a second trial would not affect how much time Bankman-Fried could face in prison under recommended federal guidelines, because Kaplan could consider all of Bankman-Fried's conduct when sentencing him for the counts on which he was convicted.

Bankman-Fried is expected to appeal his conviction.
A promise by the Albanese government to unveil mandatory pollution caps for new vehicles sold in Australia by the end of 2023 has been broken, sparking fears its landmark EV policy will be put on ice.

In April, Labor committed to introducing a new fuel efficiency standard, with a favoured model to be unveiled 'before the end of this year'.

Under the standard, automotive brands will be penalised when they sell cars with high-polluting internal combustion engines in an effort to spur the uptake of electric and other low-emissions vehicles.

Aside from Russia, Australia is the only developed nation without fuel efficiency standards.

As a result, passenger vehicles can emit as much as 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than in similar overseas markets, as less efficient cars are still imported to Australia.

Anthony Albanese's government has failed to unveil mandatory pollution caps for new vehicles sold in Australia that were promised to be disclosed 'by the end of the year'

At the same time, just eight per cent of new cars sold in Australia in the last 12 months were electric vehicles, while this figure was almost 17 per cent in Europe.

But despite assurances of long-awaited fuel efficiency standards by year's end, Transport Minister Catherine King is still yet to unveil the proposed legislation.

In September, modelling work undertaken by ACIL Allen for the proposed standard which was due to be completed in August was extended through to January 30 2024.

Weighing on the proposal are fears that against a backdrop of the rising cost of living, the standards - which could potentially limit the number of cars available to consumers or increase the cost for some high-polluting models - could open the government up to Coalition scare campaign in the lead up to the next election, industry sources said.

Others said Ms King had been consumed by other matters across her portfolios including her controversial decision to block Qatar Airways' bid to increase flight capacity and the independent review of Australia's $120 billion infrastructure pipeline.

The broken promise has sparked fear among environmentalists who were hoping the caps would help spur an uptake in electric vehicles (stock image)

In a statement, a spokesman for Transport Minister Catherine King would not provide a timeline for when the proposed standards could be released.

'Designing the best possible fuel efficiency standard (FES) to suit Australia's circumstance is complex, and the Australian Government is committed to taking the time to get it right,' the spokesman said.

But with Australians heading back to the polls by May 2025 at the latest, advocates for a more ambitious standard feared the policy could be shelved in its entirety.

Independent member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, who has spearheaded calls for stringent fuel efficiency standards in federal parliament, said the Albanese government had demonstrably failed to meet its commitment.

'It's definitely a pretty clear case of a broken promise,' Ms Tink said.

'It's worse than frustrating that we're going to end 2023 without fuel efficiency standards ... there is no line of sight on them.'

A spokesperson for Transport Minister Catherine King (pictured) could not provide a timeframe for when the caps would be unveiled, citing how 'complex' the issue is

Citing the failed commitment by two previous Labor governments to introduce a similar efficiency standard, Ms Tink said it was imperative that the government was held to account on its promise.

'Up until now, at least the government's been prepared to say: 'Yes, they're definitely coming and here's the timeline',' Ms Tink added.

'Now there's no timeline - that really concerns me.'

The Climate Council's head of advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner, agreed that it was critical that the government delivered on its commitment, ensuring access to cleaner and cheaper-to-run cars.

'Every day we delay putting a fuel efficiency standard in place, Aussies are missing out on the three-in-one benefits of cheaper costs, cleaner air, and greater choice,' Ms Rayner said.

However, car dealers and their industry association representatives have urged the government to take a more cautious approach to the new standards, citing the need the for strong community support for the change.

Independent MP Kylea Tink (pictured) said the government's inaction was 'a pretty clear case of a broken promise' while also noting the lack of fuel efficiency standards going into 2024

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said despite the delay, it was paramount that time was taken to ensure the standard reflected the demands of the Australian car market.

'It's absolutely critical that the government takes time and gets this right. That's critical for environmental outcomes and for consumers,' Mr Weber said.

'There's no point in going for what others are calling for - a stringent target - which means essentially in the very near future, the only cars that will be able to be sold will be complete electric vehicles.

'There are so many segments of the market that there is not an electric vehicle capability among mainstream brands - and that's before we talk about price.'

Mr Weber also pointed to the need for a scale-up in supporting infrastructure to drive the uptake of the low-emission vehicles.

'We need to have the product supported in the marketplace ... rather than people who just purely talk about a target.'
Britain's FBI is investigating a 3million payment that was made into Baroness Michelle Mone's bank account amid an investigation into the Covid PPE scandal.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is probing the transaction which was made into the 52-year-old's Coutts bank account as part of its investigation over allegations of fraud and bribery surrounding PPE Medpro.

PPE Medpro, the company led by the Tory peer's husband Doug Barrowman, was awarded more than 200 million to supply the Government with PPE during the pandemic after she recommended it to ministers.

The NCA is reportedly suspicious of the 3 million payment as it was made after 65 million in profits from PPE Medpro were transferred into other accounts associated with Mr Barrowman.

If the payment is proven to have come from these profits, it could suggest Baroness Mone, who is widely known as 'Baroness Bra', directly benefitted from the company, according to The Sunday Times.

Britain's FBI is investigating a 3million payment that was made into Baroness Michelle Mone's (pictured) bank account amid an investigation into the Covid PPE scandal

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is probing the transaction which was made into the 52-year-old's (pictured) Coutts bank account as part of its investigation over allegations of fraud and bribery surrounding PPE Medpro

PPE Medpro, the company led by the Tory peer's husband Doug Barrowman was awarded more than 200 million to supply the Government with PPE during the pandemic after she recommended it to ministers

As part of its investigation, the NCA is understood to have frozen several of Ms Mone's accounts, including one at Coutts, the private bank favoured by the royal family. Mone and Barrowman deny any wrongdoing.

READ MORE: How lying Baroness Bra used her attack dog lawyers to try to silence the free Press and why her deceit might prove to be her downfall Advertisement

The freeze was ordered about 12 months ago in a bid to prevent her from moving cash, The Sunday Times previously reported.

But the headline-prone Tory peer claims she only became aware of the freeze when she tried to make a purchase at a petrol station.

The NCA is investigating Baroness Mone and her husband, Doug Barrowman, 58, for alleged fraud and bribery in relation to their involvement with the Government's lucrative PPE contract  which the couple deny.

Baroness Mone lobbied Michael Gove and Lord Agnew in May 2020 to secure lucrative business for PPE Medpro.

It was then awarded contracts to supply the NHS with medical protective equipment during the pandemic through the 'VIP lane' to fast-track preferred partners.

PPE Medpro received one contract, worth 81million, for facemasks and another, valued at 122million, for medical gowns.

The deal yielded profits of about 60million, but company is being sued by the Government for 122million, plus costs for alleged 'breach of contract and unjust enrichment'. PPE Medpro is defending the claim.

Lady Michelle denied for many years that she was involved in the company and did not declare any link to PPE Medpro on the House of Lords register of interests.

Michelle Mone was made a Conservative life peer in 2015 (pictured 2019 at the House of Lords)

Baroness Mone and Douglas Barrowman at 'Dining With The Stars' charity dinner

But in November last year leaked documents from HSBC revealed that Barrowman had been paid 65million from PPE Medpro's profits. The documents also suggested that 29million of funds were transferred into an offshore trust in which Baroness Mone and her children are beneficiaries.

In an interview earlier this month, Lady Michelle admitted lying to the Press over her links to the firm  but insisted she could not 'see what we have done wrong'.

Both she and and Barrowman have been questioned under caution by the NCA. However, it is understood that both attended their interviews with prepared statements and, citing legal advice, declined to answer other questions.

At least four ministers involved with the handling of the contracts process have reportedly cooperated with investigators.

Mr Gove is said to have passed on 'everything'. He said last week that he hopes the NCA investigation 'reaches its conclusion quickly' and that 'justice can be served'.

Baroness Mone previously hit out at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after he said he was taking the scandal 'incredibly seriously.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, she wrote: 'What is @RishiSunak talking about?

'I was honest with the Cabinet Office, the Government and the NHS in my dealings with them.

'They all knew about my involvement from the very beginning.'

In a growing row, Lord Bethell, who was a health minister during the Covid pandemic, rejected Baroness Mone's claim.

Baroness Mone lobbied Michael Gove and Lord Agnew in May 2020 to secure lucrative business for PPE Medpro

Doug Barrowman (left) pictured with Baroness Michelle Mone (right) at Cheltenham

Lady Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman (pictured)in a YouTube documentary

He replied on the social media site that she 'wasn't honest about her financial interest to me' and noted her link to PPE Medpro 'wasn't in her Register of Interests, as you'd expect it'.

Baroness Mone then returned to social media again to ask whether the PM stands to profit from Moderna's development of a Covid vaccine.

'I suggest that he might want to take that "incredibly seriously" before pointing fingers to save his own skin!' she posted.

Asked previously about claims he might have benefited financially from investments in pharmaceutical companies - including Moderna - during the Covid pandemic, Mr Sunak has pointed to his interests being held in 'blind trust'.

'I don't actually have any knowledge of what is in there. And that's how that works,' he told TalkTV's Piers Morgan earlier this year.

'The whole point about something that's truly blind is that it's blind from me.'

Baroness Mone and Mr Barrowman's interview, on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, saw the peer admit she did not tell the truth about her links to the firm  while insisting that she and her husband have 'no case to answer'.

When asked about Baroness Mone's admission she had lied about her involvement with PPE Medpro, the PM told reporters during a trip to Scotland: 'The Government takes these things incredibly seriously, which is why we're pursuing legal action against the company concerned in these matters.

'That's how seriously I take it and the Government takes it.

'But it is also subject to an ongoing criminal investigation. And because of that, there's not much further that I can add.'

Government ministers have advised Baroness Mone not to return to the House of Lords, which she has been a member of since 2015 after being handed a peerage by ex-PM David Cameron.

She took a leave of absence from Parliament's upper chamber in December last year, which she said at the time was 'in order to clear her name of the allegations that have been unjustly levelled against her'.
Four police officers were injured in violent scenes in South London yesterday following protests by the Eritrean community.

Around 50 people gathered outside a private venue before violence broke out, the Metropolitan Police said.

The clashes in Camberwell saw people wielding sticks and clashing with officers after 'tensions in the Eritrean community', the force added.

Eight people were arrested and a heavy police presence was still in place at the scene near The Lighthouse Theatre on Saturday evening.

In a statement, The Met said people were arrested for offences such as violent disorder, criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons and assault on an emergency worker.

Southwark Police said: 'Eight people were arrested in Camberwell this afternoon for offences including violent disorder, criminal damage, possession of offensive weapon and assault on an emergency worker.

The clashes in Camberwell saw people wielding sticks and clashing with officers

Police attend the scene following a disturbance near The Lighthouse in South East London

'Four officers were injured, one of whom was taken to hospital and has now been discharged.

'All involved in the demonstration have been dispersed. A significant number of officers remain in the area, and a Section 35 remains in place which gives officers the power to disperse any further gathering which they believe could lead to anti-social behaviour.

'Officers have been working with a group of people who organised an event at a private venue in Camberwell Road.

'Those arrested were part of a group of demonstrators who gathered outside the venue.'

Also, The Met said everyone involved had been dispersed and additional officers were called in to provide backup.

The Met said people were arrested for offences such as violent disorder, criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons and assault on an emergency worker

The Lighthouse Theatre hosts large and small events, holding weddings, themed parties and conferences

Traffic was also brought to a standstill as the protesters spilled into the middle of the road

The violence broke out after 'tensions' within the Eritrean community, the Met Police said

Police officers can be seen with batons drawn as they engage with protesters armed with sticks

The protest is thought to have been sparked by representatives of the Eritrean government attending a meeting in London

A dispersal order was put in place in the area until 7am today.

One person on X said he heard the Eritrean embassy was in the middle of a meeting when the protesters showed up at the scene.

'People I've talked to say that the Eritrean embassy was holding a meeting and the protesters turned up and there was a confrontation between the two groups,' he said.

'Now they are kettling protesters while the Eritrean government staff are still inside the building I think.'

Police riot vans and officers can be seen attending the violent scenes in Camberwell

The Met Police sent in extra officers as Eritrean protesters attacked riot vans with sticks outside a theatre in South London

The Lighthouse Theatre hosts large and small events, holding weddings, themed parties and conferences.

Footage posted on social media shows demonstrators hitting cop cars with sticks as they swarm the area.

Huge crowds can be seen blocking the road as cars are forced to a halt and a large police presence surrounds the area.

Shocking scenes appear to also show protesters with blue flags aiming sticks at officers, with one launching a traffic barrier into the line of police.

The protest is thought to have been sparked by representatives of the Eritrean government attending a meeting in London.

The controversial African nation remains under the 'one-man dictatorship' of President Isaias Afewerki, international advocacy agency Human Rights Watch reports, with 'no legislature, no independent civil society organizations or media outlets and no independent judiciary'.

Tens of thousands of people have fled Eritrea for Europe, many alleging they were mistreated by Afwerki' repressive government.
Danish shipping giant Maersk has suspended passage through the Red Sea strait for 48 hours as Britain has threatened action against Iran-backed rebels causing chaos in the shipping strait.

Maersk, one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said today it was suspending its vessels' passage through a key Red Sea strait for 48 hours, following an attack by Yemeni rebels on one of its merchant ships.

The Maersk Hangzhou container ship reported being struck by a missile while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait and was then attacked by four Houthi ships attempting to board it, following which Maersk said it would 'delay all transits through the area for the next 48 hours.'

The US military said navy helicopters sank three of the ships while the fourth fled. The shipping vessel appeared to be undamaged in that attack and 'was able to continue its transit north', said Maersk.

This comes as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned that the Houthi 'terrorists' disrupting trade via the popular shipping route 'are drinking in the last chance saloon'.

'We cannot allow one of the world's key waterways that serves global trade to be held for ransom,' he told the Sun on Sunday.

A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea last month

Mr Shapps added: 'We need an immediate end to these illegal attacks. If the Houthis continue to threaten lives and trade, we will be forced to take the necessary and appropriate action.'

Defence chiefs were allegedly drawing up plans to launch retaliatory strikes after more than 20 vessels were attacked in the Red Sea in the last few weeks.

Mr Shapps said diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have been made, but these had 'limited success'. He added that these attacks on commercial shipping are an 'attack on all of us'.

In the 30 days leading up to Christmas, 20 vessels were attacked in the Red Sea - eight of which were linked to the UK, with some even having British crew members on board.

The latest attack saw two missiles headed toward a container ship being shot down by the United States on Saturday. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

A Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship reported that it was struck by a missile and the USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the ship, CENTCOM said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea

While responding, the US Navy destroyer Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, CENTCOM added. The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there were no reported injuries, CENTCOM said.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have disrupted world trade for weeks with attacks on ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea in what they say is a response to Israel's war in Gaza.

This is the 23rd attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19, CENTCOM said.

This comes after experts warned last week that the attacks could cause oil prices to surge and filter through to higher costs for consumers in Britain.

Oil giant BP said it had paused all of its tanker journeys through the Red Sea due to attacks by militants in Yemen amid a 'deteriorating security situation'.

Iranian-backed Houthi militants stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in the lead up to Christmas. The rebels are understood to be targeting ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel.

Several other shipping firms such as MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have already paused container shipments through the area due to the surge in attacks.

The Red Sea has the Suez Canal at its northern end and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb at the southern end leading into the Gulf of Aden. The busy waterway has ships traversing the Suez Canal to bring in a huge amount of Europe's energy supplies.

The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia  and experts have warned the escalating tensions could have a 'huge, knock-on effect on oil prices' into the coldest months.

Dr Stavros Karamperidis, head of the Maritime Transport Research Group, told MailOnline that the impact of the disruption on oil prices is the '1billion question'.

The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20

Houthi fighters open the door of the cockpit on the Galaxy Leader ship's deck in the Red Sea

How shipping firms are avoiding Red Sea as Houthi attacks increase Here is a list of companies that are considering or have decided to pause shipping via the Red Sea: BP BP said today that it had temporarily paused all transits through the Red Sea after witnessing a 'deteriorating security situation' for its shipments. CMA CGM French shipping group CMA CGM said on Saturday that it was pausing all container shipments through the Red Sea. EVERGREEN Taiwanese container shipping line Evergreen said today that its vessels on regional services to Red Sea ports would sail to safe waters nearby and wait for further notification. Ships scheduled to pass through the Red Sea will be re-routed around the Cape of Good Hope. It has also temporarily stopped accepting Israeli cargo. HAPAG-LLOYD German container shipping line Hapag Lloyd said today that it would re-route several ships via the Cape of Good Hope until the safety of passage through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea could be guaranteed. A projectile believed to be a drone struck its vessel Al Jasrah last Friday, while sailing close to the coast of Yemen. No crew were injured. MAERSK Denmark's AP Moller-Maersk said last Friday that it would pause all container shipments through the Red Sea until further notice, following a 'near-miss incident' involving its vessel Maersk Gibraltar a day earlier. The ship was targeted by a missile while travelling from Salalah in Oman to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, the company said. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said on Saturday that its ships would not transit through the Suez Canal, with some already rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, a day after Houthi forces fired two ballistic missiles at its MSC Palatium III vessel. The decision will disrupt sailing schedules by several days, the Switzerland-based group said. OOCL Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) said last Saturday that it had stopped cargo acceptance to and from Israel until further notice. The shipping firm is owned by Hong Kong-based Oriental Overseas (International) Ltd. Advertisement

The maritime expert, who is a lecturer at Plymouth University, said: 'I think we have to see in a couple of days how events escalate.

'We've seen an increase, we've seen the market is reacting. There is a lot of anxiety in the market about what's going to happen in the Gulf.

'A lot of companies don't want to take the risk. The longer the journey, the more expensive it's going to be.

'Also the vessels themselves are going to require more oil to move from point A to point B.

'So that means we're going to see more need for oil regardless of everything else. And we have to consider the vessels passing through the Suez Canal might have to pay some extra for insurance.

'Overall the prices are going to increase. How much it's going to be is a big question mark.'

Oil and gas prices increased on December 18 to the potential disruption caused by the shipping issues, with Brent Crude oil rising by around 1 per cent to $77.20 (61.00) per barrel.

Wholesale oil prices rose more sharply, with the European benchmark for gas, Dutch front month futures, rising by 7 per cent to over 35 (30) per megawatt hour.

It could spell more cost-of-living pain for UK households, with average energy bills already set to rise in January from the equivalent of 1,834 a year to 1,928.

The UK's energy watchdog Ofgem has also unveiled plans to lift the energy price cap from April next year in order to help suppliers recover nearly 3billion in debts from customers who cannot pay their bills.

Dr Karamperidis said that many of the vessels going through the region are generally the more modern ships, which companies therefore 'don't want to take any risks' on and would rather take a longer, more costly route.

Insurance costs have already doubled for ships moving through the Red Sea, which can add hundreds of thousands of pounds to a journey for the most expensive vessels.

Other experts have been discussing the overall impact on the global supply chain, with Institute of Export and International Trade director general Marco Forgione pointing out that issues in the Red Sea come at a time when Panama Canal is also experiencing shipping delays.

The Panama Canal Authority began restricting vessel transits in the summer as the drought limited supplies of water needed to operate its lock system.

Noam Raydan, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said some Israeli-linked vessels have apparently started taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

She added that this lengthens the trip from around 19 days to 31 days depending on vessel speed, increasing costs and adding delays.

Protesters at Sana'a in Yemen take part in a demonstration on December 15 in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza, amid the conflict. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have launched attacks on ships in the Red Sea and have used drones and missiles to target Israel

Houthi troopers stand guard during a demonstration at Sana'a in Yemen on December 15

The Houthis are Iranian-backed rebels who swept down from their northern stronghold in Yemen and seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a war against a Saudi-led coalition seeking to restore the government.

The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

They have used drones and anti-ship missiles to attack vessels and in one case used a helicopter to seize an Israeli-owned ship and its crew.

They have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel.

That now appears to have escalated to any vessel given recent attacks, with the Houthis also hailing vessels by radio to try to convince them to change course closer to the territory they control.
The mother of missing boy Ben Needham says that Alex Batty's reappearance has renewed her hope that she will soon find her son.

Ben was just 21 months old when he disappeared more than 30 years ago while he was staying with his grandparents on the Greek Island of Kos.

While his body has never been found, and police fear he died in a tragic accident involving a digger, his mother, Kerry Needham said that Alex's case has reaffirmed her faith that her long-missing son is still alive.

'It shows miracles do happen and missing children do turn up even after several years. Although the circumstances are very different, it gives me hope,' she told the Mirror.

'I will never give up on the fact there's always a chance my son could turn up too.'

Kerry, who lives in Sheffield and has a 29-year-old daughter called Leighanna, launched an appeal to translate Ben's missing person posters into every single language in the world, for a total of 7000.

Kerry Needham (pictured) said that Alex's case has reaffirmed her faith that her long-missing son is still alive

Ben (pictured) was just 21 months old when he disappeared more than 30 years ago while he was staying with his grandparents on the Greek Island of Kos

Alex Batty reappeared after six years, after he went missing in 2017

'It would be incredible if we could have the poster translated into every single language, as you never know who might see it and come forward with information.

'If anyone can help, I would be so grateful. It might lead to finally finding out what happened to Ben.'

The renewed push for information came after a member of the public offered to translate the poster into German, Kerry said, adding: 'It was a great idea and of course we said yes. I dont know why we didnt think of it sooner. There has always been a Greek poster, but no others as far as I know.'

South Yorkshire Police determined that Ben was likely dead, after two excavations around the farmhouse that his grandfather Eddie was renovating in he village of Iraklis were fruitless.

Earlier this year, Kerry said that she was relieved when she was told that the body of a child discovered at the bottom of the Danube in Germany last year was not that of her son.

She said she had been a 'nervous wreck' waiting to hear if the remains of a child discovered in Germany last year were those of Ben, who has been missing for over thirty years.

A picture showing how Ben would look aged 31 was released on July 23, 2021

Ben's mother Kerry holding up a clipping of the tragic story in 1991

The remains of a child, believed to be five or six, were discovered close to this site along the Bavarian branch of the Danube in May 2022. The child was found wrapped in foil and weighed down by concrete

Ms Needham said that she was physically sick after she received a phone call from South Yorkshire Police informing her that DNA results indicated that the boy, discovered in the Danube River, was not her son.

'It was all that pent-up anxiety,' she explained. 'It came as a huge shock, but obviously a relief.'

'My stomach did a somersault,' she added.

Hopes had been raised after Interpol, an organisation that facilitates policing cooperation globally, earlier stated that it believed that the child discovered in the Danube was not German. The boy is believed by Interpol to have been aged approximately five or six and may have been abducted from abroad.

The remains of the child were discovered wrapped in foil and weighed down by a touchstone in May 2022. Investigations suggested that the boy had brown hair and was approximately 3' 6' tall.

'The way that little boy died makes it worse,' Ms Needham told the Daily Mirror, adding that she was unsure how she would have been able to handle the news had results confirmed a DNA match. 'It's just horrible.'

Ms Needham added that she hoped that the identity of the missing child was quickly established. 'Not knowing what's happened to your child is the worst nightmare,' she said.

Ms Needham has consistently rejected the theory that Ben was killed accidentally by an excavator that was working in a field nearby to her parents' home. Investigations at the site led to the discovery of a toy car that was described at the time as being the 'key' to unravelling the case.

While DNA discovered on the car was later found to not match Ben's, South Yorkshire Police's Detective Inspector Jon Cousins stated in 2018 that it remains 'his professional belief' that Ben died in an accident at Ms Needham's parents' property in 1991.
Commentary: America's further spying attempts in China bound to fail

Xinhua) 18:01, December 31, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- A recent media report showed Beijing has taken successful anti-surveillance moves that "vastly complicate (U.S.) spy operations" inside China. And in a jaw-dropping response, America not only had the brass to speak publicly about its dirty work, but even vowed to ramp up its spying push.

The informative report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) sheds light on the fact that spy operations -- which the United States frequently engages in -- have been compromised more and more often, even though the country has invested a lot in them.

America ranks first in the world when it comes to surveillance -- this is common knowledge. From China and Russia, to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a few French presidents, and even to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, almost anyone can fall victim to U.S. tapping and surveillance, no matter whether they are considered a friend or foe by the United States.

With PRISM, Irritant Horn, Stellar Wind, Bvp47, the Hive and a whole bunch of other surveillance programs, the United States has woven an intricate worldwide surveillance network in its unremitting pursuit of global hegemony.

Perhaps one of the most vital pieces of evidence is its fanatic witch-hunt against China, which actually comes as no surprise. As the WSJ report noted, China has become "a much tougher intelligence target than it was a decade ago" due to its progress in and deployment of new technology.

In fact, the United States has blatantly suppressed a number of Chinese high-tech companies because they are a thorn in America's side for obstructing its worldwide surveillance operations. For example, America has banned products from Hikvision citing so-called "human rights concerns," but its trumped-up charges against the Chinese electrical equipment manufacturer have crumbled in the face of facts.

For a long time, America has been facilitating its own technologically top-notch cyber espionage activities in the world. But now it finds its army of hackers rendered ineffective, at least on China's soil.

China "obliterated" the U.S. human spy network a decade ago, and now America "is still struggling to rebuild its human espionage capabilities in China," accelerating a pivot after 2020 to "cut spending on counterterrorism and other targets, including in the Middle East, to fund expanded programs to penetrate China's government," said the WSJ report.

Such a debacle in China is definitely good news to those afflicted by America's stealthy cyber espionage.

China has been firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, with ever-improving means of modern technology. America's stronger spying push will only reinforce China's resolve to say no to bullying and protect its own rights and interests.

In its latest move against America's wrongful acts, China on Tuesday announced its decision to take countermeasures against the U.S. 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, as well as the two individuals involved.

A just cause enjoys abundant support while an unjust one finds little. America's obsession with perpetuating its global hegemony through cyber espionage is a futile attempt. If it continues down the wrong track, the United States will only elicit more outrage from other countries and isolate itself even more from the international community.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
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The heartbroken mother of Grace Millane has revealed she is serving a 'life sentence' over her daughter's sickening Tinder date murder.

Grace was brutally killed by Jesse Kempson, who she met on the dating app, on the eve of her 22nd birthday while backpacking in New Zealand five years ago.

A week-long search was launched for the young woman after she did not respond to her family's birthday message on December 2, eventually discovered dead in the New Zealand bushland.

Grace's mother Gillian Millane told the BBC this morning that she is 'never going to see Grace in a wedding dress' as she continues to grieve the loss of her daughter.

'She was a lovely, family orientated girl. If she was your friend, she was your friend for life. She was my best friend and always, always wanted to travel,' Gillian said.

'She had such a bright future, and it was taken away from her, and taken away from us. I'm never going to see Grace in a wedding dress, I'm never having grandchildren from her. This is the life sentence I've got.'

Just two years after Grace's death, Gillian also lost her husband David to cancer. The mother channeled her grief into physical challenges, receiving an OBE for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money to tackle domestic violence against women last year.

Grace Millane (pictured) was brutally killed her Tinder date on the eve of her 22nd birthday while backpacking in New Zealand five years ago

Grace's mother Gillian Millane (pictured) told the BBC this morning that she is 'never going to see Grace in a wedding dress'

Gillian received an OBE for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity last year

Heartbreaking footage shows Gillian breaking down into tears as she got to the top of the mountain and placed two stones down with Grace and David's names on them.

Gillian and her family have since started a campaign called Love Grace, collecting donated handbags and filling them with toiletries for domestic abuse victims.

'Ive not got over it, I never will get over it, but I just know that I've got to make the world a better place, and no other family has to go through what we went through, and what we go through, and that's got to be a good thing,' said Gillian.

Grace's killer 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.

Gillian described Grace as a 'lovely, family orientated girl' today

Gillian and her family have started a campaign called Love Grace, collecting donated handbags and filling them with toiletries for domestic abuse victims

Gillian 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

Grace (right), pictured with her parents and two brothers before the trip which would result in her murder

Gillian 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.

The mother credits her loved ones, long walks and 'lots of counselling' for surviving her 'really dark time'.

She previously 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.'
A manhunt is underway for a dogwalker who stabbed someone after they asked him to pick up his dog's mess in central London.

Images of the suspect have been released by police after a man was knifed following an argument.

The incident happened on December 16 near the junction of Ropemaker Street and Moorgate in the City of London.

But the victim's injuries are thankfully not life-threatening.

Anyone who recognises the man in the images should contact the police with information.

A City of London Police spokesperson said: 'A victim was stabbed following a confrontation over the suspect's dog fouling near the junction of Ropemaker Street and Moorgate in the City of London in the early hours of Saturday 16 December 2023.

'The victim's injuries were thankfully not life-threatening.'

Images of the suspect have been released by police after a man was knifed

Anyone who recognises the man in the images is urged to come forward with information

Detective Sergeant David Honan, from the City of London Police, added: 'We would like to speak to anyone who recognises the man or has any additional information about the knife attack that took place in the City of London in the early hours of Saturday 16 December.

'If you see this man, please do not approach him, instead contact the police on 020 7601 2222.

'We want to reassure City residents and those who come into the City to work and socialise, that a full and thorough investigation is underway.'
Israeli troops have dismantled a Hamas base inside a Gaza kindergarten and pummeled terror tunnels in overnight fighting as Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed the war will last 'many months'.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that their soldiers had killed 14 Hamas fighters since yesterday.

The IDF said they also destroyed Hamas infrastructure hidden inside a kindergarten, including the location and neutralisation of an explosive device.

In southern Gaza IDF soldiers reportedly discovered and pummeled several Hamas tunnels.

This comes after Israeli PM Netanyahu said that the war against Hamas will last for 'many months' - until the terrorist group has been eliminated.

The IDF said they also destroyed Hamas infrastructure hidden inside a kindergarten (pictured), including the location and neutralisation of an explosive device

This comes after Israeli PM Netanyahu (pictured) said that the war against Hamas will last for 'many months' - until the terrorist group has been eliminated

'We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel,' he told a news conference yesterday.

Today he added that Israel displayed unparalleled 'morality' in the Gaza war and rejected South Africa's charge that it was committing 'genocidal' acts in the Palestinian territory.

'We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer,' Netanyahu said in a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv.

As the new year approaches, there is no end in sight to the fighting triggered by Hamas' bloodiest attack on Israel on October 7.

There has been no respite from Israel's air raids, artillery fire or ground fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to the despair of Palestinians surviving the onslaught.

'We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the new year at home with our families,' said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

'We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace', said the 33-year-old from Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict in the south of Gaza.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 21,672 people, mostly women and children - by far the heaviest death toll of any Israeli operation.

Today the ministry reported numerous deaths in overnight strikes on central Gaza's Zawayda and the nearby Al-Mughazi refugee camp.

In southern Gaza IDF soldiers reportedly discovered and pummeled several Hamas tunnels

Israeli troops on tanks rolling back from the Gaza Strip, on December 31, 2023, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas

Surveillance images from the IDF show recent missile targets amid the ongoing fighting

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip today

The fighting began with Hamas's October 7 attacks, which left about 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.

Militants also took about 250 people hostage, and Israel says 129 of them remain in captivity after more than 100 were released in a prisoner swap and week-long truce in late November.

The Israeli army says 172 soldiers have been killed in combat inside Gaza, Netanyahu said Israeli forces had killed about 8,000 'terrorists' so far.

An Israeli siege imposed after October 7, following years of crippling blockade, has led to dire shortages of food, safe water, fuel and medicine in Gaza, with aid convoys able to offer only sporadic relief.

The UN says more than 85 percent of Gaza's 2.4 million people have fled their homes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the growing threat of infectious diseases and the UN says Gaza is 'just weeks away' from famine.

As the war has raged, UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned the 'epic human suffering' and 'collective punishment' of Palestinian civilians.

He and other world leaders have repeatedly called for a ceasefire while Israel has vowed to push on until Hamas is defeated, a position backed by its powerful ally the United States.

As Netanyahu spoke in the press conference on Saturday, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home.

'I hope there's going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. I'm trying to hold on to every shred of hope,' said Nir Shafran, 45.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on October 7.

'I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasn't with him. So I went with him and I came back without him and it's like time has stopped ever since,' he said.

In Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages.

Smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during the Israeli bombardment, on December 30, 2023

Israel steps up assault with attack on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon (pictured: a strike on a Hezbollah position)

A view of the damaged buildings and cars as residents search for their belongings among the rubble after Israeli attack on Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza

'The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity,' doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the WHO. The beds are full... and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies.'

The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said.

In Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike.

'We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family. Two adjacent houses were targeted,' said the area's civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi.

International mediators - who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza - continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were 'in the process' of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

Palestinians inspect the damage following Israeli strikes on the Zawayda area of the central Gaza Strip

Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea last month

A response will come 'within days', the group's chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu, asked about the process on Saturday, said Hamas had been 'giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept'.

'We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation,' he said without elaborating.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been 'giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept'. 'We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation.'

Amid the Gaza war, violence has also flared in the occupied West Bank, and between Israel and some of its regional enemies, an alliance of Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Israeli forces in northern Israel have traded heavy cross-border fire with the Shiite Muslim armed group Hezbollah along the UN-patrolled frontier.

Netanyahu warned that 'if Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran'.

Iran, long Israel's most bitter enemy, has welcomed the Hamas attacks but insisted it played no role in planning the October 7 assault.

Tehran last week blamed Israel for killing Razi Moussavi, a top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a missile strike in Syria and vowed his death would be avenged.

Another Iran ally, Yemen's Huthi rebels, has launched drone and missile attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, saying the strikes are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Washington has assembled a multinational naval task force to deter such attacks.

The US military said on Sunday that American Navy helicopters sank three Huthi vessels and killed their crews after they had attacked a Denmark-owned container ship.
A spearfisherman has sparked outrage after illegally killing a blue groper that divers had affectionately named 'Gus'.

The fisherman on Saturday 'triumphantly' pulled the protected species from the Oak Park rock pool in Cronulla - a no-spearfishing zone in South Sydney.

Gus was a beloved fish among local divers and swimmers and was estimated to be about 35-40 years-old.

The blue groper has stood as the state's official fish since 1996, carrying a protective status and laws stating the creature cannot be caught commercially or by spear.

Images of the man and his catch were posted to social media where one 'angry' local said 'Gus deserved to live' and questioned 'who does that for fun?'

A spearfisherman has sent Cronulla locals into a frenzy after he killed a 35-40 year-old blue groper affectionately named Gus by divers and swimmers (pictured)

A second said he had been 'trying to find that groper for ages and now I'll never get to see him', describing the fisherman as an 'a**hole'.

'That poor beautiful fish... My husband is an ex-scuba diver and we both still snorkel. To have that amazing creature to swim with, now gone is beyond belief,' a third commented.

Tenielle Piek, a local who saw the man pull the fish from the water, described blue gropers as the 'labradors of the sea' for their calm and curious temperament which makes them vulnerable to spear-fishers.

'My mother was the first person to approach the man requesting to take his photo,' Ms Piek told News.com.au.

'He smiled and showed off his killing without realising it was a protected species.'

She said the community 'fear' for the local population of blue gropers and that future generations will not be able to experience them in their natural habitats.

The catch comes just a month after the fisheries division of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) increased signage of the waters being a no-spearfishing area.

A spokesperon for the DPI said an investigation is underway into the photographs showing the man taking the the fish that 'may have been illegally taken by spear'.

Images of the man are being investigated by the Department of Primary Industries after the man speared the protected fish in waters that restrict spearfishing

'Groper are protected from commercial fishing and spearfishing, and can only legally be taken by line in NSW. For recreational fishers a minimum size limit of 30cm and a bag limit of two (with only one fish over 60cm) applies,' the spokesperson said.

'Maximum penalties by way of court prosecution for an individual are $22,000 and/or six months imprisonment for a first offence relating to size and bag limits, and $11,000 for taking groper by an unlawful method.'

According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society, 'Threats to blue gropers are mostly from fishing and harvesting aquatic resources'.

'Blue gropers are an important species for maintaining the balance in their ecosystem by controlling the numbers of other animals such as crabs and sea urchins,' the website reads.

Another fisherman proudly posed with a Blue Groper he had speared about a kilometre west in Port Hacking in May.

The photo of the spearfisherman was taken by a local resident who was with her son who was also fishing.

The resident then went on to claim he 'took off pretty fast' once she informed him of the potential $22,000 fine for killing the fish.
North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un has made a fresh threat of nuclear war today as he ordered a military buildup to prepare for conflict in a ranting speech.

The despot warned war could 'break out any time' with South Korea while also lashing out at the United States accusing the country of posing 'various forms of military threat'.

Washington this month deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan this month and flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo in an effort to deter Pyongyang.

The North has described the deployment of Washington's strategic weapons, such as B-52 bombers, in joint drills on the Korean peninsula as 'intentional nuclear war provocative moves'.

Kim vowed to launch three new spy satellites in 2024, build more military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal, which analysts estimate could already include 20 to 60 warheads, if not more.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for 'overwhelming' war readiness as he announced a military buildup for 2024 on Sunday

The despot warned war can 'break out any time' with South Korea and made fresh threats of a nuclear war with Seoul

'Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula,' he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

'The grave situation requires us to accelerate works to acquire overwhelming war response capabilities and thorough and perfect military readiness to suppress any types of provocations by the enemies at a stroke,' Kim said.

North Korea already has one spy satellite in orbit, which was launched in November.

In July, the reclusive country revealed two new types of military drones, which strongly resembled the large US Global Hawk and the medium-sized US Reaper, according to the Stimson Center's 38 North.

At this week's meeting, Kim said he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the 'persisting uncontrollable crisis situation' which he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

'I believe that it is a mistake that we should no longer make to consider the people who declare us as the 'main enemy'... as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification,' KCNA cited Kim as saying.

'North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war,' he said, calling the South a colonized state completely dependent on the United States for national defense and security.

He ordered the military to prepare to 'pacify the entire territory of South Korea,' including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack.

Kim's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States.

Experts predict North Korea will maintain a campaign of military pressure for leverage around the U.S. presidential elections in November, which could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who traded in both threats and historic diplomacy with Kim.

'Pyongyang might be waiting out the US presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration,' said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Women's University in Seoul.

President Joe Biden's administration says it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more missile tests banned under United Nations' sanctions.

At this week's meeting, Kim said he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the 'persisting uncontrollable crisis situation' which he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington

Kim vowed to launch three new spy satellites in 2024, build more military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal, which analysts estimate could already include 20 to 60 warheads

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gestures during the December 2023 plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, in Pyongyang on December 28

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his daughter and an official watch what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile launching from an undisclosed location in North Korea

This undated picture released this month by North Korea shows the test launch of a Hwasongpho-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at an undisclosed location

Since last year, Kim's military has test-fired more than 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the mainland US, in violation of UN bans.

The US also increased drills and deployed more military assets, including nuclear-armed submarines and large aircraft carriers, near the Korean peninsula.

Kim said the return of such weapons had completely transformed South Korea into a 'forward military base and nuclear arsenal' of the United States.

'If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept,' Kim said.

Kim said he has no choice but to press forward with his nuclear ambitions and forge deeper relations with other countries that oppose the United States. North Korea has deep ties with both China and Russia.

'North Korea is preparing for further escalation of tension with Washington and Seoul, for at least a year or more, and its hard line policies are likely to be accompanied by efforts for dialogue as well ahead of the U.S. election,' Yang Uk, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies said.

'Kim is building on his success of the spy satellite to do three more because he knows satellite capabilities are powerful targeting tool for better nuclear command and control.'

South Korea holds a parliamentary election in April that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned on Thursday that 'there is a high possibility that North Korea could unexpectedly conduct military provocations or stage a cyberattack in 2024, when fluid political situations are expected with the elections.'

In the past year, North Korea says it successfully launched its first military spy satellite and test fired new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), seen as having the range to deliver a nuclear warhead to anywhere in the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un views a missile launcher before the launch of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile during what North Korea says is a drill this month

This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what the country said is the launch of the Malligyong-1, a military spy satellite, into orbit on Nov. 21, 2023

Kim Jong-un visits the Pyongyang General Control Centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration to inspect photos from his new spy satellite last month

A new reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex appears to be operating for the first time, the U.N. nuclear watchdog and independent experts said this month, which would mean an additional potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

North Korea has not tested a nuclear weapon since 2017 but in recent years has taken steps to resume operations at its testing site.

Kim said 2024 would see further military development, including strengthening the nuclear and missile forces, building unmanned drones, expanding the submarine fleet and developing electronic warfare capabilities.

The fleet of spy satellites would represent the first such capability for the North.

That successful launch in November was preceded by two failed attempts last year when its new Chollima-1 rocket crashed into the sea.

The move raised regional tensions and sparked fresh sanctions from the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea.

Pyongyang has yet to release any imagery from the new satellite, leaving analysts and foreign governments to debate its capabilities.

The apparent success also came after Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to help North Korea build satellites.

South Korean officials said Russian aid likely made a difference in the success of the mission, though experts said it was unclear how much help Moscow could have provided.
A British woman took her own life with a poison she bought from Amazon after using an online chat site to forge a suicide pact with other members, an inquest has heard.

Chloe Macdermott, 43, took her own life using an unnamed 'product' ordered from the United States in 2021 after she joined an online forum that 'encouraged' suicide.

She had made an agreement on the night of her death to carry out the act with fellow members - one of whom was also British.

Chloe, who was married, had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years' and had used the internet to research ways to end her life as she became 'increasingly suicidal', the inquest heard.

Following her death, Paul Rogers, Assistant Coroner of Inner West London, has written to US tech giants Google and Amazon, to raise the alarm over the access to such websites and the ease with which lethal substances can be purchased.

Chloe Macdermott, 43, took her own life using an unnamed 'product' ordered from the United States in 2021

She had made an agreement on the night of her death to carry out the act with fellow members of an online forum that 'encouraged' suicide

Chloe (right), who was married, had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years' and had used the internet to research ways to end her life

In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, Mr Rogers highlighted that the unnamed website used by Mrs Macdermott had no age, or other restrictions, in place to prevent access to children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults.

He also flagged how there was no 'prominent signposting' offering help and there was a lack of 'effective administration' removing the harmful content on the website.

Mr Rogers also questioned how Mrs Macdermott was able to purchase, and later ingest, a product - the nature of which is redacted in his report - on Amazon which caused her to die.

He raised concerns over the 'availability' of such products on the internet and how they could be purchased from the United States for individual use - without 'effective border and/or custom controls'.

The inquest in May heard that Mrs Macdermott had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years prior to her death'.

She had become 'increasingly suicidal' and she used the internet to research ways to end her life.

'On or about 21st May 2021 she formed an association with two other persons with whom she planned to end her life,' Mr Rogers said. 'She had purchased [REDACTED], using Amazon US.

'On 22nd May 2021 whilst her husband was away from home, she contacted the persons she had discussed committing suicide with and an agreement was made to act that night.

The inquest in May heard that Mrs Macdermott (left) had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years prior to her death'

She had become 'increasingly suicidal' and she used the internet to research ways to end her life

'Chloe and one other person in a different part of the UK ingested [REDACTED], around midnight between 22nd and 23rd May 2021.

'Chloe died in the early hours of 23rd May 2021 from the effects of [REDACTED] toxicity on her bed in her home.'

The coroner concluded Mrs Macdermott died by suicide.

As well as writing to the Vice Presidents of Google and Amazon, he has sent his report to Home Secretary James Cleverley, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser and the police.

They have until February to respond to his concerns.

Mr Rogers said: '[Online forums] encourage suicide, assist it by provision of information about suicide methods, counsel suicide by providing information about it and thereby potentially facilitate the commission of a criminal offence in the United Kingdom.'

Of the chatroom - which he did not identify - he said: '[REDACTED], is a forum that permits material to be exchanged and viewed within its open chatrooms whereby suicide is encouraged, assisted, counselled and procured through the provision and exchange of information and methods.

'No age or other restrictions are in place to prevent access to children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults. No prominent signposting is in place to organisations from whom help is available to prevent suicide.

Chloe (pictured) took the unnamed substance at around midnight between May 22 and 23

She died in the early hours of May 23 on her bed in her home while her husband was away

'Posts are made by users containing details of methods of suicide without any effective administration to remove such harmful content.'

Of the substance, Mrs Macdermott used to kill herself, he said he was concerned about its availability 'through the internet and its delivery to individual users in the UK with a non-commercial or agricultural use'.

He also raised concerns over 'the ability for UK users to purchase [REDACTED], through Amazon in the United States and to take delivery in the United Kingdom without effective border and/or custom controls.'

He added: 'Chloe was able to purchase the product used over the internet and have it delivered to her home in the UK. Enquiries showed the product was purchased using Amazon in the United States.'

'In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.'
A man was stabbed at an award-winning Indian restaurant in Dorset on Saturday as police launch a probe into the incident.

Up to nine police cars were spotted outside Westbourne Tandoori in Bournemouth after the stabbing.

The restaurant was closed and a man in his 30s was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police were called to assist the ambulance service in the area of Seamore Road at 12.21pm.

A police officer stands guard over a cordon at the restaurant following the incident

Up to nine police cars were spotted outside Westbourne Tandoori in Bournemouth, Dorset, on Saturday

The restaurant, which was due to open at 5pm, remained closed on Saturday after the incident.

One local, who didn't want to be named, said: 'The police have been going around asking if anyone saw or heard anything and if anyone has CCTV.

'I don't think it was a customer because the restaurant was closed so I think it's staff related.

'I was told someone had been stabbed and they were being looked at. My colleague saw a man being stretchered into an ambulance.

'There have been a couple of police incidents there in the last few years.'

The Westbourne Tandoori was voted Best Indian restaurant in the UK at the Currylife Awards in 2021

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: 'Police received a report at 12.21pm on Saturday, December 13, 2023, that a man had been found with a suspected stab wound at the Westbourne Tandoori on Seamore Road in Bournemouth.

'Officers attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment of the injury which was not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

'Inquiries into the incident remain ongoing.'

The Westbourne Tandoori, owned by Anwar Hussain since 2015, was voted Best Indian restaurant in the UK at the Currylife Awards in 2021 and at the same awards last year, the restaurant won the editor's choice award.

The restaurant is due to hold a New Year's Eve event tonight with a DJ, belly dancer and champagne welcome.

A post on social media said they would be open.

MailOnline contacted the restaurant for comment.
Police are investigating the cause of a house fire in Croydon that left three Polish men dead and two others injured.

Emergency services rushed to the two-storey, end-of-terrace house on Sanderstead Road just after 11pm on Friday, where two men, one of whom is thought to have been in his 40s, were declared dead.

A third man, in his 30s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died on Saturday afternoon.

Two other men took themselves to hospital. One has been discharged, but the other, thought to be in his 30s, is suffering life-threatening injuries.

The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police detectives are now investigating the cause of the horrific blaze, with forensics teams today pictured investigating the property for any evidence.

The Met added that it has made 'significant progress' in confirming the identities of the men, who are all believed to be Polish.

Police are investigating the cause of a house fire in Croydon that left three Polish men dead and two others injured

Forensics teams have today been looking over the two-storey house on Sanderstead Road, where two men, one of whom is thought to have been in his 40s, were declared dead.

The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police detectives are investigating the cause of the horrific blaze, which remains a mystery

Two uniformed police officers and a fire investigation officer attend the scene of the fire on Sanderstead Road on Sunday

The blaze was spotted by concerned neighbours who alerted the authorities after noticing a fire erupting from a boarded-up building.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by LFB and police. The Met's enquiries are led by detectives from the Met's South Area CID.

Emergency services performed CPR and chest compressions in a desperate attempt to save the lives of those caught up in the fire.

Chief Inspector Imran Asghar, of the Metropolitan Police, said: 'This is an extremely sad incident, which has led to the deaths of three men, while a fourth man remains in hospital in a critical condition.

'My colleagues have made significant progress towards confirming the identities of the men and providing support to their families.

'This process is ongoing. At this stage, I understand that the three men who have died were Polish nationals, as are the other two men who attended hospital.

'Inquiries by specialist police and fire investigators are under way to establish the cause of the fire.'

A spokesperson for the Met Police previously said: 'Police were called by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) at 22:48hrs on Friday, 29 December to a house fire in Sanderstead Road, South Croydon.

The blaze was spotted by concerned neighbours on Sanderstead Road who alerted the authorities after noticing a fire erupting from a boarded-up building

A forensic officer, pictured on Sunday, walks past the house on Sanderstead Road where a huge blaze erupted on Friday night

Fire crews are still at the scene, with two fire engines seen parked up inside a police cordon

A lone police car was also seen parked in the middle of the road on Sunday

A yellow and white tent has been erected on Sanderstead Road as police a fire crews probe the cause of the huge blaze

A fire investigations officer walks past the property on Sanderstead Road on Sunday

An aerial view of Sanderstead Road, where a fire broke at a two-storey, end-of-terrace house

Two fire investigation vans were today pictured at the scene of the fire on Sanderstead Road

'Officers attended along with LFB and the London Ambulance Service.

'Two men  no further details - were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Officers are working to inform their next of kin.

'A third man was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

'A fourth and fifth man later self-presented at hospital. One of the men is in a life-threatening condition and the other has since been discharged.

'The cause of the fire is under investigation by LFB and police.'

Anyone with information is requested to call police on 101 quoting reference number 7129/29DEC23
Stunning firework displays have lit up the skies of Europe this evening, as the world welcomes in 2024 with a bang.

Major capital cities on the continent treated viewers to a eye-watering and ear-bursting spectacle as the colourful explosives were set off above iconic sights such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Parthenon in Athens.

The parties welcoming in the new year started earlier across the furthest reaches of the eastern hemisphere marked the dawn of a new era with huge firework displays, including in Auckland in New Zealand and Sydney in Australia where explosives erupted from Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

In Asia the sprawling metropolis of Chongqing in China, along with other cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, saw dramatic shows which wowed hundreds of thousands of people.

Further displays then followed in the likes of Seoul in South Korea  but not in the packed out Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan, where countdown events were cancelled for the fourth year running amid concerns about overcrowding.

As the midnight hour drew nearer in Europe, there was a bombastic display in the United Arab Emirates with fireworks erupting from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the landmark Burj al-Arab luxury hotel in Dubai.

GREECE: Fireworks explode in the skies over Athens as the Parthenon looms large in the foreground

GERMANY: Bright colours illuminate the sky as fireworks erupt over the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

GERMANY: Fireworks explode over the Brandenburg Gate in Germany on New Year's Eve

FRANCE: The Arc de Triomphe is illuminated as a video is projected onto it to celebrate the entry of the Olympic year, with the games being hosted in Paris this summer

FRANCE: The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by exploding fireworks as Paris welcomes 2024 in style

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Fireworks explode from the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Hundreds of fireworks explode in the air in Dubai as the Emirate celebrates New Year

AUSTRALIA: Fireworks erupt from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as the clock strikes midnight

AUSTRALIA: The Sydney display lasted for more than 10 minutes, with hundreds of fireworks planted for the awe-inspiring ceremony

GREECE: Fireworks explode in over the skies of Athens as the iconic Parthenon temple sits in the foreground

NEW ZEALAND: Fireworks are launched from the top of the Sky Tower in Auckland to herald the arrival of 2024  among the first celebrations on Earth marking the new year

NEW ZEALAND: Auckland locals film the fireworks as they are launched from the Sky Tower

NEW ZEALAND: Locals gather around Whairepo Lagoon in Wellington to watch fireworks

NEW ZEALAND: Fireworks are launched in Wellington, watched on by spectators, as 2023 came to an end

AUSTRALIA: Fireworks explode over Sydney landmarks at midnight. Many vantage points for the midnight fireworks were packed out hours before the show began

AUSTRALIA: Fireworks were launched from the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

AUSTRALIA: Crowds gather at the waterfront to get photos of the fireworks in Sydney Harbour

AUSTRALIA: Big crowds formed in Melbourne's St Kilda Road ahead of the clock striking midnight

AUSTRALIA: Beachgoers are seen drinking from their boots on New Year's Day 2024 at Bondi Beach in Sydney

AUSTRALIA: A couple share a New Year's kiss on Bondi Beach on New Year's Day following a night on the town

AUSTRALIA: Beachgoers swarm Bondi beach to watch the sun rise on New Year's Day 2024

SOUTH KOREA: A laser light show illuminates the sky in Seoul as thousands turned out to welcome the new year in the capital

SOUTH KOREA: People take selfies as they hail the start of 2024 in the South Korean capital

In Sydney the Aussie midnight display was set to upbeat jazzy music, backed by screaming crowds of spectators as they watched the light show unfold.

Ahead of then, family friendly displays were set off in Sydney as well as Melbourne for those who did not want to wait up until midnight.

When is New Year around the world? All times are UK GMT. 10am: Pacific Islands, including Samoa and Kiribati Island11am: New Zealand

1pm: Australia

3pm: Japan, South Korea

4pm: Singapore, Hong Kong, China

5pm: Thailand, Vietnam

6.30pm: India

9pm: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia (Moscow), Ukraine

10pm: South Africa

11pm: France, Spain, Italy, Germany

3am January 1: Brazil

5am January 1: New York, USA

8am January 1: Los Angeles, USA Advertisement

Sydney authorities expected 425million people across the world to watch the midnight fireworks finale online, with around 1million people expected to descend on the New South Wales city's waterfront.

Sky News Australia reports that, of the 49 recognised vantage points from which to enjoy the harbour show, many were at capacity 12 hours before the clock was set to strike midnight.

'It's total madness,' said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had queued since 7.30am to secure a prime waterfront location in the Sydney Botanic Garden.

'It's not so easy to find a good place to sit, but the view is incredible.'

In Japan, which marked the new year at 3pm UK time, people were making their way to Shinto temples to pray for their health in the new year, as is tradition.

Temple bells rang out across the nation as people gathered at shrines and temples to welcome in the new year.

At the Tsukiji Temple in Tokyo, visitors were given free hot milk and corn soup as they queued to strike a big bell, and a pipe-organ concert was held before a majestic altar.

Elsewhere across Asia, celebrations such as street parties were well underway in the urban metropolises of Chongqing in China as well as Seoul in South Korea.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis recalled 2023 as a year marked by wartime suffering.

During his traditional Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St Peter's Square, he offered prayers for 'the tormented Ukrainian people and the Palestinian and Israeli populations, the Sudanese people and many others'.

'At the end of the year, we will have the courage to ask ourselves how many human lives have been shattered by armed conflict, how many dead and how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty,' he said.

'Whoever has interest in these conflicts, listen to the voice of conscience.'

Closer to home, preparations are underway for the UK's own celebrations  amid weather warnings and advice to Brits to pack a raincoat if they're heading out to enjoy a firework show.

A weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of England and Wales for New Year's Eve.

In London fireworks that will soar as high as 200m in the air are set to be launched from the London Eye on the stroke of midnight.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said tickets for the event were sold out, adding: 'If you didn't manage to get tickets to attend, the capital is packed with plenty more exciting New Year's Eve events.'

GERMANY: The Brandenburg Gate is illuminated as a New Year's Eve concert takes place in Berlin

TURKEY: Fireworks explode in the air above the Bosphorus in Istanbul as Turkey welcomes in the New Year

KENYA: The sky above Nairobi is illuminated as fireworks erupt

AZERBAIJAN: Fireworks stream into the air in Baku as buildings in the background are lit up in the colours of the country's flag

SRI LANKA: Fireworks explode around the Lotus Tower in the capital of Colombo

IRAQ: Drones spell out the words 'Happy New Year Iraq' in the skies above Baghdad

FRANCE: A performance is held on the Champs Elysees avenue during the New Year's Eve celebrations

FRANCE: A spectacular light display at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris for the New Year celebrations

FRANCE: Crowds gather at the Avenue des Champs-Elysees for the New Year celebrations in Paris

SINGAPORE: Fireworks erupt over the Marina Bay Area during a New Year's Eve show in Singapore

TAIWAN: Fireworks explode from the Taipei 101 building during New Year's celebrations

PHILIPPINES: Fireworks explode over the Rockwell Center in Makati, Metro Manila

THAILAND: Fireworks explode over the Grand Palace in Bangkok as the New Year arrives

THAILAND: Fireworks explode over the city skyline of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River

HONG KONG: Fireworks illuminate the sky during New Year's Eve celebrations in Hong Kong

INDONESIA: People celebrate the start of the New Year at Lagoon Beach in the capital of Jakarta

TURKEY: People walk past a historical tramway under Christmas light decorations during New Year celebration preparations

TURKEY: A police is seen as hordes of tourists and revellers enter the Taksim district in Istanbul

BRITAIN: Laser lights projected onto the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art for New Year celebrations in Gateshead

In Scotland, the 30th Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh will be headlined by rock band Pulp after their surprise reunion last year.

Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day said: 'After the difficult years of the pandemic, I'm overjoyed that our festivals are back to their brilliant best and providing such high calibre cultural offerings for our residents and visitors.'

Elsewhere, security is being beefed up in other global New Year celebration hotspots amid ongoing global tensions, particularly with regards to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.

Security will be heightened across France on Sunday, with 90,000 law enforcement officers set to be deployed, domestic intelligence chief Celine Berthon said on Friday.

Of those, 6,000 will be in Paris, where French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said over 1.5 million people are expected to attend celebrations on the Champs-Elysees.

Speaking at a press conference, Darmanin cited a 'very high terrorist threat' because, in part, of 'what is happening in Israel and Palestine.'

Paris' celebrations will make much of the city's status as the host of the 2024 Olympic Games  but will also feature an attempt at 'the largest Mexican wave ever performed' and 'giant karaoke'.

Across the pond in New York's Times Square, officials and party organisers say they are prepared to welcome crowds of revellers and ensure their safety  amid tensions over frequent protests in the area related to the conflict.

The star-studded bash will include live performances from Flo Rida, Megan Thee Stallion and LL Cool J, as well as televised appearances from the likes of Cardi B.

However, authorities will be on their guard after a machete-wielding man attacked three police officers a few blocks from the centre of the celebrations last year.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: 'We will be out here with our canines, on horseback, our helicopters, our boats. But as we saw last year, after having no specific threats, we get a threat.'

Security was also be heightened across European cities on Sunday. German authorities said they had detained three more people in connection with a reported threat of a New Year's Eve attack by Islamic extremists on the world-famous Cologne Cathedral.

In Berlin, some 4,500 police officers are expected to keep order and avoid riots like a year ago. Police in the German capital issued a ban on the traditional use of fire crackers for several streets across the city.

They also banned a pro-Palestinian protest in the Neukoelln neighbourhood of the city, which has seen several pro-Palestinian riots.

In France, 90,000 law enforcement officers were set to be deployed, domestic intelligence chief Celine Berthon said on Friday.

CHINA: People attend celebrations at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street in the city of Chongqing

CHINA: Thousands gathered in the centre of Chongqing in the south west of China as they count down to New Year

JAPAN: Police shuttle pedestrians through a cordon in Tokyo as they travel through the city centre. There are no countdown events in the capital this year

JAPAN: Ahead of the New Year, people made their way to Meiji Shrine in Tokyo to pray for their health and prosperity in 2024

JAPAN: Revellers carry a 'mikoshi', a portable shrine used to transport Shinto deities, through the streets of Yokosuka, south of Tokyo on January 1

HONG KONG: Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the New Year in the former British territory

THE VATICAN: Pope Francis used his traditional New Year address to call for global peace

INDONESIA: Dancers wearing intricate costumes perform in a new year celebration parade in Bali ahead of midnight (4pm UK time)

INDIA: Locals in Amritsar, Punjab, which will mark New Year at 9.30pm UK time, pose with letters and balloons

LEBANON: A street vendor sells New Year celebration masks and other novelties in Beirut, which will welcome 2024 two hours before the UK

Of those, 6,000 will be in Paris, where French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said more than 1.5 million people are expected to attend celebrations on the Champs-Elysees.

Ms Darmanin cited a 'very high terrorist threat' partly because of the Israel-Hamas war. Police for the first time will be able to use drones as part of security work, she said, and tens of thousands of firefighters and 5,000 soldiers would also be deployed.

New Year's Eve celebrations in the French capital will centre on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, including DJ sets, fireworks and video projections on the Arc de Triomphe.

Not every city will be celebrating the arrival of the new year; in Muslim-majority Pakistan, the government has banned celebrations in what it says is an act of solidarity with Palestinians.

In an overnight televised message, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar urged Pakistanis to 'show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza' by beginning the new year with simplicity.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has warned that 'all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait' will be 'reunified' in his sabre-rattling New Year message.

He said today that China's reunification with Taiwan is inevitable as he addressed the nation less than two weeks before the Chinese-claimed island elects a new leader.

'All Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,' Xi said according to state news agency Xinhua.

The January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are happening at a time of fraught relations between Beijing and Taipei. China has been ramping up military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over democratically governed Taiwan.

China considers Taiwan to be its 'sacred territory' and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control, though Xi made no mention of military threats in his speech carried on state television.

Xi Jinping (pictured) said in his New Year's speech today that China's reunification with Taiwan is inevitable as he addressed the nation less than two weeks before the Chinese-claimed island elects a new leader

The January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are happening at a time of fraught relations between Beijing and Taipei. China has been ramping up military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over democratically governed Taiwan

China has taken particular exception to current Vice President Lai Ching-te (pictured), the presidential candidate for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Party (DPP) and leading in opinion polls by varying margins, saying he is a dangerous separatist

'The reunification of the motherland is a historical inevitability,' Xi said, though the official English translation of his remarks published by the Xinhua news agency used a more simple phrase: 'China will surely be reunified'.

'Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,' he added. The official English translation wrote 'all Chinese' rather than 'compatriots'.

Last year, Xi said only that people on either side of the strait are 'members of one and the same family' and that he hoped people on both sides will work together to 'jointly foster lasting prosperity of the Chinese nation'.

China has taken particular exception to current Vice President Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Party (DPP) and leading in opinion polls by varying margins, saying he is a dangerous separatist.

Responding late on Saturday to Lai's comments at a live televised presidential debate earlier in the day, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai had 'exposed his true face as a stubborn "worker for Taiwan independence" and destroyer of peace across the Taiwan Strait'.

'His words were full of confrontational thinking,' spokesperson Chen Binhua said in a statement.

Since 2016 - when President Tsai Ing-wen took office - the DPP-led government has promoted separatism and is the 'criminal mastermind' in obstructing exchanges across the strait and damaging the interests of Taiwan's people, Chen said.

'As the leading figure of the DPP authorities and current DPP chairman, Lai Ching-te cannot escape his responsibility for this,' he added.

Tsai and Lai have repeatedly offered talks with China, but have been rebuffed.

The DPP says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, as does Lai's main opponent in the election, Hou Yu-ih from Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT).

China considers Taiwan to be its 'sacred territory' and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control, though Xi made no mention of military threats in his speech carried on state television

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon sails alongside the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Montreal during Surface Action Group operations as a part of exercise "Noble Wolverine" in the South China Sea (file image)

Since 2016 - when President Tsai Ing-wen (pictured) took office - the DPP-led government has promoted separatism and is the 'criminal mastermind' in obstructing exchanges across the strait and damaging the interests of Taiwan's people, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office said

The KMT traditionally favours close ties with China but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Hou has also denounced Lai as an independence supporter.

The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists who founded the People's Republic of China. The Republic of China remains Taiwan's formal name.

READ MORE: US intelligence officials determined the Chinese spy balloon used a US internet provider to communicate Advertisement

Lai said on Saturday that the Republic of China and People's Republic of China 'are not subordinate to each other', wording he and Tsai have used previously which has also riled Beijing.

In his New Year's message, Xi also said that the country's economy had grown 'more resilient and dynamic than before' after he endured a challenging 2023 at the helm of the world's second-largest economy.

His administration has struggled to sustain an economic rebound since rapidly dumping its onerous zero-Covid policy a year ago.

But Xi said 2023 had seen the economy 'weather the storm' and become 'more resilient and dynamic than before', in a New Year speech broadcast on state-run channel CCTV.

Record youth unemployment and a persistent debt crisis in the crucial property sector have also hemmed in China's growth.

Official figures released on Sunday showed a nationwide decline in factory activity deepened in December, the third straight month of contraction.

Analysts have said Beijing may struggle to achieve its stated annual growth target of around five percent, the lowest such ambition in years.
The US Navy has destroyed several 'small' Houthi boats that attempted to board a container ship in the Red Sea, officials said.

The incident, confirmed by The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), comes as the US continues its patrol mission to counter threats from the Iranian-backed rebel group.

The crew of Singapore-flagged vessel with capacity to carry 14,000 containers was said to be safe, but the number of militants killed, as of 7:30am, remains unknown.

In a statement, military officials described how they deployed helicopters to sink three of the militant boats, while letting a fourth escape.

The attack was the latest by the rebels in Yemen, who have been targeting vessels to show support for the Palestinian group Hamas amid its war with Israel. Maersk, the shipping giant that owns the vessel, has called off operations to assess the threat.

The US Navy has destroyed several 'small' Houthi boats that attempted to board a container ship in the Red Sea. Pictured: A 20mm Phalanx CIWS weapons defense cannon is mounted on the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely, one of the battleships that responded to the Sunday attack

The attack was the latest by militants in Yemen. An armed Yemeni sits on a boat in front of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by the Houthis offshore of the Al-Salif port on the Red Sea in Hodeidah, Yemen, on December 5

The militants been targeting vessels crossing the crucial shipping lane in support of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

Officials said in a statement issued around 4am ET: 'On December 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship Maersk Hangzhou issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.

'The small boats,' the bulletin continued, 'fired crew-served and small-arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel.'

The Houthi-controlled boats then attempted 'to board the vessel', officials said, leading a contracted security team that had been aboard the vessel to return fire.

A crew-served weapon refers to a mounted gun operated by two or more individuals, while small-arms refers to weapons operated by a single soldier.

'US helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and Gravely responded to the distress call,' the statement went on to reveal.

'[I]n the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with [the] crew-served weapons and small arms.

'The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews.

'The fourth boat fled the area,' officials added, days after the US and its allies launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect the crucial shipping strait.

'There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.'

A Yemeni passes a banner depicting the Israeli and US flags on the deck of he Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by the Houthis offshore of the Al-Salif port on the Red Sea in the province of Hodeidah, Yemen, on December 5

US helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and Gravely responded to the early morning distress call Sunday 6:30am Yemen time

Yemenis recently militarily trained by the Houthi movement hold their guns and chant slogans as they take part in an armed popular parade held in Al-Sabeen Square to get ready to go and fight Israel in the Gaza Strip, on December 2

An armed Houthi fighter walks through the beach with the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the background, seized by the Houthis offshore of the Al-Salif port, on December 5. The Houthi, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the incidents, which are only the latest waged by the group

This past Tuesday, the militants launched a barrage of drones and missiles north towards Israel , though the onslaught was blocked by a U.S. Navy destroyer and F/A-18 Super Hornets. Pictured: F/A-18C Hornets assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 fly over the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

A little over a week ago, the USS Laboon shot down four unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, after responding to distress calls after two commercial vessels came under attack

A week before, on December 16, the Navy destroyer Carney (not pictured) took down 14 attack drones in the Red Sea. A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea last month during the attack on the container vessel

Houthi fighters open the door of the cockpit on the Galaxy Leader ship's deck in the Red Sea in November

The incidents have fueled concerns about the danger of the Israeli offensive sparking a wider conflict and a simultaneous rise in gas prices, as it is also one of the most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in the Middle East

As the early morning statement indicated, the failed strike was the second alleged Houthi attack on the Maersk Hangzhou in less than 24 hours.

It occurred in the early morning in the East just as the sun started to rise, but as most in the were heading to bed. Officials have yet to state the number of casualties on the other side.

In the wake of the attacks, Maersk, the global shipping giant that owns the vessel, announced it was suspending its operations in the Red Sea for 48 hours to assess the threat to commercial vessels in the region.

The Houthi, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the incidents, which are only the latest waged by the rebel group in recent months.

This past Tuesday, the militants launched a barrage of drones and missiles north towards Israel, though the onslaught was blocked by a U.S. Navy destroyer and F/A-18 Super Hornets.

U.S. Central Command said that the attack, in that instance, also began at 6:30am and lasted for 10 hours.

A little over a week ago, the USS Laboon shot down four unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, after responding to distress calls after two commercial vessels came under attack, Navy Times reported.

A week before, on December 16, the Navy destroyer Carney took down 14 attack drones in the Red Sea.

Protesters at Sana'a in Yemen take part in a demonstration on December 15 in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza, amid the conflict. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have launched attacks on ships in the Red Sea and have used drones and missiles to target Israel

Houthi troopers stand guard during a demonstration at Sana'a in Yemen on December 15. The Sunday attack shows the group's continued resolve to support Hamas, which Israel recently pledged to continue to try to eradicate.

This handout screen grab captured from a video shows Yemen's Houthi fighters' takeover of the Galaxy Leader Cargo in the Red Sea coast off Hudaydah, on November 20 - one of more than 100 Houthi attacks on commercial ships as it continues to support Hamas

The rise in attacks in recent weeks has led many shipping firms, including Maersk, to divert their vessels away from the Red Sea, instead taking the route around the horn of Africa - an undertaking that tacks on an extra 3,500 nautical miles.

To reach the Suez Canal in Egypt and reach the Mediterranean Sea, ships must pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which sits just a few miles off the coast of Houthi-controlled Yemen.

The tiny strait has thus served as the site of the series of attacks, including the one early Sunday.

The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks have ramped up since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

In response, the US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian - an international coalition to safeguard the region, with many other countries, including Spain and the UK, taking part.

A reported 1,200 commercial ships have passed through the sea since the operation was launched on December, with none hit by drone or missile strikes until the first phase of the Sunday strike, when militants attacked the Hangzhou with several missiles.

US Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper on Friday had already warned that even with the taskforce, the Houthis do not seem set on ending their 'reckless' attacks, after targeting more than 100 ships in the Red Sea since November.

The Sunday attack shows the group's continued resolve to support Hamas, which Israel recently pledged to continue to try to eradicate.

The incidents have fueled concerns about the danger of the Israeli offensive sparking a wider conflict and a simultaneous rise in gas prices, as it is also one of the most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in the Middle East.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Navy for comment.
Venice has further cracked down on mass tourism, announcing new limits on Saturday on the size of tourist groups.

Starting in June, groups will be limited to 25 people, or roughly half the capacity of a tourist bus, and the use of loudspeakers, 'which can generate confusion and disturbances', will be banned, the city said in a statement.

The city official charged with security, Elisabetta Pesce, said the policies were aimed at improving the movement of groups through Venice's historic centre as well as the heavily visited islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

The city previously announced plans to test a new day-tripper fee this year.

The five euro (4.34) per person fee will be applied on 29 peak days between April and mid-July, including most weekends.

Starting in June, groups will be limited to 25 people, or roughly half the capacity of a tourist bus, and the use of loudspeakers, 'which can generate confusion and disturbances'

The city official charged with security, Elisabetta Pesce, said the policies were aimed at improving the movement of groups through Venice's historic centre

The city previously announced plans to test a new day-tripper fee this year

It is intended to regulate crowds, encourage longer visits and improve the quality of life for Venice residents.

The UN cultural agency cited tourism's impact on the fragile lagoon city as a major factor in it twice considering placing Venice on UNESCO's list of heritage sites in danger.

The city escaped the first time by limiting the arrival of large cruise ships through the Giudecca Canal and again in September when it announced the roll-out of the day-tripper charge, which had been delayed when tourism declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But with tourism levels back to pre-pandemic levels, chaos in the Floating City appears to be at an all-time high.

Perhaps one of the most dangerous instances of tourists disrespecting Italy's treasured sites saw two Australians whizzing along Venice's Grand Canal on 20,000 electric hydrofoils.

The two men were filmed making waves through the main thoroughfare of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in August last year, infuriating both tourists and locals alike.

One of the hooligans on the hydrofoils - a kind of foil board often fitted with electric-powered propellers - was seen on his phone as he chopped through the canal waters.

A pair of 'overbearing imbeciles' have sparked fury in Venice by speeding down the city's famous Grand Canal on 20,000 electric hydrofoils

The duo zoomed past the city's famous monuments lining the canal as shocked locals watched on

Even Venice's mayor took aim at the pair of Australians, calling for them to be punished and offering a free dinner to anyone who could help identify them.

READ MORE: Venice will start charging tourists a 5 entry fee at peak times of the year in a bid to reduce overcrowding Advertisement

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said: 'Here are two overbearing imbeciles who make a mockery of the City.

'I ask everyone to help us identify them to punish them even if our weapons are really blunt... the Mayors urgently need more powers in terms of public safety!

'To whoever identifies them, I offer a dinner!'

It didn't take long for the two to be tracked down. The mayor announced their boards had been confiscated and the men were reprimanded for endangering the safety of navigation along the canal.

Local reports claimed they were also fined 3,000 for their antics and were expelled from the city.

Surfing, paddle boarding and canoeing are all banned on the iconic Grand Canal, which instead offers its tourists much calmer gondola rides as well as tourists boats and water taxis.

One tourist also caught the fury of Venice's mayor in March after he belly-flopped 30ft into the city's iconic canals.

The tourist was dubbed a 'cretin' who should be 'kicked up the backside' after the video was filmed and put on social media.

In only his boxer shorts, the man plunged down from the ledge of a palazzo and smacked into the water below.

Locals screamed in Italian begging him not to jump into the canal, but the man ignored their concerns.

The man appeared to be undisturbed by the relatively brutal belly flop, calmly emerging from the water soon after.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, slammed the man's behaviour: 'We should give a certificate of stupidity and a good number of kicks up the backside to this individual.

'We are trying to identify and charge him, along with his friend who took a video of the cretin for social media.

'These people are risking their necks just for a few likes.

'They have no regard for the danger they pose... imagine if a boat had passed beneath.'

Local media reported that the man was lucky not the be seriously injured as the canals had been drained in recent weeks.
This is the moment Rishi Sunak insisted Dominic Cummings would have 'nothing to do' with his government amid claims the PM considered bringing him back to No10.

A clip from the Conservative leadership contest in July 2022 shows Mr Sunak play down rumours that Mr Cummings had any role in his campaign and would have no role in government if he got into power.

The former chancellor told journalists at a press conference for his Ready4Rishi campaign: 'Dominic Cummings has had absolutely nothing with this campaign and he will have nothing to do with any government that I am privileged to lead.'

The clip has resurfaced on social media after Mr Cummings sensationally claimed that the pair met twice to discuss election plans, but decided that the Prime Minister was not 'taking government seriously'.

The maverick former No 10 chief said his price for returning was that Mr Sunak would need to make radical reforms and that when the PM objected, Mr Cummings said he would 'rather the Tories lose', The Sunday Times reports.

A clip from the Conservative leadership contest in July 2022 shows Mr Sunak play down rumours that Mr Cummings had any role in his campaign

Dominic Cummings (pictured) has revealed that he met with Rishi Sunak in secret to discuss a possible return to Downing Street

Mr Cummings was the campaign director of Vote Leave during the EU referendum and is regarded as the architect of Boris Johnson's 2019 election victory.

Mr Johnson appointed Mr Cummings as his chief adviser in July 2019 but he became embroiled in a scandal when it emerged he had driven to Barnard Castle, County Durham, during the height of the pandemic

He left No 10 in November 2020 after falling out with Mr Johnson, whom - like Mr Sunak - he had been critical of since.

The pair were said to have spoken in London last December with the PM's chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith and again over dinner in North Yorkshire in July, in meetings kept secret from some of Mr Sunak's closest allies.

Downing Street confirmed the meetings took place but said no offer was made. A No 10 source said: 'It was a broad discussion about politics and campaigning, no job was offered.'

Mr Cummings told The Sunday Times: 'He wanted a secret deal in which I delivered the election and he promised to take government seriously after the election.

'But I'd rather the Tories lose than continue in office without prioritising what's important and the voters.

'The post-2016 Tories are summed up by the fact that Sunak, like Johnson, would rather lose than take government seriously. Both thought their MPs agreed with them, and both were right.'

Mr Cummings said that he was only willing to help the Tory party 'smash' Labour if Mr Sunak committed to prioritising the 'broken core government institutions' that he claims were abandoned by Mr Johnson.

Mr Cummings said that 'the post-2016 Tories are summed up by the fact that Sunak, like Johnson, would rather lose than take government seriously'. Pictured: Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak in 2021

He wanted the Prime Minister to priorities issues such as the 'scandal of nuclear weapons infrastructure, natural and engineered pandemic, and AI and other technological capabilities' among others.'

Mr Cummings is said to have urged the Prime Minister to abandon his cautious economic approach, settle the NHS strikes and double the threshold at which people pay the 40p rate of income tax from 50,271 to 100,000.

It's also reported that he had told the PM to settle the NHS strikes, launch a national effort to rebuild the health service and leave the European Convention of Human rights.

Mr Sunak reportedly found the idea of bringing Mr Cummings back too risky and called off the plan.

Following the Sunday Times report, Mr Cummings posted on X: 'Don't know why someone at No10 blabbed about this but ... Brief statement on Times story about the PM asking me to smash Labour and win the election, what I asked for in return (e.g sorting out the horror show of our nuclear weapons infrastructure, pandemic defences), & why we couldn't do a deal.'

Labour said the revelation showed Mr Sunak is 'out of ideas' and relying on 'the ghosts of Tories past'.

'Out-of-touch Rishi Sunak is asking the wrong question if he thinks the lockdown rule-breaking architect of Boris Johnson's failed premiership is the answer,' shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth said.

'After promising to restore integrity to Downing Street, he's secretly begging Mr Barnard Castle to run Downing Street again.

'From Cameron to Cummings, the Prime Minister is admitting he's out of ideas and too weak to come up with his own.'

This is not the first time that Mr Sunak and Mr Cummings' differences have been exposed.

Last month, it emerged that Mr Cummings had claimed that Mr Sunak though the government should 'just let people die' rather than see Britain go into another lockdown - something Mr Sunak denied saying.

The diary entry shown to the inquiry recorded how Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson's most senior adviser during the pandemic, had relayed to Mr Vallance what he said he had heard at the meeting.

Mr Vallance quoted Mr Cummings in his diary as saying: 'Rishi thinks just let people die and that's okay. This all feels like a complete lack of leadership.'

Mr Sunak had previously appeared to describe Mr Cummings' time in Downing Street as a 'nightmare' in leaked WhatsApp messages.

In the exchange published by The Telegraph earlier this year, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock wrote: 'Of all the bonkersness about Dom's circus, the one I enjoy most is that he's doing this to secure his place at the heart of the future Sunak administration.'

Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock appeared to blast Dominic Cummings in leaked WhatsApp messages earlier this year

These messages show Mr Hancock's aide, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, lashing out at Mr Cummings, on the same day he described the Department of Health and Social Care as a 'smoking ruin'

Mr Sunak replied: 'Ha! Ironic given I haven't spoken to him since he left!'

'It's just awful & a stark reminder of how hard governing was,' Mr Hancock says back.

Mr Sunak agreed: 'It was such a difficult time for all of us. A nightmare I hope we never ever have to repeat.'

'His insight is no better than his eyesight,' Mr Hancock replied - following Mr Cummings' claim that he broke lockdown rules to test his vision.

The messages also show Mr Hancock's aide, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, lashing out at Mr Cummings, on the same day he described the Department of Health and Social Care as a 'smoking ruin'.

This took place four months prior to Mr Cummings exit from Downing Street at a parliamentary meeting in 2021.

Mr Hancock messaged: 'How would you deal with this Cummings c***?'

His adviser responded: 'I was about to message. What a f***ing piece of s***. You went out and backed him over Barnard castle, and he responds by briefing against you relentlessly, in private and now in public. He's a psychotherapist.'

He quickly corrected himself: 'Psychopath.'

The exchanges were among more than 100,000 messages passed to the Telegraph by the journalist Isabel Oakeshott.

She was originally given the material by Mr Hancock while they were collaborating on his memoir of his time in government during the pandemic.
Cable networks are preparing for the worst amid fears that their live broadcast plans on New Year's Eve may have to change if disorderly pro-Palestine supporters take over Times Square.

Anti-Israel protesters are threatening to derail December 31 celebrations in the Big Apple - where more than one million revelers from across the country and world are expected to be bringing in the new year.

The NYPD is pulling out all the security stops ahead of the potential violence on the streets of New York City. Protests have been occurring in the city since Hamas brutalized Israeli civilians, triggering a conflict in the Middle East on October 7.

Television networks are also gearing up for an unruly night ahead of the ball drop - and they are 'prepared for anything and everything,' according to sources speaking to Deadline.

The 'Shut It Down! For Palestine' protest, organized by anti-Israel groups, is set to start in the afternoon and disrupt the celebrations for New Year's Eve.

ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest will be co-hosted by Rita Ora

CNN will broadcast Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen 's New Year's Eve Special celebrations. Pictured: The duo taking a shot ahead of the midnight celebrations last year

It comes after the protestors, who are calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas , disrupted the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

They are starting at Columbus Circle, which is the site of CNN's headquarters - the network that will broadcast Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's New Year's Eve Special celebrations.

It will be Cooper and Cohen's seventh year hosting the extravaganza.

Alongside CNN, hosts from other big outlets will also be broadcasting live from Times Square, where the protests are threatening to reach.

ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest will be co-hosted by Rita Ora - and performers will include LL Cool J, Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Celebrations in Times Square will kick off at 6pm, when the six-ton crystal ball will be lit and raised up. At 11.59pm, the ball will start its one-minute drop in front of hundreds of thousands of cheering party-goers.

CNN and ABC have been contacted for comment.

At a press conference on Friday, Mayor Eric Adams said that 'there are no specific threats to the city,' but 'as we saw last year, after having no specific threats we get a threat, and we are going to be ready.'

He was referencing when three cops were attacked by a Maine man, 19, with a machete over US support for Israel on December 31, 2022.

Various anti-Israel protest groups have belligerently halted festivities in the Big Apple since October 7. The Macy's Thanksgiving parade was interrupted by raving pro-Palestine supporters, as was the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.

Assistant NYPD Commissioner Kaz Daughtry stated on December 29: 'We're going to have tow trucks strategically parked along the actual New Year's Eve festivities, and we're going to have drones deployed around the outer perimeter so we can monitor the protests, potential protests that are coming in real time.'

Rita Ora and Ryan Seacrest are seen rehearsing for 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' in Times Square on December 30, 2023 in New York City

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host CNN's New Year's special on December 31

The Times Square Alliance has warned demonstrators they won't be successful and will be arrested so to 'stay home and protest someplace else'

Adams added: 'Hundreds of thousands of people will be out here lined up, and no matter how often we see it, you never get used to it, the excitement remains over and over again.'

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.

Homeland Security and the FBI will be in Times Square, alongside state police, cops on horseback, and canine units.

A law enforcement source told Deadline that police presence 'will be significantly greater than usual. A lot can happen, we are prepared.'

And a cable news source said, knowing that air-time on camera is the aim of many protesters: 'We are prepared for anything and everything, especially when it comes to the safety of our team.'

This 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 all of the city's major celebrations and parades since the October attacks.

Protestors, dressed in black and holding shrouded dolls, perform a silent demonstration for children killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza

Street closures on New Years Even will start as early as 4am with later roads closing at 11am

Even tighter security will be in force close to the Times Square area

Assistant Chief John Hart highlighted the department's readiness for groups of varying sizes and points of origin for the protests.

Other pro-Palestine protests in the city over the past couple months have drawn between 1,000 and 5,000 people.

'We're prepared for them in any number,' Hart said. 'We're prepared for different groups from different places, and we will make sure this event stays safe.'

Adams, a Democrat, admitted that it was likely that protesters would attempt to cause disruption in Times Square where more than a million people were expected to gather to celebrate at midnight.

This comes days after police arrested 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.

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.

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.

Thousands of police officers together with a combination of robots, drones and detection dog sare expected to patrol the Times Square area to ensure the safety of the event.
No Labels is working toward getting a ticket of candidates on the 2024 ballot  with outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) leading the field of potential presidential hopefuls.

The bipartisan third-party is seeking to get a 'unity' ticket on the presidential ballot next year, according to former Democratic Connecticut Sen. and No Labels founding Chairman Joe Lieberman.

'We're focused now on getting a third line on the ballot in all 50 states,' Lieberman told John Catsimatidis in a Sunday morning interview on Cats Roundtable. 'We're making good progress. We want to leave open the option to put together a bipartisan unity ticket for America Maybe we'll even have a chance to win.'

'We want to get on the ballot so we can have the option next year of doing something really unprecedented in America  at least since Abraham Lincoln  which is to nominate a bipartisan, put-America-first unity ticket,' he added.

No Labels founding Chairman and former Sen. Joe Lieberman said his 2024 goals are to get a unity ticket on the presidential ballot in November

No Labels has been teasing a bid for the better part of 2023, without revealing who might be on a ticket that includes both a moderate Democrat and moderate Republican.

Several indications and hints from the third-party, however, show that Manchin and Hogan are top contenders for the ticket.

'Joe Manchin certainly deserves to be considered as our candidate if he is interested,' Liberman told Catsimatidis in the Sunday morning radio interview. 'But there are a lot of others. Larry Hogan, the former Republican Governor of Maryland is another.'

'There are some surprise people from outside of politics who also have started to talk to us,' he teased, adding: 'I'm grateful to be involved in the No Labels movement. It gives me an opportunity after I'm out of elective office to try to get our politics and government back on the track where it's not all about parties.'

Manchin, a Democrat, announced earlier this fall that he is not running in 2024 for reelection in West Virginia, which he has represented in the U.S. Senate since 2010. He has not ruled out running for president the same year when asked about future plans.

In 2020, Machin became an important swing vote with the narrow Democrat majority. The single senator was able to help shape legislation by either joining or breaking with his colleagues on the left.

Some speculate the No Labels ticket would see Manchin as the presidential candidate with Hogan as a VP choice.

'Honestly, I've never seen this much anger at the two major parties and this high disappointment that we may be left with a choice of President Trump and Biden once again,' Lieberman lamented.

He noted that '60 to 70 percent of the American people say, 'Please! Give us another choice!'

It seems the most likely No Labels ticket would see Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (left) and/or former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (right) making a bid

So far, it's looking like Trump and Biden are on track for a 2020 rematch in November. But it's true that a large majority of Americans don't want to again see the two men appear on the 2024 ballot.

Some states are seeking to keep Trump off the primary ballot with Colorado's Supreme Court and Maine's Secretary of State ruling that the ex-president cannot run for reelection due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.

Iowa is kicking off the primary contests on January 15 with it's first-in-the-nation caucuses, followed just eight days later by New Hampshire's primary elections on January 23.
A storm warning has sparked New Year's Eve chaos today with some fireworks displays in the south cancelled due to powerful 75mph gales - as 300 miles of Britain looks set to be drenched.

The country is bracing itself for the band of rain to sweep across parts of the country in a sodden start to 2024 with up to an inch-and-a-half expected to fall in the north.

The feared stormy weather is wreaking havoc on New Year's Eve celebrations with Plymouth's Winter Wonderland event and a Devon town's fireworks display cancelled.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place for Britain's entire southern coastline and south Wales.

While the north west has been slapped with a rain warning with heavy downpours expected across Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Blackpool, Blackburn, and West Yorkshire.

BRIGHTON: Huge waves crash against Brighton Marina in East Sussex with the whole of the southern coastline under a yellow weather warning for wind

WILTSHIRE: A car drives through a flooded road in the village of Kellaways

Organisers of Plymouth's Winter Wonderland took the 'very difficult decision' to rip up its plans for New Year's Eve tonight because of the expected stormy winds.

'As much as we are very disappointed and frustrated, your safety comes first, as well as ours, and we can't possibly take the risk,' they said as they confirmed those who had bought tickets will be fully refunded.

Elsewhere, Barnstaple, in Devon, cancelled its annual fireworks because of the 'horrendous' weather, reported Devon Live.

Barnstaple Town Centre Management said it axed the display for safety reasons.

They said: 'Unfortunately due to the weather conditions and the gusting winds we will be unable to do the fireworks this evening due to safety.

'We know this is disappointing, but safety is always the priority and we unfortunately can't control the weather.'

Temperatures are set to plummet on New Year's Day and in January increasing the chance of sleet and snow on higher grounds in the north, with frosty mornings for many.

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: 'There are growing signs of cold weather developing as we head through the first half of January.

'The chance of a significant cold spell is quite high.

'The highest risk of snow will probably be in the North and East. But if low pressure pushes up from the southwest, this would lead to the possibility of snow as weather fronts move northeast.'

Plymouth Winter Wonderland has already been forced to cancel its New Year's Eve event due to expected stormy weather

WALES: A huge wave batters the seaside resort of Porthcawl in Bridgend this morning

LONDON: A woman shelters under her umbrella as heavy rain falls in Greenwich

Revellers are already bracing themselves for a New Year's Eve washout with gale force winds and heavy rain set to batter Britain tonight.

The Met Office has slapped the entire length of Britain's southern coastline with a yellow weather warning for wind, which also covers Cardiff and Swansea in south Wales.

READ MORE: Britain set for New Year's Eve weather chaos as experts forecast 75mph winds amid tornado warning Advertisement

While in the north west of England a deluge of rain is expected between 6am tonight and 6am on New Year's Day, threatening to dampen celebrations and flood homes.

In Scotland some places could see temperatures plummet to below freezing, although most areas across the UK are expected to remain mild.

The treacherous weather could cause chaos for those heading out to ring in 2024 with heavy downpours, thunder, and hail expected to cause power cuts and travel chaos - and people are being urged to pack a rain jacket for the countdown.

It comes after heavy rain last night left some towns and cities under water with temperatures in some areas tumbling as low as minus 9C.

Streets in Leicester were completely waterlogged with cars stationary on the street as drivers contemplated whether to attempt to motor through the waters.

OXFORDSHIRE: Cars battle through the deep waters on the waterlogged roads in Dunsden

LONDON: A man attempts to shelter from heavy rain during wet and windy weather in Greenwich, South East London

WILTSHIRE: A boggy field in the Kellaways after heavy rain fell in the village

WILTSHIRE: Some roads have been left completely waterlogged following the deluge

WILTSHIRE: A field near Lacock is partly flooded as dog walkers brave the weather

WILTSHIRE: The once grassy fields in the Kellaways resemble more of a lake today

LONDON: A car makes a splash in Greenwich, south London, causing water to spray onto the pavement

LEICESTER: Cars were seen stationary in a waterlogged street as drivers contemplated whether to risk driving through the waters

The Met Office has slapped the entire length of Britain's southern coastline with a yellow weather warning for wind

After a windy night across much of southern England and parts of Wales, temperatures are expected to be nearer to normal on New Year's Eve today with the day starting bright in some places.

But, the Met Office warns, there will be plenty of showers around with overnight rain still clearing in eastern areas.

A yellow weather wind warning for southern England and Wales is in place from 10am until just before the bells ring in for 2024.

Flooding of homes is also possible in the north west, including Merseyside and Lancashire, with up to 40mm of rain expected to fall in some places.

Meteorologist Craig Snell said: 'A blustery day especially across the south and the very far north east of the UK, and with the winds coming in from the north-west a cooler feeling day compared to Saturday but still just reaching double figures in the south.

'Then into the evening as we begin to approach midnight for many parts, Northern Ireland, England and Wales we continue to see some further showers, so certainly recommend a rain jacket if you are planning to be about around midnight.

'For Scotland it should turn a little but drier here and with some lighter winds, it will turn quite chilly too, so maybe a thicker jacket here as we approach midnight.

'Then for the rest of the night very little changes really, still the risk of some further showers, showers may well return across parts of Scotland too as we start the New Year's Day morning.'

In London and the south, winds are expected to strengthen with the strongest winds along the coasts.

Scattered, blustery showers are expected to develop throughout the day, possibly thundery along southern coasts, but some brighter spells are possible between showers.

Strong winds are expected in London for New Year's Eve celebrations although it is expected to stay dry and around 8C.

HOVE: Sea foam almost looks like snow as it crashes against the promenade in East Sussex this morning

HOVE: Wind gusts of 40mph have already been measured on New Year's Eve with the treacherous weather set to continue for the rest of today

Showers are possible across much of the country throughout the evening In Scotland, Edinburgh will be cloudy but is expected to remain dry on Sunday evening for Hogmanay celebrations.

Borders and central belt regions will experience primarily dry conditions on Sunday, with brighter morning spells.

Winds are expected to ease, becoming light and variable. Dumfries and Galloway will experience showers.

London and the south can expect drier conditions on New Year's Day, with the Met Office forecasting the day will be largely dry for most, with isolated showers.

The temperatures around southern Scotland will become increasingly unsettled, with showers merging into more extended periods of rain and hill snow at times. Winds, however, will remain mainly light.

Last night cars were seen stranded in York on Saturday after the River Ouse burst its banks overnight, while the King's Arms Pub in the city had floodwater up to its windows.

In Worcestershire kayakers were seen paddling along the flooded track at Worcester Racecourse after the River Severn burst its banks following days of heavy rain.

While in Wolverhampton cars have been seen wading through deep waters with spray pluming on either side of them.

Meanwhile, floods completely crippled the High Speed 1 railway line connecting London to the rest of Europe.

Eurostar cancelled all of its services between the capital and Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels after floodwater poured into tunnels at Ebbsfleet, ruining New Year travel plans for an estimated 30,000 passengers.

The company said in a statement late on Saturday that the flooding in the tunnels has now been brought back under control but speed restrictions will be in place for trains running this morning.

Eurostar warned there could still be delays and packed stations, while Southeastern and Thameslink are also expecting serious disruption due to flooding and staff shortages.
New bodycam footage taken by Israeli troops has revealed what day-to-day life is like fighting on the streets of Gaza.

The footage, taken in Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip's second city, by members of the Maglan Unit, shows IDF soldiers brazenly running through streets, firing at buildings.

Maglan Unit soldiers can be seen running through smoke filled streets and firing their rifles and RPG launchers.

They can then be seen slowly clearing the interior of a house, climbing up a set of stairs with their weapons drawn.

One soldiers fires through a doorway, though it is not clear whether there was anyone on the other side of the doorway.

Another soldier can be seen going through a resident's belongings, finding what appears to be several rounds of ammunition.

The footage, taken in Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip's second city, by members of the Maglan Unit, shows IDF soldiers brazenly running through streets, firing at buildings

Maglan Unit soldiers can be seen running through smoke filled streets and firing their rifles and RPG launchers

They can then be seen slowly clearing the interior of a house, climbing up a set of stairs with their weapons drawn

The soldiers also find a stash of what appears to be camouflaged uniforms on the underside of a large piece of furniture.

It comes as Israeli troopsdismantled a Hamas base inside a Gaza kindergarten and pummeled terror tunnels in overnight fighting as Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed the war will last 'many months'.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that their soldiers had killed 14 Hamas fighters since yesterday.

The IDF said they also destroyed Hamas infrastructure hidden inside a kindergarten, including the location and neutralisation of an explosive device.

In southern Gaza IDF soldiers reportedly discovered and pummeled several Hamas tunnels.

This comes after Israeli PM Netanyahu said that the war against Hamas will last for 'many months' - until the terrorist group has been eliminated.

The IDF said they also destroyed Hamas infrastructure hidden inside a kindergarten (pictured), including the location and neutralisation of an explosive device

This comes after Israeli PM Netanyahu (pictured) said that the war against Hamas will last for 'many months' - until the terrorist group has been eliminated

'We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel,' he told a news conference yesterday.

Today he added that Israel displayed unparalleled 'morality' in the Gaza war and rejected South Africa's charge that it was committing 'genocidal' acts in the Palestinian territory.

'We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer,' Netanyahu said in a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv.

As the new year approaches, there is no end in sight to the fighting triggered by Hamas' bloodiest attack on Israel on October 7.

There has been no respite from Israel's air raids, artillery fire or ground fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to the despair of Palestinians surviving the onslaught.

'We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the new year at home with our families,' said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

'We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace', said the 33-year-old from Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict in the south of Gaza.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 21,672 people, mostly women and children - by far the heaviest death toll of any Israeli operation.

Today the ministry reported numerous deaths in overnight strikes on central Gaza's Zawayda and the nearby Al-Mughazi refugee camp.

In southern Gaza IDF soldiers reportedly discovered and pummeled several Hamas tunnels

Israeli troops on tanks rolling back from the Gaza Strip, on December 31, 2023, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas

Surveillance images from the IDF show recent missile targets amid the ongoing fighting

The fighting began with Hamas's October 7 attacks, which left about 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.

Militants also took about 250 people hostage, and Israel says 129 of them remain in captivity after more than 100 were released in a prisoner swap and week-long truce in late November.

The Israeli army says 172 soldiers have been killed in combat inside Gaza, Netanyahu said Israeli forces had killed about 8,000 'terrorists' so far.

An Israeli siege imposed after October 7, following years of crippling blockade, has led to dire shortages of food, safe water, fuel and medicine in Gaza, with aid convoys able to offer only sporadic relief.

The UN says more than 85 percent of Gaza's 2.4 million people have fled their homes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the growing threat of infectious diseases and the UN says Gaza is 'just weeks away' from famine.

As the war has raged, UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned the 'epic human suffering' and 'collective punishment' of Palestinian civilians.

He and other world leaders have repeatedly called for a ceasefire while Israel has vowed to push on until Hamas is defeated, a position backed by its powerful ally the United States.

As Netanyahu spoke in the press conference on Saturday, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home.

'I hope there's going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. I'm trying to hold on to every shred of hope,' said Nir Shafran, 45.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on October 7.

'I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasn't with him. So I went with him and I came back without him and it's like time has stopped ever since,' he said.

In Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages.

Smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during the Israeli bombardment, on December 30, 2023

Israel steps up assault with attack on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon (pictured: a strike on a Hezbollah position)

A view of the damaged buildings and cars as residents search for their belongings among the rubble after Israeli attack on Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza

'The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity,' doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the WHO. The beds are full... and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies.'

The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said.

In Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike.

'We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family. Two adjacent houses were targeted,' said the area's civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi.

International mediators - who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza - continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were 'in the process' of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

Palestinians inspect the damage following Israeli strikes on the Zawayda area of the central Gaza Strip

Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea last month

A response will come 'within days', the group's chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu, asked about the process on Saturday, said Hamas had been 'giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept'.

'We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation,' he said without elaborating.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been 'giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept'. 'We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation.'

Amid the Gaza war, violence has also flared in the occupied West Bank, and between Israel and some of its regional enemies, an alliance of Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Israeli forces in northern Israel have traded heavy cross-border fire with the Shiite Muslim armed group Hezbollah along the UN-patrolled frontier.

Netanyahu warned that 'if Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran'.

Iran, long Israel's most bitter enemy, has welcomed the Hamas attacks but insisted it played no role in planning the October 7 assault.

Tehran last week blamed Israel for killing Razi Moussavi, a top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a missile strike in Syria and vowed his death would be avenged.

Another Iran ally, Yemen's Huthi rebels, has launched drone and missile attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, saying the strikes are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Washington has assembled a multinational naval task force to deter such attacks.

The US military said on Sunday that American Navy helicopters sank three Huthi vessels and killed their crews after they had attacked a Denmark-owned container ship.
Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis has announced his intent to pardon Donald Trump should he be convicted on any of the dozens of charges he faces.

The Florida Governor made the declaration Friday when confronted by a reporter in Jasper County. DeSantis told NBC News he had 'already [promised a Trump pardon] long ago.'

He then compared the situation to the one seen nearly a half-century ago between Richard Nixon and replacement Gerald Ford - who pardoned his predecessor in 1974 for crimes he may have committed to serve the countrys best interests.

'I think we got to move on as a country and, you know, like Ford did to Nixon, because the divisions are just not in the countrys interest,' the GOP candidate said fresh off the last stage of his 99-county tour of the The Hawkeye State.

Asked again on whether he would specifically pardon Trump, DeSantis reportedly said, 'Yeah, I said that months ago,' seemingly alleviating any lingering doubt.

Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis announced his intent to pardon Donald Trump should he be convicted on any of the dozens of charges he faces following a rally in Iowa Friday (pictured)

The declaration, offered to reporters Friday, came after the Florida governor's appearance in Iowa Friday, and clarifies DeSantis's previously shoddy stance on the subject

Unconvinced, reporters reportedly asked the Republican again to confirm whether he actually meant that he would pardon a convicted Trump.

To that, a DeSantis campaign spokesperson reportedly interjected, 'Correct,' in response.

The 45-year-old already voiced an openness to such a pardon earlier this year, vowing to be 'aggressive at issuing pardons' for 'victims of weaponization or political targeting' shortly after launching his campaign in May.

Issued at a venue just east of Des Moines, the declarations put to bed the previous lack of clarity from DeSantis on the likelihood of Trump pardon.

The fact it was offered more than seven months into his campaign is also important, given his now-strained relationship with the Republican frontrunner, and the difficulty he and other candidates face in trying to secure some of his support.

California's Gavin Newsom recently accused DeSantis of 'trying to out-Trump Trump' at the pair's debate late last month, before offering a now widely heard zinger: 'How's that going for you, Ron?'

The comment came in reference to DeSantis's waning campaign, which has paled in comparison to Trump's despite a litany of public appearances.

The 45-year-old already voiced an openness to such a pardon earlier this year, vowing to be 'aggressive at issuing pardons' for 'victims of weaponization or political targeting' shortly after launching his campaign in May

The fact it was offered more than seven months into his campaign is also important, given his now-strained relationship with the Republican frontrunner, and the difficulty he and other candidates face in trying to secure some of his support

Upon airing his intent, DeSantis then compared the situation to the one seen nearly a half-century ago between Richard Nixon and replacement Gerald Ford - who pardoned his predecessor in 1974 for crimes he may have committed to serve the countrys best interests

As he and others like Nikki Haley look to distinguish themselves from Trump in the contest, his comments Friday marked the first time he committed to rescuing the ex-head-of state from the charges he faces

In total, Trump faces 91 criminal charges in multiple states, and a few federally - though neither DeSantis nor Haley have elected to use any of the flack that comes with those cases against him

As he and others like Nikki Haley look to distinguish themselves from Trump in the contest, his comments Friday marked the first time he committed to rescuing the ex-head-of state from the charges he faces.

In total, he faces 91 criminal charges in multiple states, and a few federally - though neither DeSantis nor Haley have elected to use any of the flack that comes with those cases against him.

Instead, both have framed Trump as a victim of a political attack by progressives and the current administration - leading Haley on Thursday to offer an almost identical statement to reporters after a campaign event in New Hampshire.

'I would pardon Trump if he is found guilty,' she said, responding to a question from the audience.

'A leader needs to think about what's in the best interests of the country,' the ex-United Nations Ambassador continued, before bashing Joe Biden.

'What's in the best interests of the country is not to have an 80-year-old man sitting in jail that continues to divide our country.

'Whats in the best interest of the country would be to pardon him so that we can move on as a country and no longer talk about him.'

Instead, both have framed Trump as a victim of a political attack by progressives and the current administration - leading Haley on Thursday to offer an almost identical statement to reporters after a campaign event in New Hampshire

'I would pardon Trump if he is found guilty,' she said, responding to a question from the audience. 'A leader needs to think about what's in the best interests of the country,' the ex-United Nations Ambassador continued, before bashing Joe Biden

. 'What's in the best interests of the country is not to have an 80-year-old man sitting in jail that continues to divide our country. 'Whats in the best interest of the country would be to pardon him so that we can move on as a country and no longer talk about him.'

The remarks, aside from foreshadowing DeSantis', hark back to reasoning offered by Ford to exonerate Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while in office during and after the infamous Watergate scandal.

In a Sunday afternoon speech from the Oval Office, Ford described to countless Americans how the pardon served the countrys best interests.

'I have come to a decision which I felt I should tell you and all of my fellow American citizens, as soon as I was certain in my own mind and in my own conscience that it is the right thing to do,' the then-61-year-old said at the time.

'I have promised to uphold the Constitution, to do what is right as God gives me to see the right, and to do the very best that I can for America.

'As we are a nation under God, so I am sworn to uphold our laws with the help of God.

'And I have sought such guidance and searched my own conscience with special diligence to determine the right thing for me to do with respect to my predecessor in this place, Richard Nixon, and his loyal wife and family.

The remarks, aside from foreshadowing DeSantis', hark back to reasoning offered by Ford to exonerate Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while in office during and after the Watergate scandal. The hotel, bugged by Nixon during the 1974 DNC, is seen here in '69

In a Sunday afternoon speech from the Oval Office, Ford described to countless Americans how the pardon served the countrys best interests

Despite a growing rift between him and Trump, DeSantis said he would offer a similar gesture of good will - with Ford gave it to Nixon amid an almost certain impeachment

Calling the first family's situation a tragedy, Ford asserted 'someone must write the end to it', before billing himself as that person.

'I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must.'

The gesture of good will came a month after Nixon, faced with what seemed almost certain impeachment for secretly recording members of his opposing party, Nixon revealed he would resign to begin 'that process of healing which is so desperately needed in America.'

'I regret deeply any injuries that may have been done in the course of the events that led to this decision,' the Republican said at the time.

'I would say only that if some of my Judgments were wrong, and some were wrong, they were made in what I believed at the time to be the best interest of the Nation.'

Just a year before, due to an unrelated scandal in Maryland, Ford assumed the role of Nixon's vice president after Spiro T. Agnew resigned in 1973.

To this day, the only presidents ever to have been impeached were Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Trump, with the first two being acquitted in subsequent Senate trials.

DailyMail.com has reached out to DeSantis' office for comment.
An investigation is underway after a woman suffered a serious head injury following an incident in a quiet area of Dorset.

The incident took place outside an address in Priors Close, Christchurch.

It is a quiet, respectable cul-de-sac where properties sell for 500,000.

Dorset Police received a report at 1.58pm on Friday, December 29, that a woman was receiving treatment for an injury in hospital.

The police cordon pictured at the property. The incident took place outside an address in Priors Close, Christchurch

A man, who is known to the woman, was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and released on police bail

Fortunately, her condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

A man, who is known to the woman, was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and released on police bail.

Dorset Police have put a cordon up in the area while officers carry out enquiries.

A spokesman for the force said: 'There will be an increased police presence in the vicinity as the investigation into this incident continues.'
A highly contagious infection that is spread through tiny particles of fecal matter has broken out in Portland - with officials warning that the homeless population are most at risk of catching the illness.

Shigella is a bacteria that spreads through human feces. People transmit the infection after getting the microbes on their hands and then touching their mouths.

People can also spread the intestinal infection through sexual intercourse.

Multnomah County in Oregon has warned that homeless people and same-sex male partners are most at risk because of their lack of access to hygienic facilities.

In the last month, 45 cases have been found in Portland, bringing the total from 2023 to 218. The influx of infections were reported among unhoused people in downtown Portland's Old Town neighborhood.

Bobby Artale (pictured) caught shigella, and told KATU: 'It lasted two weeks. It was uncontrollable diarrhea. Oh, it was horrible. It lasted two weeks'

Multnomah County in Oregon has warned that homeless people and same-sex male partners are most at risk of the infection because of their lack of access to hygienic facilities

Teresa Everson, the county's deputy health officer, said: 'Current disease patterns in Multnomah County suggest that fecal-oral spread through sexual contact may account for between half or two-thirds of all cases without international travel.

'These cases can occur because bathrooms, handwashing sinks and soap can be hard to access when you aren't housed.

'And unhoused community members are at higher risk of infectious diseases in general, as they experience poorer health than the broader public.

'We would like people to not feel anxious in general unless they are in one of the specific populations.

'We have not seen cases of folks in the general public who have acquired infection that we can't explain.

'Most of the cases that we are seeing are associated with sexual activity, and some with travel. So we do not have any cases that would point us to a risk to the general public.'

Union gospel mission have said that three people are showing symptoms consistent with shigella. They had been staying at a shelter hosted by a local church.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. They can last anywhere from three to 10 days - and people have to isolate when they think they have it.

Bobby Artale caught shigella, and told KATU: 'It lasted two weeks. It was uncontrollable diarrhea. Oh, it was horrible. It lasted two weeks.

Union gospel mission have said that three people are showing symptoms consistent with shigella. They had been staying at a shelter hosted by a local church

'Shigella spreads like wildfire. I had to be isolated and had to eat my food alone.'

Jessie Burke, who owns the Society Hotel in Old Town, said that she is keeping her business clean and spotless during the outbreak.

She told KGW8: 'We just want to assure everyone that everything is fine. There is no reason to avoid this area. And these things affect all of the micro economy stuff, so be thoughtful when delivering those messages.'

Sara McCall, communicable disease program manager with the county, said that getting people into motels so they can isolate is an effective way to battle the spread.

She said: 'It gets them off the streets at the time when they are potentially most infectious, so they arent visiting shelters or potentially spreading it to other people. It also gives them ready access to hygiene and toileting so they can take care of themselves.'

Despite the outbreak in Old Town, officials have said that there is no clear geographic pattern to cases at this time.

Annually across the world, it's estimated that 80 to 165 million people get shigella leading to bacterial diarrhea. An average of 40,000 people die from shigella each year, according to research.

Shigella is also one of the leading pathogens to cause the intestine infection in African and South Asian children.

Because of its high contagion, outbreaks are more common in child care centers, community wading pools, nursing homes, jails and military barracks, according to Mayo Clinic.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who endorsed Nikki Haley's presidential bid, said Sunday that her potential for winning his state could be foiled if former Gov. Chris Christie remains in the race.

It comes as a poll earlier in December shows Haley only trailing former President Donald Trump by 4 percentage points with only a month until the New Hampshire primary elections on January 23.

Meanwhile, the former United Nations Ambassador is also facing criticism for her recent answer at a town hall in New Hampshire where she did not name 'slavery' as a main reason for the Civil War.

Sununu told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday that he sees the controversy over her statement as a 'nonissue.'

'There's no doubt that, if Christie stays in the race, the risk is that he takes her margin of the win, right?' Sununu told CNN host Dana Bash, suggesting that the former New Jersey governor would 'do the right thing' and consider dropping out to instead hurt Trump's shot of winning the New England early primary state.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said 2024 hopeful Chris Christie will 'do the right thing' and drop out of the race before the primary elections come to the Granite State on January 23

Sununu endorsed Haley earlier this month  it helped boost her already soaring poll numbers in the first-in-the-nation primary election state

.@ChrisSununu tells @DanaBashCNN that theres no doubt that @GovChristie could cost @NikkiHaley a win in New Hampshire. I think he's going to make the right decision eventually and ensure that this is a two-person race. pic.twitter.com/S7ySiaUqiW  State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) December 31, 2023

'I think Chris is going to make a quick calculation,' Sununu predicted. 'He's obviously really upset all the pro-Trump people, right? I think he's a smart guy. He wants to have a voice in this party. He doesn't want to go forward upsetting all the anti-Trump people too because he kind of overstayed his welcome, put his ego first. So I just think he's going to make the right decision in the end.'

Christie, the New Hampshire governor said, might end up endorsing Haley.

He added that Christie doesn't have the momentum to make up enough points in New Hampshire before the primaries next month - but that Haley could.

In the latest poll of New Hampshire voters by the American Research Group, released on December 22, the former governor of South Carolina held 29 percent of likely Republican voters.

Trump secured 33 percent of support  meaning Haley is only behind by 4 points.

'Granite Staters are ready for a new generation of conservative leadership ,' said Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas of the latest figures.

'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.'

Only 6 percent of those surveyed prefer Christie, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in third with 13 percent.

Regrading the recent attacks against Haley for her comments about the Civil War, Sununu seems unbothered.

'It's an absolute nonissue,' he claimed. 'She said, like you said, 'of course it was slavery.' I think she was talking more to the freedoms and liberties that we want for every American and the lessons that come out of that going forward.'

'So, yes, I think she just kind of skipped right over the obvious,' he added. 'And, yes, I guess the press and folks wanted to hear her come back to the obvious on slavery. She cleared it right up and everyone's moving on.'

Christie is far behind the field of 2024 contenders and is the most starkly anti-Trump candidate. Sununu suggested that if Christie doesn't want Trump to win in New Hampshire, he should drop out to let Haley have a shot at the victory

Trump is facing a multi-front battle in the race to 2024  with Colorado and Maine ruling to try and keep him off the presidential ballot in the states

Meanwhile, Trump is facing a multi-front battle with a slew of lawsuits and now efforts by several states to keep him off the presidential ballot altogether.

Colorado's Supreme Court and Maine's Secretary of State rules this month that Trump cannot appear on the ballot because of his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots. Republicans in Colorado already appealed the 4-3 decision up to the Supreme Court.

Sununu said the latest will likely only bolster Trump's polls and make him a political martyr.

'Look, if there was any validity about keeping Trump off a ballot, you would see 48 other states trying to do the same thing,' he told CNN on Sunday. 'Personally, I think this is very politically motivated by the Maine secretary of state. Trump should be on the ballot. Everybody understands that.'

'This would only boost his opportunity to play that victim card down the road as we hit the primaries,' he added. 'It's not helpful at all, and I just don't think it's right. I think, again, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely overturn both of these challenges, and we can all move on with him on the ballot on all 50 states, so Nikki Haley can beat him in all 50 states.'
A car full of fireworks exploded in the Netherlands after the driver smoked a cigarette and threw it out the window only for the wind to blow it back inside.

A 21-year-old man called Gerben, from the Dutch town of Nieuwleusen, bought 75kg of fireworks in Germany on Friday for New Year's Eve.

He was only a few miles away from his house when he smoked a cigarette and attempted to throw it out the window - but the wind blew it right back in, causing a fire inside his black Volvo V70.

'We saw red flashes and heard a bang. It went dark inside the car because of all the smoke. We thought: we have to get out of the car,' Gerben told Dutch outlet Hart van Nederland.

Footage shows black smoke billowing into the sky while colourful flares are shooting out in all directions.

Footage shows colourful flares shooting out of the car full of fireworks

En dan steek je een sigaret aan in een auto bomvol met vuurwerk, tjeesus wat een sukkels!  #zuidwolde #vuurwerk pic.twitter.com/gMuQ4RvCiU  Heppy de Peppy  (@heppydepeppy1) December 30, 2023

The inferno was caused by a cigarette, which landed on the 75kg of fireworks in the car

Meanwhile the car's horn goes off repeatedly as the firework explosions sound across the country road and nearby empty field.

While his friend got out of the inferno unscathed, Gerben sustained burns on his leg and had to get treated in hospital.

READ MORE: Shocking moment fireworks explode at primary school display and shoot into crowd of terrified children and parents Advertisement

Despite attempts by the fire brigade to save the car, it ended up burning out completely.

Shocking pictures show the wreck, which has little resemblance with the car prior to the fire due to the lack of windows and the black paint being burnt off.

'It's a shame that my car and the fireworks are gone,' Gerben said and added that he doesn't expect to receive an insurance payout to replace his car.

He said he has learned his lesson and will no longer smoke with fireworks in his car, admitting it 'wasn't very helpful'.

Gerben said he had about 75kg of fireworks in his car, which were worth several hundred euros.

He told RTL Nieuws that while setting off pyrotechnics is not allowed where he lives, him and his friends 'do it anyway', adding that they bought fireworks in Germany 'most years'.

Despite his lucky escape, the 21-year-old still plans on lighting fireworks for New Year's Eve tonight.

'My friend went back to Germany this morning to get new fireworks,' he said.
Most people fled, while some daredevil surfers took advantage of the 'king tides'

Colossal waves continued to batter the West Coast during the final days of 2023

Monstrous 20-foot waves have continued to pummel parts of the California coast during the final days of the year, damaging luxury beachfront homes and prompting an evacuation warning for some residents.

Officials in Ventura County, which is just west of Los Angeles, warned locals to leave the area until Saturday afternoon, when the high surf was finally set to subside after days of pounding the coastline.

But many owners of premium waterside homes and hotels will be returning to wreckage after ginormous waves known as 'king tides' tore structures apart leaving water-logged ruins in their wake.

Dramatic videos shared on social media show the obliterated interior of what appears to be a Ventura Beach hotel.

Furniture is cast along the muddied floor, and a bed seems to have been ripped from its frame by the force of intruding waves. No room has been spared, with dirty water stains across each of the walls and possessions in disarray.

Other videos shared on X show waves bursting through flood defenses, sending bystanders fleeing for their lives.

While most of the red-zone residents fled, a handful of thrill-seekers took advantage of the freak conditions to surf in the humongous waves.

Surfers gathered on Seal Beach, a small city around 30 miles south of LA, to ride the huge torrents.

Miles Malohn, a 23-year-old from Irvine who has been surfing for about a decade, said it was one of the largest winter swells he has seen in years.

'It was pretty hectic out there for a few waves,' Malohn said. 'You had to be really selective with which ones that you ride so that you don't end up hurt or wiping out really bad.'

Officials warned people to stay away from the Ventura County coast on Saturday, closing streets and erecting sand berms on the beach after eight people were injured in the apocalyptic conditions.

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder called this week's surf an 'extraordinary event,' the likes of which he had not previously seen in his 14 years living in the city.

Fire department spokesperson Andy VanSciver said there were no reports Saturday of damage or injuries but the evacuation warning would remain in place until the waves recede.

Colossal 20-foot waves have continued to pummel parts of the California coast during the final days of the year, destroying luxury beachfront homes

While most of the red-zone residents fled, a handful of thrill-seekers took advantage of the freak conditions to surf in the humongous waves

Surfers gathered on Seal Beach, a small city around 30 miles south of LA, and El Segundo, to ride the huge torrents. (Pictured: a surfer in El Segundo on Friday)

The torrents have washed up a huge amount of debris as they pummelled the West Coast from Thursday throughout the final days of the year

Earlier in the week, authorities rescued eight people who were injured by the surf.

Elsewhere along the California coast, flooding led to closures of some streets and bike paths. A high surf warning in the San Francisco Bay Area was downgraded to an advisory, with the National Weather Service saying wave heights had declined.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles forecast significant flooding in low-lying coastal areas with powerful waves and strong rip current posing an 'exceptional risk' of drowning and damage to structures like piers and jetties.

In coastal areas of Orange and San Diego Counties, a high surf warning remains in place until 2am on Monday.

The treacherous surf and coastal flood threat was attributed to a Pacific storm system that also brought heavy downpours to much of the West Coast on Friday night, while coinciding with the latest arrival of exceptionally high tides known as king tides.
A young woman has died after a fire tore through her home in Oxford this morning.

The 25-year-old, who has not been named, died in hospital following the house blaze in the city's suburb of Headington.

Police were alerted to the address at 6.25am where they found the woman and rushed her to hospital, The Oxford Mail reports.

Despite the efforts of clinicians, she could not be saved.

Neighbours told the newspaper that the victim was 'a very private and shy girl' who was 'lovely'.

A 25-year-old woman was pulled from a house fire in Headington, Oxford, early this morning but sadly died in hospital

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal Oxford house fire this morning

They added: '[It is] pretty shocking to have something like this happen on New Years Eve.'

Another neighbour, Shanice, 27, who lives several doors away, told reporters she was woken by the sound of fire engines.

She said she didn't know the victim personally but added she was 'always smiling and saying hello'.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman told media the blaze was 'unexplained but non-suspicious'.

The tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly fires to break out this festive season.

Police are investigating the cause of a house fire in Croydon that left three Polish men dead and two others injured.

Emergency services rushed to the two-storey, end-of-terrace house on Sanderstead Road just after 11pm on Friday, December 29, where two men, one of whom is thought to have been in his 40s, were declared dead.

A third man, in his 30s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died on Saturday afternoon.

Two other men took themselves to hospital. One has been discharged, but the other, thought to be in his 30s, is suffering life-threatening injuries.

Elsewhere, a chapel was set alight in Hazelwood, near Skipton in North Yorkshire, late on Christmas Eve after worshippers failed to put out their candle at the end of Midnight Mass.

Fire engines rushed to the scene nearly 12 hours after the service - where the caller was unsure when the fire occurred.

When they arrived at 11.46am on Christmas Day, crews extinguished the blaze which had damaged the font, carpet and pews.
Out now for four months, Gold helped open the original Playboy Club when it opened in '59, and is seen with Hugh Hefner in photos of the mag's early days

A fifties-era Playboy Bunny who hired a hitman to kill her Wild West performer husband has been released on parole 26 years after being given a life sentence.

Carole Gold, 84, was freed from the Perryville prison in Arizona on August 31, inmate records show, after being sentenced for the 1992 scheme - which also involved her son, his drug dealer, and a $150,000 life insurance policy.

The complex case began when Chuck Gold, a man known for his Old West persona 'Black Bart', was shot 8 times upon arriving at his Phoenix home in 1992.

An investigation led to the conviction of Gold, her son Kenneth Cottini, and his drug dealer Robert Pryor - who cut a deal and was sentenced to 20 years.

Cottini was released in 2011 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, while Pryor - the person who connected them with the hired gun - was let out in 2004.

The hitman, Dan Goddard, was granted immunity for testifying in court - after revealing he shot Charles at the Golds' behest. Out now for nearly four months, Gold helped open the original Playboy Club in Chicago when it first opened in 1959.

Scroll down for video:

Carole Gold, seen here today and circa 1959, was released from the Perryville prison in Arizona on August 31, inmate records show. A former Playboy Bunny, she had been sentenced to life for first-degree murder for the murder of her second husband

The complex case began in 1992, when Chuck Gold, seen with Carole in the late seventies, was shot 8 times upon arriving at the couple's shared home in Phoenix

She is seen schmoozing in photos around that time with a young Hugh Hefner, before a fall from grace that occurred almost 30 years before she left Chicago and the Playboy life behind.

That's when she met first husband Kenny Cottini, a horse rider with whom she shacked up in Wisconsin, to work at horse stables.

Within a few years, though, Cottini died after a fall off one of his horses, leaving Gold, then in her early 30s, behind with their two children, Kenneth included.

Carole quickly began dating childhood friend Chuck in 1977, after they coincidentally crossed paths at a Playboy resort in Lake Geneva, rekindling their old relationship.

The two went on to tie the knot in 1978, with the pair using Carole's connections to to open up their own stables at the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel.

The pair, living with their respective kids, got on well, but soon decided to relocate to Arizona - reportedly because the Wisconsin winters were so harsh.

By 1982, when Gold was in her early 40s, they took up residence in Arizona - now running the stables at Point Hilton resort at Tapatio Cliffs.

At that point, Chuck, also in his early 40s, took on the role of gun-slinging Black Bart, dressing like the real-life cowboy for performances at the stables and charity events.

Brown is seen here with several early Bunnies and a young Hugh Hefner, before a fall from grace that occurred almost 30 years before she left Chicago and the Playboy life behind

Carole soon began dating childhood friend Chuck in 1977, after they coincidentally crossed paths at a Playboy resort in Lake Geneva

The two went on to tie the knot in 1978, with the pair using Carole's connections to to open up their own stables at the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel

That arrangement took a turn in the early 90s, when Chuck threatened to kick out Gold's son, then around 20, after reportedly finding him smoking marijuana in the family's stables. As their relationship waned, the couple's did as well - leading Gold to concoct the scheme

Gold was motivated by a potential $160,000 life insurance payout she would have been awarded if Chuck died. Cops later found she forged the policy in his name

Things, at that point, seemed good - though perhaps only from the outside.

After Gold's conviction, Chuck's daughter, Stephanie told prosecutors that both her dad and stepmom were prone to having affairs, adding that the arrangement was merely 'part of their dynamics.'

That arrangement took a turn in the early 90s, when Chuck threatened to kick out Kenneth, then around 20, after reportedly finding him smoking marijuana in the family's stables.

By then, the now 51-year-old had become addicted to Nubain, a synthetic form of heroin, and had already been getting on his stepdad's last nerve.

As their relationship waned, the couple's did as well - leading Gold to concoct a scheme that saw her son offer Pryor $9,000 to kill Chuck, while she footed the bill.

Taking the money, Pryor, in turn, put the pair in contact with Goddard, who demanded $25,000 to kill the aging performer.

Motivated by a potential $160,000 life insurance payout should Chuck die, Gold agreed, and on the night of October 20, 1992, Goddard carried out the hit.

Gold, then 53, was the first to find his bullet-riddled corpse on the kitchen floor, after arriving home from a dinner with her Kenneth's sister. Her husband, true to his Old West character, had been wearing a gun, but was too slow for the draw.

On the night of October 20, 1992, the hit was carried out, and Chuck was shot eight times upon arrival at the couple's Arizona home

Gold, then 53, was the first to find his bullet-riddled corpse on the kitchen floor, after arriving home from a dinner with her Kenneth's sister. Her husband, true to his Old West character, had been wearing a gun, but was too slow for the draw

She then called 911, feigning surprise just a few hours after her husband of 14 years called to inform her he was on his way home.

She then called 911, feigning surprise just a few hours after her husband of 14 years called to inform her he was on his way home.

Cops later said Gold drove home after receiving that call, continuing the events that would ultimately lead to her conviction.

An investigation eventually ensued, during which cops quickly caught on to the mom's murder-for-hire plot.

Detectives also became aware of the household affairs of both, and found about Chuck's falling out with his stepson, then 22.

By then, Kenneth had moved out, but reportedly had a serious drug problem and owed money to dangerous people all over town.

Authorities soon learned from one of the Chuck's cousins that his stepson, after the murder, had been shopping around for expensive cars, putting cops on his tail and eventually Gold's.

The scheme quickly fell apart when cops contacted Pryor, who folded under the pressure and pointed them to the the hired hitter, Goddard.

Goddard, in turn, claimed to have shot Chuck at Carole and Kenneth's behest, and agreed to testify against them in exchange for immunity in the case.

A televised trial ensued, during which Gold was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy. She is seen here at right during her 1997 sentencing, where she was sentenced to life in prison

Convicted along with Gold wa her son Kenneth Cottini (left), and his drug dealer Robert Pryor - who cut a deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to 20 years. Cottini was also released - more than 12 years ago - after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder

In August, more than three decades after the hired hit on her husband, she was put up for parole for the first time, and was awarded her freedom on August 31, record show

The request was granted, while Pryor secured his own deal for 20 years in prison for his part in the scheme.

A televised trial ensued, and Gold was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

By 1997, she was sentenced to life in prison, while her son pleaded guilty to the less severe second-degree murder charge and was thus handed an 18-year sentence.

That sentence was also ended early, with Chuck's stepson only serving 14 years before being paroled in 2011.

As for Gold, she was also eligible for parole - due to her falling into a small group of killers who committed their crimes before Arizona laws were revamped to rescind all parole opportunities for murders.

That change occurred in 1994, leaving her with parole eligibility.

In August, more than three decades after the hired hit, she was put up for parole for the first time, and was awarded her freedom on August 31, according to the Arizona Department of Correction Rehabilitation & Reentry.

Her release was first reported by The Arizona Republic, and has since been confirmed by state officials.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the state's department of corrections for comment.
Harvard University's student newspaper's editorial board has split over the state of embattled president Claudine Gay - as two dissenting writers said the college deserves a leader 'who can do better.'

The Crimson, founded in 1873, has decided to back Gay despite the swirling antisemitism and plagiarism allegations lodged against her in the last three months.

But two Crimson editorial board writers have blasted their colleagues for not reckoning with Gay's 'failures' and have come out against the board's beliefs.

The opinion piece - titled ' For Harvards Sake, Its Time to Let Gay Go,' came with the disclaimer: 'Occasionally, the Crimson Editorial Board is divided about the opinion we express in a staff editorial.

Harvard President Claudine Gay now faces a Congressional investigation into dozens of allegations of plagiarism that have surfaced since her derided testimony at the Capitol on campus anti-Semitism

'In these cases, dissenting board members have the opportunity to express their opposition to staff opinion.'

The student journalists, Brooks Anderson and Joshua Kaplan, wrote: 'Harvards presidency is no mere empty honor; it is a deeply challenging managerial job with deeply challenging duties, not least of which is navigating national outcry.

'In each of these respects, Gay has failed. The Harvard Corporation must find a leader who can do better.'

They added: 'Because our peers avoid reckoning with the severity of Gays failures, dismissing instances of explicit plagiarism as insufficient to warrant her resignation, we respectfully dissent.

'One doesnt need to look far to see that Harvard isnt running smoothly  these scandals disrupt teaching and research, Harvards core missions.'

Anderson and Kaplan are the Crimson editorial student journalists who have split in opinion and called for Gay's resignation

The writers went on to say that students at Harvard are 'exhausted' of checking the news and seeing the school's failures every day - as well as the constant 'noisemakers and megaphones' disrupting their classes.

This is a reference to the unrelenting pro-Palestine protests that have been occurring on campus since October 7.

Joshua Kaplan is a 2026 graduate, studying computer science, while Anderson reads Government and is finishing his Harvard studies in 2025.

This break in the Crimson board follows news that Harvard now faces a Congressional investigation over its handling of plagiarism allegations made against embattled president Claudine Gay - even as new claims of lifting others' work emerge.

Gay has faced plagiarism allegations and calls for her removal after disastrous congressional testimony where she refused to denounce antisemtism.

She has submitted 'corrections' to some articles, but Harvard has let her remain in her position despite both issues.

Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14, 2023

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced in a letter that it's widening the scope of it' probe into Gay, according to a letter written by Rep. Virginia Foxx.

'The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has begun a review of Harvard University's handling of credible allegations of plagiarism by President Claudine Gay over a period of 24 years,' Foxx writes.

'An allegation of plagiarism by a top school official at any university would be reason for concern, but Harvard is not just any university. It styles itself as one of the top educational institutions in the country,' the letter, which was signed by dozens of members of Congress, continues.

The committee had already opened a probe into antisemitism at the Harvard campus following Gay's Congress testimony that was heavily criticized.

Top Republicans have already called for withholding billions in federal funding to universities supportive of anti-Semitism in order to root out the 'rot' in American higher education.

'If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education,' Foxx added.

Foxx warned Harvard could lose funding if it's found to have not taken the plagiarism allegations seriously.

Backlash erupted after the presidents of Harvard, UPenn and MIT failed to unequivocally condemn the genocide of Jews during a hearing on anti-Semitism on Capitol Hill.

Harvard has received over $3 billion in taxpayer dollars between 2018 and 2022 and also enjoys tax breaks on its massive endowment. Between those same years, Harvard's endowment totaled over $50 billion, of which $2 billion got special tax treatment, according to an OpenTheBooks analysis.

'We must DEFUND the rot in America's higher education,' House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik told DailyMail.com in a statement.
Google and Amazon must act after a British woman made a suicide pact with two people she met online and took her own life with poison purchased on the internet, a coroner has warned.

Chloe Macdermott, 43, died after ingesting an unnamed 'product' ordered from the United States on Amazon in 2021. She had been struggling with her mental health for several years before she began researching ways to end her life on an online forum, an inquest at Inner West London Coroner's Court was told earlier this month.

Two days before her death, she 'formed an association' with two people with whom she planned suicide. A day later, she contacted them while her husband was away and 'an agreement was made to act that night'. She ingested the substance at about midnight and died from its effects the next morning.

Coroner Paul Rogers, recording a conclusion of suicide, has issued a prevention of future deaths report to Google and Amazon and said he believes they have the power to stop a similar tragedy from happening.

The report has also been sent to the Home, Health and Culture secretaries alongside the national lead for suicide prevention at the National Police Chiefs Council.

Chloe Macdermott, 43, took her own life using an unnamed 'product' ordered from the United States in 2021

She had made an agreement on the night of her death to carry out the act with fellow members of an online forum that 'encouraged' suicide

Chloe (right), who was married, had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years' and had used the internet to research ways to end her life

Mr Rogers said it is a 'matter of concern' that the forum Ms Macdermott used and others like it 'encourage suicide, assist it by provision of information about suicide methods, counsel suicide by providing information about it and thereby potentially facilitate the commission of a criminal offence in the United Kingdom'.

In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, Mr Rogers highlighted that the unnamed website used by Mrs Macdermott had no age, or other restrictions, in place to prevent access to children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults.

READ MORE: Married British woman took her own life with a poison she bought from Amazon after using internet chat site to forge a suicide pact with fellow members, inquest hears Advertisement

He also flagged how there was no 'prominent signposting' offering help and there was a lack of 'effective administration' removing the harmful content on the website.

He said: '[REDACTED] is a forum that permits material to be exchanged and viewed within its open chatrooms whereby suicide is encouraged, assisted, counselled and procured through the provision and exchange of information and methods.

'No age or other restrictions are in place to prevent access to children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults. No prominent signposting is in place to organisations from whom help is available to prevent suicide.

'Posts are made by users containing details of methods of suicide without any effective administration to remove such harmful content.'

Mr Rogers also questioned how Mrs Macdermott was able to purchase, and later ingest, a product - the nature of which is redacted in his report - on Amazon which caused her to die.

He raised concerns over the 'availability' of such products on the internet and how they could be purchased from the United States for individual use - without 'effective border and/or custom controls'.

'Chloe was able to purchase the product used over the internet and have it delivered to her home in the UK. Enquiries showed the product was purchased using Amazon in the United States,' Mr Rogers said.

'In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.'

The inquest in May heard that Mrs Macdermott (left) had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years prior to her death'

She had become 'increasingly suicidal' and she used the internet to research ways to end her life

The inquest in May heard that Mrs Macdermott had been 'struggling with her mental health for some years prior to her death'.

She had become 'increasingly suicidal' and she used the internet to research ways to end her life.

'On or about 21st May 2021 she formed an association with two other persons with whom she planned to end her life,' Mr Rogers said. 'She had purchased [REDACTED], using Amazon US.

'On 22nd May 2021 whilst her husband was away from home, she contacted the persons she had discussed committing suicide with and an agreement was made to act that night.

'Chloe and one other person in a different part of the UK ingested [REDACTED], around midnight between 22nd and 23rd May 2021.

'Chloe died in the early hours of 23rd May 2021 from the effects of [REDACTED] toxicity on her bed in her home.'

Chloe (pictured) took the unnamed substnace at around midnight between May 22 and 23

She died in the early hours of May 23 on her bed in her home while her husband was away

The coroner concluded Mrs Macdermott died by suicide.

As well as writing to the Vice Presidents of Google and Amazon, he has sent his report to Home Secretary James Cleverley, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser and the police.

All organisations the coroner has written to must respond within 56 days.

They must outline the action they intend to take to prevent future deaths and a timetable for doing so. If no action is proposed they must explain why.
Australian journalist John Pilger has been praised as a 'great and steadfast journalist' following his death at 84.

Mr Pilger, who spent most of his professional life in Britain working for publications such as the Daily Mirror, died yesterday in London, his heartbroken family announced.

The journalist, who made his name as a foreign correspondent, reported on some of the most important world events of the 20th century, including the Vietnam War and the death of Dr Martin Luther King in the United States.

Among those to pay tribute to the fearless documentary filmmaker was former Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow who described Mr Pilger as a 'steadfast' in journalism.

Mr Snow wrote on X: 'John Pilger was a great and steadfast journalist - I am sad to learn of his death at 84.'

The wife of Julian Assange also paid tribute to Mr Pilger as a 'consistent ally of the dispossessed'.

Australian journalist John Pilger (pictured) has been praised as a 'great and steadfast journalist' following his death at 84

John Pilger after receiving the Richard Dimbleby Award at the Baftas Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in 1991

Mr Pilger addressing an anti-war demonstration marking the 10th anniversary of the Afghanistan war, in Trafalgar Square, London, in 2011

Mr Pilger had pushed for the release of Assange, who has been in the high-security Belmarsh Prison in London since he was removed from the Ecuadorian embassy, and criticised his friend's imprisonment.

Mrs Assange, whom the WikiLeaks founder married while in prison, posted on X: 'Our dear dear John Pilger has left us. He was one of the greats. A consistent ally of the dispossessed, John dedicated his life to telling their stories and awoke the world to the greatest injustices.

'He showed great empathy for the weak and was unflinching with the powerful. John was one of Julian's most vocal champions but they also became the closest of friends. He fought for Julian's freedom until the end.

'We are all Spartacus if we want to be', he wrote in his last published piece. This was John, challenging us until the end. Let's always seek to rise to the challenge. Thank you, dear friend.'

Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, also paid tribute, penning: 'John Pilger was a giant of journalism who in his reporting career witnessed momentous historical events such as the assassination of Robert Kennedy and the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Biafra.

'He was also a pioneer of television as a vehicle for investigative journalism, producing groundbreaking work across the BBC and ITV.

'When I was studying to become a journalist, I pored over John's collections of writing and columns, and he was a guiding star for generations of aspirant reporters.

'A longstanding NUJ member, he was also the most redoubtable supporter of progressive campaigns creating work that was the embodiment of journalism that managed to be simultaneously fair and balanced, whilst unequivocally on the side of the underdog.

Tributes were paid by former Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow and Stella Assange, wife of Wikileaks founder Julian

John Pilger (pictured here in 2001) was renowned for his foreign reporting from across the world

'The NUJ pays tribute to his contribution to journalism and sends our collective condolences to John's family and loved ones.'

Mr Pilger was also renowned for his reportage on the genocide in Cambodia under the brutal hand of its fierce dictator, Pol Pot, on which he reported for the Mirror and later made into a documentary, Year Zero: The Silent Death of Cambodia.

The film recounted the bombing of Cambodia by the United States in the 1970s  a scandal that had been covered up from the public  and the brutality of Pot's regime under his party the Khmer Rouge, in its aftermath.

He also produced a documentary on victims of the thalidomide scandal in Britain, which had seen pregnant mothers who were given the drug give birth to malformed children, who were left out of a court settlement by its producers.

Announcing his death on X, formerly Twitter, his family said he was 'simply the most amazing and loved dad, grandad and partner'.

The statement read: 'It is with great sadness the family of John Pilger announce he died yesterday 30 December 2023 in London aged 84.

'His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world, but to his family he was simply the most amazing and loved Dad, Grandad and partner. Rest In Peace.'

Mr Pilger produced a number of documentaries for ITV later in his career  and was hailed by the broadcaster's boss Kevin Lygo as a 'giant of campaigning journalism'.

Mr Lygo said in remarks reported by ITV News: 'He had a clear, distinctive editorial voice which he used to great effect throughout his distinguished filmmaking career.

Mr Pilger's acclaimed reporting saw him send dispatches from across the world for the Daily Mirror for over 20 years

John Pilger poses outside the premiere of his film Utopia in Sydney, Australia in January 2014

His family announced his death via his official profile on X, formerly Twitter, hailing him as 'the most amazing and loved dad, grandad and partner'

'His documentaries were engaging, challenging and always very watchable.

'He eschewed comfortable consensus and instead offered a radical, alternative approach on current affairs and a platform for dissenting voices over 50 years.

'John's films gave viewers analysis and opinion often not seen elsewhere in the television mainstream. It was a contribution that greatly added to the rich plurality of British television.

'Our thoughts and condolences are with John's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.'

Senior BBC journalist John Simpson wrote on X: 'Very sad to hear of the death of John Pilger. I was fond of him, and I think it was mutual, even though we disagreed on many things over the years.

'But I admired the force of his writing, even when I often didn't support what he wrote, and he was always warm when we met.'

Former Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters, who has also supported Assange, paid tribute to Mr Pilger.

He wrote on X: 'John Pilger. I miss you my friend, what a great man you were. We will carry you in our hearts forever, you will always be there to give us strength. Love R.'

John Pilger promoting book Freedom Next Time at a bookstore in Sydney in 2007. He has been hailed as a 'giant' of campaigning journalism

Mr Pilger - pictured here in 2004 - was born in Bondi, Sydney, Australia, but left the country at a young age to pursue his journalistic career abroad

Lindsey German, of the Stop the War Coalition, who have organised pro-Palestine protests, called Pilger's death a 'very sad loss to the whole movement'.

She added: 'He was a fearless and honest journalist who was a major critic of western imperialism, and whose experience of covering successive wars gave him a real insight into who benefits from the horror of war.

'He was a great friend of the anti-war movement in Britain and lent his powerful voice to a number of campaigns.'

Stop the War has also claimed that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was partially caused by 'Nato expansion' in eastern Europe.

Mr Pilger was born in Bondi, Sydney, in 1939 and took an interest in journalism from a young age, producing his first newspaper at Sydney High School.

He left Australia for Europe in the 1960s, first travelling to Italy before joining the Reuters news agency in London. He then joined the Daily Mirror, becoming chief foreign correspondent, filing on earth-shattering stories from across the globe.

During his career, he made a series of remarks criticising American and British foreign policy and the treatment of Indigenous Australians.

His work in Cambodia following the fall of Pol Pot's regime saw the Mirror dedicate almost an entire issue to his breathless reporting.

Mr Pilger later moved into documentary making, particularly focusing on Australia, with films such as The Secret Country, The Last Dream, Welcome To Australia and Utopia all examining his home country's indigenous people.

Year Zero, his Cambodia documentary, was credited with raising millions of dollars of international aid for the country after the Khmer Rouge regime crumbled.

Elsewhere, Mr Pilger reported for the BBC, Granada Television and ITV in the UK and ABC Television in Australia.

But in later years, he also appeared on state-controlled TV channel Russia Today, where he made highly criticised remarks suggesting the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury was carried out by the UK, rather than Russia.

He also had bylines on The Guardian, The Independent, The New York Times and The Sydney Morning Herald, and wrote a regular column for the New Statesman magazine for more than 20 years.

Among his awards were an Emmy and a BAFTA, as well as a Royal Television Society award for Best Documentary. He is survived by his son Sam and daughter Zoe, both of whom are writers.
Britain is preparing to launch air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea if rebels continue to fire at vessels in the region.

Under the plans, the UK will reportedly join forces with the US and another European country to unleash the strikes against targets based in the ocean or in Yemen, where the attacks are being coordinated from.

It comes as Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned Tehran that that it shares responsibility in preventing the attacks, after the US said its navy sank three Yemeni rebel's boats which were targeting a container.

Four boats from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen fired at the Maersk Hangzhou and got within metres of the vessel as US helicopters fired back, the US military said, adding that several armed boat crews were killed. No one was injured on the ship.

A coordinated strike between the US and UK could see RAF warplanes used or HMS Diamond - a Type 45 air-defence guided missile destroyer which was previously used to attack a drone with a Sea Viper attached, a Whitehall Source told the Times.

A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea last month

Today the foreign secretary warned warned Tehran that that it shares responsibility in preventing the attacks. Pictured: David Cameron pictured on a visit to Beirut in Lebanon on December 28

Lord Cameron said he had spoken to Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on New Year's Eve about the attacks 'which threaten innocent lives and the global economy'

It is expected that a statement between the two countries is expected to be released in the coming hours which will warn the Houthi rebels to stop attacking military vessels or the West.

Speaking ahead of the statement defence secretary Grand Shapps told the paper: 'If the Houthis continue to threaten lives and trade, we will be forced to take the necessary and appropriate action.'

The source said it was the 'last warning' for the rebels to stop, warning that the response would 'limited' but significant'.

Ahead of the reported announcement, Lord Cameron said he had spoken to Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on New Year's Eve about the attacks 'which threaten innocent lives and the global economy'.

'I made clear that Iran shares responsibility for preventing these attacks given their long-standing support to the Houthis,' Lord Cameron said.

Mr Shapps meanwhile condemned what he described as an 'outrageous' bid to disrupt global trade.

'This morning's atrocious attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis were an unacceptable and outrageous act designed to destabilise global trade,' he said in a post on the social media platform.

'The Houthis must end their illegal campaign against merchant shipping and stop all violent attacks immediately.'

The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20

A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea

The Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou reported that it had already been hit by a missile on Saturday night while transiting the Southern Red Sea and requested assistance, Centcom said in a statement.

In another statement, Centcom said the same ship issued an additional distress call about a second attack 'by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats'.

The attackers fired small arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou, getting to within about 65ft (20m) of the vessel, and a contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, Centcom said.

US helicopters responded to the distress call and returned fire after the small boats crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.

The helicopters sank three of the four boats, killing the crews, while the fourth boat fled the area, Centcom said.

No damage to US personnel or equipment was reported.

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports.

They say their attacks aim to end Israel's air and ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip following the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7.

On Saturday, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East said Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their 'reckless' attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

A Royal Navy destroyer earlier this month joined international efforts to deter attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

HMS Diamond joined American and French warships in an US-led task force dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) said conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should excuse himself from ruling on any cases involving former President Donald Trump's ability to remain on the 2024 presidential ballot.

If he decides not to recuse himself, Raskin suggested there should be actions to force the justice to be prevented from joining an opinion.

It comes as several states are challenging or ruling to disqualify Trump from their ballots because of his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

Colorado's Supreme Court ruled this month that under Clause 3 of the 14th Amendment, Trump cannot run for president because he 'engaged in insurrection.' Republicans in the state immediately challenged the case and asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take it on, claiming that Trump can't be removed from the ballot because he has not been charged with insurrection.

Raskin joins other Democrats who say Justice Thomas cannot fairly rule on the case because of his wife Ginni Thomas' comments supporting Trump in the wake of the Capitol attack and pushing the claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged or stolen.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin seems to think there should be actions to take against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas if he does not recuse himself from 14th Amendment cases on disqualifying Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot

.@RepRaskin tells @DanaBashCNN that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should absolutely recuse himself from any future 14th Amendment ballot disqualification case against Donald Trump, but the question is, what do we do if he doesn't recuse himself? pic.twitter.com/1SW5F9v2Sj  State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) December 31, 2023

Now, Rep. Raskin is taking it further by questioning what will happen if Thomas decides not to recuse himself.

'He should  oh, he absolutely should recuse himself,' Raskin told CNN State of the Union host Dana Bash on Sunday, adding: 'The question is, what do we do if he doesn't recuse himself?'

He lamented that while the 'Supreme Court has developed what they're describing as a code of ethics they're deciding for themselves again whether they're in violation of their code of ethics.'

The Maryland Democrat said 'anybody looking at this [case] in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say, if your wife was involved in the 'big lie' and claiming that Donald Trump had actually won the presidential election and had been agitating for that and participating in the events leading up to January 6, that you shouldn't be participating in' a case involving the ex-president.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority  meaning that, even if Thomas did recuse himself, it's likely that the high court would rule on the side of Trump and Republicans to keep him on the ballot.

Three of the nine sitting justices on the court were appointed by Trump; Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

Raskin said there is an 'urgency' for the Supreme Court to act' when it comes to Colorado's case.

Trump will remain on the primary election ballotin Colorado for the time being  unless the U.S. Supreme Court decides not to take the appeal on or rules that states can remove the ex-president from the 2024 ballot under the 14th Amendment insurrection clause.

Democrats argue that comments and actions taken by Justice Thomas' wife Ginni Thomas 'raise serious questions' about her husband's 'ability to be or even to appear impartial in any cases before the Supreme Court involving the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection'

'I think that the urgency is for the Supreme Court to act,' Raskin told CNN. 'But I think it's going to be tough for some of them, if they want to keep Trump on the ballot, if they're falling for the argument that this is undemocratic.'

He also conceded that removing Trump from state ballots could only bolster his support and give into his claims he is a 'political martyr.'

Raskin isn't the only one bothered by Thomas' potential future rulings on the case.

Eight House Democrats wrote a letter to Thomas on December 15 ramping up pressure for him to step back from cases involving the former president's role in the January 6 Capitol riot.

'We strongly implore you to exercise your discretion and recuse yourself from this and any other decisions in the case of United States v. Trump,' wrote Rep. Hank Johnson, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee's Court subcommittee  along with seven other Democrats.

The group argued Ginni Thomas's actions after the election 'raise serious questions' about her husband's 'ability to be or even to appear impartial in any cases before the Supreme Court involving the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection.'
She went on to call out Mark Zuckerberg for caring more about 'peddling lies' than 'letting users speak'

The owner behind the page, Chaya Raichik posted the message she received about the now disabled account to X on Saturday night

Facebook has banned Libs of TikTok from the platform for breaking 'community standards' as the popular right-wing account has warned of 'extreme censorship' ahead of the 2024 election.

The owner behind Libs of TikTok, Chaya Raichik, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday as she posted the message she received about the account being deactivated on Facebook.

'The Page Libs of Tik Tok has been disabled for going against our Community Standards. You cannot visit the Page and you won't be able to add new people to the Page,' the message said along with a link to the platforms community standards for reference.

The page was created in April 2020 and is known for strident posts combating woke activism. The account has amassed over 2.7million followers other social media networks like X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

'It's a shame that Mark Zuckerberg cares more about peddling lies and catering to far left ideologies than letting users speak,' Raichik told The Post Millennial.

Chaya Raichik's Facebook account Libs of TikTok has been disabled after the social platform informed her that her content went against their community guidelines

Raichik, took to X (formally known as Twitter ) on Saturday as she posted the message she received about the account being deactivated

'Every day I'm grateful to Elon for what he's done for free speech. No matter how many platforms censor and ban, we will always have X where we can tell the truth.'

Raichik then went on to re-post her initial tweet and said: "Buckle up for extreme censorship from big tech heading into the elections. They think were stupid. Thanks again @elonmusk for giving us a free speech platform!'

This is also not the first time that the page has been disabled on Facebook after the social network banned it last year after making claims about a hospital.

Employees at Boston Childrens Hospital received these threats after Raichik made a post claiming they were giving hysterectomies to minors.

Facebook's community standards is a guideline of rules that determine what can and cannot be posted on the platform.

Facebook is the parent company of Meta and was co-founded by tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg in 2014.

The platform's community standards have been in play for several years and frequently get updated to pick up on topics of bullying, violence, privacy, hate speech, misinformation and more.

'Meta recognizes how important it is for Facebook to be a place where people feel empowered to communicate, and we take our role seriously in keeping abuse off the service. Thats why we developed standards for what is and isnt allowed on Facebook,' the website said about the guidelines.

Raichik revealed her identity to the world as the person behind the Libs of TikTok page in December 2022, even though her name was exposed months before by Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz.

She then went on to appear on Tucker Carlson's Fox Nation show to put a face to the name of the Twitter account with nearly two million followers.

The page, which was created in April 2020 is known for sharing controversial posts related to anti-LGBTQ and combating progressive activism

'It's a shame that Mark Zuckerberg cares more about peddling lies and catering to far left ideologies than letting users speak,' Raichik told The Post Millennial

Chaya Raichik, the creator behind Libs of TikTok, revealed her face for the first time when she appeared on Tucker Carlson's Fox Nation show in 2022

The former real estate agent from Brooklyn, New York, appeared on the show in order to personally identify herself and explain what made her decide to finally go public.

'I think I'll be a lot more effective when I'm not so anonymous anymore. And I'm excited, I already have a couple speaking engagements planned,' Raichik told Carlson.

'I want to help people fight this [liberal] agenda.'

Chaya said she originally chose to keep her account, which debuted in November 2020 under the username @shaya69830552, private, after she 'realized the hatred that the left has and their violent nature.'

'I was like: "I am going to remain anonymous"  and I have remained anonymous until my account was doxxed [by Lorenz],' she told Carlson.

She has since gone on to get close with well-known republican leaders like former president Donald Trump and Florida's Governor Ron Desantis.

Unlock Facebook, Elon Musk's X has been less restrictive when it comes to posting controversial content, and Raichik has thanked Musk for that opportunity multiple times.

The platform's community standards have been in play for several years and frequently get updated to pick up on topics of bullying, violence, privacy, hate speech, misinformation and more

Now, she wants to help 'educate people' and create legislation to fight against the things she reposts on her account.

'I have never done any in-person events. And I am choosing to do that now because I feel like over the past few months, I have done so much,' she told Carlson. 'I've helped educate people, I know that I've helped create legislation to tackle some of these issues. And I think I have done all I can and I am ready for the next step.'

It is unclear how long the Libs of TikTok account will be disabled on Facebook and if it is permanent or temporary.

DailyMail.com contacted Facebook for comment but did not hear back in time for this report.
Joe Biden has set his sights on grand plans for the New Year - after telling reporters that his biggest resolution is to 'come back next year.'

The president, 81, revealed his singular New Year's resolution for 2024 as he got into a car while on a winter vacation on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The clip, which was shown on Fox & Friends, showed a reporter calling out to Biden: 'Mr. President, what's your New Year's resolution, sir?'

Biden responds: 'To come back next year.'

Joe Biden has set his sights on grand plans for the New Year - after telling reporters that his biggest resolution is to 'come back next year'

The journalist pushes: 'Anything else?' To which the 88-year-old said: 'That's the biggest one right now.'

His comments baffled onlookers - with some taking his comment as meaning being re-elected in 2024, and others understanding it as literally coming back to the Caribbean paradise that is St. Croix.

Fox & Friends presenter Pete Hegseth jibed and said that Biden must mean that he is determined to 'stay alive' in 2024.

Johnny Jones said: 'That's what it feels like, right?' as Rachel Campos-Duffy added: 'That's what Obama told him, to stay alive.'

Reiterating what Biden said, Hegseth joked: 'I'm just coming back next year  which is tomorrow.'

Jones said that Biden ought to consider other resolutions, like 'don't let the dog bite as many people, don't let the kids get in as much trouble, maybe one is, I don't know, secure the border.'

This is alluding to Biden's German Shepard, which has been known for biting Secret Service agents, and Hunter Biden and the predicaments he has entangled himself in over the last few years.

Other people online took Biden's words to mean something else.

One person wrote: 'Joe Biden's New Years resolution is to come back (to St Croix?) next year! Awesome priorities!'

Another person, who still peddled the false narrative that the election was stolen, wrote: 'Bidens New Years Resolution; To come back next year. Notice he did not say to be re-elected this year because he wasnt Elected the last time either and he knows it!!!'

This comes just one day after an exclusive DailyMail.com poll suggested Nikki Haley is the runner best placed to beat President Joe Biden.

Some people said that Biden's resolution should be securing the border, rather than returning on a vacation to the Caribbean

Our survey of 984 likely voters shows she would beat Biden by five points if the election were held tomorrow.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump would win by three points while Ron DeSantis would lose by two points, cementing the sense that his campaign for president is on life support.

Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, has seen her stock rise in recent weeks, fuelled by a string of strong debate performances and key endorsements.

And the results of our poll with J.L. Partners underlines her argument that she is better placed than other candidates to win the 2024 election.

It gives her 40 percent support to Biden's 35 percent in a head-to-head contest.

Trump would take 46 percent against Biden's 43 percent, while DeSantis takes 41 percent against Biden's 43 percent, all with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

And according to another poll, Americans support an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden by a clear 12-point margin and six in 10 believe the president was probably inappropriately involved in his son Hunter's business deals.

When voters were asked to use one word to describe Hunter, 53, the top answer was 'corrupt'. Other popular responses were 'bad', 'criminal', 'crook' and 'guilty'.

The stark results showing most voters think Biden was linked to Hunter's overseas business activities comes as Republicans prepare to launch their formal impeachment inquiry.

Hunter was also spotted having lunch in Los Angeles on Wednesday as he faces a slew of tax-related charges in California, over allegations he failed to pay over $1.4 million to the IRS

The GOP has threatened to hold Hunter in contempt of court for defying a subpoena to testify in their probe behind closed doors.

On Wednesday, they demanded the White House hand over any communications suggesting that Joe was involved in the bid to duck the order.

The White House has insisted Joe was never 'in business' with Hunter or financially benefited from his deals, but their shifting defense has raised suspicion.

And since the start of 2023, Republicans have compiled a growing dossier of evidence they plan to use in the impeachment inquiry.
Sen. Lindsey Graham said there is no more room in the U.S. for the continued migrants flooding over the southern border as he demanded President Joe Biden provide Congress the tools to stop the flow.

The South Carolina Republican senator said that the U.S. needs to focus on deporting those in the country illegally or awaiting to hear their asylum claims before more can be welcomed through legal avenues.

Graham also said that Republicans in Congress would agree to send more aid to Ukraine if the White House reaches a deal on overhauling the immigration system and border policies.

'Title 42 authority needs to be applied here on the concept that America is full,' Graham told CBS Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan on Sunday morning.

'If you have to wait four years for an asylum hearing, let's slow down the asylum system. 1.7 million people are ready to be deported,' Graham added. 'Let's deport them before we let new people in.'

Sen. Lindsey Graham said 'America is full' and called for the Biden administration to better address the ongoing crisis at the southern border

Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC says his message to the Biden administration amid border security negotiations is to "take the tools we're willing to give you to stop the inflow" of migrants on the U.S.-southern border "and we'll get money for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/mn71qwbUnK  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 31, 2023

He said that 'expedited [migrant] removal is on the table' during Senate negotiations on a deal that would include an overhaul  but also foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

A deal was not reached before the Christmas holiday like lawmakers were pushing for.

Meanwhile, migration has not slowed  and even spiked  over the holiday months.

With nearly 242,500 encounters in November, there were points at which thousands of migrants were lining up after crossing the border illegally and hoping to be granted asylum claims.

If Republicans in Congress get their way, pandemic-era Title 42 provisions would essentially be reinstated and allow for immediate deportations while they await asylum proceedings instead of being permitted into the U.S. in the interim.

'To the Biden administration  accept the tools that would change things and we'll get money for Ukraine,' Graham told CBS during his New Year's Eve interview.

Graham, who was an early endorser of Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid, previewed what the ex-president's border policies would look like if he got another term.

'When Trump gets to be president  if he does  if you're here illegally you're going to be deported,' the South Carolina Republican said. 'There's going to be mass deportation under Donald Trump of people here in violation of the law who have received a final order of deportation.'

Migration continues to surge at the southern border over the winter months, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis

As migration surges through the winter months, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law earlier in December legislation that allows law enforcement to arrest, detain and deport migrants at the state-level.

The law immediately faced challenges from the Biden administration, claiming that Abbott cannot circumvent federal immigration law with state-level laws that allow officers to act like border control and enforcement.

Abbott continues to send buses and planes full of illegal immigrants to Democratic U.S. cities  including Chicago and New York City.

Speaking with Brennan in a joint interview with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, the Democratic Chicago leader said Abbott is 'determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos' by sending busloads of migrants to the city 'without any coordination.'

He added: 'Now he's taken on this very dangerous task of placing individuals on airplanes and flying them into our various cities. This is certainly a matter of not just of our national security, but it's the type of chaos that this governor is committed to administering.'
Queen Margrethe of Denmark tonight announced her shock abdication after 52 years on the throne.

The surprise announcement, which was made on live TV during the queen's traditional New Year's Eve speech, comes 15 months after the 83-year-old stripped four of her grandchildren of their royal titles.

In September 2022, the monarch removed prince and princess as well as 'His/Her Highness' titles from Nikolai, 24, Felix, 21, Henrik, 14, and Athena, 11, who are the children of her second son, Prince Joachim.

She said she hoped it would help 'shape their own lives without being limited by the special considerations and duties' that a formal affiliation with the Danish Royal Family involves.

Like her abdication, the stripping of her own grandchildren's titles came as a major shock and sparked a royal row.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark (pictured) tonight announced her shock abdication after 52 years on the throne

The Danish Queen (pictured with her sons Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim and their wives) has said the decision was intended to allow her grandchildren to live normal lives without royal obligations

Denmark's Prince Felix, Princess Marie, Prince Joachim, Princess Athena, Prince Henrik and Prince Nikolai in September

Last year, Prince Joachim publicly spoke out against his mother's decision in the days that followed - claiming that his children born from Joachim's first marriage to Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg - and Henrik and Athena had been 'harmed' in the process.

Out of a title: The four grandchildren who are no longer TRHs Nikolai, 24, of Denmark: The Copenhagen Business School student and model regularly tops lists of the world's most eligible bachelors. He lives in Denmark but has jetted around the world to walk for designers in Paris and London. Nikolai has also appeared on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia. Felix, 21, of Denmark: Following in his brother's footsteps, Prince Felix has also had success as a model and has starred in an advertising campaign for Georg Jensen. He had a short stint at the Royal Danish Military Academy but quit after two months because it 'wasn't for him'. Henrik, 13, and Athena, 11, of Denmark: The youngest of Prince Joachim's four children, Henrik and Athena are the product of his second marriage to Princess Marie. They live with their parents in Paris. Advertisement

Months later, the sixth-in-line to the throne admitted that 'communication was missing' within the Royal Family in the lead-up to the shock announcement.

Joachim told local news outlet B.T.: 'There is a lot to work on. Communication was what was missing. Now we have met and we are on the right track.'

Shortly after his children were stripped of his titles, Joachim claimed that he had only been given five days' notice before the news was made public.

Following the Queen's announcement, Joachim spoke to Danish publication Ekstra Bladet outside the Danish Embassy in Paris, where he lives with his French-born wife Princess Marie and his two youngest children, and said his four children had been 'hurt' by their grandmother's decision.

'I was given five days' notice to tell them. In May, I was presented with a plan which, by and large, was that when the children each turned 25, it would happen. Now I had only five days to tell them. Athena turns 11 in January,' he clarified at the time.

Meanwhile, his ex-wife Alexandra said that her sons, Nikolai and Felix, had been left feeling 'ostracised' from the institution and the decision had come like a 'bolt out of the blue'.

The Royal Household released a further statement, saying: 'As the Queen stated yesterday, the decision has been a long time coming.

'We understand that there are many emotions at stake at the moment, but we hope that the Queen's wish to future-proof the Royal Household will be respected.'

The monarch announced in September that the four children of her youngest son, Prince Joachim, would no longer be able to use the title of prince and princess after January 1. Pictured, Countess Athena, left, and right, Count Henrik

Denmark's Royal Family has updated their website to show the new status belonging to four of Queen Margrethe's grandchildren after they were stripped of their HRH titles. Pictured, Count Nikolai, left, and right, Count Felix

In an interview with local Danish media last February, Queen Margrethe had revealed she thought that it was better for her to take action than then leave the burden to Crown Prince Frederik as the future King.

'It's been important to me that this should never be Frederik's lot to make that kind of decision,' she said at the time.

'It's better that I did. Because then it's the old lady that made the decision. I am not keen to get into it to be honest.

'I could mention some things, but you shouldn't have to tell everything. But it is still a little bit too private to talk about.'

They are now Counts and Countess and referred to as Their Excellencies - and in January the Danish Royal Family updated their website to show the new status.

Speaking in last year's New Year's address, Margrethe admitted: 'That the relationship with Prince Joachim and (his wife) Princess Marie has run into difficulties hurts me.

'Difficulties and disagreements can arise in any family, including mine. The whole country has witnessed this.'

She added that she was 'sure that the family can enter the new year together with confidence, understanding and new courage'.

Queen Margrethe was proclaimed queen on January 15, 1972, a day after her father, King Frederik IX, died following a short illness.

In her broadcast today, Queen Margrethe II stated: 'I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark.'

The Danish Queen (right) will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik (centre) pictured with his Australian-born wife Crown Princess Mary

Margrethe II was the eldest of the three daughters of King Frederik IX of Denmark, and succeeded him to the throne in 1972

Queen Margrethe is the longest-serving monarch in Europe following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

In February, she underwent a successful back surgery.

In a bombshell announcement tonight, she said: 'The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,' she said in her speech.

'I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark.

'I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.'

The Danish Royal Family has been rocked by rumours in recent weeks - after photographs emerged of Crown Prince Frederik enjoying a night out with a Mexican socialite in Madrid in October.

Despite the swirling rumours of the alleged 'affair', Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and his Australian-born wife Crown Princess Mary, 51, appeared loved up as they headed into Aarhus cathedral on Sunday, December 24.
Senator John Fetterman has revealed he was concerned admitting his struggles with mental health would 'end' his political career.

The Pennsylvania Democrat said he believed revealing that he was undergoing treatment for clinical depression 'would be the end of my career.'

Fetterman, 54, checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for depression last February.

'I was desolate for, for the first couple of weeks' after the story came out Fetterman told NBC anchor Kristen Welker.

'I don't know what the what kind of impact that would have on my family or anything.

Senator John Fetterman (left) revealed he was concerned admitting his struggles with mental health would 'end' his political career

'So I really didn't know what would happen at that point' the lawmaker explained.

The first term senator, who was later discharged in March, recalled a 'very dark' episode in December 2022 when he was unable to get out of bed.

'People hear all their lives about "I can't get out of bed," and you really can't understand what that really means. You can't get out of bed until it happens to you. And it did', he explained.

Fetterman's mental health deteriorated after suffering a stroke on his Senate campaign trail in May 2022.

He described his depression as 'kind of like a slow burn, how it kept going along, along, along.'

'And then, after the stroke hit, then I was on the other side, and it was a different kind of a challenge, because I knew that everything and anything is going to be weaponized by the other side,' he said.

After he won the Senate race in 2022, he said, his depression 'accelerated and got worse.'

'And I really scared my kids, and they thought: "You won, Dad. Why aren't we enough? Why are you still so sad? Why are you even more sad?" And it was hard to explain why I was.

Fetterman (pictured) checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for depression last February

Fetterman's mental health deteriorated after suffering a stroke on his Senate campaign trail in May 2022.

'And, of course, a nine-year-old child wouldn't understand that,' he said. 'And it was awful, and that's when it continued to get more and more intense.'

Whilst an in-patient the politician was 'walled-off' with no access to TV or the internet.

Initially he had no contact with his family but eventually his children were able to visit, a moment he described as a 'watershed.'

'I was overwhelmed that they embraced me and they were so happy to see me,' he said.

'It was like a breakthrough', he added.

Fetterman has recently broken publicly with the grassroots activists who pushed him to power since the outbreak of war in Gaza. Now, some of those progressives have labeled him '#GenocideJohn' over his airtight support for Israel.

'What I have found out over the last couple years is that the right, and now the left, are hoping that I die,' the Pennsylvania Democrat told the New York Times.

'There are ones that are rooting for another blood clot.'

Fetterman has recently broken publicly with the grassroots activists who pushed him to power since the outbreak of war in Gaza

Fetterman (right) with Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life synagogue (left) at the Commemoration Ceremony on the fifth anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue attack on October 27 in Pittsburgh

John Fetterman at a March for Israel rally earlier this month

Fetterman said he has soured on progressives and their 'purity tests.'

'It's just a place where I'm not,' he said. 'I don't feel like I've left the label; it's just more that it's left me.'

Ceasefire protesters have swarmed his office on Capitol Hill, and yet their onetime torch bearer has refused to relent and join the calls for Israel to cease its bombing campaign.

A deep intra-party rift has broken out among Democrats as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise and even President Biden has accused Israel of an 'indiscriminate bombing campaign.'

Fetterman, meanwhile, plastered photos of Israeli hostages to the wall outside his office and draped himself in an Israeli flag in photos.

'I do find it confusing where the very left progressives in America don't seem to want to support really the only progressive nation in the region that really embraces the same kind of values I would expect we would want as a society,' Fetterman said.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has posted her first post-prison TikTok after spending eight years behind bars for ordering her mother's death.

The 32-year-old prison vet proudly proclaimed her 'freedom' - and plugged her upcoming Lifetime docuseries and new book.

She goes on thank fans for their 'support' - days after being released from a Missouri prison.

Filming from her front porch, Blanchard neglected to mention pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of her mom Clauddine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard in 2016.

She was thus only handed a ten-year sentence, while her accomplice, a man she met on the internet, was hit with life. That sentence is still being served, while Blanchard has since remarried.

Given her recent unique life experiences, she is now apparently pursuing a career as an influencer, and took to TikTok Sunday to tout that fact.

Scroll down for video.

In the new clip posted Sunday, the 32-year-old prison vet proudly celebrates her 'freedom' - before providing plugs for her upcoming Lifetime docuseries and new book

Filming from her front porch, Blanchard (seen at left as a child) neglected to mention how pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of mom Clauddine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard in 2016

'Hi everyone  this is Gypsy,' the convicted killer says in the minute-long clip, which as of 4pm, has been viewed nearly 3million times.

'I'm finally free,' she adds, letting out a quick laugh before speaking directly to her 1.8million followers.

'I just want to send a quick video to thank everyone for the massive amount of support I've been getting on social media,' she continues.

'Everyone has been really, really nice and supportive, and I really appreciate that.'

She goes on: 'It's nice to be home, I'm back home in Louisiana, enjoying a beautiful day outside, and I've got a lot of great things happening really soon.'

'I've got my documentary series coming out - The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard - [and] just put out an eBook that I'm super proud of.

'It's not a rehashing of everything that happened,' she goes on to insist, before specifying, 'it's more of a reflection'.

She goes on to reveal that the book - set to be released on January 9 - is called 'Release: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom', and that it is already available for preorder.

'You can preorder now,' she excitedly states.

The memoir, she explains, consists of 'everything that [she's] learned and experienced in the last eight-and-a-half years',

Now married to Ryan Scott Anderson - whom she wed behind bars in 2022 - Blanchard previously posted a picture of herself smiling to her followers on Facebook, who were graced on Friday with the caption 'First selfie of freedom!'.

She 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 to death.

'Hi everyone  this is Gypsy,' the convicted killer says in the minute-long clip, which as of 4pm, has been viewed nearly 3million times.

'I'm finally free,' she adds, letting out a quick laugh before speaking directly to her 1.8million followers

Blanchard remarried in prison to Lousiana's Ryan Anderson, seen here shopping for shoes with the ex-con at a Liberty, Missouri shoe store Thursday after her release

The felon was released on Thursday, after serving eight years of a 10-year prison sentence for orchestrating the murder of her medically abusive mother

She spent the past eight years at Chillicothe Correctional Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, seen here

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.

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.

Toward the end of her TikTok, Blanchard expressed gratitude toward those who have shown interest in her case - before coyly urging them to keep it up.

'Again, just thank you guys for all the support,' she says with a smile at the clip's close.

'And keep watching.'

Clauddine, right, was found stabbed to death in her bed at her home in Springfield, Missouri, in June 2015

Claudine convinced 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'

Dee Dee Blanchard is believed to have suffered from Munchausen by proxy 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
Hardy Brits braved the lashing rain and strong winds to usher in the New Year, as the nation came together to kick off 2024 in spectacular style.

Revellers flocked to the banks of the River Thames in the early evening, hours ahead of the traditional London fireworks which lit up the sky into a cacophony of colours when Big Ben struck midnight.

In a display that lasted almost 15 minutes, 100,000 people cast their eyes to the sky to take in the firework, laser, and drone spectacular which was hailed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan as the capital's 'best and biggest ever' New Year celebration.

Another breathtaking display took place in Edinburgh as part of the annual Hogmanay celebrations, with fireworks launched above Edinburgh Castle while Kasabian's 'Fire' played out on the stroke of midnight.

Partygoers refused to let the miserable weather dampen their parade as they powered through the pouring rain across the country, including in Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle, in a bid to welcome 2024 in style.

While lucky ticket holders packed out the Thames to get the optimal view of the 12,000 fireworks fired above the London Eye, revellers dressed to the nines in their finest outfits have descended on clubs and bars to see in the New Year.

Fireworks were launched into the sky above the London Eye as Britain saw in the new year

New Year revellers get in the party spirit in Leeds overnight as they welcome in 2024

London put on a show tonight as a sensational firework display was witnessed by revellers braving the elements

A wet start to the New Year in Manchester this morning as revellers hit the bars in rain ponchos

LONDON: The display marked the King's coronation year and also used Charles' quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing

Revellers welcome 2024 in Birmingham overnight as partygoers are carried through the street

Hardy revellers have braved the lashing rain and strong winds to usher in 2024, as they shake off the dreary weather to kick off the New Year in spectacular style

Revellers brave the rain as they make the most of New Year's Eve in Liverpool city centre

LONDON: The capital was lit up by thousands of fireworks as crowds flocked to the River Thames

LONDON: Fireworks explode around the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament during New Year's celebrations

LONDON: Despite the miserable weather, revellers gathered on the banks of the Thames in the early evening, hours ahead of the traditional London fireworks which lit up the skies as Big Ben struck midnight

LONDON: Fireworks explode around the London Eye and Big Ben as the clock struck midnight

LONDON: The iconic fireworks were said to have soared as high as 200m into the air when they were launched from the London Eye on the stroke of midnight

EDINBURGH: Fireworks light up the sky over Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Clock to mark the New Year

Others dressed a little bit more suitably for the weather have flocked into city and town centres across the country to marvel at spectacular light and firework displays.

READ MORE HERE: Spectacular firework displays light up the skies in China, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea as millions of people across the planet gather at huge parties to see in 2024 Advertisement

That's despite a forecasters putting a storm warning in place which has caused some events in the south to be cancelled due to powerful 75mph gales.

After millions watched the incredible displays in Sydney and Auckland, Mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News that the events would be 'nothing' compared to London's - which lasted for just under 15 minutes.

After the bongs of Big Ben sounded midnight, 'London: A Place for Everyone' was written high above the crowds as the unity-themed display welcomed the new year.

As hits by the Spice Girls, Calvin Harris, Dua Lupa and others rang out across the city, revellers were invited to look back on 2023.

The celebration referenced the King's coronation and also used Charles' quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing in which he said the new arrivals 'collectively enrich the fabric of our national life'.

The display - which included more than 12,000 fireworks, 600 drones and 430 lights - also paid homage to the NHS, which celebrated 75 years in 2023.

There were repeated references to London's diversity and inclusivity, with the capital telling the world everyone is welcome in a city where people can be themselves.

Further messages throughout the pyrotechnic show were heard from Mr Khan, Dame Helen Mirren, Bella Ramsey, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, George the Poet, and Baroness Floella Benjamin, who read a poem by the late Benjamin Zephaniah.

Mr Khan said: 'Our unique combination of fireworks, drones, lighting and music have put on a fabulous show for the millions watching around the globe, sending a message of unity and showing why London is the greatest city in the world.

'2023 was filled with so many special moments, and as we move into 2024, I feel more inspired than ever to continue our work towards building a better, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.'

PETERBOROUGH: The city's skyline was transformed by fireworks to celebrate the new year

LONDON: Fireworks light-up the sky over the London Eye in central London to celebrate the New Year

LONDON: A view of fireworks over the London Eye to mark the New Year's celebrations in the capital

LONDON: Fireworks explode above the skyline shortly after midnight to mark the start of the New Year

LONDON: The capital's skyline was completely transformed as a 12-minute display took place

LONDON: Revellers climb portaloos to try and get the best view of the fireworks over the Houses of Parliament

NEWCASTLE: A group of girls brave the horrible weather to see in the New Year together

NEWCASTLE: A reveller covers her head from the rain with a piece of fabric as she heads out into town

NEWCASTLE: A woman holds her coat aloft in a bid to keep dry ahead of New Year celebrations

NEWCASTLE: Hardy revellers take cover under umbrellas, coats and even handbags to stay safe from the elements

BLACKPOOL: Fireworks erupt over the water as a light show illuminates the Blackpool Tower

EDINBURGH: Sisters Sophie (left) and Scarlett Strang (right) smile during Hogmanay celebrations

EDINBURGH: University students from Japan pose with placards that spell out '2024' in front of Edinburgh Castle

EDINBURGH: Pulp on stage in Princes Street Gardens as the world famous street party with 50,000 revellers attend Hogmanay celebrations

In true British fashion, large parts of the country have welcomed 2024 in with a deluge of rain, but many who are out and about to celebrate the occasion will do their best not to let it dampen their spirits.

In Scotland, the 30th Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh was headlined by rock band Pulp after their surprise reunion last year.

Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day said: 'After the difficult years of the pandemic, I'm overjoyed that our festivals are back to their brilliant best and providing such high calibre cultural offerings for our residents and visitors.'

Elsewhere, there has already been an impressive firework show in Blackpool, as the explosives erupted into the sky with Blackpool Tower illuminated in the background.

In Newcastle's Quayside crowds were treated to BAFTA award-winning artist Seb Lee-Delisle's new Laser Light City laser show, which was projected onto the Baltic Flour Mills.

Revellers also gathered in anticipation of Edinburgh's Hogmanay firework display as musicians hyped the crowd up for an evening of entertainment.

Thousands of people are at the sold out Princes Garden Street Party and Concert in the Gardens in what mark's the festival's 30th anniversary.

The event, organised by UniqueAssembly and City of Edinburgh Council, was headlined by Pulp, who have not played in the city in 20 years. Following their set, the fireworks will begin at midnight and will end at around 00.50am on Monday.

Before the event, Alex MacDonald, 26, said he was most excited for Pulp and the fireworks. He told the PA news agency: 'I'm heavy looking forward to Pulp, like - it's gonna be smashing. 'The fireworks will be phenomenal man. It'll be brilliant. We'll have a heavy bevy to that, ken what I'm saying?'

Dave Reed, also 26, said he is 'here for the tunes and everything else that's happening'.

He added: 'I'm well excited for the fireworks, it's gonna be everything. 'That's what Edinburgh is all about, and that's what Hogmanay is all about.'

Ahead of the main display, there were some small firework displays between different musical sets, much to the applause of the hyped-up crowd.

Commenting on the news of a sell-out, Al Thomson, co-director of UniqueAssembly, said: 'We're in for one hell of a party now. Fifty thousand people in the streets of Edinburgh enjoying good music, good company, and one of the best fireworks displays in the world - there's no better way to start the new year.

'We started things off right with the Torchlight Procession on Friday, where we saw 20,000 people come together to shine a light on homelessness, raising money for our charity partner Social Bite; and this is just the perfect end to the year and the best way to celebrate 30 years of Edinburgh's Hogmanay.'

However, not every planned event took place this evening, with Plymouth's Winter Wonderland and a Devon town's fireworks display both cancelled.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place for Britain's entire southern coastline and south Wales.

LONDON: Fireworks transformed the capital into a cacophony of colours on New Year's Eve

LONDON: A magical firework display left crowds speechless as they saw in 2024 together

LONDON: Thousands of lucky ticket holders descended on the capital to watch the incredible display

LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye during the New Year celebrations

NEWCASTLE: Revellers brave the rain as they head for a night on the town in Newcastle

NEWCASTLE: A pair of well-prepared revellers hold their umbrellas aloft as they walk through Newcastle city centre

LEEDS: Two girls give a male reveller a peck on the cheek ahead of the last night out of the year

LEEDS: A pair of ladies pose for the camera in Leeds city centre on New Year's Eve

LEEDS: A group of ladies take cover from the rain in Leeds under an umbrella as they head out to celebrate New Year

BLACKPOOL: Spectacular fireworks erupt over the water next to Blackpool Tower as the iconic venue lights up for New Years

LIVERPOOL: Revellers smile as they dart through the rain in a bid to reach the clubs and bars in Liverpool city centre

LIVERPOOL: A pair of ladies cover their heads with jackets in a bid to stay dry this evening

EDINBURGH: Brandon Fernandes and partner Tylo Verreynne embrace as they celebrate Hogmanay

NEWCASTLE: A spectacular light show takes place at the Baltic Flour Mills in Newcastle's Quayside

NEWCASTLE: Crowds gather in front of the Baltic Flour Mills in Newcastle's Quayside

LONDON: Rain falls over the Houses of Parliament ahead of the New Year's Eve fireworks

NEWCASTLE: Revellers brave the rain and cold weather to enjoy the New Years Eve celebrations

EDINBURGH: Visitors from Spain dress up in Santa hats ahead of Hogmanay New Year celebrations

EDINBURGH: Partygoers get ready for a fun night ahead during the Hogmanay Street party celebrations

EDINBURGH: A man and woman pose for the cameras after picking up some food during the Hogmanay New Year celebration

EDINBURGH: Tourists from Brazil dress up in kilts for the Hogmanay New Year celebrations

While the north west has been slapped with a rain warning with heavy downpours expected across Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Blackpool, Blackburn, and West Yorkshire.

Saturday's Eurostar cancellations hit one family who were hoping to make it back to Britain in time for New Years, after they were stranded in Brussels following a surprise trip for a Canadian relative.

Luke Gibbs, 32, from Kenley, south London, travelled with his wife, Kyla, cousin Liam Eton and sister-in-law Brea Melanson, from Canada, and planned to arrive in London in time for New Year's Eve celebrations on Sunday.

Mr Gibbs, a business development manager, paid 600 for a New Year's Eve event in London Bridge, which is not refundable and now he cannot attend after his train from Brussels to St Pancras was cancelled. He described the communication with Eurostar as 'appalling'.

'I think the way (Eurostar) dealt with it is pretty appalling in terms of not trying to say 'this is how you rebook it, we'll help you out with expenses',' Mr Gibbs told the PA news agency.

'They just said, 'unfortunately, it's cancelled, we're sorry, get on with it', which is shocking really.'

Organisers of Plymouth's Winter Wonderland took the 'very difficult decision' to rip up its plans for New Year's Eve tonight because of the expected stormy winds.

'As much as we are very disappointed and frustrated, your safety comes first, as well as ours, and we can't possibly take the risk,' they said as they confirmed those who had bought tickets will be fully refunded.

Elsewhere, Barnstaple, in Devon, cancelled its annual fireworks because of the 'horrendous' weather, reported Devon Live.

Barnstaple Town Centre Management said it axed the display for safety reasons.

WIGAN: Clubbers brave the cold and wet weather as they hit the city centre on New Year's Eve

LONDON: Met Police officers have descended on the capital ahead of New Year's celebrations

EDINBURGH: Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Scotland

EDINBURGH: Fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle during the street party for Hogmanay New Year celebrations

NEWCASTLE: A reveller gives his pal a piggyback as they enjoy the New Year's Eve celebrations

NEWCASTLE: Two friends strike a pose as they hit the town amid the cold and stormy conditions

LEEDS: Partygoers did not let the grim weather dampen their spirits as they see in the New Year together

They said: 'Unfortunately due to the weather conditions and the gusting winds we will be unable to do the fireworks this evening due to safety.

'We know this is disappointing, but safety is always the priority and we unfortunately can't control the weather.'

Temperatures are set to plummet on New Year's Day and in January increasing the chance of sleet and snow on higher grounds in the north, with frosty mornings for many.

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: 'There are growing signs of cold weather developing as we head through the first half of January.

'The chance of a significant cold spell is quite high.

'The highest risk of snow will probably be in the North and East. But if low pressure pushes up from the southwest, this would lead to the possibility of snow as weather fronts move northeast.'
Nineteen people were arrested across Sydney's CBD as New Year's celebrations took place, with police investigating reports that three men were stabbed.

Thousands flooded into the city centre on Sunday night to ring in the new year with more than 225,000 people crowding into 49 vantage points across Sydney to watch the iconic midnight firework display.

Police said the public were largely 'well-behaved' throughout the festivities with just 19 arrests made throughout the evening, including assault and drug offences.

No arrests have been made yet into an alleged stabbing that left three men wounded in Woolloomooloo just after midnight on Monday.

Nineteen people were arrested across Sydney's CBD as New Year's celebrations took place, with police investigating reports that three men were stabbed (pictured, Sydney fireworks)

No arrests have been made yet into an alleged stabbing that left three men wounded in Woolloomooloo just after midnight on Monday

The men were treated for minor injuries.

'Every year Sydney welcomes the New Year with an extraordinary celebration across the city, and this year has been no different. Pleasingly the vast majority did so in the right spirit. There were few arrests,' NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.

'As people make their way home or continue their celebrations into New Year's Day, police will continue to maintain a highly visible presence across the state to ensure everyone remains safe.'

The New Years celebrations featured two firework shows on Sunday night, the eight-minute 'family fireworks' at 9pm and a 12-minute display at midnight.

Crowds were urged to get into their viewing position by sunset to ensure they were able to get a spot in time for the show

The New Years celebrations featured two firework shows on Sunday night, the eight-minute 'family fireworks' at 9pm and a 12-minute display at midnight

Crowds were urged to get into their viewing position by sunset to ensure they were able to get a spot in time for the show.

Sydney was overcast and cool, hitting a low of 19C on Sunday night although spare for a few passing showers, the rain mostly stayed away.
Former Labour leader Michael Foot and his family have previously been forced to deny rumours he had any links to Communism in the Cold War.

Now declassified files obtained by the Mail prove at least one socialist intelligence agency tried to recruit him  only to abandon the operation after concluding he wouldn't have 'any useful information'.

The Czechoslovak StB spy agency first considered making an approach to Mr Foot in June 1983, a fortnight after he led Labour to a disastrous general election defeat to Margaret Thatcher.

Left-winger Mr Foot was due to visit Czechoslovakia the following year and agents hoped to get to him through his goddaughter, an English woman living in Prague.

After inviting her to a meeting using the cover of a visa interview, spies probed her about the politician.

Michael Foot (pictured) was leader of the Labour Party from 1980 to 1983

Following Foot's death Oleg Gordievsky (pictured in Westminster in 1991) alleged the KGB had paid him for information and classed him as an 'agent' and 'confidential contact'

Moscow pictured on the 66th anniversary of the Russian Revolution in 1983

The files note that, although reluctant to discuss Mr Foot, she agreed they could talk to her again once she returned to the UK.

But within months, Mr Foot  then aged 70  had quit as Labour leader, replaced by Neil Kinnock.

An StB file from January 1984 gave a damning verdict when considering whether to continue attempts to recruit him.

It concluded that 'due to his age and loss of political power we cannot expect to obtain any useful information from him'.

In 1995 Mr Foot won a libel case against The Sunday Times, which had accused him of having been an agent for the KGB  operating under the codename of 'Boot'.

But the claims re-emerged in 2018, eight years after his death, when Soviet defector Oleg Gordievsky alleged the KGB had paid him for information and classed him as an 'agent' and 'confidential contact'.

His family has vehemently denied the claims.
Former US president Bill Clinton is expected to be named as 'John Doe 36' when a list of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's associates from court filings are made public.

Clinton, 77, will allegedly be named among dozens of Epstein's high profile associates in documents set to be released in the first days of 2024.

The pedophile's powerful friends and acquaintances are set to be exposed as part of a vast unsealing that a judge ordered just before the New Year.

That will take the release day to January 1  but as that is a holiday it is likely the files will be made public the following day.

Some 177 people will be identified across hundreds of files which will shed new light on the late financier's sex trafficking operation and his network of influence.

Clinton, 77, will allegedly be named among dozens of Epstein 's high profile associates in documents set to be released in the first days of 2024. There is no indication the sealed records contain evidence of illegal conduct by Clinton - and equally, Virginia Giuffre made no allegations of wrongdoing against him. Clinton and Epstein shake hands in 1993

According to ABC News, former President Clinton is 'Doe 36,' and is mentioned in more than fifty of the redacted filings.

Many of the legal filings connected to his name are surrounding the effort by Virginia Giuffre's lawyers to subpoena Clinton for deposition testimony about his relationship with Epstein.

There is no indication the sealed records contain evidence of illegal conduct by Clinton - and equally, Virginia Giuffre made no allegations of wrongdoing against him.

Giuffre said she met Clinton on Epstein's private Caribbean island, but Ghislaine Maxwell said Clinton had never been to Little St. James. Personal flight logs kept by one of Epstein's pilots did not show Clinton at Epstein's island.

According to ABC, Giuffre's reps contacted Clinton's attorneys at the time in 2016, and they responded by saying his testimony would not be helpful to because he had never been on Epstein's island.

The request was ultimately denied by U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet.

ABC reports that Clinton's name is expected to be unsealed in filings surrounding efforts by Maxwell and Giuffre to get Jeffrey Epstein to answer questions - after he frequently invoked his constitutional rights against self-incrimination.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Clinton's representatives for comment.

Clinton and Epstein were in each others circles in the early 2000s, and in 2002 it was noted that the former President had used Epstein's jet for a humanitarian mission to multiple African nations.

The former president's representatives have long said that Clinton cut ties with the financier in 2005 before he was probed in Palm Beach, Florida.

In 2019, when Epstein was arrested for child sex trafficking, Clinton's spokesperson said that the former president knows 'nothing' of Epstein's crimes and that he had not spoken to him for over a decade.

Judge Loretta Preska wrote 'unsealed in full' next to the names of 177 Does who are Epstein's friends, recruiters, victims and others whose names will be revealed when the material is released within the coming days.

ABC reports that Clinton's name is expected to be unsealed in filings surrounding efforts by Maxwell and Giuffre to get Jeffrey Epstein to answer questions - after he frequently invoked his constitutional rights against self-incrimination

The material is related to a defamation case brought by Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Roberts in New York against Epstein's madam Ghislaine Maxwell.

Roberts sued Maxwell for defamation in 2016 and while the case was settled, The Miami Herald  which published a bombshell expose of Epstein that led to his arrest in 2019  sued to get the documents made public.

Some of the Does are identified in the ruling through links to interviews they have given to the media, which the judge cited as a reason why they should not stay private.

They include the housekeepers on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean where some of the worst abuse that he perpetrated was carried out.

In her ruling Judge Preska gave 14 days for any Does who objected to their documents being made public to object, after which they would be unsealed.

There will be documents about one of Prince Andrew's accusers, who claims he fondled her breasts at Epstein's New York mansion.

There will also be material about Haley Robson, who was named as a recruiter in police files of Epstein's original investigation in 2006 in Palm Beach  though she has more recently claimed she was a victim too.

The filing suggests some documents will relate to Jean-Luc Brunel, a French model scout who was close to Epstein and allegedly abused many young women. Brunel hanged himself in a Paris prison cell in 2022 while awaiting trial on a slew of sex charges.

The documents in the case have been released on a rolling basis since 2019 when the first batch were made public days before Epstein also hanged himself in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Among the revelations in previous batches of documents were emails between Andrew and Epstein in 2015 when Roberts made allegations about him.

The pedophile's powerful friends and acquaintances are set to be exposed as part of a vast unsealing that a judge ordered just before the New Year

Maxwell, 61, is serving 20 years after being found guilty of sex trafficking and procuring underage girls for late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein

The batch of 177 Does is the final group and includes many who were notified by the court but did not object to documents with their name on them being made public.

The material is likely to include depositions, emails, legal documents and other material not previously made public.

Does three and four appear to be Miles and Cathy Alexander, a South African couple who managed Little St James, Epstein's private island in the Caribbean, for years.

Judge Preska cited a 2011 interview the couple gave to the Daily Mail as one of the reasons why their names should be made public

In the interview the couple claimed that it was not their place to 'judge' other people, even though they suspected some of the girls on the island were young.

Cathy described how the Duke of York arrived with a blonde brain surgeon in her 30s and that he urinated on her foot when she trod on a sea urchin.

The tranche of documents will also include those referring to Annie Farmer, one of the women who gave evidence at Maxwell's trial  she is identified as Doe 63 as Judge Preska cites an interview she gave and notes she testified under her own name.

Doe 64 appears to refer to Farmer's sister Maria as it cites the same interview as her sister, in which both of them spoke.

The hundreds of files will shed new light on the late financier's sex trafficking operation and his network of influence

Doe 67 is one of the recruiters who was named during Maxwell's trial for luring a 14-year-old girl into Epstein's web.

Carolyn Adriano, who testified at Maxwell's trial that she was recruited at age 14 and repeatedly raped by Epstein, is identified as Doe 5 due to an interview which the ruling cited

Tragically she died earlier this year from an overdose in a hotel room in Florida.

Doe 23 appears to be Brunel as it refers to a person who was 'subject to a widely publicized criminal prosecution abroad for sex trafficking'.

Brunel was arrested for the crime in France but committed suicide before he could go to trial.

Doe 24 is the only one who is identified by name, Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, who has publicly called for all material related to him to be made public.

Judge Preska cited an NBC News interview she gave as the reason for unsealing material related to Doe 44.

Among those who spoke out in that interview were Roberts and Epstein victim Anouska De Georgiou along with Chauntae Davies, another woman who says she was repeatedly raped by the pedophile.

Also featured in the interview are Epstein victims Jennifer Aroaz and Rachel Benavidez  it is unclear which person the ruling refers to.

Doe 154 is Haley Robson, who spoke out in the Netflix series Filthy Rich about Epstein's crimes and described how she was already a rape victim by the age of 16 when she got caught in his web.

In the interview cited by Judge Preska, Robson says that her image as portrayed in police reports  she bragged that she was like Heidi Fleiss, the infamous Hollywood Madam  she was not mature enough to understand what was happening to her at the time.

So far only small excerpts of her depositions have been made public, and those have been damning for the Duke.
Stefan Christenberry was terrified he would lose his apartment after he became unemployed and his car was repossessed. Season of Sharing allowed him to bridge the financial gap between jobs. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

As with many people, Stefan Christenberrys woes began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Laid off from his job as a home care nurse two years ago, Christenberry said he panicked and took the first nursing job he could find.

That role didnt work out, and he again found himself out of work last summer. He was quickly running out of money as he waited on back pay from his former employer that he wasnt sure would ever come.

In the meantime, the rent on his apartment in San Pablo was due. His applications for unemployment and Social Security benefits were both pending, and his cash reserves were all but gone.

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I was freaking out, Christenberry said. Id been at this housing for a year and a half. I always paid on time. All I can think of is, Im going to be on the street. 

During that time, he said, his car was also repossessed.

Christenberry, who has devoted his career to nursing and caregiving for more than 30 years, found himself in a situation where he was now the one in need of a helping hand. He reached out to a local church in San Pablo for assistance, but to no avail.

Then he applied for assistance from the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund, a charity working throughout the year to prevent homelessness and hunger across the Bay Areas nine counties. All donations directly help people in need.

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Christenberry asked for just a month of rent to get him through. In the end, he got more than that.

More about Season of Sharing Since its inception in 1986, the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has raised and distributed $192 million to help house, care for and nourish Bay Area residents. All administrative costs are covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, so 100% of donations go directly to help people facing crises. For more information or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org/donate.

I had no idea if I was going to get it, said Christenberry, who has spent much of his life giving to others, including 10 years singing in the choir at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco.

They were going to pay a months rent. They paid two, Christenberry said. I was in tears.

A lot of our clients are in transition between one job or another, said Cynthia Smith, the supervisor for the unit that manages Season of Sharing for Contra Costa County and who took Christenberrys call.

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Many Season of Sharing applicants are in the process of applying for other benefits, or like Christenberry, have already sought other help and are waiting on word, Smith said. Many are running the financial numbers to see if they can make it to the end of the month.

He was in this transitionary period, and he had never asked for help before, Smith said. Now, hes able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, she added. This is just buying him some time, giving him some breathing room, and thats what Season of Sharing is really for.

Stefan Christenberry walks around one of his favorite parks at Point Isabel near his home in Richmond. In December, his streak of hard luck seemed to end: He got a full-time job offer from the Native American Health Center. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

That has come to fruition for Christenberry, if slowly.

He said he was able to file the paperwork to receive Social Security benefits, and has been getting a small stipend, but not enough to cover his rent or living expenses. After the payments covering two months of rent in the fall from Season of Sharing, he was able to get a part-time job working as a home care nurse.

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He said in November that he was still in a challenging situation financially.

I cannot have this phobia every time its the first of the month, he said, worrying that he may not be able to cover rent. I cant keep reliving September and October again. Im a human being. Im not a machine.

Then in December, Christenberrys streak of hard luck seemed to end.

His resume of caregiving expertise caught the attention of a recruiter, and he got a full-time offer from the Native American Health Center, a nonprofit with locations in San Francisco and the East Bay.

Its a (six-month) contract, but I always believe anything is possible, Christenberry, who is half Cherokee, said in a text message.

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Democrat Representative Jamie Raskin has said SCOTUS judge Clarence Thomas should recuse himself from Donald Trump's ballot cases due to his wife's ties to the January 6 insurrection.

The Congressman's comment came during a CNN interview, when host Dana Bash asked him whether Thomas or any of the judges appointed by the former president should step back from ruling on his cases in Maine and Colorado.

Some conservative commentators have slammed Raskin and the network for airing the claims, saying the exchange was evidence that 'Dems want to destroy the Supreme Court'.

Republicans are in the process of appealing to the Supreme Court over Colorado's removal of Trump from the primary race ballot.

The Centennial State was the first to apply a rarely-used constitutional ban against those who 'engaged in insurrection' to prevent people in the state being able to vote for the former president in 2024.

Democrat Representative Jamie Raskin told CNN's Dana Bash that SCOTUS judge Clarence Thomas should recuse himself from Donald Trump's ballot cases due to his wife's ties to the January 6 insurrection

Justice Clarence Thomas, seen in his official portrait in 2022, should be recused from any future rulings relating to Trump being removed from the ballot in Colorado and Maine, according to Democrat Congressman Jamie Raskin

Republicans are in the process of appealing to the Supreme Court over Colorado 's removal of Trump from the primary race ballot

It was followed by Maine which ruled under the same provision. SCOTUS judges are yet to announce whether they will take up the Republicans' appeal.

During CNN's New Year's Eve State of the Union program, anchor Bash asked ranking House Oversight Democrat Rep Raskin about the case and whether Thomas, 75, or the judges appointed by Trump should recuse themselves on ethical grounds.

'Three of the sitting justices were appointed by Donald Trump,' Bash said, referring to Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch.

'And in addition to that, Justice Clarence Thomas's wife, Ginni, texted with Mark Meadows about the 2020 election in the lead-up to January 6, as you well know,' she said. 'Should any of the Justices recuse themselves if they take this up?'

Raskin, who represents Maryland, swerved the question about whether the three Trump appointees would be too biased to make a ruling on the former president, but said Thomas should 'absolutely' recuse himself.

'I think anybody looking at this in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say, if your wife was involved in the Big Lie and claiming that Donald Trump had actually won the presidential election and been agitating for that and participating in the events leading up to January 6, that you shouldnt be participating in (the rulings),' he said.

When asked directly whether Thomas should recuse himself, Raskin said: 'He absolutely should recuse himself. The question is, what do we do if he doesnt recuse himself?'

As the clip circulated online it was greeted with a tirade of angry comments from conservative critics.

.@RepRaskin tells @DanaBashCNN that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should absolutely recuse himself from any future 14th Amendment ballot disqualification case against Donald Trump, but the question is, what do we do if he doesn't recuse himself? pic.twitter.com/1SW5F9v2Sj  State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) December 31, 2023

Raskin, who represents Maryland, swerved the question about whether the three Trump appointees would be too biased to make a ruling on the former president, but said Thomas should 'absolutely' recuse himself

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (left) and his wife Ginni (right) depart Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral service in Washington earlier this year

'I think CNN should recuse themselves from just about commenting on anything and everything,' one man thundered.

'Your bias is oozing out of your pores. The amount of times that youve lied to the American people just makes you absolutely irrelevant.'

Another person wrote: 'Thomas does not have to recuse himself since no liberal justice has done the same when ruling on some thing effecting the Democrats.

'Raskin is in fear of Trump winning. The court is protected by the constitution.'

However, other viewers agreed that Thomas should recuse himself due to his wife's involvement in the case, with one person claiming that the current Supreme Court lineup is 'the most compromised in memory'.

Ginni Thomas, 66, was questioned by the January 6 committee late last year over a string of texts and emails between her and then-President Trump's election attorney John Eastman and his chief of staff Mark Meadows.

In text messages to Meadows, Thomas urged him to continue the fight to overturn the 2020 result.

US Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni Thomas

'Help This Great President stand firm, Mark!!!...You are the leader, with him, who is standing for America's constitutional governance at the precipice. The majority knows Biden and the Left is attempting the greatest Heist of our History.'

'I regret all of these texts,' Thomas voluntarily told the panel during a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill on September 29.

In her testimony, she expressed her embarrassment about personal text messages being made public but was concerned about allegations of voter discrepancies while texting with then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

'It was an emotional time, and people were scared that there had been enough fraud happened that they weren't going to get to the bottom of it,' Thomas said.
The KGB used a former Labour candidate to orchestrate a 'fake news' campaign to vilify Margaret Thatcher and try to destroy her premiership.

Soviet intelligence funded Cynthia Roberts, who had also worked as a researcher for Tony Benn and Robin Cook, as she spread anti-Thatcher misinformation targeting politicians, influential pressure groups and voters.

Her mission centred on a pamphlet claiming to be the account of a previously apolitical working class woman named Gwendolene Stuart describing how she had been 'betrayed' by the Conservatives after her husband lost his job, a friend died in the Falklands war and she witnessed riot police attacking striking workers.

Written ahead of the 1987 general election, the fraudulent polemic claimed that in her 'ruthless lust for power' Mrs Thatcher had betrayed her own 'womanhood'. It portrayed the Iron Lady as a corrupt, racist, 'odious war-monger'.

Cynthia Roberts wrote a fraudulent 1987 pamphlet, purportedly by a working class woman named 'Gwendolene Stuart', which tried to sow doubt into Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's premiership as part of a misinformation campaign

Roberts (pictured), a failed Labour candidate in the 1979 general election, was recruited as a KGB spy while working as a researcher in the Commons for several Labour MPs

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: COMMUNIST SPY AGENCY TRIED TO LURE MICHAEL FOOT Advertisement

In fact Gwendolene Stuart never existed and the Kremlin-sponsored pamphlet was written by Roberts, who had stood for Labour in the 1979 election and later worked as a researcher to several Labour MPs. While working in the House of Commons, Czechoslovak agents had recruited Roberts.

Codenamed Agent Hammer, she fled to Prague with her family in 1985 fearing exposure following the defection of a Czechoslovak intelligence officer to Britain.

But she later returned for the 1987 propaganda campaign. Cold War KGB files obtained by the Mail explained: 'Since Thatcher's position is now weakened, the measure to discredit her may turn out to be quite effective.'

The propaganda ultimately failed but a later review by the Czech spy agency, which worked with the KGB, noted it was the first of its kind and had seen four articles published in 'leading British media' and 'the British feminist movement using the arguments quoted in it'.

Her handlers told a 'visibly delighted' Roberts they 'greatly valued her help'.

Roberts remained in Prague after the collapse of Communism, using the cover of an English teacher and editor.

She was unmasked as having worked for the Czech intelligence service by the Mail on Sunday in 2008, when she denied having been a spy but declined to comment further.

She died in 2020 with details of her most brazen betrayal still a secret.
Following the fatal incident, shark warnings signs were posted near the scene

He was surfing in the Paia Bay at the time of the attack

An identified man from Haiku, Hawaii was killed by a shark on Saturday morning

A 39-year-old man was killed by a shark in Maui, Hawaii as he surfed in Paia Bay.

Officials said that they arrived to the scene around 11.19am on Saturday where Ocean Safety Officers had already been transporting the injured victim on a jet ski to shore.

'Once onshore, life-saving measures were performed by first responder personnel until medic personnel arrived to transport the male to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment,' the Maui Police Department said in a statement.

The male then succumbed to his injuries at the hospital around 5.30pm on Saturday.

The man's identity was not immediately released pending the notification of extended family and friends.

The 39-year-old was surfing in the water at the time of the incident and was transported via jet ski to shore for medical attention

The fatal shark attack occurred in the Paia Bay in Maui, Hawaii on Saturday around 11.19am

He was is originally from Haiku, a small community on Maui's north side.

Following the fatal incident, shark warning signs were posted along Baby Beach to Tavares Bayalong - a mile away from each side of the scene.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) reported that the surfer was in the water during 'mixed' water conditions due to high surf.

County Officials said that Baldwin Beach Park and Baby Beach were closed Saturday following the incident.

'By noon on Sunday, if no further signs of shark activity are detected, signs will be taken down,' DNLR said in a Facebook post.

The Maui Police Department reported that first responders were patrolling the area on shore and on jet skis.

According to the DNLR's shark incident database, this is the eighth shark attack to occur this year. It is also the only one this year that ended in a fatality.

Of the attacks, four of them were caused by tiger sharks which can grow up to 10-14ft long.

The other attacks involved a Galapagos shark, a Cookiecutter and one attack was caused by two Blacktip reef sharks.

Following the fatal incident, shark warnings signs were posted along Baby Beach to Tavares Bayalong- a mile away from each side of the scene

The Maui Police Department reported that first responders were patrolling the area on shore and on Jet Skis

It is unclear exactly what kind of shark or how many sharks were involved in this attack.

DailyMail.com contacted the Maui Police Department for further information but did not receive a response in time for this report.

There are about 40 different species of shark that dwell in Hawaii's waters and can range from eight feet to about 50ft.

'The most frequently encountered are the whitetip reef, sandbar, scalloped hammerhead, and occasionally tiger,' DNLR said on their website.

There were no initial signs of foul play. The investigation is ongoing and an autopsy is scheduled, according to the police department.

Another fatal shark encounter occurred on December 2 in Mexico when a mother was killed after it ripped off her leg while she was desperately trying to save her five-year-old daughter.

Graphic video appears to show the aftermath of the attack as the victim lay on the sand after being helped out of the water off Melaque Beach in the state of Jalisco.

Horrified onlookers could be heard shouting 'she's lost her leg' as they waited for emergency teams to arrive that morning.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) reported that the surfer was in the water during 'mixed' water conditions due to high surf

The dead woman has been identified locally as a 26-year-old tourist called Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez, a former marine biology student from the University of Guadalajara

Despite the quick response by rescuers, the woman - identified locally as a 26-year-old tourist and former marine biologist student named Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez. She died of blood loss from a massive bite wound.

The attack on Saturday morning is thought to have occurred as a swimming race was taking place which was subsequently suspended.

Local authorities issued a warning to locals and visitors yesterday to stay out of the water following the tragedy.

Well-wishers later left flowers at a makeshift altar erected on the beach at the spot where the woman died.
The parents of Madeleine McCann have released a New Year's message in which they said efforts to find their daughter 'will eventually yield results'.

Madeleine vanished in May 2007 while on holiday with her parents in the Portuguese resort town of Praia da Luz, sparking a nationwide hunt.

In a message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page tonight, Kate and Gerry McCann said there was 'no new significant news to share' in the search for their daughter, but vowed to persevere.

They also reflected on the 'awful events happening around the year' such as war, child abductions and 'immeasurable pain and suffering'.

The McCanns' post read: 'Another year comes to a close. I'm sure they're getting shorter!

Madeleine (pictured) vanished in May 2007 while on holiday with her parents in Praia da Luz

Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry McCann have released a New Year's message in which they said efforts to find their daughter 'will eventually yield results'

'Whilst there is no new significant news to share in the search for Madeleine, efforts continue with the same determination, commitment and vigour.

'We believe such perseverance will eventually yield results.

'Thank you again for your support, Christmas wishes and shared hope.

'Despite our own personal circumstances, it is impossible to be unaffected by the awful events happening around the world this year with so many wars, immeasurable pain and suffering, children abducted, killed and orphaned.

'Let's hope that 2024 brings a greater love for mankind, hope and peace to us all.'

It comes after Portuguese police reportedly apologised for the way detectives investigated the case and treated the family.

Maddie went missing after her parents left the then three-year-old and her younger twin siblings asleep in their apartment while they went out to dinner with friends.

During questioning of Madeleine's parents in September 2007, detectives made them both 'arguidos' - or suspects - in their daughter's disappearance.

That status was eventually lifted and the investigation was shelved in 2008, but the couple remained under suspicion in Portugal for years.

Madeleine McCann went missing during a family holiday in the Algarve in May 2007, sparking a nationwide hunt

The prime suspect in the ongoing case is 46-year-old German national Christian Brueckner

In the immediate aftermath of the little girl's disappearance her parent's Gerry and Kate McCann were made 'arguidos' - or suspects - by the Portuguese police. Pictured: The McCanns holding a poster in 2012

Months after Scotland Yard launched its own investigation, Operation Grange, into Madeleine's disappearance in 2013, Portuguese police confirmed that a review of their original inquiry had uncovered new lines of inquiry, and they reopened the case.

READ MORE: Portuguese police apologise to Madeleine McCann's parents over their treatment as detectives say paedophile Christian Brueckner is their prime suspect and missing toddler died in Portugal Advertisement

The officers also gave their support to the German authorities who believe their prime suspect, 46-year-old German national Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender, kidnapped and murdered the youngster.

Brueckner is in prison in Germany for the rape of a woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, and is suspected of further rapes and child sexual abuse committed in the area between 2000 and 2017.

Earlier this month, it emerged that Brueckner has told friends he 'struggles with the pressure' of being accused of 'one of the world's most infamous crimes', which remains unsolved to this day.

It has also been reported that he finds it 'unfair' that investigators have not yet shared any of their evidence against him with his legal team.

'Christian B has regularly told pals he speaks to from prison how tough it is being the Madeleine suspect,' a source said, according to The Sun.

'It's clear he is struggling with the pressure of being so firmly in the spotlight of the world - even if he is behind bars,' the source said.

Personnel at Barragem do Arade reservoir, in the Algarve, Portugal, as searches continue as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Speaking to The Sun, the source said Brueckner 'hates being suspected of one of the most famous crimes in the world. And his lawyers hate that he is constantly the subject of headlines.'

It was confirmed late last month that the 46-year-old will finally go on trial on February 16 next year.

A German prosecutor has confirmed it will be a Friday morning start for the multiple sex crimes trial of the German paedophile.

Expected to last for 'up to three months', it will be presided over by a 'panel of four to five judges', it can be revealed.

Brueckner's lawyers are said to have been given hope by recent claims that German investigators failed to find physical evidence tying him to McCann during an operation in Portugal earlier this year, in which they searched an area near a lake.

Last month it was reported that he might have taken photos of the missing toddler and buried them in an underground hideaway at a reservoir in the Algarve.

The convicted paedophile is alleged to have taken 'trophies' from his victims in the past.

He has reportedly denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.
Rishi Sunak has been warned to cut ties with Dominic Cummings after it was revealed he held two secret meetings with the firebrand former aide.

The Prime Minister met Boris Johnson's ex-chief adviser in Yorkshire and London despite previously ruling out ever working with him.

The pair discussed Mr Cummings running the Tory election campaign  but the idea was dropped after Mr Sunak failed to submit to the former aide's demands on Whitehall reform.

The talks have infuriated Tory MPs, many of whom loathe the ex-adviser and repeatedly called for him to be sacked when he was in post.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan-Smith  who once fired Mr Cummings himself  said: 'Rishi has made the right decision in not using him.

Rishi Sunak (pictured earlier this month) has been warned to cut ties with Dominic Cummings after it was revealed he held two secret meetings with the firebrand former aide

Sunak spoke to Cummings (pictured arriving at the Covid-19 inquiry in October) about helping run the Tory election campaign but the idea was dropped after Mr Sunak failed to submit to the former aide's demands on Whitehall reform

'All he needs to do is cast his memory back to Boris to see how difficult it would be to work with him.'

Another senior Tory said: 'This would be an enormous mistake and a step backwards and it would divide the party and the electorate.

'None of his ideas would win any elections. Everything he has ever done is a fraud. It is not worth it. He would destroy Rishi.'

Former Cabinet minister and Mr Johnson ally Nadine Dorries also claimed Mr Sunak 'owed' Mr Cummings for helping to bring down Mr Johnson.

When Mr Sunak ran to be leader in July 2022, he said Mr Cummings would have 'absolutely nothing to do with any government that I am privileged to lead'.

But the pair met for dinner last July in North Yorkshire  a meeting that was reportedly kept secret from several members of the PM's inner circle.

They also met in London in December of 2022 shortly after Mr Sunak became Prime Minister, with his chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith present, according to The Sunday Times.

At this meeting, Mr Cummings advised Mr Sunak to hold an emergency budget to reverse tax rises and increase the threshold at which workers pay a higher rate of tax.

Former Cabinet minister and Boris Johnson ally Nadine Dorries also claimed Rishi Sunak 'owed' Mr Cummings for helping to bring down Mr Johnson. Pictured: Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak in 2021

Cummings (pictured) has revealed earlier this week that he met with Rishi Sunak in secret to discuss a possible return to Downing Street

He also told the PM to settle NHS strikes and focus on improving the health service at both meetings and to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Sunak had sought a 'secret deal' in which Mr Cummings  who oversaw the 2019 election which won the Tories a majority  delivered another victory, according to the former aide.

In exchange, Mr Cummings demanded Mr Sunak implement a Whitehall shake-up that the former aide had begun implementing while still working at No 10.

This idea was rejected, with the ex-adviser concluding he'd therefore rather see the party lose.

Mr Cummings said: 'He wanted a secret deal in which I delivered the election and he promised to take government seriously after. But I'd rather the Tories lose than continue in office without prioritising what's important and the voters.'

He added that Mr Sunak had told him during their discussion: 'The MPs and the media will go crazy. Your involvement has to be secret.'

A Downing Street spokesman did not deny the report but said: 'It was a broad discussion about politics and campaigning. No job was offered.'

One former cabinet minister told The Guardian: 'I'm staggered that this was even thought to be a good idea, especially when Rishi said in the past he was having nothing to do with Dominic Cummings.

'This is a man who is deeply toxic, whose approach to politics is sociopathic, and I'm being polite. Why on earth would you want to entertain someone like that back in the heart of politics, when they did so much harm? It shows no judgment at all.

'Dominic Cummings has no place in political life... and that would be the view of most people in the Conservative Party, from Left to Right.'

Mr Cummings was campaign director of Vote Leave and the architect of Mr Johnson's 2019 election victory which delivered an 80-seat majority.

He served as Mr Johnson's chief adviser in Downing Street. During the pandemic, he infamously claimed he had broken lockdown rules to test his eyesight.

Mr Johnson eventually fired Mr Cummings, alongside another close aide Lee Cain. Since then, the former adviser has been unrelenting in his criticism of his former boss.
Pope Francis offered prayers for the 'tormented Ukrainian people and the Palestinian and Israeli populations' during his traditional Sunday blessing.

Giving his blessing from a window overlooking St Peter's Square at the Vatican on New Year's Eve, the pope recalled 2023 as a year marked by wartime suffering.

As well as offering his prayers to Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, he also spoke of 'the Sudanese people and many others' who have suffered.

'At the end of the year, we will have the courage to ask ourselves how many human lives have been shattered by armed conflict, how many dead and how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty,' the pontiff said.

In the last year, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has raged on, while Israel has continued to bombard Gaza after going to war with Hamas in response to the terrorists slaughtering 1,200 Israelis on October 7. Thousands have also been killed in crossfire amid a brutal civil war in Sudan.

Pope Francis offered prayers for the 'tormented Ukrainian people and the Palestinian and Israeli populations' during his traditional Sunday blessing

Rescuers respond at the site of a missile strike on a bank building on December 31, 2023 in Kharkiv, Ukraine

At his Sunday blessing, Francis also recalled his predecessor Pope Benedict's love and wisdom on the anniversary of his death.

Benedict, the first pope to retire in six centuries, died last December 31 at the age of 95 in the Vatican monastery where he spent 10 years as a pope emeritus.

He is buried in the grottoes underneath St Peter's Basilica. Speaking at the end of his weekly noon blessing, Francis said the faithful feel 'so much love, so much gratitude, so much admiration' for Benedict.

He praised the 'love and wisdom' with which Benedict guided the church and asked for a round of applause from the pilgrims and tourists gathered in St Peter's Square.

Earlier in the day, Benedict's longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, celebrated a special Mass in the basilica and then participated in an anniversary event to reflect on Benedict's legacy.

Archbishop Gaenswein acknowledged some of the polemics that surrounded Benedict's decade-long retirement alongside Francis in the Vatican, but said they would be forgotten in favour of the substance of his ministry and his final words: 'Lord, I love you.' History, Archbishop Gaenswein said, would judge Benedict as a 'great theologian, a very simple person and a man of deep faith.'

Francis frequently praised Benedict's decision to retire as courageous and said he, too, might follow in his footsteps.

Giving his blessing from a window overlooking St Peter's Square at the Vatican, the pope recalled 2023 as a year marked by wartime suffering

Smoke rises from the residential area in Gaza seen from Nahal Oz as Israeli attacks continue in Nahal Oz

A man walks amid debris after Russian missile attack on December 31, 2023 in Kharkiv, Ukraine

But now that Benedict has died, Francis has reaffirmed the papacy is generally a job for life, and a consensus has emerged that the unprecedented reality of having two popes living side by side in the Vatican created problems that must be addressed before any future pope decides to step down.

Benedict, a noted conservative theologian who spent a quarter of a century as the Vatican's doctrine chief, remained a point of reference for conservatives and traditionalists, who have only increased their criticism of Francis in the year since he died.

Francis, for his part, has appeared now to feel more free to impose his progressive vision of a reformed church now he is no longer under Benedict's shadow.

People displaced by the conflict in Sudan ride atop the back of a truck moving along a road in Wad Madani, the capital of al-Jazirah state

Archbishop Gaenswein, whom Francis exiled to his native Germany soon after the death, recalled that Benedict had only expected to live a few months, maybe a year, after his 2013 resignation.

Despite his longer-than-expected retirement, Benedict stayed true to his pledge to pray for the church and for his successor, he said.

'I pray that he will be a saint,' Archbishop Gaenswein said.

'I wish he would be a saint, and I'm convinced he will be a saint.' Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also praised Benedict as 'a great man of history and a giant of reason, faith and the positive synthesis between the two'.

In a statement, she said his spiritual and intellectual legacy would live on even among nonbelievers because of its 'profound civic value' and ability to speak to people's minds and hearts.
Fox cub, known as Ricky, will live the rest of his days in a sanctuary in Hampshire

They rip open rubbish sacks, shriek piercingly when mating and pose a danger to pets  so it's easy to take a dim view of urban foxes.

But their less than fantastic behaviour didn't deter a group of animal lovers from arranging a sight-saving operation for a fox cub blinded by cataracts spotted cowering by a roadside in Woolwich, south-east London.

And unlike patients on lengthy NHS waiting lists, the lucky little fox had his surgery just a few weeks after diagnosis too.

A life-saving operation has returned the gift of sight to a fox cub

Just a few weeks after diagnosis, the fox cub had cataracts his cataracts removed

The six-month old cub, known as Ricky, was spotted cowering by a roadside in Woolwich, south-east London

It was funded by Fox Angels, a charity that aims to 'relieve the suffering' of the much-maligned creatures. The size of the vet bill, paid for by donations to the charity, has not been revealed but a similar operation for dogs costs around 5,000.

The six-month old cub, known as Ricky, will live out the rest of its days in the Second Chance Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation sanctuary near Romsey, Hampshire. Steve Mason, who runs the sanctuary, said: 'Ricky really has been given a second chance at life.'
Residents of south-east Queensland have been hammered with heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding events to start the new year, while holidaymakers had to be rescued from a camping site.

The ominous storm front, stretching more than 500km across the south-east, is forecast to douse the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, Logan City, Beenleigh, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook regions on Monday and through to Tuesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said the storm is 'dangerous' for residents in those areas, adding that localised and 'intense' rainfall would produce up to 250mm of rain during a six-hour period, which could lead to 'life-threatening flash flooding'.

A warning for severe thunderstorms has persisted through to the new year after homes were torn apart in the Gold Coast area in late December.

The bureau attributed the conditions to humid, easterly winds colliding with a coastal trough overhead in south-east Queensland, while forecasts for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other capitals were released.

Residents of south-east Queensland have been hammered with heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding (pictured) events to start the new year

Thunderstorms are likely to dominate the region for most of Monday, with a further warning for residents to be aware of possible flash flooding.

Little Nerang Dam, north-west of Springbrook, recorded a staggering 150mm of rainfall and run-off in the space of three hours before 5.30am.

A flood alert for the Nerang River, Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera and Currumbin creeks was issued mid-morning on Monday.

Up to 350mm of rain was recorded from 9am on Sunday through to Monday morning, causing river and creek levels to rise to concerning levels.

Holiday-makers camping near the Numinbah Valley and Natural Bridge in the Gold Coast were rescued by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.

A QFES spokeswoman said some campers had been stranded by floodwaters, but all had been accounted for and had been moved to an evacuation area.

While the intensity of storms has eased slightly in the Hinterland region, the bureau has warned severe conditions could redevelop.

BoM community information officer Daniel Hayes said conditions were likely to persist through to Wednesday, with the possibility of 'quite intense' rainfall hampering residents at various times throughout January.

A park is seen underwater following flash flooding due to overnight rainfall on the Gold Coast on Monday, January 1, 2023

A wheelie bin is seen floating in a flooded park on the Gold Coast after massive rainfall overnight

Mr Hayes said localised rainfall had exceed 250mm in some areas and there was a serious threat to residents in high flood-prone areas.

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall conditions are likely to persist through to Wednesday.

'Effectively, more of the same is expected for the south-east coast area into tomorrow,' he said.

Eventually, the harsh weather patterns will 'retreat inland' into central Queensland, easing over the state later this week.

Emergency services have urged people to stay away from stormwater drains and any fallen power lines.

The bureau said residents and travellers should never try to walk or drive through flood waters.

Commuters are urged to avoid driving because of the dangerous conditions and park vehicles away from trees during severe storms.

In Queensland's north, residents are contending with hot and humid weather, with temperatures sitting in the low to mid 30s in Cairns and Townsville for the rest of the week.

Low-intensity and severe heatwave warnings have been issued for the western half of the state, and there is an isolated extreme heatwave warning north-west of Cairns.

The UV index sits at 14 throughout the state, which is above extreme levels.

Parts of south-east Queensland are on flood alert as they brace for a forecast of up to 200mm of rain predicted to soak the area on New Year's Day. Heavy rain is pictured

In NSW, a high pressure system moving into the Tasman Sea was directing persistent and humid easterly winds over parts of the state's north-east late on Sunday night.

Possible heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding was predicted for the northern rivers, parts of the mid-north coast and northern tablelands on Monday.

Three to six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 160mm and 24-hourly totals of more than 250mm were possible, BoM said.

'Localised intense rainfall is possible under areas of persistent heavy thunderstorms.'

Gold Coast City Council warned that flash flooding could affect public transport.

'It has been another wild night and as at 4.51am the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of serious thunderstorms with risk of life-threatening flash flooding across the Gold Coast,' it said.

'Emergency services advise people to go inside a strong building now  stay inside until the storm has passed. Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.

'Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out. Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.'

Power company Energex said about 2,000 customers were without power for a period on Sunday night, but was back on fairly quickly.

People in the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim regions who still waiting for the return of power could be further delayed due to the rain and storms.

The heavy rainfall on top of flash flooding last week will ensure a miserable start to 2024 for flood-ravaged communities (pictured)

Particularly intense rainfall of up to 250mm over six hours could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, the bureau warned. A road closure in Gold Coast is pictured

Meanwhile, large swathes of northern Australia are set for a sweltering start to the new year.

The bureau put heatwave warnings in place for parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, where temperatures are expected to soar into the 40s on Monday.

The western Kimberley in WA, including the Dampier Peninsula, was forecast to be the worst hit, with the mercury expected to touch 46C at Marble Bar.

The town's heat gauge has been showing scorching temperatures higher than the bureau's official readings in recent days, with thermometers at the local RSL registering 51C.

Extreme heatwave warnings were also in place for parts of far northern Queensland and the Tiwi Islands in the NT.

Severe heatwave conditions were expected for the Top End, while a low-intensity heatwave would extend throughout much of the nation's interior, including into South Australia and western NSW.

The downpour (pictured) is predicted to persist through Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology said

In NSW, a high pressure system moving into the Tasman Sea was directing persistent and humid easterly winds over parts of the state's north-east late on Sunday night. Flooding is pictured

While Queensland's northern interior was due to face severe heatwave conditions, parts of the state were also bracing for potentially damaging thunderstorms.

Charters Towers in the state's north was expecting a double whammy of severe thunderstorms and temperatures reaching 36C.

Conditions were expected to begin cooling slightly over the next week but severe and low-intensity heatwaves were still forecast for much of Australia's north.

Temperatures of 26C were expected in Sydney while Melbourne could expect a maximum of 25C on Monday.
From Canadian poutine to Scottish potato scones, potatoes are a staple vegetable in cuisines around the world.

But despite being enjoyed on every continent, diners still can't agree on the best form of potato.

While many enjoy creamy options such as mash or champ, others prefer more crunchy varieties such as triple-cooked chips or crisps.

To settle the debate once and for all, MailOnline has enlisted the help of ChatGPT.

So, do you agree with the AI bot's potato rankings?

To settle the debate once and for all, MailOnline has enlisted the help of ChatGPT . So, do you agree with the AI bot's potato rankings?

Despite being enjoyed on every continent, diners still can't agree on the best form of potato. While many enjoy creamy options such as mash (stock image) or champ, others prefer more crunchy varieties such as triple-cooked chips or crisps

The best forms of potato, according to ChatGPT Mashed Potatoes Roasted Potatoes French Fries Baked Potatoes Potato Chips Hash Browns Potato Salad Gnocchi Advertisement

The humble potato originates from the highlands of the Andes, and was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

Today, it is the fifth most important crop worldwide, after wheat, corn, rice and sugar cane.

Around the world, the starchy vegetable is now enjoyed in a range of weird and wonderful forms.

In an attempt to reveal the ultimate form of potato, MailOnline turned to ChatGPT, asking the AI bot: 'What is the best form of potato?'

The bot diplomatically stated that the 'best' form of potato is subjective and depends on personal preferences.

However, it eventually settled on eight popular forms.

The 'classic comfort food' of mashed potato topped the list, followed by roasted potatoes.

'Roasting potatoes in the oven gives them a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They can be seasoned with herbs and spices for added flavor,' ChatGPT said.

French fries (stock image pictured) came in third place, followed by baked potatoes, which the bot suggested are best served with 'sour cream, butter, cheese, chives, or other toppings'

Two slightly unusual options - potato salad and gnocchi (stock image pictured) - were revealed as the seventh and eighth top forms

READ MORE: The best items on a Full English Breakfast, according to ChatGPT Advertisement

French fries came in third place, followed by baked potatoes, which the bot suggested are best served with 'sour cream, butter, cheese, chives, or other toppings.'

Crisp-lovers will be happy to hear that crisps (or 'potato chips', as the US bot calls them) came in fifth place, followed by hash browns.

Meanwhile, two slightly unusual options - potato salad and gnocchi - were revealed as the seventh and eighth top forms.

MailOnline pushed the bot to name just one form of potato, and it decided on mashed potato.

'Choosing one form of potato is challenging because it depends on individual preferences and the context of the meal,' it said.

'However, if I were to make a choice based on versatility and popularity, mashed potatoes would likely be a top contender.

'Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that can be paired with a variety of main dishes, and they can be customized with different flavors, such as garlic, herbs, or cheese.

'Their creamy texture and ability to complement a wide range of flavors make them a favorite for many people.'

The potato rating comes shortly after ChatGPT attempted to rank the items on a Full English Breakfast.

In an attempt to reveal which form of potato is the best, MailOnline turned to ChatGPT, asking the AI bot: 'What is the best form of potato?'

Coming out in the top spot was crispy bacon, which ChatGPT called a 'key element' in the English breakfast.

This was followed by eggs, with ChatGPT suggesting fried or scrambled would suffice.

'Fried or scrambled eggs are a crucial part of the meal and add protein,' the bot explained.

The third most important element is pork sausages, which 'contribute to the heartiness of the breakfast and are a substantial element,' according to ChatGPT.

Meanwhile, good old-fashioned toast came in fourth place.
England is known for its 'green and pleasant land' - but just how green is it really?

Back in 2000, renewable energy accounted for just 2.8 per cent of all the energy generated in the UK.

But by 2020, Britain celebrated its first year in which more electricity came from renewables than from fossil fuels, making up 43 per cent of the total energy mix.

Now, interactive maps shed new light on just how many renewable energy projects are underway in the UK.

From enormous wind farms to hydroelectric power stations, scroll down to explore the projects going on near your hometown.

The interactive map reveals that the UK's wind power projects are mainly built along Scotland's East coast and the South West coasts of Cornwall and Wales

Where does the UK get its electricity? Natural Gas: 35% Wind: 26.8% Nuclear: 15.5% Imports: 5.5% Biomass: 5.2% Solar: 4.4% Coal: 1.5% Hydro: 1.8% Storage: 0.9% Source: ESO Advertisement

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told MailOnline: 'The UK has a world leading renewables sector  home to the five largest operational wind farms in the world and accounting for over 40% of our electricity compared to 7% in 2010.'

'Since 2014 our annual renewables auction rounds have contracted a total of 30GW of new renewable capacity for the UK across all technologies including onshore wind, offshore wind, solar and geothermal  bolstering our energy security and cementing renewables as a British success story.'

To use the interactive map, select what kind of renewable power you would like to look at on the left-hand menu.

You can choose from Wind, Solar Photovoltaic, Hydroelectric, Storage, or Other.

You can also use the drop-down menus on the left to select a specific project.

For more information about any project, simply click on its icon on the map.

This will bring up additional details such as the name, installed capacity, and development status.

To navigate the map, simply drag and scroll like you would on Google Maps.

The growth in renewable energy in the UK has largely been driven by a massive expansion of wind farms both off and onshore.

Between 2009 and 2020, the amount of electricity from wind farms in the UK increased by a staggering 750 per cent.

Looking at the interactive map, we can also see just how much capacity has been added.

Wind farms, represented by orange circles on the map, are mainly clustered in Scotland and the South West of England.

There are also an increasing number of coastal projects in Wales and the South East coast of England in the channel.

At sites like Scroby Sands Wind Farm, off the coast of Great Yarmouth, the UK is rapidly expanding its capacity for generating renewable electricity

Big projects like this on the North Wales coast, by Rhos-on-Sea, exploit the UK's powerful winds to produce large amounts of renewable energy

The reason for this distribution is simple: these areas have more wind.

Strong currents of wind are channelled between the UK and Scandinavia over the North Sea, creating a perfect environment for wind farms.

According to the Met Office, the windiest place in the UK is the Shetlands where wind speeds average 14.6 knots (27mph).

However, Wales and the West of England also receive very strong winds, making North Wales and Cornwall attractive locations for wind power projects.

The interactive map shows how strong winds, shown in red shading, over the North Sea and Irish Sea lend themselves to large and productive wind farms

According to data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, there are currently 46 operational wind projects across the UK and 758 onshore projects.

And, while it might seem that onshore wind projects are more important to the UK's energy mix, they only produce slightly more energy.

Operational onshore projects have a total installed capacity of 14,095 Megawatts (MW), while offshore projects have a capacity of 13,583 MW.

This is because offshore projects tend to be significantly larger and receive stronger, more consistent winds.

Despite the North West of England having more wind projects than there are offshore projects, this region only produces less than half of the total energy.

These maps show the number of operational renewable sites (left) and the total installed capacity (right) where darker colours indicate a higher number

The majority of the UK's renewable energy is generated offshore in wind farms, while Scotland produces 13 per cent and Wales another 6 per cent of the total energy mix

READ MORE: Scientists edge one step closer to limitless clean energy as they successfully replicate the power of the sun Advertisement

Besides wind power, another big part of the renewable energy landscape is solar energy.

Solar photovoltaics, or solar power, has seen rapid development over the last decade.

Between 2010 and 2021 capacity has shot up from 95MW to 13,800MW.

There is also an anticipation that this could increase even further in the coming years.

According to the Government's plans, solar energy generation will quintuple to roughly 70 Gigawatts by 20230.

However, solar power projects won't get very far without one thing: the Sun.

So, if you're planning on booking a sunny holiday in the UK, it would be well worth taking a look at the distribution of solar projects.

On the interactive map, we can see a clear pattern in the distribution of solar farms, shown as orange circles.

Solar farms need sunlight, clear flat land, and South facing slopes which makes agricultural land in the South West of England a prime location for development as this map shows

Solar power projects are overwhelmingly clustered towards the South of England.

Interestingly the map also reveals a band of solar projects running along the Scottish border.

2023 data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero shows that there are 399 solar photovoltaic projects in the South West, 203 in the South East and only 39 in Scotland

Naturally, access to steady sunlight is one of the most important factors for producing solar power, making the sunny south a more attractive prospect.

However, there are other factors in play.

In addition to sunlight, solar farms need large flat areas of land, preferably on a South-facing slope.

The most promising locations are existing farmland as these are already clear and are easier to acquire planning permission for.

Wind power produces the most renewable energy at 56 per cent of the energy mix, followed by solar photovoltaics at 18 per cent

Hydroelectric power is much less common in the UK than other types of power, the interactive map shows that most are clustered in the mountainous North of Scotland while a few are also found in parts of Wales and across England

Behind wind power, solar photovoltaic 'farms' like this at Kencot in Lechlade are the biggest contributors UK renewable energy

Where are the UK's biggest wind farms? Dogger Bank Location: Yorkshire Coast

Capacity: 3.6 Gigawatt Hornsea 2 Location: Yorkshire Coast

Capacity: 1.386 Gigawatt Hornsea 1 Location: Yorkshire Coast, near Hull

Capacity: 1.218 Gigawatt Advertisement

Solar energy makes up 18 per cent of the UK's total installed renewable energy capacity.

This is as much as the combined capacity of all other forms of renewable power, excluding dedicated biomass projects.

And, while the map does reveal a number of hydroelectric projects scattered across the country, these only make up a small part of the remaining power.

Across the country, 71 small hydroelectric projects have an installed capacity of 148.9 MW.

While Scotland and Wales each have two large 'pumped storage hydroelectric' projects with an installed capacity of 2,828MW.

However, these projects don't generate new power but rather allow excess energy from renewables to be stored.

When the grid has a surge of electricity, for instance on a windy day, these sites use the power pump water to an elevated reservoir.

When the grid needs more energy, the water can be allowed to flow through generators to produce extra energy.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says that while solar and wind currently generate the bulk of UK renewable power, there are areas primed for expansion.

For example, the department says that recent progress in tidal and geothermal energy production suggests that these could have a bigger role to play.
The driver of a Cybertruck, similar to one displayed in a Southern California showroom this month, was not at fault in the first crash involving the new Tesla vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol. Richard Vogel/Associated Press

A Toyota Corolla crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck while driving up the Peninsula on Thursday afternoon, marking the first reported collision involving the controversial electric vehicle.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. Thursday on Highway 35 south of Page Mill Road, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson said. A Toyota Corolla driving south crossed into the wrong side of traffic, crashing into the Tesla Cybertruck headed north, according to the agency.

The Cybertruck was not using autopilot during the crash, the CHP officials said.

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Tesla started shipping Cybertrucks out to customers at the end of November, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk bragging at an Austin, Texas, launch event that the trucks stainless steel alloy exterior was so sturdy it couldnt be bent by machines.

The trucks exterior is reportedly so tough that experts have raised concerns about whether it could be dangerous in car crashes. David Friedman, the former acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, told Reuters that the trucks design meant it would probably crush any vehicle with which it collided.

The CHP spokesperson said the collision caused major damage to the Toyota, though the Cybertruck only sustained minor damage to its side.

Photos posted on a Reddit showed the front of the Toyota completely crumpled while the Cybertruck appeared to have skid marks on its left side and damage to the back wheel well.

Videos of Cybertruck crash tests posted online similarly showed the truck only suffering minor dents when hit from the side.

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The NHSTA previously announced that the Cybertruck would not be among vehicles the agency would officially crash-test in 2024. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also not announced plans to crash-test the vehicle.

For his part, Musk has repeatedly maintained confidence in the Cybertrucks safety.

We are highly confident that Cybertruck will be much safer per mile than other trucks, both for occupants and pedestrians, Musk posted in December on X, the site formerly known as Twitter before Musk purchased it.

The Cybertrucks driver, a 32-year-old man, complained of some pain, but the other occupants  a 33-year-old man and 35-year-old woman  were not injured, according to the CHP. The Toyota driver, a 17-year-old boy, was also uninjured.
He reveals how he encountered 'great local people everywhere' he visited

Syria, Iran and Afghanistan are considered high-risk for Westerners to visit today  but when one European travelled around them in the 1970s, he discovered 'heaven nearly everywhere'.

Dutch native Frank van den Berge, 73, took incredible photographs of his time in these countries, showing Afghanistan before the Taliban, Iran in an era when people dressed in a 'Western style' and landmarks that have since vanished  such as the Buddhas of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

And Frank's journey is just as remarkable as his pictures.

He explored this section of the Middle East on a road trip from Amsterdam to India and Nepal and back again, driving the entire route in a second-hand Citroen 2CV4. Top speed - 102kph (63mph).

The trip took Frank one year, with his car clocking up 55,000km (34,000 miles) in total. The veteran traveller, who has visited more than 100 countries over his lifetime, recently shared his images of this incredible road trip in a Facebook group for adventurers, revealing how he encountered 'great local people everywhere'.

Frank van den Berge travelled through countries including Syria, Iran and Afghanistan on a 1970s road trip in a second-hand Citroen 2CV4. He's pictured with his car above, wearing a money belt to hold his travellers' cheques

Frank captured this picture in northern Syria on his trip, which took him all the way from Amsterdam to India and Nepal and back again

Some of the landmarks Frank witnessed have since vanished  such as the Buddhas of Bamiyan (pictured) in central Afghanistan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001

Frank sketched out his route - covering a distance of 55,000km (34,000 miles) - on the back of his 2CV

His trip began in March 1976, when he was aged just 25. After driving across Europe, he spent some time in Syria, which he found to be a 'beautiful' country, and Turkey.

To get over the Turkish-Iranian border, he bribed Turkish officials with cigarettes. Tehran was one of the destinations he stopped in once he made it into Iran, describing it as a 'beautiful town with wide roads, shopping malls, beautiful markets and some great mosques' in a post shared online.

While there, he said he encountered 'a much more Western style of living' than he saw in Turkey, adding: 'Men wear jeans and shirts while ladies walk around in miniskirts.'

Frank captured this picture when he arrived in the Iranian city of Esfahan in April 1976

A mosque Frank visited in Iran. In a post shared online, he remarks on how 'friendly and hospitable' he found Iranians to be

Frank's photograph of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Esfahan, Iran

Frank took this picture whilst passing through Iran. The veteran traveller, who has visited more than 100 countries over his lifetime, recently shared his images of the incredible road trip in a Facebook group for adventurers

Tabriz, Esfahan, Persepolis and the archaeological site of Susa also featured on his Iranian itinerary.

Frank was very taken with Iranian people. He recalls: 'It is unbelievable how friendly and hospitable the Iranians are. Although I do not speak Farsi and many Iranians [did] not speak English, conversations in shops and at stops along the road [went] extremely smoothly.' Frequently, he was given petrol and his shopping for free by locals, he reveals.

It was May 1976 when Frank crossed the border from Iran into Afghanistan, where he was 'stopped by an Afghani officer in full local dress'.

A picture Frank captured in Iran in April 1976. While there, he said he encountered 'a much more Western style of living' than he saw in Turkey, a country that also featured on his road trip

Above is the Hall of 100 Columns in Persepolis, one of the sites Frank visited in Iran

Above is Qom, a city in Iran's Qom province. Frank reveals he encountered 'great local people everywhere' he went

This picture captured by Frank shows Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in 1976

The officer looked at his car engine and asked for permission to examine it  before spontaneously adjusting his carburettor to correct the mix of petrol and oxygen, so his car could handle the mountainous, high-altitude roads ahead. He told Frank: 'Our petrol [in Afghanistan] is far from good quality, but from now on you will drive very economically. Your engine will not ping, for sure.'

Frank, who has also driven to Cameroon and Egypt by car, says he was 'flabbergasted' by his kindness in fixing the engine and recalls the officer telling him that he was 'welcome to his beautiful and peaceful country'.

He spent a month in Afghanistan, driving through Herat, Kandahar and Kabul. He recalls seeing 'horse carts, donkeys, pedestrians, [and] playing kids' in Kabul, and notes that men wore 'a turban or at least a piece of cloth on the head, covering the hair' while women were 'completely covered by their chadri [garments that cover women's hair and body]'.

In the Bamyan Province in central Afghanistan, he found that locals were 'very friendly', showing him 'how to bake bread in their subterranean ovens' and how to grow vegetables.

A market scene in Kabul. Frank recalls seeing 'horse carts, donkeys, pedestrians, [and] playing kids' during his time in the city

Frank spent a month in Afghanistan, driving through Herat, Kandahar and Kabul (above)

Frank notes that men in Afghanistan wore 'a turban or at least a piece of cloth on the head, covering the hair'

Frank captured this picture in the Band-e Amir National Park in central Afghanistan

Frank says he encountered 'overwhelming' views in the Band-e Amir National Park  though notes he 'nearly froze to death' sleeping in his car there

A small 'police office' and donkeys carrying wood in central Afghanistan

Frank's 2CV4 had a top speed of 102kph (63mph)

He then went to the lakes of Band-e Amir National Park, where he encountered 'overwhelming' views  though notes he 'nearly froze to death' sleeping in his car there.

A drive over the 'quite dangerous' Khyber Pass took him from Afghanistan to Pakistan. He had to drive 'very carefully' over terrain with drops of more than 100m (328ft) to the side.

In Pakistan's Khyber District, he stopped in the town of Landi Kotal, which he says 'looked like a town in a Western movie'.

A drive over the 'quite dangerous' Khyber Pass (pictured) took Frank from Afghanistan to Pakistan

Frank travelled to 'beautiful' Lake Saiful Muluk (above) in the north of Pakistan, where he had a snowball fight with some Swiss travellers he met

He explains there were 'wooden houses with balconies, horses and carts in the streets, and everywhere there [were] guns for sale'. He says that a local craftsman offered to sell him a handmade rifle for around $100 (82), though he politely declined.

He travelled to 'beautiful' Lake Saiful Muluk in the north, where he had a snowball fight with some Swiss travellers he met. He was impressed by the area's tranquillity, remarking: 'There [were] no people, no animals, even no birds to spot.'

There he celebrated his 26th birthday and a local gifted him six rainbow trouts from the Kunhar River as a present. 'That evening I enjoyed one of the best meals I ever had,' he says.

He passed the border into India in June, meeting a German couple with whom he travelled through the Himalayas.

A photograph captured by Frank in India, near the border with Pakistan, in the summer of 1976

Frank's 2CV4 on the high-altitude Fatu La Pass between Srinagar and Leh in India in 1976

Above is the Lamayuru Monastery in India's eye-catching Leh district

Frank attended the annual Hemis Gompa festival in Ladakh, India, in 1976, where he found that locals wore 'beautiful headdresses' and 'coats of yak skins'

Ladakh locals looking at Frank's second-hand 2CV4 in 1976. Throughout his road trip, Frank mostly slept in his car, creating a 'simple bed' using his small suitcase, an Afghan coat and an old sleeping bag

Frank celebrated his 26th birthday in Pakistan - and a local gifted him six rainbow trout from the Kunhar River as a present

It was challenging taking his 2CV4 up to the Fotu La Pass, which is 4,108m (13,477ft) high at its highest point. He says it's a 'miracle' they made it to the top safely.

Next, they attended the annual Hemis Gompa festival in Ladakh, where locals wore 'beautiful headdresses' and 'coats of yak skins'.

In the months that followed, he explored Nepal and did a loop around the entire coast of India, before making his journey back to the West, carving a route back through Pakistan, Iran - passing through Bam, a city that was largely destroyed by a 2003 earthquake - and Turkey.

Throughout his road trip, Frank mostly slept in his car, creating a 'simple bed' using his small suitcase, an Afghan coat and an old sleeping bag.

Frank in Goa, India. He did a loop around the entire coast of the country, before making his journey back to the West

Frank's car in Quetta, Pakistan, on the return journey back to Europe in 1977. Frank notes that the trip 'certainly was a great adventure'

Despite the many miles he drove and the high altitudes he climbed, his 2CV4 proved 'quite reliable' throughout the journey.

He repaired some flat tyres himself, while a broken suspension spring was repaired in Iran. 'My car was not well known to most mechanics except in Iran,' he says. One issue, however, was that he only had a mirror on the lefthand side of his car, which posed challenges when navigating Pakistan's mountainous terrain.

Sadly, the car didn't last long after the 'great adventure'. Frank says: 'It was scrapped one year after I came back. Repairs were too expensive!'

See Frank van den Berge's tales about his travels here.

Despite the many miles Frank drove and the high altitudes he climbed, his 2CV4 proved 'quite reliable' throughout the journey. The picture above was taken in Quetta, Pakistan
We drive.

Robert steers the jeep down a bright orange, dusty track.

To our left is a steep incline with tree roots tangled in the soil. To our right, a sheer drop.

'Don't look down,' he says with a laugh.

When we finally emerge from the winding mountain pass of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we are greeted with familiar scenes of people selling local fresh produce at the roadside. As we reach the other end of the village, however, things take an unexpected turn.

MailOnline Travel's Laura Sharman is introduced to Pygmies in Uganda, where they are known as the Batwa. Above is a picture she takes of the tribe she is introduced to

'The Pygmies are our neighbours,' says Robert, our driver, who has stopped off here at his village on our journey back to the lodge.

'They live here at the edge of the forest.'

I look down into a dark clearing and see several people resting against a pile of maize bags and two children watching on with curious eyes from a nearby treehouse.

The Pygmies, known as the Batwa here in Uganda, are indigenous inhabitants of this mountainous region which is famed for its gorilla trekking.

Anthropologists believe that for 60,000 years, the hunter-gatherer tribe 'thrived in harmony' with the wildlife in the depths of the forest, earning them the reputation as its 'keepers', according to the Bwindi Forest National Park website.

However, government efforts to protect its endangered gorilla population, among other animals, saw the Batwa evicted from their homes when the forest was named a national park in 1991.

Tucked away in this remote corner of south-western Uganda, these people are now conservation refugees.

The Batwa are indigenous inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, famed for its gorilla trekking

The Batwa have a tradition of building treehouse (above) to offer their children protection from predators

I ponder the complexities of this situation and look again at the maize bags, an elderly man propped up against them.

'The Batwa used to hunt small animals for meat,' Robert says, 'when they lived very deep in the forest. And they built treehouses like this one to keep their children high up, away from predators when they went looking for food. Meat, yes, but also fish, honey, fruits, berries.

'The men used spears or bows and arrows to catch bush pigs, monkeys, birds, and the women looked for fruits and honey. Now they are relying on food donations.'

He explains that they are the world's shortest tribe, with adults growing no taller than 4ft 9in (150cm) on average.

Britannica concurs.

We enter the clearing and Robert introduces me to the elderly gentleman leaning against the maize bags, translating between English and Rutwa.

'He says this is their home now,' says Robert.

Feeling a little uncomfortable, I follow Robert's finger as he points to some straw huts and then at the children in the treehouse, made from grass and branches. 'Shall we walk?' I suggest, not wanting to impose upon this family with what I sense is about to become a tour.

We follow another bend in the road,which opens out to views of graduated terrace steps and the dense forest below.

Laura's meeting with the Batwa comes as she's driven back to her lodge (above)

Laura encounters mountain gorillas, some of which she captures in this photo, under the guidance of park rangers in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Batwa were evicted from their forest homes to protect the endangered mountain gorilla population. 'The gorillas are what brought me to this magical corner of the world but I leave with my mind focused on the Batwa,' Laura writes

Anthropologists believe that for 60,000 years, the Batwa tribe 'thrived in harmony' with the wildlife in the depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Only a few hours ago, we were scrambling down its slopes made impenetrable - I discovered - not only by their steepness but also by endless thorn bushes.

Why? To encounter the mountain gorillas of course, under the guidance of park rangers.

Now, standing here on the mountaintop, the park looks like a soothing bed of vegetation. And I spare a thought for Uganda's forgotten tribe.

'All this used to belong to the Batwa,' says Robert. 'Don't forget them.'

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is made impenetrable, Laura writes, not only by its steepness but also by its endless thorn bushes, as this picture shows

Laura snaps this image from the back of the jeep as she returns from her gorilla trek

Laura in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Pygmies, including the Batwa, are thought to have been the first people to live in this stretch of forest which covers not only parts of Uganda but also Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, according to Britannica.

As more people moved into the area, cutting down trees to make way for crops and livestock, the Batwa people were limited to smaller areas and continued their way of life.

But they never sought to own the land they lived on so they were not considered eligible for compensation when they were evicted.

Today, around 6,700 Batwa live in south-western Uganda according to a 2023 report by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, a global human rights organisation that 'promotes and defends indigenous peoples rights'.

The gorillas are what brought me to this magical corner of the world but I leave with my mind focused on the Batwa. For 60,000 years they shared the forest.

'Don't forget,' I remember.
His mother never had any trouble connecting with the nation's youngsters.

But King Charles has decided he needs help from online influencers to boost his popularity with Generation Z.

Palace aides have been inviting social media celebrities with millions of fans to come along to Royal events as part of a modern digital strategy to increase support among the under-25s.

A recent YouGov poll found just 30 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds thought the monarchy was 'good for Britain'.

The influencers are being encouraged to create videos of the events or take pictures to share with their followers.

King Charles has decided he needs help from online influencers to boost his popularity with Generation Z by inviting influencers to Royal events. Pictured: 2021 Bake Off runner-up Crystelle Pereira, who has 197,000 Instagram followers

Pereira was one of four 'foodie creators' invited to the launch of Charles's Coronation Food Project on his 75th birthday last month

Buckingham Palace has also expanded its in-house social media team to produce slick online content.

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An ad for a 'digital content producer' said the role involved 'finding new ways to maintain the King and Queen's presence in the public eye'.

The 2021 Bake Off runner-up Crystelle Pereira, who has 197,000 Instagram followers, was one of four 'foodie creators' invited to the launch of Charles's Coronation Food Project on his 75th birthday last month.

Also invited was Giuseppe Federici, known as SeppsEats, who makes videos with his grandmother known as Nonna.

He posted a video to his 323,000 TikTok followers, captioned: 'Me and Nonna met the King and Queen!'

Love Islander Tasha Ghouri, who has 1.4 million Instagram followers, was invited to the King's Coronation celebrations in May, including a reception at Windsor Castle.

The King's aides hope to replicate the online success of William and Kate. Ahead of the Coronation, they made a video on the Elizabeth Line with internet star and trainspotter Francis Bourgeois, 23, who has 3.1 million TikTok followers.

Matt Navarra, a top social media consultant, said: 'People love the pomp and ceremony that makes the Royal Family special.

'I don't think we'll see selfie-style videos of the Royals walking around Buckingham Palace but they recognise that engaging with influencers is a gateway to new, and often younger, audiences.'
EastEnders star Max Bowden is reportedly leaving the soap opera after playing Ben Mitchell for four years.

It has been claimed that BBC bosses decided not to renew his contract when it ends in March.

His last scenes will air in spring next year but it is understood his character Ben, who has been played by numerous actors in the past, will not be killed off.

It comes after his former co-star Danny Walters left the soap after his character Keanu Taylor was murdered on Christmas Day.

An EastEnders spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future.'

EastEnders star Max Bowden, 29, is leaving the soap after playing Ben Mitchell for four years (pictured in June)

It is claimed BBC bosses decided not to renew his contract when it ends in March (Max seen as Ben Mitchell in EastEnders)

A TV insider added: 'Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up.

'There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show.

'He went in for a meeting as his contract was up for renewal next year, No one knew how it was going to go and following discussions it was decided that he would leave.'

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.

Max, 29, who is the sixth actor to play Ben, was involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines of late.

Ben struggled to cope with the death of Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) who was mother to his daughter Lexi.

Character Ben developed eating disorder bulimia as he attempted to work through his grief.

News of Max's exit comes after his former co-star Danny Walters' character Keanu Taylor (pictured) was killed during the climax of EastEnders storyline The Six on Christmas Day

Six of Walford's matriarchs; Stacey Slater, Suki Kaur Panesar, Linda Carter, Sharon Watts, Denise Fox and Kathy Beale, found themselves embroiled in a series of events that led to Keanu's demise

Several men had been teased as the potential victim in addition to Keanu and Nish before Christmas, with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Tom 'Rocky' Cotton (Brian Conley), Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) involved

Max's personal life hit the headlines when his romance with his EastEnders co-star Shona McGarty first came to light in May last year.

Sources claimed the pair were 'inseparable' following his split from girlfriend Roisin Buckle, and they made their relationship Instagram official in August 2022.

However, Max and Shona split following a six-month romance in October last year, with sources claiming at the time the pair had decided to remain friends after Max welcomed a baby boy with his ex Roisin.

In September last year, Max revealed he was a father for the first time following the birth of his son with ex Roisin.

Roisin and Max both shared a sweet black and white photo of their son, who was born on September 19, 2022, as they revealed they had named him Reginald.

The pair revealed they were expecting their first child in April last year.

The soap star met Roisin at a pub in June 2021. The pair quickly became close, and in July went on holiday to Madeira.

The couple decided to separate in March last year, while agreeing to co-parent once their son was born, however Roisin claimed in August that they had not been in contact for two months.

The same month, Max was spotted at a country music festival with his EastEnders colleague Shona McGarty, 32, at London's O2.

Max's personal life hit the headlines when his romance with his EastEnders co-star Shona McGarty (left) first came to light in May last year

Shona is known for her role as Whitney Dean in EastEnders (pictured with Max as Ben on the soap in 2019)

In March this year it was claimed Max enjoyed secret tryst in his dressing room with Love Island's Olivia Hawkins during a set party ahead of her villa stint.

It was said Max and Olivia - who once appeared as an extra in the BBC soap - took some 'time alone together' during a set party at Elstree Studios last summer.

Their racy liaison was reportedly the 'talk of the set', with an insider claiming that the pair were 'were gone for a while'.

It was reported in January that Max had flirted online with the brunette stunner, liking a sexy social media snap of hers.

However, it turns out that the two were already acquainted following their alleged get together at the EastEnders bash, with it said that it was obvious they were 'more than friends'.

Last weekend, it was reported Max had a lucky escape after after being involved in a three-car collision in Surrey on Friday last week.

Max emerged unscathed but appeared to be shaken up following the accident in Sunbury-on-Thames, according to onlookers.

The soap star met ex Roisin Buckle at a pub in June 2021. The pair quickly became close, and in July went on holiday to Madeira. The couple decided to separate in March last year

In September last year, Max revealed he was a father for the first time following the birth of his son with ex Roisin

In pictures obtained by The Sun, the soap star emerged from the scene with no injuries, despite the vehicle's bumper completely destroyed.

A source told the publication: 'It was all very fast. We just saw this car was absolutely demolished and then my girlfriend said, "Is that Ben Mitchell?"

'He looked pretty stunned by the whole thing. He must have been pretty badly shaken up.'

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: 'We were called to a collision involving three vehicles in Sunbury-on-Thames on Friday.

'The collision occurred around 1.10pm just off the Sunbury Cross roundabout and involved a red Mazda, a black Mercedes and a grey Kia.

'There were no injuries or arrests resulting from the incident.'

In March this year it was claimed Max enjoyed secret tryst in his dressing room with Love Island's Olivia Hawkins during a set party ahead of her villa stint

News of Max's exit comes after his former co-star Danny Walters' character Keanu Taylor was killed during the climax of EastEnders storyline The Six, which was first teased in February of this year and alluded to the murder.

During the Christmas Day episode, six of Walford's matriarchs; Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Suki Kaur Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), found themselves embroiled in a series of events that led to what looked to be the character's demise.

Several men had been teased as the potential victim including; Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Tom 'Rocky' Cotton (Brian Conley), Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

Towards the end of the episode the women were drinking in the Queen Vic pub on Albert Square before they invited Nish along to talk things out with Suki.

Matters got physical when Nish tried to take Suki from the pub and Denise responded by hitting him over the head with a bottle.

This action was initially believed to have killed him, but after Suki performed CPR, she managed to get him breathing again and told the others he was alive, upon which she discovered Keanu on the floor.

He had been stabbed by Linda after he entered the pub and strangled Sharon, upon believing her to have killed Nish.

Last weekend it was reported Max had a lucky escape after after being involved in a three-car collision in Surrey on Friday last week (pictured in September)

Things had also heated up between the two as, earlier in the episode, Sharon had told him he was not biologically related to their son Albie.

She revealed the news after the couple's wedding was disrupted when Phil Mitchell gatecrashed and told Sharon that her husband-to-be was the person behind the kidnapping of their young son.

Teasing the festive episode, the British soap had aired a first-of-its-kind flash forward scene earlier in the year on February 20 which offered viewers a glimpse at the 2023 Christmas Day storyline.

The clip showed a shocked-looking Sharon with blood on her wedding dress, taking the unknown man's pulse before exclaiming: 'He's dead.'
Sam Frost welcomed baby boy Theodore Paul Frost Hansen (or Ted for short) into the world in March alongside fiance and Survivor star Jordie Hansen.

And on Saturday, the former Home and Away actress and Bachelor star took to Instagram to share some sweet family photos, after they celebrated their first Christmas together as a family.

'Sometimes Live Photo's capture the cutest moments. This made my heart burst with so much love and happiness!!! X' she captioned the post.

In the images, Sam can be seen smiling cheek to cheek while posing alongside Jordie, before little Ted turns around and cuddles up to his mum.

Back in July, Sam revealed her wedding to Jordie had been called off for the time being.

Sam Frost and fiance Jordie Hansen shared adorable family photos on Saturday after celebrating their first Christmas with son Ted (all pictured)

The couple revealed on The Morning Show they have other priorities to focus on.

'To be honest, I'm the one putting the brakes on it' Sam told the show's hosts.

'It is just so expensive! It's hard to justify spending so much money because we want to buy a house, and now we've got a baby.'

'Sometimes Live Photo's capture the cutest moments  this made my heart burst with so much love and happiness!!! X' she captioned the post

Back in July, Sam revealed her wedding to Jordie had been called off for the time being

She went on to explain that the pair will marry eventually, but they are in no rush a the moment.

'We will eventually, but I think that the moment. Our focus at the moment is little Teddy,' she said.

The actress and Jordie welcomed their son Ted on March 7 this year.

Sam and her Australian Survivor star partner got engaged in July last year after dating for five months, and announced in September they were expecting a child.
Alessandra Ambrosio enjoyed the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's with a fun family getaway to her homeland of Brazil.

The 42-year-old supermodel  who recently stole the spotlight at Art Basel  was seen soaking up the sun in a string bikini on a beach in the coastal city of Florianopolis on Saturday.

She rocked a wide-brimmed hat and designer shades as she added a bit of drama with a sheer white wrap.

Her trademark brunette tresses were kept long and loose while she accessorized with a taupe tote, a silver necklace and a set of bangle bracelets.

Alessandra was joined by her adorable 11-year-old son, Noah, who smiled as she wrapped her arms around him with a towel.

Alessandra Ambrosio enjoyed the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's with a fun family getaway to her homeland of Brazil

The 42-year-old supermodel  who recently stole the spotlight at Art Basel  was seen soaking up the sun in a string bikini on a beach in the coastal city of Florianopolis

The beach getaway comes after Alessandra opened up about her art collection ahead of her appearance at the annual art fair Art Basel.

'My collection mainly consists of black-and-white photos. Some are by photographers such as Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Patrick Demarchelier and Ellen von Unwerth,' she explained to Ocean Drive magazine.

'I also treasure my guitar, which was painted by the Gemeos brothers. They are the most amazing Brazilian street artists that I genuinely adore. Each piece holds a special place in my heart!'

Alessandra went on to say she also appreciates artists Damien Hirst, Mr. Brainwash and Andy Warhol, 'and I have pieces from them that are remarkable.

'Their ability to perfectly capture a moment or emotion is just so special,' she added.

The model spent 13 years as a Victoria's Secret Angel and earned recognition as one of the highest-paid models globally.

'Over the years, the industry has seen evolution, but theres more work ahead,' she said of the fashion world. 'I feel it needs to be more inclusive and representative of the amazing, diverse beauty we see in real life.'

She also revealed what is most important to her in life these days. 'Three things I cant live without are love, family and my friends.'

Her trademark brunette tresses were kept long and loose

She rocked a wide-brimmed hat and designer shades as she added a bit of drama with a sheer white wrap

She accessorized with a taupe tote, a silver necklace and a set of bangle bracelets

The peach bikini was a standout on the beach

The gorgeous friends enjoyed a refreshing drink

Alessandra was joined by her adorable 11-year-old son, Noah, who smiled as she wrapped her arms around him with a towel

Alessandra shares Noah and daughter Anja, 15, with her ex-partner Jamie Mazur

As for her style icons, Alessandra previously told Harper's Bazaar: 'Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, because they carried themselves with confidence and a sense of fun. They also embraced a timeless look.'

The beauty also divulged how her relationship with her appearance has changed over the years. 'I think Ive developed an inner confidence. I didnt expect modelling to last, but here I am still doing it and loving it.

'So, that has made me feel that I can embrace my look at every stage of my life.'

Alessandra shares Noah and daughter Anja, 15, with her ex-partner Jamie Mazur. In August, the model shared a sweet birthday tribute to her mini-me daughter.

'Happy 15th birthday my forever baby girl @anjaambrosiom,' the Brazilian beauty began in the caption, before adding a line in Portuguese '!!! Mamae teama infinitame!!!' which translates in English to 'Mommy loves you endlessly.'
Pierce Brosnan posing for a photo at Mammoth Terraces has resurfaced after the actor was hit with a court date for allegedly wandering into a protected area at Yellowstone National Park.

The James Band star, 70 - who is claimed to have walked into 'delicate' and dangerous Mammoth Terraces hot spring tiers - could be seen striking a pose in an image uploaded to the Instagram page called @touronsofyellowstone. Touron is a portmanteau of 'tourist' and 'moron'.

While the post does not tag or reference Pierce, the actor could be seen wearing a near-identical ensemble in snaps that he had shared to his own Instagram account on November 1 as he visited Montana.

The caption of the post shared in November read: 'Touron on the Mammoth Terraces in Yellowstone.'

The Irish-born star stood on a layer of snow as he flashed a small smile towards the camera while making a peace sign with his hand.

Pierce Brosnan posing for a photo at Mammoth Terraces has resurfaced after the actor was hit with a court date for allegedly wandering into a protected area at Yellowstone National Park

A description of the springs was also added in the lengthy caption, explaining hot water 'forms a series of terraces composed of travertine deposited by hydrothermal springs that have flowed into the valley near the north end' of Yellowstone Park.

'The unique colors of the spring water reflect diverse minerals in the travertine, including an iron oxide, which lends the terraces their yellowish-brown color.'

The water in the springs can reach temperatures of 125 degrees Fahrenheit and 'dissolved limestone and other minerals crystallize out, forming the travertine deposits...'

In one picture, Brosnan could be seen sitting in a chair with a scenic landscape and mountains in the distance behind him.

He also included another photo as he removed his hat to pause for a selfie as the sun shone down on him.

'A new hat from Aspen Hatter, Austin Texas making memories in Montana,' the Mamma Mia! star penned to his 2.1 million followers.

The resurfaced photo comes shortly after Pierce was slapped with a court date in Wyoming for allegedly wandering into 'delicate' and dangerous protected hot springs at Yellowstone National Park.

The Tomorrow Never Dies actor is accused of venturing off the permitted path and attempting to get a closer look at thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section.

While the post does not tag or reference Pierce, the actor could be seen wearing a near-identical ensemble in snaps that he had shared to his own Instagram account on November 1 as he visited Montana

'A new hat from Aspen Hatter, Austin Texas making memories in Montana,' the Mamma Mia! star penned to his 2.1 million followers

He has been cited twice over the alleged violations on November 1, and is scheduled to appear in court on January 23.

The star 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.

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 Yellowstone's springs and geysers.

In 2021, a Connecticut woman was jailed for seven days, fined $2,000 and banned from Yellowstone for two years for leaving the walkway and approaching the thermals.

In June, shocking video emerged of a couple ignoring warnings at they attempted to touch 175-degree geysers elsewhere in the park.

The Tomorrow Never Dies actor is accused of venturing off the permitted path and attempting to get a closer look at thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section; seen in June in Los Angeles

He has been cited twice over the alleged violations on November 1, and is scheduled to appear in court on January 23

A woman was seen screaming in pain as she plunged her hand into the hot springs.

The clip was shared on TouronsofYellowstone's Instagram page, which also 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.
Australian actress Yvonne Strahovski has welcomed her third child with husband Tim Loden.

The Handmaid's Tale star, 41, shared an adorable photo to Instagram on Sunday capturing Tim, 41, cradling their new son while she kissed the baby's forehead.

Yvonne captioned the picture with some heartfelt words.

'Our third little (big!) boy thundered into the world at lightning speed,' she wrote.

'Thank goodness Tim was there to catch our boy just as our amazing team made it into our home to help.

Australian actress Yvonne Strahovski has welcomed her third child with husband Tim Loden. Both pictured

The Handmaid's Tale star, 41, shared an adorable photo to Instagram on Sunday capturing Tim, 41, cradling their new son while she kissed the baby's forehead

'Such an unreal, intense, amazing experience I will never forget. Welcome my baby boy, we have been waiting for you and love you so much,' she added.

Yvonne has not yet publicly revealed the name of her newborn.

This is the third son for Yvonne and her husband Tim, who married in 2017.

They are already the proud parents of two older sons, aged four and two.

The notoriously private Australian star welcomed her second son back in December, 2021, with her sharing the happy news via Instagram.

'An angel joined our world this past week. Welcome to the family my love. I love you so very much. #mamaoftwo,' she captioned the post.

In an interview with Glamour UK in July 2019, Yvonne spoke about returning to work on The Handsmaid's Tale shortly after welcoming her first child, William.

'It was definitely one of the hardest and most challenging moments ever in my entire career. Coming back to work with a newborn and all the sleep deprivation that comes with that, plus I was breastfeeding,' she recounted.

Describing it as 'crazy', she added: 'I was running in between set and my trailer, breastfeeding on demand and doing scene work.'
Patti Newton has been struck down with Covid right as she was about to start her run in the Melbourne production of Grease: The Musical.

The showbiz icon shared the sad news with her fans on Sunday, posting to Instagram to show her legs covered in a blanket.

'Happy New Year hope its a wonderful 2024. Covid has hit me but wishing the cast of Grease an amazing first show. See you back there soon,' she wrote.

Patti renewed her showbiz career as a way to cope with the loss of her beloved husband Bert Newton, who died in October 2021 at the age of 83.

The 78-year-old threw herself into a featured role in the touring stage production of Mary Poppins before joining Grease.

Patti Newton (pictured) has been struck down with Covid right as she was about to start her run in the Melbourne production of Grease: The Musical

Married to Bert for a staggering 47 years, Patti told the Herald Sun that doing the hit musical was one of 'best things' she could do for herself, because it helped her heal.

She said her late husband Bert will always be her one true love and she is still haunted by his death in 2021.

'Bert will always be the love of my life. I'll never stop thinking about him,' the performer said.

She then revealed some of the ways she keeps Bert's memory alive since he passed away on October 30, 2021, following a long illness.

'Happy New Year hope its a wonderful 2024. Covid has hit me but wishing the cast of Grease an amazing first show. See you back there soon,' she wrote

'When Bert was in Epworth Hospital, he had this little wooden cross. A friend of mine had given it to him. Bert used to pick it up from the tray and kiss it,' she said.

'He'd hold it for a minute and then put it down. I take it to the theatre with me and before a show I pick it up and kiss it.

'I hold it to my heart as he did and say, "Come on Bert, we're on." He comes on stage with me.'

Patti renewed her showbiz career as a way to cope with the loss of her beloved husband Bert Newton, who died in October 2021 at the age of 83. Both pictured
Parvati Shallow has come out as gay and uploaded a sweet Instagram photo with partner, Mae Martin, on Saturday to share the big news while heading into the New Year.

The Survivor star, 41 - who was previously married to fellow Survivor alum John Fincher - captioned the post as, 'We're here. We're queer. Happy new year.'

The TV personality held up a series of black and white images that both she and the comedian, 36, had taken in a photo booth.

The pair could be seen cozying up next to each other and in one of the pictures, the couple also shared a kissed.

Social media users jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, such as author Adam Grant, who wrote, 'so thrilled for you. Bring on the new Black Widow Brigade,' referencing to the Survivor competition series.

Parvati Shallow, 41, has come out as gay and uploaded a sweet Instagram photo with partner, Mae Martin, 36, on Saturday to share the big news while heading into the New Year

The Survivor star - who was previously married to fellow Survivor alum John Fincher - captioned the post as, 'We're here. We're queer. Happy new year'; seen in 2020 in Hollywood

Writer Evan Ross Katz added, 'A perfect pair. Honored to have played the tiniest role in this epic link-up. Love you both.'

One fan typed, 'This is really the best thing ever ever ever. Congratulations!' while another penned, 'So happy for you two! You look so happy!'

Parvati is known for being the $1 million winner on Survivor: Micronesia - Fans vs. Favorites, and also competed on Survivor: Cook Islands as well as Survivor: Winners At War.

Her partner, Mae Martin, is not only known as a comedian but also starred in the Netflix series titled, Feel Good.

The Canadian-born star was nominated for the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for their role on the show. Martin has made appearances in other projects, such as HBO Max's The Flight Attendant.

Shallow was previously married to Survivor: Samoa star, John Fincher. The pair began dating in 2014 and became engaged in January 2017.

Later that same year in July, the two tied the knot. They welcomed their daughter, Ama, five, in July 2018.

However, in August 2021, Parvati filed for divorce from Fincher after four years of marriage - citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

Parvati is known for being the $1 million winner on Survivor: Micronesia - Fans vs. Favorites, and also competed on Survivor: Cook Islands as well as Survivor: Winners At War

Shallow's partner, Mae Martin, is not only known as a comedian but also starred in the Netflix series titled, Feel Good; seen in May 2022 in Los Angeles

Only days later, she also requested a temporary domestic violence restraining order against John.

At the time, she requested that her ex not 'harass, attack, strike, threaten, assault (sexually or otherwise)' her or 'contact, either directly or indirectly, [her] in any way,' per Us Weekly.

The star also asked that her ex stay at least 100 yards away from her, her home, vehicle, and workplace, in addition to supervised visitation for their daughter.

Parvati claimed Fincher had 'lunged' at her as they argued with their daughter less than one foot away. She also alleged he told her to kill herself.

During an argument one evening, Parvati claimed their daughter was 'less than one foot away' before her ex 'lunged at me, grabbed my arm and wrestled my phone out of my hands and made a dash to the door.'

Shallow claimed Fincher 'got in my face' and was 'verbally and physically aggressive' during the dispute, which was allegedly not the first time this had occurred.

She also alleged he told her to kill herself. 'I don't care about you. I hope you kill yourself. You can walk into traffic. You can jump off a cliff. I hope you put a gun in your mouth and blow your brains out,' she claims he said.

In Fincher's response, the reality star insisted he had 'no physical contact' with Parvati that evening. He has also asked a judge to shoot down Parvati's protection request.

Shallow was previously married to Survivor: Samoa star, John Fincher. The pair tied the knot in 2017 and welcomed daughter, Ama, in 2018 but she filed for divorce in August 2021

Only days after filing for divorce, she also requested a temporary domestic violence restraining order against John; seen in 2020

The police 'interviewed the adults at the house' and 'made no arrests', according to Us Weekly, citing court documents.

Along with proudly coming out amid her budding relationship with Mae, Parvati is also slated to appear in the second season of Peacock's competition series titled, The Traitors - which is set to air in January 2024.

In regards to what drew her to the show, Shallow recently told Parade, 'I feel like I'm in a movie playing a character, but I'm myself.'

'It blurs the lines between reality and theater, which is so fun because it's like Knives Out, Murder Mystery and Clue, but a game.'
Jose Ruben Hernandez Gomez was one of the hunger strikers at the Mesa Verde ICE detention facility and has filed a federal complaint alleging medical neglect and abuse. Fred Greaves/CalMatters

After 16 months in immigration detention facilities in California and Texas, Jose Ruben Hernandez Gomez returned to his family home in Lodi in April, walking with a cane and saying he suffers from neurological problems and persistent nightmares.

The 33-year old Mexican-born man  who since a toddler has been a permanent legal resident of California  has reported enduring abuse, unsanitary conditions and threats of force-feeding before his release from immigration detention in April.

I have nightmares of being dragged  that they are going to force-feed me. Then it wakes me up and Im sweating, he said during an interview at the home he grew up in. Its not an easy thing to process.

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This week attorneys helped him file an administrative tort complaint, a precursor to a potential lawsuit, against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency overseeing immigrant detention.

His complaint seeks at least $1 million in personal injury damages.

It states that in March, while he and other detainees were staging a hunger strike to protest conditions at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield, agents from ICE violently dragged him and several others and transported them to an immigration detention facility in Texas, where he was shackled and a doctor threatened to seek a court order to insert a tube down his nose to his stomach to force-feed him.

Afraid, Hernandez Gomez agreed to end his hunger strike, which had gone 21 days, the complaint said. He suffered serious medical consequences anyway, his complaint says, after immigration agents made him immediately eat solid food and initially delayed medical treatment when he fell ill.

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A photo of Jose Ruben Hernandez Gomez as a child hangs in the living room of his home in Lodi. He was one of several hunger strikers at the Mesa Verde detention facility earlier this year. Fred Greaves/CalMatters

Challenging ICE

His complaint follows a class-action lawsuit that he and eight other detainees filed in 2022 alleging forced labor by GEO Group, a corporation operating immigration detention facilities for the federal government. Several Congress members from California have demanded an investigation or closure of the facilities.

While I keenly understand challenges with ongoing litigation and the separation of powers, there is no excuse for the extremely limited replies and, at times, unresponsiveness from ICE, said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation.

Members of Congress need more information about these serious matters occurring in our state. Relatedly, I reiterate my call for the closure of privately owned ICE facilities today, including these two detention centers, because they too often have abusive conditions and are a rip-off to taxpayers.

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According to American Civil Liberties Union Northern Californias database, the federal contract to operate Mesa Verde in Bakersfield and Golden State Annex in McFarland is worth more than $1.5 billion over 15 years, or $105.4 million per year. The payment is for 560 beds regardless of the actual population count.

Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019 signed a bill banning private prisons and immigration detention facilities from operating in the state, but the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined the new law was unconstitutional, saying, California cannot exert this level of control over the federal governments detention operations.

ICE officials did not answer questions from CalMatters, and GEO Group officials referred questions about the allegations to ICE officials. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, provided a statement about the agencys grievance process but did not answer other questions by deadline.

The agency takes allegations of misconduct very seriously, said Leticia Zamarripa, a public affairs officer for Homeland Security. Personnel are held to the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and when a complaint is received, it is investigated thoroughly to determine veracity and ensure comprehensive standards are strictly maintained and enforced.

The Mesa Verde Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center in Bakersfield. Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters

Prison to immigration detention

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Recently, with the help of a metal cane, Hernandez Gomez walked around his living room, pointing to family photographs. But after a couple of minutes, he sat down and apologized for having to take a break.

I am still surrounded by these feelings, he said, a combination of a whole lot: not being able to perform the way I used to perform, everything I used to enjoy and now I dont.

His family emigrated from Guanajuato, in central Mexico. As a teen Hernandez Gomez attended Lodi High in San Joaquin County, where he planned to become an electrician. But some arrests followed, he said, and he was convicted of assault and imprisoned at age 27.

Hernandez Gomez said he made better choices while incarcerated. He volunteered in a firefighting camp program and participated in a self-help group and vocational classes, which helped shave two years off his six-year sentence. He was released in November 2021.

But he couldnt go home. He was transferred to federal custody to await legal proceedings that could eventually deport him. He was placed in removal proceedings because of his criminal history and is fighting to stay in the United States.

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He was detained at Golden State Annex in McFarland for two months, then Mesa Verde for more than a year. He said the place was infested with mold, water beetles and cockroaches, and the inmates drank rust-colored water from the faucets.

The ACLU NorCal database tallied the complaints detainees filed with ICE and shared with the ACLU. From January through October there were nearly 400 complaints, more than half of them about living conditions and mistreatment. The ACLUs foundation has sued ICE for information on complaints in California facilities.

The Mesa Verde Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center in Bakersfield. Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters

A show of force

In February dozens of the detainees started hunger strikes to protest conditions, Hernandez Gomez among them. He said GEO Group and ICE officers retaliated against the hunger strikers.

We were placed in solitary confinement, he said. We were threatened with being transferred to a different state.

The complaint says, On March 7, 2023, at about 6:00 a.m., multiple GEO officers dressed in riot gear entered Mr. Hernandez Gomezs dorm. They disconnected the dorms phones so detained individuals could not call their attorneys or family members. They forcibly removed one of Mr. Hernandez Gomezs dormmates from the dorm. A short time later, ICE officers dressed in military gear, holding batons, pepper spray, and what looked like automatic rifles, entered the dorm. They ordered Mr. Hernandez Gomez and other detained individuals to get on the floor. The officers did not state the reason for their orders. Instead, without notice or explanation, officers zeroed in on Mr. Hernandez Gomez and surrounded him. He asked to speak with his immigration attorney, but his plea went unanswered.

The complaint said officers threw Mr. Hernandez Gomez on the ground, causing him to strike his shoulder and chest against the ground. One officer said, Either you are going to walk, or we are going to drag you, according to the complaint.

Officers cuffed and shackled him and eventually put him in a van with several other detainees, ultimately driving many hours to a private airstrip. Despite Hernandez Gomez requesting to go to a hospital because he felt dizzy, according to his complaint, he was placed on a chartered plane that landed in Texas.

ICE has four pages of written standards for handling detainees on hunger strike, stating, If medically necessary, the detainee may be transferred to a community hospital or a detention facility appropriately equipped for treatment; however, theres no mention of transferring detainees to an ICE facility out of state.

Before boarding the plane, Hernandez Gomez said in the complaint that he endured a sexually abusive pat-down search that included his inner thigh, buttocks and genitals.

Nobody should be touching anybody in any place at any given time, no matter how long, no matter if its a millisecond, he told CalMatters.

Second hell

After landing, the detainees were driven to ICEs El Paso Service Processing Center, where the complaint says a Dr. Iglesias informed them that she could seek a court order to force-feed them.

Force-feeding involves inserting a tube into a patients nose, down their throat and esophagus, and into their stomach, then pouring liquid food through the tube. Sometimes it causes patients to gag, choke or vomit.

Force-feeding is legal but controversial. The American Medical Association has said force-feeding prisoners is unethical, while the World Medical Association recently called it torture. Some judges have said it could be done to keep patients alive.

In 2019, Dr. Michelle Iglesias, an ICE contract physician with a family practice in El Paso, testified in federal court that ICE requires force-feeding if hunger strikers endanger themselves. The judge granted a court order in that case. Iglesias oversaw multiple forced feedings, according to Texas Monthly.

CalMatters left phone messages at Iglesias family practice office and emailed her practice but got no response. In 2022, Homeland Security shared a video on social media featuring Iglesias describing her medical experience and motivations for working at Homeland Security.

Afraid of being force-fed and after being placed in solitary confinement, Hernandez Gomez informed health care staff he would break his 21-day hunger strike. But instead of honoring his request to start with vitamins and electrolytes, they gave him two cold cheeseburgers and fries, the complaint said.

Hernandez Gomez added, When I consumed that, after 21 days, I just started feeling dizzy. That was the beginning of my second hell.

Refeeding syndrome

Dizziness and disorientation are common symptoms of refeeding syndrome  potentially fatal shifts in fluids and electrolytes that may occur in malnourished patients receiving artificial refeeding, according to medical research.

Hernandez Gomez said he felt disoriented and his vision deteriorated so much he had to wear glasses, but he didnt receive treatment for his symptoms.

On March 14, Hernandez Gomez was flown back to Mesa Verde. That day, he recalled, he continued experiencing headaches and dizziness, so the medical staff at Mesa Verde gave him a cane and a wheelchair. He was later treated at a hospital emergency room in Bakersfield where, for the first time, he was evaluated for refeeding syndrome, the complaint said.

The symptoms worsened, the complaint said. Hernandez Gomez was sent to another hospital and hospitalized for five days, with his waist, arms and legs shackled to a bed.

I shed tears, because how are they getting away with all this? I am a human being, I shouldnt be treated that way, Hernandez Gomez said.

Weeks later a federal court ordered ICE to a bond hearing, where attorneys representing Hernandez Gomez submitted evidence of neglect and medical mistreatment. An immigration judge found Hernandez Gomez was not a danger to society and ordered his release with a $5,000 bond.

But on April 14, Hernandez Gomez didnt walk out of Mesa Verde. He was wheeled out in a wheelchair. It was the first time he saw his father cry, he said.
Britt Cohen is expecting her first child with her NRL executive husband Aaron Warburton.

The former Today show reporter shared the news to Instagram on New Year's Eve alongside two mages of her ultrasound, and a picture of her husband tenderly touching her growing baby bump.

The television star captioned the gallery announcing the glorious news with some sweet words.

'Happy New Year from the 3 of us!!' she began.

'Our little family is growing and I couldn't be more excited to become a mumma with you by my side Aaron Warburton.

Britt Cohen is expecting her first child with her NRL executive husband Aaron Warburton. Both pictured

'We can't wait to meet our little Peanut.. joining us in June 2024,' she continued.

Channel Nine stars Amber Laidler was the first to congratulate the couple.

'Congratulations!!!' she wrote.

Britt married Aaron in a glamorous destination wedding earlier this year in Lake Como, Italy.

The former Today show reporter shared the news to Instagram on New Year's Eve alongside two mages of her ultrasound, and a picture of her husband tenderly touching her growing baby bump

She captioned the gallery announcing the glorious news with some sweet words. Happy New Year from the 3 of us!!' she began. 'Our little family is growing and I couldn't be more excited to become a mumma with you by my side Aaron Warburton'

The couple announced their engagement in December 2022 alongside a photo of herself smooching her new fiance, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the NRL Bulldogs.

The blonde beauty also stunned fans by revealing her impressive emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.

She captioned the post with some heartfelt words: 'Can't wait to spend forever with you! I love you more than anything in the world.'

Britt was previously a producer for Today and Today Extra.

The couple announced their engagement in December 2022 alongside a photo of herself smooching her new fiance, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the NRL Bulldogs
April Love Geary put on a sizzling display in a bikini on Saturday as she and her shirtless fiance Robin Thicke enjoyed a balmy getaway to Mexico.

The brunette beauty, 29, and the Blurred Lines hitmaker, 46, were joined by model Stormi Henley in the resort area of Los Cabos.

April looked unbelievable in a zebra-print bikini with a tie waist, showing off her toned figure.

As she turned away from the camera, she left very little to the imagination as she flashed a glimpse of her pert bottom in the tiny bikini.

She opted for a casual look as her brown locks were left tousled from spending time at the beach and added gold hoops to accessorise.

April Love Geary put on a sizzling display in a bikini on Saturday as she and her shirtless fiance Robin Thicke enjoyed a balmy getaway to Mexico

The brunette beauty, 29, and the Blurred Lines hitmaker, 46, reclined on sun loungers during their trip to Los Cabos

April looked unbelievable in a zebra-print bikini with a tie waist, showing off her toned figure

Meanwhile her fiance Robin also stripped off for the sun-kissed weather, going shirtless as the couple reclined on the sun loungers.

April's close pal Stormi also looked stunning in a hot pink bikini as the pair enjoyed chatting and posing for pictures.

April later added a white cover-up as she moved to relax in the shade.

Earlier this month, April and Robin celebrated her 29th birthday together in Paris.

As she marked her 29th birthday, April took to Instagram to share a reflective post gushing she's 'thankful' for Robin and their three children.

She said: 'Feeling very lucky and VERY loved today. I'm so thankful for my family, my Robin, my friends. I'm feeling the best I've ever felt and life is pretty amazing.

'Thank y'all for the birthday wishes, love you guys thank you @robinthicke for always spoiling me but thank you for planning this birthday trip! Got me out here feeling like a princess.'

In snaps shared with her post, April stunned in a beautiful black mini dress adorned with diamante detailing, sheer sleeves, and pretty white bows.

April later opted for a white cover-up as she went to sit in the shade

Meanwhile her fiance Robin also stripped off for the sun-kissed weather, going shirtless as the couple reclined on the sun loungers

The couple first met in 2014, when Thicke was married to his then-wife Paula Patton

Stunning April recently joined Robin to celebrate her 29th birthday in Paris

Robin appeared very relaxed as he went without a shirt and donned a pair of shades

April and Robin eagerly documented their Paris trip in a slew of social media posts, with Robin cutting a dapper figure in a sharp white double-breasted suit.

Sharing a series of images of the pretty festive decorations, April finished her look with a matching stylish bucket hat.

The happy couple first met in 2014 after they accompanied one another to the Cannes Film Festival.

Thicke was married to his then-wife Paula Patton, whom he divorced in 2015 after over a decade together. The former couple share a son named Julian, 13.

Two years ago Robin admitted to participating in therapy to help the couple through their rough patches.

'Couples therapy has been great for me and April, and it's been great for me and Paula in coparenting.'

'We've had a few sessions and it's really helped for us, so I am a total believer in therapy,' he said on the podcast Black Girls Texting.

In 2021, Robin revealed to People that while his career was thriving from the release of Blurred Lines, his marriage was in shambles.

The couple were joined by April's close pal Stormi Henley, who stunned in a hot pink bikini

The pair were seen chatting and posing for snaps together

'My marriage to Paula was crumbling,' he said. 'I started using painkillers. It was a melting pot of trouble brewing, and I was so arrogant that I thought I could handle it all.'

Thicke moved on with Geary, and they started their family with the arrival of daughter Mia, five, in February of 2018.

Their daughter Lola was born in February 2019. They later welcomed son Luca in December 2022.

During a past interview with People, he opened up about co-parenting with Patton and explained that their relationship following the divorce 'have never been better.'

'We're co-parenting at our very best, and it shows in Julian's results. He's thriving and has really blossomed this last year. He's so devoted to school. He's the opposite of me.'

'I was the class clown in the back row. He's in the front of class and loves going to school,' Robin gushed, adding, 'I'm the proudest father because he really is that kind of kid at home.'
Lisa Wilkinson has bid farewell to 2023 with an emotional message.

The television personality shared a smiling selfie to Instagram on New Year's Eve on Sunday along with a cheerful caption.

'Farewell 2023. Wishing you all a new year filled with abundant love, peace, and the warm embrace of all those who mean the most to you,' the 64-year-old wrote.

It comes after news that Lisa wants to make a return to TV screens following months of inaction and five tedious weeks spent in a courtroom, sources say.

The Channel 10 star and former darling of breakfast TV is keen to get back to delivering more 'blockbuster interviews' in the New Year, friends told the Weekend Australian.

Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) has bid farewell to 2023 with an emotional message. The television personality shared a smiling selfie to Instagram on New Year's Eve on Sunday along with a cheerful caption

Wilkinson quit The Project last November and despite remaining on the Ten payroll until the end of 2024, she hasn't appeared on the channel for 13 months.

Despite her lengthy hiatus from the network, Wilkinson has remained in the public eye through her role in a highly-publicised defamation trial.

Bruce Lehrmann is suing Network 10 and Wilkinson over an interview with Brittany Higgins that was broadcast on The Project and online.

In the final five weeks of the court's sitting year the defamation case has played out before the court. Justice Lee has reserved his decision in the matter.

'Farewell 2023. Wishing you all a new year filled with abundant love, peace, and the warm embrace of all those who mean the most to you,' the 64-year-old wrote

Friends of Wilkinson say her court appearances have played in her favour by giving the TV star 'a constant stream of publicity'.

'Yes, she's been off air for a while but I don't think anyone will have forgotten her,' former Seven and Nine executive Peter Meakin told the Weekend Australian.

'I'm sure her loyal followers will remain loyal.'

Channel Ten, which is owned by Paramount, unveiled its 2024 content line-up at its Upfronts event last week and Wilkinson was not featured.

Network Ten maintains they are in talks to develop 'other projects' with Wilkinson.

Wilkinson quit The Project last November and despite remaining on the Ten payroll until the end of 2024, she hasn't appeared on the channel for 13 months. Pictured on The Project
John Pilger has died in England at age 84 after battling a long illness.

The legendary journalist and film maker's family shared the news to social media on New Year's Eve, alongside a heartbreaking statement.

'It is with great sadness the family of John Pilger announce he died on 30 December 2023 in London,' they began.

'His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world. But to his family he was simply the most amazing and loved Dad, Grandad and partner. Rest In Peace,' they added.

Many of Pilger's fans quickly took to the comments section to offer their condolences.

John Pilger has died in England at age 84 after battling a long illness. Pictured

The legendary journalist and film maker's family shared the news to social media on New Year's Eve, alongside a heartbreaking statement

'What a great journalist, fighter, and a inspiration to all,' one fan wrote, with a second adding: 'A true human giant.'

'Thank you dearest John for the most dedicated outstanding contribution to humanity,' a third person wrote.

Pilger was born on October 9, 1939 in Sydney Australia, the younger of two boys.

His career began in the late 1950s in Australia as a freelance journalist, before moving to London in the early sixties to further his career.

He gained renown for his commitment to uncovering and exposing injustices and abuses of power, particularly in the realm of politics and international affairs.

Pilger's work often focused on issues such as human rights, social justice, and the impact of political decisions on ordinary people.

He also wrote for a variety of news publications, including the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mirror and the New Statesman.

'It is with great sadness the family of John Pilger announce he died on 30 December 2023 in London,' the statement read

His work covered a wide range of topics, including the Vietnam War, apartheid in South Africa, and the plight of indigenous peoples.

Pilger has been recognised for his fearless and uncompromising approach to journalism, and he received numerous awards for his documentaries and reporting.

Many of his acclaimed documentaries provided a hard-hitting look at political issues, including The Quiet Mutiny (1970), Stealing a Nation (2010) and The War You Don't See (2014).

In 1991 he was honoured with a BAFTA Award for his hard-hitting documentary work.

He is survived by his long-term partner, journalist Yvonne Roberts, and his two children, Sam and Zoe.
Married At First Sight stars Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling tied the knot in real life over the weekend.

The pair first met on the Channel 4 reality show in 2021 - where the marriages aren't legally binding - and have gone from strength to strength ever since.

On Sunday the electrician and the estate agent - who share a daughter together - revealed their happy wedding news and shared a snap of their stunning rings.

Tayah penned in the caption: 'Finishing the year off strong, 28/12/23', as their pals rushed to congratulate them.

While the nuptials are convincing on the programme, the contestants take part in a commitment ceremony rather than a legally binding wedding.

Married At First Sight stars Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling tied the knot in real life over the weekend (seen on show)

On Sunday the electrician and the estate agent - who share a daughter together - revealed their happy wedding news and shared a snap of their stunning rings

Speaking to OK! Magazine about their wedding plans, Adam said in November: 'I'm really excited about it, it's going to be a magical day, a Christmas wedding and everyone will dressed up in black tie.'

Tayah added: 'This wedding will be a lot more special, we could only have six people at our MAFS wedding so I'm looking forward to having all of our friends and family in the same room celebrating such a magical day and actually making it legal.

'We did want to get married at the same venue as before but we thought when it's in the UK you can never predict the weather.'

The couple added that they had 'rarely spent a day apart' since their time on Married At First Sight and couldn't wait to say I do.

A MAFS UK spokes person told Metro.co.uk: 'Following the Australian format, rather than legal marriages, the couples will make a lifelong commitment to one another at a glamorous ceremony.

'This is overseen by a wedding celebrant, that includes guests, bridal gowns, dancing, speeches and cake.'

Tayah announced her pregnancy in an Instagram post back in April 2022.

Shocked, she told the world: 'The news is finally out and I still can't quite believe I'm typing this but we are having a baby.'

Tayah penned in the caption: 'Finishing the year off strong, 28/12/23', as their pals rushed to congratulate them

The pair first met on the Channel 4 reality show in 2021 - where the marriages aren't legally binding - and have gone from strength to strength ever since

Their daughter Beau Emily was born on October 7, 2022, and the couple were congratulated by adoring fans across the nation.

Adam and Tayah committed to one another on Married At First Sight in 2021, although not legally, and even got down on one knee.

During their time on the show he wanted to profess his 'undying' love despite warnings from the other couples on the show they were moving too fast.

Asking Tayah to be his wife at the time, she cried: 'You being serious?' before saying, 'you know I will.'

An emotional Adam said: 'You're making me cry now.'

Their daughter Beau Emily was born on October 7, 2022, and the couple were congratulated by adoring fans across the nation
Helen Flanagan sparked concern amongst her fans as she displayed her very sunburnt chest while posing in a bikini during her getaway to Bali.

The 33-year-old former Coronation Street star is away for the holidays with her three children: Matilda, eight, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two.

But as she posed for a slew of scorching snaps on Saturday, fans rushed to her Instagram comments to express their concerns.

In one sizzling pic, Helen showed off her brand-new green-and-white bikini, which exposed her very red-looking cleavage.

And as she joined her three children while wearing a floral dress with a sweetheart neckline, fans once again could see the potential sun damage.

Helen Flanagan sparked concern amongst her fans as she displayed her very sunburnt chest while posing in a bikini during her getaway to Bali

The 33-year-old former Coronation Street star is away for the holidays with her three children: Matilda, eight, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two

One fan commented on her Instagram photo: 'Don't forget your aftersun!'

Another said: 'Have you burnt the girls?' while a third said: 'Burnt' and another commented: 'No sunscreen.'

It comes after Helen flaunted her incredible figure during her exotic getaway on Friday, while showing fans her 'vile' hair.

The media personality slipped into an eye-catching pink bikini and filmed in her hotel room mirror.

Helen went makeup-free and tied her hair up for the candid clip, while admitting her blonde locks were in desperate need of a wash.

She explained: 'Wow hadn't washed my hair since the 23rd of December [laughter emoji] vile.'

It comes after Helen suffered a holiday nightmare within first few minutes of touching down in Bali on Thursday.

Helen Flanagan flaunted her incredible figure during her exotic getaway on Friday, while showing fans her 'vile' hai

The former Coronation Street star, 33, slipped into an eye-catching pink bikini and filmed in her hotel room mirror

The actress had reunited with her three children after they spent Christmas with her ex-fiance Scott Sinclair, 34.

Helen and her three children are jetted off to enjoy a delayed Christmas as a family with her best friend.

Sharing an update to her Instagram Story upon arrival, the actress revealed she had made it Bali but without her luggage after mistakenly collecting the wrong one.

Smiling for a selfie, she explained: 'Not the best start to the holiday I took the wrong suitcase back to the hotel.'

Helen continued: 'But the suitcase I took had a mobile so I gave it back to the guy, who was super nice about it. Felt so bad and managed to get mine back at the airport.'

After previously revealing she wasn't in the festive spirit, Helen looked in full spirits on Tuesday as she posed with her children at the airport.

Taking to Instagram the soap star had shown how she spent the week without them, admitting she 'wasn't really feeling it.'

Helen suffered a holiday nightmare within first few minutes of touching down in Bali on Thursday

Sharing an update to her Instagram Story upon arrival, the actress revealed she had made it Bali but without her luggage after mistakenly collecting the wrong one

Smiling for a selfie, she explained: 'Not the best start to the holiday I took the wrong suitcase back to the hotel'

Addressing her one million followers, she confessed: 'Wasn't really feeling Christmas this year, felt weird without the kids but next year I'll 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 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 I'm managing it really badly at the moment [sic].'

The actress had reunited with her three children Matilda, seven, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two, after they spent Christmas with her ex-fiance Scott Sinclair, 34

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.

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.

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

Earlier this month, it was alleged that Helen was set to spend Christmas in Bali with David Haye and his girlfriend Sian Osborne yet the star's friends denied the claims

Yet Helen revealed she would not be spending the day with her children for the first time and she would be staying in Bolton with her parents.

She told C loser: '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.
Real Housewives of Cheshire's Lauren Simon is set to appear in the new series of First Dates.

An exclusive new clip shared with MailOnline ahead of the first episode on Tuesday showed the reality star, 47, heading to the famous London restaurant with the hope of finding love.

She put on a glamorous display in a busty green dress as she was greeted at the door by Maitre'd Fred Sirieix.

Lauren split from property tycoon Paul Simon in 2018 after 13 years of marriage and is now looking for love again.

As she arrived Fred said: 'Hello! I have been watching you for so many years!', as some of the excited waitresses recognised who she was.

Real Housewives of Cheshire's Lauren Simon is set to appear in the new series of First Dates starting on Tuesday

An exclusive new clip shared with MailOnline ahead of the first episode on Tuesday showed the reality star, 47, on a date with Chiles (seen) who didn't know who she was

She then went off to meet her date Chiles who complimented her as looking 'absolutely stunning'.

Things then went downhill quickly as he then asked her what she did for a living to which she replied: 'I think you know what I do...'

Chiles was left completely bemused as he asked: 'No I don't, why would I have guessed? There is a story there right, I am very intrigued now by what you do...'

Later at dinner she told him: 'I work in the television on the Real Housewives of Cheshire which is highly-publicised in Manchester so I would have assumed you would have known!'

He replied: 'Oh okay, okay!', before a long silence ensued.

Lauren, who shot to fame on the hit ITVBe show and has an estimated 6.9million fortune, split from her husband of 10 years, millionaire Paul in 2018.

At the time, she said: 'I'm having fun and going out with lots of different people - but I'm never getting married again.'

During the divorce battle Lauren took time away from the show to focus on it.

She put on a glamorous display in a busty green dress as she was greeted at the door by Maitre'd Fred Sirieix

She then went off to meet her date Chiles who complimented her as looking 'absolutely stunning'

Things then went downhill quickly as he then asked her what she did for a living to which she replied: 'I think you know what I do...'

Chiles was left completely bemused as he asked: 'No I don't, why would I have guessed? There is a story there right, I am very intrigued now by what you do...'

Lauren told Closer at the time: 'I took a year off filming to try and finalise the divorce, but the plan was always to go back to the show.

'I just needed to take some time off to sort myself out because it was a huge life change.

'The divorce battle is sadly still ongoing, but it felt like the right time to go back for me.'

Lauren was granted a 3 million payout as part of the divorce negotiations, however her ex-husband fought it and claimed it was 'discriminatory'.

First Dates returns Tuesday January 2 at 10pm on Channel 4.
She is never shy showing off her incredible figure.

And Lizzie Cundy put on a busty display as she frolicked during her New Year trip to Barbados on Sunday.

The socialite, 55, slipped into a plunging leopard print swimsuit while hitting the beach to soak up some sun.

She later covered up in a white sun dress as she made her way on to dry land and wore huge stylish shades.

The beauty wore her honey tied back and sported an impressive holiday tan after jetting to the tropical location.

Lizzie Cundy put on a busty display as she frolicked during her New Year trip to Barbados on Sunday

The socialite, 55, slipped into a plunging leopard print swimsuit as she hit the beach to soak up some sun

It comes after Lizzy dressed up as Mrs Claus as she attended the Christmas party for her TalkTV quiz show, That Was The Woke That Was, on a 1m yacht in Canary Wharf earlier this month.

She showed off her enviable figure in a trim-fur red bardot dress, and added inches to her frame with a pair of stylish red knee heel boots.

The star sported a Santa hat as her golden locks cascaded graciously, and accessorised with a pendant necklace and a ring.

In October, Lizzy spoke of the importance of getting checked as she worked to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

She explained in a clip on Instagram: 'I am a very relieved girl, because as you know it breast cancer awareness month so I went in for a check.

'I was a little bit worried but I am very happy to say I have got the all clear.

'Just a message to everyone to go and get checked. It really is worth it, it's better to know and if there is a problem, early diagnosis. I'm very happy to know that I am all ok.'

In 2014, Lizzie revealed the shocking news that she was suffering from the pre-cancerous condition Barrett's Oesophagus, which she believed had been brought on by her 'out-of-control drinking'.

She later covered up in a white sun dress as she made her way onto dry land and wore huge stylish shades

The cause of the disease is thought to be long-term acid reflux, or heartburn  and alcohol consumption is thought to exacerbate the problem.

'I was never like my old friend George Best, but the truth is drink had become a problem for me,' she told The Mail On Sunday.

Lizzie first sought medical advice after she 'woke up in agony in the night with terrible chest pains, after months of not feeling well', she recalled.

It came after the TV personality claimed she went blind after a filler procedure.

Lizzie told MailOnline: 'I have never been so frightened as to think I could nearly have lost my eyesight by not doing my research and just wanting to look and feel better!'

Lizzie said that that within minutes, she knew that something was awry.

She said her eyes puffed up and as time went by, her vision started to go blurry.

Recalling the ordeal, she explained: 'Well I literally was feeling a bit low and tired and a friend said: 'Yes you do look rather tired Lizzie have you not tried filler around the eyes? It can take 10 years off you!'

'I really didn't think too much about it and just thought: 'Yes, why not?'

'It was a knee jerk reaction as I just felt a bit low and had had a bit of a tough time so wanted to feel and look better  a quick fix!

The beauty wore her honey tied back and sported an impressive holiday tan after jetting to the tropical location

'But as soon as the treatment was done I could feel something was not correct.

I felt the needle go so close to my eye it scared me and as by the time I got home I could see my eyes had totally swollen up... like I had an allergic reaction!'

Luckily Lizzie was able to enlist an experienced eye doctor who was able to save her sight but insists others should think twice before having similar procedures.

The TV star also admitted she feared she wouldn't be able to see her two sons, Josh and James, again.
Stacey Solomon has hit back at trolls who accused her of 'flaunting her wealth' on her family Christmas trip to Jamaica.

The Loose Women star, 34, shared a post this week as her and husband Joe Swash and their kids all posed in the sea together after surprising them with the holiday.

Stacey detailed the trip in the caption, writing: 'A special Christmas. For the first time ever we got to surprise our families for Christmas. Never felt more grateful & lucky.

'Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be able to do this. 20 of us, 10 hours later & we have made it to paradise. Merry Christmas Everyone. Lots of love from ALL of us.'

Fans of the star offered positive comments as one said underneath: 'Awww love this xx have the best time x family time is the best x.'

Stacey Solomon has hit back at trolls who accused her of 'flaunting her wealth' on her family Christmas trip to Jamaica

The Loose Women star, 34, shared a post this week as her and husband Joe Swash and their kids all posed in the sea together after surprising them with the holiday

A second penned: 'Wow amazing how lovely is that, memories they'll always remember.'

However other weren't as kind as one said: 'It gets a bit too much exposing the wealth that other peeps can't dream of. You can't be a working class hero and a mega spender!'

Under the post one follower defended Stacey saying: 'Why are people being so jealous of them yes we all work hard but Stacey started off being a single parent and going without then got a break on X-factor and she has worked her butt off ever since and met Joe!

'They both have come from nothing, to work for what they now have. So they are allowed to go on holiday and have quality time together with the family.'

But a third pointed out: 'Sadly most people are really struggling atm it's the worst it's been for decades - lovely Stacey can do this but maybe don't post such in-depth details on social media..sometimes private is best.'

In response on Saturday night speaking to her followers on Instagram Stacey said: 'Just laying in bed reading your messages. I love you all so much.

'I promise as soon as we are all home I'll start the big January clear out & we can all get sorted for 2024!

'I can not wait! But I so needed this time with my family. So much can happen in a year & I'm so grateful to be spending special time with our parents & sisters & nieces & nephews.

Fans of the star offered positive comments as one said underneath: 'Awww love this xx have the best time x family time is the best x'

However other weren't as kind as one said: ' It gets a bit too much exposing the wealth that other peeps can't dream of. You can't be a working class hero and a mega spender!'

They were joined by 20 family members for the trip which Stacey explained she 'never thought she'd be able to do' (pictured surprising them)

Sharing a sweet clip to Instagram on Friday, the TV personality documented her children, nieces and nephews opening a box before jumping up and down with joy

'I am definitely sticking to the 'fudge' it year for 2024. I feel like I've already started. No more worrying about what people say or think. It's time to just live. And those who matter don't mind, those who mind don't matter. Love you all to the moon and back.'

Stacey surprised her whole family with a dream holiday to 'paradise' for Christmas.

A total of 20 family members headed off on the trip which Stacey explained she 'never thought she'd be able to do.'

Sharing a sweet clip to Instagram on Friday, the TV personality documented her children, nieces and nephews opening a box before jumping up and down with joy.

She captioned the post: 'A special Christmas. For the first time ever we got to surprise our families for Christmas.'

Stacey is mother to sons Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, who she has from previous relationships as well as son Rex, four, Rose, two, and baby Belle, ten-months, who she shares with Joe.

Joe also has 16-year-old Harry, from a previous relationship with his ex-fiancee Emma Sophocleous.

It comes as Stacey revealed the quirky Christmas condition she has continued every year since her childhood despite her entire family refusing to take part in it.

And this year was no different for her when it comes to one holiday ritual - having half a grapefruit with sugar sprinkled on it for breakfast.

In a video about her Christmas likes and dislikes posted on Loose Women's TikTok channel, she explained: 'This is going to sound really weird... my mum every Christmas morning used to cut a grapefruit in half, put some sugar on it and that was our breakfast.

Stacey spent Christmas with husband Joe Swash, 41, and their children Rex, four, Rose, two and Belle, seven months, and sons Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, from past relationships

'None of my kids will eat it, Joe won't eat it, it's not even that great, but I just have to every single Christmas. I don't eat grapefruit all year but on Christmas morning, I sit there with my half a grapefruit and sugar and I really enjoy it.'

Elsewhere, Stacey spoke out about what she loves about Christmas, as well as what she's not so fond of.

When asked about festive foods she said she preferred hot chocolate, exclaiming: 'Mulled wine is disgusting! Who invented that?'

She also insisted Christmas pudding tastes like 'nail varnish' but said she thought it looked pretty when the alcohol-covered dessert was set alight.
Dave Chappelle reportedly stormed off the stage on Wednesday after a fan pulled out his cell phone.

The comedian, 50, who had audience members walk out on performances in October when he charged Israel with 'war crimes,' was performing at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida when he made his own abrupt exit.

The comic was on the second of a five-night gig at the venue when he apparently caught a fan using his phone.

The Miami Herald reported the Emmy winner notified security about the flagrant flouting of the rules and scolded the audience before shaking his head as he exited the stage.

Fans forked out $100 a ticket to see the Chappelle's Show star perform at the venue, which holds up to 7,000 people, located about 20 miles north of Miami Beach.

Dave Chappelle, 50, stormed off stage after a fan pulled out a cell phone during his show Wednesday at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL (Pictured in Washington, DC in June 2022)

Those in the audience did not take kindly the to incident and shared their fury on social media.

'Few things make you more misanthropic than going to a theater,' they began.

'I saw Dave Chappelle at the Hard Rock tonight and he (rightfully so) dropped the mic and stormed off the stage. My favorite comedian ever, my first time seeing him I was so excited and some p**s had to self-insert,' one fan contended.

Another was more direct in their condemnation writing, 'Some f**king a**hole pulled out his phone at the #DaveChappelle show at the Hollywood Hard Rock.'

The rules for the evening were stipulated clearly. Fans were supposed to place their phones in a neoprene pouch before entering the theater.

The Hard Rock Live's website stated that the show would be 'device and electronics free, per the artists request.'

And before the show began, DJ Trauma, who provided the on-stage introductions for Chappelle, warned audience members phones were not allowed and they would be kicked out if caught using them, according to Fox 29.

The Undercover Brother star is one of the biggest draws in comedy and is not shy about creating his own controversy when tackling certain topics.

The Miami Herald reported the Emmy winner notified security about the flagrant flouting of the rules and scolded the audience before shaking his head as he exited the stage. Audience members had paid $100 per ticket to attend the show

Fans who were deprived of the full show last week, might be able to see what they missed with Chappelle's new Netflix special The Dreamer, which debuted December 31

The special was shot at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, DC

Chappelle, who is known for making controversial jokes goes after the trans community and the disabled in his new show, telling the audience, 'theyre not as organized as the gays. And I love punching down'

He has been widely criticized in recent years for a steady stream of jokes involving transgender people, which many critics have labeled transphobic.

In his 2017 Netflix special, he spoke about pitching a movie idea to a Hollywood producer about a superhero who gets his power via raping women.

Other critics have complained that some of his recent stand-up specials have featured long digressions that played more like airing of grievances than comedic routines.

Fans, who were deprived of the full show last week, might be able to see what they missed with Chappelle's new Netflix special The Dreamer, which debuted December 31.

During the show, which was shot the Lincoln Theater in Washington, DC, he makes jokes not only about the trans community, but the disabled as well saying, 'theyre not as organized as the gays. And I love punching down.'
Rachel Swan is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. She joined the Chronicle in 2015 after stints at several alt weekly newspapers. Born in Berkeley, she graduated from Cal with a degree in rhetoric and is now raising two daughters in El Cerrito.

She can be reached at rswan@sfchronicle.com.
Beloved voice actress Ana Ofelia Murguia, best known for voicing the fan-favorite character Mama Coco in Disney-Pixar's hit 2017 film Coco, has passed away at the age of 90.

The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (NIFA) announced the devastating news on X (previously known as Twitter), on Sunday.

'With deep sadness we regret the sensitive death of the leading actress Ana Ofelia Murguia, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx of #INBAL and whose artistic career was vital for the performing arts of Mexico,' NIFA revealed.

The organization concluded: 'We send condolences and lovingly hug her family and friends.'

Rest in peace: Beloved voice actress Ana Ofelia Murguia, best known for voicing the fan-favorite character Mama Coco in Disney's hit 2017 film Coco, has passed away at the age of 90 (pictured in September 2022)

Iconic film: She voiced Mama Coco in Disney-Pixar's animated musical comedy Coco about a Mexican boy who travels to the Land of the Dead to learn his family's past

Passed away: The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (NIFA) announced the devastating news on X (previously known as Twitter), on Sunday

Her cause of death has not been disclosed, but the news immediately prompted a bevy of social media tributes as fans flocked to social media to mourn the legendary performer.

Murguia, who was born Mexico, is best known for the 2017 Disney-Pixar animated movie Coco as well as her roles in The Queen of the Night (1994) and Nobody Will Speak of Us When We're Dead (1995).

Disney-Pixar's animated musical comedy Coco is about a Mexican boy who travels to the Land of the Dead to learn his family's past and dreams of becoming a musician.

It is based on the traditions surrounding the Day Of The Dead.

Over her career, she was nominated for five Ariel Award for Best Actress and was 'given a medal in recognition of her contributions to the industry' in April 2023, according to The Sun.

Last year, Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, a Mexican woman who reportedly served as the inspiration for Mama Coco, died at aged 109.

The Secretary of Tourism for the Mexican state of Michoacan, Roberto Monroy, confirmed her death.

Monroy remembered the legend as a 'tireless woman and life model' and revealed that Caballero passed away in Santa Fe de la Laguna, which is the same town where she was born more than a century ago.

'With deep sadness we regret the sensitive death of the leading actress Ana Ofelia Murguia, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx of #INBAL and whose artistic career was vital for the performing arts of Mexico ,' NIFA revealed

The organization concluded: 'We send condolences and lovingly hug her family and friends.'

Her cause of death has not been disclosed, but has already prompted a bevy of social media tributes as fans flock to mourn the legendary performer

He said in a statement: 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, "Mama Coco", a tireless woman and example of life, who was the inspiration for this beloved character that went around the world.

'I pray for her eternal rest and for her family to find peace of mind.'

She was given the nickname of 'Mama Coco' after the character of the same name she had inspired in the animated film.

Disney had never officially acknowledged that Caballero is the inspiration for the beloved character, but her family claims that a team from Pixar had visited their area and extensively photographed her and even lived with them for a while.

Her family had been working to have her recognized as the inspiration for Mama Coco since the release of the film in 2017, but have been unsuccessful.

Caballero was a clay craftswoman who made pots in addition to other items and sold to locals.
Registration of properties in Mumbai municipal area is likely to rise by 33 pc annually to around 12,500 units during this month on better demand, according to Knight Frank.

As many as 9,367 properties were registered in Mumbai city (area under BMC jurisdiction) during the same month last year.

Real estate consultant Knight Frank India has compiled the data of registration of properties from Department of Registrations and Stamps, Maharashtra government.

As per the latest data of December, 12,134 units were registered till 12 noon and the number is set to reach around 12,500 units by late evening.

"Homebuyers in Mumbai continue to demonstrate confidence in the property market, buoyed by stable demand and an enhanced positive sentiment. This optimism has resulted in a significant surge in property registrations in Mumbai," the consultant said in a statement on Saturday.

Of the overall registered properties, residential units constitute 80 per cent.
Snapdeal's has seen its consolidated loss after tax narrow to Rs 282.2 crore for FY23, from Rs 510 crore in previous year, according to a statutory filing.

As per the company's RoC filing, the total income fell to Rs 388.1 crore in FY23, from Rs 563.5 crore in the previous fiscal (FY22).

"The focus on profitability and long-term sustainability of the business yielded results with adjusted EBITDA loss reducing to Rs 144 crore in FY2022-23, from Rs 419 crore in FY2021-22," the filing said.

The loss reduction measures also led to revenue decreasing to Rs 388 crore in FY2022-23 from Rs 564 crore in FY2021-22, it added.

"In the past fiscal year, the company continued its well defined focus on the value segment, coupled with a steadfast commitment to staying on the path towards reaching profitability." the filing said.

The company said it has implemented several enhancements to its operations.
BJP state general secretary and headquarters in-charge Dr. Pradeep Verma today made a big attack on the state government in a press conference regarding the increasing cases of love jihad, conversion and cow smuggling in the state.

Verma said that the Hemant government is engaged in promoting appeasement politics for vote bank. He said that ever since the Hemant government was formed, the internal law and order situation in the entire state is deteriorating.

Referring to the recent incident of religious conversion in Pakur district, he said that a large number of people of Pahadia tribe live in Pakur district, where people of a particular community are continuously trying to forcibly convert Pahadia daughters and men. Pahadia's daughter Rubika has also been murdered recently.

Discussing the incidents that happened with Rinoy Pahadia, a resident of Pakur district, Ramchandrapur, he said that recently a woman named Sayanara Khatun made a planned friendship with Rinoy Pahadia and proposed marriage as per Pahadia customs. After the acceptance of the marriage Sayanara Khatoon pressurized him for conversion, wrongly pressurized him for marriage and then also made him sign the affidavit.

He said that not only this, when Rinoy Pahadia protested, he was forced to eat the banned meat and was also beaten up. He said that when Rinoy complains about this in the police station, he is scolded and sent away. And when Rinoy complained to SP Pakur after that, no action was taken till date.

He said that it is clear from this that the elements carrying out religious conversions have the protection of the government.

Verma said that the identity and existence of tribals is linked to their religion and culture, but today, despite the existence of strict laws to stop forced conversions in the state, the Hemant government does not take any action.

He said that today the situation in the districts of Sahebganj, Pakur, etc. of Santhal Pargana is frightening. Tribal girls are being killed by people belonging to a particular community, by usurping their land and by making them second and third wives.

On the increasing morale of cow smugglers, Verma said that due to the state's border with West Bengal and Bangladesh, Santhal Pargana has become a corridor for cow smuggling. Cow smugglers have the protection of Hemant government. The rulers of the state have a share in the earnings of cow smuggling. The rulers are also involved in cow smuggling.

He said that Inspector Sandhya Topno was crushed to death by a truck by cow smugglers. The morale has increased so much that they are even suing the MP.

He said that ED has also taken cognizance of the case of cow smuggling like smuggling of stones and minerals in Santhal Pargana. Like the exposed corruption worth thousands of crores, big cases related to cow smuggling will also be exposed.

He demanded the ED to take cognizance of the cow smuggling cases of Podaiyahat, Saraiyahat, Pakur and Dumka along with the case registered at Mohanpur police station.

State BJP officials meeting in Chaibasa today

A meeting of BJP state officials, district presidents and district in-charges is being organized in Chaibasa on Sunday 31st December under the chairmanship of State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi. In the meeting, guidance will be received from State President and former Chief Minister Babulal, in-charge Dr. Laxmikant Vajpayee, State Organization General Secretary Karmaveer Singh, Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri. After listening to Mann Ki Baat program at 11 o'clock, the meeting will start in which organizational discussion will take place. 31st December is the last Sunday of the month, hence workers across the state will listen to the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat program at the booth level.
Wearing oxygen masks to highlight air pollution, Delhi BJP leaders and workers held protests at four places in the national capital on Saturday morning against the AAP government failing to check air pollution. The party's leaders said the protests were held at the ITO crossing, near the India Gate, the roundabout near the Le Meridian Hotel and the 11 Murti roundabout.

Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari and Delhi BJP general secretary Kamaljeet Sehrawat joined the protest at the 11 Murti Chowk. Delhi BJP general secretaries Harsh Malhotra and Yogendra Chandolia joined the protests at the ITO crossing and the Le Meridian roundabout respectively. Senior Delhi BJP leader Rajiv Babbar joined the demonstration at India Gate, they added.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said Delhi Government's winter action plan on pollution has totally failed as it has no plan to control ever rising dust pollution in the city. As the people of Delhi are facing air pollution, both chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his environment minister Gopal Rai are missing from the past one week. Kejriwal is on vacation and Rai has not spoken a word, he said.

Sachdeva said that Delhi Government's winter action plan on pollution has totally failed as it has no plan to control ever rising dust pollution in the city. Delhi BJP leader Rajiv Babbar who coordinated today's protest campaign and himself stood with party workers at India Gate Kartavya Path intersection said that its regrettable that due to failure of Kejriwal Government to curb pollution the senior citizens & children are worst sufferers and have to stay indoors.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and party BJP General Secretary Kamaljeet Sehrawat joined party workers wearing Oxygen Mask at 11 Murti Chowk and said that with ever rising pollution pregnant women & children are worst sufferers.

Delhi BJP General Secretary Harsh Malhotra stood at I.T.O. Chowk with party workers and said that its shocking to see the AQI towering above 200 in December end when normally the air used to be clean with only fog troubling till last year but due to criminal negligence of the Kejriwal Government today we are fighting both smog and fog.
Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry-cum-Central In-charge Officer, Aspirational District Programme, Ranchi, Himani Pandey, today chaired a review meeting under the Aspirational District Programme, in the auditorium of Government Guest House, Circular Road, Ranchi.

Himani Pandey, while reviewing the progress and future action plan of the centrally sponsored programs in a review meeting under the Aspirational District Programme, told all the concerned officers to progressively improve the various standards of the Aspirational District set by NITI Aayog. There is a need, so that further improvements can be made in this standard. He asked the officers to work with mutual coordination to make continuous efforts for improvement in various sectors including education, health and agriculture.

While giving instructions, the Joint Secretary, said that further progress can be made only if all the departments work with mutual coordination to improve the standards of the aspirational district and he said that there are many such schemes, which can be implemented by the common people. It is very important for the welfare of people. While giving instructions to all the concerned officers, the Joint Secretary said that proper work format should be prepared so that proper implementation of the schemes can be ensured and our main objective is that keeping in mind the convenience of the common people, they should be benefited directly through the schemes.

While reviewing, the Joint Secretary, taking information from the District Education Superintendent, said that there is a need to pay attention to the digital material and tablets that have been made available to the students, so that all the students can use it properly and develop themselves. Its usefulness should be ensured through their evaluation. She directed the concerned officer to coordinate with all the private schools of Ranchi district and get the data entered into UDISE.

While reviewing agriculture and water conservation, the Joint Secretary asked for information from the concerned officer, on which the concerned officer informed that the percentage of micro irrigation as per NITI Aayog standards under agriculture and water conservation is currently 2.97 per cent in Ranchi district. On which the Joint Secretary instructed to bring it to the national level (18.1 per cent) and for this, he was asked to increase the irrigation capacity by selecting qualified farmers at the micro level.

While reviewing the health as per the standards of NITI Aayog, the Joint Secretary, taking information from the concerned officer about ANC registration (first trimester), live births, sex ratio, expressed happiness seeing the good achievement in all these.

While reviewing the animal husbandry as per the standards of NITI Aayog, she gave complete information to the concerned officer and gave instructions to increase the number of artificial insemination workers so that the target can be achieved and also to increase the number of workers for vaccination of animals in JSLPS. Through this, the women's group was also instructed to maintain the list while engaging in the vaccination of animals. The Joint Secretary, while giving instructions to the District Animal Husbandry Officer, said that through JSLPS, regular meetings were held and the vaccination staff was asked to be increased.

In the review meeting Pandey expressed happiness over the progress of Ranchi district in five years and congratulated all the concerned officers and said that they should work with such mutual coordination so that the standards of NITI Aayog are met.

In the meeting, DC Rahul Kumar Sinha, DDC Dinesh Kumar Yadav, SDO Sadar Ranchi, Utkarsh Kumar, Project Director ICDA Sudhir Bada, DAO Anil Kumar, DAO Ram Shankar Singh, DPO Arun Kumar Singh, DPRO Prabhat Shankar, DEO Mithlesh Kerketta, DSWO Sweta Bharti , CS Sadar Ranchi, Dr. Prabhat Kumar and all concerned officials were present.
The students of DAV PG College have written a letter addressed to the senior superintendent of police of Dehradun, Ajai Singh, urging that stringent measures should be taken in response to an incident wherein a young girl lost her life due to the collapse of a college wall during October this year. The former president of DAV college students union Paras Goyal informed that the college wall was in a dilapidated condition for many months before the incident happened and students had earlier lodged multiple complaints with the college administration seeking its repair. Unfortunately, their concerns were disregarded, culminating in the tragic incident resulting in the loss of a young girl's life, he added.

He further said that in the pursuit of justice for the girl, the students have consistently demanded compensation and a government job for her grieving family. However, the authorities have yet to take any action in this case. Additionally, a committee was created in the college to investigate the matter but no report indicating measures for the safety of students has come to light so far, he said.

Goyal further stated that there have been delays in taking action in the said case due to unavoidable circumstances, which include the recent appointment of a new principal and the student union election. In view of such delay by the police and college management, the students of the DAV PG college, along with the brother of the deceased have recently submitted a letter to the Dehradun SSP. They have sought strict action and the fulfillment of their demands. Goyal said that he believes that by exerting pressure on the police, the college management will be compelled to provide compensation to the deceased's family. He added that if no action is taken by the police in this matter, the students will hold a protest at the college during the first week of January.
Megan Fan Munce is a reporter who joined the San Francisco Chronicle as part of the two-year Hearst Journalism Fellowship, spending her first year of the program at the Houston Chronicle.

Munce grew up in San Jose before attending Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in journalism and a second major in political science.

She previously worked as an audience engagement fellow and a reporting fellow at the Texas Tribune, as well as an audience intelligence intern for KQED.

She can be reached at Megan.Munce@sfchronicle.com.
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren for the seventh time in a land scam case in Ranchi. Calling it the last summon, the agency is said to have asked Soren to record his statement within seven days.

In the letter sent to the CM, ED has said that he should inform within two days by identifying a place where his statement can be recorded. This place should be suitable for both the parties.

Before this, summons were issued six times by the ED and Soren was asked to appear at the agency's zonal office in Ranchi. He was called for questioning for the first time on 14 August 2023. After this, summons were sent to appear on 24 August, 9 September, 23 September, 4 October and 12 December. However, the CM did not appear on any of these summons.

Every time he sent a written reply to the ED and called the summons unfair. Soren also filed a petition in the High Court and the Supreme Court against the ED summons, but he did not get much relief.

Notably, the ED wants to record the statement of Hemant Soren in connection with the investigation into the case of tampering and forgery in government documents related to the land of Badgain Circle of Ranchi.

The letter sent by the agency to Soren states that summons were sent to him six times, but he did not appear in the ED office even once. He gave baseless reasons for this. In view of the summons, his non-appearance is creating hurdles in the investigation of the case. Also the investigation is being affected. If the statement is not recorded after the seventh and last summons, appropriate action will be taken in this case.
Delhi High Court judge Justice Yogesh Khanna, who awarded death penalty to the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case as a judicial officer in 2013, Saturday demitted office after a tenure of seven years.

Justice Khanna became a permanent judge of the high court on November 8, 2016.

As an additional sessions judge, Justice Khanna had, on September 13, 2013, handed capital punishment to the four convicts in the brutal gang-rape and murder case, saying it fell in the rarest of rare category as the crime was committed against a 23-year-old woman in a "beastly" and "hair-raising" manner.

He had said the inhuman and ghastly acts of the convicts shocked the collective conscience of the nation and deserved exemplary punishment.

The death penalty was finally executed on March 20, 2020.

On the night of December 16, 2012, the paramedical student was gang-raped on a moving bus in south Delhi and brutalised so grievously that she succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012 in a Singapore hospital.

During his term in the high court, Justice Khanna passed several significant orders and judgements.

In 2018, as part of a division bench headed by then high court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, Justice Khanna had dismissed US-based agro industries major Monsanto Technology's plea to enforce the patent for its BT cotton seeds in India.

Born on December 31, 1961, Justice Khanna completed his LL.B. From Campus Law Centre, Delhi in 1986.

In 2000, he joined Delhi Higher Judicial Services and eventually became the District Judge of North-West District, Rohini Courts, Delhi, before being elevated to the high court.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said he has returned to the city after completing his 10-day Vipassana meditation session in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district and will now start serving people again. AAP convener faces a summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to appear for questioning on January 3 in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Kejriwal arrived at the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre (DDVC) located at Anandgarh, around 11 kilometres from Hoshiarpur, on December 20.

"Returned today after 10 days of Vipassana meditation. This sadhana gives immense peace. From today onwards, we will again start serving the public with new energy. Good luck to all," he said in a post in Hindi on 'X'.

Before he departed from the meditation centre, Kejriwal was honoured by Gautam Lal, trustee of the DDVC, who also presented him with a set of books. It was for the first time that the AAP national convener practised Vipassana in Punjab. In the past, he visited Jaipur, Nagpur, Dharamkot and Bengaluru for this.

Vipassana is an ancient Indian meditation method for self-transformation through self-observation, focusing on the profound interconnection between the mind and body.

During the meditation retreat, Kejriwal had to adhere to the centre's regulations, which include abstaining from the use of mobile phones, internet, television and newspapers. The stringent daily routine began at 4 am and concluded at 9:30 pm. The meals consist of simple food, with no meal permitted after midday, a spokesperson of the DDVC said.
On the 131st Avirbhav Divas of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS), the spiritual organization he founded to disseminate his Kriya Yoga teachings to spiritual seekers, will release the Hindi translation of the new edition of Yogoda Satsanga Lessons in Self-Realization.

Ahead of the release of these Hindi Lessons, senior YSS sannyasi Swami Ishwarananda Giri addressed a press conference explaining the significance of the YSS Lessons in Self-realization, and the service to humanity provided by YSS in various areas.

Paramahansa Yogananda often referred to the Kriya Yoga path, with its scientific techniques of meditation, as the highway to the Infinite. His teachings are made available through the printed YSS Lessons  a transmission of sacred knowledge that will uplift and transform all aspects of your life  and are now available in Hindi, and accessible to the masses of India in their mother tongue.

Despite our varying achievements in life, there often still remains a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose; these Kriya Yoga meditation teachings provide us with the necessary tools to fill the void  to bring out from within ourselves all the peace and joy of the soul, Swami Ishwaranandaji said, inviting newcomers interested in learning the sacred science of Kriya Yoga meditation to apply for YSS Lessons at yssi.org/Lessons-Hindi.

About YSS Lessons

The release of the new edition of the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons in Hindi marks a historic milestone for the spiritual work of Paramahansa Yogananda, who viewed the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons as the very core of the teachings he was ordained to bring to the world as a special spiritual dispensation for the coming global civilization.

The new edition of YSS Lessons offers a greatly enhanced and expanded version of Yoganandajis home-study programme. The basic series consists of 18 in-depth Lessons, which students receive by mail, one lesson posted every two weeks over a period of 9 months. This new edition contains a wealth of previously unpublished material from Paramahansajis writings and classes on the YSS meditation techniques and the sadhana that leads to inner and outer harmony and balance, and the highest states of blissful divine consciousness.

The new edition of Lessons have been reorganized in such a way that new students will become eligible to apply for Kriya Yoga after eight months of study.

From the very first Lesson, you receive definite methods by which you can experience the benefits of meditation immediately. While building a solid foundation for deep meditation, you learn three powerful techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda as necessary first steps in the comprehensive spiritual science of Kriya Yoga.

Once enrolled in the new Lessons series, you will also be able to access each Lesson digitally through a digital app  the SRF/YSS App. Also available digitally is supplementary audio and video content with each Lesson.

About the SRF/YSS App

The SRF/YSS App is a digital resource to aid everyone on their spiritual journey  whether you are brand new to the teachings of Yoganandaji or have been immersing yourself in this great teachers wisdom for decades. It is also for anyone who wants to learn more about meditation, the science of Kriya Yoga, and practical ways to live a spiritually balanced life.

It features guided meditations on peace, living fearlessly, God as light, expansion of consciousness, and more  with customizable meditation times from 15 to 45 minutes. One gets free access to live online meditations, and for those who are students of the YSS Lessons, the app includes the digital versions of these Lessons along with a rich variety of multimedia content to help one apply the YSS Kriya Yoga teachings in their daily life.

Charitable Activities Undertaken by YSS

Swamiji enumerated the key charitable activities undertaken by YSS:

During the Covid pandemic, YSS sannyasis, along with a large number of YSS devotees from in and around Ranchi, provided food to the poor and the marginalised people, in areas that were remote and without access to relief. Rice, pulses, vegetables, cooking oil, and spices etc. were also delivered to them in large numbers to enable them to run their homes during the adverse circumstances of this pandemic. YSS also provided charitable medical facilities to some private and government institutions during the period.

YSS runs a charitable hospital  the Yogoda Satsanga Sevashram in Ranchi. In the year 2023, a total of 23,297 patients have received health checkups and treatment via the general OPD at this hospital so far, while 12,720 patients have benefited from the ophthalmology OPD. Eye operations of 1,430 ophthalmology patients were also performed at the hospital this year. Moreover, the hospital also provides medicines and pathology tests to patients free of cost.

The organization also provides charitable medical help in the remote areas that are mostly inaccessible. The YSS medical team provides free health check-up as well as free medicines to the deprived and the underprivileged people in these areas. YSS set up the Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) at a community health centre in Angada Block of Ranchi district.

YSS also provides scholarships every year to meritorious and underprivileged students pursuing matriculation and higher education. A new building complex and a large multipurpose auditorium and hall was recently constructed for the Yogoda Satsangs Vidyalaya. The total cost of this construction was around  22 crores, of which YSS received an amount of  8 crores as financial assistance from the Government of India.

The new building complex of Yogoda Satsanga Vidyalaya has been designed on the basis of the ancient gurukul system keeping in mind the principles propounded by Paramahansa Yoganandaji such as the idea of studying amidst nature. YSS presently has 17 educational institutions for boys and girls all over India.

In 2024, 17 Sadhana Sangams are being organized for the benefit of YSS devotees, of which eight will be held in Ranchi, four in Noida, three in Dakshineswar and two in Igatpuri, Maharashtra.

Sadhana Sangams provide a wonderful opportunity not only for spiritual rejuvenation, but also for improving their understanding and practice of Yoganandajis teachings and meditation techniques.Twenty one-day programmes, 13 three-day programmes, five two-day programmes, and three retreats will be organized in different locations across the country in the coming year  to facilitate the reach of yoga-meditation teachings of Yoganandaji to spiritual seekers, in turn leading to the strengthening of the spiritual environment in the country.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday held a meeting Samvaad @Raj Niwas with Imams, Aalims and Muazzins of the capital's mosques. This was his first meeting ever since he took over in May 2022.

As 2023 draws to an end, we formally started Samvaad@RajNiwas- an interactive dialogue series with Imams & Aalims from Mosques across the City. It has been my endeavour to open the hitherto enigmatic Raj Niwas to the people of Delhi. It was an enriching experience meeting more than 50,000 people at Raj Niwas over the past 18 months. I hope that the interactive dialogue with people of Delhi- the City's main stakeholders, will get more structured & result oriented, with this new branding. I appeal to all residents of the Capital to engage with Samvaad@RajNiwas, Saxena wrote on X.

According to Raj Niwas official, in the 18 months, since Saxena took over as LG, he has met more than 50,000 people belonging to varied sections in formal/informal gatherings at the Raj Niwas, averaging about 3,000 per month.

Saxena, who has mostly been on the streets of Delhi trying to address various issues pertaining to the City, had announced upon taking over that rather than being the LG he would strive to serve as a Local Guardian of the City and open the doors of hitherto opaque and colonial Raj Niwas to the people where anyone and everyone could walk in with their issues, official said.

As a result of this over the past year and a half on various formal occasions like the At Home functions, celebration of Statehood Days and get together of various professional group, Saxena has been freely mixing with people, interacting with them and trying to address issues. Similarly, over hundreds of meetings with delegations that included those of, teachers, students, professors, lawyers, traders, doctors, street vendors, RWAs, residents of unauthorized colonies, slum dwellers, industry associations and residents/farmers from rural/urbanized villages of Delhi, the Lt. Governor has been interacting with the people along with officials of concerned departments and trying to solve their problems concurrently, they added.

In the same series, Saxena will be meeting residents/farmers from villages of Delhi and have an interactive dialogue on DDAs Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyaan on 02.01.2024, in the New Year.
In the year 2023, Madhya Pradesh Police has taken effective action against radical organizations and mafias along with crime control in the state, which has increased the sense of security among the citizens.

Madhya Pradesh police is committed to the safety and respect of women and girls. Many efforts were made by the police towards their empowerment and making them self-reliant. While enhancing capabilities at the ground level, the police also strengthened the technical machinery, using which there was remarkable success in detecting heinous and serious crimes.

With the aim of making the society aware and empowering, the reach to the last line person was increased through community policing. To make the police physically and mentally efficient, skill enhancement and capacity upgradation of the police personnel was also done. The police gave meaning to its motto patriotism-public service.

Peace and law and order maintained in the state. Assembly elections in the year 2023 should be conducted in a completely fair, transparent and fear-free manner. Voters turned out with enthusiasm and record voting.

Appropriate security arrangements were made in the state for national and international level events like Pravasi Bharatiya Conference, G-20 Conference, Khelo India Youth Games, Air Show.

Action was taken as part of the strategy by creating an institutional mechanism to identify the youth who were influenced by radicalism and becoming violent. This is the reason why peace was restored in Madhya Pradesh.

In the year 2023, all Teej-festivals should be completed in a peaceful and harmonious environment.

Police remained steadfast for internal security, strict action against anti-national forces. Continuous action was taken against anti-national forces in Madhya Pradesh. Three major actions have been taken in the year 2023. In these operations, Hawk Force has neutralized 4 hardcore Naxalites including 2 female Naxalites. A reward of Rs 14 lakh each was declared on all these Naxalites.

Female Naxalite Sarita and Sunita were killed in the Kadla encounter in April 2023. Naxalite Kamlu has also been neutralized in the encounter in Kundul-Kondapur forest area in September. On December 14, Hawkforce also destroyed Madkam Hidma alias Chaitu Hidma.

In order to get the cooperation of the general public and to provide employment to the local youth living in the affected development blocks of Naxal affected districts, a "Special Support Squad" has been formed.

In August 2023, absconding Naxalite Ashok Reddy, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of the banned organization CPI, was arrested from Jabalpur (more than 60 serious crimes registered against Ashok Reddy in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, reward of Rs 82 lakh).

Madhya Pradesh Police took effective action against banned organizations HUT, JMB and PFI.

In May 2023, 16 members of the radical organization Hizb-ut-Tahrir/Tehreek-e-Khilaf were arrested in a planned raid by ATS, Madhya Pradesh, including 10 from Bhopal, one from Chhindwara and 5 from Hyderabad. . A huge amount of Jihadi literature, technical equipment, air guns, shrapnel, combat knives, iron rods, knives, and secrets were recovered from the arrested accused.
Bhopal Central Jail prisoner Nadeem Khan alias Fire Brigade has escaped from Hamidia Hospital, he was brought for treatment at 12.20 pm on Saturday.

He told that he had pain in his hand since last night. Had undergone hand operation in the past.

The jail doctors advised him to get an X-ray done. At 12 noon he was sent to Hamidia Hospital along with jail guard Deepesh Ingle. X-ray was being done here and from where he escaped. There are 16 cases registered against him.

The process of suspending the on-duty sentinel Deepesh Ingle on charges of negligence has also been started.

Jail Superintendent Rakesh Bhangre said that Nadeem Khan has been sentenced to 7 years in the case of attempt to murder. He was serving jail in this case.

Due to old rivalry, Nadeem along with his partner Danish Zafar had attacked Hamza Bam.

In the same case, on October 27, 2023, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison by the Bhopal court.

Jail guard Deepesh Ingle is posted in Bareilly jail of Hoshangabad division. Presently he is on attachment in Bhopal jail for the treatment of prisoners. A mail has been sent to Hoshangabad Jail Superintendent to suspend Deepesh with immediate effect. Action will be taken against him soon.

All CCTVs in the complex are closed.

Prisoner Nadeem was brought to the old building of Hamidia Hospital for X-ray. The police checked the CCTV cameras after his escape. Then it was found that all the CCTV cameras installed in this building were switched off.

It is being told that the reels have run out in the X-ray department of Hamidia Hospital. Patients are being asked to take photos from the screen after the X-ray. As soon as Nadeem's X-ray was done, he asked the constable present to take a photo of the X-ray from the screen and show it to the doctor. So that further treatment can be done. The constable started taking photographs, when the prisoner dodged and escaped.
Cattle grazing in the Betla National Park is a big nuisance and problem to wildlife in the tiger reserve Palamu. As the human population in the villages around the tiger reserve has increased manifold since this tiger reserve came into existence in 1974, the problem of cattle grazing has accordingly gone up.

Bison are one of the silent sufferers to the cattle's intrusion into their territory. Cattle grazing takes place during the day. By evening cattle disappear from the tiger reserve. Cattle grazing is an all season headache to the PTR. It becomes more acute in summer.

There are 8 villages around the park namely Pokhree, Garee, Kuchila, Kaer, Matnag etc.

There is no house where there is no cattle. Some households have two or three cattle. Others have just one. Cattle are the baseline of the village economy here.

No shepherd remains in sight for fear of being questioned by the officials of the park. The shepherds and the trekkers know each other and that makes this problem all the more serious.

There are around 80 bison in the Betla National Park. It is mostly in compartment 1 and 2 of the park . Bison wants privacy which is outraged by the cattle. Bison retreat into the jungles if cattle are around.

Bison are extremely uncomfortable with the cattle, admits deputy director north division of the tiger reserve Palamu P K Jena. Betla National Park comes under the north division of the tiger reserve Palamu.

Jena said "The farmers' cattle are invaders. They eat palatable grasses meant for our wildlife. Similarly they drink gallons of water again meant for our wildlife."

"Our bison just hate the cattle. They try to maintain a distance from the cattle." reminded this officer.

On being asked if the cattle are so much of a problem and a menace to the wild life in PTR / Betla National Park, then its entry be banned and cattle farmers be booked to which Jena said "We have forest boundary with the villages. It's long and porous. Entry of cattle is just not so easy to be banned by any administrative order."

He said "The problem of cattle grazing in our jungles in the PTR can be curtailed if the local administration begins raising small patches of meadows and pastures to the cattle in the villages itself under Pashu Dhan Yojna fund for or with MGNREGA."

"I am told of a large chunk of gair majrua land here. Gair majrua land is solely a government land. Here grass fields can be raised by the civil administration. It will take off the biotic pressure of the cattle on our jungles." reiterated Jena

The deputy director north division further said "Stall feeding of the cattle is not seen here in the cattle farmers' houses. It is because of the high price of the fodder. The cattle farmers just do the easy thing. They push their cattle into our grass lands little knowing the adverse effects of it on the wild life in PTR."

Cattle pose health risk too to the wild life. It is FMD (foot and mouth disease) which is a highly severe contagious disease. Barring horses and dogs FMD affects almost all the animals.

Jena said "We go for inoculation to the cattle of the farmers. The farmers should also be concernful about it which they are not."

Veterinary officials claim enhanced inoculation to the cattle has contained the problem of the foot and mouth disease among the cattle. There is a nation wide fight against FMD as the government of India has set 2025 as the year of eradication of the FMD.

It is important to remember here that there was an episode of Anthrax attacking wild elephants here in the Betla National Park some 25 years ago.

Sources said there was launched a fire fighting measure to contain it and prevent it from any further spread out among the wild life here then.
The Dehradun District Advisory Committee of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) has directed officials to raise awareness about the PCPNDT Act across the district. A meeting was held on Saturday on the directions of district magistrate Sonika chaired by chief medical officer Dr Sanjay Jain. The committee gave instructions to the health officials concerned to provide information about the PCPNDT Act at Anganwadi centres with the help of the Women Empowerment and Child Development department and make people aware of it. Besides this, organisations and self help groups associated with PCPNDT should also organise programmes and run awareness campaigns to raise awareness among maximum people across the district. The CMO said that people should know such points that if any illegal activity like the sex selection technique of a child is taking place at any health or medical centre, a reward of Rs 50,000 will be given to those giving such information to the authorities concerned. The people should know that their names will be kept secret from everyone if they provide such information. The committee also decided that the labs and hospitals should give detailed information regarding Form F under the PCPNDT Act to the patients, pregnant women and their families among others. The officials said that Form F should be kept safe at the hospitals and health centres only as per the rules and should be disposed of within the prescribed time. Meanwhile, the CMO also held a meeting with the health department officials. He said that all government and non-government hospitals should follow the rules associated with biomedical waste under the Biomedical Management Rules 2016. He directed to form a committee in the district to ensure every medical body follows this rule in the district. He asked the officials concerned to ensure that biomedical waste rules are followed in all the government hospitals. He also directed to take strict action against those hospitals that are not disposing of biomedical waste as per the norms.
The Imam of the Sunehri Bagh mosque on Saturday moved the Delhi High Court against the proposed demolition of the structure due to alleged traffic congestion in the area. Petitioner Abdul Aziz challenged a December 24 public notice issued by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) seeking objections and suggestions from the general public by January 1 regarding the demolition of the mosque.

A vacation bench of Justice Manoj Jain listed the petition for hearing on January 8 following an assurance from the NDMC's counsel that nothing would happen in the meantime as a final call on the action has to be taken by the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC). "Your lordship may simply adjourn this. Nothing is going to happen. The decision has to be taken by the HCC, not by us. We just have to call for suggestions," the NDMC's counsel said."I can't even touch a brick without HCC permission," he said.

The counsel for the petitioner said he was not pressing for an interim order at this stage and argued that the law does not give power to the NDMC to remove a heritage structure.

"The court may list the petition before the roster bench. Let them take instructions. I am not asking for any stay order," he said.

The court questioned the locus of the Imam to file the petition instead of the Delhi Waqf Board.The Imam's counsel said he filed the petition to protect his congregation as the Sunehri Bagh mosque is a functioning mosque.

In his plea, the petitioner said the mosque is more than 150 years old and a heritage building that is a symbol of cultural legacy. "Various government buildings including Vayu Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan Metro Station blended harmoniously with the Sunehri Bagh Masjid and thus due to these offices, the movement of vehicles started in the area which... Clearly shows that these government offices have contributed to the traffic, if any, in that area and not because of Sunehri Bagh Masjid as theorized by NDMC/Traffic Police," the petition said.

"The petitioner being the Imam of Sunehri Bagh Masjid is witnessing the condition of traffic in the area. The petitioner submits that the traffic in the area is regulated and when required, barricades are put and there is no complaint of any resistance of such regulation and barricades from the petitioner or the worshippers," it added.

On December 18, the High Court had closed the proceedings in a separate petition by the Delhi Waqf Board anticipating demolition of the mosque at the Sunehri Bagh Road roundabout while recording that the parties would act as per the law.
The Chevron Richmond Refinery is one of the largest greenhouse gas producers in the state. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Chevron says its Richmond refinery, seen in the distance, is essential to the Bay Areas economy. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Californias largest greenhouse gas polluters, from power plants to oil refineries to chemical manufacturers, produced slightly fewer emissions last year than the previous year, federal data shows. But its still too much planet-warming gas to cut significantly into the problem of climate change, environmentalists say.

Three of the five biggest carbon emitters in the state were in the Bay Area, according to the Environmental Protection Agencys 2022 data on large polluting facilities. All three were refineries in the East Bay, where the process of turning crude oil into gasoline, jet fuel and other high-demand petroleum products creates substantial greenhouse gas discharges  even before the fuels themselves are used in vehicles or planes.

The refineries were among 367 large stationary sites in California that collectively reported 93 million metric tons of carbon pollution last year, a decline of about 1% over 2021, according to the data. The facilities produce about a quarter of the states total human-generated greenhouse gases, which does not include wildfires. Cars and trucks remain the biggest source of carbon emissions.

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The thing that continues to strike me is that the Bay Area has no clue how important we are as a major fossil fuel hub, said Shoshana Wechsler, a founding member of the Sunflower Alliance, an East Bay group that advocates for reducing refinery pollution. We need to understand that refining both petroleum and biofuels has a very negative effect on our public health and obviously contributes mightily to the climate crisis.

Worldwide discharges of greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, have contributed to warming the atmosphere about 2 degrees Fahrenheit in the post-industrial age. The heat, scientists say, has led to a host of problems, from an increase in drought and wildfire to rising seas and more extreme weather. The Earths 10 warmest years on record all were logged since 2010. This year is on track to be the hottest yet.

California regulators have established some of the most ambitious policies to restrict the release of greenhouse gases from large polluting facilities, including a cap-and-trade program that forces emitters to buy permits to pollute and requirements that electric utilities generate increasing amounts of clean energy.

Over the past decade, carbon emissions from the states big polluters have declined nearly 20%, according to the EPA data.

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Many, though, say industry is still given too much leeway and stricter regulation is necessary given the climate challenge at hand. The state has a broad goal of reaching zero carbon emissions, on net, by 2045.

Major polluters continue to pollute somewhat unabated, said Nihal Shrinath, an associate attorney for the Sierra Club based in Oakland. We really need to see much more aggressive emission reductions over the next 25 years.

Shrinath said much of the decline in pollution from large facilities was due, not to regulation, but to unrelated factors, like Californians being more efficient with their energy use and needing less fossil fuels.

Californias top five greenhouse gas emitters were all oil refineries, according to the EPA data. Two were in Southern California in addition to the three in the East Bay: Chevron Richmond Refinery, Valero Benicia Refinery and Martinez Refining Company.

Ross Allen, a spokesperson for Chevron, described the companys Richmond refinery as absolutely essential to modern life in the Bay Area, saying the facility supplied 60% of the fuel for Bay Area airports and about 20% of the gasoline used in Northern California. It also provides more than 3,000 jobs.

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We are working to reduce carbon intensity of our operations, while continuing to provide an essential product, he said.

The states refineries cumulatively emitted 22 million metric tons of carbon pollution in 2022, according to the EPA data. Refineries were the second-most-polluting type of facility, following power plants, which are far more numerous and emitted 35 million metric tons last year. The chemical industry, manufacturing hydrogen, nitrogen and other products, reported 10 million metric tons of emissions.

Also among Californias 25 biggest greenhouse gas polluters were two gas-fired power plants in Pittsburg and an oil refinery in Rodeo.

The EPA data on large polluting sites generally includes facilities discharging at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and equivalent greenhouse gases a year, about whats emitted by burning coal from 136 rail cars, according to the agency.

The EPAs Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program has gathered emissions data annually since 2010. Similar data is collected by the California Air Resources Control Board.

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Oak Harbor Wealth Partners LLC reduced its position in AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV  Free Report) by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 4,288 shares of the companys stock after selling 131 shares during the quarter. Oak Harbor Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in AbbVie were worth $639,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ABBV. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. increased its holdings in AbbVie by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 372,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,154,000 after purchasing an additional 17,879 shares in the last quarter. DDD Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of AbbVie by 9,979.7% in the second quarter. DDD Partners LLC now owns 135,673 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,279,000 after buying an additional 134,327 shares in the last quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc raised its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 358,872 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,351,000 after buying an additional 37,368 shares during the period. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in AbbVie by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC now owns 18,755 shares of the companys stock worth $2,989,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in AbbVie in the second quarter valued at approximately $486,807,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.86% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at AbbVie

In other AbbVie news, EVP Nicholas Donoghoe sold 2,912 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.72, for a total value of $450,544.64. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 55,903 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,649,312.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock.

AbbVie Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE:ABBV opened at $154.97 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $145.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $145.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.59, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.96. AbbVie Inc. has a 1-year low of $130.96 and a 1-year high of $168.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $278.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.48.

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $2.95 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.09. AbbVie had a net margin of 11.81% and a return on equity of 152.70%. The firm had revenue of $13.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.72 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.66 earnings per share. AbbVies quarterly revenue was down 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that AbbVie Inc. will post 11.24 EPS for the current year.

AbbVie Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 16th will be issued a $1.55 dividend. This is an increase from AbbVies previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 12th. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.00%. AbbVies dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 162.19%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently commented on ABBV. HSBC cut shares of AbbVie from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $167.00 to $156.00 in a research report on Monday, December 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of AbbVie from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $173.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Barclays raised AbbVie from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $160.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on AbbVie in a report on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $150.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on AbbVie in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, AbbVie currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $167.59.

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AbbVie Company Profile

(Free Report)

AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune, intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq, a JAK inhibitor to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, and ulcerative colitis; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat hematological malignancies.

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Ascent Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 3,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $247,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 47,965,394 shares of the companys stock worth $3,820,923,000 after acquiring an additional 3,391,054 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 4.4% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 31,364,445 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,369,897,000 after purchasing an additional 1,314,810 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 1.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 9,956,183 shares of the companys stock valued at $749,998,000 after purchasing an additional 105,943 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 63,476.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 7,555,392 shares of the companys stock worth $570,885,000 after buying an additional 7,543,508 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 9.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 6,744,254 shares of the companys stock worth $626,204,000 after buying an additional 570,811 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.73% of the companys stock.

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Price Performance

ADM stock opened at $72.22 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $73.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $76.79. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 12 month low of $69.31 and a 12 month high of $93.08. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The firm has a market cap of $38.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.06 and a beta of 0.82.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Announces Dividend

Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.10. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.05% and a return on equity of 16.63%. The business had revenue of $21.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.69 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.86 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.49%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is presently 25.07%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 30th. StockNews.com lowered Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. UBS Group dropped their target price on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $115.00 to $104.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price target for the company from $90.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $89.80.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Archer-Daniels-Midland

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Profile

(Free Report)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

Further Reading

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Avestar Capital LLC lowered its position in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) by 3.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,673 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 273 shares during the quarter. Avestar Capital LLCs holdings in Devon Energy were worth $318,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Devon Energy in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $364,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Devon Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $188,000. Blair William & Co. IL raised its position in shares of Devon Energy by 52.1% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 99,120 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,861,000 after acquiring an additional 33,936 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of Devon Energy by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 414,354 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $24,500,000 after acquiring an additional 34,870 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in shares of Devon Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on DVN shares. Citigroup dropped their price target on Devon Energy from $57.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Pickering Energy Partners raised Devon Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Raymond James dropped their target price on Devon Energy from $61.00 to $53.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Devon Energy from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $57.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, Susquehanna dropped their target price on Devon Energy from $72.00 to $62.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $57.24.

Devon Energy Price Performance

Shares of DVN opened at $45.30 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 2.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 0.96. Devon Energy Co. has a one year low of $42.59 and a one year high of $66.96. The stocks fifty day moving average is $45.46 and its 200-day moving average is $48.11.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The energy company reported $1.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.56 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $3.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.03 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 33.97% and a net margin of 24.63%. Equities analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.81 EPS for the current year.

Devon Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.77 per share. This is a positive change from Devon Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.80%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 14th. Devon Energys payout ratio is presently 13.68%.

Devon Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Coerente Capital Management lowered its holdings in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 6.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 19,975 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,309 shares during the period. Chevron accounts for 0.8% of Coerente Capital Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest holding. Coerente Capital Managements holdings in Chevron were worth $3,368,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CVX. Dechtman Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Chevron in the second quarter valued at $648,000. Tsfg LLC boosted its holdings in Chevron by 5.3% in the third quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 3,473 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $586,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Chevron by 13.1% in the second quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,255,000 after acquiring an additional 1,661 shares during the last quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA boosted its holdings in Chevron by 13.4% in the second quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 79,961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $12,582,000 after acquiring an additional 9,477 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kooman & Associates boosted its holdings in Chevron by 11.2% in the second quarter. Kooman & Associates now owns 1,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $247,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CVX has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Truist Financial reduced their target price on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on Chevron from $200.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 30th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Chevron from $194.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Chevron in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Chevron from $203.00 to $201.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Chevron has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $186.50.

Chevron Stock Down 0.4 %

NYSE:CVX opened at $149.16 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $146.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $156.22. Chevron Co. has a one year low of $140.72 and a one year high of $187.81. The company has a market capitalization of $281.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.25.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.70 by ($0.65). Chevron had a net margin of 12.11% and a return on equity of 16.15%. The firm had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $51.41 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $5.56 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Chevron Co. will post 13.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Chevron Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.51 per share. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.05%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. Chevrons payout ratio is currently 44.84%.

Chevron Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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Mapfre (OTCMKTS:MPFRF  Get Free Report) and Waterdrop (NYSE:WDH  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, risk and dividends.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

13.6% of Mapfre shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 2.0% of Waterdrop shares are owned by institutional investors. 24.6% of Waterdrop shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Mapfre and Waterdrops top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mapfre N/A N/A N/A $0.26 7.37 Waterdrop $2.65 billion 0.15 $88.11 million $0.07 14.86

Analyst Recommendations

Waterdrop has higher revenue and earnings than Mapfre. Mapfre is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Waterdrop, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Mapfre and Waterdrop, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mapfre 1 0 0 0 1.00 Waterdrop 0 0 1 0 3.00

Waterdrop has a consensus target price of $2.80, suggesting a potential upside of 169.23%. Given Waterdrops stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Waterdrop is more favorable than Mapfre.

Profitability

This table compares Mapfre and Waterdrops net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mapfre N/A N/A N/A Waterdrop 8.96% 5.08% 3.99%

Summary

Waterdrop beats Mapfre on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Mapfre

(Get Free Report)

Mapfre, S.A. operates in the insurance, property, financial, and services sectors worldwide. It offers life, health, accident, savings and investment, retirement, burial, and travel and leisure insurance; and homeowner's, automobile, third-party liability, and other insurance. The company also provides vehicle, third-party liability and asset, agriculture and livestock, commercial establishment, and other insurance products. In addition, it offers solutions for large risks for aviation, energy, industry, construction, and other companies; and reinsurance services. In addition, it engages in the real estate, real estate investment management, and IT businesses; and provision of advisory and management services. The company offers its services to individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, self-employed people, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations. The company was formerly known as Corporacion Mapfre and changed its name to Mapfre, S.A. in December 2006. Mapfre, S.A. was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Majadahonda, Spain. Mapfre, S.A. operates as a subsidiary of Cartera Mapfre, S.L.

About Waterdrop

(Get Free Report)

Waterdrop Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides online insurance brokerage services to match and connect users with related insurance products underwritten by insurance companies in the People's Republic of China. The company offers short-term health and long-term health and life insurance products and services. It also operates a medical crowdfunding platform. Waterdrop Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

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Hess Co. (NYSE:HES  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 5,700,000 shares, a growth of 31.0% from the November 30th total of 4,350,000 shares. Currently, 2.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,830,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hess

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of HES. NBC Securities Inc. bought a new stake in Hess during the third quarter valued at about $26,000. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in Hess during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Larson Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Hess during the third quarter valued at about $30,000. IMA Wealth Inc. bought a new stake in Hess during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Orion Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Hess during the third quarter valued at about $33,000. 81.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Hess Price Performance

Shares of Hess stock opened at $144.16 on Friday. Hess has a one year low of $113.82 and a one year high of $167.75. The stocks fifty day moving average is $143.96 and its 200 day moving average is $147.20. The stock has a market cap of $44.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.78 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.31.

Hess Dividend Announcement

Hess ( NYSE:HES Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.40. The business had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.68 billion. Hess had a return on equity of 18.06% and a net margin of 14.94%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 27.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.89 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Hess will post 5.29 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 18th were issued a dividend of $0.4375 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 15th. This represents a $1.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.21%. Hesss dividend payout ratio is presently 33.72%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

HES has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $171.00 target price (up from $170.00) on shares of Hess in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Susquehanna reiterated a neutral rating and set a $160.00 target price (down from $197.00) on shares of Hess in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. UBS Group cut their target price on Hess from $210.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Citigroup increased their target price on Hess from $155.00 to $163.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on Hess from $205.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $172.18.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Hess

About Hess

(Get Free Report)

Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S.

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Lake Street Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IVW  Free Report) by 4.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,710 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 163 shares during the period. Lake Street Financial LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF were worth $255,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Russell Investments Group Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF during the second quarter worth $30,000. Steward Financial Group LLC bought a new position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at $37,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 45.8% in the second quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 583 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF in the third quarter valued at $48,000.

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iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Trading Down 0.3 %

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF stock opened at $75.10 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $36.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.15 and a beta of 1.05. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF has a 1-year low of $57.19 and a 1-year high of $75.66. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $71.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $70.88.

About iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P 500 Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Growth Index (the Growth Index). The Growth Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market.

Further Reading

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Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 6th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 3rd will be paid a dividend of 0.47 per share on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 2nd.

Laurentian Bank of Canada Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of TSE:LB opened at C$27.87 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is C$26.06 and its 200 day moving average price is C$32.01. The stock has a market cap of C$1.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.28. Laurentian Bank of Canada has a fifty-two week low of C$24.92 and a fifty-two week high of C$48.23.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 7th. The company reported C$1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.13 by C($0.13). The firm had revenue of C$247.45 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$261.30 million. Laurentian Bank of Canada had a net margin of 18.79% and a return on equity of 6.42%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Laurentian Bank of Canada will post 4.4600639 EPS for the current year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. National Bank Financial cut shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a sector perform market weight rating to an underperform market weight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$33.00 to C$28.09 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 23rd. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$43.00 to C$33.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 8th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$33.00 to C$30.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, TD Securities cut shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the stock from C$30.00 to C$26.00 in a report on Friday, December 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$31.09.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on LB

Laurentian Bank of Canada Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Laurentian Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services to personal, business, and institutional customers in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Capital Markets. The Personal Banking segment offers financial services, such as financial advisory services to financial intermediaries; and operates digital direct-to-customer platform to retail clients.

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Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigt grew its position in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 41.2% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 2,400 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigts holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $110,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Uber Technologies by 66.5% in the 2nd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 651 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. grew its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 133.8% during the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 699 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Pacifica Partners Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Uber Technologies in the second quarter worth about $34,000. 74.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Uber Technologies

In other news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 50,016 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $2,500,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,266,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,311,350. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 50,016 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $2,500,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,266,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,311,350. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 18,850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.01, for a total transaction of $999,238.50. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 109,009 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,778,567.09. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 187,616 shares of company stock valued at $9,747,789 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock.

Uber Technologies Stock Down 2.5 %

UBER stock opened at $61.57 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $126.70 billion, a PE ratio of 125.65 and a beta of 1.32. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $54.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.55. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $24.24 and a fifty-two week high of $63.53. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.13 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $9.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.47 billion. Uber Technologies had a net margin of 2.93% and a return on equity of 11.74%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 0.37 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

UBER has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $62.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Nomura downgraded shares of Uber Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $59.00 to $62.00 in a research report on Friday. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Uber Technologies from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $56.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Uber Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $57.48.

Read Our Latest Analysis on UBER

About Uber Technologies

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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Plimoth Trust Co. LLC cut its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,262 shares of the companys stock after selling 502 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up about 1.2% of Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,901,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,418,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 688.2% during the second quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,736 shares of the companys stock worth $1,752,000 after acquiring an additional 3,262 shares in the last quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.0% during the second quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 1,874 shares of the companys stock worth $879,000 after acquiring an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth about $234,000. Finally, Physicians Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,718 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,275,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on LLY. Argus raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 price objective on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 18th. 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. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $583.24.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Shares of LLY stock opened at $582.92 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $585.14 and its 200 day moving average is $540.91. 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 has a 12 month low of $309.20 and a 12 month high of $629.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $553.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 105.60, a PEG ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 0.33.

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, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The business had revenue of $9.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate 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 declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.89%. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend 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 dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the 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 through this link. In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the firms 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 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. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Shanghai metro pilots express parcel delivery service

Xinhua) 18:21, December 31, 2023

SHANGHAI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Metro services in Shanghai on Friday launched a pilot project to transport express parcels during off-peak hours to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions of the courier sector.

The three-month trial run will involve certain sections of Line 1 and Line 2. Each train running on the two routes will designate some parts of its rear carriage to carry parcels in certain afternoon periods.

The items to be delivered include newspapers, magazines, and intra-city packages, which will go through strict security checks, according to the subway operator Shanghai Metro.

The service was launched by the Shanghai Metro together with SF Express and China Post, two leading courier service providers in China.

Xu Chen, an operations director of SF Express, said express delivery by subway would raise their efficiency by more than 20 percent compared with road transport.

Chinese cities, including Beijing, Wuxi, and Shenzhen, had previously piloted the subway parcel delivery service.

He Yingze, director of the Division of Market Supervision and Inspection of the Shanghai Municipal Postal Administration, expected more subway lines and courier enterprises to participate in this service in the future.

"The new delivery service can ease urban traffic jams, lower carbon emissions, and help companies reduce costs and increase efficiency. It's a win-win situation for all," He said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Fresno County detectives have arrested a 14-year-old boy who they say killed his parents at their home. Getty Images

Fresno County detectives have arrested a 14-year-old boy who they say killed his parents at their home.

The boys parents were identified as father Lue Yang and mother Se Vang, both 37 years old. His 11-year-old sister was also severely injured but has undergone surgery and is expected to survive, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriffs Office.

The sheriffs office said the boy, whose identity is not being released because he is a minor, called police Wednesday evening and told them someone had broken into his house and attacked his family before fleeing in a pickup truck. Deputies arrived at the boys home in Miramonte, about 50 miles east of Fresno, and found his parents dead inside the home. His sister was also transported to the hospital.

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The boys 7-year-old brother was also at the home but was not injured, Fresno County Sheriff John Zavoni said at a news conference Friday. The younger boy is in the care of other family members, he added.

Investigators determined the boy lied about the break-in and used multiple weapons to attack his family members, the sheriffs office said. Zavoni declined to specify what weapons were involved, citing the investigation.

Zavoni said the boys statements had a lot of inconsistencies, adding detectives determined no one else was inside the house at the time of the attack and that a truck did not leave the scene. He also said detectives interviewed the boys sister and some other individuals before identifying him as a suspect.

Authorities are investigating potential motives for the attack, Zavoni said, as well as why the 7-year-old was not harmed. He added that his department had never received a call for service at the home before the attack.

The 14-year-old boy is facing two charges of murder and one count of attempted murder.

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Plimoth Trust Co. LLC grew its holdings in Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM  Free Report) by 19.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 790 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 131 shares during the quarter. Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs holdings in Humana were worth $384,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Humana during the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Humana during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Gradient Investments LLC raised its stake in Humana by 50.0% in the 2nd quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 69 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in Humana by 81.0% in the 2nd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 76 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Baystate Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Humana by 84.1% during the 2nd quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 81 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. 91.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Humana Price Performance

Humana stock opened at $457.81 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 1.37. Humana Inc. has a 1 year low of $423.29 and a 1 year high of $541.21. The company has a market capitalization of $56.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.55. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $489.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $478.12.

Humana Dividend Announcement

Humana ( NYSE:HUM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The insurance provider reported $7.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.15 by $0.63. Humana had a net margin of 2.95% and a return on equity of 21.03%. The company had revenue of $26.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $6.88 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Humana Inc. will post 28.29 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $0.885 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $3.54 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.77%. Humanas dividend payout ratio is presently 14.68%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on HUM shares. Argus upgraded shares of Humana from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $550.00 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of Humana from $580.00 to $586.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on Humana from $599.00 to $579.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Stephens cut their price target on Humana from $575.00 to $570.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $597.00 price objective on shares of Humana in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $584.61.

View Our Latest Report on HUM

Humana Company Profile

(Free Report)

Humana Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health and well-being company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Insurance and CenterWell. The company offers medical and supplemental benefit plans to individuals. It also has a contract with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to administer the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition prescription drug plan program; and contracts with various states to provide Medicaid, dual eligible, and long-term support services benefits.

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Plimoth Trust Co. LLC reduced its position in Capital One Financial Co. (NYSE:COF) by 14.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,190 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 538 shares during the quarter. Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $310,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cetera Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 3,250 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $355,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas grew its position in Capital One Financial by 3.8% during the second quarter. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas now owns 2,753 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $301,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Park Place Capital Corp raised its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 13.4% in the 2nd quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 844 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $92,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Webster Bank N. A. grew its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 0.4% during the third quarter. Webster Bank N. A. now owns 27,564 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,675,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 198.2% in the second quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 164 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $207,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. 90.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

COF has been the subject of a number of research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Capital One Financial from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Capital One Financial from $115.00 to $109.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Capital One Financial from $130.00 to $126.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 6th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Capital One Financial presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $112.15.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, insider Frank G. LapradeIii sold 39,760 shares of Capital One Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $5,168,800.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 43,186 shares in the company, valued at $5,614,180. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Frank G. LapradeIii sold 39,760 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $5,168,800.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 43,186 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,614,180. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Frank G. LapradeIii sold 31,215 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.50, for a total value of $3,823,837.50. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 54,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,736,397.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 99,538 shares of company stock worth $12,083,142. Company insiders own 1.27% of the companys stock.

Capital One Financial Price Performance

Shares of Capital One Financial stock opened at $131.12 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $49.94 billion, a PE ratio of 9.85, a P/E/G ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 1.46. The business has a 50 day moving average of $112.22 and a 200 day moving average of $107.69. Capital One Financial Co. has a 52 week low of $83.93 and a 52 week high of $132.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results 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 firm had revenue of $9.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.21 billion. Capital One Financial had a net margin of 11.43% and a return on equity of 9.77%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.20 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Capital One Financial Co. will post 12.79 earnings per share for the current year.

Capital One Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th were issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.83%. Capital One Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 18.03%.

About Capital One Financial

(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.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL  Free Report) by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,764 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 350 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises were worth $2,097,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RCL. Front Row Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 134.3% during the first quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 410 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. bought a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Hollencrest Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 494.2% in the second quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 309 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 496.2% in the second quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 316 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. 75.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Price Performance

Royal Caribbean Cruises stock opened at $129.49 on Friday. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a 12 month low of $48.68 and a 12 month high of $130.97. The stocks 50 day moving average is $106.94 and its 200-day moving average is $101.00. The company has a current ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.90. The company has a market capitalization of $33.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.47 and a beta of 2.47.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Royal Caribbean Cruises ( NYSE:RCL Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.85 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.43 by $0.42. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a return on equity of 34.59% and a net margin of 6.98%. The company had revenue of $4.16 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.26 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 6.59 EPS for the current year.

A number of analysts have recently commented on RCL shares. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th. Tigress Financial lifted their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $139.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. HSBC began coverage on Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $127.00 target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Susquehanna lowered their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $127.00 to $120.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Royal Caribbean Cruises currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $116.64.

Check Out Our Latest Report on RCL

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 284,766 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.73, for a total value of $34,664,565.18. Following the transaction, the director now owns 19,167,507 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,333,260,627.11. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total value of $301,172.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,226 shares in the company, valued at $1,911,436. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 284,766 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.73, for a total value of $34,664,565.18. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 19,167,507 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,333,260,627.11. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 636,009 shares of company stock valued at $76,313,890. 8.70% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Profile

(Free Report)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 13, 2023, it operated 64 ships. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC grew its stake in British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI  Free Report) by 15.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 61,765 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 8,216 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in British American Tobacco were worth $1,940,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of British American Tobacco by 7.5% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,362 shares of the companys stock worth $145,000 after buying an additional 305 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 4.7% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 7,032 shares of the companys stock worth $233,000 after acquiring an additional 314 shares during the period. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 2.7% in the third quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 12,608 shares of the companys stock worth $396,000 after acquiring an additional 327 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC increased its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 3.0% in the second quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 13,129 shares of the companys stock worth $436,000 after acquiring an additional 381 shares during the period. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. increased its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 7.9% in the second quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 5,883 shares of the companys stock worth $195,000 after acquiring an additional 432 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 7.56% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BTI has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. They issued an overweight rating on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded shares of British American Tobacco from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of British American Tobacco in a research report on Monday, September 25th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

British American Tobacco Trading Up 0.2 %

BTI stock opened at $29.29 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.93. The firms fifty day moving average is $30.44 and its 200 day moving average is $31.82. British American Tobacco p.l.c. has a one year low of $28.35 and a one year high of $40.75.

British American Tobacco Company Profile

(Free Report)

British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It offers vapour, tobacco heating, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (BATS:VLUE  Free Report) by 28.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 23,215 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,099 shares during the quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF were worth $2,106,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Meridian Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 178.7% in the 3rd quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,848 shares of the companys stock worth $893,000 after purchasing an additional 6,314 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 7.9% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 57,044 shares of the companys stock worth $5,175,000 after purchasing an additional 4,174 shares in the last quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 5,945 shares of the companys stock worth $539,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Stonehearth Capital Management LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Stonehearth Capital Management LLC now owns 251,963 shares of the companys stock worth $22,858,000 after purchasing an additional 6,832 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kathmere Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 4.1% in the 3rd quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 384,175 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,852,000 after buying an additional 15,305 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of BATS:VLUE opened at $101.16 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $94.13 and a 200-day moving average of $93.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.20 billion, a PE ratio of 8.51 and a beta of 1.04. iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $71.21 and a 12 month high of $89.40.

iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Enhanced Value index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities. Stocks are selected and weighted using fundamental metrics (earnings, revenue, book value and cash earnings), aiming for exposure to undervalued stocks in each sector.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC raised its position in VanEck VietnamETF (BATS:VNM  Free Report) by 3.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 151,760 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,650 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in VanEck VietnamETF were worth $2,055,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of VanEck VietnamETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. IFP Advisors Inc increased its position in shares of VanEck VietnamETF by 4,350.0% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 4,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,000 after purchasing an additional 4,350 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC purchased a new stake in shares of VanEck VietnamETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $127,000. Nwam LLC purchased a new stake in shares of VanEck VietnamETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $147,000. Finally, Two Sigma Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of VanEck VietnamETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $150,000.

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VanEck VietnamETF Stock Performance

Shares of BATS:VNM opened at $12.92 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $12.97 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.75. The stock has a market cap of $545.87 million, a P/E ratio of 12.05 and a beta of 0.95.

VanEck VietnamETF Company Profile

The VanEck Vietnam ETF (VNM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MVIS Vietnam index, a market-cap-weighted index of Vietnamese stocks VNM was launched on Aug 14, 2009 and is managed by VanEck.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 27.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 46,993 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,971 shares during the quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,976,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in MO. Sei Investments Co. increased its holdings in Altria Group by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock worth $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 6,324 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock worth $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its holdings in Altria Group by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock worth $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank bought a new position in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth about $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

Altria Group stock opened at $40.34 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $39.06 and a 52 week high of $51.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.22, a PEG ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.66. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $41.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of $42.90.

Altria Group Announces Dividend

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.01). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. The business had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.28 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.72%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 79.84%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Robert Matthews Davis acquired 1,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $40.50 per share, for a total transaction of $48,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 8,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have issued reports on MO. Citigroup lowered their target price on Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Bank of America decreased their price objective on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com cut Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Altria Group currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.53.

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About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC reduced its stake in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 12.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 21,056 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 2,931 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $1,871,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in TJX. GDS Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 11.7% during the third quarter. GDS Wealth Management now owns 74,872 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $6,655,000 after purchasing an additional 7,826 shares in the last quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 1.3% during the third quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 471,486 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $41,906,000 after purchasing an additional 6,023 shares in the last quarter. Blue Fin Capital Inc. boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 4.8% during the third quarter. Blue Fin Capital Inc. now owns 23,370 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $2,077,000 after purchasing an additional 1,077 shares in the last quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 5.8% during the third quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 500,554 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $44,489,000 after purchasing an additional 27,367 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Czech National Bank boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 47.4% during the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 200,864 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $17,853,000 after purchasing an additional 64,550 shares in the last quarter. 89.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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TJX Companies Trading Up 0.6 %

NYSE TJX opened at $93.81 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $89.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $88.26. The stock has a market cap of $106.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.58, a P/E/G ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.88. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $72.92 and a 12-month high of $94.29. The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42.

TJX Companies Announces Dividend

TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 15th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $13.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.09 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 7.85% and a return on equity of 62.67%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.86 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.3325 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.42%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.68%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 17,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.06, for a total transaction of $1,514,020.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 576,105 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,307,911.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $99.00 to $101.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. They set an outperform rating and a $105.00 price objective on the stock. Loop Capital increased their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. Telsey Advisory Group increased their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, TJX Companies currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $99.75.

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About TJX Companies

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC lessened its position in shares of Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB  Free Report) by 9.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 34,565 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 3,605 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in Schlumberger were worth $2,015,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Shelton Capital Management lifted its stake in Schlumberger by 71.1% in the 2nd quarter. Shelton Capital Management now owns 87,148 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,281,000 after purchasing an additional 36,200 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp lifted its stake in Schlumberger by 132.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 167,037 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $8,205,000 after purchasing an additional 95,220 shares during the last quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT lifted its stake in Schlumberger by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 27,796 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,365,000 after purchasing an additional 2,704 shares during the last quarter. LaFleur & Godfrey LLC lifted its stake in Schlumberger by 11.8% in the 2nd quarter. LaFleur & Godfrey LLC now owns 112,793 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,540,000 after purchasing an additional 11,940 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hanson & Doremus Investment Management lifted its stake in Schlumberger by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management now owns 53,955 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,650,000 after purchasing an additional 5,045 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.43% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Schlumberger news, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.32, for a total value of $352,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 176,015 shares in the company, valued at $9,913,164.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Schlumberger news, Director La Chevardiere Patrick De sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.76, for a total value of $28,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 28,810 shares in the company, valued at $1,664,065.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.32, for a total transaction of $352,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 176,015 shares in the company, valued at $9,913,164.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 25,925 shares of company stock worth $1,398,229. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Schlumberger from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Schlumberger in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Schlumberger from $70.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Schlumberger from $66.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of Schlumberger from $64.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $70.36.

View Our Latest Analysis on SLB

Schlumberger Trading Down 0.4 %

SLB opened at $52.04 on Friday. Schlumberger Limited has a twelve month low of $42.73 and a twelve month high of $62.78. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The company has a fifty day moving average of $53.10 and a 200-day moving average of $55.34. The stock has a market cap of $74.07 billion, a PE ratio of 18.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.68.

Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The oil and gas company reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.01. Schlumberger had a net margin of 12.98% and a return on equity of 21.80%. The company had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.32 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.63 earnings per share. Schlumbergers revenue for the quarter was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Schlumberger Limited will post 2.97 EPS for the current year.

Schlumberger Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 6th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.92%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 5th. Schlumbergers payout ratio is 34.60%.

Schlumberger Company Profile

(Free Report)

Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products.

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The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK  Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Hold from the ten brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $52.77.

A number of brokerages recently commented on BK. Bank of America decreased their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $47.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Bank of New York Mellon from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $54.50 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, December 18th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on BK

Bank of New York Mellon Stock Down 0.3 %

Shares of Bank of New York Mellon stock opened at $52.05 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Bank of New York Mellon has a 12 month low of $39.65 and a 12 month high of $52.31. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $47.41 and a 200 day simple moving average of $45.24. The stock has a market cap of $40.03 billion, a PE ratio of 12.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.11.

Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The bank reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.15 by $0.12. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 11.84% and a net margin of 11.81%. The business had revenue of $4.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.32 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.21 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Bank of New York Mellon will post 4.87 EPS for the current year.

Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 27th were issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 26th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.23%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 39.44%.

Institutional Trading of Bank of New York Mellon

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BK. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 97.1% during the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 609 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Duncker Streett & Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the first quarter worth about $36,000. 81.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Bank of New York Mellon

(Get Free Report

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics.

Further Reading

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Chef de cuisine Nathan Matkowsky at Lord Stanley in San Francisco. Doing French food feels like getting back to your roots, he said. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Cod au vin served with red wine fumet at Lord Stanley. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Escargots in the shell, served with parsley garlic butter and bread crumbs at Lord Stanley. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

When tapped to relaunch former Michelin-starred restaurant Lord Stanley, chef Nathan Matkowsky thought long and hard about what to cook. He had just spent two years running a rotating, pandemic-era pop-up series, with chefs preparing cuisines from Hungarian to Chinese.

But, ultimately  like many others in the Bay Area  Matkowsky elected to return to the indulgent, yet comforting, flavors of French cooking.

Doing French food feels like getting back to your roots, he said  an embrace of the way cooking tends to be taught in culinary schools and fine-dining kitchens.

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Matkowsky knows French food can carry baggage. The image of chefs in tall hats ominously presiding over dim dining rooms  with heavily sauced and pricey dishes on every table  is still an association for many, he said.

French cuisine got an especially bad rap sheet in that sense, he added. Its like propaganda from decades ago.

Lord Stanley is one of a number of Bay Area restaurants resurrecting classic French fare. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

But Matkowsky and a cohort of others are now challenging that old vision of French cuisine. A slate of restaurant openings this year is embracing French style, while putting a new spin on the classics: In addition to Lord Stanley, newcomers include reworked versions of Cassava, serving duck confit and mussels with fries, in North Beach; and Foliage, a Parisian-inspired restaurant in Bernal Heights. Meanwhile, the pop-up Petit Lils is offering steak frites past midnight in North Beach, and in Sonoma County, Augies French is putting cheeky twists on escargots. Last year was a strong one for new-school French cuisine too, with the arrival of Mijote in the Mission District and the Rendez-Vous in Oakland. And the wave will continue into next year, with San Francisco waterfront bistro Bon Delire planned for 2024.



Chef Roland Passot has seen several waves of French restaurants since he arrived in the Bay Area from his native Lyon, France, in 1979 to cook at the now-shuttered Le Castel in San Francisco. Since then, hes become well-known for his Left Bank Brasserie empire and the upscale restaurant La Folie, which closed in 2020 after three decades.

Its like fashion, Passot said. French restaurants have had their ups and downs.

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Of course, a French cooking ethos is typically present in some form in the fine-dining world, Matkowsky emphasized, with its heavy focus on technique and seasonality. At Lord Stanley, Matkowsky still cooks classics like duck a lorange; his birds, however, are dry aged to render their skin crispier. Hes also putting his own spin on cornerstone dishes: See his cod au vin  a play on the chicken dish coq au vin  with braised bone-in cod in a red wine fish sauce.

Duck a lorange at modern French bistro Lord Stanley. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

At the new Augies French in Santa Rosa, diners fill tables to bite into Dover sole in a buttery-lemony Grenobloise sauce, beef tartare and beef bourguignon made with braised cheeks rendered soft as butter. Co-owner Terri Stark, who owns the restaurant with her husband and chef, Mark Stark, also points to how French influence is already so ubiquitous at restaurants, from the way onions get chopped to making sauces from scratch.

Augies staple dishes lean traditional. There is onion soup, steak frites and lyonnaise salad with frisee lettuce and a sunny-side up egg. But chef Mark Stark is also giving childhood snacks a grown-up French look. The pigs in a blanket wrap house-made boudin blanc with puff pastry. The ants on a log ditches peanut butter and celery sticks for a glazed marrow bone with escargot. Anyone looking to try snails for the first time can opt for traditional garlic butter, Boursin butter with lemon or  less traditional  buffalo sauce butter.

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Its a bit of fun and a way of making the unfamiliar familiar, Terri Stark said.

The reception at these restaurants? Pretty good, so far. We are full of reservations for weeks, Stark said.

Because what many diners know as California cuisine draws so much from French cooking, reintroducing the latter is not such a tall order. After all, theyre flavors and ideas espoused by Alice Waters and Jeremiah Tower at the foundational Chez Panisse since the 1970s.

Lord Stanley, which closed during the pandemic, has reopened with a menu that pays homage to old-school French classics. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

At Foliage in Bernal Heights, the $75 prix fixe menu is in constant flux. Owner Stephan Roulland, who is from Paris, says his restaurant tries to capture the ethos of Parisian bouillon restaurants, a more casual style of restaurant offering a few plates made with local in-season ingredients, which recently enjoyed a boost in popularity in the French capital, he said.

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Chef Mo Bejar shuffles in new dishes every week at Foliages kitchen: cassoulet with pork belly and cannellini beans, black cod with crushed potatoes. If I go to a restaurant and it has the same menu, I get bored, Roulland said.

When Cassava, a restaurant known for its Japanese breakfast and California-style dishes, moved from its longtime space in the Richmond District to tourist hot spot North Beach, co-owner Yuka Ioroi saw her offerings werent as popular as they were in the former neighborhood. So she made a switch, offering brunch dishes like a croque madame and a prime rib with sunny-side up eggs, which are popular so far. The ingredients for the change were in place. Co-owner and chef Kris Toliao, who is also Iorois husband, has worked under famed San Francisco French chef Dominique Crenn  known for her restaurants Atelier Crenn and Petit Crenn. And he is personally inspired by nouveau bistros in Paris. The restaurants previous dishes, such as mussels in white wine sauce and duck leg confit, have always carried French influence.

Passot said change has been a constant for Bay Area French restaurants. When he arrived in 1979, he was part of the nouvelle cuisine wave of chefs, staring down the citys more classical French chefs with contemporary ingredients like pink peppercorn sauces, and ginger and raspberry vinaigrettes. He welcomes the continuing evolution, instead of setting the cuisine in stone.

What you see today might not be the same version of French cuisine from 30, 40 or 50 years ago. Thank God, Passot said.
U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 2.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 11,475 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 324 shares during the quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $5,785,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. RVW Wealth LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $44,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, Horizons Wealth Management acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $48,000. Institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock.

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UnitedHealth Group Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of UNH stock opened at $526.47 on Friday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12-month low of $445.68 and a 12-month high of $554.70. The company has a market capitalization of $486.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.85, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $535.63 and a 200 day moving average price of $508.85.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results 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. 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 the consensus estimate of $91.41 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.79 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 4th were given a dividend of $1.88 per share. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 1st. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is 32.64%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

UNH has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $565.00 to $503.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $610.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $591.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $520.00 to $640.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $574.89.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on UnitedHealth Group

Insider Transactions at UnitedHealth Group

In related news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total transaction of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at $5,017,173.04. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, 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 that occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total value of $65,688,578.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 521,818 shares in the company, valued at $282,084,374.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total transaction of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072 in the last quarter. 0.35% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About UnitedHealth Group

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

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Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 16.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,924 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,228 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $1,054,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in UBER. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 84,122.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 123,555,492 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $5,333,891,000 after purchasing an additional 123,408,790 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $580,568,000. Altimeter Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 167.5% in the 1st quarter. Altimeter Capital Management LP now owns 30,760,000 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $1,193,422,000 after acquiring an additional 19,260,000 shares during the last quarter. Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 104.0% in the 1st quarter. Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP now owns 500,000 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $15,850,000 after acquiring an additional 13,000,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steadfast Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $178,126,000. 74.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Uber Technologies Price Performance

Shares of UBER opened at $61.57 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $126.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 125.65 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.14. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $24.24 and a one year high of $63.53. The stocks fifty day moving average is $54.83 and its 200-day moving average is $48.55.

Insider Buying and Selling

Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $9.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.47 billion. Uber Technologies had a net margin of 2.93% and a return on equity of 11.74%. Equities analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 0.37 EPS for the current year.

In related news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 18,850 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.01, for a total transaction of $999,238.50. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 109,009 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,778,567.09. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 18,850 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.01, for a total transaction of $999,238.50. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 109,009 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,778,567.09. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 100,000 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.84, for a total value of $5,284,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,016,243 shares in the company, valued at $53,698,280.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 187,616 shares of company stock valued at $9,747,789 over the last three months. Company insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on UBER. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $58.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $62.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Friday, December 1st. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $57.00 price target (up from $55.00) on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. Nomura downgraded Uber Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the company from $59.00 to $62.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, Tigress Financial boosted their price target on Uber Technologies from $66.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Uber Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $57.48.

Get Our Latest Analysis on UBER

About Uber Technologies

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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Durg peddlers held by Hyderabad police's West Zone.

Hyderabad: Task Force sleuths of Hyderabad polices West Zone nabbed two drug peddlers identified as Sureleela Naveen Sai, an engineering graduate, and Borra Veera Sai Teja while trying to sell drugs near Tonique Liquor Mart, Jubilee Hills, and seized MDMA, Cocaine and brown sugar, all worth around Rs 7.50 lakh from them.

The duo procured the drugs from their Delhi-based supplier and were planning to sell them during the New Year celebration in Hyderabad, the police found.

Police said Naveen Sai, hailing from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, completed Mechanical engineering from a private University in Punjab State in 2019. While studying B Tech, he got addicted to drugs along with his roommates.

To meet his drug needs, he obtained a loan from Loan Apps. Meanwhile, he also started facing issues from private financiers in his native country.

To overcome this financial crisis and to make quick money for his drug needs, he turned into a peddler and started supplying drugs to users in Hyderabad.
Breaking another barrier, Isro will also launch a satellite built entirely by women on Monday. (Image: Twitter)

TIRUPATI: After landing on the Moon and sending a probe to study the Sun, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will ring in the New Year on Monday with the launch of its first dedicated scientific mission to shed new light on the mysteries of black holes.

Breaking another barrier, Isro will also launch a satellite built entirely by women on Monday.

Incidentally, Aditya-L1, Isros sun lab, will reach its space home about 1 million km away from Earth, on January 6.

The 44-metre Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle's 60th flight (PSLV-C58), to be launched from the spaceport at Sriharikota, will carry the 570-kg X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) to space. The launch is scheduled at 9.10 am on Monday.

It will release the XPoSat in a low Earth orbit of 650 km, 21 minutes after lift-off. The rocket, with a mass of 260 tonnes, will then release 10 other satellites.

The PSLVs fourth stage will then be brought down to an altitude of 350 km to conduct space experiments.

XPoSat will study black holes, neutron stars and other intense X-ray sources by examining the polarisation of their X-rays. By studying the orientation of these X-rays, scientists hope to better understand the physics and processes powering some of the most-extreme and perplexing objects in the universe.

The primary payload, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), will measure the polarisation of cosmic X-rays in the 8-30 keV (kilo electron volt) range, while a secondary X-ray spectrometer, XSPECT, will provide spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.

"XPoSat heralds a new era in Indian astronomy as our first dedicated polarimetry satellite," stated ISRO in a release. "The insights it provides into magnetised cosmic objects like black holes and neutron stars will be invaluable."

ISRO said the missions objectives include mapping out magnetic fields around compact objects like black holes and pulsars, understanding the geometry and physics of the inner accretion disc surrounding black holes, and probing extreme physics like vacuum polarisation effects.

Along with XPoSat, the PSLV orbiter stage called the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module or POEM would also host experimental payloads from various private companies to test and qualify new space technologies. ISRO seeks to support the emerging private space industry in India by providing orbital platforms for such experiments, the space agency said in a statement.

Among its other payloads are a radiation shielding experiment module by TakeMe2Space, a women-engineered satellite by LBS Institute of Technology for Women, BeliefSat (an amateur radio satellite) built by KJ Somaiya Institute of Technology, a green impulse transmitter by Inspecity Space Labs Pvt Ltd

Also on board will be LEAT-TD  launching expeditions for aspiring technologies- technology demonstrator  by Dhruva Space Pvt Ltd, Rudra 0.3HPGP and Arka 200 developed by Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd, dust experiment (DEX) built by Isros Physical Research Laboratory, and fuel cell power system built by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
Telangana Chief Minsiter A. Revanth Reddy. (Image: Twitter)

HYDERABAD: The Revanth Reddy-led Congress government is likely to adopt a three-pronged strategy, bringing in some immediate measures while working on its promise to replace the Dharani portal, the land records system.

The strategy includes a forensic audit on three lakh acres of land added to the portal in the past year, including those in and around Hyderabad where influential people in the previous BRS government allegedly became the ultimate beneficiaries.

These land parcels were kept out of the portal at the time of its launch, citing disputes over and discrepancies in the land title.

The government has been actively pursuing a method to create appellate provisions within the existing Dharani modules as an immediate course correction measure.

The ultimate objective of bringing in Bhoomata, the Congress version of Dharani, would be implemented after wideranging discussions with all stakeholders on the lines of Koneru Ranga Rao land reforms committee appointed by then Chief Minister Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.

The basic flaw in the Dharani portal, according to revenue officials, is the lack of appellate provisions that were deliberately removed by the previous government under the guise of eliminating litigation and manipulation of records.

"The system would have been suitable when the land records are perfect and there are no title discrepancies or disputes. Nearly 20 lakh acres have still not entered Dharani," sources said adding that the same lacuna was exploited by influential people to lay their hands on valuable land parcels.

The affected parties have to approach the judiciary which is not only expensive as a certain portion of the land value should be deposited as court fee, but also time-consuming.

The revenue department has been asked to study the possibilities of amending the existing Act and add the redressal mechanism. "To begin with we can consider some sort of tribunals at least at the erstwhile combined district level," sources pointed out. After new heads of three police commissionerates  Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda  took charge, sources said people have been flocking to police with complaints of change in ownership in Dharani and forcible eviction in connivance of revenue and police personnel.

"It is rather shocking that people who owned and are in possession of land for decades find themselves evicted overnight," said a senior police official adding that the standard operating procedures (SoPs) for police in dealing with land cases were flouted to help the influential persons.

Sources said the officials had been gathering data on transfer of title to private parties over government lands as well as inam and jagir land parcels on which government has been claiming ownership.

The data will also capture transfer of ownership from one party to another private party using Dharani. Sources said ab-out three lakh acres which were kept out of Dharani had been legalised in last one year itself and forensic audit would reveal the genuineness of these transactions.
Alta Capital Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 1.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 26,039 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 508 shares during the quarter. Alta Capital Management LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $3,776,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at about $67,000. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 46,300.0% during the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 464 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 463 shares during the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 1st quarter valued at about $70,000. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $76,000. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 678 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $99,000 after buying an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. 68.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

JPM has been the subject of several analyst reports. Odeon Capital Group lowered JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $140.00 target price for the company. in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. HSBC assumed coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $159.00 price target on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $187.00 to $191.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $168.80.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of JPM opened at $170.10 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 12-month low of $123.11 and a 12-month high of $170.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $491.76 billion, a PE ratio of 10.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 1.13. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $153.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is $149.97.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.95 by $0.38. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.97% and a net margin of 22.79%. The business had revenue of $40.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.63 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.12 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.55 earnings per share for the current year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.07%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total transaction of $5,158,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,113,920. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.79% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services.

Further Reading

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Kessler Investment Group LLC raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 5.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,610 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 382 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for approximately 0.9% of Kessler Investment Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th biggest position. Kessler Investment Group LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $1,104,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of JPM. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 97,681.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,056,747,063 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $299,133,293,000 after purchasing an additional 2,054,643,659 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 105,652.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 98,000,567 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $13,141,876,000 after acquiring an additional 97,907,897 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,894,646,000. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 15.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 59,049,256 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,918,506,000 after acquiring an additional 8,088,433 shares during the period. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 13,205.6% in the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,395,818 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $41,407,000 after acquiring an additional 5,355,265 shares during the period. 68.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Performance

Shares of JPM opened at $170.10 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $153.80 and its 200 day moving average price is $149.97. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52 week low of $123.11 and a 52 week high of $170.69. The company has a market capitalization of $491.76 billion, a PE ratio of 10.16, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by $0.38. The firm had revenue of $40.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $39.63 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 22.79% and a return on equity of 17.97%. The firms revenue was up 24.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.12 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.55 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is 25.07%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $233.00 to $243.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $176.00 to $169.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $168.80.

Get Our Latest Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total value of $5,158,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 131,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,113,920. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services.

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LaFleur & Godfrey LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 1.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 171,162 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,562 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. makes up 4.0% of LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $24,822,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 32,407 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,700,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 34,228 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,964,000 after purchasing an additional 1,008 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 48,983 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,104,000 after purchasing an additional 1,223 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 51,890 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,525,000 after purchasing an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Purus Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Purus Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,101 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,175,000 after purchasing an additional 387 shares in the last quarter. 68.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total transaction of $5,158,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares in the company, valued at $21,113,920. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.79% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have commented on JPM. HSBC began coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $159.00 price objective on the stock. Piper Sandler raised their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Evercore ISI raised their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $158.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $176.00 to $169.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Nine 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 company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $168.80.

Read Our Latest Research Report on JPM

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance

NYSE:JPM opened at $170.10 on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52-week low of $123.11 and a 52-week high of $170.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. The company has a market cap of $491.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 1.13. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $153.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $149.97.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by $0.38. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.97% and a net margin of 22.79%. The business had revenue of $40.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $39.63 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.12 earnings per share. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s quarterly revenue was up 24.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.55 EPS for the current fiscal year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is currently 25.07%.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mayor London Breed discusses public safety issues during a news conference at Alamo Square in San Francisco on Oct. 17. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Residents of San Francisco recently witnessed the full power of our mayors office on display during the APEC conference, when Mayor London Breed ordered the streets cleared of homeless encampments and open-air drug dealing to shield world leaders from evidence of our citys dysfunction.

Breed issued the orders and those orders were followed because the mayor runs the police department  and every department. She has near total control over the citys bureaucracy, and she certainly had all the power she needed during APEC  just as she has all the power she needs right now to clean up San Francisco.

And yet the same billionaire-backed group aligned with Mayor Breed that brought you the grotesque Thats Fentalife! advertisements has announced its newest campaign effort  giving our mayor even more power. These business titans want to eliminate many of the voter-approved powers of the citys citizen oversight bodies, blaming too much public engagement for our citys woes.

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Apparently, cleaning streets so fouled that they are a national punchline is something Breed can only accomplish on command for the worlds elites, but not for the rest of us without giving her more power.

Dont believe it.

I have worked as a political advisor for, or against, every mayor since Dianne Feinstein. Ive watched how these mayors have deployed their virtually unprecedented hard power and their significant soft power to get things done.

Breed could, for instance, order police, adult probation, and the Department of Public Works to shut down the fencing of stolen goods on our streets, which fuels our epidemic of retail thefts, with three phone calls to the heads of these departments, who report directly to her. It might take three follow-up phone calls every day to make sure they were successful  but if we had a mayor focused on her job, thats what would happen.

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Working on Dianne Feinsteins anti-recall campaign I personally saw her command her driver to stop her limousine and order the occupants (me and her police escort) to pick up street trash and put it in the trunk (Ill throw it out when I get home, she said). Soon after, her staff reported seeing the director of Public Works leaving the mayors office, in a particularly serious mood. The streets felt noticeably cleaner after that. Thats what happens when a mayor takes personal responsibility, rather than playing the political blame game.

I sat in Room 200 at City Hall and watched Mayor Willie Brown ask pointed questions of his department heads  and saw them squirm when confronted by a mayor they knew wouldnt stop asking tough questions until they delivered results.

I saw Mayor Gavin Newsom deploy both this kind of hard power, but also command a national stage to use his soft power to drive forward innovations on the environment, homelessness, marriage equality and other important priorities.

It is certainly true that San Francisco has some checks on mayoral power. The Board of Supervisors has the authority to approve city budgets. But mayors have no obligation to actually spend items passed in these budgets. It is no wonder that mayoral requests for budget authorizations are generally approved, like Mayor Breeds recent request for police overtime. Supervisors know that if mayors dont get what they want they can simply refuse to spend funds the supervisors have requested.

The mayors backers also claim she lacks sufficient authority because the Board of Supervisors, must approve a handful of her appointments to our citizen-led commissions. Thats like saying the Supreme Court is controlled by the U.S. Senate, because the Senate must approve presidential appointments.

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In other words, it isnt true.

San Francisco is the only dual city and county in California. Our mayor has control over our regional airport, our regions water system, our own utility  and more. For this reason, San Francisco has long been called an Imperial City. But our mayor became truly imperial in 1995, when a Charter overhaul gutted the power of the Chief Administrative Officer while mayoral power was dramatically enhanced.

Since then, there have been only minor checks on this powerful mayor system  mostly as a result of scandals. For example, the recent reform providing more citizen oversight of the Department of Public Works came after widespread corruption was uncovered, including then-Director Mohammed Nuru (now serving seven years in federal prison) giving illegal unreported gifts totaling thousands of dollars to his close friend Mayor Breed. The new citizen oversight is not only a guardrail against future corruption, but a tool to demand better performance.

Sadly, the new proposal to gut citizen oversight is just the latest in a series of blame-game tactics employed by Breed. She blamed rising crime not on her dysfunctional police department and her own support of defunding the police  but on the reform-minded district attorney. That tactic worked, so now Breed controls both the police department and she appointed an ally as district attorney.

But with crime and grime still rising, Breed needs someone else to blame. This time it is the voters, and the few tools we have to fight corruption and hold our city government accountable.

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Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 32,407 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 284 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $4,700,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Atlas Private Wealth Management lifted its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 11.7% during the second quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Management now owns 27,106 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,942,000 after buying an additional 2,834 shares during the last quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. now owns 34,079 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,956,000 after purchasing an additional 1,439 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 39,447 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,737,000 after purchasing an additional 1,652 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 14.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 50,991 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,416,000 after purchasing an additional 6,264 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Joseph Group Capital Management raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Joseph Group Capital Management now owns 12,958 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,885,000 after purchasing an additional 916 shares during the last quarter. 68.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts:

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance

Shares of NYSE JPM opened at $170.10 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $153.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is $149.97. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 12 month low of $123.11 and a 12 month high of $170.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $491.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.16, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.90.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by $0.38. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 22.79% and a return on equity of 17.97%. The firm had revenue of $40.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $39.63 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.12 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.55 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.47%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is currently 25.07%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently commented on JPM. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Piper Sandler increased their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Odeon Capital Group downgraded shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $140.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.80.

View Our Latest Research Report on JPM

Insider Activity at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In related news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total value of $5,158,880.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,113,920. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.79% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
As May began, figures released from The Western Health & Social Care Trust showed that the turnaround times for cervical smear tests have dropped significantly over the last few years.

In 2018, nearly 100% of women would receive their smear test results within 28 days. Latest figures show that only 20.25% of women received their results within a four week window during 2022.

In early May the Derry Chamber of Commerce warned Key frontline services will be cut across education, the economy and health following the announcement of the 2023-24 NI Budget delivered by British Secretary of State Chris Haton-Harris. Chamber Chief Executive Anna Doherty said the budget's 'consequences will be felt by all communities, businesses, and families across Northern Ireland'.

In the same week the significantly cut budget was imposed on the North, the new King was crowned in an event that cost between 50 million and 100 million.

The coronation prompted the Bloody Sunday March Committee to unveil a mural at the Free Derry Wall, titled: Englands Bloody Empire - Coronation Special, depicting King Charles, ex Colonel-in-Chief of the British armys Parachute Regiment, in full military uniform.

The day after the mural was unveiled, a statement was issued jointly by the Bloody Sunday Trust and the Pat Finucane Centre, Tony Doherty, whose father was murdered on Bloody Sunday. They expressed their 'disgust' that all four battalions of the Parachute Regiment were to take part in the coronation given the gruesome track record of the Paras in Ireland.

Car parking fines were issued to Derry drivers incorrectly in May due to problems with a system that regulates parking charges at car parks across the city. The most affected car parks were Lesley Retail Park, Crescent Link and the Riverfront Complex.

In mid May over a million pounds in funding was awarded to Derry community groups to 'divert young people away from the threat of paramilitary recruitment.' The International Fund for Ireland granted the money to eight charity and community organisation projects across the North West.

On 14 May Derry Girls won a TV Bafta for scripted comedy. The show's writer and creator, Lisa McGee thanked her home city during her acceptance speech.

On local election day, 18 May, Stormont officials were accused of attempting to 'bully Derry into silence'. The Department for Communities ordered the Derry University Group to remove a billboard highlighting the urgent need for action on the North West.

The billboard sat on the Strand Road and said 'No more promises, no more excuses fix it now. #FiftyYearsofFailure. It's not subjective, it's not debatable. The data doesn't lie.'

In the same week it was revealed that university student fees in Derry were to be raised by over 50%.

As for the election itself, Sinn Fein's success was the biggest talking point. All 18 of its candidates were elected, gaining the party seven more seats than in the 2019 election.

That week the newly elected and re-elected councillors faced a baptism of fire when the Department of Communities cut the Rate Support Grant across the North.

Derry and Strabane Council's budget of 982,450 left what was described as 'an unbudgeted pressure of 807,000 for the current 2023/24 financial year'.

In late May Saoradh said its representatives in Derry were contacted by a number of concerned parents. They stated that young people between the ages of 13 and 16 have been working as 'Juvenile Covert Human Intelligence Sources' for the PSNI.

On 26 May the City was struck by tragedy as young Rebecca Browne was killed in a tragic accident in Buncrana.

The young hairdresser was returning from a night out to where she was staying, close to where she was hit by a Garda car.
In June the decision to arrest a Derry woman on the suspicion of organised crime was condemned.

A 27-year-old was arrested by officers from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Taskforce.

The PSNI said the woman had been arrested on suspicion of Being Concerned in the Supply of a Class B controlled drug, as part of a proactive investigation linked to the INLA.

The womans solicitor, Ciaran Shiels of Madden & Finucane described the woman's arrest as a distasteful and deplorable abuse of powers by the PSNI.

She had no criminal record and was arrested at her place of work where she was a well respected health care professional.

Following the publication of a report by the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, it was revealed 99% of GP respondents in the Western Trust considered Trust waiting list communication with their practice to be ineffective.

It was also found that if a patient is referred to the Western Trust, it is unlikely that they would receive an acknowledgement.

The first waiting list correspondence they are likely to receive is a booking/appointment letter, approximately six weeks prior to an expected appointment.

Later in June Derry's Ulster University Magee campus received a 45 million euro allocation from the Irish Government to build a new teaching and student services building.

The project was one of a number of cross-border projects to have funding approved by the Irish Government as part of the Shared Island initiative.

A sadness fell over Derry on 23 June when teenager Caitlin McLaughlin (16), passed away suddenly after taking an ecstasy tablet at a concert.

Mourners at her funeral heard she had a 'smile that radiated so much joy, a smile that would melt you'.

On 26 June Derry man and veteran activist Micheal Kerrigan led the Dublin Pride parade. It came half a century after he co-founded a group that organised the first ever Gay Pride demonstration in Ireland.
In the second week of August, there was widespread outrage following consecutive nights of 'sporadic disorder' in the Galliagh area of Derry.

Police received reports of shots being fired, a number of hijackings and attempted hijackings, assault and criminal damage, following the removal of material from a bonfire site.

The material was removed by contractors, escorted by police, hired by the Department of Communities.

In the same week the zero emission Foyle Metro buses hit the road. This put Derry on its way to its target of becoming one of the first cities in Ireland or the UK to operate a fully zero emission urban bus service.

The Executive Office pledged to 'embrace' further checks and balances in its own process with regards to outdoor events at Derry's Ebrington Square. Following public backlash, discussions between the management of the hotel, TEO and local stakeholders, it was agreed that the planned events for August would go-ahead. Later in the month talks for new guidelines going forward beyond August were held.

A deadly batch of drugs (Pregabalin) was linked to three deaths and five drugs-related cardiac arrests in the city in the second weekend of August alone.

Derrys own Ironman Danny Quigley completed his biggest challenge to date in late August as the mental health campaigner swam the length of the River Foyle then out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Called the Celebration of Life, Danny took on the mammoth challenge to remember people who have died by suicide in a positive light by remembering their lives instead of how they died.

Dannys father Colm took his own life in 2011.

The annual Foyle Pride parade took place on 26 August weekend, marking 30 years since the event began.

City of Derry Airport and airports across the UK experienced hundreds of flight delays over the Bank Holiday weekend when National Air Traffic Services (NATS) had to implement traffic flow restrictions across the UK due to a technical issue.
Members of the public have been warned not to approach a wild capuchin monkey that escaped from a sanctuary in Co Wicklow earlier this week.

The 24-year-old capuchin monkey, named Charlie, escaped from the Monkey Sanctuary Ireland in Rathdrum and is described as being "young", "fit" and "a great tree climber" by sanctuary manager, Willie Heffernan.

As one of 14 ex-laboratory animals, Charlie travelled to Ireland from Edinburgh University 22 years ago. Due to his age at the time, he was not neutered.

He arrived here 22 years ago. He was only two years old when he arrived. So, normally they all get spayed, all the males, but he slipped the knife," explained Mr Heffernan to RTE Radio One on Saturday.

As Charlie has matured, his interest in the opposite sex increased, leading to issues with other animals at the sanctuary.

"So, theres three old monkeys on the island next to him, females - theyre actually in their mid-60s, if you can believe it.

"He was harassing them so I tried to move him and this other male he was with on his island," Mr Heffernan said.

"I got one off and then when I went down to get him, he had jumped ship... Then, he never came back."

As to Charlie's current whereabouts, Mr Heffernan fears he may have ventured into nearby Avondale National Park.

So, I'm afraid he may have made it into Avondale. Then, theres a whole forest stretching from Laragh down to Arklow, so hes plenty of woodland to be in.

Hes excited when he thinks Wicklow is full of female young monkeys, that is probably what he is out looking for.

"He lived out on the island for 20 years and Ive seen him catching grey squirrels, small birds and frogs so hes able to get plenty of protein into him.

Explaining that Charlie is not a pet or used to human interaction, Mr Heffernan said: Hes not a pet and Ive never petted him, because theyre all ex-laboratory animals. They came from Edinburgh University.

"Ill only put the food on the island by pulley, so theres very little human interaction. They just live amongst themselves.

Anyone who spots Charlie is urged to contact Willie at the sanctuary or their local Garda station.

Ive got a tranquilising dart so I can easily get him and bring him home," the manager concluded.
May 2nd 2023

The opening of a Pieta House centre in north Louth, was the aim of the Dundalk Darkness Into Light committee as in May it appealed to people in Dundalk to help make this year's walk the biggest yet.

The Darkness Into Light walk took place on Saturday 6 May, with the walk starting at 4.15am at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).

Event Director, Cllr Sean Kelly, spoke to the Dundalk Democrat ahead of this year's event and said that in order for us to get a Pieta centre for north Louth, we have to show, 'look how successful Darkness Into Light is, look at the work we've done here since it commenced in 2017'.

That's why we want as many people as possible to come out  basically back our own.

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May 9th 2023

Plans for a multi-million euro regeneration of the St. Nicholas Quarter in Dundalk moved a step forward with the appointment of a design team.

Louth County Council announced the appointment of BDP Ltd as the Architectural Lead Design Consultants for the St. Nicholas Quarter and Backlands Phase 1 Regeneration Scheme.

This first phase of the project consists of the Public Realm works to the Northern Gateway, Bridge Street, Linenhall Street, Northgate Street and the Peace Park at the Fairgreen.

****

The Fine Gael party in Louth selected Robert Nash to replace Maria Doyle as councillor in the Dundalk South Local Electoral Area, following the resignation from Ms Doyle in February as a Louth County Councillor.

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An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission with revised conditions for a new housing development in Blackrock which will consist of 29 new homes.

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May 16th 2023

Over 1.85 million in District Court fines issued in Louth between 2018 and 2022 remain unpaid according to figures released to the Dundalk Democrat under Freedom of Information (FOI) in May.

Figures showed that over the last five years 6,075 fines totalling just under 2.65 million were issued through Dundalk Court Office which includes the District Court Areas of Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee.

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Louths five TDs and two senators claimed a total of 302,639 in Parliamentary Standard Allowances last year, according to end of year statements for 2022 published in May by the Oireachtas.

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Dundalks Townwatch scheme was relaunched with gardai, Dundalk BIDS and local traders coming together to tackle the ongoing security and safety issues that are facing Dundalk town businesses.

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May 23rd 2023

Louth County Council spent 17,034.36 on sending a delegation to New York for St Patricks Day this year, the Dundalk Democrat exclusively revealed.

The Louth delegation included An Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Conor Keelan, as first citizen of Louth, Cllr Kevin Meenan, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, and Cllr Paula Butterly, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District.

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455,827 was allocated for the refurbishment of the playground and the bandstand in St Helena Park, from the allocation of 1,515,727 to Louth from the Community Recognition Fund.

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May 30th 2023

At the end of May, a murder investigation was launched after a woman's body, named locally as Catherine Henry, was discovered in a property on Bridge Street.

The following morning just metres up the road a man who was walking on Clanbrassil Street was rushed to hospital after bricks fell from the roof of a building onto the street below.

In a third separate incident a body was tragically recovered from the Castletown River on the same afternoon.

Meanwhile, a man, subsequently named locally as Gary Clarke, tragically lost his life following a jet ski accident in Carlingford.
Assembly Member Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, can run for his current post as well as Kevin McCarthys old congressional seat at the same time, a judge ruled. Andri Tambunan/Special to the Chronicle 2021 Secretary of State Shirley Weber says she will not include Vince Fong on the official list of candidates in the race to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy because Fong had already filed to run for reelection in the Assembly. Salgu Wissmath/Special to the Chronicle 2021

California Democrats say they want to ban candidates from running for two offices at once after a Sacramento judge ruled that a Republican lawmaker can run for state Assembly and Kevin McCarthys old congressional seat at the same time.

Assembly Member Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, claimed victory Thursday when Sacramento Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne W.L. Chang ruled that he could run for both offices at once. Secretary of State Shirley Weber  a Democrat who previously served alongside Fong in the Assembly  had said she would not include him on the official list of candidates in the race to replace McCarthy because Fong had already filed to run for reelection in the Assembly.

Todays ruling is a victory for the voters of the 20th Congressional District, Fong wrote in a statement. I am grateful that Judge Chang upheld the integrity of our elections and sided with Central Valley voters against an overreaching Sacramento politician.

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In response, Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, said she will introduce legislation next year to bar candidates like Fong from running for two offices at once in the future. Instead, she said there should be an opportunity for candidates to change what office they are running for under special circumstances.

My office will introduce legislation that will clear up this mess, she wrote in a Friday statement. Under no circumstances should candidates be able to run for two offices at the same time, creating opportunities to win both, refuse one, and force a costly special election.

Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, says she will introduce legislation next year to bar candidates from running for two offices at once. Jose Luis Villegas/Associated Press

Carrillo cited Californias estimated $68 billion budget deficit as a reason the state shouldnt risk spending money to run an additional election.

Weber also said she disagreed with the ruling and pledged to fight it in court. She did, however, abide by the judges decision in the meantime and added Fongs name to the list of candidates for both offices.

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My office will appeal this ruling in an effort to ensure that voters in future elections will not become disenfranchised, be left without representation, or become subject to other unforeseen negative consequences that would erode confidence in our elections, she wrote in a statement.

The controversy over the seat began when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he would retire from Congress. He made the announcement on Dec. 6, shortly before the deadline for candidates to file to run in the race to replace him.
IF youre planning to stay in on New Years Eve, who will you usher in 2024 with on TV? Well, you can start with the genial Patrick Kielty, as he presents a special edition of The Late Late Show on RTE1 at 10.15pm.

Expect a star-studded guest list with plenty of surprises. Patrick then hands over to Cork woman Anna Geary at Dublin Castle for NYE Countdown at 11.45pm - a concert featuring Picture This.

Or perhaps another Cork host with the most will take your fancy?

The Graham Norton New Years Eve Show is at 10.25pm on BBC1, and Graham meets Hollywood stars Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, who are appearing together in black comedy Poor Things. Also, Claudia Winkleman chats about the return of The Traitors, while chef Nadiya Hussain promotes her new book.

Plus, comedian Rob Brydon chats about his new tour A Night Of Songs And Laughter, and Ezra Collective perform Victory Dance.

At 11.30pm, Graham hands the baton for Rick Astley Rocks New Years Eve. Not only did the 1980s star play a triumphant set at Glastonbury last summer, mixing his own hit with covers including Harry Styles As It Was, he also teamed up with the Blossoms for a secret performance of Smiths songs.

If you wanted further proof 2023 was Ricks year, the BBC have chosen him to see it out in style with a concert from Londons iconic Roundhouse.

Hell be ringing in the New Year with the help of some special guests - and although this was the year he proved there was more to him than Never Gonna Give You Up, there will be some disappointed viewers if it doesnt get an airing.

Or check out BBC2 at 11,30pm on New Years Eve for Jools Annual Hootenanny, featuring Rod Stewart, Joss Stone, Olivia Dean, Paul Jones, PP Arnold, Raye, and Sugababes.

Over on TG4 at 11.30pm, Failte 2024 has the best of Irish traditional music to see in a new year.
Speaking to the Sri Lanka Guardian in New Delhi, Thondaman, says, The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has been always supportive of Sri Lanka and we will always be thankful to him for the steps he has taken.

by Ayanjit Sen





The Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Mr Senthil Thondaman, says the twin culture of Tamils in India and Sri Lanka has been there for generations and will continue to strive further.





Speaking to the Sri Lanka Guardian in New Delhi, Mr Thondaman, says, The Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, has been always supportive of Sri Lanka and we will always be thankful to him for the steps he has taken.





File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi [ Special Arrangement]





He also said that the step taken by the Sri Lankan government to make it visa-free entry for tourists from India and six other countries, is a boost to the tourism sector in the country. He further said the opening of a branch of the State Bank of India in Trincomalee last month, is also going to help Indian investors in the island nation.





Mr Thondaman was in the headquarters of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, in New Delhi to receive the commemorative stamp on 200 years of arrival of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka.





It was released by the President of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr J P Nadda in the presence of BJPs Tamil Nadu state chief, Mr K Annamalai and other dignitaries from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Sri Lankas Ceylon Workers Congress. A short video documentary was also screened tracing the history of the arrival of Tamils in Sri Lanka during the British rule in the sub-continent and it also portrayed the work done by the Indian government under Mr Narendra Modi for the Tamil population.





Mr Nadda shared his experience of working for the Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka as the Health Minister and acknowledged the hardships faced by them in the past. The government of India is committed in extending support to the Indian origin Tamils living in Sri Lanka for the last nine years and will do so in the coming years.





Mr. Annamalai said that the Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi has always considered Sri Lanka, our civilisational twin and has been always supportive of the island nation with humanitarian and financial aid during its times of distress.





He also said, The Modi government had sanctioned 14,000 houses in addition to setting up other facilities in areas where the Tamil population resides.





Speaking about Indias support to Sri Lanka during hard times, Mr Thondaman told the Sri Lanka Guardian, The support we got from the Indian government during Covid was really inspiring and will always be remembered.





He also thanked the BJP for the steps its government has taken for the welfare of the Tamil community.
Plans for almost 200 apartments on a site adjacent to Telus International, formerly Voxpro, in Mahon have been green lit by An Bord Pleanala following an appeal.

In May of 2021 Clyde Real Estate Cork Limited lodged an application with Cork City Council seeking permission to demolish an existing geodesic dome at the site to develop 204 apartments across three blocks.

The application also sought permission for the construction of a creche facility, communal amenity rooms, outdoor amenity spaces, car parking and indoor bicycle parking spaces.

Cork City Council submitted a request for further information before making a decision on the application, which resulted in some changes to the plans.

Among them was a reduction in the number of apartments from 204 to 196 across two blocks rather than three.

The local authority granted planning permission with 36 conditions attached, however, a third party appeal was later lodged with An Bord Pleanala.

Appeal

The appeal was lodged by Telus International Ireland who outlined several reasons for appealing the councils decision.

The company argued that the development would have a negative impact on the existing traffic congestion problems in the immediate vicinity and on the area in general.

A reduction of access points onto Loughmahon Link Rd for Telus was also among the reasons mentioned.

The appeal concluded by requesting that, if the proposed development was to go ahead, existing fire safety measures, services, and access to and from the building should not be diminished and that suitable conditions should be attached to the permission stipulating same.

In response to the appeal, the applicants said that Clyde Real Estate are the original owners of the site, including the site where Telus is now located.

In 2017, it sold the building Telus operates out of, but retained ownership of the adjacent site with the intention of developing same.

Telus, as a tenant have no rights to infrastructure on the subject site including the access areas, the response said.

Creating an issue out of access for a second staff car parking access (when there is already a staff car parking access) is considered to be extremely short sighted, it later continued.

Clyde said it has demonstrated to Telus that there is sufficient space between the Telus building and the boundary between the respective sites for fire tender access and has given assurances around an existing fire hydrant.

Board's ruling

An Bord Pleanala, in approving the development, said it considered that - subject to compliance with planning conditions - the proposed development would be acceptable as it would respect the existing character of the area and would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area.

It said it would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development, and would be acceptable in terms of traffic and pedestrian safety and convenience.

There are 28 conditions attached to the boards approval of the development  including one which requires an amendment to floor plans which will result in a further reduction in the number of units in the overall development from 196 to 190.

The total car parking supply must not exceed 74 car parking spaces for the full development and a minimum of 442 bicycle parking spaces must also be provided, another condition states.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he will raise the issue of the global drugs trade during a planned visit to Colombia and Mexico in the new year.

Mr Martin also said he would use the trip to focus on the role that Ireland has been playing in assisting the peace process in Colombia.

The Tanaiste said: Weve a very strong economic relationship with Mexico and with the region more broadly, and were determined to try and build on that.

So we have successful Irish companies operating within the region. So theres a strong economic dimension to this visit.

Politically also, its important for Ireland to strengthen its relationships.

We have strengthened our diplomatic footprint in the area and that will be part of the visit.

Mr Martin said he would discuss with the Justice Department if there were any criminal issues he should bring up during the trip.

He said: We will raise and discuss with the authorities, both Mexico and Colombia, obviously the broader global challenges, narcotics, drug trade and so on and shared experiences.

In Colombia, the focus will again be more political, and also on the role that Ireland has been playing in terms of assisting and helping the peace process within Colombia.

And theres been efforts to broaden that peace process in more recent times. Eamon Gilmore has done exceptional work in that regard as an EU envoy.

Ireland, through its ambassador and diplomatic footprint, is working to share some of the lessons of the conflict in northern Ireland with the authorities in Colombia.

And theyve been very appreciative of our suggestions.

When we were on the UN Security Council, for example, we would have invited women from Colombia to discuss the role of women in conflict.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Cork city on Saturday to take part in a march and rally organised by the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC).

People marching at the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally for Palestine in Cork City Centre. Picture Dan Linehan

The march, the twelfth such event in recent weeks, focused on the theme unmute Gaza and urged people to speak up and act for Gaza.

A spokesperson for the CPSC said that the march was organised to make a clear demand to the Irish Government to place sanctions on Israel and to pass the Occupied Territories Bill.

They estimate that 800 people took part in yesterday's event.

Call for implementation of Occupied Territories Bill

Speaking at the march in Cork city centre, Martin Shiel, Co-Chair of Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign called for the implementation of the Occupied Territories Bill.

People attending the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally for Palestine on the Grand Parade, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

"It is action that is required now to stop Israel.

"Micheal Martin said last Thursday that sanctions greater than travel bans on settler extremists are required. That is correct. And he has the Occupied Territories Bill, which he was happy for his party to support before being in government, ready to go.

Cork City Council unanimously voted for implementation of the Occupied Territories Bill in October 2022. Further delays are unacceptable - the Tanaiste must implement the Occupied Territories Bill now.

He added: And it is not the only measure that he has to hand. A motion to recognise the State of Palestine was passed by the Dail and Seanad in 2014. In November Cork City Council unanimously called for this to be enacted. Mr. Martin has said that this should only be done at the 'optimal time'. Surely there is no better time than now when Israel is pursuing a plan to erase Palestine.

Vigils taking place today

A number of other solidarity events are taking place in Cork this weekend.

In Clonakilty, a candlelit vigil place took place in Astna Square yesterday evening.

The CPSC said that more than 30 New Years Eve vigils for Palestine will take place in different locations across the country today including vigils in Bandon (5pm, Old TSB building), Carrigaline (3.30pm, next to Supervalu) and Cobh (5pm, The Promenade).

Details of the vigils are available from https://www.ipsc.ie/
The Diocesan Office for Cork and Ross has announced that retired Cork priest, Fr. John Galvin, has died.

The Diocesan Office has announced that the death has occurred of Fr. John Galvin in Cork University Hospital. Image: Diocese of Cork and Ross Facebook.

Fr Galvin, a native of Uibh Laoire Parish, had served in both the city and the county.

He passed away at Cork University Hospital yesterday.

A statement, posted on the diocesan website detailed that Fr. John was ordained to the priesthood on 9th June 1962 and began his ministry on temporary mission in the Archdiocese of Bermingham.

On returning to Cork and Ross, he ministered as Curate pro tem in Ahiohill and Cape Clear, as Chaplain in Schull and as Chaplain pro tem in Dunmanway.

He then ministered as Curate in the Parishes of Ovens and Farran, St. Josephs Mayfield and Curraheen Road, as Parish Priest in Frankfield and Passage West and then as Assistant Priest in the Harbour Parishes.

Bishop Fintan extended his prayerful support to Fr. Johns family and former parishioners at this time.
OK, I said, calmly.

I looked at the floor where a piece of salami from the colourful tapas plate, beautifully arranged for my sons Christmas starter because he didnt like the smoked salmon or pate that was on offer, had fallen during the Christmas dinner.

It was now evening on Christmas Day.

I had asked my son to pick up the slice of meat and squashed stuffed olives - they were all underneath his chair - and he made the sort of exhausted half-hearted gesture of the full-bellied-about-to-burst-and therefore-unable-to-bend in its direction and went on talking to his father - while making an enormous ham sandwich with Fields bread and a bag of Tayto crisps and mayonnaise.

To me, its an offensive thing to slap my beautiful, twice-cooked ham (cooked once on top of the cooker in cider with a homemade mustard and ham glaze, and secondly at his request, in the oven in slices covered in our old home Ham a la Creme recipe, which means in a French blue cheese, white wine, double cream cheese sauce). Sliding the result of such gastronomic skill between two slices of a sliced pan is more than my pride can take.

Once the sandwich was gone, my son joined his father in enthusiastically upending the Christmas pudding from its heavy white bowl - made by my 83-year-old mother-in-law - and digging into it with gusto. Dark succulent crumbs spewed everywhere.

Visitors had come and gone and I had already cleared away several rounds of empty crumby plates and half cups of tea and empty glasses of wine and whiskey.

I, I said magisterially, will not be picking up any more of that.

That was grand they said, shambling back over to the fireside armchairs for a nap, oblivious to the Napoleonic-style devastation behind them, nobody asked you to.

Well do it later.

Well, thanks, I said sarcastically.

And stamped out for a walk.

Only the dog had the energy to come.

Dont you dare touch that bit of salami on the floor there, I ordered her as we left.

She looked at my face mournfully as we emerged into a strange, cloudy night with a ring around the moon.

Look up there, I told the dog. Storm coming.

We walked on. Id be glad to be shut of Christmas, I thought.

Its not my favourite time of year anymore.

I used to love it. I used to spend absolutely weeks preparing for it - buying and decorating the tree, lugging down enormous green decorated wreaths, wrapping presents, hand-writing addressing and posting anything up to 50 cards, polishing the good cutlery, getting Grannys bone-china dinner set lovingly washed and buffed, checking the good table cloths, dusting off the Nollaig CD and getting everything ready for the big day.

On Christmas Eve, we hauled in tubs of holly and ivy for the last-minute decorating.

We, believe it or not, had not one, not two, but three Christmas trees. There would be a lovely real tree, which I loved. Then a big artificial glittery affair which my husband liked. Finally, there would be a little artificial fir at the top of the stairs called the Childrens Tree where they would hang home-made decorations. Where I got the energy or the gusto for it all, I have no idea. And that was before all the food shopping and cooking extravaganzas.

This year, in the last calm weeks ahead of what was to be a much quieter, adult-only Christmas, my son asked me for the family recipe for a festive barbecue in Scotland where he now lives.

He thought hed wow the Scots with our home-made Crunchie ice-cream accompanied by a home-made butterscotch sauce.

All I can remember was that you folded egg-whites into it, he recalled.

I snorted.

I cant remember anything except you bashing the crunchies with a rolling pin and eating fistfuls of the crumbs as soon as my back was turned, and then having to send you down on the bike to the shop for more Crunchies at the last minute, I rejoined.

As we squabbled, a handwritten cardboard menu, carefully crayoned with a sprig of holly and the date in a childish hand, fell out of the book. It was dated December, 2002. Twenty-one years ago. He would have been only five years old.

Phew, he commented.

We looked at the menu.

Every starter, every one of the six or seven different vegetable dishes, every one of the three stuffings - bread, lemon sausage-meat, garlic and herb - and each of all five different sauces - Cumberland sauce, cranberry sauce, red wine gravy, bread sauce, the French blue cheese sauce for the ham and then each of the five desserts - apart from my mother-in-laws pudding that is - had been homemade by me. Not to mention the mulled wine.

One year, we even made our own chocolate truffles for coffee and afters, like.

Christ, I said awed, was I completely mad?

We stared speechlessly at the menu.

My son and I used to get up together at around 7.30am Christmas Eve. We had a list. We would work together, me stirring and mixing and cooking, him washing up and drying and generally tidying along behind me, til about 3pm, at which point I would give him special Christmas work pocket-money and a hug for his labours.

Our gargantuan work sessions generally ended with me laying the Christmas table, and him hoovering and washing out the kitchen floor.

Then we would collapse in the clean, empty, tranquil Christmas-scented house. The others were, somehow, always out.

Christmas Day the house was gorgeous, heaving with guests, invited and uninvited. The rooms were full of merriment and laughter til late in the evening, though I was usually in bed and asleep by 6pm, worn out.

The year the son turned 17, he got a job in a trendy pub for the Christmas holidays.

It had occurred to him that he had amassed some excellent Christmas Eve skills, and that he could actually be paid quite well for these skills while not actually having to work like a dog.

It took a couple of years before I realised he would never be coming back to the Christmas Eve kitchen.

For a while my husband tried to help, but he was untrained, clumsy and argumentative. Never having realised quite how much work was involved in Christmas Day, now that he had to do some of it he quite failed to see the point.

After that, I generally struggled along on my own, until the year that a tumble forced me into an ankle-to-thigh cast for several months, a period which covered Christmas.

In late November, we contacted the usual guests to explain that the cook was in pain, on medication, in a cast and out of action.

Everyone was most understanding, riposting cheerily that theyd manage themselves this year, ha ha ha.

That Christmas Day, after years of an oiled Christmas machine and gales of gaiety, we fell flat on our faces. Terrified by tales of salmonella, my husband grimly refused to take the turkey out of the oven until it was rock-like and coloured black; and that was only the turkey.

As Dan Rather says, a tough lesson in life is that not everybody wishes you well.
ELAINE MALONE - PYRRHIC (LP, PIZZA PIZZA)

The many creative faces of Elaine Malone have been a joy to witness manifesting themselves over the years, from Land Crabs punk daring, to projects like solo drone outlet Mantua, and collaborations like HEX, Soft Focus, and most recently, Pot-Pot.

Her debut long-player under her own name, Pyrrhic, is at once, a personal history, a distillation of influences, and an observation of the present, wrapping up songs from nearly a decade of singing and writing in a body of work thats at once gentle, considered, ambitious, heartfelt  and free.

FISH GO DEEP -WHAT I MEAN BY BEAUTIFUL (LP, GO DEEP)

After over three decades of being bywords for house music in a city tied to the genre in large part by their own hand, Greg Dowling and Shane Johnsons most recent excursions into sonic exploration have marked a brave and thrilling departure.

But while 2020 LP This Bit of Earth wandered far and wide across electronics, ambience and jazz, providing unexpected grounding amid the most tumultuous of times, What I Mean By Beautiful picks up the pace a little bit, underpinned by live-looped, reverby beats that, in a way, match the pace of a year that saw many of us try to get a start on making fuzzy-headed lockdown-era dreams real.

I DREAMED I DREAM -WHY SAY A LOT? (EP, SELF-RELEASED)

The EP is a challenge to every teenage girl in Ireland: I dare you to start a band. I absolutely dare you, wrote guitarist Elle OLeary-Kelleher in a press release accompanying noisemakers I Dreamed I Dreams debut extended-player.

One of those lines that makes you consider the efficacy of music journalism, so hard does it make the task of trying to encapsulate the music therein any further.

A sean-nos-inspired koan to the 214 bus wishes a fiery death on a former lover, janky Corkonian post-punk gives way to a swift sonic beating about sending troublesome youngfellas away in Tintin Haircut, and a one-note bassline forms the foundation of snarling critiques of musical convention on The Bass  but its on Apparition, wrought from grief, tumult, hurt and healing, and as texturally vast as the sky above the city, that the bands vision and potential are revealed.

This isnt hype  keep your ears peeled for these five feral women, making horrible noises.

CAOILIAN SHERLOCK -TEENAGE JESUS (LP, SELF-RELEASED)

Nearly two decades of the push and pull of life as a musician, gig promoter and artistic facilitator have thankfully done little to dim the light of Leeside institution Caoilian Sherlock, from relentless gigging with The Shaker Hymn, to frankly heroic work done for the city as part of Quarter Block Party, The Good Room and other live-event ventures.

His debut long-player under his own name was a while in the making, too, but no more succinct a summary of his creative raison detre there could be  Sherlocks voice is a permanently lovelorn swoon, joined ably by vocal collaborator Leah Hearne, while his lyrics wrestle endlessly with the nature of existence in modernity, and the seemingly mid-generational plight of the elder millennial archetype  making for a listen thats sweet and profound in equal measure.

MOSSY -1990 (EP, SELF-RELEASED)

Part of the trouble is making a list of records themed around a city, or a year, is the value-judgement that happens nearly despite yourself - how do you narrow down what great young bands like Pebbledash, The Cliffords, Iris, and Mirrors are accomplishing, working, jamming and building their own layer of something great on their doorstep?

So take this particular recommendation of Northside dream-poppers Mossys debut extended-player as your cue to lend your ear to an emerging generation of bands and artists in the city - theres plenty of the joys, hurts, and anxieties of youth across its four-track running time, from the layered haze of Trouble, to the deftly-sprinkled hope of Subbuteo, and its various nods to post-punk, shoegazing and indie-pop could only fail to warm the coldest of music-nerd hearts.

In the hands of bands like these, the citys eclectic and idiosyncratic sonic legacy becomes part of an exciting future.
Michael Bolton

Helen McEntee's position as Minister for Justice was questioned by the public, as well as safety issues around Dublin and the emergence of the far-right.

Documents from the Department of Justice show members of the public were critical of the response to the riots in Dublin on November 23rd, following the stabbing of five people in Parnell square hours earlier.

In the correspondence seen by Breakingnews.ie, Ms McEntee, who survived a no-confidence motion in the Dail two weeks later, was questioned about her position.

A person who emailed the Department of Justice said: "In light of this incident and others in recent times it is clear your position and that of the Garda Commissioner is no longer tenable.

"Neither you nor Drew Harris are capable of keeping our children safe ...as a citizen of this country and your employer I demand your resignation with immediate effect."

Safety in Dublin

Ms McEntee's statement in the summer in which she said Dublin was safe was also under the spotlight, with one person saying in an email: "You are failing miserably with regard to Public Safety on OConnell Street in Dublin City Centre.

"Your recent walkabout on Talbot Street announcing that it was perfectly safe was an insult to our intelligence. You are presiding

over a system where lawabiding citizens would not even think of crossing OConnell Bridge is outrageous."

Another person also referred back to these comments, in which they said: "It is nothing short of appalling, that you, as Government Minister for Law and Order have been found wanting again. So much for your statements some months ago about our city centre being safe. "

Safety issues in Dublin were a theme in emails on the Dublin riots, as there was criticism of the response to young gangs in the city.

One person pointed out how they have grown since Covid, in which they said: "I have lived in the Smithfield Market area since 2016 and there has been a definite shift in the atmosphere since Covid times, where the size of these underage gangs roaming the streets has been growing, their unpredictability and recklessness worsening, and general sense that they are above the law cementing.

"It is these gangs of inner city young lads who make me afraid to walk home at night, not foreigners. It is they who add a tense and unpredictable energy to the air of the inner city."

Safety issues were raised by a woman who has a son in college in Dublin and fears for his safety. In the email, she said: "Dublin is a violent, dangerous place to which my son has to go for university. I grew up in and around Dublin, so I know what safe and unsafe mean.

"We are so concerned for his safety not just from today's incident, but for all the reasons that make Dublin critically unsafe."

Far right

The alleged far-right figures who have been accused of increasing tensions in the riots in Dublin were raised with Ms McEntee.

The response to far-right figures were criticised. One person said: "The far-right are a small enough but significant group of bad faith actors have been allowed to stir up hate, fear and distrust in this country for the past number of years unchecked.

"They came to prominence during lockdown, you have all been warned about them before and you did nothing,"

The actions of alleged far-right figures were condemned.

Another person said: "I am writing this email as I watch our capital city burning to a crisp by the same tyrants that spread hate and violence on a daily basis in every town and city in our country, and apparently they do this in the name of patriotism?

"We both know that they have no care for our country nor those poor innocents who were attacked today."

Another person also took issue with the gardai response to these figures, in which they said: "The Garda Commissioner mentioned in his statement today many of the figures involved in stirring up these events on social media are "well known to us".

"I think that's obvious, as they've been allowed to act openly for over a year now, both online and in their vile protests (including attacking migrants in their tents) and only been met by a hands-off approach by Garda leadership."
SEVENTY-five years ago, a new jewellery shop opened in Patrick Street.

Its first shop front, aimed at luring in customers, was a simple affair. It comprised of a 3ft x 2ft glass case, which was brought downstairs from the workshop two storeys above each morning, secured by a padlock to the wall, and taken away again each evening.

Its a world away from the current, glittering shop window of Keanes Jewellers on Oliver Plunkett Street, with its exquisite displays of sparkling diamonds and designer watches.

That little rented workshop, at 25, Patrick Street, was the bedrock upon which this family enterprise was built.

The year was 1948, and a young watchmaker named Patrick Keane started out repairing watches and clocks. Two years later, he and his wife Eileen moved to a small shop at 94, Oliver Plunkett Street.

All these years on, their son Gerard remains at the helm of the family business.

My father apprenticed in Egans, then worked for a few years afterwards with Michael (Micky) Roche. He was a very fine watchmaker and had many loyal clients, said Gerard.

However, he largely credits his mother with the success of the Keanes Jewellers business. Originally from the North Main Street, where her family had Ryans provision shop, she was a natural entrepreneur.

She had a very strong personality, a pocket dynamo whod say Be adventurous, said Gerard.

Eileen supported Patrick when he struck out alone, and was busy herself building a mini-empire of her own, with grocery shops in Ballinlough, Paul Street, and Sundays Well. Patrick did the books for her at night.

The teenage Gerard, eldest of Patrick and Eileens five children, would race from school to help his parents out.

I would string pearls and clean alarm clocks. Eventually, I got promoted to cleaning the inside of a pocket watch.

Id also call to UCC on the way home from Pres for a gallon of cream and haul it across the Shakey Bridge to the shop in Sundays Well. Or, on Sundays, carry a wicker basket full of blocks of ice cream from Sullivans wholesalers in Grenville Place.

Eileen also established a fruit and vegetable wholesale business. At 15, Gerard left school to work in this new enterprise, driving a Bedford truck around West Cork selling oranges, Dutch tomatoes, Spanish oranges, Italian pears and bananas.

He was getting the finest commercial education imaginable, dealing with people on a daily business, managing the ebb and flow of sales, and balancing expectations with the reality of deliveries.

Although Gerard did go back and finish his education, graduating from UCC, the hard graft of these early years served him well his entire life.

The core of Eileen Keanes business philosophy was focused on people. She had great heart, said Gerard. People always remember her sitting inside the door of Keanes on the right, welcoming visitors to the shop.

Gerard Keane Snr of Keane Jewellers. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

Gerard says she taught him how to care for people, to have heart and empathy for staff. And he feels blessed with the now 60-strong Keanes team, some of whom are there 30 years.

Her kindness is where it all started, said Gerard. My mother was like the accelerator in the car and my dad, the brake. She was always positive and optimistic and he always exercised caution. He was solid as a rock, but I always supported mum.

The drive to succeed was something she nurtured and cultivated in her eldest son. We were a team, Gerard said.

In 1953, they were offered a shop to rent in the old Clancarthy buildings, previously a wine, spirits and tea wholesalers.

It was a huge step for us. The shop was tiny. When we moved from the hustle and bustle of Patrick Street to Oliver Plunkett Street, it was considered a big gamble as the street was so quiet.

Over the years, they rented the two shops either side of the first. We were branching out, but so was the consumer.

Keanes were shrewd.

For those who wandered into town on a Saturday afternoon, after they got paid, to pick up something fashionable to wear for the weekend, they dedicated one shop to costume jewellery.

For cinema-goers, who liked to stroll around town window-shopping after a film and a cuppa in the Pavilion, they held off erecting the protective window-grills over the diamond displays at closing time at 6pm, returning later that night to do so.

When a fourth shop, 95a, came up for rent, Gerard and his mum opened the first card shop in Cork. It was a roaring success, particularly at Christmas.

When Gerard felt they needed a shop front in Patrick Street, in 1961, they bought Michels, near the Old Bridge restaurant. A month later, Gerard married his beloved Ronnie and headed off for a weeks honeymoon to Majorca. My father was unimpressed with me leaving when the shop was only newly opened! he laughed.

Keanes has a true family ethos.

Gerard said: I was the eldest. My brother Fergus (known as Fudgie) was five years younger, Pat five years younger than him. My parents worked in five-year cycles, I think! Then came Catherine and my baby brother, Tim.

We organised for Fergus to apprentice to a large manufacturing firm, Thomas OConnor in Dublin, to learn the repair end of the business.

On his return to Cork, Fergus set up a repair workshop around the corner from Michels.

When my brother Pat joined us, he spent a year in Dublin and London studying the watch business. Catherine managed the Swiss Gem, as well as doing most of the buying for Keanes, at which she was excellent. Tim took over Michels and stamped his own personality on it.

Fifty years ago, in 1973, Gerard was offered the opportunity to purchase the entire Clancarthy buildings premises in Oliver Plunkett Street and Cook Street.

We now owned the entire building with space for a large shop with workshops and offices overhead. A huge purchase for us at the time, but the banks were always very supportive.

We always strove to buy and be our own bosses. We never liked renting.

Thereafter, the business grew, with additional shops in North Main Street, Winthrop Street, Killarney, and Limerick added to the portfolio.

Gerals Keane, of Keanes Jewellers

Keanes are heading into a busy time of year.

Christmas is always hectic in the jewellery business. It is the highlight of the year for engagements, said Gerard. We have sons coming into us to buy their engagement rings, because their parents did.

Seventy-five years on, we are still piercing ears for kids, and will fit a strap to your watch or do minute repairs.

Largely thanks to Pats efforts, Keanes secured the agencies of top brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe, and Omega.

During our most recent renovation, we expanded the shop floor to create dedicated showrooms for these, said Gerard.

Customers have become more discerning and more knowledgeable, particularly regarding high -end products. We appreciate that. They expect a bit more, and we are very happy to give it to them.

Gerard has served as President of the Cork Jewellers and of the Retail Jewellers Association of Ireland, as secretary of the Committee of the Chambers of Commerce, and was the first Corkman to be invited to become Master Warden of the Company of Goldsmiths of Dublin.

He and Ronnie have four children and 11 grandchildren, and the future of the business seems secure. Gerards son Ger handles the diamond end of the business, and Pats son Patrick manages the watch brands.

It is ultimately very satisfying looking back over the 75 years and realising that Keanes is an identifiable brand and a big presence in Cork city, said Gerard.
(Photo:  Sean Hawkey)Crowds celebrate the anniversary of the Nicaraguan revolution on July 19, 2011, in Managua, Nicaragua.

The alarming number of government-alleged civilian casualties in Nicaragua raises "deep concern for the weakening of human rights and the fragility of the state of law," says World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit.

He issued a statement on July 19 condemning excessive force by the paramilitary and the State, apparently aimed to "restore order" in the country since mid-April.

That was when widespread protests against the government of president Daniel Ortega took off, and they have already led to the deaths of more than 300 people dead and 1,830 being injured in three months.

"We call on the government of President Daniel Ortega to cease the appalling violence and to protect the population," said Tveit, who also described the current State repression level as "unacceptable".

Those who publicly oppose the government's tactics are also at risk, such as the rector of the Universidad Centroamericana de Nicaragua, Fr Jose Alberto Idiazquez, who has been a strong advocate for human rights and democracy, said the WCC.

On July 17, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also raised concerns that Nicaragua's new anti-terrorism law could be used to criminalize protesters.

"The text is very vague and allows a broad interpretation that could lead to the inclusion of people who are simply exercising their right to protest," UN spokesperson Rupert Colville had said at a briefing for journalists.

And in a statement on June 6, the ACT Alliance Nicaragua Forum called on the government of Nicaragua "to take seriously and responsibly the recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

ACT said this was in the sense of ceasing repression and arbitrary arrests, and it called for respecting the right to peaceful protest.

Nicaragua should admit entry to the country of the United Nations High Command for the rapporteur of Human Rights "that guarantees the right to truth and justice."
(Photo:  Sean Hawkey)Crowds celebrate the anniversary of the Nicaraguan revolution on July 19, 2011, in Managua, Nicaragua.

Nicaraguan authorities have arrested six priests over the past three days, bringing to 11 the number of clergy members detained since December 20, opposition figures say.

The Nicaraguan regime of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, "co-president" Rosario Murillo, is stepping up its attacks on the Catholic Church, Spain's El Pais newspaper reported on Dec. 23.

Nicaragua's Ortega is a former guerrilla leader who deposed a right-wing, U.S.-backed regime in the 1970s and ruled then for more than a decade.

He returned to power in 2007, and the Ortega regimer has ruled with an iron fist, exiling and jailing dissidents and rivals.

Ortega annulled presidential term limits and seized control of all branches of the state, VOA reported, citing Reuters and the president has also clashed with the Catholic Church.

The names of six priests arrested since Dec. 29 were published by Nicaraguan news outlets operating in Costa Rica.

They quoted church sources and exiled human rights lawyers.

Among clergy members arrested since December 20 are Isidro del Carmen Mora Ortega, a bishop.

In total, 12 priests and Bishop Isidro have been detained in recent days.

In August 2022, Bishop Rolando Alvarez was arrested and sentenced to 26 years in jail.

On Dec. 20 the Nicaraguan police seized Bishop Isidro, when he was on his way to officiate at the confirmations of 230 parishioners in the Santa Cruz parish, located in La Cruz de Rio Grande, a remote municipality in the South Caribbean Coast, reported El Pais.

The bishop's arrest was the latest act of persecution against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua, where attacks have escalated over the past year.

Mass protests the central American nation's government broke out in 2018, and El Pais reported that the Catholic Church in Nicaragua has suffered 740 attacks by the Sandinista regime, according to Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer and author of the study Nicaragua: A Persecuted Church?

EASTER CRACKDOWN

Over Easter, the regime's police cracked down on believers and priests, with processions in Nicaragua prohibited.

Similar bans were also enforced throughout the year, including on the Conception of Mary procession in early December.

"To date, a total of 3,639 popular pious expressions, that is, processions, have been banned throughout the country," says Molina according to El Pais.

"The objective of this persecution is always the same: to make the Catholic Church of Nicaragua completely disappear, because priests and bishops have not knelt down before the dictatorship nor have they become accomplices and cronies, which that is what they were hoping for."

Nicaragua has closed more than 3,000 associations, NGOs and unions since that start of the 2018 protests against Ortega's government.

Ortega's government was angry that churches sheltered protesters during a crackdown on those massive anti-government demonstrations, AFP reported.

Hundreds of critics have been detained, including several people who sought to challenge Ortega ahead of presidential elections in 2021.

In October, the authorities shut down the local office of the Franciscans, a Catholic order.

According to the CIA's World Factbook, 50 percent of Nicaragua's 6.36 million people are Roman Catholics and 33.3 percent are Evangelical Christians.
in Ukraine, swarms of FPV (First Person View) UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are revolutionizing how wars are fought. There are few methods to defeat UAV attacks. The primary defensive measure is electronic jamming of the control signal between the UAV operator and the UAV. Jamming is of limited effectiveness because active jammers are easy targets for UAVs programmed to detect, home in on and destroy jammers. Depending on how they are programmed, UAVs will either land if jammed or return to where they were launched.

Despite those defensive measures, and the small explosive payload UAVs carry, about half the armored vehicles damaged or destroyed in Ukraine were done in by armed UAVs. Training of UAV operators is critical as it takes over a hundred hours of operating UAVs to gain a minimal skill level. Female soldiers can excel as UAV operators while mostly avoiding the battlefield risk of death or injury. Unlike pilots of combat aircraft, UAV operators are much less likely to be put out of action by death, injury, or capture. UAV operators are relatively close to the front lines and exposed to some risk, but not nearly as much as pilots. Such reduced casualties shorten the learning curve for UAV operators and make them more dangerous faster compared to infantry whose effective combat lifetime is much shorter.

UAV warfare is increasingly common and dominating some combat zones. Tactics and techniques are also evolving as Ukraine and Russia both experiment with new tactics, techniques, and UAV designs. Both nations are also increasing production of UAVs and the number of trained operators. Both Russia and Ukraine realize that UAVs provide unprecedented surveillance of the battlefield, but not all of it. That requires more UAVs and operators. One solution for this shortcoming is operator software that enables one operator to control several UAVs. The number one operator can handle simultaneously depends on operator experience. That cannot be manufactured but must be developed. Whoever can obtain the most trained operators has an advantage.

All these UAV developments make combat more dangerous for the troops on the ground. UAVs not only keep an eye on enemy troops but are always ready to go in and put them out of action, as in dead or wounded. Troops are still fighting each other on the ground, but now they have to worry about constant surveillance and attacks from the growing number of UAVs hovering over the battlefield. In addition to operators there are the UAV maintainers, who repair damaged or otherwise disabled UAVs and service those needing a battery recharge or simply a fresh battery.

Ukraines military has established a UAV Academy to train UAV operators in basic and advanced skills. There are courses for commanders on how best to manage and use UAVs. This is essential because now Ukrainian infantry battalions have nearly as many UAVs as troops. The American military likes to call this a force multiplier. That is, a battalion with lots of UAVs is more effective, and lethal, than a battalion without so many UAVs. The Ukrainian military is the first to go so far in this direction and appear to be benefitting from the massive use of UAVs. Other nations are closely following this development and preparing to adopt what works for Ukraine. Russia is more conservative in how they deal with this, even though they are also using massive numbers of UAVs. There are already dozens of Ukrainian companies offering training for UAV operators and the Ukrainian military uses the services of these firms. Ukraine seeks to have more than 10,000 trained operators as quickly as possible. UAV operators specialize. Most learn to operate quadcopters while a large minority learn how to operate FPV UAVs, and a smaller number learn how to operate fixed wing UAVs. Ukraine has found that the most difficult operators to recruit and train are those for FPV UAVs. The Ukrainian military considers UAV operators as a separate military specialty like infantryman, artillerymen, or radar operator.

Earlier in 2023 Ukraine revealed that it planned to spend over half a billion dollars on UAVs but did not reveal the extent of their efforts to add more capabilities to commercial UAVs as well as the growing number of UAVs being manufactured by Ukrainian companies. Ukrainian developers and manufacturers are often small groups of civilian hobbyists that proved capable of creating new features for UAVs, both commercial and hobbyist-created models. The Russian invasion spurred a lot of innovation, mainly among Ukrainian developers. Among the items available to commercial customers are a lot of digital video camera items as well as lighter, miniaturized computer components that can be assembled and programmed by users to perform essential tasks, like using AI apps and data from onboard video cameras of enemy forces, even if they are camouflaged or in underground bunkers. Constant combat use of these systems enables developers to address shortcomings and continually improves the hardware and software carried on these hunter killer UAVs. Earlier in the war two UAVs were needed for this but now all that tech and weapons can be carried and used by one UAV. The Ukrainian military also holds competitions to find the most skilled UAV operators and honor them with promotions and more challenging assignments.

Wartime developers are able to improve their tech and hardware more rapidly because there is continuous feedback from users. Ukraine has an edge here because many of these developers are hobbyists who know little about peacetime development, its bureaucracy and counter-productive over-supervision. Ukrainian developers are often creating these new UAV techs for friends or family members who are now in the military and eager for whatever help they can get. The Ukrainian military sees this entrepreneurial spirit as an advantage, not some form of insubordination or recklessness the way the Russian military regards unauthorized innovations. Despite that, some Russian innovators have appeared and been allowed to work. Russian commanders and civilian officials are less willing than their Ukrainian counterparts to encourage individual initiatives. Another problem is that the economic sanctions have made it more difficult for Russians to obtain the commercial tech that Ukrainians still have access to and frequently use.

Such free access to Western and Chinese components means Ukraine can build very capable and lethal UAVs that are designed to carry out one or a small number of missions. That is why Ukraine and Russia are each losing thousands of UAVs a month. Cheap, useful, and expendable is now the rule with most battlefield UAVs.

This innovation explains the greater success of Ukrainian UAVs against Russian targets on the battlefield or deep inside Russia. Despite all the innovation, the majority of these UAVs are basically loitering munitions that can be sent out to areas where there is known or suspected enemy activity and kill it when they find it. In the past a separate surveillance UAV was needed to spot targets, usually enemy troops, and vehicles. These UAVs have video cameras and a link to operators who view the video on a tablet or via goggles containing small video screens while the operators have a form of handheld game controller to maneuver the UAV and select a target for the UAV to collide with and explode. The video comm link was a vulnerability the Russian exploited as they developed new types of electronic jammers that could disable these comm links. The new Ukrainian UAVs that combine finding and killing capabilities on one UAV that can also detect and destroy these Russian jammers, which are usually ground based and expensive.

Loitering munitions are a relatively new development and have one tremendous advantage over earlier forms of firepower. Compared to bullets or artillery shells, a single loitering munition is much more likely to hit a target. In wartime it takes hundreds of artillery shells to cause one casualty. For rifle and machine-gun bullets, the number of bullets fired per casualty caused can be up to 100,000. Loitering munitions are much more effective because the operator scans the terrain below looking for a target. When one is found, the loitering munition attacks and almost always kills or wounds at least one soldier. Loitering munitions can be lost to enemy action. While UAVs are small targets for riflemen or machine-gunners on the ground, they can be hit by ground fire. A more effective, and increasingly common way to defeat loitering munitions is EW, or Electronic Warfare, specifically electronic jamming of the munitions control signal. As is common in combat, a jammer is not always available when you need it.

In some ways, loitering munitions are not as useful as artillery or bullets. Many artillery shells and bullets are not fired at a specific target or with the intent of causing casualties. This is what happens with suppressive fire, artillery or rifle fire is directed at an area to discourage the enemy from entering or moving into position to fire at your troops. You can consider a loitering munition overhead as a form of suppressive fire on the troops below. In this respect loitering munitions do what snipers have been doing for over a century, forcing troops to stay out of sight or the enemy sniper will get you. This was common during World War I, when trench warfare made snipers useful for keeping enemy troops from observing the terrain between the trenches of opposing forces. In the 21st century more troops had access to affordable and very effective scopes for their rifles or even machine-guns. The American marines officially recognized this as a combat specialty and designated most snipers as scout-snipers' because their more useful skills involved observing as well as accurate shooting.

In armies with a lot of well-trained troops, about ten percent are designated and equipped to be snipers or sharpshooters. The latter is a soldier with a talent for accurate shooting but is not trained and equipped as a sniper. Professional soldiers in general are more likely to use individual, well aimed shots versus automatic fire, also known as spray and pray that you hit something.

You can see how this works in Ukraine, where the Ukrainian troops are better trained in the accurate use of rifle fire. It was Ukrainian troops who frequently used commercial quadcopters equipped with grenade or small bomb carry and release mechanisms. The Ukrainian soldiers often bought commercial UAVs for this and spent hours at a time sending out their quadcopter to search for targets. The quadcopter would have to frequently land to recharge. That demonstrates another 21st century development; the proliferation of electronic devices an infantryman can and often will take with him into combat.

NATO nations learned from these Ukrainian experiences and have sent Ukraine what the Ukrainian say they need. For example, a month after the Russians invaded, the United States agreed to send Ukraine a large quantity of weapons, many of them specifically requested. One of these was called Phoenix Ghost, a system that was rapidly developed and built in the United States by Aevex Aerospace for the U.S. Air Force from specifications supplied by Ukraine. The air force revealed that the Phoenix Ghost UAV was a project already in development before the Russians invaded. Ukrainians had already developed and built some innovative new weapons or modifications for existing ones the Americans were working on. The air force does not develop ground-based loitering munitions but does develop ones carried by aircraft. The Ukrainians made some suggestions which were included in the existing air force design and that resulted in the Phoenix Ghost, which went into production and combat in Ukraine quickly.

In other words, Phoenix Ghost is a bespoke custom made to user specifications, developed and manufactured in record time. The primary new feature of this loitering munition was its longer six hour flight endurance. The U.S. sent Ukraine over 1,200 of these loitering munitions in the first year of the war. For a long time, all the public knew about Phoenix Ghost was that it was similar to the American Switchblade loitering munition that was also being sent to Ukraine. The input from Ukrainian engineers was essential because many of the most effective Soviet-era weapons engineers were Ukrainian. That meant Ukraine had a tradition of pragmatic and innovative weapons development that was mobilized after the 2014 Russian seizure of Crimea and part of Donbas. The capabilities of the Ukrainian engineers were not exactly a state secret, just not newsworthy. Foreigners familiar with weapons development knew about the Ukrainian skills and those who visited Ukraine for whatever reason, like American and other NATO military advisors, got a closer look at what those Ukrainian engineers, as well as civilian hobbyists, could do.

Those skills became even more important after the invasion began and suddenly engineers and scientists in other fields began applying their skills to rapidly develop new weapons and equipment to protect Ukraine from the Russians. After the invasion began the capabilities of the Ukrainian engineers became part of the reporting on how the Ukrainians stopped and turned back the Russian attack. That enabled the Ukrainian proposal for Phoenix Ghost to be taken seriously and rapidly implemented. The Ukrainian specified COTS or Commercial Off the Shelf components and kept in touch via the high-speed Internet links provided by Starlink. The rumors of Phoenix Ghost indicate it is an improvement over Switchblade and mainly meant to be a more effective loitering munition. The Russians eventually experienced what the Ghost could do by examining the damage and reports from their troops.

Aevex Aerospace, the firm that developed and built Phoenix Ghost is itself a recent development, founded in 2017 and specializing in projects very similar to the Phoenix Ghost. Another American firm, AeroVironment, developed the Switchblade loitering munition and similar systems. Aevex is similar to AeroVironment, which has been around since 1971 and created many innovative commercial and military UAV designs.

Switchblade is little-known to the general public but extremely popular with American troops fighting in small units, especially in remote areas. Switchblade was first revealed in 2005 and the Ukrainians received over a hundred of the Switchblade 300 plus some of the larger Switchblade 600s, which appears to be closer in weight-class and performance as Phoenix Ghost.

Switchblade 300 is a small UAV fired from its storage container. Switchblade was sent to Afghanistan in 2009 for secret field testing. This was very successful, and the troops demanded more, and more, and more. Switchblade completed development later in 2009 and was initially thought useful only for special operations troops. In 2011, after a year of successful field testing, the army ordered over a hundred Switchblades for troop use and since then has ordered a lot more.

While Switchblade was developed for the army, the marines apparently noted the success that soldiers and Special Operations Command or SOCOM had with this system and ordered them as well. Switchblade was very popular with troops in Afghanistan and with SOCOM in all sorts of places they wont discuss in detail. Switchblade is still used, and thousands have been ordered and many of them used. There have been several upgrades. The original 2009 Switchblade was a lightweight and expendable (used only once) UAV that could also be equipped with explosives. The Switchblade is launched from its shipping and storage tube, at which point wings flip out, a battery-powered propeller starts spinning and a vidcam begins broadcasting images to the controller. The Switchblade is operated using the same controller as the larger two kg Raven UAV. A complete Switchblade system, missile, container, and controller weighs 5.5 kg.

Moving up to a kilometer a minute, the original Switchblade could stay in the air for 20-40 minutes, depending on whether or not it was armed with explosives. Switchblade can operate up to ten kilometers from the operator. The armed version can be flown to a target and detonated, having about the same explosive effect as a hand grenade. Thus, Switchblade enables ground troops to get at an enemy taking cover in a hard to see location.

Technically a guided missile, the use of Switchblade as a reconnaissance tool encouraged developers to refer to it as a UAV. But because of the warhead option, and its slow speed, Switchblade also functions like a rather small cruise missile. The troops were particularly enthusiastic about the armed version because it allowed them to take out snipers more quickly or a few enemy gunmen in a compound full of civilians.

Switchblade has been so successful that the army ordered several upgrades, and the updated original Switchblade was renamed Switchblade 300. The new version appeared in 2016. It is heavier at 2.7 kg with 15 minutes endurance and a 10-kilometer range. The sensor has night vision and is stabilized. The 300 can lock onto a target and track it. The 300 comes with optional accessories, like a six-pack launcher that is used as part of base defense. This was first used for base protection in 2019 and proved effective. One or more of these six packs are placed near the base perimeter with power maintained by a solar panel. The base security commander can order a Switchblade launched from the six-pack and then control it in search for potential targets. Switchblade 300 is also capable of being used from a helicopter or larger UAV and controlled from the helicopter or by the operator of the larger UAV, like the 4.5-ton Reaper.

The fact that there were American troops operating in combat zones justified development and production of new tech like loitering munitions. In 2020 AeroVironment, the company that developed the unlikely, but popular, Switchblade loitering munition, introduced a third version; Switchblade 600. While the original Switchblade weighed one kilogram, the latest Switchblade is twenty times heavier at 23 kg, can stay in the air for 40 minutes and be controlled up to 80 kilometers from the operator. Top speed is 180 kilometers an hour and more economical cruise speed is closer to 150 kilometers an hour. The heavier warhead can destroy most tanks, although some modern tank designs include protection from top attack.

Switchblade 600 was requested by the U.S. Army for longer range surveillance missions and the option to hit specific small targets, like a building or enemy position. Unlike the earlier Switchblades, the 600 uses a tablet controller with more options, including manipulating the more powerful vidcam. Video transmitted back to the operator can be saved and passed on. The operator also has a wave off feature in which a quick tap on the controller screen can cause the 600 to abort an attack and be available for another try. The 600 can also be programmed to carry out a mission without operator control. This means there is no control signal for enemy electronic warning systems to detect or jam. In this case when time is up, 600 self-destructs. The 600 can be carried into a remote area and used quickly. Its most likely use in the Ukraine is against the locomotives of Russian military supply and troop transport trains operating near the border or inside Ukraine.

The U.S. Navy also requested a version of Switchblade, for reconnaissance only, that is launched from ships or submerged at periscope depth submarines. In this case the sub would have a communications mast on the surface to receive data from what is now called the Blackwing. This version is a little heavier, at 1.8 kg. The size of the Blackwing is designed to fit into existing navy countermeasure launchers. Without a warhead, Blackwing has endurance of about an hour and uses encrypted digital communications compatible with current navy systems. When released from a submarine countermeasures launcher, the Blackwing container pops to the surface and the Blackwing is ejected into flight like the other Switchblades. The U.S. Navy has bought at least 150 Blackwings, starting in 2016. Armed versions of Blackwing are available but these have shorter endurance. For subs, reconnaissance is the most important item.

Switchblade is not a unique concept, as these loitering munitions have been around for decades. What Switchblade provided was a design that met the needs of combat troops, especially special operations personnel or small groups of Ukrainians seeking to halt Russian supply trucks. Since Switchblade entered service and its popularity became widely known, similar systems have appeared, trying to provide features that Switchblade lacked but the troops would appreciate.

Ukraine had already developed loitering munitions of its own, but these are not as efficient as Switchblade. The Ukrainians ended up developing and building many different loitering munitions, a process that continues. At the same time Ukrainian neighbor and ally Poland also developed the Warmate loitering munition and sent them off to Ukraine. Warmate is a 5.3 kg conventional UAV that carries 1.4 kg of explosives. Warmate has an endurance of 70 minutes and top speed of 150 kilometers an hour and can be controlled 15 kilometers from the operator. While portable, Warmate requires five minutes to assemble and needs a road or catapult device to be launched.

Ukraine developed its own loitering munitions early on. For example, Silent Thunder showed up in 2019. This is a 9.5 kg UAV with a variety of different 3.5 kg warheads. It takes fifteen minutes to prepare Silent Thunder for use and it has a flight duration of 60 minutes and top speed of 150 kilometers an hour. It can be controlled up to 30 kilometers from the operator. Silent Thunder is reusable if no warhead is carried. Silent Thunder is complex to use and that limits its effectiveness.

Israel is another country that is constantly attacked and always has troops in action. In 2019 an Israeli firm introduced the Firefly, a loitering munition UAV, which is portable enough for infantry to carry and continually reuse. There is also the option to replace one of the two batteries with an explosive warhead and turn Firefly into a guided weapon. Another major advantage of Firefly is that it operates like a helicopter, not a fixed-wing aircraft. Being able to hover is a major advantage for loitering munitions used by infantry. Firefly seems to have addressed all or most of the user criticisms of earlier lightweight loitering munition systems.

Firefly was developed by Rafael, the same firm that developed and built the Spike family of ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles). Much of the tech in Firefly was based on what is already used in Spike systems. In particular, Firefly has a guidance system that can track and attack a moving target. This can be critical for infantry using such a weapon because these targets are elusive in the first place and, without a UAV, the infantry would not have spotted dangers like snipers or moving troops at all.

Firefly is a dual rotor miniature helicopter and those dual on top of each other rotors make it stable in winds that would make a similar-sized fixed-wing or quad-copter UAV unusable. The 0.4 kg warhead replaces the second battery to halve the normal 30 minutes of flight time. The operator uses a small tablet device that is mostly a touch screen and a Firefly controller. Firefly can be controlled up to 500 meters in a built-up or forested area or up to 1,500 meters in line-of-sight as in between Firefly and operator mode. Firefly returns to the operator and explosives are deactivated if the control signal is lost. The operator can press an icon on the screen to get Firefly to return immediately, abort an attack or carry out a high speed 19 meters a second attack on a target. The target can be moving, as in a sniper changing firing positions out of sight of the operator. This is accomplished using the ability of the Firefly guidance system to remember the shape of a target and follow it. The Firefly warhead would be most often used against troublesome targets like snipers or hidden machine-guns. Even without the warhead Firefly would be able to locate such lethal adversaries and enable the infantry to avoid them. Firefly can also be launched and operated from a moving vehicle.

The big advantage Firefly has over similar loitering munitions like the 40mm Pike and GLAUS, as well as Switchblade, is reusability. Carry one Firefly and just use it as a UAV for a dozen or more times. The relative simplicity of Firefly compared to Switchblade, and to similar designs like GLAUS and Pike based on 40mm grenade shells, makes it a better system that is also cheaper when you consider the reusability.

Russia is also using its new Zala loitering munition in Ukraine. Zala carries a two kg explosive charge. Zala is a delta shaped 1.2 meter wingspan UAV that carries a vidcam and explosives. It can locate targets and immediately attack them. Zala is carried and launched from a catapult on a truck. Endurance is 30 minutes and top speed is 130 kilometers an hour. Zala has been available since 2017 and has apparently been tested in Syria. With the recent history of loitering munitions, the appearance of Phoenix Ghost and many other new similar weapons is not surprising. As the Israelis have discovered, when you are facing constant threat of attack, innovative and rapidly developed weapons are a necessity.
(Photo: REUTERS / Jose Cabezas)People look at a picture of slain Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero at the national cathedral in San Salvador February 3, 2015. Pope Francis on Tuesday ruled that Romero, who was murdered by a right-wing death squad in 1980 and is an icon of the Roman Catholic Church in Latin America, had died as a martyr and will be beatified, the Vatican said.

The Catholic Church is on the front lines of an escalating conflict between the Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's increasingly authoritarian government and the broad-based opposition that wants him gone.

In the Central American country the church has often been immersed in politics, and priests are currently both witnesses and players in the crisis that has racked the nation for the past three months and claimed almost 300 lives, The New York Times reported on July 22.

Recent developments Nicaragua and the South American State of Venezuela both offer both a sobering indication about the direction of those societies and also a thorough debunking of one of the most persistent myths about anti-Christian persecution in the early 21st century.

Since the subject first arose as a matter of political and media chatter in the 1990s, conversation about anti-Christian persecution has gone through several phases of denial, John L. Allen Jr. wrote in the July 20 edition of Crux News.

'ANTI-CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION'

The first was that there was such a thing at all, fueled by suspicion in some cultural and media circles that "anti-Christian persecution" had been stirred up by conservative Western Christians looking to win sympathy for socially unpopular positions on matters such as homosexuality and women.

After the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria that position became unsustainable, and most people were willing to recognize that Christians are being persecuted today at the hands of Islamic radicalism in various parts of the Middle East.

More recently, news of a possible breakthrough in Vatican-China relations has refocused attention on the fact that there is a persecuted, underground church in China, and that it's not just radical Muslims who sometimes see Christianity as a threat.

"The remaining type of denial, and one that's proven surprisingly enduring, is that Christians are at risk of persecution only where they're a minority.

"In largely Christian societies, or so the myth goes, individual Christians ought to be safe - and if they're not, whatever they're suffering isn't really 'religious' persecution," wrote Allen.

He notes that reflection can show that it's not just places where Christians are a minority that form the front lines of this war, and it never has been.

The Center for the Study of Global Christianity estimates that of the seventy million Christians who have been martyred since the time of Christ, forty-five million died in the 20th century alone.

By far the largest concentration was in the Soviet Union, with as many as twenty-five million killed inside Russia and an additional eight million in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine are profoundly Christian societies and have been for centuries, even during the period in which they were governed by officially atheistic regimes.

CELEBRATED MARTYRS

And many of the most celebrated martyrs of the late 20th century came in Latin America, among Christians who resisted the police States of the region.

When Pope Francis officially canonizes Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was shot to death while saying Mass in 1980 for his advocacy of the poor and victims of human rights abuses, there will be a new reminder.

Allen cites other examples of these "majority martyrs" including American Sister Dorothy Stang, the great "martyr of the Amazon" in overwhelmingly Catholic Brazil, and Maria Elizabeth Macias Castro, a leader in the Scalabrinian lay movement and a popular blogger, beheaded in Mexico in 2011 for exposing the activities of a drug cartel.

"Today, Latin America is once more in the forefront of exposing the 'only a minority' myth, due to literal violence in Nicaragua and mounting political and legal harassment in Venezuela," noted Allen.

Only the day before Crux's Ines San Martin offered a chilling tick-tock of recent attacks on church personnel or sites in Nicaragua, where forces loyal to Sandinista President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, are increasingly inclined to see Catholic clergy and activists as the enemy.

In the early days of the upheaval, Ortega appealed to the bishops to mediate in talks with the opposition, an alliance of disparate groups including students, business associations and farmers' organizations, the NYT reported.

But as the government intensified its opposition crackdown, Ortega no longer treats the bishops as neutral arbiters, unleashing attacks by his followers on priests and on churches.

Ortega was president of Nicaragua between 1979 and 1990 and returned to power in 2007, has also denied the government had ordered hospitals not to treat the wounds of anti-government protestors, the BBC reported.

He also rejected reports of attacks on Roman Catholic priests, who he said should continue to mediate in stalled peace talks between the protesters and the government.
Mysterious fossils found in southern China may belong to a separate branch of hominids.

Four human fossils discovered in southern China have waited over twenty years before scientists made great discovery. Three fossils were found in 1989 in a cave called Maludong Yunnan (the Red Deer Cave), near the town of Mengzi, and the fourth was discovered in 1979, close Longlin village, in neighboring Guangxi. By studying them closely, a team of paleoanthropologists from the Australian University of New South Wales and the Institute of Archaeology Chinese Yunnan has just made an amazing discovery. The fossils could belong to a human species never discovered before.

Scientists have tried to date the bones and found that they were relatively recent. According to the results of their study published in the journal PLoS ONE, the fossils date back to the stone age from 11500 to 14500 years ago. Meaning that they were present in this part of Asia at the end of the Ice Age and the beginnings of agriculture.

A curious mixture

By analyzing the skulls and teeth of fossils, the researchers found this species had a surprising mixture of archaic and modern features, as well as specific features never seen before. They have such a high forehead and wide, close to that of homo sapiens, but the prominent brow ridges and almost no chin, which is associated with much older homo. Their skull is relatively moderate in size, and their molars are particularly broad. Thus, although paleoanthropologists want to remain cautious, these Red Deer People may belong to a separate branch in the family of hominids.

The scientific team of Darren Curnoe and Ji Xueping makes two assumptions about them. Either it is an unknown species that survived there until the end of the Ice Age, or they are the descendants of tribes unknown to modern humans who would have emigrated earlier from Africa and would not contribute genetically to the present populations. For more information, researchers now hope to extract DNA from these mysterious fossil to find which are the closest known relatives of the species.

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As with any modern language, English has many words that are differentiated by only a single character. Writers need to be careful to use these words correctly, since even an innocent typo can completely change the meaning of the sentence.

Two such words, lath and lathe, are related in that they are both used in the context of wood products. However, one is a machine, and the other is a building material. If you accidentally used the wrong word, you would probably confuse your audience.

If you arent sure whether you should use lathe or lath in your writing, you should consider the topic of your sentence. This article will shed light on the meaning of these two similar words to aid you in this endeavor.

What is the Difference Between Lath and Lathe?

In this article, I will compare lathvs. lathe. I will use each word in a sentence to demonstrate its proper context.

Plus, I will reveal a useful memory trick that will help you remember whether to use lathor lathein your own writing.

When to Use Lath

What does lath mean? A lathis a thin strip of wood, usually used in building construction in flooring or certain kinds of ceilings. In a sentence, the word lath functions as a noun.

For example,

The foremen asked his workers if they had enough lath to complete the job.

Clinton jabbed his pool cue through the ceiling tiles, exposing the lath above.

The set  with visible pipes and studs and lath and rafters  seeks, in Mr. Zinns words, to suggest the nervous system under the skin of the architecture. The New York Times

When to Use Lathe

What does lathe mean? Latheis also a noun. A lathe is a type of toolused in woodworking and metalworking. It is a machine which rotates a piece of wood, metal or other material on a spindle in such a way that it spins against a cutting surface, which shapes the material into a round, usually somewhat cylindrical form.

For example,

Angela tried to turn the wood on the lathe, but she ran it too fast and the piece flew off the spindle and smashed into the wall.

Robert bought a lathe on eBay for $50, but it didnt work.

Smeding bought a new lathe at the Chicago show for $200,000 to replace two aging machines at his plant. The Wall Street Journal

Trick to Remember the Difference

Heres a helpful trick to remember lathevs. lath.

Both lath and lathe are nouns.

Lath refers to thin strips of wood.

Lathe is a spinning machine that carves wood, metal, or other materials.

You can remember that latheis a spinning machine since a lathehas a spindle, and both spindleand latheend with the letter E.

Summary

Is it lath or lathe?While both of these words are wood related, they are quite different from each other.

A lath is a thin slat of wood used in construction.

A lathe is a machine that carves wood into round shapes.

Even though both of these words are related to wood, they are not interchangeable.

If you remember that a lathehas a spindlethat turns, and that latheand spindleeach end with the letter E, you can always be sure to reserve lathefor this and similar contexts.

Remember, you always have the option to check this site any time you have a question on word usage or other language issues.
Hu Jintao was my upper classman when we were both students at Tsinghua University . Forty years ago, we belonged to the same culture and arts group on campus, and as such dined in the same cafeteria, lived in the same dormitory, and took part in activities of the same branch of the Communist Youth League. We were quite close during that period. So listening to the speech he gave at Yale University recently raised some peculiar emotions in me.

Hu said: Coming to the Yale campus, with its distinctive academic flavor, and looking at the eager young faces in the audience, I cannot but recall my great experience studying at Tsinghua University in Beijing 40 years ago. Indeed, what happens during ones school year will influence his whole life. I still benefit greatly from the instruction and my interaction with other students.



The Top Political Counselor of the Cultural and Arts Group

Among the teachings of our professors, most important were those of university president Jiang Nanxiang. In the welcoming party for freshmen, president Jiang told us, Students educated at Tsinghua will play an important role in the political life of our country 20 years later. I did not understand what he meant then, but I have come to understand it better now.

In her 300 years of history, Yale has produced many members of the elite, among them five presidents of the United States . But in 20 years, Tsinghua produced four members of the current Standing Committee of the Politburo, including Hu Jintao. From the standpoint of timing, Tsinghua exhibits a better efficiency.

How did president Jiang Nanxiang achieve this? Mainly by using a system of political counselors to train student cadres. At the time I was there, the student cultural and arts group had four counselors: Yin Fusheng, Hu Jintao, Li Guiqiu and Ren Lihan. Among them, Yin and Li were cold and remote, and Hu and Ren more personable. But they all had something in common: obedience and efficiency. Their nicknames were indicative of their roles and characters: Three were given a nickname based on their names: Lao Yin (meaning Old Yin), Li Gui, and Xiao Han (meaning Little Han). Only Hu Jintao was called Commander. Why was he addressed this way? I once asked Lao Yin. He said he had no idea. But it now seems this nickname was accurate. Hu rose from Commander of the student cultural and arts group to Commander of the Youth League of the communist party, then to Commander of Guizhou Province and the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and now of the whole country.

But among the four counselors of the cultural and arts group at the time, Lao Yin had the most superficial resemblance to a Commander. Among the four, Lao Yin was the branch secretary, or top leader. Hu was the group leader, that is, second in command. The two of them worked together very well. Lao Yin was a strong and single-minded leader, while Hu was modest and easy-going, understanding and considerate. When they conducted meetings, it was Lao Yin who drew the line and summed things up, while Hu filled in the blanks and meticulously finalized the details.

During the early days of the Cultural Revolution, the four counselors jointly issued a big character poster in defense of the university Party committee with the title The Party Committee of Tsinghua is Yanan, not Xian . This move was led by Yin, and Hu just signed his name. Later on in the Cultural Revolution, Lao Yin was involved in all the important events on the campus, but Hu stayed very low key, never actively participating again. There was a clear division among the supporters and opponents of Lao Yin, but Hu had practically no opponents. Being modest, easygoing and good-natured, he won the friendship of everyone. As for looks, Lao Yin was dark and handsome, with penetrating eyes, while Hu Jintao had a fair complexion and regular features that contributed to his gentle and courteous image. As Chinese say, hard and rigid things break easily, while soft and flexible things can weather through. Likewise, Hu Jintao was able to overcome hurdles and opponents on his way and finally became the ultimate Commander.



Travels with Hu

During that period, to get things done I would rather follow Lao Yin, but for leisure activities I would rather follow Hu. During the Cultural Revolution, while writing big character posters and organizing struggle groups, I always stuck with Lao Yin; for traveling outside the campus to establish ties with other groups or taking sight-seeing trips, I would stick with Hu. I took two of these tie-establishing trips, one on my own, traveling from Beijing to Guangzhou and subsequently to Hainan Island , Zhanjiang , Nanning , Guilin and Shanghai ; and the other one with Hu.

The two of us started from Beijing , traveling to Xian , Chengdu and Chongqing , and then in Chongqing took a boat heading east along the Yangtze River . We rarely mentioned the Cultural Revolution on the trip, but rather immersed ourselves in the scenery: the simple classical atmosphere of Xian , the bustling prosperity of Chengdu , the rolling hills of Chongqing , the precipitous Three Gorges, the vast expanse of the Yangtze. Hu disembarked in Nanjing , presumably returning to his native place of Taizhou; I took off in Shanghai , also paying a visit to my home. Along the way, it was Hu who looked after me. He took the initiative in making all the arrangements, while making me feel respected, and with an attentiveness and thoroughness that made me feel comfortable all the way.

Hu Jintao was in the fifth class of the hydraulics department, and he should have graduated in 1965. As a political counselor, he would normally have graduated a year later than his classmates, but in his case the postponement brought him right into the Cultural Revolution period, and he did not leave Tsinghua until 1968. I remember that he was deployed to Liujiaxia , Gansu Province. Before leaving Beijing , he treated Lao Yin and me to dinner. Saying that we had to fleece him, Lao Yin picked the Jinyang Restaurant. It was the first time I had gone to a big restaurant in Beijing .

Jinyang had once been the library of Yuewei Cottage, home of the renowned Qing Dynasty scholar Ji Xiaolan, whose Yuewei Cottage Sketchbook I admired. The courtyard was quiet, deep and wide, with carved wooden pillars, and was considered to reflect a genuine flavor of Shanxi Province , the first such restaurant in Beijing . Here one dined among the fragrance of books. As I recall, we had a few drinks that day. The three of us could not help but sigh over the knowledge that our farewell would correspond with the Chinese saying,

Tomorrow we will be separated by mountains and the vastness of world events.

Indeed, this parting ultimately lasted 14 years. In 1982, while serving as a member of the Gansu Province Construction Committee, Hu was dispatched to Beijing to study in the Central Party School . At that time I was working in the computer center of Academia Sinica in Beijing . To report to the Party School , Hu took a bus from the train station. When the bus reached Huangzhuang Station, Hu made a point of stopping off to see me briefly. Later on he was assigned to work in the central office of the Youth League, and the reports and word of mouth from various circles were pretty good. For some reason, I felt personally honored.

Another five years passed. In 1987, private entrepreneurs in the technology industry held a meeting in Guiyang City . Stone Corp., the computer company I founded, had already won a reputation. Hu was then the Party secretary of Guizhou Province , and I made an appointment to pay him a visit at his office. The reception room was warm and simple, even more so than my office, which was already very simple for a corporate president. Hu was still modest and cautious. From our conversation, I gathered that he was on good terms with the various circles of influence in his province. This had always been his strength. Officials from the provincial science committee accompanied me during the meeting. We chatted about the planning of science and technology development and also science enterprises. When I departed, Hu insisted I take two bottles of Maotai. I had no doubt that they were the genuine stuff.



The Parting of Ways

Then came the political disturbances of 1989. After that, the trajectories of our lives spun off in two extremes, but deep in my heart, I have continued to wish him well. First I wished him a smooth power succession, and then that he could make a genuine contribution. When news broke out that he had sent people to Europe to study the development of social democracy, and that he made arrangements for the Politburo to study constitutional law when he first made it to the top, that he spoke publicly about the havoc wreaked by SARS, that he brushed aside objections to memorial activities for Hu Yaobang, he ignited a certain hope. However, his speech on the need to learn from Cuba and North Korea was extremely disappointing.

But these hopes and disappointments are my own problem, and nothing to do with Hu. As Zen Buddhists say, What matters is what moves the heart, not what moves the flag. He is still the obedient and efficient Hu Jintao within the Communist system.

Still immersed in my worldly dreams, I recently wrote three essays: Parting with the Communist, Why the Communist Party is Not Yet Finished and Communist on the High Planes. The first was to mourn the passing of an elder, the second to sort out my own thoughts, and the third as suggestions to those both in and out of office. Whether anyone will take any notice of them is not something that I can allow to concern me.

I will probably stop writing this kind of essay from now on. So many people are writing that no one will notice my absence. I would like to write about things that I want to and things that only I can write; to tell my own story. I plan to write 100 pieces regarding My Years in Tsinghua, 100 pieces on The Stone Corp. Story and 100 pieces on Life in Exile, just to give an account of my life.

After reading what I wrote recently, someone said, Wan Runnan, it seems you have no intention to go back (to China ). True, except for my parents who are now in their eighties, I dont have much that concerns me there. Some time ago, my mother came down with acute pneumonia, running a fever of 39.6  . The hospital said she was in critical condition, and some faithful friends tried to arrange for my return. But I made it very clear: I would not say anything against my conscience. At this age, I want to remain true to myself. Although it ultimately did not work out, I am most grateful for the kindness of my friends, to the bottom of my heart.

Wan Runnan

Editors Note: The author was personally acquainted with Hu Jintao, the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, when both were students at Beijing s Tsinghua University . Mr. Wan later became president of Beijing-based Stone Corp. before fleeing into exile after the June 4 th incident of 1989. Here he writes of his friendship with Hu during their college years before each eventually went his own way. This is a valuable historical piece for the study of the fourth generation of Chinese communist leaders.

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Russias most modern air defense system is the S-400. The current version of the S-400 has a battery radar that can detect targets up to 400 kilometers away and launch S-400 missiles at targets up to 75 kilometers distant. Unfortunately, most modern jet combat aircraft carry an array of countermeasures to defeat missiles fired at them from the ground or other aircraft. In addition to missiles fired from the ground, warplanes also have to worry about missiles fired from jet fighters. These are often more effective. At the same time, Russia has found that their S-400 missiles are more effective against ground targets, which can be hit at distances of up to 350 kilometers. Russia developed a S-400 system called the 48/6DM that is effective against air targets but can also accurately hit ground targets up to 230 kilometers away. The warhead weighs 180 kg and contains enough explosives to be effective against ground targets that are usually major Ukrainian cities. These places are often defended by American Patriot, which often succeed in intercepting Russian air defense missiles used against ground targets.

The U.S. Navy has also modified its SM series of air defense missiles to hit surface, as in ships, targets. These missiles could also be used against ground targets not too far from the shoreline. The 1.3 ton SM-6 warhead weighs less than a hundred kg. Thats not a lot of explosives, but that warhead is accompanied by a large portion of the missile body which adds to the destructive effect. What makes that possible is that the missile hits the targets at speeds similar to rifle bullets. When using a high speed missile against a warship, the damage was extensive. The Navy verified this during a SINKEX, or inking exercise where a retired warship is used as the target. In this case the target ship was a recently retired 4,000-ton frigate. The warhead traveling at high speed did enough damage to render the target ship unable to move or fight. This is what would happen to an enemy ship hit with an SM-6 missile in wartime.

This was consistent with results from earlier SINKEX tests where the older SM-2 missile, which entered service in 1980 and was also designed for use against surface targets as well as aircraft. The max range of an SM-6 against a surface ship is 240 kilometers. The longer range and higher speed of the SM-6 make it particularly effective against other ships.

The SM-6 is basically the existing SM-2 anti-aircraft missile with the more capable guidance system of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile, as well as general improvements in the electronics and other components. The SM-6 is a 1.5 ton, 6.55 meter long, 533mm diameter missile. It has a max altitude of 33 kilometers, or 110,000 feet.

The older SM-2 is a 1.35 ton, 8 meter long missile with a max range of 190 kilometers and max altitude of 24.4 kilometers, or 80,200 feet. The main change for the SM-6 is the guidance system which is self-contained and will seek out any target it comes within range of. The SM-2 uses a semi-active guidance system, which requires that a special targeting radar light up the target with a radar beam, which the SM-2 guidance system detects and homes in on. The active guidance system of the SM-6 is harder to jam and can home in on targets beyond the range of targeting radars. The SM-6 can attack anti-ship missiles as well.

The SM-6 took nine years to develop and has been in production since 2011, with plans to obtain up to 1,800 missiles at a cost of $4.3 million each. SM-6 will replace many of the SM-2 missiles carried by American and Australian warships. Navy anti-aircraft missiles, including the SM series, have long been used as anti-ship weapons.

Meanwhile, the navy has been continuing years of improvements in the Aegis radar and fire control system that controls SM-2, SM-6, and the smaller SM-3 anti-missile version. The SM-3 can destroy ballistic missiles and low orbit satellites. Aegis equipped ships began getting version 4.0 of the Aegis anti-missile software in 2013 and the 5.0 upgrade made the anti-missile capabilities a standard feature of Aegis software. New destroyers are having anti-missile Aegis software installed as standard equipment. Much of the anti-missile capability of the original Aegis anti-aircraft system came from upgrades to the Aegis software.

The Aegis anti-missile system has had a success rate of over 80 percent in knocking down incoming ballistic missile warheads during test firings. To achieve this, two similar models of the U.S. Navy Standard anti-aircraft missile are in service, in addition to the Aegis radar system modified to track incoming ballistic missiles version.

The RIM-161A, also known as the SM-3 or Standard Missile 3, has a range of over 500 kilometers and max altitude of over 160 kilometers. Standard 3 is based on the anti-missile version of Standard 2 Block IV. This SM-3 missile has a shorter range than the SM-2, which can destroy a warhead that is more than 200 kilometers up. The SM-3 is optimized for anti-missile work, while the SM-2 Block IV was designed to be used against both ballistic missiles and aircraft. The SM-2 Block IV also costs less than half of what an SM-3 costs. So going after aircraft with SM-3s is discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
The China Education Expo 2012 has opened in Beijing. More than 500 universities from 38 countries and regions are attending the event to attract more Chinese talent. As China boasts the highest number of students studying overseas, the market is becoming more mature and diverse.

Xu Fang has worked at an overseas studies intermediary agency since 2003. She visits the China Education Expo every year to look for new programs and courses from different countries for Chinese students. She says that the market has changed a lot in recent years.

Xu says, The US, UK, Canada and Australia are traditional destinations for Chinese students, and more countries have joined this booming market. No matter what their family background, interests or career plans, students can always find the right place to go and the right course to study.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Expo has seen a rapid increase in the number of Chinese students going abroad, from 118,500 students in 2005 to 339,700 in 2011, accounting for 14 percent of international students studying overseas.

A few years ago, business, finance and computer science were among the most popular majors for Chinese students. Now more are choosing a school and course according to their interest and future plans rather than just by ranking and popularity.

Professor Michael Marsonet from university of Genoa, says, Usually they choose topics like engineering, economics, business and foreign languages. But they are choosing more widely  we have Chinese students in Philosophy, Literature, culture, Diplomacy and Law.16-year-old Liu Shiqi has a clear idea what he wants.

Liu Shiqi, a high school student, says, I want to study engineering in Germany after high school. I have been to the country through an exchange program and spoke to friends who are studying this major in college. I have a passion for it.Besides more international communication, the change is also down to technical developments.

Liu Jing, assistant of Education section of British embassy, says, Students dont follow the trend like before. The internet helps a lot  students can find out more about schools from their websites and communicate with schools directly, so their decisions are based on more solid considerations of their interests, career and job market.Studying abroad is a growing trend for many Chinese students. With the help from the internet and events like this expo, students are getting more rational when they decide where to go and what to study in the future. And the choices for them become more diverse as the market grows

Lin Nan / CCTV

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An old Beijing neighborhood may be safe from the wrecking ball thanks to the fame of its former tenant, Chinese writer Lu Xun.

Wang Shaofeng, head of Beijings Xicheng District, said Lus former residence will not be demolished, and its surrounding community, which is known for its traditional courtyard-style homes, will also be preserved.

The district government has decided to halt the demolition operation and is considering restoring the residence to its original appearance with the help of historical records and photos, Wang said.

Lu, a 20th century literary master, composed famous works such as New Year Sacrifice during his short stay in the No. 84 Courtyard in Zhuanta Hutong from 1923 to 1924.

The structures fate attracted much attention after the Xicheng district government announced plans to bulldoze the building to make way for public green space, prompting calls for better protection of historical architecture amid rampant urbanization.

Many netizens feared the residence might meet the same fate as that of architect Liang Sicheng and his wife Lin Huiyin, which was reportedly torn down by a real estate developer in January.

In response to public outcry, Wang said that the district government would enhance protection of its 184 cultural heritage sites, including 23 former residences of famous people.

Beijing is famous for its traditional communities composed of siheyuan, or rectangular courtyard homes, and winding alleys called hutong. Many of them, however, have disappeared amid modern Beijings penchant for glitzy high-rises and modern apartment blocks.

Xinhua

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A U.S. Congressional delegation kicked off a two-day visit to Taiwan Jan. 8,sportpesa casino kenya underscoring the robust nature of Taipei-Washington ties, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The aim of the groups visit is to understand the latest development in Taiwans foreign affairs, national defense and trade, as well as the regional situation, the MOFA said.

Headed by Sen. James Inhofe, co-chair of Senate Taiwan Caucus, the group includes Sens. John Boozman and Steve Pearce, as well as Reps. Vern Buchanan and Erik Paulsen. It is scheduled to meet with ROC President Ma Ying-jeou, National Security Council Secretary-General Jason C. Yuan and Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng.

The Taiwan visit is part of the delegations tour of Asia and Africa to discuss foreign affairs, security and trade issues, the American Institute in Taiwan said Jan. 7 in a statement.

Inhofe has long been friendly toward Taiwan, the MOFA said, adding that he has demonstrated his support for U.S. arms sales to the island, as well as its inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and bid for meaningful participation in the U.N.-affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization.

We appreciate Inhofes firm support and look forward to his continued backing of Taiwan within Congress and ongoing efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties, the MOFA said.

Grace Kuo

Taiwan Today

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What Is Operating Cash Flow Demand (OCFD)?best of the day new london

The term operating cash flow demand (OCFD) refers to the amount of operating cash flow an entity needs in order to meet the objectives of its strategic investments. An OCFD is integral for both investors and corporate entities. For investors, it represents the total amount of capital required in order to the desired return over the entire life of the investment. A company's OCFD, on the other hand, is used to compute the cash value added to a company's strategic investments and operations. The OCFD allows entities to make smart decisions about how they spend their money on certain investments.

Key Takeaways

Operating cash flow demand is the amount of operating cash flow an investor needs to meet the objectives its strategic investments.

For individual investors, the OCFD is the capital needed to achieve the desired return on investment.

Corporations use the OCFD to compute the cash value added of their strategic investments and operations.

Knowing the OCFD allows investors to make smart decisions about how they spend their money on certain investments.

Understanding Operating Cash Flow Demand (OCFD)

A strategic investment is any investment that allows an investor to achieve a specific goal. An individual who wants to generate a steady, risk-free stream of income may choose a bond as a strategic investment to achieve this goal. A corporation may enter a joint venture with another company as a joint venture in order to gain access to another market. All in all, strategic investment is one that fits the investor's short- or long-term game plan.

Investors need capital or operating cash flow in order to meet the initial and ongoing needs of their investments. The operating cash flow demand (OCFD), therefore, is the amount of cash flow needed for each strategic investment to have a net present value of zero, or achieve minimum profitability.

As noted above, calculating the OCFD helps entities make wiser decisions about their investments. This figure effectively helps investors decide whether to approve or reject the idea of a particular investment. If the cost of the investment is worth more than the benefit, the investor can nix the deal.

Example of Operating Cash Flow Demand (OCFD)

Let's use the hypothetical example of a manufacturing corporation to show how operating cash flow demands work. Let's say the company wants to enter a new market. In order to do so, it must make a strategic investment in a new manufacturing plant and new machinery. The OCFD for this strategic investment would be the minimum amount of cash that the plant would need to generate over its life to meet the return required by investors.

The amount of money a company expects to earn determines how much it pays for the investment. So if a company wants to earn more, it should plan to pay more for a strategic investment.

Real-World Example of Operating Cash Flow Demand (OCFD)

Now let's take a look at how operating cash flow demand works with a real-life example. This one involves GUD Holdings, an Australian company that is the corporate parent for national household brands Ryco filters, Sunbeam, Davey Pumps, Lock Focus, and others.

Ian Campbell served as the company's chief executive officer (CEO) between 1998 and 2013. At that time, the company was struggling financially. This was primarily due to a series of acquisitions the company made in an attempt to grow and boost its presence in the market. Campbell used a leadership style that combined focus and discipline. leading GUD Holdings to profitability.

Campbell expected his company manager to generate strong financial results for a key performance indicatorcash value added (CVA). This benchmark is related to OCFD. Cash value added is a measure of a company's ability to generate cash flow in excess of its investors' required return on investments (ROI) by the company.

As CEO, Campbell expected each GUD division to exceed 10% weighted average cost of capital (WACC), which is the average rate that a company is expected to pay all its security holders to finance its assets. GUD's businesses are judged on the growth in the cash value added compared to the prior year. Campbell set an annual budget for each division. The WACC varied between businesses. Managers received bonuses if they achieved their targets.
Greg Gutfeld: Let's check in on Elon Musk

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Greg Gutfeld and his guests weigh in on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover and the downfall of FTX on 'Gutfeld!'

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Happy Tuesday, everyone. You know, I have to say, this is the best looking audience we have had so far. Yummy. There's more tens than in the Christmas cards I give my staff. They smile so much when they open it. But you people at home can't see this audience. But trust me, it's like looking at a sea of Larry Kudlow's. The only man who can make sock garters sexy.

But speaking of rich people, let's check in on Elon Musk, who may just be the best tweeter since Trump. It began Sunday with Musk tweeting about Twitter being super slow in other countries. That's when a Twitter engineer called out the Musk tweet, adding, quote, "I have spent six years working on Twitter. I could say this is wrong." When someone pointed out you probably shouldn't call out your boss publicly, he kept going. And that's when Musk hit back, "He's fired."

Well, now, if you don't find that hilarious, then you're not my friend and you've never fired anyone who really deserves it. It's why I had a trap door installed in my office and hired a contractor who could keep a secret. But if I tweeted about how I run this show, I'd probably be arrested, possibly for murder. If you guys had any idea what I spent on bleach and rope alone last month, and that's just on the interns who made eye contact.

GREG GUTFELD: RECREATIONAL DRUG USE IN US IS LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE

But for Musk, it only gets better. On Sunday, he announced plans to end free lunches at Twitter headquarters, saying the meals cost the company 13 million bucks a year. That's still $2 million less than "The View" spends on feeding Joy Behar. Hey, they don't like Joy. The problem was no one was coming to the office, and that was driving up the cost. They were throwing food away like it had been cooked by Kat.

But Musk making a sound business call made him even more evil. One Democrat activist wrote, quote, "He fired three fourths of the employees. Now he's planning to starve the rest of them." Yeah, yeah. They're all going to die because their bosses won't cover their sushi. What lame-o's? Here's a tip. You want a free lunch? Then, brown bag it, you losers. It's what my staff does. It's great. I just take a bite from each one of their sandwiches. I haven't bought a lunch in years. They all got hepatitis.

And what does Elon know about business, anyway? I mean, he's just the world's richest man. Unlike some unemployed 32-year old activist moaning on Twitter about food. The bottom line, it's great watching someone run a company with full transparency. He does everything with the door open. Like when Doocy uses the bathroom on the plane. Even more, Musk is willing to ask seemingly obvious questions that no one ever had the guts to ask. Does that remind you of anyone? Yeah. When Trump was in charge, he would question everything from trade with China to the water pressure of showers.

[VIDEO]

DONALD TRUMP:But how about the shower? You go into a shower and I have this beautiful head of hair. You turn on the water. Drip, drip, drip. And the water comes dripping out, just dripping out very quietly. So what do you do? You just stand there longer. You take a shower longer. Because my hair. I don't know about you, but it has to be perfect.

He sounds like Joe talking about taking a leak. Oh. But no wonder Musk has taken Trump's place as the Left's top target. The only difference is Musk can't run for president, which is probably a good thing for the Dems, because he'd probably win.

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And speaking of the Dems, oddly, they're obsessed with bringing Musk down, but they don't seem to care about the Bitcoin bandit, Sam Bankman-Fried. The founder of a crypto exchange called FTX, resigned last week after his company went belly up quicker than a five-year old's goldfish. So why no concern over him? Why haven't you heard of him until now? Well, he was Biden's second biggest donor and pumped millions into the Democratic Party. So imagine that coincidence.

But it turns out he used his crypto company to borrow real dollars that he couldn't pay back. Reuters reported that between one and $2 billion of customer funds are gone, but not before the Dems spent $40 million of his money just in time for the midterms. Yeah, the timing is impeccable. Kind of like vanishing a story on the Biden family before the 2020 election. You know, I'm sensing a pattern here. So now his company is under investigation for a scam that could make Bernie Madoff look like an Eagle Scout. And where is the media? Well, they suspended their skepticism when it was so obvious this guy's a clown.

[VIDEO]

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Sam is not a traditional billionaire because he believes in the concept of earn to give.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Earning to give is thinking about which causes, which charity save the most lives per dollar.

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Next year, he's planning to donate $500 million a year. And next decade, he will probably give away more than $10 billion. And he is funding everything you can think of. Global warming.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:It's one of the biggest problems that we have to tackle together as a world.

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:COVID 19 preparedness.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:We have to be ready for the next pandemic.

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:And of course, animal welfare.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Animals deserve to live just like we do. It's also why I'm vegan.

Dude. If you're that rich, buy a bra. Oh, my God. Terrible. It's not body-shaming. I'm just concerned. Now, if you believe anything that fruitcake says, maybe you should lose all your money. But he tricked them all with the right virtue signals. You've heard them. The right left-wing causes and all the right cash.

So will the media have any interest in digging further into a story filled with sex, drugs and corruption? Well, maybe they should read Harris Faulkner's new book. I want to talk about it, but who am I kidding? The media has about as much chance of covering that story as a belly shirt does Jerry Nadler's navel.

Greg Gutfeld currently serves as host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) "Gutfeld!" (weekdays 11PM/ET) and co-host of "The Five" (weekdays 5PM/ET). He joined the network in 2007 as a contributor. He is the author of several books. His latest is "The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help." Click here for more information on Greg Gutfeld.
Former Vice President of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), member of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chinese astrophysicist Fang Lizhi, died in Arizona on April 6 at the age of 76.

Professor Fang Lizhi () was a well-known astrophysicist and pro-democracy activist. He was expelled from the Communist Party of China in January 1987. On January 6, 1989, Professor Fang published an open letter to the then Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, Deng Xiaoping , calling for the release of pro-democracy activists such as Wei Jingsheng.

Shortly after the Tiananmen incident, Professor Fang Lizhi and his wife Li Shuxian entered the U.S. embassy in Beijing on June 5, 1989. After one year stay at the Embassy, they left China on June 25, 1990.

Professor Fangs second son was killed in a traffic accident four years ago.

Many pro-democracy activists, including Wang Dan, expressed their deep and sincere condolences to Professor Fangs family.

Professor Fang Lizhi was my spiritual master, His death is a major blow to me. At this moment, my grief is beyond words. Professor Fang inspired the 89 generation, awakened Chinese peoples yearning for human rights and democracy. One day China will be proud of him.  Wang Dan

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Former University of Iowa Hawkeyes receiver Arland Bruce IV pleaded guilty Friday to underage gambling with a stipulation that prosecutors wouldnt file any related charges against another individual whose name Bruce used to place bets.

Bruce,betika app download ojo casino uk 20, originally charged with tampering with records, entered a written plea in Johnson County Associate District Court, admitting to a lesser charge of underage gambling, a simple misdemeanor. He faces a $645 fine.

In the plea agreement, Bruce, who entered the transfer portal in 2022 and now plays for Oklahoma State, admitted to placing the bets on sporting events on or about March 12, 2021.

He also waived the one-year statute of limitations regarding the charge.
What Is Stare Decisis?rush and cash poker

Stare decisis is a legal doctrine that obligates courts to follow historical cases when making a ruling on a similar case. Stare decisis ensures that cases with similar scenarios and facts are approached in the same way. Simply put, it binds courts to follow legal precedents set by previous decisions.

Stare decisis is a Latin term meaning "to stand by that which is decided."

Understanding Stare Decisis

The U.S. common law structure has a unified system of deciding legal matters with the principle of stare decisis at its core, making the concept of legal precedent extremely important. A prior ruling or judgment on any case is known as a precedent. Stare decisis dictates that courts look to precedents when overseeing an ongoing case with similar circumstances.

Key Takeaways

Stare decisis is a legal doctrine that obligates courts to follow historical cases when making a ruling on a similar case.

Stare decisis requires that cases follow the precedents of other similar cases in similar jurisdictions.

The U.S. Supreme Court is the nations highest court; therefore, all states rely on Supreme Court precedents.

Watch Now: What is Stare Decisis?

What Makes a Precedent?

1:33

A unique case with hardly any past reference material may become a precedent when the judge makes a ruling on it. Also, the new ruling on a similar present case replaces any precedent that has been overruled in a current case. Under the rule of stare decisis, courts are obligated to uphold their previous rulings or the rulings made by higher courts within the same court system.

For example, the Kansas state appellate courts will follow their precedent, the Kansas Supreme Court precedent, and the U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Kansas is not obligated to follow precedents from the appellate courts of other states, say California. However, when faced with a unique case, Kansas may refer to the precedent of California or any other state that has an established ruling as a guide in setting its precedent.

In effect, all courts are bound to follow the rulings of the Supreme Court, as the highest court in the country. Therefore, decisions that the highest court makes become binding precedent or obligatory stare decisis for the lower courts in the system. When the Supreme Court overturns a precedent made by courts below it in the legal hierarchy, the new ruling will become stare decisis on similar court hearings. If a case ruled in a Kansas court, which has abided by a certain precedent for decades, is taken to the U.S. Supreme Court and is then overturned by that court, the Supreme Courts overrule replaces the former precedent, and Kansas courts would need to adapt to the new rule as precedent.

Overturning a Precedent

In rare cases, the Supreme Court has reversed its own previous rulingsDavid Schultz, professor of law at the University of Minnesota and professor of political science at Hamline University, reports that between1 789 to 2020, the Court did so 145 times out of "25,544 Supreme Court opinions and judgments after oral arguments." This amounts to barely one-half of one percent.

The most famous reversal to date, Schultz notes, is 1954's Brown v. Board of Education.That decision reversed the separate-but-equal doctrine ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, which supported segregation.

The most recent and controversial overturning of a precedent occurred on June 24, 2022, when the Court reversed Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, making the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization the next major case to depart from stare decesis.

Real World Examples

Insider trading in the securities industry is the misuse of material nonpublic information for financial gain. The insider can trade the information for their portfolio or sell the information to an outsider for a cost. The precedent looked to by courts when dealing with insider trading is the 1983 case of Dirks v. SEC. In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that insiders are guilty if they directly or indirectly received material benefits from disclosing the information to someone who acts on it. In addition, exploiting confidential information exists when the information is gifted to a relative or friend. This decision became precedent and is upheld by courts dealing with financial crimes that are similar in nature.

Using stare decisis

In the 2016 ruling of Salman v. the United States, the Supreme Court used stare decisis to make the ruling. Bassam Salman made an estimated $1.5 million from insider information that he received indirectly from his brother-in-law, Maher Kara, then a Citigroup investment banker. While Salmans counsel believed that he should be convicted only if he compensated his brother-in-law in cash or kind, the Supreme Court judge ruled that insiders do not have to get something in return for divulging company secrets. Based on stare decisis, the confidential information given to Salman was considered a giftas Dirks v. SEC makes it clear that fiduciary duty is breached when a tipper gives confidential information as a gift. Salman was therefore found guilty of insider trading.

Considering precedent

In 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York overturned the insider trading conviction of two hedge fund managers, Todd Newman and Anthony Chiasson, stating an insider can be convicted only if the misappropriated information produced a real personal benefit. When Bassam Salam appealed his 2013 conviction using the Second Circuit's ruling as precedent, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit based in San Francisco did not abide by the Second Circuits precedent, which it was not obligated to uphold. The Appeals Court upheld the conviction ruling on Salman.

As noted above, Salman appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, stating that the Second Circuits ruling was inconsistent with the Supreme Court precedent set about by Dirks v. SEC and the Appeals Court had, therefore, not adhered to the principle of stare decisis. The Supreme Court disagreed and also upheld the conviction. "Salmans conduct is in the heartland of Dirkss rule concerning gifts," Justice Alito wrote.
14 of the 29 Chinese workers abducted Saturday by rebels of Southern Kordofan, Sudan, were released by the Sudanese army, announced the official news agency SUNA on Monday.

The forces of the Sudanese army had managed to free 14 Chinese employees, reported the agency, citing the state governor, Ahmad Arun.

Ahmad Harun said the Chinese workers were healthy and they have been transported to the nearby town of El Obeid in North Kordofan.

We did not know the fate of the other 15 Chinese workers.

Chinese workers were caught Saturday when rebels attacked an army convoy between Sudan and Rashad Abbassiya in the northeast of the province.

Xinhua news agency said on Sunday that these workers worked for Power Construction Corp. of China. Wang Zhiping, a senior official of the company was quoted as saying, over 20 Chinese working on a project to build a road were missing after a rebel attack.

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A unanimous vote by the U.N. Security Council Friday - demanding an end to the chaos in Haiti and targeting a notorious gang leader for sanctions. Still unresolved is slot gacor microgamingwhether the international community will respond to Haiti's appeal for military intervention.

For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report.
A Ukrainian firm recently revealed it had developed the AQ 400, a cheap, long range UAV that can make attacks over 700 kilometers into Russia while carrying 32 kg of explosives. Cut the range in half and 70 kg of explosives can be carried. Each AQ 400 costs $30,000. The airframe is made of plywood. Initial production is about a hundred a month. That will gradually increase to 500 and then 1,000 a month. AQ 400 can takeoff from short runways or via a catapult. It travels at 144 kilometers an hour and can stay in the air for six and a half hours. Large numbers of these UAVs entering Russia from many different sectors of the border complicate Russian efforts to detect or defend itself against these UAVs. The long range of these UAVs means there are many more targets to attack, and Russia cannot defend them all. The development of the AQ 400 is another example of the proliferation of UAVs used as long-range cruise missiles.

This is a trend that began over a century ago, during the 1914-18 World War I. That was when aircraft became a factor in military affairs. At first these new flying machines demonstrated their superior ability to see what the enemy was up to. Most of the use of air power at the beginning was about reconnaissance, and preventing the enemy from seeing what you were doing. Between the world wars, the idea of using air power as an offensive weapon developed. This proved to be more of a factor at sea than on land, where reconnaissance was still the most useful service air forces provided. Strategic bombing was greatly misunderstood by air forces during, and after, World War II. Tactical bombing and strafing was more useful because the fighter-bombers were providing reconnaissance while they were attacking the enemy opposing friendly ground troops.

The U.S. Air Force, however, was not a big fan of tac air or tactical air power, because they believed they could be more decisive with strategic bombing. The problem with World War II strategic bombing was that it was a blunt instrument. A lot of damage was inflicted, but it was, for all practical purposes, random. So, while millions of German and Japanese workers were diverted because they were dead or had to deal with damage to homes and businesses from the war effort by the bombing, there was no decisive effect, as the air force generals intended. This was because of a problem the air force had then and continues to have. It's called BDA or Bomb Damage Assessment. This is the business of figuring out what to bomb, and what the impact on the enemy is after you bomb. The U.S. did a thorough survey of the impact of strategic bombing on Germany and Japan, right after World War II. It was discovered that the impact of the bombing was far different from what BDA during the war had indicated. But that was largely ignored because, right after the war, it was believed bombing with conventional bombs had become obsolete. Nuclear bombs had made strategic airpower decisive because pinpoint accuracy was no longer a factor.

But during the Korean war (1950-53), it was realized that no one really wanted to use nuclear weapons again, especially if the other side had them. Thus, nuclear weapons became a threat, while conventional bombs were again the weapon of choice. But as experience in Korea (1950-3), Vietnam (1965-72), Kuwait (1991) and Kosovo (1999), Iraq (2003) and Lebanon (2006) demonstrated, the enemy on the ground continued to have an edge when it came to deceiving the most energetic BDA efforts. The only proven technique for beating the BDA problem was to have people on the ground, up close, checking up on targets. The U.S. Army and Air Force have developed special equipment and tactics to have teams of Special Forces troops on the ground to do this sort of thing. That's why air power was so successful in Afghanistan in 2001.

A major breakthrough was the development of cheap smart guided bombs. Guided bombs were first developed during World War II and were quite useful for hitting targets at sea and on land. These were radio-controlled bombs that required an operator using a joystick to guide the bomb to a distant target while the controlling aircraft was out of range of defending anti-aircraft fire. The Germans were the first to use them in 1943, when they sank an Italian battleship with one. By 1945, American radio controlled bombs were taking down bridges in Asia and sinking Japanese ships in the Pacific. Because of the belief that nuclear weapons made conventional weapons obsolete, research on smart bombs stopped until the late 1950s when everyone came to their senses. By 1965 the U.S. Air Force had a laser guided bomb in service and was using it to take out heavily defended targets in North Vietnam. These were targets, like bridges, that had resisted numerous attacks with unguided bombs because of substantial anti-aircraft defenses. The first laser-guided bombs cost over a million dollars each and, by 1991, the price had come down to under $100,000. That was still a hundred times the cost of a dumb, or unguided bomb.

However, in 1991 it was noted that the smart bombs were doing a disproportionate amount of damage. Later in the 1990s, the GPS guided bomb was developed. This was a major breakthrough. The GPS guided bomb was much cheaper costing about $25,000 each. This was actually a guidance kit attached to a dumb bomb. But the GPS bomb did not need someone to shine a laser on the target for the bomb to home in on. You could do without the laser by entering GPS coordinates into the bomb guidance system and then dropping the bomb. Mist, rain, and sandstorms could interfere with lasers, but nothing stopped a GPS bomb.

Air power was, for once, really all powerful. There were still BDA problems, but now the air force was more enthusiastic about putting small teams of elite troops on the ground, who could be defended by GPS guided bombs, and eyeball exactly what damage the bombs were causing. That actually happened in Afghanistan, where more than one Special Forces team defeated much larger enemy forces, by calling in GPS guided bombs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force and naval air realized that no one had successfully challenged them for control of the air in over half a century. The downside of this is that there has not been a new American fighter ace, or someone who has shot down at least five aircraft in over thirty years. American fighters, and their pilots, remain the best in the world. That's not preordained, or an accident, it's the result of a lot of hard work, willingness to learn from mistakes, and enormous quantities of money.

Air power still has its limitations, something the professionals understand, but the rest of us don't. This was demonstrated in Lebanon in the Hezbollah war of 2006. Everyone, except the people running the Israeli air force, expected Israeli air power to shut down Hezbollah and the Hezbollah rockets being fired into northern Israel. The Israeli air force spent most of their time taking out economic targets, as they knew that most of the Hezbollah rockets had been hidden in places the Israelis were unaware of. They knew this because they had been watching for six years as Hezbollah hid their 12,000 or so rockets in hundreds of locations under schools, homes and mosques, in caves or just about anywhere throughout southern and central Lebanon. The Israelis had tried bombing suspected rocket locations many times since the Iranians sent large quantities of these rockets to southern Lebanon after 2000 when the Israelis abandoned their security zone in southern Lebanon, in return for a peace deal that was supposed to disarm Hezbollah.

Israeli air attacks before 2006 had failed, and the Israelis knew the only way to hunt down the Hezbollah rocket caches was to send ground troops in. But the Israeli government did not want to risk hundreds or thousands of dead Israeli troops in a ground campaign with Hezbollah. Israeli voters would not stand for this. Israel tolerated thousands of Hezbollah rockets falling on northern Israel. That's because the rockets were mostly 122mm, unguided models and only had a range of twenty kilometers. It took about a hundred of these rockets, plus a few larger ones, to kill one Israeli. The Israelis used mostly smart bombs in Lebanon, so they almost always hit what they were aimed at and caused about one civilian death for every 5-10 bombs or missiles used. Because the Israeli air force is superior to that of any of its neighbors, most Arab nations are investing heavily in missiles. Israel has defenses like Arrow and Patriot PAC-3 missiles against the larger, guided, ballistic missiles. But unguided rockets are such an ineffective weapon that it really doesn't pay to employ an expensive system to knock them down, so Israel developed an inexpensive system called Iron Dome to shoot down such rockets. The critical innovation of Iron Dome is software which computes the trajectory of unguided rockets and only fires its Tamir interceptor missiles at rockets which might land near something worth defending. That is about 1 in 5 of all such rockets fired so far, and Tamirs have a 90 percent interception rate against those. Tamir launchers can be overwhelmed by mass attacks, which only Iranian ally Hezbollah can do, so Israel is developing an Iron Beam laser weapons to add to Tamir.

Meanwhile aerial warfare power continues to evolve, as unmanned, and often robotic, aircraft are replacing those with crews. UAVs have been around for over half a century as cruise missiles, and in that time, they have become a lot cheaper, reliable, and capable. UAVs now do most of the reconnaissance work and will begin replacing fighters and bombers in the next decade or so. Without being recognized as such, smart bombs and UAVs are the most revolutionary developments in air power since World War II. Air power will never be the same because of these two innovations the current extensive use of UAVs demonstrates this evolution in action.
China on Saturday accused the United States and Europe of hegemonic ambitions in Syria, following the international conference of Friends of Syria in Tunis, where the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton strongly condemned the attitude of Beijing and Moscow.

Clinton said the decision by China and Russia was despicable to veto resolutions of the the UN Security Council condemning repression in Syria. They are clearly not on the side of the Syrian people, said the Head of American diplomacy.

The official Xinhua news agency responded Saturday by arguing that Beijings position on Syria was balanced. China and Russia boycotted the conference in Tunis, to avoid military intervention in Syria.

Most Arab countries have begun to understand that the United States and Europe conceal a dagger behind a smile. In other words, while they appear to act on humanitarian grounds, they actually feed hegemonic ambitions. said Xinhua.

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Bloomberg on Monday sketched out four scenarios for China's economy in the next decade and came to a basic conclusion that China likely wouldn't overtake the US within the time period previously expected by the outside world. Speculating when China's GDP will surpass that of the US has been one of the most interesting topics for US and Western public opinion in recent years. But most of the time they are talking to themselves: asking a question and then answering it themselves,reversing themselves, arguing within themselves, etc.The exclamation that "China could overtake the US in GDP" first came from the US, which triggered and stimulated widespread anxiety in US society. Now the forecast that "the overtaking time" will be delayed or even that "China's GDP will not overtake that of the US" have also spread from the US. Curiously, this has not eased the nervousness of Washington elites in the face of China's rapid development. They are the ones who say China "can," and they are the ones who say China "cannot" as well. To a certain extent, the topic itself is an embodiment of some Americans' inner struggle.Today, China's development strategy focuses on continuous self-transcendence, and does not aim to surpass the US or any other country. A country's GDP growth rate is ultimately its own internal affair. Many Chinese do not understand why Washington takes China's GDP so seriously. The rise of China's GDP ranking, including whether it will surpass the US to become the No.1, is fundamentally a natural outcome, and the Chinese are not worried about gains or losses.Compared with GDP figures, the pragmatic Chinese people care more about whether their living standards are rising, environment is improving, and their development opportunities are increasing. They work hard day after day for achieving these goals. Under the guarantee of state policies, such common, real and modest aspirations, combined with the hard work and ability of the Chinese people, become the huge engine driving China's economic growth. China's development philosophy is people-centered, and emphasizes high-quality development, which means that quality, not quantity, is the focus. Quantity is, of course, important, but we cannot take "GDP growth as the sole criterion for success." Over the years, China's economic development has become more balanced, coordinated, and sustainable. This is an upgrade in terms of "quality" and a result of Chinese people's concerted efforts and active pursuit.In other words, China's development is never about surpassing or replacing anyone or competing with anyone to become the world leader. It is instead a race with itself. For today's China, how to focus on solving the problem of unbalanced and insufficient development is far more critical than "comparing" with a great power. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) outlined a strategic plan to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress will envision the "two-step" strategic plan for building China into a great modern socialist country, and "focus the efforts on addressing inadequacies, strengthening areas of weakness, consolidating fundamentals and giving full play to strengths." From this, we can see that China has a consistent and firm attitude of focusing on its own development.There is no denying that GDP is a crucial economic indicator that can allow us to see where we are in general and make development plans accordingly. But it is more important to translate GDP into a sense of gain, happiness, and security for the people. As for being second or first in the world in terms of data, it cannot replace people's feelings about their livelihoods, nor is it the ultimate goal of development. At the end of the day, Chinese people have always been trying to live their lives as well as possible and earn the respect they deserve in the international community. We do not bully others, and others should not try to do that to us. In the era of globalization, such countries are the best partners for mutually beneficial cooperation.The fear of being overtaken by China in terms of GDP has become a sore point for Washington, or its demon. To slow down China's development, Washington even risks damaging itself, such as pursuing "decoupling" from China. In fact, there is no need to do so, because China is committed to making a big cake that benefits its own people and, at the same time, provides more development opportunities for the world, including the US. As long as the US lets go of its obsessions and overcomes its sore point, it will apparently see the massive potential for win-win cooperation with China.
B.A., Seattle Pacific University

Ask a linguist what kind of a language Spanish is, and the answer you get may depend on that linguist's specialty. To some, Spanish is primarily a language derived from Latin. Another may tell you that Spanish is primarily an SVO language, whatever that is, while others may refer to it as a fusional language.

Spanish is classified as either an Indo-European or Romance language based on its origins.

Spanish is classified as a mostly SVO language because of its commonly used word order.

Spanish is classified as somewhat inflectional because of the extensive use of word endings used to indicate attributes such as gender, number, and tense.

All these classifications, and others, are important in linguistics, the study of language. As these examples show, linguists can classify languages according to their history, as well as according to the language's structure and according to how words are formed. Here are three common classifications that linguists use and how Spanish fits in with them:

Genetic Classification of Spanish

The genetic classification of languages is closely related to etymology, the study of the origins of words. Most of the world's languages can be divided into about a dozen major families (depending on what is considered major) based on their origins. Spanish, like English, is part of the Indo-European family of languages, which includes the languages spoken by around half the world's population. It includes most of the past and current languages of Europe (the Basque language being a major exception) as well as the traditional languages of Iran, Afghanistan, and the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Some of the most common Indo-European languages today include French, German, Hindi, Bengali, Swedish, Russian, Italian, Persian, Kurdish and Serbo-Croatian.

Among Indo-European languages, Spanish can be further classified as a Romance language, meaning that it is descended from Latin. Other major Romance languages include French, Portuguese, and Italian, all of which have strong similarities in vocabulary and grammar.

Classification of Spanish by Word Order

One common way of classifying languages is by the order of the basic sentence components, namely the subject, object, and verb. In this regard, Spanish can be thought of as a flexible subject-verb-object or SVO language, as is English. A simple sentence will typically follow that order, as in this example: Juanita lee el libro, where Juanitais the subject, lee(reads) is the verb and el libro(the book) is the object of the verb.

It should be noted, however, that this structure is far from the only one possible, so Spanish can't be thought of as a strict SVO language. In Spanish, it is often possible to leave out the subject entirely if it can be understood from the context, and it also is common to change the word order to emphasize a different part of the sentence.

Also, when pronouns are used as objects, the SOV order (subject-object-verb) is the norm in Spanish: Juanita lo lee.(Juanita reads it.)

Classification of Spanish by Word Formation

In terms of how words are formed, languages can be classified in at least three ways:

As isolating or analytical , meaning that words or word roots don't change based on how they are used in a sentence, and that the relationship of words to each other are conveyed primarily by the use of word order or by words known as particles to indicate the relationship among them.

or , meaning that words or word roots don't change based on how they are used in a sentence, and that the relationship of words to each other are conveyed primarily by the use of word order or by words known as particles to indicate the relationship among them. As inflectional or fusional , meaning that the forms of the words themselves change to indicate how they relate to the other words in a sentence.

or , meaning that the forms of the words themselves change to indicate how they relate to the other words in a sentence. As agglutinatingor agglutinative, meaning that words are frequently formed by combining various combinations of morphemes, wordlike units with distinct meanings.

Spanish is generally viewed as a somewhat inflectional language, although all three typologies exist to some extent. English is more isolating than Spanish, although English too has inflectional aspects.

In Spanish, verbs are nearly always inflected, a process known as conjugation. In particular, each verb has a "root" (such as habl-) to which endings are attached to indicate who is performing the action and the time period in which it occurs. Thus, hableand hablaronboth have the same root, with the endings used to provide more information. By themselves, the verb endings have no meaning.

Spanish also uses inflection for adjectives to indicate number and gender.

As an example of the isolating aspect of Spanish, most nouns are inflected only to indicate whether they are plural or singular. In contrast, in some languages, such as Russian, a noun can be inflected to indicate, for example, that it is a direct object rather than a subject. Even names of people can be inflected. In Spanish, however, word order and prepositions are typically used to indicate the function of a noun in a sentence. In a sentence such as "Pedro ama a Adriana" (Pedro loves Adriana), the preposition ais used to indicate which person is the subject and which is the object. (In the English sentence, word order is used to inidicate who loves whom.)

An example of an agglutinative aspect of Spanish (and of English) can be seen in its use of various prefixes and suffixes. For example, the difference between hacer(to do) and deshacer(to undo) is in its use of the morpheme (a unit of meaning) des-.

Watch Now: How to Express Love in Spanish
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday that his bethard casino sky poker rakebackcountry looks forward to working with Brunei on issues like the South China Sea, energy and climate change.

Were very, very much looking forward to working with you on issues with the South China Sea, and issues of energy and climate change, the top American diplomat told visiting Bruneis Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in front of reporters before their meeting at the State Department.

He is taking on the important job of being the president of the ASEAN meeting this year, Kerry said of his guest.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to welcome the sultan to the White House on Tuesday, as Brunei will host the East Asia summit and U.S.-ASEAN summit in October.

The sultans visit underscores the strategic importance the president places on the Asia Pacific region and to substantive engagement with our friends and partners in the region, the White House said in a statement last week.

It highlights the presidents commitment to participating fully in the regions multilateral forums in order to foster cooperation, maintain stability and promote economic growth, the statement said.

The United States, along with Russia, first attended the annual East Asia summit in 2011 in Bali, Indonesia.

Xinhua

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Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

At the first US-Pacific Island Country Summit,the US released a document outlining its vision for ties with Pacific Island countries. Yet despite Washington's sweet talking of "cooperation" and "partnership," the real agenda is to increase its presence and influence at its "maritime backyard."President Joe Biden may have filled his remarks with all kinds of honeyed words, but what American officials are doing and saying smack of big-power politics. The Pacific Island countries have not been among America's most favored partners since the end of World War II, but that has changed after a vigorous and rapidly growing cooperation with China in recent years finally caught America's attention and raised some eyebrows. Only four months after the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the US hastily put together a summit, breaking its record of holding the ASEAN-US Special Summit six months after the ASEAN-China Special Summit.In his remarks, Biden made no secret of his desire to expand US presence in the region, and stressed "the security of America" in his intriguing explanation of the reason for engaging the Pacific Island countries, "because it's very much in our interest as well as, I hope, yours." The first-ever Pacific Partnership Strategy that the US unveiled also points to its desire to turn Pacific Island countries into a shield and buffer zone to serve its goal of countering China. In addition, the US announced $810 million in funding to Pacific Island countries, five times the stingy $150 million it promised to the 10 ASEAN countries earlier this year, but still a drop in the bucket compared to the tens of billions of military aid to Ukraine.The US probably believes its sudden interest in the region and lip service of massive assistance are enough to entice the interlocutors from Oceania. But for the Pacific Island leaders, getting tangled up in geopolitical competition is apparently not on their to-do list.Several days before the summit, Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama spoke at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, urging developed nations to deliver on their overdue $100 billion climate finance commitment. The US and Australia happen to be among the top carbon emitters per capita. The Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands publicly resisted the Biden administration's efforts to deepen US influence in the region on the eve of the summit, with the former concerned about the economic, environmental and health legacy of US nuclear weapons testing and the latter refusing to sign an 11-point summit declaration "designed to provide a framework for intensified U.S. engagement in the Pacific."With those nuclear concerns still unresolved, the US and its AUKUS partners are bringing new risks of nuclear proliferation to Pacific Island countries. As some media analysts noted, the US, trying to "instrumentalize" Pacific Island countries, cannot meet the countries' demands on climate change, development and local people's well-being.From South America across its border to Africa on the other side of the globe, from the Middle East, its long-entangled war zone, to the Pacific Islands, the US is haunted by the paranoia that someone might "take over" its sphere of influence. It is trying desperately to control each region as tightly as it could, and turn them into its own backyards.Pacific Islands are not the backyard of any country, still less an arena for geopolitical games. A summit based completely on the will of the US is doomed to fail. If the US really wants to work with Pacific Island countries, changing its outdated mentality of confrontation would be a good start.The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News Agency, CGTN, Global Times, China Daily etc. He can be reached at [email protected]
Elon Musk's bumpy landing at Twitter

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Can he fix the social site before money runs out?

Liberal tech journalist Kara Swisher revealed in a recent episode of her podcast that shes on the outs with Twitter owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk after he allegedly emailed her and called her an "ahole."

As Swisher told it, the worlds richest man did not appreciate the reporters tweets about his dealings with Ukraine regarding the use of his "Starlink" satellite network, though Swisher maintained her tweets were supportive of Musk.

Swisher recounted the incident during the latest episode of her podcast "On With Kara Swisher," where she spoke to co-host Nayeema Raza about her history of covering Musk for years as part of her tech beat.

ELON MUSK'S COMPANY SHOULD BE 'NATIONALIZED' FOR UKRAINE, ATLANTIC WRITER ARGUES

Kara Swisher claimed that Elon Musk recently called her an "a--hole" in an email. (REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs)

She remarked that theyve corresponded much over the years, and characterized the nature of their relationship, saying, "I call em as I see em. Ill support him when hes doing great things, and I will tell him when hes being an ahole."

She added, "Im gonna tell him what I think. I always have and if he doesnt like it, whatever sir, you dont have to listen, but Im telling you the truth."

However, she mentioned shes been very supportive of Musk throughout his career and their correspondence.

Swisher stated that recently she and Musk are not on speaking terms. Raza asked how their relationship is at the moment, and the reporter revealed, "Hes not speaking to me." Raza probed, saying, "One word to describe it," and Swisher replied, "Im an ahole."

She elaborated: "He emailed me this recently." When asked to talk about this exchange, the reporter said, "You know, before this, I had asked him for an interview for On, and we had a great back and forth about what should be done at Twitter and I was explaining what we had done with Twitter Spaces and he said I love your thoughts."

Swisher mentioned how Musk expressed interest in being interviewed after dust settled from his Twitter deal, though her subsequent tweets about Musks recent dealings with Ukraine annoyed the billionaire.

MAJORITY OF REGISTERED VOTERS SAY THE MEDIA IS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY, POLL FINDS

Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition in Washington. A Delaware judge is hearing arguments, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022 over the exchange of information by lawyers in Twitter's lawsuit seeking to force billionaire Elon Musk to carry through with his $44 billion acquisition of the social media giant. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

She explained, "And then I tweeted something that he didnt like. I tweeted this Washington Post article which cited an anonymous U.S. defense official talking about Starlink. The official said, Elons gonna Elon, and I wrote on Twitter, Elons gonna Elon kinda says it all."

At the time, Musk was taking heat for floating the notion that he should receive financial help for supplying free internet to the Ukraine war effort against Russia with his Starlink satellites. As Swisher recounted it, Elon allegedly thought Swisher was dismissive of his request.

Though Swisher maintained she was ultimately supportive of the idea that Musk get paid. She said, "But I didnt agree with this defense official, I think they should pay Elon, and I said that. And so the next couple of tweets was like, I think he should be paid, he does have them over the barrel and can say what he wants, cause I think it was Defense Departments problem."

Still, the angry email came from Musk. As Raza said, "And then on October 17th at 9:45 PM Eastern, you get an email from Elon." Swisher added, "Yeah, late. Its always late. I was up at night having chocolate sandwiches, I dont know whats happening."

Elon Musk has wasted little time making his mark on Twitter since he took over last month.

Gabriel Hays is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.
What is the difference between an infectious disease and a contagious disease?

The words infectious and contagious are confusing to many writers because they seem to describe the same thing: communicable diseases. It doesnt help that some illnesses are both infectious and contagious.

These words have distinct meanings, though, and careful writers are sure to use each one appropriately to strengthen their writing.

What is the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

In this post, I will compare infectious vs. contagious. I will use each of these words in at least one example sentence, so you can see how it appears in context.

Plus, I will show you a helpful memory tool that makes it easier to choose whether infectious or contagious is the correct word in any given situation.

When to Use Contagious

What does contagious mean? Contagious is an adjective that means able to be passed from one person to another. Think of it as a synonym of communicablein the phrase communicable disease.

Most of the time, we use contagious to describe diseases or other illnesses. Sometimes, though, things like laughter and yawns are also said to be contagious.

Here are a few more examples,

Kari kept her daughter home from school all last week because she had the flu and was very contagious.

Some conditions, like pink eye, are very contagious, while others like eczema are not very contagious at all.

Usually, when people have a contagious disease, they must avoid or minimize direct contact with other people. This avoids spreading the illness. Sometimes, strategies like covering your mouth when you cough are enough to stop the spread of a disease.

In other cases, you must isolate yourself for an extended time until you are well enough again.

The important takeaway from the word contagious is that the disease is spread through human contact. In other words, you need to be in contact with the sick person to get the disease.

When to Use Infectious

What does infectious mean? Infectious is another adjective. It means spread via the environment, and like contagious, usually refers to diseases. Infectious diseases are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

For example,

Botulism and Diphtheria are two dangerous infectious diseases.

Alzheimers disease and bipolar disorder are concerning maladies, but they are not infectious.

The important takeaway from the word infectious is that the disease is spread through the environment, e.g.,water, air, food, etc.

Many people use infectious and contagious synonymously. Even the State of Rhode Island Department of Health combines infectious and contagious diseases under the heading infectious. As careful writers, though, we must be sure not to do the same.

Trick to Remember the Difference?

You may have noticed that contagious and infectious have significant overlap in their meaningsthey both refer to the spread of disease.

The crucial difference between these words is that an infectious disease is spread through the environment, like through the air or drinking water. A contagious disease is spread through contact with an already sick person.

Contagious vs. Infectious Check: Infectious and environment both contain the letter E, so it is easy to remember that infectious diseases are spread through the environment.

Summary

Is it contagious or infectious? Contagious and infectious are adjectives that describe how diseases are spread.

Contagious diseases can be spread from person to person.

Infectious diseases are spread via the environment.

While the words are often used interchangeably, their meanings are distinct.
A COSCO ship at Qingdao Port in East China's Shandong Province on February 11 Photo: IC

Cooperation between China and Germany ismutually beneficial, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday in response to a potential deal between China's shipping giant Cosco and Hamburg port in Germany."It is hoped that relevant parties will view China-Germany pragmatic cooperation rationally," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular press conference on Wednesday.The response came as the German cabinet approved on Wednesday an investment by Cosco for a 24.9 percent stake - less than the initially planned 35 percent stake - in one of logistics firm HHLA's three terminals in Germany's largest port in Hamburg, Reuters reported.Cosco said in a statement later on Wednesday that the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy had "partially approved" the deal.Such an outcome leaves room for maneuver for China-Germany cooperation as well as China-EU cooperation in the future, Zheng Chunrong, director of the German Studies Centre at Tongji University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Port of Hamburg is the biggest winner, Zheng added."From a strictly business perspective it makes a lot of sense to have this Chinese investment in the port, since it deepens the mutual interest of both sides to intensify trade relations," Helga Zepp-LaRouche (HZL), founder of Germany-based political and economic think tank, the Schiller Institute, told the Global Times on Wednesday.Some German politicians have voiced political concerns over the port deal, claiming China is taking over too much of Germany's so-called "critical infrastructure," which could have impact on strategic security.Right now Germany is under "enormous pressure" to follow the US policy of "decoupling" economically from China. So some politicians are voicing opposition to the cooperation project, Zepp-LaRouche said."But the views are entirely motivated by a very unhealthy geopolitical intention," said the German expert.German investment in China hit a record high in the first half of 2022, surpassing the level of tens of billions of euros, according to a report by the German Institute for Economic Research, more commonly known as DIW Berlin, which was released in August.Meanwhile, German corporate giants are pouring more investment into the world's second largest economy.For instance, BASF inaugurated the first plant of its Zhanjiang Verbund site on September 6 in South China's Guangdong Province. The project will be the company's largest investment to date, with a pledged investment of 10 billion euros by 2030, according to a statement sent from BASF to the Global Times.Bilateral trade between China and Germany rose slightly by 0.9 percent on a yearly basis to $173.57 billion between January and September, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Monday.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he will travel to China with a delegation of German business leaders in early November, German media outlet Die Welt reported on Friday. However, the reported visit has not been confirmed by China's Foreign Ministry.Global Times
Premier Li Keqiang (center) and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Chea Sophara (left) visit an exhibition of achievements in China-Cambodia cultural heritage exchanges and cooperation in Siem Reap,bet mybookie Cambodia, on Thursday. HUANG JINGWEN/XINHUA

Premier Li Keqiang underlined on Thursday the importance of exchanges and cooperation in the development of state-to-state relations as he attended a ceremony marking the handover of the Ta Keo Temple restored with Chinese assistance in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Li, who is paying an official visit to the Southeast Asian country, said in an address that both China and Cambodia have time-honored histories and splendid cultures, and mutual learning has contributed to the vibrant growth of bilateral relations.

The Chinese and Cambodian people's understanding and knowledge of each other's country and culture have laid a solid foundation for bilateral friendship, he said.

People-to-people interactions not only bring together diverse cultures, but also people's hearts, Li said, adding that this has a crucial role to play in keeping international industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded.

The premier reiterated China's commitment to the fundamental national policy of opening-up, saying that China is ready to draw strength from all fine achievements of human civilization and engage in practical cooperation with all countries in economic, social, cultural and other areas.

The Ta Keo Temple is one of hundreds of stone monuments that make up the Angkor World Heritage, which contains the magnificent remains of different capitals of the Khmer empire.

In the early 1990s, the site was under major threat. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has since set up a wide-ranging program to safeguard the site and its surroundings.

Over the years, many countries from both the West and the East, have actively participated in the protection and restoration of Angkor.

The Ta Keo Temple Restoration Project that China handed over on Thursday is the second restoration project undertaken by China under the auspices of UNESCO's ICC-Angkor, an international coordinating mechanism to assist Angkor.

Li said Angkor encapsulates the splendid Khmer culture and is a source of national pride of Cambodia.

The project is good for Cambodia, good for China-Cambodia friendship, and good for inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning, Li added.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Chea Sophara, who also attended the ceremony as the representative of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, thanked China for its assistance to Cambodia in promoting economic and social development, and preserving its national culture.

Cambodia is ready to carry forward its long-standing friendship with China, and have even closer cultural and personnel exchanges with the Chinese side, he said.

Gu Jiayun, director of Beijing Foreign Studies University's Center for Cambodian Studies, said that Chinese experts have shown a high degree of pragmatism and professionalism in Angkor's restoration work.

The Chinese team started its first restoration project in Angkor in 1998. The members spent four years restoring the Chau Say Tevoda Temple from very bad shape with only remnants of the bases, according to Gu.

"Besides the cultural significance, the restoration work will also deliver more economic benefits to local residents by attracting more tourists to Siem Reap, a major tourist hub of Cambodia," Gu added.
China will join in and contribute to the construction of a new global trade system, said Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Tuesday.

Li also called on the United States to be more open and to create more favorable conditions for the two countries deeper cooperation, while meeting a delegation of U.S. business leaders and former senior officials.

The delegation, headed by President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Thomas Donohue, included former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger,former U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, and a group of senior business executives.

Li said a good China-U.S. relationship is conducive to both countries, and will help them to realize more global interests. The two countries should respect each other, strengthen mutual trust, deepen cooperation and control disputes.

He called on business circles and think tanks of the two countries to have closer communication to promote a stable and sound development of the China-U.S. cooperation.

Donohue and several delegation members said deeper cooperation between the United States and China will benefit the two countries and the global economic growth. The U.S. business circles will continue to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation and the development of U.S.-China ties.

Li also pledged that China will be more open and improve the market environment to give fair competition for companies from both home and abroad.

Li also answered questions from U.S. business leaders about Chinas reform and opening up, and China-U.S. trade and financial cooperation.

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Russia invaded Ukraine to prevent it from joining NATO. That has not worked out well for Russia. The question is whether Russia will invade Georgia, in the Caucasus, for continuing its efforts to join NATO. Georgia was working on NATO membership since 1994, long before Ukraine considered it. The Georgians want nothing to do with Russia, which invaded Georgia in 2008 but did not get far. Technically, Georgia and Russia are still at war. That complicates, but does not rule out, gaining NATO membership.

The Caucasus is south of Russia and north of Turkey. Another Caucasus state, oil-rich Azerbaijan, has close ties with Russia. Although Russia has a military assistance treaty with Armenia, Russian officials recently pointed out that the treaty does not cover the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh area, which Azerbaijan conquered after Russia would not send troops to help the Armenians. Russia has several defense-related agreements with Armenia. The first is the 2002 CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) that included Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. All these nations were once components of the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991. The CSTO restored some of the economic and military relationships these nations had before 1991. Georgia deliberately avoided CSTO.

Russia considers both Armenia and Azerbaijan essential buffer states. This is what Russia calls the near abroad and considers those relationships sacrosanct. The Russian paranoia over NATO is mainly about near-abroad nations in Eastern Europe joining or wanting to join NATO. That was not a problem with Armenia, which wanted protection from Turkey, plus Azerbaijan fears of Iranian aggression. Russia did not appreciate Turkey getting involved with the near-abroad states. Russia was diplomatic about the unwelcome Turkish presence and the Turks knew that being in Azerbaijan was seen as a rare victory over ancient foe Russia.

Both Azerbaijan and Armenia were formerly part of the Soviet Union and are quite different even though they were neighbors. Azerbaijan is majority Moslem while Armenia is Christian. Along with the smaller Georgia, these two are the only two nations in the Caucasus that are majority Christian. For over a thousand years Armenians and Georgians resisted efforts by Moslem neighbors to make them Moslem. Russia played a key role in preventing that and considers itself the protector of Armenia.

Georgia, unlike Armenia, wants nothing to do with Russia but Russia wants Georgia to be more submissive to Russia. Thats another reason for Georgia to seek NATO membership. Armenia wants good relationships with both Russia and NATO. This annoys Russia, which does not make a big deal out of it as long as Armenia does not defy its Russian patron. In light of that, Armenia backed away from early efforts to join NATO and returned to the Russian dominated CSTO.

Tiny Georgia, with a population of four million, continues the slow process of gaining NATO membership despite Russian threats and NATO reluctance to gain a member in the distant, from Europe, Caucasus. Georgia sees NATO membership as the key to its future survival. Russia is expected to revive its 2008 war with Georgia one it has extricated itself from the mess it made when it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Russia seems oblivious of how much its smaller neighbors fear being attacked by Russia and absorbed into Russia. Thats what Russia is trying to do in Ukraine and has been at it since 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and parts of two eastern Ukrainian provinces. Georgia considers itself another potential victim of annexation by Russia. NATO was created to protect members from Russian aggression and thats what Georgia wants and needs to remain an independent and sovereign state.
Americas Constitutional system is on the brink of collapse: Jonathan Turley

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Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley reacted to the woke historian who claimed that children will die if the GOP wins this midterm election on Fox & Friends Weekend.

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The fault lines for the 2024 elections are already taking shape with the two parties in diametrically opposed positions and there is no greater divide than over parental rights. That stark difference was no more evident than in a tweet from Rep. Eric Swalwell, who mocked the notion of parents making major decisions in the education of their children.

The California Democrat insisted that it is akin to "putting patients in charge of their own surgeries? Clients in charge of their own trials?" Swalwell declared: "Please tell me what Im missing here  This is so stupid."

What Rep. Swalwell, a lawyer, is missing is called informed consent.

Since he asked for assistance, lets deal with each in turn.

ERIC SWALWELL LAMENTS IT'S SO STUPID FOR PARENTS TO CONTROL THEIR KIDS' EDUCATION

Patients and medical consent

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American torts have long required consent in medical torts. Indeed, what Swalwell seemed to suggest would be battery for doctors to make the key decisions over surgical goals or purposes. Indeed, even when doctors secured consent to operate on one ear, it was still considered battery when they decided in the operation to address the other ear in the best interests of the patient. Mohr v. Williams (Minn. 1905).

In Canterbury v. Spence the court rejected claims that a physician can make key decisions given "the patients right of self-determination." Thus, doctors in the United States do have to secure the consent of patients in what they intend to do in surgeries or other medical procedures. (There are narrow exceptions such things as "substituted consent" or emergencies that do not apply here).

Ironically, California has one of the strongest patient-based consent rules. As the California Supreme Court stated in Cobbs v. Grant (1972): "Unlimited discretion in the physician is irreconcilable with the basic right of the patient to make the ultimate informed decision regarding the course of treatment to which he knowledgeably consents to be subjected."

While obviously a patient cannot direct an operation itself, the doctor is expected to explain and secure the consent of the patient in what a surgery will attempt and how it will be accomplished. That is precisely what parents are demanding in looking at the subjects and books being taught in school. Moreover, that is precisely the role of school boards, which has historically exercised concurrent authority over the schools with the teachers hired under the school board-approved budgets.

Clients and legal consent

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Swalwell is also wrong in suggesting that clients are not in charge of their own trials. Not only must attorneys secure the consent of their clients on what will be argued in trial, but they can be removed by their clients for failure to adequately represent their interests. It would be malpractice for a lawyer to tell a client, as suggested by Swalwell, that they do not control the major decisions in their own cases.

Ironically, the informed consent is defined in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as the "agreement by a person to a proposed course of conduct after the lawyer has communicated adequate information and explanation about the material risks of and reasonably available alternatives to the proposed course of conduct."

Obviously, lawyers must follow their own ethical and professional judgment in trials, and tactical choices are generally left up to the lawyers. However, the main objectives of the trial remain for the client to "knowingly and voluntarily assume the risks of a particular course." Metrick v. Chatz (Ill. App. Ct. 1994).

Much like the claim of parents, clients demand the right to reject a plan for trial and the arguments or means to be used at trial. This right of consent is ongoing and can be exercised at any point in the litigation.

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Rep. Eric Swalwell listens during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on April 6, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Informed consent

Of course, the key to informed consent is that parents are given the information needed to secure their consent. School districts have been resisting such disclosures and pushing back on parental opposition to major curriculum or policy decisions.

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What is most striking about Swalwells reference to patients and clients is that they, under his educational approach, have far more voice in a wart removal or a parking ticket challenge than the education of their children. If anything, his analogies support the call for greater parental knowledge and consent.

In other words, "what is missing here" is that Rep. Swalwells interpretation could constitute both medical and legal malpractice. It may also constitute political malpractice as both parties now careen toward the 2024 elections.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JONATHAN TURLEY

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and a practicing criminal defense attorney. He is a Fox News contributor.
Demonstrators protest outside Downing Street against the government's handling of the cost of living crisis as one in three British households is predicted to face fuel poverty this winter amid surging energy prices in London, United Kingdom on September 05, 2022. Photo: AFP

This October 17 marks the 30th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) established by the United Nations (UN). China has eradicated absolute poverty and is marching toward common prosperity. "We have ensured and improved public wellbeing as a matter of priority and pooled resources to wage a critical battle against poverty," a report delivered at the opening session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress on Sunday noted. Nonetheless, poverty-stricken people in the West see little hope for any improvement in their quality of life.



A complex global problem, poverty is also plaguing developed countries in the West. A report released by the US Census Bureau on October 4 revealed that the US had 41 million people, or 12.8 percent of its population, living in poverty in 2021, an increase of 2 million people compared to 2019. This is US' first poverty rate increase in a decade. At the same time, 73.7 million people in the European Union (EU) - about 16.5 percent of the population - are at risk of poverty. In the UK, around 14.5 million people are living in poverty, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's UK Poverty Profile 2022. That's more than one in every five people.



Although the poverty threshold is set a bit higher in the West than standards typically used by international organizations, those alarming figures still demonstrate how much worse the life of those facing poverty in Western countries has become over recent years.



Poverty is at the root of many social and economic problems. To many extents, a number of contradictions and conflicts are now emerging within the West from the failure to address the widening wealth gap between groups. However, Western political elites have long neglected poor people.



Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said at a UN conference last year that he comes from a country that not only doesn't care about the world's poor, but it also doesn't even care about its own poor. And poverty is an almost unsolvable problem in Western countries. At a political level, the inaction of some Western governments has led to the uneven development of the capital market and the growing prominence of poverty and other problems it generates. What's more, many Western politicians are unwilling to tackle the issue of poverty, because it would be unprofitable for them and may even negatively impact their own personal interests.



Fan Peng, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Political Sciences, told the Global Times (GT) that in the face of poverty, the West would rather choose to shift the blame onto globalization and other countries, using politicized actions to replace cooperation within the international community focused on global governance.



"The West's failure eventually led to intensifying political conflicts at home. And to distract people from these domestic issues, Western countries begin exporting wars to other parts of the world, causing more suffering and creating more poor people," Fan noted.



In stark contrast to the West's failure to deal with poverty, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty over the past four decades, contributing to almost three-quarters of the reduction in the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide. China's victory has not only solved a major global governance issue, but also added a lot of certainty to the global community.



Ding Yifan, a researcher at the Institute of World Development, Development Research Center of the State Council, said that China's victory in poverty alleviation reflects the advantage of the country's socialist system. The CPC has never forgotten its original goal of improving people's lives. Deeply rooted in the mass people, the CPC has a well-developed organizational structure to implement poverty governance at the grassroots level and achieve precise poverty alleviation.



Though unique, China's valuable experience in poverty alleviation still can help other countries in need. In a recent interview with the GT, Sachs claimed that China's success in poverty alleviation is "not only a wonderful and remarkable accomplishment, but also a road map for Africa and other places still facing extreme poverty."



While striving to achieve common prosperity at home, China is also actively taking steps to promote global cooperation to tackle poverty. The Global Development Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has made poverty reduction one of its key areas, and cooperation projects have focused on dealing with problems, including poverty alleviation. This is what a responsible great power looks like.



Western countries have always had an ambivalent feeling of admiration and jealousy toward China's poverty alleviation efforts. In fact, the West does not need to feel confused over this issue. As long as they are willing to put aside their prejudices against China and view China's success against extreme poverty pragmatically, these nations can also learn some lessons from the Chinese model. But the question is, are Western politicians willing to do so and take meaningful action?



"Dignity for all in practice" is the umbrella theme of this year's IDEP. Today, many people living in persistent poverty are deprived of dignity and respect. If Western elites fail to recognize the urgency of addressing poverty, it is afraid more poor people with the loss of dignity will be found in the West.
Taiwan was ranked Asia-Pacifics No. 7 in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index released Dec. 5 by Transparency International,best cryptocurrency app to buy and sell a Germany-based organization that fights corruption worldwide.

Under the new evaluation system launched this year, Taiwan, with a score of 61 out of 100, followed its neighbors New Zealand at 90, Singapore, 87, Australia, 85, Hong Kong, 76, Japan, 74, and Bhutan, 63. All are among the top 40 out of 176 countries and territories evaluated.

South Korea obtained a score of 56, while mainland China got 39 points.

Compared to the previous 0-10 scale, the updated methodology with a 0-100 scale better captures changes in perceptions of corruption in the public sector of a country over time, the report said.

The index draws on 13 surveys covering expert assessments and surveys of businesspeople.

Liao Ran, the organizations program officer for South Asia and China, said in an interview with Taipei-based Central News Agency that each country was reviewed by at least three independent institutions such as the Economist Intelligence Unit, World Bank and World Economic Forum.

The reports reflect opinions on a nations implementation of anti-corruption regulations, information transparency and efforts in preventing conflict of interest, he said.

Denmark and Finland also received the highest score of 90, while other countries above 80 points were Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the Netherlands, Iceland and Luxemburg, in that order.

The Corruption Perceptions Index is the leading indicator of public sector corruption, offering a yearly snapshot of the relative degree of the corruption problem by ranking countries from all over the globe, the Transparency International website said.

Grace Kuo

Taiwan Today

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SHIRLEY HAZZARD: A Writing Life,sonic the hedgehog sb betting login by Brigitta Olubas

In 2003, at the 92nd Street Y, the writer Shirley Hazzard spoke of her new novel, The Great Fire, which would go on to win a National Book Award a few weeks later. She said: The world likes to trace the authors life in the novel but the obvious isnt always true. Something that was very close to you and resembles your experience isnt necessarily the deepest version of the story.  One feels for another person. One observes. One imagines.

That formula, that particular admixture of experience and imagination, observation and reading, is the great lure of the literary biography. Readers of Shirley Hazzard, devotees most of us, have had to wait a long time for the story of the life of the creator of some of the most incandescent prose of the past century. A style as complex and lucid as this, Alan Wall wrote in The Guardian, constitutes a species of moral achievement. We are accustomed to waiting. We waited from 1980, when her magnificent novel The Transit of Venus appeared, until 2003, for The Great Fire. Finally, out of Australia, Hazzards country of origin, and six years after her death, comes Brigitta Olubass Shirley Hazzard: A Writing Life, an impeccably researched and deeply incisive account of Hazzards life and work, and the intriguing interplay between the two.

Hazzard, the author of four novels, two story collections and several works of nonfiction, was born in Sydney in 1931. Her father was a heavy drinker and a philanderer, her mother erratic, most likely bipolar. Hazzard said her mother could be funny and delightful, but melodrama, derangement and suicidal threats were more the norm. Once, when Hazzard was 6 or 7, her mother asked her to come put her head in the oven with her to die. Hazzard said that her relentlessly infuriating and manipulative character Dora, in The Transit of Venus, is a very mild dose of my mother  a destroyer who sees herself as a perpetual victim. Her parents were an unhappy pair raising two unhappy daughters who, in that warring household between two real wars, did not bond but became adversaries. The only mention of any connection between the siblings came with the Second World War when they, like the sisters Bronte and Alcott before them, wrote epic romances, theirs about injured pilots and devoted girls. Hazzards mother claimed her daughters love of poetry began nearly as soon as she learned to read, remembering little Shirley sitting on the bottom step reading poetry to me in the kitchen, asking me Dont you think thats beautiful? Throughout her life, poetry was her deepest literary love, and she had a prodigious memory for it. During her early years in Australia, poetry was a private passion, one not shared by anyone she knew.

After the war, in 1947, her father took a job in Hong Kong. The family traveled by boat, stopping in Kure, Japan. An army jeep took them to see nearby Hiroshima. If the romance that awaited her in Hong Kong inspired her perennial theme of doomed but eternal love, it was this sight of Hiroshima that was at the root of her inquisition of history, her compassion for its victims and her insistence on a moral vision. She was in Kure for little over a week, but she would return to this part of Japan many times in her fiction.

Image

Her arrival in Hong Kong at 16 marked the end of her formal education. She took a job as a junior staffer in a British intelligence unit, where she met Alexis Vedeniapine, a 32-year-old officer in the British Army, whose love and memory for poetry rivaled hers. A Russian raised in Shanghai, educated in England and scarred by the Second World War, Alec would become her first and arguably  despite the many to follow, including her husband of 30 years  her greatest and most enduring love. Alecs brutal war experiences and trauma show up frequently in her fiction, spread among several characters. Hazzard fell hard and fast; her diary entries reveal a girl tormented by an older mans ambivalence and inaccessibility.

A year and a half after arriving in Hong Kong, Hazzards sister, Valerie, contracted tuberculosis and the family returned hastily to Sydney for her treatment. Hazzard and Alec wrote to each other. Hazzard enrolled at Miss Hales Secretarial College, and Alec returned to England to become a farmer. There was an engagement, followed by letters from her asking for declarations of love and responses from him about cattle purchases and fruit bottling. Alecs letters reveal a man coping with his demons through long, isolated days of physical labor. Hazzard, still a teenager, did not see his fragility, or his growing concern that she might not be suited to rural farm life. Every letter was a disappointment. Decades later, she would write with staggering compassion about the suffering of the veterans of that war, but the teenager perceived only a lack of passion and devotion.

The relationship fell apart when Hazzard put off a trip to England five times, and Alec, after a period of physical, mental and financial collapse, wrote that he could not ask her to share this unstable life with him. In Hazzards retelling of this story, however, her parents disapproval ended the engagement; her mother confiscated a crucial letter, which permanently thwarted their plans. Olubas finds no evidence for this plotline. She finds no evidence for many of the stories Hazzard told about her life. A scholar at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, and the author of a monograph on Hazzard as well as the editor of two volumes of her work, Olubas is not in the business of hagiography. She is in pursuit of the truth. She tells it straight and we trust her.

By 1951 Valerie had recovered and her father took a job in New York, bringing the family to live on Fifth Avenue. Hazzard found secretarial work at the U.N., an organization hobbled at that time by the paranoias of McCarthyism and deference to the United States, and whose flaws she would detail later in a satirical collection of stories as well as two works of nonfiction. At the U.N. she found like-minded friends and lovers who introduced her to Auden at a party and took her to see Dylan Thomas read and Martha Graham dance. She began a series of relationships with older, unavailable, often married men, which filled up the pages of her diary with yearning and despair.

Image The genius of Hazzards fiction is that she is able to convey great love, monumental feelings, with supreme control.Credit...Jill Krementz, All Rights Reserved

These repetitive, self-pitying and occasionally suicidal entries are at odds with the equilibrium of her future characters Sophie, Caro and Helen, whose devastations in life and love serve to reveal and enhance a deep inner strength. Hazzard, Olubas writes, had a devotional belief in romantic and sexual love that is aligned with her sense of human connectedness and above all with poetry, which is at heart for her a way of being human. The genius of Hazzards fiction is that she is able to convey great love, monumental feelings, with supreme control. Her protagonists, male and female alike, love without reserve and forever, despite inevitable separation or death, and have an ability to withstand blows with stoic sang-froid, weakening only momentarily at the sight of a pair of gloves, perhaps, or a loden green coat.

In 1956, after a particularly difficult breakup, Hazzard took a U.N. job in Naples for a year. On the advice of a friend at the organization, she stayed at a villa outside Siena owned by an intellectual, anti-Fascist family that rented out rooms to writers and artists from all over the world.

Until this section of Shirley Hazzard: A Writing Life, there has been no mention of a dream or goal of becoming a writer, but Italy would change that. This villa, Solaia, was the closest thing to a home Hazzard had ever known, and she would return to it each summer for the better part of a decade. Its owner would inspire the character of Luisa in her first novel, The Evening of the Holiday. It was in the kitchen of Solaia in 1960 that she opened her first acceptance letter from The New Yorker. She would go on to publish 29 stories and one novel, The Evening of the Holiday, in its entirety in the pages of that magazine between 1961 and 1990.

Back in New York in 1963 Hazzards friend Muriel Spark gave a party and told Hazzard beforehand: Theres a man coming I think you ought to marry. After nearly a year of ambivalence on his part and misery on hers, they did marry. Francis Steegmuller was 25 years older, a widower, an art collector and a successful author of 14 books, including biographies of Flaubert and Maupassant. His vacillations about Hazzard  there was another woman, there was his grief and there were rumors of his preference for men  lasted into the first year of their marriage, after which the two settled into a seemingly unexamined union until his death in 1994. Her letters and diaries, and the biography itself, become a long list of writers and artists whom they saw in New York, Paris, London, Rome, Naples or Capri. For the reader, the onslaught is exhausting, even if it does mean hanging with Robert Penn Warren or Elizabeth Bowen or Saul Bellow. Hazzards diary entries during this time, Olubas writes, reveal the seriousness with which she approached these social occasions and her effort to learn how to carry herself in these circles.

Despite Sparks advice to make it plain youve got a vocation as a writer first and cook second, Hazzard seems to have put Steegmullers career before her own. His research demanded much travel and Hazzard seemed always to join him. Olubas does not interrogate the extent of his demands on her, his response to her successes or why her books came out at a glacial pace compared with his. She does say that his friends viewed him as needy, a man with depressive qualities and a deep insecurity about his writing, which gives us a hint. Later, when he was suffering from dementia yet working on three books at once, Olubas suggests that Hazzard contributed to the writing.

Image Shirley Hazzard in 2004. Hazzard, Olubas writes, had a devotional belief in romantic and sexual love that is aligned with her sense of human connectedness and above all with poetry, which is at heart for her a way of being human.Credit...David Levenson/Getty Images

Hazzards own books arrive in this biography whole and as mysteriously as immaculate conceptions, without a sense of having been wrestled into creation. The writer in A Writing Life is elusive. Olubas acknowledges that apart from occasional complaints about not finding time to work, Hazzard said little about her experience of writing. That changed in 2002 when she was finishing The Great Fire and she recorded day after day the significance for her own life of this story and its writing down.

She called it her Hong Kong novel, though she placed the central love affair between 17-year-old Helen Driscoll and 32-year-old Aldred Leith in Japan. To do this she returned to her diaries and Alecs letters and grieved all over again the loss of that love. She wrote to him in the margins of the 1948 diary and addressed him directly in her current one: Your hand, on the envelope, on the page, stops my heart and never ceases to do so. And never will.It was her last novel. Soon after it was published, Hazzard became aware of the beginning of her own dementia. She stopped writing in her diary in 2007. Eventually she stopped speaking. She died at home in 2016.

The Great Fire is a great rewriting of Shirley Hazzards emotional history. Aldred gives Helen all the declarations and promises of eternal devotion Hazzard wanted from Alec. It also contains a clue to the origins of Hazzards writing life, and perhaps to the mystery of why she did not get on any of the boats that left for England when Alec was expecting her. In a passage Olubas does not mention but her brilliant biography now sheds light on, Hazzard describes young Helen writing letters to Aldred after their separation:

At evening in her room, writing her letter, Helen Driscoll was repossessed of her powers.  If the incidents of her days were weighed for possible recounting in the letter, that was less for their interest than as an opportunity for expression, even artistry. A girl transported to the last curve of the globe might write what a great man would read at the self-sufficient northern heart of the world. The love that moved her then was nearly joyful, no longer victimized by distance.

Perhaps it was the writing, the act of creation, that Helen, that Hazzard, loved most of all.

Lily King is the author of five novels and, most recently, the story collection Five Tuesdays in Winter.

SHIRLEY HAZZARD: A Writing Life| By Brigitta Olubas | Illustrated | 564 pp. | Farrar, Straus & Giroux | $35

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Ph.D., Psychology, Fielding Graduate University

M.A., Psychology, Fielding Graduate University

B.A., Film Studies, Cornell University

The term interference is used to explain why people forget long-term memories. There are two forms of interference: proactive interference, in which old memories disrupt the retrieval of new memories, and retroactive interference, in which new memories disrupt the retrieval and maintenance of old memories.

Key Takeaways: Proactive and Retroactive Interference

Interference theory is one of several theories that explain why we forget. It posits that memories compete, which means one memory may interfere with another when an individual is trying to retrieve information from long-term memory.

There are two kinds of interference: proactive, where old memories interfere with the recall of new memories, and retroactive memories, where new memories interfere with the recall of old memories.

While there is a great deal of evidence for interference, many of the studies that support the theory are conducted using memory tasks that are performed a short time apart. This reduces the studies ecological validity and ability to be generalized to real life.

Interference Theory

Psychologists are interested in what makes us forget just as much as they are in what makes us remember. Several theories explaining why we forget have been proposed. One is interference, which suggests that an individual may fail to retrieve information from long-term memory because other information interferes. Different pieces of information in long-term memory compete, especially if that information is similar. This leads to certain information being either difficult to recall or completely forgotten.

There are many instances where you might confuse one memory with another. For example, if you go to the movies on a regular basis, you may have trouble remembering who you went to a given film with. Each time you go to the movie theater, the experience is similar. Therefore, different memories of going to the movie theater may become confused in your mind because they are so much alike.

Studies on interference date back over 100 years. One of the first was conducted by John A. Bergstrom in the 1890s. Participants sorted cards into two piles, but when the location of the second pile was changed, participants performed more slowly. This suggested that after learning the initial rules of card sorting they interfered with learning the new rules.

In the 1950s, Brenton J. Underwood examined the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, which plots out the brains inability to retain information over time. He proposed that previously learned information is just as much the reason for forgetting as time is. And because we are learning all the time, there are many opportunities between when we encode information in long-term memory and when we want to retrieve that information for new memories to form that may interfere with this process.

Interference is divided into two types: proactive interference and retroactive interference.

Proactive Interference

Proactive interference happens when an individual is unable to learn new information because old information prevents its retrieval. In other words, old memories interfere with the retrieval of new memories. Older memories are often more strongly encoded in long-term memory because the individual has had more time to revisit and rehearse them. As a result, they are easier to recall than memories that were made more recently. Research has shown that one way to reduce proactive interference is to rehearse the new information through testing or recitation.

Proactive Interference Examples

We encounter numerous examples of proactive interference in our daily lives, including:

During the first month or two of every year, you may find yourself putting the previous year down whenever you write the date. This is because youve frequently rehearsed the previous year and its easier to recall than the new year.

Similarly, if you are trying to learn the Italian language but you previously learned Spanish, you may find yourself frequently recalling Spanish words instead of Italian words.

If you need to use a foreign currency while traveling to another country, you may have trouble mastering which bills and coins are for which denominations because your knowledge of the currency of your own country interferes with your ability to remember.

Retroactive Interference

Retroactive interference happens when an individual is unable to recall old information because new information prevents its retrieval. In other words, new memories interfere with the retrieval of old memories.

Retroactive interference has been shown to disrupt learning. In one study, participants learned a set of German-Japanese word pairs and then a different set as an interference task. The interference task was presented 0, 3, 6, or 9 minutes after the learning task. The interference task reduced learning by as much as 20% regardless of how long participants waited between being presented with the learning task and with the interference task. The researchers suggested that interference may disrupt memory consolidation.

Retroactive Interference Examples

Just like proactive interference, many cases where retroactive interference occur in our daily lives. For example:

If youre an actor and must learn a new monologue for a play, you may forget the previous monologue you learned for a different play.

Likewise, suppose youre a communication major in college. You learn a lot of theories of communication, but as you learn new theories you have trouble recalling the ones you'd learned previously.

After changing jobs, you learn the names of all your new co-workers. Then one day, you run into one of your co-workers from your previous job and incorrectly address them with the name of one of your new colleagues.

Critiques

There is a great deal of research backing up the effects of proactive and retroactive interference. However, there are some issues with the theory. Most studies on interference theory take place in a lab using word memory tasks that are presented fairly close together. In real life, people rarely perform word memory tasks, much less with only a little bit of time between them. As a result, many of the studies of proactive and retroactive interference may not be generalizable to the real world.

Sources
Thepi network worth sky bet jake paul Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Saturday that it is planning to launch another satellite in December after a failed attempt in April.

The second version of Kwangmyongsong-3 will be launched from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, by the Unha-3 carrier rocket between Dec. 10 and Dec. 22, the official KCNA news agency said.

Scientists and technicians of the DPRK analyzed the mistakes that were made during the previous April launch and deepened the work of improving the reliability and precision of the satellite and carrier rocket, the KCNA quoted a spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology as saying.

The DPRK launched a Kwangmyongsong-3 on April 13 to mark the 100th birthday of late DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. The long-range rocket crashed into the sea after traveling a short distance.

The UN Security Council condemned the launch and demanded that Pyongyang fully comply with relevant resolutions and suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program.

The KCNA said during the April launch, the DPRK ensured utmost transparency of the peaceful scientific and technological satellite launch and promoted international trust in space science researches.

Pyongyang will fully comply with relevant international rules during the December launch, it added.

Xinhua

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Interpol called airlines to establish without delay an international database of passports to prevent further acts of terrorism similar to that of September 11,chumba casino refer a friend 2001.

Data sharing could help to detect fraudulent passports easily, said Ronald Noble, secretary general of the police organization, to the General Assembly of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Singapore.

You must create a database that gathers information on travelers worldwide,  and record the numbers of stolen passports, he said.

Mr. Noble noted that one of the perpetrators of September 11, 2001 had entered the US with a stolen passport. But he regretted that the airlines are reluctant to share information on the identity of their customers.

This problem has existed since 1993 and last year half a million passengers have traveled on international flights without their passports being scrutinized,  he said. The industry should concern but it does not seem to do it,  said Secretary General of the organization based in Lyon (France).

The proposal of Interpol has received a mixed reception by representatives of member airlines of IATA. I am not in favor of profiling,  said one of them to Mr. Noble, emphasizing that violent organizations could use person not listed on blacklists as mules.

Elyezer Shkedy, CEO of the Israeli airline El Al, has defended the initiative of Interpol, indicating that it was not asking companies to share all information about their customers, but only those necessary to fight against terrorism. 

This is a global problem and to fight in the world, you must carry out checks,  he added. Based in Geneva, IATA represents 230 airlines accounting for more than 90% of world traffic.

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Wedding ceremony halted as kangaroo fight breaks out

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An Australian wedding was temporarily delayed after kangaroos near the venue began fighting one another.

A bride and groom about to be married may not have gotten a kick out of this.

A couple's wedding ceremony was delayed when two kangaroos were spotted fighting near the venue.

The Jervis Bay, New South Wales, wedding was about to begin when wedding guests spotted two kangaroos fighting off to the side.

WEDDING MISHAP: BRIDE STOPS ENTIRE CEREMONY WHEN SHE FORGETS PART OF HER WEDDING DRESS

A video captures the moment the large kangaroos were seen on their large and powerful hind legs, fighting each other.

As a result of the fight, the wedding ceremony was temporarily delayed.

The two animals continued to fight, causing the wedding guests to watch in shock and dismay. (@mitchchuri via Storyful)

Videographer and commentator Mitch Churi can be heard talking about the encounter.

WEDDING WINNERS 2022: THE BEST 10 STATES FOR WEDDINGS THIS YEAR (DID YOUR STATE MAKE THE LIST?)

At one point, he jokes about the timing of the incident  wedding day.

Two large and aggressive kangaroos attracted undue attention at a couple's wedding. (@mitchchuri via Storyful)

"Weddings are all fun and games until some of the guests start to fight," he said.

MICHIGAN MAN PROPOSES TO HIS GIRLFRIEND WITH A SWEETGREEN SALAD

In the video, the two kangaroos can be seen standing on their hind legs and attacking one another.

One kangaroo even went for the gut of the other kangaroo.

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"Right in the gut," said the videographer.

The two kangaroos can be seen fighting in the field. (@mitchchuri via Storyful)

The crowd of wedding guests was apparently completely fixated on the fight.

"Everybody stopped looking for the bride and groom and spent 20 minutes watching the fight," he said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

After the kangaroos calmed down and left the area  the ceremony then began.

Brittany Kasko is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital.
Its fate was written: the Titanic II,magical spin casino promo code a small yacht named in memory of the ship which sank in 1912, suffered the same fate during its maiden voyage in an English port, this time without casualties and without struck an iceberg.

Without the help of the captain of the port, I sank with the Titanic, he told the British owner of the vessel by 4.8 meters long, Mark Wilkinson, quoted in the British press today. All that is really annoying, and Im sick and tired of people asking me if I hit an iceberg,  he added.

Mr. Wilkinson was out fishing off Dorset in southern England, for the first time aboard his new acquisition. Upon returning to port in West Bay, things have gone wrong, the hull was leaking.

Photographs published in British newspapers show Mr. Wilkinson clinging desperately to the small visible part of his sinking ship to peak. It was not a very big boat. I think that ice could have run,  commented ironically a witness.

The Titanic left Southampton for New York rally, sank April 14, 1912, after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage in the Atlantic. More than 1,500 people died during the shipwreck.

Telegraphy

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Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

Atomic theory is a scientific description of the nature of atoms and matter that combines elements of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. According to modern theory, matter is made of tiny particles called atoms, which are in turn made up of subatomic particles. Atoms of a given element are identical in many respects and different from atoms of other elements. Atoms combine in fixed proportions with other atoms to form molecules and compounds.

The theory has evolved over time, from the philosophy of atomism to modern quantum mechanics. Here's a brief history of atomic theory:

The Atom and Atomism

Greek philosopher Democritus. Ojimorena / Getty Images

Atomic theory originated as a philosophical concept in ancient India and Greece. The word "atom" comes from the ancient Greek word atomos, which means indivisible. According to atomism, matter consists of discrete particles. However, the theory was one of many explanations for matter and wasn't based on empirical data. In the fifth century BCE, Democritus proposed that matter consists of indestructible, indivisible units called atoms. The Roman poet Lucretius recorded the idea, so it survived through the Dark Ages for later consideration.

Dalton's Atomic Theory

Vladimir Godnik / Getty Images

It took until the end of the 18th century for science to provide concrete evidence of the existence of atoms. In 1789, Antoine Lavoisier formulated the law of conservation of mass, which states that the mass of the products of a reaction is the same as the mass of the reactants. Ten years later, Joseph Louis Proust proposed the law of definite proportions, which states that the masses of elements in a compound always occur in the same proportion.

These theories didn't reference atoms, yet John Dalton built upon them to develop the law of multiple proportions, which states that the ratios of masses of elements in a compound are small whole numbers. Dalton's law of multiple proportions drew from experimental data. He proposed that each chemical element consists of a single type of atom that could not be destroyed by any chemical means. His oral presentation (1803) and publication (1805) marked the beginning of the scientific atomic theory.

In 1811, Amedeo Avogadro corrected a problem with Dalton's theory when he proposed that equal volumes of gases at equal temperature and pressure contain the same number of particles. Avogadro's law made it possible to accurately estimate the atomic masses of elements and made a clear distinction between atoms and molecules.

Another significant contribution to atomic theory was made in 1827 by botanist Robert Brown, who noticed that dust particles floating in water seemed to move randomly for no known reason. In 1905, Albert Einstein postulated that Brownian motion was due to the movement of water molecules. The model and its validation in 1908 by Jean Perrin supported atomic theory and particle theory.

Plum Pudding Model and Rutherford Model

JESPER KLAUSEN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

Up to this point, atoms were believed to be the smallest units of matter. In 1897, J.J. Thomson discovered the electron. He believed atoms could be divided. Because the electron carried a negative charge, he proposed a plum pudding model of the atom, in which electrons were embedded in a mass of positive charge to yield an electrically neutral atom.

Ernest Rutherford, one of Thomson's students, disproved the plum pudding model in 1909. Rutherford found that the positive charge of an atom and most of its mass were at the center, or nucleus, of an atom. He described a planetary model in which electrons orbited a small, positive-charged nucleus.

Bohr Model of the Atom

ismagilov / Getty Images

Rutherford was on the right track, but his model couldn't explain the emission and absorption spectra of atoms, nor why the electrons didn't crash into the nucleus. In 1913, Niels Bohr proposed the Bohr model, which states that electrons only orbit the nucleus at specific distances from the nucleus. According to his model, electrons couldn't spiral into the nucleus but could make quantum leaps between energy levels.

Quantum Atomic Theory

vchal / Getty Images

Bohr's model explained the spectral lines of hydrogen but didn't extend to the behavior of atoms with multiple electrons. Several discoveries expanded the understanding of atoms. In 1913, Frederick Soddy described isotopes, which were forms of an atom of one element that contained different numbers of neutrons. Neutrons were discovered in 1932.

Louis de Broglie proposed a wavelike behavior of moving particles, which Erwin Schrodinger described using Schrodinger's equation (1926). This, in turn, led to Werner Heisenberg's uncertainty principle (1927), which states that it's not possible to simultaneously know both the position and momentum of an electron.

Quantum mechanics led to an atomic theory in which atoms consist of smaller particles. The electron can potentially be found anywhere in the atom but is found with the greatest probability in an atomic orbital or energy level. Rather than the circular orbits of Rutherford's model, modern atomic theory describes orbitals that may be spherical, dumbbell-shaped, etc. For atoms with a high number of electrons, relativistic effects come into play, since the particles are moving at a fraction of the speed of light.

Modern scientists have found smaller particles that make up the protons, neutrons, and electrons, although the atom remains the smallest unit of matter that can't be divided using chemical means.
Iraq has broken ground on a $2 billion project to build a residential city outside capital Baghdad, featuring 30,000 housing units as well as other key amenities, reported Bloomberg.

The Jawahiri project is part of a broader plan to construct five cities across Iraq, stated the report, adding the proposed city will include universities, commercial centres, schools and healthcare facilities.

The work is being implemented by two Chinese firms - East China Engineering Science and Technology Company and China National Chemical Engineering Company - in collaboration with their Iraqi partner Shams Al Binaa.

The Iraqi government aims to build between 250,000 and 300,000 housing units for poor and middle-class families, stated the report citing Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al Sudani.

The project is part of plan to construct five cities across the country in Karbala, Anbar, Nineveh and Babel provinces, said the Bloomberg report.

Four more are expected to be awarded soon and another 10 will be announced next year, it added.
Thekbo free picks today food prices could double in the next twenty years and the global demand may increase 70% by 2050, the charity Oxfam warned in a report released Tuesday.

The document denounces that the food supply system is currently failing, citing threats to food production, the exhaustion of natural resources and the consequences of climate change.

Oxfam launched Wednesday a global campaign entitled GROW. This, says Oxfam to raise awareness about food, its accessibility, its high cost, problems related to production and marketing, and the widening gap between population growth and increasing agricultural production.

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Father Joel Roman Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists.

The most notorious states are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where death is an acceptable legal remedy.

Asia Bibi, as she is known, was arrested and sentenced to death.

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

The death toll, which experts believe has been significantly undercut by secret burials, stands at 7,905. The Race for the Ebola Vaccine|Abby Haglage|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

This is the place where the Muscovite criminals are banished to, if they are not put to death. The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe

Elyon is the name of an ancient Phnician god, slain by his son El, no doubt the first-born of death in Job xviii. Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway

Your sacrifice shall be the agony of agonies, the death of deaths, and yet you'll find yourself unable to resist. Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Good is set against evil, and life against death: so also is the sinner against a just man. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
China is betting with a bookieabout to get a senior position at International Monetary Fund, it was learned Wednesday from sources close to the matter, while Christine Lagarde, the new boss of the IMF, has pledged to give more power to emerging countries.

According to sources at the IMF, Chinas Zhu Min (), who was deputy governor of the Peoples Bank of China and special adviser to Dominique Strauss-Kahns predecessor Christine Lagarde, would be appointed to a new position of Deputy Director General, to be created by Christine Lagarde.

Min Zhu should be appointed to a position of Deputy Director General, a member of the Board of the IMF told Reuters. Wednesday at her first press conference as director general of the IMF, Christine Lagarde promised to give developing countries a greater role within the institution. She said she envisaged the establishment of a high-level position that would be given to a candidate of an emerging country.

Emerging countries want their voices better heard in the international institutions to reflect their growing economic weight.

China had said it wanted a high-level position but was blocked by the fact that Japan holds a long position of Director General.

The appointment of Min Zhu, , Asia would give two senior management positions in the IMF over the chairmanship of the Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), which was recently named the Singapore Finance Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

The position of number two in the IMF will also have to be provided with the departure of the American John Lipsky at the end of August. The name of the White House adviser David Lipton circulated for this position, which would thus remain in American hands.

During his campaign, Christine Lagarde had gone to Beijing. She was chosen with the support of China and other emerging countries.

The world will continue to change, she told reporters Wednesday. We have the tectonic plates that move right now and this must be reflected in the composition of the Governance and Employment Fund.

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A senior Chinese diplomat to the UN on Wednesday urged the international community to respect the sovereignty and political independence of Afghanistan when the country holds a planned presidential election in 2014.

Wang Min,ladbrokes 49's app coinzoom reddit Chinas deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the call while addressing an open meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan.

Wang said that the presidential election in 2014 is a key element in the Afghan political process. China welcomes the time framework of the election defined by the Afghan government.

The United Nations has rich electoral expertise and experiences. China welcomes the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) providing electoral assistance to Afghanistan as required by the government, said Wang.

The realization of lasting peace and security in Afghanistan is still faced with challenges. China welcomes the efforts made by Afghanistan in strengthening the capacity of its security forces and gradually shouldering the responsibility of maintaining national security and stability, the Chinese envoy noted.

Under current circumstances, the transfer of security responsibilities should be conducted in a gradual and orderly way in order to safeguard the general stability of the situation in Afghanistan, Wang said.

China also supports the implementation of the Kabul Communique to promote the national reconciliation process led by the Afghan government, he added.

Only by realizing prosperity and development of Afghanistan can the foundation be laid for the lasting peace and security in the war-torn country, Wang said.

China supports the efforts made by the Afghan government in growing economy, increasing jobs and improving peoples life, he said. We hope that the international community can honor their aid assistance to Afghanistan, respect the development priority identified by the Afghan government independently. The key now is to help alleviate the food shortage in some parts of Afghanistan.

Xinhua

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The criminal community is operating 24/7: LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva

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LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva shares his insight on hundreds of CA criminal cases being dismissed on Fox News @ Night.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva accepted defeat in his pursuit for a second four-year term in the top law enforcement spot to Robert Luna on Tuesday.

Villanueva, who had a reputation for defying police defunders and vaccine mandates, conceded to his opponent during a press conference where he faulted the county for its negotiation methodology before thanking his staff.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva says deputies making arrests, but cases fall apart when they reach DA Gascon. On Tuesday, Los Angeles Couynty supervisors voters to draft a proposal to give them the power to remove him from office. (Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews)

Whenever there was an executive meeting where decisions were made, he said, they would decide what the right thing to do was, and then figure out how to make it happen.

CALIFORNIA ELECTION RESULTS: LA SHERIFF VILLANUEVA, WHO DEFIED DEFUNDERS, HEADS TO NOVEMBER RUNOFF

"You can negotiate on practices, but you cant negotiate on principles," Villanueva said. "I realize the political environment here in LA has it exactly opposite, but thats the way it should be."

The now former sheriff also had a message for the media, thanking them for their patience and encouraging them to continue to speak the truth and be the voice of democracy.

LOS ANGELES-CA-MAY 31, 2022: Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva speaks during a news conference at the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles to announce the results of a recent marijuana eradication operation in the Antelope Valley. ((Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images))

"You cant survive if all you can do is pair it with the political narrative of the establishment," he said. "That is democracy in decline. So, get back to reporting everything, both sides, passionately, and then well be better off because of it."

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA REFUSES TO ENFORCE VACCINE MANDATE AT HIS AGENCY: SEVERELY UNDERSTAFFED

The LA County Registrar-Recorder website posted live results from the election, and as of Tuesday, Luna had received 60 percent of the vote and Villanueva had 40 percent.

There was also an amendment to the County charter that voters approved with 70.6 percent of the vote. The amendment gives the County Board of Supervisors the authority to remove an elected sheriff from office for cause, including a violation of the law, neglect of duties, misappropriation of funds, willful falsification of documents, or obstructing an investigation, by a four-fifths vote of the Board of Supervisors.

Los Angeles, CA - February 15: Sheriff Alex Villanueva gives details surrounding a weeklong, statewide operation aimed at combatting human trafficking, at a press conference held in Hall of Justice on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
The E190-E2 passenger airliner exhibited by Embraer is painted as a giant shark at the Airshow China 2018. Photo: VCG

Embraer announced on Thursday that the E190-E2 single-aisle passenger aircraft has received the Type Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, China's civil aviation regulator, which will help it tap the aviation market in second- and third-tier cities.It is expected that certification for Embraer's larger E195-E2 aircraft, which is ongoing, will follow shortly.Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the certification paves the way for significant E190-E2 business opportunities in China, explaining that statistics show that about 1 billion people living in China's second- and third tier cities "have never taken a flight."Meijer said that the E190-E2 and E195-E2, seating up to 114 and 146 passengers respectively, offer complementary capacity to China's indigenous ARJ21 and C919 aircraft.The E190-E2 first began service in Europe in 2018. It is a single-aisle jet with a capacity of up to 114 seats in Embraer's signature two by two seating.Guo Qing, managing director and VP of Commercial Aviation with Embraer China, said that it is the first aircraft in its class to have flown to some of the world's highest airports in western China including Lhasa and Yushu.Embraer's E2 family of aircraft enables airlines to build operational flexibility, match capacity with demand, and add frequent flights, enhancing connectivity in China in the post-epidemic era.The E190-E2 and E195-E2 are the most fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, delivering 17.3 percent and 25.4 percent better fuel efficiency per seat respectively, compared to previous generation E-Jets, according to Embraer.Embraer's latest market forecast revealed that 1,445 new aircraft in the up to 150-seat category will be delivered in China through 2041, thanks to the nation's long-term economic development and the continuing evolution of the Chinese civil aviation system.The ARJ21 is the first domestically made regional passenger jet, which obtained its certification in 2014 in China.Designed with a capacity of 78 to 90 seats and a range of 3,700 km, the ARJ21 can fly in alpine and plateau regions and adapt to varying airport conditions. As a pioneer of Chinese commercial airplanes, the ARJ21 was put into commercial service by Chengdu Airlines in June 2016.The homegrown ARJ21 regional jetliner also received 30 new orders at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, on Wednesday.The C919 aircraft has a layout of 158 to 168 seats, and a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers.
China on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in Syria as a deadline underlined by the UN Security Council nears.

Again, China calls on the Syrian government to respond to [Kofi] Annans six-point proposal and grasp the opportunity to fulfill its promises of troop withdrawal and ceasefire fully and immediately before the deadline, with the actions that it has taken, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said at a regular press briefing, urging the Syrian government to make more efforts to ease current tensions and push ahead with the political resolution process.

The six-point proposal put forward by Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general now acting as an envoy to Syria for the UN and the Arab League, has set April 10 as the deadline for troop withdrawal and April 12 as the deadline for a complete ceasefire between the Syrian army and rebels.

On March 21, the UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement to endorse Annans proposal.

Meanwhile, opposition groups in Syria should also cease fire immediately and take concrete measures to implement Annans six-point proposal, said the Chinese spokesman.

Liu said that Annans proactive efforts to realize a full ceasefire have offered a rare opportunity to resolve the Syrian crisis, which broke out in March 2011.

The Chinese side is deeply concerned with the ongoing violence and conflict that continue to cause more and more casualties in Syria despite the nearing deadline, Liu said.

The Syria issue is highly complicated and it is not easy to secure a political resolution, said the spokesman, adding that Annans mediation efforts are a feasible path to a political resolution to the crisis.

The Chinese side has always been persuading Syria in its own way, said the spokesman, adding that all other parties in the international community should also remain patient and work harder to support Annans mediation efforts.

The Chinese side will continue its firm support for Annan, the envoy, in his mediation efforts to push ahead with a political resolution to the Syria issue, he added.

Xinhua

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China announced Monday the launch of a campaign against the false information, the fake journalists and the illegal press, as part of strengthening the control exercised by the authorities.

Those fake media were peddling false information severely disrupted the press and publishing industry, and have undermined social harmony and stability, said in a statement released by the General Administration of Press and publishing.

The campaign, which is accompanied by stronger media guidelines on official sources of information, will last until the end of the year, said the Administration.

The authorities have also announced the hotline of the campaign: 12390, 010-65212870/2787 as well as its website: www.shdf.gov.cn

In late October, the authorities had ordered tighter control of the Internet, including social networks, to prevent the publication of rumors and vulgar material.

Last month, Chinese leaders have adopted a directive to protect the safety of Chinese culture during the plenum of the Communist Party (CCP).

According to independent observers, this is in large part to strengthen Party control over all media, while a new generation of leaders must come to power in China in one year.

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WASHINGTON,sbo slot 337 area Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A bus of migrants transported from Texas arrived in the U.S. city of Philadelphia on Wednesday, adding fuel to the already intensified partisan debate over immigration in the country.

"Individuals seeking asylum" were sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Philadelphia City Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted.

"All of the folks who arrived here today have been screened by U.S. Customs and Border Control," Kenney wrote, adding that "most will continue traveling to meet family elsewhere."

Kenney, mayor of Pennsylvania's largest city and a Democrat, accused Abbott, a Republican, of "using immigrant families as political pawns."

Abbott announced on Tuesday "the departure of the first group of migrants bused to Philadelphia," which he called a "sanctuary city."

Texas border communities have been "overwhelmed by the historic influx of migrants," said Abbott, criticizing the Biden administration's immigration policy.

In April, Abbott chartered buses to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C. and added New York City and Chicago as additional drop-off locations this summer.

Thousands of migrants have been transported to these cities this year, fueling partisan debate over immigration. 
I think 2014 was my big rock and roll year, and 2015 is gonna be a really good year to hang around the house.

Those threats prompted Lozoya to move her family to California for a time until things cooled down, she said in an interview.

Newsom will likely be out if Harris runs since the two are considered allies, California political insiders said.

But since those rosy scenarios were first floated, the California political scene has grown more crowded.

Excited, Shaheen wasted no time and began interviewing surgeons, deciding upon Dr. Curtis Crane in Greenbrae, California. The Insurance Company Promised a Gender Reassignment. Then They Made a Mistake.|James Joiner|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I really ought to visit my California estates, and I have always wanted to see that part of America. Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton

If those jaspers flash any part of the roll in the Territory before snowfall, I'll get them. Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair

While you were admiring the long roll of the wave, a sudden spray would be dashed over you, and make you catch your breath! Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay

It reminds me of those snow-balls the boys roll up at homethe crowd gathers as it proceeds! Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Commercial real estate defaults could spark second round of U.S. banking crisis in 2024

Xinhua) 18:22, December 31, 2023

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- A possible wave of commercial real estate defaults threatens to prolong the U.S. regional banking crisis into 2024, according to some experts.

"It is all too likely that we will have another round of the regional bank crisis in 2024," Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former official at the International Monetary Fund, told Xinhua.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CRISIS

A possible commercial real estate crisis could impact regional banks next year.

In the wake of COVID-19, many professionals now work from home, while shoppers continue their migration online and away from malls, department stores and outlets.

As a result, commercial space vacancy rates have soared, and commercial property prices are plunging.

Major property investors, such as Brookfield and Blackstone, are starting to walk away from their mortgages, Lachman noted.

The scenario makes it more likely that commercial property owners will, possibly by next year, start defaulting on their loans.

That would be very bad news for small and mid-size banks.

That is because commercial real estate lending by small and mid-sized banks comprises roughly 18 percent of their overall loan portfolios, Lachman noted.

Such a scenario could cause 385 U.S. banks, mostly small and mid-size, to go bankrupt, according to a report released earlier this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

"All of this could pose a serious risk to the economic recovery," Lachman said.

Meanwhile, demand for commercial space continues to drop, with vacancies hitting around 20 percent in Q3.

The value of such properties declined around 20 percent from early 2022 until late 2023, and will likely slip 5 percent to 15 percent in 2024, according to international real estate company CBRE.

Investors could default on anywhere between 10 percent and 20 percent of commercial real estate loans, according to NBER.

Roughly 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars in commercial real estate was "potentially troubled" due to falling property values, according to a report released in August by advisory company Newmark Group, as reported in the Los Angeles Times.

Office space is the biggest problem in the short term, as it comprises over 50 percent of the 626 billion dollars of debt that's slated to mature by the end of 2025.

EMPTY OFFICES

Offices started emptying out during the COVID crisis, when millions of Americans made the shift to at-home work.

Many companies have been unable to persuade employees to return to the office five days a week, as employees are happy to save time and gas money on long commutes.

Sheila Reynolds, an office worker near Washington DC, told Xinhua she now commutes to the office three days a week. But some weeks she does not go to the office at all, explaining that she's "more productive at home."

Companies have also realized they can save money on electricity and other office-related expenses. Some firms have shut their offices completely, with staff working entirely at home.

Employees say the switch helps them remain motivated, as they now can avoid the stress of long commutes.

Some economists warn against comparing the current banking problems with the 2007-2008 meltdown sparked by the Lehman Brothers collapse.

"This is not in the same ballpark," Dean Baker, senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua.

That time was characterized by poorly capitalized banks with trillions of dollars of bad mortgage debt on their books.

It was inevitable that it would lead to a banking crisis, especially since it was coupled with a severe recession brought on by the collapse of the housing bubble, Baker said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer opposes a proposal from five of his colleagues to redraw their election districts. (LASC photo)

The leader of the Louisiana Supreme Court strongly opposes a proposal from five of his colleagues to redraw the justices seven election districts. He says they created a new map without any public input, and he implies state lawmakers might have already agreed to approve it.

Chief Justice John Weimer made his comments in a letter sent late Friday to the incoming governor, attorney general and legislative leaders. Gov.-elect Jeff Landry is expected to call the legislature into special session Jan. 15-23 to update Louisianas congressional districts. A federal court has set an end-of-January deadline for lawmakers to add a second majority-Black district to the states six U.S. House seats.

Weimers missive is the third Louisiana Supreme Court justices have sent to incoming state leaders this week.

The first came Wednesday from Associate Justices Willie Crain, James Genovese, Piper Griffin, Jefferson Hughes and Jay McCallum. They requested support for a proposed map that creates a second majority-Black district among the seven Supreme Court seats. Griffin, who represents the New Orleans-centered District 1, is the only Black and lone woman on the states highest court.

Census numbers for 2020 show Louisianas population of 4.67 million was close to one-third Black, which Democrats and voting rights advocates argue should be reflected through redistricting.

In his letter, Weimer said he also supports an additional minority district but not in the format his fellow justices have suggested.

I am already on the record for years now, openly and vigorously supporting providing an opportunity for additional minority representation on our states highest court, the chief justice wrote. The proposed redistricting plan creates polarization, rather than balance, which serves no one. We can and should do better.

Associate Justice Scott Crichton sent his own letter Thursday in which he opposed his colleagues map. He supported their call for a second minority district but took issue with how the justices proposal obliterates District 2, which he represents. It goes from being a largely contiguous area across northern Louisiana to one that stretches along the Mississippi River from northeast Louisiana down to Baton Rouge, stretching out to include central parts of the states and part of the Florida Parishes.

Weimer also criticized the justices cartography, describing districts as rambling, disconnected and grossly and oddly shaped. Their proposal disregards the requirement in state law for districts to preserve communities of interest, he said.

The proposed boundaries of the 6th District, which Weimer represents, split his home Lafourche Parish between two Supreme Court seats. Its one of a dozen parishes divided between different districts in the proposed map, an alignment that unnecessarily creates administrative issues for the court, the chief justice wrote.

Weimer said he was not shown the proposed districts the five justices submitted until Tuesday when he was asked to sign their letter. He also noted documents that accompanied the map were dated Dec. 5, which Weimer said indicated they were prepared early in the month but not shared with him until this week.

I was not informed who drafted the map or who proposed these districts; however, I was told it reflects a map offered by the NAACP and is designed to protect three current justices who face reelection, Weimer wrote. Also, I have been advised everyone who has received the letter from my colleagues and the majority of the legislature and the parties to the litigation have all decided that this redistricting plan is final and complete and non-negotiable, the chief justice continued. I am not privy to who is calling the shots such that the legislature has possibly already capitulated to this proposed plan before a public hearing can be held.

Rather than add the Louisiana Supreme Courts redistricting to the nine-day special session in January, Weimer wants lawmakers to make it part of their regular session.

Redistricting should be conducted openly, above board, and transparently, and not behind closed doors or without public input or in haste during a special session devoted to the far different question of representation in the U.S. Congress, he wrote There is absolutely no need to rush through the process of redistricting in a special legislative session with a host of brand new legislators.

Louisiana law doesnt require state lawmakers to redraw boundaries for the Supreme Court districts, unlike the legally mandated decennial updates to boundaries for its U.S. House, legislative and state school board seats. Yet justices anticipate a pending 2019 lawsuit that challenges its districts to gain momentum with the added attention to the case over U.S. House seats.

The legislature met twice in 2022 to redraw Louisianas congressional districts, but the Republican majority has refused to create a second minority U.S. House seat. Black voters sued the state in federal over the status quo districts, not only in Congress but also the Louisiana House and Senate. The U.S. Department of Justice has intervened on behalf of the plaintiffs in the case over legislative districts.

During the last years first special session, state lawmakers were also presented with four different versions of new Louisiana Supreme Court districts. Three of them, all House bills, added a second majority-Black district and advanced from a redistricting committee, but none were brought up for a House floor vote.

Weimer addressed a separate topic in his letter that has created divisions within the states judiciary. He suggested its recipients stress to all state judges the need to participate in a National Center for State Courts study of their workload and needs. The findings are expected to factor into if and how the Louisiana Supreme Court adjusts the states 42 judicial districts, five appellate courts and the number of judges who serve them.

Approximately $150,000 of taxpayer funds was invested in this study before some judges on the courts of appeal and district courts reversed themselves and refused to participate, Weimer wrote. Having the right number of judges in the right place is essential to our system of justice. A systemic and complete analysis is necessary because of falling filings over the last 20 years and substantial shifts in population.

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Hugh Jackman got told off by security for going too close to the Christmas tree at New Yorks Rockefeller Center.

Hugh Jackman got told off by security for going too close to the Christmas tree at New Yorks Rockefeller Center

The Wolverine actor, 55, who recently announced his separation from his wife, broke the rule during a festive outing in the city over the holidays when he went to see the huge tree on the morning of 25 December.

He told fans in an Instagram post alongside a series of images of him visiting the Christmas landmark: I highly recommend getting up really early on Christmas morning and taking a walk to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Its so beautiful and not crowded at all. I did get in trouble for going beyond the barrier but the security guard was nice and let me go with just a warning.

Fans flooded the comments section of his post with remarks including: Does the security guard not know you are Wolverine?

This year marked Hughs first Christmas for years as a single man following his split from his 68-year-old actress wife Deborra-lee Furness.

His jokey Christmas post was a change from a recent post that sparked concern among fans after the actor shared pictures of himself appearing dejected.

Hugh and Deborra-lee shocked fans when they announced they were divorcing in September as their marriage was thought to be one of the most solid in Hollywood.

The couple announced their break-up in a statement to People that said: We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.

Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.

We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.

The couple have two children, were together for decades after having tied the knot in 1996 after crossing paths on set of the 1995 TV mini-series Correlli the year before.
Tragic Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun reportedly begged police not to announce his last appearance for questioning over an alleged blackmail plot days before his apparent suicide.

Tragic Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun reportedly begged police not to announce his last appearance for questioning over an alleged blackmail plot days before his apparent suicide

The actor, best known for his role as Park Dong-ik in director Bong Joon-hos 2019 Oscar-winning film about a down-on-their-luck family, was found dead in his car aged 48 on 27 December at Waryong Park in South Koreas capital of Seoul, where his funeral was held on Friday. (29.12.23)

His death came as police were quizzing him over allegations of illegal drug use, accused of using marijuana and other substances at the home of a hostess from a local bar  though Lee insisted she had tricked him into taking the drugs and he had no idea what he was taking, and insisted she had tried to blackmail him.

It has now been reported by the Daily Mail Lees lawyer asked police to close the latest questioning round over the incident on Saturday (23.12.23) to the media, but police rejected the request.

The Mail said the request was disclosed by police officials and legal sources.

Lees lawyer said on Tuesday (26.12.23), a day before the actors body was found, he hoped any future interrogation would be conducted behind closed doors.

He added his client felt burdened by appearing in public settings to discuss the allegations, which could have ended in jail time and a huge fine for Lee due to South Koreas ultra-strict laws on drug use.

Lees shock death has sparked a defence from South Korean police over their intense interrogations of the Parasite actor in the months before his death.

South Korean police chief Kim Hui-jung insisted the measures were justified and carried out with the actors consent to ensure that his side of the story was heard.

He said: The investigation of the deceased was conducted based on specific reports, testimony and evidence and under legally prescribed procedures.

Kim also expressed deep regret over the actors death and offered his condolences to his family.

Between December 23 and 24, police interviewed Lee for 19 hours, though drug tests returned negative or inconclusive results, according to local media.

Lee was discovered dead on Wednesday after writing a memo akin to a suicide note, cops told the Yonhap news agency.
Jonathan Malesic in The Hedgehog Review:

Two years ago, I gave an academic talk via Zoom on the need to limit work in order to combat the culture of burnout in the United States. Following my presentation, a senior scholar had more of a comment than a question for me. He said that we needed to acknowledge our privileged status among workers. When academics criticize the American work ethic, he added, we ought to recognize that most workers cant afford to burn out. Burnout, I took him to be saying, was a luxury, and to complain about it was like flaunting your wealth before someone desperately poor.

Standing in my living room in a sport coat and sandals, I argued in response that in my call for shorter hours and living wages, there was no competition between what was good for us and what was good for the custodians who cleaned university classrooms. Everyone is harmed by burnout culture, I maintained, and if everyone has equal dignity and therefore an equal right to a decent living, then everyone deserves better working conditions, regardless of the work they do.

More here.
Rebel Wilson has found writing her memoir to be a "gut-wrenching" experience.

Rebel Wilson is set to release a memoir

The 43-year-old actress has revealed via social media that she's currently putting the finishing touches to her memoir, admitting that it's been an "emotional" experience.

In a post on her Instagram Story, Rebel explained: "This is how Im spending my nights of my holidays. Just another few thousand to go for the first people that buy the book.

"You guys, I mean, I cant wait for you to read this. Youre going to see a whole new side of me. Lots of funny stuff, and serious stuff  And hopefully you guys will love the book as much as Ive loved writing it - although sometimes its been gut-wrenching and emotional."

In October, Rebel described writing the memoir as a "scary" experience.

Speaking to PEOPLE, the actress shared: "I've been writing the book for the past 18 months because when I write, I have to be totally by myself and isolated. It's just been this secret thing I've been doing by myself for 18 months. It's so exciting now that it's done."

The Hollywood star also revealed that she struggled to find her own distinctive style as a writer.

Rebel admitted that the "first few chapters" of the book were really bad, and she was encouraged by her editor to go back and re-write the opening.

She added: "What I started doing is I just sat there by myself as if I'm just telling the story to a friend. I just kind of found my writing style - as if I'm sitting opposite my friend, telling you all my life's deepest secrets, which is a bit scary."
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The countdown begins! The Filmfare Awards are back again to honour the finest talents of the Hindi film industry at the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism. For decades, we have hosted the grandest celebration of powerful onscreen performances, impactful storytelling and technical excellence. The upcoming star-studded ceremony will be held on January 28, 2024, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. And you get to be a part of it!The voting process for the 69th Filmfare Awards 2024 will open to the public on our website, filmfare.com. You have the opportunity to cast your votes for your favourite films, actors, directors, writers, and more, giving them the chance to win the prestigious Black Lady.Voting lines are open between January 1 to January 7, 2024. Cast your voteEarlier this year, Filmfare and Gujarat Tourism hosted a Filmmakers Roundtable ahead of the 69th Filmfare Awards 2024 with acclaimed filmmakers and Gujarat Government dignitaries in attendance.Read all about it here:Stay tuned for more details as the date draws closer.
Bigg Boss Kannada 10 elimination: Kiccha Sudeep's show has become the talk of the town, all thanks to the entertaining episodes. The show has remained in the headlines since its inception. Be it Tanisha's FIR controversy or Drone Prathap-Sangeetha suffering injuries, BBK 10 has grabbed eyeballs for different reasons.

All eyes are on the weekend episode of Bigg Boss Kannada season 10 as Kiccha Sudeep will announce the name of the evicted contestant. TV buffs are eagerly waiting to know who will get evicted from BBK 10 in week 12.

BIGG BOSS KANNADA 10 GRAND FINALE: SHOW EXTENSION FOR 2 WEEKS

The makers have officially announced that Kiccha Sudeep's Bigg Boss Kannada season 10 has been extended for two weeks. It only means that the grand finale will air on January 27 and January 28, 2024 on Colors Kannada.

Considering the popularity and the buzz surrounding the show, the channel and the production house decided to extend BBK 10. Fans are quite excited as they are keen to know which contestant will win Bigg Boss Kannada 10 and take the winner's trophy in the last week of January 2024.

BIGG BOSS KANNADA 10 EVICTION: TANISHA IS SAFE

According to BBK 10 updates, Tanisha and Sangeetha are safe from elimination. Tanisha, who recently became the new captain of the BB house, managed to safeguard herself from getting evicted. She received a decent amount of votes from her fans.

Considering her popularity, fans expect Tanisha to become a finalist. Sangeetha has also emerged as a strong contender for the finale.

BIGG BOSS KANNADA 10 EVICTION RESULTS: WHO WILL GET ELIMINATED IN BBK 10 TONIGHT?

Eight contestants were nominated for elimination in the current week. Siri, Tanisha Sangeetha, Michael Ajay, Vinay Gowda, Santhosh Tukali, Karthik Mahesh and Varthur Santhosh. The viewers voted for their favourite contestants on JioCinema.

Siri Sirija has been evicted from Bigg Boss Kannada 10 as she received the least number of votes from the audience. Interestingly, Avinash Shetty had predicted Siri's eviction last week in an interview. The wildcard contestant was eliminated from the show in the weekend episode in week 11.
After the phenomenal success of Bigg Boss Malayalam 5, the audience has been eagerly waiting for the next season of the popular reality show. And looks like the wait is about to get over soon as there are reports about Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 going on air in February. The media reports suggested that Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 will be hosted by superstar Mohanlal.

As the audience is looking forward to the next season of Bigg Boss Malayalam, fans have been speculating about who will be participating in the popular reality show this time. Several names have been doing the rounds on social media and it has been adding to the audience's excitement. This includes names like Beena Antony, Anshita Anchi and Diana Hameed among others. To note, Beena was rumoured to be participating in Bigg Boss Malayalam 5 as well.

The media reports also suggested that Jithu Venugopal is also likely to enter the Bigg Boss house in the sixth season. Apart from these, a report published in Malayalam India Today suggested that social media stars Sai Krishna, Asla Marli, Jasmine Jafar, Aaratannan and Amala Shaji, model and presenters Shilpa Bala, Amrita, Nayana, Parvathy Babu, Sreelakshmi Arakkal, Abhishek Sreekumar, actor Shalu Peyad and actress Malaparvathy are also rumoured to be participating in Bigg Boss Malayalam 6.

To note, no official announcement about the official contestant list has been made so far. It will be interesting to see who will be participating in Mohanlal's show this time.

For the uninitiated, Bigg Boss Malayalam 5 was quite popular among the fans and grabbed a lot of attention for its twits and turns. The show was won by Akhil Marar who had won hearts with his strong game on the show. On the other hand, Ranisha Rahman was announced as the first runner up followed by Junais VP, Sobha Viswanath and Shiju respectively
Bigg Boss Tamil 7 has been the talk of the town ever since it was announced. Hosted by legendary superstar Kamal Haasan, the show came with a unique theme and an interesting ensemble of contestants and several ups and down in the journey. And now that the popular reality show is in the 13th week, Bigg Boss Tamil 7 is gearing up for the last weekend ka vaar episode tonight.

While the show has been making headlines for a lot of drama in the house, there have been endless speculations about who will be eliminated from Bigg Boss Tamil 7 on the New Year Eve. To note, this week seven contestants have been nominated for elimination including Manichandra, Dinesh, Raveena Daha, Vishnu, Nixen, Maya Krishnan and Vijay Varma.

As the audience has been voting in large numbers for their favourite contestant, it is reported that Raveena Daha will be eliminated from the show tonight. Needless to say, the reports about Raveena's elimination have got the social media buzzing and fans have even called the elimination unfair citing she did receive enough votes to escape the eliminatioin.

As the social media continues to be divided, did you know Raveena will be taking home a hefty amount for her participation in the show? According to media reports, Raveena charged Rs 18 thousand per episode for her stint on the show. And while she has been a part of the show for 92 episodes, her total earnings for the show turns out to be Rs 16.5 lakhs. To note, Raveena's elimination is yet to be announced officially.

Meanwhile, there are reports about Bigg Boss Tamil 7 having a double elimination this week. This is the second time the show will be having a double elimination this month. Earlier, Ananya and Cool Suresh were also eliminated during the double elimination from the reality show. Who do you think will be walking out of Bigg Boss Tamil 7 this week ahead of the New Year 2024 celebrations?
BEIJING, Dec. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China's ultimate goal is to deliver a better life for the people, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his New Year address on Sunday in Beijing to ring in 2024.

"Our children should be well taken care of and receive good education. Our young people should have the opportunities to pursue their careers and succeed. And our elderly people should have adequate access to medical services and elderly care," Xi pledged.

These issues matter to every family, and they are also a top priority of the government, he stressed. "We must work together to deliver on these issues."

While pursuing its development, China has also embraced the world and fulfilled its responsibility as a major country, Xi added.

"No matter how the global landscape may evolve, peace and development remain the underlying trend, and only cooperation for mutual benefit can deliver," said the Chinese president.

Relying on the people

The year 2023 has not been an easy one for China. Despite sluggish global growth, China has navigated economic headwinds and withstood the test of major natural disasters.

"Having weathered the storm, the Chinese economy is more resilient and dynamic than before," said Xi in Sunday's address.

"The people are the ones we look to when we fight to prevail over all difficulties or challenges," Xi stressed.

In the address, he mentioned that in 2023, some enterprises had a tough time, some people had difficulty finding jobs and meeting basic needs, and some places were hit by floods, typhoons, earthquakes or other natural disasters.

"All these remain at the forefront of my mind," he said.

Looking to the future, Xi urged efforts to steadfastly advance Chinese modernization, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, speed up building the new development paradigm, promote high-quality development, and both pursue development and safeguard security.

The Chinese president also vowed continued support for Hong Kong and Macao to harness their distinctive strengths, better integrate themselves into China's overall development, and secure long-term prosperity and stability.

"China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he added.

Making the world a better place for all

The Chinese president said in his New Year address that conflicts are still raging in some parts of the world.

"We will work closely with the international community for the common good of humanity, build a community with a shared future for mankind, and make the world a better place for all," said Xi.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides a platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind through diverse, high-quality cooperation.

Under the BRI, China has signed more than 200 documents on cooperation with over 150 countries and in excess of 30 international organizations. From 2013 to 2022, the cumulative value of trade between China and BRI countries reached $19.1 trillion, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4 percent.

At the bilateral and multilateral level, China has built communities of shared future with an increasing number of partners in different forms. The China-proposed Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative have gained support from over 100 countries, and the Global Civilization Initiative has also been well received.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-12-31/Embracing-2024-how-will-China-deliver-a-better-life-for-the-people--1pZi3XkVjVe/p.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-embracing-2024-how-will-china-deliver-a-better-life-for-the-people-302024117.html
Actor-politician Vijayakanth, fondly called as Captain passed away at the age of 71. The 71-year-olds condition deteriorated due to pneumonia and despite doctors best efforts, he couldnt survive. The DMDK chief was earlier admitted to the hospital in November due to respiratory issues but was discharged a few weeks later.

However, Malayalam director Alphonse Puthren in one of his posts the Captain was murdered. He wrote an explosive note on social media that read- This is for Udayanidhi Anna. I came from Kerala and sat in the Red Giant office and told you to enter politics. I also asked you to find out who killed Kalaignar, who murdered Iron Lady Jayalalitha. Now you have to find out who killed Captain Vijayakanth. If you ignore this, they already tried to kill Stalin sir and Kamal sir in Indian 2 set.

He added, If you are not going behind the killers now, the killers next target is you or Stalin sir. You remember giving me a gift for Neram becoming a hit. You called the iPhone center and got me an iPhone black colour in 15 minutes. Hope you remember that Udhayanidhi Anna. Finding the murders and their motive is even simpler than that.

As soon as the news came out, fans along with celebrities also mourned his passing and paid heartfelt tributes.

Tributes pour in for Captain Vijayakanth

Actor Kamal Haasan penned a long note in Tamil, paying homage to the actor-turned-politician.

He lived with humanity in every action. He was the creator of innovative ideas in Tamilnadu politics. He had a helping hand extended to the poor. Fearless courage was his hallmark. Vijayakanth, a revolutionary artist who made his mark in both the fields of cinema and politics, will remain forever in our memories. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all his family, volunteers and fans who are grieving his loss, a part of his tweet read.
Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri have collaborated on films like Zeher, Kalyug, Awarapan, Murder 2, and Hamari Adhuri Kahani. They were supposed to work on Aashiqui 2 as well. The actor made this revelation in a recent statement and gave the reason why he said no to the 2013 blockbuster.

As per Pinkvilla, Hashmi was quoted saying, Mohit approached me first for Aashiqui 2 and I was like this would work more with actors who are fairly new, who dont have a roster of past movies or an image with the audience and there would be a sense of discovering a fresh pair. I dont ever have regrets with films I didnt do. They were never meant for me to begin with.

Emraan on Tiger 3

The merciless mercenary is a wily character, whom Emraan describes as cerebral, his mind is his greatest weapon and he also wields immense power over authorities across countries.

Emraan also reveals the name of his character in Tiger 3! He says, I had an amazing time creating Aatish  a man who is fuelled by rage and will go to any length to finish Tiger. I play a very distinctively different villain that is rare in Hindi cinema. He is cerebral, his mind is his greatest weapon and he also wields immense power over authorities across countries to bring his devious plans into motion.

Emraan adds, He single-mindedly wants to destroy Tiger, his family and by doing that, he wants to take out the biggest super agent of India. He knows Tiger will always be the last man standing for India and he wants him removed at any cost.
Aditi Saigal aka Dot made her acting debut with Zoya Akhtar and Netflixs The Archies. Shes a musician and with this film that also saw the debuts of Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda, Saigal has dabbled with the experience of being in front of the screen too. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, she spoke about how she landed a role in the film, her experience of working with Akhtar, and why she rechristened herself as Dot.

Edited excerpts from the interview

Before we talk about The Archies, Everybody Dances To Techno is one of your most popular songs. How did you get the idea for that?

I love to dance on Salsa and I have done that a lot in Delhi, but when I went to the U.K., I felt nobody really dances their hearts out there especially in the towns. I was also going through love and heartbreak at that time so I kind of combined the two things. Thats how I got the idea for the song.

How did The Archies happen?

Zoya had been following my work and she wanted a song from those days for her film. We were on a Zoom call and reworking on the lyrics of a song for the film. As we were doing that during the edit, she asked me if I ever acted, and I said I did that only in school plays. She asked me to audition for the movie and I got the part. I flew down to India from the U.K. and thats how it happened.

How did you balance acting and composing for the film, since it was your debut?

It was so much fun because its a musical so its a perfect starting ground. The film also belongs to the era I absolutely love- The 50s and the 60s. There was always an instrument on sets, when we were shooting at the Lodge Mansion, there was a grand piano there that I used to play in between shots, in our hotel room, there was a guitar. I wrote a lot of music while I was on the sets. The transition was a little easier.

It also marks the debut of Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda. How did all of you prep for your parts and how was the process?

It was like a school trip since we all became really close friends. We used to play a lot of games, we came like a Jhund and used to go like a Jhund. This has been one of the best memories Ive made.

Whats the one quality of your character that you wish you had?

The main quality of her character that I wish I had was to admit that Ive made a mistake. She does that with a lot of grace.

Being a complete outsider, do you feel it is still difficult for people to make a place for themselves in this industry?

Im not trying to make anything, Im only trying to do good work. People who want to recognize me will recognize me, and people who want to work with me will work with me. I just want to create good art.

Your mothers scene from Band Baaja Baaraat went viral on social media the day The Archies released. What was her reaction when she saw your film?

My mother is not an actress but from theatre. She has done Dev D too. She is actually proud of me because of the person I am and how Im growing up to be. She came for the screening and when I saw her face, I just started weeping because it was two years of hardwork we were seeing.

What fascinates you about the world of The Archies?

Its such an idyllic place. Theres no person whos grey. Even the villains are likable, this is a world where youre connected with everyone.

And lastly, what made you change your name to Dot?

Dot is my stage name, its like Madonna or Beyonce. The story is that my mom and I are very close, and when I around 9 or 10 years old, we used to fill these coloring books and Im a perfectionist, I used to get upset every time I used to go out of the line or something like that. But she used to make dots and different designs and do whatever she felt like, and she told me a little dot never hurt anyone but it made a difference to the whole picture, it may be small but it can be significant too.
Tom Wilkinson, the Oscar-nominated British actor known for his roles in The Full Monty, Michael Clayton and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, has died, his family said. He was 75.

A statement shared by his agent on behalf of the family said Wilkinson died suddenly at home on Saturday. It didnt provide further details.

Wilkinson was nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his work in 2001s family drama In The Bedroom and in the best supporting actor category for his role in Michael Clayton, a 2007 legal thriller that starred George Clooney.

He is remembered by many in Britain and beyond for playing former steel mill foreman Gerald Cooper in the 1997 comedy The Full Monty, about a group of unemployed steel workers who formed an unlikely male stripping act.

Wilkinson was born in Yorkshire in northern England in 1948 and spent part of his childhood in Canada. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the 1970s.

He starred in dozens of other TV dramas and movies, from Rush Hour and Batman Begins to Shakespeare in Love, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Valkyrie.

He most recently reunited with his Full Monty co-stars, Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy in a Disney+ series of the same name.

Hell be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him, Carlyle said in a statement. Such a huge performer, a real titan of an actor, one of the greats of not only his, but of any generation.

Wilkinson was recognized for his services to drama in 2005 when he was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire.

He also won a 2009 Golden Globe and 2008 Emmy for his role as Benjamin Franklin in the HBO series John Adams.

Wilkinson married actress Diana Hardcastle in 1988. The couple had two daughters.
Kamal Sadanah, son of late filmmaker Brij Sadanah, was one of the most promising faces of the industry back in 1992 when he made his debut. He began his career with Rahul Rawails Bekhudi opposite another debuting name called Kajol. The film didnt do well commercially but Kamal gave a success with his film Rang a year later with the late Divya Bharti.

On the occasion of his birthday, it has been widely reported his parents had an altercation which resulted in his father firing gunshots at the actors mother and sister and attempting to kill him too, before shooting himself.

The actor is married to make-up artist Lisa John. They have two children together, a son Angath and a daughter Namrata, named after Kamals late sister. Kamals production company Angath Arts Private Limited is named after his son.

He made a comeback in acting with Salaam Venky last year, also starring his first co-star Kajol.

Salaam Venky is a story that depicts the real meaning of the celebration of life. Based on the life of Venkatesh aka Venky, Salaam Venky showcases the beauty of a mothers sacrifices and a son who doesnt believe in giving up. Irrespective of his health condition, Venky believes in living his life to the fullest and he lives every day and every moment like its his last.

The characters from the film associated with Venky, make his life more special and more worth living. Lets enter the world of Venky beginning with knowing Venky, himself.
It is time to remove the term Harappan from designating the ancient civilisation of India, as it is inaccurate and ignores the nature and continuity of Indias civilisation as a whole. Harappan is an artificial and incidental term deriving from the archaeological site of Harappa in Pakistan along with Mohenjo-Daro, which were the major ancient urban sites in greater India discovered in the early twentieth century (1921-22) before the partition of the country. Western archaeologists arbitrarily chose it to designate an entire urban civilisation going back to 3500 BCE, which they viewed more as a lost civilisation than connected to the later history of India.

The term Harappa does not suggest any continuity in Indias history since the ancient period or give the Vedas any place in it. Those who proposed the name were proponents of the Aryan Invasion theory like Mortimer Wheeler, and such a non-Vedic term was useful in perpetuating that theory. Wheeler also promoted the false theory of the massacre at Mohenjo-Daro by invading Aryans which has been archaeologically disproved.

Importance of Rakhigarhi

Today the site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana, located in the Saraswati River region of Kurukshetra, and traditionally regarded as the home of the Vedas, has been proven to be larger and older than Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro which were on the Indus. As Rakhigarhi is the largest Harappan site, it would be more accurate to associate this ancient Indian civilisation with Rakhigarhi rather than Harappa. It better reveals the geographical connections of these sites to later India and its prime historical regions.

The Harappan civilisation has also been called the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) as the Indus River (Sindhu in Indian languages) was the main location of the initial sites discovered. However, further excavations have revealed the majority of the so-called Harappan or Indus sites were located by the Saraswati River, famous in Vedic texts, which dried up around 4000 years ago, showing its antiquity.

An Ancient Maritime Civilisation

In addition, Harappan sites have been found in Gujarat by the ocean in what was then the delta region of the Saraswati River, indicating it was a maritime culture from the Saraswati to the sea. Vedic civilisation was also maritime, with 150 references to the ocean in the oldest Rig Veda alone, including noting the Saraswati River as flowing from the mountains to the sea.

Using nondescript terms like Harappan fits in with the terminology of the Aryan Invasion theory that separates the Vedas from the origins of Indias civilisation, which colonial scholars also maintained. Harappans are often called pre-Vedic or non-Vedic which the Rakhigarhi finds also disprove.

The rivers of Northwest India on which so-called Harappan sites have been found have ancient Vedic names including Sindhu, Saraswati, Vitasta, Parushni (Ravi), Vipas (Beas), Shutudri (Sutlej), Yamuna and Ganga. Vedic texts show a similar culture, artefacts and geography to what has been called Harappan, extending from fire altars to Shiva lingas. We see a continuity of civilisation in India from sites as old as 8000 years ago like Rakhigarhi or Bhirrana, another such ancient site in the Kurukshetra region in Haryana.

Saraswati-Sindhu Vedic Civilisation

In place of Harappan, the civilisation should be better called Vedic Saraswati Civilisation, or Saraswati-Sindhu-Civilisation. Using the term Harappan is misleading for the study of Indias history as it does not suggest the actual centre of the civilisation on the Saraswati River, along with its Vedic and Bharatiya connections.

Ramifications for Indias Textbook Accounts of History

Indian Marxist scholars like Romila Thapar and Irfan Habib who opposed the idea of the Saraswati civilisation were also, not surprisingly, the main academic opponents of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They denied that there ever was any Hindu temple at the Babri Masjid site, even after Prof. B.B Lal, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), showed the evidence. Lal also wrote extensively on the Harappan as a Saraswati and Vedic culture and was involved in the excavation of Harappan sites.

Unfortunately, these same Marxist scholars were given charge over Indias history textbooks by the Congress government, not only relative to the ancient period but medieval and modern periods as well, including Indias independence movement. The youth of India were given their distorted views of Indias history as authoritative, devised to get them to reject their own culture and dharmic civilisation, portraying India as a country of invaders and no such religion as Hinduism but only a series of local cults.

Congress did this trying to gain politically and made the Marxists their intellectual wing in a lack of any thinkers of their own. You can be certain that if the Congress ever came back to power, they would try to restore these academics and their views. Fortunately, Sri Ram has proved too strong for them and the Vedas can no longer be denied their core role in the history of Bharat.

The writer is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies and the author of more than 30 books on yoga and Vedic traditions. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The European Council agreed on Saturday that Romania and Bulgaria will be partially incorporated into the Schengen region of free travel in March 2024.

Romania and Bulgaria, both EU members since 2007, were rejected from the wide Schengen zone, which allows more than 400 million people to travel freely without internal border restrictions, by the end of 2022.

Their applications were first rejected by Austria, which had claimed for years that it was forced to house a disproportionate number of unauthorised immigrants due to inadequately secured external Schengen borders.

According to a statement issued by the European Council on Saturday, the 27 EU member states unanimously decided to abolish controls at the two nations air and maritime borders as of March 31.

Discussions over opening the land borders will continue next year.

The European Commission welcomed the two countries partial Schengen inclusion, which comes after 12 years of negotiations.

An enlarged Schengen area will make the EU stronger as a Union, internally and on the global stage, it said in a statement.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a historic moment.

Today is a day of great pride for Bulgaria and Romania, she said in a post on social media. They both deserve it. They will make Schengen even stronger.

The Schengen area was created in 1985 and includes 23 of the 27 EU member states, as well as their associated neighbours Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Following his remarks during a presidential debate asserting that Taiwans sovereignty and independence belong to its people, Chinas authorities denounced the front-runner for the islands next president as confrontational and a destroyer of peace.

There are tense ties between Beijing and Taipei at the moment of the presidential and legislative elections on January 13. In an effort to bolster its claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, which is democratically governed, China has been using more military force.

China has taken special offence at Taiwans governing Democratic Party (DPP) presidential nominee, Lai Ching-te, who is now serving as vice president and polling well in opinion surveys, claiming he is a dangerous separatist.

Responding late on Saturday to Lais comments at a live televised presidential debate earlier in the day, Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai had exposed his true face as a stubborn worker for Taiwan independence and destroyer of peace across the Taiwan Strait.

His words were full of confrontational thinking, spokesperson Chen Binhua said in a statement.

Since 2016  when President Tsai Ing-wen took office  the DPP-led government has promoted separatism and is the criminal mastermind in obstructing exchanges across the strait and damaging the interests of Taiwans people, Chen said.

As the leading figure of the DPP authorities and current DPP chairman, Lai Ching-te cannot escape his responsibility for this, he added.

Tsai and Lai have repeatedly offered talks with China, but have been rebuffed.

The DPP says only Taiwans people can decide their future, as does Lais main opponent in the election, Hou Yu-ih from Taiwans largest opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT).

The KMT traditionally favours close ties with China but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Hou has also denounced Lai as an independence supporter.

The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedongs communists who founded the Peoples Republic of China. The Republic of China remains Taiwans formal name.

Lai said on Saturday that the Republic of China and Peoples Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, wording he and Tsai have used previously which has also riled Beijing.
There are hundreds of thousands of people living on this desolate desert plain in eastern Afghanistan, surrounded by mountains.

A few people reside in tents. Others are forced to live in the open among mounds of what few possessions they were able to carry with them after they were driven from Pakistan, a neighbour.

The newest aspect of the lengthy and agonising journey of Afghans for a secure place to call home is the vast camp of individuals making their way back to Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing.

Afghanistan has seen more than 40 years of conflict, bloodshed, and poverty, which has resulted in one of the most displaced populations in the world. Six million Afghans are internally displaced and seek safety abroad. Within the 40 million-person nation, an additional 3.5 million people are internally displaced because to conflict, natural disasters, drought, or running out of resources.

An Associated Press photographer spent months travelling throughout Afghanistan, meeting and photographing displaced people and returning refugees as they made their way from the countrys eastern border with Pakistan to its western border with Iran.

Afghanistan is already a poor country, especially after the economic collapse that followed the takeover by the Taliban two years ago. More than 28 million people  two-thirds of the population  rely on international aid to survive.

The displaced are among the poorest of the poor. Many live in camps around the country, unable to afford enough food or firewood for heat in the winter. Women and children often turn to begging. Others marry off their young daughters to families willing to pay them money.

In a camp for internally displaced people outside Kabul, it was 15-year-old Shamilas wedding day. She stood in a bright-red dress among the familys women, who congratulated her. But the girl was miserable.

I have no choice. If I dont accept, my family will be hurt, said Shamila, whose father did not give the familys name because he feared being identified by the Taliban. Her grooms family is giving her father money to pay off the debts hes had to take on to support his wife and children.

I wanted to study and work, I should have gone to school, Shamila said. I have to forget all my dreams  so at least I can help my father and my family a little and maybe I can take the burden off their shoulders.

Pakistans decision earlier this year to deport Afghans who entered illegally struck hard. Many Afghans have lived for decades in Pakistan, driven there by successive wars at home. When the order was announced, hundreds of thousands feared arrest and fled back to Afghanistan. Often Pakistani authorities prevented them from taking anything with them, they say.

Their first stop has been the camp in Torkham, where they might spend days or weeks before Taliban officials send them to a camp elsewhere. With little food and little to protect them from the mountain cold, many in the camp are sick.

In one corner of the camp at the foot of a mountain, 55-year-old Farooq Sadiq sat among some of his belongings, wrapped in cloth, with his wife and children on the ground beside them. Sadiq said he had been living in the Pakistani city of Peshawar for 30 years and owned a home there. Now they had nothing, not even a tent, and had been sleeping on the ground for the past eight nights.

I have nothing in Afghanistan, no house, no place to live, not enough money to buy a house, he said. He hopes to settle somewhere in Afghanistan and get a visa to Pakistan so he can go sell his home there to use the money for his family.

The expulsions from Pakistan have swelled the already large numbers of Afghans who try to migrate into Iran, hoping to find work.

Every month, thousands cross into Iran at the border near Zaranj. Its a risky route: In the dark of night, with the help of smugglers, they clamber over the border wall using ladders and jump down the other side.

Mostly young men, from 12 to their 20s, use this route, planning to work in Iran and send money home to their families. Many are caught by Iranian border guards and sent back.

The other way is longer  a drive by car for hours to Afghanistans southwest border, where they cross into Pakistan to make their way to its border with Iran, passing through mountains and deserts. In Pakistan, fighters from the Sunni militant group Jundallah often attack the migrants, killing or kidnapping Shiites among them.
On Sunday, Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is scheduled to be declared the victor of the recent elections, which opposition leaders have already called a sham.

Tshisekedi won the one-round presidential election based on the partial results that have been made public thus far. The National Independent Electoral Commission (Ceni) will reveal provisional totals on Sunday afternoon.

Tshisekedi, sixty, is a candidate for a second five-year term and has held office since January 2019. By Saturday night, he had a 72 percent lead after 17.8 million ballots had been tabulated.

In second place with 18.9 percent was businessman and former governor of the southeast province of Katanga, Moise Katumbi.

Martin Fayulu  who says he was robbed of the last presidential election in 2018  was next at 5.5 percent, and former prime minister Adolphe Muzito had 1.36 percent.

The 20 remaining candidates, including Denis Mukwege, who won a Nobel Peace Price for his work with female victims of wartime sexual violence, were all under one percent.

We will never accept this sham of an election and organised fraud, Fayulu said last week, as police prevented a protest against the results.

Tshisekedis vote tally is way beyond all expectations, said Tresor Kibangula, a political analyst at the Ebuteli research institute.

His dynamic campaign worked but his scores in some regions raise questions about the impact of the irregularities that were observed.

Numerous irregularities

Some 44 million people out of the 100 million inhabitants of the huge country were registered to vote on December 20 for president, as well as for national and regional lawmakers and municipal councillors.

Initially scheduled for December 20, voting was officially extended by a day to account for problems, and continued for days afterwards in remote areas, according to observers.

One Catholic-Protestant observation mission said it documented numerous cases of irregularities susceptible to have affected the integrity of the vote.

About 15 embassies have called for restraint in the poor but mineral-rich country where post-election tensions have been common.

Authorities say they have taken steps to prevent unrest, especially in the mining areas of the south-east that are Katumbis stronghold.

They also stress that any electoral disputes must be presented to the Constitutional Court, which will announce the final results, expected January 10.

But opposition leaders say they have no confidence in the court, nor in Ceni, which they argue is subservient to the government.
According to the official Palestinian news agency and the Hamas health ministry, a former minister of the Palestinian Authority was murdered on Sunday in an Israeli hit on his residence in the Gaza Strip.

According to the ministry and Wafa news agency, Youssef Salama, 68, a former minister of religious affairs in the Palestinian Authority, was murdered in an attack on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Known for being loyal to Mahmud Abbass party, Fatah, the president of the Palestinian Authority, Salama held the position of minister from February 2005 until March 2006.

In Jerusalems Old City, he was also a preacher at the Al-Aqsa mosque.

The Israeli army did not immediately react on his death.

Following the unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Palestinian terrorists on October 7, Israel began an unrelenting military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israel estimates that 1,140 individuals were killed in the militant attack, the majority of them were civilians.

The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza claims that over 21,800 individuals have died as a result of Israels current offensive in Gaza, the majority of whom were women and children.

(With agency inputs)
Hezbollahs deputy leader in Lebanon stated on Sunday that Israel was not in a position to dictate the groups policies on its presence in the border region while the groups conflict in Gaza rages.

Since the Israel-Hamas battle began on October 7, there have been increasing gunfire exchanges along the Israel-Lebanon border, primarily between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. This has raised concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict.

Thousands of civilians have been evacuated from the border area by the army, and Israel has been pressuring Hezbollah to leave the area north of the Litani River, which is roughly thirty kilometres (20 miles) north of the border.

Israel is trying to show that it has options to assist in the return of displaced Israeli people and drive out Hezbollah from the border region, according to Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem.

In a speech, Qassem warned that Israel first must stop the Gaza war in order for the war in Lebanon to stop and that it is not in a position to impose its options.

The persistent bombing of civilians in Lebanon means the response will be stronger and proportionate to the Israeli aggression, Qassem added.

More than 160 people have died on the Lebanese side since the start of the cross-border fighting, the most of them were Hezbollah fighters but there have also been over 20 civilian deaths, including three journalists.

The Israeli military reports that at least five civilians and nine troops have died.

While Israel has been hitting south Lebanon, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for many strikes on Israeli troops and fortifications, including one on Sunday. It claims that its activities are in support of its ally, Hamas.

Fighter jets struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and military structures in the south Lebanon region of Ramyeh, the Israeli army claimed on Sunday.

It said that the organisation was using Ramyeh as a centre for its terrorist activity and that it was operating from behind the civilian population.

Since the conclusion of a conflict with Israel in 2006, Hezbollah has not maintained a noticeable military presence on Lebanons southern border, but it still has significant influence in the south of the nation, where it has constructed tunnels and hideouts.

All military soldiers were ordered to retreat north of the Litani River by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which put an end to the 2006 conflict, with the exception of UN peacekeepers and Lebanese state security forces.

Hezbollah attacks, according to an Israeli army statement, violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

This month, Prime Minister Najib Mikati declared that if Israel agreed and withdrew from area, Lebanon would be prepared to carry out UN resolutions.

(With agency inputs)
The top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East stated on Saturday that the Houthi rebels in Yemen do not appear to be stopping their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, even as more countries join the global maritime effort to safeguard vessels in the crucial waterway and trade activity starts to increase.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper stated in an Associated Press interview that 1,200 commercial ships had passed through the Red Sea region since Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched little over ten days ago, and none of them have been struck by drone or missile strikes. He said additional countries are expected to sign on. Denmark was the latest, announcing Friday it plans to send a frigate to the mission that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced during a visit to Bahrain, where the Navys 5th Fleet is based, saying that this is an international challenge that demands collective action.

The Houthis, who get support from Iran, claim that their strikes are meant to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza by targeting ships with ties to Israel.

The Gulf of Aden is connected to the Red Sea and thereafter to the Suez Canal via the slender Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Markets in Asia and Europe are connected by this important trading corridor. Numerous shipping firms have ordered their vessels to remain in place and not enter the strait until the security situation has improved due to the intensity of the attacks, several of which have resulted in damage to vessels. Significant shippers extended the duration and expense of the voyages by circling Africa and the Cape of Good Hope with their vessels.

Currently there are five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, said Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet. Since the operation started, the ships have shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles, he said.

Just two days ago, the USS Mason, a Navy destroyer, downed a drone and anti-ship ballistic missile that were fired by the Houthis, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. said the 22nd attack on international shipping by the Houthis since Oct. 19 caused no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or any reported injuries.

I expect in the coming weeks were going to get additional countries, Cooper said, noting Denmarks recent announcement.

The U.S. has said that more than 20 nations are participating, but a number of those nations have not acknowledged it publicly.

On Saturday, Austin discussed the ongoing illegal Houthi attacks in a call with Netherlands defense minister, Kajsa Ollongren, according to the Pentagon. Both condemned the attacks as unacceptable and profoundly destabilizing to international order and global commerce, with Austin stressing that they constitute a significant international problem that demands collective action.

Cooper said the coalition is in direct communication with commercial ships to provide guidance on maneuvering and the best practices to avoid being attacked, and working closely with the shipping industry to coordinate security.

An international task force had been set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the region. But Cooper said Operation Prosperity Guardian has more ships and a persistent presence to assist vessels.

Since the operation started, the Houthis have stepped up their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, Cooper said. We are cleareyed that the Houthi reckless attacks will likely continue, he said.

The Houthis seized Yemens capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a grinding war against a Saudi-led coalition that sought to restore the government. The militants have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthi threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. That has escalated to apparently any vessel, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries such as Norway and Liberia being attacked or drawing missile fire.

The shipping company Maersk had announced earlier that it had decided to re-route its ships that have been paused for days outside the strait and Red Sea, and send them around Africa instead. Maersk announced Dec. 25 that it was going to resume sending ships through the strait, citing the operation. Cooper said another shipping company had also resumed using the route.

Commerce is definitely flowing, Cooper said.
Far-right politician Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Finance Minister, stated on Sunday that the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip need to be encouraged to leave the region and that Jewish settlers ought to be allowed to return there following the conflict.

Following the unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 by Palestinian agents, Israel began an unrelenting military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

Smotrich said to Israels Army Radio, To have security we must control the territory, in response to a query regarding the possibility of re-establishing settlements in Gaza.

In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence.

Since the start of the conflict on October 7, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has not formally proposed any plans to drive out Gazans or return Jewish settlers to the area.

Israel ended its 1967-era presence inside Gaza by unilaterally withdrawing its last contingent of troops and settlers in 2005, while still maintaining almost total control over the regions boundaries.

Regardless of Israels approval, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal under international law.

The leader of the ruling coalitions ultranationalist Religious Zionism party, Smotrich, added that Israel ought to encourage the roughly 2.4 million Palestinians living in the region to leave for other nations.

If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different, he said.

We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us.

Israel maintained a land, sea, and air blockade on the Gaza Strip even after leaving in 2005, and it is still recognised internationally as an occupying force there.

The majority of those killed in the October 7 Hamas strike were civilians.

The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza claims that over 21,800 individuals have died as a result of Israels current offensive in Gaza, the majority of whom were women and children.

The UN estimates that 85% of Gazas population has been displaced as a result of the ongoing severe fighting.

(With agency inputs)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning that the war begun by Hamass October 7 attack will endure for many months as Israeli strikes hammered Gaza on Sunday as both sides near the conclusion of a difficult year.

According to the Gaza health ministry, at least forty Palestinians were killed in an overnight blast in Gaza City. Of the bodies retrieved so far, eighteen are buried beneath the rubble. The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas.

The Israeli army claimed to have found Hamas tunnels and explosives hidden in a kindergarten in addition to reporting the deaths of about a dozen hostile militants in many ground engagements, airstrikes, and tank attacks.

The UN estimates that 85% of the 2.4 million people in besieged Gaza have been displaced as intense fighting has continued, and it warns of the rising risk of starvation and disease as desperate families seek refuge in homemade tents against the winter cold.

The world has been horrified for months as the protracted Israel-Palestinian conflict has escalated into the worst Gaza war in history following Hamass historic strike on October 7.

About 1,140 people were killed in the onslaught, the most of them civilians, when the Palestinian militants breached Gazas sophisticated border fence and broke into southern Israel, according to an AFP count based on official numbers.

The unexpected attack, which saw 250 prisoners taken hostage by Hamas operatives and committed atrocities, shocked and enraged Israel and precipitated a catastrophic military reaction.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, at least 21,822 peoplemostly women and childrenhave died in Gaza as a result of heavy shelling and a ground invasion by Israel that began three weeks into the conflict.

It stated that over 55,000 people have been hurt at a time when the majority of Gazas hospitals are either damaged and overburdened or out of commission.

According to the Israeli army, 172 of its soldiers have died inside Gaza, and according to Netanyahu, Israeli forces have killed roughly 8,000 terrorists in total.

Israel claimed a few days ago that its soldiers had demolished Hamas chief Yahya Sinwars bunker in Gaza City, which was linked to an extensive network of tunnels. They have called Sinwar a dead man walking.

(With agency inputs)
The worst military assault on Gaza, which began with Hamass most destructive attack on Israel, is coming to a close on Sunday for both Israelis and Palestinians, with no signs of respite in sight.

Israel has not paused its airstrikes, artillery fire, or ground battle with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, much to the dismay of the remaining Palestinians.

We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the New Year at home with our families, said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace, said the 33-year-old from southern Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict.

According to Gazas health ministry, at least 21,672 people have died as a result of the Israeli military operation, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties.

The fight began with an AFP figure of 1,140 civilian deaths in Israel as a result of Hamass savage October 7 attacks, based mostly on official statistics.

Additionally, militants captured about 250 people; 129 of them are reportedly still detained in Israel.

The Israeli army claims that 170 soldiers have died in combat inside Gaza.

Following years of crippling blockade, Israel imposed a siege on October 7, leading to acute shortages of food, fuel, clean water, and pharmaceuticals in Gaza. Assistance convoys are not always able to offer support.

The UN says more than 85 percent of Gazas 2.4 million people have fled their homes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israels war against Hamas will last for many months  until the Palestinian militant group has been eliminated.

We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, he told a news conference.

Every shred of hope

As Netanyahu spoke, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home.

I hope theres going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. Im trying to hold on to every shred of hope, said Nir Shafran, 45.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on October 7.

I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasnt with him. So I went with him and I came back without him and its like time has stopped ever since, he said.

In southern Gazas Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages.

The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity, in fact we are functioning at 300 percent of our capacity, doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The beds are full and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies.

The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said.

In central Gazas Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike.

We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family. Two adjacent houses were targeted, said the areas civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi.

Mediation efforts

International mediators  who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza  continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were in the process of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

A response will come within days, the groups chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didnt accept.

We are seeing a certain shift (but) I dont want to create an expectation.

Fronts multiplying

The Gaza war has intensified tensions across the region.

Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

On Saturday, the US military said one of its destroyers shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from territory controlled by the rebels.

The US Central Command described it as the 23rd illegal attack by the Huthis on international shipping since November 19.

Israel has also traded frequent cross-border fire with Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

We are striking hard against Hezbollah () and if Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran, Netanyahu warned Saturday.

In Syria, at least 23 pro-Iran fighters  five Syrians, four Hezbollah members, six Iraqis and eight Iranians  were killed on Saturday in raids likely carried out by Israel, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Just one day after Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows withdrew former President Donald Trump from the states presidential primary ballot in accordance with the Constitutions insurrection clause, police responded to her house on Friday night in response to a fictitious emergency call.

She is now the most recent political official to fall victim to the practice known as swatting, which is phoning emergency services in the hopes that a large number of first responders, including SWAT units, will arrive at a property.

When the swatting call was made, Bellows wasnt home, and the arriving police discovered nothing unusual.

State legislators are considering harsher sanctions, thus suspects in swatting incidents are being detained and prosecuted.

Republican US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was the target of a swatting attempt at her Georgia residence on Christmas morning, the congresswoman and local police said.

A man in New York called the Georgia suicide hotline claiming he had shot his girlfriend at Greenes home and was going to kill himself. Police said investigators were working to identify the caller and build a criminal case.

Another New York man was sentenced in August to three months in prison for making threatening phone calls to Greenes office in Washington, D.C.

While the Maine Department of Public Safety did not share a suspected motive for the swatting attempt against Bellows, she had no doubts it stemmed from her decision to remove Trump from the ballot. The swatting attempt came after a conservative activist posted her home address on social media.

And it was posted in anger and with violent intent by those who have been extending threatening communications toward me, my family and my office, Bellows told The Associated Press in a phone call Saturday.

A call was made to emergency services from an unknown man saying he had broken into a house in Manchester, according to the Maine public safety department.

The address the man gave was Bellows home. Bellows and her husband were away for the holiday weekend. Maine State Police responded to what the public safety department said ultimately turned out to be a swatting call.

Police conducted an exterior sweep of the house and then checked inside at Bellows request. Nothing suspicious was found, and police continue to investigate.

The Maine State Police is working with our law enforcement partners to provide special attention to any and all appropriate locations, the public safety statement said.

Bellows said the intimidation factors wont work. Heres what Im not doing differently. Im doing my job to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law.

Beyond Bellows and Greene, other high-profile politicians who have been swatting call targets include US Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Bellows said she, her family and her office workers have been threatened since her decision to remove Trump from the ballot. At least one Republican lawmaker in Maine wants to pursue impeachment against her.

Not only have there been threatening communications, but there have been dehumanizing fake images posted online and even fake text threads attributed to me, said Bellows, who has worked in civil rights prior to becoming secretary of state.

And my previous work taught me that dehumanizing people is the first step in creating an environment that leads to attacks and violence against that person, she said. It is extraordinarily dangerous for the rhetoric to have escalated to the point of dehumanizing me and threatening me, my loved ones and the people who work for me.

She said the people of Maine have a strong tradition of being able to disagree on important issues without violence.

I think it is extraordinarily important that everyone deescalate the rhetoric and remember the values that make our democratic republic and here in Maine, our state, so great, she said.

The Trump campaign said it would appeal Bellows decision to Maines state courts, and Bellows suspended her ruling until that court system rules on the case.

The Colorado Supreme Court earlier this month removed Trump from that states ballot, a decision that also was stayed until the US Supreme Court decides whether he would be barred under the insurrection clause, a Civil War-era provision which prohibits those who engaged in insurrection from holding office.
Restarting flights for migrants from Venezuela to their home country, Mexico and Venezuela announced on Saturday. This is the latest action taken by neighbouring nations to accommodate the influx of individuals heading north to the United States.

The action was taken in response to reports from authorities that at least 10,000 migrants, many of them asylum seekers, are crossing the US-Mexico border every day. It also coincides with the passage this week of a migrant caravan of thousands of individuals from around the area, mostly Venezuelans, through southern Mexico.

The repatriation flights are a part of a deal reached by regional leaders in October at a meeting in Mexico with the goal of finding answers for the high rates of migration that dont seem to be going down.

Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Relations said the two countries began repatriations with a flight on Friday and a second on Saturday in an effort to strengthen their cooperation on migration issues. The statement also said the two countries plan to implement social and work programs for those repatriated to Venezuela.

Mexico and Venezuela reiterate their commitment to address the structural causes that fuel irregular migration in the region, and to achieve a humanitarian management of such flows, the statement read.

Mexicos government said it previously carried out a similar repatriation flight last Jan. 20 with 110 people.

Venezuelan authorities said Saturday that 207 Venezuelans had landed in Caracas on one of the latest flights.

Gustavo Vizcaino, director of Venezuelas migration agency, said the migrants came on a voluntary return flight, part of a 2018 program of President Nicolas Maduros government seeking to bring back Venezuelans who have fled the countrys economic and political crisis.

As migration has soared in recent years, the US government has pressured Latin American nations to control the movement of migrants north, but many transit countries have struggled to deal with the quantities of people.

This week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other Biden administration officials were in Mexico City to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador about the high levels of migrants landing on the US-Mexico border.

Lopez Obrador said he also spoke about the issue in a phone call with Presient Joe Biden on Dec. 20.

He asked  Joe Biden asked to speak with me  he was worried about the situation on the border because of the unprecedented number of migrants arriving at the border, Mexicos leader said. He called me, saying we had to look for a solution together.

Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help, but in exchange he wants the US to send more development aid to migrants home countries and to reduce or eliminate sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela.

Mexicos president and other critics of American foreign policy have cited the sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela as one of the root causes of high migration.
Since Moscow began its military campaign in Ukraine, Russian courts have convicted more than 200 Ukrainian militants to jail terms, according to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview that was published on Sunday with the official RIA news agency.

The courts of the Russian Federation have already sentenced more than 200 representatives of Ukrainian armed formations to long terms of imprisonment for committing atrocities, Lavrov told RIA.

Both sides charge one another with carrying out several crimes throughout the conflict that Russia sparked by invading Ukraine on a large scale in February 2022.

The Russian government is still suspected of war crimes and violating human rights, including rape, torture, and the deportation of minors, according to information uncovered by the UN.

Vladimir Putins arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March on the grounds that Moscows forced deportation of Ukrainian minors constituted a war crime.

On our path to justice, the main result of the year is undoubtedly the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin, Ukraines Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on Saturday, summing up 2023.

A historic decision and a clear signal that no one can be above the law.

The Ukraine Prosecutor Generals office has registered more than 121,000 Russian crimes of aggression and war crimes since the war started, according to its website.

The UN has also found several cases of Ukrainian authorities committing violations of human rights of people they have accused of collaborating with Russian authorities.

Lavrov told RIA that Russias main investigative organ, the Investigative Committee, has initiated 4,000 criminal cases against about 900 Ukrainian individuals.

They include not only members of radical nationalist associations, representatives of Ukrainian security forces and mercenaries, but also representatives of the military and political leadership of Ukraine, Lavrov said.

Those of them who were charged in absentia have been put on the international wanted list.
When troops opened fire on an undercover team during a narcotics search at a hotel in Sri Lanka on Sunday, one police officer was killed and another was gravely injured, according to local police.

Included in a larger anti-drug campaign known as Yuktiya, or justice, the unit produced more than 17,000 arrests in the last three weeks, according to the police.

A police official who spoke to AFP over the phone on condition of anonymity said that the undercover agents were at a beach hotel in Weligama, a well-known surf location on the island nations southern coast.

According to the officer, army forces who had been sent in to support local police in the anti-drug operation hurried to the location to look into a separate incident and started firing at a van that was leaving the scene quickly.

They did not realise that there were officers from the Colombo Crime Division in the van leaving the hotel, the officer said, adding that an investigation was underway.

It was the first fatality reported since a major crackdown on the narcotics trade was launched on December 10.

The raids were paused for two days for Christmas as police were deployed for other security duties, but the campaign resumed after the holiday.

The cordon-and-search operations, carried out by police with the help of heavily armed troops, and mass arrests have provoked allegations of rights violations.

Rights activist Ambika Satkunanathan posted on social media that the searches were not based on evidence but were targeting only poor areas.

Police were arresting drug users and small-time dealers but not focusing on large-scale traffickers, she added.
US Navy helicopters destroyed three ships on Sunday that the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, had used to attack a container ship in the Red Sea.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced in a statement that the Houthis opened fire on the US helicopters, to which they returned fire in self-defense, drowning three of the four small boats that had approached the ship within twenty metres and killed the crew members.

The fourth boat fled the area, it added.

According to CENTCOM, the Maersk Hangzhou, a container ship owned and operated by Denmark and flying the Singaporean flag, requested assistance from the navy after reporting that it had been attacked twice in a day while cruising the Red Sea.

Two anti-ship ballistic missiles had been fired at the ship earlier, which the US Navy shot down.

Both missiles were fired from Yemen under Houthi control, and one of them struck the Maersk Hangzhou.

The Houthis have frequently attacked ships in the crucial Red Sea shipping channel, claiming their attacks are in favour of the Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in combat with the terrorist organisation Hamas.

The United States established a multinational naval task force this month 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.

Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise cross-border raid from Gaza on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,140 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians. This marked the beginning of the most recent round of the confrontation between Israel and Hamas.

The health ministry of the Hamas-run enclave reports that Israel has killed at least 21,672 individuals in Gaza as a result of its relentless onslaught, the majority of them were civilians. The United States has rushed military aid to back Israel.

(With agency inputs)
In contrast to last year, when the head of the Kremlin was surrounded by uniformed soldiers, President Vladimir Putin praised the Russian army on Sunday on New Years Eve, calling for unity in a scaled-back speech that did not specifically address the situation in Ukraine.

Putin also referred to 2024 as the year of the family in front of the Kremlins traditional backdrop.

We have repeatedly proved that we are able to solve the most difficult tasks and will never back down, because there is no force that can separate us, Putin said in the address, aired on state TV.

To all those who are on duty, on the front line of the fight for truth and justice, Putin said, you are our heroes. Our hearts are with you. We are proud of you, we admire your courage.

Millions of Russian homes watch the televised New Years Eve speech, which is a holiday mainstay and carries on Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnevs tradition.

It is broadcast in each of Russias eleven time zones shortly before midnight, and typically includes a recap of the previous years events along with wishes for the upcoming one.

(With agency inputs)
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.
Some 44 million people were registered to vote on December 20 for president, as well as for national and regional lawmakers
A Palestinian man carries the body of a child after it was unearthed from the rubble of a building following an Israeli strike on the Zawayda area of the Gaza Strip
Fighting raged Saturday across Gaza, where displaced Palestinians said they were "exhausted" with no end in sight to the war between the besieged territory's Hamas rulers and Israel, now in its 13th week.
One of the biggest stories of 2022 is expected to make a comeback in 2024: The case of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.

Her twice delayed trial for her admitted actions in making copies of election equipment in an attempt to prove election fraud, which still is set for early February, likely will draw national attention, particularly with state and federal cases against former President Donald Trump unfolding in the first part of the new year.

Thats because Peters case has a nexus to the former president, in that it is related to unproven claims that the 2020 presidential election when Trump lost was somehow faulty.

Trials for both Peters and Trump also are expected to reverberate throughout the year, as the nation goes into another presidential contest, which will begin in March when Colorado holds its presidential primary.

Peters faces seven felony charges, including three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, one count of criminal impersonation and one count of identity theft.

She also faces three misdemeanors: first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state.

Peters has repeatedly denied those charges, saying they are politically motivated.

In an attempt to block or delay that February trial, Peters filed a federal lawsuit in November against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, saying they all violated her First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by investigating her and then charging her with crimes.

That suit, which could be a preview of her defense in the February trial, says that as a whistleblower she is protected from any charges being filed against her.

As a result, Peters attorneys are trying to use that lawsuit to get the federal court to intervene in the state case, saying the charges against her dont provide her the right to properly defend her actions.

The Mesa County District Court will not provide Peters with an adequate opportunity to litigate the federal constitutional issues essential to prevailing on her First Amendment claim, her Virgina-based attorney, Robert Cynkar, wrote in a brief to the federal court.

In a June 2, 2022, ruling, the state court rejected any application of the statutory choice-of-evils defense, Cynkar added. That deprives Peters of due process by preventing her from asserting her Privileges or Immunities Clause defense, and her right and duty to take action to preserve the election records as required by federal statute.

Under state law, a defendant can use a choice-of-evils defense if they can show that an illegal act was necessary to avoid or prevent a more serious illegal act.

But in his motions to dismiss the federal case, Mesa County Attorney Todd Starr, representing Rubinstein, argues that Peters expressly told the state court that they didnt plan to use the choice-of-evils defense.

Additionally, Starr wrote that the remedy for any ruling by a state judge, in this case District Judge Matthew Barrett, isnt through the federal courts, but through the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court.

Criminal defendants typically assert many federal constitutional rights as defenses to state-law criminal charges, Starr wrote. Ms. Peters just did not like his ruling. It is outside the province of this (federal) court to overturn state court evidentiary decisions. Instead, Ms. Peters remedy is an appeal before the state appellate courts.

The federal court is expected to rule on motions to dismiss the case soon, or if that doesnt happen, to consider granting a preliminary injunction to stop or delay the state case.

Prosecutors in the state case are expected to present evidence that Peters took no official steps to report problems with election equipment used when she served as Mesa County clerk and recorder, but instead acted entirely on her own and solicited the aid of some co-workers and unauthorized outside help.

According to court records and affidavits, Peters used the identity of a Fruita man to gain access to computer hard drives that ended up in the hands of election security conspiracy theorists. She did so without prior approval from the Secretary of States Office, which gave similar approval to the Larimer County clerks office for the 2020 election.

Those records also say that Peters had done that late on a Sunday night, after ordering surveillance cameras inside her office be turned off, and presented a California man as a clerk employee using the identity of the Fruita man when neither were actual employees.

Two of her subordinates, former Deputy Clerk Belinda Knisley and former Elections Manager Sandra Brown, have already been convicted in their roles in the scheme, and according to terms of their plea agreements are to testify against her.

The Fruita man whose identity she allegedly stole, Gerald Wood, also is expected to testify against Peters.
08:46 | Piraeus (Greece), Dec. 31.









The arrival ceremony led by Peruvian Ambassador Javier Yepez  was attended by high-ranking municipal, naval, and port authorities.





It was accompanied by the musical and artistic rhythm of the Hellenic Navy Band , the Piraeus Philharmonic Orchestra, and traditional Greek dances.





At a press conference co-chaired by Ambassador Yepez and the BAP Union Commander Jose Arce, the relevance of this first visit to Greece was highlighted, as were the convergences of our countries since they have a rich maritime tradition and ancient cultural heritage.





During this first day, Peruvian cadets visited the Hellenic Naval Academy, paying honors to Hellenic naval hero Konstantinos Kanaris.





Afterwards, they headed to Athens to tour the Acropolis archaeological complex and its Museum, on guided tours that aroused the crews interest.





At the same time, the ship received several visits from locals, who were able to see the BAP Union's unbeatable facilities, as well as the cultural and product exhibition at Casa Peru (Peru Home).





Finally, late in the afternoon, a reception was held on deck to promote Peruvian cuisine and flagship drink, Pisco, aimed at a specialized audience and local business people.





The event, which was led by restaurant and cocktail professionals, featured live music, performed by experienced national artists residing in the country.





(END) NDP/CVC/RMB/MVB

As part of its 2023 circumnavigation voyage, BAP Union training ship on Saturday arrived at the port of Piraeus, in Greece, amid an auspicious reception from local authorities, as well as locals and the media.Published: 12/30/2023
Thu Thursday

33 /13

Snow showers in the morning. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low teens.
Man detained on suspicion of colluding with China in 2022 elections

ROC Central News Agency

12/30/2023 09:36 PM

Taipei, Dec. 30 (CNA) A man has been detained for allegedly financing a pro-unification New Taipei City Council candidate in Taiwan's local elections held late last year on the instructions of Beijing, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office said Saturday.

The man, surnamed Sun (a), allegedly wired US$13,000 from Hong Kong in September 2022 to support Wang Cheng (cZ), who represented the Labor Party in the election two months later, prosecutors said in a statement.

The money was used by Wang to purchase promotional materials for his campaign, including face masks, tissues and banners, according to prosecutors, who said they looked into the case "after receiving intelligence."

It did not elaborate on when it received the information or what precipitated the investigation, which comes just two weeks before Taiwan's presidential election.

After a search Friday, prosecutors questioned five more people related to the case and filed a motion with the New Taipei District Court to detain Sun, vice chairman of a youth development association, and a Chinese woman surnamed Da (c), on suspicion of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act.

Da, a director of the Federation of Hong Kong Jiangsu Youth who allegedly colluded with Sun to wire the money, has been released on NT$100,000 bail (US$3,260) but forbidden to leave Taiwan, prosecutors said. The other four were released without having to post bail.

Wang lost his race in the 2022 elections after getting around 2,000 votes, or less than 1 percent of the total.

According to its website, the Labor Party is a socialist party that supports the unification of Taiwan with China.

(By Sunrise Huang and Lee Hsin-Yin)

Enditem/ls

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Iran releases names of executed Mossad-linked saboteurs

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has identified the names of four members of a sabotage team, who acted against Iran's security under Mossad direction, and were executed on Friday morning.

According to IRNA's political correspondent, Vafa Hanareh, Aram Omari, Rahman Parhazu, and Nasim Namazi were the four key elements in a case that has ten convicts.

The members of the team, under the direction of Mossad agents, attempted to identify the forces that cooperated with Iran's security apparatuses and abduct, threaten, and beat them to gain secret information from them.

The four were sentenced to death on charges of "corruption on earth" and "enmity against God".

Last year, the Judiciary Chief of West Azarbaijan province announced that 10 people were arrested for connections with Mossad.

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Four Iranians Tehran Accused Of Spying For Israel Executed

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda December 30, 2023

Four Iranians -- three men and one woman -- have been executed after being accused of spying for Israel, the Mizan news agency said.

Wafa Hanareh, Aram Omri, Rahman Parhazo, and Nasim Namazi were charged and found guilty of "enmity against God and corruption on Earth," for their alleged involvement in intelligence cooperation with Israel's Mossad, Mizan, which is affiliated with the judiciary, said on December 29.

They were originally sentenced to death in February 2023.

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network said that according to a family member of one of the four prisoners, the death sentences were carried out even though their lawyers had filed for a retrial with the same court and also submitted a petition to the Amnesty and Clemency Commission.

"Amid the review of these appeals, the prisoners were transferred to solitary confinement in Tehran, where they were executed, presumably as an act of retribution against Israel," the family member said.

Human rights groups have accused the Iranian authorities of torturing the four during their detention.

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network released an audio file purportedly from two of the prisoners, detailing physical and psychological torture, including threats of assault and family member arrests, to extract forced confessions.

Meanwhile, the Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw condemned the executions and urged the global community to react, saying the punishments were "not only a clear violation of the right to life and human dignity but also a gross disregard of international laws and human rights principles."

Roya Boroumand, executive director of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, a Washington-based organization specializing in Iranian human rights research, also condemned the executions.

"In the absence of an independent judiciary, due process, transparency, and accountability, these sentences have no legitimacy," Boroumand said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The executions come shortly after the death of Razi Musavi, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria, fueling speculation about potential retaliatory motives.

Iran and Israel have been engaged in a years-long shadow war. Tensions have been exacerbated by the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

Tehran has long supported Hamas, though the relationship has been at times difficult.

Meanwhile, the rate of executions in Iran has been rising sharply, particularly in the wake of the widespread protests triggered by Mahsa Amini's death.

Iran Human Rights said that, as of December 2023, more than 700 people had been executed in Iran, with a marked increase in recent months.

Amnesty International says the regime in Tehran has executed more people than any other country in the world other than China so far this year.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-executions- accused-spying-israel/32753363.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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IDF Troops Extend Operations in Khan Yunis

IDF Press Release

Press Release

29.12.23

Israel Defense Forces, Media Center

IDF troops are extending operations in the area of Khan Yunis; a terrorist who aimed an RPG at the troops was identified by an aircraft and killed by a tank before he was able to fire

Over the last day, in several different engagements, IDF troops eliminated dozens of terrorists using aerial strikes, and sniper and tank fire.

In one incident, an aircraft identified a terrorist carrying an RPG who was running toward the troops. IDF tanks killed the terrorist before he was able to fire at the forces.

Yesterday (Thursday), while IDF troops began dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Khan Yunis, a terrorist was identified retrieving an RPG from a shaft. The troops responded by launching a number of grenades toward the terrorist.

Additionally, several terrorists who were hiding inside a structure were struck and killed by an IDF tank. Furthermore, a terrorist located approximately 100 meters from the troops was identified by the forces and eliminated in a UAV strike. The troops also located a terrorist cell fortified inside a compound. A fighter jet struck the building and killed the terrorists.

During intelligence-based searches of the residence Hamas terrorist on the outskirts of Jabalya, IDF troops located weapons, Hamas military certifications and textbooks about the IDF.

Below is a video of the elimination of a terrorist carrying an RPG

Below is a video of IDF strikes:

Images

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24h Recap: December 30th, 2023, 09:00

IDF Press Release

War Against Hamas

30.12.23

IDF

IDF troops are continuing to operate in the different areas of the Gaza Strip. The troops are engaging in fierce battles with terrorists; the IAF, directed by ground troops, is striking terrorist cells and infrastructure; and the Israeli Navy is supporting the ground troops with fire assistance from the sea.

During IDF activity in Shejaiya, ground troops located a terrorist cell operating adjacent to the forces, and a terrorist armed with an RPG. The troops directed an IDF aircraft that struck and eliminated the cell.

During IDF activity in Gaza City over the past day, the troops, in coordination with aircraft, killed dozens of terrorists. In the space of three hours, four incidents of terrorist identifications occurred and the IAF struck over 15 armed terrorists. Additionally, battles took place where further terrorists were killed.

During IDF activity in Beit Lahia, two Hamas military compounds were dismantled by the troops, who had located numerous weapons, explosive devices, guns, military equipment, communication devices in the compounds prior to the strike.

In additional activity in the area, two hostile observation operatives were identified in a compound located adjacent to the remaining troops in the area. After confirming the identification of the terrorists, IDF tanks struck the compound where the observation operatives were identified and killed them.

Related photos:

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US air base in north Iraq comes under drone attack

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted a drone attack on a US base in Erbil Province in the country's northern region of Kurdistan.

Iraq's Islamic Resistance made an announcement on Saturday night, saying that its forces conducted the attack on Harir Air Base.

The group also said that its attack was in response to Israeli crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, and pledged to continue striking "enemy positions".

Resistance groups in Iraq have in the past weeks carried out missile and drone attacks on US bases in that country as well as neighboring Syria in retaliation for Washington's support for the Tel Aviv regime's brutalities against Gazans.

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Hezbollah attacks Zionist military base in northern occupied Palestine

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The forces of Lebanon's Islamic Resistance, Hezbollah, has attacked the Zionists' military base in northern occupied Palestine, news sources reported.

Hezbollah carried out several operations on Saturday targetting Israeli military bases near the Lebanese border, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon announced in a statement.

All the operations were "in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their brave and honorable Resistance", the Resistance group stressed.

According to Lebanon's news network Al Mayadeen, Hezbollah targeted the Zionist regime's site "Zarit" barracks with several rockets in the northern occupied lands.

Another gathering of Israeli soldiers near the "Ramim" barracks was struck using appropriate weapons, Hezbollah stated, confirming that the occupation troops were directly hit.

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks on towns and villages in southern Lebanon continue concurrently with the ongoing brutal war on besieged Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes targetted the outskirts of the towns of Aita al-Shaab and Yaroun.

Backed by the US, the Zionist regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas-led Palestinian Resistance groups carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of death and destruction in Palestine.

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Tel Aviv's raids on Gaza leaves 100 martyrs over last 24 hours

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's attacks on the Gaza Strip left 100 martyrs and 158 wounded over the last 24 hours, Palestinian media reported.

According to the latest figures released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health on Saturday, 21,507 Palestinians have been martyred and 55,915 Palestinians have been injured since the beginning of the Zionist regime's brutal aggression on October 7.

The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad resistance movement, said in a statement on Saturday evening that the fighters attacked Zionist settlements, including Mefalsim and Nir Am near the Gaza border and detonated two Israeli tanks and one Personnel carrier with "Tandem" and "RPG" rockets.

Accordingly, the Al-Mayadeen news network reported that Israeli forces faced hard attacks in the east of Bureij in the central Gaza Strip by Palestinian resistance fighters and were forced to withdraw from the region.

Previously, resistance fighters destroyed three Merkava tanks and two Israeli army soldiers at the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Backed by the US, the Zionist regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas-led Palestinian Resistance groups carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of death and destruction in Palestine.

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Lebanon ready for possible war with Israeli regime: Minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- A Lebanese official has said that Lebanon is prepared for any possible military conflict with the Israeli regime amid intensified Israeli attacks on border regions.

Labor Minister Moustafa Bayram said that the "final word" will be determined on the battlefield, stressing that Lebanon is ready for any war imposed on the country, according to the Palestinian Sama news agency.

"We do not attack anyone, but we have the right to respond to any aggression. We are ready to respond to any aggression we may face and are prepared for any war imposed upon us," he said.

Bayram dismissed the Israeli regime's threat to target Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, secretary-general of the Hezbollah resistance movement, but added that Hezbollah takes such threats seriously and takes all measures to protect its leaders.

Last week, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned that Israeli attacks on his country would escalate tensions in the region, triggering a war that would engulf all regional countries.

Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis since the Israeli regime launched an all-out war against the Gaza Strip in early October.

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South Africa files genocide case against Zionist regime at ICJ

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- South Africa has filed a genocide case against the Zionist regime at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the occupying entity's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

The filing, issued on Friday, asked the ICJ to issue an urgent order declaring that the regime was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention over its brutal war on Gaza.

It also asked the court to issue short-term measures ordering the Zionist regime to stop its war on Gaza, which it said were "necessary in this case to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people."

The Tel Aviv regime launched the bloody war on Gaza on October 7, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out a surprise operation into the occupied territories of the regime's intensified crimes against Palestinians.

"Israel, since 7 October 2023 in particular, has failed to prevent genocide and has failed to prosecute the direct and public incitement to genocide," South Africa's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

South Africa has been a vocal critic of the Israeli war on Gaza. Last month, the country's lawmakers voted in favor of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic ties with the regime.

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Senior Taliban official condemns Israel's inhuman war on Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Afghan acting Minister of Refugees Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani has termed Zionist regime attacks on Gaza as an inhuman act, adding that the attack is carried out against all human standards.

According to Afghan media TOLOnews, Haqqani made the remarks at a graduation ceremony for 62 students of a religious school in Paktia province.

"They [Israelis] have occupied the Holy Jerusalem, and have insulted our Islamic rituals. Don't we see the cruelty of these infidels?" he said.

The Zionist regime began its war following the unprecedented Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Hamas resistance movement against Israeli positions from Gaza on October 7.

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Hezbollah to Israeli regime: Targeting civilians 'a red line that cannot be crossed'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah has warned that any attack by the Zionist regime on Lebanese civilians will be met with a crushing and quick response.

"The resistance has acted in this direction, and in response to the attack of the Zionist regime on Bint Jbeil, it targeted Kiryat Shmona," said Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, a member of the executive council of Hezbollah.

"In a fiery field message, the resistance announced to the enemy that civilians are a red line that cannot be crossed," he said, according to Elnashra.

Sheikh Qaouk further dismissed the Zionist regime's threats against Lebanon as empty, saying they come from "a weak loser" who is trembling over the power of the resistance.

He also said resistance groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and Yemen have inflicted a joint defeat on the US and the Zionist regime.

"When we crush the Israeli regime, we actually defeat the US. Friends and allies in Yemen revealed the US's helplessness in the Red Sea," he said, referring to the Yemeni Ansarullah movement's operations against the Zionist regime in the strategic sea despite Washington's threats.

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Official: Yemeni armed forces eager to confront US

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Member of the Political Council of Ansarullah Movement Mohammed al-Bukhaiti has said that the Yemeni armed forces are willing to stand against the US.

If the US vessels attack Yemen, they will be directly targeted and the Americans are aware of the seriousness of this decision, al-Bukhaiti was quoted by Al Mayadeen as saying.

He also asked why the rest of the Arab and Islamic countries did not join it in the framework of the joint defense agreement signed by Palestine.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates did not participate in the international coalition to protect Israeli vessels, and this is a positive point, he stated.

Stopping the war is in the benefit of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, he added.

The war objectives are still defensive and may change in the future if the war continues, he noted.

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US military base in Syria comes under missile attack

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 30, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Some news sources have reported a missile strike on the United States military base in eastern Syria.

According to Al Mayadeen TV network, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that its fighters targeted a US military base in al-Shaddadi town located in southern al-Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria, with missiles.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq earlier declared that they carried out missile strikes against a US base in the Kharab Al-Jir region also located in al-Hasakah Governorate.

The umbrella group representing several Iraqi armed factions also announced on Monday night that their forces targeted a military base belonging to US occupying forces in Harir town near Erbil city, northern Iraq, with drones.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has repeatedly conducted drone and missile attacks against the United States military positions in the region since October 17 with the aim of showing solidarity with the Palestinian nation, in particular the war-stricken Gaza residents.

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Statement by PM Netanyahu

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

The 37th Government

30.12.2023

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, at his press conference, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv

"Citizens of Israel,

The war is continuing. We are fighting on all fronts. We have major successes but we have also paid a painful price. Achieving victory requires more time. Just as the Chief of Staff said this week: 'The war will continue for many more months.'

My policy is clear: We are continuing to fight until the goals of the war have been achieved, especially the elimination of Hamas and the release of all our hostages. We are not relenting - even for a moment - in our efforts to bring our hostages back home, even at this very moment. We will ensure that Gaza no longer constitutes a threat to Israel, that there will be no element in it that finances terrorism, educates its children for terrorism and pays the families of terrorists.

We have additional important missions: To restore security in both the south and the north, to restore prosperity to the kibbutzim, moshavim and cities that have been attacked, and to return the residents to their homes.

As Prime Minister, I have rejected the international pressure aimed at stopping the war before we achieve these goals. I appreciate the US support for Israel, as this was expressed last week in the UN Security Council and in the approval that was given yesterday by the American administration for the supply of additional war materiel for the IDF.

Dear citizens of Israel,

I greatly appreciate your determination and patience. Wherever I meet you, I hear the same words: 'Continue; don't stop.' I hear this from all sections of the people. I hear it from the families of our fallen heroes, from those who have been wounded, and, of course, from our brave soldiers and commanders who I meet with in the field, including inside Gaza. They all tell me the same thing: 'Continue until absolute victory.'

In order to achieve absolute victory, in order to accomplish all of our goals, more time is required. We are working non-stop with determination and strength. I would like to emphasize that we are doing so while safeguarding the lives of our soldiers as much as possible. We are directing strong fire from the air and by land in order to strike our enemies, while watching over the security of our forces and the well-being of our hostages.

We are currently intensifying the fight against Hamas. In addition to continuing activity in the northern Gaza Strip and parallel to the battles in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, our forces are attacking the terrorists in the central Gaza Strip. They are fighting with force and new methods, above and below ground. This is very complex fighting but we have the upper hand.

We have eliminated over 8,000 terrorists and we are eliminating many more on each day of fighting. Step by step, we are wiping out Hamas's capabilities. Hamas will be defeated. Our soldiers will win. The people of Israel will win.

At the same time, we are also active on additional fronts. On the northern border, we are striking harsh blows at Hezbollah. We are eliminating many terrorists and are destroying the enemy's capabilities. We have approved operational plans for the continuation of the fighting. If Hezbollah expands the war - it will absorb blows that it has not dreamed of, and Iran as well. We will take all action until we restore security to the residents of the north.

In Judea and Samaria, we are working around the clock to arrest terrorists, to eliminate terrorists and to thwart many attacks. Since Operation Defensive Shield, there has been no operation in Judea and Samaria of such magnitude. I would like to stand by our settler brothers and sisters, who are steadfast in the face of constant terrorist threats.

Regarding the Houthis - I spoke with many leaders about the need to form an international coalition to safeguard freedom of international navigation in the straits. I welcome the fact that such a coalition has been formed. In any case, we will not allow this threat to harm the citizens of Israel or the Israeli economy.

Regarding Iran: Iran is leading the axis of evil and the aggression against us on the various fronts. This aggression is aimed not only at Israel but at the entire free world. We are acting against Iran all the time, everywhere, and I will not go into details. Today, everyone understands that the threat from Iran will greatly increase if Iran has nuclear weapons. Therefore, the goal that I have been working toward for many years, even now, remains as is: To do absolutely everything to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear weapons.

Citizens of Israel,

We mourn our fallen heroes, our marvelous sons and daughters, those who have given their lives to defend our country and achieve our victory. We wish a quick and complete recovery to our wounded. We are proud of all our soldiers.

In my visit to Gaza this week, I met reservists. They have been fighting the Hamas terrorists for 85 days. They have lost friends, heroes who have fallen in defense of the homeland. They told me: 'We are here to defend not only our borders but also our home.'

When I visited the Sheba Medical Center this week, I spoke at length with the soldier Netanel Tekla, who is recovering from his wounds. Netanel told me about his and his friends' daring battles on October 7th. Netanel's family made aliyah from Ethiopia and dreamed of Zion and here he is defending Zion. With exemplary level-headedness, after he was wounded, Netanel eliminated seven terrorists and saved many lives. We wish him and all of our wounded a complete and quick recovery.

Last week I met with my bereaved brothers and sisters from the families of our heroes who have fallen in battle, including Rafael, the father of Staff Sergeant Shai Arus from Holon, a combat medic in the Givati Brigade who fell in the battles in Gaza. Rafael read me his son's final letter, his moving testament.

Shai wrote: 'I was happy to do what I have wanted to do - save lives and safeguard the country. This is something that I have always wanted to do, something that has always been a part of me since I was a small child. Now I have had the opportunity to do this and give of myself to the country.' And then Shai adds: 'Know that all of this has not been for nothing. The entire people of Israel should continue in this tradition: To love the country, because people have not fallen here for no reason and there are people who need to stand guard over us. I know that this will be difficult,' Shai writes. 'But I want you to continue as you are, to continue with your lives. I have had a happy life.'

To our heroes, those who have fallen in battle, those who have been wounded and those who wield the sword day and night, I salute you. You are the heroes of the people of Israel, of our country. With such spirit to bind us all, we will continue to fight until the end - until victory.

Together we will fight and with G-d's help, together we will win."

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US military may get into direct conflict with Russia: Biden

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 3:13 PM

US President Joe Biden has issued a warning, saying American military forces may enter into a direct conflict with Russia if Ukraine loses the war.

In a statement released on Friday, Biden claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin "seeks to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. He must be stopped."

Biden's warning came after Russia launched fresh airstrikes against Ukraine, targeting the Ukrainian military facilities in the south, west, and east of the country, with heavy damage reported at multiple sites.

The heavy overnight strike by Russia took place as the US Congress remains deadlocked over whether to provide further military support to Kiev in the US-led Western countries' proxy war against Russian troops in Donbas which will enter its third year in late February 2024.

Biden said Russia's latest airstrikes on Ukraine showed Russian leadership maintained unwavering resolve to achieve its set objective in Ukraine.

"It is a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two years of this devastating war, Putin's objective remains unchanged."

The president said the Russians had used drones and missiles, including those with hypersonic capability, for the latest strike.

He called on Congress to provide additional military aid for Ukraine, noting Kiev used air defense systems from the Americans and their allies to try to defend itself against the heavy Russian airstrikes.

"Unless Congress takes urgent action in the new year, we will not be able to continue sending the weapons and vital air defense systems Ukraine needs to protect its people. Congress must step up and act without any further delay," Biden insisted.

The US has already delivered multiple huge shipments of weapons and munitions to Kiev to fight the war against Russia. But, it has been to no avail.

Earlier this month, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington to ask Congress to approve the supply of more weapons and munitions for the Kiev forces.

On Thursday, Zelensky thanked Biden, Congress, and the American people for the latest $250mn military aid package for his country, which Washington announced a day earlier.

"Additional air defense missiles and components, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, mine clearing, and other equipment will cover Ukraine's most pressing needs," Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on X.

Zelensky said Washington had provided Kiev with 34 military aid packages worth over $24 billion in 2023.

He added that these packages include Patriot air defense systems, Abrams tanks, armored vehicles, ATACMS tactical missile systems, missiles, artillery rounds, as well as mine-clearing and other critical equipment.

The Ukrainian president also noted that a "historic decision" was made to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and that Ukraine will "always be grateful for all of this support."

Since the start of the war, the US has led a Western coalition sending tens of billions of dollars in weaponry and munitions to Kiev.

Moscow has repeatedly warned Western leaders against the continued supply of weapons and munitions to Ukraine, pointing out that such measures will not stop Russian troops from defending its objectives and that arming Kiev would only prolong the war.

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Hamas praises South Africa for filing genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 2:20 PM

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has lauded South Africa for filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over crimes of genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after nearly three months of relentless air and ground strikes.

The Gaza-based group described South Africa's application as "a significant step to punish the leaders of the Zionist entity and present-day criminals, who have committed the most heinous murders in modern history."

"We call upon all world countries to adopt a similar measure against the Zionist Nazi regime both at national and international courts of law. The regime threatens international peace and security, and must not be allowed to escape punishment for the brutal crimes it has perpetrated against children and defenseless civilians in Gaza," the Hamas's statement read.

In an application to the ICJ, also called the World Court, on Friday, South Africa described Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocidal in character because they are intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group".

"The acts in question include killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, and inflicting on them conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction," the application said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has compared Israel's policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank with his country's past apartheid system, which saw the minority white population rule the majority black nation using a system based on segregation as its base. The white-minority rule ended in 1994.

Israel waged the bloody war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Hamas fighters and members of other resistance factions launched Operation al-Aqsa Storm in the occupied territories in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's incessant crimes against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Since the start of the aggression, Israel has killed more than 21,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children. It has also imposed a complete siege on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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YEREVAN, JANUARY 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has issued a congratulatory message on New Year and Christmas, the PM's Office said.

The message reads as follows:

"Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

2023 is melting before our eyes, and 2024 will enter our homes in minutes like an eager teenager.

We are closing 2023 with high economic growth and first of all I want to thank the people who worked in 2023, were creative in their work, created added value and paid the taxes stipulated by the law.

Its first of all thanks to those people that we got the opportunity to double the salaries of military personnel and teachers, and today there are teachers and private military personnel in our country with a salary of 450 to 500 thousand AMD.

It is thanks to the people who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by law that we were able to take care of the basic needs of our brothers and sisters who became refugees from Nagorno Karabakh.

It is thanks to the people who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by law that we were able to bring the minimum pensions into line with the minimum food basket for the first time in the history of the Third Republic.

It is thanks to the people who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by the law that for the third year in a row, from January 1, the salary of researchers will increase.

It is thanks to people who are creative in their work, bring new ideas, and are not afraid of the responsibility of realising those ideas, that since 2018, 190 thousand jobs have been created in Armenia.

People who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by law deserve words of praise and gratitude, and I hope that the eagerness brought by 2024 will give them new charge, new strength, new ideas.

Dear people, dear compatriots,

As the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, I address you with a New Year message for the 6th time. And the retrospect of our joint journey evokes feelings of pain, regret, but also pride. We have talked and talk much about pain and regret, but on this New Year's Eve, I want to bow and express my pride for each of you, that with unbearable burdens on our shoulders, we were able and are able to lead our state, the Republic of Armenia, through the extremely complicated path of strengthening independence and sovereignty.

When I think about the path we have passed, I understand that this history is beyond the understandings of wrong and right decisions, and we are moving through the only possible path, even though extremely vicious, that will allow us to inherit a state for our generations.

We have passed most of this path, but we are not safe from new trials and difficulties ahead and we need not to shake, not to waver in our determination to have an independent state and to inherit that state to our generations.

I also want to apologize to each and every one of you, to all citizens of the Republic of Armenia, to all our brothers and sisters who became refugees from Nagorno Karabakh for the pain you have suffered in recent years.

I apologize not because I have committed any crime before you or I have forgotten any responsibility or obligation before you even for a moment, but because I know your feelings and I have the same feeling.

But this feeling cannot in any way undermine my duty as the head of the state, which means that all my decisions and actions must be based on the state interest of the Republic of Armenia. This is the reason why I consider it a priority to find formulas for the normalization and deepening of relations with our neighbors in our region, and I will continue to resolutely follow that path for the sake of the state, for the sake of the future, for the sake of generations.

It is the duty of the head of the state to tirelessly and constantly repeat that we need to understand many things more and more fully, we need to look at and review many things in order to irreversibly understand that the motherland is the state.

Motherland is the state. If you love your homeland, strengthen your state.



Motherland is the state. If you love your motherland, pay your taxes.



Motherland is the state. If you love your motherland, improve your education.



Motherland is the state. If you love your motherland, build your and your country's well-being, get rich and make others rich with work.

This is the state interest of the Republic of Armenia. It should be a guide for all of us, and I am sure that the year 2024, that eager teenager, will become a symbol of the state and state understanding for us.

Dear people, dear compatriots,

Fill the glasses and raise a toast for the Republic of Armenia.

Glory to the martyrs and long live the Republic of Armenia.

Long live the Republic of Armenia!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"
100 Palestinians killed in central Gaza as Israel intensifies ground offensive

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 2:08 PM

At least 100 Palestinians have been killed and 158 others wounded in Israeli strikes in the central part of the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, as the occupying regime intensifies its ground offensive in the besieged territory.

According to a senior health official in central Gaza, hospitals were filled with wounded Palestinians following Israel's heavy bombardment, as fighting continued on Friday and early Saturday in al-Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi refugee camps.

Israeli tanks pushed deeper into districts in central and southern Gaza overnight, with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) posting images of Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis, showing ambulances operating amid smashed streets, carrying injured children.

The Palestinian Culture Ministry also said that Israeli strikes had struck a medieval bathhouse.

Meanwhile, in a post on Telegram, the Government Media Office in Gaza announced that Israeli airstrikes have killed a journalist who worked for Al-Quds TV.

Jabr Abu Hadros and six of his family members were killed after an Israeli strike hit his house in Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday.

The media office said a total of 106 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war in early October.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said last week that the first 10 weeks of the Israel-Gaza war were the deadliest recorded for journalists, with the most journalists killed in a single year in one location.

Most of the journalists and media workers killed in the war were Palestinian, CPJ said, adding that it was "particularly concerned about an apparent pattern of targeting of journalists and their families by the Israeli military."

Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long violence against Palestinians.

Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 21,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 55,600 others.

The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Diseases threaten survival of Palestinians amid Israel's siege of Gaza: UN

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 1:58 PM

Residents of the besieged Gaza Strip, who have so far survived Israel's 12 weeks of constant bombardment of their homeland, are now facing the growing threat of infectious diseases, the United Nations warns.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report that the spread of diseases in Gaza has increased, especially due to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in the southern part of the coastal enclave.

Israel's brutal onslaught on the Palestinian territory that began on Oct. 7 has so far displaced some 85 percent of the Gaza Strip's 2.3 million residents and sparked a humanitarian crisis that has left a quarter of Gaza's population starving.

According to OCHA report, about 180,000 people have been diagnosed with upper respiratory infections, with more than 136,000 cases of diarrhea recorded among the population.

At least 55,400 cases of lice and scabies and 5,330 cases of chickenpox have also been recorded.

The situation, OCHA said, has increased pressure on the already overwhelmed health system in the Palestinian territory, where only 13 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a severe shortage of food in Gaza hospitals, which also serve as shelters for displaced people in the territory.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has now assigned its teams to educate children on how to maintain hygiene despite the water scarcity.

"Due to the spread of diseases and epidemics among displaced individuals in shelter centers, especially children, the PRCS Community Work teams have undertaken awareness activities with displaced children at the PRCS's headquarters in Khan Yunis," it wrote on X.

Israel imposed a "total siege" on the coastal enclave since it launched its onslaught on the Gaza Strip. The blockade has deprived the population of Gaza of food and water.

The United Nations expressed frustration at how life-saving aid is being hampered from entering the besieged coastal enclave. The persistent difficulty in getting humanitarian relief into the territory comes as a UN-backed report said last week that the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza is facing crisis levels of hunger, with 576,600 people at catastrophic - or starvation - levels.

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Dec. 29: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 12:09 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against Israel and its Western backers amid the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of more than 21,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women.

The operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Thursday, December 29, are as follows:

Qassam Brigades' operations on Dec. 29:

Detonated a minefield consisting of four bombs and an anti-personnel mine among an Israeli military's infantry force and several regime's military vehicles north of the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, causing many casualties.

Targeted a D9 bulldozer with an 'Al-Yassin 105' shell north of the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, striking it directly.

Targeted Israeli military forces holed up in a building north of the Bureij refugee camp with anti-fortified missiles and engaged in clashes, resulting in deaths and injuries in the enemy camp.

Shot down a Skylark-2 reconnaissance drone that was on a spying mission in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.

Destroyed two Merkava tanks with 'Al-Yassin' 105 shells in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.

Targeted an assembly of vehicles and soldiers east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza with mortar shells.

Engaged in fierce clashes with the Israeli military forces in the Al-Sha'af and Jabal Al-Rayes areas, east of Gaza City, detonated an anti-personnel device among an infantry force, and targeted regime forces holed up in a building with a TBG shell, resulting in a large number of casualties.

Targeted Israeli regime soldiers and vehicles at the Al-Tuffah and Al-Daraj neighborhoods in Gaza City.

Launched a barrage of rockets barrages at the Israeli-occupied territories.

Hezbollah's operations on Dec. 28:

Eastern sector:

A t around 13:10 local time, the Al-Marj site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

t around 13:10 local time, the Al-Marj site was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 16:10 local time, the Ruwaisat al-Qarn site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms was targeted with appropriate weapons. -

Western sector:

At around 10:20 local time, the Hadab Yaron site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 10:30 local time, a crane carrying spy supplies and equipment was targeted.

At around 10:35 local time, the Hadab Yaron site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 14:30 local time, the Israeli military's artillery positions in Khirbet Maar were targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 15:15 local time, a battalion of Israeli soldiers was targeted at the Ramya site with appropriate weapons.

At around 15:30 local time, locations of Israeli soldiers were targeted between the Zarit barracks and the Birkat Risha with appropriate weapons.

Iraqi resistance's operations on Dec. 28"

Attacked the occupied Al-Shaddadi base in Syria, with a missile salvo, hitting its targets.

Attacked the "Kharab al-Jir" occupation base in Syria with a missile salvo, hitting its targets.

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Argentina's president refuses BRICS membership

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 10:05 AM

Argentina's new far-right populist president Javier Milei has rejected an invitation from the BRICS group of developing economies to join the bloc in a dramatic shift in the country's foreign and economic policies.

He announced the decision in letters to the BRICS leaders on Friday.

The bloc, which is made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, in August announced it was admitting six new members in a bid to counter the Western-led global order.

The membership of Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates was due to take effect from January 1, 2024.

The letters signed by Milei and published by several media houses said Argentina's membership was "not considered appropriate at this time."

The libertarian outsider Milei took office this month after his resounding defeat of Argentina's traditional political parties, and he had vowed on the campaign trail not to join BRICS.

Melei, a self-proclaimed "liberal libertarian," was elected the president of Argentina after defeating his opponent Sergio Massa, the country's former economy minister.

During his campaign speeches, Milei announced not only radical changes in domestic politics and economy but also in the Latin American country's international relations.

Milei also announced the termination of relations with Brazil and China, the current two largest trading partners of Buenos Aires, who account for 25 percent of Argentina's exports and 40 percent of imports.

He has also criticized Moscow, promising to suppress bilateral relations with Russia and continue to support Ukraine in the protracted war between the two countries.

Instead of Argentina's previous political and economic allies, Milei favors ties with the United States and Israel, which was evident after he announced his first official trips to these two places.

Milei has also backed the Israeli regime's ongoing aggression against Gaza, unlike most other Latin American leaders who have either severed ties with the regime or recalled envoys from Tel Aviv.

The new Argentinean president has also promised to blacklist the Palestinian Hamas resistance group.

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Hezbollah rejects French daily claims on Oct. 7 Al-Aqsa Storm Operation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 9:21 AM

The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has categorically dismissed claims by a French daily newspaper that the group was already informed of the large-scale surprise attack by members of Hamas and other Gaza-based resistance fighters against Israel in early October.

Hezbollah's media bureau in a statement late on Friday described Le Figaro's allegations as "purely fictitious" and "baseless."

The movement noted that such claims "are meant to undermine the absolute trust among resistance movements and factions across the region," emphasizing, "These groups are committed openly and practically to resistance against the Zionist occupation."

Hezbollah reiterated its Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's previous remarks that Al-Aqsa Storm Operation was purely Palestinian, and its objectives, planning, preparations as well as execution were all set and carried out by Palestinians themselves without external involvement.

The Lebanese resistance movement emphasized it did not know of the Palestinian operation beforehand.

The statement noted that Le Figaro's bias in favor of Israel is blatantly clear in the claims, denouncing their publication as an act "lacking any moral principles and ethics."

"Much like many Western media outlets, the French daily newspaper sided with the oppressor (Israel) at the expense of uncovering truth and facts, and promoting human values," Hezbollah pointed out.

French newspaper Le Figaro alleged on December 26 that Nasrallah was informed of Hamas's plans to launch the multi-pronged Al-Aqsa Storm Operation half an hour before it began.

According to the bogus report, senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri, who resides in Lebanon, received a phone call on the morning of October 7, informing him of the imminent operation and requesting that he inform Hezbollah chief.

Israel waged the bloody war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Hamas launched Operation al-Aqsa Storm in the occupied territories in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's incessant crimes against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 21,320 Palestinians, including 6,200 women and 8,200 children, and injured more than 55,600 others.

It has also imposed a "complete siege" on the coastal sliver, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Arrival of British warship in Guyana waters escalates tensions with Venezuela

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 8:27 AM

A persisting territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region has escalated as a British warship provocatively just arrived in Guyana waters.

The United Kingdom's Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Trent arrived in Guyana waters on Friday as London justified the move "as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic patrol task deployment."

The disputed region has been controlled by Guyana, a former British and Dutch colony, for more than a century, but Venezuela also claims sovereignty over it which comprises some two-thirds of Guyanese territory.

The 160,000 square km (61,776 square miles) territory around the Esequibo River has found significance in recent years, after the discovery of offshore oil and gas by US energy company ExxonMobil. The maritime border between the two countries is also in dispute.

Caracas has already launched a major military exercise in response to what it termed an "unacceptable" threat.

A day prior to the arrival of the British warship, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in response to Britain's provocative decision to show of support to its former colony, ordered more than 5,600 troops to join what he called a "defensive" exercise in the vicinity of the Guyana border.

Maduro said on Thursday that the deployment of the British warship breaches the "spirit" of an agreement reached between the South American neighbors earlier this month, during a meeting between Maduro and Guyana President Irfaan Ali, to avoid the use of force and avoid increasing tensions in the dispute.

On Friday, Britain criticized the drills, saying they were "unjustified and should cease."

This is while an unnamed Guyana foreign ministry source told AFP that the arrival of the British warship in Guyana's waters was "uneventful."

On December 3, Maduro's government held a referendum in which 95 percent of voters, according to officials, supported declaring Venezuela the rightful owner of Essequibo.

The Venezuelan president has already carried out legal maneuvers to create a Venezuelan province in the disputed region, ordering the state oil company - PDVSA - to issue licenses for extracting crude in the region.

Caracas claims the Essequibo River to the region's east forms a natural border recognized as far back as 1777. Essequibo is home to 125,000 of Guyana's 800,000 citizens.

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Yemeni armed forces 'eager' to confront US in Red Sea: Ansarallah

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 8:07 AM

A senior official of Yemen's Ansarallah resistance movement says the country's armed forces are "eager" to engage in a confrontation with the United States in case of escalating tensions in the strategic Red Sea.

Mohammad al-Bakhiti, a member of Ansarallah's politburo, made the remarks on Friday, saying, "Our message to the enemies is that the Yemeni armed forces are eager to confront the main enemy, the United States."

"Just as Yemen won the moral battle against the US coalition, it will win any military battle if it is attacked."

The US administration has announced the planned formation of a multinational task force under the pretext of protecting shipping in the Red Sea following Yemen's retaliatory attacks on Israeli-owned and -bound vessels in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Ansarallah official underlined that, "If the US warships attack Yemen, they will be targeted directly and the Americans are aware of the seriousness of this decision."

Pointing to the rejection of Arab and Muslim countries to join the US-led task force in the Red Sea, Bakhiti said, "Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates did not participate in the international coalition to protect Israeli ships and this is a positive point."

The member of Ansarallah's politburo described the Yemeni armed forces' battle in the Red Sea as "defensive" but warned that it may change in the future if the war continues.

The popular resistance movement announced on Thursday that the international waterways as well as the Red Sea are secure for all passing vessels, except for Israeli ones or those heading towards the occupied territories.

Over the past month, the Yemeni resistance movement and Yemen's Armed Forces have been staging missile and drone attacks against vessels heading towards Israeli ports in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has come under an unrelenting genocidal Israeli war.

On Wednesday, Yemeni Defense Minister Major General Mohammad al-Atifi warned Israel of a very harsh response if the genocidal war on Gaza does not stop.

"We are ready to deliver the harshest, most painful and powerful blow to the enemies if they continue to commit crimes against the Palestinian nation, or if they seek to violate and harm Yemen's security and sovereignty."

The Israeli regime launched its devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The relentless Israeli military campaign against Gaza has killed more than 21,000 people, most of them women and children. Over 55,000 individuals have also been wounded.

The Yemeni forces have vowed to keep up their strikes until the regime stops the war and lifts a crippling siege that it has been enforcing on Gaza.

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US strike near Syria-Iraq border kills fighters; resistance hits bases

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 7:25 AM

At least five people have been killed and several others killed after a site in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr near the Iraqi border, where resistance fighters are based, came under a strike by US military aircraft.

Sabereen News, a Telegram news channel associated with Iraqi anti-terror Popular Mobilization Units - better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi - reported that there were Lebanese nationals among the victims of the attack that targeted a military installation in the city of al-Bukamal early on Saturday.

Iraqi resistance fighters launched three separate attacks against US military bases in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and neighboring Syria over Washington's support for the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in separate statements published on its Telegram channel claimed responsibility for the drone strike on al-Harir Air Base, situated 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) north of the Erbil International Airport, late on Friday.

The group noted that the airstrike was carried out in retaliation for US support of Israel's bloody war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

There were no immediate reports about the extent of damage at the military facility, or possible casualties.

Earlier, Iraqi resistance forces had fired a barrage of rockets at an American military base in al-Shaddadi town, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Syria's northeastern city of Hasakah.

Another US-run facility in Kharab al-Jir military base in the Yarubiyah district of the same Syrian province was also hit with a number of rockets.

The strikes on the US-run military installation in Iraq and 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 21,320 people, most of them women and children. Another 55,603 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.

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Hamas refutes Israeli claims about 'discussion of prisoner exchange'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 December 2023 11:48 PM

Hamas refutes the Israeli regime's claims of taking place of "discussion of prisoner exchange" between the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance movement and Tel Aviv.

"There is no discussion of prisoner exchange before stopping the aggression as Israel propagates," Osama Hamdan, senior Hamas' representative in Lebanon, said on Friday.

"The occupation is attempting to leak ideas that suit its narrative and are not true to alleviate internal pressure," he added.

Gaza's resistance movements took hundreds captive during an operation they staged against the occupied territories, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, on October 7.

The regime began taking the coastal sliver under an unrelenting genocidal war following the operation.

At least 21,320 people, mostly women and children, have been killed during the Israeli military campaign so far.

During a Qatari- and Egyptian-mediated temporary ceasefire that took effect earlier during the war, Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 105 people, who were released by Hamas.

Hamdan's remarks did not mark the first time, when Hamas insists on complete cessation of the Israeli onslaught before another exchange could take place.

"There is no concrete idea, but the backbone is a complete and comprehensive cessation of aggression," he noted, asserting, "We possess the tools and capabilities to force the imposition of a ceasefire."

"The only way out of the Israeli impasse is to stop the aggression and make concessions."

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Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik Counters U.S. Warning With Vow To Resist Boosting Multiethnic Institutions

By RFE/RL December 30, 2023

The separatist-minded leader of the mostly ethnic Serb part of Bosnia-Herzegovina has repeated his threat to rip the country apart and wreak new havoc on the Balkans if the international community further strengthens multiethnic institutions.

In an interview with AP on December 29, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said he was "not irrational [and] I know that America's response will be to use force" but he won't be "frightened...into sacrificing [Serbian] national interests."

Since a 1995 peace deal known as the Dayton agreements ended intense ethnically fueled war in the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia has been administered under a Bosniak and Croat federation and a mostly Serb-populated entity known as Republika Srpska.

It is also overseen by a civilian high representative with UN backing and sweeping powers, currently German Christian Schmidt.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien said on December 28 that Washington will take action if there are efforts to unilaterally alter "the basic element" of the post-1995 architecture.

There is "no right of secession," O'Brien said.

Dodik has spent the past two years trying to erode central Bosnian authority and establishing parallel institutions to further his longtime threats to divide the country for good.

Many groups cling fiercely to ethnic divisions despite decades of international mediation to settle grievances among Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, and other former parts of Yugoslavia. Serbs are the most numerous of the ethno-national groups in the region.

"Among Serbs, one thing is clear and definite and that is a growing realization that the years and decades ahead of us are the years and decades of Serb national unification," Dodik told AP.

Dodik has also cultivated increasingly close ties to Moscow, which has tried to exploit religious and cultural affinities in the region.

He has also courted -- and been courted by -- national populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has resisted anti-Russian sanctions and battled publicly with the European Union.

"Brussels is using the promise of EU accession as a tool to unitarize Bosnia," Dodik said, adding, "In principle, our policy still is that we want to join [the EU], but we no longer see that as our only alternative."

EU officials who asked for anonymity to discuss the situation after similar comments earlier this week by Dodik insisted to RFE/RL's Balkan Service that Republika Srpska independence is a moot issue because of the resulting isolation it would bring.

"Any random remarks by Dodik are not really worth commenting on," one EU official said. "Apart from his only 'friend' in Europe, Orban and no one else, Dodik knows very well that the talk of the independence of Republika Srpska is nonsense because such an entity would be politically and economically totally isolated, and it would only bring more trouble to its people."

With reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Balkan Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bosnia-serbs- dodik-resistance/32753443.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a New Year address to ring in 2024 at 7 p.m. Sunday. The address will be broadcast by major TV and radio channels of the China Media Group, and the websites and new media platforms of major state news organizations.


An Aussie family affected by the recent wild weather in Far North Queensland got the surprise of their life after returning home to discover an unexpected visitor had taken residence in their swimming pool - a crocodile.

The dad, who was assessing damage to the fencing around his home following Cyclone Jasper, when he inadvertently filmed the moment his kids  who were swimming in the pool at the time  made the discovery.

While many Aussies are in awe at the remarkable footage, one wildlife rescuer has expressed caution. I can tell you from experience that even a crocodile at that size can shred a finger, WIRES volunteer Gary Pattinson told Yahoo News Australia. That's a really young one but theyve still got an extremely quick and powerful bite.

An Aussie family couldn't believe their eyes when they spotted the creature lurking at the bottom of the pool. Source: Instagram

Dads discovery in pool

When the man's son first tells him of the discovery, he initially reacts in disbelief. Theres a croc in the pool, a boy can be overheard saying in the footage to which the dad responds bulls**t.

As the boy leads his dad to the reptile, another child jumps into the pool without a single worry about the hidden danger lurking below. Its a toy, the dad says, before adding holy f**k when he spots the apex predator.

Be croc wise after the floods, the dad captioned the video which he shared to Instagram. 1st day home to fix the fences and look whats moved in. While the croc appears to be a juvenile, the family remain remarkably calm throughout the short video and even seemingly take matters into their own hands by setting the croc free.

Despite the footage, handling crocs is something WIRES volunteer Gary advises against, telling Yahoo: The advice from my perspective, would be to get somebody who's knowledgeable about crocodiles to come in."

He added that following the wild weather in Queensland, its unlikely to be an isolated event. It wouldn't surprise me if this is one amongst many, many incidences of crocs being displaced, he said.

Story continues

Aussies in awe of the discovery

Many Aussies have praised the dad in the video while others have expressed their horror. You'll have to move out and give up your house the croc has now taken over, joked one Aussie.

That is bloody awesome, said another, adding: kind of jealous sh*t like this doesn't happen to me. Fantastic, added a third. I love animals so much. And to do these things with the kids too. So good to see.

Department of Environment's warning

Department of Environment and Science Northern Wildlife Operations Director Lindsay Delzoppo previously made a warning about crocs turning up in unexpected places following the floods.

During flooding crocodiles may turn up in places they havent been seen before as they move about in search of calmer waters, Mr Delzoppo said.

We expect crocodiles in the cyclone-affected area to be on the move as they search for a quieter place to wait until the floodwaters to recede. Several years ago, a large crocodile found refuge on someones backyard during a flood event, but it quickly moved on when the floodwater receded.

Crocodiles can be reported on the DES website or by calling 1300 130 372

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In Belgrade, Thousands Protest Elections After Serbian Watchdog Rejects Opposition Appeal

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service December 30, 2023

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade on December 30 to call for opening voter lists and other anti-fraud efforts amid ongoing unrest over this month's national, regional, and municipal elections claimed by President Aleksandar Vucic's ruling party.

The protesters filled the spacious Terazije Square in the old Stari Grad neighborhood of the Serbian capital, and looked to number well into the thousands.

The show of anger in the streets by students and activists outside the formal political opposition pledging to challenge the conduct of the elections is the latest of nearly two weeks of public discontent since the December 17 voting.

The organizer, ProGlas, is a movement that includes public figures and launched an initiative before the elections that has been signed by nearly 200,000 citizens. It is demanding parliamentary and local elections in Serbia within six months, "after the process of fundamentally changing election conditions."

ProGlas says the citizens' electoral will was "betrayed."

One day earlier, Serbia's national election commission rejected the united opposition alliance Serbia Against Violence's call to nullify the voting, citing a technicality.

That decision came after a student-led, noon-to-noon traffic blockade was launched in downtown Belgrade ahead of the weekend demonstration.

Vucic declared a sweeping victory at nearly every level in the parliamentary and local voting, which also sparked a handful of hunger strikes by opposition leaders demanding a new vote and an internationally backed probe into the elections.

International observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have called the election process unfair and cited evidence of bused-in nonresidents to boost the ruling Serbian Progressive Party's (SNS) support, especially in Belgrade.

Vucic, who has tightened his hold on the Balkan state since his party came to power in 2012, has called it "the cleanest and most honest" elections ever.

In its ruling handed down late on December 29, the Republic Election Commission (RIK) dismissed an appeal by the opposition Serbia Against Violence alliance to annul the vote results.

The commission's deputy president, Marko Jankovic, said the challenge of nationwide results was rejected because it had been submitted by the opposition alliance's party list in Belgrade to the city's election commission, which then turned it over to the RIK.

Groups of students set up tents in downtown Belgrade shortly after noon on December 29 to blockade a main street near government buildings.

They were camped out on one of the busiest roadways in the capital, Kneza Milosa Street, near the Ministry for State Administration and Local Self-Government.

Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic have dismissed the international assessments as planned and untrue, and alleged without presenting evidence that foreign plotters are behind the postelection unrest.

A protest against the election process and results outside Belgrade city hall on December 24 turned violent when windows were broken and police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Opposition leader Dragan Djilas denied allegations levelled by pro-government tabloids that the opposition was planning incidents at the rally on December 30.

"No one is planning any violence," he said on December 29. "We will not accept stolen elections and we will fight with all democratic methods."

OSCE observers concluded in their initial report that the national vote was conducted under "unjust conditions."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-belgrade-blockade- elections-protest/32753348.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Netanyahu Says Israeli Operation in Gaza Strip Will Last for Many More Months

Sputnik News

20231230

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the military operation in the Gaza Strip will last for many more months, as well as warned Lebanon's Hezbollah movement against expanding the scale of its attacks on Israel.

"The campaign in the Gaza Strip will last for many more months," Netanyahu told a press conference.

He added that the Israeli operation will last until all its goals, including the destruction of the Hamas movement, are achieved.

"If Hezbollah expands the scale of the confrontation, we will carry out strikes that neither Hezbollah nor Iran can imagine," Netanyahu stated.

Earlier this month, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the United States agrees with the Israeli assessment that the ongoing conflict in Gaza could go on for several months, adding that it is important that Israeli strikes become more targeted and precise.

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 21,000 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of Israeli strikes, local authorities said.

On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1.

 Sputnik

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China Planning to Regularly Patrol Waters Off Disputed Senkaku Islands in 2024 - Reports

Sputnik News

20231230

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - China's coast guard is planning to deploy its vessels near a group of islands in the East China Sea to which both Beijing and Tokyo lay claim, known as the Diaoyu Islands in China and the Senkaku Islands in Japan, on a permanent basis next year, conducting inspections of Japanese fishing boats, if necessary.

The Kyodo news agency reported on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the plan was prepared after Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a visit to the East China Sea regional command of the coast guard, stated the need to "constantly strengthen" efforts aimed at protecting China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The Chinese leader also called for combating illegal activities at sea in accordance with the law and supporting China's maritime economy.

On December 14, the number of days when Chinese vessels patrolled the waters near the Senkaku Islands broke the previous record of 336, observed in 2022, according to the report.

In late August, China released the 2023 edition of its "standard map," which shows the country's claim to most of the South China Sea, the territorial ownership of which has long been disputed between China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Senkaku Islands were also marked as a Chinese territory.

China and Japan continue to have a territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands. After World War II, the islands were controlled by the United States and then handed over to Japan in 1972. Beijing disagrees with the decision, recalling that the islands were marked as Chinese territory on Japanese maps from 1783 and 1785. The conflict escalated in 2012 after the Japanese authorities bought out five islands from a private Japanese owner.

 Sputnik

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Netanyahu Aims for Israeli Control on Gaza

By VOA News December 30, 2023

The border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt should be under Israel's control to ensure the demilitarization of the area, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a news conference Saturday.

He spoke as Israel's war against Hamas entered its 13th week. Netanyahu said it would last many more months.

If Israel takes control of the border zone, it would be a de facto reversal of its 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and place the enclave under Israeli control again after years of control by Hamas.

"The Philadelphi Corridor  or to put it more correctly, the southern stoppage point (of Gaza)  must be in our hands. It must be shut. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarization that we seek," Netanyahu said.

He said that about 8,000 militants have been killed in Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian territory. Since the war began in October, 21,672 Palestinian have been killed and more than 56,000 wounded, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said Saturday. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.

Israel began its military campaign to wipe out Hamas after Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel on October 7. Israel said about 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken in the terror attack, about 129 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military says 170 of its military personnel have been killed so far in the fighting.

"Step by step, we are depriving Hamas of their capabilities," Netanyahu said Saturday. "We will also eliminate the leaders."

He vowed to bring all of the hostages back.

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the government secure their release.

Airstrikes kill 165, injure 250

Israeli tanks rolled deeper into central and southern Gaza Saturday, pummeling the al-Bureij, Nuseirat and Maghazi refugee camps and the southern city of Khan Younis with artillery fire, while intensive airstrikes have killed 165 people and wounded 250 others in Gaza over the past 24 hours, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run territory.

In Khan Younis, a town near the Egyptian border where thousands of refugees have run for shelter, the wounded have inundated Nasser hospital, the biggest and most important medical facility in the south of the enclave.

Israel's military said two Hamas compounds were dismantled in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

U.N. aid convoy fired upon

United Nations officials have protested what they say is the recent targeting of a Gaza aid convoy by Israeli forces.

Martin Griffiths, the U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator said Friday that a humanitarian aid convoy was "fired upon while traveling from northern Gaza to Rafah" in vehicles that were "clearly marked."

"The conflict must stop," Griffiths said, adding that attacks on humanitarian workers are unlawful.

No one was hurt in the incident. One vehicle was damaged. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.

More than 600,000 vaccines delivered

UNICEF delivered at least 600,000 vaccines to Gaza on Friday. Nearly 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have missed their routine vaccinations, including polio and measles, since the start of the fighting between Israel and Hamas in October, according to the agency.

UNICEF said it is working with the World Health Organization and UNRWA  which is the U.N. agency for Palestinians  to reach the children who have missed their shots.

Conditions in Gaza deteriorate

Israel's widening attacks in central and southern Gaza have pushed tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking shelter into Rafah, where the population has more than tripled to 850,000, according to U.N. figures.

"We don't have water. We don't have enough food," Nour Daher, a displaced woman, told The Associated Press Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. "The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldn't bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk."

Juliette Touma, a UNRWA spokesperson, said people are using any empty space to build shacks or sleep in cars or in the open.

Most available water is polluted. The sanitation system has broken down, and working toilets are a rarity.

Almost the entire population of Gaza is dependent on international aid, including for food, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said Friday. Lazzarini said the aid operation faces "severe restrictions" from Israeli authorities. Trucks face long delays at the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt and the newly reopened Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel, he said.

Israel has told residents of central Gaza to head south, but even there, people are not safe, he said.

Israeli forces have flattened much of the Gaza enclave going after Hamas militants and destroying the tunnel systems allegedly used by the group.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 85 - 30 December 2023

The Wall Street Journal said that the IAF dropped 29,000 bombs on the Gaza Strip, destroying approximately seventy percent of the Strips homes. The newspaper added that the bombing completely destroyed or damaged half of the buildings in the Strip, in addition to the bombing of Byzantine churches, historic mosques, factories, shopping centers, luxury hotels, theaters and schools.

The Israeli government is working to expel the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media reports Israeli Channel 12 reported that the top-secret Foreign Ministry report includes recommendations that this step take place in 3 stages, the first is to reveal in a comprehensive report the alleged cooperation between UNRWA and Hamas, the second stage includes reducing UNRWA operations in the Gaza Strip, And searching for different organizations to provide education and social care services to the Palestinians in Gaza. The third stage will be "the process of transferring all UNRWA's functions to the body that will govern Gaza after the end of the war." A report by Israeli Channel 12 indicated that the plan will be presented to the Israeli Cabinet in the near future.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, said in response to the Israeli allegations that accuse the organization of helping Hamas and transferring some humanitarian aid directly to it, that Israel created a stream of misleading and baseless information, and stressed that even after the opening of the Karm crossing Abu Salem, the Israeli authorities restricted humanitarian access to Gaza through bombing and disrupting communications and Internet networks for long periods.

Israel has long accused UNRWA of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by expanding refugee status to include millions of descendants of Palestinians who fled or were forced to flee their homes during the founding of Israel in 1948, and believes that the description of refugee is limited to original refugees, as happens with asylum groups around The world, according to The Times of Israel.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth considered that the intensification of the Israeli raids in Syria was linked to an attempt to prevent the passage of shipments of Iranian missiles, known as Product 358, and said: Although Irans attempts to transfer these missiles are not new, they have intensified recently, which prompted Israel To begin disrupting this deployment, especially at the military airport in Damascus.

Israeli forces continue to launch an arrest campaign in the West Bank , and the US State Department announced that it used the emergency law to pass an arms deal to Israel worth $147.5 million, without the approval of Congress.

Israeli forces (IDF) lacked a structured response plan for a scenario similar to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, as per an investigation released by The New York Times, quoting past and present soldiers and officers. "As far as I recall, there was no such plan," said Yaakov Amidror, a retired Israeli general and former advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as quoted by NYT. "The army does not prepare itself for things it thinks are impossible."

v The investigation found that "Israels" military was "undermanned, out of position, and so poorly organized" that soldiers communicated in WhatsApp groups created on the spot and relied on social media posts for targeting information. Troops rushed into battle thinking that the combat would be brief so they were armed as such. Helicopter pilots were ordered to look for news reports and Telegram channels to choose targets.

Prior to the operation, Israeli intelligence officials thought that it was unlikely that Hamas would execute such an ambitious attack that they minimized the radio surveillance of Hamas, deeming it "a waste of time." The true extent of the situation became evident in the weeks following October 7, having discovered that Hamas infiltrated the border into the occupied territories at 30 different points and rapidly advanced toward settlements along the Gaza border, it added.

Additional information from The New York Times investigation revealed that it took the IDF and Israeli security forces several hours to comprehend the full scale of the incident. Moreover, the IDF units positioned as the "initial line of defense" in the Gaza envelope settlements were not adequately trained for this scenario. The report revealed that Israeli forces were so disorganized that soldiers used WhatsApp groups and turned to social media for information. Helicopter pilots were instructed to depend on media reports and Telegram channels to identify the Resistance fighters.

In the Times investigation, it was revealed that Israeli commanders at the Kirya in "Tel Aviv", operating from a bunker called The Pit, were attempting to make sense of reports of Hamas rocket fire in southern "Israel".

Interviews with dozens of officers, soldiers, and eyewitnesses, many speaking anonymously, shed light on the disorganization. The initial deployed units were relatively small, suggesting a lack of understanding of the attack's magnitude. The first order for all emergency forces and available units to head south was issued at 7:43 am, prompted by a message from a base along the border reporting an attack, though the commander was unaware of the full extent of the operation.

The New York Times report asserted that certain IOF units in the Palestinian territories just outside Gaza were inadequately trained, and military reservists were not ready for rapid mobilization and deployment. Furthermore, when the operation commenced, soldiers in the area were reportedly trying to save themselves rather than protecting settlers in their vicinity or coordinating a strategic response to the operation.

Soldiers were forced to abandon the "Nahal Oz" base, leaving behind their dead fellow soldiers. At "Kibbutz Re'im", housing the Gaza Division base, understaffing was reported. A soldier mentioned to the NYT that some were unaware of the attack until Resistance fighters entered their sleeping quarters.

One reservist shared that his paratrooper unit departed its central base near "Tel Aviv" in a convoy around 1:30 pm. The mobilization was independent, lacking a formal call-up order. He anticipated encountering crowded roads filled with soldiers, equipment, and armored vehicles heading south. "The roads were empty!," he recounted in an interview, only to wonder roughly seven hours later: Where is the Israeli army?

Operational Update

The northern and southern axes of the Gaza Strip witnessed fierce confrontations between the Israeli forces and the Palestinian resistance, while the IDF gunboats fired heavy shells at the beaches of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis. Israeli fighters and artillery also intensified the bombing of the central region, especially the Bureij, Nusseirat and Khan Yunis camps, where there is a high population density of refugees and displaced people from the Gaza Strip.

The Al-Qassam Brigades announced that they targeted occupation vehicles in the Bureij camp, and clashed with the Israeli army with heavy machine guns, while the Al-Quds Brigades said that they clashed with the occupation soldiers in Khan Yunis amid violent raids. Information is very vague, but in the north the clashes are concentrated in 2-3 neighborhoods. In most areas the IDF has withdrawn tanks, perhaps leaving some garrisons (images also show Palestinians returning to these areas), Palestinian attacks have also been reported in other areas already considered under control (such as Sheikh Ajin). In the center the director is now on the nuiserat field, while also in the south, the IDF is preparing to cut off the rear part of Khan Yunis and divide it into several areas. Clashes were also reported east of Raffah, but here deep action and a long conflict could create problems with Egypt. Clashes continue in the Daraij and Tuffah areas, mainly along Yaffa str. But clashes were also still reported in Sheikh Radwan and along al Sarftawy str. Some bombing on Jabalia field by Tank, but there doesn't appear to be any active fighting.

"Today we completed a broad attack on the area of Kayla in southern Lebanon, 80% of Hezbollah's missiles fell on Lebanese territory yesterday," the IDF spokesman said in his statement this evening, "we are fighting in the last significant Hamas stronghold in the north of the Gaza Strip. We destroyed Hamas's intelligence chief in the north of the Gaza Strip."

The divisional combat team of the 188th Brigade has been operating since the beginning of the week at Al Buraij Camp in the area of the Central Camp in the Gaza Strip. During their activities in the area, the fighters of the brigade encounter many terrorists who attack the force from inside buildings and from areas of the civilian population. for all the details.

Fighter jets of the Air Force attacked terrorist infrastructures of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the area of Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon, in an operation that included two waves of attacks targeting a series of targets in the morning and afternoon hours. Kfar Kila is a stronghold of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, when the organization uses the infrastructure in the area for terrorist purposes, exploiting the civilian population and using it as a human shield for its operations. Since the beginning of the war, the organization has carried out many launches from the area of the village towards the territory of the State of Israel.

A fighter jet and an Air Force aircraft attacked three terrorist squads in Lebanese territory earlier today. In addition, the IDF attacked an operational infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hezbollah and also attacked with artillery fire this morning several areas in the territory of Lebanon. During the day, a number of launches were detected from the territory of Lebanon towards the territory of the State of Israel. In addition, the air defense fighters successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed the territory of Lebanon towards the territory of the State of Israel.

The fighters of the 7th Brigade's combat team deepened the maneuver to the south and raided Hamas military headquarters in the heart of the city of Khan Yunis, and among them the terrorist organization's military intelligence commander in the city. The military intelligence commander is responsible for all the intelligence operations of the Hamas terrorist organization in the region . In the targets raided by the fighters, very valuable documents were found. In addition, in the HML compound of the intelligence, a HML of the Palestinian Jihad terrorist organization was located.

The combat team fighters of the Givati Brigade raided many terrorist infrastructures in the area and eliminated terrorists who were preparing to attack the forces through sniper and tank fire. The brigade's fire complex carried out several attacks using aerial vehicles in which armed terrorists were eliminated and targets such as a site for the production of weapons and a stronghold of Hamas terrorists were destroyed.

Also, as a preliminary step to the entry of the ground forces, the fire complex of the 98th Division, in cooperation with the Air Force, carried out about 50 airstrikes on a variety of targets, including underground targets and terrorist infrastructures, and also carried out strikes to destroy the enemy as part of escorting the forces in the area.

A drive-by attack happened at a military post near the El Fawar refugee camp in the Yehuda Division, IDF reserve fighters neutralized the terrorist. The security forces are deployed and increasing axes in the area.

The IDF forces continue to operate in the Gaza Strip. The fighters conduct fierce battles against terrorists, the Air Force attacks terrorist units and infrastructures under the direction of the forces, and the fighters of the naval arm assist the forces maneuvering in the Strip with attacks and fire from the sea.

During an operation in Sheja'ia in the northern Gaza Strip, fighters from the 414 Collection Battalion identified a terrorist cell operating near them and a terrorist armed with an RPG. An Air Force aircraft attacked and eliminated the squad at the direction of the fighters.

As part of the operations of the 14th Reserve Brigade's combat team forces in the Gaza City area in the last day, the fighters eliminated dozens of terrorists. In four different detections carried out by the forces, more than 15 armed terrorists were eliminated from the air in less than three hours, and at the end of battles conducted by the fighters, additional terrorists were eliminated in the area.

In the activity of the 551st Brigade Combat Team in the area of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, the reserve fighters of the combat team destroyed two military buildings used by the terrorist organization Hamas. Before the attack on the buildings was carried out, the fighters located many weapons, among them, explosive charges, weapons, military equipment and radios.

Also, in another activity carried out by the forces in the area, the fighters identified two enemy observers in a building near the rest of the forces and after certain identification of the terrorists, an armored force fired from a tank at the building where the observers were staying and eliminated them.

Al-Jazeera's military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that what the Israeli occupation army broadcast regarding the bombing of a tunnel that led to the destruction of residential buildings above it, under the pretext of targeting the apartment of Yahya Al-Sinwar, head of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), is a cowardly act, indicating that he will regret broadcasting a martyrdom video. A resistance member, after being targeted by a drone.

The Israeli army had previously announced that its forces had destroyed what it said was an apartment for Sinwar and part of a network of tunnels underneath it near Gaza City. It claimed that the apartment was used by Yahya Sinwar as a hideout, and that the opening of a strategic tunnel was discovered underneath it, used as a headquarters for senior figures from both military wings. And a politician in the Hamas movement.

Al-Duwairi said that the occupation armys claim that the tunnel is strategic requires evidence and proof, adding that finding a tunnel is normal, but blowing it up in this way that led to the destruction of an entire area is an act that was done with the utmost cowardice, as the tunnel could have been destroyed in a similar way. It eliminates its usefulness without this great destruction.

The military expert believes that the occupation army is trying to show any image of achievement in the face of the resistances achievements proven in clear and significant video clips, while the occupation armys clips still show one side, and no other opposing party appears in the confrontation. He continued sarcastically, if the Israeli street compared its army's videos to what the resistance forces broadcast, it would demand that the army send its moral guidance department to the Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) to take a course that would help it improve its field performance.

In a related context, Al-Duwairi expects that the Israeli occupation will regret broadcasting on one of its channels the scene of targeting one of the resistance youth with a drone, because they will see the positive impact of this scene, which revealed the strength of the Palestinian fighters belief, and also conveyed the message that whoever faces someone like him and hopes to defeat him is crazy. , as he put it.

A video clip broadcast on Israeli channels showed a Palestinian resistance member moving from one building to another, running, before he was targeted by a missile at an Israeli reconnaissance aircraft, where he was hit by one of its shrapnel. The resistance fighter tried to gather his strength despite the injury, as the footage showed him raising his index finger to the sky before assuming the prostrate position to be promoted to martyrdom in this state. The military expert pointed out that the video broadcast by Al-Qassam yesterday evening, Friday, showed a different approach to the performance of the resistance, and this was a reflection of the nature of the area in which it was filmed. These are the areas of Al-Tuffah and Al-Daraj, where - for the first time - reliance on archers to target an armored vehicle was demonstrated.

Al-Duwairi justified this by saying that the shooting angles in that area were difficult, and there was a possibility that the first shooter would miss the target. Because of the circumstances of the place, the administrative decision was to have a second shooter, which also reveals high skill and precision in preparing the teams and preparing for all possible possibilities.

Regarding Al-Qassams announcement of shooting down a Skylark-2 reconnaissance plane that was on an intelligence mission for the occupation army in Beit Hanoun, Al-Duwairi said that this was done through a confusion operation, as it did not appear injured, which means that it was not targeted by fire.

He believes that this plane is a strategic treasure, as it will be studied after it is dismantled, which will allow obtaining information that will help in developing the performance and movements of the resistance later. It is also possible to determine its specifications, and how to simulate its manufacture with development or modification through the use of reverse engineering.

Regarding tracking down tunnels in the Gaza Strip and the discovery of some of them by the occupation forces, Al-Duwairi said that failure is the major factor in these tracking operations. Despite the training and simulation that was conducted, the use of multiple methods, and the benefit of external experiences, the occupation did not succeed in achieving a real goal in this path.

Al-Duwairi reiterates that the lesson of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood - which began last October 7 - will be a source of inspiration for many of the worlds armies, and will be taught in the most prestigious military institutes, according to his opinion. In this context, he pointed out that the South Korean army conducted a simulation exercise of what happened in the attack of last October 7, for fear that the experience would be copied by North Korea.

The YouTube channel Weeb Union [RU = Web Union], is a pro-Russian youtuber who pposes as neutral. According to one users "is good for daily map updates, but his analytical mumbo jumbo is" not so good.

Weeb Union reported that the situation is mainly focused around the Khan Yunis area in the south of the Gaza Strip, the main area for the Palestinian forces now that the Israelis have captured most of Gaza City. The command center of the Hamas is actually located here. The Rafa area is largely untouched by the Israeli forces but there's also a very large concentration of civilians in that area so neither side has an interest in fighting in that area. Therefore the fighting is focused in areas that are largely abandoned by the civilian population. There will be a lot of air strikes by the Israeli forces in all of these areas but for ground units there will be no movement there until the Israelis gain full control over these areas.

Israelis are fighting within the areas that they "control" as these areas they do not really control or not as much as is represented with the maps. Palestinian fighters are in the tunnels. HAMAS aren't really on the surface except for when they are actually fighting - 90% of the time they're in the tunnels. This is why although the Israelis hold an area they don't really control it until they've removed all of the tunnels.

The Israeli soldiers evacuated their personnel from the Beit Hanoun area which had been a center of fighting since the very start of the Israeli operation inside the Gaza Strip when they first started doing their night raids it was here in the North Direction. Since then they launched operations inside Beit Hanoun and fought over it, however they have now retreated. One of the reasons why they retreated from it was they had achieved some of their goals in this direction - they managed to destroy the infrastructure of Hamas fighters. They destroyed some of these tunnels and they limited the capacity of the Hamas fighters in this direction.

The Israelis had captured most of the northern part of the Gaza Strip and are now limiting the areas where they actually fighting to Gaza City itself and the Jabalia camp area, because these are the main areas of the Hamas fighters. The Beit Hanoun area was a sort of military outpost while the Gaza City and jabalia camp areas are large enough to both include the main command centers as well as military outposts. So the Israelis were now focusing r on taking down the command of the Hamas fighters rather than defeating Hamas itself. If they managed to get rid of the leadership of Hamas they have the ability to win. They cannot fight the ground soldiers of the Hamas fighters to win because they'll just drag out the war and that is not something that they're interested in. They're really interested in finishing this war as soon as as possible.

The Israelis need to establish military bases and command centers within the Gaza Strip. They are building a Command Centers in the ruins of demolishment so after they demolish these areas they actually built their own camps and bases in the areas that they demolish. They clear the buildings in the area to build their own camps that are required to continue these longterm offensive operations.

It is unknown how much resources the Hamas Fighters still have. Whether they're able to fight for years or just months is completely unknown because unlike the Israelis who have what will eventually be an endless supply of ammunition, food, water adn other supplies and materials for their forces inside of the Gaza Strip, the HAMAS fighters do not have such a supply. They do not have a production base - all that they have is what they had prepared before the war. the Israelis do not know how much HAMAS has available but there's definitely the risk of this war going on for months and months and months depending on how much supplies Hamas has in stock.

Israeli warplanes targeted several air strikes at Aleppo and Nayrab airports, and a number of points belonging to the Syrian regime forces south of Aleppo. The Syrian regime's SANA agency quoted a military source from the regime's forces as saying: "At approximately 17:20 pm today, the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of Latakia, targeting a number of points south of the city of Aleppo, and the aggression resulted in some material losses."

It was reported that the raids put Aleppo Airport out of service, while Al-Watan newspaper, which is close to the regime, said, Aleppo International Airport is operating as usual and has not been put out of service. For its part, the Iranian Fars News Agency quoted sources that said it "likely suggested that the Zionist entity was the one that targeted Aleppo International Airport."

The Israeli bombing of Aleppo and Nayrab airports comes hours after an Israeli bombing of regime and Iranian militia positions south of Damascus. The Israeli occupation army announced that it was carrying out strikes in Syria in response to an attack with two missiles launched from the occupied Golan region towards northern Israel.

An aerial attack targeted areas near the city of al-Bukamal, in the countryside of Deir Ezzor, eastern Syria near the border with Iraq, which resulted in the martyrdom of seven people and the injury of others. Al Mayadeen's correspondent mentioned that the aggression targeted the al-Hajana building and Badr Hospital in the southern part of the city. On its part, the Israeli occupation military said it carried out rocket strikes on Syria after two rockets allegedly fired from Syrian territory fell into territories it occupies, triggering sirens to sound.

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates explicitly condemned the constant Israeli attacks on Syria, affirming that they represent "Israel's" intrinsic nature to destroy and kill. In a letter to United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and the United Nations Security Council, Syria detailed the extensive violations the Israeli occupation is committing in Palestine, saying that in blatant defiance of UN resolutions, advocacy from members of the Security Council, and the global public opinion, "Israel" strikes Syria as an extension to the genocide in Palestine.

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

rien

Axis of Resistance

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned that the ruling right in Israel would continue to carry out what it called genocide led by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, noting the ease of killings carried out by Israeli forces in the West Bank, and the theft and Judaization of land. The Foreign Ministry said that the ruling right in Israel treats all Palestinians as enemies who must be killed or displaced. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli killings as genocide.

Allied for Democracy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that the National Security Council held eight meetings to discuss the "day after" the war. Netanyahu stated, "With regard to the 'day after' the war, we must eliminate Hamas first." The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that Gaza must be governed by a local administration, neither Fatah Stan nor Hamas Stan. The official Israeli Broadcasting Authority said that the Israeli Prime Minister decided at the last minute not to discuss the "next day" of the war in the War Cabinet.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu's cancellation of the post-war discussion in the war cabinet came due to pressure from coalition partners. Israeli Channel 12 reported at the time that the Israeli War Cabinet would discuss today for the first time the issue of the next day in Gaza after the war.

Smotrich demanded discussion of the "next day" of the war within the government. Extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the move, stressing that the War Cabinet was authorized to manage the military operation and not to discuss the politics of the next day. Itamar Ben Gvir explained that "discussing the post-war period is the task of the mini-cabinet, not the war council with Benny Gantz."

The former Israeli minister, head of the "Israel Our Home" party, Avigdor Lieberman , called for demolishing the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, or what is called the "Philadelphia axis" to force the Palestinians in the Strip to flee to Sinai. In a television interview, he told Parliament that the head of the Egyptian regime, Abdel Fattah al- Sisi , failed to curb the smuggling of peace through the Philadelphia axis into Gaza, and that 90% of the weapons in Gaza come from Egypt.

He continued: "The Philadelphia axis must be demolished, and then the Palestinians will voluntarily go to Sinai." He added, "We will not deport the Palestinians, but we will not prevent them from leaving for Egypt."

Earlier, Lieberman said that the only solution to the Gaza dilemma is to give it to Egypt to administer it, and in the West Bank to transfer responsibility for Area A to Jordan to administer it, considering that this is the only solution for stability in the region. Lieberman continued in his vision for the post-war period, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, that turning back the clock is possible, and that he believes that the solution lies in canceling the Oslo Accords and granting Gaza to Egypt, and certain areas in the West Bank to Jordan, because the idea of returning power to Gaza is futile. Multinational forces will not solve the problem, such as UNIFIL in Lebanon.

He pointed out that Egypt is the only one that can control Gaza, and that Israel must close the crossings with Gaza completely and forever, and abandon supplying it with water and electricity, and the Egyptians must be placed under a fait accompli, saying: If the Egyptians do not like this, let them do what they want.

He said that the two-state solution is dead, and that the solution in Area A in the West Bank is a long-term confederation with Jordan, noting that Tel Aviv must reject the American position on the two-state solution, or the return of power to Gaza, and that Israels leaders must Not to stutter in front of Washington. Areas (A) constitute approximately 18% of the area of the occupied West Bank. According to the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority controls most of the affairs in these areas, including internal security only, while external control is for the Israeli occupation and constitutes Areas (B). and (C) approximately 21% and 60% of the area of ??the occupied West Bank, respectively. Most of the Israeli settlements are located in area (C).

Lieberman indicated that the Oslo Accords had died, saying: We evacuated the Gaza settlements, returned to the 1967 lines, and signed On Oslo in 1993, we paid the price of peace with three thousand dead Israelis, and in return, Hamas came and killed the Jews like what happened to them in the Holocaust. Regarding Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Lieberman said that without Israeli support he would not last a single week, indicating that his return to Gaza is a failed option.. saying: We tried them for 30 years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Philadelphia axis must be in the hands of Tel Aviv and we control it, stressing that any arrangement other than that will not be accepted by Israel. Netanyahu addedthat they will continue the war until the end. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth had said that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant proposed to his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, the establishment of an underground wall on the Egyptian side to separate it from the Gaza Strip, with American funding. The newspaper explained that the proposed wall may reach a length of 13 kilometers and include sensors and technologies to detect the possibility of imminent excavations near it.

The Hebrew channel "I24 NEWS" also published an analysis of the Philadelphia border axis with Egypt, and whether it is a "red line that can be crossed." "I24" indicated that "with the Israeli war on Gaza entering its third month and with Israel expanding its operations throughout the Gaza Strip, the "Philadelphia" axis, located on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, returns to the forefront," pointing out that the Israeli army, which seeks through its operations By land, sea and air, to dry up Hamass sources, it also seeks to stop the supply lines coming to it in order to tighten its grip on the Gaza Strip and achieve the most important goals of its military campaign.

According to "I24", Israeli soldiers were deployed alongside their armored personnel carrier awaiting orders to withdraw from the ruins of what was a military site on the Philadelphia Corridor on the Egyptian border in the southern Gaza Strip on September 11, 2005. On the other hand, Cairo warned against Israel carrying out any military operations in the buffer zone, which would push the residents of Gaza to flee en masse to Egypt under the weight of bombing and closure, which is an issue that Egypt considers sovereign and represents for it a red line that cannot be crossed.

The Philadelphia Axis, or Salah al-Din Axis, extends from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south along the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip, which is about 14 kilometers. The peace treaty that Egypt signed with Israel in 1979, known in the media as the Camp David Treaty, stipulated the establishment of a buffer zone along the border, or what was known as the Philadelphia Axis.

Former Chief of Staff of the army, Dan Halutz, harshly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing that the only solution to save Israel from a civil war is to remove Netanyahu and his government. Former prime ministers Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert also criticized Netanyahu, stressing that talk of defeating Hamas is not realistic.

The failure of the Israeli army to achieve a clear achievement in the Gaza Strip had begun to weigh heavily on the political life of Benjamin Netanyahu internally. Many criticisms began to be directed at Netanyahu's government, reaching the point of warning of a catastrophic reality awaiting Israel after the end of the war.

Former Chief of Staff of the army, Dan Halutz, harshly criticized Netanyahu, and believed that the only solution to save Israel was to overthrow Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Halutz confirmed that the army is being defeated in Gaza in the face of the resistance. This defeat is reflected internally, as Halutz warned of a civil war that would ravage the entity if Netanyahu continued to rule and his alliance with the extreme right remained.

Ehud Barak considered that achieving a pivotal achievement in confronting Hamas is unattainable, and said that those who believe that it is possible to defeat Hamas and force the Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip voluntarily are dreaming.

In turn, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called on Netanyahu to conduct a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal and end the war. Olmert stressed that there is still a long way to go before talking about defeating Hamas, considering that Israel is facing difficult days even after the end of the war.

Netanyahu's nightmare is not limited to criticism, as he is now facing widespread opposition in the street, with increasing demonstrations and protests demanding that the government accept an end to the war and close the issue of prisoners, an issue that may explode in the face of Netanyahu's government at any moment, with the passage of time and the absence of any field achievement by the army.

The Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper suggested that Israel is approaching the "third stage" in its operations in Gaza, but disagreements with the United States are increasing over the timing of the transition to this phase. After Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation Thursday evening, a US statement was issued on the discussions, but it "concealed the main gap between Israel and the United States" regarding the timing of the transition to the third stage of the war, the newspaper pointed out.

The statement mentioned that both sides discussed "Israel's military campaign in Gaza and preparations for the stabilization phase that will follow major combat operations." The Yedioth Ahronoth report pointed out that both the Americans and the Israelis are aware that the transition from a high-density operational phase to a phase with reduced bombing and firing pace should take time as the Israeli military needs at least a few days to safely withdraw two brigades, especially since the size of the Israeli forces in Gaza is approaching five brigades.

The newspaper indicated that the gap between Washington and Tel Aviv is widening regarding timing, as the United States wants to see the transition to the next stage completed, while Israel wants to launch it only.

Channel 12 political affairs analyst, Amnon Abramovich , said that if the United States had not helped Israel with weapons and ammunition, we would have been forced to fight with sticks and stones. Abramovich explained that this reflects the logic of Israels absolute dependence on the United States, as Biden stood at the beginning of the war alongside Israel, sending two aircraft carriers, a nuclear submarine , and an unprecedented air train of munitions, and it has not stopped until now. .

Earlier, Major General in the Israeli reserve and former head of AMAN, Aharon Farkash, said, Israel cannot continue and achieve its goals in Gaza without the military, political, and strategic support of the United States.

The United States continued to supply the occupation entity with ammunition and military weapons since the beginning of the war. Yesterday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken approved the sale of 155 mm artillery shells and related equipment to Israel without review by Congress, according to the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon.

This is the second time this month that the Biden administration has bypassed Congress's review of the sale of weapons to the occupying entity, as the administration used emergency authority, on December 9, to allow the sale of about 14,000 tank shells to Israel. In addition to direct American military support for Israel, Washington sought to deploy at least 12 air defense systems in many countries in the Middle East, as part of its fear of the expansion of the Al-Aqsa Flood battle and the participation of other fronts. This support was also represented by the visits of American officials to the occupied territories, led by Biden, in addition to consistency with the Israeli narrative in reporting the events.

Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs

Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

It is the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war, as the Palestinian resistance killed more than 1,200, wounded more than 5,132 others, and captured more than 250, most of them military personnel, some of whom were high-ranking officers in the army.

Regarding what is happening in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) representative Osama Hamdan said that the Israeli aggression there left 313 martyrs and injured more than 3,000, which is a continuation of the plans of the Netanyahu government. 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 21,672 martyrs, and the killing of more than 7,700 Palestinian children. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The number wounded was 56,165. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza had said much earlier that the number of missing people had risen to more than 7,500, including including 4,700 children and women, and this number had not changes in recent weeks.

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 announces the killing of a major in the engineering battalion of the Golani Brigade and a team leader in the Givati patrol in Gaza. The officially announced number of deaths among the Israeli army since the start of the ground incursion on October 27th to 176, and 504 deaths since the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on the 7th of the same month. Among them are 56 with the rank of platoon commander, 43 with the rank of company commander, 8 with the rank of battalion commander, and 5 with the rank of brigade commander. These officers constitute 23% of the total deaths of the Israeli army in the war on Gaza.

The Israeli army reported that 2,159 officers and soldiers had been injured since the beginning of the war, and that 329 of these wounded were seriously injured, 576 moderate, and 1,161 minor. Since the start of the ground incursion, the number of wounded rose to 921. The Israeli army reported that 198 of the wounded soldiers had serious injuries, 327 moderate injuries, and 349 minor injuries.

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 12,227 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 earlier 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. The Israeli army reported that 431 wounded soldiers were still receiving treatment in hospitals, including 44 in critical condition.

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

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 4,795. 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 said that, since the beginning of the war, approximately 2,550 wanted persons have been arrested throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and the Bekaa and Valleys Division, approximately 1,300 of whom are affiliated with Hamas.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 30 December 2023 - Day 674

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that during the course of 2023, the average daily number of Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in Ukraine has risen by almost 300 per day compared to 2022.

The increase in daily averages, as reported by the Ukrainian authorities, almost certainly reflects the degradation of Russia's forces and its transition to a lower quality, high quantity mass army since the 'partial mobilisation' of reservists in September 2022. It will likely take Russia five to ten years to rebuild a cohort of highly trained and experienced military units.

If casualties continue at the current rate through the next year, by 2025 Russia will have sustained over half a million personnel killed and wounded over three years of war. This is compared to the Soviet Union's 70,000 casualties in the nine-year Soviet-Afghan War.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of December 30, there were 49x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 3x missile and 36x air strikes, carried out 31x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Russian occupiers have once again attacked Ukraine, firing Kh-59 guided missiles at the cities of Dnipro and Odesa and 1x Iskander missile at Zaporizhzhia. Air defense forces destroyed 1x Kh-59 guided missile.

Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential and apartment buildings, hospitals, and other civilian and industrial infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.

The operational situation in eastern and southern 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: the Russian adversary 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 air strikes in the vicinities of Arkhypivka (Chernihiv oblast) and Tovstodubove (Sumy oblast). More than 40x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Liskivshchyna, Mykhal'chyna Sloboda, Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Fotovyzh, Volfyne, Oleksandrivka (Sumy oblast), Bochkove, Krasne Pershe (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 8x attacks in the vicinity of Syn'kivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Russian occupiers launched air strikes near Pishchane (Kharkiv oblast), Novoselivs'ke, Stel'makhivka, Nadiya (Luhansk oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 2x attacks near Makiivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 9x attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces made attempts to regain lost ground. More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Kalynivka, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, Stupochky (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x Russian attacks near Stepove, Avdiivka, and 13x more attacks in the vicinities of Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces, with air support, conducted unsuccessful attempts to improve his tactical situation. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Keramik, Stepove, Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, with air support, conducted 5x failed attacks on Ukrainian positions. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Kurakhove, Pobjeda, Yelyzavetivka, Katerynivka were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Shakhtars'ke axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 2x attacks near Pryyutne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The Russian adversary fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Urozhaine, (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled the Russian attack east of Kopani (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 25x settlements, including Poltavka, Luhivs'ke, Novodanylivka, Novoandriivka, Shcherbaky, Kam'yans'ke, Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the settlements of Tyahynka, Ivanivka, Antonivka and Kherson (Kherson oblast). Also, Russian forces launched air strikes near Tyahynka and Kherson.

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 11x unsuccessful assaults. The Ukrainian troops are holding the line and keep inflicting significant losses on the Russian enemy.

During the day of December 30, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 11x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and military equipment.

The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x concentration of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 3x air defense systems, 7x artillery systems, 3x electronic warfare stations 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 six attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 14th, 30th, 57th mechanised brigades, 25th Airborne Brigade, and 10th Mountain Assault Brigade near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Novoselovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic).

Moreover, the Russian Armed Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 25th Airborne Brigade and 101st Territorial Defence Brigade near Berestovoye and Peschannoye (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 50 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces repelled one attack launched by an assault squad of the 5th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade north of Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic), as well as inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Serebryansky forestry.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 100 Ukrainian troops and three armoured fighting vehicles.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled two attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade and 79th Air Assault Brigade close to Shumy and Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, strikes were delivered at AFU manpower and hardware near Razdolovka, Pereyezdnoye, Andreyevka, Kurdyumovka, Kleschcheyevka, and Bogdanovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 350 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two armoured personnel carriers, and six pickup trucks.

In the course of counterbattery warfare, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system and one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system were eliminated.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by helicopters and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 79th Air Assault Brigade, and 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Ugledar, Novomikhailovka, and Vodyanoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 115 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station.

In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 33rd, 65th, and 117th mechanised brigades close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 Ukrainian troops and three pickup trucks.

In Kherson direction, as a result of actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation, the AFU losses amounted to up to 25 Ukrainian troops and six motor vehicles.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces eliminated one Olkha MLRS near Liptsy (Kharkov region).

In addition, POL and missile artillery armament depots at Starokonstantinov airfield (Khmelnitsky region) and Chernobayevka (Kherson region) were wiped out, as well as manpower and hardware were engaged in 118 areas during the day.

Air defence units intercepted 15 HIMARS and Olkha projectiles, as well as three HARM anti-radiation missile during the day.

In addition, 35 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been shot down near Spornoye, Maryinka, Verkhetoretskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novaya Kakhovka, Babino, Kairy, Vasileyvka, Malaya Lepetikha (Kherson region).

In total, 564 airplanes and 263 helicopters, 10,241 unmanned aerial vehicles, 445 air defence missile systems, 14,403 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,191 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,566 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,868 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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China's state-owned space giant CASC completes all 48 launch missions for 2023 with a perfect success rate

Global Times

By Deng Xiaoci Published: Dec 30, 2023 01:34 PM

Having successfully launched an internet technology test satellite using a Long March-2C rocket on Saturday morning from the Northwest China's Gansu Province, China's state-owned space giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) announced that it has completed all 48 missions scheduled for the year of 2023, with a perfect success rate.

Sources inside the space industry said the mission marked the completion of China's annual space launch plan in 2023.

So far, China has carried out nearly 70 rocket launches this year and 47 of them were conducted by the Long March rocket family, the nation's main launch vehicle fleet.

According to the CASC's official press release on Saturday, CASC has sent more than 130 spacecraft into their pre-designated orbits in the 48 orbital launches, with the Long March rocket series carrying out 47 of the total 48 flight missions, and the Smart Dragon-3 carrying out ocean based launches in South China Sea near South China's Guangdong Province.

The Long March rocket series have extended their current winning streak to 175 consecutive missions, CASC announced on Saturday.

The internet technology test satellite launched on Saturday was developed by the China Academy of Spacecraft Technology Corporation (CAST) by CASC.

The Global Times has learned from the CAST that the academy has also delivered a perfect score in 2023, with all 46 satellites and spacecraft it developed being successfully launched into orbit.

CAST said in a statement shared with the Global Times on Saturday that among the 46 satellites and spacecraft flight missions, it has supported and ensured the smooth undertaking of missions related to the China Space Station that include the spaceflight of Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft, Shenzhou-16 and -17 manned spacecraft.

The academy also listed innovations and breakthroughs achieved in 2023, which marked significant milestones in the country's space exploration endeavors this year in the statement.

China successfully launched the Land Survey 4 01 satellite in 2023. Developed by the CAST, the satellite has been recognized as the "world's first high-orbit Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite."

Its unique capability to operate uninhibited by climate and light conditions allows for unprecedented all-weather, round-the-clock Earth-to-Earth observation. The launch of the satellite significantly enhances China's space-based disaster monitoring system, and expands its observational capabilities in key regions of the country.

China has also successfully dispatched a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellites into space in November to help improve understanding of marine waters, the world's first high-precision ocean color observation satellite that targets various water bodies around the world, using multiple detection methods.

Also notable was the launch of Zhongxing-26 satellite in 2023, with a communication capacity exceeding 100 Gbps, making it currently the most powerful satellite in China for the civilian and commercial communication use.

China has also added the 56th, 57th and 58th satellites to its mega space infrastructure the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) in 2023, making the system more reliable.

Marking a significant victory of international cooperation in space, China has also launched the EgyptSat-2 satellite, which was achieved via a joint development model between China and Egypt. It contributes significantly to the transformation and upgrading of Sino-Arab and Sino-African cooperation, as well as to the high-quality development of the China-backed Belt and Road Initiative.

Pang Zhihao, a renowned space expert on Saturday hailed China's space program for achieving steady development and continuous innovation, making significant achievements in fields such as launch vehicles, artificial satellites, manned spaceflight, and space exploration in 2023.

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Xi calls on Chinese diplomats to establish 'diplomatic iron army'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 8:19 AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Chinese ambassadors to establish a "diplomatic iron army" that remains steadfastly loyal to the Communist Party, reflecting China's growing assertiveness in its foreign policy.

"Dare to be good at struggle and to become defenders of the national interest. It is necessary to... resolutely safeguard the interests of national sovereignty, security and development with a posture of readiness and a firm will to defy strong powers," Xi told Chinese overseas envoys gathered in Beijing, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

During an annual keynote speech following the conclusion of the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference, a confidential high-level Communist Party foreign policy planning meeting that occurs every five years, Xi emphasized the importance of Party discipline to the envoys, and reiterated the word "strict" seven times, urging them to adhere to it diligently.

"It is necessary to put rules and discipline in front, strictly discipline oneself, take strict responsibility... and create a diplomatic iron army that is loyal to the Party... dares to and is good at struggle, and observes strict discipline," Xi said during the envoys' conference at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

Xi's comments come in the midst of a renewed effort to enforce discipline within China's diplomatic corps, following the removal of the previous foreign minister Qin Gang in July and the appointment of Wang Yi.

Gang's tenure lasted only seven months, with rumors of an alleged extra-marital affair during his tenure as China's ambassador to the United States.

"Loyalty to the Party, the country and the people is the glorious tradition of the diplomatic front," said Xi.

"It is necessary to build a strong line of ideological defense... and be an astute person with firm political beliefs who strictly complies with rules and discipline."

He also highlighted the need for Beijing to increase its international influence.

"We must make broad and deep friendships, and the fight to win people's hearts must not only be carried out in temples but deeply among the masses. We must use foreign language and methods to tell the China story well," Xi was quoted as saying, echoing a June 2021 speech in which he urged officials to create a "trustworthy, lovable and respectable" image of China.

On Friday, Beijing named its former commander of the navy, Dong Jun, as its new defense minister, replacing the disappeared ex-minister Li Shangfu.

While China is in high hopes of becoming a world-dominating power, Dong will be the public face of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and has held office at a time when the US is ramping up its efforts to compete with China by forging diplomatic ties in the Asia Pacific.

Dong, 62, who previously occupied the post of the commander of the East Sea Fleet, what is now the Eastern Theatre Command, the main force responsible for fighting over Taiwan, has now the responsibility to engage with the US and lessen the risk of an escalation of a conflict over Taiwan.

"Dong would be familiar with managing near-encounters between Chinese and US military. This is useful when he has to manage crises between both militaries," said Li Mingjiang, international relations scholar at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

Some political analysts believe that because Dong is not a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Military Commission, he may not play an important role in the Chinese military.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Greetings from Russian Party Leader

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 30 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from G. Zhuganov, chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, on Dec. 28.

In the message, Zhuganov extended congratulations on behalf of the C.C., Communist Party of the Russian Federation and on his own behalf to Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the New Year.

The message hoped that new success would be made in the work for further strengthening the friendship and overall cooperation between the two parties and the peoples of the two countries in the new year.

It wished Kim Jong Un and his family good health and happiness. -0-

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Israel assassinated IRGC advisor out of despair: Iranian minister

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 4:28 PM

Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli assassination of a senior military advisor of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria, stating that the occupying regime committed the crime out of despair and hopelessness.

Speaking in an interview with the Lebanese Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network on Saturday, Vahidi stated that the targeted killing points to the utter desolation and anguish that the Israeli regime is already experiencing.

Brigadier General Seyyed Razi Mousavi, he said, was on "an official mission [in Syria], and was brutally targeted in broad daylight."

"Israel has no respect whatsoever for international principles and ethical values."

The Iranian minister said the assassination of Iranian advisors in Syria "will never weaken the Axis of Resistance; on the country it will contribute to its further growth and empowerment."

"Israel is caught in a downward spiral and on the path to extinction. It is behaving insanely, and this is accelerating its collapse," Vahidi pointed out.

The Iranian interior minister noted that the blood of Palestinian martyrs and the slain IRGC commander "will certainly uproot the occupying entity."

Mousavi was martyred by the Israeli regime on Monday in the Sayyeda Zeinab neighborhood of the Syrian capital of Damascus, while on an advisory mission in Syria.

He was one of the companions of Iran's top anti-terror commander, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.

Iran maintains an advisory mission in Syria at the request of the Arab country with the aim of helping Damascus get rid of the foreign-backed militants who have been fighting the democratically-elected government there since 2011.

Earlier in December, Israel killed two Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) military advisors - identified as Mohammad Ali Ataee Shoorcheh and Panah Taqizadeh - in an attack in Syria.

The IRGC announced in a statement at the time that the two officers were martyred against the backdrop of the relentless savagery of the "fake and child-killing" Israeli regime in Gaza.

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Local Aussies have been left feeling disappointed and dumbfounded by the bad behaviour of tourists who spent their Christmas break camping by the beach.

The once pristine Noosa North Shore of the Sunshine Coast are now covered in litter with discarded camping gear, including new tents and popular cabanas, which were abandoned by holidaymakers fleeing the extreme weather that battered Queensland in recent days.

A big thank you to the rangers who will have to pick up these people's mess! said the woman. She told locals that campers abandoned their gear to return home amid worsening weather conditions. I was dumbfounded when one group said they left a new camp trailer the roof was torn off, she added.

Camping gear was left strewn across the sand. Source: Facebook

Locals fume that tourists had no intention of cleaning up

Locals were left furious at the scene, fearing that the mess would lead to a ban in camping so close to the beach. "Just a matter of time and no one will be permitted to camp at these beautiful places," said one fuming local.

Most of that stuff looks like normal rubbish you would have had in a garbage bag and just thrown it in the back of the car, pointed out another. Think they have no intention of cleaning up. Maybe charge a bond on each camper and only refund when all clean ups are done.

This is becoming a yearly thing, added a third. The grotts leave their rubbish because they know they can't be found once their off the beach, It really is sad that so many have a total disregard to the area and social etiquette.

Qld slammed by huge storms

Over the Christmas period, Queensland was hit with destructive winds, flash flooding and large hailstones, causing holiday mayhem for many.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned several waves of thunderstorms will be hitting the southeast corner of the Sunshine State on Saturday, with large hail, lightning and heavy rain already being recorded.

'Irresponsible' behaviour on Aussie beaches

It's not the first instance of bad behaviour on Aussie beaches during the festive period. South Australian government made a major rule change for after tourists irresponsible acts last Christmas left a trail of destruction.

Story continues

Visitors descended onto Goolwa Beach in South Australia to enjoy their holidays last Christmas but irresponsible four-wheel driving with wild manoeuvres left the sand dunes damaged. Mayor Keith Parks said it would take "years" for the popular beach to recover.

Now, the South Australian government has set new speed limits to protect beachgoers and the delicate ecosystem. "Goolwa Beach is still recovering from the damage inflicted by irresponsible 4WD activities in the sensitive dune areas over the 2022 Christmas period," Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes told Yahoo News Australia.

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Iran: Israel assassinated IRGC commander to make up for its chain of defeats

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 2:25 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israel assassinated a senior military advisor of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria due to its defeat in a host of political, military and security fronts.

Amir-Abdollahian said assassinating Brigadier General Seyyed Razi Mousavi, who was serving as a military advisor in Syria, was out of the regime's anger and desperation with its own defeats.

Mousavi was martyred in a terrorist Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighborhood on December 27. He was a comrade of top Iranian anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was also assassinated in a US drone strike in Iraq in January 2020.

Amir-Abdollahian said the slain IRGC commander has made great efforts to bring regional security in the face of terrorism and the Israeli regime's crimes in West Asia.

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that Mousavi's assassination would never weaken the Islamic Republic's steadfastness in maintaining security in the region but would strengthen the country's resolve in this regard.

He said Israel has suffered two defeats in a course of over 80 days.

"The first defeat was on October 7 when Israel collapsed in political and security terms in every sense of the word."

The minister was referring to the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas against Israel.

And the second defeat, the foreign minister said, has been inflicted on the regime over the past 80 days in military terms after it faced resistance of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 21,600 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza since that October day. Over 56,100 people have also been injured.

The regime, however, has stopped short of realizing any of its stated goals, including obliteration of the Gaza-based Hamas, enabling release of the people who were taken captive during Al-Aqsa Storm, and prompting forced displacement of Gaza's population to neighboring countries.

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Biden admin. again bypasses Congress to supply weapons to Israel

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:13 AM

US President Joe Biden's administration has for a second time in less than a month bypassed Congress in order to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel despite growing international outrage over Washington's support for the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was cited by the State Department as saying in a statement on Friday that he had made a second emergency determination covering a $147.5m sale of arms to Israel amid Tel Aviv's ongoing war in Gaza.

Blinken said Israel had requested that fuses, chargers and primers of 155mm high-explosive artillery munitions be added to previous purchases, increasing their estimated total cost from US$96.51 million to US$147.5 million and requiring a new notification.

The sale was approved under an emergency provision that waives the usual congressional review.

The same provision was used earlier in December to approve the sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of 120mm tank ammunition, which is worth more than $106m.

"Given the urgency of Israel's ... needs, the secretary notified Congress that he had exercised his delegated authority to determine an emergency existed necessitating the immediate approval of the transfer," the State Department said, stressing that, "The United States is committed to the security of Israel."

Friday's emergency determination comes as the United States and its Western allies are pressing ahead with their financial and logistical support to Israel in its brutal aggression against Gaza since early October.

The United States has since supplied the Tel Aviv regime with more than 10,000 tons of military equipment, and used its veto power against all United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The international rights advocacy groups as well as Palestinian resistance movements have described Washington as an accomplice in Israel's genocidal war.

The Tel Aviv regime launched the devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The relentless Israeli military campaign against Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 21,000 people, most of them children and women.

Over 55,000 individuals have also been wounded, with thousands more believed lost and buried under the rubble.

The United Nations has described the situation in Gaza as "beyond catastrophic", with residents struggling to find food, water and fuel, while living in crowded shelters or tents.

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'Private' Meeting With Putin, Public Appearances Stir Talk Of Nazarbaev Comeback

By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, Chris Rickleton December 30, 2023

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Friends who are old faces and friends in high places: Kazakhstan's former leader Nursultan Nazarbaev has proven in recent months that he still has both.

Does that mean the 83-year-old is mulling a political comeback?

Kazakh officials loyal to his successor, Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, are keen to dispel the notion. But the very fact that they are feeling the need to comment on the idea is indicative of the interest -- and, in some quarters, alarm -- sparked by the ex-president's recent return to the national news cycle.

The first week of January will mark the second anniversary of the Bloody January unrest that exposed fractures in the elite and, for many, definitively marked the end of the long Nazarbaev era in Kazakhstan.

Since ceding all his remaining positions and titles in the aftermath of the violence that left at least 238 people dead, Kazakhstan's first president has mostly shunned the limelight.

But in the final months of 2023, Nazarbaev's name is once more on everybody's lips.

One public appearance in November was perhaps unavoidable, after his controversial younger brother, Bolat Nazarbaev, passed away. But even then, the grand, elite-packed memorial for a former plumber who grew fabulously rich during the reign of his older sibling turned out to be more like an homage to that same older sibling.

After that appearance came the release of Nazarbaev's autobiography: My Life: From Dependence To Freedom. The book was not his first, but proved sensational in that the author acknowledged for the first time that he fathered children -- sons, no less -- by a woman other than his official wife, Sara Nazarbaeva.

Later this month, Nazarbaev addressed the seventh meeting of the Astana Club, his own geopolitical talking-shop initiative that included former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis RodrAguez Zapatero and ex-Afghan President Hamid Karzai among the speakers.

But it was his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, likely in Moscow on December 19 -- which Putin's press spokesman Dmitry Peskov described as "absolutely private" -- that really set tongues wagging and provided the context for comments by Yerlan Koshanov, chairman of the lower house of parliament, on December 27.

"Dual power does not exist today and cannot exist. Today, all decisions are made by the head of state, Toqaev, elected by the overwhelming majority of the people," said Koshanov, who told journalists that people had "no reason for concern" over Nazarbaev's activities as a "private citizen."

Fulfilling Allah's Task

Toqaev made similar comments about "dual power" in 2019, just months after he stepped into the presidential hot seat as Nazarbaev's hand-picked, loyalist successor.

Nobody believed him then, and with good reason.

At that time, Nazarbaev was serving as the "lifelong" chairman of the Security Council -- a role that raised questions about which of the two was commander in chief. And the former president also chaired the ruling party and enjoyed extensive perks and protections thanks to his constitutionally enshrined status as "elbasy," or leader of the nation.

Subsequent "de-Nazarbaevification" was seemingly driven by two factors.

Firstly, protesters had signaled right before the January 2022 unrest turned deadly that they had had enough of the authoritarian who dominated Kazakh politics for more than three decades, beginning in Soviet times.

And Toqaev, having been constrained by his predecessor for the best part of three years, probably felt the same, not least because of the way the "dual power" situation had paralyzed the security apparatus, dividing loyalties in the process.

After the deadly January events, the power struggle was laid bare.

In addition to transferring his remaining power to Toqaev, Nazarbaev's relatives and allies lost powerful and lucrative positions. At least three members of the president's extended family were jailed on corruption charges. The capital, Astana, also got its old name back after spending three years as Nur-Sultan in Nazarbaev's honor.

In public, the former president has said only positive things about Toqaev and his policies. But it can be assumed that in private he is less than happy -- and probably worried for his family's future. Notable then was the guest list at the closed-doors memorial for Nazarbaev's brother, Bolat.

The younger Nazarbaev had been buried four days earlier in the family's home village of Shamalgan in the Almaty region, more than 1,000 kilometers away.

And if Toqaev's government was represented at the funeral by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov -- presumably as a courtesy to Nazarbaev -- then the faces captured in footage from the Astana memorial luncheon were former officials: ex-police chiefs, prosecutors, defense and education ministers, as well as his ex-lawmaker daughter, Darigha Nazarbaeva.

"It was not easy for us to establish independence," the former president told his appreciative audience after thanking Toqaev, "a number of heads of state," officials, and ordinary citizens for their condolences.

"When the Soviet government fell in 1992, 1,500 manufacturing plants were shut down, leaving 2 million people unemployed," Nazarbaev said. "The store shelves were empty, salaries and pensions were not paid. At a time when there was the question, 'Will we be a country or not?' [We] colleagues and comrades came together to lift up the country. In this way, I believe that I fulfilled the task assigned to me by Allah."

Meet My Other Family

Even some of Nazarbaev's critics give him credit for dealing with the manifold challenges of early independence.

Opinion is more divided over the subsequent repression that included the killing of opposition figures, the elbasy cult, and the excesses of relatives like Bolat, who allegedly acquired huge tracts of valuable land around the country's largest city, Almaty, at little or no cost and had millions of dollars in luxury properties around the world.

After Bloody January, some of Bolat Nazarbaev's businesses and land were returned to the state, while he was also named and shamed by the authorities as a participant in an illegal cryptomining venture. Yet despite strong public demands, he was not brought to justice before his death.

As November became December, Kazakhs were already discussing another family of the former president, which had been an open secret but was only officially revealed in Nazarbaev's autobiography. His description of falling in love with Asel Qurmanbaeva (then Asel Isabaeva) -- a woman some 40 years younger than him -- certainly made for awkward reading.

His only legal wife, Sara Nazarbaeva, responded to her husband's decision to tie the knot with Qurmanbaeva in an Islamic ceremony, "with nobility," Nazarbaev wrote, adding that the pair's three daughters -- Darigha, Dinara, and Alia -- had also understood.

Qurmanbaeva bore him two sons, his only confirmed male heirs. In an interview with RFE/RL, former diplomat Talgat Kaliev said that Nazarbaev's book reveal was a bid to publicly legitimize the two boys "[so] it is officially possible to leave something to them.... Otherwise, their destiny would be very challenging."

Qurmanbaeva -- Miss Kazakhstan in 1999 -- and Nazarbaev began their relationship when the former was just 19, and she is most often referred to as Nazarbaev's third wife, with former air stewardess Gulnara Rakisheva reportedly bearing the president two more daughters.

And the elder of Nazarbaev's two sons, 18-year-old Tauman Nursultan, has already been romantically linked to the daughter of Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliev.

Responding to rumors that the young pair had married, the Energy Ministry published a statement in April calling the information "inaccurate," stressing that the minister "does not have and did not previously have any family ties with the first president."

The ministry's press department was pressed into action once more last month to deny reports that Satkaliev was among the guests at Bolat Nazarbaev's memorial.

Putin Meeting

One person who might be sympathetic to Nazarbaev's complicated situation is divorced Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin, after all, is rumored to have fathered at least two children with Alina Kabayeva, a retired Olympic gymnast who was placed under sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year.

But there was no shortage of suspicion that the two men were talking about things other than family when they met in Moscow earlier this month.

This was not the first time the two have met since Nazarbaev formally retired from politics, famously declaring himself "just a pensioner." They had previously met in June 2022, almost immediately after a constitutional referendum promoted by Toqaev that, among other things, removed all the basic law's references to Nazarbaev as elbasy, a move that, in theory, made him more vulnerable to prosecution.

At the time, Russia's Nezavisimaya gazeta speculated that Nazarbaev was seeking "assurances for himself and his capital," and referred to "various estimations" of the octogenarian's net worth at around $200 billion.

Before that, in late December 2021 -- weeks before the unrest in Kazakhstan and two months before Russia launched its full-scale aggression against Ukraine -- Nazarbaev and Toqaev held talks with Putin in St. Petersburg with Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka along for the ride.

It was undoubtedly Toqaev, not Nazarbaev, who benefited from the CSTO peacekeeping intervention. But public figures and politicians close to the Kremlin were soon complaining that Toqaev had failed to show gratitude for the mission, after Astana chose to remain neutral in the Ukraine war.

In this light, Nazarbaev's sudden return to prominence looks like something of a "cliffhanger" for Kazakhstan.

Written by Chris Rickleton based on reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-nazabaev-putin- comeback/32753433.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ethnic armies' 'Operation 1027' put Myanmar junta on defensive in 2023

Resistance forces are now turning their attention to setting up civil administrations in towns they control.

By Tin Aung Khaing and Kyaw Lwin Oo for RFA Burmese 2023.12.30 -- Myanmar's ethnic armed organizations and other resistance groups made significant gains against the country's military dictatorship in 2023.

"Operation 1027," launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan state in October, was a surprising success. Along with the efforts of local People's Defense Forces, or PDFs, and ethnic armed groups in Kayah, Kayin, Chin and Kachin states, anti-junta forces put the ruling military junta on the defensive.

The junta lost hundreds of outposts as rebel forces captured towns and several key border crossings in November and December, suggesting the tide could be turning in the country's civil war that erupted after the military overthrew a democratically elected government in a February 2021 coup d'etat

"The military council suffered great losses in 2023, while the people's revolution has stepped forward gradually," said Kyaw Zaw, spokesman for the shadow National Unity Government, or NUG. "It is the victory of the people."

The number of junta troops surrendering to resistance forces increased after Operation 1027 began.

On Oct. 30, more than 40 members of Light Infantry Battalion 143 in Kunlong township, northern Shan state, surrendered to the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army.

A day later, the military junta's 15 local militia members laid down their weapons and turned over their arms and ammunition. Reports of junta units submitting to resistance forces have continued over the last two months.

"Many have contacted us to surrender," said Maung Maung Swe, spokesman for the NUG's Ministry of Defense. "If we can have more collaborative fights, the military council will soon topple."

Junta troops have lost motivation and confidence in their fighting ability because of Operation 1027, political observer Than Soe Naing said.

"They have realized they should not sacrifice their lives for corrupt senior military officials," he said. "They will surrender if they are defeated, and will flee from the military if they have an opportunity. It's become a common idea among soldiers."

RFA was unable to reach junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment about junta forces surrendering.

Local administrations

Ethnic armies and officials from the NUG, which is mostly made up of former civilian government leaders, have been setting up interim administrative bodies in areas they control.

In other areas of the country, resistance leaders have started to think about what Myanmar would look like if the junta was defeated.

In Sagaing region, a hotbed of resistance to military rule that saw a resurgence of anti-junta protests in 2023, more than 170 resistance forces held a forum on May 30-31 to discuss the armed revolt and local administration.

"The forum was held to continue the revolution collaboratively as it has been for more than two years," Sagaing Forum spokesman Chaw Su San said. "It also aims to forge more cooperation among anti-military dictatorship forces in Sagaing region."

On Nov. 17, democratically elected representatives from Sagaing, Tanintharyi and Magway regions convened regional parliaments and approved a preparatory bill for an interim constitution, supported by the dissolved National League for Democracy.

But revolutionary groups objected to the measure, saying they wanted to ensure equal rights for negotiation, participation and collective leadership by all resistance groups, said Soe Win Swe, another Sagaing Forum spokesman.

"We concluded that the recent approval was intended just for the interest of a single organization, so we objected to it," he said. "The Sagaing Forum firmly stands on collective leadership."

Draft constitutions

In western Myanmar, armed ethnic Chin groups have also gone on the offensive since October.

"Our resistance forces could capture only four or five military outposts in the past two and half years," said Salai Timmy, the secretary of the Chinland Joint Defense Committee.

"However, after launching Operation 1027, we controlled about nine outposts," he said. "Meanwhile, the military troops abandoned about 12 camps."

The Chin National Front, an ethnic Chin political organization whose armed wing has battled junta forces, along with local administration organizations, established Chinland a Chin state's new name - following the approval of a new constitution on Dec. 6.

The Chinland Council, the new governing body, will form a legislature, an administration and a judiciary branch within 60 days, said Salai Htet Ni, first joint secretary of the council.

In eastern Myanmar, ethnic Karenni forces launched Operation 11.11 a their own version of Operation 1027 a in November, seizing at least nine military outposts in Kayah state, said Khun Bedu, chairman of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force.

"The junta soldiers abandoned their camps," he said. "We are moving on to capture more outposts."

Resistance forces in Kayah state set up an Interim Executive Council, or IEC, on June 12, putting in place local administrations at village, village-tract and township levels, IEC General Secretary Khu Plue Reh said.

NUG is working with the IEC without intervening in administrative procedures, he said.

"We also work together to provide public services especially in education, health care and humanitarian assistance," he said.

With its own public support, the establishment of the IEC could be an initial step toward the establishment of a federal union in Myanmar a a long-running goal of ethnic political organizations and their respective ethnic armies.

In adjacent Kayin state, the Karen National Union, or KNU, battled junta troops, while providing training to local PDFs.

The KNU's Karen National Liberation Army and PDF forces took control of Mon township in early December a the first town captured in Bago region. Resistance forces controlled four other military outposts near the township after three military officers and 19 soldiers surrendered during the battles, according to a KNU news release on Dec. 6.

Ethnic Karen resistance groups announced that they would form a federal unit this year and would prepare a draft constitution, KNU spokesman Padho Saw Taw Nee said.

Translated by Aung Naing for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Pakistan election body rejects Imran Khan's nomination for 2024 vote

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 6:00 PM

Pakistan's election body has rejected former prime minister Imran Khan's nomination to contest national elections due in February.

Khan's Pakistan Tahreek-e Insaf (PTI) party said on Saturday that the former prime minister was disqualified from contesting the elections scheduled for February 2024, due to a corruption conviction.

Khan has not been seen in public since he was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022. The former prime minister was barred from politics for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

His party's media team said Khan nevertheless filed nomination papers for the elections on Friday.

The ECP said Khan's nomination was rejected because he was not a registered voter of the constituency and because he was "convicted by the court of law and has been disqualified".

The commission had also rejected Khan's nomination to contest the elections in his hometown, Mianwali.

His party accused election authorities of stopping most of the candidates from participating in the elections.

Khan formerly claimed he was being targeted by the military, which wanted to keep him out of the polls. The military, however, denied the allegation.

Meanwhile, the election commission accepted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's nomination from two constituencies for the elections, weeks after a court overturned two convictions on corruption charges.

Sharif returned to his country in October to end a four-year self-imposed exile in Britain and is now bidding for a fourth premiership in the February elections.

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Pakistan Military Reports Killing 5 'Terrorists' Near Afghan Border

By Ayaz Gul December 30, 2023

Pakistan's military said Saturday its forces had raided a "terrorist" hideout in a volatile region bordering Afghanistan and killed five militants in the ensuing shootout.

The "intelligence-based" overnight raid in the militancy-hit North Waziristan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province also killed a key militant commander involved in attacks on security forces, the army's media wing said in a statement.

The army did not name the group, but the anti-state Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said its hideout was raided and confirmed the killing of four of its members. The group's statement, sent to journalists, also claimed inflicting heavy casualties on the raiding military forces.

Parts of the northwestern Pakistani province have experienced almost deadly militant attacks, mainly targeting soldiers and police, with the TTP claiming credit or being blamed for most of the violence.

The provincial counterterrorism department said in its annual report Friday that militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had killed 185 police officers and wounded 400 other people this year.

The report claimed security forces had also killed 300 militants and captured more than 900 others during the same period.

Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, bordering Afghanistan, has also seen an uptick in attacks carried out by the TTP and ethnic Baluch insurgents this year, killing hundreds of civilians and security forces.

The Pakistani military has reported the death of nearly 300 officers and soldiers in nationwide militant attacks and counterinsurgency operations in 2023 alone. Earlier this month, militants raided an army base and killed at least 23 soldiers in the deadliest attack in Pakistan's recent history.

Authorities say TTP, listed as a global terrorist group by the United States, and allied groups are plotting the violence from Afghan sanctuaries.

Islamabad maintains that cross-border terrorism in Pakistan has sharply increased since the Islamist Taliban regained power in Afghanistan two years ago.

"While the interim authorities have reported some success in the fight against Daesh [the Islamic State group], the fact is that a number of terrorist groups are living in Afghanistan, evidently under the protection of the Afghan interim government," Munir Akram, the Pakistani envoy to the United Nations, told a U.N. Security Council meeting on Afghanistan earlier this month.

Akram reiterated Pakistan's claims that the TTP was launching more deadly and sophisticated attacks against security forces due to the militant group's acquisition of modern military weapons from "the considerable stocks left behind in Afghanistan" by U.S. and NATO troops.

Washington has repeatedly denied leaving any weapons in Afghanistan during the American military's withdrawal from the country in August 2021, dismissing such allegations as "farce."

Taliban authorities reject charges they are sheltering or allowing militants to stage attacks against Pakistan or any other country from Afghan soil.

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New Year greetings to foreign heads of state and government

Vladimir Putin sent Christmas and New Year 2024 greetings to foreign heads of state and government.

December 30, 2023

12:00

In his New Year and Christmas greetings to President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania, Vladimir Putin noted that the allied relations between Russia and Abkhazia have reached a high level, as confirmed by the October meeting in Sochi. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding constructive cooperation in various spheres and strengthening ties for greater regional security.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin wrote that in 2023 Russia and Azerbaijan were successful in developing their allied relations, while regular meetings between the two leaders helped achieve mutually beneficial agreements in various areas. He expressed hope that these fruitful joint efforts will continue both in terms of the bilateral agenda and for building stronger peace and security in the South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea region.

In his New Year and Christmas greetings to President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Vladimir Putin said that he was confident that steadily developing friendly allied relations and multi-faceted constructive cooperation was fully in line with the interests of our nations.

In his New Year and Christmas greetings to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the Russian leader pointed out that Russia and Belarus worked hand in hand in 2023 to overcome serious challenges and were successful in countering the hostile policies of the collective West, while defending their legitimate interests on the international stage and effectively coordinating their foreign policy efforts. Vladimir Putin went on to emphasise that the two countries strengthened the Union State institutions and laid a solid foundation for further promoting mutually beneficial integration. The Russian President praised the comradely relations forged with Alexander Lukashenko.

In the message of greetings to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Vladimir Putin stated that 2023 was a fruitful year for Russia-Kazakhstan relations. He highlighted the positive momentum in trade and the successful implementation of joint projects in various sectors. In 2023, the two countries marked the 10th anniversary of the Agreement between Russia and Kazakhstan on Neighbourly Relations and Alliance in the 21st Century, and have been consistent in carrying out its provisions, ensuring that the multi-faceted cooperation between them relies on a solid legal foundation. The President of Russia expressed his support for continuing proactive and constructive joint efforts to further expand bilateral ties, as well as cooperating as partners within the EAEU, the CSTO, the CIS, the SCO and other multilateral structures. This cooperation serves the interests of the two brotherly nations and contributes to strengthening stability and security across the Eurasian continent.

In his New Year greetings to President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of Russia spoke highly of the strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, noting the positive results of the talks held in Bishkek in October. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the agreements reached would help build up mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and other spheres and interaction within the framework of the EAEU, the CSTO, the SCO, the CIS and other multilateral organisations.

The Russian leader also sent New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. In his message, he emphasised the high level of relations between Russia and Tajikistan. He pointed out that the recent bilateral talks created conditions for the further strengthening of Russia-Tajikistan strategic partnership and alliance and mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and other spheres. He also reaffirmed readiness to further coordinate bilateral efforts at the CIS, the CSTO, the SCO and other multilateral bodies.

In his messages to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (upper house) of the Milli Gengesh (parliament) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Russia highlighted the progressive development of Russia-Turkmenistan deep strategic partnership in the outgoing year. He noted that the two countries maintained a substantive political dialogue, and that cooperation in the political, trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural and other spheres brought positive results. He reaffirmed commitment to close and constructive interaction on current bilateral and international issues for the benefit of both nations and for stronger security and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region.

In his New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Vladimir Putin noted that his recent official visit to Moscow confirmed the stability of Russia-Uzbekistan relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance and was a good opportunity to map out new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. "I am confident that next year we will continue our constructive dialogue and close interaction towards implementing forward-looking joint projects in various spheres, as well as the coordination of efforts within the framework of the CIS, the SCO and other multilateral organisations, which undoubtedly meets the fundamental interests of our countries' citizens and is in keeping with the goal of ensuring security, stability and prosperity in the Eurasian space," reads the message from the President of Russia.

The message of greetings to President of the Republic of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev reads that the friendly and neighbourly relations between the two countries were reaffirmed in the outgoing year and acknowledges the dynamic development of bilateral political dialogue and constructive cooperation in various spheres. The message further reaffirms the readiness to continue enhancing multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of the two fraternal nations.

In his greetings to President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Luis Arce, Vladimir Putin highlighted the friendly nature of Russian-Bolivian relations and expressed confidence that they will continue to develop fruitfully.

The Russian leader offered Christmas and New Year greetings to President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, noting that bilateral relations were actively developing in political, trade, economic, humanitarian, and other areas based on the principles of strategic partnership. He expressed confidence that the two countries will continue to consistently strengthen their constructive bilateral ties and effectively coordinate efforts in international affairs, including in the context of Russia's BRICS Presidency and Brazil's G20 Presidency in 2024.

The President of Russia sent heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the New Year 2024 and the approaching Spring Festival to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, stressing that the two Russia-China summits held in the outgoing year - the spring summit in Moscow and the autumn summit in Beijing - gave a powerful impetus to the development of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between the two countries in all areas. Trade and economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China is dynamic: the target of bringing trade to a record level of over US$200 billion was reached ahead of schedule. "The successful implementation of the Cross Years of Physical Fitness and Sport has contributed to a significant expansion of humanitarian ties. Next in line are the Years of Culture between Russia and China: the events planned as part this new large-scale project take on special significance in the context of the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries," the President stressed. He expressed confidence that joint efforts will further boost productive bilateral cooperation in all spheres, as well as partnership cooperation in the United Nations, the G20, the SCO and the expanded BRICS association, the chairmanship of which will be assumed by Russia.

In congratulatory messages to President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and Army General Raul Castro on the occasion of the Republic's national holiday Liberation Day, as well as Christmas and the coming New Year, Vladimir Putin emphasised that Russian-Cuban relations are based on good traditions of friendship and mutual respect. "Strategic partnership, constructive cooperation in various spheres will continue to develop consistently for the benefit of the friendly peoples of the two countries, in the interests of forming a just democratic world order," the message reads.

In his New Year greetings to Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, Vladimir Putin emphasised that despite the difficult international situation, last year saw positive dynamics in Russian-Hungarian relations. The President of Russia reaffirmed his commitment to continuing constructive and pragmatic interaction, allowing for the implementation of important joint economic projects, which fully meets the interests of the Russian and Hungarian nations.

The messages addressed to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi note that, despite the difficult international situation, the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India continues to develop dynamically: in the outgoing year, trade has been growing at an exceptionally high rate and joint projects in various areas have been successfully implemented. Vladimir Putin praised the results of India's chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20 and stressed his conviction that Moscow and New Delhi will continue to develop multifaceted bilateral ties and effectively coordinate efforts to strengthen security and stability at the regional and global levels.

Addressing President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith, the Russian President noted the high level of the Russian-Lao strategic partnership, which was fully confirmed by the October meeting in Beijing and expressed readiness for further joint work to promote bilateral cooperation in all areas. "We expect the Lao chairmanship of ASEAN in the coming year to create conditions for stepping up cooperation between this authoritative regional organisation and our country," the President of Russia stressed in his message.

In his New Year and Christmas greetings to President of the Republic of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega, Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the fruitful development of strategic partnership between Russia and Nicaragua will stay on course for the benefit of the two friendly nations and in the interests of building a just multipolar world order.

The President sent Christmas and New Year greetings to His Holiness Pope Francis, noting his commitment to humanistic values and justice, and also expressing hope that the Pope will continue promoting peace, accord and mutual understanding among nations through his unrelenting efforts.

In the greetings to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Vladimir Putin emphasised that, despite the challenging international environment, Russia's relations with Serbia, based on centuries-old traditions of friendship and spiritual affinity, are developing in a constructive direction. The President reaffirmed his readiness to continue the dialogue and effective work on topical bilateral, regional, and international matters.

Addressing President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Vladimir Putin wrote that the Russian Federation and South Africa enjoy friendly and constructive relations, as confirmed by the second Russia-Africa Summit. "I expect us to continue steadily expanding our mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas. We attach special importance to coordinating our efforts within BRICS. Russia intends to rely on South Africa's best practices as we assume the chairmanship of this prominent and now expanded international association," the President said in his message.

Vladimir Putin used his holiday message to President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad to reaffirm Russia's continued commitment to facilitating a lasting and comprehensive settlement and post-conflict recovery in Syria. The Russian leader also expressed confidence that further efforts to forge closer friendship and cooperation serve the core interests of the Russian and Syrian people.

The President of Russia also sent New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasising that Russia and Turkiye have been quite effective in developing their multi-faceted cooperation recently. The two countries worked together on major energy and infrastructure projects and facilitated efforts to settle regional conflicts. In 2024, Moscow and Ankara will continue expanding their political dialogue and productive cooperation in multiple spheres, which is expected to benefit their friendly nations and contribute to strengthening security and stability on the Eurasian continent.

In his message to President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, the Russian leader stressed that friendly interstate relations were at a high level. He advocated for the continuation of constructive dialogue and joint work to promote the Russian-Venezuelan strategic partnership in all areas, which undoubtedly meets the fundamental interests of the two nations.

In his greetings on the New Year 2024 and the traditional Tet holiday to General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong, Vladimir Putin noted that Russian-Vietnamese relations, based on long-standing traditions of friendship and mutual respect, are at a high level, with a meaningful bilateral dialogue maintained and constructive cooperation expanding in various fields. He expressed confidence that in the coming year, the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Hanoi will develop fruitfully for the benefit of both nations and in the interests of ensuring regional stability and security.

In addition, Vladimir Putin extended Christmas and New Year greetings to several former foreign heads of state and government, in particular, Robert Kocharyan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, Serzh Sargsyan, Nicolas Sarkozy and Gerhard SchrAder.

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Press release on Russia's main foreign policy results in 2023

30 December 2023 17:19

2656-30-12-2023

Last year, the Russian diplomatic service pursued a foreign policy course determined by President Vladimir Putin in a situation of heightened confrontation with the collective West. The main goals were to provide political and diplomatic support for the special military operation and to expand cooperation with countries and associations that make up the Global Majority.

1. An important milestone in 2023 was the update of the doctrine underlying Russia's foreign policy: on March 31, the President of Russia approved a new version of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation. The document expressed a commitment to promote the formation of a more just and sustainable international system based on the principles of international law and cooperation between states.

2. Russia made significant efforts to develop relations with neighbouring countries, as well as the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

High-level multilateral events at the UN, BRICS, the G20, the APEC forum, and the East Asia Summits demonstrated these groups' strong interest in pursuing an independent foreign policy and their willingness to take Russia's interests into account.

3. Integration with Belarus has advanced significantly. The partner countries began working on an interstate treaty on security guarantees and the Union State security concept. The Guidelines for Implementing the Provisions of the Treaty Establishing the Union State in 2024-2026 were agreed upon. The intergovernmental agreement on the mutual recognition of visas was ratified. A major joint achievement was the launch of the Belarusian nuclear power plant.

4. Amid geopolitical turbulence, Eurasian integration associations that include Russia have successfully demonstrated their resilience.

Under Russia's chairmanship, the Eurasian Economic Union adopted a declaration on the further development of economic processes within the EAEU until 2030 and 2045, titled the Eurasian Economic Path. The EAEU signed a free trade agreement with Iran, as well as a memorandum of cooperation with Myanmar.

The Collective Security Treaty Organisation member states, which share approaches to regional security in Eurasia, the situation in Afghanistan, and the prevention of an arms race in outer space, expressed their positions in joint statements by the countries' foreign ministers. A legal framework was established for the CSTO to participate in UN peacekeeping activities. Under the Belarusian chairmanship, the CSTO began discussing the Eurasian Security Architecture agenda at a high-level international conference in Minsk in October.

Interaction in the Commonwealth of Independent States was highly productive. At the CIS summit in Bishkek in October, the members adopted a statement on international relations in a multipolar world and signed an agreement on free trade in services and on investment activities. The CIS Human Rights Commission and the Commission of Ombudsmen for Children's Rights in the CIS member states commenced their work. The Treaty on the Establishment of the International Organisation for the Russian Language was signed. To expand the Commonwealth's external relations, observer and partner statuses were established.

5. The progress in relations with the Central Asian states was advanced by the 6th foreign ministers' meeting in the CA5+Russia format in Samarkand in April. In October, the presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan launched Russian natural gas deliveries across Kazakhstan to consumers in Uzbekistan.

6. Russia contributed to the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalisation process based on the trilateral agreements of the leaders. Visas were abolished for short-term trips to Russia by Georgian citizens, and direct flights between our countries were resumed. The foreign ministers of the countries participating in the 3+3 Consultative Regional Platform met in Tehran in October. The meeting was a success and provided a promising mechanism for cooperation and maintaining stability in the South Caucasus.

7. Russian-Chinese relations reached an unprecedented level in 2023. After his re-election as President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping made his first foreign visit to Russia in March. President of Russia Vladimir Putin visited China to take part in the third Belt and Road International Forum in October. Bilateral trade again reached a record high of over $230 billion. The share of the rouble and the yuan in mutual transactions reached about 80 percent. The Russia-China tandem played a stabilising role on the world stage, making a significant contribution to the democratisation of the entire system of international relations.

8. Russia maintained an intensive political dialogue with India, including in the context of the country's chairmanship of the SCO and the G20, reinforcing the Russian-Indian special and privileged strategic partnership. The growth of trade, which exceeded $54 billion, revealed the progressive development of Moscow's cooperation with New Delhi.

9. President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in September brought Russian-North Korean relations to a new level.

10. Important joint steps were taken to expand Russian-Iranian relations. In particular, the parties signed an agreement on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway in May, and the foreign ministers signed a Declaration on the Ways and Means to Counter, Mitigate and Redress the Adverse Impacts of Unilateral Coercive Measures in December.

11. The launch of the mechanism of regular dialogue at the level of foreign ministers (Moscow, December) accelerated cooperation between the Caspian states.

12. Relations with TArkiye reached a strategic level in the field of peaceful nuclear energy: in particular, Russia began supplying nuclear fuel to the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

13. Russia gained a stronger foothold in the Middle East. Relations with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, primarily the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, acquired a new quality, including with regard to the stabilisation of the global oil market through OPEC+. There was progress in relations with the League of Arab States: Morocco hosted the 6th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum of foreign ministers in December.

14. The second Russia-Africa Summit held in St Petersburg in July marked the culmination of collaborative efforts to significantly enhance ties in this promising area of Russia's foreign policy. The agreements reached at the highest level set the priorities for long-term cooperation with African countries and associations.

15. The expansion of traditional partnerships with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean was central to the agenda of the successful political dialogue with regional states at the highest and high levels. A significant milestone was the Russia-Latin America International Parliamentary Conference held in Moscow in October.

16. The Joint Statement of the ASEAN and Russian Foreign Ministers on the Occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership reflected Russia's strong ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The first trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia, China and Indonesia took place in Jakarta in July.

17. A pivotal moment in the development of BRICS was the decision made at the Johannesburg Summit in August to expand the association from January 1, 2024, by inviting Argentina, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia as new members.

18. The influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on global and Eurasian processes increased in 2023: Iran became a full member of the SCO, and the process for Belarus to become a member was initiated.

19. In its relations with unfriendly states, Russia pursued a principled policy aimed at creating favourable conditions for them to abandon their hostile policy. To achieve this, Russia took steps to debunk the concept of a "rules-based international order" promoted by the United States and the European Union. At the UN, the OSCE and other multilateral platforms, Russia advocated for the peaceful development of all states based on the principles of sovereign equality and indivisible security. Russia effectively thwarted plans for its international isolation while maintaining opportunities for dialogue and pragmatic cooperation with the West on the basis of equality and respect for each other's interests.

In light of the United States' openly anti-Russia policy and inability to negotiate, NATO and the EU's continued eastward expansion, and the creation of new threats to Russia's security, Russia suspended its participation in the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) in February. Russia also terminated its participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) in November and withdrew the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in November. Russia withdrew from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council in September in response to the Western countries' actions that effectively paralysed the Council's activities and a lack of confirmation from them that they were ready to transfer the chairmanship to Russia. In July, Russia also suspended its participation in the Black Sea initiative for the export of Ukrainian food products due to a lack of progress in the implementation of the UN-Russia memorandum on the normalisation of exports of Russian agricultural products and fertilisers.

20. An important milestone in the humanitarian sphere was the establishment of the International Russophile Movement, which is united by common sympathy for Russia and interest in Russian culture and language (March).

The Astronomical Observatories at Kazan Federal University were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In November, Veliky Novgorod joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The quota for foreign citizens to study at Russian universities with government grants was increased to 30,000 places. Additionally, 206,000 books and textbooks in Russian were donated to educational institutions in 23 countries.

A world conference on traditional values (November), five regional and more than 70 country conferences, and other events were held as part of cooperation with the movement of Russian compatriots.

Russia conducted comprehensive emergency operations to evacuate Russian nationals and citizens of other countries from Sudan in April and from the Gaza Strip in November and December. Furthermore, over 390 tonnes of Russian humanitarian aid were delivered to the Palestinians.

The system for issuing unified electronic visas for citizens of 55 countries to enter Russia was launched in August, and more than 120,000 people have used it in five months.

In July, Russia opened its Consulate General on the island of Phuket, Thailand. The Embassy of the Russian Federation opened in Burkina Faso in December, and the Russian Embassy in Libya reopened in June.

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Kh-22: Russia's Unstoppable Cruise Missile

Sputnik News

20231230

Ilya Tuskanov

Russia launched its largest-ever drone and missile barrage against Ukraine since the start of the conflict on Friday, with the MoD reporting the targeting of energy facilities, ammunition depots, airfields, ports, fuel terminals and regional military headquarters. Among the weapons used were Kh-22 cruise missiles. Here's what is known about them.

Just hours after Friday's massed missile and drone attack, Ukrainian Armed Forces Air Force Command advisor Yuri Ignat admitted to media that Ukraine's NATO-sourced air defenses were no match for Russia's Kh-22 series of air-to-surface cruise missiles.

"No," Ignat said, when asked whether the air defense forces were able to shoot down even a single Kh-22 series, either Friday or over the 22 month period before that. "They have not been shot down. The enemy is using them in the southern and eastern direction, and from the north, attacking Kharkov region."

"The Kh-22 missile files at a speed of 4,000 km per hour and approaches its target mostly along a ballistic trajectory, so special means are needed to intercept it. Air defense systems like the Patriot are needed, so it's difficult with these missiles. The enemy has used more than 300 of these missiles since the start of the full-scale invasion. Along with the Kh-22, they also have a modernized version of this missile - the Kh-32," Ignat added. "It's presumed that such missiles were also used today. Their characteristics have been slightly improved. But there are fewer of them than the Kh-22," he said.

Ignat's admission, on a par in significance to Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny's acknowledgement in November that there would be "no deep and beautiful breakthrough" in Ukraine's counteroffensive, was matched in its pessimistic tone by Western observers, who complained that the Kh-22's Tu-22M3 strategic bomber carriers were essentially impervious to Ukraine's air defenses, because they fire at standoff ranges too great for air defenses to counter.

"Big, lumbering Russian bombers flying at high altitude would be ideal targets for Ukrainian S-200s if the Russians flew close enough to the Ukrainian border to inch inside the S-200's 200-or-so-mile [320 km, ed.] range," Forbes military observer David Axe wrote - referencing the 1960s-vintage air and missile defense system built by the thousands during the Soviet era. "The problem, for Ukrainian air defense commanders, is that all Russian bombers fire cruise missiles that can range much farther than 200 miles. The Tu-22M3's own standard land-attack missile, the Kh-22/32, ranges farther than 500 miles [805 km, ed.]. An S-200 battery would need to be well forward of a Tu-22M3's target city -as in, hundreds of miles - in order to get a clean shot at the bomber," he added.

And that's no accident.

Soviet Standoff Weapon

Over 60 years ago, the Soviet General Staff had a problem: Encirclement by a series of hostile US-coordinated alliances, including NATO in the west, CENTO in the Middle East, and SEATO in Asia. All of these blocs had only one goal: to target the USSR and China at Washington's behest if the Cold War ever went hot. Complementing hundreds of military bases was America's powerful fleet of aircraft carriers, including the then-brand new nuclear-powered Enterprise-class supercarriers, which could be deployed at a moment's notice to potential flashpoints anywhere in the world against Moscow or its allies.

In 1958, the Soviet military tasked the legendary Raduga Design Bureau outside Moscow, known for its creation of a variety of cruise and hypersonic missile designs, with the development of 'Product D-2', a long-range supersonic anti-ship cruise missile to target carriers using conventional munitions, or entire strike groups if fitted with a nuclear warhead. And so the Kh-22 Burya (lit. 'Storm') was born.

Development was led by legendary Soviet aircraft and rocket designer Alexander Bereznyak, who created more than a dozen rocket engines, hypersonic and cruise missile designs and space program-related aircraft technologies during his career. Design Bureau 1, now part of Almaz-Antey, developed three separate guidance systems for the Kh-22 series of missiles, including inertial, active and passive radar-based seekers.

The missile's blazing fast flight speed, between Mach 3.5 to Mach 4.6 (just shy of Mach 5, which is deemed hypersonic), was achieved thanks to the use of a powerful, liquid-propellant fueled rocket engine. The missile could ascend to altitudes of up to 25 km (and up to 35 km in its Raduga-D2 hypersonic flying laboratory variant), and had a range of up to 600 km, making the system essentially impervious to any existing air and missile defenses of the time.

The 11.6 meter long, 0.94 meter diameter missile had a launch mass of over 5,780 kg, and a high explosive cumulative payload of 960 kg, sufficient to paralyze any enemy warship. To complicate interception, the missile was designed to climb higher and higher into the air during flight as it burned through its fuel, and to dive onto its target at a 30-degree angle.

Prototype production of the Kh-22 began in 1962, with development work continuing as the missile was tested aboard strategic missile carriers - including the then-brand new supersonic, variable-sweep winged Tupolev Tu-22 strategic/maritime strike bomber. The Kh-22 was officially adopted into service with the Soviet military in February 1971.

The Kh-22 featured a number of design innovations for the time, including a complex, radio-electronic warfare-resistant radio unit, an alcohol-cooled guidance system, onboard autopilot computer, hydraulic rudders, and a warhead equipped with a special safety system designed to prevent accidental discharge (especially crucial for the missile's 0.35-1 megaton variants - designed to sink entire carrier strike groups).

The missile could be launched from a variety of Soviet strategic bomber aircraft, from the veteran, 1950s vintage turboprop Tupolev Tu-95 to the Tu-16 and Tu-22, to the extensively redesigned Tu-22M and its M1, M2 and M3 variants.

Deep Modernization

Between the time it was adopted and the present, well over half-a-dozen variants of the Kh-22 were developed - upgrading flight speed, range, guidance systems, and other characteristics. In the late 1980s, the Raduga Design Bureau set to work on a deep modernization of the Kh-22 to account for NATO's improved electronic warfare capabilities.

That project, known as the Kh-32, featured a new, more powerful engine which increased the missile's range to 1,000 km, a new jamming-resistant inertial guidance system with radio correction and higher accuracy terrain reference-based guidance, and a new automatic control system. With its flight ceiling increased to up to 40 km, the Kh-32 became impervious to even the most advanced Aegis naval missile defenses, with its top speed nearly double that of the SM-6, the Aegis's anti-missile missile. The tradeoff is a lower payload, with the Kh-32 equipped with a 500 kg warhead in place of the Kh-22's 960 kg warhead.

The Kh-32's development proved slow and painful, with the economic crisis following the Soviet collapse slowing development to a crawl, and contracts to resume development signed in 2008 and 2010, respectively, as part of the program to modernize the Tu-22M platform. The Kh-32 was formally adopted into service with the Russian military in 2016.

Although continued to be classed as an anti-ship missile through the late 2010s, it became clear to Russia's military that the Kh-22 and its Kh-32 variant could be used for land attack missions, with their deployment in Ukraine during the special military operation proving the point.

Who Has Kh-22s?

Iraq was the only country besides the USSR which Moscow allowed Kh-22 missiles to be exported to - with about two dozen reportedly sent to Baghdad in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War. After 1991 and the Soviet Union's collapse, Kh-22s were divided among Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Kiev scrapped over 400 of its Kh-22s in the early 2000s as part of a US-sponsored program to decommission and scrap its Tu-22M fleet known as the Cooperative Threat Reduction program.

With an estimated price tag of between $400,000 and $1 million apiece, the Kh-22 and Kh-32, used in coordination with other missiles, as well as kamikaze drones, have proven impossible to stop not only by Ukraine's legacy Soviet-era air and missile defenses, but by advanced NATO hardware, including Patriot, NASAMS and Iris-T missile batteries, brought in over the course of the Western bloc's proxy war against Russia.

"These are missiles for destroying protected fortifications, dugouts, command posts deep underground, launch positions of missile forces, airfields, storage facilities, that is, for destroying elements of military infrastructure," veteran Russian military expert Anatoliy Matviychuk said of the Kh-22/Kh-32s' use following Friday's strikes.

Characterizing the missiles as a "final echelon" weapon, Matviychuk explained that they are designed to approach their targets after drones and Kalibr cruise missiles have suppressed Ukrainian air defenses.

A Sputnik

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Russia Open to Dialogue With West on Exchange of Frozen Assets - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20231230

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow will act symmetrically if the West confiscates the Russian assets it has frozen, the director of the Department of Economic Cooperation at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Dmitry Birichevsky, told Sputnik, adding that the amount of Western funds frozen in Russia that could be affected by retaliatory measures is significant.

On December 21, the New York Times reported that the United States and its European allies renewed discussions to go after $300 billion in frozen Russian assets and use them to aid Ukraine.

"Of course, we admit that we will be forced to act symmetrically if Russian assets or a part of them are still confiscated. I will not talk about specific amounts a this is the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Russia, but the amount of funds that may be subject to our retaliatory special economic measures is substantial," Birichevsky said.

If the West is ready for a dialogue with Russia on the mutual exchange of frozen assets, Moscow is open to such a conversation, Birichevsky said.

"We are ready for any development of the situation with frozen assets. It seems that the mutual exchange scheme proposed by the Russian side could be of interest to Western counterparts whose funds are in our jurisdiction on C-type accounts," he said.

"At the same time, as everyone knows, 'it takes two to tango. In the context of the ongoing Russophobic campaign in the West and against the backdrop of new unilateral sanctions, I think it is pointless to try to guess the reaction of the authorities of foreign countries whose residents could potentially take part in such an exchange. If the other side is ready for dialogue - we are open to it, but if not, as they say, there is no judgment," Birichevsky said.

The United States has been pushing the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan to come up with a strategy on how to seize Russian assets by February 24, the New York Times reported. US funding for Ukraine is set to run out by December 30 after Congress failed to authorize new funds before recess.

Most of the immobilized Russian funds a roughly 210 billion euros ($232 billion) a are held in the European Union, including cash and government bonds denominated in euro, dollar and other currencies.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has accused the West of illegally curtailing property rights of Russian citizens and legal entities. He said Western governments were placing subsidiaries of Russian companies under external supervision and working on a legal framework that would allow them to take control of frozen Russian assets.

A Sputnik

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Two young children have died in a devastating New Year's Eve tragedy at a popular swimming spot in Australia's west.

A young boy and girl were found floating in Perth's Swan River late on Sunday afternoon as revellers were getting set to ring in the new year. The children, both under the age of 10, were spotted at Burswood near Perth Stadium before they were desperately pulled from the water by members of the public.

Both children were unresponsive by the time authorities arrived on the scene, WA Police said. Eight ambulances rushed to the water while police cordoned off the area. The children were administered CPR but were unable to be revived. They were taken to Perth Children's Hospital where it was later announced they had passed away.

An ambulance seen at the scene on Sunday (left). A police boat retrieves bodies from the Swan River in 2018 (right). Source: ABC/AAP

The incident happened near where revellers had gathered for New Year's Eve celebrations and close to a children's playground.

One witness, Bulal Walizada, who was in the area with his family, told the ABC there were chaotic scenes as a man jumped into the river in an attempt to save the children.

"He's just rushed over, jumped in, pulled them out of the water," he said. "There was a woman who said she was a nurse. She came over and started doing CPR.

"From that moment everyone was just gathered around. There was a lot of panic and chaos."

The West Australian reported the children were from two different families with witness accounts saying one woman could be heard screaming as she realised one of the victims was her child.

The state's Coronial authorities are conducting an investigation and a report will be prepared.

with AAP

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Israel strikes outskirts of Syria's Aleppo; material damage reported

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 6:32 PM

Israeli warplanes have conducted another strike on the Syrian territory amid heightened tensions in the region as the regime keeps up its genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

"At around 17:20 p.m. local time (1420 GMT) on Saturday, the Israeli enemy launched an aerial attack from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of Lattakia, targeting some sites south of Aleppo city," the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted an unnamed military source as saying.

The source said there were no injuries, but some material loss.

Only two days ago Syrian air defenses intercepted most of Israeli missiles launched toward the capital Damascus.

On October 7, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas launched its surprise Operation al-Aqsa Storm in the occupied territories in response to years of aggression by the Israeli regime against the Palestinians. Caught off-guard, Israel ignited its bloody war machine afterward.

Now almost three months into the conflict, Israel has killed more than 21,600 people in Gaza. Most of the fatalities are women and children.

Israel frequently targets military positions inside Syria, especially those of the resistance movement Hezbollah, which has played a key role in helping the Syrian army in the fight against foreign-backed terrorists.

The regime rarely comments on its attacks on the Syrian territories, which many see as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's success in confronting and decimating terrorism.

Israel has been a prime supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad.

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Presidential hopefuls in full attack mode in TV debate

ROC Central News Agency

12/30/2023 08:00 PM

Taipei, Dec. 30 (CNA) Taiwan's three president hopefuls spent most of Saturday's televised debate attacking each other and defending themselves over personal issues, while devoting some time to relations with China and virtually ignoring domestic issues.

The debate, between ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) nominee Lai Ching-te (), Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je (), and Hou Yu-ih () of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), was the only one of this election season, and the candidates used it to bash each other, helped by a format that encouraged it.

Each candidate was given the opportunity to make opening remarks at the debate at the Public Television Service (PTS) headquarters, and Lai used them to go on the attack, first targeting his main rival, Hou, as being too close to China, an accusation the DPP has made throughout the campaign.

Lai criticized Hou for backing a formula known as the "1992 consensus" that was used during the previous KMT administration from 2008 to 2016 to open a dialogue with China, saying that it was a policy from a "previous era."

Lai also said that despite significant changes in the global economy and trade structures, Hou still advocated a revival of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA), an unratified treaty between Taiwan and China.

Shifting his focus to Ko, Lai criticized him for consistently expressing opinions without taking corresponding actions, and said many of the ideas Ko expressed echoed the ongoing efforts of the current government, such as emphasizing fiscal discipline and supporting social housing programs.

Hou, meanwhile, outlined 10 governance issues under the DPP, highlighting solar energy scandals and numerous "dark secrets," and criticizing the DPP as well as Vice President Lai, for their absence of reflection and self-criticism.

Hou was referring to allegations that a solar energy company acquired land through illicit methods in Tainan, a city under DPP rule since 1997.

The case, involving Ku Sheng-hui (), a former government official from the DPP administration, is currently under investigation.

Ko also focused on attacking the DPP, attacking it while describing Taiwan as facing shortages of water, electricity, workers, land, talent, and even eggs, pork, vaccines, and rapid screening.

He also tried to position himself as an alternative to the two major parties, saying that "from 2000 to today, the KMT and DPP have taken turns in power, only to let everyone down again and again."

In the next segment, representatives from the five major media outlets each asked one question, with four of them covering topics related to dealing with China.

Hou defended himself as being too close to China, asserting his opposition to both formal Taiwan independence and the "one country, two systems" approach that China used when it initially took over Hong Kong but has since reneged on.

Ko emphasized that the bottom line for engaging with China is Taiwan's desire to preserve its existing democratic and free political system and way of life.

Lai, one the other hand, said as long as there can be equal dignity, "we are also willing to communicate and cooperate with China," a continuation of the current policy of President Tsai Ing-wen () that has not yielded any openings with Beijing.

The debate then became an exercise in mudslinging, reflecting the generally negative tenor of the campaign that has seen each campaign trying to reveal "scandals" involving the others, when the candidates asked each other questions.

This questioning continued for three rounds, with most of the questions seeking to highlight flaws in the others' character or integrity, and Hou and Ko occasionally teaming up to attack Lai, who is the clear frontrunner in the polls.

Some of the sharpest exchanges focused on the controversy involving Lai's family home in New Taipei, which the KMT and TPP have insisted is an illegal structure.

The Lai camp has contended that the house has been in existence since 1958, while the government of New Taipei, where the house is located, said it was built from the ground up in 2003.

The New Taipei government said in September that the house could only be acknowledged as a legal building if the owner provided evidence that the structure predated 1981.

Ko questioned how Lai was going to transform his family house in New Taipei into a miners' museum -- a proposal he previously put forward in a policy presentation.

"You claimed it [the house] was a redevelopment of your father's old shack, portraying it as quite pitiful, to the point you even shed tears," Ko asserted, suggesting that Lai may have sought sympathy through an emotional display.

"This blatant deception by the ruling DPP infuriates me the most," the former Taipei mayor said.

Lai, meanwhile, dismissed Ko's remark, stating that the status of the house was a result of the insufficient assistance and lack of reorganization for houses in the mining area after the abolition of mining rights.

Lai then shifted his attention to a five-story dormitory near Chinese Culture University owned by Hou's wife, a property that the ruling party has used to bash Hou by saying students were being charged excessively high rents to live there.

Lai asked Hou how he could discuss housing justice. "What ability do you possess to lead the country and support the younger generation?" Lai said.

Hou disputed Lai's contention, and said that all aspects of the building, including that it was divided up into 99 units to rent to students, was legal.

"The 99 addresses are all legal structures. You can go and verify it," he said.

The building was inherited by his wife, and "everything is legal," Hou said, urging Lai not to launch a smear campaign.

In their brief closing remarks, each of the three candidates shared their vision for a better Taiwan, with Lai going back to China, saying that Taiwan was now on the right path, and in the process of breaking free from reliance on the Chinese economy and no longer succumbing to pressure from Beijing.

Ko emphasized his commitment to continue the path of reform, mentioning the need for improvement in housing justice as well as energy stability.

Meanwhile, Hou pledged to establish a transparent government that will be "unlike the DPP, which operates as a dictatorship." He said his government will possess the ability to form a coalition government, fulfilling the people's aspiration for a change away from the DPP.

He also aligned with Ko, advising him not to shed tears over the DPP's smearing, referring to Ko choking up when he discussed accusations that a piece of agricultural land his family owns in Hsinchu that he turned into a parking lot illegally.

"We don't need to shed tears. We must move forward bravely in the face of all blows," the KMT nominee said.

The candidates will spend the next two weeks hitting the campaign trail, trying to convince undecided voters as well as consolidating their respective bases to get supporters to turn out on Jan. 13, 2024.

(By Chung Yu-chen)

Enditem/ls





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Presidential candidates voice disapproval of foreign electoral interference

ROC Central News Agency

12/30/2023 07:08 PM

Taipei, Dec. 30 (CNA) All three of Taiwan's presidential candidates voiced disapproval of foreign electoral interference during Saturday's televised debate, with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te () and Ko Wen-je () of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) agreeing on heavier penalties for those leaking military secrets.

The candidates, also including the Kuomintang's (KMT) Hou Yu-ih (), expressed disapproval of foreign forces influencing the outcome of Taiwan's elections, with Lai and Ko agreeing that existing laws should be revised to deter people from assisting hostile foreign forces.

They were responding to the question raised by CNA editor-in-chief Chris Wang (), who brought up the issue of China's infiltration of and interference in Taiwan's elections, specifically through efforts to target serving and retired military officers, and asked for the candidate's opinions on the fact "those guilty of drunk driving or corruption are currently penalized more harshly than those committing treasonous acts."

Lai said that China has attempted to intervene in every Taiwanese election but that "this time it is the most serious."

He noted the seriousness of Taiwan's military officers being turned by China, but also praised the majority of the serving and retiring officers who he said have remained steadfastly loyal to Taiwan.

Lai proposed educational and legal methods to solve the problem of China's infiltration into Taiwan's military and society.

"We should strengthen national security education and consolidate national recognition," he said.

"In terms of legislation, as every [infiltration] case has included a middleman, such as a retired general or serving officer, the law needs to better target that," the DPP candidate said.

Ko also raised the need to strengthen Taiwan's internal security by increasing the penalty for leaking classified information.

The TPP candidate said it was necessary to up the penalty for leaking classified documents, adding that doing so in some European countries and the U.S. can lead to up to 19 years in jail.

Internal management to identify this kind of behavior must also be run more effectively, he said, adding that "a better 'SOP' [standard operating procedure] regarding documenting certain interactions [with foreign entities] was needed."

Improvements are also needed in terms of cyber security, Ko said, adding, "What matters the most is not preventing hackers, but ensuring the basics are done, such as regularly changing passwords."

He also stressed that infiltration prevention in the end comes down to "discipline" and heavy penalties, particularly regarding civil servants and the military.

Meanwhile, Hou said he is against foreign forces interfering in Taiwan's elections.

"Taiwan is a country with a democratic and free system, and we have to have faith in that to protect it," Hou said.

However, he pointed out the problem of "being investigated for simply traveling to the mainland," adding that laws must not be manipulated nor used as a "political tool."

Hou was referring to recent cases of ward chiefs being investigated and detained for their involvement in organizing "disproportionately subsidized" trips to China.

Saturday's debate, which lasted around 2.5 hours, was the only one of this election season featuring presidential candidates.

(By Alison Hsiao)

Enditem/kb





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DPP, KMT candidates reject independence, pro-China labels at debate

ROC Central News Agency

12/30/2023 09:09 PM

Taipei, Dec. 30 (CNA) Taiwan's three presidential candidates pledged to uphold the status quo during a debate on Saturday, which saw the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te () and his Kuomintang (KMT) rival Hou Yu-ih () address their respective independence and pro-China labels.

"I will work, with dignity and modesty, to maintain the status quo [in the Taiwan Strait] and protect Taiwan," said Lai, the incumbent vice president, at the televised event, reiterating his pledge to continue President Tsai Ing-wen's () policies toward Beijing and Washington.

The DPP candidate vowed to "strengthen national defense, boost the economy, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the democratic camp" but at the same time remain open to engaging in dialogue and cooperation with China provided that both sides speak as equals.

Tsai's approach "puts Taiwan at the core" and emphasizes collaborations with democracies based on shared values, said Lai, who went on to accuse his KMT opponent of adopting a "pro-China" policy and thus relegating the party to be a "vassal of authoritarianism."

Lai was also challenged again on his previous descriptions of himself as a "pragmatic worker for Taiwanese independence," most recently in 2017 when he was serving as Taiwan's premier.

He has toned down his rhetoric since 2020, however, when he took over as vice president, proclaiming that "Taiwan is already an independent sovereign country."

Still, his earlier description of himself has triggered close scrutiny of his positions on China by his opponents at home and observers overseas since entering the presidential race in April.

"Taiwanese independence" expresses the idea that "the sovereignty of Taiwan remains independent and belongs to the [nation's] 23 million people, and that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to one another," Lai said.

"I am a pragmatic worker," Lai said, without adding "for Taiwan independence," and "my purpose...is to safeguard Taiwan, build up the country, develop the economy, and strive for the benefits of people."

Hou, on the other hand, questioned Tsai's cross-Taiwan Strait policy, which Lai has pledged to continue, suggesting it had cost Taiwan nine diplomatic allies to China since the DPP took power in 2016.

The KMT candidate and New Taipei mayor reproached the DPP government for the cut-off of communications and exchanges between Taipei and Beijing, and for China's intensified military activities, notably frequent sorties, in the vicinity of Taiwan.

The government has exposed Taiwan to greater risk of war, Hou said, arguing that if Tsai's policy were effective, there would be no need for the international community to be concerned about the security of the Taiwan Strait.

Hou also fought back at criticism of his party's handling of the China issue, saying the KMT had taken a "centrist" position in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of China and legislation governing the people across the Taiwan Strait, including the endorsement of "the 1992 consensus."

"The Constitution of the Republic of China shall forever be engraved in my heart," Hou said, stressing his opposition to Taiwanese independence and the "one country, two systems" political formula proposed by Beijing.

The "consensus" was a tacit understanding reached in 1992 between the then-Kuomintang (KMT) government in Taiwan and Beijing.

It has been consistently interpreted by the KMT as an acknowledgment by both sides that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means, although Beijing has never publicly recognized the second part of the KMT's interpretation.

The KMT candidate, however, did not respond to a question raised by a media representative about whether he would openly object to having Taiwan unified with China.

Instead, he vowed to adhere to Taiwan's democratic and free way of life and said the future of Taiwan should be determined by the nation's people.

Hou's running mate Jaw Shau-kong () told local media earlier this week that he would not talk with China about unification if elected, given "the substantial differences in [political] institutions between the two sides."

The third contender, Ko Wen-je () of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), also promised to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, saying it was "the only option" for Taiwan.

"Taiwan is currently not in a position for either unification or independence," the TPP candidate and chairman said, citing opinion polls in Taiwan as saying that as much as 90 percent of the population preferred the status quo.

While agreeing with the current administration's foreign policy, Ko said Tsai's cross-strait policy had been "terrible" and led to "general concerns" among the Taiwanese over whether such status quo would continue.

"I will ensure that the people of Taiwan [continue to] enjoy a democratic and free political system and way of life," the former Taipei mayor said, noting that he would strive to promote Taiwan's autonomy, cross-strait peace, and partnerships with democratic countries.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/ls





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Yet another brutal attack by Russia against the Ukrainian people: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

30 December 2023

Thank you President, and I join others in thanking Assistant Secretary-General Khiari as well.

Colleagues, it is with deep regret that we find ourselves sitting here to respond to yet another brutal attack by Russia against the Ukrainian people. Last night, Russia launched the largest wave of missile and drone attacks since the war started, using over 158 weapons of different types.

This was not a push on the front lines. These missiles were aimed at population centres across Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi and many more cities. They struck homes, apartment buildings, shopping centres, and metros. A maternity hospital and regional oncology centre have been damaged. In short, civilian infrastructure.

These reports are unfortunately no longer surprising. But they are still shocking. Reports indicate at least 30 people have been killed and hundreds wounded - and the death toll is still rising. This toll would be much higher, if not for Ukrainian air defence systems, which have been supplemented by the international community.

This war, which Russia alone chose, continues to inflict a devastating human cost on ordinary Ukrainians. Earlier this month, during my visit to Kyiv, I met children recovering from injuries caused by Russian missile strikes in Kherson and at Kramatorsk railway station. These children lost limbs. They lost their parents. They lost their childhood. But these are brave and resilient children and they're determined to rebuild their lives, their homes and their country. Russia's illegal and brutal aggression will, however, last long in Ukraine's history.

Last night's attack was, as my Defence Secretary said, a desperate and futile attempt by Russia to regain momentum. They will not succeed. Ukraine has already forced Russia's Black Sea fleet to retreat from its Crimea base. Ukraine is defending its territory. It has already retaken more than half the land seized by Russia since February 2022. And, as I said, is pushing back Russia in the Black Sea.

So again, we praise the bravery and resolve of the Ukrainian people and its armed forces. The United Kingdom continues to stand by them. We are sending hundreds more missiles to restock the air defence systems, which are helping to protect Ukraine's civilians and its infrastructure from Russia's brutal attack.

Our support will remain for as long as it takes and I join the Secretary-General in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms.

President, as this is likely the final meeting of the year, I want to express my appreciation to the Presidency for their excellent stewardship of the Council this busy month, and I'd also like to extend our gratitude to Albania, to Brazil, to Gabon, and to Ghana and the UAE. You have been excellent partners, you've made vital contributions to the Council's work and each brought your unique perspective, and we will miss you.

Thank you.

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UN chief condemns Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities and towns

29 December 2023 - The UN Secretary-General on Friday condemned in the strongest terms a massive aerial attack by Russia on Ukrainian towns and cities, which left at least 30 civilians dead and over 160 injured.

Overnight, Russian armed forces reportedly launched 158 missiles and drones in several waves targeting locations across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Cherkasy, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres underscored that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure "violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must end immediately".

He also extended his deepest condolences to the families of all the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, the statement added.

Security Council discusses situation in Ukraine

Also on Friday, the Security Council held an urgent meeting on the situation in Ukraine, where members were briefed by Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Since the Department's last briefing to Council members on 6 December, "we have continued to see daily reports of attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns, including on critical civilian and energy infrastructure, with many resulting civilian casualties," he said.

During the Christmas period alone, attacks on the city of Kherson reportedly killed several people and wounded many others, while apartment buildings, a medical facility and a railway station packed with more than a hundred civilians awaiting evacuation, were struck.

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the overnight large-scale missile and drone attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities and towns across the country, including against civilian and critical infrastructure. The attack reportedly resulted in at least 24 civilians killed and more than 134 injured.

Attacks against civilians must stop immediately

Mr. Khiari reiterated the UN Secretary-General's condemnation of the attacks on cities and towns across Ukraine.

"Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must stop immediately," he stressed.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified some 1,888 civilian deaths and a further 6,334 injuries in 2023, bringing the total casualties since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 to 29,113.

The actual figures are likely considerably higher.

2023 ending as it began

Mr. Khiari went on to note that, tragically, 2023 is ending as it began - with devastating violence against the people of Ukraine.

"Once again, Ukrainians are forced to spend the holidays seeking shelter, clearing the rubble, and burying the dead, amidst freezing temperatures," he said.

"As we look to the New Year in the hope of avoiding further escalation, we recall the Secretary-General's appeal to all concerned to do their part to help lay the foundations for sustainable peace in Ukraine - in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and resolutions of the General Assembly," he added.

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The President has been informed about the Ukrainian Armed Forces' strike on residential areas in Belgorod

December 30, 2023

18:00

A Healthcare Ministry team led by Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko and an Emergencies Ministry team flew to Belgorod on the President's instructions to provide assistance to the victims.

At least 14 people were killed and 108 injured as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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UK shipping hundreds of air-defense missiles to Ukraine, says British minister

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:10 AM

The United Kingdom is shipping around 200 air-defense missiles to Ukraine, a British minister says, as Russia launched a wave of missile strikes against targets in the ex-Soviet republic.

In a post on X on Friday, UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps said that Britain was sending hundreds of missiles to Ukraine in an attempt to boost its air defense against waves of Russian strikes.

"The UK is moving rapidly to bolster Ukraine's air defense, in the wake of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's murderous air strikes. Hundreds of British-made air-defense missiles are being sent to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself from Putin's barbaric bombardment," he said.

"Today's air defense package sends an undeniable message, in the face of Russian barbarity that the UK remains absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine," Shapps added.

His comments came in the wake of Russia's largest missile and drone bombardment of the 22-month war.

The UK's ministry of defense in a statement stressed that these missiles would restock British-gifted air defense systems capable of shooting down Russian drones and missiles "with incredible accuracy."

Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) manufactured by Britain is designed to be launched from aircraft, including the UK's Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets.

According to the statement by the UK's ministry of defense, such missiles had been demonstrated to be "very effective yet low-cost solutions to the frontline to meet urgent requirements," with a reported hit rate of as high as 90 percent against some Russian air targets.

"Ukrainian operators have become adept at their usage and have asked for more missiles to protect their country," it went on to say, adding that the shipment is part of A2.3 billion of military support to Ukraine from Britain in the 2023-2024 financial year.

Since the onset of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, the UK has supplied Kiev with various weapons, including the NLAW anti-tank missile launcher and Brimstone 2 missiles.

Britain also became the first Western country to provide Ukrainian forces with a long-range cruise missile named the Storm Shadow. The Storm Shadow is a turbojet-powered missile that cruises at Mach 0.8 to a max range of 560 kilometers.

Furthermore, over 20,000 recruits from the Ukrainian armed forces received training in the UK since the beginning of 2022 under the British-led Operation Interflex.

Separately on Friday, US President Joe Biden said that the latest missile barrage on Ukraine is a "stark reminder" that Putin remained committed to destroying the ex-Soviet republic, stressing, "He must be stopped."

"It is a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two years of this devastating war, Putin's objective remains unchanged. He seeks to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people," Biden added.

Since the start of the war, the US has led a Western coalition sending tens of billions of dollars in weaponry and munitions to Kiev.

Moscow has repeatedly warned Western leaders against the continued supply of weapons and munitions to Ukraine, pointing out that such measures will not stop Russian troops from defending its objectives and that arming Kiev would only prolong the war.

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'They Keep Coming And Going By The Thousands': Ukraine's Frontline Troops, Residents Brace For Another Year Of War

By Oleksiy Prodayvoda, Current Time December 30, 2023

Near BAKHMUT, Ukraine -- In the final days of 2023, snow and fog has given way to sunshine along Ukraine's eastern front, but the improved weather brings its own dangers for Ukrainian soldiers operating close to Bakhmut.

For Ukrainian tank crews, the sunny days mean that they need to camouflage themselves and their equipment even more carefully than usual as they continue to repel attacks launched by Russian forces from the nearby city.

A year ago, Bakhmut and other nearby areas were the site of some of the most intense fighting of the war since Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion. Artillery barrages have left the city decimated and under Russian control since the spring, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowing to retake Bakhmut in September.

Now, Oleksandr, a mechanic turned tank operator who asked to be identified by only his first name, spends most of his time holding the Ukrainian line on the outskirts of Bakhmut, where assaults and exchanges of artillery have become a fixture of daily life. With the sun shining on a late December day, his crew has been tasked with being ready to shoot from closed positions, only risking open-field fighting -- which leaves them exposed to attack drones -- on rare occasions.

Conscripted a year ago after initially trying to enlist in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion, Oleksandr says that his will to fight has only grown, especially amid the high casualty figures that prolonged bloody battles have brought.

"My arms and legs are intact. I understand that we don't have enough people, we really don't have enough people," Oleksandr told Current Time, a Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA.

"They keep coming and going by the thousands," he added, in reference to Ukrainian soldiers killed and wounded fighting in eastern Ukraine. "Every arm and every leg in Ukraine is worth its weight in gold."

The strategic stasis outside of Bakhmut has come to reflect the war's reality as 2024 approaches. Kyiv's once highly anticipated counteroffensive has largely stalled and Western funding for the war continues to falter amid rising living costs and declining approval ratings across the West.

The Biden administration's proposed $60 billion aid package to Ukraine to cover the country's anticipated needs through 2024 has been held up for months amid political deadlock in Washington. As a result, the administration has been forced since August to curtail the size of the bimonthly military aid packages to Ukraine as authorized funding runs dangerously low. The State Department announced on December 28 its latest weapons package for $250 million, bringing the monthly total to $450 million. From March 2022 through July 2023, U.S. military aid averaged more than $1 billion a month.

Despite stalling progress on the battlefield, Ukraine has pressed ahead in recent days with an attack on Russia's Black Sea Fleet near the Crimean port city of Feodosia and December 29 air attacks on southern Russia's Belgorod and Bryansk regions.

Moscow has also stepped up its own attacks, with Russia firing more than 150 missiles and drones at Ukraine on December 29 in one of the largest bombardments of the war. The aerial attack has left 39 people dead, at least 160 wounded, and an unknown number buried under the rubble in the assault, according to Ukraine's Interior Ministry.

The scale of the bombardment appeared to confirm recent warnings from Western officials and analysts that Russia had been limiting its cruise-missile strikes for months in an apparent effort to build up stockpiles for massive barrages during the winter, hoping to break the morale of Ukrainians.

'That's How We Live'

Less than 20 kilometers west of Bakhmut, the town of Chasiv Yar's remaining 800 residents have adapted to the grueling reality of wartime life.

Constant barrages from the Russian military have become a fixture of life over the last year but have left much of the town in rubble or its buildings damaged.

Yuriy, a longtime resident of Chasiv Yar, says that it's so cold in his house that the tea in his cup froze. The town lacks any proper heating and most residents subsist on what wood they can gather to burn, but with temperatures dipping and supplies running low, that's proving more difficult by the day.

Yuriy spoke to Current Time while trying to contact his neighbor who had left town that the windows and doors on her apartment have all been knocked out from shelling. He says that he currently spends his time checking in on her apartment, looking for supplies, and warming up at one of the small heating tents that local officials have set up for the remaining residents.

"That's how we live. It's minus 3 [degrees Celsius] in the room," Yuriy said. "So we came, warmed up, and then we go there again."

Yuriy says that today he is lucky, as Chasiv Yar's mayor and his team brought him a cylinder with gas to help with heating and cooking. He explains that with fuel in such short supply, he uses it strategically to heat one small room and then conserve the rest for cooking, which can be used to boil a kettle or warm a small stovetop.

Natalya, another Chasiv Yar resident, says that she worries about what's next for her town and Ukraine.

"I'm worried. The United States is holding back help. There are fewer munitions," she said. "The manpower [and resources] on the other side is greater than in Ukraine. So, I'm worried."

2024's New Phase

Uncertainty over the level of Western military assistance for Ukraine will follow Kyiv into 2024.

The recent funding announced by Washington provides a stopgap, but it gives no long-term clarity on helping Ukraine resolve its ammunition shortages and military planning for the coming year.

White House officials have suggested that this weapons package, known as a "drawdown" from Pentagon inventories, was the last one they could make with existing funds. Any new assistance will require the approval of Congress and the legislation for a new package put forward by the White House is currently stalled as negotiators try to find a compromise on border security and immigration policy, key demands from Republicans in agreeing to any future deal.

Political battles have also stalled aid from Kyiv's other Western backers. In Brussels, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is blocking a proposed plan of 50 billion euros ($55 billion) in new assistance for Ukraine from the European Union.

According to the Financial Times newspaper, the bloc is preparing a back-up plan worth up to 20 billion euros ($22 billion) for Ukraine, using a debt structure that sidesteps Orban should he refuse to drop his veto by a planned EU summit on February 1.

Securing future military assistance is vital for Ukraine if it is to make progress in its goal of pushing back Russian forces. Speaking at a press conference in late December, Zelenskiy said that Ukraine's military leadership submitted a plan to him to mobilize up to 500,000 more troops for the fight against Russia that is estimated to cost some $13 billion. "I would like to know where the money will come from," the Ukrainian president remarked.

Elsewhere, Western officials have been pushing for more military assistance for Ukraine and warning of the consequences should support for Kyiv dry up.

"Wars develop in phases," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview on December 3 with the German broadcaster ARD. "We have to support Ukraine in both good and bad times."

"We should also be prepared for bad news," Stoltenberg added, without offering specifics.

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Oleksiy Prodayvoda of Current Time in eastern Ukraine

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-eastern-front-winter- war/32753623.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Death Toll, Condemnation Mount From Massive Russian Bombardment As Kyiv Declares Day Of Mourning

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, RFE/RL's Russian Service December 30, 2023

Aerial attacks continued overnight between Russia and Ukraine but appeared to have abated early on December 30, one day after Russia carried out its most intense bombardment of Ukrainian military and civilian targets in the 22-month-long war, sparking international outcry and condemnation at a special meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ukrainian officials said the death toll had climbed to at least 39, with 159 injured in the massive Russian air attacks on Kyiv and other targets throughout Ukraine with hypersonic and other missiles and drones on December 29.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials called it the heaviest bombardment since the unprovoked full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a 16th body had been found at a bombed-out warehouse in the capital. He also declared January 1 a day of mourning in the city.

U.S. and European governments joined together to condemn the Russian air attacks at a special UN Security Council meeting late on December 29 requested by Kyiv.

Permanent council member China avoided condemning the attacks but called for peace, while Russia's UN envoy blamed the civilian casualties on Ukrainian air defenses.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the Russian air attacks on Ukraine through a spokesperson. Stephane Dujarric said in a statement for Guterres that "Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must end immediately."

"Today, millions of Ukrainians awoke to the loud sound of explosions. I wish those sounds of explosions in Ukraine could be heard all around the world," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in conjunction with the Security Council gathering.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told the council that Russia's forces had only attacked military targets and said civilians were killed by Ukrainian air defenses.

Hours after the Security Council meeting, the Ukrainian General Staff said early on December 30 that there had been dozens of Russian missile and drone attacks on military and civilian targets in the past 24 hours.

Later, Russia's Emergencies Ministry claimed that Ukrainian strikes had killed at least 18 people, including two children, in the city of Belgorod, which lies about 30 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.

Russia claimed another 111 people were injured in the attack on the city. Unverified footage showed burnt-out cars, damaged residential buildings, and debris strewn across streets in Belgorod.

The Russian Defense Ministry had accused Ukraine of attacking Belgorod and other nearby regions with 32 drones overnight.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted military or government-related sites in Russian regions close to the border in part as it seeks to bring the war home to Russia.

The December 30 attack on Belgorod appears to be one of the biggest to date

As usual, Kyiv did not officially comment on the Belgorod attack but government soures told media that it targeted military sites. The sources said the civilian damage was caused by Russia's anti-missile defenses.

RFE/RL was not immediately able to determine the cause of the civilian damage in Belgorod.

Russia, which has been accused of extensive war crimes in Ukraine and continues to bombard civilian infrastructure, called for a meeting of the UN Security Council to raise complaints about the Belgorod strike.

Zelenskiy's office said early on December 30 that the Ukrainian president made a surprise visit to a forward control post in Avdiyivka, the scene of months of intense ground fighting in the eastern Donetsk region.

The Ukrainian General Staff said Russian forces continue to try to surround Avdiyivka.

Ukrainian officials said late on December 29 that search-and-rescue operations were continuing in many places struck in the missile and drone barrage earlier in the day.

They have reported that 158 Russian missiles of varying sophistication and attack drones were fired and said Russia appeared to throw "everything they have" into the attack.

Power was cut in four northern and southern regions as a result of the attacks, which reportedly hit a maternity ward and education facility as well as residential buildings and infrastructure.

The intense attack comes with U.S. and other Western assistance at risk despite Kyiv's pleas. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on December 29 that there can be "no talk of a truce" under current conditions.

The United States and its NATO allies were consulting Warsaw after Poland reported an air intrusion during the Russian flurry, with indications reportedly suggesting a possible Russian missile was to blame.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he talked with President Andrzej Duda about the "missile incident" and said the alliance "is monitoring the situation & we will remain in contact as the facts are established."

A Russian charge d'affaires who was summoned to the Polish Foreign Ministry said Warsaw did not show evidence of a missile entering its airspace.

Hundreds of Polish troops resumed their search in what the army said was an effort "to definitively confirm that no element of the object remains on Polish territory."

The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War said in its regular daily assessment that the massive air attack "appears to be a culmination of several months of Russian experimentation with various drone and missile combinations and efforts to test Ukrainian air defenses."

It predicted that "Russia will continue to conduct strikes against Ukraine at scale in an effort to degrade Ukrainian morale and Ukraine's ability to sustain its war effort."

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-air-strikes- condemnation/32753382.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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As Aussies prepare to see in the New Year, an important warning has been issued over one part of celebrations that causes great distress to animals - fireworks.

Vets across the country are reminding pet owners of the risks surrounding the dazzling fireworks displays. Just like thunderstorms, the loud, unexpected noise of fireworks can cause extreme distress for our pets.

Sensitive hearing makes animals prone to stress from loud noises, causing many to escape their homes and injure themselves as they attempt to flee the explosive noise. Fireworks can be terrifyingly loud and relatively prolonged which can cause some individuals overwhelming fear, said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Liz Arnott.

Noise phobias are not uncommon in dogs, but there are things we can do in the lead-up, and during, fireworks displays to help them feel safe and secure."

The sound of fireworks carries a long way, but those living close to where the displays are happening need to be especially vigilant because the noise can traumatize animals," added RSPCA SA's Carolyn Jones.

Pet owners have been warned over 'traumatic' firework displays. Source: RSPCA/NCA

Aussie vet clinics inundated with strays

Dr Tim Hopkins of the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) echoed the calls to be prepared ahead of the fireworks. Dr Hopkins said that SASH is inundated with strays following the fireworks. Because we're open 24 hours, we get those animals that have escaped, he explained. If we see them that means they've been out there terrified and running loose. That's a really bad outcome for them, even if they happen to have survived.

He added that pet owners should keep a close eye on how animals behave during the fireworks. If they have a phobia, it can be overcome through desensitisation work, medication and veterinary oversight, its possible to help your pet through a noise phobia.

If your pet has a bad time, this New Year's well that's your resolution  that you're going to work on that next year, he said. You want to engage your regular vet so that you can talk about behaviour modification, desensitisation, and in some cases, even the use of appropriate medications.

Story continues

"Making sure that wherever they are, is confined, safe, comfortable and as quiet as possible and that you're with them if possible. All of those things can help to minimise distress, he said.

Tips to help pets be more comfortable this New Years Eve

If you can, stay home to be with your pet and try to keep them secured indoors. Alternatively, you could consider asking a friend, family member, or pet sitter to be around if your animal has a particularly difficult time with fireworks.

Ensure you have provided your dogs and cats with everything they need during the day in the lead-up to any fireworks. They should have their regular routine of play, exercise, and enrichment as well as rest and sleep.

Provide access to any areas your dog or cat will want to hide. This might include a bathroom, bedroom or even leaving the doors to a cupboard open if that is where they feel most secure. You can set up hiding areas that might provide them comfort such as crates covered with blankets.

Take measures to reduce the impact of flashing lights and noise such as closing curtains and blinds and providing some background noise.

Play canine or feline-specific calming soundtracks that can be found on music streaming platforms or leave the television or radio on to distract from the sound of the fireworks.

Use canine or feline synthetic pheromone products in their resting area to provide reassurance and encourage a sense of calm.

Ensure your pet has a microchip with up-to-date details and an ID tag, as pets could potentially flee and escape your property in an attempt to avoid the noise of the fireworks.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Foreign Ministry statement on yet another brutal attack on Russian civilians by the Kiev regime

30 December 2023 20:25

2657-30-12-2023

The Kiev regime has once again revealed its inhuman Nazi essence by committing another cynical and horrific crime - an attack on residential areas in Belgorod using multiple launch rocket systems.

The premeditated and meticulously prepared shelling attack on the city centre resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, including two children, and injured 100 civilians, 17 of whom were minors. British and American consultants were directly involved in organising this terrorist attack, regularly inciting the Ukrainian authorities to commit brutal crimes. The countries of the European Union, which persistently and irresponsibly continue to supply the Ukrainian ruling clique with weapons, are also responsible for this.

It should be emphasised that the strike deliberately targeted places where civilians gather, particularly families with children. The enemy attacked pre-holiday attractions in downtown Belgorod, including the New Year's snow town, the Christmas tree and the ice rink, which were popular among the residents. The Ukrainian criminals used cluster munitions to maximise the number of victims in their terrorist attack.

The shelling of communities in Donbass, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, Crimea, and other Russian regions, as well as the ruthless and indiscriminate killing of civilians, serve as evidence of the agony of Zelensky's neo-Nazi regime, which is immersed in terrorism, lawlessness, corruption, and cynicism. In their impotent rage, they seek to please their Western bosses by killing as many Russian people as possible.

All those responsible for orchestrating and carrying out this and other crimes by the Kiev junta will face inevitable punishment in accordance with the law.

The UN Security Council will also investigate the terrorist attack in Belgorod, specifically the use of cluster munitions, which are banned in most countries, by Ukrainian terrorists to target civilians, as well as the sources of these deadly weapons.

We urge all responsible governments and relevant international organisations to strongly condemn this brutal act of terrorism and publicly distance themselves from the Kiev regime and its Western handlers who commit such crimes. Silence in response to the unrestrained brutality displayed by Ukrainian Nazis and their puppeteers, as well as their accomplices from "civilised democracies," will be seen as aiding and abetting their heinous acts.

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Statement by Russian Defence Ministry

30.12.2023

Today the Kiev regime attempted to launch indiscriminate attacks at Belgorod by two Olkha missiles with cluster submunitions and Czech-made Vampire MLRS projectiles.

Air defence systems intercepted Olkha missiles and the majority of Vampire MLRS projectiles.

Several projectiles and cluster submunitions hit Belgorod.

As a result, 12 adults and two children died, 108 people were injured.

In the event of a direct hit by Olkha missiles with cluster submunitions on the city, the consequences would have been immeasurably more severe.

The Kiev regime by indiscriminately striking large areas and committing this offence is trying to divert attention from the defeats on the front lines and to provoke us into taking similar actions.

We once again point out that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation strike only military objects and directly related infrastructure.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to do so. This crime will not go unpunished.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Russian UN Envoy Calls Ukraine's Strikes on Belgorod Deliberate Terrorist Attacks

Sputnik News

20231230

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya stated on Saturday that the strikes on the Russian city of Belgorod were a deliberate terrorist attack.

"I'd like to once again emphasize we are not looking at a strike on a military target," Nebenzya said during a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC). "This is a deliberate terrorist attack that was targeting civilians," the diplomat stressed.

Nebenzya expressed astonishment at the silence of the UN Secretary General on the deadly attacks on Belgorod.

"We are surprised by the silence of the SG [Secretary-General] in this regard," the Russian diplomat emphasized.

In addition, Nebenzya stated that Moscow has information about the UK and US advisers being engaged in organizing the attacks on Russia's Belgorod.

"We have reports that the UK and American consultants took direct part in organizing this terrorist attack and they regularly encourage the Ukrainian government to carry out bloody crimes," the Russian representative said.

"There is a possibility for these crimes also born by the EU countries, which directly and irresponsibly continue to supply the Ukrainian ruling elite with weapons," Nebenzya added.

Regarding the absence of the Czech permanent representative to the UN, Nebenzya said that he refused to participate in the UNSC meeting on the attacks on Russia's Belgorod "out of cowardice."

"Where is the Czech representative, the country whose missiles killed civilians in Belgorod?" the Russian diplomat asked rhetorically. "We tried to invite today the Czech PR to take part in this meeting but he declined out of cowardice."

Earlier on Saturday, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that the countre's permanent representative to the UN would not attend the Russia-requested meeting of the UNSC on Ukraine's deadly strike on Belgorod.

On Saturday, Russian Deputy Envoy to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy stated that Russia demands the participation of the Czech envoy in the UNSC meeting to provide explanation regarding the arms supplies to Kiev.

On Saturday, Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Ukraine had shelled the central part of the city. As a result of the attack, at least 21 people were killed and over 110 others were wounded, Gladkov said on Telegram.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that the Ukrainian military had used cluster munitions and Czech-made Vampire missiles, among other weaponry, in the attack. The ministry stressed that the strike on Belgorod would not go unpunished.

A Sputnik

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Russia Requests UNSC Meeting in Connection With Terrorist Attack in Belgorod

Sputnik News

20231230

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The terrorist attack on the Russian city of Belgorod will be the subject of proceedings in the UN Security Council and Russia has requested a meeting, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik on Saturday.

"The terrorist attack in Belgorod will be the subject of proceedings in the UN Security Council. Russia requested a meeting of the Security Council," Zakharova said.

The United Kingdom is behind the attack on Belgorod, which in coordination with the United States incites Kiev to terrorist actions, Zakharova added.

A UN Security Council meeting in connection with the shelling of Belgorod has been requested for 11:00 p.m. Moscow time (20:00 GMT) and Russia has demanded the participation of the Czech envoy to provide explanation regarding the arms supplies to Kiev, Russian Deputy Envoy to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Saturday.

"We have requested a meeting of the Security Council on Belgorod for 15.00 New York time (23.00 Moscow time) today, December 30. We also demanded the presence of the Czech Republic's Permanent Representative, so that he could explain himself for his country's supply of ammunition, which is killing civilians," Polyanskiy said.

Earlier in the day, Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Ukraine had shelled the central part of the city. As a result of the attack, at least 14 people, including two children, were killed and over a hundred others injured, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said.

A Sputnik

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'Criminal' Belgorod Strikes Designed to Distract From Kiev Regime's Failures at Front - Russian MoD

Sputnik News

20231230

Ilya Tsukanov

Ukrainian forces shelled the city of Belgorod on Saturday, killing over a dozen civilians and injuring over a hundred others. The settlement of Urazovo was also targeted.

The Ukrainian military's "criminal" indiscriminate shelling of Belgorod region was designed to distract from its failures at the front, and will not be left unpunished, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced Saturday.

"Committing this crime, the Kiev regime is trying to divert attention from its defeats at the front, and to provoke us into similar actions," the MoD said in a statement.

According to the MoD's information, the strikes involved two Vilkha heavy MLRS-launched cluster munitions, as well as Czech-made Vampir MLRS rockets, with air defense systems intercepting the Vilkhas and most of the Vampirs, but several rockets getting through and remnants of the Vilkhas' cluster components dropping from the skies, causing casualties and damage.

"In the event of a direct hit by the cluster munition-equipped Vilkha missiles on the city, the consequences would have been immeasurably more severe," the Russian military said, characterizing the attack as an attempted "indiscriminate combined strike."

"We emphasize that the Russian Armed Forces strike only military facilities and infrastructure directly related to them. We will continue to act in this way. This crime [Saturday's attacks on Belgorod, ed.] will not go unpunished," the MoD said.

On Saturday evening, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations raised the civilian toll from the attack on Belgorod to 14 killed (twelve adults and two children) and 108 injured.

The attacks took place at about 3 pm local time. The emergency services responded, blocking off an intersection of the city center, where several vehicles caught fire and multiple buildings took damage.

Situated northeast of Kharkov, Ukraine, the city of Belgorod and Belgorod region have been on or near the front lines of the Russia-NATO proxy war in Ukraine for nearly two years, with the regional capital located less than 40 km from the border. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the region's cities and villages in artillery and missile attacks that local officials have said are designed to sow terror among local residents.

Along with the regional capital, the Belgorod village of Urazovo was also targeted in Ukrainian shelling Saturday. No casualties were reported, although the settlement's recreation center took damage.

The building of the Belgorod Region government was damaged as a result of the strike, a Sputnik correspondent reported. The nearby building of the medical college and Belgorod Hotel were also affected by the attack.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been briefed about the attack, and, on his instructions, a medical team of the health ministry led by its head, and a group of rescuers of the ministry of emergency situations had flown to the city to provide assistance to the victims.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, in turn, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised to help restore the damaged infrastructure, if required.

A Sputnik

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Russia Repels 2 Attacks By Ukraine in Donetsk Direction, Kiev Loses Up to 350 Soldiers - MoD

Sputnik News

20231230

In early June 2023, Ukraine launched its counteroffensive. Kiev threw into battle brigades trained by NATO instructors and armed with Western equipment. However, already three months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Kiev's push had failed, with Ukraine suffering huge casualties.

Russian troops on the Donetsk direction repelled two attacks of the Ukrainian assault groups, enemy losses amounted to up to 350 servicemen, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"In the Donetsk direction, units of the Yug battlegroup in cooperation with aviation and artillery repulsed two attacks of assault groups of the 24th mechanized and 79th airborne assault brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Shumy and Maryinka settlements of the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said in a statement.

In addition, according to the ministry, the armed forces struck Ukrainian forces and equipment in the areas of Razdolovka, Pereezdnoye, Andreevka, Kurdyumovka, Kleshcheevka and Bogdanovka settlements of the Donetsk People's Republic.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost about 150 people in the Kupyansk and Krasnolimansk directions during the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Russian servicemen defeated three Ukrainian brigades in the Zaporozhye direction during the day, with the enemy's losses amounting to up to 20 soldiers, the ministry added.

A Sputnik

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Ukrainian Unmanned Boat Discovered and Destroyed in Black Sea

Sputnik News

20231230

An unmanned Ukrainian boat heading for Crimea was destroyed in the Black Sea on Saturday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"On December 30 at about 10:00 Moscow time, an unmanned boat of the Ukrainian Navy was detected in the northwestern part of the Black Sea waters, heading for the Crimean Peninsula. The detected target was destroyed from the regular armament of the Black Sea Fleet patrol boat", the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into the Russian territory almost daily since it launched a counteroffensive in early June. The United Nations said in August, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.

A Sputnik

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Russian Air Defenses Destroyed, Intercepted 32 Ukrainian Drones - MoD

Sputnik News

20231230

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defenses destroyed in the air and intercepted 32 Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk and Moscow regions, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram.

"During the night, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aircraft-type UAVs on facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation was stopped. Air defense systems on duty destroyed in the air and intercepted 32 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the territories of the Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk and Moscow regions," the ministry said.

Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into the Russian territory almost daily since it launched a counteroffensive in early June. The United Nations said in August, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.

A Sputnik

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Ukraine 'Thinks Like a Warmonger' - Russian Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20231230

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow sees no political will for peace either in Kiev or in the West, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Sputnik.

The official reiterated that "a comprehensive, sustainable, and fair settlement of the Ukraine conflict depends to a large extent on the elimination of its root causes."

"The West should stop pumping arms into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Kiev should stop fighting and withdraw its troops from Russian territory," Galuzin stressed.

According to the top diplomat, "Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free status should be confirmed and its demilitarization and denazification should be carried out. New territorial realities should be recognized, and the rights of Russian-speaking citizens and national minorities living in this country should be ensured."

"Unfortunately, today we see no political will for peace either in Kiev or in the West," the deputy foreign minister said, recalling Zelensky's decree banning negotiations with Russia.

"The Kiev regime rejects peace mediation initiatives presented by various countries over the past months," the official emphasized.

Meanwhile, he noted that "the so-called 'peace formula' proposed by the Ukrainian president last November and presented by him and his Western partners as almost a final settlement plan in fact has nothing to do with peace, but is a set of ultimatums to Russia justifying the continuation of hostilities."

"Kiev still thinks like a warmonger and intends to continue the conflict 'until the victorious end,' which obviously means 'war to the last Ukrainian,'" Galuzin said.

"Washington and its NATO subordinates eagerly support Kiev on this, satisfying the growing military appetites of Volodymyr Zelensky's regime. All of this only delays the conflict settlement," he added.

The top diplomat stressed that Russia has never refused to negotiate with Ukraine and has always advocated for a political solution to the conflict.

"But so far we've had no other choice but to carry out the special military operation until the full implementation of all the set goals," the Russian deputy foreign minister concluded.

A Sputnik

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Donetsk People's Republic Shelled by Ukraine 81 Times in Past Day

Sputnik News

20231230

DONETSK (Sputnik) - Ukraine shelled the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) 81 times over the past day, the DPR representative office in the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of issues related to Ukraine's war crimes said in a statement.

"Over the past 24 hours, the office reported 81 cases of fire by Ukrainian armed forces," the office wrote on Telegram.

According to the statement, one civilian was killed and another one wounded in Gorlovka. The DPR said that the Kiev regime fired 290 rounds of various ammunition.

In the previous day, Ukrainian troops launched 69 strikes.

A Sputnik

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China's monthly registrations of locally-made passenger vehicles (PVs) reached 1,916,991 units in November 2023, jumping 22.32% from the previous year, and edging up 0.44% from the previous month, according to the data compiled by the Gasgoo Auto Research Institute ("GARI").

For clarity, the PVs hereby refer to the vehicles locally produced and registered on the Chinese Mainland.

The slight month-on-month uptick in November's PV retail sales indicates a modest strengthening trend, typical for the winter season in recent years. This was propelled by the growth momentum of new energy vehicles (NEVs, composed of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and range-extended electric vehicles) and the clearance of small batches of fuel-burning vehicles that align with the China VI-a emission standards. In contrast to the previous years' usual end-of-year stabilizing sales promotion efforts, this year's November witnessed an intensified sales promotion in the PV market, available for both oil-fueled vehicles and NEVs. Promotional endeavors, including trade-ins and local subsidies, have contributed to the release of consumer demands for car purchases.

At the national level, guiding policies for the automotive industry have been frequently released, aiming to further stabilize and expand automobile consumption. Initiatives such as the "Hundred-city Coordination" auto festival and the "Thousand Counties Ten Thousand Towns" new energy vehicle consumption season, driven by China's Ministry of Commerce, have been yielding positive results. Various regions have successively introduced new policies to bolster consumption, working in synergy with corporate sales promotions, so as to provide stable support for the year-end automotive market. The continued price reduction trend has heightened consumer hesitancy, leading to diminishing marginal benefits in terminal sales promotions, thus further resulting in a relatively subdued market during the "11. 11" shopping festival.

For the first eleven months of 2023, China's cumulative PV registrations summed up to 18,633,033 units, growing 7.1% from the previous year.

Among all brands with locally-produced PVs available for sale in China, BYD is still the only one that had over 200,000 units registered in November. Compared to the year-ago period, the Chinese leading new energy vehicle manufacturer scored a year-on-year jump of 23.25%. Among the vehicles BYD registered in the month, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) recorded a volume of 131,744 units and 85,497 units, respectively.

The 2nd to 4th seats on the rankings of brands by Nov. PV registrations were held by Volkswagen, Toyota, and Honda, all of which registered over 100,000 vehicles. In terms of contributions from NEV sales, Volkswagen had 23,651 units (including 21,069 BEVs) registered in the month, while Toyota and Honda logged a registration volume of 3,712 units and 1,946 units, respectively.

In addition, the three prominent Chinese indigenous brandsChangan, Geely, and Wulingranked 5th, 6th, and 7th among brands by Nov. PV registrations. Tesla held the No. 9 place with only two BEV models currently for sale. Besides, the German trioBMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benzheld the 10th, 12th, and 14th spots.

Additionally, some regulars in the top 20 brands rankings, such as Chery, Haval, Li Auto, Hongqi, AION, and Trumpchi, still made appearances in November, displaying the improved presence of China's local brands.

As for the hotter-selling PV models by Nov. registrations, the Model Y ranked highest with 49,931 vehicles registered, climbing four spots from the previous-month rankings and posting a month-on-month surge of 80.73%. The BYD Seagull dropped one spot from October to the runner-up place in November, but still attained a growth of 5.35% from a month ago.

Apart from the Seagull, BYD still had five models on the top 20 PV models list by Nov. registrations, namely, the Yuan PLUS, the Dolphin, the Song PLUS DM-i, the Song Pro DM, and the Qin PLUS DM-i, three of which were PHEVs.

The 3rd and 4th places in the rankings of the top 20 PV models were the two oil-fueled modelsthe Sylphy and the Sagitar. By Nov. registrations, the Frontlander was the last fuel-burning one that entered the top 10 PV models list.

Besides, Wuling brands' two all-electric city carsthe Hongguang MINIEV and the Binguoranked 7th and 8th among all PV models, demonstrating their popularity as affordable BEVs with a compact size.

Regarding the cumulative registrations for the Jan.-Nov. period of 2023, the Model Y was also crowned the champion among all PV models with 398,071 vehicles registered in total, outselling the runner-up (the Sylphy) by 93,472 units. BYD held six spots among the top 20 PV models by Jan.-Nov. registrations, five of which (the Dolphin, the Yuan PLUS, the Qin PLUS DM-i, the Song PLUS DM-i, and the Seagull) were among the names of the top 10 PV models.

Breaking down the number of spots by powertrain solutions, the top 20 model places by Jan.-Nov. registrations were evenly divided by NEVs and oil-fueled ones.

Among cities on the Chinese Mainland, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou took the first three seats by Nov. PV registrations. Shanghai was highest-ranking one with over 70,000 vehicles registered in the month, and the Model Y, the Model 3, and the BYD Yuan PLUS served as the top three best-selling models for the megacity.

Beijing, Hangzhou, and Zhengzhou ranked 4th, 5th, and 6th, respectively, all of which logged a Nov. registration volume of over 40,000 units.

Judging from the registrations through the first eleven months of 2023, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu held the top 3 positions among all cities on the Chinese Mainland. Besides, there were nine cities whose respective Jan.-Nov registrations all stood between 300,000 units and 500,000 units.

The new energy passenger vehicle (NEPV) sector in China recorded a registration volume of 762,617 units last month, soaring 43.24% from the year-ago period, rising 7.48% from a month earlier, and accounting for 39.78% of the country's total PV registrations.

For the first eleven months of this year, the cumulative NEPV registrations across the Chinese Mainland leapt 40.35% year on year to 6,350,864 units, which represented 34.08% share in the overall PV market.

Speaking of the proportion of each powertrain solution, BEVs made up 68.23% of China's NEPV registrations in Nov. The PHEV registrations reached 242,284 units (including 81,536 REEVs) in the month, accounting for 31.77% of the country's total NEPV registrations.

Of the NEPVs registered in Jan.-Nov. 2023, 69% were contributed by BEVs. Meanwhile, the FCV (fuel cell vehicle) segment registered a cumulative volume of only 359 units, 12 units of which were recorded in November.

Regarding Nov. registrations by locally-produced NEPVs, BYD topped other brands with registrations exceeding 210,000 units, reinforcing its overwhelming lead. On December 15, the fire new mid-sized all-electric SUV, the Song L, hit the market with a starting price of 189,800 yuan. Prior to the model's official market launch, the Song L had 8 units registered in November.

Tesla ranked second among brands by Nov. NEPV registrations. With 65,315 vehicles registered across the Chinese Mainland in the month, the U.S. manufacturer scored a year-on-year rise of 5.25%.

Capitalizing on the popularity of the Wuling Binguo and the Hongguang MINIEV, the Wuling brand recorded a registration volume of 49,006 units in November with a month-on-month growth of nearly 7%. In addition, the Wuling Xingguang, the brands first sedan model starting at only 88,800 yuan, had around 2,100 units registered in the month.

SERES, the car making partner of Huawei, was credited the No. 8 brand with 18,885 units, 81.34% of which were contributed by the AITO M7.

Outselling by 53 units, XPeng surpassed Leapmotor, which stood at the 10th place with 18,210 vehicles registered in November.

It is noteworthy that BMW held the 16th spot with over 10,948 NEPVs registered in the 11th month of 2023, outperforming Chery, Galaxy, ZEEKR, and NETA. The biggest sales contributor to the German auto giants NEV business in the month was the BMW i3.

In November, Tesla's Model Y surpassed BYD's Seagull, securing the top spot among all NEPV models with nearly 50,000 units registered.

On the top 20 NEPV models list by Nov. registrations, there were seven models under the BYD brands. The three models from Li Autos L series were all included on the list.

For the perspective of Jan.-Nov. registrations, the top 5 NEPV models were the Model Y, the Dolphin, the Yuan PLUS, the Qin PLUS DM-i, and the Song PLUS DM-i, four of which were from the BYD brand. Despite the relatively late market entry, the BYD Seagull still ranked 7th with over 180,000 units registered as of November 2023.

In November, Shanghai still outdid other cities with 45,064 locally-made NEPVs registered, which accounted for 61.74% of the city's overall PV registrations. During this period, the top five NEPV models in Shanghai were the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, the BYD Yuan PLUS, the Volkswagen ID.3, and the BYD Song PLUS EV.

Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen saw their NEPV registrations all surpass 20,000 units in November.

During the year 2023's first eleven months, there were 12 cities on the Chinese Mainland with over 100,000 domestically-built NEPVs registered each. Of them, Shanghai was the only one to register over 300,000 units.
Russia has now turned to indiscriminate attacks on civilians: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

30 December 2023

President, the United Kingdom deeply regrets any civilian deaths in conflict, wherever they happen and particularly where children are involved. We are committed to upholding international humanitarian law and we remind all parties to conflicts everywhere of their obligations.

We are also committed to upholding the UN Charter, and its principles of respect for sovereignty and the right to self-defence. Yesterday, we discussed Russian airstrikes on civilians in Ukraine. Today, Russia has called this meeting to discuss Ukrainian strikes in Russia.

Russia is attempting to draw equivalence, but let's be absolutely clear: there are hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers in Ukraine. There is not a single Ukrainian soldier in Russia. The war in Ukraine is an invasion started by Russia - a fact that no amount of disinformation can obscure.

President, first Russia blamed Ukraine for these strikes. Then it tried to demand Czechia appear before the Council. Now the Russian ambassador is blaming the UK, the US and the EU.

If Russia wants someone to blame for the deaths of Russians in this war, it should start with President Putin. President Putin is responsible for sending many thousands of Russian servicemen and women to their needless deaths.

In 2022, President Putin claimed his invasion was to stop a supposed genocide in the Donbas. The International Court of Justice rejected this and ordered Russia immediately to end its invasion.

Russia's real objectives were revealed when it attempted the illegal annexation of further Ukrainian territory and the UN membership rejected this and repeatedly demanded Russia end its invasion and withdraw.

As we discussed yesterday, having failed to defeat Ukraine militarily, Russia has now turned to indiscriminate attacks on civilians. The death toll from this week's attacks across Ukraine, the largest since the war started, continues to rise. Innocent children were among the casualties here too. In total, over 10,000 civilians, including more than 560 children, have been killed and over 18,500 have been injured in Ukraine since 24 February 2022.

President, Russia chose to start this war, Russia can choose to end this war; Ukraine did not start it and has the right to defend itself. This is why the UK reiterates that we stand resolutely with Ukraine and will continue to do so. So, we call once again on Russia to respect the UN Charter, to end this war and to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

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Russia Launches More Attacks on Ukraine

By VOA News December 30, 2023

Two Russian missiles hit central Kharkiv on Saturday, injuring at least 21 people, Ukrainian officials said, in the latest in a recent series of back-and-forth air assaults.

Russia's attacks on Kharkiv came after Ukrainian airstrikes earlier Saturday hit the Russian city of Belgorod, which sits just over the border with Ukraine.

Russia's Defense Ministry said at least 21 people, including three children, were killed and at least 110 injured in Saturday's Ukrainian strikes on Belgorod, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Russia requested a meeting Saturday of the U.N. Security Council on what it called Ukraine's indiscriminate attacks on Belgorod and alleged Ukraine had used cluster bombs. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was unable to verify its claims.

"This crime will not go unpunished," Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on social media.

Security Council meets

The United Nations Security Council met Friday at the request of Ukraine and three dozen other U.N. member states. Security Council members condemned Russia's barrage.

Drone attacks on cities in western Russia have been common since May. Russian officials blame Ukraine, but officials in Kyiv rarely claim responsibility for any of the attacks.

"The terrorist attack in Belgorod will be the subject of proceedings in the U.N. Security Council. Russia has requested a meeting of the Security Council," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, according to the state-run RIA news agency.

No official comment was immediately available from Kyiv, but the Ukrainian news outlet RBC-Ukraine quoted unnamed sources as saying Ukrainian forces hit military targets in Belgorod in retaliation to the massive Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities Friday.

On Saturday, Russia said it downed 32 Ukrainian drones. In Moscow, officials said air defenses shot down drones over Moscow, Bryansk, Oryol and Kursk regions. In a statement, the Defense Ministry reported a number of casualties, including a child.

On Friday, Russia launched its biggest air assault since February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Russia killed at least 41 civilians, wounded at least 160, and left an unknown number buried in the rubble across Ukraine in a barrage that included 158 missile and drone attacks.

Russian missile and drone strikes continued Saturday. Missiles hit in Kharkiv and in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Chernihiv regions, killing three people. Ukraine reported shooting down Iranian-made Shahed drones in the Kherson, Khmelnytskyi and Mykolaiv regions.

After the massive bombardment Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fighting for its life."

"We will respond to Russian terrorists for every strike. Terror never gains in playing against people," Zelenskyy said.

The British Defense Ministry said Saturday in its daily intelligence update on Ukraine that the daily number of Russian casualties in Ukraine, dead and wounded, has risen by almost 300% per day, compared with last year. The increase in the number of casualties was reported to the British ministry by Ukraine.

The increase, the British ministry said, can be attributed to "the degradation of Russia's forces and its transition to a lower quality, high quantity mass army since the 'partial mobilization' of reservists in September 2022."

It would likely take Russia five to 10 years to rebuild its highly trained military units, the report said.

If casualties continue at the same rate, the British ministry said, Russia will have more than half a million personnel killed and wounded by 2025, after three years of war.

In comparison, the Soviet Union suffered 70,000 casualties in the nine-year Soviet Afghan War, the British ministry said.

Russia's top diplomat in Poland says Moscow won't provide any explanations about an unidentified object that briefly entered Poland's airspace until there is proof that the alleged object was a Russian missile.

An unknown object traveled 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) into the country's airspace from the direction of Ukraine before leaving minutes later and vanishing off radars, Poland's defense forces said Friday. The head of the Polish armed forces, General WiesAaw KukuAa, said "everything indicates" it was a Russian missile.

Poland's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's charge d'affaires in Warsaw, Andrei Ordash, and demanded an explanation. Russia called Poland's claims "unsubstantiated."

"We will not give any explanations until we are presented with concrete evidence, because these accusations are unsubstantiated," Ordash told RIA Novosti.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Houston, Dec. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston, Texas -

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Image Credit: Sinenkiy / 123RF.

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Costs and Opportunities

The Roles Governments Can Play

Sad, vacant, derelict houses of worship at the hearts of our cities and towns will become more frequent sights as more of them shutter their doors. The next few years could see as many as 100,000 of the nations estimated 384,000 churches and other houses of worship close, too often deteriorating into neighborhood eyesores.For municipal governments, the wave of church closings is good news and bad news: good in hot real-estate markets where billions of dollars worth of now-tax-exempt property may be redeveloped and returned to the tax rolls; bad in cold real-estate markets, where thousands of closed churches will remain unused or underused and human services operations may lose their longtime homes. Either way, it will fall to cities and counties to lead and guide the process of finding new and better uses for buildings that have long anchored communities and neighborhoods.Why are so many of Americas houses of worship being abandoned? To begin with, as a March Gallup poll documented , for the first time ever, less than half of all Americans consider themselves to be church members, down from more than 70 percent in 2000. Contributions have dwindled accordingly.Second, with the popularization of the automobile in the 20th century and the Internet in the 21st, the need for every town, village and urban neighborhood to have its own house of worship of each faith and denomination has faded.Third, even with the property tax exemption that houses of worship enjoy, real estate has become more expensive to maintain, with hikes in the costs of utilities, insurance and capital repairs.And now, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it questionable whether worshipers will return to houses of worship they have been visiting online, if at all.A denomination in one state owns an estimated $1.4 billion in real estate to serve 50,000 weekly worshipers  a hefty $28,000 in property per attendee. Many churches have found themselves spending half or more of their operating budgets on real estate and owning assets that are 80 or 90 percent composed of illiquid real estate. Many congregations report being one new roof away from closing.Savvy houses of worship will look to stay alive and maybe even thrive by converting properties to mixed use. The real-estate community embraced mixed use a long time ago, but the faith community often has looked at it as a headache  sharingbuildings and grounds withpeople who useproperty forpurposes. But mixed use can not only bring congregations much-needed revenue, it also can broaden appeal to millennials and Generation Z, who may care more about a faith communitys active missions and partnerships than their familys history of baptisms, weddings and funerals.There are other opportunities to be found. The prime downtown locations that many struggling houses of worship occupy could make them attractive prospects for conversion to housing, for example. Orange, N.J., a city of 30,000 residents, has 16 churches (in various states of repair) in its small downtown, all of them located just blocks away from a New Jersey Transit station just a few stops away from Midtown Manhattan.To be sure, houses of worship can be difficult for municipalities to deal with. Change can be difficult as worshipers  increasingly senior citizens  are emotionally tied to remembrances of what has occurred in a beloved building. Debate among a congregation often revolves around issues perceived to be moral  the sacredness of a property, the worthiness of a buyer or user, the feelings of a longtime congregant  rather than on the pragmatics of the deal. Negotiations also require understanding how some religions and denominations are top-down in their decision-making; others are bottom-up; and many impose elaborate processes that involve some of each.To navigate these challenges, municipal governments and their redevelopment agencies should consider which among five roles  or which combination of the five  they need to play in church closings and redevelopment:Municipalities can gather data on the houses of worship in their community  not only size, value and condition, but also information on the health and well-being of the house of worships congregants, their desires, and the proclivities of their religions and denominations.Municipalities can put themselves in a position to be a matchmaker and mediator between and among the house of worship, real-estate brokers, consultants, and both for-profit and not-for-profit developers. The faith community and the development community speak different languages, but city administrators can be effective translators.Converting a house of worship to a new use or mixed use often can challenge outdated zoning regulations, test historic designations and stir up neighborhood opposition. Municipalities can act toward successfully resolving these and other difficult matters  or to inflame them.Many houses of worship have little cash on hand but up to millions of dollars tied up in property. If a municipality or its development agency can forward a relatively small amount of pre-development money to hire real-estate expertise, that action can pay off dividends down the road in getting a house of worship to head in the right direction. Later in the process, a municipality or its development agency can be one of several funders to make the project work.Sometimes, the only way to get a particularly key project done will be if the municipality or its development agency commit the ultimate intervention, purchasing the property and acting as project manager. If a city or county is in the market for a community center, an arts center, a library or a human-services hub, it should consider a church as a potential site.While many municipalities have participated in church redevelopment, only a small number have tackled the issue head-on. Most notable is the San Antonio, Texas, Neighborhood and Housing Services Departments Mission Oriented Development initiative . And the Montgomery County, Md., governments Faith Community Advisory Council has convened a Religious Land Use Working Group that has focused its efforts on assisting the countys many immigrant houses of worship.A number of not-for-profit development corporations also focus on redevelopment of houses of worship, including, nationally, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Enterprise Community Partners Faith-Based Development Initiative . Locally, and within denominations, many different kinds of not-for-profits are active in these kinds of redevelopments. Not surprisingly, much of the focus of these organizations is on developing low-income, affordable and workforce housing, though not every house of worship is suited for such uses.Ultimately, however, coordinating efforts like those will fall primarily to local governments. With the coming wave of closings and the potential for mixed-use projects, more municipalities should begin developing initiatives whose sole focus is on the care and feeding of the real estate of houses of worship.
God doesnt only speak on 31st December watchnights - Kofi Oduro

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Dec - 31 - 2023 , 17:37

The founder of Alabaster International Ministry, Kofi Oduro is encouraging Christians to disabuse their minds from the notion that God only speaks to the church at December 31st watchnight services.

According to him, a number of people attend the watchnight service, with high expectations of hearing from God through prophecies when actually God speaks to people every day.

Giving a sermon in church on Sunday, Prophet Kofi Oduro, noted as a critic of the ills in the church said there were going to be many gimmicks in the name of prophecies tonight.

Tonight, there will be so many interesting gimmicks in the name of prophecies. Nobody is saying there are no prophecies. God is speaking all the time. The bible said, once God has spoken and twice we have heard, that dominion, power and salvation belongs to God. Nobody is saying God doesnt speak but you cant wait and tell me God only speaks on 31st nights.

God is speaking all the time, God is speaking in the morning, in the night, in the evening, in Easter, in Ramadan, in Spring, autumn, summer, winter. God is speaking all the time but we cant hear because we are too busy. So interestingly, tonight, there are going to be many gimmicks in the name of prophecies.

Prophet Kofi Oduro pointed out repeated gimmicks of in the name of prophecies which only rear their ugly heads at 31st December watch nights have forced the Ghana Police Service to make regulations to curtail the operations of God in the church, which shouldnt be so.

Let the word of God prevail. If we are matured, wise enough and carried ourselves well as the church should, the Ghana Police Service will not wake up and write to the church, telling us be careful you dont prophesy to somebody and say you will die. Make sure you dont do that because we are on the lookout and standby and will take ABC to court.

If the church is really positioned as it should be with a voice, the police has no right to write to them telling them that but because we have a lot of absurdity in us and among us, this gives the Police the audacity to come and regulate what God says in church.

This is because we have gimmicks, fraudsters, imposters and criminals in clerical suits, this is the reason the Police is telling us this, he said.
Ini Edo: Im single at 41 because I just want somebody that can really love me

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Dec - 29 - 2023 , 12:36

Popular Nigerian actress, Iniobong Edo Ekim, better known as Ini Edo has explained why she still single at 41 years.

She gave this explanation in an interview posted on social media when she disclosed that she needs a man that can really love her.

When asked she if she had not found love before, the thespian who began her film career in 2000, pointed out that there is different between being loved and being committed with the relationship.

She added that it is not all about money but about how a man can manage a situation and the people around him. (Read also It has been tough for me after my divorce- Basketmouth shares story at Laughs comedy show)

Ini Edo said, Im single because I just want somebody that can really love me. Thats all. Im not asking for too much.

You can love someone and not ready to be committed. They two different things. Maybe thats why Im still single. I cant be in a toxic relationship if you cant give that protective energy that allows me to respect you.

I can be with man I cant respect. If you cant earn my respect then we can be together because what is the point? When it gets to the point that I start to disrespect you that means that you have brought yourself down to that point I begin to talk back at you.

Its not all about money. Its about how you manage a situation and how you manage the people around you. Simply put, it all about kindness.
AVS revisits, donates items to families of accident victims

Gloria Apprey Life Dec - 29 - 2023 , 18:53

Last week, the Accident Victims Support (AVS) organisation led by founder, Reverend Cyril Benedict Crabbe revisited families of six children who died in a car accident last year in Ankaase, Oti Region.

Rev Crabbe donated hampers, fabric, cash and flip-flops, while sharing in the grieve of the families in the aftermath of the incident. The hampers included food items to alleviate some of the burdens the families faced.

Some of the items donated

He also lectured the community on proper pedestrian road usage such as walking while facing on-coming vehicles and looking both ways before crossing.

The survivor, Emmanuella Wassah received a cash donation

According to one of the parents who lost three children, Mr James Wassah, the trauma rendered him incapable of effectively returning to his job as a farmer.

Although it had been over a year, the nightmares have not stopped. My wife and my other child who survived the accident have not been the same since. We thank the AVS team for remembering and celebrating Christmas with us. These items will go a long way to help us, he added.

Mr Wassah received three out of the six hampers, each one to represent a child he lost. The other beneficiaries were Mr Giudo, who lost two children and Mr Joseph Njanlin who lost one.

some residents of the community

According to the Assembly Man of the community, Philip Donkor, the accident was caused by a moving vehicle.

The driver who was driving on top speed crashed and killed six out of the seven children while they were walking along the sidewalks of the road on their way back from school, he stated.

He added that the incident, left the community in shock and mourning resulting in children being scared to step out or go back to school.

Rev Crabbe, who is the founder of Chazak Chapel International expressed his commitment to standing by the affected families and the community, emphasising the importance of kindness.

He thanked his sponsors including; Serene Insurance, Ghana Insurers Association, Enterprise Insurance, The Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship, the National Road Safety Authority, Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority, media partners, among others.

The fathers of the six girls receiving their packages

Rev Crabbe reiterated his organisations aim to bring relief to victims, advocate compliance to road safety rules and to defray the burden of medical cost on victims.

The Chief of the Community and grandfather of four of the dead children, Mr Wassah praised the initiative, highlighting the positive impact it has had on his people.

The community returned the favour by gifting tubers of yams and a live goat to the AVS team.
Alternative for inorganic fertilizer: Youth exposed to compost production

Severious Kale-Dery Dec - 30 - 2023 , 08:05

A capacity building programme to expose young people to compost production and Digital agricultural services has been held at the Siriboe Agribusiness and Skills Development Institute at Juaben in the Ashanti Region.

The programme dubbed, Opportunities for Youth in Africa (OYA): Accelerating Jobs Creation in Agriculture and Agribusiness, is a collaborative effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and hosted by the 2022 National Best Farmers institute, the SIRIBOE Institute of Agribusiness and Skills Development Institute.

The Agribusiness and Skills Development Institute, which is located within the Siriboe Farms Ltd offered the trainees, the opportunity of hands-on training and demonstrations.

The 62 participants were from diverse group of youth beneficiaries, including representatives from youth groups, young farmers, and those who are underemployed or unemployed.

The training programme aims at instilling an understanding of sustainable farming methods with emphasis placed on compost production as an eco-friendly soil enrichment solution and promoting soil health.

It also aims at enhancing the youth beneficiarys ability to leverage digital agricultural services for improved efficiency and productivity.

Programme structure

The training programme adopted a holistic learning approach by integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical exercises.

The participants were engaged in expert-led sessions to gain foundational understanding, while interactive discussions and group activities were done to deepen their knowledge collaboratively.

A dedicated demonstration site within the farm, was used to facilitate a hands-on experience of the entire composting process, guiding participants from the selection of raw materials to the application of finished product.

Also, participants had the opportunity to access various agricultural applications with practical insights into integrating digital services in the agro-based sector.

Expected outcome

It is expected that at the end of the training, the participants would be equipped with practical skills in compost production for sustainable farming practices.

The training is also expected to be an encouragement of entrepreneurial initiatives tailored to local production of compost and also enhanced digital literacy among participants, enabling them to harness technology for efficient farm management and decision-making.

Key sector

The training takes place on the back of the fact that agriculture is recognized as a key sector with substantial potential for expanding employment opportunities among the youth.

However, agricultural productivity in Ghana faces various challenges, including the inefficient dissemination of information on farming practices, weak linkages between farmers and agricultural service providers, and inconsistent delivery of early warning systems.

The escalating costs of inorganic fertilizers since the Russia-Ukraine war has been a threat to food production and food security not just in Ghana, but globally.

These factors underscore the urgent need to explore cost-effective solutions to enhance production efficiency.

Organic fertilizer

The cost of inorganic fertilizer has gone far beyond the reach of the smallholder farmers, who hold the key to food sufficiency in the country.

Therefore, the promotion of organic fertilizers, particularly through composting, emerges as a critical strategy to alleviate the impact of the soaring agricultural input costs on food security and bolster the resilience of food systems.

The localized production of organic fertilizers, utilizing on-farm organic waste such as crop residues and animal manure, presents a promising avenue for job creation, particularly among the youth.

Innovation solution

Also, in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the traditional landscapes of farming are being redefined through innovative solutions that harness the power of digitalization.

The convergence of information technology has ushered in a new era in agriculture, empowering farmers with digital services on weather patterns, crop performance, market trends etc.

This shift enables farmers to make data-driven decisions, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall productivity. These digital services are increasingly attractive to the youth, encouraging their active participation in the agriculture value chain.

Role of youth

Recognizing the crucial role of youth participation in agriculture for sustained national development, there is a need for increased investments in the sector, along with comprehensive career guidance and mentoring.

To address some of these challenges, the 2022 National Best Farmer, Nana Siriboe, since crowning as the National Best Farmer in December 2022, Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe has been the face of pushing the agenda to entice the youth into the area of agriculture.

The introduction and launch of the Rethink initiative that seeks to change the mindset of the youth towards agriculture and agribusiness and the inauguration of the Agribusiness and Skills Development Institute at Juaben in the Ashanti Region are two major blue print as a youth and also the Akyempemhene of the Juaben Traditional Area that he has done within the one year he served as the National Best Farmer.
NPP has demonstrated that we can be trusted with the education of Ghanaian children - Dr. Bawumia

GraphicOnline Dec - 31 - 2023 , 17:01

The Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the party's dedication to supporting Ghanaian education at the 63rd Conference of the Ghana Muslim Mission in Kumasi on Saturday December 31.

He pointed to the Free SHS policy's success as a testament to the NPP's commitment to educational advancements.

Dr. Bawumia emphasized the positive impact of the Free SHS policy, noting a significant increase in enrollment from 800,000 to 1.4 million students in seven years and achieving gender parity in enrollment. He acknowledged previous criticism of the policy, stating, "Some doubted the feasibility of Free SHS, predicting its failure."

"Despite these concerns, the Free SHS policy has demonstrably improved access to education," Dr. Bawumia continued.

"We've witnessed record pass rates in the 2023 WASSCE exams, with nearly 70% of students succeeding. It's important to celebrate these achievements and recognize the hard work of students and teachers."

He contrasted the NPP's record with the previous administration, highlighting the restoration of allowances for teacher trainees, nursing trainees, and Arabic instructors, which had been cancelled under the previous government. Additionally, he said the NPP introduced free TVET education, further expanding educational opportunities.

Concluding his address, Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence in the NPP's ability to manage and improve Ghana's education system.

"Our proven track record and commitment to investing in education demonstrate that the NPP can be trusted with the future of our children's education," he stated. "We won't let these crucial advancements become vulnerable to political ambitions."
Satetra Technologies to train youth in digital marketing

Graphic Online Dec - 29 - 2023 , 17:53

As part of a commitment to create employment in Ghana and Africa at large, Satetra Technologies Limited has disclosed plans to train the youth in digital marketing.

The initiative is intended to create a conducive environment for Satetra Technologies to create a number of jobs in digital marketing, not just in Ghana but Africa.

In a statement, Gideon Lamptey, Chief Executive Officer of Satetra Technologies said the company was ready to train many African youth in Digital marketing and it was starting in Ghana from January 2024.

The dream and goal is to help every youth in Africa to get the requisite knowledge about digital marketing and to reduce the burden of high unemployment rate on the continent.

We are starting in January and we expect schools, churches and organisations with the youth to take advantage of this project. The team will be presenting letters and we entreat the various entities to be part of this life-changing experience, he stated.
NDC observes 42nd anniversary of 31st December Revolution and urges members to work together to reclaim power

Graphic.com.gh Politics Dec - 31 - 2023 , 21:56

Members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday observed the 42nd anniversary of the 31st December 1981 Revolution with a call on supporters to work towards reclaiming power in the 2024 elections.

They made this call during the 42nd Anniversary of the 31st December Revolution at Ashaley Botwe in the Greater Accra Region.

The commemoration centered on the theme Building the Ghana We Want: Revisiting The Decade That Stopped The Decay (1982-1992).

Addressing the gathering, the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, urged party supporters to grasp the tenets of the party as well as the history behind the revolution.

He emphasized the importance of upholding the values and principles of probity, accountability, transparency, and social justice as their guiding principles.

We need to remember, at all moments, who we are and where we are coming from. December 31st is bigger than the NDC, New Patriotic Party, Convention Peoples Party (CPP), and bigger than all of us. It carries something mightier because this is the very foundation of the transformation of our country. Next year, by this time, Im confident that with your hard work, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, and with our collective work as NDC leadership, we will be in a position preparing to take over. Im super confident we will.

He added, Winning power is just the opening of the doors. We can win power over the next 4 years, 8 years, or 16 years. If we are not careful, what we have accomplished will not amount to much if we dont understand the flame that is blazing right there and what that flame represents.
Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji enjoys an ice cake at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

(Xinhua)-Xiao Qi Ji, a giant panda born in the United States and returned to China last month, met the public for the first time on Tuesday in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Following more than a month of quarantine, examination and care from panda keepers, Xiao Qi Ji has progressively adapted to the living environment in Shenshuping giant panda base in Sichuan's Wolong National Nature Reserve.

Born on Aug 21, 2020 in Washington, D.C., Xiao Qi Ji was returned to Sichuan on Nov 9 from the Smithsonian's National Zoo with its parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.

Xiao Qi Ji has attracted a large number of tourists to the Shenshuping giant panda base.

"It is really cute and has smooth hair. I like pandas very much, because every time I see them, I feel very happy and the stress is relieved," said Xia Feng, a fan of pandas.

At present, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang have also been released from quarantine. To better care for the two elderly giant pandas, they are currently resting at the nursing home of the Dujiangyan giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda, which is not open to the public.

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian were taken to the United States 23 years ago and produced four cubs there, among which Tai Shan, Bao Bao, and Bei Bei had returned to China before Xiao Qi Ji.
The past 12 months have been busy with phone announcements, and I'll now be looking back at the devices that impressed me the most. In the world of smartphones, over 500 new models were launched, and I had a tough time picking my favorite five.

Smartphone companies launch a lot of midrangers in an attempt to grab a part of the busiest market, but you won't find those on my list. I am in my eighth year at GSMArena, more than ever, I believe in devices of no compromises. The year 2023 was great if you wanted a flagship, making me as excited as ever to try the next best thing.

Here are my Top 5 phones launched in 2023, in no particular order.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

This year's Samsung flagship is not that different from its predecessor from 2022  same size, same feeling, almost the same cameras. What captivated me was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and Samsung's bold decision to admit it is unable to deliver top-tier chipsets every year. There's also the 200 MP camera, which isn't such a big deal for me.

The S23 Ultra had big boots to fill in after the impressive S22 Ultra. I loved that Samsung did not fumble the ball  it simply upgraded minor stuff here and there, perfecting what was already a top-tier device.

Yes, nothing big happened, but sometimes we need consistency and the knowledge that your phone's performance is not falling apart, unlike many other things in life.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max proudly sits next to the Galaxy S23 Ultra as one of the best devices on the market. While some might be puzzled as to why I chose the Samsung phone, I doubt anyone is questioning my choice of the Apple phone.

I picked the best iPhone on the market because of its lighter body that still feels like a premium phone. We don't need a smartphone to be extremely heavy; we need to see performance, and I love that Apple never cuts corners. Features are often slow to arrive, but at least they are usually more polished than when Android makers rush things.

Yes, I'm talking about the periscope lens. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is several years late to the trend, but in my experience, I never had any issue whatsoever with the telephoto camera. For comparison, the Samsung flagship takes its sweet time to focus, while other phones, such as vivo and Oppo, provide a different color rendering, which is definitely not ideal.

Yes, Apple needs to work on its fast charging and some other minor features, and the phone is the most expensive bar phone on the market, but sometimes excellence has a price.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro does fall behind in terms of battery life or general availability, but it is still the best Google phone on the market.

One unrivaled feature is the mind-blowing seven years of software support. This is great, even if I don't believe in using the same smartphone for a long time. After all, technology evolves, and malware along with it and these phones get passed along for long these days.

Google's Tensor G3 chipset did not impress us during the review process in raw performance or stability under load. Yes, it wouldn't be the best device to play a game on, but the way Google's algorithms work with the camera sensors is still one of the best in the industry.

Xiaomi 13 Pro

This smartphone was technically launched in 2022 but is a 2023 flagship for all intents and purposes, and that's why I am including it in my list. It came with the best chipset on the market, the 1-type sensor by Sony and a camera performance fine-tuned by Leica. There is also very fast charging, and the device looks great  it ticks all the boxes in my flagship checklist.

Some might assume my passion for flagships would have steered me towards the 13 Ultra, but the reason I picked the Pro is its wide availability and non-intrusive design. Yes, the Ultra is a better cameraphone with one extra telephoto lens, but the Pro is simply a phone that you would get out of the box and instantly start using.

OnePlus Open & Oppo Find N3

Foldable phones are the future, I have no doubt about it. The latest product by Oppo, sold in some countries under the OnePlus brand, is a testament to how technology evolved and how a company can learn from its mistakes. Just 12 months ago, Oppo decided not to launch the Find N2 internationally, but it changed the approach for the Find N3.

The Galaxy Z Fold5 is still the best foldable on the market for its intended audience  users who need multitasking, a fast chipset and a bright screen. However, the Open/Find N3 managed to narrow the gap to its Samsung competitor and now also offers a superb OLED on the outside and an excellent foldable panel on the inside.

Photo and video quality could be hit or miss, as Oppo is still struggling to find the perfect tuning for stills. Nevertheless, the experience is a lot smoother than expected, and this is the best phone to take portraits and selfies, thanks to the foldable form factor.
Andersen Air Force Base could soon install infrastructure to host 12 Singaporean fighter jets throughout the year.

An aircraft hangar, airfield, fuel systems, fencing, parking, and magazines to support the beddown of a dozen F-15s for the Republic of Singapore Air Force are outlined in a notice posted in the Federal Register.

Training events of about four weeks, twice a year, with support aircraft are contemplated in a notice from the Air Force.

Constructing the facility is needed to enhance (Air Force) capability to support U.S. and partner nation forces within the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen the U.S.s ability to respond regionally and worldwide, according to the Air Force.

Construction would take place over approximately three to seven years and disturb about 209 acres at the northwest corner of Andersen.

The facilities will support fighter aircraft and evolving Air Force and Department of Defense strategy for the region, the notice stated, and increase efficiencies and agility for ground operations.

Upgrades at Andersen were first considered back in April 2021, according to a release from the Air Force, but were put on a strategic pause to consider the scope of an environmental impact statement and military strategy in the region. Planned upgrades were revised, resulting in the plan to host the fighter jets from Singapore.

An environmental impact statement, which will also weigh the cultural impact of the construction, is also being considered.

The public has 30 days from Dec. 15 to submit comments on the revised proposal.

Comments can be submitted at www.AAFBInfraandF15EIS.com, or through mail sent to 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, ATTN: CEV (AAFB F-15 and Infrastructure EIS), Unit 14007, APO, AP 96543-4007.
Theres a new magazine in town.

Emphasizing the significance of traditional knowledge in science, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant unveiled the inaugural issue of CHalan Deskubre magazine on Dec. 9 at the Micronesia Mall, with this theme at its core, according to a press release from UOG.

CHalan Deskubre isnt your typical magazine.

It is a place-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) publication designed specifically for kids on Guam and the region, encouraging them to adopt a scientific mindset and explore the world beyond their classrooms.

Additionally, the magazine incorporates art to creatively show scientific concepts and foster a visually engaging learning experience for young readers, intertwining imagination with the exploration of STEAM subjects.

The first issue focuses on science and traditional wisdom, highlighting how the knowledge from island communities contributes to scientific advancements and innovative practices.

Subsequent issues will revolve around themes that spotlight the resources unique to Guam and other islands in the region, aligning with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This magazine (CHalan Deskubre) was designed specifically for you. I hope that you take the opportunity to explore the magazine, said Sharleen Santos-Bamba, PhD, UOG senior vice president and provost.

Santos-Bamba added, It is great partnerships like these that allows us to provide services and information and scholarship to our Guam community and our region.

CHalan Deskubre embodies UOGs commitment to scientific and place-based learning, according to Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

CHalan Deskubre is crafted to ignite curiosity and discovery, guiding children onto a path of scientific inquiry, he said. This is the first time that we are going to have a science magazine that teaches you about the islands around you.

For the publication of the magazine, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant received funding from the Education Stabilization Funds for the Innovating Through Pandemic Challenges to Deliver Place-Based Education in Marine, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences program.

The ESF funding is a key component of the Governor of Guams Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program.

For those who are interested in getting a copy of CHalan Deskubre, call (671) 735-5631.

Copies are available at the UOG Sea Grant office and the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village.
Yuna Lee brought joy and fireworks to her family when she came into this world at 12:38 a.m. on Monday, becoming the first Guam baby born in 2024 and potentially the first baby born on American soil this year.

Most importantly, shes born healthy. We are grateful to God that my wife and our child are healthy and in good condition, the father, Euijong Lee, told the Pacific Daily News.

Dr. Thomas Shieh, who delivered the baby, said the girl was born at 12:38 a.m. at Guam Memorial Hospital.

For 20 straight years, Shieh has been delivering the first baby of the year in America. Guams time zone is a day ahead of the mainland, so Guam has prided itself as the island where Americas day begins.

Archway Inc., which does business as I Love Guam, along with over 30 local businesses, prepared more than $11,000 worth of gifts and cash for Yuna Lee and her family, for being the first baby born in America in 2024.

Where Americas Day Begins is a slogan that Guam has used for many decades due to our islands geographic location, thus, giving us the distinction of welcoming Americas first baby born on US soil. Archway Inc., along with over 30 local businesses and private donors, continue to celebrate this memorable event for the 20th consecutive year, Archway Inc. said in a statement on Monday.

Baby Yuna Lee, born to mother Yui Kamiyama, weighed nearly 5 lbs. and about 17.7 inches tall.

He was surprised with the first baby of America, Shieh said of the father, whos of Korean descent, while the mother is of Japanese descent.

Pregnancy during Mawar

The father shared how very challenging his wifes pregnancy was, considering that halfway through, Guam was struck by Typhoon Mawar.

For weeks, theres no power after Mawar. So my wife was in the middle of her pregnancy and she was by herself, with high temperature at home because theres no power, while I was going to work. But in the end, we are really grateful both she and our baby are safe and healthy, the father said.

He also thanks Shieh and others at GMH who helped.

The father said Baby Yuna is their second child; the older one, a boy, is 2 years old.

We didnt expect shes going to be the first U.S. baby born in 2024, but our focus was to have a safe delivery, the father said.

At past 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, Shieh said he was on his way to deliver a second baby.

$11K gifts, cash

Archway Inc. said as many people around the world ring in the New Year with champagne toasts, fireworks and celebrations, people on Guam anxiously welcome the birth of the first baby born in America.

The 2024 I Love Guam New Years baby and family will be presented with gifts valued at over $11,000, to include an assortment of diapers and wipes that could last a year, gift baskets, gift certificates to local restaurants and retail stores, overnight stay at a hotel, relaxing massage at a spa, car seat, free fuel, cash, and much more, Archway Inc. said.

Archway Inc. thank all its business partners for their continued support and participation.

This program is a huge success due to their generosity and commitment to provide the family with a wonderful start to the New Year, Archway Inc. said.

Pay it forward

Archway Inc., along with its partners, also recognized the 2017 and 2023 New Year babies, Kylie Ray Tesalona and Eliana Grace Celis, who pay it forward with their gifts to the 2024 newborn.

Heres a list of donors, according to Archway Inc.
Nathan Jon Ojeda on Friday was sentenced to serve life in prison without parole, plus a consecutive 25 years, for fatally shooting Anthony AJ H. Mendiola in Hagat.

Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena III handed down the sentence against Ojeda for aggravated murder with a special allegation of the use of a deadly weapon, nearly a year since the Jan. 4, 2023 shooting.

The sentence was handed down three months after a jury found Ojeda guilty of all charges.

This type (of) crime is the ultimate offense to our people. Deterrence occurs when would-be criminals experience bad consequences for their bad acts, Attorney General Douglas Moylan said in a press release Sunday. This sentence is another victory by this toughest on crime AGs Office.

The AG statement said the judge recognized that a lesser sentence would depreciate the seriousness of Mr. Ojedas crime of shooting down the victim in cold blood.

The people thank the victims family and friends for their courage in testifying at the sentencing and wish their healing after this egregious incident, it added.

Assistant Attorney General Basil OMallan, with Assistant Attorney General Sean Brown prosecuted the case.

This AG and our Prosecution Team is committed to protecting our community and fighting to imprison bad guys who would do us harm. We also thank GPD Chief Stephen Ignacio and his hard-working men and women officers who daily catch these criminals to protect us. Violent crimes leading to death requires the toughest AG and team to ensure justice, and to deter other would be murderers, the AG said.

Court documents described a shoot-out on San Vicente Avenue in Hagat, with a witness saying Ojeda fired shots from a purple Jeep. The witness said he returned fire in defense of himself and Mendiola, and police reported Ojeda was hospitalized after being shot in the leg.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Mendiola unresponsive in his yard with multiple gunshots in his torso. He was taken to Naval Hospital, where he was declared dead at 6:45 p.m. that evening.

Police later found the purple Jeep at Ojedas house, and they found 9 mm casings in the vehicle, which matched the caliber of ammunition located at the scene.
From breaking ground on a new public hospital to peace for all, some elected leaders shared what they look forward to in 2024.

Sen. Chris Barnett

We are facing many troubles, across all parts of our government. I believe it is because some have lost sight of what it really means to serve our people, and instead they serve themselves. I am looking forward to standing up for our people, fighting for Guam and challenging the same old establishment politics that holds hostage the progress we need and deserve.

Sen. Frank Blas Jr.

Every new year brings us a wonderful opportunity to transform our lives for the better. We can reflect on the previous year and see what we did well and what we can improve, and we can look forward to the next year and create new goals and strategies. We can also enjoy the present moment and be grateful for what we have right now. A new year is a blessing that we can use to shape our future and chase our dreams. Lets embrace this chance with happiness and thankfulness, and lets work together to make this year awesome.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community and collaborate with its members to enhance the quality of life for everyone. I am ardent about making our government more responsive, accountable and effective in delivering the services that our people deserve and need. I am also committed to fostering a climate of innovation and opportunity that will boost our economic development and health care outcomes. I thank the community for their trust and support, and I will continue to work for the good of all.

Please also allow me to thank my staff, my colleagues, the legislative staff, and the many people who share in the vision to make Guam better. Most especially, I thank my friends, my family, and my wife for their love, support, and patience that they have given to me throughout my term. Happy New Year.

Sen. Joanne Brown

As we reflect on the year that just concluded, and the year to come, I want to share my hopes for the new year. This past year, we have been faced with many challenges, from the force of Typhoon Mawar hitting our island to arm-wrestling with the opening of the new school year while simultaneously addressing challenges with the maintenance and facilities of schools to grappling with the administration on the location of a new hospital for the people of Guam. Collectively, there were many areas in which we, your elected leaders, did not agree, which was to be expected, but we always parted ways with a better understanding of one another and our goals.

I look forward to building on that understanding in the coming year by ensuring our government is better prepared for emergencies, providing safe schools for our children, and finding common ground necessary to realize a new hospital for our people. I remain steadfast in continuing to push for transparency in government and end government corruption.

Sen. Christopher Duenas

Looking ahead to the new year, Im eager to continue giving back to the people of Guam and build upon the progress weve achieved in office. This is not a task that is taken lightly, and my focus is on reaching even greater heights through legislation. My office aims to make a substantial impact on the key areas of education, public safety, and healthcare. By setting a higher bar, we aspire to improve the standard of living and well-being of our community.

The joy of Christmas and the anticipation of the New Year focus on unity, compassion, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to the welfare of the people of Guam. I will continue to stay committed to improving the quality of life for all that call Guam home.

Sen. Thomas Fisher

Just peace for all.

Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann

In 2024, I am looking forward to completing several projects, such as the village marketplace, ADA playground, community center renovations, and road paving projects for our community, and continuing the tremendous progress we made in 2023.

Im hoping 2024 is a prosperous year for our tourism industry and many small businesses so the workers can share in the gains and have better lives for them and their families.

And for me personally, I am looking forward to growing in my faith, spending more time with my family and facing the challenges with a positive outlook.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero

There are many good things to come in 2024, but I am most especially looking forward to breaking ground for our new hospital.

Sen. Jesse Lujan

Im looking forward to the opportunity to continue working on policies to benefit the people of Guam. My commitment to address the challenges facing our community remains the same, and I anticipate continuing my work to implement policies and programs that foster economic growth, and championing efforts to improve the quality of life, access to public resources, and a more efficient and transparent government for our island.

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes

In 2024, I pray our island family is spared from the suffering we have endured from disease, disasters and death. While many of our experiences are beyond our control, I will work my hardest to support the livelihoods of Guams people, through legislation that invests in workers, explores new industries and bolsters small businesses.

Sen. Sabina Perez

As we welcome the New Year, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead for our island to come together as a community  uniting leaders and citizens to collaboratively address and resolve some of the most enduring challenges we face in Guahan.

We are at a pivotal moment to provide solutions for long-term issues such transforming education on Guam by promoting early childhood education, increasing literacy, and institutionalizing pre-apprenticeship opportunities in our schools to diversify our workforce and the economy that will provide for families and strengthen island resilience.

Looking forward, holistic approaches are needed to address the health care needs of our people, from increasing access to medical services to identifying a suitable location for the new hospital. Protecting our environment and natural resources also play a central role in creating better health outcomes for our people. Ensuring safe drinking water, protecting our jungles and marine ecosystems, along with our culture and place-based traditions all play a part in improving the well-being of our people. I also am committed to addressing the epidemic of the abuse of electronic nicotine device systems (ENDS), also known as vaping, amongst our youth.

The work of promoting island resiliency must also involve increasing the capacity and innovation of our government which means strengthening transparency, accountability, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.

Together, we will face these challenges and seize these opportunities with the resilience, compassion, and unity that define us as people of Guahan. I am excited to embark on this journey with each and every one of you, as we work towards a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for our island and its people.

Sen. Roy Quinata

As we welcome the New Year, I look forward to the continued opportunity to serve our community in more profound and meaningful ways. I anticipate the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to address them with the commitment and dedication that the people of Guam deserve. I am also excited for the prospects of growth and development that the New Year brings. Most importantly, I am eager to continue fostering unity and cooperation among our people. For it is through our collective efforts that we can truly build a stronger, better Guam.

Sen. Joe San Agustin

With the New Year around the corner, I am excited to continue collaborations and working on legislation that further brings opportunities and supports a quality of life all the people of Guam can benefit and sustain.

Sen. Amanda Shelton

I hope to see further economic improvement in 2024, and that it will have a direct positive impact on working families. As we approach the 4th anniversary of the global COVID pandemic, I am concerned that our recovery is not on par with the rest of the nation or with Asia, and I look forward to closing the gap.

We were very fortunate for the federal funding we received during the worst of the pandemic. It was key to keeping so many employers, employees, families, and individuals afloat. However, as those pandemic direct aid packages expire and funds are exhausted, it is imperative the local economy stand on its own again and that we raise our standard of living for everyone. I look forward to this happening.

The New Year also brings with it the hope that efforts to address drug abuse, homelessness, workforce development, affordable housing, healthcare, public safety, and education will achieve meaningful, measurable results. These are crucial quality of life issues.

I look forward to continued progress addressing at home the challenges posed by environmental changes happening globally. I also believe 2024 will be a pivotal year for understanding the benefits and the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence, and that it is not too soon to plan for the changes it will bring in years to come.

Our island is strongest when we respect one another and work together. The more invested one becomes in seeing others as absolutely wrong, the harder it is to reach the nuanced compromises that can bring about meaningful change. It is my hope and prayer that in 2024 we see less divisiveness and greater understanding among all leaders. The issues we face require nothing less.

Finally, I wish you and yours a safe New Years holiday and a healthy and prosperous 2024.

Sen. Telo Taitague

Im looking forward to a year of progress where my colleagues and I work together to pass good legislation for our community. Another election year is here and Im hopeful that those working for their self-serving agendas step down and make room for new lawmakers who truly want to serve Guam and her people. I have faith in the promise of a great year ahead where personal agendas disappear, fiscal responsibility takes center stage, and we pick up the pace in our work to fix our hospital, improve our schools, and make our community a safer place to live, work and thrive.

Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio

More economic opportunities for the island and higher paying jobs for the people.

Speaker Therese Terlaje

It is my hope that all of us in Guam enter the new year able to feel joy and peace. This year was very challenging for our community, and some are still trying to recover. In the new year, I look forward to recommitting ourselves to working hard and helping each other with compassion, as we overcome any challenges the new year may bring.
Its just about time to celebrate New Years Eve and say goodbye to 2023.

Sydney and Auckland are among the world's first major cities to ring in 2024, with revellers cheering spectacular fireworks displays that lit up the skies over Sydney Harbor and New Zealands tallest structure, Sky Tower.
Peter J. Santos is from Hagat and is a former Guam Police Officer, U.S. Army JAG, former local prosecutor, and currently an assistant alternate public defender. Full letter available on guampdn.com.
Father Romeo Convocar is the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana.




Haiti- Insecurity : Dark assessment, the Union demands helicopters and assault tanks





In an end-of-year note dated December 30, 2023, the Haitian National Police Union (SPNH-17) draws up a grim assessment of the year 2023 and calls, among other things, for tanks and helicopters to eradicate gangs and protect police officers.



Note from the SPNH-17 Union :

"What we see happening in the police is a very serious situation, and the central power has a great responsibility. It is important that leaders take steps to protect police officers, provide them with better working conditions and ensure they have the equipment and training necessary for their work.



In 2023, more than 41 police officers died, 5 disappeared, 23 police stations were looted, vandalized and controlled by thugs. Around 2,000 police officers gave up and resigned, 5 cars and other police equipment were burnt, more territories were lost, police officers had to separate from their families after the bandits attacked their house, they are on one side, their family (wife and child) on the other side. More and more women are being raped, more Haitians are fleeing the country, numerous acts on national roads and at sea testify to the catastrophic record of the police leadership.



The SPNH-17 has already said it and we reiterate it, the PNH deserves another 'leadership', more means to deal with the situation such as:



1. Helicopters, good armored vehicles, tanks with PROTECTION equipment, good weapons and plenty of ammunition to carry out good operations;

2. Minimum salary of 50,000 gourdes, ticket of 25,000 gourdes;

3. Good physical/mental health insurance;

4. A good monthly pension to compensate the families of victim police officers.



These are all the conditions for Haiti to get out of where it is today and guarantee the police officers to stop running, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.



The SPNH-17 will continue to fight against corruption, abuse of power and mistreatment of agents [...] we will fight against old behavior to restore the image of the police."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By Aisha Adnan | Published on 2023/12/30

And it's a wrap! With 2023 nearing its end, let's rewind back to history. HanCinema has started the new series K-Drama 2023 Wrapped, where we will reminisce about 2023. Which K-Dramas won our hearts and which disappointed us the most.

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Fans were hit by many waves of K-Dramas this year, but there were a few that left a special place in our hearts! These stories became a worldwide hit and the talk of the town. We have collected a list of 2023 hits. Let us reminisce about 2023 again.

We have hand-picked a few, but you can let us know your favorite K-Drama from 2023.

"The Good Bad Mother"

Ra Mi-ran and Lee Do-hyun came together with a stellar masterpiece. "The Good Bad Mother" will always be able to melt your heart. "The Good Bad Mother" is a drama about second chances in life, and how these chances come in the most unexpected way. Jin Yeong-soon (Ra Mi-ran), is a single mother who ran a pig farm. She was a strict mother, who was fixated on making her son a prosecutor. Even if that made him hate his mother.

Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun) gets into an accident. The accident disturbs his cognitive abilities and he becomes seven again. Yeong-san sees this as another chance to raise her son again, but this time she will not repeat her mistakes.

___________

"The Good Bad Mother" is directed by Sim Na-yeon, written by Bae Se-yeong, and features Ra Mi-ran, Lee Do-hyun, Ahn Eun-jin, Yoo In-soo, Choi Moo-sung, Jung Woong-in. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/04/26~2023/06/08, Wed, Thu 22:30 on JTBC.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"The Glory"

One of the biggest blockbusters of 2023, "The Glory" did shine in all its glory. The K-Drama introduced a gray main lead who was wrong in many ways but right at the same time. The cinematography deserved applause itself. Even small details were paid attention to creating a masterpiece.

"The Glory" tells the story of Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), an ambitious architect whose dreams were murdered by Park Yeon-jin (Lim Ji-yeon). Moon Dong-eun became a victim of brutal bullying in high school. She promises herself that she will make her bullies pay for their deeds and dedicate her life to it. The drama begins years later, when the time is ripe, and she is ready to attack.

Will she win?

___________

"The Glory" is directed by Ahn Gil-ho, written by Kim Eun-sook, and features Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Sung-hoon, Jung Sung-il-I. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2022/12/30 & 2023/03/10, Fri on Netflix.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"Duty After School"

Extra terrestrial species or so-called 'speheres' begin occupying the world and killing everything on earth. The government called out high school seniors to join military services. 18-year-old high school students are promised bonus points on their CSATS, so to convince them. Little did they know that the world would never be the same again, and they would be in the front line against the deadly species.

"Duty After School" makes one realize the innocence of an 18-year-old. It is the toughest phase of one's life when they are grown but not really an adult yet. When these young people were pushed into the battlefield, things became blurred. Who is the true enemy? The speheres or humans themselves?

___________

"Duty After School" is directed by Seong Yong-il, written by Yoon Soo-I, and features Shin Hyun-soo, Lee Soon-won, Lim Se-mi, Kwon Eun-bin, Kim Ki-hae, Kim Min-chul. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/03/31 - 2023/04/21, Fri, Sat 16:00 on TVING.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"Doctor Cha"

"Doctor Cha" tells the story of Cha Jung-sook (Uhm Jung-hwa). Jung-sook had to leave the medical field for her family. She became pregnant at a young age and, after her son got injured, she left it all to have a family. Twenty years later, she decides to return. Whilst she struggles every day as a first resident at her age, she realizes that it is not the only thing she has to worry about. Her family was falling apart.

"Doctor Cha" was a remarkable journey filled with comedy. We felt for her, rooted for her, but she was enlightening us too. The K-Drama was a treat to watch despite it not being too intense, considering how most K-Dramas in 2023 have been.

___________

"Doctor Cha" is directed by Kim Dae-jin, Kim Jung-wook-II, written by Jung Yeo-rang, and features Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Byung-chul, Myung Se-bin, Min Woo-hyuk, Song Ji-ho, Jo Aram. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/04/15~2023/06/04, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"Behind your Touch"

"Behind your Touch" stars Han Ji-min as Bong Ye-boon, a vet with superpowers! After an accident, Ye-boon discovers that she has psychic abilities. She can look into the memories of any living thing. But-there is a catch... She can only get this ability by touching the butt of that person or animal.

"Behind your Touch" is the perfect blend of mystery and comedy with a hint of romance. Every interaction between the characters is heart-warming yet, at the same time, it made you doubt each one of them.

___________

"Behind your Touch" is directed by Choi Bo-yoon-II, Kim Seok-yoon, written by Kim Da-hee-II, Lee Nam-gyoo, Oh Bo-hyeon, and features Han Ji-min, Lee Min-ki, Suho, Yang Jae-sung, Park Sung-yeon, Kim Hee-won. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/08/12~2023/10/01, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC, Netflix, TVING.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"Twinkling Watermelon"

"Twinkling Watermelon" tells the story of Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun), a child born to deaf parents but can hear sounds. He is the only one blessed with the ability, and so, he becomes a bridge between the silent world of his family and the soundful world. Eun-gyeol became passionate about music at a young age but little did he know the magic it held. He, unknowingly, travels back in time to 1995 and where he meets his parents again...but as a teenager!The K-Drama will make you feel butterflies and melt you with each and every scene. Oh- and also raise your expectations of love. The beautiful K-Drama shared the hardships of youth (no matter what the year is), whilst also showcasing its beauty.

___________

"Twinkling Watermelon" is directed by Son Jeong-hyeon, Yoon Bum-sang, written by Jin Soo-wan, and features Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, Shin Eun-soo, Ahn Do-gyu, Yoon Jae-chan. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/09/25~2023/11/14, Mon, Tue 20:50 on TVING, tvN.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"My Demon"

And the year ended with a masterpiece. "My Demon" marked the return of Song Kang in a way no one had imagined. The light hearted romance drama quickly gained attention and love from fans.

"My Demon" tells the story of Goo-won (Song Kang) who gets into an incident with Do Do-hee (Kim You-jung). In result, his powers are transferred in his body and his peaceful immortality is at risk. Do-hee is in a difficult situation herself. Someone wants her dead, her only loved one has passed away and the only way she can become the chairwoman of Mirae Group is if she marries. The two realise they need eachother and so, they agree to a contract marriage.

___________

"My Demon" is directed by Kim Jang-han, Kwon Da-som, written by Choi Ah-il, and features Kim You-jung, Song Kang, Lee Sang-yi, Kim Hae-sook, Kim Tae-hoon, Lee Yoon-ji. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/11/24~Now airing, Fri, Sat 22:00 on Netflix, SBS, Wavve.

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By Aisha Adnan
By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2023/12/30

Third and final entry in the trilogy about Yi Sun-sin, "Noryang: Deadly Sea" focuses on the homonymous battle, the last major one of the Japanese invasions of Korea.

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The film begins with the sudden death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with his last order being for the Japanese forces in Korea to withdraw back to Japan. Konishi Yukinaga, the leader of Japan's vanguard contingent during the first invasion, in 1592, tried to link with with Shimazu Yoshihiro's fleet of 500 ships, who was trying to cross the Noryang Strait in order to achieve the same, with the two then planning to retreat in Pusan. Yi, on the other hand, not believing that the Japanese would just leave without a fight, aimed at preventing the two from joining forces, with the help of the fleet of Chen Lin of the Ming Dynasty from China, who had, however, previously received bribes from the Japanese to open a route from them, but instead decided to help the Koreans.

The first part of the movie introduces the key figures of the aforementioned events, while adding another element, of Yi being afraid of the Japanese murdering his son. The second and largest part deals with the battle itself, with the last, and rather briefest one, with its aftermath.

In that fashion, the first part does become a bit confusing as the introduction of new characters from the three powers and their spy and political games are presented in a rush, in order for the movie to proceed with the main attraction, which is, of course, the battle. At the same time, however, the comments on the heroism and ingeniousness of Yi, and by extension, of the Koreans, the cruelty and desperation of the Japanese, who found themselves with their back on the wall, and the cunningness of the Chinese, who tried essentially to play the other two against each other, are highlighted quite eloquently.

The naval battle part is definitely as impressive as they can get, with Kim Han-min staying quite close to the actual events, in the most majestic fashion. The initial phases have the two sides maneuvering to get to the best positions, with the fighting initially happening from afar, the flamed arrows and the cannons setting the tone, and the images of both attacking and destruction being outstanding. Kim takes full advantage of the fact that this part took place during the night, in order to make his sequences even more impressive audiovisually, with Ahn Hyun-gun's editing giving a very fitting frantic pace to the whole thing.

The second phase of the battle, and the most desperate one, had the crews of the ships fighting hand-to-hand, with the movie becoming much more brutal, also highlighting the acting even more. Kim Yun-seok as Yi is quite convincing in his no-nonsense demeanor, Baek Yoon-sik as Shimazu highlights his cruelty and despair at the same level, with the same applying to Jung Jae-young's Chen Lin, who is repeatedly portrayed as a lesser man than the other two.

At the same time, and considering the outcome of the battle, the presentation of the heroism of the Koreans and the melodramatic elements could not be missing, with Kim adding to the sentimentality with the music and, partially, with the editing. These elements, however, are actually toned down in comparison with other similar films, with the fact that the focus here is definitely on the naval battle, actually working in favor of the movie.

Also, this review would not be completed if we didn't mention Kim Tae-seong's excellent cinematography, which works quite good both in the action and the 'calm' moments, as much as the whole production values, which result in a true audiovisual treat, particularly during the battles.

Although at a somewhat lower level than "The Admiral: Roaring Currents", "Noryang: Deadly Sea" delivers on everything that it promised on its road to commercial success, and is definitely a film fans of epic movies will enjoy.

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis



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"Noryang: Deadly Sea" is directed by Kim Han-min, and features Kim Yun-seok, Baek Yoon-sik, Jung Jae-young, Huh Joon-ho, Yeo Jin-goo, Lim Il-gyu. Release date in Korea: 2023/12/20.




We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here
The latest ploy to remove Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for grizzly bears (delisting) is to use trucks to move bears from the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) to Yellowstone to enhance genetic diversity. A Wyoming Game and Fish Department spokesman recently said a delisting rule for the grizzly bear would be the Death Star. That hits the mark.

Delisting the Yellowstone and NCDE populations would certainly be a death certificate for untold numbers of grizzly bears. Trucking grizzly bears is a cynical ploy that does not have the bears best interests at heart. Nor is it likely to succeed.

First, the proposal is manipulative, intrusive and easily a two-day operation extremely stressful for the bears. After drugging, handling and being towed in a trap over busy highways, the bears get dumped into a crowded space with unfamiliar foods. These individuals would not have ESA protection and would be arbitrarily dubbed experiments.

The return instinct in grizzly bears is powerful and translocation distances need to be 120 miles or more. If the bears do stay, they must survive to breeding age and successfully breed. Then those offspring must also survive, reach breeding age and successfully breed before any new genetic material is added to the population. Trucking a couple bears every few years is a thin reed on which to rest genetic diversity and is a waste of perfectly good grizzly bears for a politically-motivated experiment.

A basic question regarding the wisdom of human-assisted carnivore translocations is how likely are the animals to reach the destination on their own? Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has been saying for years that connection between the Yellowstone and NCDE populations is inevitable as they are believed to be just 37 miles apart. Grizzly bears are showing us with their paws where they want to go, whether its the Bitterroot, the Big Hole, the Big Snowies or the Missouri River Breaks.

Frank van Manen, chief of the Yellowstone Grizzly Study, said genetics are not an immediate concern in Greater Yellowstone and with population increase things have stabilized. At a recent meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, the supervisor of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forests noted the closeness of the populations and asked Whats the hurry? Cant we wait? The answer from FWP was no, we need to do this now.

The court ruling FWP cites did not specifically order them to truck grizzlies into Yellowstone. Rather, it called for a plan to address genetic diversity concerns in the Yellowstone ecosystem and the Northern Rockies more broadly. A plan could include increased protections for connectivity habitats and installation of highway passage structures to enhance natural movements as recommended by the Montana Grizzly Bear Advisory Council.

Hopefully, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service doesnt go for these head fakes. Giving in to the forces of politics and greed would be an irresponsible abdication of legal responsibility in the face of a host of demonstrable threats. If delisting is achieved for more than 90% of the grizzly bears in the lower 48 states, FWS would be powerless to stop broken promises, habitat loss, lax implementation of Conservation Strategies, hunting seasons, shooting by ranchers and other killings of grizzly bears. Concern would wane and killings would occur at a rapid and unsustainable basis. Any effort to restore protections would take years if it happened at all. Too late for the grizzly bear.

Bears are not hitchhikers and dont need a ride. They need habitat. Let them go where they will, wild and free. Moving grizzlies by mechanical, artificial means? No trucking way.
The Narendra Modi government on Sunday appointed former NITI Aayog vice chairperson Arvind Panagariya as the new chairman of the Finance Commission, Reuters reported. Arvind Panagariya has been appointed as the new finance commission chairman(HT Photo)

Every five years, the Centre sets up a finance panel to suggest formula for the sharing of taxes between the union and state governments, and make recommendations on public finances.

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"The Commission shall make its report available by October 31, 2025 covering a period of five years commencing on the 1st day of April, 2026," the government order stated.



ALSO READ: Noted economist Arvind Panagariya appointed as Nalanda Univ chancellor



Here are five things to know about Arvind Panagariya:



1. Born on September 30, 1952, Panagariya is an alumnus of the University of Rajasthan. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Princeton University.



2. Panagariya is a former chief economist at Asian Development Bank. He has also worked with the World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund and World Bank. He also taught as the professor of economics at New York's Columbia University.

3. In 2015, Panagariya was picked by the Modi government to serve as the vice chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, which had replaced the five decades old Planning Commission.



4. In 2017, Arvind Panagariya stepped down from his post and returned to academics. I have requested the Prime Minister to relieve me from my responsibility as my leave in Columbia University is coming to an end on September 5 and I have decided to join back. The PM has agreed after listening to me, he had said.



5. Earlier this month, Panagariya said that India will become the world's third largest economy by 2026 and its GDP will touch $5 trillion that year. He had said,"At this rate, India's GDP in current dollars will reach USD 5 trillion in 2026 and USD 5.5 trillion in 2027. This means that there are good prospects that India will become the world's third economy by the end of 2026, sooner than nearly all current predictions".
As the world steps into a new year, Karnataka remains resilient in the face of the dual challenges posed by the lingering Covid-19 pandemic and the aftereffects of the shortfall of rainfall. However, there is still a hope that 2024 will be the year when Bengaluru might find the solution to its decades-old traffic problem, with the large sections of the metro rail nearing completion. Amid drought and Covid, Karnataka looks at 2024 with new hopes. (AFP)

But the main focus of 2024 will be the potential political changes in the state. On the political front, the state underwent a notable transformation as the Congress party secured a formidable majority, ushering in a phase of relative political stability compared to previous elections. However, the political landscape remains dynamic, and the approaching Lok Sabha elections pose intriguing questions about potential shifts in political dynamics.

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The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state is hoping to recreate the magic. The government successfully delivered on its five electoral promises, earning political credit despite grappling with financial and technical hurdles. The party is hoping that the five schemes, which include a stipend and free bus travel for women, subsidised electricity bills, 10 kg of rice and a stipend for graduates, will keep them in the good books of voters.

The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, is in an attempt to cash in on the new leadership under BY Vijayendra and their newly formed alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular). Even though the party suffers from internal tussles, particularly with its own MLA raising allegations of corruption against the former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, it is counting on its young Turks to retain the southern bastion in Lok Sabha.

In 2024, the Congress government faces a critical test in water management, with the state grappling with a drought exacerbated by insufficient rainfall during the monsoon. The situation is anticipated to worsen in the upcoming summer months, as the water levels in most state reservoirs have significantly dwindled. Bengaluru is poised to experience a severe shortage of drinking water, prompting experts to advise judicious use of the available water, people familiar with the matter said.

The government has reportedly decided to allocate the available water solely for drinking and industrial purposes, posing a hardship for farmers who will not have access to water for agriculture, they added.

In reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 895 TMC feet, only 394 TMC feet of water are currently available. Within the Cauvery river basin, which has a combined reservoir capacity of 114 TMC feet, the current storage is a mere 52 TMC feet, according to a report by The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). Comparatively, during the same period last year, the reservoirs held 83 TMC feet of water. This scenario has led to the declaration of drought in 223 out of 236 taluks in the state.

Amidst these concerns, the state reported 201 fresh cases of Covid-19 and one new coronavirus-related death ahead of the new year. This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 833, a health department bulletin said. With this, the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the state after the recent spike in cases has touched more than 10. The health department however remains confident that the cases will not affect the state in a big way.

On a positive note, the city with its notorious traffic jams had some reason to cheer with the yellow line which connects several parts of the citys tech hub is expected to be operational next year.
Karnataka on Saturday reported 201 fresh cases of Covid-19 and one new coronavirus-related death in the past 24 hours. This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 833, a health department bulletin said. With this, the total number of covid-19 related deaths in the state after the recent spike in cases has touched more than 10, it said. Karnataka logs 201 fresh Covid-19 cases and 1 new death

Also Read - Karnataka cops gather CCTV footage, question witnesses over girls death in society complex

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According to the bulletin, in the past 24 hours, 60 patients have been discharged, a total of 7,060 tests have been taken, including 5,549 RTPCR and 1,511 Rapid Antigen tests. The Positivity Rate stands at 2.84 per cent while case fatality rate stands at 0.49 per cent. The maximum number of tests were conducted in Bengaluru Urban district. Out of the 2,095 tests conducted, 69 have been found positive for the virus, which is the highest as compared to other districts of the state.

The deceased person, who was aged 74, was admitted in Mysuru. He had symptoms of breathlessness and comorbidities, the bulletin stated. A total of 13 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district on Friday, taking the total number of active cases in the district to 25. Health department sources said 348 people were tested for Covid on Friday, of which 13 were found infected.

Besides Bengaluru and Mysuru, DK district has reported a high number of cases on the day, sources said. As on Saturday, the total active cases reported in Karnataka stand at 833. Out of these, 783 people are in home isolation while the remaining 50 are hospitalised. Among those hospitalised, 15 have been admitted to ICU and 35 are admitted in general ward, it added. Amid a spike in cases and detection of JN.1 infections in the state, the Karnataka government's cabinet sub-committee on Covid has advised people to wear masks, not send children with symptoms to schools, adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour such as social distancing, isolating for seven days if infected and granting leave to infected employees.

It has also decided to administer "precautionary vaccine" for the aged and those with comorbidities and to get 30,000 doses of Corbevax vaccine from the Centre for this purpose.
BHOPAL: A 45-days-old infant died due to infection after he was branded with hot iron rod to treat pneumonia in Shahdol district, an official said on Saturday. Police said they are investigating the matter. (Representative Image)

This is the third death of children due to branding in stomach, locally known as Dagna, in Shahdol district since November 21. Earlier, two infants died after branding with hot iron rod to treat pneumonia.

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A resident of Bandhwa village Harsh Lal Baigas son Rajan Baiga had been admitted to Shahdol district hospital on December 21. Requesting anonymity, a doctor said, The child was admitted to the PICU of the district hospital. He was unable to breathe properly and his ribs were found broken. He died of complications caused due to infection.

The mother Rambai said, I had gone to my mothers village. My son fell ill. On the direction of a midwife, I branded the childs stomach with hot bangles. After this, when the childs health did not improve, he was admitted to the district hospital Shahdol.

Shahdol, superintendent of police Kumar Prateek said, We are investigating the matter. We will take necessary action against the accused.

District collector Vandana Vaidya refused to respond on the incident.
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops of the Punjab Frontier detected and downed 107 drones and seized 442 kg of heroin, 23 weapons, 505 rounds of ammunition, killed three Pakistan intruders and apprehended 23 Pakistan nationals, including two smugglers, 14 Bangladesh nationals and 95 Indian suspects, including 35 smugglers, in different incidents in Punjab in the year 2023. The BSF) troops of the Punjab Frontier detected and downed 107 drones and seized 442 kg of heroin, 23 weapons, 505 rounds of ammunition, killed three Pakistan intruders and apprehended 23 Pakistan nationals, including two smugglers, 14 Bangladesh nationals and 95 Indian suspects, including 35 smugglers, in different incidents in Punjab in the year 2023. (HT file)

BSF authorities said they have also handed over 12 Pakistan nationals to Pakistan Rangers, who had inadvertently crossed the IB this year.

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Besides, during the unprecedented flood situation in the bordering districts of Punjab i.e. Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur, the BSF conducted various rescue and relief operations and evacuated more than 10,000 villagers and families living on border in the flood-prone areas of Ravi and Sutlej rivers and rescued them to safer areas.

The BSF is responsible for safeguarding the 553 km long varied, tough and challenging Indo-Pakistan International Border of Punjab.
Punjab Police on Friday formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe charges of human trafficking in the case of Punjabi passengers, who were sent back to India by France from a Nicaragua-bound flight. Passengers of a chartered plane, which was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking, arrived in Mumbai on December 26. (PTI)

Of the 303 passengers who were on a plane operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines in Dubai last week, 70% are from Punjab, most of them in their mid-20s and early 30s. They were bound for Nicaragua but a refuelling stopover at Vatry airport in northeastern France on December 21 resulted in the plane being grounded for four days after an anonymous tipoff.

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According to the list, accessed by HT, most of the passengers have Punjabi surnames. The aircraft, an Airbus A340, took off from Vatry airport and landed in Mumbai shortly after 4 am on December 26, officials said. Immigration authorities questioned some of the 276 passengers but no one was detained and the passengers were allowed to leave the airport by 11.30 am.

Police in Gujarat have already 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

This suspected illegal migration is often referred to as the donkey route 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.

SIT asks victims to come forward

The SIT headed by the superintendent of police, investigation, Randhir Kumar will comprise Jasroop Kaur Baath, assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Civil Lines, Ludhiana; Balkar Singh Sandhu, deputy superintendent of police, investigation, Ferozepur; and Dalbir Singh Sidhu, DSP, Patiala headquarters.

On the mandate given by Punjab Police headquarters, the SIT has appealed to the victims to come forward with their complaints.

First information reports (FIRs) will be registered promptly to set the law in motion. Victims can lodge their complaints at the anti-human trafficking unit in their districts or can contact the special investigation team, the SIT said.

Punjab Police is also in touch with central agencies, and agencies of other states on the issue, said a senior official, who is part of the SIT.

The list of passengers sent back by France shows that nearly 70% of them are from Punjab, 25% from Gujarat and the rest from other parts of the country.

Gujarat cops question 21 passengers

The Gujarat Police has already questioned at least 21 passengers who returned to Ahmedabad. The passengers are being questioned at the Gandhinagar Crime Investigation Department (CID) Police Bhawan and officials aware of the matter said while all of them claimed they were on a legitimate trip for tourism and had valid documents, they offered names of agents who booked their travel, giving potential new leads to the investigators.

They have revealed a list of private travel agents and consultants who facilitated their travel. However, they have not complained against anyone and said they were only going to travel and had plans to return. They said they have not done anything illegal or taken any illegal route to travel to Nicaragua, said a CID officer asking not to be named. He added that the group of people, though unrelated, were in contact with lawyers and appeared to be on the same page.

Vast and coordinated network: Cops

Police in Gujarat have also arrested two people in connection with a running investigation into such syndicates, and the two have purportedly disclosed details that corroborate the theory that the flight was part of the racket. These suspects, and complaints by relatives of some of the other passengers, have shared details that suggest the operations were vast and coordinated and involved forgeries of various sorts of documents needed to secure visas and even rigging of IELTS tests.

HT reported on December 28 how such rackets charge between 70-80 lakh per person for the journey, which in its last leg usually involves a land crossing through the porous US-Mexico border, or via sea through other South American nations such as Nicaragua.

A family member of one of the 276, who returned to their home in Punjab, told HT that they were to pay agents in tranches which is usually 3-5 lakh at the beginning. The persons kin, not willing to divulge more details fearing police action said that they had paid 4 lakh to an agent for the work permit to Dubai. The next instalment was to be paid when the person would have reached Nicaragua and another one was due when he would have reached Mexico. The final was to be paid on reaching the final destination (the US), the person said.
The murder of Buffalo Diocese Monsignor Francis J. OConnor was front-page news across New York State in 1966.

OConnor, who was the 44-year-old editor of the dioceses weekly newspaper, was found in Scajaquada Creek drowned, with fractures to the larynx and hyoid bone in his throat and contusions and abrasions to his scalp.

Who killed the monsignor? Exploring the murder of Monsignor Francis J. O'Connor, its investigation and its legacy Revealed in the 56-year-old reports on the murder of Monsignor Francis J. O'Connor were shocking secrets  a priest and a diocese journalist had been suspects  and a cache of other never-before released details.

But within two months of the death, Buffalo police suddenly shut down their investigation, without telling OConnors family, friends or the public why.

In 2023, The Buffalo News published stories over 18 consecutive days about the unsolved murder of OConnor after two reporters and their editor were given unprecedented access to the Buffalo police homicide file.

The News series revealed publicly for the first time that:

Two Buffalo Diocese priests  Monsignor Franklin Kelleher, who was known as the dioceses unofficial disciplinarian of priests, and the Rev. John Lewandowski, who has been credibly accused of sexually molesting boys  were considered suspects in OConnors death by homicide detectives. Lewandowski was fingerprinted and questioned by detectives.

A third suspect was a diocese-employed journalist who, according to police reports, admitted to fantasizing about putting an axe in OConnors head. The journalist moved out of state shortly after detectives questioned him.

None of the police reports identify OConnor as being gay. But it is clear homicide detectives were investigating if OConnor was targeted because he was a homosexual.

The Buffalo News interviewed more than 120 people, including a retired prosecutor, a former Catholic deacon, an attorney and other sources who said high-ranking Buffalo homicide officers told them the investigation was shut down after a priest or monsignor became a suspect to avoid embarrassing the diocese.
The Punjab State Information Commission has imposed a fine of 25,000 on assistant town planner (ATP) Sunil Kumar, who is already under suspension, for passing wrong information to the applicant seeking details of a project in their area. Punjab information commission slaps fine of  25,000 on Ludhiana MC official for giving wrong information (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The commission has also ordered the municipal corporation, Ludhiana, to give 15,000 as compensation to the applicant for harassment.

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The commissioner ordered that the compensation be paid via a crossed cheque, demand draft and proof of payment be submitted to this commission. Next hearing of the matter has been scheduled for February 15, 2024. The commission has directed MC commissioner Sandeep Rishi to provide a pointwise reply to the RTI application along with the information sought therein to the appellant.

Neha Ghai of Vardhman Park on Chandigarh Road and her husband Naveen Ghai said that they found some violations in the colony. They had taken up the matter with Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The RERA disposed of the matter in their favour.

He had filed an application under the Right to information (RTI) Act on December 22, 2020 seeking information from the MC about what approvals were given to Vardhman Park project, but assistant town planner (ATP) Sunil Kumar, who was also holding the charge of public information officer (PIO) at the time, was reluctant in passing the information.

Ghai stated that while they received information on December 13, 2022 on their RTI application, with the PIO mentioning that the as an inquiry is on by the Central Vigilance Office (CVO) municipal corporation, the information cannot be supplied. The applicant said that when he contacted the CVO, they replied that no such inquiry was going on.

Ghai said that after he raised the issue with authorities, they suspended the services of ATP Sunil Kumar.

He added that they file the first appeal with appellate authority on January 12, 2023 and second appeal was filed in the commission on May 11, 2023. He also alleged that he found gross violation of bylaws in the colony and the MC officials were hand in gloves with the violators.
Punjab Police have approached immigration authorities to get documentary details to identify Punjab residents, who were deported from France early this week on the suspicion of the alleged attempt of organised immigration racket. A charter plane was grounded in France for a human trafficking investigation arrived in India with 276 Indians aboard, authorities said. (AP)

Police officials said it is premature to term all 276 persons as victims of human trafficking as there may be people who paid lakhs of rupees knowing the risks involved in illegal immigration while the presence of genuine visitors among them can also not be ruled out.

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Ferozepur superintendent of police (investigation) Randhir Kumar, who is heading the Punjab polices four-member special investigation team (SIT), said on Sunday that the police are treating all passengers as victims of human trafficking.

We appeal to all such people to approach anti-human trafficking units in their respective districts or contact the Ferozepur police control room to share details on how they were travelling from Dubai. It will help us in nailing the culprit agents, said Kumar, who had earlier headed another SIT probing the trafficking of Punjabi women to Oman.

Preliminary information gathered by the state police authorities indicates that the number of people from Punjab and Haryana among deported passengers was less than 100.

Inputs also hint that there were cases where spouses were accompanied by their children. Most deported passengers are less than the age of 30 and the document details with the immigration officials may give a tip if their visa for Nicaragua was genuine and how they managed to secure it, said an official.

Issue of illegal immigration where people pay huge amounts to unscrupulous agents is not new to Punjab. Such people, with the agents and their middlemen, prepare forged documents to obtain visas from various countries fraudulently. Once the passport details of the Punjabi passengers are secured, polices SIT may get assistance in contacting individuals to reach any conclusion, said a functionary engaged in airport immigration on the condition of anonymity.

The official further said the SIT may trace a possible agent among the travellers deported by the French authorities.

It has been observed in the past that an accomplice of a travel agent accompanies illegal immigrants for smooth operation of an organised racket to drop their clients at the identified destinations. The carrier may be zeroed in by going through the travel history of the dubious individual on the Dubai-Nicaragua air route, he added. But official complaints by the victims in police statement will be crucial to get to the bottom of the case, a police official said.

A travel agent, usually unregistered, works in collusion with a web of middlemen to target the vulnerable people keen to go abroad. It is a tough task to bust as usually the victims prefer to get back their money than taking legal proceedings to a logical conclusion, said the official.

A leading licensed travel agent from a Malwa district said tracking down the masterminds is a herculean task. Illegal immigration is a well-oiled international racket where the masterminds work incognito. Moreover, people themselves pay hefty amounts in cash to land in different countries illegally. In my professional career of nearly two decades, I have not seen where a mastermind is taken to task legally. In this case, too, the SIT may face a challenge to hunt the unscrupulous agents, he added.
Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Sunday that he would attend the Pran Pratistha programme, or the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on January 22. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the New Years programme at The Ridge in Shimla on Sunday. (PTI)

The chief minister is yet to receive an official invitation for the event. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and matriarch Sonia Gandhi have received invitations for the consecration of the temple. The party is yet to take a call on the invitations.

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The Congress leader said Lord Ram is the centre of our aastha (faith) and we would follow the path shown by him.

So far no invitation has been received from Ayodhya, but whether we get an invitation or not, Lord Ram is the centre of our aastha (faith) and we would follow the path shown by him, he said.
New Delhi [India], December 31 (ANI): Four persons were arrested in connection with a road rage incident on Mehruali-Gurugram road, Delhi Police said on Saturday. HT Image

The arrested persons have been identified as Manoj from Haryana's Rohtak, Kaviraj from Bhiwani, again in Haryana, Anil Kumar from Delhi's Aya Nagar and Prabhat Sharma from Chhatarpur.

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The police arrested the accused on a complaint filed by a person, identified as Sachin Lohiya, and a video recording of the road rage incident.

According to the police, the incident took place on Friday in which two groups fell into an altercation after their cars were involved in a collision.

According to the police, following the collision, Lohiya and Prabhat Sharma's driver, Vikrant, got into a scuffle. As the altercation devolved into a full-blown scuffle, Prabhat allegedly called four of his associates -- identified as Manoj, Anil, Kaviraj and others -- over to the scene.

The rival group then brutally thrashed Lohiya, police informed.

Prabhat Sharma and Sachin Lohiya were injured in the affray, the police said, adding that the latter sustained severe injuries and was admitted to AIIMS trauma centre.

According to witnesses present at the spot, one of the accused was seen wearing a jacket similar to one worn by Delhi Police personnel. The police recovered the same from the accused, Manoj, which he claimed to have purchased from the Jharoda Kalan area.

A case under relevant IPC sections was registered against the accused on a complaint by Lohiya.

The statement of the injured was recorded after his medical examination, the police said.

The accused -- Ajay Kumar (accused Kaviraj's brother) and Sachin Yadav (one of Prabhat Sharma's colleagues) -- were questioned by the police in connection with the affray at the time of filing this report.

The police informed further that a separate case was filed by one of the accused, Prabhat Sharma, against Lohiya.

According to the complaint, Lohiya was accused of vandalising Prabhat Sharma's car and hitting him.

A case under relevant IPC sections was registered and Lohiya was arrested. However, he was later released on bail, the police informed. (ANI)
India also went on an overdrive in expanding its military engagement with like-minded countries in its neighbourhood and beyond in the face of China's relentless attempts to become a regional hegemon and establish its primacy in South Asia. HT Image

The Indian troops guarding the nearly 3,500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) maintained an assertive approach as the eastern Ladakh border spilled into the fourth year even as both sides held several rounds of high-level military and diplomatic talks to resolve it.

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The face-off between the two of the planet's biggest military forces mainly continued in Demchok and Depsang regions though both sides completed disengagement in several other friction points.

In line with a growing realisation about the need to boost the national military power, the defence ministry accorded approval to a number of big-ticket acquisition projects including procurement of 97 Tejas light combat aircraft, 156 Prachand combat helicopters and upgrading 84 Su-30 fighter jets.

In 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved in its meetings proposals worth a total of over 3.50 lakh crore to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces, the defence ministry said in a year-end review.

In June, the DAC, the defence ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, approved acquisition of 31 MQ-9B high altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) for the three services from the US through foreign military sale (FMS) route.

In another significant decision, the DAC granted approval for procurement of 26 Rafale marine aircraft along with associated equipment, weapons, simulator and spares for the Indian Navy from French defence major Dassault Aviation under the framework of an inter-governmental agreement.

The Indian Air Force formally inducted the first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft, days after it was handed over to it in the southern Spanish city of Seville.

The IAF received the first of the 56 C295 transport aircraft two years after India sealed a 21,935-crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure the jets to replace its ageing Avro--748 fleet.

Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025 and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.

The defence ministry also maintained its focus on making India a hub for defence manufacturing in the year.

In June, American defence major GE Aerospace inked an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to co-produce F-414 fighter jet engines in India, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US.

According to provisions of the deal, GE Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power Tejas light combat aircraft Mk2.

The agreement was seen as a transformational move in further expanding the India-US global strategic partnership.

In reflection of growing military ties between the two nations, two B-1B Lancer supersonic heavy bomber jets of the US Air Force joined the American exhibits at the Aero India at the Yelahanka air base in February.

The bomber carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the US Air Force and is considered the backbone of America's long-range bomber force, American officials said.

The defence and strategic ties between India and France also witnessed a major upswing in 2023.

The two sides announced a raft of ground-breaking defence cooperation projects including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines and construction of three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy in July.

The government also worked on its policy to boost domestic defence production. The value of defence production in 2022-23 crossed the figure of one lakh crore for the first time ever.

In November, Prime Minister Modi flew a sortie in 'Tejas' twin-seater Light Combat Fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

During the 30-minute sortie, capabilities of Tejas were demonstrated to Modi. It was the first time an Indian prime minister flew a fighter aircraft sortie.

In tune with the government's policy priorities, the three services carried out numerous military exercises in the last one year with their counterparts from several friendly nations to boost cooperation in confronting common challenges.

In the fag end of the year, the Indian Navy commenced focused maritime security operations in the Arabian sea in view of incidents of attacks on commercial vessels.

Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was the target of a drone attack off India's west coast on December 23, triggering security concerns as the incident came amid Iran-backed Houthi militants launching strikes on several commercial ships.

Another commercial crude oil tanker, MV Sai Baba, that was on the way to India came under a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day.

India also prioritised development of border infrastructure in 2023 as 118 projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were dedicated to the nation by defence Minister Rajnath Singh this year.

In September, he launched 90 infrastructure projects worth over 2,900 crore, spread across 11 states and Union territories.

In February, the defence budget was increased to 5.94 lakh crore for 2023-24 in a modest hike of 13 per cent from last year's allocation of 5.25 lakh crore.

The year also saw women armed forces personnel shattering glass ceiling on many fronts.

Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to get operationally deployed in Kumar Post, Siachen Glacier in January. Siachen is the world's highest battlefield.

In another milestone, Lt Cdr Prerna Deosthalee was named as the first woman officer to command an Indian Naval warship.

The induction of women officers in the Regiment of Artillery is under progress. Ten 10 women officers were commissioned in the Regiment of Artillery during 2023.

The Indian Air Force deployed Group Captain Shaliza Dhami to take over the command of a frontline combat unit in the Western sector. She is the first woman to command any combat unit of IAF.

The year 2023 saw the Indian Army continuing its anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir besides keeping a strong vigil over the Line of Control.
New Delhi [India], December 31 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he will visit Assam's Tezpur district on Sunday. HT Image

Taking to social media platform X, the Defence Minister said that he would interact with the students of Tezpur University during their convocation.

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"Today, 31st December, I will be in Tezpur, Assam. Shall interact with the students of Tezpur University during their Convocation. Looking forward," Singh wrote on X.

Apart from the Defence Minister, the Corps Commander of Gajraj Corps and several civil and military dignitaries will attend the event.

As per the varsity, on the occasion of their 21st convocation ceremony, a total of 783 students would get a postgraduate (PG) degree, 428 an undergraduate (UG) degree, five PG Diploma and more than 100 researchers would be awarded PhD degrees, as well as 23 students of distance and online education mediums would also be awarded degrees.

Tezpur University is a central university located near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-state border. Apart from its academic routine, the university is also involved in training Indian Army personnel in the Chinese language.

In April of this year, the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters 4 Corps, (HQ 4 Corps signed the MoU on behalf of the Indian Army) to offer army personnel a basic course in Chinese language to develop the four essential language skills, viz., listening, speaking, reading and writing, of intermediate level.

The university is also considering starting the Department of Defence Studies and in this regard, the university's academic council and board of management (highest executive body of the University) have already ratified the decision.

"There is another project that is in the pipeline. The university, in collaboration with defence forces, is planning to study geospatial research and strategic mapping in Indo-China border areas. We believe that Tezpur University has a role to play in improving India's defence preparedness and deepening the relationship between the Indian Army and academia," said Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University.

"The exercise shall give us enough data on people living in these border areas to academically counter any unfounded claims made by China," Prof Singh further elaborated.

A total of 1355 students will be conferred degrees and diplomas during the convocation. (ANI)
Mumbai: Two more persons were arrested on Saturday for allegedly stabbing a 51-year-old man to death after he objected to one of the accused blowing cigarette smoke on his daughters face at Chapel Road on Wednesday. HT Image

On the day of the murder of Francis Fernandes, the police arrested one of the accused, while four others fled the spot. According to the Bandra police officers, on Saturday, out of the five accused, they arrested one, a man identified as Rehbar Shaikh, and a woman accused from the JJ Colony in Bandra. Two of their accomplices would be arrested as soon as they are discharged from a hospital.

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The Bandra police officers said that on Wednesday night, the victim, Fernandes, was returning to his house along with his wife Zian and their 25-year-old daughter when they stopped at Tonys store on Chapel Road in Bandra West. As the three were exiting the store, a couple entered inside. The man, identified as Mohamemd Saad Iqbal Shaikh, 23, blew a cigarette on the face of Franciss daughter allegedly deliberately. Seeing his daughters inconvenience, Francis had objected to Shaikhs act but the latter and the woman who was with him began abusing the victim and his family.

A fight erupted between the two men after which Shaikh made a call and summoned three of his friends. The four men and the woman then beat up Francis. Shaikh then allegedly extracted a knife and stabbed Francis several times in his chest and stomach. The men ran away after threatening to kill Ziyan and her daughter. The duo, the victims daughter and wife, then rushed Francis, who was severely wounded, to the Bhabha Hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.

The police registered an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 302 (murder), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of women), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 34 (criminal act involving several individuals) and sections of Maharashtra police act against the five accused.
Mumbai: A 13-year-old boy died after falling off the terrace of his building while flying a kite on Saturday in Virar East. According to the Virar police, they have registered a case of accidental death (ADR) and are conducting further investigation to find out more about the incident. HT Image

The police officers said that the boy identified as Kartik Subhash Rewale, a resident of Sai Nagar in Virar East, had gone to the terrace at 5pm on Saturday along with his friends to fly a kite.

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Based on the statements of eyewitnesses, the boy lost his balance and fell off the edge of the terrace which does not have boundary walls.

The police said the building from where he fell is four-storeyed, We have sent the body of the boy for post-mortem and are recording the statements of his friends and locals to find out the sequence of events leading to the boys fall, said an officer from Virar police station.

In the past 15 days, two more people have died due to the kite string, including a constable from Dindoshi police station.
Mumbai, Dec 31 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday asked the Mumbai civic commissioner to put up decorative lights on temples and buildings here and "celebrate Diwali" on January 22, the day of consecration of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya. HT Image

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and more than 6,000 people are expected to attend the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya in UP.

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Speaking at a cleanliness drive in Mumbai, CM Shinde said, "The Ram temple will be inaugurated on January 22. I want to ask to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner to celebrate Diwali across Mumbai city. Let there be lots of decorative lightings on all the temples and buildings in Mumbai."

The chief minister said the Ram temple was a dream of (Shiv Sena founder) late Balasaheb Thackeray and several devotees of Lord Ram.

"Modiji made the dream (of building the Ram temple) into a reality. What PM Modi speaks, he ensures to make it a reality. Be it the Railways or airports, he implements his promises. Everyone accepts Modi's guarantees," Shinde said.

On Sunday, deep cleaning initiatives were undertaken at 10 places in Mumbai as part of the government's ongoing drive to bring down the air pollution in the state capital and make it clean.
Mumbai, Dec 31 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced 5 lakh each as compensation to the kin of the six persons who died in a fire in a factory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the early hours of Sunday. HT Image

The blaze broke out in Sunshine Enterprises unit in Waluj industrial area there at 1am at a time when thirteen workers were asleep inside, said officials.

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While seven managed to escape the fire by breaking the tin roof of the unit, where hand gloves are manufactured, six perished, they said.

A statement from the CMO said Shinde issued directives to authorities to disburse 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and also bear the medical expenses of those injured.

He expressed grief at the loss of lives, the statement added.

The blaze was put out at 3:30am, officials said.
An enigma was buried Thursday in Niagara Falls.

John J. Gross, 87, was a plumber and contractor who achieved a unique status among the many colorful characters in Niagara Falls over the past half-century.

He was an admitted criminal who served three prison terms for bribery, theft, tax evasion and other crimes, but who also was beloved because of all the money and labor he donated to churches, charitable organizations, poor families and others.

Enigma is exactly the word to describe him, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert M. Restaino told The Buffalo News. Ive known John my entire life. I did not know the criminal side of him. No ones ever going to say that he was a man without flaws. But there are many other people who knew him as a man with a golden heart, a guy who went out of his way to help people in need.

He really was the Robin Hood of Niagara Falls, said Tony Farina, a journalist and longtime friend of Gross. He was a larcenous old devil. He liked money and committed crimes. But he also was Robin Hood for a lot of people and organizations. Many people loved John. To me, his good deeds far outweighed his bad.

A lifelong Niagara Falls resident, Gross died Dec. 19 after a brief illness in Mount St. Marys Hospital in Lewiston. He was buried after a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Vincent de Paul Church in the Falls. About 135 people filled the small church for the service.

In 1956, Gross started his business, Gross Plumbing and Heating, which operates from a nondescript building on Niagara Street. A master plumber, Gross retired in 2011 but continued to answer phones and assist his grandson, Jonathan, who took over the business.

A Buffalo News reporter asked Gross there last June how he hoped to be remembered when he was gone.

I know I made some mistakes, he said. But I also know I did a lot of things to help people out. Thats what I hope I am remembered for.

Many will remember Gross for bribing politicians and committing other crimes that helped create an atmosphere of corruption that  for decades  made it difficult for honest people to do business in Niagara County.

Bribes and bid-rigging schemes helped Gross company get many lucrative contracts on construction projects, federal prosecutors said.

Federal investigations into Gross and others in the 1990s led to criminal convictions of Gross, the countys former sheriff, three top Sheriffs Office aides, a Social Services commissioner, the parks commissioner, two county legislators and several prominent businessmen.

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara referred to the countys culture of corruption in January 1997, after sentencing Gross and a legislator who had taken payoffs from Gross.

The 1997 federal sentencing was Gross second. Arcara sent Gross to prison for three years and five months . He also ordered Gross to pay $789,000 in fines and restitution after Gross admitted to racketeering, stealing, bribing public officials and cheating on his taxes.

The judge said he received a huge number of letters from church leaders, politicians, business people and leaders of charity groups, telling of Gross good deeds and asking leniency for him. They said Gross helped them with snow plowing, plumbing and other services, rarely asking for payment.

Gross routinely gave poor or elderly customers a 50% discount on all plumbing bills, one friend wrote to the judge.

From some of these letters, I thought I was reading about the brother of Mother Teresa, Arcara said.

Joseph O. Mineo, who retired in 2017 after 45 years as chief executive officer of the Niagara Cerebral Palsy Association, now known as Empower, recalled on Friday the kindness Gross showed to his organization during the infamous Blizzard of 1977.

We had 5 feet of snow in the parking lot of our preschool for kids with disabilities, Mineo told The News. I was having a tough time finding someone to clear it out. Not only did John send over men and equipment to do the job, he wouldnt bill me for it. John was no angel, but he did a lot of things like that for us and other organizations over the years. He did things for people and he wasnt looking for any kind of recognition.

A diminutive, soft-spoken man who wore eyeglasses, Gross loved fishing, hunting, going out to dinner and throwing big parties.

When you went out to dinner with John, it didnt matter where you went, how many people were there or who was with you, Farina said, John always picked up the check. He was a really generous guy.

But Gross had also admitted to paying monthly bribes to a county legislator for nine years; stealing scrap metal valued at nearly a half-million dollars from the Bethlehem Steel demolition site; paying off guards to look the other way; and keeping a double set of books to hide $1.3 million in company profits.

Despite his good deeds, Gross was at the center of Niagara County corruption, Arcara said in 1997.

In 2012, 15 years after sentencing Gross for the first time, Arcara found himself sentencing Gross again, this time for rigging bids to help his company get contracts, bribing purchasing agents at local businesses and cheating the government out of $161,000 in tax revenue.

Again, Arcara said in court, he received a mountain of letters from citizens in Niagara County who said Gross had helped them out during tough times.

But federal prosecutor James P. Kennedy submitted a letter of his own to the judge, saying the letters glorifying Gross fail to capture the ever-present fog which defendants fraudulent conduct cast over the business climate in Niagara Falls.

Arcara asked Gross and his attorney, Herbert L. Greenman, how the same person who helped so many in need could also lie, cheat and steal for decades.

Ive asked him, judge, Greenman said. He told me, Herb, I guess its just in my nature.
MUMBAI: When my wife called me from Bhubaneshwar airport to say Bhawani is no more my first reaction was that of disbelief. Hell emerge laughing from somewhere, I told myself, said flute legend and music composer Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia. Obituary: Pt Bhawani Shankar, The maestro effortlessly blended pakhawaj into jazz and film music

The maestro choked recalling Pt Bhawani Shankar, who passed away on Saturday morning, as a little boy. His father Babulalji the renowned kathak exponent would be invited to Rajkamal Studios by filmmaking legend V Shantaram to put SandhyaJi (the actress who starred in Navrang) through the paces. Since rehearsals lasted through the day, his son Bhawani often brought his tiffin. Memory of that boy flashed in my mind when I heard the news, he said.

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The 60-year-old pakhawaj samrat was in Chiplun for a performance. On his return, on Wednesday, he complained of uneasiness. When his condition worsened ma, my sister and brother-in-law rushed him to hospital. He was on ventilator. He suffered multi-organ failure and passed away, said his son Naresh.

The pakhawaj maestro is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.

Born into a musical family, a young Bhawani Shankar trained in the pakhawaj and tabla from eight. Remembering how he performed alongside several Indian musicians, like Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma, and maestros Pt Anindo Chatterjee and Ustad Zakir Hussain and himself, Pt Chaurasia said he personified rhythm. He was so much more than just a pakhawaj player. Hed pick up a steel tumbler, a plastic mug and two broom sticks and create rhythm, he said reminding this writer of the interlude pieces in Darr and Chandni. And he did it so beautifully, it always complemented and enhanced the arrangement.

Linking it to his ability to play 12 other instruments with proficiency, Pt Chaurasia said: That is why Bhawani consistently attempted to blend the pakhawaj into western, jazz, or cinema music. Proof of that is that he has shared the stage with the whos who of fusion music, including Peter Gabriel and John McLaughlin. No wonder he found mention in both the Limca and Guinness Books of Records and was nominated for a Grammy in 21 years ago.

Like flautist Pt Chaurasia, santoorist Pt Satish Vyas also condoled Pt Shankars passing on. He was both a great musician and human being. On stage you need accompanists who are large hearted and encouraging. That boosts your morale before the audience response, said Pt Vyas who has performed in concerts Bosnia, Belarus, Russia and the US with Pt Shankar. I recall our Philadelphia concert where hed get a huge response from the 3,000 strong audience every time, he struck the pakhawaj. We had a four-day break before the concert in Houston. I was going to visit with some old family friends and he couldve chosen to stay at the 5-star since the organisers were willing. But he came along with me. He was a perfect guest who charmed my family friends.

Musicologist Dr Aneesh Pradhan also remembered that charm from his first duet with the pakhawaj maestro at the Chemburs Fine Arts Society. There was never a dull moment thanks to his flair as a raconteur.

Dr Pradhan remembered playing with Pt Shankar and Pt Shivkumar Sharma at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It was APJ Abdul Kalams tenure. The stage had a dancing fountain behind us which made it seem like it was dancing to us.

But it isnt world of music alone condoling Pt Shankar. Kathak exponent Mamata Maharaj said, Ive seen him collaborate with my grandfather Pt Birju Maharaj. When you saw this dhoti-kurta clad, long -haired, teeka sporting person youd pass him off as a commoner. But one dha on the pakhawaj was enough to tell you he was not!

Odissi guru and exponent Shubhada Varadkar who performed with him at Halim academy of Sitar said he was very supportive and cooperated and played even for her Ashtapdi. Though I performed with him in 1999 whenever we met hed recite the ukutas I used while dancing.

One of kathaks tallest exponents and scholar Dr Puru Dadheech said Pt Shankars passage was a great loss to the world of performing arts. There are only a handful pakhawaj players around. And he was one of our best.

The Kathak world on the other side of the border too was affected. Ustad Fasih ur Rehmans guru Maharaj Ghulam Hussain trained under Pt Acchan Maharaaj, Kathak legend Birju Maharajs father. He said in a text message: Bhawani Jis pakhawaj would not only take care of the rhythm but equally take measure of sur in the instrument. Bahaut bareek aur umda kaam tha unka aur unhe humne dekha aur seekha...ye humari khushnaseebi hai...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said on Sunday. According to the CM, the MTHL project, which is said to be the country's longest sea bridge, will save travel time between Sewri in Mumbai and Nhava Sheva area in Raigad district. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (ANI file photo. Representative image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate MTHL on January 12. This bridge will bring economic development and growth in areas connected to it, Shinde told the media.

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All you need to know about the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link:
Mumbai: Quick thinking on the part of a young woman and assistance from locals helped the Pelhar police nab a 20-year-old robber after a dramatic chase across the roofs of several houses in Vasai easts Tungareshwar neighbourhood on Saturday. Robber nabbed with  17.5 lakh after dramatic chase

According to the Pelhar police, Dheeraj Gulab Mourya, a history sheeter wanted in over 20 cases of robbery, took just seven minutes to break into the house of Neetu Singh, 22, who works in a factory in Waliv. When Singh returned home on Saturday for lunch, she found the lock of her main door broken and saw a man ransacking her cupboards inside. Instead of raising an alarm, she quietly latched the main door from outside and informed the police. I was scared but instead of shouting, I closed the door assuming that he was armed and could harm me, said Singh.

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Inspector Shivanand Deokar from the Pelhar police station said, We reached the spot within five minutes of getting her call. But we were shocked when we unlocked the main door, as the robber had made a hole in the tin roof and had escaped through it.

Police officials launched a hunt for Mourya in the neighbourhood and found him running away with cash and jewellery stuffed in his pocket. They chased Mourya for 20 minutes, jumping off roofs and make-shift mezzanine floors till he was caught by some locals.

We arrested Mourya and recovered jewellery and cash worth 17.5 lakh, which he had stolen in a single day from at least 10 houses in Vasai and Nalasopara, said Deokar.

Mourya, a resident of Dahisar, committed thefts and robberies in the Mira-Bhainder-Vasai-Virar regions to fund his addiction for online games like speed ludo, carrom and rummy, he said.

Mourya is accused in at least 27 cases of theft and house breaking in police stations from Dahisar to Virar. We have arrested him for house-breaking and will produce him in court, said a police officer.
MUMBAI: As the year 2023 ended, so did the rule of peoples representatives in Maharashtras municipal corporations. There is now not a single elected body in Maharashtras 27 municipal corporations, and their total budget of a whopping 1,10,556 crore is under the indirect control of the state government through its appointed administrators. HT Image

Of the 27 municipal corporations, 25 were already under an administrators rule. The terms of the last two, Ahmednagar and Dhule, ended this weekend. The Ahmednagar corporation had, in fact, announced the last general body meeting on December 29, with certain work proposals on the agenda. But it had to be cancelled, as a government order on the appointment of Pankaj Jawale was issued on December 28. Two days later, Amita Dagade-Patil was appointed administrator of the Dhule municipal corporation. Although, technically, an administrator is an authority, s/he is appointed by the state government and has to report to it.

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The terms of elected bodies in the 27 municipal corporations began to end from 2020. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were no elections in 2020 and 2021. During the tenure of the MVA government under chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, a proposal to increase the number of corporators from 227 to 236 was passed, as was a decision to restructure the citys wards. However, after the change in power in June 2022, the Shinde-Fadnavis government scrapped both decisions. With both matters going to the Supreme Court as well as the matter of OBC reservation in local bodies, there have been no elections in municipal corporations, zilla parishads or municipal councils ever since.

According to sources in the government, there will be no municipal elections till the Maharashtra assembly elections in October 2024 are over and a new government is formed in the state. In the politics of elections, budgets and fund allocation play an important role. As of now, the state government controls its own budget of 5,47,450 crores. Besides that, it will now have indirect control over all the municipal corporations with a total amount Rs.1,10,556 crores.

While speaking on the effects of the absence of an elected body in municipal corporations and administrator rule, a senior official expressed concern about the fact that such a situation made way for ruling party intervention. When there is an elected body, it reflects the voice of the people and enables budget spending with a focus on public interest works, he said. In the absence of an elected body and indirect control of the government, there is always a fear of decisions being taken as per the ruling partys interest.

Another official said that in democracy, peoples representatives play a crucial role in deciding priorities based on public demands. Although the administration prepares the budget, elected representatives give areas of priorities and also play a crucial role in deciding which part of the city needs what kind of amenities, he said. In the absence of peoples representatives, this process stops. The peoples voice becomes less important. But at the same time there is one positive aspect to it: the process of decision-making and completion of civic works becomes faster.
The New Year's cheer cranked down a notch after Mumbai Police received a call from an unidentified person warning of serial blasts in the city. The police began searching after receiving an anonymous call on Saturday evening. Mumbai Police is conducting security and checking of motorists at Mumbai entry point Mulund toll naka check,in Mumbai. (Praful Gangurde / HT Photo )

"Mumbai Police Control received a threat call on Saturday evening, around 6. The caller claimed that there would be serial blasts in Mumbai before hanging up," news agency ANI cited an official as saying.

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Searches were conducted at key public places and installations across the city. No explosive devices or anything suspicious was found. Further investigation is underway.

"Police are currently trying to find out the caller's details," the official added.

A similar threat was sent in an email claiming bombs were planted at eleven places in Mumbai. The mailer demanded the resignation of Reserve Bank of India's Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It was later found to be a hoax. The Mumbai police crime branch arrested three persons from Vadodara, Gujarat, in connection with the threat mail.

Personnel deployed to prevent untoward incidents

More than 15,000 policemen, including personnel from the state reserve police force (SRPF) and quick response teams (QRTs), will be deployed across the city to prevent any untoward incidents on New Years Eve.

In addition to this, the Mumbai traffic police have made arrangements for vehicular movement and prevention of accidents. Police will patrol and take action against motorists violating traffic norms and driving under the influence of alcohol, said a police officer.

Over 5,000 CCTV cameras installed at strategic points and important junctions will help the officials monitor the streets. The police will also carry out nakabandi at 121 crucial points across the city, including the entry and exit points. Popular tourist destinations and places where there are chances of maximum footfall like beaches in the city will see heavy police bandobast.

Apart from this, security around vital installations, religious places and high-footfall areas will also be stepped up.
The officials of the emigration department detained six Iranian citizens, including two women, before entering Nepal through the open Indo-Nepal border at Sunauli in the Maharajganj district. For Representation Only (AP FILE PHOTO)

Circle officer Jai Parkash Tripathi confirmed that, following a complaint from emigration department officials, an FIR had been lodged against the six Iranian citizens under relevant sections, and an inquiry had been initiated.

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Officials stated that, based on an input, emigration department officials asked the Iranian citizens to provide their passports and visas. During the examination of the visas, emigration officials suspected a fake stamp of the department on the visa departure and detained them.

The Iranian citizens, identified as Rahimzade Rahbalzade, Asra Masiri, Sharukh Maasiri, and two others, are residents of Tehran, Iran. Officials said they were living in India illegally after the expiry of their visas in March 2023 and were attempting to enter Nepal to reach their destination.

Notably, the security arrangements at the border were on high alert for the past four days in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ayodhya. Intelligence agencies, along with Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Jawans and civil police, have intensively been checking people crossing the border.
Four policemen, including a station house officer (SHO) and a woman constable, were injured after supporters of a liquor case accused attacked them at Kalyanpur village under Karaghar police station of Rohtas district late on Saturday night. Police said the injured cops have been admitted to the community health centre at Karaghar. (Representative Image)

Superintendent of police (SP) Vineet Kumar confirmed the incident and said that raids were on to arrest the assailants.

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Sasaram sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Dilip Kumar said that a police team of Karaghar police station led by the SHO had raided the house of liquor case accused Kundan Paswan at about 12.30am on Saturday.

The accused fled and entered into the house of woman mukhiya Usha Devi. Police team had an altercation with mukhiyas husband Abhimanyu Paswan when they tried to arrest the accused from his house.

Family members and supporters of Paswan attacked the police team with traditional weapons and injured SHO Vijay Kumar, constables Jaswant Kumar and Varsha Kumari and chowkidar Dharmendra Kumar.

The police team, with injuries, had to flee to save their lives. They were admitted to the community health centre at Karaghar.

Police had registered a case against 18 named and 15 unidentified assailants under sections 188, 307, 325, 326, 341 and 353 of Indian Penal Code and raids were on for their arrest, SDPO Kumar said.
PUNE: At least six workers were killed after a major fire broke out at a hand glove manufactory factory located in the Walunj MIDC area in Maharashtras Sambhajinagar, officials said. Officials said that the workers may have died of suffocation (Twitter/ANI )

The fire broke out on the eleventh floor of the Sunshine Entreprises building on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, fire department officials said.

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A total of 18 workers, including a female and two minors, were sleeping when the blaze was reported inside the factory unit, the fire brigade officials said, adding while seven workers managed to escape, six workers were trapped and killed, and five others received minor injuries.

Officials said that the workers may have died of suffocation. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.

Following a distress call, two fire tenders from Walunj MIDC fire station, one from Bajaj Auto Company, one from the municipal corporation, and one more from Chikhaltahna fire station rushed to the spot. After almost 3 hours, the fire brigade gained control and recovered the trapped bodies of the workers.

The deceased were identified as Mushtak Sheikh (65), Kausar Sheikh (32), Iqbal Sheikh (18), Kakanaji (55), Riyazbhai (32). Margus Sheikh (33). Injured workers were shifted to Ghati Hospital.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained.

Sambhajinagar district guardian minister Sandipan Bhumre visited the site and expressed grief over the incident. What happened is very unfortunate. The police and fire brigade need to find out what led to the fire.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the state legislative council, Ambadas Danve, demanded a probe into the incident and action against those responsible for the incident. The police must probe the incident and file murder charges against those responsible for causing so many deaths, Danve said.
The short-staffed fire department of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will soon recruit 191 additional staffers, including 150 firemen. The fire department has been functioning with a severe staff shortage with just 38 firemen in 2023. However, following a prolonged demand, the State Government has finally approved the recruitment of additional staff, paving the way for the PCMC fire department to fill the void. Considering the population and geographical area of the municipal corporation, the Fire Department requires over 250 staff, vehicles, and more fire stations. (HT PHOTO)

The twin city has several industrial areas like Bhosari, Chakan, Talawade, Chinchwad, and Hinjewadi, along with a rising residential population.

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The civic body currently has 38 firemen and eight fire stations. However, considering the population and geographical area of the municipal corporation, the Fire Department requires over 250 staff, vehicles, and more fire stations.

The state government has given the go-ahead to recruit 191 employees, which includes150 firemen, 15 drivers and machine operators, 10 chief fire officers, 10 deputy fire officers, and 6 fire station officers.

Vitthal Joshi, the deputy commissioner of PCMC, said, We have received approval to start the recruitment for these posts and we will soon initiate the process. Public notice will be issued soon; however, the process will take time and the upcoming elections are likely to delay the process, he said.

Manoj Lonkar, deputy commissioner of PCMC, said, given the shortage of staff every six months the department hires 100 trainees for apprenticeships to assist the fire officials during fire incidents.

However, there is a lot of difference when it comes to taking responsibility when trainee and permanent staff are compared, he said.

Lonkar further added, The shortage of skilled manpower is still a major concern for the fire department. Currently, there are a total of 8 fire stations, and we will be adding five more fire stations and 16 new vehicles. A higher number of fire stations helps in improving the response time when every minute is important, he said.
With water bills worth 300 crore outstanding, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to charge defaulters a one per cent penalty per month after January 31, 2024 to force them to settle their dues. With most establishments not paying their water bills since 2001, the outstanding amount is around  650 crore. (HT PHOTO)

Initially, the accumulated water bills totalled 250 crore but the arrears rose due to instances of double billing and faulty water meter readings. Since 2001, the PMC has installed 39,000 water meters in commercial complexes, industrial establishments, schools, colleges, hotels, restaurants and the Pune and Khadki cantonments. However, these establishments failed to pay their water bills since 2001 and the civic body, too, did not take any punitive action against them.

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With most establishments not paying their water bills since 2001, the outstanding amount is around 650 crore, according to water supply department officials. After the state decided to include the 23 fringe villages in the PMC limit in 2021, it was difficult to recover dues from the Gram Panchayat as it became part of the PMC. Hence, the total outstanding is now estimated to be 300 crore, which the PMC can recover from industries, commercial establishments, hotels and restaurants. To accelerate the process of recovery, the administration has decided to charge defaulters a one per cent penalty per month after January 31, 2024. The disciplinary measure is expected to prompt citizens to clear their dues and contribute towards reducing the overall outstanding.

Nandkishore Jagtap, head of the water supply department, said, The grace period of 60 days has been granted for citizens to settle their arrears, with the deadline set for January 31, 2024. Failure to comply with the payment deadline will result in the initiation of disciplinary action starting April 1, 2024. We will impose a one per cent penalty per month on unpaid amounts. The unpaid amount of water bills is around 300 crore. Jagtap clarified that the water connections are old and that they have now replaced the old water meters with new water meters under the 24x7 equitable water supply scheme.

The PMC has urged customers to collect their water bills from the water supply department offices (Swargate, SNDT, Chaturshringi). The civic body has stressed the importance of settling dues before March 31, 2024 to avoid additional penalty/legal action. Meanwhile, complaints regarding water bills can be registered on the tollfree number: 1800 1030 222.
ACOLMAN, Mexico  Maria de Lourdes Ortiz Zacarias swiftly cuts hundreds of strips of newsprint and colored crepe paper needed to make a pinata, soothed by Norteno music on the radio while measuring pieces by feel.

The measurement is already in my fingers, Ortiz Zacarias says with a laugh.

She has been doing this since she was a child, in the family-run business alongside her late mother, who learned the craft from her father. Pinatas havent been displaced by more modern customs, and her family has been making a living off them into its fourth generation.

Ortiz Zacarias calls it my legacy, handed down by my parents and grandparents.

Business is steady all year, mainly with birthday parties, but it really picks up around Christmas. Thats because pinatas are interwoven with Christian traditions in Mexico.

There are countless designs these days, based on everything from Disney characters to political figures. But the most traditional style of pinata is a sphere with seven spiky cones, which has a religious origin.

Each cone represents one of the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. Hitting the paper-mache globe with a stick is a symbolic blow against sin, with the added advantage of releasing the candy within.

Pinatas werent originally filled with candy, nor made mainly of paper. Grandparents in Mexico can remember a time a few decades ago when pinatas were clay pots covered with paper and filled with hunks of sugar cane, fruits and peanuts. The treats were received quite gladly, though falling pieces of the clay pot posed a bit of a hazard.

But the tradition goes back even further. Some say pinatas can be traced back to China, where paper-making originated.

In Mexico, they were apparently brought by the Spanish conquerors, but may also replicate pre-Hispanic traditions.

Spanish chronicler Juan de Grijalva wrote that pinatas were used by Augustine monks in the early 1500s at a convent in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City. The monks received written permission from Pope Sixtus V for holding a year-end Mass as part of the celebration of the birth of Christ.

But the Indigenous population already celebrated a holiday around the same time to honor the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. And they used something similar to pinatas in those rites.

The pre-Hispanic rite involved filling clay jars with precious cocoa seeds  the stuff from which chocolate is made  and then ceremonially breaking the jars.

This was the meeting of two worlds, said Walther Boelsterly, director of Mexico Citys Museum of Popular Art. The pinata and the celebration were used as a mechanism to convert the native populations to Catholicism.

Pinatas are also used in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, mainly at childrens parties.

The pinata hasn't stood still. Popular figures this year range from Barbie to Spider-Man. Ortiz Zacarias' family makes some new designs most of the year, but around Christmas they return to the seven-pointed style, because of its longstanding association with the holiday.

The family started their business in Acolman, where Ortiz Zacarias mother, Romana Zacarias Camacho, was known as the queen of the pinatas before her death.

Ortiz Zacarias' 18-year-old son, Jairo Alberto Hernandez Ortiz, is the fourth generation to take up the centuries-old craft.

This is a family tradition that has a lot of sentimental value for me, he said.
Assam Rifles has invited applications for Riflemen, Riflewomen and other posts. Candidates can apply through the official website of Assam Rifles at assamrifles.gov.in. The last for receipt of the application is January 28. Assam Rifles Shillong Recruitment 2023: Apply for Riflemen and other posts till Jan 28

Assam Rifles recruitment rally will be held on March 4 onwards at the Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles, Latikor, Shillong ( Meghalaya) NRS- (Guwahati) Assam.

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Candidates applying under the compassionate ground appointment scheme will be exempted from written exam test.

Assam Rifles Recruitment 2023 vacancy details: This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 44 vacancies.

Details:

Assam Rifles Recruitment 2023

Assam Rifles Recruitment 2023: How to apply

Candidates have to submit the offline applictaion along with the self-attested copies of their educational certificate, domicile certificate, cast certificate, and diploma/ technical/ITI certificate(as applicable) to the following address.

Directorate General Assam Rifles

(Recruitment Branch)

LAITOKOR, Shillong

Meghalaya- 793010

Candidates may also submit uploaded copies of applications along with the requisite document to the following email rectbrdgar@gmail.com.
Hours after Richa Chadha criticised the services of travel company MakeMyTrip and airline Air India, the actor has shared an update about how her problem has been resolved. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, Richa said that her money was refunded within two hours after she complained about MakeMyTrip and Air India on X. (Also Read | Richa Chadha criticises 'scamsters' MakeMyTrip and Air India over their services: I hope you endure more losses) Richa Chadha spoke about her experience with MakeMy Trip and Air India.

Richa Chadha shares update on her refund issue

Richa tweeted, "Update: Within hours of this tweet, I received the entire refund! For 2 weeks my assistant had followed up, to no avail. @makemytrip said the refund hadnt come through from @airindia, hence the delay. I received one call from Air Indias social media team, not their customer service. I guess, theyre bothered by appearances, not poor service. Customers, plz always use your voice, big companies dont care about you per se, they care about their image."

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Richa questions MMT, Air India

"And MMT and Air India, I appreciate all the help, thanks. Do ask yourselves - would you have been so prompt if it wasnt a celebrity? If your answer is yes, pls read the comments under the tweet: you will find ordinary customers with unsolved queries. Solve them. You have your work cut out for you, and trust me this is the kind of positive PR money cant buy. Happy new year everyone (heart exclamation and partying face emojis)."

What Richa had to face from MakeMyTrip, Air India

On Saturday, Riche tweeted complaining about MakeMyTrip and Air India. She had written, "SCAM ALERT! @makemytrip @airindia Perhaps the best way for substandard airlines to make a quick buck is to cancel flights without intimation, or change timings so you miss your connections! With the collusion of so-called convenient flight booking portals like @makemytrip."

She also tweeted, Thakela (worthless) customer service at MakeMyTrip will ensure theres no option for you to claim a refund, try it! If they owe you money, your booking id will 'not exist'! Rude customer care chicks at Air India will ensure your business class fare is pocketed, wont even apologise for changing timings last minute or being arrogant!

The actor also wrote, "Do yourself a favour, avoid these 2 SCAMSTERS in 2024! I hope your companies endure more losses than you have in all of your collective histories, saste (cheap) cheats! (Pinched fingers emoji) #BlacklistAirIndia #BanMakemytrip."

How MakeMyTrip reacted

Responding to Richa, MakeMyTrip tweeted, Hi, regret for any inconvenience caused. We request you to kindly share your booking ID via DM so that we can resolve your concern at earliest----Diksha https://twitter.com/messages/compose?recipient_id=67537455 - - Diksha.

What Richa said

The actor said, "You regret nothing, I have deleted your sasta (cheap) app from my phone. Requesting all my followers to create employment in India. Go back to your trusted travel agents, these guys are crooks. Go bankrupt yourself somewhere (pinched fingers emoji)."

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 31 (ANI): Lovebirds Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif made their fans' Sunday morning extremely special with their appearance at the Mumbai Airport. HT Image

Vicky and Katrina were spotted heading out of the city at an undisclosed destination. In the videos captured by paps, the couple can be seen walking hand-in-hand as they make their way to the airport's entry gate.

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Interestingly, the two did not leave to impart fashion goals besides couple goals. For the airport look, Katrina wore a white shirt and black pants. She completed her look by wearing a long black-coloured blazer and sunglasses. On the other hand, Vicky donned a grey jacket that he paired with a black T-shirt and jeans.

The duo happily posed for the shutterbugs stationed outside the airport.

Vicky and Katrina tied the knot on December 9, 2021, at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan. On 'Koffee With Karan', Katrina revealed that she met Vicky at Zoya Akhtar's party and that's when romance started brewing between them.

Sharing the details of her relationship with Vicky, Katrina shared how Vicky was never on her 'radar'.

She said, "I did not even know much about him. He was just a name I had heard of but had never associated with. But then, when I met him, I was won over!"Calling her relationship 'unexpected and out of the blue', Katrina added, "It was my destiny and it was really meant to be. There were so many coincidences that at one point all of it just felt so unreal."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Katrina will be seen in Sriram Raghavan's film 'Merry Christmas' opposite south actor Vijay Sethupathi and Farhan Akhtar's upcoming film 'Jee Le Zara' along with Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra.

Vicky will be next seen in an upcoming untitled romantic drama film. Helmed by Anand Tiwari and produced by Karan Johar the film also stars Tripti Dimri and Ammy Vrik in the lead roles. (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday arrested three people and charged them with gang-rape for allegedly sexually assaulting a student inside the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) campus in November. The arrests, which came two months after protests broke out in the institute, triggered a political row, with the Opposition saying that the accused were being shielded as they were linked to the BJP, a charge denied by the ruling party. IIT-BHU students take out a protest march demanding justice on November 8. (ANI)

In the early hours of November 2, a 22-year-old student was allegedly waylaid, stripped, and sexually assaulted by three men when she stepped out of her hostel to meet a friend, according to the FIR. The complainant said that the three accused, who were riding a motorcycle, also recorded the assault.

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The incident triggered protests by students, who demanded better security inside the campus.

Read | Protest erupts at IIT-BHU as student molested, stripped by bike-borne men

On the basis of the womans complaint, an FIR was registered under Section 354 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code at Lanka police station. Subsequently, the charge of gang rape was added to the FIR.

Three people have been arrested in the case. They have been identified as Kunal Pandey. Anand aka Abhishek Chauhan, and Saksham Patel, assistant Commissioner of Police, Bhelupur, Atul Anjan Tripathi said.

Police said that the three accused, all in their 20s, were not students of IIT-BHU.

Opposition leaders shared on social media the purported images of the three accused with various BJP leaders and launched an attack on the chief minister Yogi Adityanath-led state government.

Every woman across the country is seeing how the BJP is playing with womens dignity and protecting those accused of atrocities, former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Congresss state chief said that for the BJP, Bachao-Beti Padhao was just a slogan.

The person who gang-raped an IIT BHU student is none other than BJPs Kunal Pandey, convener of Mahanagar IT cell, and Saksham Patel, who is the PA of Dilip Patel (Kashi zone president of the BJP), he posted.

Patel, however, said that Saksham was never his PA. As a worker, he accompanied me sometimes but two months before the shameful incident of he had ended his association with BJP and me.

The BJP said that the guilty will be duly punished as per the law under the Yogi government. Under the BJP government , even after having an association with the party, a person who has committed a crime will be arrested and get strict punishment, party spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said.
At least six people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hand glove manufacturing company in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the wee hours of Sunday, news agency ANI reported citing officials. The fire department said the blaze erupted around 2:15am at the factory located in Waluj MIDC area. Earlier, residents had claimed at least five workers were trapped inside the building. (ANI)

We received a call at 2:15am. When we reached the incident site, the entire factory was on fire. Locals informed us that six people were trapped inside. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered, Mohan Mungse, a fire officer, told ANI.

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"The operation to douse the fire was underway," he added.

Earlier, residents had claimed at least five workers were trapped inside the building. Officials with the fire department later confirmed the deaths of six people in the incident. The workers were reportedly sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out.

10-15 workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out. Some managed to escape, but at least five were trapped inside, one of the workers had told ANI.

The exact cause of the fire was not ascertained yet.

In a similar incident on Thursday, a fire destroyed a chemical factory in an industrial pocket in Navi Mumbai. The blaze broke out at the factory in plot no.C-03 in the Taloja MIDC area, about 35 km from Mumbai, around 8.30pm.

Twelve fire engines were pressed into service, and the blaze was put out after eight hours, chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the TMC Yasin Tadvi said.

The fire engines from Taloja, Ambernath and Patalganaga MIDC, Panvel, Neral, Koparkhairne, CBD-Belapur and Kharghar fire stations, and also CIDCO and ONGC fire services were roped in for the operation, he said. While the fire destroyed the factory, its cause is being probed, he had added.
Death of former CM Oommen Chandy Congress veteran and former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy was laid to rest with state honour in July (PTI Photo)

The passing away of two-time chief minister and veteran Congress leader Oommen Chandy on July 18 at a hospital in Bengaluru opened the floodgates of grief and anguish in Kerala. One of the tallest political leaders of the state who was known for his humility, gentle demeanour, and wide acceptance among the public, Chandy was 79 when he succumbed to cancer. His funeral procession, from Thiruvananthapuram to Puthuppally over a distance of 145 kilometres, took over 30 hours as thousands of people stood in heat and rain to pay their last respects.

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IED blasts rock Christian groups convention, 8 killed

On the morning of October 29, a series of IED blasts ripped through a regional convention of the Jehovahs Witnesses, a Christian sect, at a private hall in Kalamassery on the outskirts of Kochi. While two people died in the immediate hours, six others succumbed to severe burn injuries over the next two months, taking the overall toll to eight. On the same day of the blasts, 57-year-old Dominic Martin surrendered before the police claiming responsibility. Police claimed that Martin alone carried out the blasts to take revenge on the Christian sect as he believed it was imparting radical, anti-national teachings to its members.

LDF, UDF compete to hold pro-Palestine gatherings

The raging conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza where over 21000 people have been killed so far found reflections here in faraway Kerala. Both the CPM-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF vied with each other to organise mega pro-Palestine solidarity gatherings across the state where speakers railed against Israels actions. While the IUML, an ally of Congress, organised perhaps the largest pro-Palestine meeting in India on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kozhikode, the speech by a Hamas leader via videoconferencing at a rally organised by the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami sparked outrage.

Rogue wild tusker Arikomban captured and translocated from Kerala

2023 was the year when the man-elephant conflict in the state was widely discussed and dissected through the exacting capture and shifting of a rogue wild tusker in Idukki in April. The elephant, named Arikomban by locals for its propensity to raid ration shops looking for ari (rice), was accused of killing as many as 10 people and causing extensive damage in the Chinnakanal area. Bowing down to the locals demand, the forest department tranquilised the tusker before shifting it to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

22 dead as overcrowded boat capsizes near Tanur in Malappuram

In one of the worst boat disasters in Kerala, 22 lives were lost and several others injured when an overcrowded recreational boat capsized in Thooval Theeram, a part of a riverine estuary, in Tanur in Malappuram district. On the evening of May 7, the boat Atlantic drifted away from the shore with more people than its maximum capacity and tilted to one side eventually causing many to fall into the river and drown. The boat owner was arrested and charged with culpable homicide.

Young doctor stabbed to death at govt hospital, Govt approves ordinance

Healthcare professionals and the larger public in Kerala were shaken by the murder of a 22-year-old woman doctor at a government taluk hospital in Kottarakkara by a male patient who was suffering from withdrawal paranoia due to alcohol addiction. The incident was reported on the evening of May 9 when Sandeep, a school teacher, was brought in for treatment at the hospital. However, at the hospital, he attacked a policeman and subsequently Dr Vandana Das with a pair of scissors. The incident unleashed massive protests by healthcare workers demanding security and protection during work. An ordinance was later brought in by the state government with stricter punishment for attacks against healthcare workers and more security for them while on duty.

Five-year-old girl abducted, raped and killed by migrant labourer in Aluva

In an incident that put a question mark on the safety and security of children in Kerala, a five-year-old girl was kidnapped from her home near Aluva in broad daylight on July 28, taken to an isolated area, raped and strangled. Her body was retrieved the next day by the police from under a heap of garbage. Police arrested a migrant labourer named Asafak Alam, who hails from Bihar, and charged him with raping and killing the child. On November 4, after a trial that lasted just 26 days, Alam was sentenced to death by the special POCSO court.

Nipah virus outbreak in Kozhikode again, 2 dead

In a major health scare, the Nipah virus, a zoonotic virus transmitted to humans, especially through secretions of fruit bats, was reported for the third time in six years in Kozhikode district. This time, there were six confirmed cases out of which two died on August 30 and September 2. The remaining four persons, including a 10-year-old boy, recovered following a tried and tested treatment model. Though there were two casualties, the state health department earned praise for its effective surveillance and contact tracing measures that helped limit the outbreak.

First ship berthed at the under-construction Vizhinjam seaport

A major milestone was marked at the under-construction 7700 crore deep-water international seaport in Vizhinjam as the first ship was officially berthed on October 15 in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The vessel carried cranes from China. While the first phase of the project is expected to be commissioned in May next year, the seaport aims to provide tough competition to neighbouring ports like Colombo and Dubai in handling large cargo. It is being built under a PPP model with the state government, Centre and Adani group as partners.

CM, cabinet travel by bus to explain states challenges, Centres apathy

For the first time in the history of the state, the chief minister and the entire 20-member cabinet toured through the states 140 Assembly constituencies by bus with the objective of explaining to the public the states growth so far and the challenges ahead as well as the Centres alleged apathy towards the state in terms of granting financial autonomy. Dubbed the Nava Kerala Sadas, it turned out to be a major outreach of the LDF government ahead of general elections next year and was boycotted by both UDF and BJP. The outreach also attracted censure for the way in which protesters against it were handled by the police.
In the latest episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popular monthly radio show "Mann Ki Baat," Bollywood star Akshay Kumar shared insights into his fitness philosophy, encouraging listeners to embrace a natural and holistic approach to staying fit. Akshay Kumar speaks at Mann Ki Baat episode.

Known for his dedication to a healthy lifestyle, Akshay Kumar highlighted the importance of adopting practices that go beyond the confines of fancy gyms. The actor revealed that outdoor activities such as swimming, playing badminton, climbing stairs, and incorporating traditional exercises like using the 'Mudgar' are integral parts of his fitness routine.

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"I believe that pure ghee, if eaten in the right quantity, is beneficial for us," Akshay Kumar said, addressing a common misconception among young individuals who avoid ghee due to fears of gaining weight.

He urged the audience to make informed decisions about their fitness by consulting doctors rather than emulating the bodies of film stars.

Actors are often not what they appear on screen. Many types of filters and special effects are used and after seeing them, we start using the wrong shortcuts to change our body, he said.

The actor also expressed concern over the prevalent use of shortcuts in the pursuit of fitness goals, particularly the trend of using steroids for achieving six-pack or eight-pack abs. He cautioned against such shortcuts, saying they may lead to superficial results that compromise internal health.

"Friends, with such shortcuts, the body swells from outside but becomes hollow from inside. Remember that shortcuts can cut your life short," warned Akshay Kumar.

The actor urged people to make a resolution for long-lasting fitness, rejecting chemical-based approaches and shortcuts. He outlined a holistic approach that includes regular exercise, yoga, consumption of good healthy food, maintaining a proper sleep schedule, incorporating meditation, and, most importantly, embracing one's natural appearance.

"Fitness is a kind of devotional effort. It shouldn't be instant coffee or 2 minutes noodles. Promise yourself no chemicals, no shortcuts, and live a fitter life. From now onwards, don't live a filter life, live a fitter life," concluded Akshay Kumar, inspiring listeners to prioritize overall well-being over fleeting aesthetic goals.
Vikram Simha, the brother of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Simha, who was arrested by forest officers in Hassan on Saturday over the illegal felling of trees in the Hassan district was released on Sunday, officials familiar with the matter said. Vikram Simha is the brother of BJP MP Pratap Simha.

Simha was produced before the senior civil judge in Belur, where he secured bail, officials said.

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According to forest officials, Vikram Simha leased land in survey number 16 of Nandagondanahalli and was involved in the illegal felling of 126 trees. The officials registered a first information report (FIR) on December 16 after Belur tahsildar Mamatha, who visited the spot, alerted them about the tree felling. Officials have filed a case against landowners Jayamma and Rakesh Shetty and are currently investigating.

On December 28, the state government suspended Hassan DCF Mohan Kumar, ACF Prabhu Gowda, RFO Vinay Kumar, DRFO Gururaj, and staff member Raghuraj on charges of failing to detect illegal tree felling.

In response to the arrest, MP Pratap Simha applauded chief minister Siddaramaiahs political manoeuvres. I should appreciate CM Siddaramaiah for his dedication to his sons career. He is willing to trample anyone for his sons political future and for his son to win the Lok Sabha elections. This should be learned from Siddaramaiah; not everyone gets such a father, he said.

Referring to the CM as a wise father and a brilliant politician, he said, You are a brilliant politician. Not all children get a father like you. Are you ready to end Pratap Simha as an obstacle? One cannot find a father like you in the world.

Minister Madhu Bangarappa was sentenced to six-months imprisonment for bouncing a cheque, but officials arrested Vikram Simha to divert peoples attention. Why has the accused in the tree-felling case not been arrested so far? Despite Vikrams name not being mentioned in the FIR, officials arrested him, clearly showing it is an attempt to frame him in the case, he alleged.

Siddaramaiah is trying to trample Pratap Simha for his sons political future. You dragged my family to the street. You can also arrest my mother and sister, Simha said. Two criminal cases have been filed against me. Let your family politics continue. Chamundi, Mother Kaveri will not leave you alone. The people of Mysore - Kodagu will teach you a lesson, he said.

The remarks came amid CM Siddaramaiahs efforts to push his son Yathindra as his successor.

In response, state home minister G Parameshwar said, It is true that MP Pratap Simha brother Vikram Simha has illegally cut down the trees, hence action has been initiated against him as per the law. He clarified that action was taken because Vikram cut down the tree without permission, and he emphasised that the CMs name should not be mentioned in this case. He stated that Pratap Simha is unnecessarily giving a political colour to the case.
As the year 2023 comes to a close, Telangana witnessed winds of change in the governance with the Congress pulling down the nine-and-a-half years of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) from power in the November 30 assembly elections, marking the beginning of a new era in state politics. As the year is coming to end, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy launched Praja Palana (Peoples Rule), taking the administration to the doorsteps of the common man, to identify beneficiaries of government schemes and redress their grievances. (PTI)

It was a year of remarkable emergence of 54-year-old Anumula Revanth Reddy as the most successful leader of the Congress, after late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Braving stiff resistance from seniors in the party, he led the party from the front to victory in the elections, trouncing 69-year-old Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao, aka KCR.

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Within hours of assuming power, Revanth Reddy has proved to be a chief minister with a difference. He got the iron barricades of Pragati Bhavan, the chief ministers official bungalow-cum-camp office, which was out of bounds for the common people, uprooted and threw it open for them, renaming it as Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan. Thousands of people have been thronging Praja Bhavan every day since Revanth Reddy came to power.

His government quickly implemented two of the six guarantees the Congress party has promised  free bus travel for women and enhancement of free treatment for the poor in corporate hospitals from 5 lakh to 10 lakh.

As the year is coming to end, he launched Praja Palana (Peoples Rule), taking the administration to the doorsteps of the common man, to identify the beneficiaries of various government schemes and redress their grievances.

The Revanth Reddy government also released white papers on the financial position of Telangana to explain to the people how the previous BRS government pushed the state into a debt trap with borrowings mounting up to 6.71 lakh crore.

As the new year 2024 begins, it will be a daunting task for the new chief minister to overcome the financial crisis, implement the six guarantees promised by the Congress and lead the party to victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress has won 64 out of 119 assembly seats in the recent assembly elections, just four seats more than the absolute majority mark. So, Revanth Reddy will also have to face the challenge of averting any kind of split in the party in the coming months, given the political manoeuvring skills of the BRS leadership.

A dream shattered for KCR

The year also shattered the dreams of KCR to make it big in the national politics and project himself as the only alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In October 2022, he transformed his Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) into Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), claiming that it would herald a qualitative change in the countrys politics.

As his party bandwagon began calling him as Desh Ki Neta, the BRS chief began his national mission with a massive public rally at Khammam on January 18. He embarked on expanding his partys footprints to neighbouring Maharashtra by establishing the party network in at least 15 districts, covering 27 of the total 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, with an enrolment of nearly 1.5 million members.

Between February and August, KCR addressed at least six rallies  Sangli, Nanded, Kandhar-Loha Aurangabad, Nanded town again and Solapur. He also set up the BRS branches in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and even in Delhi, where he had established BRS central headquarters.

Simultaneously, KCR made every effort to run down the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was emerging as a major political threat to the BRS early this year, by dragging top BJP leaders like B L Santosh into the alleged attempt to poach four of the BRS MLAs.

Apart from boycotting all the meetings of the Prime Minister whenever he came to Telangana, KCR also adopted a confrontationist stand against Raj Bhavan, denying protocol facilities to governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.

She, too, created troubles for KCR by sitting over certain bills passed by the state legislature in the name of seeking clarifications for a long time and rejecting the recommendation of the BRS government nominating two of his party leaders as MLCs.

However, there was a perceptible change in the stand of KCR after the Modi government tightened its noose around his daughter Kalvakuntla Kavitha in connection with the Delhi liquor scam and the Enforcement Directorate began grilling her. The subsequent developments saw poaching case getting stuck up in the Supreme Court and the talk of Kavithas arrest subsiding, leading to the talk among the people that KCR had entered into some kind of compromise with the BJP leadership.

The rise of Congress and fall of BJP

The outcome of the assembly elections in Karnataka in May 2023 gave a new lease of life to the Congress in Telangana. Till then, the party was lying low and fraught with dissidence from seniors who were revolting against PCC president Revanth Reddy.

Some senior leaders like Marri Shashidhar Reddy, Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy and Yeleti Maheshwar Reddy had defected to the BJP, questioning the style of functioning of Revanth Reddy. Other seniors like Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, D Sridhar Babu, T Jayaprakash Reddy used to go to New Delhi to complain against Revanth Reddy.

However, the party high command reposed total faith in Revanth Reddy and gave him a free hand in the party affairs  whether it is selection of candidates, taking out of padayatras and making arrangements for the public rallies of top Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra undertaken by Rahul Gandhi passing through Telangana in October 2022 evoked huge response from the people and generated a positive image for the party that continued to create positive vibes for the party in 2023 as well.

Realising that the Congress has fair chances of winning the assembly elections, the Congress Working Committee held its meeting in Hyderabad on September 16 and 17, culminating in a massive public meeting of Sonia Gandhi on the outskirts of Hyderabad, where she announced implementation of six guarantees for the people of Telangana, if the party is voted to power.

At the same time, the graph of the BJP had suddenly started falling following the change of guard in the state  firebrand MP Bandi Sanjay, who was firing all guns at the BRS government with his aggressive speeches, was replaced by relatively soft-spoken and mild-natured Union tourism minister G Kishan Reddy as the state BJP chief.

The party went into a virtual limbo with no major activities being taken up in any part of the state, demoralising the BJP leaders and cadre. There were also murmurs within the party as to whether the BJP central leadership had any secret understanding with the BRS, as was evident from lack of any action against KCRs daughter Kavitha in Delhi liquor scam.

Several leaders from other parties like former MP Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and former minister Jupalli Krishna Rao from the BRS, who were planning to join the BJP dropped their plans and joined the Congress. Similarly, senior BJP leaders like G Vivek, M Narasimhulu and even actress-turned-former MP Vijayashanti defected to the Congress, ahead of the assembly elections.

Though the BJP top leaders like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah made whirlwind tours during the elections, delivered aggressive speeches and made promises like appointing an OBC as the CM candidate and categorisation of SC reservations, it was too late for the BJP to recover.

Meanwhile, the Congress improved its position tremendously with the influx of leaders from the BJP and the BRS and very soon, it transformed into a positive wave for the party, that finally catapulted it to power in the November 30 elections.

The BJP, which was a front runner for power till May this year, ended up with a single digit (eight assembly seats), though it improved its vote share from 6.98% in 2018 to 13.90% in 2023. It is now expecting to make it big in the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in March/April 2024.

Controversies favourite child

Apart from rise of the Congress and fall of the BJP, two other major controversies also contributed to the debacle of the KCR government.

First one was the question paper leak case in connection with various recruitment tests which were conducted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC).

Though the BRS government ordered a probe by a special investigation team (SIT) of the police, it did not douse the raging fire.

The unemployed youths, who were already upset for the government for not filling up any job vacancies for the last nine years, were up in arms against the government over the question paper leaks. The issue went up to the high court, which ordered cancellation of all the tests.

Another major controversy that rocked the KCR government was the way cracks developed in one of the piers of Medigadda barrage, the biggest and first of all the major reservoirs of the mighty Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project constructed on Godavari river at a cost of over 1 lakh crore.

As the cracks posed a threat to the entire barrage, the government emptied the reservoir and the national dam safety authorities described the entire project as useless, causing a major embarrassment to the KCR government.

As the year is coming to a close, the Congress government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the whole project. It remains to be seen how the present CM Revanth Reddy will deal with the challenge and restore the project in the coming months.
 The Congress five-member national alliance committee led by Mukul Wasnik has concluded talks with nearly all state units barring Punjab for possible poll pacts in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. While there are varying degrees of reluctance to alliance in many states, the local units largely see seat adjustments as the best option for the party, Congress leaders indicated. Opposition leaders during the INDIA alliance meeting, in New Delhi on December 19 (ANI)

During the internal discussions, the quality of seats, the current political situation, the depleted strength of allies in some areas, the heightened pitch of the Bharatiya Janata Partys mixing of religion with politics after the inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ground situation and the realistic possibility of vote transfer if rivals work together were among the issues that had come up, they said, seeking anonymity.

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The panel is ready to share its inputs with the Congress high command on the prospects of alliance in different states, a member said. The high command is likely to hold discussions with alliance committee in the next 2-3 days. Discussions with allies over seats will start after that.

The other panel members include former Union minister Salman Khurshid, two former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel and party veteran Mohan Prakash.

Before talking to allies, we had to first discuss with our own state units. We spoke to them to know their demand, their issues and their stand on alliance, party functionary said. We can say that we have more or less completed our discussions and ready to brief the party high command.

The Delhi unit is more flexible on an alliance with Aam Aadmi Party than its Punjab counterparts, another congress leader said. We are yet to meet the Punjab leaders as many of them are out of station. But the initial feedback we received was not as encouraging as in Delhi, said the leader, who is also a member of the alliance committee.

In Delhi, discussions between state leaders and the panel focussed on a number of factors, including a possible 4-3 share of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. While it is important that we get the seventh seat in a 4-3 seat share formula, the other factors will obviously be the specific seats that we want, another leader said.

Our leaders want more seats along the Haryana border, as we have a strong organization in the neighbouring state, said the first leader cited earlier. Some of the leaders also said that we have to be careful in picking seats along the Uttar Pradesh border after the inauguration of Ram mandir in Ayodhya.

Discussions on West Bengal saw a higher degree of resistance vis-a-vis the ruling Trinamool Congress party. State Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a fierce critic of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, told the panel that he has personal issues, but he will accept any decision of the party.

Bengal issue is more complicated. Our workers are at the receiving end of Trinamools atrocities for the past 10 years. Many leaders pointed out at the violence inflicted upon Congress workers by the Trinamool regime. So, apart from the choice of seats, the key issue there is how Trinamool can work together, said the second leader.

Punjab leaders of the party have expressed resentment against any understanding with the AAP. In the last assembly polls, the party faced a humiliating defeat and bagged only 18 seats. The AAP got 92 of the 117 seats and replaced the Congress government.

We are fighting against the AAP in Punjab. We are the principal opposition party in the state, a Punjab congress leader said. If we enter into any pact with the AAP, our voters with shift to the Akali Dal and the BJP.

During the congress working committee meeting in Hyderabad, similar concerns were raised by Partap Singh Bajwa, legislative party chief in Punjab. Kharge cut him short and said the extended meeting was not the right forum to discuss state alliances.

The Congress unit in Maharashtra, another party leader said, had pointed out that both its allies, the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena, have depleted in strength in the legislature as well as organizationally. While Eknath Shinde broke away with 40 MLA in the Maharashtra assembly and with 13 Lok Sabha MPs, Ajit Pawar split Sharad Pawars NCP and took away 41 MLAs.

Even as we have an existing alliance with Sharad Pawars NCP and Uddhav Thackareys Shiv Sena, our Maharashtra unit leaders maintained that our negotiations in the state would be on the basis of the prevailing strength of the allies, said a third Congress leader.

After discussions with the alliance panel, Kharge might ask it to start talks with allies, many of whom have demanded that the seat discussions must be completed by January.
The American dream assures us that we live in a society where every person who works hard can achieve a life where they can buy a home, afford to pay for health care, and take family vacations.

Sadly, data show that such a dream is unachievable for many Americans. Indeed, Cornell Universitys Wage Atlas finds that fewer than 40% of New Yorkers earn at or above a living wage, including less than one-third among people of color and younger workers. Most Americans work full time hours and are still poor. This is true even though workers in this country are more productive than ever and companies boast record profits. Ask yourself why?

Most Americans do not have the power to bargain a better deal for themselves. They cannot go to the boss and demand a standard of living that assures them life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Workers fear they will be fired if they raise up their heads and ask for a share of the profits. The decline in labor bargaining strength (caused in large part by weak labor laws) has meant that while CEO compensation shot up more than 1,200% over the last 40 years, a typical workers compensation increased only 15.3% according to the Economic Policy Institute.

This fall, the United Auto Workers, led by its president Shawn Fain, pulled off what few could have predicted: an unprecedented showing of solidarity and power that will raise tens of thousands of workers solidly into a middle-class life. The lowest paid UAW workers currently earning about $33,000 per year will earn over $83,000 per hour by the end of the contractual agreement, and senior employees will see a 25% raise.

On top of such raises, all employees will receive cost of living adjustments, improvements to profit sharing, and 401(k). Importantly for long term viability of worker stability, electric vehicle factories unionization will not be challenged, and workers can transfer to EV plants, and strike over plant closures. According to the UAW, Western New York auto plants will see increased investment.

A well-paid workforce is critically important to the health of our tax base and local economy so we all benefit from the UAWs win. In fact, recent Gallup polling found that three out of four Americans sided with the auto workers in their negotiations. Success of this magnitude will inspire organizing across industries and encourage workers to act aggressively and creatively to improve their standard of living and get their fair share of the profits. Norms are shifting and workers realize they can do better with a union. Shawn Fain proves that we can do better with a union.
Chitradurga (Karnataka) [India], December 31 (ANI): Congress leader and Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister, Dasharathaiah Sudhakar, criticized the central government, alleging that in the previous Lok Sabha elections, it exploited the Pulwama incident for political gain and is now employing a similar strategy with the inauguration of Lord Ram's Mandir in Ayodhya. HT Image

"The BJP government used the Pulwama terror attack to secure votes in the last Lok Sabha elections, and this time, they are holding Lord Ram's photo now," said Sudhakar.

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Speaking to media personnel in Chitradurga, Sudhakar remarked, "The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we won't be fooled for the third time."

He further added, "It is true that the opening of the Ram Mandir is in the background of the Lok Sabha Elections. MLA Raghumurthy and I contributed money to the Ram Mandir. We have also given bricks in the past."

Sudhakar emphasized that Lord Ram is a god for everyone and called the temple's inauguration a gimmick during the election period.

"BJP is using India's religious beliefs to garner votes. Where was the Ram Mandir in the last elections?" questioned Sudhakar.

On February 14, 2019, forty personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed when their convoy was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama district on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. (ANI)
More than a quarter of all complaints the Election Commission received on its cVigil app between November 2022 and November 2023 were from Rajasthan, according to the information shared by the poll overseer. During the 11 state assembly elections it conducted in this period, the commission received 77,623 complaints on cVigil, of which 21,152, or 27.25% of the complaints, were from Rajasthan. Citizens can also complain to the district electoral officers about rule violations (HT archive)

The commission launched cVigil in 2019 to allow citizens to report rule violations of the Model Code of Conduct by candidates and political parties. When users report violations, their evidence in the form of photos or videos uploaded to the app is geo-tagged. Party-wise data was not collected by the app, a spokesperson said.

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Citizens can also complain to the district electoral officers about rule violations. Political parties, too, regularly complain to the EC about MCC violations by other parties.

Almost two-thirds of complaints (62.27%) were reported when five states -- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana -- went to polls in November. Of the 48,337 violations reported from these states, 83% were disposed of within 100 minutes. Only 17 complaints were received from Mizoram.

In these five states, 21,509, or 44.5% of the complaints were received for putting up posters and banners without permission. A total of 1,105 complaints were received for engaging in hate speech, while 2,220 complaints were for campaigning during the ban period. A total of 5,819 complaints were received for illegal distribution of money, liquor and gifts or coupons. Illegal money distribution accounted for 50.04% of the complaints about illegal distribution of freebies.
The government on Sunday appointed former vice-chairman of NITI Aayog and Columbia University professor Arvind Panagariya as the chairman of the 16th Finance Commission for recommending a devolution formulated for tax revenues between the Centre and states, according to an official order. Former vice-chairman of NITI Aayog and Columbia University professor Arvind Panagariya (File Photo)

The order of Panagariyas appointment came about a month after the government on November 29, announced terms of reference (ToR) for the 16th FC, which also asked the body to suggest measures for augmenting states resources for local bodies besides reviewing the existing arrangements for financing disaster management initiatives.

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The Government of India, with the approval of the President of India, has constituted the Sixteenth Finance Commission, in pursuance to Article 280(1) of the Constitution, a notification issued by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), an arm of the Union finance ministry said on Sunday.

Also Read: Fomenting terrorism: Centre bans J&K-based Tehreek-e-Hurriyat under UAPA

As per the notification, the 16th FC is asked to make its report available by October 31, 2025, covering five years from April 1, 2026.

According to details on the Columbia University website, Panagariya is a professor of economics and the Jagdish Bhagwati Professor of Indian political economy at the university. His focus areas include international trade policy, economic development and economic reforms with a focus on India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Panagariya as the first chairman of NITI Aayog (the reconstituted Planning Commission) from January 2015 to August 2017 in the rank of a cabinet minister. During this period, he also served as Indias G20 Sherpa.

The Sunday notification said that members of the 16th Finance Commission would be notified separately. It appointed Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey as secretary to the Commission. On November 6, Pande, a 1998-batch lAS officer and a joint secretary in the department of revenue, was appointed as officer on special duty (OSD) for the advance cell of the 16th Finance Commission in the rank and pay of additional secretary.

Also Read: FM directs PSBs to pre-empt corporate frauds and wilful defaults

The Sunday notification regarding the appointing of the chairman also detailed terms of reference (ToR)s for the Commission. The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or maybe, divided between them under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds, the first ToR said.

The principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India and the sums to be paid to the States by way of grants-in-aid of their revenues under article 275 of the Constitution for the purposes other than those specified in the provisos to clause (1) of that article, mentioned the second ToR.

The third ToR pertains to the measures needed to augment the consolidated fund of a state to supplement the resources of the panchayats and municipalities based on recommendations made by respective state finance commissions.

The 16th Finance Commission may review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management initiatives, with reference to the funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (53 of 2005), and make appropriate recommendations thereon, the notification said.
The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Sunday declared Jammu and Kashmir-based Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act or UAPA for fomenting terrorism and spreading anti-India activities. Union home minister Amit Shah (File Photo)

Announcing the decision on X, the Union home minister said, The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K (TeH) has been declared an Unlawful Association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule.

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Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi Jis zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, any individual or organization found involved in anti-India activities will be thwarted forthwith, he added.

According to a statement issued by the MHA, The objective of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH) is to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India and establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir. This organisation has been involved in fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda for fueling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India.

Many criminal cases have been registered against Tehreek-e-Hurriyat under various sections of UAPA, the arms act and the Indian Penal Code, the statement added.

Formed by separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in 2004, the pro-Pakistan group was headed by Masarat Alam Bhat. Bhat is currently lodged in prison, and his party- Muslim League, J&K, was last week banned under the terror law.

The leaders and members of TeH, according to a MHA notification, Have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organisations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, sustained stone-pelting on Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asserting that TeH and its members by their activities show sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set-up of the country, the MHA stated, The TeH members are paying tributes to terrorists who were killed in encounters with Security Forces, and its members have been involved in supporting terrorist activities with an intent to create a reign of terror in the country, thereby endangering the security and public order of the State.

TeH never believed in a democratic system of governance, and TeH leadership gave repeated calls to boycott assembly elections on multiple occasions, it said.
As the clock ticks down to the final moments of 2023, Google is joining the celebration with its iconic animated doodle. The Google Doodle for New Year's Eve is a vibrant display, symbolising the transition from the past year to the anticipation of a fresh start in 2024. This festive doodle, accessible on the Google Search website, captures the essence of the occasion with lively confetti and a sparkling disco ball, creating a virtual party atmosphere. Google Doodle associated with the New Year's Eve.

READ | New Year 2024 countdown: New Zealand and Australia are celebrating, which are next?

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3 2 1 Happy New Year! This Doodle brings some sparkle and shine to start off New Year right! As the clock nears closer and closer to midnight, people around the world are planning their New Years resolutions and wishing for success, love, joy, and everything in between, Google wrote in its description.

Google describes 2023 New Year's Eve(Google)

The doodle serves as a visual reminder for users worldwide to take a moment to reflect on the experiences and milestones of the departing year while looking forward to the possibilities that the upcoming year holds.

December 31, recognised as New Year's Eve on the Gregorian Calendar, marks the final day of the year. This day is alternatively referred to as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in various countries. The traditions associated with this day vary across cultures, but the common theme is one of looking back at the experiences of the old year while eagerly anticipating the opportunities and challenges that the new year will bring.

READ | New Year 2024: Why do we celebrate New Year on January 1? History, significance, traditions and all you need to know

The tradition of making resolutions is another integral aspect of this occasion. Many individuals take this time to commit to personal goals and positive changes for the upcoming year. These resolutions serve as promises to themselves, reflecting a collective desire for self-improvement and growth.

Google, known for its creative and interactive approach, often commemorates special occasions, including New Year's Eve, with thematic motifs called Google Doodles. These doodles not only mark the celebration but also serve as a visual representation of the joy and optimism associated with the transition to a new year. Google Doodles have been used to celebrate a wide range of events, from significant historical milestones to honouring notable individuals and their achievements.
SILCHAR: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the government is developing a strong base of domestic defence industrial ecosystem to become self-reliant in defence sector and to make the country a strategic economy. Defence minister Rajnath Singh addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of Tezpur University in Assam on Sunday. (PTI)

Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of Assams Tezpur University, Singh said that before 2014, India was the country to import most defence equipment but now this country is amongst the top 23 defence exporters in the world.

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We have more than one lakh startups and over 100 unicorns. We are promoting innovation and youths are playing vital role, he said.

Later he wrote on X, Addressed the students at the Convocation ceremony of Tezpur University. The Union Government is developing a strong base of domestic defence industrial ecosystem to make India a strategic economy. New India no more tolerant to let it be mindset and now believes firmly in lets do it approach.

According to the defence minister, in 2016-17, Indias defence export was 1521 crore which has increased more than ten times in last nine years. The defence export in 2022-23 was 16,000 crore and our domestic defence production stands at 180,000 crore now, he added.

According to him, India has issued five positive indigenisation lists, under which 509 defence equipment have been identified whose manufacturing will now be done domestically. The defence ministry also issued four positive indigenisation lists of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, in which 4,666 items have been identified and these will now be manufactured in India, he said.

He also said that responsibility of the government is not only protecting borders but also the cultural identity of Bharat.

We respect great personalities from the west like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr but we get inspiration from Ramkrishna, Buddha, Kabir and Sankardev, this our culture. Our youths love songs of Taylor Swift and Beatles but we prefer Bhupen Hazarika and Ravi Sankar because they are from our culture, he said.

He also said that in the past, a section of people advocated for implementing Karl Marx but the present government is trying to follow the rich ancient values of Bharat.

Karl Marx might be right at some points in his time, but how India can follow a man who never visited this country. We have our rich sanskriti, he said.

He appealed to the students not to become narrow minded in life and to keep the nation first. Singh also gave a green signal to the proposal of establishing a Centre for Defence Studies at Tezpur University in the name of Lachit Barphukan.

After the event, while talking to the media, Rajnath said that Ram temple in Ayodhya is not a political topic of the BJP to gain votes. It (Ram temple) is not our political topic and not a way to gain votes. Ram Janmabhoomi is about our culture and everyone in the country is celebrating, he said.
The central government has banned Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH), Jammu and Kashmir, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda, a statement by the Union ministry of home affairs said on Sunday. HT Image

The decision was taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modis zero-tolerance policy against terror, Union home minister Amit Shah said, announcing the move on X, formerly Twitter.

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The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K (TeH) has been declared an Unlawful Association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule, Shah said.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi Jis zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, any individual or organisation found involved in anti-India activities will be thwarted forthwith, he added.

The pro-Pakistan group was formed by separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in 2004. It is a constituent of the hardline Hurriyat Conference which consists of 24 smaller outfits.

In its statement, MHA said the outfits objective was to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India, and establish Islamic rule in the Union territory.

This organisation has been involved in fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, the statement issued on Sunday said.

Many criminal cases have been registered against the organisation under various sections of UAPA, the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code, it said, while members of the outfit have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organisations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, sustained stone-pelting on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charge sheets against several members of the TeH for raising funds to support the terror network in Kashmir, officials familiar with the matter said.

Since 2017, the agency has carried out an intensive crackdown Hurriyat members, including Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Altaf Ahmad Shah alias Fantoosh, Geelanis son-in-law and public relations officer of the TeH as well as secretary and strategist in the Hurriyat, Mohammad Akbar Khanday, spokesman of the Hurriyat and a fund-raiser for it, Raja Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Bashir Ahmad Bhat alias Peer Saifullah, personal assistant of Geelani as well as secretary of the TeH.

Following Geelanis death in September 2021, the outfit is now headed by Masarat Alam Bhat. Bhat is currently lodged in prison and his party Muslim League, J&K, was last week banned under the terror law.

The MHA notification said TeH members are paying tributes to terrorists who were killed in encounters with Security Forces and its members have been involved in supporting terrorist activities with an intent to create a reign of terror in the country, thereby endangering the security and public order of the State.

The outfit never believed in a democratic system of governance and its leadership gave repeated calls to boycott assembly elections on multiple occasions, it said.

The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat is 17th organisation to be banned under the UAPA. Others include Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Popular Front of India (PFI), SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India), Jamaat-e-Islami (in which Geelani was an executive), Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Muslim League Jammu and Kashmir among others.

Besides organisations, MHA has till date designated 55 persons as individual terrorists under the UAPA.

With inputs from Ashiq Hussain
The inaugural edition of joint military exercise "Desert Cyclone 2024" will kick off on January 2, marking a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two-week-long exercise, scheduled from January 2 to January 15, will be conducted in the arid terrains of Rajasthan, with a primary focus on enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices in Urban Operations, according to the Indian Army. Joint Military Exercise 'Desert Cyclone' between India & UAE will be conducted in Rajasthan.

The expansive Thar Desert in Rajasthan will serve as the backdrop for the rigorous training exercises.

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The Inaugural edition of Joint Military Exercise #DesertCyclone, between #India & #UAE, will be conducted from 02 Jan to 15 Jan 2024 in #Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability by learning & sharing best practices in Urban Operations, Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of Indian Army said in a social media post.

Joint military exercises with friendly countries result in constructive engagements in operational terms and enhance the skills of armed forces in diverse areas of war-fighting by operating with armed forces of various nations. In this process, current tactical and technological practices, techniques, and strategies are exchanged, contributing to the continuous improvement and modernization of military operations.

Earlier this year, two ships of the Indian Navy, INS Visakhapatnam, and INS Trikand under the command of Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) participated in bilateral exercise Zayed Talwar with the UAE to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies.

India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972 and UAE opened its Embassy in Delhi in 1972 whereas, India opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Bilateral defence interaction between India and UAE has been steadily growing in accordance with other aspects of the bilateral relationship. There have been regular high-level & functional level exchanges between the two countries. The ships of the navies of both countries have regularly made port calls to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) president and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is not interested for an alliance among constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in West Bengal, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has said. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Congress is going ahead with its poll preparations (HT)

Speaking to reporters in Murshidabad district on Saturday, Chowdhury said: The chief minister herself doesnt want an alliance in West Bengal because she would have problems. It is she who has ruined the prospect of an alliance. If you listen to her speeches, you would see that she herself doesnt want it.

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The Congress leaders remarks came days after Banerjee indicated that the INDIA bloc was formed only to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level. The TMC will fight the BJP in West Bengal while the INDIA bloc will be there in the rest of the country. Only the TMC can teach the BJP a lesson in West Bengal and set a model for others, across the country. No other party can do it, she said during a party workers meeting in North 24 Parganas on Thursday.

Chowdhury said the Congress is going ahead with its poll preparations. We are going ahead with our own preparations. We dont care who is coming with us or leaving us. We have defeated the TMC and BJP in Murshidabad several times and we will do it again, he said.

In the 2019 elections, the TMC had won 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats while the Congress bagged two seats  Berhampore and Malda South.

Earlier last week, Congress MP Abu Hashem Khan Chowdhury (Dalu) had told reporters that the TMC has agreed to cede the two seats to the Congress for the 2024 polls.

Mamata Banerjee is giving up two seats  Berhampore and Malda South  for the Congress. We are looking for more places (seats). Hopefully, there wont be any problems with the alliance, he said.

The TMC, however, hit back at Chowdhury and alleged the Congress had handed over all the assembly segments in the Murshidabad district to the BJP.

Some Congress leaders, after going around with CPI(M) leaders, are now towing the same lines. Chowdhury may sell his conscience, we wont. The Congress has been reduced to zero in the state assembly. I dont know who is instigating him. Why did he hand over all the seats in Murshidabad district to the BJP, state minister Firhad Hakim said.
Mann Ki Baat highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the year's last Mann Ki Baat episode before the country heads into the high-octane election year. The PM's flagship citizen engagement radio programme will clock its 108th episode today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister will speak on the government's Fit India movement, according to his post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 18. He also urged people to share their views on the NAMO app.

He is also likely to speak on the recent assembly elections in five states, the new year and the recently passed three criminal code Bills.

During the 107th episode on November 26, PM Modi paid tribute to those killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. He also wished the nation on Constitution Day and appealed to people to get married within the country to boost the Vocal for Local initiative.
Members of the Jewish community have been hurting this week, and its because of something that was published in The Buffalo News.

We know you are hurting and angry because we received hundreds of emails, phone calls and other messages since the publication of a political cartoon by our editorial cartoonist Adam Zyglis on Dec. 26.

The cartoon shows President Biden in bed and inattentive to deaths in Gaza, depicted by a sink with faucet handles in the shape of the Star of David with water drips in the shape of skulls. This commentary was created to express the viewpoint that Biden is doing too little in response to what some consider a disproportionate response by Israel in Gaza.

Editorial content  including cartoons that rely on familiar symbols to communicate a message  can be provocative and pointed. To many of you, however, the cartoon came across as an attack on Jews everywhere, and you were offended. That was not our intent, and we deeply regret that it came across this way.

Condemnation of the cartoon was swift from members of the Jewish community. Letter-writers were outraged at the use of the Star of David to represent the country of Israel. Reader after reader said the cartoon perpetuated harmful stereotypes, and many said it was antisemitic. Others went further and told us publication of the cartoon was a page out of Joseph Goebbels Nazi propaganda playbook. Others said the cartoon was reminiscent of blood libel and provided links to examples on the topic.

We heard you. Through conversation and thoughtful reflection, we better understand the concerns raised by community members. We regret the use of the Star of David in this context and the pain it caused.

Freedom of speech, which we staunchly defend, protects discussion of difficult topics and the ability to have varying opinions. Commentary on local, national and international issues will sometimes be uncomfortable, and well continue to facilitate tough conversations and present different points of view in our coverage. But we know our cartoon caused pain. Again, that was not our intention.

In the days, weeks and months to come, well keep listening to the community and reflect on what we hear to build understanding. This week, we will meet with members of the Jewish community, and we are in the process of finalizing that meeting. We hope this conversation and others will help all of us learn from this and move forward together.
Iqbal Ansari, a litigant in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land suit, was among the hundreds of residents of Ayodhya who lined the streets to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a chilly Saturday morning. Former Ayodhya land dispute litigant Iqbal Ansari at his residence, (Deepak Gupta/HT)

Prime Minister Modi visited Ayodhya on Saturday during which he inaugurated a redeveloped railway station and a newly built airport, besides laying the foundation stone of a slew of other projects in Uttar Pradesh. At a public rally, Modi had said the entire world is waiting for the historic Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22 and appealed to people to light special diyas in their homes to celebrate the day of 'pran pratishtha' of Ram temple as 'Deepawali'.

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"He (Modi) has come to our place. He is our guest and our Prime Minister," said Iqbal after he showered rose petals on Modi's cavalcade as it passed the Paanji Tola area during his roadshow in the temple town.

Who is Iqbal Ansari?
Militants attacked Manipur Police commandos inside their barracks in the border town of Moreh on Saturday night, during which they also fired rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), officials aware of the matter said. The barracks were damaged and four commandos sustained minor injuries. Rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) used by militants on Manipur Police commandos in border town Moreh. (HT Photos)

The attack on the commandos was reported from Moreh, hours after another unit of the Manipur Police commandos travelling on the Imphal-Moreh highway was attacked during the day. One commando sustained splinter injuries when the convoy came under heavy fire around 3.45pm on Saturday.

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The situation was under control after the afternoon incident. But around midnight, militants fired the RPG and heavy gunfire to attack the commandos sleeping inside the barrack at around midnight. Four of them sustained minor injuries. One of them may have sustained damages to his ear because of the blast of the explosives," an official aware of the matter said.

The four commandos were rushed to the nearby hospital of the Assam Rifles.

The militants, who were hiding in the hills, officials said, used the cover of the night and engaged in firing at the barracks for almost half an hour.

Following the incident top officials of the Assam Rifles have flown to Moreh, a border town near the India-Myanmar border. Moreh has been on high alert since Saturday afternoon.

Kaikholal Haokip, spokesperson of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, an umbrella group for Kuki residents of Tengnouplal, confirmed that unidentified gunmen had attacked the commandos around midnight. "Senior officers of Assam Rifles have come to Moreh after last nights incident. Curfew has been imposed again and the security forces are holding meetings. The situation is tense," Haokip said.

Moreh comes under the administrative jurisdiction of Tengnoupal district.

The nearly one-month-long peace in ethnic strife-torn Manipur was punctuated on Saturday morning when a gunfight broke out between Meitei and Kuki village volunteers, in which one person died. Before Saturday, 13 people were killed in a gunfight on December 4 in Tengnoupal district.

Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic violence since early May as clashes erupted between the Meiteis, the most populous community in the state, and the tribal Kukis. While a bulk of the violence took place in the days after May 3, attacks between communities have continued intermittently ever since.

The violence has seen 197 lives lost, according to government numbers, and over 50,000 from both communities displaced from their homes, with Meiteis from the Kuki-dominated hills fleeing for their lives, and Kukis from the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley chased out of their homes. The tension has also seen the creation of community-based armed village defence volunteers that are often armed.

On Saturday morning at around 3.30am, senior police officials said, there was an exchange of fire between village defence volunteers of the Kuki and Meitei communities. This took place between the hill ranges of Nakhujang and Singda Kuki villages under Kangchup police station. The exchange of fire lasted till around 4.20am, the police officer said.

Police officials confirmed that in the firing, a Meitei man identified as Ningombam James, 32, a resident of Imphal West, sustained bullet injuries and was taken to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In the evening Moreh residents said that some commandos burnt three houses in a Moreh village and shared photos of the burnt houses. Police had on Saturday night said they were yet to receive any information about the arson.
There was high alert in Manipurs border town Moreh on Sunday after militants attacked Manipur police commandos inside their barracks on Saturday night, during which rocket propelled grenades (RPG) were fired, officials aware of the matter said. Even as curfew was imposed in Moreh, militants and security forces on Sunday evening were engaged in a gunfight in the jungle area bordering the T Yangnom village of Moreh which led to many villagers fleeing from their homes. Till late Sunday evening, the two sides were engaged in a gunfight. HT Image

The attack on the commandos at around midnight on Saturday was reported from Moreh, hours after another unit of the Manipur commandos travelling on the Imphal-Moreh highway was attacked during the day. One commando sustained splinter injuries when the convoy came under heavy fire around 3.45pm on Saturday.

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The situation was under control after Saturday afternoons incident. But around midnight, militants fired RPGs and heavy gunfire to attack the commandos sleeping inside the barrack at around midnight. Four of them sustained minor injuries. One of them may have sustained damage to his ear because of the blast of the explosives, an official aware of the matter said.

The militants who were hiding in the hills, official said, used cover of the night and engaged in firing at the barracks for almost half an hour. The four commandos were rushed to the nearby hospital of the Assam Rifles.

Following the incident, top officials of the Assam Rifles have flown to Moreh, a border town near the India-Myanmar border.

Kaikholal Haokip, spokesperson of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, an umbrella group for Kuki residents of Tengnouplal, confirmed that unidentified gunmen had attacked the commandos around midnight. Senior officers of Assam Rifles have come to Moreh after last nights incident. Curfew has been imposed again and the security forces are holding meetings. The situation is tense. The forces have also roped in CSOs of Moreh and are holding meetings to restore peace, Haokip said.

Haokip said that during the day, residents saw helicopters of security forces making numerous sorties over Moreh. It is unclear if the helicopters were transferring the injured security personnel or bringing additional Manipur police commandos. All civil society organisations are against posting of Manipur commandos because they are biased and against Kuki-Zo Tribals. The commandos also burnt three houses in Moreh yesterday.

But even as forces are working to restore peace in Moreh, a gunfight started in another part of the town till Sunday evening.

At around 3pm on Sunday, security forces, who were patrolling in the jungle area near the T Yangnom village were shot at by unidentified gunmen. Y Tangnom village is about 2km from Moreh town.

We fled from our houses as soon as the firing started. Assam Rifles and Manipur police commandos had come to the village. They were then engaged in gunfight with unidentified gunmen in the hills near our village. The initial firing between them lasted for nearly two hours. Except the elderly and sick, all village residents fled immediately, said Seijang Baithe, chief of the village.

Baithe said that the village has around 25 houses. We have heard that the firing has stopped. If the situation is better we will return to our village tomorrow. There is curfew across Moreh. it is enforced strictly in Moreh town, he said on Sunday night.

A senior police officer, who asked not to be named confirmed that firing had broken out between forces and militants. There are no reports of any casualty so far, he said on Sunday night.

Also on Sunday, the Manipur government transferred Tengnoupal superintendent of police, Luikham Lanmiyo. Moreh comes under the administrative jurisdiction of Tengnoupal.

To be sure officers aware of matter said the transfer is routine because there were four SP rank officers who were given new assignments on Sunday. While Lanmiyo, was transferred to Senapati district, another officer Rahul Gupta has been appointed as chief of Tengnoupal district police.

The transfer order of the four officers said, The officers shall take charge of their new posts immediately. Rahul Gupta, IPS shall move first. DGP Manipur shall ensure the same.

The nearly one-month long peace in ethnic strife torn Manipur was punctuated on Saturday morning when gunfight broke out between Meitei and Kuki village volunteers, in which one person died. Before Saturday, 13 people were killed in a gunfight on December 4 in Tengnoupal district.

Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic violence since early May as clashes erupted between the Meiteis, the most populous community in the state, and the tribal Kukis. While a bulk of the violence took place in the days after May 3, attacks between communities have continued intermittently ever since.

The violence has seen 197 lives being lost, according to government numbers, and over 50,000 from both communities displaced from their homes, with Meiteis from the Kuki dominated hills fleeing for their lives, and Kukis from the Meitei dominated Imphal valley chased out of their homes. The tension has also seen the creation of community-based armed village defence volunteers who are often armed.

The Meitei man, who died on Saturday morning was one such volunteer.
Delhi witnessed moderate to dense fog on New Year's Eve, causing disruptions in transportation and affecting several trains. The city woke up to reduced visibility and chilly temperatures amid the festive atmosphere on the last day of the year. Several trains, including both local and long-distance services, experienced disruptions, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. The minimum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory, the city's primary weather station, was recorded at 11 degrees Celsius. (File Photo)

As many as 23 trains in the Delhi area are reported to be running behind schedule, according to Indian Railways. Trains that are running late include Puri- New Delhi Purushottam Express, Kanpur-New Delhi Shramshakti, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Saharsa- New Delhi Vaishali Express, Rewa-Anand Vihar Express, Allahabad- New Delhi Prayagarj Express, Azamgarh - Delhi Kaifiyat Express, Bhagalpur - Anand Vihar Vikramshila, Rajendranagar - New Delhi Sampoorn Kranti.

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"Trains are stopping at the outer of every big station. This is the major problem. This should be sorted out," a passenger at Anand Vihar Railway Station told ANI.

Visuals from Subroto Park, DND flyover, and India Gate showed the vehicular movement crippling owing to less visibility.

Zero visibility was recorded in Jorhat, Pathankot, Jammu, Agra, and Bhatinda this morning, according to the India Meteorological Department. The weather forecasting agency said visibility was reported at 25 meters in Ambala, 50 meters in Bikaner, Patiala, Chandigarh, and Gwalior, Jhansi. In Amritsar and Hisar, visibility was recorded at 200 meters.

According to the IMD, 'very dense' fog is when visibility is between 0 and 50 metres, 51 and 200 metres is 'dense', 201 and 500 metres 'moderate', and 501 and 1,000 metres 'shallow'.

Dense to very dense fog is forecasted at most places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, at many places over Uttar Pradesh, at a few places over Uttarakhand, at isolated places over northern parts of Rajasthan, and dense fog at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and the Lower division of Himachal Pradesh. Cold day conditions are expected at many places over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh and at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh.

The IMD has issued a weather advisory forecasting very dense fog conditions with visibility less than 50 meters over many parts of Punjab from late evening to the next day morning, extending until January 4. West Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience very dense fog during midnight and morning hours from December 30 to January 4. In the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region, as well as East Uttar Pradesh, very dense fog is anticipated during midnight and morning hours till January 1.

Dense fog conditions with visibility ranging between 50 and 200 meters are predicted to prevail for a few hours in morning hours over Uttarakhand from until January 4. Similar conditions are expected in north Madhya Pradesh, north Rajasthan, and Jharkhand on December 31 and January 1. Gangetic West Bengal is likely to experience dense fog on December 31. Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to witness dense fog from December 31 to January 2.

Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital has reached the 'severe' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), exacerbating concerns about air pollution and visibility issues during the period of dense fog.

(With inputs from agencies)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has increased the fees for Common University Entrance Test (CUET) postgraduate programmes by up to 200 for different categories, according to a notification by the agency. HT Image

For the unreserved category, it was increased from 1,000 to 1,200; for OBC and EWS from 800 to 1,000; for SC/ST/transpersons category from 750 to 900; and from 700 to 800 for PwD category.

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Similarly, for additional test papers, the general category fee was 500, which has been increased to 600. For OBC, EWS, SC/ST/transpersons and PwD candidates, it has been increased from 400 to 500.

CUET forms for the academic year 2024-25 were out on December 26 and candidates can now fill them out online.

Meanwhile, the fee hike sparked outrage from the Students Federation of India (SFI)  the student wing of CPI(M)  which termed it a blatant attack on students and urged the NTA to reverse its decision. SFI said that it met with NTA which cited insufficient funds from the Centre as the reason behind the hikes.

HT reached out to NTA director general Subodh Kumar Singh who said that the statement by SFI is not the correct version of what ensued.

The fee, even though increased, remains lower than fees for exams like JEE, JEE Advanced, or CAT. NTA incurred losses last year but its still lower compared to other exams conducted by NTA or other bodies. This fee isnt generating profits for NTA and doesnt rely on government funds. Its self-sustained through student fees, said Singh.

In 2023, over 833,000 students took the CUET examinations and a total of 195 universities participated across the country.
Nearly two months after he became the governor of Odisha, the actions of former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das seems to be causing disquiet in Biju Janata Dal with his hearing of grievances during district visits. On Wednesday, while visiting Jharsuguda district, Raghubar Das expressed anger over a husband of a woman village chief running the show on her behalf (HT)

Das, who took oath as 26th governor of Odisha on October 31, started off tepidly by visiting chief minister Naveen Patnaik at the latters residence, breaking protocol that opposition Congress alleged was part of a deal between the ruling Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

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But since then Das has taken a divergent position, as he has been visiting districts to hear grievances of the people as well as write letters to Patnaik, drawing his attention to governance issues.

Soon after visiting Angul and Dhenkanal districts between December 5 and 7, Das wrote to Patnaik, flagging rising pollution as well as the menace posed by elephants.

During my interaction with them (people), they have brought out various issues pertaining to them which may kindly be considered by the state government for appropriate action. People brought to my notice the water pollution caused by mining operations of Mahanadi Coalfield Limited (and) its adverse impact on the health of the local residents. The groundwater level in the area has also been getting depleted. The people also said that no meeting of the Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Advisory Committee has been held in the last two years. As a result, the grievances of the people in the area are not being redressed. My attention was also drawn to the huge loss caused to the farm sector due to the elephant menace. The Forest department has not been taking any steps to tackle the jumbo menace, Das wrote.

Last week, during his visit to Sambalpur district, he went to a urban health centre, where he discussed the problems with the medical officer and health workers. The governor visited Dhanakauda UHC today. He interacted with doctors and paramedical staff. There was another interaction programme with the patients to take feedback from them about the health care at the centre, said Purnachandra Sahu, chief district medical officer, Sambalpur.

In Sambalpur, while hearing the grievances of farmers in paddy procurement, Das said the free rice that was being given to the poor was a great step by the central government. The Modi government is giving the free rice to over 80 crore people so that no one sleeps hungry, he said.

On Wednesday, while visiting Jharsuguda district, he expressed anger over a husband of a woman village chief running the show on her behalf.

While visiting Bargarh district on Wednesday, he stopped his motorcade to meet farmers and heard their grievances, while in Rayagada district, he offered 25,000 in financial assistance to a woman named Lalita Bidika. In Malkangiri district, he gave 1 lakh to a tribal girl who wanted to become a civil service officer.

Though its still early days, a senior BJD leader said the visit by Das to hear the grievances of people just ahead of the election next year was not a good sign. He is a constitutional figure and there are certain rules, which he need to adhere to while holding the office of governor, a BJD leader said, declining to be named. His writing letter to the chief minister and meeting people to hear their grievances seem to be political.

Das by his actions could be proving himself to be an agent of the central government, another BJD leader said. The governor can visit districts, but he can let the grievance redressal meetings a miss, the second leader said, seeking anonymity.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty declined to comment on the issue.

The opposition BJP and Congress criticised the states BJD government and alleged that the governors findings in the two districts were just the tip of the iceberg.

The entire state is facing a similar situation, said BJP leader Mohan Charan Majhi. Former state Congress president Jaydev Jena said the BJD governments claim of transformation in different sectors seemed to be hollow. The governors visits have revealed the truth behind the development taking place in the state, he said.

Incidentally, Das recently sought for appointment of Santosh Satpathy, former IAS officer and first special secretary to Naveen Patnaik, as his chief advisor on tribal issues as well as other important matters. He also forwarded the names of educationist Shukla Mahanty and Subrat Mohanty as advisors on matters of education and media.
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 31 (ANI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 108th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy lauded the PM's efforts and said that he is the only Prime Minister in the world who talks to people of his country every month. HT Image

Reddy further asserted that the programme has nothing to do with politics and highlighted the citizen engagement undertaken through the programme.

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"Today we heard the 108th episode of Mann Ki Baat. This program has nothing to do with politics. PM Modi listens to the people and talks about social and economic perspectives of the society," remarked Kishan Reddy.

Reddy went on to praise Prime Minister Modi for his exceptional commitment to engaging with the citizens regularly.

"PM Modi is the only Prime Minister in the world who talks to millions of people in his country every month," he said while speaking to ANI.

The Prime Minister addressed the nation in the year's last episode of the Mann Ki Baat programme earlier today.

The popular programme on All India Radio, Prime Minister Mann Ki Baat, was started on October 3, 2014 and is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am. The 30-minute programme completed its 100 episodes on April 30, 2023.

The Mann Ki Baat programme is a platform where the Prime Minister communicates directly with the people of the country.

Through this programme, the Prime Minister informs and inspires the people of the country on various topics. (ANI)
As many as 151 Myanmar soldiers fled to Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after their camps in the neighbouring country were overrun by an armed ethnic group, news agency PTI reported citing an Assam Rifles officer said on Saturday. A squad of Myanmar pro-democracy fighters works to ready drones for an attack on a nearby military base, the target in a wave of aerial assaults that has helped turn the war against the junta. (AFP file)

The Myanmarese Army personnel, also known as the Tatmadaw, fled with their arms and approached the Assam Rifles at Tuisentlang in Lawngtlai district on Friday after their camps near the international border were overrun by the Arakan Army fighters.

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The officer added that there had been intense gunfights between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army fighters for the past few days in areas close to the Indian border.

He said that some of the Myanmar Army personnel, who entered Mizoram on Friday, were critically injured and first aids were administered to them by the Assam Rifles. The officer said the Myanmar soldiers are now in the safe custody of Assam Rifles at Parva in Lawngtlai district near the Myanmar border.

The Myanmar soldiers will be sent back to their country in some days as talks are going on between the ministry of external affairs (MEA) and the Myanmar military government, the officer said.

In November, a total of 104 Myanmar soldiers fled to Mizoram after their military camps along the Myanmar-India border were overrun by pro-democracy militia - People's Defence Force (PDF).

They were airlifted by the Indian Airforce to Moreh in Manipur, from where they crossed the international border and entered Tamu, the nearest border town in Myanmar.

The Print reported that the 151 Myanmar Army personnel who fled their camp crossed the international border at pillars number 2 and 4, to reach Tuisentlang. More Tatmadaw members are likely to reach the border village, it reported.

Fighting has been raging in the northern part of Shan state since the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, calling themselves the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched a coordinated offensive on October 27. A little more than two weeks later, the Arakan Army also attacked outposts in its home state of Rakhine in the west.

The offensive of the well-trained and well-armed ethnic militias has been seen as a significant challenge for the army, which has struggled to contain a nationwide uprising by members of the People's Defence Forces, a pro-democracy armed group established after the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

The alliance has claimed widespread victories including the capture of four border crossings in the northern part of Shan state. Soon after the fighting began, the military government acknowledged that it had lost three towns and vowed counterattacks on the alliance.

(With inputs from agencies)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a surprise visit to the Ayodhya residence of Meera Manjhi  the 100 millionth beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and drank tea made by her. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the house of an Ujjwala Yojana beneficiary, in Ayodhya (PTI)

The Ujjwala scheme was implemented in May 2016 to provide LPG connection to women belonging to below poverty line (BPL) families.

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Modi, who was on a one-day visit to the temple town to inaugurate a slew of projects, made a sudden stopover at Manjhis residence when his cavalcade was passing by her colony near the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

As he entered the house for a cup of tea and a 10-minute chat, the entire area resonated with enthusiastic chants of Modi-Modi.

Manjhi told the Prime Minister that she has got free LPG connection and accommodation due to government schemes. I have received free gas and accommodation. Earlier, I had a kutcha house. But now it has become pucca. I am delighted to see you at my house.

As the PM took a sip of the tea Manjhi made, he jokingly said: Bahut meethi chai peete ho aap log (You take so much sugar in your tea). Manjhi replied that she often puts excess sugar by mistake.

The PM, however, later praised the tea, saying: You make good tea. I am chaiwala, so I know how to make tea.

He also inquired about the well-being of Manjhis family and her neighbours.

Expressing her happiness over hosting the PM, Manjhi later told news agency ANI: I was not aware that he would visit us. He came to our home. We are feeling very happy. We were not aware that God would arrive in such a way.

In a post in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said: Held a chaai pe charchaa at the house of sister Meera ji, the 10th-crore beneficiary of Ujjwala Yojana, along with her family members in Ayodhya. I felt very satisfied to know how government schemes have made the life of the entire family easier.

In a now viral video of the brief visit, the Prime Minister is also seen giving his autograph on a painting of the Ram temple, which he later handed over to a local boy.

Meanwhile, later in the day, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanaths office issued an order to include Manjhi in the Mukhyamantri Arogya Yojana, under which eligible candidates will get health insurance cover up to 500,000.
Days after slamming the central government over rejecting Punjabs tableau for the Republic Day parade, chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday turned down the defence ministrys offer to display it at the Bharat Parv event to be held at the Red Fort in New Delhi. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann slams the central government over rejecting Punjabs tableau for the Republic Day parade. (ANI)

Mann, who on December 27 accused the Centre of discriminating against Punjab and Delhi in the selection of tableaux, said his government will not send its tableau in the rejected categories list of the central government as martyrs of the country do not need a no- objection certificate from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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The defence ministry in a letter to Punjab chief secretary Anurag Vermaon Saturday, asked the state government to display its tableau in Bharat Parv to be held from January 23 to 31.

Indias martyrs including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Mai Bhago, Ghadari Baabe and others cannot be kept in rejected category, said Mann, who leads an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. The Union government is trying to belittle their sacrifice by not including the tableau in the parade, he alleged in a statement.

The defence ministry rejected his allegations of discrimination. After the third round of meeting, the tableau of Punjab could not be taken forward by the expert committee for further consideration for not aligning to the broader themes of this years tableau, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday morning.

There is a well-established system to select tableaux for participation in the Republic Day parade and proposals are evaluated in a series of meetings of an expert panel, it said. As many as 30 states and union territories, including Punjab and West Bengal, had shown their willingness to participate. Out of these, only 15-16 states and union territories were selected to present their tableaux, it said.

The tableau proposed by West Bengal, which is ruled by the Trinamool Congress party, has also been rejected.

The tableau of Punjab was shortlisted for the parade between 2017 and 2022. As states have to be treated equally, it is essential that states should be given the opportunity to display their tableaux as per a formula, the ministry said.

After the ministrys clarification, BJP state unit chief Sunil Jakars lie has been exposed, AAPs Punjab spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang said.

Jakhar had accused Mann of politicising the rejection of the states tableau and alleged that the AAP government insisted that the tableau carried Manns and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwals photos and it was one of the reasons why it was excluded from the parade. Mann had denied Jakhars claim.

Jakhar should now either show the concept of the tableau of Punjab government he claimed has the pictures of Mann and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, or he should apologize to the people of Punjab for his lies, he said in a statement.
Regarding Adam Zgylis' Dec. 26 cartoon, if I had a magic wand I would make Netanyahu disappear as he bears much responsibility for Hamass barbaric attack of October 7, 2023. However, although Adam Zgylis is an excellent cartoonist, this cartoon crosses over from political criticism to anti-Semitism. This is because Zgylis used the Star of David, which symbolizes the Jewish people and not just Israel. The skulls coming out of the water facet should have been symbols for Hamas.

Hamas is responsible for all the destruction, suffering, and death. The only path for a lasting peace agreement is for Hamas to unconditionally surrender, renounce its genocidal covenant, release all the hostages, agree to free international run elections, and say yes to Israels peaceful right to existence.

Then an international effort must be made to run Gaza and implement a program of de-Hamasization, based on the denazification of Germany after World War II. This model was defined by General Dwight Eisenhower: only a long-term and inflexible occupying authority will be able to lead the Germans to a fundamental change in their latest political philosophy. Until then, Israel must do whatever is necessary so Hamas cannot carry out future attacks it has pledged, which call for the murder of Jews and the implementation of a world wide theological authoritarian regime.

Robert Hirsch

Grand Island
The year before general elections is always politically fraught  parties try out narratives and dust off issues to see whats clicking with the public; the government makes a push on schemes that it thinks are working and applies salve to what it feels are festering public grievances; the Opposition sharpens its attacks on what it feels are the governments weak flanks and dusts off its organisational lethargy to hit the ground. And in this melee, voters get a glimpse of what issues will frame their political choices in the worlds largest democratic exercise. In 2023, the BJP maintained its dominance in the Hindi heartland even as chinks in its electoral armour helped the Opposition south of the Vindhyas.

2023 was all this and more. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintained its dominance in the Hindi heartland even as chinks in its electoral armour helped the Opposition south of the Vindhyas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for a reinvigorated narrative of a developed India by 2047  Viksit Bharat  as the core of his messaging appeal for 2024. The Opposition made its most serious effort yet at forging a common platform to take on the BJP behemoth. And it started testing out an alternative narrative of social justice centered around the promise of a caste census, and consequent hike in reservations for marginalised groups, though its electoral salience remained unproven.

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But if all this action in the electoral arena underlined the resilience of the Indian democratic experience, sobering checks were offered from other arenas  the impasse in Parliament and deepening fault lines between the government and Opposition ensuring that important bills were passed with little discussion, the political and administrative failure to douse the simmering fires in Manipur that claimed 187 lives and displaced a generation of people, and the sheer apathy that allowed the climate crisis to inundate our cities, trigger tragedies in the mountains, and shroud our Capital in noxious blankets of smoke.

First, the politics. The year began with a clutch of elections in Indias northeast  Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland. In all three states, the BJP and its allies won convincing victories, further cementing the partys grip on this far-flung and fascinating region whose cultural, religious and tribal diversities help the party make the argument that it stands for all segments of India and can appeal to disparate cultural strands beyond its core strength in the heartland.

This juggernaut suffered an abrupt jolt in July when the party stumbled in elections in Karnataka, handing the Congress its most impressive victory in a generation in the prosperous state that is also the only southern province to ever have had a BJP government. Laden by corruption allegations and a divided state leadership, the party found itself outgunned by an uncharacteristically disciplined Congress campaign that cashed in on popular discontent with the state government and didnt allow internecine conflict kneecap the party the way it had thrown during the Punjab elections in 2022. It smartly packaged a raft of social and economic programmes in the form of guarantees and corralled marginalised castes into a potent coalition.

But the next six months showed just how quick-footed the BJP is on political strategy. By the time elections to five states, including three major Hindi belt states were announced, the BJP had branded its own set of welfare promises as Modi guarantees  successfully playing off the PMs personal appeal in heartland states. It worked like magic, the BJP won its highest vote share in Madhya Pradesh in decades, kept alive the tradition of incumbents being voted out in Rajasthan, and unexpectedly knocked the Congress out in Chhattisgarh. The Congress posted a strong performance in Telangana and won against a major regional outfit for the first time in two decades  it now rules two of the five south Indian states and is part of the governing alliance in a third  but its problems in north India will seriously handicap its 2024 campaign.

To succeed in the electoral arena, a party needs three things  narrative, organisation, and leadership. For the BJP all three appear sorted  strong messaging blending Modis popularity, last-mile welfarism and Hindutva, an expansive grassroots network that can tap into considerable resources for voter outreach, and a leader whose personal appeal and ground connect remain unmatched.

For the Opposition, all three remain works in progress. Its narrative appears centred on welfare and the promise of a caste census  built on the back of arguably the biggest development on the social justice sphere this year, the release of the Bihar caste survey that showed that other backward classes form 63% of the state. The backbone of its organisation is the 28-party Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which was formed this year and is the most serious attempt by the Opposition to force the BJP into a one-on-one contest on each of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. The question of leadership remains an open one, and might be the most vexed one of yet for the INDIA bloc. For it to have any salience, it will have to quickly learn lessons from its drubbing in the December polls.

But 2023 also saw plenty of political action far away from the electoral arena.

In Manipur, ethnic clashes between the dominant Meiteis and tribal Kukis have convulsed the state for an unprecedented seven months now, with the state administration appearing complicit at times, and compromised at others. In Parliament, the inauguration of a new home for Indian democracy and the passage of a historic bill setting aside a third of seats for women in state and national legislatures was marred by the shocking breach of security in the Lok Sabha. More concerning was the apparent breakdown of communication between the government and the Opposition in the House that allowed a bundle of key bills pass with little scrutiny. 2023 was an important legislative year that saw tectonic changes in Indias environmental regime, birth-and-deaths registration and selection of top poll officials, apart from laws to replace British-era criminal codes. That such crucial bills were insufficiently discussed  the final week of the winter session even saw the suspension of the highest number of Opposition members in Indias history  doesnt augur well for Indian democracy.

In the long term, though, what will really matter is the ability of our political class to battle the vagaries of the climate crisis, and stave off its worst impact  be it urban floods, water crisis in some states, more intense natural disasters and more frequent cloudbursts in the mountains. 2023, unfortunately, showed that Indian administrators were ill prepared to combat this multifaceted crisis. For Indias democratic promise to endure and flourish, this needs to be remedied, and fast.
Prediction of weekend snow and the chief minister's directions not to be harsh with drunk revelers on New Year failed to woo tourists to Shimla which recorded 50-60 per cent occupancy, "the lowest in the last 40 years". Shimla: Girls in traditional Himachali attire hold balloons to form 2024 during New Year celebrations, in Shimla, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (PTI Photo)(PTI12_31_2023_000072B)(PTI)

Last year, Shimla had recorded more than 80 per cent occupancy on New Year. The hotel and allied industries were pinning hopes on 'white New Year' but chances of snowfall appear very bleak.

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While, the Mall Road and The Ridge in the heart of the city are abuzz with tourists as winter carnival turned the place into a fair with lights and cultural bonanza being organised but tourist footfall has not converted in room occupancy in hotels, said Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association president M K Seth.

The occupancy is about 50-60 per cent which is the lowest in the last 40 years and even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourist rush on New Year was more than this time, he told the PTI.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had directed to follow the slogan of 'Atithi Devo Bhava', facilitate the tourists and make adequate arrangements and proper plans in all districts for smooth flow of traffic.

Besides allowing food joints and pan shops to remain open 24x7, he had said that drunk tourists would not be arrested, but would be facilitated by the police to their hotels to ensure that their New Year experience is not spoiled.

The unregistered tourism units are eating into the sales of registered hotels, home stays and other such accommodations, said Seth adding that the tourists coming by train and luxury buses are "captured" by touts which take them to unregistered accommodations.

"We are surprised to see such a drop in tourist inflow when all the things are favourable. This is the lowest occupancy in my living memory" said vice president of the association Prince Kukreja, hoping that the occupancy would pick up by late evening.

A large number of tourists prefer isolated accommodations in the suburbs with forest cover and peace, and tourists planning private parties are also going beyond the city, said local hotelier Shishu, adding that even the hotels in the main town, which are normally packed during this time of the year, are not packed to the capacity.

About 7,600 tourists vehicles from other states have entered Shimla via the Shoghi barrier on the Shimla-Chandigarh Road from Saturday morning (8 am) to Sunday afternoon (12 pm), SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told PTI on Sunday.

The tourism stakeholders added that adverse publicity on social media and some electronic channels regarding traffic jams diverted tourists to other destinations.

The local Met office had predicted snowfall and rainfall at isolated places in high-and-mid hills on Saturday and Sunday as a fresh Western Disturbance lies over the Himalayan region. However, no snowfall was witnessed in the key tourist resorts.
Amid major politicking over the inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Sunday said those who won't attend the grand event despite being invited, it is their misfortune. The comment came as Karnataka minister Dasharathaiah Sudhakar said the BJP was exploiting the event ahead of the election like it did Pulwama before the 2019 election. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said Ram Mandir is good news and they are in favour of the temple. The ongoing construction work of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (Deepak gupta/ht)(HT_PRINT)

"We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either. We are in favour of Ram Mandir..." Siddaramaiah said.

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Calling the politics over the event unfortunate, Acharya Pramod said, 'This should not happen in a democracy. You can oppose PM Modi, and criticise his decisions, but hating PM Modi is not a sign of democracy. Some people are ruining themselves by hating PM Modi. Some opposition leaders brought down their own elected government. This is complete destruction," the Congress leader said.

"This is negative energy. These are negative, atheist people. Those who oppose Ram should have no place in politics. The people of India won't like this negativity; this is not our culture. Our culture is to be happy when there is a festival in our enemy's house as well. And this is everyone's festival, India's festival," the Congress leader said.

Several opposition parties including the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) criticised the BJP for making it a political event. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said he was invited to the inauguration event but won't attend. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have been invited but the party has not made its official stand clear on whether to attend the event. Uddhav Thackeray has not been invited and he said he does not need an invitation to go to Ram Temple.

Indian Overseas Congress president Sam Pitroda came under fire after he said Ram Mandir becoming a national issue bothered him. The Congress distanced from his view and said it was Sam Pitroda's personal opinion.

The fresh controversy began after Karnataka minister D Sudhakar's comment as he said, "The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we won't be fooled for the third time," the Karnataka minister said.

The minister also added that he earlier contributed money and bricks for the construction of the temple.

"The PMO and government should shift base to Ayodhya. They will ask for votes only in Ram's name because they have done nothing else," Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) leader Sanjay Raut said.

(With ANI inputs)
Sri Lanka has informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its ports or operate within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for a period of one year, people aware of the matter said on Sunday. HT Image

The move comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging President Ranil Wickremesinghe to respect Indian strategic and security concerns during their meeting on July 21, 2023.

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The declared moratorium was conveyed to India through apex diplomatic channels last week, the people cited above added.

This means that Chinese scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, which was scheduled to conduct deep water exploration in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024 to late May, will not be granted a clearance by Sri Lankan authorities. China has also asked the current pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in Maldives to let the 4,600-tonne Xiamen-based vessel conduct a survey off the coast of Male.

The Wickremesinghe government notified the one-year moratorium last week after India and the US red-flagged Colombo entertaining Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean and providing them logistical support, the people said. India had raised objections to Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November, but Colombo allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport after Wickremesinghe visited Beijing for the 10the anniversary of Belt Road Initiative (BRI) on October 17-18. The research vessel reached Colombo on October 25, and crossed the Malacca Straits on December 2. The objections to both Shi Yan 6, which was expected to be back in Sri Lanka around March, and Xiang Yang Hong 3, were conveyed to Wickremesinghe by top Indian diplomatic interlocutors, the people added.

In the past, Chinese research ships, ballistic missile trackers and hydrographic vessels have entered the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and conducted deep surveys of the 90-degree ridge south of the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. For example, Deng Jiaxian, a Shupang-class hydrographic vessel, was deployed in IOR from August 10-24. The ship re-entered IOR through the Sunda Straits on August 28 and exited through the Lombok/Ombai Wetar Straits in early September 2023. On September 11, the same vessel was seen surveying the Philippines Sea.

This year, at least 25 Chinese ships including PLA warships, submarines, ballistic missile trackers and research vessels operated in the IOR, much to the chagrin of India and the US. Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in IOR. Their generic area of activity has been near the east and west coastlines of India, and in the deep Indian Ocean.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has ruled out the possibility of an alliance with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha and set a target to secure 50 per cent votes in the 2024 elections in the state. After attending a meeting with the BJP's central leadership on Saturday, the party's state vice-president Aparajita Sarangi told reporters that some persons with vested interests were spreading rumours that there was a possibility of an alliance between the BJD and BJP for the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly elections, which are usually held simultaneously in Odisha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik during a meeting in New Delhi. (PTI / File)

"Various issues were discussed at the meeting. There is no question of any alliance with any political party, including the BJD," the BJP MP of Bhubaneswar told the media.

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There were speculation about a possible alliance between the two parties after the BJD backed the BJP on the opposition's no-confidence motion in Parliament in August, and the Delhi services bill that proposes that actions such as suspensions and inquiries of national capital's officials would be under the control of the Centre. It was tabled in the Parliament amid an uproar in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over the Manipur violence.

In August, Union home minister Amit Shah and chief minister Naveen Patnaik met on the sidelines of official engagements, fuelling the speculation further over the possible partnership. The two heavy giants were in an alliance between 2000 and 2009.

Other leaders such as BJP president Manomohan Samal, leader of opposition Jaynarayan Mishra, the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, central observer Sunil Bansal and assistant observer Vijaypal Singh Tomar also attended the meeting.

Mishra said there will be a straight fight between the BJD and BJP in the elections as the Congress has lost its ground, news agency PTI reported.

"We will work to ensure that 50 per cent of the votes come to the BJP's kitty," Mishra was quoted as saying. He added that the BJP will contest all the 147 assembly seats and the 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha.

Mishra also said BJP workers and leaders would campaign, highlighting the benefits of the 157 welfare schemes of the central government.

Samal exuded hope that the BJP will form the next government in Odisha.

"This time, our focus will be winning assembly seats which will ultimately help in winning Lok Sabha seats. The BJP has targeted 50 per cent of votes in each polling booth," he said.

Samal said if voted to power in the state, the BJP would ensure that the people who have been cheated by chit funds get back their hard-earned money "within 24 hours.

Claiming that the Centre has provided 18.83 lakh crore to Odisha in the last nine years, Samal said, "We demand that the state's BJD government give account of this money to the people."

(With inputs from PTI)
During the bustling New Year rush in Himachal Pradesh's hill state, a mound of waste was observed in a village near the Atal Tunnel. As tourists flooded popular destinations like Manali and Shimla, traffic jams became unprecedented in these areas. Indian Forest Service officer shared an image displaying the piled-up trash in Sissu village near the Atal Tunnel on Sunday.(X/@ParveenKaswan)

Indian Forest Service officer Praveen Kaswan took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday  New Year's Eve  to share an image displaying the piled-up trash in Sissu, a small town within Lahaul Valley, situated approximately 40 km from Manali. Kaswan highlighted the influx of thousands of vehicles passing through the Atal Tunnel and questioned the responsibility of visitors in managing their waste, tagging Healing Himalayas founder Pradeep Sangwan. This organisation is dedicated to clearing the Himalayas of tourist-generated waste.

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What we are leaving behind in hills !! This is village Sissu - once you cross Atal tunnel the first two villages are Sissu & Khoksar. Now thousands of vehicles are entering Atal tunnel everyday. Arent people supposed to take their trashes back!! Kaswan, known for frequently sharing nature-related images, expressed concern.

The Healing Himalayas founder echoed the sentiment, posting the same image on their X account and saying, Close to 10000 vehicles entered Atal tunnel during long weekend. Two small villages Sissu & Khoksar currently enjoying the max benefit but the amount of trash left behind is a cause of concern. Unless & until as a community if we arent worried nothing is going to change. Our waste management facility in the village Khoksar will be operational from mid April 2024. Hoping for a collaborative approach.

Responding to Kaswan's post about littering in the Himalayas, the founder mentioned,We have built our material recovery facility in village Khoksar to handle solid waste. It will be operational from April & hopefully we will be able to streamline it by mid September. The only issue after that will be littering & its collection. Fragile ecosystem needs different approach compared to rest of the world.

The foundation has established five material recovery facilities in Himachal Pradesh for their mission and was mentioned during one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat edition.

New Year rush in Himachal Pradesh

Tourists are flocking to the hills of Himachal Pradesh for the winter carnival and New Year festivities, drawn by the delightful weather and clear skies. According to a senior police officer, Shimla welcomed around 150,000 visitors on Christmas, and anticipates between 80,000 to 100,000 tourists for the upcoming New Year celebrations. Videos shared by news agencies, including PTI and ANI, depicted the bustling scenes: tourists gathering at popular spots like Kufri for New Year's celebrations, while authorities in Lahaul and Spiti conducted drone surveillance due to the substantial influx of visitors during this period.
To get a sense of how Indian foreign policy evolved over the year, examine New Delhis approach to G20, the biggest multilateral process and event of 2023; its relationships with the great powers (US, Russia and China); its treatment of the immediate and extended neighbourhood (South, Southeast and West Asia); and its role in the global south, the wide descriptor for the poor and developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Pushing the agenda of digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion in the G20 was a way to showcase Indias finest innovation of the century on the global stage. (PTI)

The examination throws up a report card where India scores high marks on most fronts. But it also gives a sense of areas of weakness where, unless Indian diplomacy does its homework more rigorously and collaborates with the right actors at the right time, unanticipated questions can interrupt its progress to the next stage.

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A year of accomplishmentsLeading a bloc of the worlds 20 most powerful economies by turn, in itself, is not an accomplishment. But transforming the nature of the grouping by democratising its agenda and participation, ensuring a common declaration when members of the group are, literally and figuratively, at war with each other, and positioning itself as the voice of the global south, is.

That is what India did in 2023 with its G20 presidency, scoring a win in its quest to push an agenda of reformed multilateralism. Holding G20 meetings outside the Capital may have been a part of the domestic political recalibration where foreign policy achievements are used as a tool of electoral mobilisation, but it did create a sense of ownership and interest in a process that was largely handled by technocrats. It also exposed the worlds political and bureaucratic elite to an India outside Delhi. Convening two voice of the global south summits and getting the African Union into the group gave India greater legitimacy to speak for the developing world and present an alternative to Chinas predatory models of outreach.

On the substance, finding a language that was acceptable to all sides on Ukraine, with a focus on the adverse implications of the war, reflected diplomatic dexterity. Pushing the agenda of digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion in the G20 was a way to showcase Indias finest innovation of the century on the global stage. Offering a road map to reform multilateral development banks and link it with enhancing climate finance, while keeping the developmental mandate of the banks intact, was a major contribution. And these were just some of the achievements that will now be carried over by the Brazilian presidency.

Deepening ties with what remains the worlds most formidable power is, in itself, not an accomplishment, especially when the relationship has been on an upward trajectory for over two decades. But transforming the quality of the relationship to work together on global issues, leveraging the power of the US to enhance Indian capabilities in the domains of the future, and managing divergences as diplomacy plays out in the public, is.

That is what India did in 2023 with the unveiling of the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (iCET) in January. This opened the doors for discussions on a defence industrial road map, co-production and tech transfer on jet engines, semiconductor investments by American majors, collaborating from the very start on setting the rules of the road for artificial intelligence and leveraging the new tech, and preparing both systems to tweak their rules to deepen ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to Washington DC, and President Joe Bidens visit to Delhi, and the innumerable cabinet-level exchanges between the two countries reflected trust and deeper engagement.

India did so while maintaining ties with Russia, even deepening it where it helps national interests. Russia may be weaker than it was in February 2022, but it seems stronger than it was in January 2023 given the ground situation in Ukraine and the uncertainty around support to Kyiv in western capitals. This makes Delhis decision not to cast its lot with the anti-Russia western coalition a smart calculation.

At the same time, India continued to deepen its connectivity and political relationships with Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka while dealing with difficult regimes in Maldives and Myanmar. It deepened ties with Saudi Arabia and UAE across a range of domains, including sensitive security and intelligence matters while also collaborating with Israel. Look out for new energy on the India-Brazil-South Africa axis as the three serve as the troika for G20. Tokyo remains Delhis closest friend in Asia and Paris is by far its closest friend in Europe. India also invested in ties with Latin American countries. It stepped up its development assistance and economic engagement in Africa. And it reoriented its own posture to focus on natural resources, tech, climate, supply chains, investment possibilities and trade  all areas which will be essential to sustaining Indias rise.

A year of challenges But Indian diplomacy also had a challenging time.

For one, holding the line against China, when Beijing has violated every past border agreement and entered territory India considers its own, has been difficult and expensive. But embarking on a diplomatic strategy that banks on creating wider deterrence in the region and enhances costs for China, focusing on internal capacity building to reduce dependence on China on critical goods in the medium term, and ensuring that normal diplomatic ties rest on a return to peace and tranquillity at the border on mutually acceptable terms is, in a situation of great power asymmetry, a modest achievement. India did all of this in 2023.

But this doesnt mean that the Chinese challenge is any less salient. At the macro level, Beijing will remain the biggest obstacle to India achieving its global aims and interests. At the border, China will constantly seek to make territorial gains, boost its military infrastructure and presence, and bleed India. In the vicinity, China will continue to reinforce Pakistans capabilities and expand its political role in the smaller states of South Asia to contain Delhi. Across western capitals, China will engage in operations to undermine Indias ties with Europe and the US. And on the economy, China will hope to continue locking India into patterns of dependence to limit its geopolitical leverage.

The second challenge India encountered in 2023 came first from Canadas allegations that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and then a US department of justice indictment implicating an Indian official in an assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Delhi chose to respond to Ottawa with belligerence, painting Canada as a hub of extremism and violence targeted at India, and Washington DC with patience, promising to examine the allegations through a formally constituted investigation committee.

But this challenge will persist over the new year. Indias image as a responsible power is at stake. Countering narratives about how its internal political trajectory is getting reflected in its external behaviour will be important. The issue of Indias political judgment and control over intelligence agencies is being discussed in the West. How Delhi deals with an increasingly divided diaspora, where this diaspora is both a factor in Indian politics and national security as well as a factor in the politics of the country which they have made home, will pose dilemmas. And how India insulates its larger strategic relationships with the West while dealing with the specific charges at hand remains work in progress.

The third challenge, of course, remains in the realm of unanticipated events. Note how maritime trade routes into India from the Gulf have suddenly emerged as a serious security concern. The evolution of Israels brutal war against Gaza (for it is no longer a war just against Hamas) will reshape West Asian geopolitics. Political changes in the neighbourhood will alter security calculus abruptly. The threat of cross border terror may have diminished but is always alive till Pakistans polity is the way it is. Developments in Myanmar pose a challenge across the northeast. Domestic electoral divisions can have external ripple effects. And Chinas aggression in East Asia will have to be constantly watched.

But Indias demography, growth rates, hard power capabilities, soft power reach, political status as a relatively stable democracy, its edge in tech talent, the size of its market, geography and the political leaderships careful use of these strengths to add to its strategic muscle means that Delhis rise as a global player in 2023 will sustain in the future.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad international working president Alok Kumar on Sunday said there is no politics behind the invitations to the Ram Temple inauguration event on January 22. All chiefs of the major political parties have been invited to the ceremony. "Had there been any politics, would Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge ji been invited?" the VHP president said. "I went to invite Kharge ji personally. VHP and Trust officials went to invite Adhir ji and Ram Mandir panel chief Nripendra Mishra went to invite Sonia Gandhi. We want them to come. And if we are inviting the opposition leaders, then what is the problem in inviting PM Modi?" the VHP leader said. Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have been invited to the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22(ANI)

Ram Temple event: List of rituals in Ayodhya between January 16 to January 22

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"We have invited Sonia Gandhi as she is the chairman of the Congress Parliamentary Board chairman. Had there been any politics, why would she be invited? And I am saying this again if they come, we will welcome them with respect. All presidents of major political parties have been invited. This event belongs to the entire country and they all are welcome," the VHP leader said.

The Congress has not yet clarified its official stance on whether Sonia Gandhi, Kharge and Adhir Chowdhury will attend the event as it has already spelt trouble. While several INDIA party leaders are in favour of attending the grand event of the Ram Temple consecration, Kerala Samastha, an association of eminent Sunni scholars, initially condemned the Congress for its indecisiveness.

Ram Temple event: Who was invited, who is planning to miss

INDIA ally Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Hemant Soren said he would like to attend the event if he is invited. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) slammed the BJP for not inviting Uddhav Thackeray -- and for hijacking the event. Congress leader Sam Pitroda drew flak for saying that Ram Temple becoming a national issue bothered him, but the party dissociated itself from the comment and said it was Sam's personal opinion.

Controversy in Kerala over Ram Temple event

The Congress has accused the ruling CPM in Kerala of creating controversy over the invitation to the Ram Temple event. Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan said, "The CPI(M) is politicising Ayodhya. The Congress, as a party, has not been invited to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. A few individuals have been invited. The party will think about it and take a decision on it."

Muslim League and Samastha, meanwhile, have softened their stance and said political parties are free to take independence decision on this matter.
New Year's Eve in UAE: 2023 is about to end and 2024 is all set to begin. As we gear up to welcome a new year with our arms wide open, this is also the time to reminisce about the memories we have created over the past one year, the lessons we have learnt, the mistakes we have made and the successes we have worked hard through. On the last day of the year, people gather together and countdown to the beginning of another year as they leave this year behind and embrace hope and promises of a better tomorrow. Resolutions are made for the new year and people plan on achieving new goals for the year. This is also that time of the year when several interesting traditions are followed to welcome the new year. While people in India burn an effigy of an old man, people in Spain follow the tradition of eating twelve grapes. New Year's Eve in UAE: Watch fireworks at Dubai's Burj Khalifa; check out the live streaming(Unsplash)

New Year's Eve in UAE is a spectacular watch as the tallest building in the world  Burj Khalifa is all set to light up with fireworks, LED shows and waterworks. A day before New Year's Eve, Dubai Media Office shared a glimpse of the ten months of preparations that went behind making New Year announcement at Burj Khalifa, a spectacular watch for the entire world. The video was shared on their official Twitter handle. With 15,682 pyrotechnics to be launched from 365 strategic firing positions and over 2,800 unique locations, and 22,000 gallons of water fired into the air, the New Years Eve celebrations are about to be gigantic.

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ALSO READ: Happy New Year's Eve: Best wishes, images, quotes, SMS, greetings, WhatsApp and Facebook status to share with loved ones

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Ahead of the festivities, Dubai Police has decided to start closing roads around Downtown Dubai from 4 PM for security reasons. While the ticket for watching the show in person is already sold off online, the magnificent show will be streamed live on EMAAR Dubai's official YouTube Channel.

The symphony of light, sound and waterworks is sure to make New Year celebrations remarkable.
People love solving brain teasers and if youre searching for enjoyable puzzles to solve as we move into 2024, then we have a few that will keep you hooked for quite some time. So, are you ready to dive deep into brain-teasing challenges? Brain Teasers: How quickly can you solve these puzzles?(X and Reddit/STEM_HUB_ and Ro5-3448)

1- Can you solve this cow puzzle?

The first puzzle sounds simple, but it is actually quite challenging. It requires puzzle enthusiasts to use basic maths to determine how much money an individual earned by selling a cow. The question reads, I bought a cow for $800. I sold it for $1,000. I bought it again for $1,100. I sold it again for $1,300. How much did I earn?

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2- Can you track the criminals route from Miami to Seattle?

This one will prompt you to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes to track the movements of a criminal who travelled from Miami to Seattle. The only hint is that he opted for the most economical air route. Can you trace the criminals steps?

3- What has cities but no houses...?

The third brain teaser on the list can only be solved if you think of an out-of-the-box solution. The question is, What has cities but no houses, forests but no trees and river but no water? Can you deduce it?

4- 90% will fail to solve this one

Are you a maths whiz? If you think so, then solve this maths problem using mental calculations. According to the question, if the sum of one and a half apples is equal to 60 and that of two oranges is 10, then find out the product of two apples and half an orange.

5- Can you decode the names of two countries?

Do you think you are a puzzle master? Wait until you solve this one. The brain teaser reads, Name a country which has another country completely inside it, but the two do not share a border. There are at least 2! Do you think you can solve the puzzle?

Were you able to solve all these brain teasers all by yourself? If yes, how quickly?
Every civilized human being abhors the rape and massacre of innocents by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel. So too, every civilized human being abhors the deaths of innocents, Israeli and Palestinian, resulting from military action.

The Gaza Death Toll cartoon by Adam Zyglis presented a treacherously erroneous view of who is responsible for the deaths in Gaza following the October 7 slaughter. Just as the cross is a symbol of Christianity, and the star and crescent a symbol of Islam, the six-pointed star of David is the universally recognized symbol representing the Jewish religion and people across the globe.

Shown as the faucet handles, the star of David image intimates that the 15 million Jews worldwide are directly or indirectly culpable for the civilian casualties in Gaza. That these Gaza deaths are the result of a Jewish war on innocents is a clear, but perhaps unintended, expression of vile antisemitism that perpetuates and foments hate.

Factually however, the State of Israel sent the Israel Defense Forces to Gaza following atrocities committed against Israeli (Jew and Arab) civilians on October 7. While that is not disputable, certainly people are free to criticize and disapprove of the Israeli government's military response to end the hostage crisis and provide lasting security.

Zyglis could have chosen many other faucet handle symbols to represent the State of Israel, such as the Israeli flag, or a tank with IDF emblazoned on it, or even a caricature of Bibi. Any of these images would have preserved our ability to freely criticize political positions without painfully condemning Judaism. As a free society, we must strive to preserve the firewall between the political leadership of a country and the religious beliefs held by their populace. The tragic Gaza civilian deaths are caused by the Israeli military, and the military actions should be debated without the horrendous condemnation of the Jewish people.

On the eve of 2024, let us all strive to implement some essential New Years resolutions: eradication of antisemitism and prejudice in all its iterations; mutual respect especially for those with whom we disagree; peaceful solutions worldwide. Add a New Years fervent wish for the safe return of the Gaza hostages, and a permanent peace for all peoples.

Elad Levy

Amherst
A $78 million settlement has been reached between McKinsey and Co., a consulting firm, and a group of insurers and healthcare funds who accused the firm of contributing to the opioid addiction crisis through its work with drug manufacturers. FILE PHOTO: McKinsey's $78M agreement in insurers' lawsuit. REUTERS/George Frey/File Photo(REUTERS)

The settlement was disclosed in court documents on Friday night in a federal court in San Francisco. It still needs the approval of a judge.

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The settlement would create a fund that McKinsey would use to pay back insurers, private benefit plans and others who incurred costs related to prescription opioids.

The insurers claimed that McKinsey collaborated with Purdue Pharma, the producer of OxyContin, to design and implement marketing and sales strategies that were aggressive and aimed at overcoming the reluctance of doctors to prescribe the highly addictive drugs.

ALSO READ| Last US lighthouse keeper, bids adieu to history's beacon

The insurers said that this resulted in them having to pay for prescription opioids instead of safer, non-addictive and cheaper alternatives, such as over-the-counter pain relievers. They also had to cover the costs of treating opioid addiction.

$78M settlement adds to previous agreements

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, almost 280,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives to overdoses of prescription opioids from 1999 to 2021. The insurers alleged that McKinsey continued to work with Purdue Pharma even after the severity of the opioid crisis became evident.

The settlement is part of a long-running effort to hold McKinsey responsible for its role in the opioid epidemic. In February 2021, the firm agreed to pay close to $600 million to U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. In September, the firm announced another settlement of $230 million with school districts and local governments.

ALSO READ| McKinsey to cut 2,000 jobs in one of its biggest layoffs: Report

When asked for a comment on Saturday, McKinsey referred to a statement it issued in September.

As we have stated previously, we continue to believe that our past work was lawful and deny allegations to the contrary, the firm said, adding that it settled to avoid lengthy litigation.

McKinsey said it stopped working with clients on any business related to opioids in 2019.
United Nations, Dec 31 (PTI) As wars and conflicts raged around the world this year, India pressed for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve them and gave a consistent clarion call for reformed multilateralism amid failures by a polarised UN Security Council to maintain international peace. HT Image

India, which became the worlds most populous country in 2023, emerged as the voice of the Global South as it presided over the G20, the grouping of the worlds largest economies, throughout the year.

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At a time when the world, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pointed out, was witnessing sharp East-West polarisation and deep North-South divides, India brought its G20 thematic message of One Earth, One family, One Future to the global stage, including at the United Nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading an unprecedented Yoga Day celebration at the UN headquarters on June 21, urged the international community to use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world, and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future.

Let us join hands together to realise the goal of - One Earth, One family, One Future, Modi said as he led the historic yoga session at the expansive North Lawn in the UN headquarters, nine years after he had first proposed from the UN General Assembly podium to mark International Yoga Day as an annual commemoration.

Indias call for unity and adherence to diplomacy and dialogue to find effective solutions to crises was also reiterated by Jaishankar at the annual high-level UN General Assembly session in September.

Greeting global leaders from the iconic UNGA lectern with Namaste from Bharat, Jaishankar said the world was witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil and stresses have been aggravated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and repercussions of ongoing conflicts, tensions and disputes.

At this juncture, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility that India took up the Presidency of the G20. Our vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few, Jaishankar said.

The G20 Summit in Delhi affirmed that "diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over," Jaishankar told world leaders.

Jaishankar highlighted that the Summit of the Future to be hosted in September next year by the United Nations should serve as a serious opportunity to drive change, champion fairness and reform multilateralism, including the expansion of the Security Council memberships.

The calls for reforming multilateral institutions such as the UN and particularly the Security Council came from the highest echelons of the world body when Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave a clarion call to reform the powerful 15-nation UN organ in line with the world of today and based on equity.

The UN chief told world leaders at the high-level UNGA session that the Council reflects the political and economic realities of 1945 and risks becoming part of the problem instead of solving it.

"Our world is becoming unhinged. Geopolitical tensions are rising. Global challenges are mounting. And we seem incapable of coming together to respond, Guterres said.

"I have no illusions. Reforms are a question of power. I know there are many competing interests and agendas. But the alternative to reform is not the status quo. The alternative to reform is further fragmentation. Its reform or rupture, he said.

The failure of the Security Council to act in times of global crises was sharply evident during the Ukraine conflict and yet again in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas.

India voiced deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian life in the latest Israel-Palestine conflict and urged the parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and restarting direct negotiations through de-escalation and ending violence.

The Councils failure to act on multiple occasions towards achieving a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza war, due to vetoes cast by permanent members, again raised concerns and questions about its effectiveness in dealing with crises and underlined the need for urgent reforms.

Guterres invoked Article 99, a rare and dramatic constitutional move under the United Nations Charter to appeal to the Security Council for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and to avert a "humanitarian catastrophe, which he said has potentially irreversible implications for Palestinians and peace and security in the region.

This was the first time that Guterres invoked Article 99 of the Charter since he became UN Secretary-General in 2017. Article 99 states that the Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.

Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said that as a member of the Global South, India shares its collective angst that on issues of core concern to the South, we have no voice at the high table.

In a scathing criticism of the present composition of the UN's top organ, Kamboj said the Security Council of yesterday is always late today and questioned whether 1945s security plumbing will work in the year 2023.

If the trillion dollar question is to ensure peace, do we have a peace infrastructure representative of the current times and contemporary realities? Kamboj said.

Kamboj questioned whether 2023 is the new 1945, referring to the year when the powerful UN body came into existence.

She said that during the annual high-level UNGA session in September this year, there were unequivocal calls for comprehensive and meaningful reforms from more than 85 global leaders.

These calls must be answered. We must all realise that the clock is ticking, and turning the other way in the face of global challenges is just not an optionMultilateral institutions rarely die, they simply fade into irrelevance, Kamboj said.

The G4 nations of Brazil, Germany, India and Japan also said that these days, the world is faced with a proliferation of crises that dramatically impact international peace and security. More than ever, we need a representative and well-functioning Security Council to fulfil its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. To make progress towards that goal is our responsibility.

Amid deep divisions and inaction at the world body, India underlined messages of unity, bridging divides and sustainability - from the commemoration of International Yoga Day that created a Guinness World Record for the participation of people of most nationalities to the promotion of millets after the year 2023 was designated as 'International Year of Millets.

Guterres, who attended the G20 Leaders Summit hosted in Delhi in September, voiced concern that people are suffering, the world is hurting and the planet is burning.

"Indias G20 Presidency reminded us that we are one earth and one family with one future. So lets act like it, the UN chief said.
Kate Middleton is "avoiding attacks" on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry despite being "strategic", a royal expert told GB News. She refrains from using her style choices to send "direct messages" to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Jennifer Von Walderdorff, a Sustainable Fashion Consultant said. Britain's Kate, the Princess of Wales, and Prince Louis meet well-wishers after attending the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church.(AP)

The royals wear looks strategically. It is part of their role to not offend the King, the institution, the country or the company that they're hosting or being hosted by. Depending on the occasion or engagement - they will ensure they are in keeping with the environment and remain either neutral or inoffensive, Jennifer Von Walderdorff said.

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The Princess of Wales avoids "hidden agendas" with her clothing, she said, explaining, "But [for Kate] having a nefarious hidden agenda, this feels unlikely."

To wear colour in support of a charity, country and celebration is 'on brand' with the royals in general. Kate will continue to wear strategically put-together looks, as it is simply her duty, more so now as a princess, the expert added.

Kate Middleton has been criticised by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, both in the the former's memoir and the couple's Netflix docuseries.

The fashion consultant claimed: "From my perspective, there is no direct attack on Meghan and Harry, but more so playing by the rules and [she] does that the best. Meghan has spoken up about how it is important not to detract from senior royals by the colour and style choices worn and [the need] to play the role perfectly. So Kate will ensure she plays by the rules and doesn't put herself in the firing line."
North Korea said it is planning to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong Un warned that US policy is making war inevitable, state media reported on Sunday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaking at the 9th Plenary Session of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) at the Party's Central Committee headquarters building in Pyongyang. (AFP)

"If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces .... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept," Kim said as he lashed out at the US in lengthy remarks wrapping up five days of ruling party meetings that set economic, military and foreign policy goals for the coming year, Reuters reported citing state news agency KCNA.

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"Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula," he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

Kim ordered the military to prepare to pacify the entire territory of South Korea, including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack. The North Korean leader's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States.

Stating that he could not overlook the return of such weapons which according to him completely transformed South Korea into a "forward military base and nuclear arsenal" of the United States, Kim said he had no choice but to press forward with his nuclear ambitions and forge deeper relations with other countries that oppose the US. North Korea has deep relations with both China and Russia.

South Korea will also hold a parliamentary election in April that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned on Thursday that there is a high possibility that North Korea could unexpectedly conduct military provocations or stage a cyberattack in 2024, when fluid political situations are expected with the elections.

Kim has also ruled out the possibility of unifying with South Korea, and the country must fundamentally change its principles and direction toward South Korea.

"North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war," the 39-year-old North Korean leader said, calling the South a colonised state completely dependent on the United States for national defence and security.

What does Kim Jong Un's warning mean?

According to experts, North Korea will maintain a campaign of military pressure to try to increase any leverage around the US presidential elections in November, which could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who traded in both threats and historic diplomacy with Kim.

"Pyongyang might be waiting out the US presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration," Reuters quoted Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, as saying.

Julianne Smith, US permanent representative to the NATO, said earlier this month the US assessed that the suspected Russian technologies North Korea seeks were related to fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials of that kind. Smith said US intelligence indicates that North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions, news agency AP reported.

The administration of US President Joe Biden said it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more banned missile tests. The US also increased drills and deployed more military assets such as nuclear-armed submarines and large aircraft carriers near the Korean peninsula.

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)
Every year Seattle lights up the night sky with its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks, and there's no shortage of great spots to catch the dazzling displays. From iconic locations to hidden gems, from waterfront wonderlands to rooftop revelry, each promising to ignite your senses and paint your memories with the vibrant hues of fireworks. Here are the top seven spots in Seattle to ring in the celebrations and enjoy the stunning fireworks as we welcome 2024. Seattle lights up the night sky with its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks

New Year's Eve fireworks in Seattle

Seattle Center Armory

Seattle Center Armory will go live with music, food, dancing fountains, and light shows starting 8 PM. The iconic venue provides an energetic ambiance and an excellent viewpoint for the fireworks display. For those opting to watch the show from home, you can catch the one-hour live broadcast on KING 5, starting at 11:35 p.m.

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Space Needle

According to the Seattle Times, around 31, 500 drones will light up the night sky around the Space Needle seven minutes before the clock strikes twelve, kicking off the 32nd annual New Year's at the Needle fireworks extravaganza.

Capitol Hill

This lively pocket of Seattle paints the town with different hues with vibrant celebrations. Catch glimpses of the Space Needle fireworks while exploring Thomas Street Mini Park or Lakeview Boulevard Viewpoint. Then you can explore the heart of Fremont, where restaurants, bars, and unique shops promise an array of experiences to ring in the new year.

Elliott Bay

Head to the shores of Elliott Bay for a waterfront view of the spectacular fireworks. Few of the luxury cruises in lines also offer an array of options to choose from including disc jockey and full-service bar.

Lake Union

Enjoy the reflections of the fireworks on Lake Union. People typically rush to this location to see Seafair's Fourth of July fireworks, and many return for New Year's Eve celebrations for the same purpose. The lake provides a wonderful setting for ringing in the new year.

Magnolia

Magnolia is well known for its picturesque setting. Families love to explore Discovery Park's beaches and pathways, which include famous sites like West Point Lighthouse. The best places to watch fireworks are Ursula Judkins Viewpoint, Open Water Park, and Smith Cove Park, which are about a five-minute drive south into Elliott Bay.

Queen Anne

Go to Queen Anne for the magnificent vistas, and you can look down upon Capitol Hill, Lake Union, and downtown to make your 2024 entry unforgettable.
A year after their Netflix show sparked controversy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have regained their popularity among Americans, according to a new poll by Redfield & Wilton for Newsweek. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)(Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

The poll, conducted on December 8, surveyed 1,500 Americans about their views on the Sussexes, who have been living in Montecito, California, since stepping back from their royal duties.

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The results show that Harry and Meghan have posted their best net approval ratings in ten rounds of polling, reversing the decline they suffered after the release of their Netflix show Prince Harry & Meghan and Harrys memoir Spare.

What the poll states

On December 5, 2022, Harry had a net approval rating of plus 38 while Meghans was plus 23, based on the percentage of people who liked them minus the percentage who disliked them.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry-Meghan told: You need King Charles more than he needs you

But their ratings plummeted after their Netflix show aired on December 8, 2022, featuring Meghans mock curtsy, which some saw as disrespectful to the local culture. Harrys book, which came out a month later, also revealed intimate details about his life, including his experience of getting frostbite on his penis.

By January 2023, Harrys net approval rating had dropped to -7 and Meghans to -13, indicating that more people disliked them than liked them.

However, a year later, on December 8, 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex bounced back, with Harrys net approval rating rising to plus 29 and Meghans to plus 15.

The poll also reveals some interesting differences among different groups of Americans. Meghan was more popular among millennials, with 53 per cent liking her and 16 per cent disliking her, while boomers were the only age group where she was more disliked than liked, with 27 per cent liking her and 38 per cent disliking her.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry's major 2024 challenge: Meghan Markle wants to return to acting

Susexxes political venture

Meghan also had more support from 2020 Joe Biden voters, with 51 per cent approving of her and 17 per cent opposing her, while 2020 Donald Trump voters were more divided, with 29 per cent liking her and 35 per cent disliking her.

Harry, on the other hand, was liked by both Biden and Trump voters, with 58 per cent and 38 per cent respectively viewing him favourably, and 12 per cent and 24 per cent respectively viewing him unfavourably.

The poll suggests that Harry and Meghan have benefited from a period of relative quiet after the media frenzy that followed their Netflix show and Harrys book. It also indicates that they have not been affected by the recent scandal in the UK, where a book by Omid Scobie named King Charles III as the royal who made a racist remark about their unborn child.
This weekend marks the end of an era for Sally Snowman, the last official lighthouse keeper in the US. She is retiring from her duty of caring for the oldest lighthouse in North America, located on a small island in Boston Harbour, where the US history began. Sally Snowman's farewell marks era's end for US lighthouse keeping(Wikipedia)

For 20 years, Snowman, 72, has been the guardian of Boston Light Beacon on Little Brewster Island, which will soon be sold to a private owner. The new owner will have to preserve the historic lighthouse, which was declared a national landmark and received government funding to keep it manned in 1964, making it the last lighthouse in the country with a staff.

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Its a fairy tale come true

Snowman, who likes to wear 18th-century clothing to welcome visitors to her island home, said in an interview with US public radio that she had a lifelong dream of becoming a lighthouse keeper since she was 10 years old and visited the lighthouse for the first time.

Its sort of a metaphysical type of thing that  I felt something so deeply in my heart and in my cells and the space between the cells that it came into fruition. Its a fairy tale come true, she told NPR.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry & Meghan Markle win Americans' hearts anew

The lighthouse was built in 1716, nearly 100 years after the first European settlers arrived. It was destroyed by the British in 1776, three years after the Boston Tea Party sparked the revolution against their rule. It was rebuilt the following year.

Snowman became the 70th keeper of Boston Light in 2003, and the first woman to hold the position. She is also the last one, as the lighthouse is now fully automated and operates as a navigational aid, along with a foghorn.

What a way to go

Snowman had worked at the lighthouse for 10 years before becoming its keeper and has authored three books about it. She said her favourite spot to meditate was on a deck that surrounds the top of the tower.

Seeing the far expanse of the universe, the sunrises, the sunsets  they are phenomenal, she said.

To me, they were never the same twice. The sea was never the same twice. The cloud cover was never the same. It was like dying and go[ing] to heaven.

She said she also enjoyed the thrill of living through storms and blizzards, with snow and the sea just pounding on the back of the house and every window, and added philosophically, If the house got washed off the island during the storm when I was asleep, what a way to go.

ALSO READ| US prosecutors urge court to reject Trump's immunity claim in 2020 polls case

She also said she expected that the new owners and their staff would continue the traditions of the lighthouse keeper, as she had done, even though the job itself is no longer relevant.

Many of them will dress up in costume to tell that story. So what were doing is just turning a new page, Snowman told the station.

What I see now is, how do we preserve the history? And the way to do this is to do what were doing right now, talking about keeping these places alive.
U.S. Navy helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely responded to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou. The Singapore-flagged Hangzhou issued a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. local time, reporting four Houthi small boats attacking. FILE - A 20mm Phalanx CIWS weapons defense cannon is mounted on the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gravely on March 14, 2023. The U.S. military said Sunday Dec. 31, 2023 it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired toward a container ship by Yemens Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. A contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, the central command said. U.S. helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and GRAVELY responded to the distress call and while issuing verbal warnings to the attackers, the small boat crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.(AP)

"The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew-served and small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel," according to Central Command.

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Firefight in the Red Sea: How it unfolded

Houthi boats, armed with crew-served weapons, approach within 20 meters of the Maersk ship. U.S. helicopters issued verbal warnings, but the Houthi boats open fired, leading to a fierce exchange.

While "in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew-served weapons and small arms," says Central Command.

Service members aboard the Navy helicopters return fire, sinking three of the four small boats and killing the crews. The fourth boat flees the area.

Also Read | US sanctions funding for Houthis amid Red Sea threats

Impact on global shipping and security

The clash marks the 23rd Houthi attack in six weeks, raising concerns for companies transiting the Red Sea. Maersk pauses transits for 48 hours, assessing security, as incidents prompt some to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. The U.S. establishes Operation Prosperity Guardian, a naval task force ensuring safe passage for commercial ships.

Houthis, conflict, and global ramifications

Houthi attacks escalate amid conflicts in the Middle East, with implications for global shipping routes. The incident sheds light on the intersection of personal beliefs, industry fallout, and the power of social media in today's interconnected world.

The U.S. military has not struck directly at the Houthis in Yemen, wary of an escalation that could cause the war in Gaza to further inflame the Middle East.
The US shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels, responding to a call by a merchant vessel in the Southern Red Sea. In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall and amphibious assault ship USS Bataan transit the Bab al-Mandeb strait on Aug. 9, 2023. (AP/Representative Image)

The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned container ship, Maersk Hangzhou, had reported being struck by a missile at 8:30 p.m. Sanaa time, the US Central Command said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

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Responding to the ships request for assistance, the US shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

There are no reported injuries, Centcom said.

This marks the 23rd attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19. The US and a number of other nations have formed a maritime task force to respond to the Red Sea attacks.
US Navy helicopters sank three vessels operated by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels that had attacked a container ship in the Red Sea, the military said Sunday. After the Houthis fired on the US helicopters, they "returned fire in self-defense", sinking three of four small boats that had come within 20 meters of the ship, and killing the crews.(AFP/Representational image)

After the Houthis fired on the US helicopters, they "returned fire in self-defense", sinking three of four small boats that had come within 20 meters of the ship, and killing the crews, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

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"The fourth boat fled the area," it added.

CENTCOM said the navy responded to a request for assistance from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned and operated container ship that reported coming under attack for a second time in 24 hours while transiting the Red Sea.

The vessel had earlier been targeted with two anti-ship ballistic missiles that the US military shot down.

One of the missiles, both launched from Huthi-controlled Yemen, hit the Maersk Hangzhou.

The Huthis have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is battling militant group Hamas.

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 this month to protect Red Sea shipping.

The latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict began when the Palestinian militant group carried out a shock cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7 that killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The United States rushed military aid to support Israel, which has carried out a relentless campaign in Gaza that has killed at least 21,672 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

Those deaths have sparked widespread anger in the Middle East and provided an impetus for attacks by armed groups across the region that are opposed to Israel.

US forces in Iraq and Syria have also repeatedly come under fire from drone and rocket attacks that Washington says are being carried out by Iran-backed armed groups.
As lifelong subscribers to The Buffalo News, we are disgusted and appalled by the Adam Zyglis Gaza Death Toll cartoon. Horrified actually. The display of historically racist tropes and politically ignorant imagery is shocking and your paper should condemn Zyglis in the strongest possible terms.

Using the Star of Davidsymbolic of all Jewsto represent a government against whom the artist purports to take a political stance is antisemitism in its purest form. Imagine using the Islamic Star and Crescent symbol to criticize the Syrian regimes Dec. 1 massacre, or the Pan-African flag to raise awareness of Boko Harams kidnapping of Nigerian schoolgirls. Such irresponsible generalization would never be tolerated in your paper. Yet Zyglis lazy (or perhaps purposeful) doodle gives voice to the most heinous Jewish conspiracies ever propounded by the Third Reich. Indeed, the #StopAntisemitism X account described it as a horrifying Nazi era cartoon.

This type of incendiary messaging was a direct cause of the Tops shooting. The distance between the editorial office and racially motivated hate killings gets smaller and smaller as the media gets quicker and quicker. The obvious fear is that somebody with a gun, and perhaps a psychiatric illness, will see dehumanizing cartoons like this and act on it.

The drawing itself manifests a disregard of the reality that Israel has never ever started a war, and has endured the attacks of terrorists passively - until Hamas decided to murder 1,200 civilians and kidnap, torture, decapitate and rape hostages. To blame Jews, or even Israel, for the death and destruction in Gaza, when all counterattacks by Israel would stop the moment the hostages are released, is not logical. But hate, bigotry and discrimination is of course not logical. Zyglis should take a page out of Kanyes book and apologize for his blatant antisemitism. The paper should do the same.

Steven, Pam and Scott Cohen

Williamsville
When I first looked at the cartoon in the Dec. 26 mornings paper, all I noticed at first was Biden sleeping. It was when my gaze shifted to the right and saw the the Star of David faucets dripping blood and skeletons, that I suddenly became aware of what exactly I was seeing. This obscene scribble is Zyglis rendition of the blood libel propaganda used against the Jewish people since medieval times.

This outrageous atrocity drawn by another Buffalonian right here in my own hometown paper only makes it more horrific and more personal.

I am aghast that this was approved for publication. It reeks of virulent antisemitism and gives credence to a terrorist group that attacked Israel during a ceasefire, already in effect.

Twelve hundred innocent people were butchered in Israel barbarically and more than two hundred innocent civilians were kidnapped yet these facts are not mentioned in the zeal of Adam Zyglis horrendous offering.

The entire staff of the Buffalo News should hang their heads in shame.

City of good neighbors. bah!

Arlene Braun

Willamsville
Richard Romanus, the actor best known for starring as loan shark Michael Longo in the 1973 crime film Mean Streets, has died. He was 80.

The actor died Dec. 23 at a private hospital in Volos, Greece, his son, Robert, told The Hollywood Reporter.

After graduating from Xavier University in 1964, Romanus enrolled in law school before dropping out and moving to New York City to take drama classes with Lee Strasberg at the legendary Actors Studio. He made his big-screen debut in the 1968 horror film The Ghastly Ones alongside Veronica Rayburn, Hal Borske, and Maggie Rogers.

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Richard Romanus

After spotlight appearances on several television shows, Romanus found success as Michael, a moneylender whom Robert de Niros character publicly ridicules in Martin Scorseses Mean Streets. In 1981, he became a series regular on the ABC crime series Strike Force as Det. Lt. Charlie Gunzer until its cancellation the following year.

Romanus went on to have a prolific television career, starring on several popular shows, including Mission: Impossible, Kojak, Charlies Angels, Starsky & Hutch, Hawaii Five-O, The Rockford Files, Fame, Hill Street Blues, MacGyver, The A-Team, Chicago Hope, Diagnosis Murder, Cagney & Lacey, and NYPD Blue. The actor also had a memorable turn as Richard La Penna, the on-again, off-again husband of Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) on The Sopranos from 1999 until 2002.

In addition to his appearances on screen, Romanus lent his voice to several animated films, playing cab driver Harry Canyon in 1981s Heavy Metal, Weehawk in Ralph Bakshis Wizards, and Vinnie in Bakshis Hey Good Lookin. His final film, The Young Black Stallion, was released in 2003.

Romanus married his second wife, Oscar-nominated costume designer Anthea Sylbert, in 1985. The pair went on to write and produce two Lifetime films, 1998s Giving Up the Ghost and 1999s If You Believe, the latter of which was nominated for a Writers Guild of America award. The couple moved to the Greek island of Skiathos in 2004, where Romanus wrote a series of books, including 2011s Chrysalis, 2013s Sketches of Skiathos, and 2014s Matoula's Echo. He also wrote a memoir, Act III, in 2012.

Story continues

Romanus is survived by his wife, his son, and his brother Robert Romanus, who starred as Mike Damone in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

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Maryam Kamangar's been working at Goodwill for 11 years. She began as a volunteer but fell in love with its mission and is now a vice president. The food delivery program is nearing 1 million pounds transported. The program was so successful, the nonprofit was able to obtain a grant to buy a truck dedicated to the program. PreviousNext

Community Hero of the Month: Maryam Kamangar



Goodwill Vice President Maryam Kamangar and Chief of Staff Fran Zarubik talking about grant applications. Zarbik says Kamanger has the 'passion and drive' to make sure people have access to food. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Goodwill Industries' Maryam Kamangar has been selected for the December Community Hero of the Month.

The Community Hero of the Month series runs for the next 11 months in partnership with Haddad Auto. Nominated community members and organizations have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on their community.

Kamangar is going on her 11th year working for Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont.

Everyone has different pathways to help different people, Kamangar said. "And the pathway that I chose was to bring the community together and work with different ideas, and listen to [the community.]"

Kamangar's been working in the nonprofit area for some 40 years. Her first job as a teen was at a for-profit company but switched to nonprofits a year later after not finding enjoyment her work. In addition to Goodwill, she has worked for a few nonprofits in New Jersey and Massachusetts. She has masters' degrees in science and education and in business administration. She was an adjunct professor at the college level and was an area director for various child cares and after-school programs. She fell in love with the mission and values at Goodwill. "I thought, this is the best place that I would like to work and give back to the community," Kamangar said.

She started as a volunteer and has worked her way up to serving at the organization's vice president of executive affairs and territory expansion.

"So we wear many hats at Goodwill. And I do six or seven different things at Goodwill to make sure that the pathway that we have for the community and for ourselves, it's something that we connect the community together," she said.

Some of the ways Kamangar helps fulfill Goodwill's mission is by aiding at the donation center and with donations, grant writing, community development, fundraising, and more.

Goodwill President and CEO David Twiggs said Kamangar is an "agent for change" through her interactions with the community and the initiatives she helped spearhead.

"You can see the magneticness that she had where she would be a part of implementing change for movement," Twiggs said.

"I say movement because you automatically want to think for the better. Yes, it is for the better, but sometimes you have to move laterally to move up. And so, she's really capable of being a change agent for the betterment of humankind."

She has spearheaded multiple Goodwill initiatives including the Goodwill Food Bank Truck and the Suit Your Self program for helping people enter the professional workforce and has been instrumental in store openings.

"She's like a dog with a bone. When she sees something that needs to be done she doesn't stop until it's done," Goodwill Vice President of Mission Services Kathy Anker said.

During the pandemic, many people lost their jobs and the food banks had a great need for food but did not always have the transportation capacity to keep up with the high demand, Kamangar said.

She was a community development manager at that time, and could see the line of cars pull up to the food pantries.

During COVID-19, every nonessential company closed its doors including Goodwill but Kamangar pushed on to continue its mission.

Goodwill's mission is to build "pathways to help individuals pursue their goals through employment, career development, and community support programs," Kamangar said.

With the support from Twiggs and grants from the Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Foundation, the company's trucks  capable of carrying 9,000 pounds  started their engines once again to carry food to food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Between Nov. 17, 2022, to Nov. 16, 2023, the Goodwill Food Bank Truck program helped transport 296,549 pounds of food to 7,091 households. It moved more than a half-million pounds the first two years of the pandemic and, today, the program is close to transporting 1 million pounds of food throughout the Berkshires.

"With 9,000 pounds of food, you can provide all the frozen meat, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, all the frozen meals, dairy, all of that juices and everything. So, it has been a great partnership with the Food Bank [of Western Massachusetts] and the food pantries in this area," Kamangar said.

With the success of the program and now that doors are back open, Goodwill has applied and received a Community Development Block Grant of approximately $145,000 to fund the purchase of a new truck specifically for the food bank program.

It should be in service in about six weeks and the nonprofit will continue to expand its services in 2024 with hopes to add more food pantries over the next 12 months.

"Now we got our own truck, which is going to be specifically for the food truck. The reason we did that was even though we are kind of at the end of the COVID, the people who lost their job, they cannot go back and get those jobs or they physically cannot have the same jobs as in the past," Kamangar said.

Food prices for grocery stores and farmers markets continue to increase, she said. Getting a truck for the Goodwill Food Bank Truck program will allow the nonprofit to help provide healthy food to community members and will help the program grow so it can serve more people.

"Miriam is a Community Hero, because she has the passion and drive to make sure that people who don't have access to food can be served through Goodwill's delivery of food to the food pantries. She volunteers at the food pantries and I know it's in her heart to make sure that we can do the very best for these people," Goodwill Chief of Staff Fran Zarubik said.

"We know that children can't think if they don't have food in their tummies. And we know that adults have problems going to work if they're hungry and she makes sure that they get fed."
Dewey Memorial Hall has received a $15,000 donation toward a $35,000 Mass Cultural grant for a feasibility study and planning.

Dewey Hall Gets $15K Donation Boost Toward Preservation and Planning

SHEFFIELD, Mass.  Dewey Memorial Hall has received a donation boost toward its preservation and planning goals.

Housatonic Heritage has granted a $15,000 Heritage Partnership grant. This will go toward a $35,000 matching grant for feasibility and planning from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities fund announced in July.

"This $15,000 gets us much closer toward raising the match for the MCCF grant. The total cost of the project is unknown, but it is likely to exceed $70,000," said Dewey Hall President Beth Carlson. "This is vital foundational work necessary for the stable future of Dewey Hall."

While working to secure the full match the hall will contract with an architectural firm for an Historic Structures Report that includes a conditions assessment and master plan.

The hall was built on Sheffield's Green in 1887 in memory of Orville Dewey, a community leader and pastor. It served for many years as the town library and community hub.

In recent years the organization responsible for the stewardship of Dewey Memorial Hall have revived the hall with community programming and events, geared toward celebration of the community through a variety of arts. It hosts about 100 gatherings and events a year.

But the building, designed by William Ralph Emerson, has had few alterations in its 135 years. The organization plans to use this foundational work as a stepping stone for long term strategic planning and future capital grants.

A request for proposals was sent out this month to qualified preservation architects with a deadline of Jan. 31 for proposals. A site visit for interested architectural firms is scheduled for Jan. 5. Any firms interested in applying should contact deweymemorialhall@gmail.com.

The hall is also seeking to raise $40,000 through its Reaching for the Stars annual appeal for ongoing operation and preservation of the hall as a community resource. The appeal will culminate in a Celestial Ball on Feb. 10, a new event for the organization.

The annual appeal campaign funds will not be applied toward the Historic Structures Report and master plan. As Carlson stated,

"We have to raise funds for this project over and above our annual campaign donations," said Carlson. "I am confident we will reach both goals. This is a first important step in a long term plan that will create a more secure future for the hall."
Pittsfield Housing Trust Looks to Involvement with CPA Process

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Affordable Housing Trust will offer its expertise for Community Preservation Act applications related to housing.



The panel agreed at its December meeting that it would make recommendations or designate CPA funds for these types of projects. For fiscal 2024, there are three community housing applications including the trust's request for $150,000.



When the AHT was created, this was thought to be one of its functions.



"The [CPA] committee kind of struggled with what's the value of an affordable housing unit and how much money should CPA be awarding and just without having a really concrete background in sort of housing development and housing issues," Director of Community Development Justine Dodds explained.



"That's one of the reasons why we set up this board in addition to all the others."



In FY24, two large-scale housing projects are seeking more than $300,000 in CPA funds.



Allegrone Companies has applied for $350,000 in CPA funds to support a more than $17.9 million project to "transform the downtown city block between Summer Street and Columbus Avenue by way of adaptive reuse" of the historic building and new construction at the former Jim's House of Shoes.



The application is submitted under historic preservation and community housing, as 35 mixed-income residential units are included in the plan.

Chair Betsy Sherman was not at the meeting but had formerly stated that she agreed this falls under thier purview.



The involvement could look like CPA funds that are allocated for housing being turned over to the trust for distribution or the trust making funding recommendations to the Community Preservation Committee.



The AHT was established last year with $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds and received $150,000 in CPA funds last year.



This year, the total CPA ask for open space and recreation, community housing, and historic preservation is about $1.7 million and the city has around $966,000 to disperse. At at least 10% of annual CPA revenues must be set aside in reserve accounts or spent in the categories.
An American bully on a lead

American bully XL dogs in England and Wales must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public now that a new law has come into effect.

Breeding, selling or abandoning them is also illegal as of New Year's Eve.

Owners who want to keep their bully XL have until midnight on 31 January to apply to do so before an outright ban comes into effect.

The curbs follow a number of attacks, but campaigners insist banning the breed is not the answer.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said the government had met a pledge to take "quick and decisive action" following a series of attacks, with one man dying after being attacked by an American bully XL this year.

The breed has been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

To get a Certificate of Exemption, allowing owners to keep their bully XLs, they need to get insurance, neuter their dog, and pay a fee of 92.40.

The guidance is similar to that issued for the four breeds which have already been banned - the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro.

But the RSPCA warned of a "huge risk" that rescue centres and vets will be unable to cope with a likely surge in demand.

Speaking for the charity, Samantha Gaines told the PA news agency: "What is really concerning is because the ban has come in at such a pace that there may be owners who are not ready for this, being able to ensure their dog is happy wearing a muzzle.

"There is some fear that people for whatever reason may have left it a bit late."

She added: "Breed is not a good or reliable predictor of aggressive behaviour."

Dr Gaines suggested that existing laws should be used more effectively to target people who exploit and irresponsibly breed the animals.

Many other animal charities have opposed a ban.

Story continues

The Dog Control Coalition - which includes Battersea, Blue Cross, the Dogs Trust, BVA, the Scottish SPCA, the Kennel Club and Hope Rescue - say breed-specific bans have been proven to be ineffective.

The United Kennel Club in the US has said that an American bully XL "makes an excellent family dog".

"Despite its powerful appearance, their demeanour is gentle and friendly," it said, but also noted that "dog aggression is characteristic of this breed".

The new guidance does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland.

If Scottish ministers agree, then the ban will be applied in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland a ban on an American bully XL would require a separate change to legislation, either by a sitting Assembly and Executive or through an intervention by the Northern Ireland Secretary.
Another Filipino made the country proud as 20-year-old Ivan Dominic Baguio wowed the panelists of the recently concluded Kaspersky Academy Cyber Security for the Next Generation Finals held last June 25-26 at the Royal Holloway, University of London. More details after the jump.

Baguio is a college senior taking up Computer Science at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman. He is a product of his hometowns Cebu City National Science High School  one of the most prestigious secondary schools in the Visayas region.

At the London finals, Baguio was awarded for his presentation as the Best Elevator Pitch from among 14 finalists from 10 countries all over the world.

The citation was given to the Cebu native for his poised delivery of his presentation on the research paper entry which tackled the need for an on-the-fly encryption application for devices running on Android OS.

An on-the-fly encryption is a method that allows for easy access of files within a drive whenever and wherever one is.

Baguio represented the research paper in the competition, which he wrote together with thesis partner and classmate John Carlo Florencio.

I thank all our students for their outstanding performances in this years conference, said Jimmy Fong, Channel Sales Director at Kaspersky Lab South East Asia.

For 2013, we've had very strong contenders for the top prize. At the regional cup, we had 9 out of 15 selected papers from South East Asia, a major feat! And for the finals, our region's best two representatives got each for themselves major victories," Fong said.

"Without a doubt, the quality of papers that has been coming from our region says so much about the students' awareness on cybersecurity issues and the hard work they have put into it. I'm positive that these successes will inspire others that they, too, can come up with more innovative ideas that will make this world safe and protected from cyber criminals, he said.

Prior to the international round of the contest, Baguio was among the 15 finalists in the Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa (Asia-Pacific & MEA) Cup 2013 where he was named as Best Speaker.

The Kaspersky Academy Cyber Security for the Next Generation is an annual student conference on cybersecurity issues which aims to provide a collaborative environment where students, experts, scientists and researchers gather together to present and share their knowledge and ideas, inspiring them to push the limits of IT security technology still further.

In this event, students from all over the world are given the opportunity to present and discuss the most burning issues relating to global cybercrime.

The conference finals is the most exciting part of the competition where 14 finalists from 10 countries competed in the cybersecurity challenges to test their mettle.

Reaching out to students across the world, challenging them and bringing out the best in them is what Kaspersky Academys Cyber Security for the Next Generation is all about, said Nasir Memon, professor with the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and director of the Information Systems & Internet Security laboratory at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University.

Companies dont usually do this sort of thing, he added.

Getting involved with students is important for us all, explained David Preston, head of marketing at Kaspersky Lab. Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial  long may it continue.

In this annual competition, the best research papers by undergraduate and post-graduate students are carefully evaluated by a panel of top global security professionals composed of Kaspersky Lab security experts and academicians from renowned institutes.

Among these entries, only three papers that show outstanding ideas are awarded the overall top prizes in the final round.

Though Philippines Baguio was not able to bring home the bacon, he impressed the judges with his clear and composed manner of presentation during one of the main events in the competition called Dragons CyberDen Challenge.

In this crucial part of the contest, students were asked to make an elevator pitch - a mere two minutes - to persuade the panelists to invest in their respective proposals.

According to Wikipedia, an elevator pitch is a short summary used to define a product or service and its value, in a time span between 30 seconds to two minutes - the approximate time for an elevator ride.

Given the challenge, Baguio did not only impress the judges with his research work but he was able to persuade them to invest in his proposal, winning the task overall.

In all rounds of the student conference, Kaspersky Lab sponsored the invited students travel expenses from airfare to accommodation and city tours.

It was the second time representatives from the Philippines were able to enter the grand finals.

The first was in 2012 where UP Diliman students Joshua Arvin Lat together with thesis group mates Rod Xavier Bondoc and Kevin Charles Atienza bagged the first place for their research paper which proposed a secure online USB-based login system to protect online accounts.

The Filipino teams paper won first prize in the APAC and MEA Cup 2012 held in Hongkong and in the Conference Finals 2012 held in the Netherlands. The group received cash prizes for their wins.

Indonesian student Firman Azhari of Bandung Institute of Technology was declared overall winner of this years Kasperskys tilt for his study entitled Detection of Security Vulnerability in Indonesian Near Field Communication (NFC) Applications.

Application for the next years competition starts in October 2013. Updates are available from the Facebook page of the Kaspersky Academy at on.fb.me/15HQwuz.
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The election commission of Pakistan has rejected former prime minister Imran Khans nomination to contest the 2024 national elections in two constituencies.

According to the election commission officials and the former prime ministers media team, Mr Khan filed nomination papers to contest elections in Lahore and his hometown of Mianwali.

Khans nomination in Lahore was declined due to his lack of registration as a voter in the constituency and his previous conviction, resulting in his disqualification from participating in the elections.

Mr Khan has been in prison since August when he was jailed for three years on charges of illegally selling state gifts, stating that the accusations against the prominent leader were proven. The Islamabad trial court also disqualified him from politics for five years, imposing a ban on his political activities.

Khan is facing more than 170 cases, including charges ranging from contempt of court to terrorism and inciting violence.

The upcoming elections will bring about a new government for a five-year term, entrusted with the crucial responsibility of revitalising Pakistans economy. The country faced imminent default earlier this year, prompting a $3bn bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

The elections also aim to bring an end to the political uncertainty that has prevailed in Pakistan since Mr Khans removal through a parliamentary no-confidence vote last year.

Despite Mr Khans disqualification, he filed nomination papers, claiming to be targeted by the military.

The election commission also rejected nominations from other senior members of the former prime ministers party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Meanwhile, another former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs nomination was accepted, pending a hearing on a life ban on holding public office.

Mr Sharif, who returned from exile, seeks a fourth premiership in the upcoming elections and faces a major challenge from Imran Khan for his support base.

Mr Khans lawyer, Azhar Siddique, said the rejection exposed the election commissions bias. He blamed the commission and invisible forces for his disqualification. Another of his lawyers, Rai Muhammad Ali, described the rejection of Mr Khans papers as an injustice to Pakistan.

We want transparent elections, Mr Ali said. These situations are being deliberately created to evade the election. They are all scared. We will not let them escape.

Additional reporting with agencies
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Some Californians were placed under evacuation warnings this weekend as the National Weather Service reported flooding and high waves.

The Ventura County Fire Department issued an evacuation warning for residents after the National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles reported waves reaching as high as 20 feet on some beaches.

Since Christmas Day, several areas of the Southern and Central California coast have been under warnings of coastal flooding and high surf. Warnings have fluctuated in the week since, with peak waves and flooding hitting the region on Thursday and Saturday.

Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the NWS in Los Angeles, told The Independent a system with strong winds off the countrys northern Pacific coast has caused the high waves.

The winds will create wind waves, and as they travel farther away from the system, we call them swell waves because theyre not only generated by wind, they just keep travelling, Ms Lund said. Those waves from that system travelled all the way to us.

A surfer emerges under the waves in Seal Beach, Calif., Saturday 30 December (AP)

Eight beachgoers were sent to the hospital on Thursday after a major wave hit Californias Ventura Beach, overriding coastal barriers. Major waves are continuing into Saturday, posing a high risk of injury and damage to property, according to the NWS.

Powerful waves and strong rip currents will pose an exceptional risk of ocean drowning and damage to coastal structures like piers and jetties, the NWS reported Saturday. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

Ms Lund said a common saying from the NWS  Never turn your back on the ocean  is particularly apt this weekend.

Just because it seems like youre safe on a pier doesnt necessarily mean you are, Ms Lund said. Bigger waves can come out.

People run on the edge of the flooded beach next to the pier in Seal Beach, California, Saturday, 30 December 2023 (AP)

While tides will go down throughout Saturday, Ms Lund said residents should continue to stay on guard.

A very large wave breaks near the Ventura pier on Saturday 30 December 2023 in Ventura, Calif. (AP)

The beach locations are still very vulnerable and theyre still cleaning up from the damage theyre going through right now, she said. Were likely going to follow the warnings up with any advisory after they expire tonight, so theres still risk.
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Michelle Keegan has opened up about how it felt to be voted sexiest female 12 times.

The 36-year-old actor, who started out her career playing Rovers Return barmaid Tina in ITV soap Coronation Street, won the accolade a dozen times at the British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards between 2008 and 2014.

This was despite her character Tina having hardcore storylines about abortion, murder, surrogacy and perjury across her time on the show.

Speaking in a new interview in The Observer, Keegan said: It was embarrassing. Because I was in a lot of heavy storylines. There was one where I felt like I was crying every day for months and months. And then at the end of it, when the accolade was sexiest female, it was so frustrating.

She added: And the funny thing is, Im not sexy! Ive never been sexy! My friends have always laughed about it. Even when I say the word it makes me cringe.

Keegan said she was never comfortable with the accolade.

On the subject of sexy magazine shoots, she said: Yes, I felt pressure and I am a bit of a people pleaser, I try to go with the flow. But there was something in me that was like, I really dont want this. I dont want to be on the front cover in my underwear. So, eventually, I gathered the courage to ask for a cardigan.

Michelle Keegan with her sexiest female award at the Inside Soap Awards 2011 (Getty Images)

In a 2019 interview with The Independent, Keegan spoke about her experience of the media more generally.

She said that women are more affected by tabloid scrutiny than men. Its like, as soon as you get married, When are you having a child? My husband [reality star Mark Wright] never gets asked that question.

I think its really invasive, for a start, and I used to answer that question all the time, but then I think to myself, well, why do I need to answer that question? Its no ones business.

And I think now, even now, Im still learning how to deal with things like that. I used to blab and go on about it, whereas now Im like, I dont want to answer questions like that, its personal.

Keegan, who has also starred in Our Girl and Brassic, can next be seen in the new Harlan Coben drama, Fool Me Once, out on Netflix on New Years Day.
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Three more people were detained Sunday in connection with a reported threat of an attack on the Cologne Cathedral over the holidays, German authorities said.

The detentions came only days after a 30-year-old Tajik man was detained in relation to an alleged plot to attack the world-famous cathedral by Islamic extremists in the western German city.

The suspects were detained in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne and Dueren in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and their apartments were also searched there. No details about their identities were released.

All of the detained suspects  including the Tajik who was arrested last week  allegedly belong to a larger network that included people across Germany and in other European countries, according to Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns, German news agency dpa reported.

The attack was supposed to have been carried out with a car, dpa reported.

North Rhine-Westphalias Interior Minister Herbert Reul called the detentions a success, for which I would like to thank the investigators."

Islamic extremists have always been active, but they are currently more active than usual, Reul said, according to dpa. The police always try to be a few steps ahead," he added.

Police had received information about a planned militant attack on Cologne Cathedral shortly before Christmas. The attack was to be carried out on New Year's Eve.

The citys world-famous cathedral has been under high protection for a week and the threat led to the closure of the house of worship for tourists since Christmas Eve.

Usually, more than 100,000 tourists visit the cathedral in the last week of the year. In recent days, only worshippers were allowed to enter the building for Mass, but they had to go through thorough security checks involving sniffer dogs.

On Sunday evening, around 1,000 police officers were on duty around the cathedral as revelers began celebrating the end of 2023.
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Watch live as Australia welcomes the New Year with a fireworks display over the iconic Sydney Harbour on 31 December.

The annual celebrations feature two fireworks shows to celebrate New Years Eve. Firstly an eight-minute family fireworks at 9pm, and then a 12-minute display at midnight.

More than a million people are expected to be crowding in Sydney Harbour and the surrounding area to find some excellent vantage points to take in the show.

Drivers have also been asked to leave their cars at home and take public transport due to road closures and a concern of drunk-driving.

Naturally, road closures and warnings of disrupted and lengthened travel times have been issued.

The City of Sydney confirmed the Opera House was at capacity by Sunday afternoon, and all vantage points in the city and in North Sydney were full by around 7pm.
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A man has been stabbed by a dogwalker after confronting him about not picking up his pets mess.

The City of London Police has released CCTV images of the suspect after the vicious street attack in the early hours of Saturday left the victim injured.

According to the force, the victim was stabbed following a confrontation over the suspects dog fouling near the junction of Ropemaker Street and Moorgate.

Detective Sergeant David Honan, from the City of London Police, said: We would like to speak to anyone who recognises the man or has any additional information about the knife attack that took place in the City of London in the early hours of Saturday 16 December.

The attack took place near the junction of Ropemaker Street and Moorgate (The City of London Police)

If you see this man, please do not to approach him, instead contact the police on 020 7601 2222.

We want to reassure City residents and those who come into the City to work and socialise, that a full and thorough investigation is underway.

Thankfully, the victims injuries were not life-threatening.

Anyone with information can alternatively email cidmain@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk using the reference 770896 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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A mother whose daughter was killed when a Land Rover ploughed into a southwest London school was unable to give her a final hug because of the extent of her own injuries.

On a summers morning in July, Nuria Sajjad, eight, had enjoyed an end-of-term tea party at the all-girls preparatory school in Wimbledon and had just read out her hopes and dreams for the holiday, which included a trip to the Isle of Wight.

Less than one minute before the black-and-gold vehicle ploughed into the playground, she had posed for a photograph with her mother Smera Chohan, which shows the two smiling widely to celebrate the start of the school holiday.

Nuria was killed when a Land Rover crashed in a school playground (PA)

While her mother suffered eight broken ribs, a broken shoulder and pelvis and needed to undergo three surgical operations, Nurias injuries were fatal and she passed away in hospital three days later.

As a result of her own injuries, Ms Chohan was unable to hug her daughter goodbye, despite being placed in a wheelchair next to her as the life-support machine was switched off.

I didnt get to give her the last hug that I so badly miss now. If I could, I would go back. Because of my own broken body and hers, I couldnt lift her up in my arms to say goodbye. Its never going to make sense. It is never going to be OK, she said.

Nurias classmate, Selena Lau, was also killed in the incident, while more than a dozen others were injured. The driver, a woman in her forties, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed until January.

Ms Chohan has now called on the Met Police to provide answers, and has questioned what she says is a delay in investigating the case. We have started asking questions and there are still no answers, she said. Make this case a priority.

Eight-year-old Selena Lau was also killed in the incident (PA)

She and her husband, Sajjad Butt, are struggling to understand the injustice of how their family was destroyed, with their only child taken from them in a matter of seconds.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Ms Chohan said: If parents pass away, you call the children orphans. What do you call us? This is not the natural way.

Nuria was born despite her mother experiencing complications caused by lupus, and enjoyed dancing and Disney films and was full of happiness, her family said.

After remaining in St Georges Hospital in Tooting for 11 days, Ms Chohan elected to return home for treatment before her [daughters] smell had left the house. Since her death, the couple have kept her bedroom exactly as it was, with her clothes laid out and Barbies lined up.

Flowers and tributes placed outside the Study Prep school in southwest London (PA)

Speaking of those first few days, her father said the couple sat in their daughters bedroom and howled with grief as they attempted to understand the enormity of their loss. It was more than crying. I was even worried about Smeras will to live lasting through the night, let alone the rest of our lives. It was very hard.

The couple are now calling for accountability and are being supported by Trevor Sterling, a lawyer from the firm Moore Barlow, who is also representing around 20 people who were injured that day and are looking to seek compensation from the driver.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, who is in charge of policing for southwest London, said: Our thoughts remain with the families of Nuria and Selena, who we know are greatly loved and missed.

This was a tragic incident and we understand that the families want and need answers as to what happened. We are continuing to give them specialist support through our dedicated family liaison officers, who are providing updates on the investigation where they can.

Specialist detectives are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances of that day, including analysing CCTV and examining the expert report from forensic collision investigators. We recognise that the time taken can cause further distress, but it is only right and fair to all involved that we carry out a thorough and extensive investigation.
Effigy figures of politicians or celebrities are a key part of celebrations in Ecuador - Alamy

Ah, New Years Eve  in the UK, a time of glitter, music, fireworks, and plenty to drink. And when it comes to ritual, were certainly not without the odd tradition. In Scotland, for example, theres first-footing  when its said the first person to enter the house after midnight should be a dark-haired male (thought to be reminiscent of the regions Viking history, when a blonde visitor typically meant bad news)  and hogmanay, of course, an extension of this mixed cultural heritage, when bonfires and parades mark the general joie de vivre.

Otherwise, though, it must be said that our celebrations are rather on the mild side. Other countries take the countdown to midnight much more seriously. In South America, theres effigy-burning, paperwork-snowstorms and empty-suitcase walks. In Europe, fruit seems to play a large role in the celebrations, while in the Philippines, its all about beckoning in good fortune. Around the world, there are countless bizarre and beautiful practices intended to welcome the new year  here are some of the most peculiar.

Japan  108 bell rings

In the UK, revellers typically ring in the new year by singing Auld Lang Syne or watching the Hootenanny. In Japan, things are equally musical. Known as omisoka, temples chime their bells 108 times to indicate the number of worldly passions  with the final toll falling in the new year. The following day, people often make their first trip of the year a visit to a shrine. Especially sacred ones are often so busy that extra public transport services are laid on.

In Japan, temples chime their bells 108 times - Anadolu/Getty

Argentina  tossing paper out of the window

With fireworks, champagne and panettone, Argentina joins in with many of the worlds traditional new years celebrations. For the office workers of Buenes Aires, however, theres a more occupational concern. People tear up their scrap paper  think old paperwork, unfilled-out forms, unneeded bits of bureaucracy  and scatter it out of the windows, creating a joyous, if slightly messy, snowstorm. It signals the start of the new year  and sounds rather freeing, too.

Story continues

Office workers in Argentina create a snowstorm of paper in the streets - Alamy

Romania  dressing up as bears

Various folk traditions across Europe see people dressing up as strange animal-spirit amalgamations  and in Romania? Its the bear. At many end-of-year festivals and parades, groups dance through the streets dressed as fearsome grizzlies  many participants in costumes which are also old family heirlooms. Its an energetic, exciting, competitive way to signal the start of spring (which, yes, might seem optimistic in December).

You may spot people dressed as bears in New Year parades across Romania - AFP/Getty

Ecuador  effigy burning

Ecuadors ano viejo celebrations are slightly more involved. Particularly popular in smaller towns, families create ano viejo figures, effigy dolls that are burned on a pyre at midnight. They often take the form of celebrities or politicians, or people who were heavily present in the media the previous year. Regardless of their fame (or relative popularity), the burning figures represent a refreshed new year.

Czech Republic  fortune-telling apples

In addition to being the first day of the new year, January 1 is also Czech Restoration Day, commemorating the splitting of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia on this date in 1993. On this especially important day, its traditional to slice an apple in half and scrutinise its core: if theres a star shape in the centre, you can expect happiness. A cross, however, is less good news.

Turkey  smashing pomegranates

Things get rather more rambunctious when it comes to fruit in Turkey. Pomegranates are often involved in celebrations as they are seen as symbols of bounteousness and beauty. The new years tradition involves smashing the fruit in front of your home as a means to bring good fortune to the inhabitants (they are often given as gifts for the same reason).

Pomegranates are seen as symbols of bounteousness and beauty in Turkey - Anadolu/Getty

Spain  grape-eating

As the clock strikes midnight in Spain, people might not immediately pop champagne or kiss their loved ones  instead, they eat 12 grapes to ward off bad luck. The tradition (which dates back to at least 1909, when entrepreneurial vintners started selling grapes from a bumper harvest) is thought to have started at the Puerta del Sol public square in Madrid, where the famous clock tower still chimes to mark midnight across the country.

Greece  onions

Many new years traditions focus on the idea of rebirth, and in Greece, this comes in the form of the humble onion. Considered a symbol of growth and fertility, clusters of onions are hung from front doors (often after a familys first church visit of the year) to promote personal growth for those within.

In Greece, clusters of onions are hung from front doors to promote personal growth - Getty/iStock

Philippines  round things

For those in the Philippines, the new year is all about round things. Specifically, its about money: but approximations are found everywhere, from polka-dotted dresses to a feast of 12 round fruits. Filipinos also leave their lights on and their doors open, to signal a bright year ahead.

Colombia  empty suitcases

Its fun, its joyous, and its much cheaper than actually booking a trip for the new year. In Colombia, people take their empty suitcase for a walk around the block to inspire 12 months of travel. It might be a little chilly to do the same at midnight in Britain, but the spirit is certainly something we can all get behind.

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On a patch of disused land outside St Thomas Hospital, hidden between railway tracks and council blocks, lies a city farm that is home to goats, lambs and chickens.

Oasis Farm Waterloo, near Lambeth, is Londons most central grazing space, and a stones throw away from the Houses of Parliament. The charity that owns the farm inherited the previously derelict wasteland from the Guys and St Thomas Charity, after the hospital realised it couldnt build on the ground as it was infested with Japanese knotweed.

The programme, in partnership with Jamies Farm, aims to provide educational and therapeutic care for the most vulnerable children around the capital, tackling challenging behaviour and improving their self-esteem.

Oasis hopes to assist children through farm therapy (Oasis Farm Waterloo )

During the 2021/22 academic year, the farm provided an escape for almost 300 students of all ages, including via targeted programmes for young people at risk of gang involvement. More than a quarter of children attending sessions at the farm were eligible for the government pupil premium  a grant to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. At least two-thirds have special educational needs and disabilities.

As we sit in a small classroom at the back of a traditional stately barn, Luke Rosier, farm manager, tells me about the importance of providing alternative solutions for children at risk of exclusion and crime.

A lot of the children we work with are vulnerable, he says. There are always things going on in their life, whether its children in care, issues at home, experiencing bullying and poor mental health. Their behaviour gets to the point where schools are really struggling to keep them in class. A lot of the time these children become introverted, struggle to engage with their peers, and their attendance drops.

The farm gives students a completely different space than what they are used to. Its not home or school  its a space where the rules, expectations and criteria for success are quite different.

We want students to throw themselves into tasks and show respect towards their work and others; to try things they are not familiar with. That might be cleaning out the goat pen, sawing wood, making scones, or planting courgette seeds.

Rosier says Oasis Waterloo gives children a chance to try something new (Supplied )

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that more than half of all young adults in prison were persistently absent during schooling, and a large share of those in custody are identified as having been vulnerable during childhood.

This is known as the school-to-prison pipeline, whereby students are pushed out of schools  due to behavioural issues  into alternative education provision and often end up in prison. In the 2021-22 academic year, almost 6,500 students in schools across England were permanently excluded from school, and more than 570,000 pupils were suspended.

While it may seem trivial for a child who struggles with school to plant carrots and clean up compost, Rosier explains the psychological benefits of working on the farm  what he calls farming therapy.

Most people do quite well if they are given meaningful, tangible and practical things to get on with, he explains. We are giving the children something practical, which they hopefully find enjoyable.

We want to enable change through the relationships we build with the students, so they have honest conversations with us. Ultimately, we build a space where children feel valued, listened to, appreciated and respected.

The students we work with may not have the best home lives, and theres something about bringing people together in a small enough group where you can feel like a family, and having that social time, respect, care, and guidance.

At the end of the six-week programme, more than 65 per cent of students who are referred to the farm for disruptive behaviour show an improvement at school, and almost eight out of 10 students show improved mental wellbeing and self-esteem.

This therapeutic approach to tackling youth vulnerability in the capital has been welcomed by leaders, including London mayor Sadiq Khan.

The farm grows a variety of fruit and vegetables, including carrots, tomatoes, berries and courgettes (Oasis Farm Waterloo )

Speaking to The Independent earlier this year about initiatives to tackle knife crime in the capital, Khan said: We will not arrest ourselves out of this problem. There must be a combination of prevention and intervention along with enforcement.

We must look at the root causes of criminality without excusing it  the causes are complex, but they include deprivation, poverty, lack of opportunities, and alienation. If we do not seek to remedy these issues, more young people will carry knives and join the criminal world.

His comments followed a report by His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services that found that vulnerable children are being put at risk by the way the Met Police handles child protection.

The inspectorate said it was particularly concerned about the frequent use of victim-blaming language, which can hamper police investigations and leave young people unprotected.

For students who are not academically gifted, the programmes at the farm provide something positive for them away from the pressures of decrypting the Pythagoras theorem or Shakespeares sonnets.

Jupiter, the goat, enjoying life in the big smoke (Oasis Farm Waterloo )

One teacher visiting the farm with a group of students said: The atmosphere is so positive, students are comfortable to reveal their feelings more readily. This allows us to understand and be able to support them in a more targeted way, and helps in building relationships with them.

Children living in cities do not usually have the opportunity to get their hands dirty in the mud, says Rosier, as he describes the real sense of discovery felt by the students as they connect with nature.

This isnt some flash-in-the-pan programme, he says. Supporting young people therapeutically and building encouraging relationships, in an environment where they can learn to succeed and test themselves in different ways, is a long-term strategy to protect vulnerable children.

Many children dont have an outlet for their pent-up energy, and end up getting into trouble  the farm helps them focus their energy on something productive.
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Dominic Cummings has claimed he and Rishi Sunak held top secret meetings as the PM considered bringing him back into the fold ahead of the next general election.

The PM reportedly asked Boris Johnsons ex-chief aide for advice on winning over the public as he pushed for a secret deal with Mr Cummings to help the Tories smash Labour in 2024.

Mr Sunak was branded weak and desperate by Labour and the Liberal Democrats for secretly begging Mr Cummings to return to No 10.

The Tory leader, whose party is trailing behind Labour in the polls, apparently decided against the plan after two meetings and after Mr Cummings made a series of demands about government priorities.

Mr Cummings urged Mr Sunak to abandon his cautious economic approach, hold an emergency budget, settle the NHS strikes and double the threshold at which people pay the 40p rate of income tax from 50,271 to 100,000, the Sunday Times reported.

He also reportedly advocated leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as part of the Rwanda deportation plan.

No 10 has not denied Mr Cummings account of secret meetings in July and December 2022, but said no job offer was made.

A Downing Street source said: It was a broad discussion about politics and campaigning, no job was offered.

Dominic Cummings revealed Mr Sunaks offer of a secret deal (PA Wire)

The former Vote Leave campaign director, behind the 2019 Tory landslide victory, is one of the most controversial advisers in No 10 history but sensationally left in autumn 2020 after a power struggle with then-PM Mr Johnson.

The pair were said to have met in last July in North Yorkshire and again last December in London, alongside Mr Sunaks chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith.

The meetings were so discreet that even some of Mr Sunaks inner circle were apparently unaware.

Mr Cummings told the paper: He wanted a secret deal in which I delivered the election and he promised to take government seriously after the election.

But Id rather the Tories lose than continue in office without prioritising whats important and the voters.

The post-2016 Tories are summed up by the fact that Sunak, like Johnson, would rather lose than take government seriously. Both thought their MPs agreed with them, and both were right.

Rishi Sunaks party is trailing Labour in the polls (AFP)

According to the report based on Mr Cummings, Mr Sunak told the strategist: The MPs and the media will go crazy. Your involvement has to be secret.

The former aide said he was only prepared to offer his help if Mr Sunak would commit to prioritising the most critical things, citing nuclear weapons infrastructure, pandemics, Ministry of Defence procurement, artificial intelligence (AI) and broken core government institutions.

Mr Cummings said he was only prepared to build a political machine to smash Labour if the PM would commit to things we started fixing in 2020 but Boris abandoned.

Following the report, Mr Cummings posted on X, formerly Twitter: Dont know why someone at No10 blabbed about this but...

Brief statement on Times story about the PM asking me to smash Labour and win the election, what I asked for in return (e.g sorting out the horror show of our nuclear weapons infrastructure, pandemic defences), & why we couldnt do a deal.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson pictured with his ex-chief adviser ( Victoria Jones/PA)

The Liberal Democrats have called for an official Cabinet Office inquiry into whether Mr Sunak breached the ministerial code by failing to declare his meetings with Mr Cummings.

The party pointed to Mr Sunaks transparency returns, which do not include the meetings, and urged an inquiry to look at whether the discussions were reported to the Cabinet Office, as required under the code.

Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said the shady attempts to bring back Cummings through the back door need to be properly scrutinised, adding: We urgently need to know why these meetings werent declared in the proper way.

A government spokesperson said: In full accordance with the ministerial code, meetings with private individuals to discuss political matters do not need to be declared.

It came as a video re-emerged showing Mr Sunak claiming during the summer Tory leadership contest that Mr Cummings would have absolutely nothing to do with any government that I am privileged to lead.

Labours shadow foreign secretary David Lammy questioned Mr Sunaks judgement over secret meetings with this loathsome individual who has brought so much chaos on our country.

The frontbencher told his LBC programme: Youd have thought he would have learned something from his poor judgement on Suella Braverman.

Labour also said the revelation showed Mr Sunak is out of ideas and relying on the ghosts of Tories past.

Shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth said: After promising to restore integrity to Downing Street, hes secretly begging Mr Barnard Castle to run Downing Street again. From Cameron to Cummings, the prime minister is admitting hes out of ideas and too weak to come up with his own.

A Lib Dem spokesperson said: This is a desperate move from a desperate prime minister. Taking advice from a person who was integral to another failed Conservative premiership just further underlines this.

Arch Boris Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries said Mr Sunak had repeatedly denied on the record having contact with Cummings which makes him an on the record liar.

Mr Cummings was appointed Mr Johnsons chief adviser in July 2019 and is widely credited with helping him win the 2019 general election. But he left the following year after a spectacular fallout with Mr Johnson.

He later admitted he had been working to bring an end to the prime ministers tenure. He also became embroiled in a public scandal when it emerged he had driven from London to County Durham at the height of lockdown.
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There is a good chance that Rishi Sunak will call an earlier-than-expected general election in the spring, the chair of the Conservative Party has revealed.

Richard Holden said there is still a one-third chance that the prime minister will hold an election in May, despite expectations that No 10 wants to wait until the autumn.

It comes as a new poll revealed that Sir Keir Starmer is the preferred choice for prime minister in 390 seats in England, Wales and Scotland  while Mr Sunak is voters first choice in just four seats.

And Mr Sunak has been branded desperate after Boris Johnsons former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, claimed to have held top-secret meetings with the current prime minister about the possibility of returning as a No 10 strategist ahead of the election.

Despite the uphill battle faced by the Tories, Mr Holden said the party could be prepared to launch an election campaign in just a few months  shortly after Jeremy Hunts spring Budget, which is set to take place on 6 March.

The chance of a May election is about a third. It is more likely to be at the back end of the year. My job is to be ready whenever it happens, Mr Holden told The Mail on Sunday.

The cabinet minister also hinted that fresh personal tax cuts will be unveiled in the March Budget, as he played down reports that the prime minister and chancellor could scrap inheritance tax.

Asked about the possibility of the tax being ditched, he said: What you want is tax cuts that affect as many people as possible.

Sunak will be accused of bottling the election if he waits until autumn (PA)

Mr Holden claimed that the Conservatives could still pull off a shock victory in 2024 because the partys base remains unconvinced by the Labour leader. He said traditional Tory voters could return to the fold because the threat of Starmer  a man who we do not know what he stands for  is just so great.

Despite the possibility that the election will take place in the first half of the year, Tory election strategist Isaac Levido has pencilled in a likely date for it to be held on 14 November, according to The Sunday Times.

As election fever mounts, a major new seat-by-seat analysis by Focaldata for the Best for Britain campaign group found that Mr Starmer is beating Mr Sunak in hundreds of constituencies on the question of who would be the best prime minister.

Nationally, the Labour leader is ahead of his Tory rival, with 32 per cent to 22 per cent. Only Braintree, Castle Point, Clacton and North Bedfordshire put Mr Sunak ahead of Mr Starmer and those who were undecided.

The poll also shows that 61 per cent of voters want an early general election by May at the latest, with only 17 per cent hoping the prime minister waits until autumn to call the vote.

The Tories have claimed that Labour would pile 2,200 a year on working families to pay for the oppositions promise to invest 28bn in green jobs. But a Labour spokesperson said the claims are total garbage and a desperately absurd claim from a Tory Party which has increased taxes on working people.

Starmer says voters will decide Britains future in 2024 (Getty)

Meanwhile, Mr Sunak is said to have asked Mr Johnsons former chief aide for advice as he pushed for a secret deal with Mr Cummings to help the Tories win when Britain goes to the polls. Mr Cummings told The Sunday Times that he had urged Mr Sunak to abandon his cautious economic approach, hold an emergency Budget, settle the NHS strikes, and double the threshold at which people pay the 40p rate of income tax from 50,271 to 100,000.

He also reportedly advocated leaving the European Convention on Human Rights as part of a plan to reinvigorate the Rwanda deportation scheme.

No 10 has not denied Mr Cummingss account of a secret meeting, but said no job offer was made. A Downing Street source said: It was a broad discussion about politics and campaigning, no job was offered.

Elsewhere, Brexit campaign financier Arron Banks has said he would seek to raise 10m from defecting Tory donors for Reform UK if Nigel Farage were to make a comeback to lead the party.

One of the things about Nigel ... is he can cut through to the red-wall seats in a way that Richard Tice doesnt, the Leave.EU co-founder told The Sunday Times. My view is we could raise 10m to kick Reform into the next league  thats obviously a Nigel-dependent thing.
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The National Crime Agency (NCA) is reported to be examining a 3m payment made to Michelle Mones bank account, as part of its inquiry into the scandal surrounding PPE contracts.

It follows the peers admission that she lied by denying links to PPE Medpro  a consortium led by her husband Doug Barrowman that made millions from deals awarded by the Conservative government to supply personal protective equipment during the Covid crisis.

The firm is being investigated by the NCA for suspected offences relating to contracts worth over 200m for the provision of large quantities of gowns and face masks.

As part of its investigation, the agency is scrutinising a 3m payment made into Baroness Mones Coutts bank account, according to The Sunday Times.

The newspaper reported that the transaction is of interest because it arrived after 65m in PPE Medpro profits were transferred to trusts and accounts linked to Mr Barrowman.

Baroness Mone has publicly claimed that she is only an indirect beneficiary of the profits made by PPE Medpro during the pandemic.

The bra tycoon recently told a YouTube documentary: I am his wife and I may indirectly benefit, but thats just like all other families around that are married. Thats just it, that is not my money; I dont have that money, its not my money.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Mone said PPE Medpros profits belong to her husband, Doug Barrowman (BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg)

The peer made similar comments in a BBC interview with Laura Kuenssberg. Its my husbands money. Its his money. Its not my money and its not my childrens, she said.

Baroness Mone told the host: 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. If, one day, 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.

Aside from the NCA inquiry, the government issued breach of contract proceedings against PPE Medpro in December 2022 over the 2020 deal for sterile gowns. The company is defending the legal action.

Baroness Mone has hit back at the Tory government in the ongoing row  insisting that ministers knew about her involvement in the lucrative Covid contracts from the beginning.

The Tory peers BBC interview reignited the row over PPE procurement (PA Archive)

I was honest with the Cabinet Office, the government and the NHS in my dealings with them. They all knew about my involvement from the very beginning, she tweeted on X, formerly Twitter, earlier this month.

The lingerie entrepreneur has sought to criticise Michael Gove and other Tory ministers during the row, saying she contacted Mr Gove in his role as Cabinet Office minister at the start of the pandemic with an offer to help.

The peer also accused Mr Gove and top Department of Health official Sir Chris Wormald of overseeing huge waste in PPE contracts. She said they both need to be held to account.

However, former Tory health minister Lord Bethell said Baroness Mone wasnt honest about her financial interest to me. Mr Gove told reporters he has been cooperating with the NCA investigation.

Baroness Michelle Mone apologises for not admitting involvement in PPE contracts

Baroness Mone was made a Conservative peer under former prime minister David Cameron, but the Tory party has said she is no longer a member and does not hold the whip in the House of Lords.

The entrepreneur, who took a leave of absence from parliament last year, is facing calls to be barred from the Lords. And Rishi Sunak has said that the government is taking the case against PPE Medpro incredibly seriously.

Baroness Mone has been approached for comment in relation to the report in The Sunday Times. The NCA declined to comment when asked about the claim that it is looking into a 3m payment.

A spokesperson for the agency has previously said: The NCA can confirm its International Corruption Unit opened an investigation in May 2021 into suspected criminal offences committed in the procurement of PPE contracts by PPE Medpro.
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Sir Keir Starmer has challenged voters in his new years message  saying the future of Britain rests in their hands at the upcoming general election.

The Labour leader used his end-of-year address to deliver an election-oriented message, framing 2024 as the year to give Britain its future back.

He said it has also been another tough year economically for millions  but that hope is the fuel of change and the oxygen of a better future.

Sir Keir  who enters the new year with his party holding a large and sustained poll lead over the Conservatives  promised a Labour government would serve the country.

By building expectations of a contest this spring, Labour is setting the stage to accuse Rishi Sunak of bottling it if he holds on until the autumn.

In a video message, Sir Keir told voters: This year, in Britain, the power to shape the future of our country will rest in your hands.

In the Labour party weve been building to this for four years. Were confident we have a plan that can move our country forward, he will say.

Keir Starmer made a Christmas visit to meet British troops in Estonia (PA Wire)

Sir Keir added: I know that politics isnt held in particularly high regard in Britain.

But I have spent four years bringing the Labour Party back to service, and in 2024, we can do the same for politics  Lets make sure this is the year where together we get Britains future back.

It comes as Mr Sunak asked the public to look forward with pride and optimism to 2024, as he insisted his plan for Britains economy was already working.

The PM urged voters to focus on the promise of a brighter future in a new years message, as he gears up for an election campaign in the months ahead.

The Tory leaders closest aides remain set on an autumn election, in the hope it will give him more time to let better economic news sink in with the electorate. But Mr Sunak will face claims he bottled it if he lets the spring go without going to the polls.

In political gamesmanship, Labour frontbencher Emily Thornberry claimed that chancellor Jeremy Hunt holding his Budget on 6 March showed that a May election was the worst kept secret in parliament.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey is calling for electoral reform to smash the two-party system (PA Archive)

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey will centre his own New Year message on an appeal to transform British politics  renewing his call to end the two-party system in a push for electoral reform.

In a video message, he is expected to say that neither the Conservatives or Labour are capable of tackling the big, deep-rooted challenges in our country because neither will change the broken political system that underpins them.

The Lib Dem leader will say: We must do nothing less than transform the nature of British politics for good.

He will add that its time to smash the two-party system, reform our elections, and give everyone an equal voice, because that is the only way we can build a fairer, greener, more caring country.

Campaigners have urged Labour and the Lib Dems to forge an electoral pact to remove the Tories at the next general election after industrial-scale tactical voting helped the parties win by-elections in 2023.

Both parties have dismissed the idea of any formal deal. And with Labour riding high in the polls, the leadership does not feel it has to offer the Lib Dems an electoral reform referendum to secure support in the event of a hung parliament.
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Conservative MPs have expressed their horror at claims that Rishi Sunak held secret talks with Dominic Cummings about the former senior adviser to Boris Johnson making a return to government.

Mr Cummings has claimed that Mr Sunak sought a secret deal with him in a bid to smash Labour and win the looming general election.

His price for returning to the fold was that the prime minister would have to enact radical reforms  a deal that Mr Sunak ultimately rejected, according to The Sunday Times.

Tory MPs shared their alarm after No 10 did not deny that Mr Sunak had met Mr Cummings twice for discussions about political strategy last year.

One senior Tory, a former cabinet minister sympathetic to Mr Sunak, told The Independent: It is a disgrace and shows poor judgement.

Another senior Conservative added: Whoever advised him to [meet Mr Cummings for advice] should immediately be sacked. Cummings needs to be handled with asbestos gloves.

A third senior Tory MP, also allied to Mr Sunak, warned the prime minister: Never bring an arsonist into your home. They will burn it down, and finger you for it.

Cummings says Sunak wanted his advice on how to win votes (PA)

Staunch Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries said Mr Sunak had repeatedly denied, on the record, having contact with Cummings, which makes him an on-the-record liar.

It came as a video re-emerged that showed Mr Sunak claiming during the 2022 Tory leadership contest that Mr Cummings would have absolutely nothing to do with any government that I am privileged to lead.

Mr Sunak was branded weak and desperate by Labour and the Liberal Democrats for secretly begging Mr Cummings to return to No 10.

However, the Tory leader apparently decided against bringing Mr Cummings back, after the meetings saw the strategist make a series of demands about government priorities.

Mr Cummings urged Mr Sunak to abandon his cautious approach, hold an emergency Budget, settle the NHS strikes, and double the threshold at which people pay the 40p rate of income tax from 50,000 to 100,000, The Sunday Times reported.

The former adviser also advocated leaving the European Convention on Human Rights as part of a plan to reinvigorate the Rwanda deportation scheme.

Downing Street has not denied Mr Cummingss account of secret meetings in July and December 2022  but insisted that no job offer was made. A No 10 source said: It was a broad discussion about politics and campaigning; no job was offered.

According to the report, based on Mr Cummingss account, Mr Sunak told the strategist: The MPs and the media will go crazy. Your involvement has to be secret.

But Mr Cummings said he was only prepared to build a political machine to smash Labour if the prime minister would commit to taking action on issues we started fixing in 2020 but Boris abandoned.

Sunak had vowed not to give any role to Cummings after Boris Johnsons government ended in a shambles (Getty)

On the topic of Mr Sunak rejecting his advice, Mr Cummings said: The post-2016 Tories are summed up by the fact that Sunak, like Johnson, would rather lose than take government seriously. Both thought their MPs agreed with them, and both were right.

The Liberal Democrats have called for an official Cabinet Office inquiry into whether Mr Sunak breached the ministerial code by failing to declare any meetings he may have held with Mr Cummings.

The party pointed to Mr Sunaks transparency returns  which do not make reference to the meetings  and urged that an inquiry take place to look at whether the discussions were reported to the Cabinet Office, as is required under the code.

Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said that any shady attempts to bring back Cummings through the back door need to be properly scrutinised, adding: We urgently need to know why these meetings werent declared in the proper way.

A government spokesperson said: In full accordance with the ministerial code, meetings with private individuals to discuss political matters do not need to be declared.

Johnson sacked Cummings at the end of 2020 (PA)

The shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, questioned Mr Sunaks judgement in respect of the secret meetings with this loathsome individual who has brought so much chaos on our country.

The frontbencher said on his LBC radio programme: Youd have thought he would have learnt something from his poor judgement on Suella Braverman.

The shadow paymaster general, Jonathan Ashworth, said: From Cameron to Cummings, the prime minister is admitting hes out of ideas and too weak to come up with his own.

A Lib Dem spokesperson said: This is a desperate move from a desperate prime minister.

Mr Cummings, who helped to mastermind the Vote Leave campaign, is widely credited with helping Mr Johnson to win the 2019 election. But he left the following year after a spectacular fallout with the then prime minister.

He later admitted he had been working to bring an end to Mr Johnsons tenure. He also became embroiled in a public scandal when it emerged that he had driven from London to County Durham at the height of lockdown.
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Rishi Sunak is facing an uphill battle to make the general election a presidential-style contest, as a shock new poll reveals he is voters preferred PM in only a handful of constituencies across Britain.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular leader in 390 seats in England, Wales and Scotland  while Mr Sunak is voters first choice in just four seats.

Mr Starmer is even ahead of Mr Sunak in the prime ministers own North Yorkshire constituency of Richmond, in a series of grim survey findings for the Conservatives.

It comes as Tory chairman Richard Holden revealed there was still a one-third chance Mr Sunak could hold an earlier-than-expected general election in May 2024.

And Mr Sunak has been branded weak and desperate as Boris Johnsons former adviser Dominic Cummings claimed that he and Mr Sunak held top-secret meetings about returning as a No 10 strategist ahead of the election.

As election fever mounts, a major new seat-by-seat analysis by Focaldata for the Best for Britain campaign group found that Mr Starmer is beating Mr Sunak in hundreds of constituencies on the question of who makes the best PM.

Nationally, the Labour leader is the ahead of his Tory rival by 32 per cent to 22 per cent. Only Braintree, Castle Point, Clacton and North Bedfordshire put Mr Sunak ahead of Mr Starmer and undecideds.

And the Tory leader is third choice on preferred PMs in his own seat of Richmond. Dont know was local voters top response with 32 per cent, Sir Keir came second with 27 per cent, and Mr Sunak third at just 24 per cent.

Sunak is preferred PM in only four constituencies (AFP)

The only silver lining for the prime minister comes from the large proportion of undecided voters still up for grabs. The number of dont knows on the question of preferred PM were ahead in 238 seats.

The poll also shows that 61 per cent of voters want an early general election by at least May, with only 17 per cent hoping the PM waits until autumn to call the vote.

Mr Holden, the Tory chairman, told the Mail on Sunday: The chance of a May election is about a third. It is more likely to be at the back end of the year. My job is to be ready whenever it happens.

Despite the possibility of going early, Tory election strategist Isaac Levido has pencilled in a likely election for 14 November, according to the Sunday Times.

The 10,000-person MRP poll by Focaldata also revealed a high level of interest in tactical voting, and widespread dismay with Brexit. Some 52 per cent, potentially representing 16 million voters, said they would consider voting tactically.

Some 9 in 10 of self-identified tactical voters said Brexit has increased the cost of the weekly shop. And a majority (55 per cent) of these undecided tactical voters want Labour to seek a closer relationship with the EU.

The MRP poll also found that Labour lead the Tories nationally by 35 per cent to 19 per cent. The Electoral Calculus analysis of these results point to Labour winning 415 seats  a huge majority of 180 seats for Sir Keir. The Tories would lose around 200 seats and be left with just 151 MPs.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is preferred PM in 390 seats (PA)

Naomi Smith, chief executive of the internationalist campaign group Best for Britain, said: The message in our polling from voters is clear  they want an election, they think Brexit has hurt them in their pockets, and theyre prepared to vote tactically for change.

She added: With the possibility of Farages party offering a life raft to his vulnerable friends on the Conservative right, tactical voting will be more important than ever.

It comes as the PM face fresh outrage over a shock report claiming that he asked Mr Cummings for advice to help the Tories smash Labour when Britain goes to the polls.

Dominic Cummings says Sunak wanted advice on how to win the election (PA Wire)

Mr Cummings told the Sunday Times that he urged Mr Sunak to abandon his cautious economic approach, hold an emergency budget, settle the NHS strikes and double the threshold at which people pay the 40p rate of income tax from 50,271 to 100,000.

He also reportedly advocated leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as part of the Rwanda deportation plan.

No 10 has not denied Mr Cummings account of a secret meeting, but said no job offer was made. A Downing Street source said: It was a broad discussion about politics and campaigning, no job was offered.

The Liberal Democrats have called for an official Cabinet Office inquiry into whether Mr Sunak breached the ministerial code by failing to declare his shady meetings with Mr Cummings.

The party pointed to Mr Sunaks transparency returns, which do not include the meetings, and urged an inquiry to look at whether the discussions were reported to the Cabinet Office, as required under the code.

A government spokesperson said: In full accordance with the ministerial code, meetings with private individuals to discuss political matters do not need to be declared.

It came as a video re-emerged showing Mr Sunak claiming during the summer Tory leadership contest that Mr Cummings would have absolutely nothing to do with any government that I am privileged to lead.

Labours shadow foreign secretary David Lammy questioned Mr Sunaks judgement over secret meetings with this loathsome individual who has brought so much chaos on our country.

The frontbencher told his LBC programme: Youd have thought he would have learned something from his poor judgement on Suella Braverman.

Meanwhile, Brexit campaign financier Arron Banks has said he would seek to raise 10m from defecting Tory donors for Reform UK if Nigel Farage makes comeback to lead the party.

One of the things about Nigel ... is he can cut through to the red-wall seats in a way that Richard Tice doesnt, the EU.Leave co-founder told the Sunday Times. My view is we could raise 10m to kick Reform into the next league  thats obviously a Nigel-dependent thing.

Mr Banks added: A lot of Tory donors love [Mr Farage]  I think their view is that if Rishi isnt replaced post haste, they could possibly get behind Reform. You are pushing at a half-open door. There are Tory donors who are absolutely furious.

Mr Sunak said the public should look forward with pride and optimism to 2024 as he insisted his economic plan was already working in his new year message. Sir Keir challenged voters in his end-of-year message  saying the future of Britain rests in their hands at the upcoming general election.
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The Governor of New York has announced heightened public safety measures for New York Citys New Years Eve celebration.

Governor Kathy Hochuls announcement comes about two weeks after the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a Public Service Announcement warning that threats of violence against the United States are likely heightened because of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The FBI specifically cited New Years Eve as a point of concern, as well as winter holiday celebrations.

Ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and HAMAS likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Years Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict, the FBI wrote on 12 December.

Security measures in the Big Apple on Sunday night will include maximum New York State Police staffing, national guard troops on duty, the 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction  Civil Support Team on stand-by and heightened surveillance on public transport, according to Ms Hochuls announcement.

Out of an abundance of caution, youll see a large security presence on the ground and in the air during the festivities to ensure New Yorkers can celebrate safely, New York City Mayor Eric Adams posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Law enforcement officials said there have been no credible threats against New Years Eve celebrations, The New York Times reports.

The citys main celebration, the Times Square ball drop, was expected to see its first event since 2019 with pre-Covid attendance levels, the Associated Press reports.
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An off-duty police officer was fatally shot after witnessing a crime at a North Carolina gas station.

The unnamed Greensboro Police Sergeant witnessed a crime occurring at a local gas station the afternoon of 30 December, Chief John Thompson said in a statement. When he approached the two suspects, he was shot.

The sergeant was transported to a nearby hospital after receiving aid on the scene and later succumbed to his injuries, Mr Thompson said.

The sergeant had worked for the department for 23 years.

The suspects were still at large as of Saturday evening, per a statement from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

I spoke with Greensboro Police Chief Thompson earlier this evening offering all available state resources to catch those who killed a Greensboro police officer, Mr Cooper wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

In 2023, Greensboro beat its record for most homicides in a single year, local outlet Fox 8 reports, with 65 reported as of November. The citys previous record was in 2020 with 62 homicides.
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A one-year-old boy and a 44-year-old woman have been killed after a shooting in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The deadly incident took place on Friday night when police were called to two different shootings just blocks away from each other in the city, which has around 126,000 residents.

The child and the woman were found dead in a house on Chestnut Street, Lehigh County District Attorney-elect Gavin Holihan said, according to Lehigh Valley News.

A 66-year-old man was also shot in the Chestnut Street incident, according to 6ABC.

The deaths were determined to be homicides by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio.

According to neighbours, police arrived around 9pm on Friday as they were called to the subsequent shootings.

The other shooting took place near Ridge Avenue and West Gordon Street.

Lehigh Valley News described Chestnut Street as a narrow one-lane street lined with rowhomes across from Harrison-Morton Middle School.

Mr Buglio said the shooting occurred around 8.50pm, adding that he pronounced the child and the woman dead at the scene.

Both victims have been identified and their families notified, he said in a statement on Saturday.

However, due to these tragic circumstances, I am not releasing their identities at this time, thus allowing the families to grieve privately, he added. I personally want to offer my prayers and condolences to the families, friends and everyone affected by this incident.

Lehigh County Democratic State Rep Joshua Siegel said in a statement, I awoke this morning like many members of our community, sickened, angry and heartbroken over another night of senseless violence in our city.

I offer my sincerest condolences to the families afflicted by last nights shootings, and I stand with the many Allentonians who are tired of watching their neighborhoods and streets be stained with the blood of gun violence, he added.

Allentown is a resilient city, and I know we wont let these tragedies define us, Mr Siegel said. I have endless faith in our community partners, our police department, and our stakeholders to work together to bring safety and security to every neighborhood and every block. I stand ready to support them in whatever way they need.

Police found a male and female having been shot in a separate incident at Ridge Avenue. They are expected to survive. Twenty-three-year-old Demitrius Bashir Campbell of Allentown was arrested and has been charged with attempted homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, and two counts of aggravated assault in addition to other charges, according to 6ABC.

The local TV station also reported that there was a third shooting in Allentown at 2.25am on Saturday morning. Police found a man with severe gunshot wounds in a parking lot near a bar close to Hanover Avenue. Shortly afterwards, another two men arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Allentown Police do not think the three shootings are connected at this time.
Trips to the grocery store during the holiday season are marked by one distinct and familiar sound: the ringing of Salvation Army bells.

The international nonprofits Red Kettle Campaign has stationed volunteers in commercial districts in cities nationwide, ringing their bells and collecting donations in red kettles, for more than a century. The campaign got its start in San Francisco in 1891, when it raised funds to feed the citys poor.

It is considered one of the more successful fundraising campaigns in history, and certainly one of the most well known, but the Charlottesville Salvation Army branch is struggling.

The local Salvation Army said it is $17,000 short of its campaign goal of $110,000 this year, which is also $10,000 less than the group received during last years drive.

There are a lot of homeless people out there, and we need to keep our doors open, development director of the Charlottesville branch James Battaglia told The Daily Progress. A lot of them are just unlucky, and its hard to get back on their feet, so its critically important that we can help them.

Its alarming news considering the increase in demand for the Salvation Armys services, as the only year-round, overnight shelter for the homeless in the city amid an uptick in homelessness in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. The 58-bed shelter this year has said on multiple occasions it has run out of space.

But the decline in philanthropic support is not unique to Central Virginia, as Salvation Army chapters across the country are reporting a drop in donations in recent years. The organizations signature fundraising event raised $126 million in 2019, but only $102 million in 2022.

Multiple factors could be contributing to the decline, including a pandemic that rattled the economy and the declining popularity of physical cash. The Salvation Army said it has made efforts to adapt, providing new ways to donate digitally through Apple Pay, PayPal or Venmo, even text donations.

Battaglia said the Charlottesville chapter has suffered from a lack of volunteers, particularly during the holidays heavy shifts.

Weve also been down in food donations, so we had to buy more food than normal, said Battaglia.

Despite the shortages, the faith-based group is still operating all of its services and managed to feed roughly 270 people on Thanksgiving, according to Battaglia.

We really pulled it together at the last minute, he said.

While cash gifts may be hard to come by, newly purchased goods for the Salvation Armys Angel Tree drive came in abundance this year. Battaglia said he personally signed at least 600 letters thanking donors for the 1,000-plus gifts that were donated for children whose parents are unable to afford Christmas presents.

The annual Red Kettle Campaign is not the only time the organization will be asking for community support in the new year. The Charlottesville Salvation Army is preparing to launch a new capital campaign in mid- to late 2024.

The Salvation Army building, which has stood on Ridge Street for 60 years, is planning for an overhaul that will expand it into a 47,000-square-foot, four-story building with enough space for 100 beds and seven transitional apartment units. The remodeled structure will also include a multipurpose space for community events and classes. The nonprofit groups administrative offices will be moved as part of that transition, though a new location has not yet been identified.

I think its going to be a banner year next year because people are going to notice what were doing with the new building and still providing services, said Battaglia. Its going to be a great year  a challenging one, but a good one.
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A newspaper in Oregon has laid off its entire staff and stopped printing after the editor says the paper discovered an ex-employee embezzled funds.

Days before Christmas, an editor at The Eugene Weekly said the paper discovered a former employee closely involved with finances paid themselves $90,000 since 2022 and the newspaper had more than $100,000 worth of unpaid bills, the Associated Press reports.

Some staff members also discovered money from their paychecks that should have gone into their retirement accounts was never deposited, according to the AP.

As a result, the paper had to lay off all ten staff members and stop printing.

The Eugene Police Department is now investigating, and forensic accounts are working to trace what happened, editor Camilla Mortensen told the AP.

The papers closure comes amid a worrying time for local newspapers in the United States. A study from the Local News Initiative at Northwestern University indicates 2.5 newspapers closed each week in 2023, an uptick from previous years.

Furthermore, more than half of the counties in the US have either no access or limited access to local news  and over the last 18 years, the nation has lost nearly one-third of its newspapers, the study shows.

Brent Walth, a journalism professor at the University of Oregon, told the AP hes concerned the closure will have an outsized impact in filling the widening gaps in news coverage in Oregons third biggest city .

The Eugene Weekly has launched a GoFundMe to raise funds to keep their paper alive. In the first two days, they raised over $26,000.

Thanks to our loyal readers and advertisers, Eugene Weekly has endured where other newspapers have struggled, the GoFundMe page reads. Now we are fighting to keep this newspaper alive.
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Medical professionals have flocked to TikTok to discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of their jobs, garnering the trust of millions of viewers; but their popularity is sometimes to their own detriment, allowing users a peek too far behind the curtain.

Viewers have suddenly become privy to closed-door surgeries through the camera lens of a doctors phone, given professional insight into celebrities suspected plastic surgery operations, and granted access to free medical tips on skincare, therapy, dentistry, and virtually every medical field under the sun.

But as the profiles of some TikTok medical specialists rise, their records are re-analysed, complaints by previous patients resurface, and new ones may be empowered to come forward.

Disgraced plastic surgeon Dr Roxy, once-popular dentist Dr Kenny, and outed fake doctor Dalya Karezi are all cautionary tales for TikTok scrollers.

In each of these cases, their rise to fame brought increased scrutiny  followed by their demise.

Here is a look back at a rough year for DocTok:

Dr Roxy

Perhaps no greater controversy rocked DocTok than plastic surgeon Katharine Roxanne Grawe, known online as Dr Roxy.

Dr Grawe amassed a following of nearly 824,000 on TikTok by livestreaming surgeries, speaking to the camera as she walked through the steps of procedures, and dancing in her surgical gear.

But in November 2022, the wildly popular content that drew such an impressive fan base came to a screeching halt. Patients complained to the Ohio medical board, prompting an investigation that ended with her licences permanent revocation on 12 July.

Only three unnamed patients  and their surgical complications  were listed in the Ohio medical boards notice of Dr Grawes suspension in November. But at the time her licence was revoked, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas showed 12 legal cases that named Dr Grawe and her clinic Roxy Plastic Surgery.

Lyn Herron is listed in neither the medical board notice nor the lawsuits.

Ms Herron didnt find Dr Grawe through Instagram or TikTok  she found the plastic surgeon the old-fashioned way: through her insurance network.

Plastic surgeon Dr Grawe appears before an Ohio Medical Board hearing in July (Courtney Hergesheimer/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network)

Ms Herron was seeking a doctor to perform breast reduction surgery in 2011. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast years earlier. After enduring radiation and taking medication for five years, she was told she should look into getting her breasts reduced.

The Ohio-based patient had consulted with five surgeons, but she landed on Dr Grawe. She was touched by the plastic surgeons bedside manner: She totally got it. She was sensitive as a woman to our needs.

When consulting with Dr Grawe, Ms Herron recalled the doctor asking, So what are you expecting as an end result? Because some women expect to be able to go pose for Playboy after surgery.

Ms Herron replied with equal humour, Oh, no, Im just expecting them to be the same cup size and the nipples pointed in the same direction. Ms Herron recalled Dr Grawe smacked me on the leg laughing and said, I can do that.

Doctors working with her through her cancer battle told Ms Herron that she needed to wait a year after her radiation finished before her breasts were operated on.

And so I waited. It was a year and a day later, Ms Herron laughed. Her surgery was scheduled for 22 July 2011, according to medical records. Things seemed to go well, but when she returned for her first follow-up appointment, doctors found she had developed hematomas, Ms Herron recalled.

Dr Grawe tried aspirating them, but some proved too difficult, so she told Ms Herron to come back in two weeks.

But when Ms Herron returned to the office, Dr Grawe was nowhere to be found. Another doctor informed her that Dr Grawe was no longer practising there.

A spokesperson for OhioHealth, a network of hospitals that includes the one where Ms Herron was treated by Dr Grawe, told The Independent that they could not confirm Dr Grawes departure because she was never employed there. However, the spokesperson said its possible for non-employed physicians to have privileges to use spaces, such as surgical areas or to visit their patients.

Ms Herron then recalled the doctor taking her to the in-house operating room where he put some chucks pads on the table, sliced me open at my incision site, and let me bleed out onto the table.

After that, he put a rubber tube in my breast, stitched around it, and then said, there you go, the blood will drain out through the tube. When the patient asked where the blood would drain out, Ms Herron remembered him suggesting, Well just put a maxi pad in your bra.

An OhioHealth spokesperson said the hospital couldnt comment on a specific procedure due to patient privacy laws.

A week later, Ms Herron wound up in hospital with a breast infection.

She said the surgery brought all of the negativity from the cancers: the burn marks, the scars and everything into the new breast, and the nipple was off at a 45 degree angle, she recalled. She said it didnt look like a breast, but rather a topographical map of burn marks and scars.

Ms Herron wanted to talk to Dr Grawe. After a brief phone call, Dr Grawe agreed to meet her patient in person. After showing the doctor the grotesque thing on my right side, Ms Herron recalled Dr Grawe replying: Id say thats well within the limits of expectations. Ms Herron thought back to her Playboy comment.

The cancer survivor never went back to Dr Grawe.

Dr Roxy discusses a BBL surgery (@tammiekelton / screengrab)

In the dozen years since her surgery, Ms Herron has kept up good spirits; her cancer is now gone and within six months of the surgery, she started referring to her botched right breast as Frankenboob. However, she said that it still feels like a softball, and is so unnatural that it doesnt move when she lies down.

When news broke that Dr Grawes medical licence had been revoked in Ohio, she said she was relieved. Ms Herron said, I tried to tell so many people during those years not to go to her because shes a hack. And then when I saw people were going to her because of TikTok, I was just incensed.

Ms Herron added that nobody would have believed me if she had gone on TikTok and spoken out, citing the enjoyable, likeable persona of Dr Roxy.

Neither Dr Grawe nor her lawyer responded to multiple requests for comment by The Independent.

Since her licence was revoked in July, Dr Grawe has been listed as a defendant in five additional cases in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Dr Kenny Smiles

Another affable online persona-turned-controversy magnet is Kenneth Wilstead, aka Dr Kenny Smiles. The Texas-based dentist boasts 700,000 followers on Instagram, 500,000 followers on Instagram, and now, a host of misconduct complaints.

There was an outpouring of complaints from his patients after the dentist announced via TikTok on 31 August that a new show was being made about his practice, Smile Again Dental.

He posted a video on the platform, asking users to share their best sob story, as he said he was looking for contestants that would benefit from a life changing smile makeover. To submit a video, hopefuls had to use the hashtag #DKSCasting. Not casting couch, Dr Kenny clarified.

Allegations have since circulated on TikTok about his controversial responses to those audition videos.

One woman in particular, 34-year-old Krystal Widrig, said she had a strange experience with Dr Kenny.

Ms Widrig, a Canadian content creator and mother of five, said that she entered a smile giveaway contest, which came from a partnership between Dr Kenny and a TikTok star. Contestants had to submit a video describing why they wanted a new smile, and then, All you have to do is fly to Texas, and Ill fix you up, he explained in a September 2022 video.

Dr Kenny Smiles discussing smile giveaways on TikTok (@drkennysmiles / screengrab)

Ms Widrig said her molars were cracking due to her many back to back pregnancies. One day, an online follower offered to pay for her to get her teeth fixed. Although the seemingly kind stranger paid for the initial surgeries to remove her cracked teeth, he bailed on paying for the surgery replacement molars.

So, when she came across Dr Kennys giveaway, she couldnt resist. She posted a video on Instagram and tagged him. And thats when he started DMing me, Ms Widrig said.

The initial exchanges were innocent. She sent photos of her teeth and asked how much it would cost. He said he could fix her teeth for $15,000  compared to the $38,000 quote she had received in Canada, that was a great deal, she said. They stopped chatting.

She reached back out to him after he posted a preview for a debate between him and Dr Miguel Ortiz in June, she recalled. The two dentists were arguing; Dr Ortiz was advocating for braces and veneers in place of Dr Kennys cosmetic surgeries. (This conversation resulted in a lawsuit filed by Dr Kenny against Dr Ortiz.)

As Ms Widrig remembered it, Dr Kenny was explaining that his surgeries only could be done in one day, an incredibly short timeline compared to the months braces take to realign teeth. So, the mother-of-five replied to Dr Kennys Instagram story in his DMs, commenting that she sided with him, not wanting to have braces at 30.

She then sent a voice note saying her original quote was 38,000 dollars and it wasnt even top-notch. He then allegedly replied, Youre perfection. Now take off your clothes.

Ms Widrig said she scrolled back to see if she had given him the wrong idea. While she said she posts sexy pictures on her Instagram, her texts with him were not flirtatious. I didnt know that Kenny was that type of person. So I was just so thrown off by it, she said.

Ms Widrig said that their conversation dwindled after his out-of-the-blue comment, but she reached out again in 2023 after he announced his upcoming show, citing that she still needed the dental work done and a free smile was still on the table. Following the instructions, she sent a video for why she wanted to win the contest, to which he allegedly responded: I just f***ing love you.

Both exchanges turned her off from going to see Dr Kenny, she said. My thing with Dr Kenny was mild, Ms Widrig conceded.

Dr Kenny advertising his new show on TikTok (@drkennysmiles / screengrab)

But another woman took him to court.

Brooke Brinkschroeder went to see Dr Kenny in April 2018 for a dental procedure. The complaint accuses Dr Kenny of making several sexually inappropriate comments in her presence before and during the procedure.

After the procedure, before taking a photo of the results, Dr Kenny allegedly told Ms Brinkschroeder, My assistants know the only way they can get me to smile is if Im grabbing tits and ass.

She hoped the statement was merely a joke, the complaint states.

As the photo was being taken, the suit alleges, Dr Kenny grabbed her right buttocks and forcefully squeezed it.

In response, Ms. Brinkschroeder was in shock and not immediately able to process what occurred. The patient felt uncomfortable, and was unsure about how to leave the conversation with the dentist, until a window of opportunity opened up: a staff member informed Dr Wilstead that his next patient was ready for him.

Thats when, the complaint states, the staff member showed [Dr Kenny] a picture of the next patients cleavage, demonstrating a pattern of inappropriate sexual conduct.

She accused Dr Kenny of assault and negligence, among other charges. Speaking to NBC News in September, the dentist said he is totally innocent of any inappropriate touching of that woman. The Independent has reached out to Dr Kennys lawyer.

The case will go before a jury in February, according to online court records.

Dr Dalya Karezi

Dalya Karezi, whose handle was Dr.Dalya.s, posed a different kind of threat for TikTok users.

She boasted 243,000 followers on TikTok, and her videos  showing her in scrubs and a stethoscope  had been liked by roughly 1.5 million users, according to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

That was before the reality behind the stethoscope was revealed. Ms Karezi posted 56 TikTok videos from May 2020 through September 2021 while discussing issues related to reproductive health, like ovarian cancer and fibroids, and posted photos on Instagram of her wearing scrubs while giving so-called medical advice.

In one video posted on TikTok, while wearing pink scrubs, she makes sweeping claims that eating certain meats increases the risk of developing different cancers.

These videos were watched nearly 15.5 million times, the agency said.

In one Instagram post captured by The Sydney Morning Herald, she wrote: Trust me I know many physicians delay self care when we feel like we have 100 items on our plate and are constantly racing against time. One thing I am learning and have adopted since COVID-19 is that I have become more conscious of how I spend my week and what portion is actually ME TIME only.

Dalya Karezi posing in scrubs (@dr.Dalya.s / Instagram)

Despite her massive following, Karezi was not a doctor at all. AHPRA investigated her.

During the course of its investigation, the agency found that she had sent various emails between July 2019 and April 2021 in which she indicated she was authorised or qualified to practise in the medical profession. In these emails, she would sign off by using the title Dr, as well as other qualifications like MBBS, M RepMED, OBGYN Intern, RMO and VMO, despite not being qualified.

Her thriving social media presence came to an abrupt end on 12 October 2023, when Karezi was convicted in Australias Downing Centre Local Court. Karezi had pleaded guilty to two counts: one count of taking or using a title indicating she was authorised to practise medicine and one count of indicating that she was a medical practitioner.

She was sentenced to a two-year Community Corrections order and was ordered to pay AHPRAs legal fees, amounting to AU$13,300.

She read an apology letter  obtained by the Daily Mail  to the court. In the letter, Karezi said she wanted to steer clear of both medicine and social media in the future. I did not want and still do not want to do anything to do with health ever again, she penned.

I am so terrified of social media now that I do not even want to be on social media at all. I will never have any social media accounts ever again, Karezi wrote. All of her accounts have since been taken down.

Following the conviction, AHPRA CEO Martin Fletcher issued a statement: Falsely claiming to be a medical practitioner, including on social media, puts the public at risk. Todays outcome is a reminder of how seriously we take this behaviour.

Dr Karezi poses in pink scrubs and a stethoscope on Instagram (@dr.dalya.s / Instagram)

The chair of the Medical Board of Australia, Dr Anne Tonki, also weighed in: Registered medical practitioners have done years of training and must abide by strict professional Codes of conduct. Its not just putting Dr in your name and wearing a pair of scrubs. Hopefully this outcome is a strong deterrent.

The Independent has reached out to her lawyer. According to the Daily Mail, before she was convicted, the fake doctor was working at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
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A new law in California banning guns in most public spaces is set to take effect in early 2024 after a federal appeals court put a judges ruling that the law is unconstitutional on hold.

On Saturday, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals suspended an injunction filed on 20 December by a judge who argued the law violated the Second Amendment, according to Reuters.

A panel of three judges issued a stay on that ruling until another 9th circuit panel can decide if the pause should be lengthened during the legal process.

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement: This ruling will allow Californias common-sense gun laws to remain in place while we appeal the district courts dangerous ruling.

Mr Newsom signed the legislation in September and its now set to take effect on Monday. It was enacted after the 6-3 conservative US Supreme Court expanded gun rights in June of 2022 when the court struck down New Yorks permit regulations and declared for the first time that the Second Amendment guards the individuals right to carry a handgun in public for self-defence purposes.

The ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v Bruen also outlined a new barrier for gun laws as they now must be consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation.

California has some of the strongest gun laws in the US. It was among a number of states with similar laws to New York state which took action to restructure their legislation following the US Supreme Court ruling.

Under the new California regulations, people couldnt carry a firearm in 26 groupings of sensitive places, such as hospitals, playgrounds, stadiums, zoos, and religious institutions, even if they had a permit to carry a concealed gun.

Senate Bill 2 also banned people from having concealed guns at privately owned commercial businesses available to the public  unless the owner puts up a sign stating that license holders are allowed to carry guns there.

Litigation began after a lawsuit by the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, and others.

US District Judge Cormac Carney, appointed by President George W Bush, ruled against the new law on 20 December, writing that it turns nearly every public place in California into a sensitive place, effectively abolishing the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding and exceptionally qualified citizens to be armed and to defend themselves in public.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta asked the 9th Circuit to place the ruling on hold pending appeal, arguing that allowing the law to remain blocked would mean that tens of millions of Californians will face a heightened risk of gun violence.

The Firearms Policy Coalition posted several posts on X about the ruling, writing that there is no timeline for when the merits panel has to make a decision. It could come in a few hours, days, or even weeks.

The office of the governor wrote on X that this ruling will allow our common-sense gun laws to remain in place while we appeal the district courts dangerous ruling. Californians overwhelmingly support efforts to ensure that places like hospitals, libraries and childrens playgrounds remain safe and free from guns.

Responding, the Firearms Policy Coalition wrote: No level of support justifies violating the rights of peaceable people, and the death of these public carry bans is inevitable. We look forward to harvesting your tears with great joy in our hearts.

Lawsuits have also been filed against similar laws in other states.
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Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a campaign rally on the third anniversary of the 2021 Capitol riots.

The former president will hold a Commit to Caucus Rally in Newton, Iowa, on 6 January 2024, three years after a mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol, resulting in five deaths and several injuries. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in connection to the riot, and more than 500 have been sentenced.

Mr Trump is currently facing four federal counts regarding his role in the January 6 riots: obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. In Maine and Colorado, Mr Trump has even been removed  pending any appeals  from the 2024 ballot for his role in the 6 January riots.

Thad Nearmyer, chair of the Jasper County, Iowa Republican party, told The Daily Beast he didnt initially think anything of the date.

And then a little bit later it kind of occurred to me that that date has some significance, Mr Nearmyer said.

He went on to minimize the impact of the deadly insurrection: It wasnt nearly as big of a deal as it was made out to be.

Mr Trump is likely in the lead in the Iowa caucus. A poll from NBC News, the Des Moines Register and Mediacom projects the former president has garnered first-choice support from 51 per cent of likely Republican caucus attendees.

Mr Trump has visited Iowa multiple times in recent weeks as his team appears to focus on improving turn-out for voters who have never attended an Iowa Republican caucus, CNN reports. He is also warning his supporters to not become complacent despite polls demonstrating his lead.

Weve got to be sure that we put this thing away, Mr Trump said at an Iowa event on 19 December, per CNN. The poll numbers are scary because were leading by so much. The key is you have to get out and vote.

The Independent has contacted Mr Trumps office for comment.
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Maryland Democratic Rep Jamie Raskin has called on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to recuse himself from the courts hearing on former President Donald Trumps claim that hes immune from prosecution on charges stemming from his actions as commander-in-chief.

The Supreme Court has developed what theyre describing as a code of ethics. Its not binding in the sense that theyre not going to anyone else, Mr Raskin, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, told CNN on Sunday. They could have gone to for example circuit court justices, so theyre deciding for themselves again whether theyre in violation of their code of ethics.

But anybody looking at this in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say, if your wife was involved in the big lie, in claiming that Donald Trump had actually won the presidential election and had been agitating for that and participating this the events leading up to January 6th, that you shouldnt be participating, Mr Raskin, a former constitutional law professor, added.

He absolutely should recuse himself. The question is, what do we do if he doesnt recuse himself? he said regarding Justice Thomas.

Emails connected to former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows show that Justice Thomass wife, Ginni Thomas, was one of many Trump supporters who pushed state legislatures to reject President Joe Bidens election victory.

Justice Thomas was the focus of a corruption scandal regarding lavish gifts from GOP donors, and earlier this month it was reported that he suggested that he may leave the court over what he thought was the low salaries for justices. He was making $173,600 at the time.

On Saturday, Democratic Sen Jeff Merkley called on Justice Thomas to resign.

A justice with no ethics doesnt belong on the Supreme Court. Clarence Thomas should resign. And we should insist on a real, enforceable code of ethics for SCOTUS! he wrote on X.

Mr Raskin faced some criticism for his comments, with conservative commentator Steve Guest saying Dems want to destroy the Supreme Court.

RNC Research called the scholar delusional.
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Special counsel Jack Smith has hit back at Donald Trumps claim of immunity from criminal prosecution in a new court filing.

Mr Smiths office argued in a Saturday filing that Mr Trumps claim threatens to license Presidents to commit crimes to remain in office.

The filing came in the federal election subversion case ahead of 9 January oral arguments before a US appeals court in Washington DC, reported CNN.

The defendant asserts (Br.1) that this prosecution threatens  to shatter the very bedrock of our Republic. To the contrary: it is the defendants claim that he cannot be held to answer for the charges that he engaged in an unprecedented effort to retain power through criminal means, despite having lost the election, that threatens the democratic and constitutional foundation of our Republic, Mr Smith wrote.

This Court should affirm and issue the mandate expeditiously to further the publics  and the defendants  compelling interest in a prompt resolution of this case, he added.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to four counts, including conspiring to defraud the United States and to obstruct an official proceeding.

The one-term president has appealed a district courts ruling that he is not entitled to immunity for any crimes committed while he was in the White House.

In his filing, the special counsels office stated that it would be dangerous to give a president that kind of broad immunity.

The implications of the defendants broad immunity theory are sobering. In his view, a court should treat a Presidents criminal conduct as immune from prosecution as long as it takes the form of correspondence with a state official about a matter in which there is a federal interest, a meeting with a member of the Executive Branch, or a statement on a matter of public concern, the filing stated.

That approach would grant immunity from criminal prosecution to a President who accepts a bribe in exchange for directing a lucrative government contract to the payer; a President who instructs the FBI Director to plant incriminating evidence on a political enemy; a President who orders the National Guard to murder his most prominent critics; or a President who sells nuclear secrets to a foreign adversary, because in each of these scenarios, the President could assert that he was simply executing the laws; or communicating with the Department of Justice; or discharging his powers as Commander-in-Chief; or engaging in foreign diplomacy.
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The queen of Denmark has announced her abdication in her traditional New Years Eve speech.

Queen Margrethe II will be succeeded by her son, Crown Prince Frederik, on 14 January  52 years to the day since she came to the throne following the death of her father King Frederik IX in 1972.

The queen, 83, well-known for her passion for dogs, illustration and fashion, is the longest-serving monarch Europe.

In her televisied speech, she explained that her decision came after back surgery she underwent in February.

Queen Margrethe II gives a New Year's speech and announces her abdication (AP)

Danish Crown Prince Frederik (far right) will succeed Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (centre). They are pictured at a state banquet with Danish Crown Princess Mary, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain (EPA)

She said: The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future  whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation.

I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024  52 years after I succeeded my beloved father  I will step down as queen of Denmark.

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen paid tribute to the monarch, offering a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) and his wife Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) are received by Prince Frederik and Queen Margrethe II in August (AFP via Getty)

Queen Margrethe II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece at the celebration of the 50th coronation anniversary of King Carl Gustav of Sweden in September (Getty Images)

Born in 1940, Margrethe has throughout her life enjoyed broad support from her countrys people. She often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and for her talents as a linguist and designer.

She studied in the UK, spending time at Girton College Cambridge and the London School of Economics.

And she is well-known for her passion for illustration, translation, costume and set design and archaeology and her refusal to quit smoking.

Queen Margrethe II with her husband Prince Consort Henrik, who died in 2018 (SCANPIX/AFP via Getty Images)

Queen Margrethe II and Prince Frederik pay their respects at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

She was praised for wearing a brightly-coloured floral raincoat to a 70th birthday celebration for Queen Sonja of Norway in 2007.

Her husband, Prince Henrik, who she married in 1967, died in 2018, aged 83.

In July 2022, she celebrated her Golden Jubilee with a series of events held across Denmark. A month later she became the longest-serving in Europe following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Beatrix of Holland, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II attend a dinner at Windsor Castle in 2002 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Queen Margrethes dress sense often caught the eye. Here she is with Queen Elizabeth II during a three-day official visit to the UK ( )

Royal commentator Alistair Bruce gave his reaction to the announcement to Sky News. He said: She has not been very well recently. Shes had trouble with back pain. Shes had some surgeries.

And I think that theres been a recognition that since her husband, Prince Henrik, died, theres been a diminution in her energy levels and I think its probably something that it is probably something she has been planning for some time.
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Denmarks Queen Margrethe II, 82, has announced she will abdicate in January after 52 years on the throne. She revealed the news unexpectedly in her traditional New Years speech.

Following the death of Britains Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Margrethe founds herself the worlds only queen regnant, Europes longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch on the international stage  bar the Sultan of Brunei.

Although many other royal families have their own queens, these are the wives of kings and have married into their titles, rather than inherited the responsibility to rule as monarch, as Queen Margrethe did.

She attended Her Majestys grand funeral alongside her son, Crown Prince Frederik and was seen to shed a tear at the spectacle of the coffin draped in the royal standard as it lay in Westminster Abbey.

Margrethe is a third cousin of Elizabeth as both women were great-granddaughters of Queen Victoria and their friendship stretched back decades, both women sharing a passion for dogs and on sufficiently intimate terms to address one another by the nicknames Daisy and Lilibet respectively.

Upon learning of the British Queens passing, Margrethe became the first foreign monarch to pay tribute to Her Majesty, writing a touching letter to King Charles III expressing her condolences.

I send you and Camilla my warmest thoughts and prayers, she said. She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly.

Her 70 years of reign and service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth are an unprecedented and remarkable achievement. We shall always remember her important contributions to their development and prosperity.

Due to an unfortunate quirk of timing, an event celebrating Margerthes own golden jubilee and 50 years of public service was scheduled for the Monday immediately after Elizabeths death at Balmoral and did proceed in scaled-back form with royal guests in attendance but not without generous tributes paid to the deceased.

Speaking in advance of Elizabeths own platinum jubilee earlier this summer, Margrethe gave an interview to ITV News in which she said that her fellow monarch had been a huge inspiration to her.

She was 26 when she became Queen, Margrethe said. When I was growing up, I hoped I wouldnt be as young as that when my father died.

It made an enormous impression on me. The fact that she was dedicating her life. I understood what that meant. This is for life. That is the whole point of my life. And I know she sees that too.

When I was growing up, my mother and father said to me, look at what they do in England and I could see that it could be done and it was worthwhile and you could live a very full life with it, even with a heavy schedule and demanding job.

Margrethe was born on 16 April 1940, the eldest child of Frederick IX of Denmark and Ingrid of Sweden, arriving just a week after Nazi Germany had invaded her homeland.

She and her two younger sisters, Princess Benedikte and Princess Anne-Marie, were raised at Frederick VIIIs Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen and in Fredensborg Palace in North Zealand.

Queen Margrethe and Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, arrive at St Georges Chapel in Windsor for the final leg of Queen Elizabeth IIs funeral (AP)

She became heir presumptive ahead of her uncle, Prince Knud, thanks to a constitutional amendment that came into effect in 1953, without which she would have been prevented from making history as the first woman to sit on the throne of Denmark since her namesake, Margrethe I, ruled the Scandinavian kingdoms between 1375 and 1412.

The second Margrethe did not actually wear the crown until the death of her father on 14 January 1972 when she was 32, six years older than Elizabeth when her own time came, hence the importance of her example.

By then, she had studied at Cambridge and the Sorbonne, toured America and met Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and married French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat in June 1967, with whom she had two sons, Frederick and Joachim.

A keen amateur poet and vintner with a love for sculpture and daschunds, Prince Henrik was apparently less comfortable with being named prince consort (and not king) than Britains own Prince Philip but carried out his duties nonetheless until his death at Fredensborg Palace in February 2018, aged 81.

Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen in March 2009 (Getty)

Margrethe has proven a highly popular monarch throughout her reign, despite occasionally chiding the public for bad behaviour during televised addresses, notably during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

She is known for her passion for illustration (JRR Tolkiens Lord of the Rings), translation (Simone de Beauvoir), costume and set design and archaeology and for her endearingly trenchant refusal to quit smoking, a habit that has led her to be dubbed the Ashtray Queen.

Her singular taste in clothing has also raised eyebrows, with a brightly-coloured floral raincoat she wore to a 70th birthday celebration for Queen Sonja of Norway in 2007 a particularly loud example, worthy of Grayson Perry.

Queen Margrethe accepts flowers from the parade at Graasten Castle wearing her notorious raincoat (Palle Peter Skov/AFP/Getty)

But her sartorial flourishes have their fans too, with British Vogue hailing her as an unsung style heroine.

Defending the reviled raincoat, fashion writer Anders Christian Madsen wrote: An eccentric at heart, she thought it would brighten the grey summer days when shed have to disembark her royal yacht in the rain.

She has fashioned a royal wardrobe suspended between fantasy and history.

In the same appraisal, designer Julie Brogger said of Margrethe: She outshines everybody. She doesnt care what anybody thinks. She has this dramatic vision of how you can affect the publics perception of you through your clothes.

Her interest in the history of both her family and the monarchy shows in her gowns.
 Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded

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A Russian strike on a hotel in Kharkiv has injured 13 people as it has been claimed Vladimir Putins exhausted troops have been hitting their own towns.

Two Russian missiles struck a hotel late on Wednesday in the centre of Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on Telegram. Kharkivs prosecutors office said that among the 13 wounded is a 35-year-old man who was seriously injured and two Turkish journalists covering the war.

Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has claimed Russian forces have been accidentally bombing territories in their own country, or in occupied Ukraine. In its latest intelligence update, the MoD said the likelihood of these accidents had increased due to inadequate training and crew fatigue.

It comes as Ukrainian shelling injured three people in the Russian region of Belgorod late on Monday and air defences downed 10 RM-70 Vampir rockets, Russian officials and the defence ministry said.

Belgorod has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces in recent weeks. A missile and drone attack late last month killed 25 civilians, including five children.
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Russia will be held responsible for every strike on Ukraines cities, Volodymyr Zelensky said after Moscow launched its biggest aerial attack of the war so far killing at least 31 Ukrainians.

For every Shahed drone, for every Russian missile, there will be a fair responsibility of the terrorist state, both political and very practical, Mr Zelensky said on Saturday.

He also said that Ukraine is preparing to produce more weapons in 2024.

Russia launched a fresh bombardment on Kyiv and Kharkiv in the hours leading into New Years Eve, Ukrainian officials said.

On the eve of the New Year, the Russians want to intimidate our city, but we are not scared - we are unbreakable and invincible! Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

While the scale of the attack and any damages were not immediately clear, Ukrainian officials said at least 21 people were injured in Kharkiv.

The attack comes a day after Russia unleashed the largest air attack on Ukraine, with 158 missiles and drones launched towards several cities.

At least 41 people have been confirmed dead in those attacks.

Meanwhile, Russian courts have sentenced more than 200 Ukrainian fighters to prison terms since Moscow started its military operation in Ukraine, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the RIA news agency published on Sunday.

The courts of the Russian Federation have already sentenced more than 200 representatives of Ukrainian armed formations to long terms of imprisonment for committing atrocities, Mr Lavrov told RIA.

Mr Lavrov did not explain what alleged atrocities the Ukrainian soldiers were accused of committing. Russia has itself been accused of a range of atrocities since it invaded Ukraine, including at Bucha and Irpin, with the UN saying the Bucha killings raise serious questions about possible war crimes.

Mr Lavrov said Russias main investigative organ, the Investigative Committee, has initiated 4,000 criminal cases against about 900 Ukrainian individuals.

They include not only members of radical nationalist associations, representatives of Ukrainian security forces and mercenaries, but also representatives of the military and political leadership of Ukraine, Mr Lavrov said. Those of them who were charged in absentia have been put on the international wanted list.
Globally averaged surface air temperature for all months of July from 1940 to 2023. Shades of blue indicate cooler-than-average years, while shades of red show years that were warmer than average. Data: ERA5. Graphic: C3S/ECMWF.

31 December 2023 (Desdemona Despair)  The topline story of 2023 must be that it was the hottest year on record (so far). It was the hottest in 174 years of record-keeping where humans have directly measured the temperature of the planet. It was probably the hottest in the last 125,000 years. Tessa Hill, marine scientist at the University of California Davis, remarked, If we dont change things, if we keep going on the trajectory that were going, we will look back at 2023 and think of it as: remember that year that wasnt so bad?

If this had been the only bad news in 2023, it would have been more than enough doom for one year. But its only the start of a litany of ongoing catastrophes that humans faced in this terrible year.

Estimated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration for the last 10,000 years. Modern observations are current to 11 June 2023. Graphic: UC San Diego / Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Hottest year

The Boreal summer in this hottest year was brutal. The full list of heat-related disasters would be far too long for this summary post  see the Doomiest Images of 2023 for an abbreviated list. Possibly the single worst news item in 2023 was when global mean surface temperature briefly exceeded the 1.5C threshold for the first time in July, a limit set in the Paris Agreement and a temperature rise that wasnt expected to occur for decades.

Wildfires in Canadas Northwest Territories released more than 97 megatons of carbon in 2023, vastly exceeding the 2014 record.

A 2023 study found that more Europeans died because of heat in 2022 than any year in recorded history. The mortality numbers for the awful heatwaves of 2023 have not yet been analyzed.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide hit a new peak in 2023, growing at a near-record rate. Not only is CO 2 increasing despite our feeble efforts to reduce emissions, but its increasing faster than it was 10 or 20 years ago.

Berkeley Earth estimated that 2023 is virtually certain (99 percent chance) to average more than 1.5C above the 1850-1900 baseline temperature, meaning that humans have already blown through the Paris Agreement target, years or decades sooner than expected.

Krill processing waste pours into the ocean from a drain on the Chinese fishing vessel Shen Lan in the Southern Ocean on 6 March 2023. Photo: David Keyton / AP Photo

Biosphere disruption

Even if our species werent directly driving the planet into a temperature regime that hasnt existed for hundreds of thousands or millions of years, humans continue to dismantle the biosphere on which all life depends  even us.

Even our attempts to avert global warming are contributing to the destruction of the biosphere, as solar farms in California imperil rare plants and slow-footed tortoises, while wind farms in Brazil disrupt the ecosystems of endangered jaguars and pumas.

Map showing the Global Peace Index for 2023. In the period 2022-2023, deaths from global conflict increased by 96 percent to 238,000. 79 countries witnessed increased levels of conflict including Ethiopia, Myanmar, Ukraine, Israel, and South Africa. The global economic impact of violence increased by 17 percent or $1 trillion, to $17.5 trillion in 2022, equivalent to 13 percent of global. Conflicts became more internationalized, with 91 countries now involved in some form of external conflict, up from 58 in 2008. GDP Graphic: IEP

Social dissolution

Not surprisingly, heating the planet to excruciating temperatures while destroying the natural world is driving humans insane en masse. The year 2023 saw new highs in human violence and depression this century.

Planned increase in fossil fuel production for 2030 relative to 2021, in exajoules. Data: The Production Gap: SEI, Climate Analytics, E3G, IISD and UNEP 2023. An exajoule is equal to one quintillion joules. Graphic: The Guardian

Institutional failure

Also not surprisingly, human institutions proved completely inadequate for finding solutions to these self-inflicted catastrophes. The most obvious failure was the COP28 climate summit in December, which was literally led by the fossil fuel industry in 2023. As Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg pointed out, its absurd to think oil companies causing the climate crisis have a solution to it. As long as they can get away with it, they will continue to invest in fossil fuels, they will continue to throw people under the bus, she said at the World Economic Forum meeting in January, stating the obvious.

But human institutions are failing in numerous other ways.

U.S. states siphoned away $750 million in infrastructure law climate funds to general-purpose highway construction accounts. The sum was more than one-quarter of the total annual amount made available to states in two new climate-related programs.

Global coal production increased by more than 7 percent compared to 2021, reaching a record high of 175 exajoules.

Current climate policies are completely inadequate and will leave more than one-fifth of humanity exposed to dangerously hot temperatures by 2100. In worst-case scenarios of 3.6C or even 4.4C global warming, half of the worlds population could be left outside the climate niche, posing an existential risk.

Mitigation strategies that rely on carbon credits are already failing, as large corporations withdraw from the carbon market due its fundamentally ineffective  and fraudulent  nature.

The insurance industry is raising premiums and withdrawing from regions that are prone to recurring climate disasters, a market-based reaction that strands thousands of people and billions of dollars of assets.

Climate scientist James Hansen told the Guardian that 2023 will be remembered as the year when humanitys failures became apparent.

When our children and grandchildren look back at the history of human-made climate change, this year and next will be seen as the turning point at which the futility of governments in dealing with climate change was finally exposed, he said.

Not only did governments fail to stem global warming, the rate of global warming actually accelerated.
When an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building just metres from southern Gazas Kuwaiti Hospital, the surrounding area  overcrowded with people who have fled other parts of Gaza  sank into chaos.

It wasnt a normal airstrike, says Awad Mohammed Ali Al-Zain, 22, who was sitting near the building when he was hit by shrapnel from the blast. It was terrifying, he says.

People in the streets outside the hospital dropped their belongings and ran for cover. Some crouched behind ambulances, others sprinted up the street. A father ran clutching his toddler. Young children burst into tears. A lone donkey that had been towing a cart of supplies turned itself halfway around in the middle of the road as its owners fled for cover  as a burst of further strikes hit the building just a few hundred metres behind it.
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Passengers have had their New Years Eve plans thrown into disarray after hundreds of trains were cancelled across the country  and Eurostar chaos ran into a second day.

Flooding and staff shortages led to train services being scrapped or delayed, with warnings the disruption could get worse due to more severe weather.

It came as tens of thousands of Eurostar customers  whose trains had been cancelled on Saturday due to tunnel flooding  faced further mayhem as the company was unable to lay on any extra services, despite trains resuming on Sunday morning.

Although both tunnels were operational again, the travel chaos spilled over, with up to 36,000 backlogged customers battling to get a seat on one of the Sunday trains, many of which were already sold out.

Passengers waited on the concourse at the entrance to Eurostar in St Pancras International station on Saturday (PA Wire)

As the first Eurostar train left London St Pancras International shortly after 8am bound for Paris, some passengers were queuing at the station to try and book tickets.

Maes Bert and Lievens Nele, both 45, were in a large queue for tickets, hoping to get spaces on a train home to Brussels on Sunday so they can enjoy the new year countdown with their two daughters after their train on Saturday was cancelled.

Ms Bert said: Our tickets was cancelled yesterday so if you want a new ticket you have to queue here and hope you get one, and I hope we are getting home today, but its not sure there are tickets, so we have to wait and wait and wait, but its not going further, it takes a long time.

Maes Bert, 45 and her partner Lievens Nele, 45, from Brussels, who are hoping to get home to their daughter in time for New Year (PA)

He said they had been queuing for about half an hour, adding: Yesterday you can (re-)book your tickets but all was booked for today, but now they said there are coming more places for a train, so now we hope there is a place for two persons, and otherwise its tomorrow, but then we are not home for the holidays. Our two children are home.

French national Emilio Fernandez, 22, also returned to the station on Sunday with his parents, sister and four-year-old nephew Amani.

He said: We were supposed to leave late [on Saturday] but it was cancelled in the afternoon. We were very worried because first its important to come back to our country to celebrate New Years Eve there, so we are very worried still because we are not sure that we will be able to leave.

Northern Trains issued a Do Not Travel notice for 31 December on links from Manchester Victoria to Chester and Stalybridge, and from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester via Altrincham (Simon Calder)

Another family who travelled to Brussels for a surprise trip for their Canadian relative said they had been left in a state and stranded in the city because of flooding disruptions to Eurostar.

Luke Gibbs, 32, from Kenley, south London, travelled with his wife, Kyla, cousin Liam Eton and sister-in-law Brea Melanson, from Canada, and planned to arrive in London in time for New Years Eve celebrations on Sunday.

Mr Gibbs, a business development manager, paid 600 for a New Years Eve event in London Bridge, which is not refundable and now he cannot attend after his train from Brussels to St Pancras was cancelled. He described the communication with Eurostar as appalling.

I think the way [Eurostar] dealt with it is pretty appalling in terms of not trying to say this is how you rebook it, well help you out with expenses, Mr Gibbs said.

They just said, unfortunately, its cancelled, were sorry, get on with it, which is shocking really.

Meanwhile, across the domestic network, Northern Trains issued a Do Not Travel notice for 31 December on links from Manchester Victoria to Chester and Stalybridge, and from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester via Altrincham.

Passengers were also warned no trains will run on routes connecting Preston with Colne, Bolton with Clitheroe and Lancaster with Morecambe on the last day of the year.

The rail firm told passengers: We will be operating a reduced service across the northwest due to train crew unavailability.

Northern Trains staff who are based west of the Pennines do not have Sunday included in their working week, and so services on New Years Eve  as on any other Sunday  rely upon overtime.

Elsewhere, cancellations on long-distance and local trains were rife. LNER, which connects London Kings Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland, has cancelled or curtailed more than 20 intercity trains on New Years Eve.

On the Thameslink line through central London, connecting Bedford and Luton with Gatwick and Brighton, most trains were cancelled due to staff shortage.

The usual overnight services will not run at all in the early hours of new years day.

Flood water in York after the River Ouse burst its banks on Saturday (PA)

The Met Office has warned there could be further disruption caused by wind and rain sweeping across the UK.

Wind warnings are in place until midnight on Sunday, with some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport possible, the forecaster said.

A yellow rain warning has been issued for an area of the North West which includes Manchester, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool from 6pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday, with 30-40mm possible locally.

The highest recorded wind gusts so far on Sunday were 74mph on the Isle of Wight, 64mph at Mumbles near Swansea, and 62mph on the Isles of Scilly.
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Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue  and what it means for you.

London St Pancras International station is a place of outstanding architectural beauty  and, usually, a hub for the start of great adventures and warm reunions. The tears being shed at the Eurostar terminal on Saturday were of the despairing kind, as more than 30,000 people found they would not be reaching their destinations due to flooding on the High Speed 1 line where it dives beneath the Thames between Essex and Kent.

The Eurostar network from London has shrunk due to the twin hazards of Brexit and Covid, and is now limited to Lille, Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Yet on a busy day  as most of them are  more than 30,000 people will pass through the St Pancras terminal. That is about the same as a busy airport such as Luton or Edinburgh. Yet if an airport were closed and all flights cancelled due to some calamity (such as the car park fire at Luton in October), airline passengers have gold-plated rights.

Even if the carrier is not to blame for the cancellation, it has a strict and unlimited obligation to the passenger. An airline that cancels a flight must find another way to get the traveller to their destination as soon as possible. If the only available option involves paying hundreds of pounds to a rival carrier (or a different form of transport, such as Eurostar), so be it.

While the traveller is waiting, all meals must be provided  along with hotel accommodation as necessary, with no cap on the cost of a room. While every passenger wants to reach their destination without any kerfuffle, if your flight goes awry the only cost will be emotional, not financial. Should the airline be at fault, you are also in line for hundreds of pounds in compensation.

Eurostar is a completely different matter. Were you to choose an alternative form of transport rather than waiting for days for a train seat to become available, the cross-Channel rail firm will not pay the difference between the cost of your Eurostar ticket and the replacement flight or ferry. With one-way fares from Paris to London soaring to almost 700 on New Years Eve, that represents quite a gap in the unfortunate travellers account.

A hotel? That depends if you are deemed to be stranded. A UK-originating passenger who is stuck at a continental European station trying to come home fits the bill. But what about some of the cancelled passengers I met at St Pancras  from Kent, Leicestershire and Bristol. Could they claim the cost of a room in London while they wait an indefinitely long time for their onward train to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam? Eurostar handles claims on a case-by-case basis. But under European air passengers rights rules, which the UK copied and pasted after Brexit, anyone who wants an airport hotel after a cancellation is entitled to one.

I am not arguing for the extension of aviation rights to international rail travellers. Indeed, I believe they are far too onerous for airlines, and that feeds through to higher fares. The passenger has no incentive to keep costs down. In contrast, fair play to Eurostars meal allowance: 50 for each 24 hours of being stranded.

There is a perfectly good terrestrial alternative to Eurostar: take the overnight ferry from Hook of Holland (accessible from Amsterdam and Rotterdam) to Harwich. The total cost is around 175  which, all other things being equal, a rational passenger would not accept, because it would leave them out of pocket. Eurostar should be actively encouraging travellers to extract themselves from the almighty muddle by making it financially worthwhile to escape by sea.
 Close Spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks as London welcomes 2024

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Berlin police detained over 300 people on New Years Eve after at least 14 on-duty officers were injured as people shot fireworks at each other and police throughout the city.

One of the incidents occurred near Alexanderplatz where around 500 people were letting off fireworks at each other before police dispersed the group at the landmark Neptune Fountain, reported DW.

The crowd fired at police with pyrotechnics when they tried to check them for fireworks, according to the outlet.

In Neukolln, a number of arrests were made after people attempted to make Molotov cocktails, which police say they confiscated.

It came amid jubilant scenes in the US as tens of thousands of beaming people in New Yorks Times Square, were showered with confetti and hugs and kisses after watching the descent of the colourful ball marking the birth of 2024.

The UK earlier welcomed 2024 with a bang as tens of thousands packed the streets of London and Edinburgh to watch the cities world-famous New Years Eve fireworks displays.

Tickets for the event in London sold out and official viewing areas were full. Organisers finished checks on the pyrotechnics with more than 10,000 fireworks shooting up into the nights sky after the Big Ben countdown.

The march of midnight from time zone to time zone brought the new year first to places like Australia, where more than 1 million people watched a pyrotechnic display centred around Sydneys famous Opera House and harbour bridge  a number of spectators equivalent to one in five of the citys residents.
Dashcam footage shows the moment an explosion takes place in the Russian city of Belgorod, where Russian authorities say 14 people have died in Ukrainian strikes on 30 December.

A further 111 people have been injured in the city close to the Ukraine border.

A Ukrainian security source reportedly told the BBC that Kyiv fired 70 drones at Russian military targets, but they blamed a failure in Russias air defences for fragments falling in Belgorod.

The event comes a day after Russian strikes across Ukraine killed 39 people. The bombardment was described by Kyiv as Russias biggest missile strike of the war so far.
Professionals say breaches going unreported as companies fear penalties and damage to reputation

More than half of compliance professionals believe that data protection rules have been breached in their organisation at one time or another.

An even greater number acknowledged that they are aware of such breaches having taken place in organisations they previously worked in.

A new survey by the Compliance Institute, which polled 230 compliance professionals working primarily in Irish financial services organisations nationwide, found that almost one in five of those asked said they were aware of more than one instance of a data breach situation in their organisation.

Two-thirds of compliance experts, reported that they believe certain data protection breaches go unreported to varying degrees.

When asked to identify what they believe are the factors contributing to organisations not reporting data protection breaches, nearly half of those surveyed, believe that businesses, for the most part, do not intentionally neglect to report breaches.

Half of those surveyed think that concerns about potential damage to their brand reputation might lead organisations to keep such violations confidential. Fewer survey participants said that penalties linked to data breaches and scrutiny from regulatory authorities was a contributing factor.

Chief executive of the Compliance Institute Michael Kavanagh said: The reality is that data breaches can occur within even the most vigilant and secure organisations, underscoring the need for constant diligence in safeguarding sensitive information. Recent reports give weight to the contention that no organisation is 100pc impervious to a breach.

Mr Kavanagh said that in August of this year, the Central Bank of Ireland, the nations financial services watchdog suffered an archiving error data breach that impacted the retention of certain data on borrowers credit reports stored within the Central Credit Register.

Following this, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) has initiated an inquiry into the breach.

Also, earlier this year, a disclosure made under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that Revenue said there had been 256 data breaches throughout last year, with a further 119 in the period from January to June 2023.

Findings from the Compliance Institutes data breach survey revealed that a majority of surveyed compliance professionals said that breaches frequently go unreported, with a quarter going so far as to believe that many breaches are left unaddressed.

Less than half express confidence that organisations would not wilfully fail to report a breach.

The predominant deterrent for reporting appears to be the fear of damaging brand reputation, closely followed by the apprehension of being held accountable.

Others fear that penalties and regulatory scrutiny act as disincentives for reporting incidents.

Mr. Kavanagh said: Organisations have distinct obligations and responsibilities in safeguarding data, and even when they diligently meet their legal requirements, errors can occur.

These errors typically include IT blunders, human oversight, and malicious cyber activities, among various other potential pitfalls.

Expecting absolute invulnerability from every organisation is unrealistic, particularly considering the relentless pace at which cybercriminals advance their tactics to steal data. The response protocol an organisation takes following a breach holds equal importance to its pre-emptive security measures.
Housing

The barber shop is beside McGregor's Black Forge Inn pub in Drimnagh

Hair stylist Aida Reilly in Roche's Barbers which had been in business for about 70 years. Photo: Frank McGrath

MMA fighter Conor McGregors company Jemi Ventures, which owns his Black Forge Inn Pub in Drimnagh, has received approval from Dublin City Council to change the use of the former Roches Barber Shop premises into a residential unit.

Jemi Ventures first applied for planning permission to change the use of the barber shop, which had been in operation for around 70 years, back in October.

Dublin City Council approved the plans to change the use of the barber shop earlier this month.

In September, the Irish Independent broke the news that Roches Barbers was set to close its doors, having first opened in 1952.

The company was told the rent would be increasing to 1,500 a month, up from 550.

Vincent Roche, who has been running the barber shop since his father died in 2014, said he was told that if the business did not wish to proceed with the tenancy at the increased rate, he would have to vacate the premises within three months.

Hair stylist Aida Reilly in Roche's Barbers which had been in business for about 70 years. Photo: Frank McGrath

Roche told the Irish Independent he could not afford to pay the higher rent rate.

The barber is next door to the Black Forge, which was bought by McGregor for 2m in 2020.

The pub made a 432,000 loss last year, according to accounts for Jemi Ventures.

That comes on top of a 1.13m loss the pub made in 2021, when its opening remained severely restricted due to the pandemic. Its accumulated losses stood at more than 2m at the end of last year.

The pub and restaurant employs about 50 people. Jemi Ventures secured permission in 2021 for a large extension to the pub.

McGregor, who recently expressed an interest in running for President, also recently acquired the Porterhouse Brewery in Dublin, which brews his Forged Irish Stout brand.
Sarah OConnor (34) is an actress. From Lucan, she moved to London in 2008 to pursue a career in musical theatre. She has been in Frozen, Mamma Mia, Evita and The Commitments. Currently she plays Glinda in Wicked which will come to Dublin in July. She lives in Kent with her husband Sam Day. He is also her agent. 
One of the themes of the old year, and one that may stay with us into the new, has been Elon Musks somewhat eccentric stewardship of Twitter (now X). Theres a feeling that a combination of his volatility, rash treatment of employees (especially in the context of mass layoffs) and the ever nastier tenor of the platform might, if we can overcome our own masochism, see it go the way of other tech dinosaurs.

For the average person Facebook, or Meta as its now known, might already count among these. Yes it remains as a billion-dollar public company and it owns Instagram  where it harvests the human envy and aspiration that was once its own mainstay  and WhatsApp. But the kids are all on TikTok and Facebook lingers on as a sort of phone book for the middle-aged, untended and unloved.

A lot of the blame for this decline has been laid at Mark Zuckerbergs door. And so Skys new documentary on him, Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse feels timely and features an impressive roster of insiders, including Frances Haugen, a whistleblower who revealed Facebooks weaknesses in moderating content relating to things like drug cartels and vaccine misinformation, and Richard Allan, who was VP of the company in the mid 2000s.

It delves back into the early days, fictionalised in The Social Network, when Zuckerberg, a shiny-faced Harvard nerd came up with a slightly voyeuristic social networking site, which quickly spread like a virus through campuses and then across America. Interestingly, even then, Zuckerberg was seemingly wise to the value of the personal data that Facebooks burgeoning user base were unthinkingly delivering  hes quoted as referring to them as dumb f**ks for not understanding what they were doing.

And yet publicly he called Facebook an idealistic and optimistic company whose mission was to democratise media and connect people across the world. By the late 2000s this goal had succeeded on a grand scale. One seventh of the worlds entire population was using Facebook, the site was thought to have helped the election of Barack Obama (whos shown here having a cosy meeting with Zuckerberg) and the sites founder, by then the worlds youngest self-made billionaire, was named Person of the Year by TIME magazine.

And yet despite the apparent humility, a certain god complex, which may have been there all along, crept to the fore. Zuckerberg believed, we are told, tech was an alternative to politics and tech billionaires should be granted maximum freedom to run the world. Once Sheryl Sandberg, a former exec at Google, came along and began the era of targeted ads, the corporate surveillance of consumers had begun.

Of course, in Mark and Sheryls minds they were just helping businesses to hawk the right stuff to the right people. This absurdity is highlighted in a clip when US Senator Dick Durbin questions Zuckerberg at a 2018 hearing  prompted by the revelation that Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm linked to the Trump campaign, harvested the data of millions of Facebook users to psychologically profile voters during the 2016 US election.

Durbin asks Zuckerberg if hell reveal the hotel he stayed at last night. Zuckerberg, resembling a fish gasping for air, declines. What about the names of all hed messaged that week, Durbin asks. No. I would probably not choose to do that publicly here. And yet, many senators didnt challenge Zuckerbergs prevarications further. The companys lobbyists considered the whole thing a success, and proper regulation seemed further off than ever.

Its a bleak note to end on and if the film has a weakness its in its failure to even nod at Facebooks decline. Zuckerberg may have been able to ride out scandals, but even he doesnt seem to notice a death spiral toward irrelevance.

As we brace for another year of Musk, that might give us hope.
Capacity  not gangs or drugs  is the biggest issue in our jails, says Irish Prison Service chief

There are currently 4,747 people locked up in Irish jails  and thats the highest number ever recorded

Caron McCaffrey. Photo: Jeff Harvey

Ali Bracken Sun 31 Dec 2023 at 03:30

Roughly 180 criminals have been identified as members of 17 different organised crime gangs across the Irish prison system, the Sunday Independent can reveal.
Number of mass killings in the U.S. 2023 compared with previous years. Data: The Associated Press / Northeastern University / USA TODAY. Graphic: USA TODAY

By Molly Bohannon and Ana Faguy

25 December 2023

(Forbes)  The United States has faced 649 mass shootings so far this year, making it the second-worst year for shootings in the nine years since the Gun Violence Archive began recording dataafter a set of brutal mass shootings in Maine, California, Texas and Tennessee took the lives of dozens of Americans.

Some 706 people have been killed in mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident with at least four injuries or deaths, not including the shooter.

This year has already outpaced the 646 mass shootings recorded in all of 2022 and the 610 reported in 2020, but is below 2021s 689 mass shootings, a record since the Gun Violence Archive began tracking data in 2014.

As of Monday, 42,151 people have died from gun-related events in the U.S. this year, including 18,457 who died by homicide, murder or an unintentional shooting, plus another 23,694 who died by suicide. []

Big number

More than 6,000. Thats how many children, ages zero to 11, and teenagers, ages 12 to 17, have been shot this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Key background

The deadliest mass shooting of the year happened in October, when 18 people were killed and 13 more were injured at two locations in Lewiston, Maine. While the shootings took place at two separate locations, the Gun Violence Archive has treated it as a single event. It outpaces a January shooting at Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park, California, where 11 people died, and a May shooting at a shopping center outside Dallas where eight people were killed. Other larger mass shootings of the year include a January incident near San Francisco that killed seven people, a March shooting at a Nashville elementary school where six people died including three children and a Utah murder-suicide with seven deaths not including the shooter. [more]

U.S. Faces Second-Worst Year On Record For Mass ShootingsNearly 650 Incidents
Disturbing rise in abuse of teenage girls by boys their own age

Profileration of violent adult pornography online being linked to an almost 30pc increase

Eimear Lacey, principal social worker, with a young woman at the Alders Unit in Tallaght Hospital. Photo: Fergal Phillips

Maeve Sheehan Sun 31 Dec 2023 at 03:30

A Dublin service for victims of child abuse has warned of a disturbing rise in sexual assaults of teenage girls by boys of similar age, with attacks becoming increasingly violent.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he will raise the international criminal probe into the Kinahan Cartel and the global drug trade when he visits Colombia and Mexico in the new year.

While the visit is largely more political and economic, the foreign affairs minister said he would talk to the Department of Justice before the trip and convey any messages regarding the criminal activity of the notorious crime gang.
Maynooth University spent 30,000 on plans to change how governing authority board is chosen. Photo: PA

Maynooth University was accused of misleading members of its governing authority about a controversial failed bid to replace college elections with a new selection procedure.

The misinformation claim was made by a governing authority member in August. The university claims a motion containing the allegations was later withdrawn.

It comes as new documents show the failed plan cost the college almost 30,000 in recruitment fees for positions it never had to fill.

Documents obtained under Freedom of Information also show proposals initially put forward to end the elections would have given a future outgoing governing authority a crucial say in who would replace it and ultimately hold it to account.

Governing authority boards are responsible for planning and policy decisions at universities. Staff are usually able to elect their own representatives to serve for a fixed term.

However, earlier this year Maynooth University sought to do away with elections in favour of a new selection process, sparking a huge row with staff.

Under the failed plan, staff could first nominate themselves for roles and a recruitment company would consequently help college officials select suitable candidates to fill the governing authority positions.

The plans were approved by an outgoing authority last spring before a staff rebellion  with complaints that the move was undemocratic  led to the decision being reversed.

In the weeks before last Augusts U-turn, the university incurred costs of 30,000 on the administrative processing and vetting of possible candidates.

The documents also show there were considerable concerns raised among members of the outgoing governing authority about the abandoned plans to end elections.

One motion put forward by five elected members at a meeting in August called for elections to continue.

Professors Paul Moynagh, Honor Fagan and Doctors Seamus Taylor, Mercedes Carbayo-Abengozar and Andreas Boldt also asked that gender balance considerations be factored into the election process.

A similar motion was put forward by alumni board chairman Peter Finnegan who alleged he and colleagues may have been misled about plans to end elections during an earlier meeting.

He also complained staff were not appropriately aware of the proposals to end elections.

It is also my understanding that, contrary to what we were told at the June meeting of the GA (governing authority), that no Irish university had decided on a process that removed any opportunity for staff to elect representatives, Mr Finnegan said.

It is also my understanding that the reality is that most Irish universities have retained the practice of facilitating staff participation by election not selection.

In terms of the relationship between the governing authority and the executive it would be unacceptable if the information provided on this issue was factually incorrect.

Given the broader societal focus on governance of public organisations of late it would be unwise to present any cause for concern in relation to Maynooth University.

Mr Finnegans motion called on his colleagues to reverse the earlier decision to end elections and state it regrets the lack of appropriate consultation and transparency on this issue.

A spokeswoman said Mr Finnegan later withdrew the motion.

The GA was accurately informed regarding the ongoing formation of other universities governing authorities when this matter was discussed, she added.

Most other universities hold staff elections for governing authority positions. University College Cork uses a hybrid model where some staff election and selection methods are used.

An early draft of the abandoned plans, obtained by the Sunday Independent, shows a governing authority nominations committee would be mandated by an outgoing governing authority to select internal and external members of the new board.

The plan showed the nominations committee would be populated by outgoing members but no member being considered for appointment or reappointment could be part of this committee.

This ultimately meant the outgoing board members could determine who would replace them and scrutinise decisions.

The proposals were later amended and a spokeswoman for the university this weekend said conflict of interest considerations were addressed through the process.

The governing authority was tasked with building the process for appointing the next GA, a process which was subsequently approved by the minister, she said.
Gardai have confirmed that a missing 23-year-old Galway man has been located.

Robert Murphy from Claregalway, Co. Galway, had been missing since Thursday, December 28.

An Garda Siochana would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.
A 17-year-old boy who was reported missing from Dublin before Christmas has been found safe.

He was missing from the Dublin 8 area since December 23.

A garda spokesperson thanked the media and the public for their assistance and said no further media action is required.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has vowed to take on the Healy-Rae political dynasty and win Green Party council seats in their Kerry stronghold in next years local elections.

Ryan, who has frequently clashed with Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae, said the people of Kerry are facing a real choice in the June elections between Healy-Rae candidates and the Green Party council hopefuls.

That is a real choice facing the people of Kerry and I think we have a candidate in every ward in Kerry and, my God, some of them are really good, he said.

Asked if he was taking on the Healy-Raes, he declared during a pre-Christmas briefing for political journalists: Yeah, absolutely.

Ryan said he also expects the Greens to win local authority seats in Mayo and Donegal, neither a traditional stronghold for his party.

Im absolutely convinced of it. You look at the strength of our party across rural Ireland at the moment. We have superb candidates in every county, and I am absolutely confident that will translate into seats, he said.

Why would our agenda not apply in Kerry just as much as it does in Dublin? Kerry people are just as smart and just as cottoned on to what is going on. I am absolutely confident they will vote for some of the brilliant candidates we have down there.

Ryans comments came after Michael Healy-Rae declared earlier this year that Ryan was the only minister that I know thats in charge of building roads that doesnt like building roads.

The Environment Minister has also been heckled during parliamentary debates on climate change by Healy-Raes brother Danny, who told the Dail earlier this month: Eamon Ryan has gone off to Cop, hed need to get some cop-on.

The tense relationship has seen Ryan previously claim he was coming under attack from some TDs because theres a kind of impetus to get the TikTok video out and get the number of views up.

Meanwhile, Ryan said that by next month he will have visited every local authority in the country, describing it as a really rewarding experience for me.

Not many people do it. I dont think theres much precedent, he said. I think it is a really good thing to do because a lot of changes we have to make, if we are to change this street here, it wont happen from the Department of Transport, it does have to come from local government, and the same applies to every street and town in the country.

Its a listening exercise. Were not there just to tell people what to do. Were there to listen.

Ryan said more broadly that he does not accept the premise he is disconnected from rural Ireland.

I spent most of my working life in rural Ireland. I used to run a cycle holiday business where I literally spent my entire year wandering up and down the west coast of Ireland, he said.

Ive never found in that period of time that there was a disconnect. I found it is home from home for me. I dont accept the premise.
Kerry fishermen are leading the way in helping to save vast sea meadows that capture more carbon than rainforests.

Eelgrass is a vital habitat for creatures such as seahorses and pipefish and a nursery for juvenile fish, but critically it is also a vast carbon sink.

The plants absorb carbon and methane through photosynthesis and sequester them in their root systems.

This is performed 35 times faster than rainforests, with one study estimating an acre of seagrass can sequester 335kg of carbon a year  the amount emitted by a car travelling 6,212km.

While the Danes are sending divers to the ocean floor to plant the grass, Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society has drawn up a plan to ring-fence 4,000 hectares of eelgrass off North Kerry.

Dr Kevin Flannery, a marine biologist and chairman of the Irish Elasmobranch Group, a conservation group for rays and sharks, said: Eelgrass is the playground for all inshore juvenile fish. Its vital for carbon sequestration and for nursery areas, because Tralee Bay is one of the main areas for rays, sharks, and skates in Europe. Its a Serengeti of the Atlantic for rays and sharks.

Located on shorelines, seagrasses are seen by scientists as one of the most powerful and unheralded climate solutions on the planet.

Ireland has committed to protect 30pc of marine areas by 2030, and Dr Flannery, who helped mark out the eelgrass meadows over the past year, said the pre-emptive plan drawn up by the Kerry oyster fishermen will help achieve this goal.

Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society  a non-profit co-operative of over 200 members  has the rights to one of the largest self-reproducing oyster beds in western Europe, which runs from Kerry Head to Brandon Head.

We have marked out in conjunction with the 64 active boats that are members of the co-op all the eelgrass growing area within that area which is 4,000 hectares. This is a major initiative. This is the co-operative doing this themselves, marking out spots and agreeing to stay out of them, Dr Flannery said.

EU legislation says we have to allow 30pc of our waters for marine protected areas. Inevitably, someone will draw a line on the map saying nobody can fish in these areas, but this is an initiative coming from the ground up.

Seagrass can be wiped out by fertilisers and pollution, while dredging along the bottom of the sea for oysters can also directly remove plants or affect the light levels for growth by churning up sediment.

Dr Flannery said the oyster fishers are the only ones who would threaten eelgrass as they tow and dredge a steel cage along the bottom.

That would create major disturbance and they are not going to do that now, he added, saying the society tells oyster fishers where they can fish every day and how much to catch per person.

Along with the carbon sequestration, the oyster co-operative has drawn up a plan to enrich the area by creating reefs.

They will put down the shells of dead oysters and other oysters settle on that, so they create a reef, Dr Flannery said. They have agreed to put out 60,000 spat, which are baby oysters, to create the reefs. Youll have spider crabs, young angel sharks and the rays on the reefs.

The seeds spawned by these oysters in the protected areas will also travel all over the bay, which will help regenerate the main beds of the oyster fishery.

What makes Tralee Bay unique is its the last native oyster bed in Europe that hasnt had disease and that is producing naturally. The spider crab is the keystone species. Its the biggest spider crab fishery in Ireland, Dr Flannery said. All the rays and the angel shark feed on them, like you would see in an Attenborough film. Along with that, the spider crab eats the starfish that predate on the oysters, so they have no predators.

Millions of the spider crabs, [all together] a couple of feet high and a couple of kilometres wide, come in October to moult and throw their shells off. Species like rays and sharks come to feed on them. This is unique in Europe, it only happens in a few places in the world.

Dr Flannery said the protection of the sea meadows would see the return of the critically endangered flapper skate and the angel shark in a big way.

It would be one of the biggest marine tourism areas in the country. The potential for preserving and creating a marine wildlife park is phenomenal, he added.

Dr Flannery said the co-operative wants to develop the north Kerry coastline as a marine protected area while allowing fishing in a restricted area. The report, which took nearly a year to complete, has been handed to Education Minister Norma Foley.

She has been given the maps and the agreements to take to the Government. I hope this initiative will encourage people to do the same thing all around the coast, Dr Flannery added.

He also hopes Ireland will follow the example of Denmark and the UK in sending divers to plant eelgrass.

Were buying carbon credits from other countries when we could save the taxpayer millions if we followed Denmark and England, he said.
Man (22) charged with murder after fatal stabbing of Tristan Sherry in Christmas Eve Blanchardstown shooting incident

A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry at Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve.

Michael Andrecut, with an address at Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15, appeared before Dublin District Court on Saturday.

He faces a single charge that he murdered Tristan Sherry on the evening of December 24.

Garda Sergeant Mark Murphy of Blanchardstown Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He told Judge Stephanie Coggins that he arrested Andrecut for the purposes of charge at Blanchardstown Garda station at 11.42pm on Friday night.

The accused was formally charged with the offence of murder at 11.47pm.

Michael Andrecut is charged with murder

Andrecut made no reply when cautioned. Sgt Murphy applied for an adjournment of the case to Cloverhill District Court.

Appearing on behalf of Andrecut, solicitor Brian Tunney asked that the case be put back until January 2 and asked that the matter be dealt with by video link on that date.

He also applied for legal aid, handing in a statement of means on behalf of his client. No other applications were made.

Andrecut, who appeared in court in a black Puma hoodie, did not speak during the proceedings.

Adjourning the matter to January 2, Judge Coggins assigned legal aid to the defendant.

Father-of-one Tristan Sherry (26) was killed after opening fire inside Brownes Steakhouse on Christmas Eve.

Tristan Sherry

A 47-year-old man was struck several times after Sherry opened fire with a sub-machine gun.

Funeral details for Sherry have not been announced but it is expected to be held in the coming days.

After the shooting, a page was set up for Sherry on the fundraising website GoFundMe, with his family trying to raise money for 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 an amazing Son, Brother, Father and Friend.

The page was removed after several hundred euro was donated.
Gardai said vast majority of 604 protests they had policed had been peaceful

More than one third of all public gatherings in Dublin that have been policed by gardai this year have been anti-migrant protests, new figures reveal.

An Garda Siochana have revealed they policed 604 public gatherings in the Dublin Metropolitan Region as of December 18 this year, describing the vast majority as peaceful.

Of these, however, 231 were related to anti-migration while fewer than half that amount  98  were related to the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

The remainder were about a range of other issues, gardai said in response to queries from the Sunday Independent.

A total of 50 arrests have been made relating to alleged illegal activity at these public gatherings. But this figure does not include the over 30 arrests made relating to the riots in Dublin city centre on November 23. The vast majority of protests in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and nationwide this year, as per previous years, have passed off peacefully, a spokesperson said.

The new figures come after a year in which public and political concern about the increase in the number of asylum seekers and the States overall response to Ukrainian refugees and those seeking protection intensified.

The most recent Ireland Thinks Poll for the Sunday Independent found 28pc of respondents would consider supporting a party or candidate holding strong anti-immigration views  a percentage twice as large as when the same question was asked two years ago.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he does not foresee his councillors and election candidates expressing anti-immigrant sentiments in advance of next years local elections.

Before Christmas a number of Fianna Fail councillors criticised government immigration policy, with Cork councillor William OLeary describing people who buy or rent buildings for refugee accommodation as worse than the English landlords of decades ago and as bad as any drug cartel.

Galway Fianna Fail councillor Seamus Walsh blamed government policy for a fire at a hotel that was due to house 70 international protection applicants.

Mr Martin said in a briefing for political journalists before Christmas: Ireland is much better than what we saw in Galway. There are challenges. Of that there is no doubt. There is a fundamental view in terms of how societies are organised; you provide shelter, you educate people irrespective of background. We have the history as a country of seeking shelter all over the world in a different time.

He said that while healthy debate and people asking questions are important, a line had to be drawn in terms of any nuance or any implication about blockading or burning places or indeed suggesting that people just because they are asylum seekers are going to be the next day engaged in some terrible activity.

The Tanaiste said there had also been some terrible rumours.

I mean friends of mine were getting into taxis to be told somebody was raped last night  there was no such event. We have to keep balanced and firm and fair about that and not allow people to send false stories up the field.
President Michael D Higgins has said its not "morally acceptable to be indifferent to the suffering of the people of Gaza in a New Years Eve statement on peace in the Middle East.

In his statement, President Higgins called for a lasting ceasefire and talks to commence on a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.

President Higgins also asked for reflection and how Ireland can help, with the international community, bring lasting, meaningful peace to the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues into 2024.

"In order for 2024 to see the beginning of the process of recovery for all those who have been so devastated by the events of recent months, it is incumbent on all nations to redouble their efforts for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and to set about the tasks of achieving a lasting peace, one which can allow the Palestinian people to realise their rights alongside those of a secure Israel. It is not morally acceptable to be indifferent, President Higgins said.

"As 2023 comes to an end and the world reflects on the horrific upsurge in violence in the Middle East over the final months of the year, it is important that we reflect on what steps the international community can take in order to help bring a lasting and meaningful peace to the region, President Higgins said.

More broadly, as we face into 2024, the greatest challenge facing the global community is an urgent choice between restoring the ethic of cooperation in diplomacy, or allowing the further expansion of an unaccountable military-industrial complex. This must not be allowed to dominate.

The achievement of all of our main goals, as a global community - including tackling climate change, global hunger, inequality, forced migration, and stopping the destruction of our biodiversity - requires, more than ever before, cooperation between nations, President Higgins said, adding that when wars and conflicts become seemingly unending, humanity is the loser.

President Higgins added that war is not the natural condition of humanity, cooperation is. We cannot be indifferent as we watch daily the loss of life that is appearing on our screens.

The conflict sparked protests across Ireland and the globe, which remain ongoing as well as the boycotting of companies and goods perceived to relate to the conflict.

But for President Higgins, 2024 brings an opportunity for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians, something that to many seems increasingly unlikely as the body count rises daily.

He said the only way for the two-state solution to work, is for the proposal to go beyond the theoretical and for detailed consideration to resume on how such a plan could be achieved.

It is my hope that it will not be long until the international community comes together to commence the serious, crucial negotiations that will be needed in the time ahead, he said.

Some essential elements which may require cooperation include: the requirement for a Palestinian state to be contiguous; the capacity for the State to produce its own products and release them to the market without hindrance; air, sea and land sovereignty; the position of East Jerusalem; and the sovereignty that would enable the Palestinian State to join the international organisations, President Higgins said.

In this process, it may be helpful to consider the valuable role played by a permanent secretariat during the peace process on our own island, he added. Rather than relying on best-intentioned but sadly short-lived initiatives, a secretariat would allow a basis for continuity and the continual development of texts and ideas.

Such an approach would have value in the context of issues such as the management of boundaries, as well as some of the other issues which must be addressed if a long term peace is to be established in the Middle East.

The horrific violence and loss of life which we have seen since the attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel on October 7, followed by the devastation caused by the Israeli response in Gaza, as well as continuing violence by settlers in the West Bank, highlight the urgency of this task.

While he felt the Irish Government had provided a lead in raising these issues through the European and international institutions, far too many lives, and particularly children's lives, have already been lost.
Nachi Nguyen, a Vietnamese manga (Japanese comic) lover and comic artist, has won the silver prize at the Japan International Manga Awards with her work Dieu nhay cua vu tru (The Dancing Universe).

Nachis work stood out from 587 other artists from around the world even though it was just a one-shot (a comical work composed of a single standalone chapter).

The story was deeply inspired by Nachis enthusiasm for astronomy, and it revolves around the daily life of celestial bodies such as the Sun, the Earth, the Moon, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter and their coordinated efforts to protect and make life on Earth sustainable.

"I enjoy learning about astronomy, but I am not really good at math, so my dream of working for NASA is nearly impossible. Hence, I think of a way to tell stories about this topic using my perspective and imagination," she said.

Through meticulous illustrations and the humanisation of planets and stars in the universe, Nachi hoped to bring astronomy closer to people in a much simpler way.

There will be three chapters in the series, and the first will be released next year.

"I genuinely do not expect much in my work, so I am beyond happy and honoured having received this award," she told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The Japan International Manga Award, started in 2007, is held annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to honor maga artists around the world who contribute to the development of manga culture.

It is among the most prestigious international comic awards since all works are meticulously selected by the MoFA and renowned manga artists such as Machiko Satonaka.

Including Nachis award, Vietnam has won a total of five prizes, with a bronze for "Dat Rong" (Dragon Land) in 2012, a silver for "Long Than Tuong" (Holy Dragon Imperator) in 2015 and "Dia Nguc Mon" (Gateway to Underworld) in 2016, and a bronze for "Bam thay Tuong, co thay Vu de tim!" (Rain in a Moon Night) in 2022.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the incident on the R852 Mahon Link Road shortly before 9pm

A man is in serious condition in hospital after he was struck by a car in Cork City last night.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the incident on the R852 Mahon Link Road shortly before 9pm.

The pedestrian, a man aged 40, was rushed from the scene by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where his condition is understood to be serious.

The driver of the car did not require immediate medical assistance.

The scene is preserved for examination by Garda forensic collision investigators and traffic diversions are in place on the Mahon Link Road from Skehard Road to St Michaels Drive.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision to come forward. Road users with camera footage, including dash cam who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make it available to investigating Gardai, the force said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021-452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The premises in Ringsend had been the focus of protests and incorrect rumours in recent weeks that it was to be used to house asylum seekers, but this was denied by the International Protection Accommodation ServiceFire comes after a spate of blazes at premises linked to asylum accommodation, including the Ross Lake Hotel in Co GalwayLocal politicians deny assertion they were told of intended use of Shipwright pub as homeless family hub by Dublin Region Homeless Executive

Firefighters battle blaze at vacant Ringsend pub that was earmarked for the homeless

Gardai are treating the fire at a Ringsend pub which was earmarked to be turned into a homeless family hub as a deliberate criminal act.

A forensic examination of the scene has now been completed and Gardai are treating the fire as criminal.

The Taoiseach had said every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice if the fire at a pub in Dublin earmarked to be turned into a homeless family hub turns out to be arson.

Leo Varadkar expressed his concern about the fire in the former Shipwright pub in Ringsend and said he was relieved that there were no injuries.

The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Siochana, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire. If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice. Anyone with information should contact the Gardai. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families.

The building in Ringsend that was earmarked for use as a family hub for the homeless was badly damaged by a fire in the early hours of this morning.

The blaze broke out on the vacant former Shipwright / Sallys Bar pub on Thorncastle Street in the south city at around 2am.

It had been acquired by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) for use as a family hub, but had been the subject of protests led by anti-immigrant activists amid incorrect rumours it was to be used to house asylum seekers. The DRHE says it told local people and politicians of its intended use, but this evening local councillors insist there were not informed.

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that it sent six units, including a turntable ladder, to the scene to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported but the building was extensively damaged.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

The Garda Press Office this morning said gardai had attended at the scene of a fire, and that the scene is currently preserved for forensic examination.

Photographs posted on X by Dublin Fire Brigade showed the top floor of the three-storey building ablaze as well as an area at the back of the premises.

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned that arson is a very serious crime, and said the blaze at a vacant Dublin pub that was to be turned into a homeless hub to house families is under investigation by An Garda Siochana.

If this was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established, the perpetrators will be brought to justice, she promised.

Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.

An Garda Siochana is doing everything possible to determine the cause of the fire, the minister said, before asking for the assistance of citizens.

I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact An Garda Siochana, the Minister said.

Local Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said in a post on X that the building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) as a family hub for homeless people.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

This is so unbelievably sad to see, she wrote, thanking Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin City Council for bringing the fire under control.

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that Dublin City Council had increased water pressure in the area at the time of the fire to assist in the operation to bring the fire under control.

The building had been at the centre of incorrect rumours circulating that it would be used to house asylum seekers, with protesters gathering outside in recent weeks.

Anonymous anti-immigrant agitators online had also made calls for it to be burnt down.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

It comes two weeks after the vacant Ross Lake Hotel in Roscahill, Co Galway, was burnt out in an arson attack after it emerged it was to house 70 asylum seekers. There have been a number of similar incidents around the country as the Government struggles to house asylum seekers and refugees.

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The DRHE, which allocates emergency accommodation for the homeless in the Dublin area, confirmed today it had planned to use the former Shipwright pub for emergency accommodation for families, and said this had been confirmed to people contacting the DRHE and to local politicians.

We have a number of families who are currently homeless and seeking accommodation in the area, so it is very disappointing. Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent, it said.

If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter. The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened, it added.

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

The International Protection Accommodation Service and the Department of Integration, which manage the countrys asylum and refugee system, said earlier this month that they had not received any proposal for this property and therefore has neither considered nor examined this property for use.

Labour councillor Dermot Lacey has said the DRHEs statement saying that it informed Dublin councillors about the potential Ringsend homeless hub as simply not true".

He stressed that all last week he was receiving messages from various protesters in the area.

Local councillors werent able to give people information. I believe if we were given the information, we would have been able to give that out and the number of protesters would have been significantly minimised, he told the Irish Independent.

Cllr Lacey said the response to the proposal would have been different if this were the case.

He said he had defended every single proposal by the DRHE and Department of Housing in previous meetings.

But I cant defend the lack of information and the failure to tell us because I believe we could have seriously minimised the tensions down there had they told us, he stressed.

Cllr Lacey said local government has been decimated in recent years, adding that this is another example where departments feel they "don't have to deal with it anymore.

He stated that there were a lot of people at the protest who are misinformed, misguided or simply wrong as well as those who are "just racist.

I believe we could have informed the people who were just worried. Its the statement by the DRHE that said they had informed the councillors when they hadnt that infuriated me, he said.

It is part of the pattern of every department of the State, all who believe that elected government and elected representatives dont matter anymore, he added.

The former lord mayor of Dublin said this had a tragic bearing in the burning of the property last night.

Local Fine Gael councillor Danny Byrne also denied the DRHE had informed local politicians of the intended use of the property, however.

He said a "lack of communication" was the root cause of the burning of the building in Ringsend.

He insisted local councillors "were not informed of plans for this building, he said.

"Over a period of about two weeks, a narrative took hold in the absence of communication from official sources, Cllr Byrne added.

Dublin Fire Brigade said it was notified of a fire in a premises on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend shortly after 2am, and on arrival firefighters found a well-developed fire with heavy smoke drifting over the locality. Six fire engines responded to the fire including two turntable ladders to fight the fire from above.

The fire was brought under control by 5am with nearly 30 firefighters working at the fireground. The incident concluded at 6am and the scene was handed over to Gardai. No injuries were reported, a spokesperson said.

Three TDs from the constituency of the fire condemned it outright.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said: This is shocking news. It is greatly concerning to see a fire at the premises in Ringsend intended to provide shelter to homeless families.

I want to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the firefighters who brought the fire under control last night.

Dublin Bay South Fianna Fail TD Jim OCallaghan on Sunday visited the scene of the blaze and said the fire is very disappointing for the families who are on the Dublin City Council homeless list, or were due to move in to the building in the short term until they get longer term accommodation.

Obviously there has to be a full investigation to find out what is the cause of the fire. But if it is the case that the investigation establishes that it was started maliciously, I can tell you that it doesn't represent the views or the support of the vast majority of people of Ringsend, he said.

Deputy OCallaghan said there had been a lot of misinformation circulated about the future purpose of the building, and that he had contacted the Department of integration who said they had no plans for its use.

Dublin City Council did plan to use it for homeless accommodation, and it is regrettable now that it won't be available for those homeless families to use as a homeless hub for them in the future, he said.

Asked if buildings that are secured for accommodation of homeless people or people coming into the country might now need garda protection in light of the number that fires that have occurred at them, Deputy OCallaghan said there was a lot of misinformation in Ringsend as to what the building that had been the site of the fire was going to be used for.

I don't think anyone has any concern or objections about buildings being used to secure homeless people. If there's issues in respect of buildings being used for immigrants that's an issue that has to be discussed with the community as well. But ultimately people can't dictate who comes into their area to live, he told the Irish Independent.

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews said: There were families living and sleeping next to it, to the rear, and it must have been frightening and devastating for them.

Also its devastating for the businesses who will be affected by this. Business is difficult at the best of times but this is a big blow to them.

This is generally a quiet residential area. The Gardai will have to investigate the cause of this, but it is frightening for local businesses and residents.

More to follow...
A car crashes into a crowd, injuring at least 50 people, theres a suspicious package, a firearm and an escape into the Shannon with a swift water rescue.

The response to this emergency will test the skills of students of medicine, nursing and paramedics in one of the biggest exercises of its kind at the University of Limerick (UL) on January 25.

The exercise, which is focused on students rather than existing professionals, is the idea of Frank Keane, a specialist in major incident training.

Mr Keane, from Ennis, Co Clare, is course director of the BSc in paramedic studies at UL and formerly worked with the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

We spend so many years training doctors and nurses and midwives and paramedics and they all qualify on a Friday, and we expect them to be able to work together the following Monday, Mr Keane said. All of these students will end up working with or in the emergency services at some point.

Working with the students will be staff from Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, the NAS, the Army Ordnance Corps (bomb squad), Garda Armed Support Unit, Limerick Civil Defence and the Irish Coast Guard.

There will also be a class of paramedics from the NAS, garda probationers and students of make-up from Carlow Institute of Further Education, along with staff from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

After the car crashes into the crowd, the students will be asked to respond to an evolving emergency situation, handle multiple casualties, deal with a crime scene and implement a swift water rescue.

Fifty to 60 casualties will have to be triaged and treated, a field hospital will be set up and the event will culminate in the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 115 from Shannon flying in to the UL campus.

Triage can be brutal, as you are literally moving along casualties and giving them cards, depending on their degree of injury. Students have to experience that, Mr Keane said.

Training in major incidents was one of the issues that arose in response to the bombing after the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in May 2017 that killed 22 people and injured hundreds more.

The first paramedic there was initially criticised and then exonerated when it emerged he was triaging patients and doing his job, Mr Keane said.

We will have an emergency department in the UL school of nursing where casualties will be moved from the field hospital. All of the students will have a chance to train in transferring a casualty on to a helicopter while the rotors are turning.

Three incident locations will be involved, all on the UL north campus, and the students will not have details in advance.

We did a smaller exercise last year, but this years is the biggest of its type, Mr Keane said.
One whiff and I can almost see him again, indulging the habit he approached with precision

I found it in a drawer the other day  my fathers old pipe. He didnt go in for those bendy Meerschaum-style pipes favoured by Neil Blaney or Gerry Adams. His is a straight briar, in the style of Sean Lemass and Jack Lynch, two men he admired.

It has a silver band bearing the legend K&P Petersons, made by the venerable Dublin firm established in 1863 and now the oldest continuous pipe manufacturer in the world.

The metal lid is a bit rusty and, although he died seven years ago, when I unscrewed it the smell of tobacco that permeated our house for decades, even after he was forced to smoke outside, wafted into the air and transported me back to when he died at the age of 90.

He had toyed with the idea of giving it up in his mid-80s. Its a dirty habit, I know that, he said. But we persuaded him it was a bit late in the day for that  his lungs were probably held together by tobacco tar.

The ritual of mixing his tobacco was a weekly event, approached with almost military precision.

He would buy a tin of Mick McQuaid or Condor pipe tobacco in the local newsagents, then make his way to Kapp & Peterson (they eventually moved from Bachelors Walk to College Green and along the way lost the Kapp) or Foxs a few doors down and buy a bag of their own special mix. A small plug (block) of something like Yachtsman would also be procured.

A newspaper was then spread out on a little round table with a red top that he kept for the task ahead. Two piles of tobacco were carefully mixed by hand to get his blend nearly right, then after rolling it between his fingers and sniffing at it, he would add in the stronger shavings from the plug and grind it between his palms to get it just right.

He would then break the pipes  he had several of them  into two components, the bowl and the shank, and begin the process of cleaning them with a set of accoutrements designed for the purpose.

The effluent that came out was noxious, and my mother would appeal to him to go into another room. Then out came the pipe cleaners, long thin white strips of cotton on wire that were pulled through, bringing out more gunk.

He then began scraping the bowl, which was gradually closing in, with a penknife. It was a ritual that might last an hour or two, between the mixing and the cleaning. He would subsequently pick his favoured pipe, fill it with tobacco, tamp it down with his index finger, light it with a match, and maybe relight it several times before the smoke curled towards the ceiling and he sat back with an air of serene contentment.

Its probably hard to believe, but in 1967, Sean Lemass, then taoiseach, did an interview with Radio Telefis Eireann while smoking his pipe. Harold Wilson, former British prime minister, also made regular public appearances puffing away, as did the philosopher Bertrand Russell.

There was an element of gravitas about a pipe smoker. It lent an air of intellectual sophistication to their image, as if they had cogitated on whatever problem was in the air and after putting down the pipe had, like Sherlock Holmes, come up with the perfect solution.

There was an element of gravitas about a pipe smoker. It lent an air of intellectual sophistication to their image

Tom Crean, the gnarled Antarctic explorer from Annascaul, Co Kerry, radiated another characteristic of pipe-smokers, that of the rugged outdoors man with unswerving determination. An Explorer range of pipes was made in his honour by Peterson. The French artist Matisse elevated the look to suit painters, writers and bohemians.

Nor was it strictly a male preserve. In the 19th century, old women smoked clay pipes or dudeens as my mother called them. And in the 1960s there was a brief flirtation between womens libbers and pipe smoking. Anything men could do, they could also do equally well.

There is a film clip out there in the ether of a womens pipe-smoking competition in May 1963 in Co Down, when Erinmore Tobacco provided clay pipes for all those taking part, everyone from elderly ladies to young students.

These days, pipe smokers are usually men 45 years or older, according to Loren Stein in an online post about the habit.

Reasons for the decline may include the pipes lack of appeal to adolescents and women female pipe smokers remain uncommon.

With few exceptions, pipe smoking became an underground movement, the preserve of men of a certain age, although it does attract the individualistic and the eccentric.

People are not smoking pipes to the same level, agrees Darrell Hughes of Peterson. Yet the iconic tobacco shop, now on Nassau Street, Dublin, is packed with pipes, ranging in price from 77 to several thousand. Apart from the local trade, many are destined for smokers in the United States, Canada, Europe and other far-flung locations.

He unsheathes one box, which is a special edition briar for the Pipe Smokers of Ireland, a little-publicised organisation of enthusiasts with over 2,000 members.

I cant be seen to promote smoking, says Hughes, whose grandfather was a pipe smoker. What I can say is the smell of pipe tobacco is olfactory, it is comforting for those who enjoy it.

Cillian Murphy in 'Oppenheimer'

The actor Cillian Murphy, who does not smoke himself, visited Petersons shop for a masterclass in pipe smoking while researching the role he played so brilliantly in Oppenheimer, smoking an ordinary pipe and another with a stem a foot long.

Originally, pipes were made from clay, but as smoking became more widespread and sophisticated in the 20th century, they were made from the roots of the briar, hence the reference to a pipe as a briar. The main reason for this is that it is fire-resistant, but other woods are also used.

I was also intrigued some time ago to see a small advertisement in the back of The Irish Times, looking for old used pipes.

That was us, admits Darrell Hughes. They are called estate pipes. There is a big market in the United States for pipes that belonged to somebody else, mostly people who are now dead.

Breaking in a new pipe is an arduous, time-consuming and not, by all accounts, a terribly pleasant undertaking. So, buying a reborn or reconditioned pipe, already well used, circumvents that process and takes the hard work out of it for the well-heeled smoker.

The thing about pipe smoking is the ritual involved, says Hughes when I tell him of my fathers almost sacramental approach to his habit.

When it is lit, it certainly gives the impression of having a calming effect on the person  its not at all like a cigarette.

Apart from the two well-known Dublin tobacconists, who also stock cigars and expensive items for discerning tourists, there are a few others scattered around the country. Among the most distinguished is M Cahill & Son, housed in a self-described Tobacco, and Snuff Factory on Wickham Street in Limerick. But compared with other European countries, the once-thriving tobacconist shops have all but disappeared from the main streets of Ireland.

You do not see people on the street smoking a pipe any more, and to most people it is a habit that has all but died out. Yet there is still a strong network of pipe smokers secretly puffing away in the sanctuary of their own homes.

Ive tried it myself, but never got it. Smoking a pipe appears to be more of a vocation than a bad habit.
In a firestorm, where do you go when theres no place to run? That is the question an estimated 150,000 Palestinians are desperately trying to answer, according to the UN.

They have been forced to flee areas of central Gaza as Israels expanded ground offensive continues to take a horrific toll on civilians in the besieged territory.

Egypt has put forward a three-stage proposal to stop the fighting, which ends with a ceasefire, but the rhetoric from Tel Aviv suggests there is no immediate respite on the horizon.

Hamas triggered the offensive with its attacks on October 7. But at the time of writing, more than 21,300 people have been killed in Gaza  mostly women and children  during the 12 weeks of fighting.

Areas once designated by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as safe and where civilians could shelter are now danger zones as the bombardment intensifies.

The escalating war has ramped up tensions across the region. Militias throughout the Middle East allied with Iran have launched attacks on Israel and on US military installations. The most concerning flashpoint is on Israels northern border with Lebanon.

Deadly clashes between the powerful Shia militia Hezbollah and the IDF have intensified in recent days. There have also been Israeli airstrikes inside Syria.

It is increasingly obvious that without some intervention, the likelihood of a full-blown region-wide conflagration grows.

The talks in Cairo would entail an initial cessation of hostilities for at least a week as well as the release of all remaining Israeli civilian hostages held in Gaza; then a week in which female Israeli soldiers would be released in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails; and finally a month-long negotiation period for the release of male soldiers in exchange for Israeli withdrawal.

But there is little to suggest that Israels extreme right-wing government is likely to agree.

Despite calls for a ceasefire, including growing pressure from Israels closest ally, the US, to scale down the fighting, Israeli officials have insisted the war will continue until it achieves complete victory over Hamas, saying it could last several more months.

As the risks of wider war grow, it was not surprising to hear French president Emmanuel Macron echoing the UN General Assembly in demanding a lasting ceasefire in talks this week with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The longer this humanitarian disaster continues, as the UN has called it, the closer the point of no return becomes.

Allies of Israel are counselling Tel Aviv that the indiscriminate killing of civilians and the holding of all Palestinians to account can only be self-defeating.

They also point out that further provocation of its foes hardly serves the interests of its own protection.

As a new year dawns, protagonists in the region need to embrace a doctrine beyond war without end.

And global leaders must do all in their power to create pathways to a two-state peaceful solution.
Tracy-Ann Oberman (left) and Rachel Riley (centre) take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in November (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Rachel Riley has said that New Years Eve feels sombre and hopes 2024 will bring a change amid the conflict in Gaza and Israel.

The Countdown star, 37, said the highlight for her this year was being made an MBE at Windsor Castle for her work in raising awareness of the Holocaust and combating antisemitism.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Riley wrote that Holocaust education feels present and urgent since the attack by Hamas on October 7.

She said the group, a proscribed terrorist organisation by the UK government, were brutal against men, women, children, Holocaust survivors, foreign workers, Israeli Arabs, and anyone else who was unlucky enough to have been in the vicinity of Hamas during their attacks.

Rachel Riley after she was made an MBE for services to Holocaust education in July (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Riley added: As a result, incidents of anti-Jewish hate are surging around the world and of course this New Years Eve feels sombre.

She also wrote: I hope, as every decent person does, for the remaining 139 hostages in Gaza to return home to their families, and for an end to the violence in Gaza and the region as soon as possible that allows for stable and safe home for everyone there to be able to live in peace.

Riley also said she is grateful to be in the relative safety of Britain and hopes for a miracle next year in the region.

Since the conflict, she has spoken at protests against antisemitism and has in recent years been a vocal critic of Labours handling of alleged antisemitism within the party.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has said she feels robbed of 2023 following her cancer diagnosis but is looking forward to being fit and healthy in 2024 (Jake Morley/Bafta/PA)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has said she feels robbed of 2023 following her cancer diagnosis.

The 33-year-old Welsh dancer has had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and fertility treatment throughout this year and is looking forward to being fit and healthy in 2024.

She also hopes to win the BBC celebrity dance competitions Glitterball trophy next year.

Dowden finished her last bout of chemotherapy in November, she said in an another update for fans as she charted her stage three breast cancer journey across much of this year.

Amy Dowden (right) has said she feels robbed of 2023 and is looking forward to being fit and healthy in 2024 (Doug Peters/PA)

In an Instagram story on Sunday, Dowden wrote: Last day of 2023! Im sure Im not the only one but actually finding it hard looking at others post of the past year.

Im sure Im not alone and thats why I wanted to put something. I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry but later Im going to make myself look through my camera roll and remember all the good times, the amazing opportunities I had, family time but also taking time to realise I learnt the most this year.

Experienced rock bottom, felt I lost my identity and dancing BUT became a stronger, braver person who Im taking forward with me to 2024.

For those struggling to reflect today remember its ok. I feel much better after a little cry this morning and blessed to be celebrating with friends round tonight the GOOD BYE to 2023!

Sending love and hugs to those that need it! (And please) as its the last day of 2023 why not #checkyourchests.

To bring in 2024, she hosted a New Years Eve morning programme on BBC Radio Wales during which she also reflected on her health struggles after not being able to compete on Strictly in a celebrity pairing.

Dowden said: So I started the year obviously on the Strictly trip, the arena tour, which I absolutely loved.

She also spoke about reading a book on CBeebies Bedtime Stories until the year didnt go as planned when she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her honeymoon in the Maldives with new husband and fellow dancer Ben Jones.

Dowden added: After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, the lot, I am now finally looking ahead to 2024 and I just got a good feeling its going to be my year and hopefully, Im (going to) get that Glitterball and Im going to bring it back to Wales because a Welsh professional dancers never won the show.

That might be because Im the only ever Welsh professional dancer to be on the show. But, yeah, thats my aim for 2024, to get fit and healthy and to get myself back on that Strictly dancefloor.
A police vehicle is parked in front of the cathedral in Cologne, Germany (Sascha Thelen/dpa via AP)

Three more people were detained on Sunday in connection with a reported threat of an attack on the Cologne Cathedral over the holidays, German authorities said.
New Delhi: The Centre and the Assam government signed a 'tripartite Memorandum of Settlement' with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday.

The deal is intended to bring lasting peace in the North East region, especially in Assam.

Meanwhile, the ULFA (Independent) faction led by Paresh Baruah remains opposed to talks.

Speaking after signing the deal, the Union Home Minister said "This is a new start of a period of peace for the whole Northeast, especially Assam".

"I want to assure ULFA representatives that the faith you have kept in the government of India, from the side of the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), a programme will be made in a time-bound manner to fulfill everything, without you asking for it," Shah said.

Once mired in conflicts, Assam sees a new era today. On account of your broad vision for a peaceful and developed Assam, the state is today pacing steadily on the path of progress. https://t.co/fablHAQGUj  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 29, 2023

The Minister said, "Under MHA, a committee will be formed, which will work with the Assam government to fulfill this agreement".

He said, "In the last five years, nine accords related to peace and borders were signed which have brought peace in the North-Eastern region..adding that over nine thousand cadres of insurgent groups have surrendered.

A historic day for Assam.



Fulfilling PM @narendramodi Ji's vision for a prosperous, peaceful and developed Northeast, today we have arrived at a landmark resolution to the ULFA insurgency problem of Assam.



The Government of India and the Government of Assam have signed a pic.twitter.com/bWVOnEKOdo  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 29, 2023

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who was also present called the peace deal a historic day for Assam.

"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure and under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah work for Assam's peace was always underway" he added.

The Chief Minister said three accords have been signed and the move will fulfill the aspirations of the people of the state.

The peace deal with the oldest insurgent group of Assam aims to address issues such as illegal immigration, land rights for indigenous communities, and a financial package for Assam's development.

(With UNI inputs)
Liu Bianjing, who comes from Cameroon, is currently a PhD studentat the Wushu College of Henan University, doing research onTaijiquan. He is a big fan of the Chinese culture, especially Taijiquan, and thinks that its a martial art full of wisdom, with profound Chinese philosophy. This time, he comes to Chenjiagou of Wenxian County, Jiaozuo City, the birthplace of Taijiquan, in order to seek the origin of this world cultural heritage and to learn more about its history and spirit. Here, he also met a Taijiquan master and inheritor and talked with them. What did he learn? Check the video.
Representative image/ credit: Pixabay

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar/IBNS/UNI: Six workers were killed in a massive fire that broke out at a hand gloves manufacturing company unit in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's Waluj Industrial area in Maharashtra late Saturday night.

According to the sources, the fire broke out in the factory at around 2:15 am, waking some workers who were sleeping.

The hot steam awakened them, and they ran to save their lives. Workers, who were sleeping inside the closed factory premises, reported the fire.

A fire at the company's exit point prevented workers from exiting, but some managed to escape safely using a tree. However, 15 workers were rescued from the factory.

Six fire tenders arrived at the scene after receiving a call early Sunday morning. Dousing operations are still ongoing, and the precise cause of the fire remains undetermined at this point, they said.

''Our officers entered and the bodies of six workers have been recovered,'' a fire officer source said.

The six deaths were confirmed by the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

Most of the workers hail from Bihar, and they were identified as Mustaq Shaikh (65), Kausher Shaikh (32), Iqbal Shaikh (18), Kakanji (55), Riazbhai (32), and Margus Shaikh (33), GMCH sources added.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi/IBNS: An alert over a loose bolt in new-built Boeing 737 Max passenger aircraft has prompted airlines in India that operate this type to carry out checks to ensure there are no defects that can affect flight safety.

India's aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is closely monitoring the situation and has been in touch with Akasa, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, which operate the aircraft.

This comes after the US Federation Aviation Administration said it is closely monitoring targeted inspections of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to look for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.

The plane manufacturer has said the issue identified on a particular aircraft has been fixed and asked airlines to inspect their Boeing 737 Max fleet.

The DGCA has said it is in touch with its US counterpart and Boeing and that the checks currently being carried out are part of the regular process to ensure flight safety.

"This has been an ongoing issue with Max 737 and these are service bulletins issued from time to time by Boeing to the airline operators for the suggested action whenever any issue comes across. We have been in touch with Boeing, FAA and our airline operators in the past too on such issues concerning 737 Max," the DGCA said in a statement.

"In such cases, mitigation as recommended by the Original Equipment Manufacturers is carried out by the airline operator as has been done in the past in respect of 737 Max," it added.

An Akasa Air spokesperson has said Boeing had informed them about the issue. "Like all operators around the world, and in accordance with our highest standards of safety, Akasa will be following the same checks and procedures that the manufacturer or regulator recommends. Our operating fleet and deliveries are not impacted so far," it said.

A SpiceJet spokesperson said the fresh alert will have no impact on its operations. A response from Air India Express is expected soon.


Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Cyber frauds used a new trick to lure men into a fraudulent scheme in Bihar where they offered them money for 'impregnating' women who were not able to conceive a child with their partners, media reports said.

Eight people have been arrested for allegedly committing the crime in Nawada.

The group, known as 'All India Pregnant Job (Baby Birth Service),' used to operate through social media platforms, assuring men an opportunity to earn money by 'impregnating' women, reported India Today.

According to the police, the accused charged a registration fee of Rs 799 from those who showed an interest, followed by additional demands for security money ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000, the Indian news channel reported.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Bihar Police arrested the persons after conducting raids on the premises of the suspected mastermind Munna Kumar.

Several suspects reportedly escaped during the raid.

Nine smartphones and a printer were seized from their possession.
British actor Tom Wilkinson dies at 75. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Tom Wilkinson, who was part of Christopher Nolan's 'Batman Begins' has died, media reports said.

He was 75.

The news was confirmed by Wilkinsons publicist Nancy Seltzer, who shared a statement with CNN.

It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him, the statement was quoted by CNN. The family asks for privacy at this time.

The cause of his death is still not known.

Wilkinson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before making his West End debut portraying Horatio in Hamlet (1980) for which he received a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

He returned to the West End playing Dr. Stockmann in the Henrik Ibsen play An Enemy of the People (1988) receiving a Laurence Olivier Award for Actor of the Year in a Revival nomination.

Wilkinson received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Full Monty (1997) as well as two Academy Award nominations, one for Best Actor for In the Bedroom (2001) and Best Supporting Actor for Michael Clayton (2007).

He became known as a character actor, acting in numerous films such as In the Name of the Father (1993), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Shakespeare in Love (1998), The Patriot (2000), Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Batman Begins (2005), Valkyrie (2008), The Ghost Writer (2010), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), Belle (2013), Selma (2014), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and Denial (2016).
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Berlin: German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser spoke out on Saturday in favour of tightening security measures ahead of New Year's Eve due to the additional threat posed by the Middle East crisis.

"Our operational forces have had to face blind rage time and again... The response must be tough action by the police and the judiciary," Faeser told German newspaper Tagesspiegel, promising that security agencies will be "extremely vigilant."

Security will also be increased at Berlin's four train stations, Faeser added.

The capital's emergency services will deploy an additional 500 federal police officers, the minister said.

"The reaction to Hamas terror and the war in Gaza has led to hatred and violence on our streets," Faeser said.

Earlier in the day, Berlin police banned a pro-Palestinian demonstration planned for December 31 in the city's Neukolln district, a police representative told the RBB24 broadcaster.

On Thursday, a poll conducted by the Institute for New Social Answers for the German newspaper Bild showed that 43% of German citizens feared last year's violent riots on New Year's Eve would repeat.

(UNI/ SPUTNIK)
Photo Courtesy: UN News/Ziad Taleb

Gaza: The Israeli ground troops, backed by aircraft, have killed dozens of "terrorists" during operations in Gaza City over the past day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said Saturday morning.

In a statement, the IDF said the air forces, directed by ground troops, struck more than 15 armed militants in Gaza City within three hours. Additionally, fierce battles were going on, and more Hamas militants were killed.

In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, the Israeli troops dismantled two Hamas military compounds, where they located numerous weapons, explosive devices, guns, military equipment, and communication devices before the strike, the statement added.

As the Israeli army intensified its military campaign in Gaza, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas politburo member, denied on Saturday Israeli media reports of talks unfolding on a new hostage deal in exchange for another temporary ceasefire in the enclave.

Hamdan told Al Jazeera that Hamas had informed mediators that a permanent ceasefire is the militant group's major priority and that there is currently "no talk of releasing hostages before the fighting stops."

Meanwhile, at least 165 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours, said the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Saturday.

It raised the death toll of Palestinians to 21,672 since the conflict broke out on October 7, the ministry added.

(UNI/ XINHUA)
Photo Courtesy: PID Bangladesh

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said her government wants to create an international standard education system in the country.

"We will give money for whatever needs in education. There are renowned international universities - We have to see how they teach. What curriculum and which method do they follow? We want to establish international standard education system in Bangladesh," she was quoted by BSS as reported y Daily Star.

Hasina said the focus will be on practical learning-based education to create employment opportunities in the country.

"We want to build a nation with modern-technology-knowledge-based education. We've already done everything for that," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said, "We will never be left behind. We have to keep pace with other countries. so we want our boys and girls to learn technology from early age."

She said the country's education curriculum will need to be changed to keep pace with the world.
As the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's live-action One Piece series approaches, Mackenyu's character, Roronoa Zoro, is making a comeback too!

Mackenyu said at Tokyo Comic Con, "Next year I'm playing Zoro again. I'd like to play even cooler and stronger Zoro. I'll do my best. Please look forward to it."



Watch the video here:

Next year Im playing Zoro again. Id like to play even cooler and stronger Zoro. Ill do my best. Please look forward to it.



You can watch Mackenyus Tokyo Comic Con 2023 panel with eng subs here: https://t.co/nkZ94gZqyT pic.twitter.com/2v9M2Mu7Wr    (@philazora) December 27, 2023

Eiichiro Oda Confirms One Piece Season 2

One Piece's visionary creator, Eiichiro Oda, expressed his sincere gratitude to the show's devoted global following in a video made available via Netflix.



He said, "My collaboration with Netflix and Tomorrow Studios on ['One Piece'] has been a labor of love. Just two weeks after its debut, I received exhilarating news. Netflix has greenlit another season."



Netflix

Talking about Hollywood having a history of failures with Live Action, Eiichiro said about the show, as per New York Times Thankfully, Netflix agreed that they wouldnt go out with the show until I agreed it was satisfactory, Oda said. I read the scripts, gave notes and acted as a guard dog to ensure the material was being adapted in the correct way.



Although there is reason for enthusiasm regarding this renewal, it is crucial to remember that supporters will need to be patient. Oda revealed that the careful writing of the scripts for the upcoming season will take a lot of time. Unfortunately, this procedure has been made more difficult by the strikes in Hollywood.



Netflix

What Is One Piece About?

In One Piece, we follow the youthful and aspirational pirate Monkey D. Luffy, who after consuming the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit, unintentionally has the ability to stretch his body like elastic. Driven by an unwavering desire to become the esteemed Pirate King, Luffy embarks on a voyage to find the famous "One Piece," which is rumored to be the most sought-after treasure in the world.

Netflix

Who Plays What In One Piece Season 2

-Inaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy

-Emily Rudd as Nami

-Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro

-Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp

-Taz Skylar as Sanji

You can stream One Piece on Netflix.
The year 2023, more than anything else, has been one of Indias G20 presidency and its pursuit of inclusive multilateralism in an uncertain and divided world. The successful conclusion of Indias G20 presidency and its ability to stitch together a consensus, bridging the concerns of the Global North and Global South aligns with its self-projected stature of a Vishwamitra (a friend to the world). Nevertheless, Indias aspiration for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) plays out amidst the sobering reality of global geopolitics and conflicts ravaging the world from Europe to West Asia.

AFP

Steering Strong Geopolitical Currents

The war in Ukraine imposes limitations on Indias ties with Moscow, at a time when the India-U.S. partnership is burgeoning and becoming more comprehensive. Despite distractions such as the case of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the India-U.S. relationship has struck all the right chords and remains the most consequential partnership for New Delhi. The successful conclusion of the 2+2 dialogue between the Foreign and Defence Ministries, Prime Narendra Modis state visit to the U.S. and President Joe Bidens India visit during the G20 summit testify strong political support and deeper institutional linkages. As the year came to an end, Indias Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar landed in Moscow for a series of meetings reaffirming a healthy India-Russia relationship despite geopolitical currents pushing ahead a Sino-Russian strategic embrace, causing a wider U.S.-Russia chasm, and a growing U.S.-China great power rivalry. Simultaneously, Beijings aggressive behaviour and intransigent attitude at the India-China border has derailed any sort of understanding with New Delhi. The China challenge is comprehensive cutting across the strategic rivalry and the border question, and many other threats hovering at low intensity below the threshold of inter-state dynamics.

AFP

A reliable partnership to vouch for will be the one with France, as President Emmanuel Macron is all set to visit New Delhi as the Chief Guest of Indias Republic Day Celebrations in early 2024. Prime Minister Modis earlier visit to France in 2023, envisioned a partnership spanning both military and non-military affairs, backed by a solid history of pragmatic engagement sans undue expectations. Indias immediate neighbourhood continues to be a concoction of challenges and opportunities. The election in Maldives has yet again exposed the seesaw of political forces in the neighbourhood hedging their bets between a distant China and a proximate India. The upcoming election in Bangladesh is a consequential one for the continuity of the positive arc that New Delhi and Dhaka have managed to maintain for regional connectivity and growth. The evolving crisis in Myanmar will be one of high consequence in the year ahead, as it will directly affect not only the broader South-Southeast Asia corridor but also the politico-security and socio-economic situation in Indian border-states like Manipur and Mizoram. Moreover, the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis has upended new power alignments in the region, and caused an upheaval in the Arab worlds ties with Israel, posing new questions for New Delhis West Asia strategy.

A Voice of Inclusiveness in a World Adrift

To vouch for inclusiveness in a world replete with power asymmetries and differing national interests, is not a walk in the park, but it will continue to be inevitable and worth pursuing. Indias focal point of vision and implementation through its G20 presidency has been inclusive multilateralism in times of growing multipolarity. World politics is a tightrope walking to align the goals and purposes of diverse multilateral platforms of varying groups, to negotiate the outcomes for a more effective global governance. India is a primary member of many such consequential groupings besides the G20, such as the BRICS and the Quad, or has growing coordination with ones such as the G7.

G20

How New Delhi navigates through these intricate webs of interdependences, to promote and protect its own national interest without losing sight of the greater good will be the test of fire for Indias foreign policy in the year ahead. As India projects its benign leadership of the Global South and builds new webs of cooperation with the Global North, the governance of new technologies, their uses in the military domain as well for civilian/commercial consumption will become a primary task for consensus building. Moreover, India has to build global habits of cooperation in the drive for transition towards greener economy as the blueprint of future development, while keeping the needs and requirements of the Global South for access to uninterrupted supply of energy.

As New Delhi reflects on a year of diplomatic highs achieved during its G20 presidency and its growing stature at the global stage, it needs to find ways to temper the impact of geopolitical forces closer home and the ones distant yet with high consequences. Engaging more comprehensively with like-minded partners, to negotiate more effectively with differing voices for an inclusive multilateral dealing of global governance will determine the rise of India as a vishwaguru and vishwamitra.

*The Author is a New Delhi based Strategic Analyst and the Honorary Director of the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies. He is a regular commentator on International Affairs and Indian Foreign Policy.
In what is being touted as a significant milestone in Assam's journey towards peace and development, there has been a 'landmark resolution to the ULFA insurgency problem of Assam.'

The Centre, the Assam government and a key faction of Assams oldest insurgent group signed a tripartite peace agreement on 29 December. But a major extremist faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), led by Paresh barua, has stayed away from the agreement.

PTI

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Except one person (Paresh Baruah) who is leading the anti-talks faction of ULFA, all the founding members of the outfit were here in Delhi today... They have assured us that ULFA will be disbanded, they will leave the designated camps where they were staying (after coming forward for talks in 2011), they will deposit their arms and 726 cadres will join the mainstream."



On Saturday, 30 December, Paresh Barua who is the leader of the ULFA (independent) said, "The outcome of the talks is zero. We are not dismayed, discouraged or surprised by this. We dont feel like commenting on it. For me the deal is less descriptive and more ruminative."

Who signed the ULFA pact and what does it entail?

The faction of ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa signed a peace pact with the Centre and the Assam government, agreeing to shun violence, surrender all arms and disband the organisation.

ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa with other leaders/ BCCL

These are the significant points that the agreement includes:



ULFA will hand over all arms and disband within a month

ULFA will vacate designated camps and submit a list of cadres within a week

The government has promised a lump sum payment to cadres, funding of their economic activities, skill and vocational training, and recruitment in government jobs as per their eligibility. Criminal cases for non-heinous cases could also be withdrawn

The deal also promises Rs 10 lakhs each to family members of 31 ULFA cadres who have been missing for over two decades.

The government has also agreed to a key ULFA demand which is to expedite the process of giving Schedule Tribe (ST) status to six communities from the state-Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutiya, Moran, Muttock, Tea Tribes

On NRC, the document states that foreigners detected after preparation of a corrected and error-free National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be dealt as per law of land.

The agreement notes a list of 68 projects to be implemented by the Centre in Assam, such as setting up of specific railway lines and roads, measures to control flood and soil erosion, laying of oil and gas pipelines, setting up of industrial estates and a research centre for nanotechnology.

What is the ULFA and what has been the history of their demands?

The ULFA was set up in 1979 as an armed separatist outfit with the demand for a "sovereign Assam" consisting of indigenous Assamese people. It began as an anti-foreigner agitation against the influx of undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh.

By the 1980s, ULFA had launched armed operations and by the 1990s, it was considered one of the deadliest outfits.

The Rajkhowa-led faction joined peace talks with the government in 2011, while the hardline Paresh Baruah faction of the ULFA is anti-talks.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld has shared congratulatory video on the upcoming New Year in Azerbaijani, Trend reports.

The ambassador emphasized that 2023 is the year of expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK, and also touched upon Azerbaijani-Armenian relations.

"Dialogue and visits in both directions have contributed to deeper mutual understanding and laid the foundation for a closer partnership in the coming year. We have much to look forward to in the new year. Thanks to bold and confident steps from Azerbaijan and Armenia, it seems we are very close to achieving peace in South Caucasus," Fergus Auld wrote on his page on X.
The G20 summit in India witnessed the presence of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty. However, a humorous incident occurred just before their arrival, involving the British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis.

In a light-hearted disclosure, Ellis shared on X how he experienced a wardrobe malfunction just as he was about to welcome the couple. Ellis explained how he discovered a huge rip in his trousers, while he was standing up to greet the UK's head of government.

"The high & low life of diplomacy"

He began his post with the text, The high & low life of diplomacy for me in 2023.

The high & low life of diplomacy for me in 2023.



  Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) December 29, 2023

In another post, the British High Commission claimed it to be one of the biggest moments in the life of an Ambassador/High Commissioner. It read, One of the biggest moments for an Ambassador/High Commissioner is when your head of government visits the country to which you're accredited.

1. One of the biggest moments for an Ambassador/High Commissioner is when your head of government visits the country to which youre accredited.  Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) December 29, 2023

It added, Especially for the British High Commissioner to India when your head of government is of Indian heritage and his wife is Indian.

"The red carpet unfurls"

Sharing the throwback picture, Ellis wrote, So extra anticipation as Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty arrive for the G20 Summit in Delhi. The red carpet unfurls

3. So extra anticipation as @RishiSunak and Akshata Murty arrive for the #G20 Summit in Delhi. The red carpet unfurls pic.twitter.com/3zfZ7xc9pG  Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) December 29, 2023





Next, Ellis dropped the picture of his torn trousers lying on what looked like a couch and revealed that he was wearing his favourite suit, which was light and comfortable. But the disaster struck the moment he stood up to move towards the red carpet.

"As I get up to the aircraft, disaster strikes"

He wrote, And I am ready, in my favourite suit - light, comfortable and my go-to for many events. Butas I get up to go to the aircraft, disaster strikes.

4. And I am ready, in my favourite suit - light, comfortable and my go to for many events.



Butas I get up to go to the aircraft, disaster strikes. pic.twitter.com/4YJl37E1nM  Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) December 29, 2023





Yes, I have a huge rip in my trousers. But the red carpet is unfurled, the Indian protocol is waiting, and the plane door is about to open. And it's windy.., he added.

With no time to spare, protocol to follow, and the plane door opening, Ellis had to improvise. He humorously recounted how he managed the situation by keeping his arms tightly by his side and positioning himself strategically to avoid the prying lenses of photographers.





"All passes"

He concluded his thread by saying, All passes without incident, & the convoy is off. As David Frost once said to me, it's the stuff they can't train you for which makes the jobEnd.

7. All passes without incident, & the convoy is off.



As @DavidGHFrost once said to me, its the stuff they cant train you for which makes the job.



End.   Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) December 29, 2023





British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak landed at the Palam airport in New Delhi along with his wife Akshata Murty on September 8.

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A woman threw the Amazon Alexa device out of her house after it started talking to her husband while she was away, according to a New York Post report. The couple got spooked upon discovering their Alexa device engaging in late-night conversations with the man.

Unsplash

"Super weird" conversations late at night

As per the report, the woman named Jess through a TikTok video narrated the entire incident, stating that she found the smart device constantly speaking to her husband. Taken aback by the strange activities of the device as it continued speaking on its own, Jess called it super weird.



"This past weekend, I was gone out of town, and the Alexa kept going off, and it kept talking to my husband. He was playing video games at 1 a.m., and he was, like, This is just super, super weird,'" she said in the video.

The trouble for the couple, however, did not end there. After trying to speak to the woman's husband, Alexa was found to be talking spontaneously without any prompts from the couple.

The unexpected behavior of the Amazon Alexa added to the overall unease, raising concerns about the privacy and autonomy of the smart device in Jess's household.



Now Alexa is officially evicted from our home, Jess said.





Netizens share their experiences

According to media reports, the TikTok video went viral and grabbed the attention of many, who also joined the conversation and shared stories of their own. Many shared interesting stories about their Alexa devices, stating that they have found the devices whispering, sending weird messages, or starting conversations on their own.



"I also caught my Alexa at 3 a.m. whispering to my dogs in the kitchen. I thought someone was in the house. I unplugged it," one user said.

"I have them all over my house and we kind of use them for music and timers but I dont think Ive ever had anything that weird happen," another user wrote.



As per reports, earlier a California-based man identified as Shawn Kinnear shared that his Amazon Echo suddenly blurted out, Every time I close my eyes, all I see is people dying. However, after it asked the device to repeat the same, it had no memory of it.

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As people around the world prepare to say their final goodbyes to 2023 on the last day of the year, many are interested in what they might expect to see in 2024.

No, we're not talking about new automobile releases or the next big Hollywood film. We're talking about wars and world-altering events.

Nostradamus, the 16th-century French astrologer, has made frighteningly precise 'predictions' in the past, so it's only natural to be cautious of what we might encounter in 2024.

Generated on DALL.E

1. New pope

According to one of Nostradamus' stunning prophecies, a new Pope will be elected in 2024. More disturbingly, Pope Francis may depart from the planet.

2. Climate change

The pale blue dot that has been our home has already been deteriorating year after year, but a French astrologer has even worse news for us: Earth will become more dry and floods will erupt in 2024.



3. King Harry?

Nostradamus, who correctly prophesied Queen Elizabeth's demise, said that monarch Charles would be succeeded by "someone who will bear no resemblance to a king." This mysterious prediction has fueled conjecture that Prince Harry or another yet-to-be-identified individual will ascend to the throne.

4. Naval war

Yes, you read that correctly. Nostradamus has more in store for us, and it's not good. According to him, China would wreak havoc in the Indian Ocean, sparking a naval conflict.

According to the Daily Star, security experts believe China will be defeated and will tremble on the battlefield.

Nostradamus, along with Baba Vanga, known as the Nostradamus of the Balkans, who died in 1996, predicted wars, natural disasters, civil unrest, political upheavals, and other events for the future year.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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A Russian plane with 30 passengers made an unprecedented landing on the ice surface of the Kolyma River in Russia's Far East.

How did this happen?

X Screengrab

The tragedy was caused by a pilot error, which caused the plane to crash land on the frozen expanse. This region is well-known for its harsh climate and sub-zero temperatures.

A video and other photographs capturing the aftermath were shared on X (previously known as Twitter), showing the stranded passengers struggling.

When did the incident take place?

A Polar Airlines Antonov An-24RV aircraft (RA-47821) carrying 30 passengers landed on a frozen Kolyma River instead of the runway at the airport in the village of Zyryanka in Russia's far east on Thursday 28 December because of pilot error, transport prosecutors said.#aircraft pic.twitter.com/lXKK71z411  FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 28, 2023

According to the BBC, aircraft YAP217, which took out on December 28 from Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in Russia's Far East, encountered an unexpected landing mishap. The airplane, an An-24, was originally destined for Zyryanka, 1,100 kilometres to the northeast.

What happened at the scene?

The An-24 was flying the Yakutsk-Zyryanka-Srednekolymsk route. Due to the weather, the pilots could not see the runway. pic.twitter.com/drWaeAaFjR  FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 28, 2023

As a result, it was planned to stop in Srednekolymsk before returning to Yakutsk. The plane strayed from the runway as it neared Zyryanka airfield, eventually landing on a sandbank in the Kolyma River, according to the BBC.

The distance travelled by the airplane before coming to a rest on the frozen surface of the river was depicted by a visible snow trail.

How was the situation resolved?

Spokesperson for the Eastern Siberian transport prosecutor : "According to preliminary information, the cause of the aviation incident was an error by the crew in piloting the aircraft." pic.twitter.com/qTHGgQ0JTe  FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 28, 2023

"According to preliminary information, the cause of the aviation incident was an error by the crew in piloting the aircraft," an Eastern Siberian transport prosecutor spokeswoman stated in a statement, as mentioned in the caption of one of the images published on December 28.

Thirty passengers and four crew members were engaged in the incident. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, according to a Russian airline news release.

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A former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategies to the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, identified as Doyin Odebowale, has described his late principal as a weakling.

Odebawale made this known in a viral video released on Saturday, revealed that those people Akeredolu trusted around him, capitalised on his ill-health to push their own agenda.

He said: Aketi mismanaged his health. The perfidy of many of his aides was unrivalled. They wont allow him to rest, they wont allow him to sleep. He took ill and the next thing is when will he die? People started holding meetings against the man who never offended them. I will talk about Babajide once Aketi is buried.

READ MORE: Akeredolus Family Killed Him  Sowore Alleges (VIDEO)

Aketi was weakling, he would have called his wife to order, especially when she was saying per adventure. I would have sent her away. Her outburst was unAfrican. What point was she proving? I know Aketi was not sleeping with anybody. Even from Ibadan, I knew that. But these people were peddling influence.

Aketi rejected many chieftaincy titles. He stuck to Arakunrin. Those that made allegations of forgery should bring out the documents and show who collected the money.

If Babajide and his mother were found to have stolen money, send them to jail.

All of you members of the cabinet who were unknown political entities until Mrs. Akeredolu and her son nominated you. It was Babajide and his mother who submitted the name of the commissioner, Rasaq Obe, who is now going about to tell the world he paid to be made a commissioner.
Arsenals difficult end to 2023 continued as Fulham came from behind to beat the Gunners 2-1 to inflict a second straight defeat on Mikel Artetas side and deny them top spot in the Premier League.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead inside five minutes but Raul Jimenez equalised on his return from suspension, before Bobby Decordova-Reid scrambled home the winner on the hour.

However, the loss left Arsenal fourth and two points behind leaders Liverpool, who host Newcastle on New Years Day.

Artetas side made the perfect start with a fifth-minute opener following a quick break.

Gabriel Martinellis curling shot from the left was palmed out by former Gunners keeper Bernd Leno, and Saka stuck out his right leg to loop the ball into the net from six yards.

READ MORE: EPL: Arsenal Share Spoils At Liverpool To Remain Top At Christmas

But Fulham reacted well and equalised in the 29th minute when Willian, another ex-Arsenal player in the home ranks, fed captain Tom Cairney down the left and his dangerous low cross was swept in by Jimenez.

Marco Silvas men claimed a deserved winner from a corner when Decordova-Reid stabbed a finish past David Raya following pinball in the box  condemning Arsenal to consecutive losses following the 2-0 home defeat by West Ham on Thursday.

Tottenham finished 2023 on a high with 3-1 victory over an energetic Bournemouth in the Premier League.
A 29-year-old man, identified as Ochoepo Aledu, has been arrested by men of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, in Wadata area of Makurdi, the state capital.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Aledu was nabbed with illegal fire arm on December 26, 2023, at about 8pm.

However, the Commander of BSCVG, retired Capt Ayomi Ajobi, paraded the suspect on Saturday, disclosed that the 29-year-old, threatened to shoot some officers of the security group.

Ajobi said: Our men who were working on a tip-off had gone to the hideout of a group of people who were said to be taking a subA 29-year-old man, identified as Ochoepo Aledu, has been arrested by men of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, in Wadata area of Makurdi, the state capital.stance known as Indian hemp at Wadata.

READ MORE: Benue: Bandits Kidnap Doctor, Son, Others Travelling For Christmas, Demand N50m Ransom

In the process, the suspect who brandished a gun threatened to shoot our men, and the area became tense following the aggression of the suspect demanding that they be freed.

The suspect later ran into a nearby shop while being pursued, only for a gun to drop in an attempt to shoot, luck ran out of him when one of the operatives swooped on him and pinned him down before support from others came and he was arrested.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed concern about the countrys electoral integrity, arguing that elections should be settled at polling units rather than in courts.

The Speaker made this known this known on Saturday, in Abuja during his remarks at the vacation of the House for the New Year holidays.

He said: The House recognises the importance of electoral reforms in strengthening our democratic institutions.

READ MORE: Security Will Be Our Priority In 2024  Reps Speaker, Abbas Assures

Consequently, we took the initiative to take the lead in soliciting citizens input on the Electoral Act 2022 and recommendations on strengthening it to deliver more free and fair elections and reduce the judiciarys influence on the electoral process.

The outcomes of elections should be decided at the polling unit and not in a courtroom. The over-judicialisation of electoral outcomes has greatly undermined public confidence and could erode the legitimacy of political leadership if not quickly and adequately addressed. 
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of 21 kidnap victims in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the State.

Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello, made the confirmation in a statement released on Saturday evening.

It was gathered that the 21 victims, who were kidnapped along Ajaokuta-Itobe road in Kogi State on Thursday, were rescued on Saturday by a joint team of security operatives, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Civil Defence and local vigilantes.

The statement said, The victims, predominantly travelers, had been whisked away to an unknown destination within the dense forest around the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Upon receiving report of this distressing incident, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, promptly issued directives to both security agencies and local vigilantes to embark on immediate actions that will lead to the freedom of the captives. He said the perpetrators of this reprehensible act must also be fished out.

READ ALSO: Im Disappointed Over Your Reasons For Not Responding To Plateau Attack  Lalong Slams Military

This directive underscored Governor Bellos unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens/residents under his charge.

The determined efforts of the combined security forces yielded results within 48 hours, leading to successful release of the 21 captives.

According to the statement, the operation led to the arrest of some of the kidnappers, while those still at large are being trailed.

The Governor however commended the security operatives for their rapid and effective response.

Governor Bello seized the opportunity to issue a stern warning to those with nefarious intentions and warned criminals against migrating to Kogi for illicit activities.

The Governor unequivocally declared Kogi as a no-go area for all forms of criminalities, making it clear that his administration would spare no effort in safeguarding the peace and security of the state, the statement added.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has nabbed a Qatar-based businessman, Agu Evidence Amobi, and one other, Uchegbu Onyebuchi Obi, in possesion of psychoactive substances at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development was disclosed in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, December 31.

Babafemi revealed that Amobi was arrested on Saturday at the departure point of terminal 2 of the MMIA on his way to Doha, on a Qatar Airways flight, Obi was taken into custody the same day following the seizure of a consignment of 72,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, which he attempted shipping to Kano on a local flight.

He noted that Amobi, who claimed he has been living and working in Doha, Qatar, for over 10 years, was caught with 1.30kg cannabis sativa concealed in a bag of foodstuff.

The statement reads: On Christmas day, December 25, in Yobe State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Nguru-Gashua road intercepted the trio of Musa Sani, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Adamu Usman in truck conveying 39 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 15.7kg and 128,500 pills of opioids. Follow-up operations the following day, December 26, led to the arrest of the actual owner of the cannabis consignment, Ali Ibrahim (a.k.a Ramos), in Geidam, where additional 208 blocks of the same substance were recovered from his house, bringing the total to 247 blocks weighing 94.74kg, while the owner of the seized opioids, Mustapha Goni (a.k.a Lolo) was equally arrested. READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs 75-Year-Old Woman Dealing Codeine, Cannabis In Imo State, NDLEA operatives on Christmas eve, Sunday, December 24, while on patrol along Owerri  Onitsha expressway, intercepted a commercial bus driven by Peter Orji, 42, with 400 bottles of codeine syrup; 7 590 pills of opioids including tramadol 225mg heading to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. While David Michael, 52, was arrested at Unguwa Ukku area of Kano on Sunday, December 24, with 49 blocks of cannabis weighing 42.6kg, Umar Abdullahi, 27, was nabbed with 27, 350 pills of opioids at Gadar Tamburawa area of the city same day.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. According to the plan approved by the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, a number of events on the occasion of 31 December  the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and New Year were held in all types of troops, Combined Arms Army, Army Corps, formations and special educational institutions of the Azerbaijan Army, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense.

First, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs) who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was honoured with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan accompanied by a military orchestra was performed.

Speakers at festive events spoke about the history of Solidarity Day, its significance, the invaluable merits of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who laid a solid foundation for the development of our republic, the victory won in the Patriotic War and other successful combat operations under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who is a worthy successor of the National Leaders policy, as well as about ensuring progress in all spheres.

The events include documentaries, videos, photo and book exhibitions for military personnel, meetings with personnel, cultural-mass, patriotic events with the participation of local executive authorities, state and non-governmental organizations, veterans, public representatives.

According to the instruction of the Defense Minister, orphanages were also visited by military personnel, festive tables were laid, children were presented with various gifts and an entertaining program.

At the events, the creative teams of the Army Ideological and Cultural Center named after Hazi Aslanov, and the Ganja Garrison Ideological and Cultural Center, as well as regional cultural departments performed interesting concert programs.
The Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Tosan Erhabor, has disclosed that more than 4,504 medical laboratory scientists left the country this year.

According to him, a total of 10,697 medical laboratory scientists had left the country.

He furthered that the Federal Ministry of Health is putting together a policy to address the problem.

The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697, he told the News Agency of Nigeria.

He said that the policy when launched would regulate the migration of Nigerian health workers.

Erhabor said that the government has reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity.

Government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowance of health professionals.

READ ALSO: Police Arrest Child Traffickers In Kano, Rescue Seven Kids Sold For N2.8m

Safe and conducive work environment can be a panacea to reducing the pace of brain drain amongst medical laboratories, he added.

The Registrar however attributed the migration by medical scientists from the country to different reasons.

Some are leaving as a result of poor remuneration and uncertainties in the career progression in Teaching Hospitals.

Others are leaving in order to study abroad, acquire new skills and enhance their professional status.

Good numbers are also leaving because of the security situation in the country, poor infrastructure and lack of modern equipment to work with.

Above all the rising cost of living that is making it practically impossible for an average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children, he said.

According to him, the scientists preferred destinations are the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described Nigerians as prisoners in a poorly governed nation.

Obi disclosed that the various challenges facing the country start from insecurity, high levels of poverty and unemployment, corruption and abuse of office which have kept citizens prisoners.

The former Governor of Anambra State led this during his visit to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Onitsha in Anambra State on Sunday.

He said: In a poorly governed nation like ours, we must understand that we are all prisoners to the different challenges weighing us down, ranging from insecurity, high levels of poverty and unemployment, corruption and abuse of office.

Also in via his X page, on Sunday, Obi said that he reminded the inmates that irrespective of their mistakes or reasons for their confinement, there is still a great future ahead of them.

READ MORE: Plateau Massacre: Peter Obi Visits Victims, Donates N5m

He said: I was happy to join our brothers and sisters at the Nigerian Correctional Center, Onitsha, today, for their Thanksgiving Church Service to mark the end of the year 2023. I appreciated God with them, for the gift of life, irrespective of the many challenges faced through the year

I thanked the Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Anambra State Command, for his efforts in ensuring that the correctional facility functions well. To the inmates, I reminded them that irrespective of their mistakes or reasons for their confinement, there is still a great future ahead of them, if they trust in God, work hard, and become law-abiding.

I was, however, deeply concerned that such a large number of youths in their productive years are confined in the correctional center where they are largely unproductive.

Many of the inmates are there as a result of the accumulated leadership failure in our country today. If we had a working society, we would not have such a huge number of our youths in different correctional facilities across the nation.
Adam K. Thiel (center) speaks to reporters after Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker (center left) announced he would serve as managing director in her administration. Read more

After Cherelle Parker was elected mayor, Ryan Boyer, who cochaired her transition committee, said her team will be focused on finding the best and brightest from across the city, around the country, internationally.

We truly want the best, Boyer said.

As it turned out, they didnt have to look too far.

Parker, whose inauguration is Tuesday, so far has announced her selections for 17 senior members of her administration, including her chief of staff, deputy mayors, police commissioner, and managing director. Every one of them is from Philadelphia or has worked in government or politics here.

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 READ MORE: Who Philly Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker has picked for her cabinet and senior staff

Many key roles in the administration are still up for grabs, and Parker has acknowledged that her transition process was a slow one  a consequence, she said, of her employing a professionalized recruitment process rather than hook-up culture, as Boyer called typical policitized hiring.

But her administration is beginning to come into focus, and while it will involve many familiar faces  likely to the dismay of those hoping for major change in City Hall  it will take an unfamiliar shape, she said.

Parker said she didnt want there to be one go-to person for those hoping to get in the mayors ear.

Instead, the administration will be led by a trio of senior aides Parker calls her big three: chief of staff Tiffany W. Thurman and chief deputy mayors Aren Platt and Sincere Harris. And she has hinted that it will have a novel organizational chart, with fewer people reporting directly to the mayor, to be unveiled after she settles into office.

People were expecting to hear the name of the one person who was the big mahoff, so to speak. You know  You want to get access to the mayor? You have to look to the big mahoff, Parker said. My mind doesnt work that way. We have a team of people with very specific skill sets and talents who are equal.

Thurman said the three aides call themselves the T.S.A.  a play on their initials, but also a message: To get to Parker, you need to go through T.S.A.

Parker has also made diversity a priority. Eleven of the 17 selections announced so far are people of color, and six are women.

A professionalized process

Parker is not someone who flies by the seat of her pants, and her approach to the transition process was deliberative and plodding.

Conversations for some positions, such as police commissioner, started soon after she won the Democratic primary in May, all but guaranteeing she would become the citys 100th mayor. But for many positions, the work of vetting candidates didnt begin until after the Nov. 7 general election, in which she easily defeated Republican David Oh.

Cherelle thought it was very important [that] until she was mayor-elect  thats when she officially wanted to run as fast as she could, said Beth Hare, one of two executive recruiters hired by the transition committee.

Some key roles, such as the city representative and the chief administrative officer, are yet to be filled, and Parker has not named commissioners for almost all of the operational departments, such as streets, parks and recreation, and public health.

Parker said some people encouraged her to have the top 30 members of her administration in place by the time I put my hand on the bible to take the oath of office.

No one will bully us into thinking that we will be forced to make a decision until we know it is right for our vision, it is right for our chemistry, it is right for the people of our city, and our team, Parker said. We are not trying to rush to get it done fast. If that was the case, we could go it alone. We could just do it without a team. Were trying to do it inclusively, intentionally.

Parker and Boyer, who heads the building trades unions and was a key backer of her campaign, insisted that candidates submit applications through the transition committees website, rather than calling in a favor with Parker or someone close to her.

Next, prospective candidates were interviewed by Hare and John Salveson, the other executive recruiter. They screened applicants to make sure they aligned with Parkers vision and could be a fit.

For serious contenders, Parker had candidates interview with a panel of subject matter experts, including former officials who previously held the job in question. Two ex-police commissioners, for instance, screened Kevin Bethel, Parkers choice to be the citys top cop next year. And three former managing directors interviewed candidates for that role, which will be held by Adam K. Thiel, who was fire commissioner under Mayor Jim Kenney.

One of Thiels interviewers was Phil Goldsmith, who was managing director under former Mayor John F. Street and worked with former Mayor William J. Green III as he filled out his administration in 1980. Goldsmith said their hiring process was not nearly as extensive or broad as Parkers, which he described as unprecedented in my lifetime.

The fact that she brought in these subject-matter experts is a recognition that she knows what she doesnt know and wants to get the input of people who have been there, done that, he said.

A Philadelphia story

Parkers depersonalized process did not prevent her from picking a number of people already in her orbit.

Some of her appointees come from the staff of City Council, where she was majority leader until running for mayor, including her communications director, Joe Grace, and budget director, Robert McDermott.

Other appointees go back multiple administrations. Finance Director Rob Dubow has held his title since the start of Michael A. Nutters administration, and Carlton Williams, whom Parker tapped to lead the new Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, has led several city agencies, most recently the streets department under Kenney.

Parker said she knew she wanted to hire locals for certain roles, especially the police commissioner, who she said repeatedly shouldnt need a GPS to get to 52nd and Market. But she didnt intend to hire so many people with Philly ties for other positions.

Nonetheless, she said shes pleasantly surprised by how it shook out.

These people just had a Philly grit, determination, a resilience. They just had it, she said, adding that even the City Hall veterans she has hired are trying to think outside the box, do things differently, be responsive.

The preponderance of Philadelphians masks a notable lack of City Hall lifers at the very top of the administration.

While Platt and Harris  the two architects of Parkers campaign who will serve as the chief deputy mayors  are both native Philadelphians, they are also relative outsiders to City Hall because they have worked primarily in state and federal politics. Thurman served in Kenneys administration, as chief of staff in the department of parks and recreation, but has spent most of her career in finance and nonprofits.

And although Thiel served in the last administration, the Chicago native was new to Philly when Kenney appointed him eight years ago, and has worked in five states, including holding statewide roles in Virginia.

Goldsmith said the value of whether a staff member has experience in the city depends on the context.

You always want different types of perspectives and you want to learn what other cities are doing, but there are different ways of doing that, he said. Its good to have outside perspective, but she needs people that she feels comfortable with.

Theres also the citys parochial political class to consider. Goldsmith recalled that during Streets administration, he sought to hire a director of emergency management who had unbelievable experience but was from out of town.

City Council was like, Boo  couldnt you find someone from inside the city? he said.

Public affairs consultant Larry Ceisler said knowing City Hall inside and out isnt all-important. He pointed to David L. Cohen, former Mayor Ed Rendells chief of staff, who is viewed by many as the gold standard of senior administration officials but had not worked in city government before.

A lot of it is about politics and relationships, and theyll find the people to execute it, he said. Theyre smart people. Theyll learn.

What mattered most for Parker this time was picking the right police commissioner, and Ceisler said it was unanimous she picked the right person for the right time in Bethel, who spent decades in the police department and has experience in criminal justice reform.

For most people, public safety is No. 1, and she hit that out of the park, he said.
Palestinians on Sunday visit the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City. Read more

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israels prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central region, the latest focus of the nearly three-month air-and-ground war that has raised fears of a regional conflagration.

The U.S. military said its forces shot and killed several Iran-backed Houthi rebels when they tried to attack a cargo ship in the Red Sea, an escalation in a maritime conflict linked to the war. And an Israeli cabinet minister suggested encouraging Gazas population to emigrate, remarks that could worsen tensions with Egypt and other friendly Arab states.

Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The militants killed about 1,200 people after breaking through Israels extensive border defenses, shattering its sense of security. They also captured around 240 hostages, nearly half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire agreement in November.

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Just after midnight on New Years Day, Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in southern and central Israel. No injuries were reported.

Displaced Palestinians found little to celebrate on New Years Eve in Muwasi, a makeshift camp in a mostly undeveloped area of southern Gazas Mediterranean coast designated by Israel as a safe zone.

From the intensity of the pain we live, we do not feel that there is a new year, said Kamal al-Zeinaty, huddled with his family around a fire inside a tent. All the days are the same.

Another relative, Zeyad al-Zeinaty, who fled with the family from the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, said his wife, brother, and grandchildren are among many relatives he has lost in the war.

Israels unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 56,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations. Israels bombardments have leveled vast swaths of the territory, displacing some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

The offensive grinds on

Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of densely built-up communities that house refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants.

In Zweida, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. It also said its forces operating in the Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a kindergarten and defused it. Hamas continued to launch rockets toward southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting. Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

The fighting has pushed much of Gazas population south, where people have flooded shelters and tent camps near the border with Egypt. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in both areas.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter. There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

Israeli minister urges mass migration from Gaza

The scale of the destruction and the exodus to the south has raised fears among Palestinians and Arab countries that Israel plans to drive Gazas population out and prevent it from returning.

On Sunday, Israels far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and reestablish Jewish settlements in the territory, where it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not 2 million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a war cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighboring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, along with other friendly Arab countries.

Later Sunday, an official in the prime ministers office said Israel does not want to resettle Palestinians.

Contrary to false allegations, Israel does not seek to displace the population in Gaza, the official said in a statement to the Associated Press. Subject to security checks, Israels policy is to enable those individuals who wish to leave to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Israel is also at odds with the United States, which has provided crucial military aid for the offensive, over Gazas future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip. At a news conference Saturday, he said the war would continue for many more months and that Israel would assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons from Egypt, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

Netanyahu has also said he wont allow the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the occupied West Bank, to expand its limited rule to Gaza, where Hamas drove its forces out in 2007.

The U.S. wants a unified Palestinian government to run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. The last Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down over a decade ago, and Israeli governments since have been staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.
The state Capitol building in Harrisburg. The race to become Pennsylvanias next attorney general will be one of the most hotly contested statewide races on the 2024 ballot. Read more

The race to become Pennsylvanias next attorney general will be one of the most hotly contested statewide races on the 2024 ballot  and more than a half-dozen candidates are vying for it in the upcoming primary.

There is good reason for the race to be so competitive: The attorney general is seen as one of the most influential roles in state government, and often serves as a launching pad to the governorship, with two recent attorneys general using their statewide recognition to win the governors mansion, including Gov. Josh Shapiro.

There are five Democratic candidates and three Republican candidates in the race, which is wide open as the incumbent, Michelle Henry, whom Shapiro appointed to fill the rest of his term, is not running for a full term.

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While the Republicans are expected to endorse a candidate in January at a virtual convention in hopes of avoiding an attack-filled primary, Democrats declined to endorse in the race.

Heres a look at the candidates running to become Pennsylvanias next attorney general. The primary election is scheduled for April 23, 2024.

Republicans

Katayoun Kat Copeland, of Radnor, is a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who briefly served as the Delaware County district attorney in 2018 before the county flipped blue.

Copeland, 56, boasts a 30-year career as a prosecutor at the county and federal levels. She worked her way up in the Eastern District to chief of the criminal division and as a member of its national security and cyber crimes unit, before joining a private firm in November while running for state attorney general.

The Delco native, who spent several years in Iran as a child, said her time abroad shaped my appreciation for the rights and freedoms that we hold dear in our country.

York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, 48, was the first Republican candidate to join the race for attorney general during the summer.

His early entrance helped him get the endorsement of the Republican Attorneys General Association, which is the big-pocketed national group trying to elect Republicans to the top prosecutor spot.

The Navy veteran has worked as a prosecutor in the south-central Pennsylvania county for 15 years. He is in his second term as district attorney of the states eighth-largest county, and won reelection as the countys top prosecutor in an unopposed election in 2021.

State Rep. Craig Williams (R., Delaware), who led an effort last year to impeach Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, is running his campaign with a promise to restore law and order in cities across the state.

Williams, 58, of Concord Township, had a 28-year career in the Marine Corps and retired as a colonel. He also served as a chief prosecutor and legal counsel to the joint chiefs of staff on a Marine Corps base.

As the lone Republican state representative representing a Delaware County district, Williams said he is the partys best chance at winning statewide.

Democrats

Philadelphias former chief public defender, Keir Bradford-Grey, 48, would be the first Pennsylvania attorney general to have spent most of her legal career as a public defender, rather than as a prosecutor.

Her experience as the top public defender in Philadelphia and Montgomery County prepared her to be the states top prosecutor, she said, because she understands where the criminal justice system needs improvement.

Bradford-Grey, who lives in East Germantown, would also be the states first Black attorney general and first Black woman to hold a statewide row office. She has been on the front lines of racial justice issues, including in 2020.

Bradford-Grey received the endorsement of EMILYs List, a major national political action committee aimed at electing female candidates that support abortion access.

Pennsylvanias former auditor general Eugene DePasquale is running on the promise that he can win statewide, after having done so twice to get elected as the states top fiscal watchdog.

DePasquale performed the best of any Democratic candidate at the state Democratic Partys endorsement meeting this month, but failed to meet the two-thirds threshold necessary to get the partys endorsement.

DePasquale, 52, of Pittsburgh, widened the responsibilities of the auditor generals office during his tenure from 2013 to 2021, where he became an unavoidable figure in Harrisburg. He last ran for office in 2020, when he unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R., York).

Joe Khan, a former prosecutor and Bucks County solicitor, wants to use his experience defending Pennsylvanias fourth-largest county to take on big fights as the states top prosecutor.

Khan, 48, of Doylestown Borough, helped defend Bucks County from former President Donald Trumps push to throw out thousands of mail ballots. He also previously served as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, as well as as a federal prosecutor.

Khan previously ran unsuccessfully for Philadelphia district attorney in 2017 in the Democratic primary, but received Gov. Ed Rendells endorsement at the time.

State Rep. Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia) is a former community activist and military lawyer who ousted a 42-year incumbent, State Rep. Mark Cohen, from his Northeast Philadelphia district, running on a good-government platform.

While in the state House, Solomon, 45, has introduced accountability and ethics proposals  and now wants to take that message to a statewide audience.

Solomon was the first elected Democrat in 2019 to call for then-Philadelphia City Councilmember Bobby Henon to resign after he was indicted in a bribery case and said he has a long list of people and companies hed like to investigate, if elected, including neglectful landlords and gun manufacturers.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer is the lone Democratic candidate in the race who has been a top county law enforcement officer  and in one of the states most populous counties.

Stollsteimer, 60, of Havertown, was the first Democrat elected to be Delcos district attorney. He won reelection to a second term in November and lists gun violence as one of his top issues.

Stollsteimer received the coveted Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council endorsement, and emphasized his efforts prosecuting worker misclassification.
Benaya Yehuda kisses 21 month-old Yarid as they march from City Hall to Independence Hall with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in October. Read more

Earlier this year, Yair Lev was trying to organize Jews to speak out against Benjamin Netanyahus Israeli government and draw attention to its right-wing backers in the Philadelphia region. The Israeli American doctor at Jefferson Health always had an activist streak, but his mission changed on Oct. 7.

He suddenly found himself tapping into his grassroots network to rally the regions Jewish community behind Israel  to grieve the 1,200 killed in the Hamas attack, to support the war against Hamas, and more recently, to combat the rise of antisemitism that he sees spreading from college campuses to medical institutions.

The community started bubbling like a kettle of hot water, and we all said, Were not going to accept this, said Lev, 47.

In the first 80 days of war, Lev and his network have continued to promote solidarity behind Israel in the region despite widening international division over the siege in Gaza.

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Community leaders have pushed for university leadership changes, met with lawmakers, screened Hamas massacre footage, organized a Shabbat vigil for Israeli hostages, and hosted numerous Oct. 7 survivors and their families, some of whom have ties to the region. On top of that, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has raised more than $14 million for Israel, contributing to a stunning show of financial support from Jewish people in the United States that topped $1 billion in the first month of the war.

The scale is really unprecedented, said Lila Corwin Berman, a professor of Jewish studies at Temple University who studies Jewish philanthropy. Distinct from the billions in U.S. government aid to Israel each year, the donation boom has been highly personal: Its about feeling a sense of emotional connection to that place, and translating that into dollars.

This pro-Israel advocacy comes amid amplified concerns over antisemitic attacks in a region that is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. Reports of harassment targeting both Jewish and Muslim residents have risen sharply. Bomb threats have targeted Jewish institutions and synagogues  including a threat to the Jewish Federations office in Center City during Hanukkah, according to president and CEO Michael Balaban.

Weve had to increase security everywhere, Balaban said. Even with menorah lightings, weve advised our groups to consider whether we can do these things publicly or revert to more private settings to be more secure.

The pro-Palestinian community has held more than 60 demonstrations in Philadelphia since the war began. While supporters of Israel have rallied against antisemitism both here and in Washington, public protest has never been its primary mode of advocacy, a fact that scholars attribute to the decades-old alliance that the United States has had with the Middle Eastern nation.

The Jewish Federation and other pro-Israel organizations have not taken that support for granted. They continue to strengthen ties with elected officials and other leaders at a time when polls show public support waning for Israels military campaign. The growing civilian death toll in Gaza  with women and children comprising more than two-thirds of the estimated 21,000 Palestinians killed by Israel, according to the Gaza health ministry  has deepened scrutiny into a military offensive that Israel now plans to expand deeper within the blockaded Palestinian territory.

The pro-Israel faction continues to reject calls for a cease-fire, including from a vocal group within the Jewish community. Disagreements aside, Lev argued that the fight against antisemitism has unified large swathes of the Jewish community across ideological and religious lines.

Its a silver lining, he said. I see a really powerful community emerging out of this community in terrible times.

See it with your own eyes

They spoke of miracles that saved their lives.

For Hila Fakliro, it was the split-second decision to not flee by car from the Nova music festival where she was bartending on Oct. 7, avoiding an ambush that killed hundreds. Shani Teshuva said a 10-minute delay to her morning bike ride through Kibbutz Zikim spared her from a barrage of rockets. For Ofer and Rony Kissin, it was the bravery of neighbors in Kerem Shalom who fought off Hamas militants and saved their small community from greater devastation.

I dont know how many miracles I can count, Fakliro, 26, said earlier this month in Wynnewood.

The four Israeli nationals came to the Philadelphia region to share their harrowing accounts of survival with a dozen elected officials and faith leaders. The purpose of such visits, organizers said, is to counter distortions about the Oct. 7 attack and reaffirm the need for American backing in the war.

The U.S. and Israel have to stick together, Teshuva, 44, told an audience that included U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, State Sens. Anthony Hardy Williams and Sharif Street, and State Rep. Greg Scott.

Last month, the Jewish Federation hosted the Israel Defense Forces to screen raw footage of the killings at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

The only way to grasp the totality  is to see it with your own eyes, IDF Col. Amnon Shefler, a military spokesperson, told a crowd of about 100 elected officials, community leaders, and journalists.

The footage was largely taken by Hamas militants and showed the murder of at least 130 Israelis in graphic detail. Attendees gasped throughout the 43-minute screening. Several audibly wept. Others left early.

Misha Galperin, the outgoing director at the Weitzman museum, called it a necessary reminder of the historic atrocities against the Jewish people at a time when he believed that many have downplayed the severity of Hamas threat.

This has happened to us for millennia now, he said. We have to be able to explain to people that the narrative in public view has been turned on its head.

Some leaders have called for more public displays of unity behind Israel  such as the Dec. 10 rally against antisemitism at Congregation Rodeph Shalom. But for others, the sorrow of war continues to be a private affair.

When one is grieving  it doesnt necessarily give rise to outward protest marches, said Marc Zucker, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association and a board member of the Jewish Federations public affairs council. It gives rise to inward grief. That grief includes sympathy for Palestinian civilians, he added.

Donations, hope, and division

For many of Israels supporters in the region, giving has felt like the only way to help.

The Jewish Federations of North America have raised more than $711 million for 300 partner organizations providing aid in Israel  70% more than their next-largest fundraising campaign during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War. But smaller institutions, businesses, and grief-stricken individuals have organized their own fundraisers, as well.

South Philly resident Eli Sable, 35, and his brother Jeremy, who lives in Tel Aviv, started a grassroots campaign called Brotherly Love Fund to buy noncombat essentials for army reservists and other Israelis displaced by the war, from baby supplies to thermal clothing.

Putting a face and a name [to the cause] motivates people to donate Sable said. Were just average people who want to do something.

But the Jewish community is not a monolith when it comes to Israel. Such groups as Jewish Voice for Peace  which describes itself as the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world  have staged dozens of pro-Palestinian protests nationwide and denounced Israels military offensive.

Our tradition, as Jews and as human beings, teaches us that we must condemn that and that we must stop death, and that is what we are trying to do, said Dani Noble, 32, a JVP organizer in Philadelphia, hours before activists were arrested for blocking traffic during a cease-fire demonstration on Dec. 14.

Balaban and other pro-Israel leaders dismissed JVPs members as a small but vocal faction of the Jewish community. They remain focused on other problems: antisemitism on college campuses, boycotts against businesses owned by Israelis, vandalism targeting Jewish institutions, and crucially, the question of political support in Washington.

The United States was one of just eight nations that rejected a nonbinding United Nations resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, and President Joe Biden has since criticized Israel for putting him in a difficult position.

There is always concern, Zucker said. One always worries that friends may lose interest or, worse yet, misunderstand the facts on the ground.
Soup joumou prepared by Marline Idopcil is photographed inside her kitchen at Food Fusion Cuisine in Northeast Philadelphia on Wednesday. Haitians eat soup joumou every year on their Independence Day, which is Jan. 1, as a symbol of freedom. Read more

There are many foods traditionally eaten on New Years Day because they are associated with good luck  black-eyed peas, collard greens, lentils, pork, and sauerkraut  but theres one inextricably associated with freedom: Haitis soup joumou.

They made the soup but our ancestors were not allowed to drink the soup, the Rev. Josephys Dafils, founder of Haitian American United for Change, wrote in an email. On January 1, 1804, the freed Black men and women drank the soup joumou, proudly. Haitians drink that soup every 1 January to celebrate our freedom from the French tyrants.

In 2021, UNESCO inscribed soup joumou in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

It is a celebratory dish, deeply rooted in Haitian identity, and its preparation promotes social cohesion and belonging among communities. Originally reserved for slave owners, Haitians took ownership of the soup when they gained independence from France, turning it into a symbol of their newly acquired freedom and an expression of their dignity and resilience. It is made from giraumon, a variety of pumpkin once cultivated by the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, and is prepared and consumed specifically on the first of January  Haitis Independence Day  when it constitutes the first meal of the year. UNESCO

That tradition lives on in the diaspora.

If one goes to North Philly to the Northeast to West Philly to South Philly, all over Philadelphia where we have Haitians, one will smell the aroma of that soup joumou [on Jan. 1], Dafils said.

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 READ MORE: Soup joumou is a taste of freedom for Haitians celebrating independence across Philly

Gou, a Haitian restaurant that opened a year ago in the Olney section of Philly, will be serving soup joumou on Jan. 2 as part of its celebration of Haitian Independence Day.

But independence soup is hardly the only way Haitian Americans and Haitian immigrants will be celebrating.

According to Dafils, before the community has soup joumou accompanied by Haitian bread or cassava with peanut butter, a number of local churches were to hold services with special songs and prayers for Haiti on Dec. 31.

In the Haitian Catholic community, we have a great devotion to Mary under the name of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, said the Rev. Eugene R. Almonor, who is chaplain to the Haitian community at both St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church in Wynnefield and St. William in Lawncrest. Because she is the patron of Haiti. So outside of Haiti, we keep her in our hearts. Almonor will celebrate a Mass for the Haitian community on Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. at St. Barbara, at 5359 Lebanon Ave.

He said Jan. 1 is particularly significant to Haitians in Philadelphia because it is a day of memory for Haitian people.

[Independence Day] is so important for all Haitians who are proud to be Haitians inside or outside Haiti, he said by email. It is a great opportunity to remain connected with our parents living in Haiti. We also try to encourage people from Haitian parents who are living in the USA to learn something about Haiti. Concretely, January 1 for a Haitian is like a Thanksgiving Day.

We remember our freedom from the French people, Almonor added. It is a day of gathering to celebrate life and continue to hope for a new Haiti without violence where all children of Haiti can live hand in hand, thinking on the motto of our flag: Lunion fait la force, there is strength in unity.

 READ MORE: A Philly church and refuge for the Haitian community turns 30

Haiti, already a country grappling with high rates of poverty, has in recent years been hit by a series of devastating natural disasters that have further challenged economic mobility. Years of political repression, instability and corruption led, in 2021, to Haitian President Jovenel Moises assassination, and a marked uptick in gang activities, including abductions for profit.

In Philadelphia, hope for the island-nations future will be expressed on Independence Day itself, when a different kind of celebration will take place by Zoom at 11 a.m.  one focused on what those in the diaspora can do to improve things in Haiti.

We will discuss the importance of celebrating our independence despite the bad state of our country, Dafils said. How the diaspora can unite to be part of the solution. We have the financial means and human capital to work with our brothers and sisters in Haiti to make the necessary changes.

We shall overcome as Haitians. Haiti will be again the pearl of the Caribbean, Dafils added.

Haiti is, and will be, the beacon of freedom for all people  especially all people of African descent.
Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) returning to the Capitol on April 17 after seeking inpatient treatment for clinical depression. Read more

WASHINGTON  Sen. John Fetterman acknowledges having dark conversations about harming himself before he hit the emergency brake and sought treatment for depression.

He remembers thinking about his three school-age kids. I cant be a blueprint for my children. I cant let them be left alone or not to understand why he would have done that, the first-term Pennsylvania Democrat told Kristen Welker on NBCs Meet the Press in a deeply personal and introspective interview taped before the broadcast that aired Sunday.

So he checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., last Feb. 15. There was nowhere else to go, he said, describing how he often felt during his stay that there wasnt any hope sometimes and like, What do I have left?

He also wondered whether he would survive politically.

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When it got released where I was and where it was going, it was a big story. And so, I had assumed that that would be the end of my career, he said.

When he sought treatment for clinical depression, Fetterman was still coping with the effects of the stroke he had in May 2022, during his campaign for one of the Senate's most contested seats. "My heart technically stopped, and it was a very touch-and-go situation," said Fetterman, 54. A pacemaker was implanted with a defibrillator to manage two heart conditions, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy.

His victory over Republican Mehmet Oz had helped Democrats keep control of the Senate and made him a national figure. It was the height of his political career. But he couldnt make it out of bed at his home in Braddock, in Western Pennsylvania.

I really scared my kids, and they thought, You won, Dad. Why arent we enough? Why are you still so sad? Why are you even more sad?' And it was hard for  to explain why I was. And, of course, a 9-year-old child wouldnt understand that. And it was awful, Fetterman said.

 READ MORE: Meet Kristen Welker, the Philly native and new host of NBC's "Meet the Press."

So much so that he said he pleaded not to go down to D.C. later that November for orientation sessions in Washington for newly elected lawmakers.

His favorite holiday was nearing, yet he was unable to think about getting Christmas presents for his children and dreading his swearing in on Capitol Hill early in the new year.

Within two months, he was at Walter Reed. Aides had described the new senator as being withdrawn and uninterested in eating, discussing work or the usual banter with staff.

This is a conversation that Ive had with myself and anybody that knows theyre unable to address their depression, is they start to have dark conversations with themself about self-harm, Fetterman said. And things continued to kind of tick off the list. And then I kind of hit the emergency brake."

He added, I knew I needed help.

Before checking into Walter Reed, Fetterman had never publicly discussed his battle with depression. He has since said that he has experienced it on and off throughout his life.

He left Walter Reed at the end of March after six weeks of inpatient treatment with his depression "in remission," according to a statement from his office.

Doctors describe remission as when a patient responds to treatment so that they have returned to normal social function and they are indistinguishable from someone who has never had depression.

Fetterman has since become a visible presence in the Capitol, bantering with reporters, joking with Senate colleagues and speaking up at Senate hearings.

To others who are now facing a really dark holiday time, Fetterman offered this guidance: I know that last years was desolate. And this years might be desolate. Next years can be the best ever. And thats what happened for me.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva extended her congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the New Year, Trend reprots.

In a social media post, Leyla Aliyeva said: Happy New Year! I wish you health, happiness, and lots of love! God bless you all! Thank you very much!
Despite its population, Dublin is lucky to have such a compact city centre where you are likely to bump into people you know on any given Saturday.

Dublin city centre has not been having the best of times in recent months, but it will take a lot to stop people 'going into town', and a brand new restaurant on perhaps the citys busiest street is a very good thing.

Kickys opened on the busy end of South Great Georges Street in November, probably my most visited street. Its where the incomparable Georges St. Arcade begins, where I buy my computers (Back from the Future) and get my phone fixed, and where I picked up a silk and mohair Ermenegildo Zegna jacket for 10 (Oxfam).

And now theres Kickys in what was formerly San Lorenzo, just a few steps from 777 Mexican, the only place to dine on a Monday (half-price margaritas!).

Kickys chef Eric Matthews was previously in Chapter One and is promising a busy-buzzy restaurant with an evolving menu.

The buzz has already been palpable, and based on the chefs reputation not empty PR hype  good luck getting a weekend booking before March.

Kickys menu is short and split into bites, sharing plates, mains cooked over charcoal, plus sides and desserts.

I wanted to try 90 per cent of the dishes and I was delighted to see words like rabbit Bolognese and house morcilla, more timid palates will also find lots to please them.

Besides decent olives and smoked almonds (4.50 each) our meal proper began with what has already become Kickys signature dish  potato focaccia with carbonara butter (6).

Potato Focaccia & carbonara butter at Kicky's

A thick glistening wedge of dense focaccia bread (perhaps a little too dense?) with a genius whipped carbonara butter on the side topped with meaty nuggets of crisp guanciale.

The textured bread and the contrasting luscious carbonara-flavoured butter made this almost a meal in itself  a reason to visit Kickys on its own.

Taleggio, leek, nduja croquettes at Kicky's

Next came some taleggio, leek and nduja croquettes (8 for 4) in a crisp crumb that burst in the mouth with tangy cheese and lightly pungent nduja flavours. These worked best popped into the mouth whole. Two for two.

Pasta is a feature of Kickys menu and on the night we visited there was a choice between cacio e pepe (14) with hand-rolled pici pasta (a rough thick spaghetti) or pappardelle with a 72-hour short rib ragu.

With arguably the best cacio e pepe in the city just yards away in Piglet I felt we had to see how Kickys version compared and it was favourable, creamy cheesy and rich if a little light on pepper for my taste (but with the pitch-perfect amount of pepper for my guest).

Monkfish at Kicky's

Monkfish on the bone with pickled red dulse, lemon butter and Lissadell cockles (39) was our choice of main (over striploin) and inevitably some Ballymakenny potatoes on the side (6).

The monkfish was tender with fine saucing and perfectly cooked and I loved that the cockles added flashes of meaty-briny goodness.

Star of this course however was the potatoes with their topping of confit garlic, grated pecorino cheese and rosemary; with shatteringly crisp exterior and fluffy interiors they will gladden every Irish persons heart.

The drinks list includes a selection of house cocktails including good non-alcoholic options, my homemade ginger ale (6) having a delicious kick of spiky ginger.

The cocktails are creative takes on classics such as the Kickys Martini made with Pparmesan infused gin and pickles, and my guests Tropical Sour (14) made with croissant Vodka which was fruity, creamy, and pretty in pink.

The wine list starts at around 35 for a decent Gascogne blanc and if you are feeling indulgent you can order a magnum of Marquis de Calon 2018 Bordeaux (second wine of famed Chateau Calon Segur) for 250.

The list is pleasingly eclectic and split into rather vague categories such as Ripe - Round and Savoury - Bold - Firm. Some descriptive text, especially for more obscure and expensive wines would be better.

Our bottle of Casa da Passarella Dao (39) White proved to be a good choice and fairly priced with lots of floral notes and tangy apple fruits.

Just two desserts were on offer (12.50 each) but the chef that presented them to us promised that new desserts will appear regularly.

A textured sweet sour spiced apple brioche-tarte tatin was topped with rather too much creme fraiche for my taste but worked well enough, and an Irish Coffee was in fact a macaron topped with rich coffee ice cream sitting on a toffee sauce that appealed more to my sweet tooth.

Kickys mix of creative thoughtful cooking and its focus on punchy flavours (those potatoes and that Carbonara Butter) will see them right. Ill be back.

The Verdict:
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he will raise the issue of the global drugs trade during a planned visit to Colombia and Mexico in the new year.

Mr Martin also said he would use the trip to focus on the role that Ireland has been playing in assisting the peace process in Colombia.

The Tanaiste said: Weve a very strong economic relationship with Mexico and with the region more broadly, and were determined to try and build on that.

So we have successful Irish companies operating within the region. So theres a strong economic dimension to this visit.

We will raise and discuss with the authorities, both Mexico and Colombia, obviously the broader global challenges, narcotics, drug trade

Politically also, its important for Ireland to strengthen its relationships.

We have strengthened our diplomatic footprint in the area and that will be part of the visit.

Mr Martin said he would discuss with the Justice Department if there were any criminal issues he should bring up during the trip.

He said: We will raise and discuss with the authorities, both Mexico and Colombia, obviously the broader global challenges, narcotics, drug trade and so on and shared experiences.

In Colombia, the focus will again be more political, and also on the role that Ireland has been playing in terms of assisting and helping the peace process within Colombia.

And theres been efforts to broaden that peace process in more recent times. Eamon Gilmore has done exceptional work in that regard as an EU envoy.

Ireland, through its ambassador and diplomatic footprint, is working to share some of the lessons of the conflict in northern Ireland with the authorities in Colombia.

And theyve been very appreciative of our suggestions.

When we were on the UN Security Council, for example, we would have invited women from Colombia to discuss the role of women in conflict.
Gardai are investigating a major fire at a building in Dublin which was to accommodate homeless families.

The former pub in Ringsend had been mired in false rumours, spread by anti-immigrant activists, that it would be used to accommodate asylum seekers.

A fire broke out at the former Shipwright pub before 2am and was brought back under control by six fire engines and nearly 30 firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade by 5am.

Earlier this month, anti-immigrant protests were held at the building in response to false claims that it was to accommodate asylum seekers.

Persistent false rumours had been spread by anti-immigration activists that the building would house asylum seekers and some social media accounts had called for the building to be set on fire.

Dublin Fire Brigade @DubFireBrigade Overnight, firefighters were called to a vacant premises on fire in #Ringsend 6 Fire engines attended including a turntable ladder to fight the fire from above Smoke drifted across the area Thanks to @DubCityCouncil who increased the water supply to the fireground

However, the building had actually been taken over by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) to accommodate homeless families.

"If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter, a DRHE spokesperson said.

"The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened," they said.

"Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent.

The Taoiseach has expressed his concern about the blaze, but emphasised that the cause was still under investigation by gardai.

The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Siochana, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire, Leo Varadkar said.

If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Anyone with information should contact the Gardai. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families.

Gardai pictured at the scene of a fire on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned that arson was a serious crime and if the fire was deliberate, the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

If this was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established, the perpetrators will be brought to justice, Ms McEntee said today.

Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.

She said that gardai are investigating the incident in Ringsend and are doing everything possible to determine the cause of the fire.

I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact An Garda Siochana, she said.

The building was unoccupied when the fire broke out before 2am and no injuries have been reported.

It is a former pub, called the Shipwright, also known as Sallys Bar on Thorncastle Street.

Gardai pictured at the scene of a fire on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Six fire engines and nearly 30 firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade were deployed to the fire which was brought under control by 5am.

A Garda spokesperson said that gardai attended at the scene of a fire at an unoccupied building on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin shortly before 2am Sunday morning.

There were no reports of any injuries and the scene has been preserved for forensic examination, the spokesperson said.

An Garda Siochana is aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of various buildings, they said.

Numerous fires have been reported at buildings rumoured or earmarked to accommodate asylum seekers in recent months across the country.

On December 16, a suspected arson attack caused major damage to a former hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, which was to house 70 asylum seekers.

Gardai have renewed their appeal for information in relation to this fire.
Questions surround the basis for selecting Irelands next EU commissioner, after the Taoiseach and Tanaiste appeared to offer contrasting opinions the issue.

Micheal Martin said there was a clear understanding and agreement that the nominee would be selected by Fianna Fail.

Leo Varadkar said there was no written agreement on the matter and declined to be drawn when asked if there was an unwritten agreement.

Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar were speaking at their respective end-of-year media briefings.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

The term of Irelands current EU Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, comes to an end next summer.

Ms McGuinness, a Fine Gael member, has previously signalled a willingness to serve a second term.

The Taoiseach and Tanaiste were asked at their briefings about Ms McGuinness continuing in the role.

Mr Varadkar replied: Look, well cross that bridge in June or July when the time comes, we havent had any detailed discussions about it since.

Pressed on whether he would like to see his party colleague serve another term, he added: Like I say, Im not going to go speculate on that at the moment. Theres a lot can happen between now and next June, July, and thats when the Government makes a decision.

Asked if it was his understanding that Fianna Fail picks the nominee, Mr Varadkar said: Theres no written agreement on that matter, there is on other matters but well discuss that in June, July, after the local and European elections.

Asked if there was an unwritten agreement on the issue, he said: Look, thats all I am going to say for now.

When Mr Martin was asked whether he would be open to Ms McGuinness taking on a second term, he said: I think Mairead McGuinness has done very well as commissioner but theres a clear understanding and agreement between the parties in government as to the nomination of the next commissioner  that it would be a Fianna Fail nominee.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Martin made clear he was ruling himself out as the nominee.

Asked who the nominee should be, he added: I think were going to deal with that closer to the time and we all have thoughts on that, other leaders will have ideas and so on like that, and others may have thoughts.

But I am not going to deal with that until after the elections.

The Tanaiste was asked whether a Fianna Fail nominee had to be a member of Fianna Fail.

Not necessarily, he said.

Mr Martin was also asked whether he had considered standing for the Irish presidency in 2025.

No, I am not saving myself for the Aras, he said.

I am very focused on what I am doing now as leader of Fianna Fail and preparing, we have local elections, European elections, we have the mayoral election in Limerick, and we have a referendum in the first half of 2024. Its going to be electorally and politically very, very active.

He said people were not interested in speculation about politicians futures.

People want us to stay focused on the issues that matter for them on a policy basis, he said.

Now I keep telling my colleagues that as well and that to me is important; keep your feet on the ground, and the world changes very quickly.

So I dont think that far ahead to 2025.
President Michael D Higgins has called for a redoubling of efforts to restore peace in the Middle East, saying that it is not morally acceptable to be indifferent.

The President said during the course of the war between Israel and Hamas, which began following the October 7 attack, that too many lives have already been lost, particularly those of children.

Mr Higgins said that at the end of 2023, there must be a reflection as to steps countries can taken to move towards a lasting and meaningful peace between Israel and Palestine.

The awful loss of life which we have witnessed in recent months has led to a broad re-statement of the need for a two-state solution, Mr Higgins said.

However, for this to have meaning, there is a need to move beyond a theoretical commitment and for detailed consideration to resume of the specific details of how this can be achieved.

It is my hope that it will not be long until the international community comes together to commence the serious, crucial negotiations that will be needed in the time ahead.

The President said that essential elements of these negotiations that will require international cooperation include the requirement for a Palestinian state to be contiguous, the position of East Jerusalem and air, sea and land sovereignty for Palestine.

Mr Higgins said that such negotiations are more urgent now due to the violence carried out by Hamas on October 7, and the devastation caused by Israeli bombings and raids on Gaza as well as ongoing settler violence in the West Bank.

Palestinians inspect the damage of a destroyed house following Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis, Southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Picture: AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman

On potential avenues towards peace, Mr Higgins suggested that a permanent secretariat  similar to one established during the Northern Ireland peace process  be established to ensure continuity.

Rather than relying on best-intentioned but sadly short-lived initiatives, a secretariat would allow a basis for continuity and the continual development of texts and ideas, he added.

The President said that there must now be efforts to restore peace in the region, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas.

In order for 2024 to see the beginning of the process of recovery for all those who have been so devastated by the events of recent months, it is incumbent on all nations to redouble their efforts for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and to set about the tasks of achieving a lasting peace, one which can allow the Palestinian people to realise their rights alongside those of a secure Israel, Mr Higgins said.

Mr Higgins said that war is not the natural condition of humanity, insisting that cooperation between nations is.

We cannot be indifferent as we watch daily the loss of life that is appearing on our screens.

It is not morally acceptable to be indifferent."
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will launch three additional military spy satellites, build more nuclear weapons and introduce modern unmanned combat equipment in 2024.

State media reported his call for overwhelming war readiness.

Mr Kims comments were made during a ruling Workers Party meeting to set state goals for next year.

During the five-day meeting, which ended on Saturday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Mr Kim said moves by the US and its allies against North Korea have been unprecedented this year, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war.

Photo provided by the North Korean government of the year-end meeting of the ruling Workers Party meeting (KCNA/Korea News Service/AP)

The grave situation requires us to accelerate works to acquire overwhelming war response capabilities and thorough and perfect military readiness to suppress any types of provocations by the enemies at a stroke, he said, according to KCNA.

He set forth plans to fire three more military spy satellites in 2024 in addition to the countrys first reconnaissance satellite launched in November.

He also ordered authorities to press ahead with work to manufacture more nuclear weapons and develop various types of modern unmanned combat equipment such as armed drones and powerful electronic warfare devices, KCNA said.

Mr Kim has been focusing on modernising his nuclear and missile arsenals since his high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with then-President Donald Trump broke down in 2019 due to wrangling over international sanctions on the North.

Since last year, the countrys military has test-fired more than 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the mainland US and South Korea, in violation of UN bans.

The US and South Korea responded by expanding their military exercises and deploying US strategic assets such as bombers, aircraft carriers and a nuclear-armored submarine. North Korea calls the moves US-led invasion rehearsals.

South Koreas spy agency said last week that North Korea will likely launch military provocations and cyberattacks ahead of its neighbours parliamentary elections in April and the US presidential election in November.
Three more people were detained on Sunday in connection with a reported threat of an attack on the Cologne Cathedral over the holidays, German authorities said.

The detentions came only days after a 30-year-old Tajik man was detained in relation to an alleged plot to attack the world-famous cathedral by Islamic extremists in the western German city.

The suspects were detained in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne and Dueren in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and their apartments were also searched there. No details about their identities were released.

All the detained suspects  including the Tajik who was arrested last week  allegedly belong to a larger network that included people across Germany and in other European countries, according to Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns, German news agency dpa reported.

The area around the cathedral was heavily guarded by police on Sunday (Thomas Banneyer/dpa via AP)

The attack was supposed to have been carried out with a car loaded with explosives, dpa reported.

Cologne police said in a Sunday news conference that the cathedrals underground parking garage had been searched and that explosives detection dogs had been deployed  but nothing was found.

Since the early morning, the entrance and exit of the underground garage had also been checked for suspicious activity.

North Rhine-Westphalias interior minister Herbert Reul called the detentions a success, for which I would like to thank the investigators.

Islamic extremists have always been active, but they are currently more active than usual, Mr Reul said, according to dpa. The police always try to be a few steps ahead, he added.

Police had received information about a planned militant attack on Cologne Cathedral shortly before Christmas. The attack was to be carried out on New Years Eve.

The citys world-famous cathedral has been under high protection for a week and the threat led to the closure of the house of worship for tourists since Christmas Eve.

Usually, more than 100,000 tourists visit the cathedral in the last week of the year. In recent days, only worshippers were allowed to enter the building for Mass, but they had to go through thorough security checks involving sniffer dogs.

On Sunday evening, around 1,000 police officers were on duty around the cathedral as revellers began celebrating the end of 2023.

Mr Reul encouraged people to celebrate and not stay at home despite the attack threat.

Islamist terror is still a threat on German streets, he said. We have often suppressed that. And whenever there is a one-off event like this, we are all very electrified again.

However, it would be wrong to panic, said Reul. I say: Celebrate! Behave yourselves! Take care  and enjoy the transition into the new year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. The anti-terrorist operation, which started on September 19 and lasted only one day, even less than that, ended with complete victory of the Azerbaijan army. The separatist regime collapsed, fell to its knees before us, waved the white flag, surrendered, was forever expelled from our lands, and thrown into the trashcan of history. With this, the very roots of separatism in Azerbaijan were eradicated, and separatism - that scourge will never raise its head in our lands again, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, Trend reports.

The Azerbaijan army demonstrated its professionalism and heroism again. Our soldiers and officers showed an example of self-sacrifice. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace! Their dear memory will live in our hearts forever. I must state that the blood of our martyrs did not remain unavenged. We took revenge on the battlefield, for our soldiers, officers, civilians, victims of Khojaly, the martyrs of the First and Second Karabakh wars, as well as the anti-terror operation, the head of state added.
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( Middle East Monitor )  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted: The war is exacting a very heavy price, but we have no choice but to continue fighting.

This woeful statement underscores Netanyahus blinkered determination to exact maximum carnage and an unwillingness to engage in diplomacy.

Foremost, this war has forced the most exorbitant price on civilians in Gaza. The death toll, mainly comprising women and children, has exceeded 20,000. According to Middle East Monitor, there are more than 23,000 orphans in Gaza. These astounding figures merely scrape the surface of human suffering. The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) has warned of a looming famine as starvation permeates the Gaza Strip.

There have been reports of civilians massacred after being rounded up in fields, as well as point-blank shootings of women and children seeking shelter in UN schools. The iniquitous objectives of this war clearly extend beyond eliminating Hamas.

The premise that fighting must continue to ensure Israels security is deceptive and counterintuitive. Seeds are being planted today in future generations who will likely seek vengeance. Netanyahu is sacrificing the lives of young, highly impressionable Israeli soldiers and hostages whose plight has become secondary at best, as well as prospects of a peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians.

It is lamentable that not even the UN Security Council has been able to demand a ceasefire. Those directly responsible for the carnage, as well as those who intercepted calls for a ceasefire, will not be forgotten. Future election results will reverberate opinions formed from this war. The clock is ticking for those on the wrong side of history. Israels Military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi further echoed Netanyahus stance that Israels war on Hamas will continue for many months.

To envisage Gaza in three months, if Israeli aggression persists unperturbed, is unfathomable. The death toll would exceed 50,000 from air and ground strikes, disease and starvation. The Gaza Strip would need to be rebuilt from scratch, and it is extremely doubtful that Israel would foot the bill. Rebuilding would take years, especially as construction materials are blocked from entering the Strip, but would instead fall in the hands of the European Union to fund. Aid agencies would invariably provide band-aid solutions until the next flare-up whilst the UN appeases Israel against a hostile backdrop from the Israeli government, who feel unfairly criticised.

Aljazeera English: Southern Gaza operation Israel expanding operations around Khan Younis

At least 40 per cent of the population in Gaza comprises children under 18 years of age. Prior to 7 October, unemployment was already extremely high, linked to restrictions imposed by the siege. Disenfranchisement was pervasive. How will children in Gaza recover physically and psychologically to restore hope?

Israel argues it must dismantle tunnels and demolish the ordnance of Hamas. Meanwhile, the Israeli government is handing out guns to its own civilian population, like lollies to children. It should be noted that tunnels served as a lifeline for Gazans under siege during peaceful stretches between hostilities. They enabled a passageway for construction and goods otherwise prevented from crossing into Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would have to knock on every door in Gaza to locate all Hamas affiliates. It is an insurmountable task to identify the political persuasion and ideology of more than two million individuals at a glance. The IDF tragically mistook the identity of three of its own hostages for Hamas fighters, which resulted in their untimely demise. Additionally, Hamas is not confined to Gaza  will Israel seek to assassinate all Hamas leaders abroad? Already, this war has trickled over to Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, drawing in international players to the Red Sea.

It has stirred global outrage. How much longer will unequivocal support be granted to Israel in favour of averting a broader regional conflict or even World War III?

Netanyahu and his cabinet are fuelled by vengeance; it is like watching inconsolable toddlers throwing tantrums, but in this case, the consequences are irreversible and far-reaching. No voice of reason is capable of harnessing Israel as it unleashes its deadly rampage. Indigenous Palestinians are being nudged into the desert. Israel is attempting to rip the land from under the feet of Gazans or bury them beneath the soil.

When US President Joe Biden warned Netanyahu against making the same mistakes as the US in Iraq prior to the ground incursion, an opportunity existed to take heed. This fell on deaf ears and Biden cow-towed by supplying endless weapons. As war rages, with no foreseeable end in sight, 2024 and the future look bleak.

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
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By Sarah Anderson | 

( Inequality.org )  Looking for something positive to celebrate on New Years Eve? Consider lifting a glass to the hardworking people behind these inspiring victories of 2023.

1. The Year of the Strike

More than half a million American workers walked off the job this year. In October, companies lost more workdays to strikes than in any month during the past 40 years.

Big 3 auto workers, Hollywood writers and actors, Las Vegas and Los Angeles hotel staff, and Kaiser Permanente health care employees were among those who used strikes to score big bargaining table wins. For UPS drivers, the mere threat of a Teamsters strike was enough to secure historic wage hikes and safety protections.



After renewing contracts with Ford, GM, Stellantis, and UPS, the UAW and the Teamsters doubled down on efforts to organize the unorganized. The Teamsters picketed outside 25 Amazon warehouses, demanding a fair contract for unionized drivers at a California-based delivery service for the notoriously anti-union retailer. The UAW set their sights on non-unionized car companies, causing so much indigestion among Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai executives that they immediately hiked wages for their U.S. employees.

2. Black worker organizing in the south

To move the needle on the countrys dismally low 6 percent unionization rate, the labor movement will need to make inroads in tough territory, particularly in historically anti-union southern states that have been magnets for investment.

Two union victories in 2023 are the latest proof that this goal is not impossible. The United Steelworkers won an election at a Blue Bird bus factory in Georgia with nearly 1,500 predominantly Black workers. In three Alabama cities, AT&T Mobility workers at In Home Expert hubs joined the Communications Workers of America.

3. A crack in the anti-union tech sector

The past year also saw union progress in another historically union-averse territory: the tech sector. Earlier this month, Microsoft forged an agreement with the AFL-CIO to remain neutral in organizing drives among their U.S.-based workers. This will make it easier for about 100,000 Microsoft employees to unionize, with potential ripple effects across the industry.

4. New trifecta states

In Michigan and Minnesota, pro-worker state legislators hit the ground running after Democrats won state trifectas in 2022.

Minnesota passed a blizzard of pro-labor reforms, including paid sick leave for most workers, minimum pay and benefits for nursing home staff, and wage theft protections for construction workers. Teachers will be able to negotiate over class sizes and nurses will have a greater say in staffing levels. The new laws also ban non-compete agreements and captive audience meetings designed to undercut union support.

This year Michigan became the first state in six decades to roll back anti-union right-to-work laws. They also restored a prevailing wage law requiring construction contractors to pay union wages and benefits on state-funded projects.

5. Cities lead the way on low-wage worker protections

The federal minimum wage for tipped workers has been stuck at $2.13 since 1991. In that vacuum, states and cities are taking action. This year, restaurant servers and other advocates in the nations capital successfully beat back last-ditch industry attempts to undercut a victorious 2022 ballot initiative to phase out the local subminimum tipped wage. After a multi-year, hard-fought campaign, DCs tipped workers got their first raise this past summer, putting them on track to earn the full local minimum wage by 2027. The Chicago City Council also passed a five-year tipped wage phaseout plan, set to begin in 2024.

App-based delivery drivers in New York City had to fight back in 2023 against Uber, DoorDash, and other corporations efforts to block introduction of the nations first minimum wage for their occupation. Gig companies finally lost their legal challenges to the pay rule in late November. Delivery driver pay rose to $17.96 an hour on December 4 and will increase to $19.96 when the legislation takes full effect in 2025.

6. College campuses as labor hotbeds

Organizing among graduate and medical students continued to explode in 2023, with the highest number of union elections among these groups than in any year since the 1990s. In the first four months of 2023 alone, over 14,000 graduate students on five campuses voted to join the United Electrical union  all by margins of over 80 percent. Campuses across the country coordinated organizing efforts through a series of teach-ins and other events under the banner of Labor Spring, an initiative that will continue in 2024.

7. Stock buyback blowback

Many of the labor battles of 2023 skewered corporate executives for underpaying workers while blowing money on stock buybacks, a financial maneuver that artificially inflates CEO stock-based pay. Two precedent-setting federal policies to rein in buybacks also took effect in 2023. For the first time, corporations faced a one percent excise tax on buybacks. The Biden administration also began giving companies a leg up in the competition for new semiconductor subsidies if they agree to forgo all stock buybacks for five years. This important precedent should be expanded to all companies receiving any form of public funds.

8. Collective bargaining requirements on federally funded construction projects

With megabillions in new public investment flowing into infrastructure projects, its critical that the administration ensure these taxpayer dollars support good jobs. This week, Biden officials took an important step forward by finalizing regulations requiring the use of project labor agreements between employers and workers for large federal construction projects. The terms of these pre-hire collective bargaining agreements must cover all parties  contractors, subcontractors, and unions. This important rule should be expanded beyond construction to contractors that provide goods and other services.

9. Trashing junk fees

Working class Americans fork out tens of billions of dollars every year on deceptive, hidden charges that raise the cost of banking and internet services, concerts and movies, rental cars and apartments, and more. In October, President Joe Biden announced a plan to put these junk fees where they belong  in the trash.

Under the plan, the Federal Trade Commission aims to force companies to disclose the total price of goods and services up front and slap violators with big fines. This will mean no hidden fees  and more money in working families pockets.

10. NLRB rulings on Amazon and Starbucks

Anyone wondering whether our labor laws need fixing need look no further than the fact that Starbucks and Amazon have been able to get away with refusing to negotiate with workers who voted to unionize for well more than a year. (Two years for the path-breaking Buffalo, New York Starbucks workers). On the positive side, Biden appointees at the National Labor Relations Board seem to be making the most of their current authority and capacity.

In August, the labor board issued a ruling that will make union-busting harder in cases where a majority of workers have signed union cards but the employer still demands an election. Under the ruling, bosses who engage in unfair labor practices in these situations will now be forced to recognize and bargain with the union without an election.

In the meantime, the NLRB is continuing to try to hold Starbucks and Amazon accountable for rampant labor rights violations. The board has 240 open or settled charges against Amazon in 26 states and theyve issued more than 100 complaints against Starbucks, covering hundreds of accusations of threats or retaliation against union supporters and failure to bargain in good faith. Most recently, the NLRB ordered the reopening of 23 Starbucks cafes, alleging the company had closed them to suppress union activity, in violation of federal law.

Reflecting on 2023, Starbucks barista and union organizer Shep Searl marveled at how diverse workers, from Teamsters to actors, demonstrated that there are many ways to win through collective action.

Every day, weve been absorbing that information and utilizing it in our mobilization and escalation plan, Searl told Inequality.org. We arent going anywhere and so much of that is inspired by the other campaigns. If we stand together, theres no mountain we cannot climb.

Inequality.org

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. We are rebuilding our cities and villages, and about 5,000 formerly displaced persons returned to their native lands this year, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, addressing the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year, Trend reports.

"Karabakh and East Zangezur have turned into a huge construction site now. We are rebuilding our cities and villages, and about 5,000 formerly displaced persons returned to their native lands this year. In March of this year, on the eve of Novruz holiday, there was a festive mood in the village of Talish, as displaced persons returned to their native homes. In August, celebrations were held in the city of Fuzuli and the village of Zabukh. This year, displaced persons returned to Lachin as the Independence Day was celebrated  May 28 was a great holiday in Lachin. Prior to that, as you may know, displaced persons had settled down in the village of Aghali. So, life has now returned to five residential settlements," President Ilham Aliyev said.
Son Seok Koo joins a slew of celebrities who mourn the passing of actor Lee Sun Kyun. After the 48-year-old star was laid to rest, the "My Liberation Notes" actor dedicated a heartfelt post in honor of the late celeb.

Son Seok Koo Pays Tribute to Lee Sun Kyun

In Son Seok Koo's Instagram post, he shared a heartwarming message for his senior, Lee Sun Kyun.

"It was a short conversation of less than a few hours, but it was an honor, fun, and warm. I pray from the bottom of my heart that you are at ease. Thank you very much, my senior. Be happy."

In the comments section, his IG followers expressed the same sentiment and mentioned how heartbreaking it was to hear the sad news about the actor.

Other than Son Seok Koo, several celebrities also mourned Lee Sun Kyun's death.

"Taxi Driver" star Kim Eui Sung, known as one of the close friends of the late star, also paid tribute by dedicating an Instagram post.

In a lengthy message, he confessed that he had mixed emotions and felt despair that he would no longer see his close friend.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Jeon Hye Jin's New Movie 'Mission: Cross' Suspended Indefinitely Amid Lee Sun Kyun's Death

However, he wished that he would "rest comfortably in a place without humiliation and pain."

The same goes for Jung Woo Sung, who also attended his burial and posted a photo of the late actor along with the caption:

"Sun Kyun, did you reach comfort? I hope you reached comfort."

Adding to the list of stars who attended the burial ceremony were Gong Hyo Jin, his co-star in "Pasta," as well as Ryu Seung Ryong and Lee Sung Min.

Lee Sun Kyun's Passing

[Trigger Warning: Suicide]

On December 27, 48-year-old Lee Sun Kyun was found dead in an apparent suicide in Seoul. It was amid his battle with the drug scandal that his name got dragged along with other celebrities and influential people.

Lee Sun Kyun left an alleged suicide note as his last message to his wife, actress Jeon Hye Jin, stating that he "cannot do anything else" and that "there is no other way but this."

He also sent a message to his management agency, apologizing due to the "overwhelming" penalties for breaching advertising and movie contracts brought by the scandal.

Lee Sun Kyun is known for his hit K-dramas "Coffee Prince" with Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye, as well as the rom-com "Pasta" and the webtoon-based series "Dr. Brain."

His 20-year-long career made him a household name and rose to international fame after joining the cast of the Oscar-winner movie "Parasite."

READ MORE: Son Seok Koo Impressed by THIS 'Weak Hero Class 1' Actor's Natural Acting

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Ending the year with a bang, the 2023 SBS Drama Awards showcased not just the big winners but also red carpet head-turners and amazing highlights on the show.

For 6 consecutive years, Shin Dong Yup graced the stage as host, along with Kim Yoo Jung, who has been the ceremony's MC for 3 years.

Held on December 29, 2023, the stars lit up the event as celebrities and industry people gathered at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, in Seoul to witness how the SBS recognized the outstanding achievements in Korean dramas aired on its network.

2023 SBS Drama Awards Winners

Lee Je Hoon, the lead star of "Taxi Driver" season 2, and Kim Tae Ri of "Revenant," were hailed as the newest Daesang winners at the 2023 SBS Drama Awards.

Meanwhile, here is the full list of winners at the annual ceremony.

Daesang (Grand Prize): Lee Je Hoon ("Taxi Driver 2"), Kim Tae Ri ("Revenant")

Top Excellence Award (Romance or Rom-Com Miniseries): Song Kang ("My Demon"), Kim Yoo Jung ("My Demon")

Top Excellence Award (Multi-Season Series): Ahn Hyo Seop ("Dr. Romantic 3"), Lee Sung Kyung ("Dr. Romantic 3")

Top Excellence Award (Specialized Genre or Action Miniseries): Park Sung Woong ("The Killing Vote"), Moon Chae Won ("Payback")

Excellence Award (Multi-Season Series): Pyo Ye Jin ("Taxi Driver 2"), Shin Jae Ha ("Taxi Driver 2")

Excellence Award (Romance or Rom-Com Miniseries): Ryeoun ("The Secret Romantic Guesthouse"), Shin Ye Eun ("The Secret Romantic Guesthouse")

Excellence Award (Specialized Genre or Action Miniseries): Hong Kyung ("Payback"), Lee Yoo Bi ("The Escape of the Seven"), Lee Joon ("The Escape of the Seven")

Netizen's Best 2023 SBS Drama: "Taxi Driver 2"

Best Couple: Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang ("My Demon")

Best Performance Award: Jin Sun Kyu ("Revenant")

Best Teamwork Award: "Dr. Romantic 3"

Best Supporting Actor (Multi-Season Series): Bae Yoo Ram and Jang Hyuk Jin ("Taxi Driver 2"), Son Ji Yoon ("The First Responders 2")

Best Supporting Actor (Romance or Rom-Com Miniseries): Jung Soon Won ("My Demon," "Trolley"), Seo Jung Yeon ("My Demon," "Trolley")

Best Supporting Actor (Specialized Genre or Action Miniseries): Kim Won Hae ("Revenant")

Scene Stealer Award: Go Sang Ho ("Taxi Driver 2," "Dr. Romantic 3"), Byun Joong Hee ("Taxi Driver 2," "Dr. Romantic 3")

Best Child Actor: Choi Hyun Jin ("The Killing Vote"), Park So Yi ("Revenant"), Ahn Chae Heum ("Taxi Driver 2"), Han Ji An ("Dr. Romantic 3")

Best New Actor: Kang You Seok ("Payback"), Kwon Ah Reum ("The Killing Vote"), Yang Hye Ji ("Revenant"), Lee Shin Young ("Dr. Romantic 3"), Lee Hong Nae ("Dr. Romantic 3"), Jung Soo Bin ("Trolley"), Kim Do Hoon ("The Escape of the Seven")

2023 SBS Drama Awards Highlights

Other than the announcement of winners, the 2023 SBS Drama Awards also featured stars that shined on the red carpet.

The public swooned over Kim Tae Ri's stunning look as the actress wore a simple yet stunning black off-shoulder ball gown by Zuhair Murad.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Kim Tae Ri Makes First Public Appearance With New Iconic Hairstyle

On the other hand, Lee Sung Kyung was criticized for wearing a white ensemble from Savannah Miller Bridal at the 2023 SBS Drama Awards.

The negative reaction comes after the public noticed that most of the celebrities were wearing black since the awards show took place on the same day as Lee Sun Gyun's private burial ceremony.

Speaking of the late actor, none of the cast and crew members of the SBS drama "Payback" attended the annual event. It can be recalled that the thriller mystery series was Lee Sun Kyun's last K-drama before his passing.

READ MORE: Son Seok Koo Dedicates Heartfelt Post to Lee Sun Kyun: 'Thank you, be happy'

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Dr. Stephen Freedman, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Calgary, speaks during an interview at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. Formerly displaced persons and refugees will return to several more residential settlements in 2024. I want to share the joyful news with them today and inform that the villages of Karkijahan, Malibayli and Turshsu will be completely restored and made available to the formerly displaced persons during upcoming year. Residents of Khojaly and Khankendi will also return to their homes, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, Trend reports.

The head of state emphasized that, in addition, several residential settlements will be ready to accommodate formerly displaced persons.
Minister with responsibility for forestry at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has launched the 2024 ITGA Forestry and Timber Yearbook.

The 2024 ITGA Forestry and Timber Yearbook is an excellent resource for everyone involved in forestry, the minister welcomed the 35th edition of the yearbook. "This years edition has in-depth information and advice on establishing new forests and support for sustainable forest management through the new afforestation scheme.

The Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) Chairman, Brendan Lacey, thanked the Minister and said, The 2024 Yearbook reflects the ongoing changes in Irish forestry and outlines the various measures in the new Forestry Programme, additional schemes to be introduced over the coming months, and any changes in woodland taxation and in recent timber prices paid to growers reflecting market conditions.

He also outlined that the Yearbook highlights the many attributes of forestry including its economic, environmental and social importance through the articles and statistical information in the publication.

The 2024 Yearbook is one of the most important sources of information for the sector and it highlights the sectors profile nationally, said Donal Whelan of the Irish Timber Growers Association. The new Forestry Programme will be particularly important for timber growers and landowners.

The Yearbook contains 208 pages of invaluable information for timber growers, forestry professionals, the timber industry and the general public.

Yearbooks can be ordered at www.forestryyearbook.ie or by contacting ITGA at 17 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin; email info@itga.ie
It is the responsibility of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland themselves to leave the stage, the chairman of a major peace fund has said.

The Independent Reporting Commission found in its annual report in December that 25 years after the landmark Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, paramilitarism represents a continuing threat to individuals and society.

The International Fund for Ireland helps support a number of groups who work to supports communities impacted by paramilitary groups.

Fund chair Paddy Harte paid tribute to the risks many take, describing paramilitary groups  both loyalist and dissident republicans  as exercising coercive control in some areas, and taking away hope.

To have coercive control in any community in a modern democracy is not acceptable, he told the PA news agency.

Not only do they exercise coercive control but they also take away the hope that there is a way out.

Were more than more than happy to speak to people who are transitioning and therefore have the credentials to move the paramilitaries out of the space.

But its quite a quite appalling that you as a parent can be told that your child has to go for an appointment for a kneecapping, and sometimes its said in almost a form of acceptance.

Mr Harte said while communities are doing the best we can  the basic bottom line is that paramilitaries have a responsibility to leave the stage.

They can do that. Its not that communities responsibility that theyre there, its not the polices responsibility that theyre there, its not the governments responsibility  its the paramilitaries responsibility to leave and allow people to have the hope to lead normal lives, he said.

Reflecting on events across the year to mark the 25th anniversary of the agreement, Mr Harte said the unequal distribution of the benefits of the peace process is the challenge now.

He said everyone has a role to play in this over the next 25 years.

It is not just the Executive office and the community sector and all of the people who are in the peacebuilding worlds job to make sure that the peace holds and we build a better future  thats everyones job, he said.

The places that were most affected by the Troubles remain held down. The rising tide doesnt lift all boats  so there has to be positive discrimination in favour of those locations, otherwise those boats will remain down.

And its difficult because the Troubles and the violence that people experienced has deep traumatic effects and left mistrust.

There is an old saying that trust comes towards us on foot and leaves on on horseback, and it left on horseback.

Its coming back slowly on foot so to get those environments to the point where regeneration, better services and better health, more employment is a challenge.

He also said that while there is frustration at the current political impasse that has seen the Stormont Assembly collapsed for almost two years, it is better than the alternative.

We shouldnt lose sight that, as frustrating and challenging, it is democratic, it is playing out democratic challenges and there is infinitely better than before, he said.

Its not the best because people arent being served as well as they should be, however it is political negotiating and not the alternative, but you will eventually run out of trust if you dont negotiate a solution.

Mr Harte said the international eyes on Northern Ireland during the agreement events, the visit of US President Joe Biden and the investment conference showed the level of potential people see.

He paid tribute to Mr Biden as having a very long interest in the peace process, adding that he had been the last senator to speak in support of passing the bill to create the fund in 1986.

During President Joe Bidens visit to Dundalk in Co Louth, he said the president took time out at the Windsor Bar to speak with young people involved in projects supported by the fund.

You could see his interest in young people was palpable, He picked one young guy out, who struggled to get on the programme and was very nervous, and said you look like a guy who likes to keep fit, and he just blossomed and it was an amazing moment to watch, he said.

A person who deals with the most important issues in the world, being able to hone in to a young person.

They were waiting there for five hours, so you could only have admiration for them, still happy to be there and have a very animated conversation with the president of the US which was fabulous.

It was quite a privilege for us and good for the communities we work with to have that access.

Looking ahead to 2024, Mr Harte said the fund is developing some of their programmes with strategic alliances with partners such as Catalyst and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to connect up existing work towards employment

We had been focused on helping people with the challenges they have, that was working well, and we thought there are partners around that can give people a more seamless route to employment, he said.
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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. Periods of snow along with gusty winds at times, especially this evening. Low 11F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 100%. 5 to 8 inches of snow expected.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. Double standards are pervasive in the West today. The people of Azerbaijan are well aware of this and, at the same time, know perfectly well that we will do what we think is right despite all the pressures, threats and unfounded accusations. Just as we have done to this day, we will continue to do so, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, Trend reports.

The Armenian leadership should also draw the right conclusions from these historical lessons and behave in such a way as not to provoke our anger, the head of state noted.
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Rural Missouri has very few doctors. MU hopes to change that
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at the State Department in Washington on December 21.
Savers Value Village (NYSE:SVV  Get Free Report) and CloudCommerce (OTCMKTS:CLWD  Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends and valuation.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

98.8% of Savers Value Village shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of CloudCommerce shares are owned by institutional investors. 14.3% of CloudCommerce shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for Savers Value Village and CloudCommerce, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Savers Value Village 0 0 9 0 3.00 CloudCommerce 0 0 0 0 N/A

Profitability

Savers Value Village presently has a consensus target price of $27.63, indicating a potential upside of 58.95%. Given Savers Value Villages higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Savers Value Village is more favorable than CloudCommerce.

This table compares Savers Value Village and CloudCommerces net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Savers Value Village 2.40% 34.22% 2.35% CloudCommerce -142.97% N/A -397.89%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Savers Value Village and CloudCommerces gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Savers Value Village $1.44 billion 1.94 $84.72 million N/A N/A CloudCommerce $9.74 million 0.44 -$1.27 million ($0.01) -0.43

Savers Value Village has higher revenue and earnings than CloudCommerce.

Summary

Savers Value Village beats CloudCommerce on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Savers Value Village

(Get Free Report)

Savers Value Village, Inc. sells second-hand merchandise in retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It operates stores under the Savers, Value Village, Village des Valeurs, Unique, and 2nd Avenue banners. The company purchases secondhand textiles, including clothing, bedding, and bath items; shoes; accessories; housewares; books; and other goods from non-profit partners, then processes, selects, prices, merchandises, and sells them in its stores. It serves retail and wholesale customers. The company was formerly known as S-Evergreen Holding LLC and changed its name to Savers Value Village, Inc. in January 2022. Savers Value Village, Inc. was founded in 1954 and is based in Bellevue, Washington.

About CloudCommerce

(Get Free Report)

CloudCommerce, Inc. engages in the provision of cloud-driven electronic and mobile commerce solutions. It provides digital advertising solutions. The firms services include Data Propria-Data Analytics, Parscale Digital-Digital Marketing, Giles Design BureauBranding and Creative Services, WebTegrity-Development and Managed Infrastructure Support. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Antonio, TX.

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InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 503,500 shares, a decline of 35.1% from the November 30th total of 775,500 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 217,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.3 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on IHG shares. Bank of America started coverage on shares of InterContinental Hotels Group in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. They set a buy rating on the stock. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of InterContinental Hotels Group from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, Berenberg Bank downgraded shares of InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, InterContinental Hotels Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $6,100.00.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on IHG

Hedge Funds Weigh In On InterContinental Hotels Group

InterContinental Hotels Group Stock Performance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. CWM LLC raised its stake in InterContinental Hotels Group by 621.2% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 375 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in shares of InterContinental Hotels Group by 1,900.0% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 780 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after acquiring an additional 741 shares during the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund acquired a new stake in shares of InterContinental Hotels Group during the third quarter valued at about $73,000. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in shares of InterContinental Hotels Group during the first quarter valued at about $82,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors increased its position in shares of InterContinental Hotels Group by 22.0% during the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,211 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,000 after acquiring an additional 218 shares during the last quarter. 5.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Shares of NYSE:IHG traded up $0.15 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $91.18. The companys stock had a trading volume of 53,745 shares, compared to its average volume of 126,921. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $80.46 and its 200 day simple moving average is $76.18. InterContinental Hotels Group has a 12-month low of $57.66 and a 12-month high of $91.63.

InterContinental Hotels Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC owns, manages, franchises, and leases hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. The company operates hotels under the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, EVEN, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, avid, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites brand names.

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North Korea to launch 3 more spy satellites in new year: state media

By Lee Hyo-jin

Relations between South and North Korea are expected to go from bad to worse in 2024, according to analysts, with Pyongyang declaring on Sunday that Seoul is no longer "a counterpart for reconciliation and unification."

North Korea plans to ramp up its military capabilities in the new year, focusing on advancing its military spy satellite and nuclear technologies, prompting South Korea to bolster its readiness against any potential military provocations.

"I believe that it is a mistake that we must no longer make to deal with the people who declare us as the main enemy and seek opportunities for our regime collapse and unification by absorption by collaborating for reconciliation and unification," North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was quoted as saying by the North's state-run media outlet, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday.

Saying that it is time to fundamentally depart from its existing policies toward South Korea, Kim described current inter-Korean relations as a relationship between two hostile countries."

The KCNA reported that Kim made such remarks the previous day while wrapping up a key ruling Workers Party meeting held to set the regime's internal and diplomatic policy goals for 2024. The five-day meeting kicked off on Dec. 26.

Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, thinks that Kim's latest remarks signal the North's "decision to leave" any peaceful talks with South Korea.

"Kim has officially declared his intention not to engage in any dialogue with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. It's a clear indication that Pyongyang will walk away from inter-Korean relations," Cho said.

However, the researcher noted that Kim's rhetoric does not mean that the North will not pursue unification at all.

"If you read between the lines, what Kim meant is that his regime will achieve its ultimate goal of unification through the use of force, not through peaceful means. It seeks the collapse of South Korea," Cho explained, adding that South Korea should brace for heightened military provocations.

According to the KCNA, during the end-of-year meetings, Kim ordered the military to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea," through means including nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attacks. He also announced the launch of three additional military reconnaissance satellites as one of the regime's key policy goals for 2024.

"The year 2024 is expected to witness an intensified standoff between the two Koreas, potentially surpassing the levels that we've seen in the past couple of years," said Yang Moo-jin, the president of the University of North Korean Studies.

"With neither Seoul nor Pyongyang showing any willingness to step back, the security environment on the Korean Peninsula may see more tensions with South Korea, U.S. and Japan on one side and North Korea, Russia and China on the other," he added.

Earlier this week, South Korea's intelligence agency warned of a high possibility for North Korea to stage military provocations in early 2024, in the lead-up to the April 10 general elections in South Korea and the U.S. presidential elections in November.

Regarding this, Cho of the unification institute said, "I wouldn't assert that the Kim regime is aligning its provocation plans with our election schedule. However, based on previous patterns, it is always possible that North Korea will use military provocations to shape our domestic affairs to its advantage."
By Onyu Chloe Lee

Video narratives of lived experiences in North Korea unfolded against stark white walls. The figures of refugees represented poignant voices sharing stories of dire situations, including starvation, human trafficking, the disabled, and soldiers.

This scene, part of an exhibition I was curating, was deeply rooted in my earlier experiences listening to the compelling stories of North Korean refugees while serving as a volunteer with Freedom Speakers International (FSI), an NGO dedicated to empowering North Korean refugees to share their stories. I was determined to amplify their voices and broaden public awareness. I initially coordinated events in my school club, then later went to curate what would become the video exhibition Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story. As the lead curator, I collaborated with my mom to secure a venue in the vibrant Lower East Side of NYC, devised the exhibition layout, and sourced the equipment. FSI facilitated my connection with several North Korean refugees, and I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to share their unique stories. After eight interviews and translations of their Korean scripts, the exhibition was prepared.

On Sept. 26, the venue became ours, marking the beginning of the exhibition. Yeonmi Park, a renowned author and speaker who escaped North Korea, visited the exhibition at the invitation of FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue Jr. She first studied in FSI in 2013 and has remained friends with the organization since then. I had many thoughts and questions for her as our team had dinner with her that night.

Technical difficulties in setting up the venue slightly delayed the exhibitions public opening. Despite my efforts in promoting the exhibition through a newly created Instagram account, @nk.rights.advocate, and reaching out to news organizations, I harbored doubts about its success. We went into troubleshooting mode as we brainstormed creative ways to invite more attendees. My spirits were lifted as more guests began coming in over the weekend.

When guests entered, I welcomed them and briefly introduced the exhibit as I directed them to empty seats before monitors.

We interviewed North Korean refugees on their experiences with human rights, and these eight monitors document their stories. Please choose whatever video interests you!

Following the presentation, I inquired if they wished to view additional clips or answer any questions. Before their departure, I created a bookmark in Korean script as a small gesture, with the hope that it would make the stories more memorable.

We have two designs, both traditionally Korean. Oh, and which color would you like? Whats your name so I could write it for you in Korean?

As I got more accustomed to the presence of guests, my confidence grew. I posted our activities on Instagram and conversed with and interviewed some visitors. Despite a challenging start, the exhibit was gaining traction. Conversing with guests and documenting their experiences was a novel and captivating experience. When the event ended on the sixth day, I felt it had ended too soon.

During this endeavor, a nonprofit broadcast, Radio Free Asia, visited to support the exhibition. I was handling so many things, I am thankful that FSI invited the media's support. Known for its brave journalism on freedom issues among Asian countries, Radio Free Asia documented this small but heartfelt exhibit. It was nerve-wracking but empowering when they decided to interview me. They also interviewed Mr. Lartigue, who has been in the media very often, but it was my first time to have such an interview. An article and YouTube clip soon followed, becoming a lasting testament to humanity's response.

The exhibition marked a significant departure from my usual efforts in supporting North Korean refugees. While I established a club at BC Collegiate connecting students with refugees to help raise local awareness, the exhibition extended our impact internationally. The 14-hour flight to New York City brought me to a central hub of influence, bustling with a diverse population of various nationalities and beliefs. The fact that the majority of visitors to the exhibition came from outside the city, hailing from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, reflected the city's progressive values and ability to attract and inspire people from diverse backgrounds.

Planning the exhibition was a leap of faith. I was anxious as we waited for attendees, but this emotion became a thrill when they started showing up. Through this experience, I learned to focus on whats at hand rather than trying to meet certain expectations. I realized the wisdom of something Mr. Lartigue said he learned from one of his mentors: If you plan a meeting for 100 people, but only three people show up, then youve got three people to work with. I realized its the fulfillment from the experience you should seek when planning an event, rather than an idealized version of how things should play out. As time went by, I enjoyed introducing the stories of North Korean refugees.

To my mom, the incredible co-founders and staff of FSI, the brave North Korean refugees who shared their stories, and even the attendees of this event: thank you. Together, you supported me every step of the way, proving that even a teenager can make a difference through the power of teamwork. Now, I know there are minds and hearts in NYC forever changed by these intimate encounters. I hope these intimate stories will blossom into genuine empathy for North Koreans, one conversation at a time.

Chloe Lee is a 12th-grade student at BC Collegiate; a volunteer with the FSI-Global High School Union (FSI-GHSU); and was curator of the Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story video exhibition in New York City from Sept 26 to Oct 2.








BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. Our international prestige is growing by the day. In December, all countries of the world unanimously voted to hold the world's largest international conference in Azerbaijan  COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan next year. This is a sign of tremendous respect and reverence from the international community, but also a high assessment of our transition to green energy, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, Trend reports.

Saying that the green energy transition is Azerbaijans priority, the head of state noted: Based on the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed, 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy will be created in Azerbaijan in the next few years and Azerbaijan will become one of the world leaders in this field. Of course, the fact that COP29, an international conference on climate change will be held in Azerbaijan is further evidence of our successes in this field.
YouTube has officially announced the most popular music videos in Korea. Since 2023 is now nearing its close, the video streaming service and platform officially listed the 10 most watched MVs in the country, comprised of well-known K-pop acts.

See the Top 10 Most Watched MVs in 2023 below!

1. 'I AM' by IVE

IVE's "I AM" claimed the No. 1 spot as the most-watched music video in Korea. Aside from the song's charting and achievements, its music video has also made waves in the streaming platform for its stylish, sophisticated, and confident delivery of IVE's ever-evolving image.

2. 'Grain of Sand' by Lim Young Woong

Compared to flashy music videos, Lim Young Woong takes viewers to various sceneries in the MV of "Grain of Sand." With its mesmerizing sequences involving a sunset view on a beach, plains of land, and parks, the MV is a relaxing watch for anyone.

3. 'Queencard' by (G)I-DLE

(G)I-DLE's MV for "Queencard" is one of 2023's best songs due to its impactful message regarding self-affirmation and confidence. The release was also paired with a profound music video, which translates the song's meaning into a reflective narrative.

4. 'Kitsch' by IVE

"Kitsch" is a pre-release track from IVE's first full-length album "I've IVE," which was released on March 27. The song also features a music video that fuses both of IVE's cute and chic aspects.

5. 'FLOWER' by BLACKPINK Jisoo

In BLACKPINK, each member emits different vibes, and with Jisoo's case, the idol's feminine and alluring appeal was further embodied in the MV for "FLOWER," her solo debut single.

The MV starts with a bleak setting. However, this aspect gradually changes over time by bringing in more vivid colors that resonate with Jisoo's performance and charming pull. The MV is also commended for its steady camera angles that perfectly capture the choreography!

6. 'Idol' by YAOSOBI

Although a Japanese release, YAOSOBI's "Idol" went viral in South Korea for its upbeat and poppy music. The song is also the opening theme for "Oshi no Ko," which is based on the Japanese manga series written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari.

The song also spawned numerous dance challenges in Korea and is well-loved by music fans, alongside K-pop idols.

7. 'Super Shy' by NewJeans

NewJeans' "Super Shy" claimed No. 7 due to its showcasing of primary colors that synchronized with the group's cheerful concept and jumpy choreo!

8. 'Seven' by BTS Jungkook (feat. Latto)

Jungkook's MV for debut single "Seven (feat. Latto)" is also well-loved because of how it combined a romantic plot and comical humor, making it an entertaining watch!

9. 'Super' by SEVENTEEN

While other MVs contained numerous scenes, "Super" begged to differ, as the video focused solely on a red aesthetic, and its highlight, SEVENTEEN's amazing dance performance.

10. 'Spicy' by aespa

"Spicy" took aespa on a new course in terms of musical direction and concept. In contrast to their previous dark MVs, "Spicy" brings aespa out of the Kwangya worldview and invites them into the real world, leading to refreshing results for the girl group.

Which music videos on the list have you streamed the most? Let us know in the comments below!

Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 10 K-pop Artists with Best Fancams in 2023 According to SBS: BLACKPINK Jisoo, BTS Jungkook, More!

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Riely Miller
These 5 female idols have small faces they can make even the little things look bigger  like an optical illusion!

In the K-pop scene, having a small face is one of the criteria under the traditional Korean beauty standard.

On December 28, Allure Korea listed 5 female idols who are known for their small faces that you won't even believe all their facial features can fit in such a little shape!

Kep1er Choi Yujin

Among small-face idols, Kep1er Choi Yujin is one of the most popular due to her head being as small as a CD!

During his appearance on "Real Men: Female Soldier Special," Yujin made the bulletproof hat, beret and gas mask look like it was huge.

On "Weekly Idol," she also shocked viewers when she managed to hide her face completely behind a small CD!

With this, she is often praised for her beauty and physique combined with a small face and slender body.

LE SSERAFIM Kim Chaewon

Among fourth-gen stars, Chaewon is also known for her small face and distinct facial features that a lot of brands want to get her as their model and ambassador, and one of them is the whiskey brand, Jim Beam.

During her photoshoot, Chaewon surprised netizens when she unexpectedly made the cans look big due to her small face!

Thanks to her, the brand became known among more scope of consumers, especially K-pop fans, and the company benefitted from Chaewon's face.

IVE Jang Wonyoung

Among K-pop idols, Jang Wonyoung is also often mentioned for having a small face.

In one of her variety show appearances, she used an eye patch to cover her eyes but surprisingly, her whole face was covered by it!

ALSO READ: IVE Wonyoung Eats Strawberry With Both Hands  Why Is She Getting Hate for It?

Another instance where she flaunted her small face was when she ate a normal-sized strawberry that turned into a giant one after she held it.

With her small face and tall height, which is the perfect proportion, she has her difficulties. She said that if she takes a full-length photograph, it will look unrealistic due to the proportion; and thus, she will reduce the length of her legs through Photoshop.

(G)I-DLE Miyeon

Miyeon has a really small face that she even created a hilarious controversy because of it!

In a broadcast, she was drinking soju when a big soju glass appeared. At the time, Miyeon became a hot topic in various online communities, inquiring about the drinking glass she used at the show.

However, when Miyeon addressed it, she revealed that she was actually using a normal-sized and common soju glass at the time!

Indeed, Miyeon's face was so small that it created an optical illusion that the glass looked big!

aespa Karina

Last but not least, the list of small-face idols would not be complete without aespa Karina, who is known for her "quail" face!

Recently, she went viral after wearing an AirPods at the airport that looks extremely big due to her small face.

When she put her bangs down during her album promotion for "DRAMA," she became even more of a hot topic for her head which looks even smaller due to her full bangs.

READ MORE: aespa Karina's AirPods Max Gains Amusing Reactions From MYs: 'It looks like a hat'

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dec 31 (PTI) Six workers were killed after a fire broke out in a hand gloves manufacturing factory in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district in the wee hours of Sunday, a police official said.

The blaze erupted at around 1 am in the Sunshine Enterprises unit located in Waluj industrial area.

Also Read | Congress Leader D Sudhakar Accuses BJP of Exploiting 'Pulwama and Lord Ram' for Electoral Gains.

Thirteen workers were sleeping in the premises when the incident took place.

Six of them were killed, while the seven others managed to come out by breaking the tin roof of the factory, the official said.

Also Read | Bomb Blast Threat in Mumbai: Anonymous Caller Warns Police of Serial Blasts in City, Probe Underway.

Police Commissioner Manoj Lohiya said, "The fire broke out in the Sunshine Enterprises factory, which makes cotton and leather hand gloves, in Waluj MIDC. The police control room came to know about the incident at 1.15 am."

After being alerted, the fire brigade rushed the spot and brought the fire under control by around 3.30 am, he said.

"Thirteen people were trapped inside the premises. Seven of them succeeded in coming out, while six others died," he said.

A preliminary inquiry was on into the incident, he said.

Some of the workers who survived suffered injuries and were being medically examined, he added.

District guardian minister Sandipan Bhumare, who visited the fire-hit unit in the morning, told reporters that the workers resided above the factory.

"The plot was for industrial use and not for residential purpose, but unfortunately, the workers were living there. Electricians have been called for an inquiry and the cause of the fire will be found out," he said.

Worker Ali Akbar, who managed to come out of the factory, said, "The work was over and we all had slept. But after some time, we felt hot. We woke up and saw there was a fire. We went to the roof and climbed down from a tree."

The six deceased were yet to be identified, an official from the Government Medical College and Hospital here 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 31 (PTI) Fresh from the setbacks in the assembly elections of Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the Congress is bracing for a make-or-break 2024, the year of the 18th Lok Sabha election.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopes to equal Jawaharlal Nehru's record of returning to the PMO thrice in a row, the new year is also being seen by many as one of the toughest periods for the Congress in its 138-year journey.

Also Read | CBSE Exam 2024: Central Board of Secondary Education Announces Psychological Counselling for Exam Preparation From January 1 for Students and Parents.

It will also mark 40 years since Congress scaled its electoral peak in 1984 winning a record 414 Lok Sabha seats. With just 48 seats in the Lower House of Parliament now, the party has experienced a steady decline in the last 10 years.

In 2024, as Congress hopes to arrest this slide, it will face multiple challenges, the topmost being finalizing seat-sharing deals with constituents of the anti-BJP INDIA bloc which is yet to make any electoral impact.

Also Read | New Year 2024: Shimla Records Over 60% Occupancy Till December 31 on New Year's Eve, 'Lowest in 40 Years'.

The Congress will begin these negotiations on a weak footing, having lost the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to the BJP. The defeats have upset the Congress' calculations as it was hoping to sustain the momentum gained by the victories in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 and in Karnataka in 2023.

The losses are most likely to prove demoralizing for the party cadre just ahead of the 2024 general elections as the Hindi belt states play a major role in determining the outcome. In 2019, the BJP had won 141 seats -- 71 per cent of those contested -- in the Hindi heartland.

A poll analyst feels that the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are significant for the Congress considering that it has lost two general elections badly. It is a "make or break situation for the party now," the analyst said.

The Congress is now in power on its own in just three states -- Himachal Pradesh Karnataka and Telangana. While Himachal Pradesh is the only north Indian state the party now rules it has just four Lok Sabha seats. However, in the southern states, the party appears to be consolidating.

After being virtually wiped off the Hindi belt, the Congress would need to devise new plans to capture voters' imagination. The BJP has pitched "Modi ki guarantee" and the PM's "four castes -- women, youth, poor and farmers" to counter the Congress' freebies and caste census plans, respectively.

With caste census, sops, and anti-Adani campaign yet to generate any mass appeal, the party has gone back to announce a second edition of Bharat Jodo Yatra by Rahul Gandhi hoping to reconnect with the people.

The hybrid (by bus and by foot) Bharat Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Maharashtra will begin on January 14 and cover 14 states.

It will be flagged off by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from Imphal and will pass through Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, traversing 6,200 km through 85 districts.

The march is being seen as politically significant in the wake of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which are likely to be held in April-May. The announcement of the polls may coincide with the last leg of the Yatra.

Kharge recently said that when everyone gets united, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to do anything. "The more you try to crush us, the more we will rise. We are fighting unitedly to save the country and democracy," he had said.

Asserting that it is ready for polls, the Congress held its "Hain Taiyaar Hum" mega rally in Nagpur to mark its foundation day. The party has also been holding consultations with state leaders for the past several days on Lok Sabha poll preparedness and is leaving nothing to chance.

Though upbeat about reversing its fortunes, the Congress remains acutely conscious of the challenges ahead.

The first roadblock to successful seat-sharing talks within the INDIA bloc has come from within the party as its Punjab and Delhi units openly warned against any Lok Sabha truck with AAP.

With the internal dynamics unclear, it remains to be seen how Congress, the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc will strengthen the alliance and forge seat-wise understanding between professed rivals -- the TMC and CPI(M) in Bengal; the Left and itself in Kerala, and with the AAP in Punjab and Delhi.

Already the smaller parties of the INDIA alliance are advising the Congress to be prepared to sacrifice more than it is ready to.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party has been openly voicing its concerns with what he calls "Congress' arrogance as evidenced in lack of understanding with the SP in Madhya Pradesh."

The TMC and AAP have meanwhile thrown a spanner in the wheels of the bloc by proposing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the coalition's PM face knowing well that the grand old party is in favour of collective leadership with rank and file behind Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

With leadership issues, a common minimum agenda and seat sharing yet to be resolved, the INDIA bloc currently looks scattered while the BJP continues to set the narrative, the latest being putting opposition parties in a spot by inviting all their top leaders for the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The move has divided the opposition, with Congress undecided on attending the event.

On the other hand, the BJP has launched "Modi ki guarantee" as its 2024 poll plank daring the opposition to open its cards on the leadership issue so that the narrative that emerges is "Modi versus who." The Congress for its part says it will enter the Lok Sabha polls with the plank "we not me", and will project a collective leadership.

Whether the Congress' recipe of a leaderless anti-BJP coalition can match the Modi juggernaut remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the Congress hopes to work on an alternative positive agenda for the 2024 elections and unite secular forces against the BJP.

The party's guiding principle as it enters the new year is contained in its Raipur Plenary Political Resolution which reads, "Unity of secular and socialist forces will be the hallmark of the future of the Congress party."

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Nagaon, December 31: A large number of tourists flocked to visit the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in the Kanchanjuri town of Nagaon district on New Year's Eve on Sunday. Massive crowds enjoyed Jeep Safari and were seen enjoying themselves with their families and friends at the picnic spots and parks near Kaziranga National Park.

Kaziranga National Park is a protected area in the northeast Indian state of Assam. Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, its forests, wetlands and grasslands are home to tigers, elephants and the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. New Year 2024 in Mumbai: Thousands of Cops To Patrol City To Ensure New Year Celebrations Pass Off Peacefully.

Tourists Flock to Kaziranga National Park

#WATCH | Kanchanjuri, Assam: Tourists throng Kaziranga National Park in Assam ahead of the New Year. pic.twitter.com/yt9R9n0BBt  ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

Meanwhile, tourists have started swarming popular tourist destinations across the country for New Year's weekend. Himachal Pradesh welcomed tourists with clear skies and good weather. A large number of tourists thronged to the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh ahead of the New Year.

While other North Indian states are engulfed in fog, Himachal Pradesh is witnessing clear skies and pleasant weather conditions. The tourists were seen rushing to skate at Kufri. Tourists also thronged Kanyakumari to witness the last sunrise of the year in one of the most popular tourist destinations and pilgrimage centres in Tamil Nadu on the eve of the New Year. New Year 2024: Shimla Records Over 60% Occupancy Till December 31 on New Years Eve, Lowest in 40 Years.

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent and the southernmost city in mainland India, it is referred to as 'The Land's End' and is famous for its unique sunrise and sunset points.

Meanwhile, in the national capital, Delhi Police conducted a vehicle check in various parts of the city as security ahead of New Year's celebrations. Major checks were conducted in places like Connaught Place, and Aurobindo Marg among other major marketplaces that are the centres of attraction for occasions like New Year celebrations.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Agartala, Dec 31 (PTI) Tipra Motha-run Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has sought Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu's intervention to clear bills awaiting approval at the Raj Bhavan.

There are currently six bills including some customary laws passed by the state's lone tribal council awaiting approval from the Raj Bhavan, officials said.

Also Read | Congress Leader D Sudhakar Accuses BJP of Exploiting 'Pulwama and Lord Ram' for Electoral Gains.

"We had a productive meeting today with the governor at the TTAADC conference. This was his first visit to the autonomous district council headquarters, and we discussed some important issues with him," chief executive member (CEM) Purna Chandra Jamatia told PTI on Saturday.

Jamatia said the executive council urged upon the governor to clear the pending bills. "We urged the governor to expedite the approval process so that the tribal council can make progress," he said.

Also Read | Bomb Blast Threat in Mumbai: Anonymous Caller Warns Police of Serial Blasts in City, Probe Underway.

"We also raised the issue of financial constraints faced by the autonomous district council, which covers two-thirds of the state's geographical area," he added.

"The council had approved a budget of Rs 1,135 crore for the year 2023-24, but we only received Rs 450 crore from the state government, leading to financial constraints," he added.

Asserting that the TTAADC spends Rs 689 crore annually to cover employee and pensioner expenses, the CEM said the council has requested the governor's intervention to secure an additional Rs 450 crore to cover expenses for the remaining months of the current fiscal.

"We also requested the governor to allocate funds to the tribal council under two separate categories: Committed expenditure and development activities. Insufficient funds have negatively impacted development projects in the tribal council," he explained.

Jamatia mentioned that the executive council urged the governor to hand over nine departments to the TTAADC administration for effective functioning and monitoring.

During the meeting, the council demanded immediate elections to village committees (similar to gram panchayats) as the absence of elected bodies is hindering development work.

Jamatia added that the governor attentively listened to the issues raised by the executive council and assured them that he would address the matters with the appropriate authorities.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. Azerbaijanis all over the world are truly proud of independent Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, Trend reports.

Today, Azerbaijanis of the world are celebrating the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day with a completely new mood. For three years now, Azerbaijanis of the world and all the people of Azerbaijan have been very excited and are holding their head up high with dignity, the head of state underlined.
Thane, Dec 31 (PTI) A magistrate court in Maharashtra's Thane city has granted bail to two persons arrested earlier this month on charges of possessing ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, worth Rs 3 crore.

First Class Judicial Magistrate M D Nanaware on Saturday ordered the release of the two accused, both aged 46 and hailing from neighbouring Raigad district, on a bond of Rs 20,000 and directed them to appear at the local police station every Tuesday.

Also Read | Goa: Seven Arrested for Stealing Mobile Phones Worth Rs 25 Lakh During Sunburn Music Festival.

The city police arrested the two men near the Modella check naka here on December 21 and seized the smuggled ambergris from their possession.

They were charged under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Also Read | Karnataka: BJP MP Pratap Simha's Brother Vikram Simha Arrested in Tree Felling Case.

Appearing for the accused, advocate Sagar Kadam sought bail for them on various grounds, saying the article has been seized and there is no point in keeping the two persons in custody for long.

The prosecution opposed the bail plea citing there could be a bigger racket and the two accused, if granted bail, could influence the investigation.

The magistrate in her order said no strong ground was made out to reject their bail application.

Hence, they are entitled for bail, the court 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 31 (PTI) A day after an e-rickshaw driver was killed in west Delhi's Mayapuri area allegedly after a car driven by a drunk police constable hit his three-wheeler, the family members demanded adequate compensation and said strict action must be taken against the accused.

The family of Amit Jha (40) , who was killed on Saturday, said he was the only earning member of the house and blamed negligence of the constable for his death.

Also Read | Qantas Flight Brawl: Man Attacks, Threatens to Stab Crew Member, Passengers Inside Aircraft, Detained.

"My maternal uncle was the only earning person in his house. We request the government to help the family members financially and take strict action against the accused,"said Ashish Kumar, the nephew of Jha.

According to police, Sagarpur-resident Jha suffered serious injuries after the speeding car being driven by constable Mukesh Kumar crashed into his e-rickshaw on Saturday afternoon, when he was waiting for passengers in Mayapuri.

Also Read | Rajasthan Shocker: 20-Year-Old Mentally Unstable Man Surrenders After Killing Parents and Sister With Axe in Nagaur District.

Jha got critically injured in the accident and was rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, where he died during treatment on Saturday.

"The errant driver is posted with the Delhi Traffic Police unit and lives in the Mayapuri police station barrack," a senior police officer said.

A case was registered against Mukesh Kumar under sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.

The accused constable was medically examined to ascertain if he was drunk at the time of the accident. He was arrested, the senior police officer added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], December 31 (ANI): On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that in the 108 editions of the radio program, PM Modi has continuously talked about uniting the country and the countrymen.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "In the 108 editions of the Mann Ki Baat program, Prime Minister Modi has continuously talked about uniting the country and the countrymen. At the same time, PM Modi has also worked to bring forward and encourage many people who were doing some spiritual practice or research for years and who were not recognised."

Also Read | CBSE Exam 2024: Central Board of Secondary Education Announces Psychological Counselling for Exam Preparation From January 1 for Students and Parents.

He further said that PM Modi has a special bond with the people of Uttarakhand.

"On many occasions, he has said that he has a relationship of action and emotion with the Devbhoomi," he added.

Also Read | India Brimming With Self-Confidence, We Should Maintain Momentum in 2024, Says PM Narendra Modi.

Earlier in the day, top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders across the country tuned in at 11 am on Sunday to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's last 'Mann ki Baat' episode this year.

While BJP National President JP Nadda listened to PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow, Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi was seen listening to the radio address in Delhi.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal listened to the Mann Ki Baat address in Assam's Dibrugarh. Newly appointed Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma tuned into the program from Jaipur.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy were also seen listening to their leader's radio programme.

In his last Mann ki Baat address of this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a total of 108 episodes were aired, which has seen several examples of public participation.

"In these 108 episodes, we have seen numerous examples of public participation and have got inspiration from them. After reaching this stage, we have to resolve to grow afresh with new energy and at a faster pace and it is such a pleasant coincidence that tomorrow's sunrise would be 2024's first sunrise. We would have entered 2024," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi said that we need to maintain the same spirit of a developed India and momentum in the upcoming year.

"India is brimming with self-confidence, imbued with the spirit of a developed India; the spirit of self-reliance. We have to maintain the same spirit and momentum in 2024 as well," PM Modi said.

PM Modi shared that he gets messages congratulating him for India's lunar mission even to this date. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Srinagar, Dec 31 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested one person from Tamil Nadu in connection with a financial fraud case that came to light in the union territory last week.

"Based on the statement of victims, technical and digital evidence, the SIT identified six accused persons, all residents outside the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Different Police teams were constituted to arrest the identified accused persons. One accused person has been arrested by the SIT from Tamil Nadu and is taken on police remand," a police spokesman said on Sunday.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Government College Principal Alleges Attack Over 'Witchcraft' in Sidhi; Police Launch Probe.

The spokesman said efforts were on to arrest the remaining accused persons also.

"The extent of financial loss to victims is being assessed by collection of related evidence and the statement of witnesses. All the company's account numbers have been debit-frozen, and further investigation is ongoing. Involvement of employees and local contacts of the main accused persons is being investigated," he said.

Also Read | Nagpur Shocker: Woman Bludgeons Husband to Death After Fed Up With His Drinking Habit; Surrenders.

The spokesman said the social media influencers who promoted the company through various platforms were also examined and their involvement in crime is being investigated.

So far, Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone Srinagar has received 27 complaints, he added.

On December 19, police received a complaint that a bogus company operating under the name 'Curative Survey Private Limited' had scammed and cheated the unsuspecting public through a fraudulent website by promising them significant returns on their investments.

The company had deceived the subscribers which persuaded them to invest their hard-earned money with fake promises of returns. After misrepresenting and cheating, the company became unresponsive, leaving subscribers in the dark and leading to chaos, anguish, and protests.

During the course of investigation, police discovered that the company had opened six offices in the Kashmir Valley and one regional office in Jammu in the month of January'?February 2023.

"All seven offices were subsequently searched, sealed and the incriminating evidence found in these offices was seized and sent to the FSL for analysis and expert opinion. Numerous employees of the company from across Jammu and Kashmir were identified, examined and their statements recorded," the spokesman said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thane (Maharashtra) [India], December 31 (ANI): In the wake of New Year celebrations, Maharashtra Police has tightened security in Thane.

Vehicles are being checked by the police as a security measure.

Also Read | COVID-19 Death in Bihar: 10-Year-Old Girl Succumbs to Infection in Rohtas District.

Meanwhile, Nagpur traffic police welcomed motorists with flowers on New Year's Eve, appealing to citizens to follow traffic rules.

Nagpur traffic police also launched anti-drunken and driving action against drunk drivers in various squares of the city. While the Delhi Police conducted a flag march in Connaught Place on the occasion of New Year's Eve.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Government College Principal Alleges Attack Over 'Witchcraft' in Sidhi; Police Launch Probe.

Additional DCP New Delhi District, Ravikant Kumar said, "Heavy police force has been deployed in the crowded areas of Connaught Place. The force has been briefed on handling the situation. To avoid mishappening, the force has been deployed in the inner and the outer circle, vehicles are being checked, and we are using an alcometer too."

Meanwhile, a large number of tourists flocked to different places in the country to celebrate the New Year with enthusiasm along with their family members. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jaipur, Dec 31 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday urged the Election Commission to disqualify the BJP candidate from the Karanpur constituency, Surendra Pal Singh, claiming his appointment as Rajasthan minister ahead of voting on January 5 is a violation of the model of conduct.

A party delegation submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state.

Also Read | CBSE Exam 2024: Central Board of Secondary Education Announces Psychological Counselling for Exam Preparation From January 1 for Students and Parents.

It said that the appointment of a candidate as a minister "is a disregard for the basic principles". The Election Commission is duty-bound to conduct free and fair elections. Such an appointment will influence the voters and is a grave impropriety, the memorandum said.

The Congress delegation included Raghu Sharma, Sanyam Lodha, Ram Singh Kaswan, Jaswant Gurjar and Kuldeep Poonia and Pradeep Agarwal.

Also Read | New Year 2024: Shimla Records Over 60% Occupancy Till December 31 on New Year's Eve, 'Lowest in 40 Years'.

Voting will be held on Karanpur seat on January 5. The election in this assembly constituency was put off due to the death of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar.

Apart from Surendra Pal Singh, 21 BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers by Governor Kalraj Mishra at a ceremony in the Raj Bhawan here. While 12 leaders have been sworn in as cabinet ministers, five have been made ministers of state (independent charge) and five ministers of state.

Singh took oath as Minister of State (independent charge).

BJP leader Rajendra Rathore defended his party's decision and said that the oath taken by Singh as Minister of State is in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

He said, "Under the provisions contained in Article 164 (4) of the Constitution, any person has the right to hold the post of minister for six months without being elected.

"According to this constitutional provision, the oath of office of minister can be administered to any person by...the governor on the advice of the chief minister. After that, it is necessary for him to be elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly within six months."

"The oath...is not a violation of any kind of model code of conduct. Dozens of ministers have contested elections while holding ministerial posts in the previous government also," he said. --

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Shimla (HP), Dec 31 (PTI) Prediction of weekend snow and the chief minister's directions not to be harsh with drunk revelers on New Year failed to woo tourists to Shimla which recorded 50-60 per cent occupancy, "the lowest in the last 40 years".

Last year, Shimla had recorded more than 80 per cent occupancy on New Year. The hotel and allied industries were pinning hopes on 'white New Year' but chances of snowfall appear very bleak.

Also Read | Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi's Monthly Radio Programme More Popular Than 'Mahabharat' and 'Ramayan' Soaps of 1980s, Says Tripura CM Manik Saha.

While, the Mall Road and The Ridge in the heart of the city are abuzz with tourists as winter carnival turned the place into a fair with lights and cultural bonanza being organised but tourist footfall has not converted in room occupancy in hotels, said Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association president M K Seth.

The occupancy is about 50-60 per cent which is the lowest in the last 40 years and even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourist rush on New Year was more than this time, he told the PTI.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: Tractor Driver Kills Woman, Burns Body for Resisting Sexual Assault in Kolhapur, Arrested.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had directed to follow the slogan of 'Atithi Devo Bhava', facilitate the tourists and make adequate arrangements and proper plans in all districts for smooth flow of traffic.

Besides allowing food joints and pan shops to remain open 24x7, he had said that drunk tourists would not be arrested, but would be facilitated by the police to their hotels to ensure that their New Year experience is not spoiled.

The unregistered tourism units are eating into the sales of registered hotels, home stays and other such accommodations, said Seth adding that the tourists coming by train and luxury buses are "captured" by touts which take them to unregistered accommodations.

"We are surprised to see such a drop in tourist inflow when all the things are favourable. This is the lowest occupancy in my living memory" said vice president of the association Prince Kukreja, hoping that the occupancy would pick up by late evening.

A large number of tourists prefer isolated accommodations in the suburbs with forest cover and peace, and tourists planning private parties are also going beyond the city, said local hotelier Shishu, adding that even the hotels in the main town, which are normally packed during this time of the year, are not packed to the capacity.

About 7,600 tourists vehicles from other states have entered Shimla via the Shoghi barrier on the Shimla-Chandigarh Road from Saturday morning (8 am) to Sunday afternoon (12 pm), SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told PTI on Sunday.

The tourism stakeholders added that adverse publicity on social media and some electronic channels regarding traffic jams diverted tourists to other destinations.

The local Met office had predicted snowfall and rainfall at isolated places in high-and-mid hills on Saturday and Sunday as a fresh Western Disturbance lies over the Himalayan region. However, no snowfall was witnessed in the key tourist resorts. --

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mysuru (Karnataka) [India], December 31 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha took a jibe at Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Sunday for 'targeting his family to save his own son' after his brother Vikram Simha was arrested by forest department officials from Bengaluru over the allegation of cutting trees in the forest area of Hassan.

"I would like to garland and appreciate Siddaramaiah Sir for two reasons. For his son's future and for his political career, he can go to any extent. He can do anything to clear others for his son's Lok Sabha seat from Mysore- Kodagu," Pratap Simha said. Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra is an MLA from Varuna.

Also Read | Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi Hails India's Twin Oscar Wins in 2023 on His Monthly Radio Programme.

Simha claimed that to safeguard his son, Siddaramaih is ready to "destroy" the former's family.

"Everyone must learn from Siddaramaih; everyone does not get such a father. I appreciate you for that reason. Just to safeguard your son, you're ready to destroy the Pratap Simha family," he said.

Also Read | Rajasthan Road Accident: Car Crushed Between Two Trucks in Sikar; Three Killed and Many Injured (Watch Video).

Simha said that Siddaramaiah does not care to speak when a Dalit lady is stripped naked and tied to a pole.

"You don't speak when a Dalit lady is stripped naked and tied to a pole. You didn't speak about it. You're a brilliant politician, sir," he said.

Pratap Simha attained limelight when it came to light that he had issued passes to two of the miscreants who rampaged the Parliament on December 13. Simha attacked Siddaramaiah for not speaking on cabinet minister Madhu Bangarappa, who was recently convicted in the cheque bounce case.

"Everyone spoke against me for issuing a parliament pass (to the miscreants). You asked for an inquiry, and you gave all kinds of statements...Your cabinet minister, Madhu Bangarappa was convicted yesterday and you are not speaking over it. Instead you're attacking me, you're a clever politician, sir," Simha said.

Simha said that soon after the FIR was filed, the Congress social media posted that Vikram Simha was arrested.

"On 16th some people absconded after cutting tree, your forest officials took photos with them...FIR was filed against Rakesh Shetty and others, but your Congress social media post mentioned that my brother Vikram Simha was arrested. What's the relationship between the FIR and my brother?" Pratap Simha said.

Simha rubbished the claim that his brother was absconding and said that he had gone to give his statement to forest officials.

"My brother went to give his statement to forest officials; his phone was on and you arrested him from Bengaluru and you're saying my brother absconded. Why are you misleading people?" he said.

Pratap Simha claimed that Siddaramaiah got his brother arrested to clear the road ahead for his son's political career in Mysore.

"I know you're not contesting from Mysore. You're doing all this for your son. You arrested my brother. My family is also targeted. You haven't produced him before the court when you have evidence, sir. My brother has been arrested now. Last time, two criminal cases were filed against me...," he claimed.

Karnataka forest department officials on Saturday arrested Vikram Simha, brother of BJP MP Pratap Simha, in connection with an alleged tree felling case.

Simha represents Mysore-Kodagu in Karnataka and he is the former president of the Yuva Morcha Bharatiya Janata Party.

As per the officials, Vikram Simha has been accused of felling trees in a forest area in Karnataka's Hassan district. (ANI)

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Imphal, Dec 31 (PTI) The situation in Manipur's Moreh town continues to be tense a day after three commandos of Manipur Police were injured in a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack at one of their posts in the border town on Saturday night, officials said.

Suspected militants fired several RPGs which exploded inside the CDO outpost building at Moreh Turelwangma Leikai where the commandos were staying, officials said on Sunday.

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"The commandos are now being treated at the Assam Rifles KPL camp and are stated to be out of danger," police said.

A number of police vehicles were also damaged during the attack, they said.

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Police added that six suspected militants were injured in retaliatory firing. "Fatalities are also being reported but it could not be immediately confirmed. Further details are awaited," an official said.

In another development, a village volunteer was injured in a gunfight between two groups at Tabungkhok area in Imphal East district in the wee hours of Sunday, police said.

C Lamyanba was tasked with guarding the village when the gunfight broke out, officials said. He has been admitted to Raj Medicity for treatment and is "under observation", a hospital staff said.

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 31 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had a "cordial" meeting with Governor RN Ravi at Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Saturday evening.

"The meeting was cordial," a release from the Raj Bhavan said.

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According to the release, the Tamil Nadu Governor had invited CM Stalin for a meeting to "discuss affairs of the State Government."

"During the meeting, the Tamil Nadu Governor and Chief Minister exchanged courtesies and discussed and exchanged their views on a range of issues concerning the state. The Governor reiterated his total commitment to the good of the people of Tamil Nadu. He also assured his continuing support to the state government within the bounds of the Indian Constitution," the release said.

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Governor RN Ravi underscored the need and advantage of periodic meetings with the Chief Minister to the larger interest of the state, it added.

CM Stalin was accompanied by Ministers -- Durai Murugan, Thangam Thennarasu, S Regupathy, and Raja Kannappan. Chief Secretary, Secretaries to the Chief Minister, and Public Secretary were also present. (ANI)

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Today, Azerbaijanis all over the world are truly proud of independent Azerbaijan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, addressing the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year, Trend reports.

"Today, Azerbaijanis of the world are celebrating the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day with a completely new mood. For three years now, Azerbaijanis of the world and all the people of Azerbaijan have been very excited and are holding their head up high with dignity.

Our historic victory, our victory in the Second Karabakh War, the anti-terrorist operation, liberation from the occupiers and the collapse of the separatist regime have rightly brought all Azerbaijanis together into one fist. The Iron Fist has been the symbol of our victorious chronicle. Today, the Iron Fist is also a symbol of our unity, and I would like to assure the people of Azerbaijan and all Azerbaijanis of the world that the Iron Fist will always be in place," President Ilham Aliyev said.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 31 (ANI): After Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Simha took a jibe at the Karnataka Chief Minister for 'targeting his family to save his own son', Siddaramaiah said that those who "break the law" will be arrested.

"Those who break the law will be arrested, no one will be arrested if they are innocent. People will not be harmed in our government, and those who committed crimes will be prosecuted..." the Chief Minister said speaking to reporters on Sunday.

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Siddaramaiah's comments came after Pratap Simha came down heavily on the Karnataka Chief Minister since his brother Vikram Simha was arrested by forest department officials from Bengaluru over the allegation of cutting trees in the forest area of Hassan.

"I would like to garland and appreciate Siddaramaiah Sir for two reasons. For his son's future and for his political career, he can go to any extent. He can do anything to clear others for his son's Lok Sabha seat from Mysore- Kodagu," Pratap Simha said. Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra is an MLA from Varuna.

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Simha claimed that to safeguard his son, Siddaramaih is ready to "destroy" the former's family.

"Everyone must learn from Siddaramaih; everyone does not get such a father. I appreciate you for that reason. Just to safeguard your son, you're ready to destroy the Pratap Simha family," he said.

Simha said that Siddaramaiah does not care to speak when a Dalit lady is stripped naked and tied to a pole.

"You don't speak when a Dalit lady is stripped naked and tied to a pole. You didn't speak about it. You're a brilliant politician, sir," he said.

Pratap Simha attained limelight when it came to light that he had issued passes to two of the miscreants who rampaged the Parliament on December 13.

Meanwhile, speaking about the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla at Ayodhya on January 22, Siddaramaiah said that his party is not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir and is in favour of Ram Mandir.

"We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either, we are not against Ram Mandir we are in favour of Ram Mandir...," the Chief Minister said. (ANI)

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Chandigarh, Dec 31 (PTI) Underprivileged children in Bathinda are being given remedial lessons close to their localities at 'Bamboo Schools' before they are shifted to regular schools for formal education under a new initiative of the district administration.

Officials said the administration's District Education Society opened two such schools last month for children with no formal learning or those who had dropped out of schools and added that two more are in the pipeline. The schools are makeshift rooms made of bamboo.

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Bathinda's Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray said that a survey of urban slums in the city was conducted and nearly 1,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds, mostly from migrant families, were identified to not have no formal learning or were school dropouts.

The Bamboo Schools' will act as a bridge or remedial schools that provide necessary informal classroom learning to prepare underprivileged children, including school dropouts, to be integrated into mainstream schools.

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"It is a bridge system as these children cannot adjust to regular schools straightaway. So we start teaching them in their localities, motivate them and involve them to take part in activities. It is a familiarisation process and later formal education in regular schools will be given to them after about one year," he said.

Parray said the idea about such schools for underprivileged children came when he was posted in Patiala earlier.

He said over there they had conducted a survey and had come across many models which could be applied.

After being posted in Bathinda, the idea to take up the project in a formal manner was started.

"We felt that if these children have to be adjusted in a regular school setting then, first of all, they will have to be engaged within their own community and provided exposure to basic schooling closer to the place where they live otherwise they won't be able to adjust," he said.

He said for the Bathinda project, they are using NGOs for mobilisation while teachers and interns are being engaged by the district administration.

"Currently, we are running two schools and we are planning to start two more in Bathinda at different locations," he said.

The children enrolled are mostly small children, but some are older ones and many among them are dropouts, he said.

The children have the liberty to attend classes at any time between 10 am and 4 pm. Children are provided with books, notebooks and stationery items at the school, officials said.

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Jaipur, December 31: Three people died and as many were injured when their car was crushed between two trucks on a highway in Rajasthan's Sikar district on Sunday morning, police said. They were going to the Khatu Shyam temple in Sikar from Jaipur. A truck took a sudden turn near the Simarla Jagir turn on the Jaipur-Bikaner national highway, causing the car behind it to collide with it. Soon after, the car was hit by another truck that was behind it.

The car came between the two trucks, said Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kailash Chand. Three of the six occupants of the car -- Rahul Singh (30), Amit Chaudhary (29) and Lallan Singh (27) -- died and the remaining, including a four-year-old child, were injured, the ASI said. Rajasthan Road Accident: Three Killed After Car Hits Divider and Catches Fire in Ajmer (Watch Video).

Sikar Road Accident

#WATCH | Rajasthan: Three people died and 3 injured after two trailers and a car collided with each other in a road accident in Sikar district. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/l6XAzXh579  ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) December 31, 2023

While two of the injured have been referred to Jaipur for treatment, the child was sent home after being administered first aid, he said. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, Chand said.

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Kolkata, Dec 31 (PTI) One year after the India-Australia Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) came into effect, engineering exports to Australia reached USD 944 million in April-November 2023-24, a 3 per cent increase.

However, imports from Australia also saw a significant 30 per cent upswing during the same period. India's engineering imports from Australia reached USD 355.02 million during April to October 2023-24.

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Despite the sharp surge in imports, EEPC India chairman Arun K Garodia remains optimistic, pointing to a positive engineering trade balance of USD 471 million between April and October 2023-24. This, he says, underscores the resilience and competitiveness of India's engineering sector.

"While imports have increased more than exports in the short term of the new trade deal, we remain optimistic about the long-term benefits for the engineering sector. We expect a surge in exports to Australia, especially with their recent efforts to curb domestic industries and increased reliance on imports," Garodia told PTI.

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He added that this could attract them to other countries like India under the free trade agreement, particularly as they become accustomed to importing from diverse sources with the "China plus one" strategy.

Garodia further expressed hope that engineering exports from India could double within a year (2024).

The share of India's engineering exports to its total merchandise exports to Australia also witnessed a significant rise, reaching 15.1 per cent during the review period. This increased share emphasizes the growing importance of India's engineering sector in bilateral trade dynamics between the two nations, Garodia said.

He also highlighted a significant outcome of the ETCA, the introduction of new tariff lines for various engineering products, which is expected to boost bilateral trade. This diversification includes products like dumpers, plastic-insulated conductors, and standard wires, and cables with a steel core. The inclusion of these products signifies a broader range of engineering goods being exported under the agreement.

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Bengaluru, Dec 31 (PTI) At a special hearing of a petition by the Phoenix Mall of Asia challenging the order passed by the City Police Commissioner to "restrict access to the public" to the mall between December 31 and January 15, the mall management promised to keep it shut on December 31 considering the apprehensions raised by the police.

The court recorded the submission of the Mall and the police that deliberations would be held to sort out the issue and arrive at an amicable solution.

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A meeting was scheduled at the police Commissioner's office at 3 PM on Sunday and the decision would be submitted to the High Court at the next date of hearing on January 2.

The HC bench of Justice MGS Kamal directed that "no precipitative action shall be taken till the matter is resolved amicably or further order is passed by the Court" and posted the hearing to January 2.

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Following the police Commissioner's order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code directing restriction of entry of public to the Mall between 31-12-2023 and 15-01-2024, the Mall approached the HC. The HC noted the urgency and heard the matter on Sunday.

"The petitioner is before this court and considering the urgency pleaded, the matter is listed today," the HC noted.

The Mall at Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka Hobli is on the Ballari Road leading to the Kempegowda International Airport and opened to the public on October 22, 2023.

The police issued a notice on October 11, 2023 seeking information about the precautionary measures taken by the mall management about parking facilities, regulation of traffic among others.

The mall responded on October 20. Thereafter the police after gathering information available and intelligence passed the order on December 30 restricting public entry.

The order cited congestion, noise pollution and inconvenience to the public in surrounding areas.

On Christmas eve, there was major congestion caused by people visiting the mall.

Citing this and the apprehension that the situation would result in the commission of cognizable offences in the future, the order was passed.

The counsel for the mall argued that the order was unsustainable as it did not meet the parameters of Section 144 of the CrPC.

It was also claimed the order was ambiguous as it says the mall should restrict public access to the premises.

It was also submitted that the issue was not so grave that it needs such serious action.

The HC in its order clarified the police order that "Restricting public access to Phoenix Mall of Asia shall not be read as an order completely preventing the petitioners from conducting business."

"It is a matter of deliberation between the petitioner and respondent. This is only a matter of implementation of the order," the HC said.

The Court said that the order has to be passed in its letter and spirit but if it is ambiguous, it becomes unsustainable.

Recording the submission that the meeting would be held the same day, the HC directed that the decision and the solution arrived at be submitted to the court on January 2 and adjourned the hearing.

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Jaipur, Dec 31 (PTI) Senior IAS officer Sudhansh Pant was on Sunday appointed as the new chief secretary of Rajasthan.

The Department of Personnel issued orders about his appointment after Usha Sharma retired from the post on Sunday.

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He will also hold additional charge as the chairman of Rajasthan Mines and Mineral Corporation Limited.

A 1991-batch IAS officer, Pant has been in Delhi since December 2022. He was presently secretary, department of health and family welfare, Delhi.

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The centre on Saturday relieved him from the charge after which speculations were rife that he will be the next chief secretary of the state.

Owing to his differences during the Congress government, Pant had applied for deputation in Centre. He was transferred four times within a year-and-a-half.

He holds a B.Tech degree in Electronics and communications.

He has served as district collector in Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Bhilwara and Jaipur besides holding charge as secretary of various department during his illustrious career.

In another order, the department of personnel promoted various IAS, IPS and IFS officers.

IAS officer Shreya Guha was promoted as additional chief secretary of Cooperative Department, Anand Kumar as additional chief secretary of Home and Jails department besides being given other charges.

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Islamabad [Pakistan], December 31 (ANI): The Defence of Human Rights (DHR), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) focusing on enforced disappearances in Pakistan since 2004, released a report on Saturday stating that 51 additional cases in 2023 took the overall figure to 3,120 cases, Dawn reported.

The report revealed that psychological assistance was provided to 120 families of the disappeared, and eight new cases were filed in different high courts.

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One case, that of Abdul Hameed Zehri, was successfully resolved, resulting in his return after being taken from his home in Karachi on April 10, 2021. The report acknowledged positive court orders in several cases but lamented that the recovery of the disappeared individuals remained challenging, as reported by Dawn.

"While positive court orders were issued in several cases, regrettably, the recovery of the disappeared remained elusive," it said.

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It highlighted ongoing cases, including that of missing journalist Mudassir Naaru, consolidated in the Islamabad High Court, saying, "Unfortunately, substantial relief has not been achieved."

The rights organisation recently took up the cases of 69 missing Baloch students with the IHC, prompting "strong remarks" from the court.

"The Ministry of Interior and the Minister of Human Rights reported that 22 students have been located, while 28 are still missing. The court, expressing dissatisfaction, warned of potential legal action against the interior minister and the prime minister if the cases are not promptly resolved," the report said.

"Despite court orders for compensation to the families of the disappeared, no compensation has been provided, underscoring the state's responsibility to support the aggrieved families," it added.

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances reported almost 10,000 cases of enforced disappearances in the country.

DHR Chairperson Amina Masood Janjua appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to initiate hearings on enforced disappearances in the Supreme Court. She highlighted a petition filed by the organisation on October 9, providing details on detention centres, production orders, and old cases of enforced disappearances. The chairperson expressed hope that CJP Qazi Faez Isa would address the longstanding issue and dispense justice to the heirs of the victims of enforced disappearances, according to Dawn.

The report also shed light on the treatment of families of missing Baloch people who marched to Islamabad to protest for the recovery of their loved ones.

The march, initiated in Turbat on December 6 after the alleged "extrajudicial killing" of a Baloch youth by Counter Terrorism Department officials, reached the federal capital on December 20.

The Islamabad police used force to disperse and detain the demonstrators, with over 200 taken into custody.

DHR vehemently condemned the violence, fully supporting all demands of the Baloch protesters. The report concluded by emphasising that human rights violations throughout Balochistan posed a grave issue, and failure to address this concern may risk injuring the sentiments of Baloch citizens, potentially leading to harm, Dawn reported. (ANI)

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Tel Aviv [Israel], December 31 (ANI/TPS): Israeli ground, aerial and naval forces continued operations across the Gaza Strip as the war against the Hamas terror group entered its 83rd day on Thursday.

Israeli forces have been active in recent days in the Daraj and Tuffah districts of Gaza City, battling the Daraj Tuffah Battalion of Hamas' Gaza City Brigade.

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In late October, Israeli fighter jets struck three of the battalion's senior operatives: Battalion Commander Rifat Abbas; Battalion Deputy Commander Ibrahim Jadba; and Combat Support Commander Tarek Maarouf.

Hamas's Gaza City Brigade is the terrorist group's most important brigade, and its operatives played a significant role in the Oct. 7 massacre, according to the Israeli military.

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During the previous 24 hours, naval forces continued to assist ground troops maneuvering in the Gaza Strip with fire from the sea.

On Wednesday, Israel Defense Forces' Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi approved operational plans at the military's Northern Command, which has responsibility for the Lebanese border, and warned of the need to "be ready to attack if required."

"Our first task is to return residents securely, and it will take time. We approved today a variety of plans for continuation, and we need to be ready to attack, if required. The IDF and within it, the Northern Command, are at very high readiness. So far, the campaign is [being] managed correctly and meticulously, and it should continue as such. We will not return the residents without security and a sense of security," said Halevi.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated on Wednesday that in the north, the military has been responding to and thwarting Hezbollah attacks and destroying the terror group's infrastructure along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

He added that more than 150 terrorists have been killed by the IDF in Lebanon since Oct. 8, when the Iranian-backed terror army began firing on Israel, and that 129 of these were Hezbollah members.

The military also disclosed on Wednesday night that Israeli forces destroyed a network of tunnels underneath and around a hospital and adjacent girl's school in Gaza City.

The three shafts, dozens of meters deep, were connected by an underground network passing under the Rantisi hospital and leading to the heart of Gaza City, the IDF said. The tunnels also ran under and around the Ramaz Fahrah School. A special elevator installed in the girl's school descended 20 meters down to the shaft.

At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on Oct. 7. The number of men, women, children, soldiers and foreigners held captive in Gaza by Hamas is now believed to be 129. Other people remain unaccounted for as Israeli authorities continue to identify bodies and search for human remains. (ANI/TPS)

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Medan (Indonesia), Dec 31 (AP) Some 170 likely Rohingya refugees, mostly hungry and weak women and children, were found on a beach in Indonesia's North Sumatra province after weeks at sea, officials said on Sunday.

The group arrived on a beach at Kuala Besar, a fishing village in Langkat district, late on Saturday, said the village head, Muhammad Amiruddin.

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Villagers who saw the group of Rohingya Muslims helped them with food and water as they waited for further instructions from immigration and local officials in North Sumatra province, he said.

However, residents around the beach hesitated over having the refugees in their villages, Amiruddin said.

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We helped them as they look very weak from hunger and dehydration, Amiruddin said, But many residents cannot accept them to live in our village because they will only bring problems later.

A mob of students on Wednesday attacked the basement of a local community hall in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, where 137 Rohingya were taking shelter.

The incident drew an outcry from human rights group and the UN refugee agency, which said the attack left the refugees shocked and traumatised.

Indonesia's navy said on Thursday that it forcibly pushed a boat packed with refugees back to international waters after the vessel approached the shores of Aceh province a day earlier.

It's unclear whether the refugees who arrived late Saturday in neighbouring North Sumatra province were from the same boat that was pushed away by the navy on Wednesday.

Indonesia has appealed to the international community for help and intensified patrols of its waters due to a sharp rise in Rohingya refugees leaving overcrowded camps in Bangladesh since November. Over 1,500 Rohingya have arrived in Aceh and faced some hostility from fellow Muslims.

Indonesia, like Thailand and Malaysia, is not a signatory to the United Nations' 1951 Refugee Convention so is not obligated to accept the Rohingya. So far, refugees in distress have received at least temporary accommodation.

Muslims comprise nearly 90 per cent of Indonesia's 277 million people, and Indonesia once tolerated such landings, while Thailand and Malaysia pushed refugee boats away. But there has been a surge of anti-Rohingya sentiment this year, especially in Aceh, where residents accuse the Rohingya of poor behaviour and creating a burden.

The growing hostility of some Indonesians toward the Rohingya has put pressure on President Joko Widodo's government to take action.

About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in Myanmar to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by security forces. But the camps in Bangladesh are squalid, with surging gang violence and rampant hunger, leading many to flee again. (AP)

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Washington, DC [US], December 31 (ANI): In a recent move, Donald Trump's campaign team unveiled a new moniker for fellow Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, labelling her "Nikki New Taxes," Fox News reported.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticised Haley's record, accusing her of having a 'troublesome' stance on taxes.

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In a statement titled 'KISS OF DEATH: Nikki New Taxes', Cheung lambasted the former South Carolina governor, alleging a "total disdain for the working class" and a willingness to "sell out to lobbyist parasites," as reported by Fox News.

"The truth is finally coming out about Nikki Haley's troublesome record, showing her total disdain for the working class and a willingness to sell out to lobbyist parasites," the letter read. "She pushed for a WHOPPING 60 per cent increase in the state gas tax in South Carolina after promising voters she would never do so."

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Despite serving as the US ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, Haley and the former President have had public disagreements.

In a recent ABC interview, 'This Week', Haley criticised the media's obsession with Trump, emphasising that normal people are concerned about affordability, loss of freedoms, and the size of the government.

"The normal people care about the fact that they can't afford things. They feel like their freedoms are being taken away. They think the government is too big. I know you all want to talk about every single word he says and every single tweet he does," she said.

While acknowledging disagreements with Trump, Haley noted a "good working relationship" with him.

"Anti-Trumpers want me to hate him, pro-Trumpers want me to love him, but this is where I stand. There are things I agree with the president on...I don't agree with the fact that, yes, we had a good economy while he was there, but he put us USD 8 trillion in debt that our kids are never going to forgive us for," she added.

On Trump's economic policies, she raised concerns about accumulating debt during his presidency and his approach to national security.

"I don't agree with how he handles national security," Haley stated, pointing out gaps in addressing the fentanyl flow and its impact on American lives.

"He focused on trade with China, but he did nothing about the fentanyl flow. He did nothing about the fact that fentanyl has killed so many of our Americans," Fox News quoted Haley as saying. (ANI)

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 1. Tajikistan aims to commission the third hydraulic power unit of the Rogun hydropower plant (HPP) in 2025, the country's President Emomali Rahmon said during his address to the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan. Trend reports.

He pointed out that more than 5 billion somoni ($460 million) were allocated from the state budget for this purpose in 2023.

"Currently, 15,000 specialists and workers, along with 3,500 pieces of construction equipment, are involved in this significant project," Rahmon said.

The Rogun HPP is being constructed on the Vakhsh River. Upon completion, the Rogun dam, standing at a height of 335 meters, will become the tallest in the world. The power station is expected to have a capacity of 3,600 MW, making it the largest hydropower plant in Central Asia.

It is estimated that following its full commissioning, the Rogun HPP will generate an annual electricity output ranging from 13 to 17 billion kilowatt-hours.
Islamabad, December 31: The Pakistan security forces have conducted around 18,736 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in 2023, which led to the killing of 566 terrorists and the arrest of 5161 terrorists in order to maintain peace and security in the country, reported ARY News. As per the data issued today, effective security measures have been taken by the forces against terrorists this year.

These effective anti-terrorism measures were taken for the sake of national defence and security during the ongoing unrest in the country, according to ARY News. Moreover, highlighting the current disputes with Afghanistan, the data indicated that the traces and evidence of recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan were linked to terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Pakistan: Five Terrorists Killed in Intelligence-Based Operation in North Waziristan, Says Pak Army

Due to the effective operations, Gulzar Imam Shambe and Sarfaraz Bengalzai, the most important commanders of the Baloch National Army (BNA) left terrorism and rejoined the national mainstream. However, 15,063 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Balochistan and 109 terrorists were killed. Some 1,942 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) wherein 447 terrorists were killed.

According to ARY News, as many as 190 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Punjab, 14 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 1,987 in Sindh while 10 terrorists were killed. More than 1,000 people, including more than 260 officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attacks. Terror Attack in Pakistan: 23 Soldiers Killed As Terrorists Target Army Checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan (Watch Videos)

Pakistan forces have working to make the country a cradle of peace, from which there is a bright hope that the coming time will be one of peace and stability. "Pakistan forces will continue the war against terrorism with the full support of the people until the end of the last terrorist," a statement noted.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, December 31: Delhi Polices Special Cell has arrested a wanted criminal, also the kingpin of Mewat-based ATM breaking gang, while he was on his way to Guwahati to commit the crime, an official said on Sunday. The accused was identified as Mohd. Jahid (31), a resident of Nuh (Mewat), Haryana. He is also found involved in previous 15 cases registered in the national capital and other states. The official said that Jahid was also a proclaimed offender in two cases.

According to police, specific information was received about the arrival of a key member of the gang named Mohd. Jahid at Palam between 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. on December 25. A trap was laid around the red light at Palam Airport and Jahid was nabbed from the spot, said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Alok Kumar. ATM Robbery Caught on Camera in Uttarakhand: Three Break Into ATM Using Gas Cutters in Haridwar, Flee With Lakhs; Video Surfaces

On interrogation, it also came to light that he and his associates have recently stolen Rs 7.5 lakh from an ATM booth in the Welcome area of Delhi, and a case has already been lodged there. Members of the gang used to identify unguarded ATM booths in less-lit and isolated areas. Thereafter, they conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the area around ATM booths. They would sprinkle black paint on the CCTV cameras after entering the ATM booths and would also wear face masks and monkey caps to conceal their identities, said the DCP. ATM Robbery in Maharashtra Caught on Camera: Masked Robbers Use Car to Break ATM in Beed, Police Foil Attempt

They would cut the machine with the help of gas cutters and take out the cash trays. Members of the gang would use robbed/stolen cars like Creta, Scorpio, etc. with fake number plates to commit crimes, said the DCP. The DCP said that Jahid is a habitual offender and was previously involved in nearly 15 criminal cases including 14 ATM breaking in Delhi, MP, Haryana, and Assam. The remaining members of the gang have also been identified, and efforts are being made to nab them, the DCP added.
Jammu, December 31: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday announced cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh for anyone who provides information and intelligence on trans border tunnels, drones, narcotics, militant activities and militants to curb anti-national activities. J&K Police said on X that general public can share such information with district Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) assuring that the identity of the person will be kept secret.

The highest reward of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 12.50 lakh has been announced for those giving specific information about the presence of militants, resulting in successful operations leading to arrest or combat. The cash reward will be provided as per category of A, B and C of the militant, the police said. Jammu and Kashmir: Police Destroy Huge Quantity of Drugs Worth Crores of Rupees Seized in Baramulla (Watch Video).

Police said that a reward of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for those who provide information about the trans-border tunnels used by anti-national elements to tranship militants, explosives and contraband consignments.

A reward of Rs 3 lakh has been announced for those who sight drones from across the border to drop narcotics and explosives and provide actionable information about the person receiving/ transporting material dropped through drones from the border and Line of Control (LoC) to hinterland and Punjab, police said. Jammu and Kashmir: Police Seize Pistol and Ammunition During Search Operation in Nowshera, Case Registered (See Pics).

Police added that a reward of Rs 2 lakh each has been announced for people providing information about inter-state narcotics modules and people talking to Pakistan based militant handlers and separatists in jails and persons talking to or communicating with militant handlers across the border or with their agents within J&K and branding citizens as informers.

A reward of Rs 1 lakh has been announced for persons providing information about those persons who are encouraging, inducing and inciting people to join militant ranks or pick up gun, the police said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2023 07:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, December 31: An officer of the Mumbai police's crime branch posed as a food delivery agent to apprehend a drug peddler and seized mephedrone worth Rs 10 lakh in the western suburb of Jogeshwari here, an official said on Sunday. Inspector Deepak Sawant, the head of crime branch unit 10, donned the uniform of a food delivery agent to apprehend the accused in the SV Road area in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, the official said. Multi-Crore Rupees Scam: After Six-Month Hunt, Fugitive Scamster Couple Lands in Mumbai Police Net.

The accused, Faisal Akbar Makhanoja (34), was nabbed by Sawant and his team after a chase, he said. The police recovered 100 gm of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 10 lakh from the accused, the official said, adding that a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered.
New Delhi, December 31: The year 2023 saw the National Investigation Agency (NIA) intensifying efforts against the Islamic State (IS), Jammu and Kashmir-based jihadis, and the terror-gangster nexus while action was also taken to address offences against Indian interests abroad, with a focus on the attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, London, and San Francisco, an official said.

The agency, this year, utilised innovative methods, including crowd-sourcing, leading to the identification of 43 suspects related to these attacks. An NIA official said that the conviction rate soared at 94.70 per cent, 625 people were arrested, and the attachment of assets totaling around Rs 56 crore was done this year. Maharashtra IS Terror Module Case: NIA Submits Chargesheets Against Six Accused.

Throughout the year, the NIA significantly scaled up its operations across India, resulting in a 28 per cent increase in arrests compared to the previous year. Noteworthy categories included 65 arrests in IS cases, 114 in jihadi terror cases, and 76 related to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).

The agency registered a total of 68 cases in 2023, covering a broad spectrum of terror-related incidents. "The number of persons chargesheeted and convicted stood, respectively, at 513 and 74, as against 459 and 79 in 2022. The 74 accused convicted during 2023 were sentenced to various quantums of 'Rigorous Imprisonment' and 'Fines' as punishment," as per NIA. IS Module Case: NIA Searches 19 Locations in Terror Module Network.

"The year witnessed an increase in searches and raids, totaling 1,040, and a strategic focus on dismantling terror financing and seizing assets accrued through illegal activities. Notably, 240 properties, including 156 bank accounts, with a total value of Rs 55.90 crore, were attached and seized," said the official.

In a major breakthrough this year, the NIA arrested Dinesh Gope, the PLF Supremo, after two decades of evasion, highlighting the agency's dedication to pursuing individuals involved in long-standing cases.

The attacks on the High Commissions of India in Ottawa and London, as well as on the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, US, also remained the focus of the NIA actions offences against Indian interests abroad through the year, which witnessed more than 50 raids & searches as part of the agencys efforts to unravel the conspiracy behind the attacks on Indian Missions abroad.

The NIA also focused on human trafficking, with significant arrests at the India-Bangladesh border, marking another triumph for the agency. In another major success for the NIA, six individuals, namely Mohammed Amin Khubaiab, Arbaz Ahmad Mir, Asif Maqbool Dar, Arshdeep Singh Gill a.k.a. Arsh Dala, Harwinder Singh Sandhu a.k.a. Rinda and Lakhbir Singh Landa, were designated as 'Individual Terrorists' by the Centre during the year.

In addition, four terrorist organisations -- The Resistance Force (TRF), People's Anti-Fascists Front (PAFF), Jammu & Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) -- have been banned in response to the proposal made by the NIA.

"The agency is actively pursuing necessary actions against these designated individuals and terrorist organisations to effectively counter their activities," said the official.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2023 10:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, December 31: RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar on Sunday appealed to Muslims to chant "Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram" at mosques, dargahs and madrassas on the occasion of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. Speaking at an event here, he said "about 99 percent" of Muslims and other non-Hindus in India belong to the country. "They will continue to be so because we have common ancestors. They have changed their religion, not the country."

The RSS leader appealed to the people practising Islam, Christianity, Sikhism or any other faith to join the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya by offering prayers at their respective religious places for "peace, harmony and brotherhood". He was addressing an event organised here to release book: "Ram Mandir, Rashtra Mandir - A Common Heritage". Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony: Light Shri Ram Jyoti at Home on January 22 To Celebrate Deepawali, Says PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video).

Kumar, who is also the chief patron of RSS-linked Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), said, "We have common ancestors, common faces and a common dream identity. We all belong to this country, we have nothing to do with foreigners." "The MRM has appealed, and I am reiterating today, that chant 'Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram' 11 times at dargahs, maktabs, madrassas and masjid, 11 times. For the rest you follow your way of worship," he said.

"I appeal to gurdwaras, churches and all religious places that they magnificently decorate their Ibadat Gah and prayer halls on January 22, between 11-2 pm, and watch this (consecration ceremony at Ram Temple) event on TV. "Pray for peace, harmony and brotherhood in India and across the world," he said and urged all the non-Hindus to consider lighting "chirag" (diyas) as well in the evening. Ram Mandir Inauguration Event: Week-Long Consecration Ceremony of Ram Lalla to Kick Start from January 16.

The RSS leader also took potshots at National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah's reported remark that Lord Ram does not only belong to Hindus alone but everyone in the world. "He said Ram belongs to everyone, not just Hindus. When did we say that it is not so?" Kumar said, and asked Abdullah to make "people in the group he is in" understand that Lord Ram belongs to "them as well". "He should tell the INDIA alliance also that Ram belongs to everyone. Hence, there is no need to get an invitation (to attend consecration ceremony)," the RSS leader added.

Addressing the event, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said India's "gyan parampara" is full of teachings that seek to convey that "only a petty mind" would carry thoughts such as "this is mine and that is yours". "To those who have a big heart and a broad mind, the entire world is their own qunba (family). Gyan parampara, on which India's culture is based, is full of this teaching," he added.
Three battalions of the BSF comprising more than 3,000 personnel will move across the border from Odisha to Chhattisgarh and an equal number of ITBP units will further move into the Naxal stronghold of Abujhmad as part of a strategy to intensify anti-Maoist operations in their last bastions, official sources said.
Ann Green is a free-lance writer based in North Carolina

Inside a high school courtyard, Ann Jillian and Arlette Schweitzer embrace and clutch hands like old friends.

Then Jillian, 43, and Schweitzer, the first American woman to bear a child for her daughter, engage in woman-to-woman talk, sharing memories of their pregnancies.

Each stage of padding brings back memories, says Jillian, who is dressed to look every bit the expectant mother for her role in Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story.

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They swap stories about praying in church while pregnant. At one time, Jillian recalls, she couldnt pull herself up from the altar rail and had to crawl to the side, so her husband could help her up.

There is nothing to suggest that these two women had just met on the movie set the day before. The movie, directed by Jerry London (Ellis Island. Shogun), also stars Tracey Gold (Growing Pains) as Christa, Schweitzers daughter.

Arlette and I had instant rapport, says the actress (Ellis Island, Mae West).We talked like girlfriends--half giggling and half crying.

Schweitzer, dressed comfortably in a black warm-up suit, white turtleneck and odd-shaped black and white earrings, agrees. If they let me choose, I couldnt be prouder. When they told me Ann Jillian was playing my part, I squealed in delight.

The parallels between the two women are many, beyond their deep Catholic faith. Both had children in their 40s.

Being a mother at 42 and having a (Caesarean) section like Arlette, I understand all of it, says Jillian. The faith and love are the focus of the story. It became an opportunity to fix the ouch, as Arlette calls it. Any parent knows what it is like to do anything to make a child feel better.

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Both have faced adversity.

Schweitzer lost her son, Chad, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In 1985, Jillian suffered breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Later, she stunned the world by announcing her pregnancy at age 41. Her son, Andrew Joseph Murcia, was born in 1992.

I felt in 1985 I was given back life, she says. Arlette felt this was a second chance to give back life after the loss of her child. To that degree, it is spiritual parallel.

Both have strong family ties.

Jillian, who travels with her son and husband-manager Andy Murcia, says she gets separation anxiety when she is away from her young son.

I cannot be without my guy for a long time, she said. I have to have a dose of him. Now, I get about an hour with him a day.

Schweitzer, a South Dakota school librarian, also is a devoted mother and grandmother. She brought 16 family members to the movie set, including her daughter Christa Uchytil, son-in-law Kevin and the couples tow-haired twins.

The movie goes back to Christas life as a young girl when all she talked about was becoming a mother.

When you asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she always said a mommy--not a teacher or a nurse, says Schweitzer, 44.

But at 15, Christa was devastated when a doctor told her she had no uterus. I was confused and didnt understand it, says Christa Uchytil, now 24. It was hard to take. But Mom and Dad gave me hope right away. On the way home, they talked to me about medical technology growing every day. At the time, there was test tube baby Mary Louise.

Two years later, Schweitzer took her daughter to the Mayo Clinic where they found out about vitro fertilization.

From that moment, they made courageous decision: Schweitzer would lend her uterus to her daughter after Christa married.

This is a great movie of hope, love and inspiration, says Jillian. It had to do with what the human spirit has inside and what to do in a challenging time. If you apply determination, love and faith, you can do remarkable things.

In 1991, at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic in Minneapolis, eggs were taken from Christas ovaries and fertilized with her husbands sperm and then implanted in her mothers uterus.

How did Christa feel about her mother carrying her children?

It seemed normal to Kevin and me because I had never carried a child before, she recalls.I would talk with Mom on the phone about what she was eating and drinking.

During the birth scene, Jillian got a sense memory of everything that occurred during her own delivery.

They used real infants but didnt tell me when they were going to (put them in the scene), she says. It was amazing to see the tiny toes. It sent back a moment of giving love.

Schweitzer and her daughter never had any doubts about their decision. More importantly, this family wants to give hope to other families.

We had planned to do it for so many years that we didnt think of this as surrogacy, Schweitzer explains. It was no different if Christa needed a kidney, and I donated it.

Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story airs at 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Phil Lancaster and his wife, Pam, had long dreamed of living in a community where they could home-school their six children and be with others who shared their Christian values.

What they needed was a push.

In the end, it was the widespread fear over Y2K that prompted the Lancasters and dozens of other families from across the country to collect their rations and build a place they could call their own, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We were thinking, If were going to build a community, nows the time to do it, before this disaster hits,  said Lancaster, 51, who came from Missouri in 1998. In a way, Y2K is responsible for bringing us together.

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Now, more than a year after Y2K proved to be no disaster at all, the community is flourishing with new families moving in regularly. More than 30 have come to the ever-expanding cluster of farmhouses, modest new homes and trailers, most within walking distance of one another.

We want to live in an old-time neighborhood, one where everyone knew their neighbors and they shared the same values, said Lancaster, who publishes a Christian mens magazine from his home. We want to be on the cutting edge of where our culture needs to head and thats reforming our communities.

The community, built on 440 acres of a former dairy farm, is called Rivendell, taken from the name of the refuge and learning center in J.R.R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings.

It was the brainchild of Ken Griffith, a single 28-year-old Virginia Tech graduate who grew up near Floyd County. The former computer programmer went to public and Christian schools, but many of his family members home-schooled their children.

I knew several home-schooling families across the country who lived in isolation, said Griffith, who sought financing from the landowners and put up some of his own money to make the idea work. Rivendell is a way to bring these families together and to build a church community.

A Tightknit Community

About 80% of the people who live in Rivendell go to the nearby Covenant Church, a tiny, old, white building with worn wooden pews and a tin roof. Covenant Church is a member congregation of the Federation of Reformed Churches, a small denomination that shares some Reformed and Presbyterian traditions.

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The Rivendell congregation is led by elders and holds weekly communion.

Members of the tightknit community visit each other daily. Potluck dinners are held at the church once a month and the women have tea time and attend Christian homemaking and mothering classes. The men get together to hunt.

The communitys goal is to build a self-sustaining Reformed Christian culture made up of strong families who focus on home-based business and homesteading. Many families also believe in home birthing. Several large families with seven or more children live in the community, where most adults oppose birth control.

Many of the men in Rivendell work from home so they can spend more time with their families. Those who cant work at home commute about an hour to Roanoke or Christiansburg. Most of the women are homemakers.

I think its important to be at home with your children and allow them to see Daddy working to support the family, said Brian Carpenter, who runs a Web hosting and designing business from his small trailer.

Carpenter moved to Rivendell from New Jersey in June with his wife and four children amid heavy skepticism from family members and friends.

When you tell them youre moving to a Christian community with other like-minded people, the first thing they say is, Are you nuts?  said Carpenter, 33. The first thing they think of is Waco or Jim Jones. Its nothing like that.

Jeff Dalton, chief investigator for the Floyd County Sheriffs Department, said some locals were a bit wary of the newcomers who billed themselves a religious community.

My phone was ringing off the hook, said Dalton, whose beat includes Rivendell.

Residents of Rivendell point out that theres no mayor or leader of the community, which should dampen fears of a cultist movement. Though Griffith purchased the land, he subdivided it and sold parcels to individual families.

Newcomers, in general, are nothing new to Floyd County.

The area for decades has been a refuge for social dropouts such as the hippies of the 1960s and the New Agers of the 90s.

Many groups are drawn to the area because the land is fertile and cheap, taxes and crime rates are low, and the water is abundant and unpolluted. The county also is home to a few small communes where people share work and earnings and grow their own food.

Ken Hubbard, 43, who quit a well-paying job with a California utility company and moved his family to Rivendell in August, likened the community to ethnic enclaves created by immigrants arriving in the United States.

Its great to live next to your friends, people who you can count on and will encourage and support you. Theres a bond here, he said. Previously, youd only see your friends on Sundays.

Pam Lancaster said the community strives to be self-sustaining, but Rivendell residents are not trying to isolate themselves from the rest of the world.

We never saw it as trying to run away, but to gather with people who have the same views, she said. Part of the reason our country is where it is today is because of the breakdown in the home. We want our children to grow up in a steady community with the health and stability our country once had.

Meanwhile, the Lancasters and others are sorting through the hoard of supplies they stored for Y2K preparedness and determining what can be donated to charity.

Those who bought into the Y2K fears are thankful that it was the final push for starting the community, although the preparations left many of them in debt.

This is something that has been planned for some time, but Y2K was the impetus, said Howard King, who left his job in Baltimore to move to Rivendell. Now that weve moved here, we are more convinced that the Christian lifestyle in the modern world requires us to live with each other.
Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds in 1987, a year before they got married.

Burt Reynolds married his girlfriend of about six years, the actress Loni Anderson, in a quiet, 20-minute ceremony that belied the five media helicopters circling above his Florida ranch and the throng of reporters outside.

Ann-Margret and Jim Nabors were among the 65 guests in attendance. The ring was 7 carats, designed by the groom, back before rings that big were being handed out left and right. It was, People magazine reported, all about the couples love and respect for each other.

Unfortunately, it was not a sign of things to come.

It was a marriage that began in April 1988 and ended when he served her divorce papers five years later  then took 22 years for the by-then-resentful couple to sever financial ties completely.

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Reynolds, who died Thursday at age 82, and Anderson, 73, had been a glamorous fixture among the rich and famous since they met in 1981 and started dating in 82, covering magazines, hitting red carpets and painting the town. But once the divorce was set in motion, the glamour quickly turned ugly. Very publicly ugly.

They never had sex anymore, he told Good Morning America: Evening Edition, so the decision to divorce her shouldnt have been a surprise. I dont see how she can be in total shock when you have not  if your husband has not touched you in the biblical sense  in almost three years, he said. How can you be surprised?

Burt Reynolds, Life in Pictures

1 / 14 Burt Reynolds as Bo Bandit Darville in 1977s Smokey And The Bandit. (Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images) 2 / 14 Singer Dinah Shore and Burt Reynolds appear together in Los Angeles on Nov. 5, 1971. (Harold Filan / Associated Press) 3 / 14 Burt Reynolds and Sally Field in Smokey and the Bandit. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images) 4 / 14 Burt Reynolds pinches the cheeks of comedian Dom DeLuise during a roast of Reynolds in Atlanta on Dec. 2, 1977. (Steve Helber / Associated Press) 5 / 14 Burt Reynolds sits for a photo as he receives an award at UCLA in 1980. (Iris Schneider / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 14 Boogie Nights star Burt Reynolds holds his award for supporting actor in a motion picture at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills on Jan. 18, 1998. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press) 7 / 14 Burt Reynolds displays his Supporting Actor of the Year Award during the ShoWest Awards ceremony in Las Vegas on March 12, 1998. (Lennox McLendon / Associated Press) 8 / 14 Burt Reynolds fields media questions about the film The Crew at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel on Aug. 20, 2000. (Amy E. Conn / Associated Press) 9 / 14 Burt Reynolds is photographed by The Times on May 13, 2005, as he promotes his role in the film The Longest Yard, a remake of his 1974 film. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 14 Burt Reynolds joins Adam Sandler in the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard. (Tracy Bennett / Associated Press) 11 / 14 Burt Reynolds at the Wizard World Chicago Comic-Con on Aug. 22, 2015. (Barry Brecheisen / Invision / Associated Press) 12 / 14 Burt Reynolds sits on a 1977 Pontiac Trans-Am at the world premiere of The Bandit during the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 2016. (Jack Plunkett / Invision / Associated Press) 13 / 14 Burt Reynolds poses for a portrait as he promotes the movie The Last Movie Star in Beverly Hills on March 21, 2018. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 14 Burt Reynolds sits for a portrait as he promotes his role in The Last Movie Star in Beverly Hills on March 21, 2018. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Burt Reynolds, wisecracking star of Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance, dies at 82 

Reynolds began slamming Anderson shortly after their split. He accused the onetime WKRP in Cincinnati star of cheating on him, even said hed caught her cheating on him.

Sure, hed been involved with someone else too, but that was after he had become convinced she was cheating, he said. Sodium pentathol could prove which one of them had cheated first, if only she would take him up on his challenge, hed said. He painted her as an underemployed actress with lousy self-esteem. He accused her of being a bad mom to their son Quinton too.

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Though the former couple, oddly enough, left divorce court in 1994 hand-in-hand and smiling at the cameras, it hadnt been pretty inside, featuring two days of excruciatingly detailed testimony about Reynolds financial affairs as they hammered out a custody arrangement and child support deal.

In testimony Monday, Reynolds said he was having cash flow problems, was in arrears on several loans, was dogged by bad investments and was strapped by heavy alimony and child support obligations, read a Los Angeles Times article from Dec. 7, 1994. So far, Reynolds divorce from Anderson has cost him more than $2 million, and he pays about $47,000 a month in divorce-related expenses, accountant Gregory Young testified.

Reynolds told reporters outside the courthouse, Im very happy that we were able to sell papers for a year and a half. Why that doesnt translate into money, I dont know. ... Im glad America is curious about us.

Loni Anderson smiles at Burt Reynolds after leaving court in 1994. (Roger W. Vargo / Associated Press)

RELATED: Burt Reynolds costars and admirers mourn one of our favorite leading men 

Anderson waited a bit to talk, writing her autobiography after the divorce was finalized. I said to everybody, Dont get sucked into this, or it will become a circus. Burt wants to make a war  let him be in it all by himself. Someday, I will talk, Anderson told SFGate in 1995. Then she unloaded, all the while saying she still didnt understand his motivation for the split.

After throwing her out of their house, he humiliated her with his accusations regarding her mothering.

She said Reynolds had physically abused her at least a dozen times, something she blamed on alleged drug use. They hadnt talked since their breakup. She said she was concerned about Reynolds erratic behavior and insisted a nanny be present when their son visited his father in Florida. One time, the actor threw a chair at the regular nanny, she alleged, so a substitute took over the trips.

Also, as part of their settlement, Reynolds had bought her a house but sometimes failed to pay the $9,000 mortgage on it. And he didnt always pay the $15,000 monthly child support he owed for his son. The lawyers were on it, she said.

The next year, Reynolds declared bankruptcy before paying Anderson the full amount she was owed.

Lawyers would continue working on the case for years, decades even.

Finally, in September 2015  after years that included IRS run-ins, addiction and rehab, auctions of his prized belongings and, yes, a short-lived comeback  Reynolds wrote a $154,520 check that put the divorce to bed.

I should have known that you dont marry an actress, the actor told People a couple months later. That was a really dumb move on my part.

RELATED: Sally Field, plastic surgery and posing nude  Burt Reynolds discussed it all with The Times 

cdz@latimes.com

@theCDZ on Twitter and Instagram
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. The death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached more than 21.8 thousand people since October 7, the Palestinian Ministry of Health says, Trend reports.

According to information, more than 150 people were killed in the Gaza Strip during the day, and another 286 people were injured. The total number of wounded exceeded 56.4 thousand people.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
The Agreement of licence is not registered as required. It cannot be looked into. Mr. Madon argued that it is notarized. It may be menti...
Its a special honor to be a New Years baby.

The first kid born in the Express-Times/lehighvalleylive.com coverage area on New Years Day usually gets a headline and photo on Jan. 2. That in turn gets the attention of the historical headline column a decade or so later when you reach a milestone year.

So, with the arrival of 2024, lets celebrate these other timely arrivals with mildly embarrassing stories about their birth. Happy birthday!

2014: Happy 10th birthday to the second son of Sajjad and Yasmin Shah, born at 1:59 a.m. at St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill. The Bethlehem couple didnt know your gender beforehand; they had a few names picked out either way but hadnt settled on one when you arrived. It also looked like you were going to be a Christmas baby  Yasmins water broke on Christmas Eve  but it turned out to be a false alarm. Then you arrived three days after your due date anyway. Good timing after all!

2004: Happy 20th to Alexander Todd LaBar, who waited until the afternoon on New Years Day  1:53 p.m. to be exact  to enter the world, still good enough to be the first in the Express-Times coverage area. But dont worry, Alexander, you werent really late at all. In fact, with a Jan. 13 due date, you were rather early! Your parents, from Bethlehem Township, joked that they hoped you would arrive in 2003 for a tax break.

1999: Happy 25th to Morgan Patricia Scala, who arrived just seven minutes into the new year at St. Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill. While the ball was coming down, we were pushing, dad Ron Scala, of Emmaus, said at the time. Amazingly, this was predicted by your grandfather, Peter Tamburini, back on Thanksgiving. According to The Express-Times report, he was so sure you would be the Lehigh Valleys first baby of 1999 that he promised, if he was right, he would buy you 10 shares of a major corporations stock for every birthday. First up: Microsoft. Hope that worked out for you!

1974: Happy 50th to Brian Pfingstl, who was born at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 at St. Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill to Michael and Janet Pfingstl, of Bethlehem. You got a nice picture with mom on the front page, but without a story to accompany it we have no awkward story to relate. Consider that our birthday gift to you!

MORE FROM THE ARCHIVES

 10 YEARS AGO | This week in 2014, a dozen people celebrate the new year with a polar bear plunge into the Delaware at Riverside Barr & Grill in Lower Mount Bethel Township.  The fourth season of Downton Abbey is celebrated in Edwardian style with period costumes for a premiere party at PBS39 in Bethlehem.

 25 YEARS AGO | This week in 1999, a Wilson Borough psychic gives The Express-Times a sneak peek at the year ahead. Among Helena Johnsons predictions: President Bill Clinton would not finish his term (incorrect); Larry Holmes would fight George Foreman (nope); Seinfeld would return to television (*buzzer*); and the New York Jets would not reach the Super Bowl (correct  but in fairness they were actually good that season).

 50 YEARS AGO | This week in 1974, daylight saving time begins. The clock change is moved up to Jan. 6 in a disputed effort to ease the ongoing energy crisis. It marks the first time since World War II that the nation is on year-round daylight saving time.

This story is part of Lehigh Valley Then, a weekly feature that recalls historical headlines from lehighvalleylive.com, The Express-Times and their predecessors from 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 years ago. Headlines are pulled from microfilm at the Easton and Bethlehem area public libraries.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
French weather forecasters have given storm status to a weather system sweeping across Ireland.

Meto France named the weather system Storm Geraldine because of its impact.

They expect it to bring 120km winds to Brittany.

Met Eireann has not upgraded the weather front to storm status.

It says Sunday, December 31 will be windy with bright spells and blustery showers, some with hail and lightning. It will be very windy for a time in the southwest and west.

It says the showers will become largely confined to the northern half of the country by late evening. Feeling rather cold in the strong west to northwest breeze with maximum temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees generally.

The showers will continue overnight, mainly for Atlantic counties with some prolonged showers possible in the northwest, bringing the chance of hail and thunder. Met Eireann says some frost or ice will form with lowest temperatures of -1 to +4 degrees in mostly moderate westerly winds.

New Year's Day will feature sunny spells and scattered showers at first, becoming more isolated through the morning and early afternoon.

Met Eireann also says cloud will build from the southwest with rain following, extending northeastwards over Munster, south Leinster and much of Connacht by night-fall. It says highest afternoon temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees in light to moderate southwesterly winds, backing southeasterly and increasing moderate to fresh with the rain.

Monday evening and night will feature outbreaks of rain will spread northwards to remaining areas by early in the night, turning a bit wintry over parts of Connacht and Ulster, especially on the hills. A clearance will follow overnight with clearing skies and scattered showers, mostly in Atlantic areas. Lowest temperatures over the northern half of the country of 0 to 3 degrees, milder further south.

Met Eireann partners on storm forecasting with weather services in the UK and the Netherlands.
The first-generation of the Mercedes-Benz Citan was introduced in 2012 as a badge-engineered variant of the Renault Kangoo, but it was never officially sold in Ireland.

Now in its second-generation, the new Citan is based on the latest iteration of the Renault Kangoo, but it comes with a lot more input from Mercedes-Benz than the previous model.

The new model Citan has a completely unique Mercedes-Benz design, and an infotainment system exclusive to the Citan.

Although small in size, there is no compromise on the things that really matter, and the Citan brings with it a car-like driving experience like never before.

The all-new platform that underpins the Citan has considerably improved the sound deadening, reducing engine and road noise in the process.

New Corporate Identity

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan was designed primarily for commercial and small business use, and it competes with other compact vans like the Ford Transit Connect, Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo, Opel Combo, Peugeot Partner, and its own close relative, the new Renault Kangoo.

From the front, the new Citan looks very much in keeping with other commercial vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, namely the mid-size Vito and larger Sprinter panel vans.

High-Quality Cabin

The new Citan features a completely different dashboard than the Renault Kangoo, with only the likes of the interior door handles shared with its French relative. Take a seat behind the multi-function steering wheel of the new Citan and you will be impressed by the high quality look and feel of the materials employed, as plenty of parts from the Sprinter van and some Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have been used to great effect.

Sitting proudly between the two central rotary air vents is the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment screen, with stylish rotary air-conditioning controls located just below and within easy reach of the driver.

The steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment for reach and rake, and it is easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to height and lumbar adjustment for the driver.

Cabin practicality is excellent too, with door bins that can hold 1.5-litre bottles, a lidded central storage compartment between the 2 seats, a relatively-spacious glovebox, and an open area at the top of the dashboard for keeping the likes of a clipboard or folder for easy accessibility when needed.

Generously Equipped Trim Grades

The new Citan is available in PRO and PRO+ trim grades, both of which come with a full-width bulkhead, a single sliding side door, rear doors that can open to 90 and 180-degrees , a 7-inch MBUX infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera, air-conditioning, heated and electrically-adjustable door mirrors, armrest with stowage compartment, ATTENTION ASSIST, alarm, Breakdown Assistance button, cruise control with speed limiter, Hill Start ASSIST, and 6 airbags for the driver and passenger (including thorax-sidebags and windowbags).

Also standard is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and a sliding door rail in the vehicle colour.

Upgrading to Pro+ trim adds body-coloured bumpers, 16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, LED high-performance headlamps, an electric parking brake and a leather gear-shift lever (manual transmission).

Diesel Power Now, Electric Coming Soon

The new Citan comes to the market with just diesel power for now, but a fully-electric version (eCitan) is due to be launched soon.

The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is available with two power options; 95hp (Citan 110) and 116hp (Citan 112), both of which comply with the latest Euro 6d exhaust emission standard. Based on official WLTP fuel consumption figures, the new Citan is capable of achieving up to 1,000km from its 54-litre fuel tank on a combined driving cycle.

It comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available. Presently, the new Citan is available only in a long wheel-base variant, but an extra-long variant is expected soon.

The maximum internal width in the cargo area is 1,524mm, and between the wheel arches it reduces to 1,248mm, while the maximum internal height is 1,256mm.

The Citan has 2.9 cubic metres of cargo space available behind the bulkhead, and it has a maximum load length of 1,806mm, which is enough to accommodate a pair of Europallets.

The cargo area has a maximum payload capacity of 640kg, and also features 6 tie-down points on the floor, and another 4 on the sides.

The Citan is rated to tow trailers up to a maximum gross train weight (GTW) of 3,500kg.

Test Van Details

My test van was a new Citan 110 PRO+, which was finished in Loparite black metallic paintwork.

The diesel engine produces 95hp and 260Nm of torque, all of which is sent to the front wheels, and this enables the van to sprint from 0-100km/h in 11.7-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 175km/h (where permitted).

The Citans overall ride quality is impressive, and the cabin is well isolated from road imperfections, thereby resulting in car-like levels of refinement.

The steering is well-weighted, and with a turning circle of just 11.2-metres, it is easy to manoeuvre in and out of tight parking spaces.

The diesel engine provides plenty of dynamism for motorway driving, or for overtaking slow-moving traffic, and it is well suited to the size and weight of the Citan.

Verdict and Pricing

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan panel van is refined, comfortable and engaging to drive. It is the ideal choice for drivers looking for an abundance of space, agile handling and a robust design.

The inside adapts effortlessly to handle the most demanding of loads, while next-generation technology and safety systems provide terrific peace-of-mind motoring.

The new Citan 110 PRO is priced from just 23,245 (excluding dealer-related costs, VAT and VRT), with my Citan 110 PRO+ test van specification priced from 24,889 (excluding dealer-related costs, VAT and VRT).
New Film Released in South Africa Honors the Country's Scientology Volunteer Ministers for Their Help





South African premiere of the feature-length documentary Operation: Do Something About It shines light on the work of the country's Scientology Volunteer Ministers

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa and LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Government officials and community, religious and business leaders packed the auditorium at Castle Kyalami, continental headquarters of the Church of Scientology, for an awards ceremony and the African premiere of the new film Operation: Do Something About It. The film honors the Scientology Volunteer Ministers for their service throughout the pandemic and their continued help today. And South African Volunteer Ministers play a central role in the documentary.

Presenting awards to the Volunteer Ministers were the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the National Disaster Management Centre, the City of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng Departments of Social Development, and the nonprofit South African Council for Graduates.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development commended the volunteers who "provided disaster relief as well as social and spiritual support to health care workers and the broader community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond across the entire Gauteng province."

Through the pandemic, South Africa's Volunteer Ministers contributed millions of volunteer hours on the frontlines, working with authorities to curb the spread of the virus. They decontaminated some 70,000 buildings, from hospitals, clinics and senior centers to government offices, police departments, fire houses and their ambulances, and transportation hubs. They protected the health of millions using the nation's taxis and buses each day.

The film captures the Volunteer Ministers' unwavering commitment to helping and supporting communities in need, carrying out the vision of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard for the program and creating a better society for all.

Volunteer Ministers have experienced remarkable growth over the past four years. The Volunteer Ministers of South Africa have enrolled more than a half million individuals on Tools for Life Courses. Nearly 25,000 have become full-fledged Volunteer Ministers, having completed all 19 courses.

In developing the program in the mid-1970s, Mr. Hubbard described the Volunteer Minister as "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." The documentary is based on the motto he created for the program, that no matter the circumstances "Something can be done about it." Their creed is: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

Watch Operation: Do Something About It on the Scientology Network, airing on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and streaming at Scientology.tv , on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

Since launching with an introduction by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in March 2018, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 237 countries and territories in 17 languages.

Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide.

SOURCE Church of Scientology International

31 december 2023 at 05:00

News published onand distributed by:
Gendarmes in front of the stalled aircraft at Vatry airport in eastern France on December 25, 2023. CHRISTOPHE ENA / AP

The case is now proceeding in India. After spending five days stuck at Vatry airport (in the eastern Marne region of France) on suspicion of illegal immigration, the Indian passengers on the Legend Airlines flight have begun to be interrogated by local police in the various states from which they originate, mainly Gujarat and Punjab. The A340 belonging to the small Romanian airline, which carried some 300 Indians on board, was grounded on December 21 by the French authorities. The aircraft was initially scheduled to make only a technical stop to refuel on its way from the United Arab Emirates to Nicaragua. It was eventually sent back to Bombay, where it landed on Tuesday, December 26. Twenty-five passengers, including five minors, remained in France, where they applied for asylum.

According to initial information released by the Gujarat police, the passengers stranded in Paris were planning to travel to Mexico via Nicaragua, before crossing the border illegally into the United States. They reportedly paid smugglers sums ranging from 43,500 to 130,500. These illegal immigration routes are well known in India, where they are called "donkey routes," from the Punjabi term dunki, meaning "to go from one place to another." For aspiring expatriates, this method consists of obtaining a residence permit in a country close to the US or the United Kingdom, for which it is easier to obtain a visa, before reaching the coveted land.

The incident highlights the dramatic increase in illegal Indian immigration to the US over the past five years. In 2021, some 725,000 undocumented Indians lived in the US, according to an estimate by the Pew Research Center. This number has risen steadily since 2017. Indians are the third largest group of illegal migrants in the US, behind Mexicans and Salvadorans. The number of Indian migrants attempting to cross one of the US borders has increased more than tenfold since 2019. American Customs and Border Protection reportedly counted 96,917 illegal Indian migrants in 2022-2023, compared with 8,027 in 2018-2019. The majority of them attempt to cross from Mexico via the southern border.

Numerous tragedies

Several tragedies have shaken India's public opinion in recent years. In April 2023, a family from Gujarat was found drowned in the St. Lawrence River. On a tourist visa to Canada, the parents and their two children had attempted to cross the river illegally into the US. In January 2022, another family from the same state froze to death a few yards from the border. And in 2019, a 6-year-old girl from Punjab was found dead in the Arizona desert.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. Antalya airports received a record number of tourists from December 23 to 30 this year, Trend reports.

During this period, 121,139 tourists arrived in Antalya, which is one of the most important tourist centers in the Mediterranean.

Overall, air arrivals in December rose 7% year-on-year to 302,505, up 32% from 2019.
False stories around refugees being involved in criminal activity in Ireland have to stop, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said.

Mr Martin said healthy debate over immigration was important, but he added that terrible rumours had circulated about the actions of asylum seekers.

The Tanaiste spoke to one of his party councillors in Co Galway who had criticised Government policy on migration earlier this month.

The exchange took place after a suspected arson attack on a disused hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, where 70 asylum seekers were due to stay.

Fianna Fail councillor Noel Thomas said in the aftermath that he did not condone the suspected attack on the Ross Lake House Hotel, but said Ireland should stop accepting asylum seekers because the inn is full.

Mr Martin cited the comments of Co Galway Fianna Fail TD Eamon O Cuiv, who argued there was room at the inn, in the form of an empty hotel that could have housed people before it was damaged.

Mr Martin said he did not see further incidents of party members speaking out against immigration policy occurring.

He added: Ireland is much better than what we saw in Galway. There are challenges, of that there is no doubt.

There is a fundamental view in terms of how society is organised, you provide shelter, you educate people irrespective of background.

We have the history as a country of seeking shelter all over the world in a different time.

In the 19th century when we experienced famine and for a good 40 to 50 years afterwards, Irish people went all over the world and were taken and were received sometimes after challenging circumstances, but prospered and grew and developed and became part of society.

So I think we have to be very clear on fundamental principles into the future and in terms of how our policies reflect that.

Mr Martin said every party had individuals who had particular perspectives on things.

He added: We are a democracy, I understand that.

Other parties are talking about the need for debating the issue, I think healthy debate is important.

People asking questions is important, but the line has to be drawn in terms of any nuance or any implication about blockading or burning places or indeed suggesting that people, just because they are asylum seekers, are going to be the next day engaged in some terrible activity.

Some terrible rumours went about the place in the last year-and-a-half.

Friends of mine were getting into taxis to be told somebody was raped last night  there was no such event.

That has to stop. We have to keep balanced and firm and fair and factual about that and not allow people to send false stories up the field.
The Taoiseach has downplayed the possibility of Paschal Donohoe leaving government to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Leo Varadkar said he anticipated that current IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva would seek another term, so the issue of the public expenditure minister replacing her may not arise.

Mr Donohoe is president of the Eurogroup of finance ministers and recent speculation has linked him with the IMF role, as Ms Georgievas first term draws to an end next year.

At his end-of-2023 media briefing, Mr Varadkar was asked what Mr Donohoe moving to the IMF would mean for his cabinet, and Fine Gael in the ministers Dublin Central constituency.

Well, hed have to be nominated by the Irish Government first, obviously, and the European Union as the case may be and, as you know, there is no vacancy at the top of the IMF and, if a vacancy arises, Im sure we can talk about it then, he said.

But my anticipation is that Kristalina Georgieva will seek a second term, in which case that issue will not arise.

Mr Donohoe has been guarded when questioned about it in recent weeks.

He has declined to rule out a tilt at the job and has said his focus is on his current political roles and fighting the next general election.

Speaking to reporters at an event in Dublin city earlier this month, he said: Ive been very clear that my interest is in continuing my work in Irish and European politics.

Im very privileged to be a member of this government and a TD for Dublin Central and Ive been re-elected to a second term as president of the Eurogroup, thats where my focus is.

Asked if he was completely ruling out taking the job, Mr Donohoe said: Theres no vacancy for that role and Ive made clear where my focus is.
There is no evidence that Russia is a threat to Irelands renewable energy supply, Eamon Ryan has said.

The Minister for Transport and Climate also said one of his ambitions was to see Ireland achieve fibre-optic connectivity with the European continent before he leaves office.

The Green Party leader was responding to a question whether he had concerns that Russian naval activity off the south coast of Ireland was a threat to fibre-optic cables and the renewable energy infrastructure.

He said: Its not that theres any specific threat or kind of analysis, but you cant ignore the fact that the Nord Stream gas pipeline was blown up and that the Baltic interconnector gas and fibre-optic connection was also taken out this year.

Mr Ryan said this was it was important the Government delivered an energy security package.

He added: One of the projects Id love to leave office having delivered in this Government would be fibre-optic connectivity  from Ireland to Portugal, Ireland to Spain, because all our fibre-optic connectivity currently comes in, east-west, comes in from the US and goes through the UK.

We dont have direct fibre-optic connectivity to the continent.

The interconnector with France will change that, so well have fibre-optic connectivity, but actually were going to go further.

This is quite big thinking but this is where were going  fibre-optic connectivity to Spain and Portugal which can then connect to South America and fibre-optic connectivity to Norway.

And also (we are) even looking at fibre-optic connectivity from Ireland to Japan, through the northwest passage and over the other side.

That sounds a bit science-fictiony or a bit mad, but thats actually within reach.

And that fibre-optic connectivity is as important as the energy connectivity because that gives you security when youve cables going in different directions. You are less at risk if a warship wants to cut one.

Mr Ryan also said he was supportive of Tanaiste Micheal Martins plans to deliver a national security strategy.

He said: We particularly need to invest in our navy and in the radar system.

We dont have a proper radar system to measure whats happening in our airspace and in the sea area, which is seven times our land area.

And we also need to make sure that weve naval patrols, which can be fully crewed.

Asked if he believed Russia had an interest in Irelands renewable energy supply, Mr Ryan said: I dont have any evidence that they do, but they do patrol the Atlantic and we have to be able to patrol as well.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he will raise the issue of the global drugs trade during a planned visit to Colombia and Mexico in the new year.

Mr Martin also said he would use the trip to focus on the role that Ireland has been playing in assisting the peace process in Colombia.

The Tanaiste said: Weve a very strong economic relationship with Mexico and with the region more broadly, and were determined to try and build on that.

So we have successful Irish companies operating within the region. So theres a strong economic dimension to this visit.

Politically also, its important for Ireland to strengthen its relationships.

We have strengthened our diplomatic footprint in the area and that will be part of the visit.

Mr Martin said he would discuss with the Justice Department if there were any criminal issues he should bring up during the trip.

He said: We will raise and discuss with the authorities, both Mexico and Colombia, obviously the broader global challenges, narcotics, drug trade and so on and shared experiences.

In Colombia, the focus will again be more political, and also on the role that Ireland has been playing in terms of assisting and helping the peace process within Colombia.

And theres been efforts to broaden that peace process in more recent times. Eamon Gilmore has done exceptional work in that regard as an EU envoy.

Ireland, through its ambassador and diplomatic footprint, is working to share some of the lessons of the conflict in northern Ireland with the authorities in Colombia.

And theyve been very appreciative of our suggestions.

When we were on the UN Security Council, for example, we would have invited women from Colombia to discuss the role of women in conflict.
Federal prosecutors said Friday that they wouldnt try Sam Bankman-Fried on additional criminal charges that werent part of the fall trial that resulted in the FTX founders conviction for fraud related to the collapse of his crypto exchange.

The move, announced in a letter to the presiding judge, clears the way for the FTX founder to be sentenced on March 28. A second trial would have delayed that sentencing, and Bankman-Fried already faces the possibility of decades in prison.

The Government has concluded that the public interest in a prompt resolution of this matter outweighs the interest in holding a separate trial," the letter said.

Prosecutors said Bankman-Frieds sentence would likely include restitution for the victims of his crimes. Because the evidence that would have been presented at a second trial was similar to the evidence from the first proceeding, the judge can consider the additional alleged conduct in determining Bankman-Frieds sentence, they said.

A spokesman for Bankman-Fried declined to comment.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in June split the criminal charges against Bankman-Fried into two trials, due to ongoing litigation in the Bahamas that had the potential to delay the case.

In the first trial, Bankman-Fried was convicted of seven criminal counts for stealing billions of dollars from customers of his collapsed crypto exchange.

The second trial, which included allegations related to bank fraud and foreign bribery, had been scheduled for March 2024.

During the fall trial, prosecutors alleged Bankman-Fried directed a scheme to use FTX money to repay the debts of its sister hedge fund, Alameda Research. He also used the money to fund risky investments, make political donations and buy luxury real estate, witnesses testified.

Three of his onetime top deputies, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with the government, testified that they committed crimes at Bankman-Frieds direction. The lack of a second trial clears the way for them to be sentenced, since they wont be needed to take the witness stand again.

Bankman-Fried, who testified in his own defense, told jurors that he didnt defraud customers, but said he should have had better risk management measures in place. His lawyers have said he plans to appeal.

Bankman-Fried is currently being held at a federal jail in Brooklyn while awaiting sentencing.

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NEW DELHI : Every time a year departs, it leaves us with some questions and some answers. But 2023 seems to be an exception. This year, there were fewer answers than questions. Not unexpectedly, Merriam Webster and the Cambridge Dictionary both discovered something similar in their studies. The most searched word this year according to the Cambridge Dictionary was hallucinate"; Merriam Webster, in turn, found authentic" to be the most searched word of the year.

Our world, which is riddled with ambiguity, is in desperate need of authenticity.

In 2016, this tendency became widely known. That year, Oxford Dictionary found post-truth" to be the most searched word. Those were the days of Donald Trumps ascension to power in America. What he was saying and doing caused outrage among intellectuals around the world. Questions were being raised everywhere about how this man, who had been voted to the highest position in the globe, was behaving. The Oxford Dictionary defined post-truth as relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief".

Lies have since maintained their attempt to smear the truth.

Needless to say, society always wishes to walk with the truth, but politicians, businesspeople, and courtiers have been entangling it in unfathomable debates. Let us quickly flip the pages of our countrys history. How big a war was required to determine if the fight between the Kauravas and Pandavas was fought on the issue of truth and lies? It is said that during that fight, every house in Aryavarta experienced a loss of life or property. Despite the best efforts of religious and philosophical figures, this trend has not been stopped.

The last two years events bear evidence of this. Russia began a long period of bloodshed by attacking Ukraine. Putin had effectively built the backdrop by combining historical truths and present geopolitical myths. As a result, the Russian authorities and their generals were unable to achieve their ultimate goal, but the people of both countries were forced to endure terrible misery.

The current conflict between Israel and Gaza is the next chapter in this series. In both fights, over a lakh people have been killed or injured. What if the devastation extends to other parts of the world? To put a stop to this, the current world needs to find the correct balance of truth, facts, words, and deeds. But how can this be done?

Our elected representatives are victims of delusion. Even the US president, widely regarded as the most powerful person on the planet, is not immune to this. Let me use the first two weeks of October as an example. An anonymous video purportedly depicting Hamass murder of 40 Israeli children went viral on social media. Without confirming authenticity of the video, US President Joe Biden said he had seen the video of children being beheaded, causing worldwide outrage. However, when officials from the presidents office checked the footage for its authenticity, they were stunned to discover that it was a fake video. Within hours of the finding, the official spokesperson clarified that neither the US president nor any other official of the country had seen images or independently corroborated the horrible massacre of children.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could not be exploited as a weapon of sectarianism. But the conflict between Israel and Hamas can be. Various fake videos, news reports, and stories have been made during this conflict. During this time, the leaders who have espoused post-truth have succeeded in perplexing the entire world in a variety of ways.

This forced illusion has not spared India. A deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna, a popular actor of the south Indian film industry, surprised even the central government last month. Owing to the overwhelming reaction against the deepfake, information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnav convened a hurried meeting with government officials on 23 November. Deepfakes were described as a menace to democracy, and he directed that a rigorous regulation be enacted as quickly as possible. A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned world leaders at the G-20 virtual summit against the misuse of AI and deepfakes.

Certainly, the misinformed world requires some official system of facts and figures, for which the worlds leaders must reach a consensus. We must not allow social media and artificial intelligence to become a curse rather than a blessing. This is also one of the year 2024s most significant challenges.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal.
Merriam-Webster word of the year for 2023 is authentic", said Peter Sokolowski, a lexicographer at Merriam Webster. In an interview with the Associated Press, he also revealed other most searched words for the year 2023 . Authentic" follows 2022s choice of gaslighting." And 2023 marks Merriam-Websters 20th anniversary choosing a top word, the report said.

Also read: Year-Ender 2023: 7 New Year resolutions for your personal growth in 2024

Here are the companys top words of 2023, in no particular order:

The word indict gained most searched attention when former President Donald Trump was indicted in March on felony charges. It is defined as formally accuse of or charge with a crime. Covenant refers to a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement." Lookups for this words surged on March 27, following a deadly mass shooting at The Covenant School in Tennessee's Nashville. Searches for this word also spiked following release of Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" and Abraham Verghese's novel, The Covenant of Water." The word deepfake gained popularity recently after Musks lawyers in a Tesla lawsuit in April alleged he is often the subject of deepfake videos. It refers to an image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said." Interest spiked further after the likeness of Ryan Reynolds appeared in an AI-generated fake Tesla ad. The look ups for the word 'coronation' surged to 15,681% around King Charles III coronation ceremony that took place on May 6, according to Sokolowski. It's dictionary meaning refers to the act or occasion of crowning. Implode word gained traction following the June 18 incident of Titan Submersible implosion. This word means to burst inward. 'Deadname' witnessed search spikes around the month of July following an onslaught of legislation aimed at curtailing LGBTQ rights. It refers to the name that a transgender person was given at birth and no longer uses upon transitioning. Merriam-Webster defines doppelganger as a double, an alter ego or a ghostly counterpart. Sokolowski called it a word lover's word." Naomi Klein's released her latest book on September 12 titled, Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World," following which interest in the word grew. 'Rizz' a slang for romantic appeal or charm. This word was added to Merriam-Webster online dictionary in September and has been among one of the the top searched words. Global climate change drew attention to dystopian. It refers to relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk in September said, We do not need more warnings. The dystopian future is already here. We need urgent action now." Search for 'Kibbutz' word also witnessed spike that refers to a communal farm or settlement in Israel. The search for this word soared following Hamas attack on October 7.

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Ayodhya Ram Temple Consecration: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi health minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has questioned Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) over invitation to the upcoming Pran Prathista ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged 140 crore countrymen to not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony on 22 January.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said, Ram Temple belongs to the whole country. Who is BJP to decide who to invite and who to leave out? People will go whenever they want to..."

Prime Minister Modi visited Ayodhya on Saturday during which he inaugurated a redeveloped railway station and a newly-built airport, besides laying the foundation stone of a slew of other projects in Uttar Pradesh.

At a public rally Ayodhya on Saturday, Modi had said the whole world is waiting for the historic Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22 and appealed to people to light special diyas in their homes to celebrate the day of 'pran pratishtha' of Ram temple as 'Deepawali'.

Noting that there is excitement in the country over the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to share their creations such as 'bhajans' relating to it on social media with the hashtag 'Shri Ram Bhajan', saying this compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be imbued with the ethos of Lord Ram.

In his Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that there are many experienced as well as new emerging young artists who have composed heart-warming bhajans.

"There is excitement and enthusiasm in the entire country in connection with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. People are expressing their feelings in a multitude of ways. You must have noticed that during the last few days, many new songs and new bhajans have been composed on Shri Ram and Ayodhya," Modi said.

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New Delhi: India is considering proposals to connect Bangladeshs strategically important Matarbari port to northeastern states, according to people aware of the matter.

Bangladesh expects to boost exports once the countrys first deep sea port is built at Matarbari with assistance from Japan. The port will enhance exports to Southeast Asia, and other Asian markets, and improve its capability to handle cargo from international markets.

The objective of the project is to strengthen the ports cargo-handling capacity and to facilitate logistics operations with neighbouring countries. It will do so by constructing a multi-purpose deep-sea port for containers and general cargo in the Matarbari area of Coxs Bazar, under Chattogram division, contributing to Bangladeshs economic development," said Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),which is helping finance the Matarbari project.

Earlier this year, JICA granted a $750 million loan to the Bangladesh government for the Matarbari development.

The port is set to start operations in 2027, easing the burden on crowded ports like Chittagong. In March, JICA extended an additional $400 million loan to boost road infrastructure between Chittagong Port and Coxs Bazaar to improve road connectivity to the Matarbari port.

The Matarbari port is expected to enhance economic ties and open up development prospects for Indias northeastern states, including Tripura. The initiative follows plans by Japan, Bangladesh, and India to attract manufacturing to the Northeast and Bangladesh to establish a new industrial value chain in South Asia for exports to Indo-Pacific markets.

The people cited above said, India is actively exploring ways to enhance connectivity to Matarbari, either through a bilateral initiative or in partnership with Japan, which is engaged in major road connectivity projects in Bangladesh.

Queries mailed to the external affairs ministry, and Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi did not elicit any response till press time.

New Delhi is proactively advocating for enhanced connectivity with Bangladesh to boost bilateral trade and foster greater economic ties in South Asia.

Initiatives include the revival of cross-border railway projects, construction of energy pipelines, as well as sponsoring road projects in Bangladesh.

Additionally, India is also interested in the Bay of Bengal Northeast Industrial Value Chain concept championed by Japan, which will lead to increased infrastructure connectivity and synchronized trade policies among New Delhi, Dhaka, and Tokyo.

Besides, Chinas growing footprint in Bangladesh has also been a major concern.

Beijing was initially interested in financing a deep sea port in Sonadia, in the south-eastern part of the country.

However, Sheikh Hasinas government cancelled the plans in 2020, focusing on its ties with Japan to build a port at Matarbari.

News reports at the time indicated that New Delhi was opposed to the Sonadia port project.

India acknowledges that China will maintain a significant presence in its vicinity, and thereby the focus has shifted towards resolving disputes with neighbours and offering attractive connectivity and economic prospects to strengthen bilateral relations in the region.
Maharashtra: A fire erupted at a hand glove manufacturing company in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, claiming the lives of at least six people, as reported by officials. According to a report by ANI, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with the fire breaking out around 02:15 am at the factory located in the Waluj MIDC area, according to statements from the Fire department. We received a call at 2:15 a.m. When we reached the incident site, the entire factory was on fire. Locals informed us that six people were trapped inside. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered," Mohan Mungse, a fire officer, told ANI.

Also Read: Maharashtra News: Fire breaks out in Purna-Parli passenger train near Nanded, probe underway

Extinguishing work is currently in progress," he added.

Beforehand, residents asserted that a minimum of five workers were stuck inside the structure. Subsequently, fire department authorities verified the fatalities of six individuals in the fire occurrence.

According to workers, the company was shut, and they were asleep when the fire ignited.

Also Read: Delhi: Fire breaks out at godown in Karawal Nagar; 12 fire tenders rushed to the spot

10-15 workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out. Some managed to escape, but at least five were trapped inside," one of the workers had told ANI.

Meanwhile, dousing operations are ongoing, and the exact cause behind the fire is not ascertained yet.

More details are awaited.

(With inputs from ANI)

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In the 23rd month of its full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia continues to make it clear that it is not interested in negotiating in good faith and intends to achieve its maximalist goals. This public rhetoric of the Kremlin about its imperial plans is increasingly penetrating the information space of the aggressor country.

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Russian propaganda is rapidly spreading the beliefs of the "Russian world" to present the invasion of a neighboring state as a "historically justified imperial conquest." This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on December 30.

The analysts cited recent remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin that Russia would agree to a settlement of the war when Ukraine is "neutral and non-nuclear," "demilitarized," and "denazified." In this way, he presented the Kremlin's long-standing demands that Ukraine abandon its aspirations for NATO and EU membership, deprive it of the ability to defend its land and people and replace the current elected government with one "approved" by Moscow.

Galuzin also confirmed the Kremlin's version that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, not Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, is "to blame for the lack of negotiations." According to him, the peace plan proposed by Kyiv "has nothing to do with peace" but "justifies" the continuation of hostilities. The Russian minister said that Russia "has never refused" to engage in dialogue with Ukraine, adding that it allegedly has "no choice" but to fulfill all its "tasks."

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According to analysts, the Kremlin's recent public rhetoric about its maximalist goals and imperial plans in Ukraine is penetrating the information space of the terrorist state. For example, a prominent Russian blogger said on December 30 that Western media are spreading "rumors" about negotiations that will end the war in Ukraine by transferring unspecified parts of Ukrainian territory to Russia.

He also emphasized that Russia is not interested in such "limited proposals," suggesting that its military goals go beyond the territories it has temporarily seized. The propagandist also cynically noted that Ukraine is "not yet demoralized and exhausted enough" to accept a "catastrophic surrender," suggesting that Russia should only accept such a course of events, achieving it partly through psychological means.

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The ISW emphasized that Russian sources also specifically reinforced the statement of the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on December 28, who said that Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Kyiv "have always been Russian cities. "Following these words, the blogger said that the war would end when Ukraine allows Russia to seize Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa and other regions".

Eduard Basurin, a former spokesman for the so-called "DPR" people's militia, also claimed that Russia's task in the war against Ukraine was previously "blurred" and "there was no understanding of where Russian borders should end." Medvedev's statement allegedly "clarified the situation" and it is now clear that Russia's borders "should ensure full control" over the Black Sea and "include" Kyiv. Basurin called the city "the capital of a great empire," the birthplace of Russian Orthodoxy and the word "Rus" (applied to Kyivan Rus).

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"All these statements echo Putin's words. He made similar claims in his essay 'The Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians' in July 2021 and recently returned to stories about Kyivan Rus as part of the 'Russian world' to frame Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a 'historically justified' so-called imperial conquest," the ISW concluded.

As OBOZ.UA reported, at the end of 2023, a number of Western officials issued statements that Russia had already lost the war in Ukraine and was unable to achieve its strategic goals. However, Ukrainian officials have warned that in reality, dictator Putin continues to seek not only to retain the occupied territories but also to expand the occupation zone.

Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mumbai and other major cities across India have stepped up security arrangements ahead of the New Year celebrations. Authorities in some of these cities have even imposed restrictions for the general public, bars and restaurants. Check city-wise details here:

Follow Happy New Year 2024 LIVE Updates here Delhi The Delhi Police has already intensified security checks at Connaught Place and other hubs. "We have identified 59 spots where people will come to celebrate New Year. We will take steps to prevent drunk driving cases and prioritise women's safety to avoid eve-teasing incidents," said DCP (Shahdara) Rohit Meena. ALSO READ: New Year 2024: 5 key finance-related changes set for rollout from January 1 The Delhi Police is set to deploy more 10,000 personnel across the city on New Year's Eve to rein in violators. Police will keep extra vigil in Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Hauz Khas, and South Extension markets, among other places on the eve of New Year. Delhi Police DCP Northeast Joy N Tirkey said, "Hooliganism will not be tolerated; we will be very ruthless. He added that Police will ensure that the happiness of the New Year remains intact and the thin line between celebrating and creating distress for others should not be crossed."

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Police's Joint CP (Law and Order) Upendra Kumar Agarwal said:

> Bars, malls and restaurant owners have been made aware of section 144 of CrPC and the guidelines.

> Bars and clubs will have to take responsibility for the fact that they will not allow more people than their sitting capacity.

ALSO READ: Google Doodle Rings in 2024 with Sparkle and Shine | Watch here

> Bars and clubs should take care of the decibel constraints and timing. Sound needs to be put off after a stipulated time

> Random checks to be conducted to check if liquor is being served after the stipulated time. Liquor can be served at bars till 11 pm. Adhere to the timing on the bar license

> Those drinking and driving will be punished

> Cars parked outside the parking lot will be towed away. No parking near Hazratganj

> Police have already started conducting a five-day campaign against drinking and driving.

> If there is any incident of eve-teasing, the police will deal with it

> Barricading at 1090 Chauraha, G20 road Ganeshwar Mishra road

ALSO READ: From romantic tear-jerker to psychological thrillers, here's Livemint's OTT watcH
With several opposition leaders alleging the BJP of politicising the inauguration of Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya , Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that his government and his party are in full support of Ram Mandir.

"We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either, we are not against Ram Mandir we are in favour of Ram Mandir," said Siddaramaiah on Sunday.

His comments have come at the time when one of his ministers alleged the central government for using the Ram Mandir inauguration to gain votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.

Drawing a parallel between the Pulwama terror attack and the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, Congress leader and Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister, Dasharathaiah Sudhakar, said, The BJP government used the Pulwama terror attack to secure votes in the last Lok Sabha elections, and this time, they are holding Lord Ram's photo now."

While alleging the BJP of using Ayodhya Ram temple's inauguration for its electoral gain Sudhakar called the ceremony a stunt".

Speaking to media personnel in Chitradurga, Sudhakar remarked, "The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we won't be fooled for the third time."

He further added, It is true that the opening of the Ram Mandir is in the background of the Lok Sabha Elections. MLA Raghumurthy and I contributed money to the Ram Mandir. We have also given bricks in the past."

Calling the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya an election gimmick, Sudhakar emphasized that Lord Ram is a god for everyone. Recalling the previous Lok Sabha election, he questioned why there was no mention of Ram Mandir at that time.

"BJP is using India's religious beliefs to garner votes. Where was the Ram Mandir in the last elections?" questioned Sudhakar.

In February 2018, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bus carrying forty army personnel was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama district on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Days after the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp on February 26, 2018. The IAF had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs, out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the buildings where terrorists were sleeping. The airstrike is said to have killed hundreds of terrorists.

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The Indian Navy said on Sunday that the piracy incident on MV Ruen and drone attack on MV Chem Pluto "indicate a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ."

"The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ," the Indian Navy said.

The Navy said the overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. "The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region," the statement added.

ALSO READ: Rise of pirates in Red Sea to take toll on Indias exim business. Here are items that will turn costlier

The MV Chem Pluto (Liberian Flag Chemical/Oil Tanker), carrying 21 Indian and 01 Vietnamese crew, caught fire earlier in December after it was attacked by a suspected drone about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar. It was later secured by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the ICG said in an official statement.

The Indian Navy's explosive ordnance disposal team had then carried out a detailed inspection of merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto on its arrival in Mumbai. Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship pointed towards a drone attack and further forensic and technical analysis will be required to ascertain all the details, Navy officials were quoted by PTI as saying.

In view of the spate of recent attacks on commercial vessels, the Navy deployed warships INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata to maintain a deterrent presence in the region, the officials said.

Besides this, the Indian government said it was boosting its anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden after Somali pirates this month hijacked the bulk carrier and Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen.

The Somali pirates, who released one injured sailor into the care of the Indian Navy, took the MV Ruen and its remaining 17 crew members to Somalia's semi-autonomous state of Puntland, where it is now moored off the city of Bosaso, the navy said.

In the early hours of December 16, INS Kochi intercepted MV Ruen and launched its integral helicopter to assess the situation. It was ascertained from the crew that the citadel onboard MV Ruen had been breached and all crew members were held hostage by the pirates.

However, INS Kochi was successful in ensuring that the injured crew member was released by pirates in the early hours of December 18 for further medical management, PTI reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel-Gaza war: Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Friday called out the Muslim world and stated that it has not lived up to its responsibilities in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Shahi Imam also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to put an end to the war.

According to a statement, Bukhari noted that the Palestinian issue has come to a point where its immediate and permanent solution should be attained in the light of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council based on the "two-state theory", as reported by news agency PTI.

"The Muslim world has not lived up to its responsibilities in this regard and is not doing what it should and this is very unfortunate. In the end I hope that the prime minister of my country shall, by virtue of his personal relations with the prime minister of Israel, exert diplomatic pressure to put an end to the war and resolve issues," he said as quoted by PTI.

The war has already killed more than 21,300 Palestinians and sparked a humanitarian crisis that has left a quarter of Gaza's population starving.

Earlier this month, India voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as the unconditional release of all hostages earlier this month. The resolution received approval from 153 nations, including India, while 10, including the US, Israel, and Austria, voted against it. Additionally, 23 countries, including Argentina, Ukraine, and Germany, chose to abstain from voting.

Earlier in October, the Ministry of External Affairs advocated the resumption of direct negotiations for a peaceful resolution between the two states. While releasing a statement, MEA had said, "Our policy in this regard has been long-standing and consistent. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel."

Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas and bring back more than 100 hostages still held by the militants after their October 7 attack on southern Israel. The assault killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Superstar Amitabh Bachchan was teary-eyed while bringing the curtains down on the 15th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati and bidding his farewell to the team of KBC.

Bachchan, commonly known as Big B bid adieu to the 15th season on an emotional note recently.

Amitabh Bachchan said, "Devi aur sajjano, ab hum jaa rahe aur kal se yeh manch ab nahi sajega. Apno se yeh keh pana ki kal se hum yahan nahi aa payenge, na kehne ki himmat hoti aur na kehne ka mann hota hai (Ladies and gentlemen, now it's time to go as the stage won't be the same. It's difficult to let everyone know that we won't be returning here from tomorrow)," in a video shared by Sony TV's on social media platform Instagram.

Here, are some best moments of the Legend from KBC which will always remain cherished forever.

KBC show telecasted 10 years back on Children's Day shocased six-year-old prodigy, Kautilya Sharma, who was able to answer each and every question posed to him. The young genius joined Big B even though he was not playing for money. However, the highlight of the episode occurred when Amitabh Bachchan joyfully obliged to fulfil Kautilya's wish to dance with him and they grooved together to the popular song "LungiDance."

During season 11, chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murthy made an appearance on KBC. Amitabh Bachchan welcomed Murthy by touching her feet and videos capturing this touching gesture became widely circulated.

Amitabh Bacchan thrilled the viewers by playing dual role where the hot seat was taken over by a character called Lallan Bihari. Big B enacted the role of Lallan who hailed from Bihar and delivered a number of satires in the finale of season 7 . This particular KBC episode was among one of funniest episodes so far.

Amitabh Bachchan is a renowned orator, known for his unique style of delivery of dialogues. In a one particular episode, the actor shared a poem penned by his father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan. He dedicated this poem to two brothers on the show, a moment that captivated everyone's hearts. The poem recited by the megastar was motivational and inspirational.

During a Season 14 episode, Abhishek Bachchan surprised his father, Amitabh Bachchan, on the KBC sets. On the occasion of Big B's birthday, Big B was asked to participate as a contestant while Abhishek assumed the role of the host. Abhishek presented a birthday special compilation video. The video disclosed some lesser-known facts and featured childhood memories of Amitabh Bachchan. Big B was left teary-eyed after seeing the video.

The 'Agnipath' starrer Amitabh Bachchan began hosting the quiz show in 2000 and has since been a constant part of the show except for one season. Shah Rukh Khan hosted KBC in 2006, for the third season of the show.

(With inputs from ANI)

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With Ayodhya's Ram Temple to be inaugurated on 22 January, 2024, OYO predicts that the city has the potential to become as popular as Vatican City and Mecca as a spiritual destination.

Spiritual tourism gaining popularity

In the recent times, spiritual tourism is rapidly gaining momentum. And according to OYO's year-end booking data, Puri secured the top spot as the most booked spiritual destination, with Amritsar, Varanasi, and Haridwar following suit. Recognizing the significance of religious tourism in India, OYO is actively expanding its footprint across major religious corridors in the country, including Katra-Vaishno Devi and the Char Dham route."

The company further predicts that Ayodhya is likely to gain a lot of popularity as a spiritual destination once the Ram Temple is inaugurated.

Ayodhya is another such city which holds immense potential as a spiritual destination for tourism, especially with the upcoming opening of the Ram temple. We believe the tourism industry could see a tenfold increase in tourism by 2024, making Ayodhya a global spiritual centre akin to Vatican City and Mecca."

Speaking about OYO's plan to expand in Ayodhya, he said, We plan to add 50 hotels and homes, totalling around 1000 rooms, before the grand opening of the Ram Mandir. These new properties will be strategically located near Ayodhya's prominent landmarks, ensuring convenient access for visitors exploring the city's iconic attractions."

In line with the governments vision, OYO focussed on promoting and expanding our footprint across key domestic destinations in 2024.

What are the top domestic destinations?

Speaking about the trends of 2024, OYO said, In the domestic sector, there's a focused interest in the leisure destinations. Top destinations include Goa, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Kerala, Manali, Ooty, Darjeeling, Coorg, Visakhapatnam, Pondicherry, Srinagar, Amritsar, Gangtok, and Rishikesh for the last week of December. There has been an increase in the number of room nights booked this year compared to last, despite the average 10% increase in fares, which is typical for this time of year."

On the international hotels front, traditional favorites like Thailand, Dubai, Singapore, and Bali continue to attract travelers, while destinations such as Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Istanbul are emerging as new favorites. Notably, there's a trend towards booking more premium accommodations and higher room categories.

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China will ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States, the country's latest effort to attract foreign travellers since reopening its borders earlier this year.

Starting January 1, American tourists will no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China, according to a notice posted online Friday by the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

The simplified application process is intended to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States," the notice said.

The move comes as China has struggled to rejuvenate its tourism sector after three years of strict pandemic measures, which included mandatory quarantines for all arrivals. While those restrictions were lifted earlier this year, international travellers have been slow to return.

In the first half of this year, China recorded 8.4 million entries and exits by foreigners, down from 977 million for all of 2019, the last year before the pandemic, according to immigration statistics.

In another bid to boost tourism, China announced last month that it would allow visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for up to 15 days.

The one-year trial program signalled China's high-level opening up to the outside world," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.

But China's efforts to entice American tourists may face other headwinds. International flights between the two countries, which are set by a bilateral agreement, remain well below pandemic levels, though they have slowly increased in recent months.

Over the summer, amid deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington, the US recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China, citing the risk of wrongful detentions and exit bans.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law," the advisory said. (AP) RPA

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In a suspected case of domestic violence, a prosperous Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter were found dead in their $5 million residence in the US state of Massachusetts, as reported by media sources.

As reported by PTI, Norfolk District Attorney (DA) Michael Morrissey said on Thursday that the bodies of Rakesh Kamal, 57, his wife, Teena, 54, and their 18-year-old daughter, Ariana, were found in their Dover mansion at about 7:30 p.m.

Dover, situated approximately 32 kilometers southwest of downtown Boston, the capital of Massachusetts.

Teena and her husband, also identified as Rick, were previously involved in the management of an education systems company called EduNova, which is no longer active.

The district attorney, characterizing the event as a "domestic violence situation" and a terrible tragedy," mentioned the discovery of a firearm near the husband's body.

Also Read: Indian student kept in captivity for 3 months, beaten with PVC pipe, metal rods in US, rescued

The New York Post reported that he declined to say whether all three family members were shot dead  and by whom.

Morrissey stated that he would await the forthcoming ruling from the medical examiner before determining whether to label the incident as a murder-suicide.

The district attorney declined to speculate on the motive behind the killings.

Online records indicate that the couple seemed to have encountered financial difficulties in the recent past.

The district attorney said, The grim discovery of their bodies was made after a relative had stopped by to check on the family members after not hearing from them in one or two days."

Also Read: 3 Khalisan extremists charged over bid to kill Indian-origin NZ radio host

Morrissey added that there had been no prior police reports or domestic incidents tied to the home.

Theres been no police reports, theres been no problems, no domestic issues, no nothing at that house or in the entire neighborhood that Im aware of," Morrissey said.

This is very unfortunate and our heart goes out to the entire Kamal family on this tragedy."

I hate to see it at any time," Morrissey added of domestic violence incidents. I think some of the tensions that people feel in relationships often come out around the holidays."

Also Read: Who is Sai Varshith Kandula, the Indian-origin man charged for threatening Joe Biden

The district attorney mentioned that the inquiry into the killings is still in progress, and investigators have been examining the crime scene for a significant part of the night.

Although the investigation is at a very preliminary stage, the evidence available at this time does not indicate the involvement of any outside party, but suggests that this is a deadly incident of domestic violence," his office said in a statement.

It is not believed that there is any ongoing danger to the Dover community related to this incident."

Meanwhile, according to The Post, the familys sprawling mansion  estimated to be worth USD 5.45 million  went into foreclosure a year ago and was sold to the Massachusetts-based Wilsondale Associates LLC for USD 3 million.

Also Read: Indian-origin man stabbed to death in UK, 2nd incident in three days

The Kamals had purchased the 19,000-square-foot estate  which boasts 11 bedrooms  for USD 4 million in 2019, according to the records, according to media reports.

The slain family members were the only ones living in the mansion at the time, the DA said, adding that the area, one of the richest in the state, was a nice neighbourhood, a safe community."

Their company was launched in 2016 but was dissolved in December 2021, state records show.

Teena Kamal was listed on EduNovas website as the chief operating officer of the company, describing her as an alum of Harvard University and Delhi University in India.

According to his biography on the EduNova website, Kamal was an alumnus of Boston University and the MIT Sloan School of Management, as well as Stanford University.

Before working at EduNova, he held many executive positions in the education-consulting field," the biography added.

EduNova marketed a student success system" designed to improve the grades of students in middle school, high school, and college," The Boston Globe newspaper reported.

Also Read: Hyderabad woman stabbed to death in UK, suspect Brazilian flat-mate arrested

Teena filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in September 2022  listing between USD 1 million and USD 10 million in liabilities, filings show. The case, however, was dismissed two months later due to insufficient documentation.

Teena, who was a Harvard alumnus, was listed as one of the board of directors for the American Red Cross of Massachusetts.

Her online bio touted her more than three decades of working in the education and technology industries.

Meanwhile, the daughter of the couple attended Middlebury College, a private liberal arts institution in Vermont with an annual cost of $64,800. Her field of study, as indicated on her LinkedIn profile, was neuroscience.

Morrissey noted that there hasn't been a reported homicide in Dover since 2020, and in his 12 years as District Attorney, he has not handled a homicide case from that neighbourhood before.

Its very rare to have this kind of a violence situation almost in any community in Norfolk County, but particularly Dover," Morrissey said.

Its a small, well-run community, but like everybody else, there are problems out there that can affect no matter where you live."

(With inputs from PTI)

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North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Sunday said the policy goals for his government in 2024 include launching three additional military spy satellites, producing more nuclear materials and building modern attack drones to advance North Korea's military. He called for overwhelming" war readiness to cope with US-led confrontational moves, state media KCNA reported.

Kims made the comments during a key ruling Workers Party meeting to set state goals for next year. The North Korean leader suggested thatll intensify a run of weapons tests ahead of the US presidential elections in November.

"Based on the experience of successfully launching and operating the first reconnaissance satellite in 2023, the task of launching three additional reconnaissance satellites in 2024 was declared to vigorously promote the development of space science and technology," Reuters quoted KCNA.

Experts in North Korean politics said the North Korean leader thinks that a boosted nuclear capability would give him another chance to launch a summit diplomacy with the US to win sanctions relief if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House.

North Korea fires suspected long-range ballistic missile into sea

Kim said anti-North Korea moves by the US and its followers have been unprecedented in 2023, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war.

The North Korean leader cited the expansion of US-South Korean military exercises and the temporary deployment of powerful US military assets such as bombers and a nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea  steps the allies have taken in response to the North's weapons testing spree since last year.

The grave situation requires us to accelerate works to acquire overwhelming war response capabilities and thorough and perfect military readiness to suppress any types of provocations by the enemies at a stroke," Kim said.

Kim vowed to launch three more military spy satellites in 2024 in addition to the countrys first reconnaissance satellite launched in November. He stressed the need to establish a reliable foundation" to build more nuclear weapons, an apparent reference to facilities to produce fissile materials like weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium.

South Korea imposes sanctions on 11 North Koreans

The North Korean leader also ordered authorities to enhance submarine capabilities, according to KCNA.

Pyongyang might be waiting out the US presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

The Kim regime has closed the political door on denuclearization negotiations but could offer rhetorical restraint and a testing freeze in exchange for sanctions relief," Easley said. Although North Korea has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons, it might try to extract payment for acting like a so-called responsible nuclear power."

Kim has been focusing on modernizing his nuclear arsenal since his diplomacy with Trump, then the US president, broke down in 2019 due to wrangling over how much sanctions relief the North could be given for a partial surrender of its nuclear program.

We left a great trace, N. Koreas Kim boasts of achievements at year-end meet

Experts say Kim thinks that Trump, if elected for a second term, could make concessions as the US is preoccupied with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas fighting.

Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University in South Korea, said if President Joe Biden is reelected, North Korea wont get what it wants. But he predicted a Trump win could revive summit diplomacy between the two countries, saying Trump will likely say during his campaign that he can convince North Korea to suspend intimidating weapons tests.

He said Kims vow to ramp up production of plutonium and uranium is meant to add to his negotiating cards in potential diplomacy with the Americans.

North Korea will act to the fullest extent under its timetable for provocation until the U.S. election day," AP reported Nam as saying.

During his speech at the party meeting, said South Korea must not be considered as a partner for reconciliation or unification. He ordered the military to use all available capabilities including nuclear to conquer South Korea in the event of a potential conflict.

Kim also maintained that North Korea must solidify cooperation with anti-imperialist, independent" countries that he said oppose US-led Western hegemony.

Though, Kim didnt mention those countries by name. But North Korea has been seeking to beef up its cooperation with Russia and China, which have repeatedly blocked the US and others attempts to toughen UN sanctions on the North over its banned missile tests.

Earlier this month the US assessed that North Korea is seeking Russian technologies related to fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials. Julianne Smith, US permanent representative to NATO, said US intelligence indicates that North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions.

South Korean officials said Russian support likely enabled North Korea to put its spy satellite into orbit for the first time on Nov. 21, though many foreign experts are sceptical about the satellites ability to take militarily meaningful high-resolution images.

Kim further said North Korea needs a space-based surveillance system to better monitor its rivals and enhance his missiles' precision-attack capabilities.

The North Korean leader said the country has made eye-opening" achievements on economic projects in 2023 by fulfilling or exceeding set quotas in major areas such as farming, housing construction and fisheries.

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
To escape the attack of an armed ethnic group, at least 151 Myanmarese soldiers fled to Mizoram's Lawngtlai district. They entered India after their camps in Myanmar were outnumbered by a pro-democracy ethnic group, reported PTI referring to an Assam Rifles officer.

The Myanmarese army personnel, also known as 'Tatmadaw', fled with their arms and approached the Assam Rifles at Tuisenthlang in Lawngtlai district on Friday. Most of them were critically injured after they were attacked by Arakan Army fighters at their camps.

The Myanmar army has indulged in intense gunfights with the Arakan Army fighters for the past few days in areas close to the Indian border. The recent clash that led to the influx of Myanmar army personnel in India also left many of them critically injured. Most of them received first aid from the Assam Rifles, the Assam Rifles officer told PTI.

They are still under the safe custody of Assam Rifles at Parva in Lawngtlai district and will be sent back to their country in some days as talks are going on between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Myanmar military government.

This is not the first time when Myanmar soldiers have entered India in such cases. In November, around 104 Myanmar soldiers fled to Mizoram. They fled to the Northeastern state after their military camps along the Myanmar-India border were overrun by pro-democracy militia- People's Defence Force (PDF).

At that time, they were airlifted by the Indian Air Force to Moreh in Manipur. From there, they entered Myanmar by crossing the international border and reaching Tamu.

Myanmar has been grappling with ethnic minorities and insurgencies for over a decade. However, the 2021 military coup resulted in an unprecedented coordination between anti-military forces posing a big challenge for the country. The Myanmar military rulers have ordered all government staff and former military personnel and those with military experience to be ready to serve in case of emergency.

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Flourishing live performances satisfy China's artistic appetite

Xinhua) 16:59, December 29, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The year 2023 has seen a significant rise in both the quality and quantity of cultural activities in China.

After pandemic-induced restrictions came to an end, a resurgence in the demand for high-quality cultural activities was evident among the people.

To address this need, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a circular in March, which stipulated that regional cultural authorities were to resume the examination and approval of foreign-related commercial performances starting from March 20.

Foreign artists, largely absent in the preceding years due to the pandemic, were back on the stage across China with their performances.

Meanwhile, as cultural venues lifted crowd control measures, the public again felt the joy of appreciating performances with full venues of fellow enthusiasts.

According to data from the ministry, in the first three quarters of 2023, a total of 342,000 commercial live performances were staged in China, attracting 111 million audiences.

In March, shortly after the release of the circular, the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing welcomed celebrated Russian conductor Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra, one of the oldest musical ensembles in Russia. During the trip, the group put on high-quality renditions of renowned composers like Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Shostakovich.

Gergiev's visit with the orchestra marked the initiation of a series of performances by foreign artists at NCPA. Towards the end of 2022, NCPA President Wang Ning extended invitations to art institutions worldwide to come to China, eliciting a positive response from international artists and art institutions.

This has enabled the NCPA to organize performances and concerts by artists and art groups worldwide almost every month since March 2023.

According to the NCPA performance schedule, the center has already hosted nearly 20 artists and art groups from abroad this year for concerts. Notable names among them include pianist Rudolf Buchbinder and the Vienna Boys Choir.

In addition to performances held in esteemed cultural venues, numerous artists and art groups perform on stages that draw a broader audience.

Earlier this month, renowned jazz pianist Michael Kaeshammer performed before an electrifying audience at the Gulangyu Concert Hall in east China's coastal city of Xiamen. At this free concert, the artist performed a repertoire that included jazz adaptations of several traditional Chinese songs.

"We planned to stay indoors after dinner, but were surprised to learn about this free concert which is just a ten-minute walk from where we are staying," said Cheng Rusu, a tourist from Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

She added that all they had to do was register through the concert hall's WeChat public account.

Xiamen wasn't the only city that hosted jazz concerts this year. From Oct. 28 to Nov. 23, the 2023 Guangzhou Jazz Festival took place in south China's Guangdong Province, featuring performances by more than 40 world-class jazz musicians.

Hong Kong musician Andrew Tuason, who led his jazz ensemble at the festival, expressed amazement at the enthusiasm of the audience. "Before coming to Guangdong, I thought jazz music was no more than a niche on the mainland," he said. "I never expected to meet so many young jazz enthusiasts here, and the cultural atmosphere is welcoming."

According to him, in recent years, many artists from Hong Kong have chosen to expand their careers in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"I believe such opportunities can be very helpful in facilitating exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong and Guangdong in the music sector," he said.

Just as how the musician put it, art can build bridges between people of different social backgrounds and help forge enduring friendships.

This November, the U.S.-based Philadelphia Orchestra visited China, commemorating the anniversary of its China tour 50 years ago. In 1973, the renowned ensemble became the first U.S. art group to visit China, marking a thaw in the China-U.S. cultural exchange before the normalization of the two countries' diplomatic relations.

At the concert held in Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, the orchestra joined the local Suzhou Symphony Orchestra to perform musical works from the ode to friendship "Auld Lang Syne" to the traditional Chinese tune "Jasmine Flower."

"The Chinese audience really obviously loves music and we are very grateful as performers," said Davyd Booth, a veteran violinist with the orchestra who was part of the 1973 trip. "I think these trips have more and more shown us the connection between our countries and cities... This is one of the most important relationships that we have."

To inject new impetus into cultural exchange through live performances, major cultural organizations in China have already made plans for the coming year.

According to the China Theatre Association, a drama based on Victor Hugo's celebrated novel "Les Miserables" will be staged in 2024 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. The play is slated to be directed by French director Jean Bellorini, with the acclaimed Chinese actor Liu Ye portraying the role of the protagonist, Jean Valjean.

Through this collaborative effort by Chinese and French artists, the audience can once again fully appreciate the splendor of this timeless literary masterpiece, said Wang Chunmei, deputy secretary-general of the theatre association.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Director of the Urban Bureau Viktoriya Titova told why underground schools cannot become a full-fledged space for education. According to her, only one classroom needs a minimum of 2.5 meters for each pupil, while schools need canteens and gyms for all lessons.

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Titova said this in an interview with LB live. She emphasized that such educational institutions will not be as comfortable as schools above ground. So, according to her, it is not possible to conduct offline education in all regions.

"For such places - this is probably the only answer: either online or take the children out of there. Here every parents make their own decisions. Or make schools underground. But, of course, we must realize that they are unlikely to be as comfortable as schools above ground. So the 2.5 square meters I'm talking about are only classrooms. If we add a canteen, gymnasium and all other things, I don't really see that as the future right now," the Urban Head said.

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She noted that a classroom should have about 2.5 meters per child to be sufficient for learning. A shelter under the old norms suggests 0.45 square meters, while the current norms suggest 1.5. She said shelters already have to be three times larger, which changes their cost in the same proportion. Counting on the required 2.5 meters would be an even larger structure that would require more funding.

According to Titova, in some regions of Ukraine it is impossible to resume offline schooling, because even if there is a shelter, children will not have time to get down to it. In particular, this applies to those regions that are directly near the Russian border or front line like Zaporizhzhya, where explosions are possible first, and then air alert notifications.

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"Previously, when we were selecting pilots, we focused on a 40-kilometer zone. It was impossible to pick up a pilot who is closer than 40 km to the front line or to the border, because this is the distance that the artillery is reaching. There is no way to resume training in Zaporozhye. "Even if you have a shelter, because the child will not have time to go down into it. For children it is of course impossible to even imagine such a situation," said the director of the office.

We will remind, earlier it became known that five schools affected by hostilities during the full-scale invasion of Russia against Ukraine will be transformed. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine noted that the educational institutions should work already from the fall of 2024. According to the organizers of the transformation, the new buildings will be "without a Soviet flavor" and will have new space. To change schools, in particular, will be and on the projects of urban-bureau, which emphasize safety, barrier-free and diversity of the school territory.

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Earlier OBOZ.UA told that the former head of the Ministry of Education criticized the "metro school" in Kharkiv, according to her, the most terrible figures ahead.

Only verified information we have in Telegram-channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday condemned the top poll bodys rejection of nomination papers of its founder Imran Khan and several other party stalwarts on what it called flimsy grounds."

Abducting proposers and seconders is a new normal in this part of the world, the current state of lawlessness is preposterous," a PTI spokesperson said after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected nomination papers of Khan and others ahead of the February 8 general elections.

Returning officers are accomplices and the reason why PTI requested ROs from the judiciary, not bureaucracy. Some group members may not be aware, but bureaucrats, including deputy commissioners, signing illegal restraining orders for PTI leadership have been appointed as ROs by the interim setup, adding more hostility to the already perpetuated situation," he further said.

PTIs current chairman Gohar Khan posted on X: "Today, the first step towards general elections (scrutiny of nomination forms for general seats) is ending. But up and down the country, the state machinery is in full swing against PTIs candidates, whose proposers and seconders or they are being openly harassed, assaulted and pushed back from ROs offices."
Geopolitical pressures and other non-economic factors have put the global economy on a path towards fragmentation. Beyond its inherent risks, this trend will not only have profound implications for economic stability and growth but also could jeopardize efforts to combat climate change.

Heightened geopolitical tensions, especially the escalating rivalry between the United States and China, are the primary catalyst of fragmentation. China, which emerged as the worlds largest exporter more than a decade ago, overtook the US as the worlds largest economy (in purchasing-power-parity terms) around 2016. At the same time, the decline in US manufacturing jobs, partly attributed to the surge in Chinese imports, has fuelled Americans discontent with globalization and reshaped their views on China.

Contrary to many Western analysts expectation that increased trade would put China on a path to democratization, the country has gone in the opposite direction under President Xi Jinping. Instead of liberalizing and pursuing pro-market reforms, Xi has gravitated towards a state-centric system controlled by the Communist Party of China.

Former US President Donald Trumps administration responded to these developments by initiating a trade war with China, a move widely viewed outside the US as a protectionist aberration that reflected Trumps America First" agenda. But President Joe Bidens administration has maintained the tariffs.

This should not come as a surprise. The new US consensus on China seems to be, The more we trade with them, the more they use it against us." The Sino-American trade war has become an integral part of a broader US geopolitical strategy backed by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Technological decoupling, which entails curbing high-tech exports to China and restricting the use of Chinese equipment in the US, is central to this strategy.

Meanwhile, the European Union has embraced French President Emmanuel Macrons vision of strategic autonomy". By securing access to critical inputs and raw materials, the thinking goes, the EU could deter hostile countries from weaponizing trade. Russias use of its oil and natural gas exports as a strategic tool against the bloc in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, together with the Kremlins deepening ties with China, has intensified the EUs efforts to protect key sectors by reducing its reliance on both countries. Moreover, a growing number of voices within the European Commission and among member states have called for the EU to follow in Americas footsteps, curtail high-tech exports to China, and restrict the integration of Chinese technologies in Europe.

This strategy carries significant risks, as China might retaliate by restricting the exports of essential raw materials required for high-end semiconductors and renewable energy. Already, China, which accounts for 98% of global production of gallium and controls 68% of germanium production in various countries, restricted exports of these inputs for chip fabrication in response to the enactment of the CHIPS and Science Act, which curbed US tech exports to China. More recently, China introduced export restrictions on graphite, a mineral used in green technologies that is predominantly sourced from the country. By 2022, roughly 30% of the worlds critical raw materials were subject to such restrictions, compared to just 5% in 2019.

If the EU limits technology transfers to China, the Chinese could impose export restrictions on essential raw materials before European countries manage to secure alternative sources. Many critical minerals, including those vital to the green transition, are predominantly produced by countries not aligned with the West. Moreover, developing new mines takes time, and the environmental toll of refining and processing certain raw materials might diminish Europeans appetite for such activities.

The sanctions on Russia led by the US and the EU are another major driver of global fragmentation. These measures have already reshaped regional trade patterns, leading to a sharp decline in exports of goods from Europe and the US, due to sanctions and partly to the reputational risks of continuing to trade with Russia. While some of this trade has found alternative routes through Central Asia and the Caucasus, the volumes remain comparatively low.

These shifting trade dynamics are playing a significant role in segmenting the global economy. For example, as Western exporters withdrew from the Russian market, Turkeys exports rose sharply. Exports from China to Russia have also increased, particularly for goods subject to European sanctions.

While the US dollars global hegemony has made the Western sanctions regime more effective, these measures might ultimately erode the greenbacks dominance. A decade ago, only one-tenth of Chinese exports to Russia were denominated in renminbi; now, roughly two-thirds are. And a growing number of countries also have begun to denominate their exports to Russia in renminbi, especially those that established swap lines with the Peoples Bank of China and those that did not join the Western sanctions regime. Similarly, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of national currencies for invoicing exports to Russia by countries such as India, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

And there is no end in sight to geopolitical tensions, with the tragic developments in the Middle East further polarizing the world.

So, where does all this leave us? At a time of increasing economic fragmentation, global trade is no longer driven by purely economic objectives. Instead, geopolitical factors are increasingly shaping trade policies. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Monetary Fund, and others have noted that economic fragmentation will be expensive and will negatively affect almost every country in the world.

In the midst of a climate emergency that demands unprecedented international cooperation, fragmentation also poses a grave threat to planetary health and humanitys future. The benefits of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions are universal, offering abundant opportunities and incentives for countries to free ride on others decarbonization efforts. Against this backdrop, intensifying trade conflicts, accelerating fragmentation, and restrictions on the export of critical raw materials reduce trust, hinder international cooperation, and undermine efforts to tackle climate change effectively.
It has been 10 years since I wrote The Great Escape , which tells the story of how human life improved over the past 250 years, particularly in terms of longevity and material living standards. But the past decadeHI has been unkind to my overwhelmingly positive account. My observation that life is better now than at any time in history" may have been true in 2013, but it probably is not today, even for the typical person. The question is whether this reversal will be temporary, or whether it is only the beginning of worse to come. Do recent events demand that the basic story be retold?

It is all too easy to focus on current threats, while ignoring the past and discounting the longer-run forces that prevailed even in the face of terrible setbacks. But one must remember that we have an enormous accumulation of useful knowledgemore than any of our predecessors. It wont allow us to solve every urgent problem, but it is neither easily lost nor forgotten.

We also should remember how and why things got better in the past; how the desire to escape from poverty, disease, and death brought steady improvements. Solutions were rarely immediate, but after the Enlightenment, the triumph of reason over unthinking obedience and dogma increasingly produced reliable answers to questions old and new. To take just one notable example, the germ theory of disease furnished humanity with some of the most useful knowledge ever discovered.

Still, while the long-term trends of progress are clear, history offers no support for blind optimism. Improvements in human well-being have repeatedly confronted reversals, many of them lengthy, and some characterized by unimaginable devastation. In the twentieth century alone, disastrous national and international politics caused tens of millions of deaths in two world wars, the Holocaust, and from the murderous policies of Stalin and Mao. The global influenza pandemic of 1918-20 killed perhaps 50 million people out of a world population of less than two billion. The HIV/Aids epidemic has killed around 40 million people to date, and more than half a million continue to die each year from it, most of them in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Most recently, the World Health Organization estimates that covid-19 has killed close to seven million peopleand possibly multiples of that numbermany of them in rich countries, including nearly 1.2 million Americans. The pandemic arrested economic growth in many countries and almost certainly halted the ongoing reduction in global poverty. (But since it also disrupted data collection in many places, the uncertainty around such numbers is even higher than usual.)

Typically, after such catastrophes, progress eventually resumes, with the subsequent recoveries delivering health and wealth outcomes that exceed their previous highs. True, this historical fact offers no comfort to those who died or lost relatives and friends. Progress does not expunge previous horrors. But it does hold out the hope of better lives for the survivors and for subsequent generations.

Moreover, historys worst horrors often do not recur, because the tools for handling and avoiding catastrophes tend to improve over time. After the germ theory of disease became the basis for public health at the end of the nineteenth century, vaccines were developed to prevent much sickness; and even when they failed, new medicines allowed people to live with diseases that previously would have been a death sentence, as in the case of HIV/Aids. The development of vaccines for covid-19 in under a year is a spectacular testament to this story of progress.

Similarly, macroeconomic management has improved over time, not least because of John Maynard Keyness insights in the 1930s. Nowadays, many would argue that central banks are better at monetary policy than in the past. Still, long-run economic growth remains mysterious. We know more about what impedes it than about what causes it.

Until recently, politics seemed better, too. For half a century, we witnessed the spread of democracy, supported by an unusually stable international order. Cooperation between sovereign countries permitted extensive globalization, economic growth, and poverty reduction.

But none of this progress is guaranteed to continue.

A thousand years from now, or perhaps much sooner, the last 250 years may be seen as a bygone golden age, a flash in historys panorama, an exception to the normal state of misery and early death. Recent events present a depressing catalogue: slow or negative growth; rising global temperatures; resurgent infectious diseases; anti-democratic and right-wing populist politics; stalling globalization; stagnant life expectancy; and increased geopolitical tensions, particularly between the worlds two largest economies, the United States and China. Are we returning to a pre-Enlightenment world ruled by priests and warlords, or is todays darker outlook just another temporary setback that will be overcome in time?

The single biggest threat to continued progress is climate change. Though we know what needs to be done, and though the required technologies are rapidly improving and becoming more affordable, national and international politics have not supported the necessary action. Opportunistic politicians can advance their own careers by opposing such a costly and sweeping adjustment, and there are vast war chestsespecially in the fossil-fuel industriescommitted to preserving the status quo. Even in the face of frightening weather patterns that are almost impossible to explain without reference to anthropogenic climate change, there is a real possibility that not enough will be done before it is too late.

Still, one promising change is the increased use of climate policies based on incentives rather than on penalties. This is crucial, because democracies will always struggle to implement policies that make substantial numbers of people worse off, even if only temporarily.

Yet tackling climate change also requires action by poorer countries, which in turn requires large transfers of resources from rich countries. While such transfers have a poor track record of stimulating democratization or economic growth, perhaps climate aid will prove more effective in achieving its intended objective.

Climate policies may be easier to implement in non-democratic societies, as has sometimes been the case with draconian public-health measures. It would be a shameful outcome if, after years of giving aid that undermined democratic governance in poor countries, the rich world provided aid to support the top-down imposition of climate policies that its own more democratic constituencies still resist.

Health threats also will remain central to the story of progress and its reversals. On one hand, the positive story to emerge from the pandemic is about resilience. After developing vaccines with incredible speed, we achieved a relatively rapid economic rebound. Beyond the death toll and the still unclear effects of long covid", the most obvious lasting damage was confined to schoolchildren, many of whom lost out on years of education. That poorer children have been set back more than others is tragic, but not surprising. Widespread disasters very often produce such disequalizing effects.

On the other hand, the negative story of the pandemic is that it was merely a preview of what awaits us. Historically, plagues have spread along trade routes, and the situation today is no different. Since the 1990s, international trade has expanded at previously unseen rates, establishing not only global value chains but also global virus chains. During that period, there have been two other, much smaller pandemics involving novel respiratory diseases: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers). With a death toll below 1,000 in each case, it was easy to see these episodes as a vindication of the global public-health systems efficacy, and of the limited threat posed by novel pathogens in a richer, better-run world.

But after covid-19, it now looks like we may have simply been lucky with those earlier outbreaks. The Sars and Mers viruses just so happened to have properties that made them easier to control. We might not be so fortunate in the future. Equally, rather than putting too much store in the rapid rollout of covid vaccines, we must remember that there is still no vaccine for HIV/Aids after more than 40 years. If there is one lesson to take from the pandemic, it is an old one: that hubris is the precursor to nemesis.

I do not know whether to believe the positive or the negative account. Instead, I would simply stress the possibility that the future may have more morbidity and mortality than we have grown accustomed to. Beyond pandemics, uncontrolled climate change is also a major threat to health, as is the pre-pandemic reversal of declining mortality among large segments of the population, particularly in the United States.

Over the past quarter-century, national and international political arrangements have undergone profound changes, with right-wing populism spreading in rich democracies and threatening domestic and international institutions. Globalization, especially, has become a source of discontent. The fact that it helped bring about an unprecedented reduction in poverty has not assuaged domestic discontent in the rich world; it has inflamed it.

To many working people in the US and Europe, the world populations great escape from destitution is seen as having come at their expense, by eliminating their jobs and hollowing out their communities. Even if the world overall is better off, the beneficiaries cannot vote in rich countries, leaving only those who have been hurt to complain that they did not sign up for such involuntary foreign aid. Similarly, while immigration from poorer to richer countries has helped millions leave poverty, many domestic workers in rich countries see it as a threat to their own livelihoods and status.

Whether such perceptions are inaccurate or overblown is beside the point. What matters, politically, is that the current great escape is not particularly popular in rich countries. A significant share of voters regard immigration and globalization as favouring a minority of well-educated, cosmopolitan elites. Working people who believe they have been harmed by such policies thus are tempted to abandon democratic arrangements that seem to be working for international business and domestic elites, but not for them. The risk now is that these side-effects of the great escape will become so severe as to slow or reverse it.

In the US, a half-century of wage and income stagnation for the working class has been accompanied by a slow reversal of progress against mortality. Although Americans with a college education continue to enjoy reduced mortality, those without it have been losing years of life since 2010. In our 2020 book, Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism, Anne Case and I document the increase in mortality among men and women without a college degree from suicides, alcoholic liver disease, and, most importantly, drug overdoses. Looking ahead, it is hard to see a reversal of these trends without improvement in the lives of working-class Americans. Beyond that, the rate of reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease, which has driven much of the increase in life expectancy in the rich world since 1970, has slowed in many countries and reversed among Americans without a college degree.

On a more positive note, since drug epidemics have come and gone throughout history, it is reasonable to hope that the opioid crisis will eventually recede, too. Moreover, after two decades of stagnation from 1970 to 1990, cancer rates have been falling, owing to declines in the prevalence of smoking and various medical and scientific advances. This positive trend appears to have some room to run, not least because the new knowledge is transferable between countries, several of which have participated in creating the science that is driving it. My guess is that normal" progress in life expectancy will eventually resume, probably at a slower rate, and with all the necessary caveats about pandemics and climate change.

As populism has risen in the US, China has gone from being a partner to an apparent threat. The growing hostility between the two countries has now reached a point that threatens international stabilityand even international peace. Meanwhile, economic growth in China has weakened, partly because of covid-19, but more importantly because of domestic policies and demographic factors. In response, the Chinese leadership has become more authoritarian, cracking down hard on dissent and political freedom in Hong Kong.

The scope for serious miscalculation in the Sino-American rivalry has risen along with counter-productive sabre-rattling in both countries. Americas valid complaints against China have been exaggerated by politicians playing to populist sentiment.

Notwithstanding the cynical politics, we clearly cannot and should not seek a return to the era of hyper-globalization. We urgently need a new global economic order that can preserve and extend the great escape, but with greater care for domestic politics and for the well-being of non-wealthy, less-educated majorities in wealthy countries. To its credit, the current US administrations policy agenda is directed toward this end, and much now depends on its long-term success.

In retrospect, the 2008 financial crisis has had much longer-lasting negative effects than I anticipated. In the US, much of the population has lost confidence in capitalism and the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats. The financiers who caused that debacle sailed off in their yachts, untouched, while smaller craft were smashed into flotsam, their passengers reduced to homelessness, joblessness, and despair.

In Britain and much of Europe, the crisis was followed by austerity policies that devastated public services. With little to no economic growth ever since, it is little wonder that populisms appeal has grown, and that democracy and capitalism have fallen out of favour. This development does not bode well for the future. Populists and autocrats have little respect for institutions, including not only democratic processes and protections for minorities, but also the centers of scientific knowledge associated with educated elites.

Finally, on an immediate and more parochial note, data collection is under threat as never before. While Chinese data have always required careful interpretation, the same is increasingly true for India, whose published growth rates are implausible and likely manipulated, and whose poverty-monitoring system has been suppressed. In the US, political polarization has led to divergent measures of poverty, some of which come close to denying its existence. Fifty years from now, if we are still living in an increasingly illiberal and non-democratic world, we may not even be able to tell, other than anecdotally, whether the great escape continued or was choked off.

Adapted from a preface to the Princeton Classics edition of The Great Escape, to be published in 2024.

Angus Deaton is a Nobel laureate in economics and professor emeritus of economics and international affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

2023/Project Syndicate
On Saturday, Argentinas newly elected government announced its decision to reject an invitation to join the BRICS group (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had in August invited Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to join the bloc, which has been looking to grow its influence.

While Argentinas previous administration had welcomed the invite, the countrys new president, Javier Milei, hasnt been in favour of the idea. Mint examines the reasons and implications.

What exactly happened?

The BRICs grouping, during its summit in South Africa in August, invited six countries including Argentina to join it as permanent members, effective 1 January, 2024. On Saturday, though, Argentinas newly elected government announced it would not be taking up on the offer. President Javier Milei said the decision to join BRICS had been taken by the previous administration and the new dispensation was reviewing such policies.

Who is Javier Milei?

Argentinas new president is at the centre of this issue. Milei, a 53-year-old economist and television pundit, won the countrys presidential election in November on the back of promises to revive the nations economy and overhaul its government.

Milei is considered by many to be a radical and right-wing populist. During his presidential campaign, Milei was sharply critical of China and, according to reports, of BRICS as well. Milei argued that our geopolitical alignment is with the United States and Israel. We are not going to ally with communists."

Was the BRICS expansion controversial?

At the time of the BRICS summit in August, many speculated that China and Russia were pushing for an expansion of BRICS to turn it into an anti-Western bloc. Reports cited concerns from New Delhi that Beijing and Moscow were intent on adding countries that shared their confrontational attitude to the West.

At the summit in August, India publicly welcomed the expansion of BRICS. It has, however, insisted on laying down concrete rules and procedures to regulate the entry of new members into the grouping.

What does Argentinas refusal mean for the bloc?

The development may be unwelcome for BRICS, which many believe hasnt delivered on its potential. It was initially conceptualised as a grouping of five major developing economies that would grow rapidly and dominate global growth by 2050. But Russia, Brazil and South Africa have struggled economically, while India and China have performed steadily.

With India and China at loggerheads, the prospects of closer cooperation among the member nations seem bleak. Argentinas rejection of BRICS membership will only add to the gloom around the organisation, as questions about its continued relevance linger.
Only a few years ago, at the Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) 19th National Congress in 2017, President Xi Jinping declared that socialism with Chinese characteristics...[is] blazing a new trail for other developing countries to achieve modernization." At the time, many countries across the Global South seemed eager to learn Chinas formula for success, but the United States saw such emulation as a threat to the democratic Wests soft power. Six years later, the eastward shift in geopolitical power seems to have reversed.

In early 2023, after three years of smothering lockdowns, China reopened its doors to the world. China is back," many declared. But by the second quarter, the countrys economic outlook was becoming gloomier by the week. Western commentators duly swerved. After warning that China was overtaking the West, they now argued that it had peaked and would threaten global stability by dint of its decline. (In these narratives, China always constitutes a threat, regardless of whether it is rising or falling.)

With Chinese leaders busy fighting fires at home, nobody talks about learning from China anymore. If Xis 2017 speech marked Chinas coming out" as a superpowerone ready to offer not only cash but also enlightenmentit may have been the shortest-lived geopolitical triumph in modern history. Yet even though China is no longer winning," it would be short-sighted to dismiss its recent experience as irrelevant. In fact, Chinas combination of accomplishments and stumbles, from the reform and opening" of the 1980s through the present day, makes it an even more instructive case than if it were only a miracle.

A term from US history is useful in assessing those accomplishments and stumbles. China has gone through its own Gilded Age," delivering growth but also creating many new problems.

Crucially, gilded" does not mean golden." It implies that beneath the dazzling appearance of gold lies a base, dark metal. That is why novelists like Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner seized on this metaphor to characterize Americas rise as a global industrial power during the late nineteenth century (roughly 1880-1900). It was a time of spectacular growth but also outrageous corruption, inequality, and financial bubbles. If you take some US Gilded Age stories and give the players Chinese names, you might think you were reading a tabloid anywhere in China.

When Xi came to power in 2012, China could boast many achievements, having sustained the growth needed to lift 800 million people out of absolute poverty. At the same time, however, elite corruption was endemic and brazen, income inequality had reached levels exceeding that of the US, local governments were drowning in debt, and a real-estate bubble loomed.

Xi thus inherited a China that was enjoying prosperity, but also succumbing to gilded-age excesses. Seen in this light, the question of how China achieved its economic miracle" is the wrong one to ask, because it presumes that GDP growth represents an unqualified success. A better question is: How did China end up with its own Gilded Age of crony-capitalist, unbalanced, risky growth?

It is a big questionone that I have spent two books (How China Escaped the Poverty Trap and Chinas Gilded Age) seeking to answer. In essence, though it is true that Deng Xiaoping, the pathbreaking reformist who succeeded Mao Zedong, established an extraordinarily growth-oriented political economy, he effectively put an expiration date on it.

Deng implemented pragmatic policies that liberated the private sector, partnered and traded with the US, and introduced competition, accountability, and adaptive mechanisms into the government apparatus. More to the point, these reforms all rested on a quiet political revolution: a fundamental shift from Maos one-man rule to a new model of collective, term-limited leadership. While Deng never endorsed corruption, he announced that some will get rich first," implying that CPC officials would personally benefit from doing their part to drive GDP growth at all costs.

Subsequently, under Jiang Zemin (1989-2002) and Hu Jintao (2002-12), the initially rural orientation of Chinas market reformswhich massively benefited poor farmerstook a decidedly urban turn as export manufacturing and foreign investment surged, including from factories relocated from the US, yielding the greatest gains for producers. Rural areas fed cities with a vast surplus of workers who lacked equal access to urban services, thereby keeping labour costs low. Then, in the 2000s, land and real estate emerged as the favoured engines of growth. But the resulting wealth was highly concentrated, creating robber barons like Hui Ka Yan (the founder of the property developer Evergrande, who was placed under residential surveillance" in September), while the vast majority of Chinese either could not afford housing or paid dearly for it.

Far from failing, Dengs capitalist reforms served a historic role in pulling China out of poverty within a single generation. When Xi took over, his task was to confront the excesses of the old model and facilitate a transition toward a new one. To that end, he launched his anti-corruption drive, followed by his campaign of common prosperity", emphasizing high-quality, equitable growth. In the American Gilded Age, the excesses of capitalism prompted a sweeping wave of social, economic, and political reforms through democratic activism, which came to be known as the Progressive Era. Analogously, Xis China is undergoing a Red Progressive Era" with top-down methods and communist-style campaigns" being deployed to tackle the same kinds of problems.

Xi chose to accompany this progressive" social agenda with an extreme concentration of personal power, heightened repression, and ideological control. Among other things, that meant reasserting the role of the state sector in the economy, embarking on an ambitious foreign policy, and ordering three years of zero-covid" restrictions. While the latter policy did not singularly cause todays economic stagnation, it did amplify economic imbalances and political tensions that had been building up for more than two decades.

Gilded Ages have much to teach us if we draw the right lessons from them. The challenge is to recognize the mixed outcomes they produce, rather than caricaturing them as successes" or failures". Economists view of development tends to equate GDP growth with progress, and, furthermore, attributes success" to just one or a few simple causes that can then by copied" elsewhere. Americas current Gilded Age 2.0" is a case in point.

The end of the Cold War handed the US the ultimate victory, establishing it as the worlds unchallenged superpower. The political theorist Francis Fukuyama famously argued that liberalism would forever be the lodestar of governance, not only in the West but around the world. Through the 1980s and 1990s, the US government and Washington-based international institutions had carte blanche to prescribe market-based policiesincluding privatization, deregulation, and trade liberalizationto developing countries.

Within the US, the fervent belief that free markets offered the best solutions to all problems gained doctrinal coherence under the label neoliberalism". Mainstream economists reinforced the policy consensus by churning out studies to show that good institutions" (meaning private-property rights and checks on government power) are the key drivers of growth, conveniently eliding the historical relevance of state capacity and government interventions, and the eradication of indigenous populations and colonial exploitation in Western development.

But faith in neoliberalism took a hit in 2008. Deregulation and years of reckless risk-taking by US financial institutions culminated in a global financial crisis, and while Wall Street was bailed out, Main Street suffered. As extreme inequality continued to rise, Donald Trump rose to power by tapping into widespread popular resentment against the establishment.

Looking back, Americas total victory" after the Cold War now looks like the beginning of an era of hubris. Not coincidentally, it also marked the start of the new Gilded Age, with steel and railroad tycoons being replaced by titans of finance, pharmaceuticals, and technologyall with deep pockets for lobbying and financing political candidates. Now, many previous advocates of neoliberalism are aghast and insist that governments ought to spend more, pursue industrial policies, and reassert control over markets.

Analysts and policy makers routinely think of outcomes in binary, zero-sum terms: success vs. failure" or winners vs. losers"as in popular titles like Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty or Gambling on Development: Why Some Countries Win and Others Lose. This way of seeing things has produced the familiar cycle of euphoria, followed by disillusionment, which has persisted throughout modern history.

When Western Europe was a colonial power, it regarded its idealized form of liberal democracy" as a silver bullet (with many prominent academics exaggerating the role of the 1688 Glorious Revolution in fuelling the English Industrial Revolution). Then, in post-Cold War America, neoliberalism was the answer to everything, as were Confucian values" in East Asia and a strong state" in China. In all these instances, the very factor to which advocates attributed their success was later exposed as the source of their biggest problems.

The political foundation of success has also been misinterpreted in Chinas case. One of the most common fallacies today is that Chinas growth has demonstrated the superiority of authoritarianism over democracy. This conclusion has animated ideological debates in which the China Model" is pitted against the American Model", as if the Wests successes stem solely from democracy, and Chinas solely from autocracy. In reality, China succeeded under Deng because he replaced one-man rule with an institutionalized leadership and rejected dogma in favour of a culture of seeking truth from facts". By the same token, the recent economic erosion under Xi was partly triggered by his own revival of personalistic power and ideological controls.

A related problem occurs when commentators miss the right lessons because they have been misled by their own biases and distortions. For example, in Chinas Gilded Age, I argue that access money corruption" (meaning elite exchanges of power and wealth, as opposed to petty bribery or embezzlement) functioned like steroids" and led to the risky, unbalanced growth that China experienced in recent decades. But some readers, including academics, miscast my argument as claiming that corruption is beneficial, and then moralistically criticize me for endorsing it. In fact, I am highlighting the hypocrisy of rich countries in erasing their corrupt past (and sometimes legalizing corruption today). Looking at contemporary China forces us to revisit the troubled history of richer countries. In taking lessons from Chinaor any success" story, for that matterwe should not only ask what to learn, but also what not to learn. Deng showed that a balance of stability and institutional checks on the political leadership is a necessary foundation for economic growth. Adaptive governance paired with sensible macroeconomic and foreign policies is also essential. We should not assume, however, that concentrating power in one persons hands is the answer; in fact, it risks capriciousness and wild policy swings.

More broadly, Chinas story reminds us that any success in modernization includes caveats. Other developing countries would do well to avoid pursuing growth at all costs, especially now that climate change is intensifying. Sustainable growth also must be inclusive. If growth enriches only a small handful of elites, it may eventually trigger a political crisis.

It is equally important to distinguish between learning a principle and simply copying a particular practice. One valuable principle from reform-era China was to use what you have". That is, local communities tapped into indigenous techniques and resources to spur entrepreneurial activities. An example is profit-sharing", a practice adapted from tax-farming traditions in which civil-service compensation is de facto but not de jure linked to economic performance. Profit-sharing worked at an early stage of growth by strongly incentivizing bureaucrats to generate income; but it became incompatible with the pursuit of higher-quality growth and was gradually phased out. This example should inspire other countries to find ways to give their officials a personal stake in development, in ways compatible with indigenous practices. But they should not simply copy this practice, which has become obsolete even in parts of China today.

As the Chinese economy enters a period of stagnation, it will doubtless offer richer lessons about development and governance. Chinas trajectory reminds us that no solution, even one as ingenious as the model bequeathed by Deng, can last forever. Every generation, and every stage of development, confronts a new set of problems that demands a new response. Xi wants to prove that he can use top-down controls instead of bottom-up forces to contain them. But reality, so far, is proving him wrong.

Cut-and-paste solutions or get-rich-quick schemes exist only in commercials. Often, the best lessons are learned the hard way, by adapting the right principles to ever-changing contexts.

Yuen Yuen Ang is chair of political economy at Johns Hopkins University, and the author of How China Escaped the Poverty Trap and Chinas Gilded Age.

2023/PROJECT SYNDICATE

www.project-syndicate.org
The last year has solidified Chinas status as one of the most salient foreign-policy challenges facing Europe. But it has been a long time coming. In fact, Chinas emergence at the forefront of debate in Europe is the product of three political realizations that have occurred since 2020.

The first was the recognition, triggered by the covid-19 pandemic, that Europe had become dependent on China for a wide range of goods. After decades of single-mindedly pursuing comparative advantage by relocating industries, including polluting industries, beyond its borders, Europe had to face hard facts. Distance might not matter anymore, but geopolitics does. And a product that is not strategic can quickly become so if a crisis erupts, if production or trade is disrupted, or if a single producer gains monopoly power.

But the pandemic, with its shortages of ordinary-turned-critical goods like masks and chemical reagents, was just the beginning. The stakes have since risen considerably, because China has a virtual monopoly over the production and/or refining of raw materials essential to the clean-energy transition. There is no ready-made solution to this challenge. Both vigilance and political prudence will be necessary.

The second political realization came after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Though China did not, strictly speaking, support Russias actionsand thus avoided exposure to the diplomatic and economic costs Russia has incurred, especially via sanctionsit also refused to push back against the Kremlin, in the hopes that the war would weaken the United States and Nato. Having adopted a zero-sum mindset, Chinese leaders assumed that any such weakening would automatically benefit China, just as anything that harms China benefits the West.

With Russia struggling to achieve its goals in Ukraine, Chinas hopes of a major blow to the West are probably dwindling; its main objective now is to limit its exposure to the ongoing conflict. Still, Chinas leaders recognize that Russia is becoming practically a vassal state, which lends China greater strategic depth and enables it to extract economic benefits, such as favourable energy deals, from the Kremlin.

China wants Russia to remain afloat economically, though just above the waterline. But what tacit support China has offered Russia has been enough to do severe damage to its relationship with the European Union, which always saw through Chinas facade of neutrality. While China never crossed whatever red line" would get it added to the list of countries deliberately violating Western sanctions, it has increased its commercial relations with Russia (though it is far from alone).

The third realization that propelled China to the forefront of European foreign-policy concerns arose from the intensification of the countrys competition with the US. Here, Europe walks a fine line. Of course, it cannot establish itself as fully neutral, standing equidistant between the two powers, on issues such as Taiwan, human rights, or conflicts in the South China Sea. But nor can Europe give up its room for manoeuvre, especially given the breadth of US sanctions and the rivalrys impact on virtually all global issues.

For Europe, the Sino-American competition does not drive every global trend or development, let alone justify every action or response. That is why the EU has assured China repeatedly that it is not committed to a confrontational approach. Europe is willing to recognize and accept Chinas systemic importance, and has no desire to block its rise or to engage in strategic competition with it.

Given this, Europe has not struggled to clarify its position on Taiwan, which is based on both non-recognition of the islands independence and opposition to the use of force (including provocation or coercion) to change the status quo. The EU is willing to maintain and develop multifaceted ties with Taiwan, as long as they do not imply recognition of Taiwans sovereignty.

At the same time, the EU has remained steadfast in its assertion that a systemic rivalry with China does exist. While China insists that its only rival is the US, Josep Borrell, the EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, explained to Chinese leaders in Beijing in October that China and Europe disagree on several important issues and, fundamentally, on values.

By establishing the primacy of economic growth and eschewing civil and political rights, China aims to challenge Europes vision of such rights as universal, essential, and inalienable. And it has worked hard to bring the countries of the Global South on side. This clash of visions shapes some of todays most consequential debates, not least on global standards for digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Another political message that the EU has been keen to send to China is that the favourable terms under which Chinese firms access the European market are not guaranteed. European firms are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with their Chinese counterparts, and not just because of their own shortcomings. China offers massive subsidies to its firms, while erecting high entry barriersboth regulatory and informal, national and regionalfor foreign companies. As China seeks to enlarge its footprint in industries that Europe has traditionally dominated, such as automobiles and chemicals, this imbalance is becoming even more consequential. Unless China changes course, Europe may have to adopt measures to protect domestic industries.

Already, Europe is pursuing a de-risking" strategy, which entails the diversification of its supply chains, especially in strategically important sectors. But, as it has also sought to communicate to China, this is a practical move, not an ideological one. The EU is merely attempting to mitigate the risks associated with excessive dependence on one source. De-risking is a shield, not a banner.

Ultimately, the EU is committed to maintaining a high level of cooperation with China. There is no denying that China is a systemically important country with a huge market, or that many developing countries view it as a valuable political and economic counterweight to the West. It must be included in any effort to tackle global issues such as climate change, debt sustainability, and public health. Even regional challenges, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, call for cooperation with China.

Over the last three years, Europe has been forced to abandon its geopolitical naivete and recognize that normative power is no longer sufficient to wield strategic influence, and that multilateralism is giving way to transactional logic. If the EU is to thrive in a harsher, more conflict-ridden world, striking the right balance in its relations with China is essential. But that does not mean Europe has already done so. Far from it.

Zaki Laidi is a professor at Sciences Po and senior adviser to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

2023/PROJECT SYNDICATE

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In the coming year, we will see not greater multipolarity, but greater bipolarity. China has replaced Russia as Americas main competitor in a new cold war that is less about ideology and more about markets and technology. The $18 trillion Chinese economy has already overtaken that of all 27 European Union countries combined, and China is the largest trading partner to more than 120 countries. Its Belt and Road Initiative continues to build infrastructure around the world, and the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (with a $100 billion capitalization) has 109 members representing 80% of the worlds population. In January, the China-dominated Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) will expand to include Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Many of these countries from the Global South have refused to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine. Now, they are seeking to bolster the 120-strong Non-Aligned Movement, which emerged from the 1955 Bandung Conference of Asian and African governments. As part of a strategy to avoid becoming embroiled in superpower conflicts (between the Americans and the Soviets, at the time), NAM members abstained from collective defence arrangements with either side. This weapon of the weak lent momentum to efforts to enhance regional autonomy and strengthen global-governance institutions such as the United Nations, and it may yet do so again.

Finally, as of this writing, Israels siege and bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamass attack (which killed 1,400 Israelis) has resulted in more than 9,000 dead and 1.4 million displaced Palestinians. Unquestioning Western support for Israel will expose the double standards at the heart of the international system, further weakening global support for Ukraine in 2024.

Adekeye Adebajo is a senior research fellow at the University of Pretorias Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship.

Ian Bremmer

Yes, the international trend towards non-alignment" will continue in 2024. But multipolarity" is a different question, one that depends on which arena of competition were thinking about.

In 2024, non-alignment for many countries will mean recognizing that overtly taking sides in the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China is a losing proposition. Some governments, particularly those in countries situated near China or Russia, will see the US as an indispensable security partner. But commercial partnership with China remains essential for future growth.

Multipolarity" is a more complex question. In the security sphere, we still live in a unipolar world. Only the US can project power into every region of the world. Chinas military clout is growing, butimportantlyit hasnt been tested by a shooting war in more than four decades. Russias conventional forces were hollow even before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine inflicted generational damage on its military capacity. And Europe still relies on the US, as do US allies in Asia.

In the economic arena, however, were certainly living in a multipolar world, one in which America, China, Europe, and India are all crucial players in re-establishing the stability and dynamism of the global economy. Then theres the digital realm, where the power of governments is limited by the power of the tech companies that produce the advances that political officials are scrambling to understand. Here, one finds an emerging technopolar" world, where governments and tech companies will share power for the foreseeable future.

Put these trends together, and non-alignment is the wave of the future.

Ian Bremmer is founder and president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media.

Stephen G. Brooks

Multipolarity is a myth, as William Wohlforth and I argued recently in Foreign Affairs (which also published a symposium of responses to our article). The United States has indeed become less dominant than in the 1990s, when it was further ahead militarily, economically, and technologically than any state had ever been before. But a multipolar world is one with three or more roughly equally matched leading powers at the top of the international heap. Who could fill that role today? Of all the countries that could plausibly rank thirdFrance, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdomnone is even roughly a peer of the US or China.

Not only is multipolarity a myth, but the system remains closer to unipolarity than to Cold War-style bipolarity. Though China is rising, the worlds largest-ever power gap will take a long time to close. China has ascended most significantly in the economic domain (although less than is commonly assumed, since it significantly inflates its GDP data), but it has done much less to shrink the power gap in other areas. It still lags very far behind the US technologically. A forthcoming (co-authored) book of mine shows that US firms hold a 53% profit share in high-tech industries, compared with a mere 6% for China. China is also only a regional military power, and that will long remain the case, leaving the US as the sole superpower that can command the global commons.

Stephen G. Brooks is professor of government at Dartmouth College and a guest professor at Stockholm University.

Paula J. Dobriansky

Russias invasion of Ukraine has triggered significant geopolitical changes. The war, combined with rising US-China tensions, has unified the transatlantic community and prompted many Indo-Pacific governments to bolster their defences and secure their supply chains. The same developments have also encouraged political leaders across the Global South to pursue optionality," making choices predicated on their national interests, while doing what they can to avoid becoming mired in great-power disputes.

Todays ongoing geopolitical changes include new or closer national alignmentsfrom Russias deepening ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, to Australias engagement with India and Indonesia, and with the United States and the United Kingdom under AUKUS. While the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the US (established in 2007) has become more ambitious, other powers have taken pains to thwart emerging new alignments. Many view Hamass latest attack on Israel as an attempt to block Saudi-Israeli normalization, which could have threatened not only Hamas but also its sponsors in Iran.

Americas messy 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan contributed to this evolution in the international system by undermining perceptions of US credibility, reliability, and effectiveness. That, in turn, caused some leaders (like Russian President Vladimir Putin) to re-evaluate the costs of pursuing policies contrary to US interests. These changes in preference and perspective have facilitated not only new violence but also new or different relationships as Americas allies, rivals, and foes recalibrate their goals. Similarly, Russias faltering war effort in Ukraine appears to have created a more permissive environment for Azerbaijans conquest of Nagorno-Karabakh. New wars and the desire to avoid being drawn into US-Russia-China conflicts will continue to drive the new multipolarity and the return of non-alignment.

Paula J. Dobriansky is a senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Jorge Heine

In 2024, the great-power competition will continue, as will the rise of non-alignment, albeit now in a new incarnation: active non-alignment (ANA). Originally triggered by American and Chinese pressure on Latin American countries to take sides in their budding cold war, ANA is now spreading across Africa and Asia. It takes a page from the Non-Aligned Movement of yesteryear, but adapts it to the realities of the new century.

ANA should not be confused with neutrality or equidistance. Rather, it is a dynamic concept that allows countries to hold varying positions depending on the issue at hand. As a foreign-policy doctrine, it means putting the interests of ones own country first, and not succumbing to pressure by the great powers. It requires highly developed analytical capabilities, so that each issue can be evaluated on its own merits.

The rise of ANA has become especially apparent in the aftermath of Russias invasion of Ukraine, with many countries across the Global South refusing to take sides. This development shows that the main cleavage in todays world is not between democracy and autocracy, but between the Global North and the Global South. ANAs spread is closely associated with the rise of the Global South as a significant force in world affairs, of which the recent expansion of the Brics is Exhibit A. The best example of it in practice is Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas foreign policy over the course of 2023.

Jorge Heine is a research professor at Boston Universitys Pardee School of Global Studies.

Ana Palacio

If recent events are any indication, the world is indeed hastening toward a realignment. Russias war in Ukraine, ethnic displacement in Nagorno-Karabakh, the string of coups in Africa, and the crisis in the Middle East are all signs of the disruption of the world order that emerged after World War II. These events are not outliers or isolated crises. With the United States somewhat removed and less assertive than in the past, countries and non-state actors feel emboldened to take risks and seize opportunities that they previously would have shied away from.

The current moment is characterized by an alphabet soup of new coalitions that have formed in response to changing global power dynamics. The expanding Brics+ is just one example among many. With middle powers increasingly vying for global influence, we have entered an age of disorder that will last until a new configuration of international relations solidifies.

Ana Palacio is a former minister of foreign affairs of Spain, is a visiting lecturer at Georgetown.

Yu Jie

I agree. As myriad crises and elections unfold, 2024 is set to be another geopolitically tumultuous year. But it also offers opportunities for non-Western powers that champion neutrality" and non-alignment" to play greater roles in global affairs. Most of these countries, including China, base their foreign-policy priorities on hard calculations of economic or political interests, whereas the collective West stresses the importance of being likeminded".

This state of play cannot fail to create greater multipolarity. Pragmatism will demand that many countries pick a side depending on the issue at hand. While neutrality" will remain unthinkable from G7 members perspectivewhether they are dealing with relations with China or the war between Israel and Hamasmany non-Western powers will consider it de rigueur in conducting their foreign affairs.

For its part, China will continue to shift the rest of the world towards greater multipolarity, since it sees that as the best way to manage its stalemate vis-a-vis the United States. While Chinas initial position on Russias war in Ukraine worsened its ties with many Western countries, attitudes within the West have since become more nuanced. There is now a strange mix of fear that China will aid the Kremlin militarily, but also hope that it will limit President Vladimir Putins nuclear brinkmanship.

Given that many countries around the world do not view todays geopolitical crises in stark black-and-white terms, China may find that its preference for multipolarity is becoming more of an asset.

Yu Jie is a senior research fellow on China in the Asia-Pacific Program at Chatham House.

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The world is poised to have a complete changeover in its power outlook in 2024. General elections slated to be held in up to 40 nations, some of key stakeholders like United States of America, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Russia, and Mexico. The world will also carry two expensive wars-- Russia and Ukraine war, and Israel Hamas war-- into 2024.

While Artificial Intelligence ruled 2023-- its discovery, usage, abuse, and a potential threat to jobs-- the new year 2024 can expect a changed stance of this discovery- based on takes the seat of governance. 2023 saw AI boost stock prices, and a profound shift in how humans function.

2024 will see regulators all over the world scrambling to impose rules on this rapidly growing technology.

How bullets and ballots will shape global outlook in 2024

Let's address the elephant in the room first

Israel's attack on Gaza

On October 7 in 2023, Hamas fighters from Gaza launched an attack on Israel killing at least 1,200 people. In retaliation, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched an attack on the densely populated Gaza Strip, killing over 20,000 people, most of who are innocent civilians.

World leaders, barring some, had stood behind Netanyahu in his effort to defend Israel. However, Netanyahu has found himself increasingly isolated as Israel's attack on Gaza entered a 12th week. Palestinians in Gaza found themselves displaced in yet another re-run of the 1948 Nakba, only magnified this time.

Gaza Health Ministry has said more than 20,000 Palestinians, including over 5,000 children have died due to Israeli attack in Gaza.

Russia-Ukraine war

The war that is taking place further in the north has been going on for close to two years now, draining much of United States coffers as Israel join the need-for-aid list.

Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in Ukraines east and the south, but momentum on both sides has ground to a near halt. The key to any change in the stalemate lies as much in Washington and Brussels  and the Wests appetite for continued help for Ukraine  as it does in Moscow and Kyiv.

China's economy struggles

China, despite its loans to several countries, and the much ambitious Belt and Road initiative, saw their economy falter in 2023, with experts predicting that 2024 will see a much worse situation for the east Asian nation.

Notably, China's invasion of Taiwan, and their economic situation will only be clearer, who takes the President post in United states after the US Presidential Polls 2024.

US Presidential polls 2024

If Joe Biden returns for a second term, or will impeached former President Donald Trump returns will define US foreign policy for the next five years. The US election will remain THE most defining moment for the global power outlook in 2024.

Lok Sabha elections 2024

As India, a country with 900 million eligible voters will determine the political fate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi next spring.

Russian elections 2024

A rather less competitive race is taking shape in Russia, where Vladimir Putin is seeking another six-year term in office, putting him in the realm of Joseph Stalins lengthy reign over the country.

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Every man hath two birth-days," proclaimed Charles Lamb, a Romantic essayist, in 1821: his personal one and New Years Day. It is that from which all date their time," Lamb wrote, and count upon what is left". The turn of the year was an occasion to encounter pell-mell with past disappointments". But it was also a prompt to look forward to the years that remained to him, which seemed to pass ever more quickly.

This one-two of retrospection and encroaching mortality often leads to self-reproachfor hours wasted, love undeclared and careless crueltiesand thence to vows for the future. Lambs was to squeeze life dry (and have another cup of wine). Collectively, he and other writers and storytellers offer a handy typography of new years resolutions, virtuous and violent, kept and otherwise.

Booze is a central theme, either as the subject of the resolution or the spur for it. At the close of 1661, for instance, Samuel Pepys recorded in his diary that he had sworn a solemn oath" to abstain from wine. He did for a few weeks, finding he spent less money and frittered away less time in idle company". But he couldnt keep it up and by February was hitting the bottle again. Likewise the heroine of Bridget Joness Diary" resolves to drink less and stop talking total nonsense to strangers". She struggles on both counts.

In her case and others, drinking lubricates another type of resolution, namely an intent to find love. Like Christmas, only with more ambient smooching, New Years Eve is a lonely time for singletons. At one new years bash, the titular characters in When Harry Met Sally" resolve to be each others dates if they are still unattached a year later. When the day comes, Sally is marooned at a party stuffed with big Eighties hair and ruched dresses. Harry bursts in just before Auld Lang Syne", resolved to speak his heart. Its not because its New Years Eve," he insists. But it kinda is.

Occasionally the resolution is not to get into a relationship but out of one. At the start of Ibsens play A Dolls House", Nora is looking forward to a new year free of financial worries. Before it dawns, she is instead free of her dreadful husband.

At least on screen and page, amatory resolutions seem easier to fulfil than the alcoholic kind. Then there are those that involve a full-on moral reformation. Ive decided to become a mensch," says the protagonist of Billy Wilders sleazy-screwball comedy The Apartment". Having resolved to mend his wayshe has been lending his flat to his bosses to use for adulterous trystshe duly gets the girl on New Years Eve. They consecrate their union with a game of gin rummy.

This is the night when some characters muster the gumption to reverse their fortunes. In Trading Places", the good guys ruin the baddies in a heist featuring a gorilla and a fancy-dress party on a train. Or it can inspire epiphanies: in The Godfather Part II" (pictured), during new-year festivities in Cuba, Michael Corleone realises his brother Fredo has betrayed him. In a twisted parody of a midnight embrace, Michael kisses Fredo and grasps his neck in a form of reverse throttle. I know it was you, Fredo," he growls. In that fierce clinch, he resolves to be avenged and Fredos fate is sealed.

Even when they dont involve fratricide, new years resolutions can be ill-advised. It may be a natural time to assess your life, but it is also a febrile, maudlin and frequently inebriated one. The results can be foolish and unrealisticwhether they are can-do, mind-over-matter aspirations to do more, or plans to go easy on yourself and do less.

This last type of new years resolution has a logical flaw. If you are the sort of disciplined person who makes them in earnest, a promise to put your feet up may be hard to honour. Take Virginia Woolf. In 1931, she wrote in her diary, her first resolution was To have none." Next, she intended to be kindly with myself". Immediately afterwards, however, she pledges To make a good job of The Waves," an experimental novel published later that year. Woolf took it easy for two whole lines.

Sceptics might think Lamb made too much of January 1st. After all, the hinge between two calendar years is a fleeting and arbitrary punctuation in time, no more meaningful than any other moment. Then again, in the context of eternity, your entire life is a fleeting, arbitrary punctuation in time. This is as good an opportunity as any to glance back, peer forward and make improving resolutions. Next week", quipped Mark Twain at the start of 1863, you can begin paving hell with them as usual."
Each New Year, we pledge to transform our bodies, improve our careers, organize our homes and develop new hobbies. We dedicate ourselves to doing moremore exercise, more work, more activities and social engagements. On its face, striving for more sounds pretty good. But it also has a dark side that we need to resist.

As a neuropsychologist, much of my work focuses on how people respond to stress. I often find myself helping people understand the effects of self-defeating behaviors that I call the Overs. Its a familiar list: overworking, overachieving, overthinking, overexplaining, overgiving, overcommitting and overaccommodating.

We engage in the Overs to create psychological safety for ourselves. Theyre a form of nervous-system regulation. When you feel anxiety, stress, frustration or uncertainty, its because threat networks in your brain have activated: Youre afraid. To restore balance, you engage in compensatory behaviors designed to alleviate your fear. You may think, for example, that you overwork so your boss wont get mad at you, but the deeper explanation is that you overwork to relieve the stress you feel in the face of that prospect.

All too often, however, the Overs themselves become a primary source of psychological danger in our lives. In my work with high-achieving individuals, they often agree that all their overfunctioning feels bad to them, but they insist they need to continue overdoing it in order to stay safeor, as they put it, to stay relevant" or on top." Regardless of the semantics, the underlying neurobiology is the same: Overdoing is a form of self-protection. The problem is, it becomes bad for us.

Consider overachievingthe unrelenting drive for high performance. The conventional wisdom is that striving to be ones best" is a form of resilience that makes us more productive. Recent research suggests otherwise. A 2018 meta-analysis of 25,000 people, conducted by Dana Harari and colleagues and published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, found no relationship between actual performance and the perfectionism typical of overachievers. In other words, constantly striving to be the best performer doesnt make you the best performer.

But it does carry serious costs in terms of mental and physical health. A 2017 study by a team of Chinese researchers found that perfectionism was related to greater anxiety and depression. Researchers at Vanderbilt University examined the relationship between overachieving and reward-related neurocircuitry and reported in a 2012 study that overachievers had higher levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to both motivation and addiction. The brain can create powerful cravings that perpetuate our overfunctioningthe more you overfunction, the more you want to overfunction.

Or take another example: overthinking. If overthinking worked, it would allow us to solve more problems in our lives. But research shows the opposite is true. Overthinking is linked to poorer decision-making, greater interpersonal problems and more distress. The point of thinking about our problems is to reduce our problems, not to exacerbate them.

To break the grip of the Overs in the coming year, its imperative to see them for what they are: forms of safety-seeking. We think that if we overachieve or overthink, then they" cant harm usother people cant get mad at us, dominate us or reject us. But the reality is that when we chronically overdo it, we harm ourselves, with real consequences for our mental and physical health. Thinking more intelligently about the deeper psychological needs behind our behavior can help us find needed balance.

Here are three simple strategies to help you stop overdoing it in your life.

Decide on a new boundary and expect it to feel bad.

To stop overdoing, plan for some feelings of distress to emerge temporarily as you behave in more balanced ways. Overfunctioning is a hypervigilance strategy, a way that your brain organizes your behavior to protect you from potential danger. For example, if you decide to stop checking email after 7 p.m. in the New Year, your brain will sound an alarm after 7 p.m.: What if theres an important message you missed? What if your boss gets mad at you? If you respond to the urge, you will reinforce the very behavior you are trying to change.

But if you commit to your new boundary, your brain will habituate rather quickly. One of the most effective ways to overcome fear is through habituation. Habituation simply means repeatedly exposing yourself to something that initially frightens you, and after repeated exposures, your brain learns that the thing is not dangerous.

Recognize the difference between danger and dislike.

As you start to create these new boundaries, there may be real consequences. For example, if you stop overaccommodating your friends, family and co-workers, they may become frustrated with you. Its natural to dislike that, but it does not mean its dangerous. Research shows that people overestimate the negative consequences of their decisions.

What will harm you is chronically avoiding the negative feelings that your decisions may generate. Avoiding and denying take tremendous amounts of psychological energyand often change our lives for the worse. Take PTSD: If someone was traumatized in a military convoy, the pain of PTSD often sets in later when, for example, they feel they have to avoid ordinary activities like driving on suburban streets. People avoid these things not because the activities are dangerous but because they believe their feelings are.

Although PTSD is an extreme example, a similar logic applies to our regular lives. Although we may think facing our feelings is dangerous, the opposite is true: We find relief when were able to distinguish real danger from mere dislike.

Consider that you might be the most dangerous person in your own life.

In my work, this is the concept that produces the most profound shifts for people. Often, we overfunction because we feel like the other" isnt safethat another person will reject, harm or disappoint us. When you repeatedly attempt to restore your sense of psychological safety through other peoplethrough their validation, permission or moodyou might feel better temporarily, but you ultimately destabilize your own sense of safety. You have persuaded yourself that what is necessary to regulate your nervous system isnt your own inner authority but someone elses permission.

As a result, youre not in charge of how much you work, give or dosomeone else is. This is a perennial recipe for overdoing it. Instead, we need to recognize that the most powerful determiner of our own safety is no one but ourselves.

So much about changing habits for the New Year is based on the conventional wisdom that you need to do more to be better. And yes, growth is desirable. But often we say were after growth when the truth is were running from fear. When we pay more conscious attention to how our brains drive our behavior, we have the opportunity to build what were all really after: an enduring sense of inner security.

Julia DiGangi is a neuropsychologist and founder of NeuroHealth Partners. She is the author of Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power," published by Harvard Business Review Press.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made a New Year's address to the citizens of the terrorist state. This year, it did not involve the occupiers, but the Russian leader called them heroes and expressed pride.

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The dictator's speech was aired on Russian TV channels in the Far East on the afternoon of December 31, Moscow time. The Kremlin leader somewhere saw the cohesion of Russian society and said that the people of Russia remain united in thought, work, and battle.

He also addressed the occupiers, who are killing Ukrainians at this very moment, and said that he was proud and admired them.

Meanwhile, a rescue and search operation is underway in Kyiv at the site of a warehouse in the Shevchenkivskyi district after the Russian army attack on December 29. The number of victims of the rocket attack on the capital has risen to 23. January 1 will be a day of mourning in Kyiv.

Earlier, the media reported that Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting that Russia was allegedly ready to fight Ukraine for another five years . The Kremlin leader tried to convince his Chinese counterpart that Moscow could win. The dictator tried to persuade Xi not to change his pro-Russian position and argued that a protracted war would be beneficial to both China and Russia.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Oleksiy Melnyk, co-director of foreign policy programs, coordinator of international projects at the Razumkov Center, and military expert, said that Putin pursues two goals with his attacks on Kyiv. First of all, it is a rebellion, which should result in a violent change of power in Ukraine and the establishment of a puppet regime. And also a purely military way of occupying Kyiv. However, at present, the danger of both options is minimal.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Boeing is asking airlines to inspect its 737 Max jets for a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system, the airplane maker and Federal Aviation Administration confirmed this week
Activists who engage with voters of color are looking for messages that will resonate in 2024

Activists who engage with voters of color are finding lackluster enthusiasm after disappointments on some issues such as voting rights and student loan forgiveness during President Joe Bidens term
It was with great sadness that the news of the sudden death of Oliver OReilly, Mullahoran was received on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

His passing, aged 84, coming so soon after the untimely death of his beloved wife Rosemary on August 10 last, has left the family bereft and parishioners stunned.

The family home where parents welcome their children and family members back is a blessing in itself and coming as it is at Christmas time their loss is especially poignant.

A farmer by nature, Oliver tended to his stock with great pride, ably assisted by his grandchildren and always kept the home fires burning where a warm welcome awaited all callers.

He was well read, the daily newspaper and Celt and Leader kept him up to date with local events but it was his regret he never won anything in his lotto attempts.

He loved a good chat and had a good turn of phrase and could give as good as he got.

We extend our sincere sympathy to his children Noel (Theresa), Damien (Joan), Annemarie, Finbar (Grainne), Olivia (Seamus), Denise (Liam), adored grandchildren William, Cian, Oisin, Cormac, Shannon, Enya, Fionn, Fainche, Etain, Orna, Rian, Fiadh, and Iarla, his twin brother Tony (U.S.A.) and Tommy (England), his sisters-in-law Kathy and Maureen, nieces and nephews and friends.

Following in the footsteps of his father PJ OReilly, Kilcogy, Oliver was a highly respected bandmaster and whistle player who gave so much to keeping Irish music alive in the parish, always ready to play a few tunes no matter what the venue.

Indeed where traditional music is concerned his renown has spread far and wide.

From his early days with the old Mullahoran Fife and Drum band to teaching the childrens marching band he covered a lot of ground and in neighbouring parishes as well. Outings on St Patricks Day and Easter Sunday are recalled, stepping it out to the beat of The Dawning of the Day and The Kerry Slide.

Oliver could play any tune by ear, his favourite was Boolavogue which was played by his counterpart Antoin Mac Gabhann at his funeral. It was his greatest pleasure that his grandchildren are now carrying on the music tradition which he played so often for them as they grew up.

His remains reposed at the family home on Saturday, December 16 where large numbers came to pay their respects and again at his funeral on Sunday, December 17 in Our Lady of Lourdes church, Mullahoran.

Celebrants were Fr P J and Fr Jim Brady and burial took place at the family plot beside his beloved Rosemary.

May his faithful soul go marching on to the light of heaven.
A MAN has been charged in connection with the death of Maciej Nowak, who was found dead at a house in County Tipperary earlier this week.

Tomasz Rozpeda, aged 27, of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Elizabeth MacGrath at a special sitting of Nenagh District Court this Saturday evening after he was charged with assault causing harm.

Detective Garda Kevin OKeefe told the court that he arrested and charged Mr Rozpeda on Friday at 11:48pm at Tipperary Town garda station.

Gardai applied to have the defendant remanded in custody while awaiting DPP instructions and for him to appear before the court in Nenagh on Wednesday next, January 3.

The court was told gardai would be objecting to any application for bail.

Solicitor Vincent McCormack, acting for the accused, said he would not be making a bail application on this occasion but may do so at a later date.

Mr Rozpeda was assisted in court by a Polish interpreter and he was granted legal aid.

Maciej Nowak, 32, was found dead at a house in Ballycrana, Kilross, Co. Tipperary last Wednesday and is believed to have been assaulted in the early hours of December 27.

The rental property is located close to the Tipperary/Limerick border.
On New Year's Eve, from December 31 to January 1, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will traditionally deliver his final address to the Ukrainian people. The President will summarize the results of the past year and share his plans for the coming year.

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As always, the Ukrainian leader's speech will begin at 23:45. Ukrainians will be able to watch the broadcast on the national telethon.

On December 28, President Zelenskyy held a series of meetings to discuss expectations for 2024. The Head of State emphasized that they depend on the efforts that Ukraine is making today on the frontline.

"Of course, there were reports on the frontline today - Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, the left bank of Kherson. Resilience now, strength now, results now determine how this winter of full-scale war will pass and what we will expect from next year," the President added.

According to him, the main priority for Ukraine in 2024 is to maximize the productivity of the defense sector. The state must ensure the production of everything necessary to protect against any form of Russian aggression.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the evening of December 24, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Merry Christmas. The head of state recorded his holiday address in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The Head of State emphasized that in the context of a full-scale war in our country, this holiday has changed its meaning.

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Pets & Animal, Local News, Crime

By Catherine Eve Published: December 31 2023

Authorities in Nassau County are looking for information about an incident involving a dog found with 17 stab wounds.

Authorities in Nassau County are actively seeking information regarding a disturbing incident in which a dog was discovered with 17 stab wounds. The Nassau County SPCA has announced a $5,000 reward for any leads resulting in the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this violent act against the animal.

In November, a Freeport woman found a two-year-old male terrier mix bleeding from stab wounds. She brought the pup to the animal shelter Bobbi and the Strays, but the facility lacked the necessary resources to properly treat the severely injured dog. The dog was then taken to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter and subsequently transferred to a Farmingdale animal hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and received care.

Named "Cornell" by the town animal shelter, the dog has successfully recovered. He will be placed in a foster home before being made available for adoption. Meanwhile, Nassau County officials continue their search for the person responsible for this act of animal cruelty. The public is urged to call the DA's Animal Crimes Hotline at 516-571-7755 with any tips.
Roosevelt Man Arrested for Endangering a Child at Local Laundromat; Nassau County Police Urge Other Potential Victims to Come Forward

Crime

By Long Island Published: December 31 2023

A male was arrested for inappropriately sexually propositioning a female juvenile, 15, at a laundromat

The First Squad reports the arrest of a Roosevelt man for an incident that occurred on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 4:30 pm in Roosevelt.

According to Detectives, Officers received a 911 call for a male Hispanic inappropriately sexually propositioning a female juvenile, 15, at the Roosevelt Laundromat located at 455 Nassau Road. Officers located the defendant, Transito Giron, 55, and placed him under arrest without incident.

Defendant Transito Giron is charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He will be arraigned on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Detectives request anyone that feels that they may have been a victim of a similar incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911.
The suspect accused of firing a gun while first responders tried to put out a fire at an apartment building in Boston on Saturday has been arrested, according to authorities.

SWAT units and hostage negotiators with the Boston Police Department responded Saturday afternoon to the scene of the standoff and fire at 50 Fairlawn Ave. in Mattapan, secured the apartment building and evacuated the remaining residents from within the structure, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said at a press conference. Drones were also used during the emergency.

Police eventually located and arrested the suspect, whose name has yet to be released to the public by authorities. He suffered a slight injury to the lower part of his body, likely from a fall. Nobody else was injured, according to Cox.

Firefighters initially responded to the apartment fire at about 11:40 a.m. before hearing gunfire. By about 2:40 p.m., city officials announced the mans arrest and the fire was knocked down.

Following the suspects arrest, fire crews returned to extinguish the blaze, Cox detailed. Photographs posted to social media by the Boston Fire Department showed firefighters scaling ladders at the apartment building as smoke billowed out of the structure.

Companies working at the fire earlier today at 50 Fairlawn Ave. pic.twitter.com/8umPEHF4Pr  Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) December 30, 2023

We have no reason to believe that theres any, certainly any reason for people in the area to be concerned about this. We believe that this incident is certainly resolved, Cox said.

First responders, including police officers and firefighters, encountered flames, gunfire and the barricaded suspect while responding to the blaze at the apartment building shortly before 11:40 a.m. Saturday, Officer Jason Villanueva, a spokesperson for the Boston Police Department, told MassLive.

We dont know at who, but a shot was let off, Villanueva said.

A Code 99 was declared, which meant there was a special threat situation involving a barricaded suspect, according to Villanueva.

Mayor Michelle Wu, who spoke at the press conference, noted Bostons first responders are ready at a moments notice for whatever might come and handle emergency situations, like Saturdays, with the utmost professionalism.

And you see here today, also, our first responder agencies really keep each other safe, Wu added. The fact that Boston Fire was out and then needed a police response to back them up and then went back in and knocked down the rest of the fire with no one harmed in that situationeverybodys safeits really just a testament to how well-trained, how professional and dedicated our first responders are and how lucky we are as a city to have them.

Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke said in a statement Sunday he is grateful that the fire and active shooter incident yesterday did not result in any injury to our firefighters, police officers or residents.

As firefighters our main focus at any fire is the rescue of residents and the extinguishment of the fire but this incident heightened the danger level for all of our first responders, Burke said. The multi-agency cooperation was a role model of how a coordinated response should work and undoubtedly saved lives.
Team Canada found itself down a forward just 11 seconds into its game against Germany at the World Juniors on Sunday when Conor Geekie was ejected for an illegal hit.

The brother of Bruins forward, Morgan Geekie, happened when Conor Geekie skated into Germanys zone and laid a big hit on Samuel Schindler off the faceoff. He was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for the hit.

And it was something Morgan Geekie didnt agree with. The Bruins forward took to social media to voice his displeasure with the officiating.

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Didnt realize they handed out penalties for hitting too hard, Morgan Geekie posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Germany scored on the power play to take a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Arizona Coyotes prospect Julian Lutz.

The ejection left Team Canada shorthanded. Matthew Savoie is out with an undisclosed injury, while agger Firkus  who was added to the roster Saturday  didnt dress for Sundays game.

The results of Canada-Germany will help determine playoff seeding. Team USA locked up Group B after a 10-2 win over Slovakia on Sunday morning kept the Americans undefeated in the tournament.
Whether its with a glass of bubbly, scotch or soda, the final night of the year is a time for joy and revelry, along with forethought to the new year ahead.

New Years Eve lands on a Sunday in 2023, which means there could be some limitations for anyone in Massachusetts who plans on going out to grab alcohol for parties at home.

According to the states Blue Laws  restrictions on which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays  liquor sales are allowed as early as 11 a.m. and end no later than 11 p.m. or 11:30 p.m on a day before a legal holiday, according to states Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

As well, New Years Eve is not considered a state holiday, according to the secretary of states office. However, New Years Day is recognized by the state. In 2022, Massachusetts recognized New Years Day on Jan. 2 due to the holiday landing on a Sunday.

But with all of this in mind, liquor stores are unlikely to be closed between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. Leading up to the holiday weekend, its worth it to either call ahead to your nearest store that sells alcohol and see what their hours are, or stop by after 11 a.m. on Sunday for your last-minute purchase.

Read more: Enter the New Year with Enter the Haggis

The only holidays where alcohol sales at liquor stores are prohibited in Massachusetts are on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or in the morning of Memorial Day, according to the secretary of states office.
Looking to end the year with a caffeinated bang? Well, good news for coffee lovers because you can head to your neighborhood Starbucks before the ball drops on New Years Eve 2023.

Starbucks will be open on New Years Eve, but its unlikely stores will be up until the stroke of midnight.

The company said Starbucks store hours will run on holiday hours, which means they may close early for New Years Eve.

This holiday season, Starbucks store hours vary by location and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs, the chains website reads. We recommend customers look for specific store hours using the Starbucks app or by visiting our website store locator.

People can check if their local Starbucks is open by clicking here. Just be sure that if you grace your baristas with your presence, you wish them a happy and healthy new year.
Russian troops attacked Kharkiv in the evening of December 30 and at night of December 31, destroying buildings in the city center, including a well-known hotel and a new cafe. Photos and videos of what civilian objects looked like before the attack by the Russian "liberators" are available online.

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In the evening of December 30, an enemy rocket attack hit Kharkiv Palace, a five-star hotel on Independence Avenue. A missile hit the multi-story building (preliminary, at the level of the 12th floor). The damage to the hotel was confirmed by the head of the Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office, Oleksandr Filchakov.

The hotel offered more than 17 rooms and apartments. At the time of the attack, Kharkiv Palace was only partially occupied.

In total, 28 civilians were injured in Saturday's missile attacks on Kharkiv (as of the morning of December 31). The enemy used Iskander M and S-300 systems.

A few hours after the rocket attack, the Russian army launched Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones at Kharkiv. There were four hits on civilian objects (houses, offices, and cafes), Mayor Igor Terekhov said.

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Among the damaged buildings was the Franyk cafe and bakery. This establishment opened on the main square of the city only in the summer of 2023.

The destruction of the cafe was confirmed by its owners on its Instagram page. They assured us that their plans for the new year of 2024 are to rebuild the place. "Know that they can break the walls, but our spirit will never be broken," the post reads.

As OBOZ.UA previously wrote, users of the network were inspired by a photo of a coffee shop in the center of Kharkiv, which did not stop working after a Russian missile strike. The windows in the building were smashed, but the indomitable workers continued to receive visitors.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Showing his generosity to the community comes naturally for Jack Sarat.

Getting him to take any credit for it - well, thats another story for this modest, altruistic man.

Certainly, Christmas is a time to be thankful for what we have, and to help others who are not so fortunate, the owner of Sarat Ford Lincoln in Agawam said. If you can offer that help, why not do it?

Sarats humble, unassuming nature underscores that for so many generous supporters of the annual Toy for Joy Christmas campaign, the gift is in the giving.

Sarat Ford Lincolns $10,000 donation to Toy for Joy was nonetheless substantially more than even its generous donations of past years, and will go directly to help and support the regions children most in need.

Along with the humanity and Christmas spirit shown by so many others, the gift helped push the campaign drive over the $100,000 mark for its 101st year. While still short of the $150,000 goal, the total raised reached $106,745.

We are grateful to Mr. Sarat for his continuing support of Toy for Joy, especially this year when the campaign faced many challenges, not the least of which was the economy, said Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor emerita for The Republican. He joins so many other donors who each year help to ensure toys and books are there for children across Western Massachusetts whose families might otherwise not have a merry Christmas.

The 2023 drive, as with others before it and those to follow, served needy children age 16 and younger in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Each child receives an age-appropriate toy and a book, and despite a higher demand than ever - which caused the Springfield citadel of the Salvation Army to reopen registration for one day in late December - every eligible applicant was served.

All of the funds collected in this campaign went to cover the costs of gifts distributed this year. It is hoped that funds collected in excess of previous years campaign goals will cover the shortfall.

This is for the children. Its an excellent way for those of us who can help to say thank you to the community, Jack Sarat said in making his donation.

Other individuals and companies rallied to the cause of children and Christmas, as they do every year. The law offices of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy contributed $1,080 and by doing so, accomplished a dual purpose. They supported the areas children while also honoring the legacy of Robin Morris, a legal assistant and paralegal who passed away from cancer in 2020. Over nearly a quarter of a century, the Springfield law firm has contributed more than $50,000 to Toy for Joy while keeping alive the memory of a valued and beloved associate.

Those at the law offices of Mark E. Salomone also had the children in their hearts. A donation of $1,060 went to this worthy cause.

Donations of all sizes helped the campaign, and came from many sources. School Superintendent Eric Duda and the Pathfinder Regional School Committee in Palmer gave $345 to the children. Their gift continues a tradition begun years ago by superintendent Gerald Paist, who retired in 2021.

Another contribution of $500 came this week and was simply signed Brenda. Many such donations are done, often anonymously, and all of them help.

Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. The 2024 drive will be the 102nd in the campaigns history and will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Springfield Republican.

Any contributions received in the coming days will still go to cover the costs of this years toys and books and will be acknowledged in the first list of donations for next years campaign.

Here is the final list of contributions:

Happy holidays from Sarat Ford Lincoln, Agawam $10,000

In memory of Kamari B. Williams $200

From the Committee to Elect Bud L. Williams $250

In honor of Sasha and Tobey $20

Merry Christmas from Dolores $25

Anonymous $4

Anonymous $20

In memory of Lori Bernier from the Bernier Family $50

In memory of Mom, Dad, Suzy and Stubby from Ray $100

Merry Christmas to Christoper L. $50

In remembrance of Barbara, who made the holidays special, from Joanne $20

In memory of Rosemary from Francis $25

From Margaret $50

In thanksgiving for my countless blessings from Anne Marie $20

Merry Christmas and happy new year from Rick and Jackie $25.00

In memory of my Mom and Dad. Merry Christmas from Paul $20

Merry Christmas from Cameron, Brianna, Kayla, Maxwell, Ashlee and Madison Carlin $30

In memory of Jack and Jean Bishop $50

In loving memory of my parents Bud and Ruth and my husband John from Gail $25

Happy holidays from Michael and Mary $25

Superintendent Eric Duda and Pathfinder Regional School Committee For the children $345

In loving memory of our mother McC5 $100

Merry Christmas kids from the Sheehan girls $100

For the blessings of our grandchildren Chloe, Tyler, Jake, Emily and Paige $100

From Christine $60

Happy Christmas from Lyndsay $50

No child should be without a gift on Christmas, from Donna $25

In loving memory of Frankel and Pelletier family members $100

In memory of my parents Hazel and Joe Phillips of Suffield $20

In loving memory of friends who passed away this year from Ken & Marie $25

In memory of Carm and Rose Raschilla $20

In loving memory of Eugene OShea and Sally OShea, hugs and kisses $200

In memory of Doris, David and Steven Graci $20

From our grandkids $15

Merry Christmas. Love, Reis, Will, Hunter, Henry and Charlie $150

In memory of Carol, Kim, Kerrie, Darlene $100

From Mary Beth $25

Rest in Peace, Merry Christmas Eldon, Ruth, Gene and Eileen $100

Merry Christmas from Brian and Mary Ann $100

In thankfulness for all our blessings from Marie and Bob $100

In memory of our grandson Robbie $20

In memory of Tom Simonds. Merry Christmas $100

In loving memory of my classmates, Carol, Stan, Roland, Shirley and Pat P., from Joanns 53 $30

For our blessed old and young who are very special, from Michael $50

In memory of John and Billy ODonnell $25

In memory of Thomas and Jane ODonnell $25

From Zane $25

Merry Christmas from my grandkids Mya, Kayla, Alexa, Riley and Gavin $125

Memory of Gramma Kay $25

Happy holidays to all from Tom D. Fielding $50

In memory of our friend and colleague, Robin Morris, and all members of the Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy family we carry in our hearts. $1,080

In memory of Inge and Ed Mahlo $25

Chester $50

Good luck to children amd peace and justice to all $250

Denise $30

From the law offices of Mark E. Salomone $1,060

Mary $50

Remembering family and friends past and present at Christmas. $180

In memory of Thomas and Noreen McMahon $50

Kathlyn $25

Merry Christmas $100

In loving memory of our parents: Herb and Connie and Gus and Claire $100

Jennifer $50

Brianne $50

Anne and Peter $50

Richard $100

Katrina $25

Brian $25

In memory of Alice and Bill Roberts $50

In memory of Robert Donnellan $25

In memory of Tommy Julian $50

Brenda $500

Merry Christmas $50

From my amazing five grandchildren, Merry Christmas! $250

Laurene $100

Steve $100

Marion $50

Good will on earth, peace for all. $100

In memory of my loving husband, Alexander J. Begg Jr. The girls and I all love and miss you very much

Love, Karen $25

Merry Christmas and best of the new year $100

In memory of the Savoia and Trombly families $100

Received $18,039

Total $106,745
Fifteen years ago, 16-year-old Devonte Franklin was stabbed to death on an MBTA bus in Bostons Dorchester neighborhood. Today, Transit Police are still hopeful that, with the publics help, they can find his killer.

On Dec. 31, 2008, around 9:30 p.m., Franklin was stabbed multiple times on a route-28 bus in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Harvard Street, according to Transit Police.

Tragically, Devonte did not survive this horrendous and senseless attack. Its an understatement to say Devontes murder was devastating to his family, friends and all those who knew him, the department wrote in a press release last year.

Devonte Franklin, 16, was stabbed to death on an MBTA bus in Dorchester on Dec. 31, 2008, according to Transit Police.MBTA Transit Police

According to Boston.com, at the time of Franklins killing, authorities said there was an altercation on the bus, but that they didnt know who was involved or what started the fight.

He told me the day that he died, he couldnt take it anymore, Franklins mother, Aretha Mauge told The Boston Globe in 2012. He said I couldnt teach him, the streets were too tough.  [He couldnt] do it no more, the extra buses, the long way home to avoid conflict. He gave up.

On Sunday, Transit Police renewed calls for information about Franklins stabbing.

There hasnt been any closure for my family, Omar Franklin, the victims uncle, said during a 2019 interview with WCVB.

Transit Police said the department will accept anonymous tips. It asks that those with information call them at 617-222-1050.

We know someone could help the TPD identify his killer. PLEASE do the right thing for Devonte, the department wrote on social media Sunday.
Arkansas State Police have arrested a Maine man who authorities say went on the run after killing a coworker at a Waterville liquor store earlier this week, Maine State Police announced Sunday.

After a car chase early Sunday morning, police arrested Spridal Hubiak  the 20-year-old Waterville resident charged with murder in the death of 52-year-old Angela Bragg, Maine State Police said in a press release.

A Damons Beverage employee found Bragg  a Waterville resident  dead of a sharp force injury around 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 28, police said. Braggs death was soon ruled a homicide, and investigators issued a warrant for Hubiaks arrest in connection with her killing.

Just before 1 a.m. Sunday morning, police in Flippin, Arkansas, notified Maine State Police that they had made contact with Hubiak, who was sleeping in a parking lot, police said. He fled in a black Ford Taurus, but Arkansas State Police deployed spike mats and disabled the car.

Hubiak then got out of the car carrying a rifle and shots were fired, police said. Hubiak was injured, but it is unclear whether Hubiak fired his rifle or if he was hit by gunfire, as authorities are not releasing detailed information about the shooting while Arkansas State Police investigate the incident.

Hubiak was flown to a hospital in Missouri, but is expected to live, police said. It is unclear when he might be taken back to Maine to face charges.

Authorities have not released further information about Braggs killing, but have said they were both employees of Damons liquor store. The liquor store called the incident an unimaginable tragedy in a statement posted to its Facebook page on Friday.

First and foremost, the Damon family would like to reach out and extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Angela Bragg, Damons Beverage wrote. She was a valued employee, friend, and person. None of us will be the same after this.
Hingham police cited a Quincy man for operating under the influence after finding him unconscious in the woods following a serious car crash early Saturday morning.

Officers responded to a single-car crash on Lincoln Street a little before 4:30 a.m., Hingham police said in a press release. A witness told officers the driver was the only person in the SUV at the time of the crash, and that hed run when the witness said he was going to call police.

After investigating the crash, officers determined that a Chevy Suburban had been traveling south on Lincoln Street at a high rate of speed when it veered off the road and hit a large tree, police said. The impact was severe and caused the SUV lose a tire and spin 180 degrees before stopping near utility pole on the other side of the road.

Officers noticed blood on the drivers side airbag, and K9 units and a drone were called in to try to find the driver, police said. The drone soon found the 23-year-old driver lying face down in the woods near Bremer Circle.

The driver was unconscious, but officers were able to wake him. According to police, they soon noticed that he smelled strongly of alcohol, and that his eyes were glassy and bloodshot.

The driver was taken to South Shore Hospital, and police cited him for operating under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of a property damage crash, negligent operation, a marked lanes violation and speeding. Authorities have not released the drivers name, as he was summons instead of being arrested.
A woman was taken to a hospital after a minivan struck her while she was crossing the street in Somerset Saturday evening, according to police.

Police and firefighters were called to the area of 1176 County St. just after 5 p.m. Saturday for a report that a person had been hit by a vehicle, Somerset police said in a press release.

Officers investigated the crash and determined that a Dodge Caravan driven had hit the 50-year-old Somerset woman as she crossed County Street, police said. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The driver  an 84-year-old Fall River man  stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers, police said. He was not injured in the crash.

Police said they are still investigating the crash, but so far, they have not announced any charges.

The crash comes just a day after a Seekonk woman died as a result of a Christmas Day car crash in Somerset. That crash had already claimed the life of her husband and 15-year-old grandson.

Police say the crash was caused by a drunk driver from New York City who is facing charges including motor vehicle homicide and manslaughter while operating under the influence of liquor.
Between 2021 and 2023, the number of Massachusetts residents living in food insecure households increased by close to 50 percent, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A Hunger Free America analysis of USDA data shows that 363,433 Bay Staters were without enough to eat between September and October 2021, compared to 535,920 between the same months of 2023 -- a 47.5 percent increase.

Across Massachusetts, 9.1 percent of residents lived in food insecure households between 2020 and 2022, compared to 11.9 percent nationwide, the reports authors concluded.

The study, which focuses on hunger trends across the country, concluded that food insecurity is on the rise due to the expiration of federal benefits that were subsidizing nutrition programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many federal benefit increases have either gone away entirely, or are being ramped down, even as prices for food, rent, healthcare, and fuel continue to soar, Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, said. Our report demonstrates child and adult hunger are serious problems in rural, urban, and suburban areas of all 50 states. This report should be a jarring wake up call for federal, state, and local leaders.

Between March 2020 and March 2023, Massachusetts residents received additional federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars to help combat the economic impacts of the pandemic.

These extra payments were authorized by the first big federal pandemic package, at the time providing extra funds to about 60 percent of Massachusetts families, Victoria Negus of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute said this spring.

In 2021, the Biden administration updated the policy guaranteeing all SNAP households at least $95 in extra funds. On average, the SNAP emergency allotment added an additional $151 to a households normal monthly benefit of $335 in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Transitional Assistance.

Around 630,000 households in Massachusetts received these extra benefits, which accounted for approximately $90 million in federal nutrition dollars flowing into the state each month, Negus said.

But a year-end package approved by Congress last December disconnected the extra SNAP benefits from the end of the federal public health emergency, meaning the federal payments came to an end in March this year.

Read More: Report finds food insecurity to be greatest in Western Massachusetts

Massachusetts lawmakers temporarily extended these nutrition payments with $130 million in state dollars to create an offramp for families who had to adjust how they paid for food, but those funds only lasted for three months.

Lawmakers and Gov. Maura Healey did, however, move to permanently expand one pandemic-era nutrition benefit: free universal school meals.

Written into the fiscal year 2024 budget was $172 million to continue the universal school meals program, making Massachusetts the eighth state in the country to make the free meals programs permanent after the policy began in the pandemic with federal money.

Supporters who helped push it over the finish line in both the House and Senate claimed that the program would dramatically decrease childhood hunger, with two meals provided by the state for every child during school days.

Between 2020 and 2022, 11.6 percent of Massachusetts children were living in food insecurity, according to the report, compared to the national average rate of 15.8 percent.

Massachusetts joined Minnesota, New Mexico, Colorado, Vermont and Michigan in making school breakfasts and lunches permanently free to all students starting this academic year. California and Maine had already implemented this policy. In California, 15.3 percent of children were reported as living in food insecure households between 2020 and 2022, and 13.7 percent of children in Maine were.

The states with the highest rates of food insecure children were Delaware (21.4 percent), Nebraska (21 percent), Texas (20.7 percent), Georgia (20 percent), Kentucky (19.7 percent), and Louisiana (19.7 percent).

Effective federal public policies over the previous few years were spectacularly successful in stemming U.S. hunger, but as many of those policies have been reversed, hunger has again soared. At exactly the moment when so many Americans are in desperate need of relief, many of the federally funded benefits increases, such as the Child Tax Credit and universal school meals, have expired, due mostly to opposition from conservatives in Congress, Berg said of the nation-wide hunger trends.

The states with the lowest rates of food insecurity overall were New Hampshire (6.1 percent), Minnesota (7.3 percent), Vermont (7.7 percent), Colorado (8.4 percent), and North Dakota (8.6 percent).
In return for Chris Sale, the Red Sox acquired infielder Vaughn Grissom from the Atlanta Braves. Grissom had been one of the Braves highest-rated prospects and was expected to take over at shortstop last season. Instead, the Braves went with Orlando Arcia and returned Grissom to the minor leagues.

Over the last two years, Grissom has appeared in 64 games in the majors with a .746 OPS, and his star has dimmed somewhat in the process.

We surveyed a number of scouts and evaluators to get their read on what the Red Sox are getting. Reports were mixed.

SCOUT 1: I think he got into the habit of being too fast on some routine plays in the infield and is in need of more game-speed experience. I guess I see him as an offense-first shortstop option who would, ultimately, fit better at second base.

SCOUT 2: Carries the profile of an offensive second baseman, but his defense can be underwhelming. Still, he should have everyday, run-producing value at Fenway.

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SCOUT 3: Im luke-warm on him. He really cant play shortstop, and I see him being limited to either second base or a corner outfield spot. He has contact skills, but the power is not there. For me, not an impact guy.

SCOUT 4: Its all about upside and patience with him. He has the talent to be a productive major league bat in the No. 2 hole in need of an OBP upgrade, strike zone (recognition) and walks. Has some defensive versatility and could play at second, short and the outfield, but we had some concerns about his ability to play shortstop. He should be able to hit and play second base. Has a good work ethic and can be tough on himself. Brings some instincts and attitude to develop. Hell need some time (to develop further) at the major league level, sort of like (Triston) Casas did.

SCOUT 5: I liked him. Main thing for me is inconsistency. Showed me actions, athleticism, range, arm to play shortstop and would be plus defender at 2B. Was late reading and reacting to a couple of ground balls. At-bats were solid in the games I saw, but saw a little pitch recognition issue. Was able to battle and adjust, which leads me to believe at major league level.
On New Year's Eve, December 31, explosions occurred in Kryvyi Rih and Kropyvnytskyi. Prior to that, an air raid was declared in Ukraine due to the takeoff of a MiG-31K, which is a carrier of the X-47M2 Kinzhal missile.

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The sounds of explosions in the cities were reported by local Telegram channels. There has been no official information about them so far.

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As a reminder, on December 23, there were also explosions in Kryvyi Rih that were related to the work of air defense. Defenders shot down enemy drones over the city.

On the same day, Kremlin terrorists attacked Kirovohrad region with missiles. The enemy's massive missile attack was repelled by air defense forces, but the fragments of the downed missiles damaged roofs, fences and cars in Kropyvnytskyi and Oleksandriia districts.

On December 31, the occupiers also launched dozens of Shahed-type kamikaze attack drones into Ukraine. This time, most of the UAVs attacked the frontline areas. Thanks to the effective work of air defense, 21 drones out of 49 launched were shot down.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine spoke about the possibility of another massive Russian attack on New Year's Eve. He noted that Ukrainians should always expect trouble from the aggressor country.

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- On December 31, during another Russian drone attack on Ukraine, Iranian-designed Shahed UAVs flew into the Khmelnytsky region. A fire broke out at a critical infrastructure facility in the region.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwans presidential candidates expressed desire for peaceful relations with Beijing, which has described Jan. 13 elections on the self-ruled island as a choice between war and peace and stepped up harassment of the territory that China claims as its own.

William Lai, the front-runner and currently Taiwan's vice president from the ruling Democratic Peoples Party, said in a televised debate Saturday that he was open to communicating with the government in Beijing, which has refused to talk to him or President Tsai Ing-wen.

Beijing favors the candidate from the more China-friendly Nationalist, or Kuomintang, Party, and has accused Lai and Tsai of being separatists who are trying to provoke a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to regard the island of 23 million with its high-tech economy as Chinese territory and has been steadily increasing its threat to achieve that goal by military force if necessary.

Tensions with China have featured strongly in the presidential campaign.

China has also stepped up military pressure on the island by sending military jets and ships near it almost daily. Taiwans Defense Ministry this month also reported Chinese balloons, which could be used for spying, flying in its vicinity.

Differences over Taiwan are a major flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. U.S. relations with the island are governed by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which makes it American policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent any unilateral change of status by Beijing.

Lai - who tops most opinion polls - promised to help strengthen Taiwans defense and economy if elected.

As long as there is equality and dignity on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwans door will always be open, he said during the debate. I am willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation with China to enhance the well-being of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The international community has realized the threat China poses to Taiwan and the international community, Lai said. In fact, everyone is already preparing to respond. We should  unite and cooperate to ensure peace.

Hou Yu-ih, the Kuomintang candidate, also said he sought peaceful relations with Beijing.

The Kuomintang previously endorsed unification with China but has shifted its stance in recent years as Taiwans electorate is increasingly identifying as Taiwanese - as opposed to Chinese - and wants to maintain the status quo in relations with Beijing.

Hou said he opposed Taiwans independence but also a potential unification under Chinas one country, two systems framework, which Beijing has used to govern Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to China in 1997. Hou said he sought democracy and freedom for Taiwan.

The third candidate, Ko Wen-je, from the smaller Taiwan Peoples Party, referenced a quote by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding U.S.-China relations, saying that Taiwan and China will cooperate if they can cooperate, compete if theres a need to compete, and confront each other if they must confront each other.

The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same race and have the same history, language, religion and culture, but at this stage, we have a different political system and way of life, Ko said, adding that "Taiwan needs self-reliance, and both sides of the Taiwan Strait need peace.

We have to make it clear to the Chinese government that my bottom line is that Taiwan must maintain its current democratic and free political system and way of life, Ko said. Only if these conditions are met can we have dialogue.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A new year is a good reason to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Ann Arbor has had a variety of businesses open in 2023, including new spots for drinks and food that present opportunities to expand your palate with new flavors.

Related: These businesses opened in Ann Arbor in 2023

Here are five great new Ann Arbor restaurants to try in 2024.

Fried chicken wings at Peridot in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.Christina Merrill | MLive.com

Peridot

Dive into Vietnamese flavors at Peridot.

The restaurant opened in the former Grange Kitchen & Bar space on West Liberty Street in early October, with help from members of the Watershed Hospitality Group and Pacific Rims Owner and Chef Duc Tang.

Related: Shareable dishes inspired by Vietnamese flavors await at Peridot in Ann Arbor

Peridot, 118 W. Liberty St., is open 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday. The kitchen is open until midnight every night the business is open.

Learn more online, on social media or by phone at 734-773-3097.

Romanesco is served at Spiedo, 307 S. Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor, on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. The restaurant features a variety of flatbread sandwiches and sides.J. Scott Park | jpark4@mlive.com

Spiedo

Spiedo draws inspiration from Mediterranean food. It opened at the end of September and offers a variety of rotisserie meats and vegetables on its menu full of flatbread sandwiches, rice bowls and side dishes all made with two rotisseries and a griddle.

Related: Spiedo is bringing Mediterranean style menu to former Chelas in Ann Arbor

The restaurant took over the former Chelas Restaurant and Taqueria space on South Fifth Avenue and is a fast-casual concept given its 1,300-square-foot space.

Spiedo, 307 S. Fifth Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Find the restaurant online, on social media or by phone at 734-548-6969.

Outside the future location of Culantro Peruvian Eatery, 221 N. Main St. in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comJacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Culantro

Authentic Peruvian food is on the menu at one new Ann Arbor restaurant.

Culantro opened its second location at the start of December in The Broken Eggs former location at 221 N. Main St. The fast-casual Peruvian eatery began in downtown Ferndale in 2018.

Customers can find dishes like pollo a la brasa, ceviche and lomo saltado.

Related: Peruvian restaurant is opening in former Broken Egg location in Ann Arbor

Culantro is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Find the restaurant online, on social media or by phone at 734-369-4302.

The Rose Latte is served with rose petals at Socotra Coffee House in Ann Arbor.Martin Slagter | The Ann Arbor News

Socotra Coffee House

Socotra Coffee House has been serving authentic Yemeni coffee and pastries since August.

The coffee shop at 3130 Packard St. is truly a family-run business with the Algazaly and Alrabeei families behind all of its operations.

Socotra Coffee House serves coffee imported from Yemen along with some traditional Yemen pastries like sabaya and honeycomb bread. The menu also features milk cakes, cheesecakes, fruit tarts and layered cakes.

Related: New Ann Arbor coffee shop is serving up Yemeni coffee, homemade pastries

Socotra Coffee House is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more on social media or by phone at 734-929-5672.

The soon-to-open Lowertown Bar and Cafe at 1031 Broadway St. in Ann Arbor's Lower Town on Nov. 7, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Lowertown Bar and Cafe

Coffee, beer and spirits make up Lowertown Bar and Cafe in Ann Arbor.

Related: Ann Arbors new Lowertown Bar and Cafe preparing to open after year of delays

The restaurant opened at 1031 Broadway St. in a modest 1938 building with its own history, transforming it into a new neighborhood spot for coffee, snacks, beer and cocktails.

Customers can find a menu packed with beers, ciders, craft cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks with plenty of coffee and pastry options as well.

Lowertown Bar and Cafe is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but closed from 3 to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to midnight, but closed from 3 to 4 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more online, on social media or by phone at 734-926-8122.

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.

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In the new year 2024, Germany will continue to provide "strong support" to Ukraine together with its partners. This includes military assistance and more: in particular, on June 11-12 next year, Berlin will hold a conference on the restoration of our country, which will aim to strengthen the link between reconstruction, reforms, and the EU accession process.

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This is reported on the website of the German Foreign Ministry. In the material titled "What is important at the turn of 2024", the first paragraph is the section "On the side of Ukraine".

Berlin noted that during the full-scale war unleashed by Russia, it has allocated more than 27.8 billion euros for bilateral support to Kyiv. Among other things, Germany helped Ukraine before the winter, supported Ukrainian refugees, transferred humanitarian aid, assisted in the investigation of war crimes, demining, etc.

The Ukrainian military receives equipment, weapons, and supplies from Bundeswehr warehouses and German industry, funded by the German budget.

The diplomats drew attention to the fact that this winter the aggressor state Russia is again deliberately bombing civilian infrastructure.

"Therefore, the federal government is supporting Ukraine with a winter package and plans to double military aid to 8 billion euros in 2024," the Foreign Ministry's press service said.

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Germany is the second largest donor to Ukraine after the United States. Germany is also the largest contributor to the European Peace Facility (EPF) refinancing fund, which has provided 5.6 billion in support measures across Europe from 2022 to 2026 for the supply of military equipment by EU member states.

"Ukraine has been resisting Russian aggression with great courage and defending our freedom: since April 2022, the country has liberated more than half of the territories originally occupied by Russia; the Armed Forces of Ukraine have also managed to gradually push back the Russian fleet in the Black Sea and open a safe shipping corridor that has already allowed more than 200 ships to export grain and other goods to world markets. Despite the fact that Ukraine's defense struggle against Russia has placed incredible demands on it, it has implemented an impressive series of internal reforms that will allow it to start negotiations on EU accession," the German Foreign Ministry said.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported, according to the Washington Post, the Russian Federation has set out to undermine support for Ukraine in France, including through disinformation, manipulation and propaganda. For this purpose, the aggressor uses not only social media and mass media but also French politicians, opinion leaders and activists.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  From new housing to a new location for a large coffee chain, several developments taking shape in the Jackson County area.

Some developments have just been proposed, while others already have broken ground. Here is a non-exhaustive list of projects to keep tabs on in 2024.

A floor plan for one of the building proposed to be built in the citys Martin Luther King Jr. corridor. (Image provided by the City of Jackson)Image provided by the City of Jackson

Proposed apartment buildings on Jacksons southside

The Jackson City Council unanimously approved an option agreement in September with local developers Jonathan and Paula Autry to purchase eight lots in the citys Martin Luther King Jr. corridor to build six multi-unit rental buildings, adding 24 affordable rental units to the citys southside.

The proposed development calls for 24 single-bedroom, 598-square-foot apartment units on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for income levels at 60 to 120% of the annual median income.

Read the full story here.

The interior of a house being built at 612 E. Ganson St. in Jackson on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The city sold the property to Fresh Start Real Estate Services LLC.Sydney Verlinde | MLive.com

Jacksons100 Homes program

Jackson officials have launched a program aimed aimed at getting 100 new homes built in the city for low- and middle-income families.

City officials began taking applications for the 100 Homes program in October. The program calls for the construction of 100 new homes on vacant city lots, while also offering prospective qualified homeowners $25,000 in down payment assistance.

The program comes after the Jackson City Council began approving the sale of city-owned lots acquired through tax foreclosure and demolition to developers, with the aim to create more available housing.

Related: Rebuilding the city: New homes to be built on vacant Jackson lots

Construction on the 100 Homes is expected take place through 2026.

Read the full story here.

Site work is taking place to construct a new Tim Hortons location in Jackson. The Canadian chain is expected to open at 2550 Airport Road in 2024.Chloe Miller | CMiller@mlive.com

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is opening a new location at 2550 Airport Road in Blackman Township. Residents driving by have likely seen some site work taking place at the chains third Jackson location, and officials said they hope to open the new shop in summer 2024.

The site used to house the former Hot n Now restaurant before it closed and was replaced by Jackson Coffee Co. until it also closed in roughly 2021, according to property records.

The Canadian chain is developing an approximately 1,600-square-foot building on the site that will serve guests in-restaurant and through a drive thru, officials said.

Read the full story here.

A rendering of the exterior of the expanded Jackson YMCA, 127 W Wesley St. The project is expected to break ground in 2024.Rendering provided by the Jackson YMCA

Jackson YMCA

The Jackson YMCA, 127 W. Wesley St., has been working on a $25-million capital campaign since 2017 to add an additional 30,000 square feet to the east side of the building.

Construction on the facility has been delayed to early 2024 as officials seek more bids after work came in more than $4 million over project estimates.

Some adjustments were made to bring the project back down to its $25 million estimate, including changing materials, relocating some staircases and moving the planned wellness center to the new extension, aside from the existing facility, officials said.

People can expect groundbreaking to take place in early 2024, with officials anticipating completing the addition by May or June 2025.

The new facility will include increased accessibility and visibility. Other upgrades will include a new kids area, licensed childcare, an enhanced aquatics center and a universal locker room.

Read the full story here.

A portion of the main floor seating remains covered during ongoing renovations at Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 124 N. Mechanic St. in Jackson on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. The theater is open for holiday events and shows between the first and second phases of its renovation - it will close from January 2 to May 1 2024 for the second and final phase.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Theatre of Jackson renovations

A $6.2-million capital campaign was launched at the downtown Jackson theater at 124. N. Mechanic St. in December 2022 to maintain its historical significance, while bringing the facility into the 21st century.

So far, a little more than $5 million has been raised and phase one of the project has recently completed after construction began in July. A new air exchange unit was installed, and damaged plaster was replaced under the balcony and along the top of the 56-foot walls.

The theater is now gearing up for phase two of the renovation, and expects to close, starting Tuesday, Jan. 2. Plans are to reopen it with a fresh look in May 2024.

Read the full story here.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Kay Jewelers are coming to the Jackson Crossing, 1092 Jackson Crossing Ave.

Jackson Crossing

Several new businesses are expected to make their way to Jackson Crossing.

Many of the new stores are coming to the former Sears building that closed in 2018. They include Five Guys and McAlisters Deli.

Read the full story here.

A rendering of the new South Central Credit Union branch at 2221 E. South St. (Photo provided by South Central Credit Union).Photo provided by South Central Credit Union

South Central Credit Union

South Central Credit Union has started construction on a new branch at 2221 E. South St., near U.S. 127. The credit union, which opened in 1954, has been operating out of a single location on Monroe Street for many years, but company officials want to expand.

The credit union currently serves roughly 7,300 members in Jackson County and the surrounding area.

The development is still in the very early stages, but officials expects it to be complete by spring 2024, with a tentative grand opening in June.

The exterior of the future Taco Bell that is coming to Brooklyn.Chloe Miller | CMiller@mlive.com

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is constructing a new location at 413 S. Main St., next to the Big Boy restaurant.

This new location will be owned and operated by Black River Bells, a franchise group from Brighton. A 2,046-square-foot restaurant is planned for the lot that previously housed a Burger King restaurant that was demolished after a fire in 2012.

The restaurant will feature the same Mexican-inspired menu items found at its other U.S. restaurants. The location is planned to be dine-in and drive thru.

Read the full story here.

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KALAMAZOO, MI  The 2023 news cycle had tragic stories, heart-warming stories and everything in between.

From politics to new developments to sports, the Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive wanted spotlight some of the stories that made us smile this year.
Though were at the end of 2023, Michigan political news didnt slow in the years last full week. This is your guide to Michigan politics.

Trump will stay on Michigans primary ballot

A lawsuit seeking to keep former President Donald Trump off the Feb. 27 presidential primary ballot reached the end of the road this week, after the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in the case.

Plaintiffs in the case had argued Trump had violated the insurrection claue of the U.S. Constitutions 14th Amendment, due to his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Only Justice Elizabeth Welch dissented in the order, writing that the question of whether a possible presidential candidate is eligible to appear on the ballot due to allegedly violating the Constitutions insurrection clause and whether it was on the judiciary to decide that was of monumental importance for our system of democratic governance.

Its one of just a series of suit that have played out across the U.S. in recent weeks. Trump had been barred from Colorados ballot just a week earlier, and later this past week Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows ruled him ineligible on the same grounds.

At the same time, officials in Oregon and California have denied attempts to block him from the ballot in those states. Legal experts have reportedly said the contrasting decisions will add additional pressure for the matter to be ultimately decided at the federal level by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Calls to oust Michigan GOP chair grow inside the party

Throughout December theres been a growing chorus of voices within the Michigan Republican Party calling on their embattled chair Kristina Karamo to resign or be removed.

Eight of 13 Republican congressional district party chairs asked Karamo to resign in an open letter published Thursday, writing, please put an end to the chaos in our party.

It came just a little more than a week after the partys co-chair announced her support for a meeting where critics hope to force a vote to remove Karamo.

Karamo, in return, has cast her critics  some of whom are former supporters  as secret Democrats and looking to undermine Republicans heading into a crucial election year.

Warren Carpenter, whos helping to organize an effort to oust Karamo, hopes to have a meeting scheduled in the next week. Hes confident theyll have the votes to remove her.

Ultimately, this is this is going to end up in a lawsuit, this is going to end up in litigation, Carpenter predicted. She wont go away quietly.

Redistricting panel fractures after maps are invalidated

Michigans first independent redistricting panel is in chaos after a seismic federal court decision that ordered the commission to redraw 13 state legislative districts.

They publicly disagreed Thursday over how to respond to a recent federal court ruling that found a broad swath of state House and Senate districts in metro Detroit violated the Voting Rights Act.

More: Redistricting commissioners at odds whether to appeal ruling that tossed Michigan legislative maps

Commissioners appeared split over whether to appeal the ruling as deadlines loom, but two commission members in favor of the ruling left the meeting before the panel could vote on the issue, leave them without enough members to conduct business.

They pretty much sabotaged this meeting on purpose. Thats my opinion, of course, commissioner Richard Weiss said in the meeting.

The commission is coming up on a court-imposed deadline to file a brief about how the districts should be redrawn, and in particular if the commission can be left to revise their work or if it should be left to an outside expert. After a series of departures, three new members will have to be chosen.

The deadline to file candidacies for Michigan legislative races is in mid-April, meaning time is short for new districts to be formed.

Looking ahead to 2024

In Michigan state government, one dynamic is going to define at least the first few months of the next year: an evenly-divided House, after two Democrats left for other offices in November.

As my colleague Ben Orner wrote last week, Democrats and Republicans alike still have long to-do lists of what theyd like to accomplish.

The good news for Democrats is that the speakership stays the same, meaning Democrats still have control over what bills are put up for votes, Ben explains. The bad news is that anything reaching the governors desk until those seats are filled in April will need at least one Republican supporter.

Legislative leaders have said their priorities include affordable and accessible housing, economic and community development and access to health care and prescription drugs.
31.12.2023 LISTEN

UK-based and multi-award-winning artiste, Danny Lampo, born to Ghanaian parents in Italy and raised in the UK, is set to kick off the new year with a blazing single titled "Ganja Fire," slated for release on January 8, 2024. Lampo, widely recognized as the Berkshire King of Afrobeat, has consistently stood out as one of the most prominent Ghanaian artists promoting the rich musical culture of Ghana in the UK.

Lampo's journey to acclaim has been marked by a series of noteworthy achievements, and his upcoming release adds another chapter to his impressive musical portfolio. The artist gained significant attention with his recent collaboration alongside Article Wan on the track "Puutu," a song that not only dominated charts across Europe but also resonated with audiences across various parts of Africa.

Danny Lampo's influence in the UK's music scene has solidified his status as Afrobeat Royalty. Born to Ghanaian parents in Italy, raised in the UK, and now making his mark in the music industry, Lampo has seamlessly blended the essence of his multicultural background with the rich musical landscape. His unique sound, characterized by infectious beats and compelling lyrics, has earned him acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

As anticipation builds for "Ganja Fire," fans are eager to experience the musical journey that Lampo promises to embark on. The title alone suggests a potent blend of cultural richness and contemporary beats, a signature style that has become synonymous with Danny Lampo's artistry.

The success of Lampo's previous release, "Puutu," serves as a testament to his ability to craft hits that resonate with a global audience. Collaborating with Article Wan, another notable figure in the music industry, Lampo showcased his versatility and knack for creating music that transcends borders.

Beyond his individual success, Danny Lampo has played a pivotal role in promoting Ghanaian music on the international stage. His contributions have not only highlighted the diversity within the Ghanaian music scene but have also opened doors for collaboration and recognition for other artists from the region.

As Danny Lampo gears up to launch "Ganja Fire" and continue his musical journey in 2024, it's evident that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the Afrobeat genre. The fusion of Ghanaian heritage, Italian roots, and the global appeal of his music positions Lampo as a key player in the ongoing globalization of Afrobeat.

In the ever-evolving landscape of music, Danny Lampo's ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits underscores his significance in shaping the narrative of Afrobeat in the UK and beyond. As fans eagerly await the release of "Ganja Fire," the Berkshire King of Afrobeat, with his unique upbringing and multicultural background, stands poised to set the tone for a year filled with musical brilliance and cultural celebration.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, Minusma, has handed over control of one of its last major camps in the northern Timbuktu region to the country's ruling junta. UN sources said they sped up the withdrawal due to urgent security concerns.

The last Minusma personnel left the Timbuktu region this week, a UN spokesperson told the media, and the mission handed over its camp there in an official ceremony on Thursday.

Minusma officially ended its operations in Mali earlier this month, after a decade in the country. It was originally due to begin handing over its remaining bases in Timbuktu and Gao, to the east, in January.

But the precarious security situation in a region prone to jihadist attacks precipitated a speedier pullout from Timbuktu.

"Given the lack of a solution for the internal security of the Minusma base in Timbuktu, it was necessary to close this base urgently," a UN source told French news agency AFP., speaking on condition of anonymity.

Accelerated departure

Mali's military junta, which seized power in a coup in 2021, demanded that Minusma leave immediately last June amid deteriorating relations.

Since then it has handed back around a dozen of its positions, some of which came under attack from armed groups as the peacekeepers withdrew.

Last month Tuareg rebels claimed to have seized a camp evacuated by Minusma in the northern town of Kidal, amid a surge in separatist violence.

The UN says it would typically allow 18 months to fully wrap a peacekeeping mission of this kind, but is aiming to move faster in Mali.

"Since July, the mission has withdrawn almost 1,867 military and 173 police personnel, as well as 226 civilian personnel from Timbuktu," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told China's Xinhua news agency.

The abrupt departure has local suppliers concerned, according to RFI's West Africa correspondent Serge Daniel, who reports that workers and subcontractors hired by the mission are worried they won't receive their full fees now the mission has been cut short.

(with AFP)
US private security company Bancroft Global Development says it is in talks with the Central African Republic over "future activities", in a possible bid to muscle Russia's Wagner mercenary group out of the country riven by a decade-long civil war.

Bancroft denied having deployed in the CAR capital Bangui, but said it was in contact with President Faustin Archange Touadera's government.

"Beginning in July, Bancroft agreed on a framework to discuss possible future activities with the government of CAR. That is all," a spokesperson said in a written statement sent to French news agency AFP on Tuesday.

Early last week, RFI revealed that Bancroft employees had already arrived in Bangui.

"They are there, but not yet operational," confirmed a source close to the head of state, without giving further details.

'Diversifying relations'

Last week, local station Radio Ndeke Luka broadcast a recording of a press conference in which Albert Yaloke Mokpeme, spokesman for the presidency, said that his country was carrying out "work to diversify its relations".

He said CAR had called on countries including Russia and the United States to help train soldiers.

The US has offered to train the Central African Republic's troops "both on Central African soil and on American soil", Mokpeme added.

Mokpeme declined to comment on whether Bancroft was already present in CAR.

"The training of our army remains our priority," he told AFP. "I'm not in a position to talk about the substance of the matter."

Bancroft's talks with CAR authorities come as Russia seeks to maintain and expand its influence in Africa following the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's biggest mercenary group Wagner.

From French troops to Russian mercenaries

President Touadera brought in Wagner in 2018 to help train his armed forces.

The move came after a French peacekeeping operation in CAR ended in 2016.

France, which colonised the country from 1895 to 1960, started sending troops to CAR in December 2013 to help stem a civil war flaring along sectarian lines. The mission, authorised by the United Nations, was supposed to reinforce an African Union peacekeeping force already in place.

But international troops struggled to stabilise the country. Around a hundred French soldiers remained in place after the end of the operation after elections in 2016 and were finally pulled out in December 2022.

Meanwhile Touadera's government had already begun hiring more Russian operatives as rebel groups advanced on the capital in late 2020.

Wagner then established itself as one of CAR's main security partners in exchange for lucrative contracts in the country, despite allegations of looting and atrocities.

Growing US interests

The Africa Intelligence website earlier revealed that a delegation from Bancroft had been secretly received by CAR's president in September, with a view to a possible deployment.

Military analysts say Western countries are eyeing new windows of opportunity in Africa as Russian authorities seek to reorganise Wagner.

Colin Clarke of the New York-based think tank Soufan Center, which focuses on security, told AFP that rivalry between powers in the region was set to intensify in the coming year.

"The Biden administration is hopefully waking up to the fact that the US needs to be more forward leaning in the Sahel and other parts of Africa, given the deteriorating nature of the security situation," he said.

The United States is looking to contest Russia's recently expanded influence on the African continent, according Lucas Webber, co-founder of specialised website Militant Wire.

"Bancroft has emerged as an important private security force and is viewed as a reliable partner for this purpose," he told AFP.

The company is partly funded by the US State Department, but insists that it does not represent Washington.

(with AFP)
Smallholder farmers in the Nabdam and Talensi Districts of the Upper East Region have appealed to state actors to help them confront the challenges of elephants destroying their farms during the harvesting seasons.

The joint stakeholders review meeting organized by the Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmers Cooperative (MAPEWFAC ), was aimed at reviewing the "Empowering Rural Peasant Women Farmers to act through access to local & decentralized Policies, Programmes on Rural Agriculture and Livelihood (The EMPOWER Project)" being implemented by MAPEWFAC, with funding support from STAR Ghana Foundation.

The farmers who belong to the Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmers Cooperative ( MAPEWFAC ), made the appeal at a joint project review meeting with stakeholders held in Bolgatanga on Saturday.

Speaking at the forum, one of the farmers who doubled as the overseer of traditional lands from Sakoti in the Nabdam District, Nahu Yamg, explained that elephants often migrate from Burkina Faso through the Wildlife Corridors closer to the two District during harvesting season.

He stated that the situation is alarming, compelling many smallholder farmers to sleep on their farms as watchmen to ensure that their farms are not destroyed by the elephants.

Another smallholder farmer, Ms Priscilla Noah, indicated that already the region was facing climate change leading to food insecurity and stressed that the invasion of the elephants on their farmlands will compound their problems.

The MAPEWFAC also complained bitterly about the high cost of tractor services during farming season and appealed to the Department of Food and Agriculture to come to their aid.

The participants further expressed worry about how some nomadic Fulani headsmen destroy sharenut trees in the area which they noted is one of the sources of their livelihoods.

Responding to the issues raised by the farmers, the Nabdam District Director of Agriculture, Mr Rashid Imoro, assured the farmers that plans were ongoing to establish beehives in the area to help curb the elephants from destroying farms in the area.

On tractor services, the District Director also gave the assurance to address the challenge and entreated the women to come together to help lessen the cost of the tractor services.

The Executive Director of MAPEWFAC, Ms Lydia Miyella, explained that the purpose of the joint stakeholder meeting was to evaluate the project to see if it is yielding the desired results for the beneficiaries.

She indicated that she was now happy that the beneficiaries of the project who are mainly single mothers, teenage girls, PWDs and their households can now access government interventions to help improve upon their livelihoods.

A development Consultant, Mr. Vincent Subbey, who facilitated the forum educated the stakeholders on how to engage in effective advocacy campaigns to make positive changes in their livelihoods.
Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced that it submitted a proposal to Parliament for the reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill, scheduled for implementation in 2024.

The Emissions Levy Bill, approved by Parliament, imposes an annual charge of GH100 on all owners of petrol and diesel cars, starting from January 2024.

The governments objective with this tax is to encourage the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

The Union has expressed concerns about the bill, asserting that it will add to the excessive tax burden on the transport sector.

Consequently, the union has threatened to increase fares by not less than 60 percent.

The Minority in Parliament had earlier opposed the passage of the Bill.

In an interview with Citi News, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, expressed hope that the outcome of the proposal would be positive.

We will officially resume on January 12, 2024, from the Christmas break, so we are hopeful that by the time we resume, we might have received a letter from Parliament. In an institution like Parliament, you cant write to them, and they will overlook it; definitely, we shall hear from them. When we hear from them, then we continue from there. Lets all hope for the best because the country is for all of us, and we all wish to live happily. If you say pollution, and you say emission somewhere, I think its the grammar that has been changed. It all means the same thing, so we are creating awareness that we are already paying something on that, Abass Imoro said.

-citinewsroom
Some polling station executives and past officers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akontombra Constituency of the Western North Region, have expressed concern over what they described as growing disunity among the rank and file of party.

They believed that the situation could negatively affect the fortunes of the party in the next election if concrete actions were not taken to resolve the issues.

Speaking at a press conference at Sefwi-Nsawora, Mr Mufthaw Yusif, a former Constituency Youth Organiser, said the once united Akontombra NPP was no more, and attributed the situation to autocratic leadership by certain figures in the constituency.

He said: The threat, intimidation and unjustified suspension of party faithful is gradually sinking the party, which must be checked going into the 2024 elections .

Mr Yusif, who picked nomination forms to contest in the NPP parliamentary primary at Akontombra, has withdrawn to support Mr Appiah Kubi Baidoo, one of the aspirants, to win and unite the party.

Mr Baidoo, on his part, commended Mr Yusif for throwing his weight behind him, saying his decision was crucial to present a sole candidate to contest the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) of the area.

The posture of some individuals within the Akontombra Constituency seeking unopposed candidate does not reflect the realities on the ground, and is a recipe for disunity, so we must do all we can to save it from collapsing and I am to do that, he noted.

Mr Baidoo, therefore, implored delegates to vote for him to lead and bring unity into the party to ensure the NPP retained the seat in 2024.

He appealed to the Regional and District Security Councils to ensure absolute security in the run-up to the parliamentary primary to help maintain peace before, during and after the elections.

Some polling station executives in an interview with the Ghana News Agency called for an open contest between the candidates as advocating unopposed candidacy undermined democracy.

GNA
The Ghanaian political scene in 2023 has been characterised by a cocktail of issues, events and activities as political parties commenced preparations towards the 2024 General Election.

In this article, the Ghana News Agency relives some key events that occurred in the political arena in 2023 as the country prepares for crucial parliamentary and presidential elections in 2024.

NDC's Parliamentary reshuffle:

The National Democratic Congress commenced the year on a shaky note, with major changes in its leadership in Parliament.

The Party, on January 26, 2023, reshuffled the Minority leadership in Parliament comprising Haruna Iddrisu, and Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka among others.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency, was announced the new Minority leader  a decision that triggered shock and disagreement among some NDC members.

The Party explained that the change in leadership was to ensure cooperation between the caucus and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

However, about 60 NDC MPs appended their signatures to a petition seeking to reverse the Party's decision.

Later, there was a crunch meeting called by the NDC's Council of Elders, the Party Leadership and the Minority Caucus in Parliament (MPs), which led to a resolution of the matter.

Mahama elected:

The turbulence that appeared to have raffled the stability of the NDC quietened and subsequently the Party successfully elected former President John Dramani Mahama to lead the NDC in the 2024 presidential election.

Mr Mahama polled 297,603 votes representing 98.9 percent to beat Mr Kojo Bonsu, a former Mayor of Kumasi, who got 3,181 votes being 1.1 percent of the votes cast.

In that election, the NDC also elected parliamentary aspirants to represent the Party in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

Bola Tinubu elected as Nigeria's President:

On March 1, 2023, the Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the All-Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the president-elect, in the general election held on February 25, 2023.

Tinubu, a former Lagos State Governor, was declared the president-elect after he garnered 8,794,726 votes to win the 2023 presidential election.

The other challengers include Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Assin North By-election:

On June 27, 2023, James Gyakye Quayson, the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Assin North by-election, emerged victorious at the end of that crucial poll.

Mr Quayson polled 17,245 votes representing 57.56 per cent of the total votes cast to beat Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).

Charles Opoku polled 12,630 votes representing 42.15 per cent of the total votes cast in the hotly contested by-election while the LPG's Bernice Enyonam Sefenu polled a paltry 87 votes (0.29 per cent).

Mr Quayson won the seat in the 2020 polls with 17,498 votes but was kicked out of Parliament for having dual citizenship prior to filing his nomination forms.

NPP internal elections:

On November 4, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) capped its internal polls with the election of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the flag bearer of the Party at its presidential primary held on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The Vice President polled 118,210 votes representing 61.43 per cent out of the total valid votes cast, beating competition from Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, who garnered 71,996 representing 37.41 per cent votes.

The other contenders in the presidential primaries were Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, who polled 1,459, representing 0.75 per cent and Mr Francis Adai Nimo, a former MP for Ashanti Mampong securing 781 representing 0.41 percent votes.

Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who had resigned as Minister of Trade and Industry and was initially tipped as a key contender, pulled out of the race after the Party's Super Delegates Congress, which pruned the number of contestants for the presidential primary down to five.

On September 25, 2023, Mr Kyerematen announced his resignation from the NPP and to contest the 2024 Presidential election as an independent candidate.

Among the reasons he cited were alleged intimidation of his supporters during the party Super Delegates Conference and the hijacking of the Party by a selected group of Party leaders and elders.

NPP Orphan Constituency primaries:

The NPP successfully completed another leg of its internal elections, with the election of parliamentary aspirants in constituencies where the NPP does not have sitting MPs.

The Party has subsequently set January 27, 2024 for the election of parliamentary aspirants in constituencies where the NPP has sitting MPs.

Expectation for 2024:

The year 2024 is expected to witness bustling political activities as typical of every election year.

Political parties are expected to scale-up their campaigning, launch their manifestoes, and make a case for voters to buy their messages.

With Vice-President Bawumia and Former President Mahama already hitting the road, the two aspirants will indulge in battle of words, policies, accusations, and tout their track records ahead of one of the most crucial elections in the 4th Republic.

GNA
In Kharkiv, a coffee shop located in the affected area continued to operate after Russian missile strikes on the evening of December 30. Despite the fact that windows were smashed in the building, it continued to receive visitors.

ADVERTISIMENT

A powerful photo was shared on her Facebook page by Ukrainian human rights activist and journalist Natalia Zubar. The author of the photo noted that the cafe is located in the city center, 200 meters from the 5-star hotel that was hit by the missile.

The photo shows that the large panoramic windows of the cafe were shattered by the blast wave. Outside, there were shards of glass. Inside, the lights were on and everything looked normal: people were even lined up in a small line to drink coffee.

"This cafe is open. Here is how it looks. This is #Kharkiv," the journalist described what was happening.

In the comments, netizens expressed their support for Kharkiv. "Invincible!" wrote one of Zubar's followers.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- On December 30, at about 19:10, Russian troops launched missiles at the central part of Kharkiv, damaging civilian houses and a hotel. As of 21:40, 20 victims were reported. The State Emergency Service stated that three of them were children.

ADVERTISIMENT

- Preliminarily, Kharkiv Palace was hit directly, approximately on the 12th floor. This is an elite hotel located in the center of Kharkiv on Nezalezhnosti Avenue.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, following his comments on the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) results.

During his country tour, Mr. Mahama discredited the examination results, pointing to malpractices and students conniving with teachers to cheat.

In response to the former president, the NPP Deputy Youth Organizer, Sandra Sarkodee-Addo, criticized Mr. Mahama for failing to appreciate the achievements of the candidates.

She urged the former president, To credit the Ghanaian youth with some considerable amount of intelligence when given the platform to speak. He is at least a former president and a considered statesman, and must live with respect to his office. In 2024, John Mahama must be a changed man, devoid of antics in attempt to trick Ghanaians into believing he has anything new to offer the country.

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in a Facebook post, also responded to the issue and offered words of encouragement to students, particularly the 2023 WASSCE candidates, urging them not to let anyone diminish their achievements.

In his post, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that not everyone comprehends the challenges faced by intelligent students, praising their accomplishments as a result of hard work.

Read the statement by the NPPs Deputy Youth Organizer below

2024: JOHN MAHAMA MUST LEARN TO APPRECIATE THE INTELLIGENCE OF THE GHANAIAN YOUTH.

Former President John Dramani Mahama has over time relegated his reputation to the background and thrown his integrity to the dogs. His recent comments on national affairs have been more insulting to the intelligence of Ghanaians and, more specifically, the youth of this country like never seen before. He has now made the youth of this country the sad recipients of his constant show of myopic and small-minded tendencies, as though they caused his disgraceful failure as President. It is an established fact that Mahama as President failed woefully because he was incompetent, and lacked foresight and belief in the potential our country possesses for growth and development.

In his recent visit to Asafo in the Agona East Constituency of the Central Region, he openly rubbished the success of Senior High School students who have passed their WASSCE with excellence. He, John Dramani Mahama argued that the students did not merit the successes chalked in the WASSCE and that their intelligence was not as the exam results portrayed. Such comments can only come from a person who does not believe in nurturing the future of our nation. A former president and statesman for that matter, should not be demeaning in his utterances as John Mahama has recently been.

It would be recalled that this same John Mahama in 2014 urged the media to make noise on the success of Senior High School students who sat for the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination. He claimed at the time that the results reflected the level of intelligence of the students and that was as a result of the effective educational structures laid by his Government. Fast forward in 2023, this same John Mahama is strongly against the media making noise about the success of students who sat for the WASSCE. There is no doubt that Mr. Mahama has no plans for the future of this country.

Concerning his claim that in most schools across Ghana, Teachers connived with the Students to cheat in the WASSCE, I dare the former President to mention only one school where such an unfortunate event happened. He who alleges must prove beyond street talk that what he alleges is nothing but the truth. A former president as he is must not make such unfounded comments that insult the intelligence of Ghanaian students, the hard work of Teachers, integrity of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) which is in charge of the exam, the FSHS policy implemented by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and the goodwill of the Ghanaian youth.

Also, John Mahamas shoddy attempt to rile up Ghanaians against the FSHS policy and his desperation to be president again should not be the grounds to discredit our entire school system to the outside world, reducing our certificates to nothing before our peers elsewhere in other countries. Ghanaian students and youth in general have always been intelligent and shall continue to be so.

The youth of Ghana remains the future of this nation. To insult our intelligence and that of the intelligence of our Senior High School students is a fight against the future of this nation and shall therefore not be tolerated. The youth of this country know how much John Mahama hates the idea of the Free Senior High School policy, and by extension anything good that comes out of it. Nonetheless, we shall not sit aloof to allow his hatred for the FSHS policy to cause him to insult the intelligence of students of this policy as much as Teachers teaching these students to become future leaders.

John Mahama must be reminded that he has up until now not been able to give Ghanaians a single policy initiative he intends to execute to support the youth of this country. For education and the SHS in particular, we know, without any iota of doubt, how he intends to cancel the Free Senior High School policy without thinking twice about it. Therefore, it is very important to inform him that well-meaning Ghanaians wont give him such mandate to do so especially when we know that he has no vision for this country.

However, this might be, I particularly urge Mr John Mahama to credit the Ghanaian youth with some considerable amount of intelligence when given the platform to speak. He is at least a former president and a considered statesman and must live with respect to his office. In 2024, John Mahama must be a changed man, devoid of antics in an attempt to trick Ghanaians into believing he has anything new to offer the country.

Sandra Sarkodee-Adoo Deputy National Youth Organizer New Patriotic Party (NPP)

-citinewsroom
Recent tragic events in Nigeria, particularly the massacres in Plateau and Kaduna, lay bare the nation's vulnerabilities to violence, emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention. The scale of these atrocities underscores systemic failures within Nigeria's legal and law enforcement apparatus, turning the cry for justice into a global imperative.

The Plateau massacre on Christmas Eve saw gunmen invade over 15 communities, resulting in scores of deaths, including women, children, and the elderly. ECOWAS has rightfully condemned this heinous act, urging President Bola Tinubu's government to ensure accountability. The death toll exceeds 200, with numerous others injured and substantial property damage. Yet, the wounds in Plateau remain open, the cries for justice persistently unheard, transcending legal proceedings into a psychological yearning for closure and national healing.

In Kaduna, a tragic incident unfolded as the Nigerian Army mistakenly killed at least 88 people in a drone strike during a religious festival. The unintended strike occurred during a Muslim holiday celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, adding another layer to Nigeria's recent woes. Innocent lives were shattered, demanding accountability and compassion for children, the elderly, and families torn apart.

These incidents are not isolated but symptoms of a deeper malaise that necessitates collective healing.

The compromised nature of Nigeria's legal, law enforcement, and governance systems is a glaring issue, raising global concerns about internal wrongdoings going unaddressed due to systemic corruption. Accusations of leaders, including the military, police, and intelligence agencies, protecting each other further contribute to a lack of accountability for human rights abuses.

Past instances, such as investigations into #EndSARS, have seemingly died out despite international coverage and evidence of misconduct. Internal investigations often lack independence and credibility, as evidenced by the military's claim that it will investigate itself in the Kaduna killings, raising serious doubts and highlighting the necessity for external scrutiny. The urgency for justice is paramount, and the global community must stand united in demanding accountability, compassion, and a path towards healing for a nation in distress.

The entrenched culture of impunity, exemplified by cases like #EndSARS, lays bare systemic flaws within Nigeria's justice and law enforcement apparatus. Investigations face formidable obstacles: a lack of transparency, external interference, and inadequate accountability mechanisms. The convolution intensifies when those upholding the law find themselves implicated.

The cries for justice from Plateau and Kaduna are not isolated; they are the desperate pleas of a nation yearning for accountability and the restoration of its fractured soul. While respecting the principle of non-interference, the global community cannot turn a blind eye to compromised systems permitting these tragedies to unfold with impunity.

Interwoven protectionism among Nigeria's military, police, national intelligence agency, and the presidency poses a formidable challenge to accountability. Institutions meant to uphold justice shielding each other erode public trust and undermine the essence of a functioning democracy. In events like #EndSARS and recent tragedies, this protective barrier impedes justice.

As a psychologist observing these events, it's clear the wounds on Nigeria's collective psyche run deep. The psychological toll extends beyond victims, permeating the social fabric and challenging the nation's resilience.

The web of power between the military, police, intelligence agencies, and the presidency creates an environment where accountability struggles. The reluctance to hold each other accountable fosters an atmosphere of impunity, emboldening actions violating human rights. Breaking this cycle demands commitment to justice and restructuring power dynamics.

In situations where local accountability mechanisms seem compromised, the international community, including ECOWAS, the UN, and global powers, plays a critical role. Holding Nigeria accountable globally through diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and resolutions sends a powerful message. The international community must insist on transparent investigations and consequences for human rights violations.

The UN, with its commitment to human rights, must step in when national systems falter. It should not only condemn such actions but actively work for accountability. This involves diplomatic pressure, independent investigations, and leveraging international forums for justice.

International media, like CNN, adds global scrutiny. While exposure can highlight injustices, effectiveness depends on local responses. International pressure can push for transparent investigations, but it's not a guaranteed solution.

Compromised legal systems, corruption, and political interference complicate justice quests. Investigations may face hurdles, and power dynamics influence legal proceedings. Lack of independence leads to a climate where accountability remains elusive.

To address these challenges, a broad commitment to systemic change is essential. Reforms in legal frameworks, law enforcement agencies, and governance structures are imperative, including an independent judiciary, transparent investigative processes, and measures ensuring accountability  vital components of a justice system resilient to external scrutiny.

Empowering citizens to demand accountability is crucial for systemic change. Civil society, advocacy groups, and citizens play a pivotal role in holding authorities accountable. The outcry and demands for justice witnessed during #EndSARS reflect a growing awareness and determination among the populace to challenge impunity.

The international community can contribute by continuing to advocate for justice, transparency, and accountability. Diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and interventions can be powerful tools to urge governments to address systemic issues and prioritize genuine investigations.

Achieving meaningful change in the justice system requires a sustained, multi-faceted approach. It involves addressing not only specific cases but also the underlying issues perpetuating impunity. Long-term commitment from both local and international stakeholders is necessary to navigate the complexities inherent in reforming justice systems.

While investigations may face obstacles and apparent stagnation, the collective efforts of citizens, the media, and the international community can foster a climate where accountability becomes inherent in the justice system. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the pursuit of justice is fundamental to building societies that respect the rule of law and uphold the dignity of every individual.

In the face of such profound challenges, the international community must engage responsibly. Non-interference should not be a shield for inaction but a call for collaborative efforts to strengthen Nigeria's systems and ensure justice prevails.

The magnitude of these tragedies demands a global response beyond diplomatic niceties. It requires a collective commitment to support Nigeria in its quest for justice, transparency, and institutional reformation. As a psychologist, I implore leaders worldwide to recognize the psychological scars borne by a nation in distress and to stand united in the pursuit of a Nigeria where the cries for justice are not echoes in the void but catalysts for transformative change.

The international community, spearheaded by the United Nations, ECOWAS, and influential nations, must vehemently condemn and vigilantly oversee Nigeria's leadership. The severity of the Plateau and Kaduna massacres necessitates an unequivocal and collective response. Internal investigations' compromised nature compels external bodies to ensure justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The global community bears the responsibility of monitoring and censuring leaders who ignore the cries of the unheard. The gravity of these storiesthe Plateau massacre and the tragic Kaduna drone strikedemands active intervention, diplomatic pressure, and a commitment to transforming justice from a fleeting promise into tangible reality.

Imposing targeted sanctions, travel bans, and diplomatic measures can serve as potent tools for incentivizing accountability. These measures should be strategic, directing consequences toward individuals responsible for human rights abuses while sparing the general population. The intent is not punitive but corrective, instilling a sense of responsibility among those in power.

Informed by collective outrage and demands for justice, the global community, including social media, international advocacy groups, and concerned individuals, must amplify its voice. This collective pressure can create a groundswell urging governments and international bodies to prioritize accountability.

While immediate accountability is crucial, addressing root causes requires long-term structural reforms. This involves revisiting laws enabling impunity, strengthening independent oversight bodies, and instigating a cultural shift where accountability is ingrained in the fabric of governance.

As a psychologist, I implore the world to look beyond headlines and grasp the profound psychological impact of these events. It's not just about the number of lives lost but the enduring trauma inflicted on a nation's psyche. Justice, in this context, is not just a legal process; it is a necessary balm for wounded minds and shattered spirits.

The global community must rise in unison, not just to demand accountability but to address the psychological scars left by these tragedies. Real justice involves acknowledging the depth of pain, fostering a climate of healing, and ensuring that the cries of the unheard find solace in the pursuit of truth.

In the corridors of global diplomacy, let the cries of Nigeria be hearda plea for justice that transcends borders and speaks to the very heart of human dignity. This is not just about legal retribution; it's a call to mend the broken soul of a nation yearning for healing, understanding, and the assurance that such horrors will not be repeated.

In conclusion, the protectionist dynamics among Nigeria's key institutions demand not only domestic reform but also active intervention and pressure from the international community. The pursuit of justice in the face of systemic challenges requires a multifaceted approach that leverages global mechanisms and prioritizes the well-being and rights of the Nigerian people.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. [email protected]
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) will celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the 31st December Revolution today, December 31, 2023, at Ashaley Botwe old town park, Adenta, in the Greater Accra Region.

The event is expected to be characterized by the lighting of the perpetual flame, laying of wreaths, and a durbar.

The commemoration is under the theme, Building the Ghana we want: Revisiting the Decade that Stopped the Decay [1982-1992].

The 31st December Revolution is celebrated every year to remind NDC members of the ideals upon which the 4th Republic was establishedprobity, accountability, freedom, and justice.

The event is expected to start at 8:30 am, with the functional executive committee of NDC, cadre corp, the flagbearer of NDC John Dramani Mahama, the National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of NDC, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey constituency, Dr. Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, some traditional authorities, and stalwarts of the party in attendance.

citinewsroom
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged Ghanaians to help secure a brighter future for the country by kicking out the governing New Patriotic Party in the 2024 polls.

According to the NDC, Ghanas current economic hardships were a result of mismanagement by the governing party.

In a New Year message, the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, urged Ghanaians to view the upcoming election in 2024 as a chance to turn the fortunes of the country around.

In the spirit of unity and shared aspirations for progress, let us recognize this upcoming election as an opportunity to shape a brighter future and address the challenges imposed by the present leadership. Despite the economic difficulties, the National Democratic Congress remains committed to serving the interests of all Ghanaians, working towards a future characterized by inclusivity, economic development, and social harmony.

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by economic hardships inflicted by the current NPP government, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) extends warm New Year wishes to the resilient people of Ghana, Mr. Kwetey stated.

Find below the full statement of the NDC:
BONABOTO, a non-partisan association of citizens from Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo, Tongo, Zuarungu, and surrounding areas, has called on both government and mining companies operating in the Upper East region to collaborate in the construction of an airport for the region.

The group believes that such an initiative will not only open up the Upper East Region but also stimulate economic growth and development.

The National President of BONABOTO, Professor Samuel Awinkine Atintono, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and mining companies for the realization of the airport project.

We, as a group that is focused on development, would like to appeal to the government to take a serious look at these issues. We have over the years been fighting for the construction of the airport, which already has some groundwork at Sumbrungo. We call on the government and all development partners, especially the mining companies, to ensure that they support us to have the airport constructed within the shortest possible time to open up the region.

The president made this passionate appeal during the 13th Biennial Delegates Congress of BONABOTO held at the Gbeogo School for the Deaf in the Talensi district.

Successive governments have failed to construct an airport for the people of the Upper East region, after an attempt at a 120-meter runway was constructed in 1995 at the Sumbrungu community in the Bolgatanga municipality.

Speaking to Citi News, Prof. Atintono said the controversies over the location of an airport concluded at its initial place, the Sumbrungu community, after the government's committee findings.

He called on feuding factions of the Bawku skin and the Bolgatanga chieftaincy dispute to allow peace to prevail in the region so that development such as the construction of an airport could be realized.

Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, said the government is committed to constructing an airport for the region.

Prof. Samuel Awinkene Atintono

The last time the Vice President was here, I told him to build an airport in the region before the end of the year 2024 and were working seriously on it.

Mr. Yakubu called on BONABOTO to collaborate with other stakeholders such as the Regional Coordinating Council and the academic institutions to come out with a Regional Development Strategic Plan to leverage the human and material resources the region has been endowed with.

Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebgtang, reiterated his call for large-scale gold mining in his area, raising concerns about activities of illegal gold mining in the Talensi district.

Paramount chief of Talensi

Some of these illegal miners wash the chemicals, and it runs into the small streams which move into the Red Volta. If you travel to the eastern part of Talensi, you will see so much damage to farms by these illegal miners, he complained.

He said the traditional council has drafted a corporate social responsibility document for the two large-scale mining companies operating in the district to ensure the district and the region get sustainable development out of the gold mined.
Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr John Allotey, has handed over essential logistics valued at more than GHS1.82 million under the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project to facilitate effective monitoring and patrol in the landscape.

The items include 42 motorbikes, 22 tricycles, and 3,200 watering cans and are to enable forest protection teams to cover larger areas, respond swiftly to wildfire alarms, convey seedlings and ensure the sustainable management of forest resources, especially the rehabilitated sites.

The items were officially handed over to the Forest Services Division and Wildlife Division.

With these additions to the Commission's logistical capabilities, we are better equipped to combat illegal activities that pose a threat to our forests.

I entreat us all to ensure proper upkeep of the items, deploy them for community use and perform routine maintenance,Mr Allotey said.

The Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project (GSLERP) is one of the offshoots the Country's REDD+ Strategy launched in 2016 to create a pathway for implementation of projects that reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation whilst sustainably preserving the forest and enhancing forest carbon stocks.

It is being implemented in the Northern Savannah Zone and aimed at restoring degraded savannah forests whilst strengthening livelihoods through enhanced ecosystem services.

The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund with Government and Private Sector Co-finance and implemented by the Forestry Commission and Global Shea Alliance with the accredited entity as the United Nations Development Programme.

The project since its launch in 2022 by the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made significant strides, including the rehabilitation of 1,427 hectares and 2,350 hectares of degraded forests in 2022 and 2023 respectively under the Modified Taungya System and the establishment of 47 out of the 70 proposed community Shea nurseries with 14,335 grafted shea seedlings planted this year.

It has also led to the establishment of three new Community Resource Management Areas (CREMA) and capacity building for 7 existing CREMAs.

GNA
Mr Daniel Dickson Dogbe, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chair, Holy Family Catholic Church, Mataheko, has urged the youth to be resolute and hold on to faith in the coming year.

He said it was time the youth saw themselves to be the future leaders and be more involved in the activities of the Parish and the community for rapid developments.

Mr Dogbe said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the climax of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Parish.

The celebration was on the theme: 75 years of Catholic faith in Mataheko: Repositioning the Youth for Future Gains.

The PPC Chair said the theme underscored the need to empower the youth to know that the future belonged to them, stating that going forward, everything the Church did, they wanted the youth to get involved to be able to appropriately take over the mantle where needed.

So, we are targeting the youth in general but we want to start with those in the Church because you have to start from home and begin to spread.

We are in a community so we will not neglect those around us, as much as possible the concentration is on the youth in the Holy Family but with time, we will reach out to all, he added.

Mr Dogbe said as part of the Church's responsibility to show love to all, they reached out to the poor and needy within the Church and its environs during the yuletide.

Mr Mac Anthony Tettey Ocloo, Chairman of the 75th anniversary planning committee, said the preparation of the celebration started mid-year with fundraising prograes, religious programmes and retreats to commemorate the day.

He said they targeted the youth for future developments, stating that the future belonged to them, hence the need to reposition them.

We noticed that of late the youth have gone to sleep, they are not as they used to be vibrant back in the days so we decided to target them to be able to revamp the enthusiasm in them, to wake up from their slumber, he added.

GNA
The Dormaa Traditional Council in the Bono Region has enstooled a 32-year-old Japan-based Industrial Technician as the new chief of Abesim and the Kyidomhene of the Traditional Council, under the stool name Barima Kumi Acheaw III.

Known in private life as Kelvin Kwaku Anane Addo, Barima Acheaw III succeeded his late uncle Barima Kumi Acheaw II, who died in 2022 after a short illness. He was 70 years old and occupied the stool for about two decades.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area approved the candidature of the new chief which paved the way for his enstoolment at a colourful event held at Abesim, near Sunyani on Sunday.

Flanked by king makers and other sub-chiefs of the Abesim Divisional Council, Barima Mintah Afari II, the Chief of Chiraa and Benkumhene of Dormaa Traditional Council who represented Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Badu II, took the new chief through customs and traditional rites to seal his enstoolment at the Abesim Palace.

Though the town was calm and peaceful, armed police officers were positioned at vantage points to maintain law and order as the township was greeted with joy and ecstasy.

As tradition demands, the over-joyed chiefs and people of the town carried Barima Acheaw III on their shoulders, and paraded through the principal street, amidst dancing and chanting.

Barima Afari II advised the people and sub-chiefs to support the new chief to push forward the development of Abesim and the Dormaa Traditional Area.

He emphasised peace and unity remained pre-requisite for holistic development and entreated the new chief to make unity a hallmark, bring the people together and tackle the development challenges in the town.

Barima Afari said the Dormaahene had prioritized environmental cleanliness and education, and therefore advised the people to support the chief to improve education and sanitation in the area.

Describing the late chief of the town as development oriented, Barima Afari called on the new chief to follow the steps of his late uncle, remain modest and serve the people with humility.

He also advised the sub-chiefs to bury their differences, forge ahead in unity and push the development of the town forward, saying none of you have so far opposed his enstoolment and is an indication that the new chief deserves the Abesim stool.

Barima Acheaw III, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Osagefo Oseadeeyo Badu II and the entire Dormaa Traditional Council for the confidence reposed in him and assured to serve the people well for the purpose of development.

He emphasised without absolute peace and social cohesion, it would be extremely difficult to facilitate the development of the area, and prayed the people continued with their spirit of unity and togetherness.

Barima Acheaw III, is an old student of the Abesim-based Olistar Preparatory School, Sunyani-based Lawrence Demonstration Preparatory School and the Abesim St. James Seminary and Senior High School.

He told the media he worked as a teacher after his secondary school education before leaving abroad and in Japan worked as an industrial technician after obtaining a license, while studying and working for the Japan-based Sankyo Metapro Transport.

Barima Acheaw III said he also worked at the Ghana Embassy in Tokyo for a short period before working full time for the Koei Industry and also deals in Japan automobiles and other businesses.
Explained :

See what LOVE can do from the Male :

Kusaa married Bimoba;

Kusaa married Moshie;

Kusaa married Busanga;

Kusaa married

Yanga;

Kusaa married

Fulani;

Kusaa married Mamprusi;

Kusaa married Gonja!

Kusaa married

Hausa;

Kusaa married

Gruma;

Kusaa married Komkomba;

Kusaa married Nanumba;

Kusaa married Dagomba;

Kusaa married

Frafra;

Kusaa married any other tribe-

Beget a Kusaa

From a Woman's womb is a blood related Kusaa.

Settlers in Kusaug are brethren blessed with inter-marriages and still counting.

From two or more generational lines of blood relation are seemingly identical.

Surely, one may have to pause a minute and reflect on these:

1-My biological mom is from an ethnic group,

likewise my biological dad.

2-What tribe is my wife?

3-What tribe is my husband?

4-My sis/bro(s) are also tied to different ethnic groups in marriages,

5- Reflectively on my village compound are visibility of women from varied ethnic roots narrowed to one family.

6-Interwoven relationships of people with different ethnic backgrounds have emerged with created families being close or distant.

GUMGUMM is therefore, an anthropological organism to help rejuvenate the spirit of peaceful co-existence of different ethnic groups hinged on a purposeful duty of care for one another, where people can happily move around and pursue their daily activities in Kusaug .

GUMGUMM is guided by the ethical conduct of:

Honesty, Trustworthiness, Transparency, Accountability, Objectivity,

Respect and an emphatic

Obedience of the LAWS of our sovereign Republic as all the above constitute the moral compass towards positive outcomes.

GUMGUMM is in a humble beginning to greatness.

GUMGUMM is again beyond personas to collectivism.

GUMGUMM again is the Inclusiveness of cultural diversity.

GUMGUMM again is for rural socio-economic development/ individual economic empowerment.

GUMGUMM again is for peace, co-existence, harmony, brotherliness and utmost respect for LAW/ORDER.

GUMGUMM says underdevelopment, poverty and misery must give way to human joy/happiness in our communities.

GUMGUMM is the golden key to a New Kusaug.

The magnetic force/foresight of GUMGUMM is all about creating an enabling environment for investors, job creation, youth employment and many more.

PEACE BE STILL IN (BAWKU ) KUSAUG!!

TIME TO DEVELOP!!!

-Benjamin Anyagre Aziigina'ataeg-

General Secretary,

Ghana China Friendship Association.
31.12.2023 LISTEN

For the past 32 years, Ghana has witnessed a political landscape dominated by two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). While these parties have taken turns governing the nation, many Ghanaians feel that they have fallen short in addressing the country's challenges, especially in the economic sector. It is obvious that these two parties have failed the nation on multiple fronts, especially in the realm of the economy. It is high time for a new approach, one that breaks away from the traditional party politics and embraces the idea of an independent candidate, drawn from corporate, civil society, and trade union groups. It is time for us to turn a new page in Ghanaian politics.

Over the years, Ghana has experienced underwhelming economic growth, high levels of corruption, and inadequate development in various sectors. Both the NDC and NPP have had their opportunities to lead the nation, but they seem to be caught in a cycle of political bickering and ineffective governance that serves only their interest, not Ghanas interest. The time has come for us to break free from this pattern. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity, according to Albert Einstein. Ghanaians are already frustrated with the incompetence and corruption evident in the NDC and NPP. It's time for a fresh start, a chance to move away from the dysfunction that has plagued the nation for too long. The time to act to change things is now.

Ghanaians need not look far to find examples of independent candidates successfully winning elections. In neighbouring Benin Republic, leaders like Yayi Boni and Patrice Talon emerged as independent candidates, with Patrice Talon defeating the former Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou. These new kids on the block made history, changed history and set political records These examples from Benin should inspire Ghanaians to consider the possibility of breaking the duopoly. Even in advanced countries with well-established political systems such as France, Emmanuel Macron's victory as an independent candidate demonstrated that fresh faces outside the traditional political parties can bring new energy and new ideas to governance and give the electorate hope for a better future. Ghana can benefit from a similar change. Emmanuel Macron also made history by beating old political of traditional parties in France.

Ghana requires a fresh perspective, untainted by party politics. The solution may lie in supporting an independent candidate, someone who emerges from the corporate world, civil society, or trade unions. Such a candidate would not carry the baggage of traditional political affiliations and could focus solely on Ghana's welfare and meeting the needs of the people.

The success stories of Yayi Boni and Patrice Talon in Benin Republic are proof that independent candidates can bring about positive change. These individuals, with backgrounds in banking and business, introduced new ideas and global best practices to governance. They assembled teams of capable professionals, unburdened by political ties, who helped transform their country's fortunes. Too, Emmanuel Macron's remarkable victory in France, as a young and independent candidate or leader of a new political movement, offers hope that change is possible. He breathed new life into French politics, challenging the status quo. Ghana can take inspiration from his example and do something similar to ensure a better future for all.

An independent presidential candidate's victory would infuse new energy and enthusiasm into Ghana's political landscape. It would pave the way for innovative solutions and a government committed to the nation's interests above all else. The notion that an independent candidate cannot win a presidential election in Ghana is a misleading and distracting gimmick perpetuated by the current crop of politicians and pundits. It's time to challenge this narrative and embrace the possibility of real changechange that benefits all and sundry.

The future looks promising with a well-experienced, connected, and exposed independent candidate leading this country. Ghana stands on the cusp of making history as the 2024 general elections approach. A win for an independent candidate in Ghana would signal the end of the duopoly that has seen power alternate between NDC and NPP every eight years. This cycle has resulted into complacency, where parties prioritize re-election over genuine progress. Ghanaians are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as incompetence and corruption within these two major parties. Ghanaian citizens have had enough of the status quo.

They yearn for a leader who is not bound by party affiliations, but is committed to addressing the nation's challenges effectively and transparently. The emergence of an independent presidential candidate provides an opportunity to break free from the constraints of the existing political framework. An independent presidential candidate winning the election in Ghana would inject new life into the country's political landscape. It would open the door to fresh ideas and a government of technocrats who prioritize Ghana's interests above all else. This shift would encourage healthy competition and foster innovation in governance. The way forward looks promising with the introduction of an experienced independent candidate who can bring together the best minds from various sectors of society. This candidate could lead a government of technocrats, working collaboratively to address the nation's challenges systematically and transparently and ensure prosperity for all.

Ghana stands at a crossroads, and it is time to consider the potential of an independent presidential candidate. This candidate could lead a government free from the influence of political parties, dedicated solely to serving the interests of the nation. The lessons from Benin and France demonstrate that this path is not only possible but also potentially transformative. It is time for Ghanaians to turn the page and vote for a new era of governance. This candidate can form a government of technocrats dedicated to Ghana's development, free from the constraints of party interests. It's time to turn the page on Ghana's political history and embark on a new and promising chapter. The nation's destiny lies in the hands of its people, and the choice is clear: vote for an independent presidential candidate in 2024.
On the afternoon of December 30, a series of powerful explosions occurred in the Russian city of Belgorod. The occupiers traditionally reported that they had hit all targets, but in fact, many of the planned targets were hit.

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Other cities were also under attack on the night of December 29-30. Then, in several regions of the aggressor country, military infrastructure and the military-industrial complex were hit. This is stated in the analysis of the Institute for War Studies.

According to analysts, Ukrainian troops conducted a large series of strikes on targets in Russia on the night of December 29-30 and during December 30. Previously, Ukrainian forces launched more than 70 drones at Russian military infrastructure and defense industry facilities in the Moscow region, Belgorod, Tula, Tver, and Bryansk.

Ukrainian security sources characterized the strikes as a response to Russia's December 29 strikes, which were the largest series of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. In turn, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 32 Ukrainian drones in Bryansk, Orel, Kursk, and Moscow regions.

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The ISW emphasized that the difference between Russian and Ukrainian figures may indicate that Ukrainian forces hit most of the targets. In particular, the Kremniy El plant in Bryansk, which is the second-largest microelectronics manufacturer in Russia, was attacked. The company manufactures components for Russian military equipment.

The Russian Federation also said that on December 29, Russian air defense systems shot down 12 Ukrainian MLRS missiles in the Belgorod region and several more Ukrainian MLRS missiles near Belgorod during the day on December 30. The majority of the missiles were aimed at Russian military facilities near Belgorod and reportedly hit their targets.

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As a reminder, dozens of explosions occurred in Belgorod on December 30. The Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked enemy military targets, and Russian air defense, trying to repel the attack, created a real hell for the city's residents. It was Russian air defense that caused the destruction in Belgorod and the loss of life.

After that, the aggressor country Russia convened an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council because of the shelling of Belgorod. The Russian Federation demanded that a representative of the Czech Republic attend the meeting, but the occupiers were put in their place.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, at the UN Security Council meeting on the shelling of Belgorod, the representative of the United States of America said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for such consequences of the war. It was the Russian dictator who made the choice to invade Ukraine.

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By the way, Russian terrorists said that on the night of December 30, they allegedly repelled an attack by unmanned aerial vehicles in a number of regions. The invaders claimed that they had managed to destroy 32 drones with air defense forces. Residents of the terrorist country of the Russian Federation did not believe in the fairy tales of the Ministry of Defense about the "success" of air defense and exposed the occupiers in a lie.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Fellow citizens of Ghana, Karl Marx once said, my purpose in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism. Till his death, Karl Marx was never successful in this mission. In fact, capitalism has flourished more than ever before, and God is still very alive and remains the King of kings, far placed above drowsiness and sleep let alone death.

The truth is, the seeds of God, no matter the intensity of drought, shall always germinate and bear fruits regardless of the army of rodents, swam of birds, and pest in general that seek to destroy the farm.

Fellow Ghanaians, those descendants of corruption and progeny of political evil in this country who seek to destroy our motherland, shall never be successful. Their unpatriotic intentions would always be exposed and checkmated by the God of our land. The blood, tears, toils of all those who tirelessly pieced together this country call Ghana, shall not go in vain.

You see, the Bible teaches in Matthew 7:15 that, "You shall know them by their fruits." It's becoming increasingly apparent, the real causes of our current economic quagmire. Dr. Bawumia and his fellow "men" the New Patriotic Party, NPP has employed in the last seven years to (mis)manage our economy, appear to be academic certificate forgers, examination malpractioners, academic cheaters, and what Professor Farooq Kperogi, an Atlanta based Nigerian professor of journalism calls "Fraund-fessors" (undeserving professors).

Perhaps, Dr. Bawumia's doctorate degree in economics was doctored. It was not genuine. He could have cheated in his examinations to come by his First Class degree Honors at the Birmingham university in the United Kingdom. Maybe theres something entirely fishy with his academic accolades and pedigrees, and that PhD degree of his, could be a Fraud.

That is, the so-called intellectuals are not really so, they are "interractuals" and fraud-fessors. And it has already been placed on record, that the same so-called competent managers of our economy, are really most incompetent "greedy bastards" masquerading as the epitome of excellence on the pedestal of academia.

My theory is not farfetched. Come to think of something: is it not interesting that, Dr. Bawumia and his crew of economic management team are very profligate and not moderate, considerate, and prudent? One common denominator of all qualified economists , even students of economics, is moderation in spending and being economical in all that they do in the management of financial resources.

Fellow Ghanaians, why is our debt stock keeps ballooning and skyrocketing under a so-called professors and PhD holders in economics in the management of our economy? Why, for the first time in the annals of our history, the Central Bank of the republic collapsed under the stewardship of a so-called economic gurus with every economic fundamental growing leaner, thinner, and weaker than ever? Fraud-fessors of economics or interratuals are they?

By "interractuals", I do not mean the accent deficiency of some groups among the Akan speaking people in their phonological notoriety and difficulty in the pronunciation of the letter "L" in words as "R" and the vice versa. They are in dire need of a lingual frenulectomy or frenectomy (a surgical procedure to correct the tongue in pronunciation). For example, the Asantes pronounce the word "intellectual" as "interratual", and pronounce the word "interaction" as "intelection".

No. That is not what I mean. By "interractuals" in this article, I am referring to all those unlettered individuals who forged or bought their academic certificates in order to practice any profession, especially politics. These are our nation's enemies; they are the nations most sophisticated criminals. And by their fruits, we shall know them.

For me, anybody who thinks that its right for students to be assisted to cheat in examination, he or she is also a product of certificate forgery and academic fraud!

There's a tongue-in-cheek but not a fictional story told of a certain SHS student who didn't know the name of a thief in the English language. I had personally witnessed it with my own eyes and heard with my two ears. An SHS student was asked what the name of a thief in English is? She paused for a nanosecond and said, "Aiwi", eii, "barawo!". Haha!

This is how half-baked majority of SHS students have become because of somebodys maniacal desire to provide free education. She was certainly a product of a Free SHS.

So when the former President, John Dramani Mahama laments the dismantling quality education at the second cycle level that once was jealously guarded and brandished, it's not about insulting students at the senior high school or questioning their intelligence and cognitive abilities. They maybe intelligent and rightfully so, they must be intelligent at that teenage, but with wrong educational programming, the nation could be breeding monsters to rise in the nearest future.

The worst part comes when an irresponsible and thieving government deems it fit to help students cheat in order to pass well for them to score cheap political points. Such a government must be declared our national foe and risen against.

I want my dear readers of this article to please keep this scenario in mind as we progress. Assuming someone insists to help you heal your wound. But he doesn't really bother whether the right drug be administered on the wound or not. And even when you help get him the right drug, say, ointment, he doesn't wash the wound before applying the ointment.

Would you say, in all honesty, that the person really cares about helping you heal the wound? Such a fellow likely wants the festering of the wound eternally. Or it's something he's very much interested to benefit from but certainly not really about healing the wound.

Also, imagine there's some stipend that comes with each drug he administers on the wound. Won't it be clearer the intentions of such a fellow if one-help means one-ten cedis he gets?

Now, as a Ghanaian, have you seen something wrong with a Free Education which doesn't really care about excellence of grades? Any mark, whether aggregate 54 or aggregate 6, everyone goes? Also, consider the fact that such an anomaly is occurring for political reasons merely to prove a point that due to the Free Education policy, majority of teenagers now enroll in the second cycle education. A reason why the policymakers have allowed both qualified and unqualified to benefit.

Can you see that, aside the possibility of some filthy lucre the policymakers of such a nonsense may tend to get, is there not the possibility that they would help the students, at some point, to cheat in order to pass the exams for the same political reasons? Since it's not really about educating the students that is their priority, but amassing the wealth in kickbacks from the provision of that so-called Free Education, and to also prove that majority have enrolled in the program so as to justify their spending through which the kickbacks are gotten.

And if climbing the academic ladder is based on merit of academic excellence which has been compromised by these policymakers so that majority of students both qualified and unqualified can climb the academic ladder, for mere political reasons, aren't this same policymakers who compromised excellence in the selection process capable of awarding undeserving grades to the students just for same political reasons?

Like the aide to the wounded person who wants to help without paying attention to the right drug, or cleaning the wound before applying the drug, but interested in the stipend which comes with it, a government that wants unqualified students to benefit from a "scholarship", is a criminal government and has something up their sleeves far from the provision of the FREE education.

While as a School Prefect (Senior Prefect, SP) at the Savelugu Senior High School, even though I had just handed over the mantle of leadership to the next batch of prefects, I was still acting on behalf of my colleague Final Year students.

One afternoon, many of my colleagues came to my cubicle to endorse a proposal they had made. They wanted all Final Year students to contribute GH10.00 each so that we could give it to the school administration and teachers for their hard work bringing us thus far. I thought that was absurd. But quickly I realized it was a calculated move to basically bribe the school into helping us cheat during our final year exam (WASSCE). So I dismissed the idea instantly. Later on, some of them came back in camera to whisper and confess to me that we were to bribe the school to allow us cheat with that money. "I knew it!" I giggled and exclaimed! Point blank I told them I could not support such an idea, and subsequently reported the matter to the school administration through the Assistant Headmaster of Administration, Mr. Tampuli T.T we affectionately called Mba TT. Mba TT was a man of integrity in his 60s. He congratulated me for hinting the school about the clandestine meetings and arrangements by some students to bribing the school. As I was about leaving his office, he said: "don't worry about them. Do your work. And if they bring such a money, we are going to spend it and harshly invigilate them".

Later that day, I addressed an assembly of the Final Years and advised all those who were part of that plan to jettison it before it was too late. The contributions were thus aborted. However, as usual, the so-called "apor" (question paper leakages) contributions went on.

True to his words, even though they never received the money from students again, the school was really "barbaric" in their invigilation of that year WASSCE group. No student could cough, and many were walked out of the examination hall or changed seats at the slightest movement or murmuring.

Fellow Ghanaians, the point I'm trying to drum home here is that, when it comes to examination malpractice in general, and the WASSCE in particular, majority of students rely heavily on cheating. The fact that they are being invigilated in the first place, is enough that many are ready to cheat.

Now, imagine a situation where both the students and the government want to cheat for excellent results. This is where it has become so dangerous.

Again, in my second year at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, a protege and mentee of mine told me he wanted to change his program of study from Architecture the university gave him sponsored by the MasterCard Foundation, to Politics or Economics. I advised him to work hard to continue with the program. But he wouldnt listen. He was determined and adamant. He explained that it was the Geography background the university considered and offered him that program (Architecture) but "frankly speaking", he said, "if the university knew what I did to get that excellent mark in that course of study, they wouldn't give me Architecture." I asked him what he did, he laughed embarrassingly and said, "I had access to a textbook during the exam". The dude couldn't do the program at KNUST. He Finally had to leave for the University of Ghana, Legon to read Economics.

There are thousand and one examples of this kind as far as the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, is concerned.

Yet, and again, at a construction site where many Ghanaians have now found cover against the excruciating pain of the economic meltdown, a WASSCE candidate who partook in just the last WASSCE exam was asked why he wasn't studying for the WASSCE exams and rather carrying concrete and mortar at a construction site? His chilling reply was intriguing. He said, "I don't study for exams. I belong to the Cobolo group. When asked what he meant by Cobolo Group, he disclosed that they are those students who don't study to pass exams. "We believe in the system ooo bro! He said amidst boisterous laughter. That means they cheat to passing exams.

It's therefore laughable the spontaneous reaction of the government to the impending grave concerns and consequences the former President is raising in respect of this "massaged" and dubious examination results and grades of the current WASSCE students in the country. Its one most lethal national security threat and a dangerous ticking time bomb the country is sitting on. And all those who is defending it, are the enemies of our state.

But I begrudge them not. Apparently, all those who have been products of "pushed grades" won't reason with the former President. Like Matthew 7:15 exclaims, "by their fruits you shall know them".

In my humble opinion, I believe this issue goes beyond just questioning the genuineness of WASSCE certificates of students and beneficiaries of Free SHS; one most important expose in this whole hullabaloo is that, our economic managers could have copied their way to academic excellence. And it's an open secret that majority of the so-called intellectuals in this current government: NPP's lawyers, economists, medical practitioners, etc. have been accused of buying their way to intellectual excellence.

The unprecedented economic mess is an eloquent testimony to this reality. That's why they have actually run the economy aground.

In our local parlance, it's said that there's no smoke without fire. How many party executives of the ruling NPP have we heard to have been "pushed" to the finished line in their academic journey? Especially in the study of law, and upon completion of law school. There are walking proofs among the NPP, interractuals who have been fingered to have cheated to pass law entrance examination in order to study it. The same individuals were later said to be unable to graduate and had to be cheated for by negotiating the system in order to help them to graduate.

Fellow Ghanaians, why then would individuals like these actually understand and agree with the disastrous consequences awaiting us which the country's next president (In Sha Allah), Mr. John Dramani Mahama, is decrying and belaboring here?

I find it rather disgusting that, Dr. Bawumia, a failed vice president and economist who is probably a product of examination malpractice, is attempting to misrepresent what former President Mahama has said to mean belittling the cognitive abilities of the WASSCE students in Ghana. But its not surprising because if the government can help students cheat and confer undeserving academic grades upon them in the name of politics, Dr. Bawumia would condemn such a patriotic concern made by the incoming president, in the name of politics.

Fellow right-thinking Ghanaians, ignore the haters. The former President was only concerned that the politicization of students' examination results simply to score a cheap, rotting, and smelling political points by allowing students to cheat, in order to make the Free SHS education look impactful, has monstrous consequences for Ghana in the long run.

For all those who have genuinely not understood the concerns the former president has been trying to express with Ghanaians, Mr. John Dramani Mahama is worried that, the WASSCE exam is fundamentally organized for senior high school students in order to determine whom among them is qualified to study law, medicine, engineering, politics, economics, chemistry, physics, mathematics etc. so as to know who can become a doctor, a pilot, lawyer pharmacist and so and so forth. But when the students are assisted to cheat, we cant tell as a nation, genuinely qualified students to pursue these various disciplines enumerated above.

Therefore, when a criminal, a thieving, and irresponsible government plays politics of results and grades of these students, the country shall have defective doctors, engineers, lawyers, pilots, pharmacists etc. This shall not only portend a national extinction for us as a people, but an international embarrassment to us when our doctors, pilots, engineers etc. cant fit anywhere in the world. And a government that thinks both qualified and unqualified students who didnt pass the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) be transitioned to the senior high school, just to create the impression that majority have patronized the Free Education Policy, in the name of politics, is capable of helping the students to cheat for the same political reasons.

If you are still not convinced yet, ask yourself this: why did the government decide to provide so-called past questions for the students, and not textbooks so that they could learn hard to understand concepts rather than memorizing already solved past questions?

God save and bless our homeland Ghana.

In Sha Allah, I Shall Return.
31.12.2023 LISTEN

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. B.D.K Agbeko (Rtd), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, has encouraged the citizenry to work towards Ghana recapturing its enviable epithet standard as the Black Star of Africa.

He asked them to strive to project Ghana as a shining star globally through good governance, excellence in sports, responsible mining, agriculture, trade and industry, academia and research, amongst others.

The Moderator gave the advice in his 2024 New Year Message shared with the Ghana News Agency.

He thanked God for His continuous care and blessings on citizens adding that, Ghana's survival and sustenance in 2023 was a clear manifestation of God's faithfulness, steadfast love and grace.

The Moderator said many Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable had been largely affected by the economic crisis experienced globally, but God saw the nation through it all.

He noted that COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine War, the Israeli-Hamas war and many other unfortunate occurrences had adversely affected Ghana.

However, it had also offered Ghanaians the opportunity to be steadfast in faith, to hope for the best, to demonstrate their love to one another and above all to learn to trust in God as their sustainer and helper in overcoming all the challenges they faced.

Over the span of 2023, we have seen some of our colleagues in parts of Northern Ghana continue to suffer dreadful consequences due to resurgence of communal conflicts, whilst many inhabitants of communities along the Volta Lake in parts of Southern Volta, Eastern and North East parts of Ghana were recently hit with horrible misfortune of displacement, loss of properties and other various forms of afflictions as a result of the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

We have also experienced some changes in our climate due to reckless and indiscriminate degradation of our environment, including illegal mining as well as destruction of our forest and water bodies.

He said it was time Ghanaians embraced their natural duty and civic responsibility to preserve the earth and adopt best practices required to sustain the environment.

He said as everyone welcomed the year 2024 with fervent hope and aspiration, it was important for individuals and stakeholders in governance, public service, private sector, and civil society, to examine their shortcomings and make amends required to re-position the country on the path of progress for effective sustainable growth and development.

The Moderator said State actors and stakeholders must submit to the tenets and virtues of their religious faith to uphold high standards of ethical and moral values of integrity, loyalty and dedication in the discharge of their stewardship responsibilities.

He appealed to the Legislature, Judiciary and the Executive to seek the interest of the country and its citizens as a matter of premium and priority when dealing with crucial sensitive issues such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and related traditional family values concerns.

We cannot afford to live in captivity of immorality and unethical values against God's creation and natural practices.

I, therefore, urge all Ghanaians to engage in practices and values that is life sustaining to maintain our dignity and survival of our future generation through procreation, he said.

Rt. Rev. Agbeko said citizens, political actors as well as State regulatory and enforcement institutions ought to be guided by their religious faith to ensure that the 2024 General Election was conducted in fairness, transparency and peace.

The Moderator, while urging politicians and their followers to guard against hate speech and provocative comments, called on the Electoral Commission and State security services to also uphold the reputational standards of neutrality, trust and confidence expected of them by creating a level playing ground for all political parties devoid of prejudice.

Let me also entreat all religious bodies to rise to their stewardship responsibilities of promoting reconciliation, peace and stability of the country through prayers and mediation initiatives.

He advised them to preserve the values of bond of unity in diversity as one nation, one people with a common destiny to make Ghana greater and stronger.

The Moderator asked Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars of Ghana as they made another effort to clinch the ultimate trophy in the 2024 AFCON tournament to be staged in Cote D'Ivoire in a few weeks.

It is also important for us to demonstrate similar support to the Ghanaian contingent during All-African Games to be hosted by Ghana later this year.

Let us remain committed to the growth and development of our dear nation through our faith in God, the Life, Light and Saviour of the World.

"Let us all endeavor to be the salt and light of the world. I wish you a Happy and Prosperous Year! Peace be with you all!

GNA
CLP Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:CLPHY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 3,400 shares, a decline of 51.4% from the November 30th total of 7,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 118,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

CLP Price Performance

CLPHY stock traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $8.22. The stock had a trading volume of 52,021 shares, compared to its average volume of 52,132. CLP has a 52 week low of $7.03 and a 52 week high of $8.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $7.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.68.

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CLP Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 5th were issued a dividend of $0.0726 per share. This is an increase from CLPs previous dividend of $0.07. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 4th.

CLP Company Profile

CLP Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Hong Kong, Mainland China, India, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Australia. The company generates electricity through coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable resources, such as wind, hydro, and solar.

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BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (NYSE:BMEZ  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 47,400 shares, an increase of 54.9% from the November 30th total of 30,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 578,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust

In other news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 8,303 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of 14.05 per share, with a total value of 116,657.15. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 14,438,243 shares in the company, valued at 202,857,314.15. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In the last ninety days, insiders acquired 3,166,221 shares of company stock worth $44,052,518.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 17,363 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 796 shares in the last quarter. Walleye Capital LLC increased its holdings in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust by 45.5% in the 3rd quarter. Walleye Capital LLC now owns 27,907 shares of the companys stock worth $402,000 after acquiring an additional 8,732 shares in the last quarter. Almitas Capital LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust in the 3rd quarter worth $1,501,000. Comerica Bank purchased a new stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust in the 3rd quarter worth $257,000. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust by 24.8% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 306,223 shares of the companys stock worth $4,413,000 after acquiring an additional 60,924 shares in the last quarter.

BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust Price Performance

BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust Cuts Dividend

Shares of NYSE:BMEZ traded down 0.04 during trading on Friday, hitting 14.65. 1,187,600 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 381,558. The company has a fifty day moving average price of 13.94 and a two-hundred day moving average price of 14.92. BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust has a 52-week low of 12.93 and a 52-week high of 17.05.

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.092 per share. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th.

About BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust

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BlackRock Health Sciences Trust IIs (BMEZ) (the Trust) investment objective is to provide total return and income through a combination of current income, current gains and long-term capital appreciation. The Trust seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the health sciences group of industries and equity derivatives with exposure to the health sciences group of industries.

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CAE Inc. (NYSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,240,000 shares, a decrease of 33.1% from the November 30th total of 3,350,000 shares. Approximately 0.7% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 313,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 7.2 days.

CAE Trading Down 0.1 %

NYSE CAE traded down $0.03 on Friday, hitting $21.59. 143,859 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 308,413. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.94. CAE has a 52-week low of $18.89 and a 52-week high of $25.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.29, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.59. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $20.94 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $22.17.

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CAE (NYSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The aerospace company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.15 by $0.05. CAE had a net margin of 6.79% and a return on equity of 7.90%. The firm had revenue of $811.45 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $783.06 million. Research analysts forecast that CAE will post 0.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd bought a new stake in CAE during the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. Tsfg LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CAE in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in shares of CAE by 678.3% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,541 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 1,343 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in CAE by 85.5% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,029 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 935 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in CAE during the 2nd quarter worth $55,000. Institutional investors own 64.34% of the companys stock.

A number of research firms recently commented on CAE. Bank of America cut CAE from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of CAE from $37.00 to $34.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.43.

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CAE Company Profile

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CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and Rest of Americas. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare.

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Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DIFTY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 400 shares, a drop of 87.9% from the November 30th total of 3,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 6,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. Stock Up 4.4 %

OTCMKTS DIFTY traded up $1.24 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $29.20. The company had a trading volume of 1,641 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,686. Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. has a 52 week low of $22.50 and a 52 week high of $29.80. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $27.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $26.51. The company has a quick ratio of 5.43, a current ratio of 5.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19.

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Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. Company Profile

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Daito Trust Construction Co,Ltd. designs, constructs, and rents apartments and condominiums in Japan. It operates through three segments: Construction, Real Estate, and Finance. The company design and construct rental housing and other structure construction; ironwork and construction; building management and renovation, and whole building leasing; rental housing tenant guarantor services; advertising; and LP gas supply businesses.

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Diageo plc (OTCMKTS:DGEAF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 96,700 shares, a decline of 53.7% from the November 30th total of 208,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 16,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 5.8 days.

Diageo Price Performance

Shares of Diageo stock traded down $0.19 during trading on Friday, hitting $35.57. 6,829 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,691. The firms 50-day moving average price is $36.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $39.23. Diageo has a 12-month low of $33.83 and a 12-month high of $47.47.

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Diageo Company Profile

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Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. It offers scotch, gin, vodka, rum, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Chinese white spirits, cachaca, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and flavoured malt beverages. The company also provides Canadian, Irish, American, and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor whiskies, as well as ready to drink and non-alcoholic products.

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ENB Financial Corp (OTCMKTS:ENBP  Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 600 shares, a decrease of 57.1% from the November 30th total of 1,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days.

ENB Financial Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:ENBP traded up $0.40 during trading on Friday, reaching $14.75. 100 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,444. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $13.56 and a two-hundred day moving average of $13.69. ENB Financial has a 1-year low of $12.45 and a 1-year high of $16.99.

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ENB Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.61%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. ENB Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.73%.

ENB Financial Company Profile

ENB Financial Corp operates as the bank holding company for Ephrata National Bank that provides various financial services to individuals and small-to-medium-sized businesses in Pennsylvania, the United States. The company's deposit products include non-interest bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, NOW accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits.

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Experian plc (OTCMKTS:EXPGY  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 27,800 shares, an increase of 39.7% from the November 30th total of 19,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 348,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Experian Stock Performance

EXPGY stock traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $40.74. 79,957 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 120,742. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Experian has a 52-week low of $28.80 and a 52-week high of $41.52. The stocks fifty day moving average is $36.13 and its 200-day moving average is $35.85.

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Experian Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.1675 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, BNP Paribas lowered shares of Experian from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th.

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About Experian

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Experian plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a technology company in North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Business-to-Business and Consumer Services. The company collects, sorts, aggregates, and transforms data from various sources to provide a range of data-driven services.

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Kobe Steel, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:KBSTF  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,230,700 shares, an increase of 183.4% from the November 30th total of 787,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently  days.

Kobe Steel Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS KBSTF remained flat at $12.40 during trading hours on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $11.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.42. Kobe Steel has a 52-week low of $9.38 and a 52-week high of $14.45.

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Kobe Steel Company Profile

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Kobe Steel, Ltd. engages in the materials, machinery, and electric power businesses worldwide. The company offers steel sheet products, including high-tensile strength, hot and cold rolled, electro-galvanized, and hot-dipped galvanized steel sheets; steel wire rods and bars; and aluminum and steel plates.

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On the afternoon of December 31, the Russian terrorist army attacked the city of Nikopol in the Dnipro region. As a result of the shelling, civilians were injured.

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Destructions were also recorded in the town. This was reported by the head of the Dnipropetrovs'k Regional Military Administration Sergey Lysak on Telegram.

As a result of the shelling in the district center, three people were injured - two men and a woman. The destruction of civilian infrastructure was also recorded.

According to the head of the JMA, Russian shelling damaged a pharmacy and an office building. In addition, two minibuses and two cars were damaged.

The head of the Nikopol district military administration, Yevhen Yevtushenko, said that Russian terrorists had struck the district center with heavy artillery. In addition, Russians attacked some territorial communities with kamikaze drones.

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As a reminder, in the evening of December 30, Russian Federation troops shelled Kherson with artillery. A residential building was hit, and at least two civilians were killed.

Earlier it was reported that Russian troops have already launched almost 4,000 kamikaze drones to attack Ukraine. Air defense forces have shot down about 3,000 drones. Given the growing intensity of drone attacks, Ukraine needs mainly systems that work specifically against attack UAVs.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of December 31, Russia again attacked Ukraine with Shaheds. Air defense forces shot down 21 of the 49 drones. In particular, there were four hits by enemy UAVs, and houses in the center of Kharkiv were destroyed. In addition to drones, Russian troops also attacked the regional center with missiles. The invaders hit a hotel, residential buildings, and administrative buildings in the center of Kharkiv, and many civilians were injured.
Nuveen Global High Income Fund (NYSE:JGH  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 37,200 shares, a growth of 181.8% from the November 30th total of 13,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 63,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days.

Nuveen Global High Income Fund Trading Down 0.3 %

NYSE:JGH traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $12.20. 57,468 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 52,999. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $11.37 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.34. Nuveen Global High Income Fund has a 12 month low of $10.36 and a 12 month high of $12.70.

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Nuveen Global High Income Fund Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th were paid a $0.1035 dividend. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.18%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 14th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen Global High Income Fund

Nuveen Global High Income Fund Company Profile

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. McGowan Group Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Nuveen Global High Income Fund by 1.7% in the 3rd quarter. McGowan Group Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,625,486 shares of the companys stock worth $41,476,000 after purchasing an additional 58,990 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in Nuveen Global High Income Fund by 27.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,631,014 shares of the companys stock worth $18,349,000 after buying an additional 349,587 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in Nuveen Global High Income Fund by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 429,551 shares of the companys stock worth $4,914,000 after buying an additional 8,907 shares in the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC lifted its position in Nuveen Global High Income Fund by 11.2% in the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 326,893 shares of the companys stock worth $4,655,000 after buying an additional 32,927 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in Nuveen Global High Income Fund by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 307,306 shares of the companys stock worth $3,516,000 after buying an additional 20,292 shares in the last quarter.

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Nuveen Global High Income Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in U.S. high-yield bonds, non-U.S.

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John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (NYSE:HPS  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 35,200 shares, an increase of 156.9% from the November 30th total of 13,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 98,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III by 59.8% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 16,645 shares of the companys stock worth $233,000 after acquiring an additional 6,231 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III by 3.8% during the second quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 90,405 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,267,000 after buying an additional 3,268 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC boosted its stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III by 34.1% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 73,376 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,028,000 after buying an additional 18,650 shares during the period. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. bought a new stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III during the second quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III by 8.1% during the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 20,519 shares of the companys stock valued at $287,000 after buying an additional 1,539 shares during the period.

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John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III Price Performance

Shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III stock traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $14.14. The company had a trading volume of 147,151 shares, compared to its average volume of 66,348. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has a one year low of $11.79 and a one year high of $16.00. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.44.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III Announces Dividend

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III Company Profile

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 11th were issued a $0.11 dividend. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 8th.

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John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH  Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,570,000 shares, a decrease of 19.9% from the November 30th total of 3,210,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 953,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.7 days. Currently, 4.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms recently issued reports on PVH. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $88.00 target price on shares of PVH in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on PVH from $90.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. StockNews.com upgraded PVH from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th. UBS Group lifted their price target on PVH from $125.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on PVH from $110.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $108.25.

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PVH Stock Down 0.9 %

Shares of PVH stock traded down $1.16 on Friday, reaching $122.12. 524,664 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,099,273. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.66. PVH has a one year low of $69.27 and a one year high of $123.90. The company has a market cap of $7.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.40, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 2.14. The company has a 50-day moving average of $94.95 and a 200-day moving average of $86.09.

PVH (NYSE:PVH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The textile maker reported $2.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.74 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $2.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.41 billion. PVH had a net margin of 5.76% and a return on equity of 11.63%. The firms revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.60 EPS. Analysts anticipate that PVH will post 10.46 earnings per share for the current year.

PVH Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th were paid a dividend of $0.0375 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 28th. This represents a $0.15 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.12%. PVHs payout ratio is currently 1.77%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Martijn Hagman sold 18,900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.69, for a total value of $2,186,541.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 49,514 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,728,274.66. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other PVH news, CEO Martijn Hagman sold 18,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.69, for a total transaction of $2,186,541.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 49,514 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,728,274.66. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Julie Fuller sold 3,650 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.79, for a total value of $440,883.50. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 16,191 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,955,710.89. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 41,940 shares of company stock worth $4,767,962. Company insiders own 0.78% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PVH

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board boosted its holdings in PVH by 9.3% in the 2nd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 12,900 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $1,096,000 after purchasing an additional 1,100 shares during the period. WBI Investments Inc. bought a new position in PVH in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,879,000. Eisler Capital US LLC boosted its holdings in PVH by 150.0% in the 2nd quarter. Eisler Capital US LLC now owns 25,000 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $2,124,000 after purchasing an additional 15,000 shares during the period. Capital Fund Management S.A. bought a new stake in shares of PVH during the 2nd quarter worth $5,263,000. Finally, Live Oak Investment Partners lifted its holdings in shares of PVH by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Live Oak Investment Partners now owns 12,022 shares of the textile makers stock worth $1,021,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.25% of the companys stock.

About PVH

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PVH Corp. operates as an apparel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Tommy Hilfiger North America, Tommy Hilfiger International, Calvin Klein North America, Calvin Klein International, Heritage Brands Wholesale, and Heritage Brands Retail. It designs, markets, and retails men's, women's, and children's apparel and accessories, include branded dress shirts, neckwear, sportswear, jeans wear, performance apparel, intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear, swim-related products, handbags, accessories, footwear, outerwear, home furnishings, luggage products, sleepwear, loungewear, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, watches and jewelry, eyeglasses and non-ophthalmic sunglasses, fragrance, home bed and bath furnishings, small leather goods, and other products.

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Sanlam Limited (OTCMKTS:SLLDY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 10,300 shares, an increase of 635.7% from the November 30th total of 1,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 152,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Sanlam Trading Up 1.3 %

Sanlam stock traded up C$0.10 on Friday, hitting C$7.91. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,759 shares, compared to its average volume of 42,456. Sanlam has a one year low of C$5.16 and a one year high of C$8.16. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$7.47 and a 200-day moving average price of C$7.16.

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Sanlam Company Profile

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Sanlam Limited provides various financial solutions to individual, business, and institutional clients in South Africa, rest of Africa, and internationally. The company operates through Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Sanlam Investment Group, and Santam segments. It offers life, disability, severe illness, income protection, funeral, credit life, health, short-term, medical, and group risk benefits, business debt, key person, and commercial insurance products; financial planning and retirement, and solutions; investment products; wealth, and professionals and graduates insurance services; and personal and home loans, and credit cards.

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The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (NYSEAMERICAN:GLU  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 800 shares, a decline of 93.4% from the November 30th total of 12,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 18,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust Trading Down 0.1 %

GLU traded down $0.01 during trading on Friday, hitting $13.18. The companys stock had a trading volume of 9,096 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,532. The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust has a twelve month low of $11.61 and a twelve month high of $15.40.

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Institutional Trading of The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new stake in shares of The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $38,000. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors purchased a new position in The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $167,000. UBS Group AG boosted its position in The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust by 46.8% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 13,326 shares of the companys stock valued at $195,000 after buying an additional 4,249 shares during the last quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust by 36.8% in the 4th quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $204,000 after buying an additional 3,900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its position in The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust by 11.9% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 13,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $213,000 after buying an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter.

About The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust

The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by GAMCO Investors, Inc It is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC. The fund invests in public equity markets across the globe. It primarily invests in stocks of companies involved to a substantial extent in providing products, services, or equipment for the generation or distribution of electricity, gas, or water and infrastructure operations, and in equity securities including preferred securities of companies in other industries, in each case in such securities that are expected to pay periodic dividends.

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Toyota Industries Co. (OTCMKTS:TYIDY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 800 shares, a drop of 78.9% from the November 30th total of 3,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 10,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Toyota Industries Trading Up 1.2 %

TYIDY stock traded up $0.97 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $81.18. 1,897 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,486. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $79.93 and a 200-day simple moving average of $75.55. Toyota Industries has a 1-year low of $50.16 and a 1-year high of $88.96.

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Toyota Industries Corporation manufactures and sells textile machinery, materials handling equipment, automobiles, and automobile parts in Japan and internationally. The company operates through Automobile, Materials Handling Equipment, and Textile Machinery segments. It provides vehicles; gasoline and diesel engines for automobiles and industrial equipment; turbochargers and foundry parts; car air-conditioning compressors; car electronics comprising DC-DC converters, rear inverters, on-board chargers, DC-AC inverters, and charging and discharging systems; batteries; and stamping dies, including automotive and lift truck stamping dies.

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SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 87,600 shares, a growth of 630.0% from the November 30th total of 12,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 876.0 days.

SSAB AB (publ) Stock Performance

Shares of SSAAF stock remained flat at $7.77 during trading hours on Friday. SSAB AB has a 12 month low of $5.17 and a 12 month high of $7.96. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $6.18 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6.24.

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SSAB AB (publ) Company Profile

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SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products.

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Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TSUKY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decrease of 33.3% from the November 30th total of 300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.0 days.

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Stock Performance

Shares of TSUKY stock remained flat at $52.21 during midday trading on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $51.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $45.46. Toyo Suisan Kaisha has a 52 week low of $35.83 and a 52 week high of $57.40.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Toyo Suisan Kaisha in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. They set a buy rating on the stock.

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Company Profile

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Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells food products in Japan and internationally. The company operates through Seafood, Overseas Instant Noodles, Domestic Instant Noodles, Frozen and Refrigerated Foods, Processed Foods, and Cold-Storage segments. It purchases, processes, and sells seafood.

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On December 31, Russian troops shelled Kherson again. A teenager was killed in the attack.

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Another boy was seriously injured, and doctors are fighting for his life. The head of the Kherson regional military administration Oleksandr Prokudin provided details.

"The enemy attacked Kherson. At that time there were children near the store. A 14-year-old boy died on the spot. A 9-year-old boy is in extremely serious condition. He has a head injury. Doctors are fighting for his life. Russian non-humans have once again shown their true nature. We wish the boy a speedy recovery. Sincere condolences to the family of the deceased," the official said.

According to the Telegram channel "Kherson. War without Fakes, the Korabelny district of the city came under enemy fire. Russians fired at it around 15:00.

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As reported earlier, on December 31, the Russian army shelled Nikopol . Three civilians were injured. A pharmacy, offices and a car were damaged.

And on the night of December 31, Russia attacked Ukraine again with "Shaheds". Air defense forces shot down 21 drones out of 49.

In particular, four hits from enemy UAVs destroyed buildings in the center of Kharkiv. In addition, Russian troops also attacked the regional center with missiles . The invaders hit a hotel, residential buildings, and administrative buildings in the center of Kharkiv, injuring many civilians.

And in Khmelnytsky region, an infrastructure facility caught fire as a result of an attack by an enemy UAV.
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Kayezad E Adajania heads the personal finance bureau at Moneycontrol. He has been covering mutual funds and personal finance for the past two decades, having worked in Mint and Outlook Money magazine. Kayezad was the founding member of Mints personal finance team when it was set up in 2009.
Russian terrorists cynically justified the massive shelling of civilian objects in Kharkiv with S-300 missiles. In turn, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine stated that this is yet another sick delusion of the terrorist regime.

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The representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Andriy Yusov emphasized that no employees of the agency were injured during the shelling of Kharkiv. He said this in a comment to UP journalists.

Russian terrorists in Kharkiv targeted a hotel, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. However, Putin's terrorists, in their usual manner, brazenly lied that they "hit decision-making centers and military facilities in the city of Kharkiv."

According to Yusov, not a single employee of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and not a single soldier of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine's Kraken special forces unit was injured during the latest terrorist attack and missile strike on Kharkiv. He emphasized that the occupants once again targeted civilian rather than military objects.

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"This is a constant practice of the Russian Federation and its terrorist missile strikes, which are aimed specifically at civilian infrastructure and civilians. All other statements about the imaginary "defeats" of the representatives of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine are another sick fantasy of people living in a parallel reality and waging a genocidal war against Ukraine, for which they will definitely be punished," Yusov said.

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As a reminder, the Russian Defense Ministry cynically justified the attack on the Kharkiv Palace hotel in Kharkiv on December 30. The terrorist agency said that the attack on the infrastructure facility allegedly eliminated the participants of the "terrorist attack" in Belgorod, Russia.

Earlier it was reported that 28 people were injured in Kharkiv as a result of Russian missile attacks on December 30. All of them were civilians. Two Iskander M missiles flew into the city center, and three S300 missiles flew into the Industrial District.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Sundeep Khanna is a senior journalist and the author of 'Cryptostorm: How India became ground zero of a financial revolution'. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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.

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The Kremlin believes that Ukraine's retention of access to the Black Sea and its pro-Western political orientation is a threat to Russia, which could lead to greater problems in the future. A "special danger" for the Russians is also the Ukrainian people's total disregard for them.

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This was reported in the Telegram of the Main Intelligence Directorate. They noted that the Russian leadership is also afraid of the massive transition of Ukrainians to the Ukrainian language and social consensus, processes that have emerged after and as a result of the full-scale invasion of Russia.

Ukrainian intelligence officials have warned that the Kremlin is convinced that a protracted war could lead to destabilization within Russia itself. Therefore, it is likely that in 2024 the terrorist state will intensify its repressive domestic policy, the DIU noted.

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As a reminder, the DIU said that the use of naval strike drones in 2023 allowed Ukrainian soldiers to push the Russian fleet away from Ukrainian shores and force the Russian Black Sea Fleet ships to flee the Sevastopol Bay. The defenders created a 200-mile security strip at sea, providing a corridor for merchant ships.

The DIU assured that they are working daily to improve weapons and to find new effective tactics of attack.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the DIU said that the narrative about dictator Vladimir Putin's desire to end the war pursues two goals: "justifying" to Russians the state of their country's economy and splitting Ukrainian society and the pro-Ukrainian international coalition.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
More than 100 people had to be rescued from an ice floe in a Minnesota lake on Friday. (Dreamstime/TNS)
German chancellor tours flooded regions in the northwest, praises authorities and volunteers View Photo

BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a helicopter flight Sunday to check the flooded regions in the northwest of the country, where rivers have swelled and overflowed homes, roads and fields after weeks of heavy rain.

In recent days, hundreds of people have been evacuated from affected areas in northern and eastern Germany as a precaution.

Scholz landed in the morning in the town of Verden in Lower Saxony where dikes along rivers were soaked with water and close to bursting in some parts of the state.

Talking to reporters near the Aller river which has flooded parts of Verden, Scholz thanked the police, the fire department, the federal agency for technical relief and the German Armed Forces for their joint efforts.

It is important that we stick together, he said.

The chancellor also expressed gratitude to the countless citizens of our country who are now sacrificing their time and putting themselves in danger to ensure safety for us all.

Thousands of volunteers have helped fill and distribute millions of sandbags used to protect homes from the floods, said the governor of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, who accompanied Scholz on his tour of the hard-hit region.

In Haren in the region of Emsland close to the Dutch border, emergency services used sandbags to repair part of a dike on Sunday night. In Wathlingen near the city of Celle, hundreds of people helped stabilize parts of a dike that was washed out, German news agency dpa reported.

In the eastern state of Thuringia, the county of Mansfeld-Suedharz declared a state of emergency on Sunday as several villages on the Helme river were threatened by the rising waters, dpa reported, where around 130 emergency staffers also secured a heavily soaked dike with thousands of sandbags to keep it from bursting.

Lauding the combined efforts, Scholz said, I believe that this shows that there is solidarity in our country and a willingness to stick together.

The chancellor also promised the federal government would help support affected states and local authorities in coping with the crisis to the best of its ability.

In the summer of 2021, Germany and Belgium were hit by deadly floods that killed more than 230 people.

By KIRSTEN GRIESHABER

Associated Press
California New Laws View Photo

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Doctors in California who mail abortion pills to patients in other states will be protected from prosecution. Workers will receive more paid sick leave on the heels of a big year for labor. And companies cant fire employees for using marijuana outside of work.

These are among the hundreds of laws that take effect Jan. 1 in the nations most populous state.

Each year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs hundreds of laws passed by the state legislature. Most take effect Jan. 1 of the following year. But sometimes lawmakers will delay a laws effective date for a variety of reasons, including giving people more time to prepare for the new rules.

Some of the highest-profile bills passed by the Legislature in 2023 will not take effect until later. Fast food workers will get a minimum wage increase to $20 per hour on April 1. Healthcare workers are scheduled to see the first increases in their minimum wage on June 1. Laws requiring businesses to report their emissions and financial risks from climate change wont take effect until 2026.

A law banning people from carrying guns in most public places was blocked by a federal judge just days before it was set to take effect.

In 2023, the California Legislature passed 1,046 bills. Newsom signed 890 of those bills into law. He vetoed 156 bills, or 14.9%, according to statistics compiled by veteran lobbyist Chris Micheli.

Here is a look at some of the new laws Californians face:

YOU CANT GET FIRED FOR SMOKING POT AT HOME

Some drug tests dont determine if a person is high, but only if that person has used marijuana at all in recent days. California lawmakers thought it wasnt fair for companies to punish workers for failing these drug tests, especially since recreational marijuana has been legal in the state since 2016. A new law, which was passed in 2022 but takes effect this year, says companies cant punish workers for failing these types of drug tests. There are exceptions for construction workers and companies that must conduct drug tests as part of federal contracts.

A TAX INCREASE FOR HIGHER WAGE EARNERS

California has a short-term disability program that pays people who cannot work because of a non-work related illness, injury or pregnancy. The program is funded by a 1.1% tax on wages. In the past, this tax only applied to wages below a certain amount, about $153,000 in 2023. But starting Jan. 1, a new law, which was passed in 2022 but takes effect this year, eliminates the wage cap. People who make more than $153,000 per year subsequently will pay a 1.1% tax on those wages.

PROTECTIONS FOR ABORTION PILLS

Abortion is now illegal in 14 states after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. But doctors and pharmacists in California who mail abortion pills to patients in those states will be shielded from prosecution or fines. The law bans bounty hunters or bail agents from apprehending California doctors and taking them to another state to stand trial. It even prohibits state-based social media companies, such as Facebook, from complying with out-of-state subpoenas, warrants or other requests for records to discover the identity of patients seeking abortion pills.

MORE SICK LEAVE

Workers in California will receive a minimum of five days of sick leave annually, instead of three, which they will accrue once they have been employed for 200 days. Labor advocates say the increase will curb the spread of disease by preventing employees from working when they are sick. But opponents say the law will be another financial burden for employers and claim some workers request sick leave when they are not ill.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TUITION

Low-income Mexican residents who live within 45 miles (72 kilometers) of the California-Mexico border will be eligible for in-state tuition rates at participating Southern California community colleges under a new law signed by Newsom. The measure will lower a burden for students to receive education and training to help prepare them for the workforce, advocates say. It resembles another program in the state allowing up to 200 Nevada residents who live in certain areas near the California-Nevada border to receive in-state tuition rates at Lake Tahoe Community College.

LGBTQ+ FOSTER YOUTH

Foster families will be required to demonstrate their ability to meet the health and safety needs of children regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It was one of several bills the Legislature passed this year to expand protections for LGBTQ+ youth. Newsom vetoed another high-profile bill that would have required courts to consider whether a parent affirms their childs gender identity in custody and visitation proceedings.

LOW-INCOME HOUSING ON CHURCH LAND

Religious institutions and nonprofit colleges in California can now turn their parking lots and other properties into affordable housing. The new law, which helps these institutions bypass most local permitting and environmental review rules, was among several initiatives attempting to address the homelessness crisis in California. Supporters of the law said it will serve as another tool to build much-needed housing in the state, but opponents said the law takes away local control over housing developments.

HARSHER PENALTIES FOR FENTANYL DEALERS

California lawmakers introduced a slew of bills last year aimed at addressing fentanyl overdoses, which are killing roughly 110 Californians each week. Only one measure cracking down on dealers reached Newsoms desk. The new law increases penalties for dealers who possess more than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl. Newsom also signed bills requiring stadiums and amusement parks to stock overdose reversal drugs and community colleges and California State University campuses to provide fentanyl test strips.

___

Sophie Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: @sophieadanna

By SOPHIE AUSTIN, TRAN NGUYEN and ADAM BEAM

Associated Press
Taliban say security forces killed dozens of Tajiks, Pakistanis involved in attacks in Afghanistan

Taliban say security forces killed dozens of Tajiks, Pakistanis involved in attacks in Afghanistan View Photo

ISLAMABAD (AP)  Security forces in Afghanistan killed a number of Tajik and Pakistani nationals and arrested scores others involved in attacks against religious clerics, the public, and mosques, a senior Taliban official said Sunday.

Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Talibans appointed defense minister, during a press conference in the capital, Kabul, said dozens of Tajiks and more than 20 Pakistanis were killed in the past 12 months in operations by security forces.

He said scores of Tajiks and hundreds of Pakistanis involved in various incidents were also arrested during that period.

Mujahid called on neighboring and regional countries to strictly monitor their borders.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad spiked as hundreds of thousands of Afghans left Pakistan after authorities started pursuing foreigners they said were in the country illegally, going door-to-door to check migrants documentation, following an Oct.31 deadline.

Mujahid also said there has been a 90% decrease in attacks by an Islamic State group affiliate in the past year.

The militant group has carried out major assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques, and has also attacked Shiite areas across the country.

The IS affiliate has been a major rival of the Taliban since the latter seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. IS militants have struck in Kabul, in northern provinces and especially wherever there are Shiites, whom IS considers to be apostates.

Since taking power, the Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and work and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed, as U.S. and NATO forces were pulling out of Afghanistan following two decades of war.
Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least 35 as Netanyahu says war will continue for months

Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least 35 as Netanyahu says war will continue for months View Photo

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israels prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central region, the latest focus of the nearly three-month air-and-ground war that has raised fears of a regional conflagration.

The U.S. military said its forces shot and killed several Iran-backed Houthi rebels when they tried to attack a cargo ship in the Red Sea, an escalation in a maritime conflict linked to the war. And an Israeli Cabinet minister suggested encouraging Gazas population to emigrate, remarks that could worsen tensions with Egypt and other friendly Arab states.

Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people after breaking through Israels extensive border defenses, shattering its sense of security. They also captured around 240 hostages, nearly half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire agreement in November.

Just after midnight on New Years Day, Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in southern and central Israel. No injuries were reported.

Displaced Palestinians found little to celebrate on New Years Eve in Muwasi, a makeshift camp in a mostly undeveloped area of southern Gazas Mediterranean coast designated by Israel as a safe zone.

From the intensity of the pain we live, we do not feel that there is a new year, said Kamal al-Zeinaty, huddled with his family around a fire inside a tent. All the days are the same.

Another relative, Zeyad al-Zeinaty, who fled with the family from the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, said his wife, brother and grandchildren are among many relatives he has lost in the war.

Israels unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 56,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations. Israels bombardments have leveled vast swaths of the territory, displacing some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

THE OFFENSIVE GRINDS ON

Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of densely built-up communities that house refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants.

In Zweida, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. It also said its forces operating in the Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a kindergarten and defused it. Hamas continued to launch rockets toward southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting. Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

The fighting has pushed much of Gazas population south, where people have flooded shelters and tent camps near the border with Egypt. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in both areas.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter. There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

ISRAELI MINISTER URGES MASS MIGRATION FROM GAZA

The scale of the destruction and the exodus to the south has raised fears among Palestinians and Arab countries that Israel plans to drive Gazas population out and prevent it from returning.

On Sunday, Israels far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and re-establish Jewish settlements in the territory, where it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not 2 million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a war Cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighboring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, along with other friendly Arab countries.

Later Sunday, an official in the prime ministers office said Israel does not want to resettle Palestinians.

Contrary to false allegations, Israel does not seek to displace the population in Gaza, the official said in a statement to The Associated Press. Subject to security checks, Israels policy is to enable those individuals who wish to leave to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Israel is also at odds with the United States, which has provided crucial military aid for the offensive, over Gazas future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip. At a news conference Saturday, he said the war would continue for many more months and that Israel would assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons from Egypt, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

Netanyahu has also said he wont allow the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the occupied West Bank, to expand its limited rule to Gaza, where Hamas drove its forces out in 2007.

The U.S. wants a unified Palestinian government to run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. The last Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down over a decade ago, and Israeli governments since have been staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

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Mroue reported from Beirut and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Jack Jeffery in Cairo contributed to this report.

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Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

By WAFAA SHURAFA, BASSEM MROUE and TIA GOLDENBERG

Associated Press
Chinese spy agency challenging the CIA with advanced AI program

During the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Chinese spies engaged with technology contractors to enhance their surveillance capabilities in Beijing. They sought an artificial intelligence (AI) program that could instantly create dossiers on individuals, including foreign diplomats, military officers and intelligence operatives using information from various databases and surveillance cameras.

The AI-generated profiles allowed Chinese spies to select targets and identify vulnerabilities. The revelation underscores the Ministry of State Security's (MSS) expansive ambitions, positioning itself as a formidable global intelligence agency.

MSS using advanced technologies to catch up with CIA

The MSS has significantly improved its capabilities through recruitment, training and the application of advanced technologies, aligning with President Xi Jinping's vision for China to rival the United States economically and militarily.

AI Tracking System: The MSS successfully acquired their desired AI system, enabling it to monitor American spies and other individuals. The technology provides Chinese intelligence with enhanced capabilities for data analysis and surveillance.

Competing with the CIA: The MSS has transformed from an agency relying on embassy gossip to one that competes directly with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) globally. The rivalry between the American and Chinese spy agencies resembles the Cold War-era KGB-versus-CIA dynamic, but with China leveraging emerging technologies like AI to challenge the United States.

Economic and Military Espionage: Both the MSS and the CIA are intensifying their efforts to collect intelligence on technological advancements, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotech. China's economic boom and industrial policies provided the MSS with the capability to challenge the U.S. in areas where the Soviet Union couldn't during the Cold War.

Growing Role of MSS: Under President Xi, the MSS has gained prominence, with its head, Chen Wenqing, promoted to the party's top security official and a member of the Politburo. The MSS now combines foreign intelligence responsibilities similar to the CIA and domestic security functions akin to the FBI.

Technological Self-Reliance: China's emphasis on "technological self-reliance" is a response to concerns that the U.S. and its allies could restrict China's access to crucial technological knowledge. The MSS focuses on recruiting technology experts and acquiring commercial technological advancements.

Challenges for the CIA: The CIA, under President Joe Biden, has established the China Mission Center and a Technology Intelligence Center to address the growing challenge posed by China. However, concerns persist that the U.S. is falling behind in understanding and countering China's technological advances.

Enhanced Recruitment and Training: The MSS has become more proactive in recruiting from universities, particularly seeking technology experts and hackers. The agency's growing capabilities highlight the need for the U.S. intelligence community to adapt to the evolving landscape of technological espionage.

Struggling with Technological Awareness: U.S. intelligence agencies face challenges in understanding and responding to China's commercial and technological advancements. The CIA has sought insights from American executives and scholars to gain a better understanding of Chinese companies' development goals.

Evolving Threat Landscape: The competition between the MSS and the CIA signifies a shift in the global intelligence landscape, with technological espionage becoming a critical aspect of national security. The U.S. and China vie for dominance not only in traditional military capabilities but also in cutting-edge technologies.

What is MSS?

The MSS operates as a secretive entity akin to the Soviet KGB, holding responsibilities for both internal security and foreign espionage. Its overseas operations are notably directed, with a particular emphasis on the United States, targeting industries and sectors such as high technology and military advancements.

Unlike Western espionage, the MSS doesn't heavily rely on a limited number of agents; instead, it meticulously cultivates potential intelligence assets and methodically gathers information on new weapons systems through prolonged personal contacts.

According to Peter Earnest, the executive director of the International Espionage Museum in Washington, the approach of Chinese espionage differs from that of the West, as it focuses on accumulating numerical data rather than merely acquiring discrete secrets.

The covert nature of their operations often leaves sources unaware that they have unwittingly collaborated with a foreign spy mission.

Visit CommunistChina.news for more stories about China.

Watch the report about corruption inside America's intelligence agencies.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Chinese spy balloon program linked to PLAs hypersonic missiles.

Fords deal with Chinese EV battery maker sparks security concerns.

Biden Center at UPenn Received $54.6M from anonymous Chinese donations.

Sources include:

DNYUZ.com

VoxNews.al

Brighteon.com
DC cop who sued nonviolent J6 protesters admits to CNN he was just watching the riot on TV

Brandon Straka, a social media influencer who founded the "Walk Away" campaign to encourage people to leave the Democratic Party, revealed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Washington D.C. officer Byron Evans admitted on CNN that he was not actually at the Capitol when the J6 "riot" happened.

In the interview, the CNN reporter described Evans' experience of watching the protest on television from a secure location for hours. "I just remember the anger I felt when I saw those images. Busting windows, climbing the walls and stuff like that. It was an audible gasp in the room," Evans admitted.

The cop and seven others sued former liberal Straka and other former President Donald Trump supporters under the KKK Act for "racist" attacks back on Jan. 6, 2021. Straka said in the social media post that they sued him, "alleging that I am a racist and a white supremacist and that I bore responsibility for their injuries."

(Thread) This is Capitol Police Officer Byron Evans. Officer Evans sued me under the KKK Act alleging that I violated his civil rights and that I conspired with white supremacists to commit assault and battery against him on January 6th. (follow this thread to see how Officer pic.twitter.com/fLGCgULvHi  Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) December 27, 2023

The conservative activist further included in the thread how they were able to compel Evans to answer exactly where he was when Straka allegedly caused his assault and battery and violated his civil rights. The DC cop indicated in an interrogatory that he spent about half the afternoon behind locked doors in the Visitor Center. For the remainder of the afternoon, Evans was in a room in the Senate office building. Meanwhile, Straka was never present in any of the locations. He said he was on the east side steps for eight minutes and on the outer grounds shooting street interviews for about 30 minutes.

Evans alleged that Straka caused the former's exposure to pepper spray, bear spray, fire extinguishers and other pollutants and this heightened his stress and anxiety and made the police officer exhausted and suffer pain in his legs. The latter never met Evans and carried no chemical pollutants, let alone spray any at that time. Straka further divulged that Evans also admitted later in his interrogatory that he didn't come in contact with the chemical pollutants until late Jan. 6 and the morning of Jan. 7. During these times, the accused was already sleeping in his hotel bed, then on his way home.

In an earlier X post, Straka compared the sentence he received to that of Chisom Kingston and Natalie White, who set fire and burned down a Wendy's during the Black Lives Matter riots in 2020. "I stood outside of the Capitol for eight minutes, shooting video. No violence, vandalism, theft or destruction." But he got three months of house arrest, three years of probation, a $5,000 fine, a $500 "restitution payment," 60 hours of community service and he served 2.5 days in jail. The court also ordered him mental health therapy sessions. (Related: $500 fine, no jail time for BLM rioters who set Atlanta Wendy's on fire in 2020.)

"Officer Evans, along with Capitol Officer Michael Fortune and six other Capitol Police officers not only claimed that I violated their civil rights and violated the KKK Act, but they also claimed that I caused their assault and battery. I committed no acts of violence on J6; and did not plan, organize, or encourage any," he said in the recent post pointing out that Evans also admitted that he sustained no physical injuries other than breathing in the remnants of chemical pollutants that had been sprayed many hours before he allegedly breathed them in.

He further revealed that Evans' lawyers said they could not calculate the value of the officer's injuries without first having access to Straka's bank statements to assess his net worth. He vehemently declined so the attorneys said that for $120,000, they would drop the lawsuit. "I decided I would rather fight them to the end no matter what it costs, all the way to trial if necessary than give them a single dime," he said firmly as he revealed that the remaining counts against him of assault and battery were already dismissed. "This case against me has demonstrated how the left will use their lies about racism and white supremacy [and their lies about J6] to game the system."

Straka used to be included in a secret government watchlist

Before his case was even dismissed, Straka and other J6ers found themselves on the "domestic terrorism" watchlist of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He said he was even given the designation SSSS, Quad S or Secondary Security Screening Selection. Apart from hours of screening, a team of TSA agents (12 or more) would follow him around the airport with dogs because the Department of Justice accused him of having encouraged hundreds of people during the Jan. 6 protest.

He stood outside of the open doors of the Capitol and heard to have said the words "go, go." These people, he said, wouldn't have been able to hear him anyway. "Presuming that the above is true, this is why I have been placed on a domestic terrorist list and this is why you and everybody you care about have been significantly less safe the past three years as the majority of security resources are being weaponized to harass and punish Trump supporters," he said on X.

Meanwhile, earlier in December Air Marshal National Council (AMNC) Director Sonya LaBosco admitted that the Federal Air Marshals Service (FAMS) was ordered by the TSA to continue to watch their "suspected" protesters instead of protecting people aboard planes. "We're not flying right now. On most flights, you're not going to have air marshals, she told Fox News. "The only missions that we're doing are 'Quiet Skies' missions, which are following the Jan. 2021 people." The Quiet Skies missions have used up the FAMS' resources by forcing air marshals to monitor people who flew into Washington, D.C. ahead of the Jan. 6 protest. Three years later, we're following the same individuals day in and day out," the AMNC director divulged.

Surveillance.news contains more stories related to how the big government is still "watching" Jan. 6 Capitol protesters.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

LawEnforcementToday.com
Democrats total disconnect from reality

We have to face the reality that our government, through satanic Hollyweird, the government-controlled news media, social media, academia, and the worst K thru 12 education system anywhere in the developed world, has managed to cause a total disconnect from reality in their deaf and blind loyalists.

(Article by Lex Greene republished from NewsWithViews.com)

AndAll true Americans will be forced to deal with it in 2024by whatever necessary. Todays democrats are as anti-American as George Soros, Klaus Schwab, BLM, ANTIFA, Bill Gates and the pro-Hamas terrorists in our streets.

No matter how peaceful and patient conservatives remain, democrats will continue to ratchet up their anti-American violence, theft, arson, and mob rule, eventually leaving Americans no choice but to confront their evil.

Todays democrat voters have sunken to the bottom of the anti-American pit headed for hell. In truth, they have been Pavlov-trained driven to hell by their lying, cheating, criminal anti-American Party leaders. Unfortunately, they are so disconnected from reality now, that many of them are beyond reform or salvation.

Ill talk about misled Republicans in another piece. Right now, America has a huge problem in the democrat voting bloc, including millions of illegal votes in their ranks. If real Americans are not ready to deal with this, our Constitutional Republic may gasp its last breath long before the November 2024 elections.

Nothing current democrat voters believe is true

They believe theres more than two human gendersThere is not.

They believe in the Climate Change hoax, despite science proving that there hasnt been any abnormal climate change on earth since the Ice Age.

They believe that socialism and communism are better than freedom and liberty.

They believe that Trump is a criminal despite every attempt to charge him having resulted in acquittal after acquittal.

They believe that false accusations are enough to convict someone without a trial or judicial conviction.

They believe that Trump was involved in Russian Collusion despite all evidence proving it was the Clinton Campaign and DNC who was caught colluding with numerous foreign enemies in an effort to take down Trump.

They believe nobody supports Trump despite knowing that Trump leads the GOP primary field by 50-points or more, at 69% in GOP polls and gaining ground with democrats and independents.

They believe that women have a constitutionally protected Right to murder their own children in the womb, despite a fundamental Right to Life in our Founding documents.

They believe Biden won the 2020 elections despite Biden not even campaigning, and Trump receiving 11-million more votes in 2020 than he won with in 2016.

They believe America is a democracy when the Constitution guarantees every Citizen and State a republican form of government. They dont even know the critical difference between the two.

They support known global terrorists like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the #1 terror sponsor state Iran.

They believe they are entitled to the earnings, incomes, and assets of those who work hard to earn those things and they vote for candidate who will rob others to give to them.

They believe Biden is a great President, knowing he cant complete an intelligible sentence or even read a teleprompter correctly. Kamala Harris is even worse.

They love Obama, even though its foreign agent Obama who doubled the national debt in eight years, divided our country beyond repair, and set our country on the path to extinction.

They believe that illegal invaders should have a Right to vote if thats what it takes to win elections and get more taxpayer-funded gifts from the treasury.

They believe that lying and cheating, even political persecution is an acceptable means to an end.

They believe J6 was an insurrection despite the FBI Investigation concluding that there is no evidence of an insurrection on that day.

They believe Trump is guilty based on false accusations alone, instead of innocent until proven guilty, no matter how many times Trump is charged and acquitted.

They believe they have a right to riot, loot, burn cities and murder to get what they want, that which they lack the decency and courage to EARN.

And they also believe that its right for government to be weaponized against all political opponents, without realizing that those weapons will take them down too in the end.

I could keep going for a few pages here, but this should be enough for any sane person to conclude that the future of our country is not safe in the hands of people who have quite clearlylost their minds.

Democrat voters have been so dumbed down and drugged up that they now represent a serious threat to the future of freedom, liberty, real justice, peace, and tranquility. Our country is doomed to extinction in their hands.

###

Continue reading at: NewsWithViews.com
Turkeys Erdogan compares Israels Netanyahu to Hitler: He is richer than Hitler; he gets support from the West

As Israel's war on Gaza rages on, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , likening his actions to those of the late Adolph Hitler in Nazi Germany.

In an interview, Erdogan compared Israel's ongoing treatment of the Palestinians living in Gaza to Hitler's treatment of Jews and others during World War II. Erdogan would add that Western nations like the United States are also complicit in that they are funding and sending arms to Israel to commit what he described as war crimes.

Any academics and scientists who now find themselves being persecuted for holding a similar stance in support of the people of Gaza are welcome in Turkey, Erdogan further stated, offering a lifeline to others around the world who face persecution for opposing Israel's actions.

"They used to speak ill of Hitler," Erdogan 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 is richer than Hitler; he gets the support from the West. All sorts of support come from the United States. And what did they do with all this support? They killed more than 20,000 Gazans."

(Related: Did you catch what conservative personality Ben Shapiro did to Candace Owens, one of his employees, after she tweeted scripture condemning Israel's murderous actions in Gaza?)

Netanyahu responds by condemning Turkish genocide of Kurds

In response to Erdogan's statements, Netanyahu stated that the Turkish president is the last person who should be lecturing Israel about war crimes, considering Turkey's dark past.

"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," Netanyahu said.

Despite all this back-and-forth rhetoric between Erdogan and Netanyahu, Turkey has continued to maintain commercial ties with Israel. This ongoing alliance continues to draw criticism from opposition parties as well as from the leaders of Iran.

Ever since the October 7 Hamas attack, trade between Turkey and Israel has fallen. Though Turkey still belongs to NATO, it does not view Hamas as a terrorist organization and continues to oppose Israel's war on Gaza.

"Erdogan is not a moral authority on anything," wrote one incensed commenter concerning the matter.

"What would he do to protect his citizens if attacked?" asked another in support of Israel.

Many others addressed the hypocrisy of Erdogan in condemning Netanyahu for committing basically the same crimes against humanity that Israel is committing against the people of Gaza, except Turkey is persecuting and killing Kurds rather than Palestinians.

One of our own readers left a comment pointing out that this whole situation is anomalous in that Israel created Hamas back in the 1970s to counteract the regime of Yasser Arafat.

"This is all ridiculous if you consider the fact that those financing and directing Israel are the same ones financing and directing Hamas," this person wrote. "These people have put themselves up so high on pedestals that they can't see what's really going on."

"Time to stop focusing on the puppets and start focusing on the puppet masters."

In rebuttal, another of our readers commented on a different story by stating that Israel "didn't actually create [Hamas] from scratch."

"Hamas / Mujama al-Islamiya was founded as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin," this person wrote.

"Israel didn't crackdown [sic] on them because they saw them as a counterweight to Yasser Arafat's PLO who was their main enemy then. Israel recognized them and assisted them for that reason, although assistance is disputed by some Israeli officials."

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Instagram bans BLM activist Shaun King for criticizing Israel

For years, Black Lives Matter (BLM) activist Shaun King has been bashing white people and calling for anti-white riots all over social media with no consequence. Then he turned to criticizing Israel and was immediately banned from Instagram.

According to Facebook, another social media platform under the same Meta banner that also banned King, the decision to silence this prominent BLM voice stemmed from his "praise for designated entities."

"Designated entities," in this context, means the people living in Gaza whom King has been defending on social media. According to Meta, Facebook, and Instagram, users of the latter two social media platforms who express any kind of support for the Palestinian people are to be silenced.

"If you are in Israel's way, @meta clearly officially deems you as dangerous," King wrote in a post, adding that Meta's official stance on the matter is that anyone who speaks up on behalf of the people of Gaza is a threat.

"If it's me. If It's Yemen. It doesn't matter ... Because to call Yemen dangerous and not Israel is WILD. And out of step with the whole world."

King would go on in the offending post to write that Israel has already "slaughtered 28,000 Palestinians" and "set records on the speed of their murder."

"Israel made 2 million Palestinians homeless," King continued. "Destroyed priceless artifacts, schools, mosques, churches, libraries, bakeries, and EVERYTHING you can imagine ... Blown the heads off of babies ... Caused nearly 2,000 children to lose limbs ... But somehow, YEMEN is dangerous?"

This is the post that meta banned Shaun king for Over the years hes said all kinda wild racist shit against whites but the moment he speaks against Israel hes gone too far pic.twitter.com/rJJ9bi7ulf  Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) December 25, 2023

(Related: Remember when BLM admitted that the purpose of its existence is to protect "black criminals?")

Former Facebook COO Sharyl Sandberg pushed Israeli government's fake "Hamas mass rape" hoax

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is Jewish, used to work alongside former Facebook COO Sharyl Sandberg, who is also Jewish. Sandberg worked directly with the pro-Israel influence network known as ATTN to push the lie that Hamas committed "mass rape" on October 7.

An important video from ?@sherylsandberg? It is without a shred of doubt that there were horrendous and despicable acts of rape on Oct 7th. If you fail to condemn the attacks, think for a second what you think is happening to the innocent girls currently held hostage. pic.twitter.com/MG5rPuzEDj  Eric Reiner (@ericmreiner) November 20, 2023

While that lie has since been widely debunked, there is still widespread censorship taking place across social media whenever someone speaks out against the false claims that Israel has made as justification for its war on Gaza.

The Israeli government has been spreading lies about Hamas baking babies in ovens, raping and murdering women, and other such shock tales in an attempt to legitimize its ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza.

"We arm wrestled but he brought a towel because he is not allowed to touch us women. For them, women are sacred there. A woman is like a queen. Israeli hostages talk about their 5 week experience at the hands of #Hamas The ?? govt want us to believe these same men are rapists. pic.twitter.com/vVp0JKCFsU  Majid Freeman (@Majstar7) December 24, 2023

"Sheryl Sandburg's oily, revolting insincerity while blaming the victims for Israel's crimes is evil," one commenter wrote.

"You'd better believe the willingness of Sandberg, Zuckerberg, Brin, et al., to shut down speech proves they see us as their enemy as well. Ask Sandberg, Zuckerberg, and the rest; they'll tell you it pays to have election officials, the White House, and all but maybe two members of Congress for sale."

More related news about pro-Palestine censorship by Big Tech can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

InformationLiberation.com

NaturalNews.com
One month after receiving second COVID injection, woman develops psoriatic arthritis

New research published in the peer-reviewed journalon December 18 tells the story of a 56-year-old woman who, one month after taking her second dose of Pfizer and BioNTech's mRNA (modRNA) Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccine," developed a serious case of psoriatic arthritis.

According to the paper, the woman was already under treatment at the time for plaque psoriasis, a disease she had been suffering with for 44 years. Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that produces thick patches of psoriasis on the skin, including on the scalp.

The woman was used to her normal, decades-long symptoms of plaque psoriasis at the time when she took her second shot of Pfizer in 2021. Just weeks later, she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis that develops in people like her who already have psoriasis.

The authors of the new paper explain that the woman's COVID jabs "may have triggered severe and debilitating" psoriatic arthritis, adding that the jabs "appeared" to be linked to the treatment. While the authors did not definitively declare the Pfizer shots to be the cause, they did state that "the effect of vaccination cannot be dismissed."

"... to date, reports from the literature support that the exacerbation or appearance of rheumatological diseases following COVID-19 vaccinations seem to have a good prognosis as they are still rare, short-lived, and respond well to steroids and other immunosuppressant agents," the paper further states.

(Related: Be sure to check out these nine ways to naturally treat arthritis in the comfort of your own home.)

All around the world, COVID jab recipients are developing severe rheumatic diseases

Though more studies are needed to hone down the details of how COVID injections exacerbate psoriasis conditions by adding new ones into the mix, it was clear enough to the authors of the new paper that there is probably a link between the shots and autoimmune conditions of the skin.

The paper cites a systematic review published back in October that identified 271 cases of rheumatic diseases from 39 different countries. All of the cases were logged between January 2021 when much of the world first started getting jabbed for COVID, and May 2023 when most of the world that wanted the jabs or that was forced to take them had reached "fully vaccinated" status.

According to the cited review, about 50 percent of the identified patients developed their new rheumatic disease after the second dose of one of the two modRNA injections from either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

"Amid the ongoing worldwide vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, clinicians need to be prepared to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination, acknowledging that it may exacerbate immune disorders and planning for a close follow-up in terms of disease progression and treatment."

Back to the new paper in Cureus, the woman who developed psoriatic arthritis developed the disease as part of a Pfizer clinical trial. When her symptoms first began, she approached the clinic operators to seek help.

The woman told them that she had developed serious inflammatory symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and loss of function in her right knee joint, which proceeded to migrate to her left wrist, then to her right wrist, and eventually to her right Achilles tendon. This traveling disease, if you will, is described as migratory polyarthralgia.

"She was suffering from severe debilitating pain," the study explains.

The Pfizer trial directors responded to the woman by giving her some medication and sending her home. About a month later is when she eventually developed psoriatic arthritis, with disease measurements that indicated "high disease activity."

To make a long story short, the woman was given more and more pharmaceuticals, some of which helped and some of which caused more harm. She now has to take a drug called secukinumab (COSENTYX) once a month, probably for the rest of her life.

Sources for this article include:

Cureus.com

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com

MDPI.com
News media outlets cut a record-breaking 2,700 jobs in 2023, with more losses predicted for 2024

A study has found that news media outlets have slashed at least 2,700 jobs in 2023 . Data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas has revealed that media companies overall have made 20,324 cuts so far in 2023, the highest year-to-date total since 2020.

In recent weeks, Conde Nast, the Washington Post, Yahoo News, Vox Media and other news outlets have made significant reductions in their workforces. Popular Science, a storied science and technology magazine that has won many awards, has ceased its print edition.

To ensure continued printing, other publications such as BusinessWeek and The Nation reduced production and have become monthly magazines.

Overall, many media companies have shed thousands of employees in recent weeks amid what many used to consider "the most wonderful time of the year."

The outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas has reported that many news outlets have cut nearly 2,700 jobs this year, the highest number of job cuts in the industry since 2020, the turbulent year that saw the whole world thrown into chaos by the global Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (Related: Recession fears surge as new job creation slows down, jobless claims rise.)

Challenger, Gray & Christmas data also revealed in the "news" subcategory the firm tracks, at least 2,681 jobs have been cut, including those in broadcast, digital and print. That total exceeded the 1,808 cuts announced during 2022 and 1,511 announced the year before.

Many major media companies have announced efforts to trim staff and reduce costs to survive a tough advertising market and general news fatigue by consumers.

For example, the Washington Post aims to cut at least 240 jobs from its newsroom before the end of the year. Companies like Conde Nast and Vox have also implemented or announced major staff reductions.

Economy is resilient, but terminations are the norm for publishers

Even though the U.S. economy has been resilient, the unwelcome job cuts come during a rather challenging business climate for publishers, which have continued to see significant declines in social media traffic, which used to be the lifeblood of digital media publications, along with a very demanding advertising market and changing audience habits.

The cuts also come at an unfortunate period, especially given the state of the information environment and alleged threats to U.S. democracy.

The Left claims that at a time when anti-democratic candidates are trying to seize power in election contests throughout the country, newsrooms are seeing their reach and staffing shrink, if not go belly up entirely. According to Left, this lack of accountability implies that the dishonest figures seeking higher office will face less scrutiny and leave the electorate less informed.

Margaret Sullivan, a columnist at the Guardian who previously wrote about media for the Washington Post and the New York Times, said she was concerned about the bigger consequences the job losses in the news business will have on the country.

Sullivan said the loss of journalists "contributes to the exponential growth of news deserts in large swaths of the nation  and that's disastrous when misinformation is rampant." She concluded that democracy requires "an informed electorate in order to function and that is tragically dwindling in many regions."

Visit MarketCrash.news for similar stories about job losses in other industries.

Watch the video below to learn about job loss due to automation.

This video is from the AMPNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ESPN to commence LAYOFFS as part of larger Disney job cuts.

UKs Guardian newspaper apologizes for its links to SLAVERY.

SupPRESSed: Kansas cops raid newspaper office and publishers home, seize gadgets and records.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

ChallengerGray.com

Brighteon.com
Putin tried everything possible to make peace  Ukrainian diplomat

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally sought a peace agreement with Ukraine in April 2022, according to Ambassador Aleksandr Chaly, a senior member of the Ukrainian delegation.

(Article republished from RT.com)

Chaly expressed this perspective during an event at the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) in early December, where he dissected the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The ex-deputy foreign minister is an associate fellow at the Swiss government-funded foundation. His remarks drew media attention after a video of the event was released on YouTube last week.

Chaly analyzed the roots of the ongoing conflict, which he described as hard competition for Ukraine that the US and the EU have with Russia, as well as Kievs intention to join the EU and NATO. He stressed that Russian aggression was not inevitable since the parties had sufficient tools to resolve their differences.

The diplomat called Putins decision to launch the special military operation against Ukraine in February 2022 a crime and a mistake and claimed that the Russian leader had been misled by his own propaganda and his intelligence services.

Approximately a week into hostilities, Chaly believes Putin recognized the unrealistic nature of his expectations and actively pursued a negotiated resolution. He based his analysis on his personal involvement in the peace talks, which were first hosted by Minsk and culminated in Istanbul in late March with a draft truce approved by both sides.

Putin  tried to do everything possible to conclude [the] agreement with Ukraine, the diplomat told the audience. The text made concessions to Kiev, compared to Russias initial position, and it was Putins personal decision to accept it, he claimed.

Weve managed to find a very real compromise. Putin really wanted to reach some peaceful agreement with Ukraine.

Chaly mused that for some reason, the Istanbul communique did not transform into an actual treaty.

The Ukrainian delegations leader, MP David Arakhamia, said in late November that then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised Ukrainians to just continue fighting during his visit to Kiev after the conclusion of the talks.

Remarks made by senior Russian officials, including Putin, partially back Chalys account. The president said during his year-end press conference this month that Russias stated goals of demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine would have been addressed under the pre-approved treaty.

Options remain to either achieve them through an agreement or by force, Putin stressed.

Read more at: RT.com
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The year 2023 witnessed several events that shook the corporate as well as policy space. Many of those left a lasting impact on the economy. Whether it was US short-seller Hindenburgs damning report on the Adani group, or the governments decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination notes, these events created an upheaval in the domestic market. We list a few below:

Adani-Hindenburg Saga

Gautam Adani-led Adani Group faced a setback in 2023 when US-based short seller Hindenburg Research in a report published on January 24 accused the conglomerate of stock market manipulation, called the share prices of its 7 listed firms overvalued, questioned the role of close family members among other serious allegations. Adani Group dismissed the allegations. However, the report caused a stock rout in the 10 listed Adani stocks and at its peak wiped out more than $120 billion from the combined market capitalisation. The aftermath of the report was the formation of a Supreme Court appointment committee which so far finds no wrongdoing by Adani. Adani stocks made a remarkable recovery in the last few months.

RBI withdraws Rs 2000 banknotes from circulation

The RBI in May this year announced to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation. The announcement shocked the people reminding them of the hardships they had to face when the government announced demonetisation in November 2016 and decided to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes overnight. However, this time there was no such chaos as the Rs 2,000 banknote remained legal tender.

Online gaming firms hit GST wall

Introduction of a blanket 28% GST on all real-money online gaming dealt a severe blow to the industrys growth prospects. Previously, online games of skill and chance were subject to different tax rates, but the GST Council decided to unify them under the higher tax slab from October 1, 2023. This abrupt change disrupted the gaming industry, pushing many companies to contemplate downsiing or relocating to more favourable environments.

The Collapse of Go First

In a big setback for Indias aviation industry, GoFirst (formerly GoAir) stopped flying early in May and filed for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Delhi. It became the second prominent airline to collapse in recent years after Jet Airways.

Telecommunications Bill

The government passed the much-anticipated Telecommunications Bill of 2023. The bill aims to replace three British-era bills: the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885; the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933; and the Telegraph Wires Act, 1950. The Bill officially became an Act last week after receiving assent from the president, following its passage in parliament.

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NEW DELHI: The year 2023 witnessed several events that shook the corporate as well as policy space. Many of those left a lasting impact on the economy. Whether it was US short-seller Hindenburgs damning report on the Adani group, or the governments decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination notes, these events created an upheaval in the domestic market. We list a few below: Adani-Hindenburg Saga Gautam Adani-led Adani Group faced a setback in 2023 when US-based short seller Hindenburg Research in a report published on January 24 accused the conglomerate of stock market manipulation, called the share prices of its 7 listed firms overvalued, questioned the role of close family members among other serious allegations. Adani Group dismissed the allegations. However, the report caused a stock rout in the 10 listed Adani stocks and at its peak wiped out more than $120 billion from the combined market capitalisation. The aftermath of the report was the formation of a Supreme Court appointment committee which so far finds no wrongdoing by Adani. Adani stocks made a remarkable recovery in the last few months.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); RBI withdraws Rs 2000 banknotes from circulation The RBI in May this year announced to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation. The announcement shocked the people reminding them of the hardships they had to face when the government announced demonetisation in November 2016 and decided to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes overnight. However, this time there was no such chaos as the Rs 2,000 banknote remained legal tender. Online gaming firms hit GST wall Introduction of a blanket 28% GST on all real-money online gaming dealt a severe blow to the industrys growth prospects. Previously, online games of skill and chance were subject to different tax rates, but the GST Council decided to unify them under the higher tax slab from October 1, 2023. This abrupt change disrupted the gaming industry, pushing many companies to contemplate downsiing or relocating to more favourable environments. The Collapse of Go First In a big setback for Indias aviation industry, GoFirst (formerly GoAir) stopped flying early in May and filed for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Delhi. It became the second prominent airline to collapse in recent years after Jet Airways. Telecommunications Bill The government passed the much-anticipated Telecommunications Bill of 2023. The bill aims to replace three British-era bills: the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885; the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933; and the Telegraph Wires Act, 1950. The Bill officially became an Act last week after receiving assent from the president, following its passage in parliament. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Grappling with a sexual harassment complaint against former WFI chief and BJP strongman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a raft of cases related to the alleged excise policy scam involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) bigwigs, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, the UAPA case against news portal NewsClick and the glaring breach in Parliament security, Delhi's district judiciary was a hive of activity in 2023.

A special court dealing with the excise policy matters denied bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the alleged corruption and money laundering cases lodged by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, respectively.

The court also denied bail to senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in a money laundering case linked to the alleged scam.

A Rouse Avenue court for cases against lawmakers saw the then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Singh locked in a legal wrangle with a group of women grapplers who accused him of sexual harassment.

The court summoned Singh, accused of having committed offences like outraging the modesty of the women wrestlers, making sexually-coloured remarks, stalking and criminal intimidation, and granted him bail after he appeared before the judge, saying "no purpose will be served by taking him in custody, at this stage".

It said, "When undertrial prisoners are detained in jail for an indefinite period, Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution is violated".

ALSO READ | Enough evidence to put Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on trial, Delhi police tell court

Another court dealing with cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act heard arguments on a report filed by the Delhi Police seeking closure of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a minor wrestler against Singh.

The court has reserved for January 11 its order on whether to accept the police report.

In a surprise twist to the scandal, the girl's father said amid raging protests by the wrestlers and their sympathisers that she had accused Singh of sexual harassment because of perceived injustice to her.

The case against news portal NewsClick involving its founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty also made the headlines. The case is before a Delhi court under anti-terror law- the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The presiding judge, at the fag end of the year, received an application by Chakravarty seeking to turn an approver in the case being probed by the Delhi Police.

The court also granted police more time to complete its investigation in the case.

The Parliament security breach case grabbed the headlines in December, with a Delhi court dealing with the custody proceedings of the six arrested accused.

The court also received an application from police seeking a polygraph test of all of them.

It will be taken up for hearing on January 2.

Cases related to the 2020 North East Delhi riots also hogged newspaper headlines.

In one such matter, a special Delhi court discharged student activists Sharjeel Imam and Asif Iqbal Tanha in the Jamia Nagar violence case, saying as the Delhi Police was unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators, it booked the accused as "scapegoats".

The court asked Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to instruct all investigating officers (IOs) in cases related to the 2020 riots "to compulsorily attend the proceedings at the stage of consideration of charges".

A Delhi court also summoned former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in a criminal complaint filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, who accused him of defamation.

Another court acquitted former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in the abetment to suicide case involving former air hostess Geetika Sharma.

A Delhi court sent a case related to the Pul Bangash killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which Congress leader Jagdish Tytler is an accused, to the district judge for further proceedings.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand sent the case to the district judge so the matter could be committed to a sessions judge, noting that Tytler, a former union minister, was accused of murder (punishable under sections 302 of IPC.

The offence entails a maximum punishment of the death penalty in the rarest of rare cases.

Three people were killed and a gurdwara was set ablaze in the Pul Bangash area here on November 1, 1984, a day after the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.

A Delhi court on November 25 handed double rigorous life imprisonment to four members of an organised crime syndicate for killing TV journalist Soumya Vishwanathan around 15 years ago.

In another major development, a court started the trial of Aaftab Amin Poonawala for the alleged murder of his live-in partner Shraddha Walker.

ALSO READ | Aaftab told me he strangled Shraddha

He has been accused of chopping her body into pieces before throwing the parts away in secluded places to destroy evidence.

Another Delhi court framed charges against the seven accused in the hit-and-run case where a 20-year-old woman was dragged to death while trapped under a car in the national capital on New Year's Day a year ago.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, his wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav, the incumbent deputy chief minister, were summoned in the railways land for job scam case.

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NEW DELHI: Grappling with a sexual harassment complaint against former WFI chief and BJP strongman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a raft of cases related to the alleged excise policy scam involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) bigwigs, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, the UAPA case against news portal NewsClick and the glaring breach in Parliament security, Delhi's district judiciary was a hive of activity in 2023. A special court dealing with the excise policy matters denied bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the alleged corruption and money laundering cases lodged by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, respectively. The court also denied bail to senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in a money laundering case linked to the alleged scam.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A Rouse Avenue court for cases against lawmakers saw the then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Singh locked in a legal wrangle with a group of women grapplers who accused him of sexual harassment. The court summoned Singh, accused of having committed offences like outraging the modesty of the women wrestlers, making sexually-coloured remarks, stalking and criminal intimidation, and granted him bail after he appeared before the judge, saying "no purpose will be served by taking him in custody, at this stage". It said, "When undertrial prisoners are detained in jail for an indefinite period, Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution is violated". ALSO READ | Enough evidence to put Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on trial, Delhi police tell court Another court dealing with cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act heard arguments on a report filed by the Delhi Police seeking closure of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a minor wrestler against Singh. The court has reserved for January 11 its order on whether to accept the police report. In a surprise twist to the scandal, the girl's father said amid raging protests by the wrestlers and their sympathisers that she had accused Singh of sexual harassment because of perceived injustice to her. The case against news portal NewsClick involving its founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty also made the headlines. The case is before a Delhi court under anti-terror law- the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The presiding judge, at the fag end of the year, received an application by Chakravarty seeking to turn an approver in the case being probed by the Delhi Police. The court also granted police more time to complete its investigation in the case. The Parliament security breach case grabbed the headlines in December, with a Delhi court dealing with the custody proceedings of the six arrested accused. The court also received an application from police seeking a polygraph test of all of them. It will be taken up for hearing on January 2. Cases related to the 2020 North East Delhi riots also hogged newspaper headlines. In one such matter, a special Delhi court discharged student activists Sharjeel Imam and Asif Iqbal Tanha in the Jamia Nagar violence case, saying as the Delhi Police was unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators, it booked the accused as "scapegoats". The court asked Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to instruct all investigating officers (IOs) in cases related to the 2020 riots "to compulsorily attend the proceedings at the stage of consideration of charges". A Delhi court also summoned former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in a criminal complaint filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, who accused him of defamation. Another court acquitted former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in the abetment to suicide case involving former air hostess Geetika Sharma. A Delhi court sent a case related to the Pul Bangash killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which Congress leader Jagdish Tytler is an accused, to the district judge for further proceedings. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand sent the case to the district judge so the matter could be committed to a sessions judge, noting that Tytler, a former union minister, was accused of murder (punishable under sections 302 of IPC. The offence entails a maximum punishment of the death penalty in the rarest of rare cases. Three people were killed and a gurdwara was set ablaze in the Pul Bangash area here on November 1, 1984, a day after the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. A Delhi court on November 25 handed double rigorous life imprisonment to four members of an organised crime syndicate for killing TV journalist Soumya Vishwanathan around 15 years ago. In another major development, a court started the trial of Aaftab Amin Poonawala for the alleged murder of his live-in partner Shraddha Walker. ALSO READ | Aaftab told me he strangled Shraddha He has been accused of chopping her body into pieces before throwing the parts away in secluded places to destroy evidence. Another Delhi court framed charges against the seven accused in the hit-and-run case where a 20-year-old woman was dragged to death while trapped under a car in the national capital on New Year's Day a year ago. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, his wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav, the incumbent deputy chief minister, were summoned in the railways land for job scam case. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

Mr Watson, come here; I want to see you, Alexander Graham Bell famously told his assistant Thomas Watson in the first-ever telephone call made on March 10, 1876. Since then, change and activity has been the elementary theme in communications. Were making it large: in a world where messages have been reduced to brb, tk, hw r u and the like, X, formerly Twitter, has come up with a 10,000-character limit for its posts. One can write an essay on X now. Going small, or quantum, is the other side. Communication is set to enter the quantum realm; our very own ISRO plans to build a short-range optical quantum communication satellite, which will send encrypted data over a network, much like how WhatsApp works with end-to-end transcription, but in a more secure manner. The information will be encoded into binary values (representing 0 and 1) and then transmitted to the receiver. It will revolutionise how we communicate online. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, are also working in the field.

Big Brother is Predicting

Imagine walking down the street, encountering strangers endlessly. What if you had glasses that would display the name, social media profile and other information of any person, without even having a conversation? Think of it as the persons auraa halo of information surrounding him or her. Its like Tom Cruises 2003 film Minority Report which talks about the year 2054, when one would be able to predict crimes and stop them with clairvoyants reading and interpreting the informational aura of individuals. Its not 2054 yet, but predictive research in law and order is making moves towards getting there. All information regarding a person of interest to law enforcers would be fed into a supercomputer and updated in real-time. Law enforcement agencies, healthcare workers, and government offices would all be in the loop to keep track of each individual.

Every Which Way

One of the trends in the travel industry for the New Year is to explore little-known places. While this may sound appealing, it comes with a riderhow to communicate with people say in a remote area in Jordan, or Cameroon or Kazakhstan? Scientists are now working on a device that would allow people to communicate in real time without a common language. People across cultures can use it to understand each other, without either having to fumble for words or typing or speaking into an app. This also makes it easy to conduct business with a cross-section of people from around the world, not to mention making world leaders comfortable in alien cultures. Also, in the works is a device that would decrypt sign languages, making communication truly inclusive.

Thoughts as Words

Will there come a time when we communicate by transmitting our thoughts through a network directly into someone elses brain? This is beginning to look frighteningly real as early as now. Researchers globally are working on creating brain-computer interfaces, described best as an electronic version of telepathy. Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has developing implantable brain-machine interface devices which will enable people suffering from paralysis to use machines and prosthetic limbs to recover their mobility without having to push a button physically. Think, and its done.

Likewise, NextMind has developed a device that translates signals from the brains visual area into digital commands. This means that computers can now be controlled with brain signals or visual imagination. Our brains are on the screen, literally. One can send and receive telepathic messages with help from an electronic device that will record messages decoded from one persons EEG activity and transmit them directly to another person. In fact, researchers at the University of Washington have demonstrated a method that could even extend to control of other peoples bodies. Wish it, think it, do it is the mantra.

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Mr Watson, come here; I want to see you, Alexander Graham Bell famously told his assistant Thomas Watson in the first-ever telephone call made on March 10, 1876. Since then, change and activity has been the elementary theme in communications. Were making it large: in a world where messages have been reduced to brb, tk, hw r u and the like, X, formerly Twitter, has come up with a 10,000-character limit for its posts. One can write an essay on X now. Going small, or quantum, is the other side. Communication is set to enter the quantum realm; our very own ISRO plans to build a short-range optical quantum communication satellite, which will send encrypted data over a network, much like how WhatsApp works with end-to-end transcription, but in a more secure manner. The information will be encoded into binary values (representing 0 and 1) and then transmitted to the receiver. It will revolutionise how we communicate online. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, are also working in the field. Big Brother is Predicting Imagine walking down the street, encountering strangers endlessly. What if you had glasses that would display the name, social media profile and other information of any person, without even having a conversation? Think of it as the persons auraa halo of information surrounding him or her. Its like Tom Cruises 2003 film Minority Report which talks about the year 2054, when one would be able to predict crimes and stop them with clairvoyants reading and interpreting the informational aura of individuals. Its not 2054 yet, but predictive research in law and order is making moves towards getting there. All information regarding a person of interest to law enforcers would be fed into a supercomputer and updated in real-time. Law enforcement agencies, healthcare workers, and government offices would all be in the loop to keep track of each individual. Every Which Way One of the trends in the travel industry for the New Year is to explore little-known places. While this may sound appealing, it comes with a riderhow to communicate with people say in a remote area in Jordan, or Cameroon or Kazakhstan? Scientists are now working on a device that would allow people to communicate in real time without a common language. People across cultures can use it to understand each other, without either having to fumble for words or typing or speaking into an app. This also makes it easy to conduct business with a cross-section of people from around the world, not to mention making world leaders comfortable in alien cultures. Also, in the works is a device that would decrypt sign languages, making communication truly inclusive.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Thoughts as Words Will there come a time when we communicate by transmitting our thoughts through a network directly into someone elses brain? This is beginning to look frighteningly real as early as now. Researchers globally are working on creating brain-computer interfaces, described best as an electronic version of telepathy. Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has developing implantable brain-machine interface devices which will enable people suffering from paralysis to use machines and prosthetic limbs to recover their mobility without having to push a button physically. Think, and its done. Likewise, NextMind has developed a device that translates signals from the brains visual area into digital commands. This means that computers can now be controlled with brain signals or visual imagination. Our brains are on the screen, literally. One can send and receive telepathic messages with help from an electronic device that will record messages decoded from one persons EEG activity and transmit them directly to another person. In fact, researchers at the University of Washington have demonstrated a method that could even extend to control of other peoples bodies. Wish it, think it, do it is the mantra. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India spurred meaningful action to combat climate change and enhance wildlife conservation in 2023, but criticism arose regarding the cheetah translocation project and changes in forest and biodiversity laws.

The country put forth a proposal to host the UN climate conference in 2028, or COP33, and also launched a 'Green Credit Initiative' focused on creating carbon sinks to address the challenges posed by a rapidly warming world.

At the historic climate summit in Dubai in December, developing countries, including India, asked rich nations to vacate carbon space by achieving negative carbon emissions (removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than emitted), not merely reaching net zero by 2050.

A group of international scientists said in December that India's per capita carbon dioxide emissions rose by around five per cent in 2022 to reach two tonnes but these were still less than half of the global average (4.7 tonnes).

India submitted its third national communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on December 9.

According to it, the country reduced GDP emission intensity by 33 per cent between 2005 and 2019, achieving the target 11 years in advance.

It also created an additional carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent during this period.

Wildlife Conservation: Data released in July showed the number of tigers in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of six per cent.

With a 50 per cent increase in the last four years, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number (785) of tigers in the country, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).

The estimation exercise showed that the tiger population has gone up in the Shivalik Hills-Gangetic Plains landscape, central India and the Sundarbans but their numbers have dwindled in the Western Ghats and the Northeast-Brahmaputra Plains due to habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching over the years.

ALSO READ | Tiger deaths in India at an all-time high

The much-vaunted Cheetah conservation project drew sharp criticism over the deaths of six of the 20 adults imported from Namibia and South Africa.

According to officials, one of the biggest challenges faced in the first year of managing cheetahs in India was the unexpected development of winter coats by some cheetahs during the Indian summer and monsoon, in anticipation of the African winter (June to September).

The winter coat, combined with high humidity and temperatures, caused itching, prompting the animals to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground.

This led to bruises and exposed skin, where flies laid their eggs, resulting in maggot infestations and, ultimately, bacterial infections and septicemia, leading to the death of three cheetahs, an official explained.

"The mortalities so far under Project Cheetah have been within the expected limits. As per the Cheetah Action Plan, we anticipated approximately 50 per cent mortality, but right now, 14 imported cheetahs are surviving, besides one cub born on Indian soil," SP Yadav, Additional Director General of Forests at the Environment Ministry, said in an interview with PTI.

India also launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in April during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, aiming to conserve the world's seven principal big cats, which include the tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, jaguar, puma, and cheetah.

The IBCA will be open to 97 countries and organisations interested in protecting these animals.

Forest law changes: The government amended forest conservation and biodiversity laws, inviting sharp criticism from several state governments, policy experts, and conservationists.

Passed by Parliament in the Monsoon Session, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act applies to lands recorded as forest in government records, exempting certain categories of land from its purview.

Conservationists argue that limiting the applicability of the FCA to land recorded as forest in government records would effectively invalidate the Supreme Court's 1996 judgment in the TN Godavarman case, which said the Act applied to land covered under the "dictionary meaning of forests" or "deemed forests" (forests not officially recorded as forests).

ALSO READ | Extreme weather conditions, wildlife worries & much more

The amended act exempts forest land up to 10 hectares for constructing security-related infrastructure and the area falling within 100 km of international borders, Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC) for "strategic and security-related projects of national importance".

States, including Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Assam, had said that such a step could potentially encompass large areas of their forest land and also affect the tribals and other traditional forest dwelling communities.

The government also introduced changes to the Biological Diversity Act to help protect plants and resources in India.

The goal was to encourage growing medicinal plants instead of taking them from the wild, support traditional Indian medicine, make it easier for research and patents, and involve more foreign investments without harming the country's interests.

However, there are worries because the new law says people using traditional knowledge or practising certain types of medicine do not have to share benefits with local communities who have that knowledge.

Before, breaking these rules could mean going to jail, but now, it's mostly about paying fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, and in serious cases, up to Rs 1 crore.

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NEW DELHI: India spurred meaningful action to combat climate change and enhance wildlife conservation in 2023, but criticism arose regarding the cheetah translocation project and changes in forest and biodiversity laws. The country put forth a proposal to host the UN climate conference in 2028, or COP33, and also launched a 'Green Credit Initiative' focused on creating carbon sinks to address the challenges posed by a rapidly warming world. At the historic climate summit in Dubai in December, developing countries, including India, asked rich nations to vacate carbon space by achieving negative carbon emissions (removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than emitted), not merely reaching net zero by 2050.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A group of international scientists said in December that India's per capita carbon dioxide emissions rose by around five per cent in 2022 to reach two tonnes but these were still less than half of the global average (4.7 tonnes). India submitted its third national communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on December 9. According to it, the country reduced GDP emission intensity by 33 per cent between 2005 and 2019, achieving the target 11 years in advance. It also created an additional carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent during this period. Wildlife Conservation: Data released in July showed the number of tigers in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of six per cent. With a 50 per cent increase in the last four years, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number (785) of tigers in the country, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). The estimation exercise showed that the tiger population has gone up in the Shivalik Hills-Gangetic Plains landscape, central India and the Sundarbans but their numbers have dwindled in the Western Ghats and the Northeast-Brahmaputra Plains due to habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching over the years. ALSO READ | Tiger deaths in India at an all-time high The much-vaunted Cheetah conservation project drew sharp criticism over the deaths of six of the 20 adults imported from Namibia and South Africa. According to officials, one of the biggest challenges faced in the first year of managing cheetahs in India was the unexpected development of winter coats by some cheetahs during the Indian summer and monsoon, in anticipation of the African winter (June to September). The winter coat, combined with high humidity and temperatures, caused itching, prompting the animals to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground. This led to bruises and exposed skin, where flies laid their eggs, resulting in maggot infestations and, ultimately, bacterial infections and septicemia, leading to the death of three cheetahs, an official explained. "The mortalities so far under Project Cheetah have been within the expected limits. As per the Cheetah Action Plan, we anticipated approximately 50 per cent mortality, but right now, 14 imported cheetahs are surviving, besides one cub born on Indian soil," SP Yadav, Additional Director General of Forests at the Environment Ministry, said in an interview with PTI. India also launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in April during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, aiming to conserve the world's seven principal big cats, which include the tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, jaguar, puma, and cheetah. The IBCA will be open to 97 countries and organisations interested in protecting these animals. Forest law changes: The government amended forest conservation and biodiversity laws, inviting sharp criticism from several state governments, policy experts, and conservationists. Passed by Parliament in the Monsoon Session, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act applies to lands recorded as forest in government records, exempting certain categories of land from its purview. Conservationists argue that limiting the applicability of the FCA to land recorded as forest in government records would effectively invalidate the Supreme Court's 1996 judgment in the TN Godavarman case, which said the Act applied to land covered under the "dictionary meaning of forests" or "deemed forests" (forests not officially recorded as forests). ALSO READ | Extreme weather conditions, wildlife worries & much more The amended act exempts forest land up to 10 hectares for constructing security-related infrastructure and the area falling within 100 km of international borders, Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC) for "strategic and security-related projects of national importance". States, including Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Assam, had said that such a step could potentially encompass large areas of their forest land and also affect the tribals and other traditional forest dwelling communities. The government also introduced changes to the Biological Diversity Act to help protect plants and resources in India. The goal was to encourage growing medicinal plants instead of taking them from the wild, support traditional Indian medicine, make it easier for research and patents, and involve more foreign investments without harming the country's interests. However, there are worries because the new law says people using traditional knowledge or practising certain types of medicine do not have to share benefits with local communities who have that knowledge. Before, breaking these rules could mean going to jail, but now, it's mostly about paying fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, and in serious cases, up to Rs 1 crore. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Three battalions of the BSF comprising more than 3,000 personnel will move across the border from Odisha to Chhattisgarh and an equal number of ITBP units will further move into the Naxal stronghold of Abujhmad as part of a strategy to intensify anti-Maoistoperations in their last bastions, official sources said.

The new operational blueprint is part of a plan under which Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made a declaration that India was "on the verge of" eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

"The last strike against LWE by forces such as the BSF, the CRPF and the ITBP is in the process. We are determined to end Naxalism in the country," Shah said on December 1 in Hazaribag, Jharkhand while addressing BSF troops on their 59th raising day.

These forces are called as central armed police forces (CAPFs).

Sources in the security establishment told PTI that the Border Security Force (BSF) has been directed to create six new COBs or company operating bases in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district by initially moving one of its battalion based in Odisha's Malkangiri, just across the inter-state border.

A BSF battalion has a strength of over 1,000 personnel.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which currently has about eight battalions located in Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon and Kondagaon districts of Chhattisgarh, has been asked to move one unit further inside the core area of Abujhmad.

This is about 4,000 sq km forest area in Narayanpur district and is considered a stronghold of armed Naxal cadres.

ALSO READ | Chhattisgarh: Two labourers killed during IED blast at iron ore mine in Naxal-hit Narayanpur

The uncharted Abhujmad or 'madh' forests are host to a population of about 35,000 people, mainly tribals, residing in around 237 villages.

The area, at present, has no permanent central or state police base and armed Maoist cadres are stated to be operating, training and moving here from across the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in the south Bastar region of the state.

The Bastar region comprising districts like Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur up to Narayanpur and Kondagaon and Kanker district further north is the last bastion and corridor where Maoists have some strength and can spring surprises against the security forces and the administration.

The security forces are building their new strength and infrastructure here to demolish the Maoist network and hold the area so that development works can be initiated by the state government, a senior officer said.

He said two more BSF and ITBP battalions each will be later moved to further dominate the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border along south Bastar.

A second security officer said the Naxals are using the Bastar corridor of Chhattisgarh to move back and forth into Odisha districts like Malkangiri, Koraput and Kandhmal and hence the central forces have been tasked to create more COBs or forward operating bases along the border of these two states.

While there are around 800-900 active cadres in Chhattisgarh's Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee leadership of the Naxals, the CPI(Maoist) strength in Odisha under the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division is depleted with only 242 active cadres, the second officer said.

Out of the 242, only 13 are from Odisha while the rest of the senior and middle-rung leadership of the Maoists hail from Chhattisgarh.

Hence, the operations in Chhattisgarh are to be intensified as part of an operation that could be codenamed 'Kagar' (edge) during a meeting of various agencies to be held in January, he said.

ALSO READ | CRPF jawan killed in encounter with Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

Home minister Shah said on the BSF raising day that in the last 10 years, incidents of Naxal violence have gone down by 52 per cent, deaths in these incidents declined by 70 per cent and the number of affected districts have come down from 96 to 45.

The number of "LWE-hit police stations have come down from 495 to 176", he had said.

Shah said the Modi government was "on the verge of" eliminating the LWE violence in various states.

He also counted the recent operations undertaken by security forces in the hills and forests of 'Burapahar' and 'Chakarbandha' in Jharkhand that freed vast tracts of areas from the clutches of Maoists.

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NEW DELHI: Three battalions of the BSF comprising more than 3,000 personnel will move across the border from Odisha to Chhattisgarh and an equal number of ITBP units will further move into the Naxal stronghold of Abujhmad as part of a strategy to intensify anti-Maoistoperations in their last bastions, official sources said. The new operational blueprint is part of a plan under which Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made a declaration that India was "on the verge of" eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE). "The last strike against LWE by forces such as the BSF, the CRPF and the ITBP is in the process. We are determined to end Naxalism in the country," Shah said on December 1 in Hazaribag, Jharkhand while addressing BSF troops on their 59th raising day.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); These forces are called as central armed police forces (CAPFs). Sources in the security establishment told PTI that the Border Security Force (BSF) has been directed to create six new COBs or company operating bases in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district by initially moving one of its battalion based in Odisha's Malkangiri, just across the inter-state border. A BSF battalion has a strength of over 1,000 personnel. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which currently has about eight battalions located in Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon and Kondagaon districts of Chhattisgarh, has been asked to move one unit further inside the core area of Abujhmad. This is about 4,000 sq km forest area in Narayanpur district and is considered a stronghold of armed Naxal cadres. ALSO READ | Chhattisgarh: Two labourers killed during IED blast at iron ore mine in Naxal-hit Narayanpur The uncharted Abhujmad or 'madh' forests are host to a population of about 35,000 people, mainly tribals, residing in around 237 villages. The area, at present, has no permanent central or state police base and armed Maoist cadres are stated to be operating, training and moving here from across the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in the south Bastar region of the state. The Bastar region comprising districts like Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur up to Narayanpur and Kondagaon and Kanker district further north is the last bastion and corridor where Maoists have some strength and can spring surprises against the security forces and the administration. The security forces are building their new strength and infrastructure here to demolish the Maoist network and hold the area so that development works can be initiated by the state government, a senior officer said. He said two more BSF and ITBP battalions each will be later moved to further dominate the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border along south Bastar. A second security officer said the Naxals are using the Bastar corridor of Chhattisgarh to move back and forth into Odisha districts like Malkangiri, Koraput and Kandhmal and hence the central forces have been tasked to create more COBs or forward operating bases along the border of these two states. While there are around 800-900 active cadres in Chhattisgarh's Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee leadership of the Naxals, the CPI(Maoist) strength in Odisha under the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division is depleted with only 242 active cadres, the second officer said. Out of the 242, only 13 are from Odisha while the rest of the senior and middle-rung leadership of the Maoists hail from Chhattisgarh. Hence, the operations in Chhattisgarh are to be intensified as part of an operation that could be codenamed 'Kagar' (edge) during a meeting of various agencies to be held in January, he said. ALSO READ | CRPF jawan killed in encounter with Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Sukma Home minister Shah said on the BSF raising day that in the last 10 years, incidents of Naxal violence have gone down by 52 per cent, deaths in these incidents declined by 70 per cent and the number of affected districts have come down from 96 to 45. The number of "LWE-hit police stations have come down from 495 to 176", he had said. Shah said the Modi government was "on the verge of" eliminating the LWE violence in various states. He also counted the recent operations undertaken by security forces in the hills and forests of 'Burapahar' and 'Chakarbandha' in Jharkhand that freed vast tracts of areas from the clutches of Maoists. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A 500-member procession from Janaki Mandir Nepal will reach Ayodhya on January 6th along with 1100 bhar (baskets/thalis) of wedding gifts meant for Lord Ram on behalf of Janakpur, the birthplace of his bride Sita.

"The bhars which are like thalis/baskets will contain lots of wedding gifts which would include jewellery, gold and silver items, dry fruits, utensils, garments, cosmetics and quintals of food grains like rice  all of which we traditionally give as gifts to a bride when she gets married and goes to live with her groom. Since Sita was from Janakpur we will carry all this to Ayodhya as an offering to Lord Rama on January 6th ., which will be ahead of the inauguration of Ram Temple on January 22nd, Lalit Shah, Sadasya Sachiv, of the Janakpurdhamash Ayodhyadham Bhar Yatra, a committee which is organising the visit told this newspaper.

Every year, Janakpur not just celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, but also the wedding anniversary of Ram and Sita.

The local authorities in Ayodhya have made arrangements for 251 people from Nepal for this event. The remaining people who are going to be a part of the delegation will be accommodated privately, arrangements for which are being made by the organising committee. The distance between Janakpur to Ayodhya is 458 kms.

"We will be leaving Janakpur on January 4th. We will begin our journey from Janaki Mandir and then via Jaleshwar reach Birganj where we will rest for the night. Around 30 cars and 5 buses will be a part of the procession that will carry these gifts. On January 5th we will enter India via Raxaul and have lunch at Betia. Then via Gorakhpur and Bastipur, we will reach Ayodhya, said Shah.

At 8 am on January 6th the delegation from Nepal will hand over these 1100 bhars (baskets) to the trustees of Rama Lala Mandir.

"For us, the connection with Ayodhya is an emotional and spiritual connection. We are bound by history, culture and tradition and of course Sita and Lord Ram, Shah said adding that the upcoming journey is in sync with what all traditional Hindu families do when they visit their daughter's sasural.

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NEW DELHI: A 500-member procession from Janaki Mandir Nepal will reach Ayodhya on January 6th along with 1100 bhar (baskets/thalis) of wedding gifts meant for Lord Ram on behalf of Janakpur, the birthplace of his bride Sita. "The bhars which are like thalis/baskets will contain lots of wedding gifts which would include jewellery, gold and silver items, dry fruits, utensils, garments, cosmetics and quintals of food grains like rice  all of which we traditionally give as gifts to a bride when she gets married and goes to live with her groom. Since Sita was from Janakpur we will carry all this to Ayodhya as an offering to Lord Rama on January 6th ., which will be ahead of the inauguration of Ram Temple on January 22nd, Lalit Shah, Sadasya Sachiv, of the Janakpurdhamash Ayodhyadham Bhar Yatra, a committee which is organising the visit told this newspaper. Every year, Janakpur not just celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, but also the wedding anniversary of Ram and Sita.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The local authorities in Ayodhya have made arrangements for 251 people from Nepal for this event. The remaining people who are going to be a part of the delegation will be accommodated privately, arrangements for which are being made by the organising committee. The distance between Janakpur to Ayodhya is 458 kms. "We will be leaving Janakpur on January 4th. We will begin our journey from Janaki Mandir and then via Jaleshwar reach Birganj where we will rest for the night. Around 30 cars and 5 buses will be a part of the procession that will carry these gifts. On January 5th we will enter India via Raxaul and have lunch at Betia. Then via Gorakhpur and Bastipur, we will reach Ayodhya, said Shah. At 8 am on January 6th the delegation from Nepal will hand over these 1100 bhars (baskets) to the trustees of Rama Lala Mandir. "For us, the connection with Ayodhya is an emotional and spiritual connection. We are bound by history, culture and tradition and of course Sita and Lord Ram, Shah said adding that the upcoming journey is in sync with what all traditional Hindu families do when they visit their daughter's sasural. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

Arvind Panagariya, the former Chairman of NITI Aayog, has been appointed as the head of the 16th Finance Commission. The current Joint Secretary of Finance Ritvi Ranjanam Pandey will retain his position as an officer on special duty for the "advance cell",

The former NITI Aayog Chairman left the think tank in August 2017 after a two-year stint.

As per media reports, earlier this year, Panagariya said that India could become the third-largest economy by 2026. "At this rate, Indias GDP in current dollars will reach $5 trillion in 2026 and $5.5 trillion in 2027. This means that there are good prospects that India will become the worlds third economy by the end of 2026, sooner than nearly all current predictions," Business Today reported quoting the famous economist.

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Arvind Panagariya, the former Chairman of NITI Aayog, has been appointed as the head of the 16th Finance Commission. The current Joint Secretary of Finance Ritvi Ranjanam Pandey will retain his position as an officer on special duty for the "advance cell", The former NITI Aayog Chairman left the think tank in August 2017 after a two-year stint. As per media reports, earlier this year, Panagariya said that India could become the third-largest economy by 2026. "At this rate, Indias GDP in current dollars will reach $5 trillion in 2026 and $5.5 trillion in 2027. This means that there are good prospects that India will become the worlds third economy by the end of 2026, sooner than nearly all current predictions," Business Today reported quoting the famous economist.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: Amid speculations, Bihar assembly Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary on Sunday called on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad at the latter's residence in the state capital.

Although it was not known what transpired in the meeting of Choudhary and Lalu, its timing has created a flutter in the political circles.

Choudhary left the official residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi, 10, Circular Road without interacting with media persons as he just waved at them from his car. The meeting lasted around 30-40 minutes. He was accompanied by Lalu's son and state environment minister Tej Pratap Yadav.

The Speaker's visit to the residence has been rare and it has come at a time when clouds of uncertainty hover over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's next move after re-assuming the post of JD (U) president in New Delhi last Friday. Bihar Law Minister Shamim Ahmed and former minister Shyam Bihari Prasad also met the RJD chief one by one.

The development comes two days after Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh resigned from Janata Dal (United) president's post at the national executive committee meeting held in New Delhi on December 29.

Nitish took over the helm of the party for the third time.

In 2016, Nitish became party's president after replacing Sharad Yadav. In 2013, he broke ranks with the

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after a 17-year-old ties following the announcement of Narendra Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate. Nitish who harboured Prime Ministerial ambition himself, took offence with BJP nominating Narendra Modi for the top post. He became chief minister once again

after he forged an alliance with RJD in 2015.



He later walked out of RJD-led grand alliance in 2017, accusing RJD of being involved in corruption. In 2022, he again snapped ties with the BJP alleging that BJP was conspiring against him and trying to influence JD(U) MLAs to rebel against him.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh claimed that Nitish would not be able to hold the post of chief minister for a long time as Lalu had intensified his pressure on him to relinquish the post and make his son and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav new CM of the state.

Giriraj told newspersons in Begusarai (his Lok Sabha constituency) that Nitish somehow saved his party by becoming JD (U) president again but he had fallen

into the trap of Lalu.

"Lalu can make Tejashwi new CM of the state any day by removing Nitish from the post. Lalu has also adequate number of MLAs to execute his plan and it has to be seen whether Nitish will be able to rescue himself from Lalu's trap this time, he remarked.

It can happen even before January 14 (when inauspicious month of Kharmas ends) but will surely happen after it, he alleged.

Reacting sharply to Singh's claim, RJD MP Manoj Jha said that there were no differences between Nitish and Tejashwi as the grand alliance government was 200 percent intact.

Nitish will be chief minister of the grand alliance till 2025. BJP leaders are unnecessarily trying to set a narrative as they are desperate as some media houses are giving colour to it," he remarked while ruling out the possibility of Nitish's return to NDA.



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PATNA: Amid speculations, Bihar assembly Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary on Sunday called on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad at the latter's residence in the state capital. Although it was not known what transpired in the meeting of Choudhary and Lalu, its timing has created a flutter in the political circles. Choudhary left the official residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi, 10, Circular Road without interacting with media persons as he just waved at them from his car. The meeting lasted around 30-40 minutes. He was accompanied by Lalu's son and state environment minister Tej Pratap Yadav.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Speaker's visit to the residence has been rare and it has come at a time when clouds of uncertainty hover over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's next move after re-assuming the post of JD (U) president in New Delhi last Friday. Bihar Law Minister Shamim Ahmed and former minister Shyam Bihari Prasad also met the RJD chief one by one. The development comes two days after Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh resigned from Janata Dal (United) president's post at the national executive committee meeting held in New Delhi on December 29. Nitish took over the helm of the party for the third time. In 2016, Nitish became party's president after replacing Sharad Yadav. In 2013, he broke ranks with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after a 17-year-old ties following the announcement of Narendra Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate. Nitish who harboured Prime Ministerial ambition himself, took offence with BJP nominating Narendra Modi for the top post. He became chief minister once again after he forged an alliance with RJD in 2015. He later walked out of RJD-led grand alliance in 2017, accusing RJD of being involved in corruption. In 2022, he again snapped ties with the BJP alleging that BJP was conspiring against him and trying to influence JD(U) MLAs to rebel against him. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh claimed that Nitish would not be able to hold the post of chief minister for a long time as Lalu had intensified his pressure on him to relinquish the post and make his son and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav new CM of the state. Giriraj told newspersons in Begusarai (his Lok Sabha constituency) that Nitish somehow saved his party by becoming JD (U) president again but he had fallen into the trap of Lalu. "Lalu can make Tejashwi new CM of the state any day by removing Nitish from the post. Lalu has also adequate number of MLAs to execute his plan and it has to be seen whether Nitish will be able to rescue himself from Lalu's trap this time, he remarked. It can happen even before January 14 (when inauspicious month of Kharmas ends) but will surely happen after it, he alleged. Reacting sharply to Singh's claim, RJD MP Manoj Jha said that there were no differences between Nitish and Tejashwi as the grand alliance government was 200 percent intact. Nitish will be chief minister of the grand alliance till 2025. BJP leaders are unnecessarily trying to set a narrative as they are desperate as some media houses are giving colour to it," he remarked while ruling out the possibility of Nitish's return to NDA. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

JAIPUR: A couple and their daughter were hacked to death in Rajasthan's Nagaur district while they were asleep, with police questioning their son as they suspect he had a role in the murders.

"Dilip Singh (45), a resident of Padukalan town, his wife Rajesh Kanwar (40) and daughter Priyanka (15) were attacked and killed by a man with a sharp-edged weapon on Saturday night," Padukalan SHO Manvendra Singh said on Sunday.

He said after a preliminary investigation it is suspected that due to a family feud, the couple's son carried out the murders.

The police have taken the son into custody and he is being interrogated.

He said that the bodies have been kept in the hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

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JAIPUR: A couple and their daughter were hacked to death in Rajasthan's Nagaur district while they were asleep, with police questioning their son as they suspect he had a role in the murders. "Dilip Singh (45), a resident of Padukalan town, his wife Rajesh Kanwar (40) and daughter Priyanka (15) were attacked and killed by a man with a sharp-edged weapon on Saturday night," Padukalan SHO Manvendra Singh said on Sunday. He said after a preliminary investigation it is suspected that due to a family feud, the couple's son carried out the murders.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The police have taken the son into custody and he is being interrogated. He said that the bodies have been kept in the hospital mortuary for post-mortem. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to three vivo-India executives taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case earlier this month.

The court granted the relief observing that the accused were not produced before the court within 24 hours of the arrest, hence their "custody was illegal".

The trio had claimed that they were arrested on December 21 and not on December 22 as recorded by the ED.

The court of Vacation Judge Dr Shirish Aggarwal at Patiala House, however, imposed a condition that the three -- Chinese national and interim CEO of vivo-India Hong Xuquan alias Terry, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya and consultant Hemant Munjal -- will have to report to the federal agency's office everyday till January 3.

This was done on the plea of the ED that told the court that it fears that the accused may "tamper with evidence and influence witnesses" and that it wants to appeal this order before the Delhi High Court soon after the HC opens after winter vacations on January 3.

The court called these apprehensions of the ED a "bald averment".

The agency, as per official sources, while appealing against this bail order before the HC is expected to cite the recent Supreme Court judgement which upheld a Delhi HC order that rejected Supertech promoter R K Arora's bail plea ruling that the grounds of arrest were duly given and notified to him by the ED.

The SC had further clarified the arrest procedure executed by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was in favour of the central agency.

"The core issue is of being 'informed' and 'as soon as'. If it has been duly notified and brought to the notice at the time of arrest and further disclosed in detail in the remand application, it amounts to be duly informed and served," the HC had ruled in the R K Arora matter.

In the latest case, the three accused moved the local court seeking bail as they claimed that they were arrested on December 21 and not December 22 as recorded by the ED and since they were not produced before the court within 24 hours, their arrest was "illegal and not sustainable in law".

The ED counsel, however, contested the claim, saying after the three were "formally arrested, they were supplied with grounds of arrest and produced before the concerned court within 24 hours from arrest."

The agency said the premises of the three accused were searched on December 21 and subsequently taken to the ED office for questioning and for forensic analysis of their phones.

They were formally arrested the next day on December 22, the ED told the court.

The vacation judge said in his order that it was "evident that the accused did not have the liberty to go back to their homes for sleeping and for having meals" and it was of the opinion that the three were "under restraint at least from the time when they accompanied the officials of the complainant (ED) in their vehicles in the evening of December 21."

It said that the accused "did not have freedom" to move out of the ED office or do things which a free person would ordinarily do. As such, the accused would be deemed to have been arrested on December 21.

The court said as the accused were not produced before the court within 24 hours, hence their custody was illegal.

The court also directed the three to furnish personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each, not tamper with prosecution evidence and influence witnesses, not leave India without its permission and surrender their passports with the court.

The ED had raided vivo-India and its linked persons in July last year and claimed to have busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian companies.

It then alleged that Rs 62,476 crore was "illegally" transferred by vivo-India to China to avoid payment of taxes in India.

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NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to three vivo-India executives taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case earlier this month. The court granted the relief observing that the accused were not produced before the court within 24 hours of the arrest, hence their "custody was illegal". The trio had claimed that they were arrested on December 21 and not on December 22 as recorded by the ED.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The court of Vacation Judge Dr Shirish Aggarwal at Patiala House, however, imposed a condition that the three -- Chinese national and interim CEO of vivo-India Hong Xuquan alias Terry, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya and consultant Hemant Munjal -- will have to report to the federal agency's office everyday till January 3. This was done on the plea of the ED that told the court that it fears that the accused may "tamper with evidence and influence witnesses" and that it wants to appeal this order before the Delhi High Court soon after the HC opens after winter vacations on January 3. The court called these apprehensions of the ED a "bald averment". The agency, as per official sources, while appealing against this bail order before the HC is expected to cite the recent Supreme Court judgement which upheld a Delhi HC order that rejected Supertech promoter R K Arora's bail plea ruling that the grounds of arrest were duly given and notified to him by the ED. The SC had further clarified the arrest procedure executed by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was in favour of the central agency. "The core issue is of being 'informed' and 'as soon as'. If it has been duly notified and brought to the notice at the time of arrest and further disclosed in detail in the remand application, it amounts to be duly informed and served," the HC had ruled in the R K Arora matter. In the latest case, the three accused moved the local court seeking bail as they claimed that they were arrested on December 21 and not December 22 as recorded by the ED and since they were not produced before the court within 24 hours, their arrest was "illegal and not sustainable in law". The ED counsel, however, contested the claim, saying after the three were "formally arrested, they were supplied with grounds of arrest and produced before the concerned court within 24 hours from arrest." The agency said the premises of the three accused were searched on December 21 and subsequently taken to the ED office for questioning and for forensic analysis of their phones. They were formally arrested the next day on December 22, the ED told the court. The vacation judge said in his order that it was "evident that the accused did not have the liberty to go back to their homes for sleeping and for having meals" and it was of the opinion that the three were "under restraint at least from the time when they accompanied the officials of the complainant (ED) in their vehicles in the evening of December 21." It said that the accused "did not have freedom" to move out of the ED office or do things which a free person would ordinarily do. As such, the accused would be deemed to have been arrested on December 21. The court said as the accused were not produced before the court within 24 hours, hence their custody was illegal. The court also directed the three to furnish personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each, not tamper with prosecution evidence and influence witnesses, not leave India without its permission and surrender their passports with the court. The ED had raided vivo-India and its linked persons in July last year and claimed to have busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian companies. It then alleged that Rs 62,476 crore was "illegally" transferred by vivo-India to China to avoid payment of taxes in India. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In response to the rise in maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in the Central/ North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels.

Commander (Cdr) Vivek Madhwal, Spokesperson Indian Navy said on Sunday that warships and surveillance aircraft have been pressed into deployment.

The development comes after two merchant vessels, including MV Ruen and MV Chem Pluto were targeted in the sea. MV Ruen was hijacked and currently, she is docked off the Somalia coast while MV Chem Pluto sustained drone hits.

Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. Madhwal Said.

The deployment into the Arabian Sea includes Navys missile destroyers, including INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai and INS Visakhapatnam.

The INS Kolkata is deployed on the mouth of the Red Sea, INS Kochi on the south of Yemen Socotra Island, INS Mormugao in the west Arabian Sea with INS Chennai in the central Arabian Sea.

INS Visakhapatnam was moved in early this week and was tasked to patrol the north Arabian Sea.

The Indian Navy has also deployed Boeing-made Boeing P8I multi-mission aircraft along with long endurance Sea Guardian drone to constantly survey the vessels in the Arabian Sea and up to the Gulf of Aden to identify suspicious ships.

These assets have been pressed in to keep the sea lanes of communication between Bab el-Mandeb to the Indian coast safe for merchant shipping and missile attacks taking place in the Middle East.

"Towards effective surveillance of EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), the Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with the Coast Guard," Madhwal said.

The size of the Indian EEZ is 2.01 million square kilometres of ocean.

The last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents. The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ.

"The overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region," added Cdr Madhwal.

The Indian coastal security is governed by a three-tiered structure having, led by, the Indian Navy (IN), Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the State Marine Police as components. While patrolling the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) is mandated by the Indian Navy, the ICG is mandated to patrol and surveil up to 200 nautical miles (i.e., EEZ). Simultaneously, the State Coastal/Marine Police (SC/MP) conducts boat patrolling in shallow coastal areas having its jurisdiction up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.

Meanwhile, the ICG and the IN have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone, starting from the coast stretching up to 200 nautical miles.

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NEW DELHI: In response to the rise in maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in the Central/ North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels. Commander (Cdr) Vivek Madhwal, Spokesperson Indian Navy said on Sunday that warships and surveillance aircraft have been pressed into deployment. The development comes after two merchant vessels, including MV Ruen and MV Chem Pluto were targeted in the sea. MV Ruen was hijacked and currently, she is docked off the Somalia coast while MV Chem Pluto sustained drone hits. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. Madhwal Said. The deployment into the Arabian Sea includes Navys missile destroyers, including INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai and INS Visakhapatnam. The INS Kolkata is deployed on the mouth of the Red Sea, INS Kochi on the south of Yemen Socotra Island, INS Mormugao in the west Arabian Sea with INS Chennai in the central Arabian Sea. INS Visakhapatnam was moved in early this week and was tasked to patrol the north Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy has also deployed Boeing-made Boeing P8I multi-mission aircraft along with long endurance Sea Guardian drone to constantly survey the vessels in the Arabian Sea and up to the Gulf of Aden to identify suspicious ships. These assets have been pressed in to keep the sea lanes of communication between Bab el-Mandeb to the Indian coast safe for merchant shipping and missile attacks taking place in the Middle East. "Towards effective surveillance of EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), the Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with the Coast Guard," Madhwal said. The size of the Indian EEZ is 2.01 million square kilometres of ocean. The last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents. The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ. "The overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region," added Cdr Madhwal. The Indian coastal security is governed by a three-tiered structure having, led by, the Indian Navy (IN), Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the State Marine Police as components. While patrolling the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) is mandated by the Indian Navy, the ICG is mandated to patrol and surveil up to 200 nautical miles (i.e., EEZ). Simultaneously, the State Coastal/Marine Police (SC/MP) conducts boat patrolling in shallow coastal areas having its jurisdiction up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. Meanwhile, the ICG and the IN have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone, starting from the coast stretching up to 200 nautical miles. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Indias sixth consulate in Seattle is operational and Prakash Gupta has been appointed as its first Consul General.

Prakash Gupta, is a career diplomat. His last assignment was as Joint Secretary to United Nations and Political Issues where he covered Indias UN Security Council Innings for 2021-22 and matters related to Non Alligned Movement (NAM), Commonwealth, IPU and Democracy related multilateral issues.

He was pivotal in piloting the International Day of Yoga Resolution at the United Nations and was also part of planning preparations for Indias G20 Summit in Delhi.

There are five other consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York City and San Francisco. The Indian Embassy is in Washington DC and the Ambassador is Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Meanwhile, the US has an Embassy in Delhi and four consulates in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.

India and US are strategic partners and are members of groupings like G20 and I2U2. President Biden has reaffirmed that the partnership between the two nations is strategic. He came to India for the G20 Summit a few months after PM Modi went on an official visit to the U.S.

The number of consulates depends on the bilateral relations between the two nations and the strength of the diaspora. In accordance, consulates are added, said a source.

As of now, India has 122 embassies, 110 consulates and 8 representations across the world.

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NEW DELHI: Indias sixth consulate in Seattle is operational and Prakash Gupta has been appointed as its first Consul General. Prakash Gupta, is a career diplomat. His last assignment was as Joint Secretary to United Nations and Political Issues where he covered Indias UN Security Council Innings for 2021-22 and matters related to Non Alligned Movement (NAM), Commonwealth, IPU and Democracy related multilateral issues. He was pivotal in piloting the International Day of Yoga Resolution at the United Nations and was also part of planning preparations for Indias G20 Summit in Delhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There are five other consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York City and San Francisco. The Indian Embassy is in Washington DC and the Ambassador is Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Meanwhile, the US has an Embassy in Delhi and four consulates in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore. India and US are strategic partners and are members of groupings like G20 and I2U2. President Biden has reaffirmed that the partnership between the two nations is strategic. He came to India for the G20 Summit a few months after PM Modi went on an official visit to the U.S. The number of consulates depends on the bilateral relations between the two nations and the strength of the diaspora. In accordance, consulates are added, said a source. As of now, India has 122 embassies, 110 consulates and 8 representations across the world. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Bosky Khanna By

Express News Service

HASSAN: Man murdered his wife for allegedly wearing a dress against his wish in Rampura village of Arasikere taluk on Saturday.

According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Jyothi [22], hailing from Dharwad.

Jyothi who was working in a garment factory in Arasikere fell in love with Jeevan who worked in the same unit. They got married soon.

Jeevan reportedly often quarrelled with his wife for wearing "modern dresses" while going out for shopping and to attend functions.

On the day of the incident, Jeevan allegedly lured Jyothi and took her to a nearby forest where he cut her throat with a knife. She died on the spot.

Police recovered the dead body and shifted it to a mortuary for postmortem. The accused is absconding.



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HASSAN: Man murdered his wife for allegedly wearing a dress against his wish in Rampura village of Arasikere taluk on Saturday. According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Jyothi [22], hailing from Dharwad. Jyothi who was working in a garment factory in Arasikere fell in love with Jeevan who worked in the same unit. They got married soon.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Jeevan reportedly often quarrelled with his wife for wearing "modern dresses" while going out for shopping and to attend functions. On the day of the incident, Jeevan allegedly lured Jyothi and took her to a nearby forest where he cut her throat with a knife. She died on the spot. Police recovered the dead body and shifted it to a mortuary for postmortem. The accused is absconding. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The India-Myanmar border town of Moreh in Manipurs Kuki-majority Tengnoupal district has remained on the boil since Saturday afternoon amid intermittent gunfights between armed miscreants and police commandos.

The authorities reimposed curfew while a high alert has been sounded. Tengnoupal is one of the districts affected by the ethnic violence between Kukis and Meiteis.

Fresh violence broke out on Saturday at around 3:45 pm when the armed miscreants ambushed a team of police commandos, leaving one injured. The attack had ensued a gunfight which continued till 5:30 pm.

Rifleman G Ponkhamlung of 5th India Reserve Battalion was injured in his right thigh by a splinter during the ambush by unknown armed miscreants at Moreh in the Tengnoupal district, Manipur police said.

The injured commando was evacuated to an Assam Rifles camp and later, reportedly shifted to a hospital in the state capital Imphal.

Sources said around midnight on Saturday, the miscreants carried out another attack. They fired rocket-propelled grenades directed at police barracks. This ensued another gunfight.

The police said four commandos were aurally affected by the sound of the explosions.

Fresh firing started at around 5 pm today (Sunday). There is no report of casualty so far, a police officer told this newspaper at around 6 pm requesting anonymity.

According to him, the situation is tense and the police and security forces are on high alert.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum alleged the police fired indiscriminately and burned down three houses at a Kuki settlement on Saturday. Another tribal body Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills demanded a probe into the incident of arson.

The Forum for Restoration of Peace in Manipur voiced deep concerns over the ongoing violence. It lamented that the violence continued despite appeals for peace. It proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation committee to mediate and foster reconciliation.

The ethnic violence, which broke out on May 3, left some 200 people dead and 60,000 others displaced so far.

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GUWAHATI: The India-Myanmar border town of Moreh in Manipurs Kuki-majority Tengnoupal district has remained on the boil since Saturday afternoon amid intermittent gunfights between armed miscreants and police commandos. The authorities reimposed curfew while a high alert has been sounded. Tengnoupal is one of the districts affected by the ethnic violence between Kukis and Meiteis. Fresh violence broke out on Saturday at around 3:45 pm when the armed miscreants ambushed a team of police commandos, leaving one injured. The attack had ensued a gunfight which continued till 5:30 pm.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rifleman G Ponkhamlung of 5th India Reserve Battalion was injured in his right thigh by a splinter during the ambush by unknown armed miscreants at Moreh in the Tengnoupal district, Manipur police said. The injured commando was evacuated to an Assam Rifles camp and later, reportedly shifted to a hospital in the state capital Imphal. Sources said around midnight on Saturday, the miscreants carried out another attack. They fired rocket-propelled grenades directed at police barracks. This ensued another gunfight. The police said four commandos were aurally affected by the sound of the explosions. Fresh firing started at around 5 pm today (Sunday). There is no report of casualty so far, a police officer told this newspaper at around 6 pm requesting anonymity. According to him, the situation is tense and the police and security forces are on high alert. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum alleged the police fired indiscriminately and burned down three houses at a Kuki settlement on Saturday. Another tribal body Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills demanded a probe into the incident of arson. The Forum for Restoration of Peace in Manipur voiced deep concerns over the ongoing violence. It lamented that the violence continued despite appeals for peace. It proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation committee to mediate and foster reconciliation. The ethnic violence, which broke out on May 3, left some 200 people dead and 60,000 others displaced so far. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Noting that there is excitement in the country over the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to share their creations such as 'bhajans' relating to it on social media with the hashtag 'Shri Ram Bhajan', saying this compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be imbued with the ethos of Lord Ram.

In his Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that there are many experienced as well as new emerging young artists who have composed heart-warming bhajans.

"There is excitement and enthusiasm in the entire country in connection with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. People are expressing their feelings in a multitude of ways. You must have noticed that during the last few days, many new songs and new bhajans have been composed on Shri Ram and Ayodhya," Modi said. Many people are also writing new poems, he noted.

READ | Ram temple inauguration: Not interested in event, Yechury replies to Misra

ALSO READ | Congress, allies in fix as Ram temple politics peaks

"There are many experienced artists in it and new emerging young artists have also composed heart-warming bhajans. I have also shared some songs and bhajans on my social media," the prime minister said.

It seems that the art world is becoming a participant in this historic moment in its unique style, he said.

"One thing comes to my mind. Could we all share all such creations with a common hashtag? I request you to share your creations on social media with the hashtag Shri Ram Bhajan (#shriRamBhajan)," Modi said.

"This compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be immersively imbued with the ethos of Ram," he added.

Prime Minister Modi visited Ayodhya on Saturday during which he inaugurated a redeveloped railway station and a newly-built airport, besides laying the foundation stone of a slew of other projects in Uttar Pradesh.

READ MORE | Whole world waiting for Ram temple consecration ceremony on Jan 22: PM Modi

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NEW DELHI: Noting that there is excitement in the country over the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to share their creations such as 'bhajans' relating to it on social media with the hashtag 'Shri Ram Bhajan', saying this compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be imbued with the ethos of Lord Ram. In his Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that there are many experienced as well as new emerging young artists who have composed heart-warming bhajans. "There is excitement and enthusiasm in the entire country in connection with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. People are expressing their feelings in a multitude of ways. You must have noticed that during the last few days, many new songs and new bhajans have been composed on Shri Ram and Ayodhya," Modi said. Many people are also writing new poems, he noted.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); READ | Ram temple inauguration: Not interested in event, Yechury replies to Misra ALSO READ | Congress, allies in fix as Ram temple politics peaks "There are many experienced artists in it and new emerging young artists have also composed heart-warming bhajans. I have also shared some songs and bhajans on my social media," the prime minister said. It seems that the art world is becoming a participant in this historic moment in its unique style, he said. "One thing comes to my mind. Could we all share all such creations with a common hashtag? I request you to share your creations on social media with the hashtag Shri Ram Bhajan (#shriRamBhajan)," Modi said. "This compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be immersively imbued with the ethos of Ram," he added. Prime Minister Modi visited Ayodhya on Saturday during which he inaugurated a redeveloped railway station and a newly-built airport, besides laying the foundation stone of a slew of other projects in Uttar Pradesh. READ MORE | Whole world waiting for Ram temple consecration ceremony on Jan 22: PM Modi Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ejas Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: The excessive delay in the start of production from the coal mines allocated through the commercial auctions by the Centre has exceedingly upset the successful bidders.

The sixth tranche of such an auction for 32 mines launched in November last year received an overwhelming response as the reforms in the coal sector looked promising.

However, the lingering is said to be causing a loss of Rs 40 crore or more per month to the state exchequer in terms of statutory and revenue share payments per coal mines besides lagging behind to meet the nations growing power demand from the coal-fired thermal plants.

Various investor organisations declared as successful bidders in the commercial coal block auction find themselves in a fix even after the coal blocks order had been vested to them.

The reason is their area limit for allocated coal blocks. The limit for which, a prospecting license or mining lease may be granted in respect of any mineral, which could be a total area of more than 10 sq km or 25 sq km or 50 sq km, as specified under Section 6 (1) of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, provided the Centre and the state are convinced on relaxing the limit if it remains in the interest of development of any mineral or industry and recorded in writing from the concerned state government.

According to these firms, the government of India as part of the coal block bidding process should release vesting orders with relaxation in the given limits, as all blocks are being granted on commercial terms for which the bidder paid premiums in addition to royalty and other taxes.

Any restriction, if applicable, either should have been done before the bidding process and waived or asked the bidder to take approval before participating in the commercial auctions. Such situations are distressing, one of the presidents awaiting a mining lease for his firm told The New Indian Express.

The Centre claims to work on a vision to secure coal availability to meet the demands of various sectors of the economy giving the highest priority to ease of doing business.

"But firms like Jindal Power Ltd, BALCO, and CG Natural Resources Ltd are worrying as the coal ministry is yet to take initiative on the official minutes submitted to it from Chhattisgarh state," said a government official.

Both the Centre and the states need to expedite the remedy elucidated on the same cause of the Section 6 (1) with the follow-up action for relaxing the limits for the coal blocks allocated to the organisations, the firms stated.

Some firms approached the coal ministry but were asked to proceed via the state government that can submit in writing for consideration on relaxation with justification for the successful bidders. The investors had to repeatedly urge the state government for the needful.

There are bidders with an allocated mine area of over 30 sq km but their mining lease is yet to commence owing to the aforesaid reason.



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RAIPUR: The excessive delay in the start of production from the coal mines allocated through the commercial auctions by the Centre has exceedingly upset the successful bidders. The sixth tranche of such an auction for 32 mines launched in November last year received an overwhelming response as the reforms in the coal sector looked promising. However, the lingering is said to be causing a loss of Rs 40 crore or more per month to the state exchequer in terms of statutory and revenue share payments per coal mines besides lagging behind to meet the nations growing power demand from the coal-fired thermal plants.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Various investor organisations declared as successful bidders in the commercial coal block auction find themselves in a fix even after the coal blocks order had been vested to them. The reason is their area limit for allocated coal blocks. The limit for which, a prospecting license or mining lease may be granted in respect of any mineral, which could be a total area of more than 10 sq km or 25 sq km or 50 sq km, as specified under Section 6 (1) of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, provided the Centre and the state are convinced on relaxing the limit if it remains in the interest of development of any mineral or industry and recorded in writing from the concerned state government. According to these firms, the government of India as part of the coal block bidding process should release vesting orders with relaxation in the given limits, as all blocks are being granted on commercial terms for which the bidder paid premiums in addition to royalty and other taxes. Any restriction, if applicable, either should have been done before the bidding process and waived or asked the bidder to take approval before participating in the commercial auctions. Such situations are distressing, one of the presidents awaiting a mining lease for his firm told The New Indian Express. The Centre claims to work on a vision to secure coal availability to meet the demands of various sectors of the economy giving the highest priority to ease of doing business. "But firms like Jindal Power Ltd, BALCO, and CG Natural Resources Ltd are worrying as the coal ministry is yet to take initiative on the official minutes submitted to it from Chhattisgarh state," said a government official. Both the Centre and the states need to expedite the remedy elucidated on the same cause of the Section 6 (1) with the follow-up action for relaxing the limits for the coal blocks allocated to the organisations, the firms stated. Some firms approached the coal ministry but were asked to proceed via the state government that can submit in writing for consideration on relaxation with justification for the successful bidders. The investors had to repeatedly urge the state government for the needful. There are bidders with an allocated mine area of over 30 sq km but their mining lease is yet to commence owing to the aforesaid reason. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

VARANASI: Two months after a woman student was allegedly gang-raped inside the IIT-BHU campus here, police have arrested three men in connection with the incident, officials said on Sunday.

Following the arrests, opposition parties hit out at the BJP government pointing out that the accused persons are linked to the ruling party.

The incident took place on the night of November 1. Following the incident, hundreds of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) students had held a protest on the campus and demanded that the entry of outsiders be banned.

According to the complainant, she had gone out of her hostel with a friend on the night of November 1.

They were near the Karman Baba temple when three men came there on a motorcycle, forcibly took her to a corner and gagged her after separating her from her friend.

The accused then allegedly stripped the woman, made a video of her and clicked photos.

They let her go after about 15 minutes and took her phone number, the complainant stated.

On the basis of the complaint, an FIR was registered under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of the Information Technology Act at Lanka police station.

Subsequently, the charge of gangrape was added to the FIR, police said.

Three people -- Kunal Pandey, Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan, and Saksham Patel -- have been arrested in the case, said Shivakant Mishra, Station House Officer, Lanka police station.

Opposition parties targeted the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government over the law and order situation in the state and alleged that those arrested in the case have links with the ruling BJP.

"For the BJP, 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' is just a slogan. I had said at that time that BJP people are involved in this matter," Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai said in a post on X.

"The person who gang-raped an IIT BHU student is none other than BJP's Kunal Pandey, convener of Mahanagar IT cell, and Saksham Patel, who is the PA of Dilip Patel (Kashi zone president of the BJP). This is the evil face of BJP. Shameful," the Congress leader said in another post.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X that those arrested for gang-raping the woman student are part of a new crop of BJP workers thriving under the patronage of senior leaders.

The government had to get them arrested due to the solid evidence in the case and the growing public anger, he said.

"Every woman across the country is seeing how the BJP is playing with women's dignity and protecting those accused of atrocities, harassment and rape. Women will not give even a single vote to the BJP in the upcoming elections. Women will be the reason for the BJP's defeat. The truth of the BJP is before the public today. The public will give its verdict by defeating the BJP in the upcoming elections and do justice to women," he said.

The Samajwadi Party, in a post on X, said sisters and daughters are unsafe in the state and BJP people are the only threat.

The party demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits.

In a statement, ABVP state media coordinator Abhinav Mishra demanded that police file a charge sheet in the case at the earliest and also take action against those who protected the accused for two months.

The ABVP also called on the BHU administration to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of everyone on the campus.

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VARANASI: Two months after a woman student was allegedly gang-raped inside the IIT-BHU campus here, police have arrested three men in connection with the incident, officials said on Sunday. Following the arrests, opposition parties hit out at the BJP government pointing out that the accused persons are linked to the ruling party. The incident took place on the night of November 1. Following the incident, hundreds of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) students had held a protest on the campus and demanded that the entry of outsiders be banned.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the complainant, she had gone out of her hostel with a friend on the night of November 1. They were near the Karman Baba temple when three men came there on a motorcycle, forcibly took her to a corner and gagged her after separating her from her friend. The accused then allegedly stripped the woman, made a video of her and clicked photos. They let her go after about 15 minutes and took her phone number, the complainant stated. On the basis of the complaint, an FIR was registered under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of the Information Technology Act at Lanka police station. Subsequently, the charge of gangrape was added to the FIR, police said. Three people -- Kunal Pandey, Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan, and Saksham Patel -- have been arrested in the case, said Shivakant Mishra, Station House Officer, Lanka police station. Opposition parties targeted the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government over the law and order situation in the state and alleged that those arrested in the case have links with the ruling BJP. "For the BJP, 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' is just a slogan. I had said at that time that BJP people are involved in this matter," Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai said in a post on X. "The person who gang-raped an IIT BHU student is none other than BJP's Kunal Pandey, convener of Mahanagar IT cell, and Saksham Patel, who is the PA of Dilip Patel (Kashi zone president of the BJP). This is the evil face of BJP. Shameful," the Congress leader said in another post. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X that those arrested for gang-raping the woman student are part of a new crop of BJP workers thriving under the patronage of senior leaders. The government had to get them arrested due to the solid evidence in the case and the growing public anger, he said. "Every woman across the country is seeing how the BJP is playing with women's dignity and protecting those accused of atrocities, harassment and rape. Women will not give even a single vote to the BJP in the upcoming elections. Women will be the reason for the BJP's defeat. The truth of the BJP is before the public today. The public will give its verdict by defeating the BJP in the upcoming elections and do justice to women," he said. The Samajwadi Party, in a post on X, said sisters and daughters are unsafe in the state and BJP people are the only threat. The party demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits. In a statement, ABVP state media coordinator Abhinav Mishra demanded that police file a charge sheet in the case at the earliest and also take action against those who protected the accused for two months. The ABVP also called on the BHU administration to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of everyone on the campus. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

KOLKATA: Hundreds of truck and commercial vehicle drivers protesting the new penal laws for hit-and-run cases blocked the national highway number two near Dankuni toll plaza in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Sunday for around two hours, police said.

They started blocking the road at around 10.30 am at Chanditala by burning tyres and parking their vehicles in the middle of the road, the police said.

Senior police officers from Chanditala and Dankuni police stations rushed to the spot to persuade truck drivers to lift the blockade.

ALSO READ | Why concerns over revamped criminal laws refuse to go away

Police cleared the road blockade and the movement of vehicles started at 12.50 pm, an officer said.

"We've been told the new laws impose a 10-year jail term and a Rs 7 lakh fine for hit-and-run cases," said one of the protesting truck drivers.

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KOLKATA: Hundreds of truck and commercial vehicle drivers protesting the new penal laws for hit-and-run cases blocked the national highway number two near Dankuni toll plaza in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Sunday for around two hours, police said. They started blocking the road at around 10.30 am at Chanditala by burning tyres and parking their vehicles in the middle of the road, the police said. Senior police officers from Chanditala and Dankuni police stations rushed to the spot to persuade truck drivers to lift the blockade.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Why concerns over revamped criminal laws refuse to go away Police cleared the road blockade and the movement of vehicles started at 12.50 pm, an officer said. "We've been told the new laws impose a 10-year jail term and a Rs 7 lakh fine for hit-and-run cases," said one of the protesting truck drivers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service By

A bit of time spent can be the time earned in terms of experience gained through the best of fleeting minutes and the worst of persistent hours. In putting together a year country-wide, this newspaper not only attempts to jog our memory but also scrape our collective consciousness. So that we make 2024 a better year

Sharp questions and few answers

Thus the Indian story continues  an unbroken thread, unaffected by architects of change. The new Parliament building opened as a grand demonstration of our democracy, adorned with holy mace and other ornaments, but the behaviour of its MPs remained the same.

A heroic rescue in a collapsed tunnel was underscored by many questions  about labour conditions, about our failure to predict and control such tragedies, and about the real value of a one-size-fits-all image of development, especially when applied to inhospitable terrains.

The Joshimath subsidence and torrents of floodwaters thwacking and levelling hundreds of homes amid the accompanying landslips demonstrated a deeper climatic malaise. Crime and punishment go together. But the scores of women molested and sexually assaulted, as in the past, saw little justice.

On the scale of infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh, a key political player, accelerated its quest to join the trillion-dollar economy league, launching huge projects and hosting investment meets.The state manoeuvred through a maze of social and legal complexities, concluding the Ram Mandir issue with a grand temple.

Gujarat, racing alongside in the investment chase, revamped its liquor policy to boost the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City. Beyond economics, the state grappled with internal party conflicts.

Punjab, too, was a focal point in the economic sphere but found itself hamstrung in political tussles, particularly between AAP and the Centre. Chhattisgarh witnessed Congress decline amid the ongoing

Maoist insurgencies.

The BJP capitalized on the growing sway of Hindutva in Bastar, even as ethnic tensions exposed deep societal schisms.West Bengal dealt with rural poll violence, corruption, and strained Central government relations. Jharkhands year was marked by corruption cases and political turmoil. Bihar saw CM Nitish Kumars political moves amid caste politics and speculation about his allegiance. The Maratha quota

movement gained momentum.

The years nine state Assembly elections were a watershed moment in Indian politics. The BJP triumphed in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, and the Congress seized control in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

Manipur ethnic violence

Two women walk past our screens; naked, limp, stumbling. Around them a hoard of hands, nails, teeth and eyes and eyes and eyes; we will follow them into the fields where the internet cannot see. My heart is filled with rage. The incident has brought shame upon the nation, upon every citizen.The law shall descend, in all its might, upon all those who endanger the honour of our daughters, whether in Rajasthan, in Chhattisgarh, or in Manipur Over hundred such incidents have been reported. Meanwhile, India witnessed 92 instances of state-ordered suspension of internet services in 2023, a vast majority of them in Manipur with mobile internet disrupted for over 200 days in parts of the state since first shutdown on April 28. The killings began on May 3. Two women disappeared into the fields on May 4, the internet said.

Bipolar politics yet again

Chhattisgarh witnessed bipolar politics yet again, as BJP returned to power after 5 years in the Assembly polls in November bagging 54 seats. Facing a drubbing, the Congress shrunk from 68 MLAs in 2018 to 35. The saffron partys attempt at political polarisation found few takers in some seats, with a majoritarian communal view seen as an influential factor in Saja constituency. However, the challenge of Maoist factor persisted. Despite Home Minister Amit Shahs claim of 77% decline in left-wing extremism-related violence since 2010, right after CM Vishnu Deo Sai and his 2 deputies took oath, the state saw Maoist violence in 4 of the 7 districts in Baster.

Fragile, vulnerable terrain

Two incidents in 2023 brought to fore Uttarakhands challenging geographical conditions forcing the government to re-evaluate its future policies for its development. Just few days into the new year, the city of Joshimath, experienced sudden land subsidence, damaging homes and commercial establishments. On November 12, a portion of Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district collapsed, trapping 41 workers inside for 17 days. The 4.5 km-tunnel was part of the Centres ambitious flagship Char Dham project.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greets rescued workers coming out of the collapsed Silkyara Tunnel. (Photo | Special Arrangement)

Maha quota, Sena symbol stir

After the 2019 state Assembly polls, no party secured the required 145 MLAs for a government, necessitating coalitions. Shiv Sena formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi, along with Sharad Pawars NCP, Congress etc. Eknath Shindes ambitions paved the way for BJPs rise by splitting Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawars alliance with BJP added to the uncertainty. The Supreme Courts order to Speaker Rahul Narwekar, to rule on disqualification petitions, including CM Eknath Shinde, by January 10, will reshape the landscape.

Promises & perilious journeys

The sound and the fury of Assembly elections; The government will ensure Rs 1,250 to all our sisters. And this, is my guarantee.... The panelists will dissect the Congress defeat. The BJP has injected fresh blood into state politics; brought a new face rather than the old; Yadav votes...  representation, a tribal women for our President, ensured sweep in tribal seats The Ladli Behna did it for the BJP... Our sisters have kept faith in us... Somewhere in Ujjain, a 12-year-old girl shambles down a road; she has walked for days. We have perched ourselves on lampposts, close-circuit eyes looking down on her. Is she a Dalit? 82% of the population is Hindu after all... Meanwhile, a man shall sit on a pavement in Sidi, under a streetlamp amid gathering darkness, a person urinating on his face, while Mamaji washes his feet.

Punjab on Amritpals trail

Punjab found itself whirling around issues of Sikhism as SAD head Sukhbir Singh Badal tendered a public apology over sacrilege incident during his partys tenure in 2015, while separatist and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, charged of instigating violence, surrendered before police. Moreover, Sikh preacher Harpreet Singh stepped down from the SGPC jathedar post over a controversy arising from attending the engagement ceremony of AAP RS MP Raghav Chadda. The state also lost veteran politician SAD patron and former CM Prakash Singh Badal. Also, the tussle between CM Bhagwant Mann and Governor Banwarilal Purohit intensified over issues, including calling for special session where Gurbani, telecast by PTV, was made free to air. The politics of populist promises and freebies have already damaged the economy of the state.

West Bengal

A bang, then silence

A fireworks factory in Egra, Purba Medinipur, was blown off in a ball of fire. We shall wait until the rubble settles and then identify the bodies. Charred remains of at least seven, some dismembered, have been identified. Two children, playing beside their kitchen, pick up a ball lying on the ground. Now, a shrapnel stuck in their shoulders, we are taking them to hospital. An uncle of theirs is on the run. Is it the duty of the State Election Commission to ensure law and order during the panchayat polls?

On July 8, twelve people were killed across Bengal in political violence. In a period of 40 days, over 45 would have been killed under similar pretexts, sources said. Face-off between Mamata and the governor peaked over the issue of the role being played by the SEC and its head ahead of the panchayat polls.

Bihar

Return of Mandal politics

Bihar etched its name in the countrys post-Independent history by emerging as the first state to conduct caste census and release its report. Eighty-four per cent of the state population consists of backward classes. Subsequently, the state increased the reservation for OBCs, EBCs, SCs and STs from 50 to 65 per cent. Reigniting the Mandal politics, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar projected himself as the torch-bearer of adequate representation. The Opposition parties demanded a similar nationwide exercise turning it into a poll pitch. Bihar also hosted a meeting of various opposition parties that later joined hands as I.N.D.I.A alliance to take on the ruling NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Before the year-end, government-organised global investors meet to attract domestic and foreign investments.

Jharkhand

Run-ins with ED, I-T

Jharkhand found itself in a troubled spot with Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax frequenting it over mining and land scams and the unearthing of a massive Rs 354 crore allegedly from the premises linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu. Moreover, Chief Minister Hemant Soren skipped the ED summons in the land scam case for six times. However, it was not only a year of upheavals as Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal hero and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, played host to Narendra Modi- the first prime minister ever to visit it. Moreover, Soren became the first chief minister to tour Budha Pahar, the last bastion of Left Wing Extremism in the tribal state. After freeing the area from rebels, for the first time, CRPF and Jharkhand police had jointly hoisted the Tricolour on October 23, 2022.

Uttar Pradesh

Ram temple, eco drive

The state ushered in the year with global investors summit, securing MoUs worth Rs 39 lakh crore from nearly 20,000 investors from across the world. Murder of advocate Umesh Pal by gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmads son Asad and nine of his aides on February 24 rocked the state. Six of the nine, including Asad were eliminated in police encounters. Later, encounter of Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in the presence of cops and media created ripples. The public spectacle was followed by another one when jailed gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari, Jeeva, an associate of don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, was shot dead outside a courtroom in Lucknow. The court-battles on Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi and

Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, also hogged the limelight.

Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the forensic team recreate the crime scene, where three assailants shot dead gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed (File photo | PTI)

Kashmir

Militancy on the wane?

Heavy boots have marched through your home late last night. A day before, military vehicles were ambushed near the village, killing four soldiers. Now, a searchlight stares you in the face. Custodial death, an FIR alleged after three youths from Poonch reportedly died after being detained by the Inidan Army on December 22. In Srinagar, four deceased uniforms are lifted, to be returned to their native haunts. Amendment to Article 370 ultra vires (beyond the authority of the government)... Kashmir surrendered its sovereignty with accession to the State of India The Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370, refusing to discuss the validity of Presidential rule in the state. Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced significantly; only 43 militancy incidents, 48 encounters in 2023.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

A bit of time spent can be the time earned in terms of experience gained through the best of fleeting minutes and the worst of persistent hours. In putting together a year country-wide, this newspaper not only attempts to jog our memory but also scrape our collective consciousness. So that we make 2024 a better year Sharp questions and few answers Thus the Indian story continues  an unbroken thread, unaffected by architects of change. The new Parliament building opened as a grand demonstration of our democracy, adorned with holy mace and other ornaments, but the behaviour of its MPs remained the same.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A heroic rescue in a collapsed tunnel was underscored by many questions  about labour conditions, about our failure to predict and control such tragedies, and about the real value of a one-size-fits-all image of development, especially when applied to inhospitable terrains. The Joshimath subsidence and torrents of floodwaters thwacking and levelling hundreds of homes amid the accompanying landslips demonstrated a deeper climatic malaise. Crime and punishment go together. But the scores of women molested and sexually assaulted, as in the past, saw little justice. On the scale of infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh, a key political player, accelerated its quest to join the trillion-dollar economy league, launching huge projects and hosting investment meets.The state manoeuvred through a maze of social and legal complexities, concluding the Ram Mandir issue with a grand temple. Gujarat, racing alongside in the investment chase, revamped its liquor policy to boost the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City. Beyond economics, the state grappled with internal party conflicts. Punjab, too, was a focal point in the economic sphere but found itself hamstrung in political tussles, particularly between AAP and the Centre. Chhattisgarh witnessed Congress decline amid the ongoing Maoist insurgencies. The BJP capitalized on the growing sway of Hindutva in Bastar, even as ethnic tensions exposed deep societal schisms.West Bengal dealt with rural poll violence, corruption, and strained Central government relations. Jharkhands year was marked by corruption cases and political turmoil. Bihar saw CM Nitish Kumars political moves amid caste politics and speculation about his allegiance. The Maratha quota movement gained momentum. The years nine state Assembly elections were a watershed moment in Indian politics. The BJP triumphed in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, and the Congress seized control in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Manipur ethnic violence Two women walk past our screens; naked, limp, stumbling. Around them a hoard of hands, nails, teeth and eyes and eyes and eyes; we will follow them into the fields where the internet cannot see. My heart is filled with rage. The incident has brought shame upon the nation, upon every citizen.The law shall descend, in all its might, upon all those who endanger the honour of our daughters, whether in Rajasthan, in Chhattisgarh, or in Manipur Over hundred such incidents have been reported. Meanwhile, India witnessed 92 instances of state-ordered suspension of internet services in 2023, a vast majority of them in Manipur with mobile internet disrupted for over 200 days in parts of the state since first shutdown on April 28. The killings began on May 3. Two women disappeared into the fields on May 4, the internet said. Bipolar politics yet again Chhattisgarh witnessed bipolar politics yet again, as BJP returned to power after 5 years in the Assembly polls in November bagging 54 seats. Facing a drubbing, the Congress shrunk from 68 MLAs in 2018 to 35. The saffron partys attempt at political polarisation found few takers in some seats, with a majoritarian communal view seen as an influential factor in Saja constituency. However, the challenge of Maoist factor persisted. Despite Home Minister Amit Shahs claim of 77% decline in left-wing extremism-related violence since 2010, right after CM Vishnu Deo Sai and his 2 deputies took oath, the state saw Maoist violence in 4 of the 7 districts in Baster. Fragile, vulnerable terrain Two incidents in 2023 brought to fore Uttarakhands challenging geographical conditions forcing the government to re-evaluate its future policies for its development. Just few days into the new year, the city of Joshimath, experienced sudden land subsidence, damaging homes and commercial establishments. On November 12, a portion of Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district collapsed, trapping 41 workers inside for 17 days. The 4.5 km-tunnel was part of the Centres ambitious flagship Char Dham project. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greets rescued workers coming out of the collapsed Silkyara Tunnel. (Photo | Special Arrangement) Maha quota, Sena symbol stir After the 2019 state Assembly polls, no party secured the required 145 MLAs for a government, necessitating coalitions. Shiv Sena formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi, along with Sharad Pawars NCP, Congress etc. Eknath Shindes ambitions paved the way for BJPs rise by splitting Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawars alliance with BJP added to the uncertainty. The Supreme Courts order to Speaker Rahul Narwekar, to rule on disqualification petitions, including CM Eknath Shinde, by January 10, will reshape the landscape. Promises & perilious journeys The sound and the fury of Assembly elections; The government will ensure Rs 1,250 to all our sisters. And this, is my guarantee.... The panelists will dissect the Congress defeat. The BJP has injected fresh blood into state politics; brought a new face rather than the old; Yadav votes...  representation, a tribal women for our President, ensured sweep in tribal seats The Ladli Behna did it for the BJP... Our sisters have kept faith in us... Somewhere in Ujjain, a 12-year-old girl shambles down a road; she has walked for days. We have perched ourselves on lampposts, close-circuit eyes looking down on her. Is she a Dalit? 82% of the population is Hindu after all... Meanwhile, a man shall sit on a pavement in Sidi, under a streetlamp amid gathering darkness, a person urinating on his face, while Mamaji washes his feet. Punjab on Amritpals trail Punjab found itself whirling around issues of Sikhism as SAD head Sukhbir Singh Badal tendered a public apology over sacrilege incident during his partys tenure in 2015, while separatist and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, charged of instigating violence, surrendered before police. Moreover, Sikh preacher Harpreet Singh stepped down from the SGPC jathedar post over a controversy arising from attending the engagement ceremony of AAP RS MP Raghav Chadda. The state also lost veteran politician SAD patron and former CM Prakash Singh Badal. Also, the tussle between CM Bhagwant Mann and Governor Banwarilal Purohit intensified over issues, including calling for special session where Gurbani, telecast by PTV, was made free to air. The politics of populist promises and freebies have already damaged the economy of the state. West Bengal A bang, then silence A fireworks factory in Egra, Purba Medinipur, was blown off in a ball of fire. We shall wait until the rubble settles and then identify the bodies. Charred remains of at least seven, some dismembered, have been identified. Two children, playing beside their kitchen, pick up a ball lying on the ground. Now, a shrapnel stuck in their shoulders, we are taking them to hospital. An uncle of theirs is on the run. Is it the duty of the State Election Commission to ensure law and order during the panchayat polls? On July 8, twelve people were killed across Bengal in political violence. In a period of 40 days, over 45 would have been killed under similar pretexts, sources said. Face-off between Mamata and the governor peaked over the issue of the role being played by the SEC and its head ahead of the panchayat polls. Bihar Return of Mandal politics Bihar etched its name in the countrys post-Independent history by emerging as the first state to conduct caste census and release its report. Eighty-four per cent of the state population consists of backward classes. Subsequently, the state increased the reservation for OBCs, EBCs, SCs and STs from 50 to 65 per cent. Reigniting the Mandal politics, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar projected himself as the torch-bearer of adequate representation. The Opposition parties demanded a similar nationwide exercise turning it into a poll pitch. Bihar also hosted a meeting of various opposition parties that later joined hands as I.N.D.I.A alliance to take on the ruling NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Before the year-end, government-organised global investors meet to attract domestic and foreign investments. Jharkhand Run-ins with ED, I-T Jharkhand found itself in a troubled spot with Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax frequenting it over mining and land scams and the unearthing of a massive Rs 354 crore allegedly from the premises linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu. Moreover, Chief Minister Hemant Soren skipped the ED summons in the land scam case for six times. However, it was not only a year of upheavals as Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal hero and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, played host to Narendra Modi- the first prime minister ever to visit it. Moreover, Soren became the first chief minister to tour Budha Pahar, the last bastion of Left Wing Extremism in the tribal state. After freeing the area from rebels, for the first time, CRPF and Jharkhand police had jointly hoisted the Tricolour on October 23, 2022. Uttar Pradesh Ram temple, eco drive The state ushered in the year with global investors summit, securing MoUs worth Rs 39 lakh crore from nearly 20,000 investors from across the world. Murder of advocate Umesh Pal by gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmads son Asad and nine of his aides on February 24 rocked the state. Six of the nine, including Asad were eliminated in police encounters. Later, encounter of Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in the presence of cops and media created ripples. The public spectacle was followed by another one when jailed gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari, Jeeva, an associate of don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, was shot dead outside a courtroom in Lucknow. The court-battles on Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi and Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, also hogged the limelight. Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the forensic team recreate the crime scene, where three assailants shot dead gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed (File photo | PTI) Kashmir Militancy on the wane? Heavy boots have marched through your home late last night. A day before, military vehicles were ambushed near the village, killing four soldiers. Now, a searchlight stares you in the face. Custodial death, an FIR alleged after three youths from Poonch reportedly died after being detained by the Inidan Army on December 22. In Srinagar, four deceased uniforms are lifted, to be returned to their native haunts. Amendment to Article 370 ultra vires (beyond the authority of the government)... Kashmir surrendered its sovereignty with accession to the State of India The Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370, refusing to discuss the validity of Presidential rule in the state. Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced significantly; only 43 militancy incidents, 48 encounters in 2023. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
T Muruganandham By

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin, accompanied by senior Cabinet colleagues called on Governor RN Ravi on Saturday as per the advice of the Supreme Court to sort out the outstanding issues. While the CM renewed his request for early assent to the pending Bills and files, the Raj Bhavan release said the governor promised to act within the bounds of the Constitution and suggested periodic meetings with the CM.

However, Raj Bhavan did not say anything about the Bills and files. Summing up the meeting between the CM and Governor, Law Minister S Regupathy told reporters: The meeting was cordial. But we have to see the result of this meeting only in the court.

Senior ministers Duraimurugan, S Regupathy, Thangam Thennarasu, and RS Rajakannappan, and Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, were present during the discussions.

During the discussions, the CM also handed over a letter addressed to the governor regarding the Bills and files. In the letter, the CM said he has high regard for all Constitutional posts and in the interest of the people and state administration, these issues should be resolved soon. Regupathy said the governor has forwarded 10 Bills re-adopted by the State Assembly to the President stating that those Bills fell under the purview of Entry 66 of Article 7 of the Constitution.

During the discussions today, we pointed out that the governor made this contention when the Bills were first placed before him for assent, the government would have clarified its stance.

The Law Minister also said In all, the governor has forwarded 20 Bills to the GOI. Of them, eight were forwarded to the GOI at the request of the State government. As of now, only one Bill relating to the Agriculture department is pending with the Governor.

For the premature release of long-serving prisoners, 112 files were sent in the first phase. The governor accorded sanction for the premature release of 68 prisoners and rejected the request for two prisoners. So, 42 files are still pending with the governor. Seven more files were also sent to the governor as per court orders for the premature release of prisoners. So, 49 files are pending before the governor now. We have sought early approval for the premature release of these prisoners also, he added.

Minister RS Kannappan said certain university-related Bills were forwarded to the President. We told the governor that giving assent to them is well within the powers of the governor and he need not forward them to the President since it would take time.

The CM had also urged Ravi to accord sanction to prosecute former ministers KC Veeramani and MR Vijayabaskar in corruption cases since the files were pending in Raj Bhavan for 15 months and seven months, respectively. The CM had also sought approval for files relating to the appointment of new members to the TNPSC.

The CM said Ravi should function as per the Constitution and only when he does so, it would augur well for the welfare of the people and also the state administration. The governor should avoid delay in clearing the bills in the future, a release said.

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CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin, accompanied by senior Cabinet colleagues called on Governor RN Ravi on Saturday as per the advice of the Supreme Court to sort out the outstanding issues. While the CM renewed his request for early assent to the pending Bills and files, the Raj Bhavan release said the governor promised to act within the bounds of the Constitution and suggested periodic meetings with the CM. However, Raj Bhavan did not say anything about the Bills and files. Summing up the meeting between the CM and Governor, Law Minister S Regupathy told reporters: The meeting was cordial. But we have to see the result of this meeting only in the court. Senior ministers Duraimurugan, S Regupathy, Thangam Thennarasu, and RS Rajakannappan, and Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, were present during the discussions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); During the discussions, the CM also handed over a letter addressed to the governor regarding the Bills and files. In the letter, the CM said he has high regard for all Constitutional posts and in the interest of the people and state administration, these issues should be resolved soon. Regupathy said the governor has forwarded 10 Bills re-adopted by the State Assembly to the President stating that those Bills fell under the purview of Entry 66 of Article 7 of the Constitution. During the discussions today, we pointed out that the governor made this contention when the Bills were first placed before him for assent, the government would have clarified its stance. The Law Minister also said In all, the governor has forwarded 20 Bills to the GOI. Of them, eight were forwarded to the GOI at the request of the State government. As of now, only one Bill relating to the Agriculture department is pending with the Governor. For the premature release of long-serving prisoners, 112 files were sent in the first phase. The governor accorded sanction for the premature release of 68 prisoners and rejected the request for two prisoners. So, 42 files are still pending with the governor. Seven more files were also sent to the governor as per court orders for the premature release of prisoners. So, 49 files are pending before the governor now. We have sought early approval for the premature release of these prisoners also, he added. Minister RS Kannappan said certain university-related Bills were forwarded to the President. We told the governor that giving assent to them is well within the powers of the governor and he need not forward them to the President since it would take time. The CM had also urged Ravi to accord sanction to prosecute former ministers KC Veeramani and MR Vijayabaskar in corruption cases since the files were pending in Raj Bhavan for 15 months and seven months, respectively. The CM had also sought approval for files relating to the appointment of new members to the TNPSC. The CM said Ravi should function as per the Constitution and only when he does so, it would augur well for the welfare of the people and also the state administration. The governor should avoid delay in clearing the bills in the future, a release said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty By

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Saturday told the Delhi High Court that it will not take a call on demolition of the Sunehri Bagh mosque till January 8.

The municipal corporation had on December 24 proposed to demolish the heritage structure, due to the alleged traffic congestion in the area. The Imam of the mosque, Abdul Aziz, had moved Delhi High Court against the NDMC proposal.

The NDMC on Saturday assured a vacation bench of Justice Manoj Jain that nothing would happen to the mosque till January 8 next year, as a final call on the action has to be taken by the Heritage Conservation Committee. Subsequently, Justice Jain listed the matter for further hearing on January 8.

Meanwhile, the NDMC has sought suggestions from people by January 1 regarding the demolition of the mosque.

Vehemently opposing the NDMC decision, the Imams lawyer told the high court that the law did not give power to the municipal corporation to remove a heritage structure like the Sunehri Bagh mosque.

The court also questioned the Imams locus standi in approaching the HC. It asked him whether it would not be better for him to file the petition with the Delhi Waqf Board.

The Imams counsel replied that he filed the petition in the HC to protect the congregation, as the Sunehri Bagh mosque is a functioning mosque.

The petitioner further pleaded that the mosque is more than 150 years old, and a heritage building symbolic of the cultural legacy of Lutyens Delhi.

He also told the court that the traffic in the area is regulated. Barricades are put up in the area whenever they were required, and there has been no complaint of any resistance from neither the worshippers nor the public regarding the traffic nuisance.

The petitioner argued the traffic congestion, if any, is contributed by the many government buildings in the area  Vayu Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan Metro Station  and not by the Sunehri Bagh Masjid as alleged by the NDMC and traffic police.

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NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Saturday told the Delhi High Court that it will not take a call on demolition of the Sunehri Bagh mosque till January 8. The municipal corporation had on December 24 proposed to demolish the heritage structure, due to the alleged traffic congestion in the area. The Imam of the mosque, Abdul Aziz, had moved Delhi High Court against the NDMC proposal. The NDMC on Saturday assured a vacation bench of Justice Manoj Jain that nothing would happen to the mosque till January 8 next year, as a final call on the action has to be taken by the Heritage Conservation Committee. Subsequently, Justice Jain listed the matter for further hearing on January 8.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the NDMC has sought suggestions from people by January 1 regarding the demolition of the mosque. Vehemently opposing the NDMC decision, the Imams lawyer told the high court that the law did not give power to the municipal corporation to remove a heritage structure like the Sunehri Bagh mosque. The court also questioned the Imams locus standi in approaching the HC. It asked him whether it would not be better for him to file the petition with the Delhi Waqf Board. The Imams counsel replied that he filed the petition in the HC to protect the congregation, as the Sunehri Bagh mosque is a functioning mosque. The petitioner further pleaded that the mosque is more than 150 years old, and a heritage building symbolic of the cultural legacy of Lutyens Delhi. He also told the court that the traffic in the area is regulated. Barricades are put up in the area whenever they were required, and there has been no complaint of any resistance from neither the worshippers nor the public regarding the traffic nuisance. The petitioner argued the traffic congestion, if any, is contributed by the many government buildings in the area  Vayu Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan Metro Station  and not by the Sunehri Bagh Masjid as alleged by the NDMC and traffic police. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
The memoirs of a former mental hospital director and a famous purse-snatcher throw light on the lives of marginalized Egyptians during the first half of the 20th century.

El-Saraya El-Safra  Rehla fi Mozakerat Mohamed Kamel Bek El-Kholy, Moudir Mostashfa El-Magazib (1916-1953)

The Yellow Sarai: A Journey in the Memoirs of Mohamed Kamel Bey El-Kholy, Director of a Mental Hospital

Mohamed Al-Shama

El-Masry Publishing, 2022

246 pp

Mozakerat Nashal  Abdel-Aziz El-Nos

Memoirs of a Purse-Snatcher  Abdel-Aziz El-Nos

Ayman Othman

Dar Dawen, 2023

221 pp

Two short, easy-to-read, and certainly entertaining books from the past two years document life on the fringe in early 20th-century Egypt  one by a doctor at the head of Egypts most prominent hospital for mental illnesses and disorders in the 1940s and another by a self-proclaimed purse-snatcher famous in the 1920s and 1930s.

One long-forgotten volume from the 1930s, unearthed by Ayman Othman and published this year by Dar Dawen, tells the sad and fascinating story of a famous purse snatcher, Abdel-Aziz El-Nos.

El-Nos supposedly told his story to a journalist who published it in a book that became a part of a trilogy by Hosny Youssef, released in the 1920s and 1930s as Mozakerat Fetwa (Memoirs of a Thug), Mozakerat Nashal (Memoirs of a Purse-Snatcher) and Mozakerat Motasherd (Memoirs of a Homeless Man).

Last year (2022), El-Masry Publishing, published the memoirs of Mohamed Kamel Bey El-Kholy who was the director of a mental hospital in Cairo's Al-Abassiya district, known as El-Saraya El-Safra (The Yellow Palace). The title derives from the colour of a spacious palace that was painted in red when it served as a house for a rich man, before becoming the countrys first proper hospital for mental illness at the end of the 19th century.

Both books attracted significant attention during their launches at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Cairo International Book Fair, reflecting a growing interest in Egyptian society before the 1952 revolution.

El-Kholys memoirs, which were first published in El-Mosawar magazine in 1954 shortly after he left his post as director of the mental hospital, and those of El-Nos, which were originally published in 1930, show how the lives of two men, one a doctor and the other a purse-snatcher, were influenced by World War I.

El-Kholy, who was pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK, had to rush back to Egypt due to British suspicion of Egyptians for sympathy towards the Ottoman Empire. Once back home, El-Kholy had to settle for a financially unrewarding job in a rural area before he managed to get a job with the mental illness hospital in 1916.

El-Nos, for his part, tried to abandon his life as a pickpocket and opened a small grocery store. Tragically, economic conditions rendered him penniless and he was forced to return to pickpocketing. As he details in his book, pickpocketing is an art, and its masters form their own underground society in Cairo.

El-Kholy for his part recalls dealing with many thieves much like El-Nos, who feigned insanity to avoid imprisonment.

Also subject to some considerable reflection in both volumes is the status of unprivileged women during the early decades of the 20th century. They were generally perceived as subordinates, with no interest in anything beyond marriage and money.

El-Nos discusses Rasmia, a woman who seduces rich men to steal their money. El-Kholy talks about women who lost their minds due to abandonment by lovers and women who lost their minds for having failed to find the proper suitors.

Both books address the question of the paths people would have wanted to take versus the paths they were forced to take based on their circumstances. Inevitably, both volumes de-demonize and de-stigmatize those who live on the margins of society and blame society for their ill-fated paths.

Each volume offers an interesting insight into the dominant social norms of the time and reveals many of the ailments that were deeply rooted in the society of a country, then under a monarchy. El-Kholy suggests that the ruling family of Egypt suffered from a hereditary mental disorder that could be traced from Khedive Ismail down to King Farouk.

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Seen telescoped from this end, the last twelve months seem to have sloughed off almost in a series of stark contrasts, as if conforming to some neat Manichean logic of light and dark. But when lived in the raw, it was a rather more messy and unpredictable assemblage of tragicomic events. The year began with a handful of Indian wrestlers putting their career on the line to protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the burly BJP MP of Kaiserganj in UP, with most accounts painting the picture of a sexual predator. After months of recrimination and calumny, it ended with the government making a conciliatory gesture.

The second month, it was the turn of Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia to feel the heavy hand of fate. This didnt end the same way. The list of AAP cabinet ministers in prison lengthened over time and, as the year closes, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mr Clean himself, faces Enforcement Directorate questioning.

Events came in a repetitive mode, refrain-like, though the mirror magnified them each time. Rahul Gandhi got disqualified from the Lok Sabha in a defamation case involving PM Modi, but was reinstated finally. Months later, it was an expulsion that awaited TMCs Mahua Moitra. And half-way through the winter session, pretty much the entire Opposition was to be suspended.

The BJP returned to power in Tripura, though initially projected as a loser. In fact, the party, once a stranger to the region, has entrenched itself in northeastern India, with Meghalaya and Nagaland almost adopting it as a surrogate caregiver. But it couldnt necessarily portray itself as a paragon of good governance, as it may have wanted. In May, Manipur erupted despite the presence of the so-called double-engine government. Hundreds died, and an ethnic kaleidoscope lay broken irretrievably. For the first time in the history of the country, a government had to arrange for the mass funeral of 64 bodies to bring closure to victims families.

If the ground was a bit shaky, the skies shone. Our Moon Mission stood out as the brightest spot in the year. Chandrayaan-3 scripted history  India became the first country to land on the lunar south pole, a dark, cold part of the moon hidden from the Earth. The defining moment came on August 23 as the Indian lander touched down 600 km off the southern pole and soon the Pragyan rover rolled out to scrape the cheese off the moon for the labs, and shook a leg to the music lovers back on earth. The lunar quest was all the more memorable as ISRO had managed to pull off the impossible if you consider that failure had greeted even a Russian attempt.

In a few days, ISRO added another milestone: Aditya L-1 zipped to the nearest point up to the Sun. Back on earth, the G20 Summit added to Indias glory. As the 5th largest economy of the world, India used its massive heft to put the African Union on the G20 pedestal. Domestically, the year brought good tidings for the BJP with three crucial elections in Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The consecration of the Ram temple in January will almost carry over the triumphal mood for the party and the vibes, it will be hoping, will last till the general election in April-May.

A tryst with destiny awaits India in 2024. Maybe, we will redeem our pledge  in full measure. Lets hope.



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Seen telescoped from this end, the last twelve months seem to have sloughed off almost in a series of stark contrasts, as if conforming to some neat Manichean logic of light and dark. But when lived in the raw, it was a rather more messy and unpredictable assemblage of tragicomic events. The year began with a handful of Indian wrestlers putting their career on the line to protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the burly BJP MP of Kaiserganj in UP, with most accounts painting the picture of a sexual predator. After months of recrimination and calumny, it ended with the government making a conciliatory gesture. The second month, it was the turn of Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia to feel the heavy hand of fate. This didnt end the same way. The list of AAP cabinet ministers in prison lengthened over time and, as the year closes, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mr Clean himself, faces Enforcement Directorate questioning. Events came in a repetitive mode, refrain-like, though the mirror magnified them each time. Rahul Gandhi got disqualified from the Lok Sabha in a defamation case involving PM Modi, but was reinstated finally. Months later, it was an expulsion that awaited TMCs Mahua Moitra. And half-way through the winter session, pretty much the entire Opposition was to be suspended.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The BJP returned to power in Tripura, though initially projected as a loser. In fact, the party, once a stranger to the region, has entrenched itself in northeastern India, with Meghalaya and Nagaland almost adopting it as a surrogate caregiver. But it couldnt necessarily portray itself as a paragon of good governance, as it may have wanted. In May, Manipur erupted despite the presence of the so-called double-engine government. Hundreds died, and an ethnic kaleidoscope lay broken irretrievably. For the first time in the history of the country, a government had to arrange for the mass funeral of 64 bodies to bring closure to victims families. If the ground was a bit shaky, the skies shone. Our Moon Mission stood out as the brightest spot in the year. Chandrayaan-3 scripted history  India became the first country to land on the lunar south pole, a dark, cold part of the moon hidden from the Earth. The defining moment came on August 23 as the Indian lander touched down 600 km off the southern pole and soon the Pragyan rover rolled out to scrape the cheese off the moon for the labs, and shook a leg to the music lovers back on earth. The lunar quest was all the more memorable as ISRO had managed to pull off the impossible if you consider that failure had greeted even a Russian attempt. In a few days, ISRO added another milestone: Aditya L-1 zipped to the nearest point up to the Sun. Back on earth, the G20 Summit added to Indias glory. As the 5th largest economy of the world, India used its massive heft to put the African Union on the G20 pedestal. Domestically, the year brought good tidings for the BJP with three crucial elections in Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The consecration of the Ram temple in January will almost carry over the triumphal mood for the party and the vibes, it will be hoping, will last till the general election in April-May. A tryst with destiny awaits India in 2024. Maybe, we will redeem our pledge  in full measure. Lets hope. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

SINGAPORE: The relatives of a 23-year-old Indian construction worker, who died in an accident at his workplace in Singapore early this month, have sought an explanation from the authorities over the conditions under which the tragedy happened, said a media report on Sunday.

Ponraman Eazhumalai, who worked in Singapore only for eight months as a concrete pump assistant, died on December 2 after he was caught between the chassis of a concrete pump truck and a retracting outrigger at the worksite for the upcoming Tengah integrated rail and bus depot at 770 Jurong Road, reported The Straits Times.

Outriggers are retractable legs that extend out and away from a concrete pump to provide stability and prevent it from tipping over.

According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the fatal accident occurred at about 11.20 pm on December 2.

Even though the family members of the deceased were apprised of the incident, they are not being told by the government authorities what injuries he exactly had.

Two of the uncles of the deceased, who work in Singapore, said his family in Tamil Nadu has been devastated by his death.

Following the incident, the family has raised questions about the accident, which they hope the authorities will look into, said the report.

"Why wasn't an ambulance called, and why didn't they take him to the nearest hospital? His life could have been saved," they said.

The uncles said they believed the injury was not serious when they were alerted that same night, but in less than 24 hours, their nephew was dead.

The nearest hospital to the accident site was Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, a five-to 10-minute drive away.

Eazhumalai, who had a diploma in mechanical engineering from India, was the only breadwinner in the family.

In response to queries over the death, MOM said that as a general safety measure, workers should keep a safe distance from construction equipment and machinery, such as concrete pump trucks and mobile cranes, while they are in operation.

A safety zone should also be clearly marked out to prevent unauthorised access.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA), the developer of the Tengah Depot project, said it was saddened by the fatal accident.

The LTA said that it is working with the main contractor and TMC Concrete Pumping Services to help the family of the worker who died.

"We are also assisting the Ministry of Manpower and the police with their investigations," the daily quoted LTA as saying.

The police, who were alerted to the case on December 3, said that based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected.

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SINGAPORE: The relatives of a 23-year-old Indian construction worker, who died in an accident at his workplace in Singapore early this month, have sought an explanation from the authorities over the conditions under which the tragedy happened, said a media report on Sunday. Ponraman Eazhumalai, who worked in Singapore only for eight months as a concrete pump assistant, died on December 2 after he was caught between the chassis of a concrete pump truck and a retracting outrigger at the worksite for the upcoming Tengah integrated rail and bus depot at 770 Jurong Road, reported The Straits Times. Outriggers are retractable legs that extend out and away from a concrete pump to provide stability and prevent it from tipping over.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the fatal accident occurred at about 11.20 pm on December 2. Even though the family members of the deceased were apprised of the incident, they are not being told by the government authorities what injuries he exactly had. Two of the uncles of the deceased, who work in Singapore, said his family in Tamil Nadu has been devastated by his death. Following the incident, the family has raised questions about the accident, which they hope the authorities will look into, said the report. "Why wasn't an ambulance called, and why didn't they take him to the nearest hospital? His life could have been saved," they said. The uncles said they believed the injury was not serious when they were alerted that same night, but in less than 24 hours, their nephew was dead. The nearest hospital to the accident site was Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, a five-to 10-minute drive away. Eazhumalai, who had a diploma in mechanical engineering from India, was the only breadwinner in the family. In response to queries over the death, MOM said that as a general safety measure, workers should keep a safe distance from construction equipment and machinery, such as concrete pump trucks and mobile cranes, while they are in operation. A safety zone should also be clearly marked out to prevent unauthorised access. The Land Transport Authority (LTA), the developer of the Tengah Depot project, said it was saddened by the fatal accident. The LTA said that it is working with the main contractor and TMC Concrete Pumping Services to help the family of the worker who died. "We are also assisting the Ministry of Manpower and the police with their investigations," the daily quoted LTA as saying. The police, who were alerted to the case on December 3, said that based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

TEL AVIV: Israelis and Palestinians end a dark year on Sunday, with no end in sight to the deadliest military offensive on Gaza, triggered by Hamas' bloodiest attack on Israel.

There has been no respite from Israel's air raids, artillery fire or ground fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to the despair of Palestinians surviving the onslaught.

"We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the new year at home with our families," said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

"We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace", said the 33-year-old from Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict in the south of Gaza.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 21,672 people, mostly women and children -- by far the heaviest death toll of any Israeli operation.

On Sunday the ministry reported numerous deaths in overnight strikes on central Gaza's Zawayda and the nearby Al-Mughazi refugee camp.

The fighting began with Hamas's October 7 attacks, which left about 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Militants also took about 250 people hostage, and Israel says 129 of them remain in captivity.

The Israeli army says 170 soldiers have been killed in combat inside Gaza.

An Israeli siege imposed after October 7, following years of crippling blockade, has led to dire shortages of food, safe water, fuel and medicine in Gaza, with aid convoys able to offer only sporadic relief.

The UN says more than 85 per cent of Gaza's 2.4 million people have fled their homes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the growing threat of infectious diseases and the UN says Gaza is "just weeks away" from famine.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war against Hamas will last for "many months" -- until the Palestinian militant group has been eliminated.

"We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," he told a news conference.

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold their photos and shout slogans during a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. | AP

'Every shred of hope'

As Netanyahu spoke, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home.

"I hope there's going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. I'm trying to hold on to every shred of hope," said Nir Shafran, 45.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on October 7.

"I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasn't with him. So I went with him and I came back without him and it's like time has stopped ever since," he said.

In Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages.

"The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity," doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the WHO.

"The beds are full... and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies."

The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said.

In Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike.

"We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family. Two adjacent houses were targeted," said the area's civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi.

READ HERE | UN asks Israel to end 'unlawful killings' in West Bank

Mediation efforts

International mediators -- who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza -- continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were "in the process" of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

A response will come "within days", the group's chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been "giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept".

"We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation."

READ | Israel pieces together 'puzzle' of October 7 sexual violence

Fronts multiplying

The Gaza war has intensified tensions across the region.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

On Saturday, the US military said one of its destroyers shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from territory controlled by the rebels.

The US Central Command described it as the "23rd illegal attack by the Huthis on international shipping" since November 19.

CENTCOM said the destroyer had also responded to a call for help from a Danish container ship that was hit in a separate strike.

Israel has also traded frequent cross-border fire with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

"If Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran," Netanyahu warned Saturday.

In Syria, at least 23 pro-Iran fighters -- five Syrians, four Hezbollah members, six Iraqis and eight Iranians -- were killed on Saturday in raids "likely" carried out by Israel, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

READ MORE | Desperation rising amid acute hunger at Gaza hospitals: WHO

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TEL AVIV: Israelis and Palestinians end a dark year on Sunday, with no end in sight to the deadliest military offensive on Gaza, triggered by Hamas' bloodiest attack on Israel. There has been no respite from Israel's air raids, artillery fire or ground fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to the despair of Palestinians surviving the onslaught. "We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the new year at home with our families," said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace", said the 33-year-old from Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict in the south of Gaza. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 21,672 people, mostly women and children -- by far the heaviest death toll of any Israeli operation. On Sunday the ministry reported numerous deaths in overnight strikes on central Gaza's Zawayda and the nearby Al-Mughazi refugee camp. The fighting began with Hamas's October 7 attacks, which left about 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Militants also took about 250 people hostage, and Israel says 129 of them remain in captivity. The Israeli army says 170 soldiers have been killed in combat inside Gaza. An Israeli siege imposed after October 7, following years of crippling blockade, has led to dire shortages of food, safe water, fuel and medicine in Gaza, with aid convoys able to offer only sporadic relief. The UN says more than 85 per cent of Gaza's 2.4 million people have fled their homes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the growing threat of infectious diseases and the UN says Gaza is "just weeks away" from famine. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war against Hamas will last for "many months" -- until the Palestinian militant group has been eliminated. "We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," he told a news conference. Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold their photos and shout slogans during a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. | AP 'Every shred of hope' As Netanyahu spoke, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home. "I hope there's going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. I'm trying to hold on to every shred of hope," said Nir Shafran, 45. Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on October 7. "I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasn't with him. So I went with him and I came back without him and it's like time has stopped ever since," he said. In Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages. "The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity," doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the WHO. "The beds are full... and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies." The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said. In Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike. "We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family. Two adjacent houses were targeted," said the area's civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi. READ HERE | UN asks Israel to end 'unlawful killings' in West Bank Mediation efforts International mediators -- who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza -- continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting. US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire. A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said. Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were "in the process" of evaluating the Egyptian proposal. A response will come "within days", the group's chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said. Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been "giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didn't accept". "We are seeing a certain shift (but) I don't want to create an expectation." READ | Israel pieces together 'puzzle' of October 7 sexual violence Fronts multiplying The Gaza war has intensified tensions across the region. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza. On Saturday, the US military said one of its destroyers shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from territory controlled by the rebels. The US Central Command described it as the "23rd illegal attack by the Huthis on international shipping" since November 19. CENTCOM said the destroyer had also responded to a call for help from a Danish container ship that was hit in a separate strike. Israel has also traded frequent cross-border fire with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. "If Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran," Netanyahu warned Saturday. In Syria, at least 23 pro-Iran fighters -- five Syrians, four Hezbollah members, six Iraqis and eight Iranians -- were killed on Saturday in raids "likely" carried out by Israel, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. READ MORE | Desperation rising amid acute hunger at Gaza hospitals: WHO Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

KYIV: Russia launched a fresh drone assault on Ukraine on Saturday night, after promising that strikes on the Russian border city of Belgorod earlier in the day would not go unpunished.

The Ukrainian Air Force said Sunday that it had shot down 21 of 49 drones launched by Russian forces overnight.

Twenty-eight people were wounded in an attack on the eastern city of Kharkiv in Ukraine, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Sunday. A central hotel, apartment buildings, kindergarten, shops and administrative buildings sustained damage, according to the regional prosecutors office.

Russia's Defense Ministry said that it had hit decision-making centers and military facilities in Kharkiv, reporting that its strike on the Kharkiv Palace Hotel had destroyed representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate and Ukrainian Armed Forces" involved in the terrorist attack in Belgorod.

In the Kyiv region that surrounds the capital, a Russian drone attack caused a fire to break out at a critical infrastructure facility, local officials said. They did not identify the facility further.

Shelling in the center of the Russian border city of Belgorod Saturday killed 24 people, including three children. A further 108 people were wounded in the strike, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Sunday, making it one of the deadliest attacks on Russian soil since the start of Moscows invasion of Ukraine 22 months ago.

Russian authorities accused Kyiv of carrying out the attack, which took place the day after an 18-hour Russian aerial bombardment across Ukraine killed at least 41 civilians.

READ HERE | Shelling kills 21 in Russian city of Belgorod following Moscow's aerial attacks across Ukraine

Russias Defense Ministry said it identified the ammunition used in the strike as Czech-made Vampire rockets and Olkha missiles fitted with cluster-munition warheads. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was unable to verify its claims.

This crime will not go unpunished, the ministry said in a statement on social media.

In an emergency meeting at the U.N. Security Council demanded by Russia Saturday night, envoy Vasily Nebenzya accused Kyiv of a terrorist attack. In comments carried by Russian state media, Nebenzya claimed Ukraine had launched a deliberate act of terrorism directed against civilians.

Ukrainians are bracing for further attacks. A blistering New Years Eve assault by Russia last year killed at least three civilians.

READ HERE | Russia launches the biggest aerial barrage of the war and kills 30 civilians, Ukraine says

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

KYIV: Russia launched a fresh drone assault on Ukraine on Saturday night, after promising that strikes on the Russian border city of Belgorod earlier in the day would not go unpunished. The Ukrainian Air Force said Sunday that it had shot down 21 of 49 drones launched by Russian forces overnight. Twenty-eight people were wounded in an attack on the eastern city of Kharkiv in Ukraine, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Sunday. A central hotel, apartment buildings, kindergarten, shops and administrative buildings sustained damage, according to the regional prosecutors office.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Russia's Defense Ministry said that it had hit decision-making centers and military facilities in Kharkiv, reporting that its strike on the Kharkiv Palace Hotel had destroyed representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate and Ukrainian Armed Forces" involved in the terrorist attack in Belgorod. In the Kyiv region that surrounds the capital, a Russian drone attack caused a fire to break out at a critical infrastructure facility, local officials said. They did not identify the facility further. Shelling in the center of the Russian border city of Belgorod Saturday killed 24 people, including three children. A further 108 people were wounded in the strike, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Sunday, making it one of the deadliest attacks on Russian soil since the start of Moscows invasion of Ukraine 22 months ago. Russian authorities accused Kyiv of carrying out the attack, which took place the day after an 18-hour Russian aerial bombardment across Ukraine killed at least 41 civilians. READ HERE | Shelling kills 21 in Russian city of Belgorod following Moscow's aerial attacks across Ukraine Russias Defense Ministry said it identified the ammunition used in the strike as Czech-made Vampire rockets and Olkha missiles fitted with cluster-munition warheads. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was unable to verify its claims. This crime will not go unpunished, the ministry said in a statement on social media. In an emergency meeting at the U.N. Security Council demanded by Russia Saturday night, envoy Vasily Nebenzya accused Kyiv of a terrorist attack. In comments carried by Russian state media, Nebenzya claimed Ukraine had launched a deliberate act of terrorism directed against civilians. Ukrainians are bracing for further attacks. A blistering New Years Eve assault by Russia last year killed at least three civilians. READ HERE | Russia launches the biggest aerial barrage of the war and kills 30 civilians, Ukraine says Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Picking up where we left off last week and will continue throughout the month in a Sunday miniseries, we asked community members who theyd choose for 2023s Person of the Year.
Authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan said Sunday two drones struck a military base used by the autonomous region's security forces, blaming the attack on "outlaws" funded by Baghdad.

The attack on the base in Arbil province was carried out late Saturday and caused some damage but no casualties, the regional government said in a statement.

The region's peshmerga forces are allies of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition that has troops deployed in Iraq.

There was no immediate claim for the attack.

But since the start of Israel's war on Gaza in early October, there has been a surge in attacks on US forces and their allies in Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

The majority have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US support for Israel in its relentless bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza.

A tally by US military officials has counted 106 attacks against its troops in Iraq and Syria since October 17.

The prime minister of Kurdistan, Masrour Barzani, said he was "deeply alarmed" by Saturday's drone attack.

"I condemn the outlaws and their collaborators in the strongest terms possible," he said on X, formerly Twitter.

The regional government said these groups "are funded by the federal government" in Baghdad, with which it has strained relations.

The government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is backed by pro-Tehran parties.

Sudani's office said Sunday he "had ordered a thorough investigation into this criminal (drone) attack", in coordination with the Iraqi Kurdish security services.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Sun and clouds mixed. High 38F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the exam schedule for JEE Main 2024 recently. The examination takes place twice in a year. The first session of the JEE Main exam is set to be conducted from January 24 to February 1, 2024. Interested candidates can visit the official JEE exam website at jeemain.ntaonline.in for more details. With over 10 lakh students slated to participate in JEE Main Session 1, the registration phase for this examination has concluded. Candidates must stay informed about the changes in the JEE Main exam syllabus. It is important to thoroughly review the JEE Main Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme for a comprehensive understanding.

JEE Main 2024: Who can appear for the JEE Main exam?

JEE Main invites students who have cleared their 12th board exams in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. It is an opportunity for aspiring engineers to start their academic journey in engineering.

JEE Main 2024: Where will I get admission after passing the JEE exam?

Following the release of the JEE Main cutoff list, the top 2.5 lakh students are eligible to appear for the JEE Advanced exam. Those who succeed in JEE Advanced can enrol in prestigious engineering colleges such as IITs, IIITs, and NITs. The JEE Main exam assesses knowledge from the class 11th and 12th syllabus, covering Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

JEE Main 2024: How marks are distributed in the JEE Main exam?

The JEE Main exam is designed for a total of 300 marks. The paper encompasses 90 questions, evenly distributed with 30 in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section comprises 20 multiple-choice questions, while the remaining 10 are numerical-based. Candidates will be provided with a three-hour timeframe to solve the questions.

JEE Main 2024: Is there a negative marking in the JEE Main exam?

In the JEE Main exam, each question has four answer options, with one correct. One correct answer gets 4 marks, but an incorrect question deducts 1 mark. This deduction equals 1/4 of the marks for a correct answer.

JEE Main 2024: Will marks be deducted for not answering?

No marks are deducted for leaving a question unanswered. For instance, if you correctly answer 6 questions and incorrectly answer 2, your score calculation would be 6 (4)  2 (1) = 18.
These days winter vacation is going on in most of the states of North India. The year 2023 will end and 2024 will begin with winter vacation. There is only a short time left to welcome the New Year. School students have already started checking the New Year holiday calendar.

In January 2024, school children are going to get a lot of holidays. In many states, a significant drop in temperature is expected at the beginning of the year, due to which winter vacations are also likely to increase. Hence, students will get plenty of time to prepare for the examinations to be held in February-March 2024.

School Holidays in January 2024: The first week of the new year will be spent on vacation. In the first week of January, all the schools in most of the states of North India will remain closed. Schools in several states will remain closed tomorrow, on the occasion of the beginning of the new year on January 1st. Besides, winter vacation has been announced in most of the states from January 1 to January 6, 2024. Hence, the year will start with holidays.

If the temperature improves and there are chances of sunshine in the weather forecast, then schools will remain open in the second week. If this does not happen then holidays will remain till January 14, 2024. After this, schools will remain closed in the third week on festivals like Lohri, and Makar Sankranti. Besides, there will be a holiday in many states on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti.

There will be a long weekend on January 13, 14, and 15, 2024. After this, there will be four days of holiday in schools on January 25, 26, 27, and 28 also. The schools that will open on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26, 2024, will have half-day holidays and programmes. After this, there will be a Saturday-Sunday holiday on January 27 and 28.

Furthermore, the academic calendar for 2024-25 has been released in Uttar Pradesh. Schools will be open for 233 days in 2024. Next year, children studying in UP schools will get 118 holidays. Apart from these, some casual leaves may also be available depending on the weather, etc.
The National Investigation Agency, Indias counter-terrorism organisation, scaled new heights in 2023 with crackdowns on extremists, operatives of terrorist outfits in Punjab, Naxals, gangsters among others

Lets take a look at the law enforcement agencys 10 achievements in 2023:
Police here have arrested three accused in connection with the alleged rape of a female student of IIT on the BHU campus, a police official said on Sunday.

SHO of Lanka police station Shivakant Mishra said that the accused have been identified as Kunal Pandey, Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel.

The alleged incident of rape occurred on the night of November 1.

According to the complainant, she had gone out of her hostel with a friend when three men on a motorcycle forcibly took her to a corner and gagged her after separating her from her friend near the Karman Baba temple.

The accused then allegedly stripped the woman, made a video of her and took photos. They let her go after about 15 minutes and took her phone number, the complainant stated.

On the basis of the victims complaint, an FIR has been registered under section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC and under provisions of the Information Technology Act at the Lanka police station.

Subsequently, a section of gangrape was also added to the case, police said.
Indian airlines which operate the newly-built Boeing 737 Max passenger aircraft are carrying out inspections after an alert over a loose bolt in the aircraft came in from the US.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been in constant contact with the airlines  Akasa, Air India Express and SpiceJet  which operate the aircraft and is closely monitoring the situation.

The DGCA  Indias aviation regulator  said that it is also in touch with its US counterpart  Federation Aviation Administration  and Boeing, adding that, planes are being checked to ensure safety.

NDTV quoted DGCAs statement saying, This has been an ongoing issue with Max 737 and these are service bulletins issued from time to time by Boeing to the airline operators for the suggested action whenever any issue is come across. We have been in touch with Boeing, FAA and our airline operators in the past too on such issues concerning 737 Max.

The DGCA further noted that, In such cases, mitigation as recommended by the Original Equipment Manufacturers is carried out by the airline operator as has been done in the past in respect of 737 Max.

The fresh checks in India come after the US aviation regulator, FAA, said that it is closely watching the inspections of Boeing 737 Max aircraft to look for a loose bolt in the rudder control system.

Boeing  the manufacturer of the aircraft  said that the issue, which was identified on a particular plane, has been fixed. It asked all the airlines to conduct fresh inspections of their 737 Max fleet.

Reportedly, an Akasa Air spokesperson said that Boeing had alerted them about the issue, adding that, Like all operators around the world, and in accordance with our highest safety standards, Akasa will be following the same checks and procedures that the manufacturer or regulator recommends. Our operating fleet and deliveries are not impacted so far.

Meanwhile, SpiceJet noted that the inspection alert will not affect its operations.

The Boeing 737 Max aircraft was banned worldwide in 2019 after two major crashes  in a span of less than five months  killed 346 people. The DGCA in 2021, lifted the ban from Boeing 737 Max, giving it permission to fly with immediate effect.
Nearly 100 people were detained on suspicion of consuming drugs after the police raided an alleged rave party in Maharashtras Thane on the intervening nights of December 30 and 31, ahead of the New Year celebrations.

As per the police, the two individuals who organised the party are among those detained. Drugs like LSD, charas, ecstasy pills and marijuana were reportedly seized from the party.

Following the raids, medical examinations of the detained individuals were carried out to confirm the allegations of drug consumption, reported India Today.

Notably, it has been learnt that the invitation for the event was sent to hundreds of youngsters on Instagram.

Notably, rave parties in India came under a lot of scrutiny last month when a popular YouTuber and the winner of the Bigg Boss OTT 2 reality show, Elvish Yadav, was booked by the Noida police along with his five associates for hosting rave parties and supplying banned snake venom to the attendees.

The police action came after 20 ml of snake venom was recovered from their possession. According to the FIR registered by the Noida Police, 5 cobras, 1 python, 1 two-headed snake and one rat snake were recovered from the possession of Yadav and his associates.

However, Elvish Yadav denied all the charges and said that all allegations against him were baseless and fake. I will take the responsibility if even 1 per cent of my involvement in this is proved, the YouTuber said in his statement.

What Is A Rave Party?

A rave party is typically an electronic music dance party that usually lasts all night with performances from DJs or live music performers. Rave parties are often conducted in dark rooms filled with laser lights and strobes. However, they are mostly under the radar of law enforcement agencies because of the presence of a lot of drugs, including Ecstacy in such parties.
A five-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a teenage boy who lived in her neighbourhood here, police said on Sunday. The 14-year-old boy has been taken into police custody, they said.

The accused took the girl out of their village on a bicycle on Saturday evening and raped her before dropping her back home.

Seeing the girls condition, her family took her to the district hospital for treatment and informed police, said Circle Officer, Sirathu, Awadhesh Kumar Vishwakarma.

Based on a complaint lodged by the girls family members, a case was registered against the accused and he was taken into police custody, he said.

The girl will be sent for medical examination, Vishwakarma said.
Amid the recent spate of attacks on merchant vessels, the Indian Navy has now deployed a total of four destroyers, one frigate and one P-8I long-range patrol aircraft in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure maritime security.

Predator Drone has also been deployed for surveillance in the Arabian Sea, sources in the Indian Navy told CNN-News18. Additionally, Dornier and helicopters have also been tasked with maritime surveillance and security.

Indias decision to tighten the security in north/central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden comes after the frequent attacks on merchant ships in the region. The attacks on the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen and the Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto are all the more reason for upping the surveillance measures.

The Indian Navy, in response to these incidents, has deployed task groups comprising destroyers and frigates to undertake maritime security operations, while also assisting merchant vessels in the region.

P-8I, long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness.

To ensure effective surveillance of Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Indian Navy is working in close coordination with Coast Guard.

On December 26, the Indian Navy added INS Mormugao to the two already deployed warships  INS Kochi and INS Kolkata  in the region. This deployment came two days after MV Chem Pluto was hit by a drone off the Indian coastline in the Arabian Sea.

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 official said.

Indian Navy is also working with other national maritime agencies to monitor the overall situation and ensure safety of the merchant vessels.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has directed to intensify efforts to attract more foreign investments and enhance the role of the private sector in the country's economy, according to an official statement released on Sunday.

The directives were given during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Hassan Abdullah, the acting governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

The meeting aimed to review the global and local economic indicators as well as the performance of Egypt's banking sector.

During the meeting, Abdullah presented an overview of several new decisions enacted by the CBE that will take effect from 1 January 2024. One notable decision is exempting customers from all fees and commissions associated with electronic bank transfer services for individuals in Egyptian pounds.

These decisions aim to encourage citizens to utilize digital financial services, enabling faster and more flexible financial transactions, which aligns with Egypt's digital transformation and financial inclusion strategy, Abdullah said.

El-Sisi further emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to provide the necessary resources for the development process, especially in priority sectors.

The presidents directives are consistent with the government's broader agenda of improving overall economic indicators, diversifying the production structure, and creating attractive opportunities to attract investments, read the statement.

Notably, Egypt is actively seeking foreign investments, with a focus on Gulf nations, to promote economic recovery and meet its obligations under the $3 billion loan agreement signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2022.

To attract more investors, the government has launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) programme, intending to offer 35 state-owned companies to strategic investors by the end of June 2024, as outlined in the State Ownership Policy Document.

The initial list of 32 companies was released in February, and three additional companies  Eastern Company, Al Ezz Dekheila, and Telecom Egypt  were added later in 2023.

Furthermore, the government intends to foster greater participation from the private sector and increase its contribution to the national economy from the current 30 percent to 65 percent in the coming years.

Last week, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait said that the country's private sector is poised to drive economic recovery and foster growth in the country throughout 2024.

Egypt has already secured $2.1 billion in concessional financing for the private sector from international partners since the beginning of 2023, Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat said in August.

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At least six people died after a massive fire broke out at a hand glove manufacturing company in the early hours of Sunday, in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

#WATCH | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra: Fire breaks out in a factory in the Waluj MIDC area. Operations to douse the fire are underway. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/mY9ChJv8n8 ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023

The blaze occurred at around 2:15 am at the factory located in Waluj MIDC area.

Speaking to news agency ANI, a fire official said, We received a call at 2:15 a.m. When we reached the incident site, the entire factory was on fire. Locals informed us that six people were trapped inside. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered.

He further said, Extinguishing work is currently in progress.

Locals had earlier claimed that five workers were trapped inside the building, however the fire department officials later confirmed that six people died due to the blaze.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Morning visuals from the hand gloves manufacturing factory in Waluj MIDC area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar where six people died after a fire broke out late at night. https://t.co/gPCXt18L5U pic.twitter.com/WHk8Qt7Z1k ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

One of the workers at the factory told ANI that 10-15 workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out. Some managed to escape, but at least five were trapped inside, he added.

While talking to the media about the blaze, Police Commissioner Manoj Lohia said, The incident was first reported in the control room at 1:15 am. ACP on night round reached the spot immediately Further details will unfold after the investigation is completed.

Efforts to douse the fire is currently underway but the cause behind the blaze is not ascertained yet.

Further details are awaited.
An officer of the Mumbai polices crime branch posed as a food delivery agent to apprehend a drug peddler and seized mephedrone worth Rs 10 lakh in the western suburb of Jogeshwari here, an official said on Sunday.

Inspector Deepak Sawant, the head of crime branch unit 10, donned the uniform of a food delivery agent to apprehend the accused in the SV Road area in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, the official said.

The accused, Faisal Akbar Makhanoja (34), was nabbed by Sawant and his team after a chase, he said.

The police recovered 100 gm of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 10 lakh from the accused, the official said, adding that a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday.

The opposition parties in the state strongly denounced the authority for not finishing the task by the deadline. Ninety-six per cent of the sea bridge was finished by September and the remaining construction took around three months.

Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12,  says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde pic.twitter.com/LdKuBfvgP9 ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

Shiv Sena UBT leader and former cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray has been criticising the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) along with the state government for delaying the inauguration of the bridge for the public.

In 2014, when the foundation of the project was laid, the estimated cost was Rs 11,000 crore, which rose to Rs 17,800 crore by 2023, a rise of 61.81% till its completion.

All About Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

With a length of about 22 km and a sea length of 16.5 km, MTHL will be the longest sea bridge in the world and the longest in the nation. It will begin in Sewri, south Mumbai, cross across Thane Creek, and end at Chirle, on the farthest boundaries of Navi Mumbai.

The bridge will significantly reduce the travel time between the mainland and the island city to just 20-25 minutes.

With MTHL, East-West connectivity will improve, which will help get labour raw material from Navi Mumbai to Mumbai City quickly and save overall costs.

For the construction of MTHL, an Orthotropic Steel Deck was put to use, which allows for a distance up to three times longer than normal between two piers and is used in stretches that are navigational channels for large ships.
If you are heading out to celebrate the new year, you should check out restrictions in your cities and traffic advisories to save yourself from trouble which might dampen your mood.

Several cities across India stepped up their security preparations as hundreds of people will throng markets, restaurants, pubs and hotpots like India Gate and Connaught Place in New Delhi and Gateway of India in Mumbai.

These security measures will be in place to prevent any unwanted situation and ensure smooth regulation of traffic and events across the nation. Strict warnings have also been issued in connection with the consumption of alcohol and drugs.

Major security plans have been put in place in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru.

From police deployment to traffic advisories, heres everything that you need to know:

DELHI

The Delhi Police geared up for the New Year celebrations as over 10,000 personnel will be deployed across the national capital to keep a check on traffic violations.

These officers will work in two shifts, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey. The first shift will start from 5 pm to midnight and the second shift from 12 am to 6 am.

#WATCH | Delhi: Security heightened in the National Capital ahead of the new year. Delhi police conduct checking of vehicles(Visuals from Barakhamba road) pic.twitter.com/7xMY6T9tuS  ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

Aside from this, the Delhi Traffic Police will also deploy 250 teams, consisting of 2,500 personnel. These teams will be tasked with checking drunk driving cases on New Years Eve.

Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) SS Yadav said that the regulations will take effect from 8 pm on December 31.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Yadav said that to ensure safety of the common man and to prevent hooliganism or traffic violations, they have identified more than 500 vulnerable points.

Special checking teams will be deployed at 287 major intersections and 233 drunken points (vulnerable points) to detect and prosecute traffic violations, he said.

Another senior police officer advised people to not indulge in racing or competition with other vehicles. Especially two-wheeler riders to wear helmets and avoid triple-riding and not indulge in reckless, dangerous or zig-zag driving, he said.

As high footfall is expected at popular joints in Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Ansal Plaza among others, the Delhi Fire Services has also taken measures to ensure its readiness to handle emergencies.

Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg said that 10 to 15 water tenders will be tactically placed during the celebrations.

As per Delhi Traffic Police advisory, no vehicular movement will be allowed in the inner, middle or outer circle of CP except for those with valid access.

New Year Plans in Delhi? Check Police Advisory To Avoid Last-minute Trouble | Details

NOIDA

Section 144 of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC) will be imposed in Noida and Greater Noida to prevent any unlawful event from taking place and to ensure that not more than five persons assemble at a place at the same time.

Consuming alcohol publicly, holding religious prayers and unauthorised processions have all been banned in the region for two days.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police noted that several organisation have planned events including demonstrations, and so the probability of peace disruption cannot be ruled out. In view of this, strict prohibitory measures will be put in place, the police said.

The restrictions will be imposed in the region till January 1.

GURUGRAM

Traffic advisory has been issued by the Gurugram police for commuters visiting malls and markets on New Years eve. Parking restrictions are also in place with the police assigning 10 parking areas to avoid traffic jam.

Police teams will also be posted at several locations to keep a check on drunk driving.

BENGALURU

The Bengaluru Police announced strict measures earlier this week, with strict checks on drunk driving, traffic restrictions in key areas across the city.

As large gatherings, motorists and pedestrians are expected at key areas in the city including MG Road, Bridage Road, Residency Road, St Marks Road and Church Street, police said that traffic has been restricted on these majors roads on the nights of December 31 and January 1, 2024.

Major restrictions were imposed around MG Road, Brigade Road, Museum Road, Rest House Rod, Residency Cross Road. No vehicular movement will be allowed, between 8 pm on December 31 to 1 am on January 1, except police and vehicles of essential services.

Celebrating New Year in Bengaluru? Parties to End By 1 AM, Check Traffic Curbs in Citys Major Hotspots

In order to manage crowds and avoid any unlawful event from taking place, all parties in the city, including at hotels, clubs, and pubs, will be required to conclude by 1 am.

Hotels, clubs and pubs have also been asked to maintain a record of customer details, including their identification and age proofs.

Vehicular movement on all flyovers (except the flyover leading to the international airport) will be prohibited from 11 pm on December 31 to 6 am on January 1 to prevent accidents and crashes.

MUMBAI

Mumbai Police has deployed a force of 2,051 officers and 11,500 enforcers across the island city. A total of 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police and 45 Assistant Commissioners of Police have also been deployed to keep a check on the New Year celebrations.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: People throng Mumbais Gateway of India ahead of New Year pic.twitter.com/gB22u7zXQK ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

City police said that strict actions will be taken against persons disrupting the public including those driving under alcohol influence, molesting women, operating illegal liquor establishments and selling or consuming drugs, an India Today report said.

CHENNAI

As many as 18,000 personnel have been deployed in Chennai city to ensure peaceful New Year celebrations.

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore has directed officials to implement comprehensive security measures to ensure incident-free New Year celebrations.

A press release from the city police noted that people are prohibited from entering the sea starting from Sunday evening to Monday. Coastal areas including Marina, Santhome, Elliots, and Neelankarai will be monitored, it added.

Bursting of firecrackers in all locations, including residential areas, has also been banned.

HYDERABAD

Stringent actions will be taken against those involved in consumption or selling of drugs, not only during New Year but around the year, Telangana Director General of Police Ravi Gupta told India Today TV.

Gupta said that special drug test kits will be put to use to check whether people are under the influence, adding that, surprise inspections at pubs and other party places are already being conducted.

The DGP said that about 33 specially trained dogs will be deployed to sniff out drugs during these surprise inspections.

People are requested to not create any disturbance or inconvenience for others, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)
The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH) has been declared an Unlawful Association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a post on X wrote, The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K (TeH) has been declared an Unlawful Association under UAPA.

The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule.

The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K (TeH) has been declared an Unlawful Association under UAPA.The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule. The group is found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2023

The group is found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to fuel secessionism in J&K. Under PM @narendramodi Jis zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, any individual or organization found involved in anti-India activities will be thwarted forthwith, he added.

TeH, which was founded by hardcore separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in 2004, is a constituent of Hurriyat Conference which was headed by Geelani till he resigned from the amalgam.

Earlier, officials had said that both the factions of the secessionist conglomerate Hurriyat Conference are likely to be banned under Section 3(1) of UAPA, under which, if the Central Government is of opinion that any association is, or has become, an unlawful association, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such association to be unlawful.

WHAT IS THE HURRIYAT CONFERENCE?

The Hurriyat Conference came into existence in 1993 with 26 groups, including some pro-Pakistan and banned outfits such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. It also included the Peoples Conference and the Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

The separatist conglomerate broke into two factions in 2005 with the moderate group being led by the Mirwaiz and the hardline headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani. So far, the Centre has banned the Jamaat-e-Islami and the JKLF under the UAPA. The ban was imposed in 2019.

The officials said a probe into funding of terror groups suggested the alleged involvement of secessionist and separatist leaders, including the members of the Hurriyat Conference.

The cadres raised funds in the country and from abroad through various illegal channels, including hawala, for funding separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

In support of the case asking for a ban on the two factions of the Hurriyat Conference under UAPA, the officials had cited several cases related to terror funding, including the one being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in which several of the conglomerates cadres were arrested and jailed.

Among those in jail are Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani; businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali; Geelanis close aide Ayaz Akbar, who is also the spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat; Peer Saifullah; Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference; Mehrajuddin Kalwal; Nayeem Khan; and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate.

(With PTI inputs)
A pre-new year eve rave party with drugs and liquor at a private place was busted by the Thane police on Sunday in the forest of Vadavali village. Officials said that at least 100 youngsters were detained from the party and were sent for medical tests and other protocols.

Following a tip-off, a team of the Thane Police descended early Sunday and raided the party premises on Ghodbunder Road near the Kasarvadavali Police Station.

Large quantities of liquor, several types of drugs, narcotics and other illicit stuff at the venue were seized by the police.

The party spot is a private plot, and the event included loud music, singing and dancing in full swing, though it could not be confirmed whether any entry fees were levied illegally.

Expressing concerns about the situation, a local social activist Dr. Binu Varghese said the party venue was barely a stones throw away from the police establishments and wondered how they didnt get a hint of the event.

As per preliminary information, the invitation for the party was sent through social media with the location maps, by the event organiser, who is a local from Thane.

Top officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivraj Patil plus his team from the local police and Crime Branch Units 2 and 5, were present during the early morning action.

After the action, police in the district and other cities like Mumbai and Pune, have increased vigil and security ahead of the New Year Eve celebrations.

(with IANS inputs)
Ahead of the consecration ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya on January 22, various scams and rackets to loot the devotees are coming to light. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday issued a caution warning devotees to be aware of such fake social media messages seeking donations for the Ayodhya temple.

Urging devotees to not donate money to such unauthorised groups or individuals, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal flagged the issue to Home Ministry and police chiefs in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The group has also urged Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take immediate action against the fraudsters.

Sharing the screenshots of such unauthorised QR codes, Bansal took to X and stressed that Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust overseeing the construction of the temple, has not authorised anyone to collect funds.

He further informed that the Hindu organisation has also sent a formal complaint to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police and IG Range Lucknow to take immediate steps in the matter of faith.

Releasing a video message in connection to the matter, Bansal said they have recently been informed about such attempts to collect money from the devotees in the name of Lord Ram. Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Nyas has not authorised anyone to collect funds. I have written to the Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh DGP and Delhis Commissioner of Police, seeking strict action so that people do not fall prey to such frauds, he said.

VHP general secretary Milind Parande also informed that no one has been permitted to form a separate committee and print receipts to collect funds for the consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, the selection process for the idol of Lord Ram Lalla was completed on Friday (December 29) and the unanimously selected idol will be brought for Pran Pratishtha next month. Voting was conducted to decide the idol of Lord Ram Lalla, which will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22, 2024.
The YouTube video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with an Ujjwala scheme beneficiary during his Ayodhya visit has received much love and admiration from viewers. One user, who claimed that they have been living in the United States for the past 40 years, said they wished the country had a leader like Modi.

The user, who identified themselves as jacobin1973, said all his life he had wished India to have leaders like Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy but now he wishes the US to have a leader like Prime Minister Modi.

I love this man. This is a great irony of my life. When I was a young person in India I always used to wonder why we couldnt have leaders like Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy. Now I have lived in the United States for over 40 years and I wish why we cant have leaders like Mr. Modi, the user wrote in the comment section of the YouTube video posted by the prime ministers official account.

On Saturday (December 30), PM Modi visited Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and took out a grand roadshow, ahead of the consecration ceremony of Rams idol on January 22. He inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in the new-look temple town, flagged off eight trains from the revamped railway junction, and laid the foundation for development projects worth more than Rs 15,000 crore.

Not only this, the PM also stopped for tea at the 10th crore Ujjwala beneficiarys home during the visit. The scheme, which provides subsidised LPG connections to women from BPL (below poverty line) households, was launched in 2016 at UPs Ballia and has only just completed 10 crore beneficiaries.

His interaction with Meera Manjhi has garnered much praise from internet users with the video getting more than 1,60,000 views. The tea is good but it is a little too sweet, Modi is heard telling Meera, who was elated to host the surprise guest at her house near the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

In the video, Modi tells Meera that he made a sudden stopover at her house as she holds the distinction of being the 10th-crore beneficiary of the Ujjwala scheme. He also enquired about the well-being of the entire family as well as that of the colony.

Meera told the PM that she has got free gas and accommodation. Earlier, I had a kutcha house, but now it has become pucca, she said and expressed her happiness for being able to host Modi at her house.

YouTube users in the comment section called Modi a down-to-earth individual and a talented man, while others said India was lucky to have a PM such as him and that the country was blessed by his birth.

One user, identifying themselves as sukumart8212 said they were happy paying 35% of my salary as tax as it is helping the poor to get gas or build their homes. Another user said the video moved them to tears as they saw Modis magic unfold.

A user in the comment section said Modi was a blessing from Ram to all Indians, who will help Bharat reclaim its past glory. A user, identifying themselves as giridhar4837, even compared Modi to god, saying: He is not just PM for us he is GOD.

Many users also commented that they want Modi to return as the prime minister in 2024.

After his visit to Meeras home in Ayodhya, Modi said in a post in Hindi on X: Held a chaai pe charchaa at the house of sister Meera ji, the 10th-crore beneficiary of Ujjwala Yojana, along with her family members in Ayodhya. I felt very satisfied to know how government schemes have made the life of the entire family easier. In a statement, the UP government said the PMs visit to Meeras home was not scheduled in advance.

(With PTI inputs)
Kangana Ranaut is busy promoting her upcoming film Tejas across the country, which is slated to release this Friday. While she has a hectic schedule, the actress has not compromised on her style. During recent events, Kangana made some elegant choices that were a hit with most fashion aficionados. The actress knows how to turn eyeballs in a classic ethnic or smart contemporary look. Her latest outfit that caught our attention was a beautiful striped dress. Kangana Ranaut is stealing hearts with this exceptional semi-formal look and sophisticated sense of style.

Kangana delighted her fans and gave some major mid-week style inspiration as she posted a series of pictures on Instagram with the caption Two days to go for Tejas. Kanganas outfit is from the brand Moonray. It featured a blue pinstripe shirt and a wrap skirt with a midi hemline and a bodycon shape. For her makeup, Kangana went with nude eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, mascaraed lashes, contoured cheeks, and a nude lipstick shade. The actress retained her gorgeous natural curls and left them open at the centre part to elevate her stunning look.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

Kangana Ranaut was seen wearing the outfit while she was in Delhi, where she met Israels ambassador, Naor Gilon and discussed the ongoing crisis between Israel and Hamas.

Kangana swears by simple and classy looks, and her recent ethnic outfit is proof enough. While everyone opts for heavy designer wear during the festivals, the actress was seen in a white Anarkali suit. She donned this attire as she visited the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji memorial in Delhi.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

The white suit was set in splendid translucent fabric with threadwork on the kurta. It had a lace design at the button and was paired with straight trousers. She completed the outfit with a sheer dupatta. To elevate the look further, Kangana accessorised the outfit with silver-oxidized jewellery. She wore a pair of jhumkas and bangles. The actress styled her hair in a braid with a middle partition and added a small black bindi. Lastly, she wore a pair of juttis that matched the outfit well.

Kangana Ranaut plays an Air Force officer fighting terrorism in her upcoming film, Tejas. Kangana allegedly spent four months in hard training to master the combat techniques used by Indian forces for the film. Tejas, directed by Sarvesh Mears and produced by RSVP, stars Anshul Chauhan, Varun Mitra, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Vishak Nair.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024: Google rang in 2024 with a dazzling and vibrant doodle that captured the joyous spirit of the New Year 2024. The animated doodle featured a disco ball reflecting a kaleidoscope of colours, showering down shimmering confetti.

The 2024 Google New Year Day doodle is a visual celebration of new beginnings, hopes, and dreams, encouraging everyone to welcome the new year with a bang.

ALSO READ: Happy New Year 2024: Wishes, Images, Status, Quotes, Messages and WhatsApp Greetings to Share

The doodle also subtly hinted at the tradition of setting New Years resolutions. As the confetti rained down, it transformed into tiny wish lists, symbolizing the aspirations and goals people set for themselves as they embark on a new year.

While the first rays of dawn brought joy and celebration in places like Kiribati, New Zealand, and Australia, ongoing conflicts and tensions cast a shadow over festivities in other regions, including India.

Despite the global anxieties, India, a land of diverse traditions and vibrant celebrations, welcomed the new year with its characteristic gusto.

ALSO READ: 20 Best Happy New Year 2024 Wishes to Make Your Boss, Colleagues and Coworkers Smile!

Japan: In Tokyo, the dazzling fireworks display over the Imperial Palace and vibrant festivals at Meiji Shrine marked a serene and hopeful start to the year.

Thailand: Bangkoks iconic Wat Arun temple shimmered against the backdrop of fireworks that reflected on the Chao Phraya River, creating a truly magical scene.

London: Big Bens chimes resonated across the city as fireworks lit up the River Thames and iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace. The London Eye Ferris wheel added a mesmerizing glow to the skyline.

Paris: The Eiffel Tower, dressed in sparkling lights, became the centerpiece of a breathtaking pyrotechnic show. The Champs-Elysees throbbed with music and revelry as Parisians welcomed the new year.

Berlin: Thousands gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity, as fireworks painted the night sky. The festive atmosphere echoed the citys spirit of resilience and hope.

Rio de Janeiro: The world-famous Copacabana beach transformed into a sea of vibrant costumes and pulsating samba music as millions celebrated the new year with unbridled joy.

New York City: Times Square buzzed with anticipation as the iconic ball dropped at midnight, marking the official start of 2024. Confetti and cheers filled the air as revellers embraced the new year with open arms.
In keeping safety a priority in celebrating new year

SEN NANCY APPEALS VS INDISCRIMINATE GUN FIRING

...appeals Pinoys to be more creative in ushering 2024

In order to prevent any tragic incident in welcoming 2024, Sen. Nancy Binay said it is best for everyone to keep safety at the forefront of the New Year's eve celebration.

Binay particularly called on gun owners, specially military and police personnel, to be more responsible and avoid indiscriminately firing their guns during the holiday season.

This, as the Philippine National Police recently said that at least seven incidents of illegal discharge of firearms have been reported, with one person wounded as a result, since Dec. 16.

According to Binay, it is essential to be conscious of safety in such situations, and called on the Filipino public to employ more creative ways to usher in the New Year instead of resorting to firing guns, fireworks and firecrackers.

"Alalahanin po natin na may karampatang responsibilidad ang pagbitbit natin ng baril. Huwag sana basta-basta gamitin ang mga ito upang maiwasan ang mga casualty lalo pa sa panahon na dapat nagdiriwang ang lahat," she pointed out.

Five of the seven offenders--two police officers, two members of the Philippine Army, and a civilian--have so far been arrested and had their guns confiscated, while the two others remain unidentified.

"Marami sa mga biktima ang walang kamalay-malay na tinatamaan sa kalagitnaan ng pagdiriwang. Our communities deserve to be safe from such reckless behavior," Binay added.

She urged the PNP and LGUs to strictly enforce Republic Act 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

"Ang kaligtasan po nating lahat, lalo na ng mga kabataan, ay isang shared responsibility ng lahat. Safety should always be everyone's priority," Binay noted.

She also urged local authorities to strictly monitor vendors selling illegal firecrackers to protect the public.

"Bilang magulang, maging creative po tayo sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon para na rin maprotektahan natin ang mga bata. On the part of law enforcement, sana'y hindi magkulang ang liderato ng PNP at AFP sa pagbigay-diin sa ma mga miyembro nila na maging responsable, lalo pa't hindi nagsagawa ng gun taping ngayong taon," Binay said.

The PNP announced earlier this month that it has again skipped sealing the muzzles of service firearms this year, as police officers have been compliant with the directive against indiscriminate firing. They added that gun sealing also makes responding to crimes difficult for police officers.

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Over the years, models who were once the whole and soul of fashion campaigns and runway shows were overshadowed by film personalities taking over the runway as showstoppers.

In a world of celebrity showtoppers, did we forget the unsung stars of the ramp?

Back then, it was not about business; it was all about creativity, expresses supermodel Nayanika Chatterjee candidly as speaks her heart out in the behind-the-scenes documentary of The Return of the Muse by globally acclaimed couturiers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.

Like Nayanika Chatterjee, who has been in the modelling industry for 35 years, India has been home to OG supermodels such as Lakshmi Rana, Carol Gracias, Sheetal Mallar, Diandra Soares, Indrani Dasgupta, Madhu Sapre, Mehr Jessia, Milind Soman, Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea, Lisa Haydon, Bipasha Basu and many more. While some of the models chose to invest in modelling, others tried their luck in Bollywood.

Cut to 2023, while the Bollywood Showstopper Syndrome still exists, the industry this year saw fashion designers and brands go back in time and celebrate its OG Supermodels in a big way.

From fashion campaigns to fashion weeks, this year has been all about the supermodels. I have been part of this industry since the age of 15, and I am still attached to it. As someone who mentors and trains young models, I believe that the industry either finally realised their foolishness of letting us go over the basic lack of respect for its senior girls, most of whom made it on their own from scratch, or this is just a trend like plus-size models and LGBTA+ models. And the industry is riding on a wake-up trend. I hope not, but in fashion anything is possible, expresses supermodel Diandra Soares. Diandra recently sashayed the runway looking radiant in an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ensemble at the New Order of Style showcase at the opening of Jio World Plaza in Mumbai.

Models are the muse and the life of the runway because an outfit is just a piece of clothing until a model sashays it down on the runway. Its years of perseverance and hard work that make a supermodel, and today, with so much competition and the impact of social media, becoming a model and sustaining yourself can be challenging.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Purple Thoughts (@purplethoughtsind)

So with the industry bringing back the OG supermodels on the runway, does it help with the future of modelling? Absolutely, the evolving definition of supermodels reflects the changing dynamics in the fashion industry. Beyond celebrity associations, recognizing and appreciating talent has become a significant aspect, showcasing a more inclusive and diverse approach to modelling. The contribution of supermodels on runways and in fashion films goes beyond their looks; its about adding substantial value to the brand through their skills and presence, expresses Akanksha khurana jeet, Director, Purple Thoughts. Akankshas talents, including Shimona Natha and Kirandeep Chahal, were part of the Lakme muses who walked the runway for Bibhu Mahaptra at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI in October 2023.

Delhi-based fashion designer Ridhi Mehra, paid tribute to the runway superstars with the ICONS AW 23 campaign. The campaign featured the legendary faces of the modelling world, including Indrani Dasgupta, Ujjwala Raut, Carol Gracias, Archana Akhil Kumar and Kanishtha.

Through the AW 2023 campaign, I wish to bring back the glorious days from decades ago when the runway was an altar in its own right and the models that ruled it were no less than deities of fashion. Its an ode to their indomitable allure and their iconic walk that the world was in awe ofthe OG showstoppers, the ICONS, shares Ridhi Mehra.

Similarly, Abu Jani Sandeep Khoslas behind the scenes documentary The Return of The Muses and fashion film Jogi, featured supermodel extraordinaires Arjun Rampal, Nayanika Chatterjee, Sheetal Mallar, Carol Gracias, Laxmi Rana, Dino Morea, Dayana Erappa and Rikee Chaterjee. The models and Abu Sandeep reminisced about the early days of their careers and recall moments that have delightfully become a permanent part of their memory.

Sharing their thoughts on the collaboration, Abu Sandeep, shared, 2023 was a year full of ups and downs. We learn, laugh and move on like we always do. We wanted to welcome 2024 with a sense of celebration and thats how The Return of the Muse and Jogi happened. After all, our hope for the future has much to do with our gratitude for the past. And so, we collaborated with our original muses to revisit our creative roots. 2024 will see many of our traditional techniques reinterpreted into fresh fashion.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial)

Closing 2023 on a high fashion note, couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee presented his high jewellery collection in an intimate setting and featured supermodels including Indrani Dasgupta, Nethra Raghuraman, Sheetal Mallar, Lakshmi Rana and many more.

As we head towards 2024, we hope the fashion industry continues to celebrate the real showstoppers and dont treat it like just another trend
Triptii Dimri is easily one of the biggest newsmakers of 2023. The actor may have had a small role in Animal but she has become the talk of the town and an instant media sensation. Her scintillating chemistry and intimate scenes with Ranbir Kapoor in the film grabbed a lot of attention, which in turn led her Instagram follower base to shoot up exponentially. For the internet, Triptii is the latest national crush of India and is often referred to as Bhabhi 2 (as she was in Animal) by fans and paparazzi alike.

As 2023 comes to a close, we revisit Triptiis thoughts on working with Ranbir, whom she often talks about having a crush on. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, when asked if she told Ranbir about her admiration and infatuation towards him, she told us, I was so nervous around him (laughs). I only told him that hes my favourite actor.

She also lauded him for being an extremely supportive co-actor, especially during the shoot of the intimate scenes in the song, Pehle Bhi Main. It really helps when youve a co-actor you can count on so much. Youve to be comfortable performing those scenes. Sandeep (Reddy Vanga) sir, Ranbir and the DOP told me, Every time youre uncomfortable, you just have to let us know and well make sure that that you dont, Triptii remarked.

The Bulbbul and Qala actor further continued, Its really important that youre in an environment where people respect you as a person, your choices and what youre doing at that particular moment and make it only about that and not anything else.

The 29-year-old went on to reveal that she didnt feel awkward or felt the need for someone to guide her through it. That scene was taken as lightly as any other scene in the film. They werent making a big deal out of it. We did it exactly the way we did other scenes. My comfort was taken care of. It was a part of the story, she said. Talking about how she also didnt feel the need for an intimacy coordinator on set, she added, As long as youre comfortable with your co-actors and directors, it shouldnt matter. But some people need them. It depends from person to person.

With Pehle Bhi Main garnering more and more eyeballs, Triptii remains overwhelmed with all the love coming her way. I was very nervous on the first day. I knew the film would do well but I wasnt expecting this kind of a response for Zoya. I thought, Its a small role and it will come and go. But I wasnt expecting to receive so much love or even be noticed. I havent been able to sleep, stated the actor, who continues to remain a talking point for reportedly being roped in to play the female lead in Aashiqui 3.
Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are known as the power couples of Bollywood. Today, the couple was spotted at the airport as they headed for New Year vacation. The duo effortlessly amped up their airport look, turning heads with their chic attire. In no time the video went viral and fans were seen taking selfies with their favourite couple.

In a video, shared by Snehzala, we can see Vicky wearing black denim paired with a brown jacket and cap. Katrina is seen wearing a white shirt with pants and a black colour long coat. Both are looking stylish and were seen walking hand in hand at the airport. The actors also pose for the shutterbugs.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snehkumar Zala (@snehzala)

The couple has recently celebrated Christmas. Vicky shared a photo on his Instagram. He is seen kissing Katrina Kaif and wrote, Christmas is when you are here. In the photo, both Vicky and Katrina are seen twinning in white. Earlier this month, the actors celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Katrina had surprised fans by sharing an adorable photo with Vicky. She was seen holding Vicky in her arms. Katrina was seen wearing a white dress while Vicky sported a tee and a cap. Sharing the photo, Katrina wrote, .. my .

Katrina and Vicky tied the knot in December 2021. The couple had an intimate wedding ceremony in Rajasthan. Appearing on Koffee With Karan 8 earlier this month, Vicky opened up about their wedding ceremony. He revealed that he proposed to Katrina just a day before the wedding ceremony.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Katrina will soon be seen in Merry Christmas. The trailer has left everyone impressed. It begins with a montage of various clips. On Christmas Eve, Katrina encounters Vijay Sethupathi and playfully questions whether he is single or if he discreetly removed his wedding ring upon seeing her. Soon, they head to her residence, and events take an unexpected turn. She requests him to stay, hinting that appearances can be deceiving. The narrative unfolds over the course of one night in what looks like an intriguing and suspenseful dark thriller.

On the other hand, Vicky was recently seen in Sam Bahadur. The film has been getting a lot of praise from fans.
The Congress in Kerala on Sunday accused the ruling CPI(M) of needlessly creating controversy over the invitation extended to a few individuals from the grand old party for the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The comments came after the CPI(M) called the Congress indecisive as it has not revealed whether its key leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who received an invitation, would attend the consecration ceremony.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan accused the Left party of using the issue to create divisions in society. The CPI(M) is politicising Ayodhya. The Congress, as a party, has not been invited to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. A few individuals have been invited. The party will think about it and take a decision on it, Satheesan told reporters here.

He criticised the CPI(M), accusing the party of creating divisions in society in the name of caste and religion, similar to the BJPs approach. Hailing the position taken by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on the issue, Satheesan commended the key Congress allys careful response to ensure that there are no divisions in society.

Their (the IUML leaders) reactions are with the desire that there should be no division in society. They deserve appreciation, he said.The opposition leader also praised the stand taken by the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, an association of eminent Sunni scholars with a significant support base among Kerala Muslims, which said that the communitys sentiments would not be hurt regardless of who attends the ceremony.

Satheesan criticised the CPI(M)s stance, saying it is shameful that they would use such issues for electoral politics.He reiterated that the Congress will carefully deliberate and take a decision on its leaders attending the ceremony, and emphasised the need to handle the Ayodhya issue with care.

The Congress will deliberate and take a decision, Satheesan said. The CPI(M) has already declared that its representatives will not attend the ceremony, calling it a political move by the BJP ahead of the general elections in a few months. Satheesan said the CPI(M) has a presence only in Kerala, indicating that it has nothing to lose as it doesnt have much of a presence in other parts of India.
Congress leader and Karnataka Minister, D Sudhakar, on Sunday, sparked a row after he accused the BJP-led central government of using Ayodhyas Ram Temple for its electoral gains ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls and termed it a political stunt.

The Karnataka minister further alleged that the saffron party is exploiting the inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya just like they exploited the Pulwama attacks in the previous elections.

The BJP government used the Pulwama terror attack to secure votes in the previous Lok Sabha polls, and this time, they are holding Lord Rams photo now, the Karnataka Minister said while speaking to media in Chitradurga.

The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. I am confident that we wont be fooled again, he added.

Emphasising that Lord Ram does not belong to an individual or any single political party, Sudhakar said that the temples inauguration is just a political stunt by the BJP ahead of the elections.

In February 2019, forty personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district when their convoy was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.

(With inputs from ANI)
The year is 2016, right before Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The air is thick with fiery politics. Smaller non-Dravidian parties are bonding to form a third-front, a rare occurrence in the state. And they have a crown jewel at the head of the alliance  Vijayakanth.

I meet him at a hotel near Madurai and the campaign is a busy one, evidenced in his weather-beaten face and downcast brows. But he retains his rustic, earthly charm and candour, starting every sentence with a click of the tongue.

In hindsight, my question may have been a little too provocative. You seem to be gaining a name for being aggressive, even abusive to everyone, including own party men

His response, preceded by a click of the tongue: Not in the slightest. You are here. Have I shown you the slightest aggression?

WATCH THE 2016 INTERVIEW HERE

Vijayakanth was the quintessential Madurai male  direct, quick to fire-and-ask-questions-later, big-hearted, lovable. For such a man to enter the murky field of politics was, in hindsight, a cruel turn of fate. And he stepped into the muddy waters because that is the inevitable path of larger-than-life Tamil cinema heroes.

But given Vijayakanths nature, its fitting that he entered the fray when both giants  M Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa  were active.

Born in a powerful intermediary caste in Tamil Nadus Madurai  his family was wealthy enough to run its own run mill  Vijayaraj Alagarwami moved to Madras to act in films. Dark-skinned, he was cast in the role of a villain in his first outing, Inikkum Ilamai. But Sattam Oru Iruttarai, a revenge saga, catapulted him to fame.

Growing into a highly bankable action hero who could handle comedy and emotional scenes with equal ease, Vijayakanth specialised in stunts, carving a niche for himself at a time when other actors would pass it off to stunt doubles. Vijayakanth found himself in hero-centric films where he was either an all-capable cop, special investigator, lawmaker or do-gooder vigilante.

By the turn of the millennium, Vijayakanth had huge fan clubs across towns and cities. Bands of admirers followed wherever he went. Unlike other actors who guest-starred in blood donation camps organised by their funded fan clubs, Vijayakanth was on the ground, doing social work himself. It was just who he was.

All his establishments, be it his residence in Chennai or in Madurai, ran community kitchens handing out meals each day to several hundred people from varied walks of life, from the hungry struggler in town for work to the poor, disabled and the homeless. He had to do good every day and passed the trait onto his followers.

With this temperament, passion and conviction, Vijayakanth entered politics in September 2005. He wanted to be an alternative force to the bipolarity of the AIADMK and DMK. He ran with this narrative in the 2006 Assembly elections, winning a strong 8% vote-share. He was elected to the Assembly from Virudhachalam. He recycled the pitch for the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

Much to his disagreement, he was advised to partner with Jayalalithaas AIADMK in the 2011 Tamil Nadu elections and that eventually led him to become the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly after a break-up of the alliance (DMK was pushed to the third largest party in the state after the 2011 elections).

This where the tables began to turn. The actor-politician was easily riled in Assembly, leading to scenes of aggressive posturing that did not bode well for his image. He may have been provoked to erupt, but in politics, thats a weak excuse. Politics is about balance.

More misjudgements followed the break-up of the alliance with Jayalalithaa. In 2016, he banded with smaller regional parties to stand up the Third Front, moving further away from power in Tamil Nadu. His salt-of-the-earth image did not match up to the peoples idea of what their leader should be.

In a campaign rally, he smacked his own candidate in the full glare of the public and news cameras. The sound of contact was picked by the microphones and broadcast to living rooms where voters debated on the short fuse of the actor-politician.

His suffering health meant Vijayakanth had essentially lost all opportunities to rise to power in Tamil Nadu.

But in death, the Captain, as he was popularly known after his 100th movie Captain Prabhakaran, proved why he was every bit as popular as politicians who had descended from the big screen. The honesty and innocence that proved to be his weaknesses in politics brought him immense love from the public.

Even in death, the Captain leaves behind a message for Tamil Nadu  there exists a space in Tamil Nadu for a non-Dravidian leader who can become the Chief Minister. He may not have reached the destination, but Captain Vijayakanth certainly blazed the trail.
The streets of Bengaluru witnessed a surge of linguistic pride as pro-Kannada activists, predominantly from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), took to streets to protest on December 27. The protest also saw the participation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members, echoing the demand to release KRV State President TA Narayan Gowda. This demonstration was a direct response to Karnatakas language norms imposed on various business establishments. However, amid the uproar, a post by influencer Upasana Mishra is creating a stir on social media, gaining widespread attention, and memes related to it followed.

Hailing from Bihar, an influencer named Upasana Mishra capitalised on the moment to extend a warm invitation to Karnataka-based companies to invest in Bihar. Through a post on the micro-blogging site, she promised a supportive and broad-minded atmosphere for business. Needless to say, the post gained traction in no time, sparking a cascade of memes and debates across social platforms.

On behalf of the whole of Bihar I am inviting all companies of Karnataka, Come and invest in Bihar, we will help you to set up everything. Bihar is a broad-minded state and we welcome you all. Jai Bihar. Jai Hind, Upasana Mishra wrote.

On behalf of the whole of Bihar I'm inviting to all companies of Karnataka,Come & invest in Bihar, we will help you to set up everything. Bihar is a broad minded state and we welcome you all. Jai BiharJai Hind  Guddi (@mishraverse) December 28, 2023

Since being shared, the post went viral amassing over 3 million views and the numbers are still increasing. From hilarious takes on Bihars infrastructure challenges to appreciative remarks for the gesture and call for unity and investment in the state, the post also sparked an influx of responses. The overwhelming engagement in the comment section led Biharis to occupy a top spot and dominate the trending list on X.

Injecting humour in the conversation, a user quipped, Day 1 of Jeff Bezos visiting Bihar for setting up Amazon.

All IT firms knowing that JAMTAARA is just a 6-hour drive away from Bihar, added another.

All IT firms knowing that JAMTAARA is just a 6 hour drive away from Bihar  pic.twitter.com/zK5nVTx7fm Neo ANDERSON (@NeoTheClimber) December 28, 2023

Sharing a meme with the title, Life is too short to argue, just say Aaiyee and move on, a user injected a rib-tickling banter to the users.

An account shared a funny clip from Akshay Kumars film Rowdy Rathore and stated, First day of Deloitte employee.

First day of Deloitte employee pic.twitter.com/JA7c8KFl3m Chirag Barjatya (@chiragbarjatyaa) December 28, 2023

Microsoft employee on first day, an individual shared.

Microsoft employee on first day .. pic.twitter.com/ZNDJkWSqiB Mukesh (@mikejava85) December 28, 2023

Concurrently, the dissatisfaction among KRV activists was fuelled by a recent directive from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which mandated that all commercial signboards must contain at least 60 per cent Kannada content.

The protest escalated into a vandalism spree, with activists targeting and defacing signboards and nameplates that did not adhere to the Kannada language guideline. Due to their non-compliant signboards, two of Bengalurus largest malls, Phoenix Mall of Asia in Hebbal and Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield, were forced to close as a result of this wave of activism.

AAP leader Mukhyamantri Chandru walled the pro-Kannada activists and emphasised that they had not committed any serious offence. He argued that the pro-Kannada activists took action where the government should have, such as removing signboards in English and Hindi. Chandru also warned that if the pro-Kannada activists were not unconfined, they would teach the government a lesson in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
As good folks around the globe gear up to bid their final goodbyes to 2023 on the last day of the year, there are many who are curious to know what they should be expecting to witness in the 2024. And no, we arent talking about new car launches or the next big Hollywood flick. We are talking wars and world changing events. Nostradamus, the 16th century French astrologer, has made eerily accurate predictions in the past and its only fitting to be aware what we could be experience in 2024.

Also Read: Year Ender 2023: Oldest Woman Alive To Largest Pizza, Top Guinness World Records

New Pope

According to one of the Nostradamus shocking predictions, 2024 will see a new pope. But more morbidly, Pope Francis may leave the world.

Devastation By Climate Change

The pale blue dot that has been home to us has already been deteriorating year after year but the French astrologer has even worse news for us- 2024 will witness earth becoming more dry and floods will occur.

Also Read: Year Ender 2023: Most Viral Airline Mishaps Of The Year

King Prince Harry?

Nostradamus, who accurately predicted the demise of Queen Elizabeth, referred to King Charles being succeeded by one who will have no mark of a king. This cryptic forecast has fuelled speculation that the throne will be taken over by Prince Harry or another yet to be identified individual.

Naval War

Yes, you read that right. Nostradamus has more in the store and its far from good news. According to him, China will create havoc in the Indian Ocean, thus giving birth to a naval war. However, according to Daily Star, security experts have estimated that China may face defeat and will tremble in the battlefield.

Also Read: 7 Most Bizarre Instances at Indian Weddings That Had 2023 Saying I Do to Laughter

Nostradamus along with Baba Vanga, called the Nostradamus of the Balkans, who passed away in 1996, have made predictions about wars, natural calamities, civil unrest, political disturbances and more for the upcoming year.

Also Read: Cyber Attacks To Climate Crisis: Baba Vangas Predictions For 2024 Is Scary

Despite their demise years ago, their speculative prophecies continue to blow peoples mind, with some past predictions, such as the rise of Adolf Hitler, the 9/11 attacks and the demise of Queen Elizabeth.
In an unusual turn of events, a Russian plane with 30 passengers mistakenly landed on the frozen surface of the Kolyma River in the countrys Far East. The incident was attributed to a pilot error, leading the aircraft to touch down on the icy expanse. This region is particularly known for its frigid climate and sub-zero temperatures. Shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), a video and multiple images depicting the aftermath, showed the stranded passengers struggling.

As reported by the BBC, flight YAP217, which took off from Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in Russias Far East, on December 28, faced an unexpected landing incident. The aircraft, identified as an An-24, was originally bound for Zyryanka, located 1,100 kilometres to the northeast. Subsequently, it was scheduled to reach Srednekolymsk before completing its journey back to Yakutsk.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE POST HERE:

A Polar Airlines Antonov An-24RV aircraft (RA-47821) carrying 30 passengers landed on a frozen Kolyma River instead of the runway at the airport in the village of Zyryanka in Russias far east on Thursday 28 December because of pilot error, transport prosecutors said.#aircraft pic.twitter.com/lXKK71z411 FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 28, 2023

The An-24 was flying the Yakutsk-Zyryanka-Srednekolymsk route. Due to the weather, the pilots could not see the runway. pic.twitter.com/drWaeAaFjR FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 28, 2023

Spokesperson for the Eastern Siberian transport prosecutor : According to preliminary information, the cause of the aviation incident was an error by the crew in piloting the aircraft. pic.twitter.com/qTHGgQ0JTe FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 28, 2023

As the plane approached Zyryanka airport, it deviated from the runway, ultimately landing on a sandbank in the Kolyma River, as reported by the BBC. A visible snow trail illustrated the distance covered by the aircraft before coming to a stop on the frozen surface of the river.

According to preliminary information, the cause of the aviation incident was an error by the crew in piloting the aircraft, a spokesperson for the Eastern Siberian transport prosecutor said in a statement, as mentioned in the caption of one of the posts shared on December 28.

The incident involved 30 passengers and four crew members. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as indicated in a press release from the Russian airline.

The Federal Air Transport Agencys territorial department has initiated an investigation into the matter to ascertain the circumstances leading to the unintentional landing.

In other news, a peculiar moment was captured on camera by a passenger on a plane in San Francisco when another aircraft flying over the Golden Gate Bridge appeared to be suspended in the air, creating an optical illusion of it hanging without movement. The video, initially shared on Reddit, was resurfaced on the internet. While some speculated that the plane was defying aviation laws, experts clarified that the phenomenon occurred due to the intricate interplay of headwinds and tailwinds during the planes journey. Tailwinds propel the plane forward, while headwinds create resistance, assisting in slowing it down.
Five terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pakistans troubled Balochistan province, the army said on Sunday.

During the conduct of an intelligence-based operation on the night of December 30-31, five terrorists were sent to hell following intense clashes between troops and the militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

The terrorists hideout was also busted and a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was recovered, it said, adding that a sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate other terrorists in the area.

The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, the statement added.

Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terror attacks in recent months, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

A day earlier, the army said five terrorists were killed during an operation in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwas North Waziristan District.

Earlier this month, as many as 25 soldiers were killed in two separate incidents on a single day, including a terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan, claiming the lives of 23 soldiers.

That was the militarys highest single-day death toll from terrorist attacks reported this year.

According to statistics issued by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country witnessed the highest number of suicide attacks since 2014 during this year, with nearly half of them targeting the security forces.

As many as 48 per cent of deaths and 58pc of injuries were inflicted upon security forces personnel.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping said on Sunday his countrys economy had weathered a storm and grown more resilient and dynamic this year, in a speech to the nation marking the new year.

Xi also promised in an address broadcast on state-run channel CCTV that China would surely be reunified  a reference to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own and has pledged to seize.

Xi has endured a challenging 2023 at the helm of the worlds second-largest economy.

His administration has struggled to sustain an economic rebound since rapidly dumping its onerous zero-Covid policy a year ago.

But on Sunday Xi said 2023 had seen the economy weather the storm and become more resilient and dynamic than before, in a New Year speech broadcast on state-run channel CCTV.

Record youth unemployment and a persistent debt crisis in the crucial property sector have also hemmed in Chinas growth.

Official figures released on Sunday showed a nationwide factory activity decline deepened in December, the third straight month of contraction.

Analysts have said Beijing may struggle to achieve its stated annual growth target of around five percent, the lowest such ambition in years.

Beijing has escalated its pressure campaign against Taiwan this year.

Tensions are running high as the democratic island prepares to hold elections on January 13, with independence-leaning candidate Lai Ching-te leading the polls.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said China will surely be reunified, state news agency Xinhua said.

All Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it quoted Xi as saying.
Police officials in Spain on Saturday said they arrested a French couple earlier in December for planning to sacrifice their five-year-old son in the Sahara desert. The parents believed that their child was possessed.

Police arrested the parents on December 21. The parents were arrested from Algeciras, a southern Spanish port. The parents were arrested as they along with their child were about to board a ferry to the Moroccan city of Tangiers.

The Guardia Civil Police force released a statement later saying that they arrested a couple of French origin who intended to murder their five-year-old son in the Sahara, believing him to be possessed.

The officials said both parents suffered from psychiatric problems and were subjected to a European arrest warrant for the abduction of a minor. The pair were remanded in custody by a judge in Spain. The child is in good health and has been sent to a reception centre for minors in Spain before being returned to France.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israels war against Hamas will last many months as he renewed his pledge to eliminate the Palestinian militant group from Gaza.

Vowing to bring home all Israelis still held hostage in Gaza, Netanyahu said the military was involved in a complex fight and needed time to achieve its goals.

The war will continue for many months until Hamas is eliminated and the hostages are returned, Netanyahu told a news conference.

We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, he said, adding that around 8,000 militants had already been killed in Israels military campaign in the Palestinian territory.

Step by step we are depriving Hamas of their capabilities We will also eliminate the leaders.

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after Hamas fighters carried out a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7 that killed about 1,140 people, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

International mediators  who last month brokered a week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza  continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

When asked if a new deal for hostage releases was being negotiated, Netanyahu said Hamas had been giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didnt accept.

We are seeing a certain shift (but) I dont want to create an expectation, he said without elaborating.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan for renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Palestinian militants abducted some 250 hostages during the October 7 attack. Some 129 hostages are still held in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.

On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv, demanding that the government secure their release.

Bring them home now, the demonstrators chanted, an AFP correspondent reported.

The scariest thing in Gaza was to be forgotten, said Moran Stela Yanai, one of the hostages released during last months truce.

The most humane thing that can be done is to bring everyone back, she told the rally.

Israels relentless assault on Gaza in retaliation to the October 7 attack has so far killed at least 21,672 people, most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
Israelis and Palestinians end a dark year on Sunday, with no end in sight to the deadliest military offensive on Gaza, triggered by Hamas bloodiest attack on Israel.

There has been no respite from Israels air raids, artillery fire or ground fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to the despair of Palestinians surviving the onslaught.

We were hoping that 2024 would arrive under better auspices and that we would be able to celebrate the New Year at home with our families, said Mahmoud Abou Shahma in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

We hope that the war will end and that we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace, said the 33-year-old from southern Khan Yunis, an epicentre of the conflict.

Gazas health ministry says the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 21,672 people, mostly women and children.

The fighting began with Hamass bloody October 7 attacks, which left about 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Militants also took about 250 people hostage, and Israel says 129 of them remain in captivity.

The Israeli army says 170 soldiers have been killed in combat inside Gaza.

An Israeli siege imposed after October 7, following years of crippling blockade, has led to dire shortages of food, safe water, fuel and medicine in Gaza, with aid convoys able to offer only sporadic relief.

The UN says more than 85 percent of Gazas 2.4 million people have fled their homes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israels war against Hamas will last for many months  until the Palestinian militant group has been eliminated.

We will guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, he told a news conference.

Every shred of hope

As Netanyahu spoke, more than a thousand relatives and supporters of the hostages demonstrated in Tel Aviv to maintain pressure on his government to bring their loved ones home.

I hope theres going to be another deal, even a partial deal or some will be released. Im trying to hold on to every shred of hope, said Nir Shafran, 45.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal has been traumatised since the rave he attended with his brother Guy was stormed by Hamas commandos on October 7.

I was there with him and he was taken away the minute I wasnt with him. So I went with him and I came back without him and its like time has stopped ever since, he said.

In southern Gazas Khan Yunis, medics at Nasser hospital described severe shortages.

The hospital is receiving a lot more (patients) than its capacity, in fact we are functioning at 300 percent of our capacity, doctor Ahmad Abu Mustafa said in footage shared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The beds are full and we are basically short on all sorts of medicine supplies.

The fighting has put 23 hospitals and 53 health centres out of service, while 104 ambulances have been destroyed, the health ministry said.

In central Gazas Zawayda, Palestinians pulled the body of a child from under the rubble on Saturday after an Israeli strike.

We pulled (out) nine martyrs, who were members of a very peaceful family. Two adjacent houses were targeted, said the areas civil defence director, Rami al-Aidi.

Mediation efforts

International mediators  who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza  continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were in the process of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

A response will come within days, the groups chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didnt accept.

We are seeing a certain shift (but) I dont want to create an expectation.

Fronts multiplying

The Gaza war has intensified tensions across the region.

Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

On Saturday, the US military said one of its destroyers shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from territory controlled by the rebels.

The US Central Command described it as the 23rd illegal attack by the Huthis on international shipping since November 19.

Israel has also traded frequent cross-border fire with Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

We are striking hard against Hezbollah () and if Hezbollah wants to extend the war, it will be dealt blows like never before, and so will Iran, Netanyahu warned Saturday.

In Syria, at least 23 pro-Iran fighters  five Syrians, four Hezbollah members, six Iraqis and eight Iranians  were killed on Saturday in raids likely carried out by Israel, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
North Korea plans to launch three more spy satellites in 2024 as part of efforts to ramp up its military, state media reported Sunday.

Pyongyang successfully put a spy satellite into orbit last month and has since claimed it was providing images of major US and South Korean military sites.

This year it also conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, including the launch this month of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), blaming growing threats from the United States.

The task of launching three additional reconnaissance satellites in 2024 was declared as one of the key policy decisions for next year at a year-end party meeting, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

The five-day meeting, which ended Saturday, was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The United States, which has long caused and worsened political instability on the Korean peninsula, continues to pose various types of military threat to our country even as the year is coming to an end, Kim said.

Seoul, Tokyo and Washington have ramped up defence cooperation in the face of growing missile and nuclear threats from Pyongyang this year and recently activated a system to share real-time data on North Korean missile launches.

Earlier this month, a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan, and Washington flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo.

The North has previously described the deployment of Washingtons strategic weapons  such as B-52 bombers  in joint drills on the Korean peninsula as the intentional nuclear war provocative moves.

Kim ordered his countrys Korean Peoples Army to closely monitor the security situation on the peninsula and to always respond with an overwhelming attitude.

We must respond quickly to a possible nuclear crisis and continue to accelerate preparations to pacify the entire territory of South Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces, including nuclear force, in case of emergency, he said.

Uncontrollable crisis situation

At the meeting, Kim said he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the persisting uncontrollable crisis situation which he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated to a low point this year, with Pyongyangs spy satellite launch prompting Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement aimed at defusing tensions on the peninsula.

I believe that it is a mistake that we should no longer make to consider the people who declare us as the main enemy as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification, KCNA cited Kim as saying.

Kim ordered the drawing-up of measures for reorganising departments handling cross-border affairs, to fundamentally shift the direction.

Pyongyang declared itself an irreversible nuclear power last year and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nukes programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since it first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.
Indian high commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Verma said Indias approach right from the beginning was collaborative and wanted to deal with the concerns raised by Canada through diplomatic channels.

The envoy to Ottawa speaking to the Hindustan Times said that India sought specific and relevant information from Canada on the accusations levelled against India by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who alleged India played a role in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, top Khalistani extremist leader, who was murdered in June this year.

Our own approach towards resolving this issue has always been collaborative. What we have been saying right from the beginning is that unless you share something specific and relevant with us, what do we look into? How do we help you? Verma was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

Our approach right from the beginning was to deal with the entire issue through diplomatic channels, but at the same time, to have the information which could be relevant to this purpose and which could be specific to this purpose, he said.

Verma said that relations between India and Canada will return to normalcy only if Canada takes note of Indias concerns in Canada. He said India is concerned that Canada is giving space to extremists and terrorists.

No country in the world, which is a responsible member of the UN, should allow its soil to be used by its own citizens to dismember a friendly country. Secessionist calls coming out of Canada, in the context of India, is certainly something which is unfriendly, the high commissioner to Ottawa further added.

Verma said until this core issue is not tackled there will be no diplomatic or political satisfaction.

The envoy pointed out that despite the troubles India-Canada trade relationship is doing well and investment is on a positive track. He said the relationship between both countries is not marked by negativity and pointed out that people-to-people ties between India and Canada also remain positive.

Speaking on the India-Canada Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), Verma said Canada pulled out of the talks when they were at an advanced stage. He said India has not tied the trade issues with the allegations.

He told the Hindustan Times that he will look forward to the resolution of the Nijjar case in Canada. There is a crime committed and, according to the Canadian laws, whatever is the legal process, that should take place. And then, well look at the outcome, Verma added.
Security forces in Afghanistan killed a number of Tajik and Pakistani nationals and arrested scores others involved in attacks against religious clerics, the public, and mosques, a senior Taliban official said Sunday.

Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Talibans appointed defense minister, during a press conference in the capital, Kabul, said dozens of Tajiks and more than 20 Pakistanis were killed in the past 12 months in operations by security forces.

He said scores of Tajiks and hundreds of Pakistanis involved in various incidents were also arrested during that period. Mujahid called on neighboring and regional countries to strictly monitor their borders.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad spiked as hundreds of thousands of Afghans left Pakistan after authorities started pursuing foreigners they said were in the country illegally, going door-to-door to check migrants documentation, following an October 31 deadline.

Mujahid also said there has been a 90% decrease in attacks by an Islamic State group affiliate in the past year.

The militant group has carried out major assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques, and has also attacked Shiite areas across the country.

The IS affiliate has been a major rival of the Taliban since the latter seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. IS militants have struck in Kabul, in northern provinces and especially wherever there are Shiites, whom IS considers to be apostates.

Since taking power, the Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and work and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed, as U.S. and NATO forces were pulling out of Afghanistan following two decades of war.
Senior Afghan leader Mullah Sherin Akhund will arrive in Islamabad early next month to resolve the stalemate in bilateral ties and resolve differences caused over the actions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group. He will meet intelligence and foreign office officials.

The visit comes after the Afghan Taliban showed interest in reducing tensions with the Pakistani government over the terrorist group which has caused a fresh wave of terrorism in the country. The terror group now ruling Kabul previously invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) (JUI-F) in hope to facilitate dialogue.

Pakistan foreign office has downplayed the trip and said it was an invitation meant for a private individual, according to a report by news agency Dawn.

Mullah Sherin played several major roles in the Taliban military and political spheres. The report by Dawn said that Sherin is a key figure in the Taliban leadership hierarchy because he was involved in major Taliban activities. He was also one of the liaisons between Pakistan Army and the TTP, acting on behalf of the Taliban administration.

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are currently strained due to terrorism and also due to recent efforts by Pakistan to send undocumented Afghan migrants back to Afghanistan. Pakistan alleges that TTP plots terror activities against Pakistan from Afghan soil.

Earlier, Taliban-appointed foreign minister Mullah Muttaqi highlighted the lack of high-level communication between Islamabad and Kabul and said it has led to allegations and blame games.

Pakistan hoped that the Talibans return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 would help them manage the TTP and the group did manage to hold meetings between the Pakistan Army and the TTP. This resulted in a short-lived ceasefire agreement between the TTP and the Pakistan army.

Pakistan has urged the Taliban administration on several occasions to take decisive action against the TTP and other terror groups operation from Afghanistan and told them to even extradite those who have attacked Pakistan. The Taliban government has shown no interest in Pakistans proposals due to its own allegiances and ideological ties.

The newspaper said that there are speculations that the Afghan Taliban has restricted the TTP from launching direct attacks on Pakistan.
On the 86th day of the Israeli war, the Palestinian health ministry reported numerous deaths in overnight strikes on central Gaza's Zawayda and the nearby Al-Moghazi refugee camp, while the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of the growing threat of infectious diseases and the UN says Gaza is "just weeks away" from famine.





22:15 Tony Blair, the former British prime minister met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz to discuss Blair's role in finding countries where Palestinian from Gaza could be relocated, according to Israel's Channel 12 news.

Blair is reportedly being tapped as the head of an Israeli initiative seeking to encourage other countries to take in Palestinians fleeing Israels bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Most of the Palestinian population in Gaza - 1.8 million people - have been forcibly displaced since Israel began the war three months ago.

21:10 Hamas condemned the distortion of truth by various Western media outlets, accusing them of amplifying Israeli propaganda and disseminating false allegations against the Palestinians and their resistance.

The peak of bias in a report published by The New York Times, titled "Screams Without Words: How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7," where it made claims of rape and sexual violence purportedly committed by Palestinian resistance fighters during the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on 7 Octobe, Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau in Gaza said in a statement.

"We categorically deny such allegations," Naim asserted, emphasizing that these accusations are part of an orchestrated effort by Israel to vilify and dehumanize the Palestinian people and justify Israel's war crimes and acts of genocide.

Naim criticized the New York Times report for relying solely on Israeli sources aligned with the state's narrative, failing to provide conclusive evidence to support the claims. He pointed out that the testimonies used lacked substantial proof and contradicted the accounts of Israeli women who spoke positively about their treatment by Palestinian fighters on social media and to Israeli media outlets.

"The report also narrated claims from women who said they heard other women repeating these allegations. All what was mentioned of testimonies don't indicate conclusive evidence of one Palestinian fighter committing such shameful acts."

Furthermore, he highlighted the positive testimonials of Israeli female captives released from Gaza, who reported receiving fair treatment and humane gestures from their captors, contrary to the allegations of mistreatment and violence.

"Our fighters stand for freedom and dignity. Such reprehensible acts contradict our religion, values, and cultural norms," he declared.

Addressing the timing and circumstances of the alleged incident, the Hamas official underlined that the fighters' primary focus during the Al-Aqsa Flood operation was defending the Palestinian people and breaking the unjust siege imposed on Gaza. He said that the short duration of the operation left no room for the fighters to engage in anything other than their mission.

While expressing readiness for an international inquiry to investigate the allegations, he criticized the New York Times for disregarding reports confirming that the Israeli army committed crimes by bombing Israelis and Palestinian fighters and killing many from both sides during the operation.

20:42 Israeli tanks are shelling Al-Moghazi, Al-Bureij, and Al-Nusairat refugee camps, according to Al Hadath correspondent.

Meanwhile, 17 Palestinians have been killed and dozens injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential area in Khan Younes.

20:35 Aerial footage reveals the full extent of the Israeli destruction of Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza.

An entire city in northern Gaza has been rendered effectively uninhabitable.



This aerial footage reveals the full extent of the destruction in Beit Lahiya: pic.twitter.com/bEjyPP3M7I  AJ+ (@ajplus) December 31, 2023

20:15 Two Israeli security guards were wounded in a stabbing attack near an industrial zone in Jerusalem.

20:00 The Israeli army has started a process to return a substantial number of reservists to their civilian lives, with two additional full brigades set to return home later this week, Jerusalem Post reported.

Earlier in December, Division 252 was released from service for the time being, having completed its mission in northern Gaza.

"But the release of two additional brigades, the 551st and 14th Brigades, is part of a broader rollout that is expected to add additional brigades to return from duty, possibly on a weekly, if not monthly, basis," it said.

19:30 The Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said that the Palestinian people will remain steadfast and adhere to their legitimate rights, and will not accept displacement from their land, whatever the cost.

Today our steadfast Palestinian people are subjected to a comprehensive war of extermination in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem, with the aim of liquidating our national cause and turning it into a humanitarian cause, in a repetition of the 1948 Nakba. But we tell them, the more your aggression and terrorism increase, the stronger, more determined, and more determined our people will become in adhering to their land and their legitimate national rights, Abou Mazen said, as reported by Wafa news agency.

He said that the plan of the Israeli occupation authorities to eliminate the Palestinian national project, Jerusalem and its sanctities, and divide and steal the land will not pass, as the Gaza Strip is part of the occupied Palestinian territory, of which "we will not give up a single inch."

We told the whole world that military and security solutions will not bring security and peace to anyone, but rather will push the region and the world to the brink of explosion" the Palestinian leader noted.

18:24 While the world is crowded with New Year's celebrations, the streets of southern Gaza Strip are crowded with displacement.

A least 1.4 million people in Gaza sheltering in UNRWA facilities and many more in the vicinity, sleeping outside, the UN agency says.

While the world is crowded with New Year's celebrations, the streets of southern#GazaStrip are crowded with displacement. pic.twitter.com/YubraXxZmP  UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 31, 2023

16:47 At least 10 Houthi rebels have been killed Sunday when US forces struck their boats in the Red Sea, two sources at Yemen's Hodeida port said to AFP.

The US military earlier said it had destroyed several small boats operated by the Houthis after they attacked and tried to board a container ship.

One source at the rebel-controlled port said the wounded were rescued following the strike. The other source, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said there were four other survivors.

"Ten Houthis were killed and two were wounded in the US strike on Houthi boats that tried to stop a vessel in the sea off Hodeida," the first source said.

The second source said that "four survivors have arrived in Hodeida with two wounded who were taken to hospital".

The US Navy had responded to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned and operated container ship that reported coming under attack for a second time in 24 hours while transiting the Red Sea, the US Central Command said in a statement.

Houthis had fired on US helicopters, who "returned fire in self-defence", sinking three of four small boats that had come within 20 meters of the ship, according to the statement.

16:40 The past year brought profound devastation and tragedy to Palestine Refugees. They faced war, extreme violence, displacement, poverty, dire conditions of life in overcrowded camps, the UNRWA said in its review of 2023.

The past year brought profound devastation & tragedy to #PalestineRefugees facing war, extreme violence, displacement & poverty.@UNRWA remained committed to serve in the darkest circumstances, with unfailing dedication from our heroic colleagues.

https://t.co/OJ3SOBLEBp pic.twitter.com/OPRPEF1TOH  UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 31, 2023

15:00 Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Israeli Army Radio that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate from the Gaza Strip

And that he hopes Israel will resettle in Gaza after expelling the Palestinians.

We need to encourage immigration from there. If between 100,000 and 200,000 Arabs are living in Gaza, the talk about the next day will be completely different Smotrich tells Army Radio

"They want to leave. They have been living in a ghetto and have been suffering for 75 years," he continued.

The extremist minister also called for the return of Israeli settlers. The minister is a supporter of the Greater Israel vision and supports the annexation of the occupied West Bank.

14:30 Over the past 24 hours, 150 Palestinians were killed in Gaza and 286 were injured, Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA) said.

Of these, 130 were killed in devastating bombardment on north and central Gaza this morning.

In Gaza City in the north, strikes on the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood killed 48 while strikes near Al-Aqsa University killed at least 20.

Six people were killed and 40 remain missing under rubble after an airstrike destroyed a home in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City.

In central Gaza, an airstrike in Nuseirat refugee camp killed paramedic Adham Al-Ghoul.

In the south of the strip, one child was killed after Israeli naval vessels fired on Rafah beach.

Israeli shelling also killed four Palestinians in Abasan Al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis.

Simultaneously, rescue teams managed to retrieve the bodies of eight martyrs from various areas in Khan Younis, according to local and medical sources.

In a preliminary toll, the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza, which began on 7 October, has resulted in more than 21,822 deaths and approximately 56,450 injuries. Thousands are still missing, with 70 percent of the victims being women and children.

14:00 The Israeli government approved the appointment of a new foreign minister to replace Eli Cohen, a statement said, in a pre-arranged reshuffle.

Israel Katz, the current energy minister, will swap positions with Cohen as part of the ministerial rotation that is subject to parliamentary approval.

"The government has now approved appointing Eli Cohen to the position of minister of energy and infrastructure... and to appoint Israel Katz to the position of minister of foreign affairs," the statement said.

Cohen will continue to serve as a member of the security cabinet, a government decision that is also subject to parliamentary approval, it added.

In an interview on Israeli radio on Sunday, Cohen acknowledged that "the government bears responsibility" for having failed to anticipate the Hamas operation and said an independent commission of inquiry should be established at the end of the war.

Cohen was appointed foreign minister last year in the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government that is widely considered the most right-wing in Israeli history.

Cohen played an instrumental role in the normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab countries.

12:30 The health ministry in Gaza said at least 21,822 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since the Israeli war on Gaza erupted on 7 October.

The figure includes 150 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said. It added that 56,451 people have been wounded in Gaza since the start of the war.

Thousands are still missing, with 70 percent of the victims being children and women.

12:10 Former Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Yousef Salama, was killed this morning in an Israeli airstrike on his home in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, the Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA) said.

A WAFA correspondent reported that Israeli warplanes targeted the home of Sheikh Salama, leading to his death and the injuring of several members of his family.

12:00 A recent report by The Wall Street Journal has likened the destruction from the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip to the wartime devastation witnessed in Germany during World War II (1939-1945), Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA) said.

The newspaper underscored the dire situation by pointing out that the majority of Gaza's 36 hospitals are now non-operational, with only eight healthcare facilities available to serve the population.

It further observed that Gaza's historical landmarks, including churches from the Byzantine era, mosques, factories, buildings, schools, hotels, shopping centres, as well as crucial utilities like electricity and water sources, have sustained irreversible damage.

Highlighting the human toll, the publication emphasized that nearly 85 percent of Gaza's population (2.3 million people) has been displaced from their homes, and over 21,000 individuals in the region have lost their lives as a result of the Israeli offensive.

Quoting Robert Pape, a political science professor at the University of Chicago and an expert on the history of aerial bombing, The Wall Street Journal reported his statement: "Gaza will enter history alongside cities like Dresden (Germany) and others that were bombed during World War II."

The report referenced a World Bank publication from 12 December, revealing that 77 percent of healthcare facilities, 72 percent of public buildings, including parks, courts, and libraries, 68 percent of communication infrastructure, and almost the entire industrial zone in Gaza were destroyed due to the Israeli aggression.

The Wall Street Journal also drew attention to the fact that while the United States dropped 3,678 bombs on Iraq between 2004 and 2010, Israel released approximately 29,000 bombs on Gaza since October 7.

Caroline Sands, a conflict expert from Kingston University in London, commented on the potential timeframe for Gaza's reconstruction, stating that it could span decades in the best-case scenarios, according to the American newspaper.

11:30 Israeli media quoted Israeli Army Radio as saying that the army does not believe it can eliminate the ability of armed factions in Gaza to launch rockets towards Israel, BBC said.

According to military radio, the Israeli army succeeded in removing long-range missile launchers, but the danger of short-range missiles still exists.

The military quoted an unnamed army official as saying that even after two years, it will be possible for the residents of the Gaza Strip to hear the sound of sirens.

10:50 At least four Palestinians were injured over the last few hours as Israeli drones targeted multiple locations in the Nour Shams and Tulkarm refugee camps in the north of the occupied West Bank, amid an ongoing Israeli military raid into the camps and the nearby city of Tulkarm, according to medical sources.

According to the Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA), Israeli forces targeted the Tulkarm refugee camp twice with missile strikes from a drone, witnesses said. The first strike hit the Al-Madares neighborhood, resulting in no injuries. Shortly after, another strike targeted the Ghanem neighborhood, causing two injuries.

The injured were promptly transported to the Thabet Thabet Governmental Hospital for medical treatment. Medical sources at the hospital reported that two individuals were admitted with injuries from missile shrapnel. One of the victims is in serious condition with injuries to the abdomen, while the other has minor injuries to the foot, WAFA said.

Earlier in the night, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that at least two Palestinians sustained injuries from shrapnel from Israeli drone missiles in Nour Shams. It said that due to the blockade imposed by Israeli forces on the camp, its medical crews were unable to transport the injured to hospitals on time.

The Israeli drones further struck locations in Al-Damaj neighbourhood of the camp and near the entrance of Al-Manshiya neighborhood. Simultaneously, widespread arrests were carried out as Israeli forces raided several homes across the camp. Detainees were held in one of the houses, and were subjected to field interrogations with their hands cuffed.

At the same time, Israeli military vehicles deployed at the main entrance of the Tulkarm refugee camp, firing live rounds and flares over the camp.

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The Zimbabwe Republic Police have arrested 17 suspects for illegally settling at a farm in Longlands, in the Beatrice area.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of suspects in Mashonaland East for illegally settling at Longlands, Tantalon and Dagbreek farms in Beatrice and Chivhu. 17 suspects were arrested at Longlands and Tantalon farms in Beatrice.

The suspects have appeared in court and are on remand.

He said 14 other suspects who were arrested at Longlands Farm, Beatrice on 29 December 2023, are currently in police custody awaiting a court appearance.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns land barons who are illegally parcelling out land to desperate home seeks that they risk being arrested and face the full wrath of the law, he said.

He said the police have since identified land barons in Mashonaland East and are interested in interviewing the listed suspects in connection with the illegal parcelling of land at Longlands, Tantalon and Dagbreek farms.

They are Michel Ndlovu, Zivengwa Mamina, Chrispen Magaya, Shadreck Chimbare, Shepherd Jongwe, Misheck Chuma and Last Rutsvara.

The listed suspects have been urged to report to CID Chivhu and CID Beatrice.

The Police advises the public that only the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries , Water and Rural Development is mandated to allocate agricultural land, hence those who are in need of agricultural land should approach the ministry.

Anyone involved in parcelling out land or making unauthorised development on private or gazetted land will be arrested without fear or favour, Asst Comm Nyathi said. Herald


After witnessing a flurry of rare development projects in the run-up to the August elections, residents of Bulawayos sprawling high-density suburb of Cowdray Park are now facing the reality of the rest of Zimbabwes urban dwellers.

The development starved residents have once again been left alone to contend with poor roads, acute water shortages, long hours without electricity and high food prices after a frenzied few weeks during the election campaign period where they were promised heaven on earth in return for their votes.

Cowdray Park Constituency, which was among the new constituencies created by last years controversial delimitation exercise was coveted by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, who stood on a Zanu PF ticket.

Ncube, a respected economist and academic who was wooed by President Emmerson Mnangagwas post-coup government in 2018 to help resuscitate Zimbabwes moribund economy, sunk thousands of United States dollars into various projects to win the hearts and minds of the often neglected residents.

The former African Development Bank vice president hoped to win his first election after he was handpicked by the 81-year-old ruler as one of the non-constituency MPs for the ministerial post.

His critics accused him of brazen vote buying as he only started funding projects such as road rehabilitation, nurse aid training courses, connection of households to the electricity grid, rolling out of free WiFi access points and drilling of boreholes after he was confirmed as the Zanu PF candidate in March this year.

Ncube eventually lost the election to Pashor Sibanda of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in what was considered to be one of the biggest upsets of the August 23 and 24 polls.

Cowdray Park, however, is now in Zanu PF hands after Sibanda was controversially recalled by self-styled CCC Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu.

Zanu PFs Arthur Mujeyi is the new MP for Bulawayos largest suburb by population after Tshabangu blocked Sibanda from contesting the December 9 by-elections.

After a pre-election investigation by CITE in partnership with the Information for Development Trust (IDT), a non-profit organisation supporting investigative journalism in Zimbabwe and southern Africa, demonstrated how Ncube enjoyed an unfair advantage over other candidates by using money, a follow-up probe has shown that the picture in the constituency has changed dramatically.

While Cowdray Park residents can still access free WiFi at designated points, the rehabilitation of the badly damaged road network which was initiated by Ncube as part of his campaign has since stopped.

Some of the boreholes that were drilled as part of the ministers hunt for votes have broken down and Cowdray Park residents, like everyone in the city, are bearing the brunt of Bulawayos 120-hour water rationing schedule.

Bulawayo is grappling with a critical shortage of water because its supply dams are failing to cope with demand and the situation has been worsened by frequent power cuts.

Thousands of Cowdray Park residents still have no access to electricity as Ncube is yet to deliver on his promise to supply 38 transformers that will enable the connection of their houses to the grid for the first time.

A Bulawayo United Residents Association official in Cowdray Park said some of the projects initiated by Ncube in the run-up to the elections were at a standstill.

There are projects that were initiated by Mthuli Ncube when he wanted to be the MP such as the drilling of boreholes, WiFi access points and rehabilitation of roads, the official told CITE.

The tarring of the road from Caravan to eMpompini was completed (before the elections), but the other road is yet to be completed and he promised to come back.

Some of the boreholes are no longer functional, but residents can still access the WiFi.

Joseph Phiri, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association chairperson in Cowdray Park, said the hoped that Ncube will fulfil the pledges he made to improve the living conditions for residents in the suburb although he lost the elections.

The WiFi is still accessible, but the boreholes are not functional and there is no water, Phiri said. All the other projects are stagnant.

We do love Mthuli because he fixed some of our roads and drilled boreholes for us and at the moment two are still functional.

He might feel hurt that he lost, but it was not because people dont love him. It was the jacket he was wearing (his political party).

Nicholas Ngwenya, a community leader from the eMpompini section of Cowdray Park, said Ncube recently addressed a residents meeting in the area where he pledged that all the projects that he initiated will be resuscitated.

Ncube said he will continue with his efforts to turn Cowdray Park into a smart city as per the promises he made in his election manifesto, Ngwenya said.

He said youths had started enrolling for different courses and that the rehabilitation of roads will resume soon as the programme was disrupted by rains.

He also said people will continue accessing WiFi and he will work with Mujeyi (the new MP).

Ngwenya said the minister also promised to help youths in the suburb to set up a community radio station.

Nkosilathi Hove Mpofu, the councilor for ward 6 in Cowdray Park, said he was worried about the pause in the road rehabilitation and the non-functioning boreholes.

When I inspected the boreholes only three were functional, some had dried up and there was no pumping equipment in some of them, Mpofu said.

Sibanda, the former MP, said they wanted to see the projects initiated by Ncube being sustained but added that there was need to consult residents first instead of imposing development on them.

Our priority in this side of Cowdray Park is the issue of sewer, he said. Our people do not have a proper sewer system and rely on Blair toilets.

Mujeyi, the new MP, said he was inspired by what Ncube did in the run-up to the elections and will ensure that the projects spearheaded by the minister are revived.

He said he will push for the completion of the road projects and drilling of boreholes that were initiated by the Treasury boss.

Ncube did not respond to numerous phone calls when attempts were made to get his comment on residents concerns.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agencys 2022 population census preliminary report, Cowdray Park is the second most populous suburb in Zimbabwe after Harares Budiriro with a population of 75 000 people.

Budiriro has 89 287 people.

Cowdray Parks population is bigger than that of the Matabeleland South capital Gwanda, which has 27 143 people and the coal mining town of Hwange in Matabeleland North, which has a population of 40 241.

The Bulawayo suburb, which was in the hands of the opposition since it was captured by the MDC led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai in 2000, has thousands of residents that have gone for years without access to electricity, water or a sewer system. CITE
Fuzzy dice finally will be free to dangle in Illinois. Starting Monday, police there no longer will be allowed to pull over motorists solely because they have something hanging from the rearview mirror of the windshield. That means air fresheners, parking placards and, yes, even those dice are fair game to hang. Though the original Illinois windshield law was meant to improve roadway safety, it came to be seen by some as an excuse for pulling over drivers. The new law still prohibits objects that obstruct a driver's view but forbids law enforcement officers from conducting stops or searches solely because of suspected violations. The revised Illinois windshield rule is one of hundreds of new laws taking effect with the new year in states across the US, per the AP:
Special counsel Jack Smith's office asked an appeals court on Saturday to deny Donald Trump's argument that the former president is immune from criminal charges in his election interference case, saying that such a protection would "threaten to undermine democracy." Federal prosecutors filed their brief with the DC Circuit Court of Appeals in response to Trump's contentions that he's immune under the Constitution because he was in office at the time and he was acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial over accusations that he tried to overturn election results, Politico reports.

"Rather than vindicating our constitutional framework, the defendant's sweeping immunity claim threatens to license Presidents to commit crimes to remain in office," the brief says. "The Founders did not intend and would never have countenanced such a result." Trump's appeal concerns an issue the courts haven't decided, or even been asked about, per the New York Times; no president has been charged with crimes before, much less presented an immunity defense.

The trial has been scheduled for March but is being held up until Trump's attempt to have the charges dismissed is resolved; arguments on the immunity claim are scheduled to be heard by a three-judge panel on Jan. 9, per the AP. "The presidency plays a vital role in our constitutional system, but so does the principle of accountability for criminal actsparticularly those that strike at the heart of the democratic process," the prosecutors' 82-page brief says. Trump's lawyers have argued that it's the indictment of the former president that threatens "the very bedrock of our Republic." (Read more election interference indictment stories.)
Auckland has become the first major city to ring in 2024, with thousands cheering a fireworks display sprouting from New Zealand's tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a downtown light show. This year's New Year's Eve celebrations are overshadowed by the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which have cast a pall over festivities and heightened tensions across parts of the world. Many cities are deploying extra security and some places have canceled New Year's Eve events altogether, the AP reports. In Auckland, light rain cleared in time for the countdown to begin on an illuminated digital display near the top of the 1,076-foot communications and observation tower.

Two hours later in neighboring Australia, the Sydney Harbor Bridge became the focal point of a renowned midnight fireworks display and light show viewed annually by around 425 million people worldwide, according to city authorities. More police than ever deployed throughout Sydney to ensure safety as more than 1 million peopleequivalent to one in five of the city's populationconverged on the harbor waterfront for the best views, state government authorities said. The waterfront has been the scene of heated pro-Palestinian protests after the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas that triggered the war.

Security will also be heightened across European cities on Sunday. In France, 90,000 law enforcement officers are set to be on duty, 6,000 of them in Paris. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin cited a "very high terrorist threat" because of the Israel-Hamas war. In Berlin, some 4,500 police officers are to be deployed to avoid riots like those of a year ago. In Russia, the country's military actions in Ukraine have overshadowed end-of-year celebrations, with the usual fireworks and concert on Moscow's Red Square canceled, as last year. In Muslim-majority Pakistan, the government banned all New Year's Eve celebrations as an act of solidarity with Palestinians. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar urged Pakistanis to "show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza" by beginning the new year with simplicity.

(Read more New Year's Eve stories.)
Queen Margrethe II told Denmark on Sunday that she plans to step down in two weeks, turning the largely ceremonial monarchy over to her son, Crown Prince Frederik, after 52 years on the throne. "Such an amount will leave its mark on anybodyalso on me! The time takes its toll, and the number of ailments increases," the queen, 83, said in her nationally televised New Year's address, per CNN . "One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past." Jan. 14 is the anniversary of her succession after the death of her father, King Frederik IX.

Margrethe is the longest-serving monarch in the nation's history. Frederik, 55, will not be installed in a crowning ceremony; the palace will mark the change with an announcement on Jan. 14. Like other royal families in Europe, theirs is being reduced in size. The queen stripped half of her eight grandchildren of their titles, then apologized for her handling of the situation. She remains popular among her subjects, per the BBC. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a statement Sunday calling Margrethe the "epitome of Denmark," per the AP, and saying the crown prince is prepared to be king. The queen, he said, "throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation."

After learning French, English, and Swedish early, Margrethe studied archaeology, philosophy, political science, and economics at universities in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Cambridge, as well as at the London School of Economics and the Sorbonne in Paris. As a princess, she was a member of a women's air force unit, per the AP, participating in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. Recognized for her talent as a designer, she often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted. Margrethe will retain the title of majesty. In her final New Year's address, the queen also addressed the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the need to deal with global warming. (Read more Denmark stories.)
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At least 10 Houthi rebels were killed Sunday when US forces struck their boats in the Red Sea, two sources at Yemen's Hodeida port said.

The US military earlier said it had destroyed several small boats operated by the Houthis after they had attacked and tried to board a container ship.

One source at the rebel-controlled port said the wounded were rescued following the strike. The other source, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said there were four other survivors.

"Ten Houthis were killed and two were wounded in the US strike on Houthi boats that tried to stop a vessel in the sea off Hodeida," the first source said.

The second source said that "four survivors have arrived in Hodeida with two wounded who were taken to hospital".

The US Navy had responded to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned and operated container ship that reported coming under attack for a second time in 24 hours while transiting the Red Sea, the US Central Command said in a statement.

Houthis had fired on US helicopters, who "returned fire in self-defence", sinking three of four small boats that had come within 20 meters of the ship, according to the statement.

Accordingly, shipping giant Maersk said it was suspending the passage of vessels through the Bab al-Mandab Strait for 48 hours, after the attack on the container vessel en route from Singapore to Port Suez in Egypt.

The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israeli-linked vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane, demanding Israel stop its aggression on the Palestinians and allow all humanitarian aid to enter the besieged Gaza Strip.

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 earlier this month to protect Red Sea shipping.

The US has said that more than 20 nations are participating, but a number of those nations have not acknowledged it publicly, other countries even denied being part of such task.

Since Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have traveled through the Red Sea region, and none has been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said in an Associated Press interview.

Currently, there are five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, said Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet. Since the operation started, the ships have shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles, he said.

Just two days ago, the USS Mason, a Navy destroyer, downed a drone and anti-ship ballistic missile that were fired by the Houthis, according to U.S. Central Command.

The Houthis seized Yemens capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a grinding war against a Saudi-led coalition that sought to restore the government. The militants have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks increased since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.

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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is sounding the alarm over a new parliamentary proposal that wants to tax money sent abroad by foreigners. The CBB warns this Foreign Financial Transfers Tax could cripple the Kingdoms financial sector and send its attractiveness as a business hub plummeting.

The proposed tax, a hefty two percent on all outbound cash transfers, has supporters who see it as a golden goose for diversifying Bahrains oil-dependent economy.

They argue it will keep millions circulating within the country, fueling growth. But the CBB paints a different picture. It fears the tax will drive banks and financial institutions fleeing, taking their business and investment dollars with them.

Bahrains competitive edge against its Gulf neighbours and other top expat destinations, all tax-free for foreign transfers, would evaporate.

The ripple effects could be far-reaching, squeezing employers forced to shoulder the tax burden and ultimately impacting citizens and businesses alike. Foreign talent, lured by Bahrains open economy, might reconsider with a new financial levy hanging over their heads.

The CBB also warns of unintended consequences: a surge in shady, unofficial channels for sending money out of the country, bypassing the official system and undermining its transparency.

This proposed tax is not the first rodeo. Similar attempts earlier had met with strong opposition from the government, the Ministry of Finance, and even the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

All see the potential harm far outweighing any short-term revenue gains. The Council of Representatives, however, seems determined to see this through. Despite the CBBs dire warnings and widespread opposition, theyre set to discuss the proposal soon.

The question remains: Will Bahrain risk its hard-earned reputation as a financial hub with this controversial tax, or will they listen to the CBBs pleas and steer clear of a potential economic calamity? The answer will have consequences for not just Bahrains bank accounts, but the future of its entire economy.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, Bahrainis and visitors alike find themselves not just celebrating the passing year, but gazing into the horizon of 2024 with hopes and resolutions dancing in their eyes. The air crackles with a collective hum of ambition, a tapestry woven from personal triumphs and lessons learned.

Veth Njune, a solo female traveller wrapping up a week in Bahrain before rejoining her family in Kenya, speaks for many when she says, 2024 is about letting go of regrets and embracing time with loved ones. Her solo adventures have fuelled her spirit, and she encourages others to conquer their fears and explore the world.

Parvathy Thanumoorthy, a consultant at international recruitment agency Taiba Overseas Consultants, echoes the sentiment of self-improvement. I want to work harder, help students achieve their dreams, and prioritise my health, she says, acknowledging the need for a balanced life that includes nurturing her role as a mother.

Fuad Mahzoomi, who owns Taiba Overseas Consultants, sets his sights on financial success and spreading kindness. I want to become a millionaire and help anyone seeking to study abroad, he declares, adding that 2023 taught him the value of continuous growth in his career. For Mohammed Suhair, a newcomer in Bahrain, the new year is all about spreading the love for his adopted home. Bahrain is paradise, he proclaims, urging everyone to consider calling it home. His motto? Set your goals, focus, and achieve them!

Fiona Walker Doyle, Deputy Head of Mission for the British Embassy, embodies the spirit of cultural exchange. Amidst settling into her new role six months ago, shes determined to master Arabic and strengthen the bond between Brits and Bahrainis. The past year has been a privilege, Fiona beams, and I cant wait to discover more historical sites and traditions in 2024.

News of, Bahrainis no longer requiring visas to visit the UK adds another layer of excitement to the new year. Doyle proudly says, Bahrain is one of the first countries granted Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) access, paving the way for easier travel between the two nations. ETA applications are scheduled to go live for Bahrainis from February 1, for travelling to the UK from February 22 onwards.

As the final moments of 2023 tick by, a sense of shared optimism takes flight in Bahrain. From solo journeys to family reunions, career aspirations to cultural immersion, the air vibrates with the promise of a year brimming with possibilities. This New Years Eve, amidst the fireworks and festivities, its not just the calendar that turns a page, but the hearts and minds of a kingdom ready to dream, strive, and celebrate the year to come.
AFP | Madrid

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Spanish authorities on Saturday said they had arrested a French couple earlier in December for planning to "sacrifice" in the Sahara their five-year-old son, who they believed to be "possessed". The couple was arrested on December 21 in the southern Spanish port of Algeciras, as the family was about to board a ferry to the Moroccan city of Tangiers.

The Guardia Civil police force said in a statement they had arrested a "couple of French origin" who "intended to murder their five-year-old son in the Sahara, believing him to be possessed".

Both parents had "psychiatric problems" and were the subject of a European arrest warrant for the abduction of a minor, the Guardia Civil added. The pair have been remanded in custody by a judge in Spain. The child is in good health and has been sent to a reception centre for minors in Spain before being returned to France.
Hamas condemned on Sunday a misleading report by the New York Times that alleges Hamas fighters carried out rape and sexual violence during the 7 October Al-Aqsa Flood operation, according to member of Hamas political bureau.

Hamas condemned the distortion of truth by various Western media outlets, accusing them of amplifying Israeli propaganda and disseminating false allegations against the Palestinians and their resistance.

The peak of bias in a report published by The New York Times, titled "Screams Without Words: How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7," where it made claims of rape and sexual violence purportedly committed by Palestinian resistance fighters during the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on 7 Octobe, Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau in Gaza said in a statement.

Hamas denies such allegations and considers them Israeli attempts to demonize and dehumanize the Palestinian people and justify Israeli army's war crimes commited against the Palestinians in Gaza, Naim said.

Naim criticized the New York Times report for relying solely on Israeli sources aligned with the state's narrative, failing to provide conclusive evidence to support the claims.

He pointed out that the testimonies used lacked substantial proof and contradicted the accounts of Israeli women who spoke positively about their treatment by Palestinian fighters on social media and to Israeli media outlets.

"The report also narrated claims from women who said they heard other women repeating these allegations. All what was mentioned of testimonies don't indicate conclusive evidence of one Palestinian fighter committing such shameful acts."

"All what was mentioned of testimonies don't indicate conclusive evidence of one Palestinian fighter committing such shameful acts," Naim said, noting that the US daily allegations contradict earlier testimonies by Israeli women on 7 October and Israeli female captives who were released from Gaza, whom all spoke of good treatment from Palestinian fighters.

"Anyone who is engaged in investigating these claims and allegations can easily watch their videos on social media. They (Israeli women) spoke to Israeli media and never mentioned such lies," he added.

"You may all remember the letter written by the Israeli mother to her captors who simply voiced gratitude to them for not making her and her daughter feel in prison."

Naim stressed that if Hamas fighters held such ideas [of sexual violence], they would have abused those held in their captivity, adding that they would never the allegations as they are bound by their religion, values and culture that do not accept or tolerate such "shameful acts."

Hamas fighters had "one mission" on 7 October which was to defend the Palestinian people and to break the unjust siege imposed on Gaza, he said, noting that the duration of the operation would not allow time for such acts and that in a matter of hours, most fighters had withdrawn back to Gaza.

"Such a period could never give time or space to the fighters to think of nothing but their mission which is to crush the enemy's military sites."

Naim added that Hamas on multiple occasions has expressed its readiness to welcome a serious international investigation into such allegations purported by the Israeli side.

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James Wertz of Microcosm presented at the Future In-Space Operations (FISO) Working Group on Reinventing SpaceWhy Arent We There?

The focus of the FISO talk is on the high costs of the US space program but the problems identified are the same reasons that the US defense programs are so expensive.

The F35 program could end up costing $1.5 trillion.

The Joint Strike Fighter program was designed to replace the United States military F-16, A-10, F/A-18 (excluding newer E/F Super Hornet variants) and AV-8B tactical fighter aircraft. To keep development, production, and operating costs down, a common design was planned in three variants that share 80 percent of their parts:

F-35A, conventional take off and landing (CTOL) variant.

F-35B, short-take off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant.

F-35C, carrier-based CATOBAR (CV) variant.

According to some 2010 estimates, overruns could increase the programs total costs to $388 billion, a 50% increase from the initial price tag. Many of the programs financial and technical complications result from the Marine version of the JSF, capable of vertical take-offs and landings. The cost of each F35A was estimated at $50 million in 2002. In February 2011, the Pentagon put a price of $207.6 million on each of the 32 aircraft to be acquired in FY2012, rising to $304.15 million if research was included. In 2013, the cost of each F35A is about $125 million.

The problems also exist in other aspects of Federal procurement. The Obamacare federal government enrollment system has cost over $2 billion.

Over the last 5 years, space systems launched by the United States have cost an average of $3 billion per launch (including infrastructure costs).

Problems for US Space and how to fix it

There is a long-term need to do more in space with fewer $$$  this is what drove the creation of the Responsive Space / Reinventing Space Conference in 2003.

Space is remarkably useful, in some cases critical, for military, civil, and science missions

Space has also become remarkably expensive

 $500 million can buy you a newly recreated Titanic ocean liner, or a smallish spacecraft

The Reinventing Space website is here

What are the consequences of reducing the cost of your program by a factor of two in order to allow other activities to proceed?

 Any future problems will be blamed on your cost-cutting

 Your budget will be cut in half and the money will be used to cover the cost overrun on the program next door

 You lose half your staff who either move to another program or are laid off

 Your boss warns you not to eat the cake at your going away party unless you have someone else taste it first

 Your prime contractor lays off 1000 people and 3 small companies close down

 You run into the Congressman from the prime contractors district who tells you that youll never get a job in industry in the next 50 years, especially if he has any sway

 The program manager coming in behind you blames you for everything that could possibly go wrong and promises to try to make sure you never get promoted

 The same things happens if youre the President of a major prime contractor or the Director of a NASA center that dramatically reduces cost, except that the people who are mad at you have more clout

In the last 5 years, the United States launched a bit less than 100 space missions, i.e., about 20 per year

The combined US space budget (NASA, DoD, the Intelligence Community, and a few others) is on the order of $60 billion/year

Over the last 5 years, space systems launched by the United States have cost an average of $3 billion per launch (including infrastructure costs).

Below 500 km, there is no long-term orbital debris problem

Low altitude satellites have a much lower probability of collision with debris than

higher satellites and cannot contribute to the long-term debris population.

 If a debris cloud is created, it will last for anywhere from a few weeks to at most the time until the next solar maximum

Pragmatic Approaches

* Make greater use of smallsats for test and operations

 Smallsat Constellations can do things that arent realistic with far more expensive systems

 Example: a constellation of 12 smallsats can provide coverage of any one location on Earth every 20 min, 24 hrs/day at a fraction of the cost of a single large satellite

 Make cost data known

 An obvious and simple approach to reducing cost, but very hard to implement

 Nonetheless, it is very hard to reduce cost when cost data is known, and virtually impossible when its not

 Reduce the cost of failure

 The space spiral pushing costs higher is driven largely by the fear of failure

 By doing more low-cost testing and more low-cost missions, we will reduce the inherent risk

 Soviet launchers had many initial failures, followed by an excellent success record

 Compress the schedule

 Means we must also reduce the amount that is done to avoid killing the engineers

 Provide continuous, stable funding

Achievable Goals

 Reduce space mission cost  by a factor to 2 to 10

 Initial cost reductions within 1224 months

 Major reductions within 2436 months

 Reduce the schedule for new programs  from decades to months or years

 Reduce the cost of access to space  by a factor to 2 to 5 initially, 4 to 10 in the longer term

 Provide responsive launch (within 824 hours) to respond to natural or man-made disasters

 Provide frequent, low-cost access to space for education, innovation, and testing

SOURCE  Future In-Space Operations (FISO), James Wertz of Microcosm, CNBC, Wikipedia, Bloomberg, SMAD

If you liked this article, please give it a quick review on ycombinator or StumbleUpon. Thanks
4DS has demonstrated Interface Switching ReRAM cells at a 40 nanometer geometry, representing significant progress in scalability and yield.

This 40nm geometry, demonstrated by 4DS, is smaller than the latest generation of 3D Flash  the most dominant non-volatile memory technology used in billions of mobile devices, cloud servers and data centers.

In 2016, 4DS has

Demonstrated scalability, consistency and behaviour of memory cells with high yield at 40nm

40nm is a breakthrough development at a scale smaller that existing 3D Flash, the most dominant non-volatile memory technology

JDA with HGST renewed in July 2016 taking the collaboration into its third year

4DS Memories Ltd. (West Perth, Western Australia) claims to have achieved 40-nanometer resistive random-access memories (ReRAMs) that are denser than flash and rival the recently reported Crossbar Inc.s (San Francisco)

4DS claims its 40-nanometer ReRAM is a first, but many other labs besides 4DS and Crossbar are known for serious ReRAM efforts using memristors including Adesto Technologies, Elpida, Fujitsu, Global Foundries, Hewlett Packard, Hynix, IBM, Macronix, Nanya, NEC, Panasonic, Rambus, SanDisk, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, ST Microelectronics, Winbond, and several research-only labs like Imec collaborating with foundry partners like TSMC.

Flash is reaching the end of its ability to scale linearly, prompting the move to 3D, such as Samsungs, Toshibas and Western Digitals recent demonstrations of 64-layer stacked-die flash memories.

The bit-cell stack controls its resistance by the migration of oxygen ions between the opposing metal electrodes.

(Source: 4DS)M

4DS also claims to have invested only $12 million to research and develop its recent demonstration chips. The demo chips, 4DS claims, prove its ReRAM memory cells are faster, cheaper and lower power than 3-D flash, giving the company hope at carving out a segment of the $40 billion global market for flash.

Beyond 2016: Commercial deal or strategic action most likely

From the current state of technological development, we essentially see three scenarios for 4DS going forward; firstly, a scenario in which the company succeeds in finalizing the minimum required development of its technology to the point where prospective licensees step up to the plate. In this scenario 4DS will need to demonstrate scalability of the Interface Switching ReRAM memory cell down to sub-45nm resolutions with consistent cell behavior using a scalable manufacturing process.

Still several years of development required by licensees

Any licensee will need to further develop the technology in the next several years to the point where high density, Interface Switching ReRAM memory chips can be manufactured in existing fabs, which we would expect around 2019-2020. This development process will require tens of millions of dollars, possibly up to US$100M, in our view, which is why 4DS will likely not embark on this journey, at least not by itself.

Any license agreement that is non-exclusive would see 4DS receiving multiple up-front, oneoff license payments, which could amount to several millions of dollars each. Additionally, 4DS would receive royalties per chip sold once the technology goes into commercial production. Memory chip royalties typically amount to a single digit percentage of the sales price of the chip.

An exclusive license to use 4DS technology would likely require the licensee to pay a substantially larger up-front license fee, potentially several tens of millions of dollars, in 4DS view, in addition to royalties once the chip goes into commercial production.

Potential strategic action ahead of any license deal

The second scenario would be an acquisition by an established manufacturer in the data storage space. In this scenario as well, we believe 4DS would first need to complete the minimum required development of its technology in order to prove commercial viability of Interface Switching ReRAM. Any acquirer will then need to further develop the technology to commercial insertion into the market, similar to the first scenario.

Given 4DS development agreement with HGST and the acquisitive nature of its parent company, we believe Western Digital would be a very likely acquirer in this scenario.

Additionally, companies like SK Hynix, Micron and Samsung might have a keen interest in securing Interface Switching Memory technology to gradually take over from 3D NAND Flash in a few years time.

The third and final scenario would see 4DS technology not being rolled out commercially in due time, either due to insurmountable and/or overly expensive technological issues with Interface Switching ReRAM, or the emergence/dominance of another non-volatile memory technology, e.g. filamentary ReRAM, MRAM etc. While the likelihood of this scenario seems relatively small at this stage given the rapid technological progress being made together with HGST, it can never be excluded in the dynamic semiconductor industry.

There are two Approaches to ReRAM : Interface switching ReRAM and Filamentary ReRAM

Interface Switching ReRAM  high density memory for mobile and cloud

The development of Interface Switching ReRAM, a unique type of Non-Filamentary ReRAM, represents a breakthrough in ReRAM technology and is unique to 4DS.

Developing memory storage that is not reliant upon a filament allows cell currents to scale down in line with cell size enabling the smaller geometries necessary to put more storage on a memory chip creating high density memory.

A filament-less switching mechanism can operate with low switching currents, due to much more stable currents, essential for high density gigabyte range memories and the retention of data.

4DS has developed a way of controlling the overall resistance of the memory cells using the diffusion of oxygen atoms across the interface and this mechanism is used to reliably control gigabyte memory intended for large-scale storage.

Importantly, Interface Switching ReRAM does not rely on a destruction mechanism thereby increasing endurance, reliability and functional behaviour.

Filamentary ReRAM  low density memory for IoT and connected devices</>

The formation of filaments is the most common approach in ReRAM cell research and development today.

Filamentary mechanisms may work well at relatively large cell geometries but pose significant current density, retention, endurance, access and control problems when trying to achieve gigabyte range memories.

Filamentary ReRAM has inherent scaling limitations because cell currents are high and are independent of cell size. High switching currents are needed for long data retention and the large current fluctuations typically observed in filament-based ReRAM.

The potential for scalability to smaller geometries is limited by wire current densities.

Furthermore, the create and destruct switching mechanism in filamentary ReRAM results in eventual cell breakdown and poses a number of significant limitations for GB silicon storage.




Anduril Industries is a new American defense company that specializes in autonomous drone systems. They excel at artificial intelligence, software, drones and robotics. Andurils major products include unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS (CUAS), semi-portable autonomous surveillance systems, and networked command and control software.

Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey created the Oculus Rift which was sold to Facebook for $2 billion. Anduril is now valued at $8.8 billion.

In April 2021, Anduril acquired Area-I, a company producing drones capable of being launched from larger aircraft.

In June 2023, Anduril agreed to acquire a rocket engine company Adranos, giving it access to technology for developing solid rocket motors for missiles and space launch. The company acquired North Carolina-based autonomous aircraft developer Blue Force Technologies in September 2023.

Anvil, also known as Interceptor, is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle quadrotor designed principally to attack other unmanned aerial vehicles. When launched, Anvil locates target drones using computer vision, and can be commanded to kinetically ram targets by its operator. The drone can reportedly reach speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). Anduril is also developing versions to attack larger targets like helicopters or cruise missiles. Anvil can be integrated into Andurils Lattice system. A detonating version called the Anvil-M was unveiled in October 2023.

Lattice is a software platform that can use artificial intelligence to classify objects by ingesting and fusing data from disparate sensors, including from Andurils own platforms and those of third parties. Lattice has been used to control Anduril equipment for national border and military base surveillance.

The Sentry Tower is a 33-foot (10 meter) tall solar-powered portable surveillance tower. The Sentry contains a camera, communications antennae, radar, and thermal imaging equipment. The tower operates autonomously and feeds data back into Andurils Lattice system, which can classify moving objects and targets in the imagery. When disassembled, the Sentry can fit into a pickup truck, and can reportedly be re-assembled in under an hour. The CBP says agents can set up individual systems at the border in under 2 hours. The Sentry Tower and associated systems such as Lattice have been referred to as a virtual border wall or smart wall.

Fury is a long-range, subsonic, stealthy military drone with 17-foot wingspan suited for surveillance and combat operations.

The Roadrunner is a 6 ft (1.8 m)-long twin turbojet-powered delta-winged craft capable of high subsonic speeds and extreme maneuverability; company officials describe it as somewhere between an autonomous drone and a reusable missile. The basic version can be fitted with modular payloads such as intelligence and reconnaissance sensors, while the Roadrunner-M has an explosive warhead to intercept UAS, cruise missiles, and manned aircraft. Both models can take off and land vertically from a dedicated container, and the munition version can be recovered if not detonated. Although specifications are not known, it is purported to have three times the warhead payload, three times the maneuverability under g-forces, and 10 times the one-way range of comparable air vehicles.

Anduril revealed the Roadrunner in December 2023, saying that it had been in development for two years, and that they were about to begin low-rate production for an order of hundreds of units. A single unit costs in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars but price is expected to drop as more get produced.
On March 4, 2024, most of the original team of South Korean LK99 Room Temperature and atmospheric pressure superconductors researchers will have a short 12 minute presentation at the American Physical Society conference.

Abstract: A16.00002 : Partial levitation, type-II-superconductor characteristic, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in PCPOSOS 8:12 AM8:24 AM

Presenter:

Hyun-Tak Kim

(College of William and Mary)

Authors:

Hyun-Tak Kim

(College of William and Mary)

Sukbae Lee

(QERC in Korea)

Sungyeon Im

(QERC in Korea)

SooMin An

(QERC in Korea)

Keun Ho Auh

(QERC in Korea)

Collaboration:

College of William & Mary, Quantum Energy Research Center in Korea

We synthesized materials, Pb10-xCux(P(O1-ySy)4)6O1-zSz (PCPOSOS), called PCPOSOS, which exhibit superconducting behavior at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. These materials displayed characteristics of a superconductor, including zero resistance, the Meissner effect, and partial levitation when placed on a magnet (arXiv: 2307.12037). The partial levitation is caused by an inhomogeneity in the magnetic field of the magnet and occurred within the range of critical magnetic fields, Hc1 and Hc2. That is, the magnetic field of the magnet increased with going from center to the edge of magnet. The magnet had approximately 2000G at the center and approximately 3,000G at its edge. The levitation occurred near center. This indicates the center of the magnet is close to Hc1. It disappeared between center and the edge near Hc2, with Hc1 being much smaller than Hc2, because the magnetic moment at Hc2 is much smaller than that at Hc1. When the magnet is slightly moved, the levitation returns to its original position. This phenomenon is analyzed as flux pinning, which is typical of a type-II superconductor. Moreover, the quantum-locking phenomenon, characteristic of a Type-I superconductor, may appear. However, we interpret PCPOSOS as a Type-II superconductor. We will show two videos of levitations and two videos of magnets.

Nextbigfuture observes that there does not look like there will be thin film LK99 results at the March, 2024 presentation.

Important Recent LK99 News

Chinese universities and research labs have published experimental evidence in support of LK99 as a room temperature superconductor. The amount of superconducting material that is made in pile of LK99 powder is small. The LK99 needs to have precisely located copper and phosphorous. This leaves one dimensional molecular chains of superconducting material. All previous superconductors have been found to absorb microwaves. It is the nature of superconducting material that they exclude magnetic fields and thus the electronic and magnetic behavior is observed based on interaction with microwaves.

The US military (Air Force Research Lab) gave some small funding to Chapman University to work on thin film LK99. Thin film LK99 is the only form of the materials with reported superconducting levels of low resistance.
Nearly two decades ago, the Spanish essayist and philosophy professor Jose Antonio Marina, 84, published Anatomia del miedo: un tratado sobre la valentia [Anatomy of Fear: A treatise on courage], where he broke down the entire genealogy of the great family of anguish, unease, terror and vulnerability. And, just two months ago, Andrea Genovart  a 30-year-old novelist from Spains northeastern region of Catalonia  won a prestigious literary prize, Premio Anagrama, with her novel Consum Preferent, written in a zany combination of Spanish-Catalan-French-English-and more. Besides its impact in terms of literary style, the book is a bitter and satirical portrait of her generation: the one caught between the economic crisis of 2008 and the Covid pandemic of 2020.

EL PAIS invited both writers to the Ateneo de Madrid  a private cultural institution located in the capital of Spain  to discuss fears, bravery, doubts, conformism, skepticism, cowardice and anger.

Question. We seem to be surrounded by fear, whether it be fear of climate change, fear of losing our job, fear of not fitting in, fear of artificial intelligence, fear of polarization, fear of another pandemic, fear of war, fear of our loved ones being in danger, fear of God or just plain old fear, inexplicable fear. Has this always been the case? Or is it more prevalent today?

Jose Antonio Marina. One of the most lasting feelings in humanity is fear. Its been a great social organizer: power has always been dedicated to fear. [Power often] prevails because of fear. Machiavelli assumed that people could be commanded either through love or through fear. It would be better [if we were more susceptible] to love, but fear is more effective.

Andrea, I wanted to ask you something: I dont know if the new generations  who, logically. should feel very afraid of future uncertainty  have somehow adapted to fear, because they dont expect too much [from the world]. What do you think?

Andrea Genovart. Yes, I believe that, in fact, uncertainty has been so assimilated to the point that were unable to [look towards the future]. And thats totally paralyzing. Oftentimes, fear acts as a political engine. And I believe that were now in a moment in which fear is combined with depression. Maybe in the past, fears were more concrete: there were wars, diseases, etc. But nowadays, I have the feeling that some of our [fears] have no reasoning. For example, the fear of the future. Or the fear of climate change, which is like the idea of the apocalypse. In my generation, theres an unidentifiable fear, something that runs through you. It has no [precise cause], but its a state of being.

J. A. M. I think youre right, Andrea. Therefore, when we [study] fear, we see that fear is the awareness of a danger that has appeared. Its a very basic feeling, a feeling like anxiety. When the danger is concrete and can be determined, then it manifests itself as fear. But when [the danger isnt concrete] and you still have anxiety, technically, thats a state of anguish.

A. G. Isnt it contradictory, by definition, to talk about fear of the future, since the future cannot be defined? Shouldnt we use the word anguish instead?

J. A. M. We should also use uncertainty. Uncertainty means that the amount of information we have is so gigantic that, instead of limiting uncertainty, it increases it. Another thing is ambiguity, which is the difficulty of understanding whats happening. And that feeling  which causes one to say I dont understand whats happening  is [prevalent] among the younger generations and has given rise to something that worries me. This is when people say, look, I dont understand it, so maybe its not so important. Theres a kind of decline in the need to understand things. And that seems dangerous to me. The character in your novel represents something like this.

A. G. One thing thats very characteristic of our generation (millennials)  something that makes us settle into a state of great skepticism, or cynicism  is [the notion] that its useless to learn or politicize ourselves or anything, [because were] experiencing the collapse of the capitalist dream, which was the promise of effort and upward social mobility. I dont think theres much [confidence] in what progress is, or that progress is something that one can simply put into action. This makes [young people] settle into the inertia that you mentioned.

J. A. M. My former students  that is, those who are approximately your age, Andrea  have settled into something that seems kind of sad to me. Its a kind of helplessness, but a comfortable helplessness. Theres no hope for the future... but hey, as long as I can enjoy the weekends. Its actually kind of a resigned frustration.

Question. There are quite a few 30-year-olds who are happy because they dont lack work but they never last long in one job. Theyre told that they work well, but its impossible to get them to stay for long.

A. G. The thing is that there are structures in place that are very precarious. In just four years, Ive had to change apartments four times, with all the emotional toll that entails. Theres a professional logic based on temporary contracts. And all of that  not to mention the problem of relating sexually and emotionally  makes things extremely fluid. [Hence], everybody is always filling out job applications. Im not justifying it and I dont think that any of this will lead to a good outcome but I understand that, in the end, the only consolation that young people have today is knowing that they can afford a beer or a dinner.

J. A. M. So, more than a feeling of fear of the future, theres a feeling of acceptance of provisionality.

A. G. Yes, theres an uprootedness.

J. A. M. I think that this [attitude] is saving many people from depression, but in another sense, I think that our young people arent very rebellious. And something more serious: young people are beginning to feel a disdain for freedom. In other words: Well, freedom isnt that important, at least as long as a kind of immediate freedom of choice is maintained. Youre free? Yes, because I have 10 brands of beer to choose from in the supermarket. Its a kind of limited freedom. And that, in my opinion, is one of the reasons thats causing a shift towards illiberal democracies.

Andrea Genovart and Jose Antonio Marina, in Madrid. Ximena y Sergio

Question. In Andrea Genovarts novel and in Anatomy of Fear, you both reflect on the lack of rebelliousness. Jose cites the German psychoanalyst Karen Horney and her concept of the tyranny of the should, regarding our struggle to live up to our ideal self. This conformism collides with the stress of I have to, people expect me to, etc.

A. G. I believe that, right now, our generation is at a brutal crossroads. On one hand, the generation has never felt so free we feel very free in the sense of sexual freedom, in being able to participate in social movements and alternative media. But, at the same time, were slaves to capitalist dynamics, which, I believe, are more solid than ever. We fall into the danger of believing that were free.

J. A. M. Many things in the field of new technology occur within a framework of non-freedom. One of those decisive moments  which went almost unnoticed and continues to have lots of influence  is when Facebook introduced the like button into its programs this idea that Im going to give you a little prize every time. Were all continually receiving small prizes and thats one of the things that makes us addicted to new technologies.

A. G. That element creates a real dependency on your self-image. There comes a time when you have to exist for others. Its horrible that, when a person unsubscribes from social media, for example, its like they stop existing in the imagination of others.

A young woman reads Consum Preferent, by Andrea Genovart. Albert Garcia

Question. The French psychiatrist and essayist Marie-France Hirigoyen, author of books such as The New Solitudes, Moral Harassment or Narcissists Have Grabbed Power, writes that who you are no longer matters. She opines that only how you present yourself is what matters.

J. A. M. Thats a big fear today!

A. G. The thing is that, today, existence is defined in virtual terms, its [defined by] stimulation, as Jean Baudrillard once said. Theres an enormous amount of time and effort dedicated to staying up to date, posting and knowing what other people are posting. This chunk of time is already greater than what we dedicate to empirical and physical experiences.

J. A. M. Whats happening  and this is really scary  is that were getting used to consuming only short messages. These brief formats of expression are suitable for an advertising slogan, for a meme, for an insult but not for an argument. Arguments require long texts. But were living amidst a type of social and political communication where time isnt wasted on arguments.

A. G. You can see this very clearly on Twitter: 240 characters to describe whats being uttered by political personalities, or to talk about climate change.

Jose Antonio Marina, pictured in Madrid. Santi Burgos

J. A. M. When I give courses to postgraduate philosophy students, I ask them a rapid-fire question: Do you believe that all opinions are respectable? And everyone tells me yes. And I tell them that theyre confused. One thing is the right of all people to say that their opinion is respectable, but its entirely another thing for it to be so, because certain opinions can be idiotic, offensive, slanderous... or nonsense, like saying that the Earth is flat. I said this at an event that I was invited to. And it was kind of crazy, they posted my comments on Instagram and I dont know where else. It became a trending topic but its so obvious! How can so many people be surprised? Were in a superficial polyphony: all voices end up having the same value.

Question. The current educational level in certain areas related to critical thinking, the expression of opinions, conversational ability and essay-writing, causes some concern. Do you share this worry?

J. A. M. At this moment, the world is in a state of educational panic. Were saying that 60% of the jobs that the boys and girls who are currently in school are going to work in havent even been invented yet. So, if we dont know what field theyre going to work in  if we dont know which conceptual systems, tools or problems theyre going to be facing  what the hell are we teaching them? Pedagogical thinking is operating at the same [capacity] as philosophical thinking: at a minimum.

Furthermore, were living in the attention economy. Managing political behaviors isnt as important as managing attention. The CEO of Netflix already said it: You get a show or a movie youre really dying to watch, and you end up staying up late at night, so we actually compete with sleep. Attention is a scarce commodity, as is critical thinking. Its a serious problem that critical thinking is being discredited in elite universities in the United States. Many students are demanding that the university presidents shouldnt introduce ideas that might bother them. Thats a serious problem but the fact that the presidents agree with them is terrible.

Another terrible thing is happening: we belong to different tribes, which collapses the notion of universality. Each tribe has its own ideas. And so, the woke way of thinking says: Look, I [have a] Black thought, or a queer thought, or a trans thought and Im not the least bit interested in explaining it to you, because Im not interested in you understanding me. This is the truth of my group and I dont care about the truth of yours.

A. G. Well, I dont think its problematic to banish the idea of universal truth. We could organize ourselves knowing that theres none, while still accepting certain baselines.

J. A. M. But Andrea, if you ignore the idea of universality, plurality as such becomes worthless, because within the plurality, there can be Nazis. And if you dispense with the concept of universal truth, theres no value in saying that all men and women are equal. If you ignore universal truth, Trump goes and tells the farmers in Ohio that climate change is a lie made up by some gentlemen from the Northeast. Denying the possibility of truths that are universally justifiable is more serious than it seems.

Id like to return to the concept of comfortable helplessness that we talked about before... Francis Fukuyama says that where were moving towards the idea of a kind of comfortable happiness, a happiness without great expectations: [theres only] comfort, well-being and that brings us

A. G. But who defines what comfort is? Because one thing that I see a lot, when the demands made by people of my generation are criticized, is that [older generations] make us feel like the [smallest] things are actually the biggest things. If you ask for a more dignified job, they tell you at least you have a job. In other words, be thankful for being alive and thats it. Were infantilized, were made to seem that were just whiners or egomaniacs.

The authors, photographed during their conversation. Ximena y Sergio

Question. Spain has 30% youth unemployment and, since 2008, the purchasing power of young people has fallen by 23%, according to the National Youth Institute. What response mechanisms has the younger generation put in place, trapped between the economic crisis of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020?

A. G. Well, it seems to me that the response mechanism we have  and Im not defending it  is the idea of evasion and exacerbated consumption, especially technological consumption. These mechanisms are greatly affected by information overload, which involves such a huge mass of information that it leads us to paralysis, due to skepticism or cynicism. For example, for many of us (millennials and Gen Z), there are no longer right-wing parties or left-wing parties, because politics is inherently corrupt.

Question. The next step to that demobilization is disengagement and that may result in everyone becoming Aristotelian idiots, right? The extreme primacy of the individual.

A. G. Or we could become psychopaths, sociopaths

J. A. M. Right now, psychological happiness is trendy. And to me, that seems like a social catastrophe. Its a kind of satisfied state of mind in which I dont take anything too seriously, even though I would like to live forever. But then theres another thing, which basically comes from the French Revolution, and this is political happiness, public happiness. Its an objective situation [for everyone], no longer [merely an individual] state of mind.

A. G. Politics has infantilized us. Were told not to be rebels, were told not to complain, were told that we have it all but 15 years have passed since the 2008 financial crisis and its logical that theres widespread skepticism.

J. A. M. Protesting something isnt just about just raising an issue. The important thing is to identify the problem well before trying to solve it. And if politicians who, in theory should be solving the problems appear to the people as the big problem themselves, what kind of world are we living in? My new book, which I will publish in a few months, is titled A Universal History of Solutions. Its a counter-current book that deals a little with all of this...

A. G. For me, one thing is essential. [We must] set out a road map  something that isnt done in our country  and put all the cards on the table. What has been revealed in recent decades is that [our governments] have falsified [data], lied and engaged in corruption.

Question. Is fear bad, or can it be a warning for brave people, who are willing to take it on and overcome the dangers?

J. A. M. Fear is one of the basic emotions. It exists in all animal species who have a structured nervous system. Like all emotions, its a kind of GPS of behavior and, like all emotions, it helps us make decisions very quickly and implement mechanisms that can save us. But its one thing to be afraid, which can be beneficial, and another to be a coward. The coward is no longer [tied] to the field of emotions [cowardice] is about behavior.

A. G. Fear offers some very useful things, [including] for society: the fear of terrorism, or of any totalitarianism. But I think that were in a moment in which fear has gotten out of hand, because were already catastrophic, were not just fearful. I think we have to regulate that a little, we have to move towards courage and optimism.
Michael, son of Emeka Ike, the Nigerian actor, says he is scared he will end up becoming like his father.

Last week, an audio surfaced on social media platforms wherein the film star appeared to have asked Michael to commit suicide.

Michael go and jump in front of a truck right now. Jump from where you are and break your head and smash it, he was heard saying in the voice note.

In a recent episode of the #WithChude podcast, Michael said he is not proud to call Ike my father.

He also expressed concerns about having similar issues like Ike when he becomes a husband and father.

This cannot be someone I should be proud of. I started thinking: what do I do when I bring a woman home? Or my kids? he said.

I started getting scared that I am going to have issues like this when I grow up. People always tell me Im having the effects that my father has, this agitation.

I am starting to reflect on myself that maybe it is better if I start to keep quiet and slow down because I really dont want to end up like this guy.

He said I should not come out here and talk. That I should not dare step foot against him and that he will crush me.

He said he will crush me if I ever dared to go against him. I just want to see what happens next. I am here for the ride.

Emeka Ikes 17-year-old marriage to Suzanne Emma was dissolved by a Lagos Island customary court in 2017 over incessant battery.

The court also granted Ike the custody of their four children but ruled that Suzanne be allowed unhindered access to them.

The actor, who has not been featured in movies for over 13 years, however, made a comeback in Malaika, a film by Toyin Abraham.

During an interview last week, Ike alleged that Suzanne made him lose his properties worth millions and access to his four kids.

Suzanne, however, fired back at Ike, alleging that she endured physical abuse during their marriage.




Fulham star Alex Iwobi is looking forward to facing his former club, Arsenal.





The Whites will host Mikel Artetas men at the Craven Cottage on Sunday (today).





Iwobi was on the books of Arsenal for 15 years before leaving the Gunners for Everton in 2019.





The 27-year-old claimed he wants to help Fulham beat their London rivals.





Its always special [playing against Arsenal] and one Im looking forward to of course, Iwobi told Fulhams official website.





Ive always felt like Ive got a point to prove coming up against Arsenal. As is always the case, I want to play my part and be on the winning side.





The Nigeria international has scored three goals in 15 league appearances for Fulham this season.




The Kogi State Government on Saturday evening confirmed the rescue of 21 kidnap victims in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.





The confirmation was made in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onogwu Muhammed.





It was gathered that the 21 victims, who were kidnapped along Ajaokuta-Itobe road in Kogi State on Thursday, were rescued on Saturday by a joint team of security operatives, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Civil Defence and local vigilantes.





The statement said, The victims, predominantly travelers, had been whisked away to an unknown destination within the dense forest around the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.





Upon receiving report of this distressing incident, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, promptly issued directives to both security agencies and local vigilantes to embark on immediate actions that will lead to the freedom of the captives. He said the perpetrators of this reprehensible act must also be fished out.





This directive underscored Governor Bellos unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens/residents under his charge.





The determined efforts of the combined security forces yielded results within 48 hours, leading to successful release of the 21 captives.





The statement added that the operation led to the arrest of some of the kidnappers while those still at large are being trailed.





According to the statement, Governor Yahaya Bello commended the security operatives for their rapid and effective response.





Governor Bello seized the opportunity to issue a stern warning to those with nefarious intentions and warned criminals against migrating to Kogi for illicit activities.





The Governor unequivocally declared Kogi as a no-go area for all forms of criminalities, making it clear that his administration would spare no effort in safeguarding the peace and security of the state, the statement added.




Indigenes of Ifon town in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State have accused the Ilobu community of plans to cede some villages within its jurisdiction to the neighbouring Oyo State.





Orolu Local Government is a boundary between Osun and Oyo States.





This allegation was contained in a petition by the Secretary of Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union Board of Trustees, Jide Akinyooye on Saturday.





In the petition obtained by newsmen, the Ifon community said some villages belonging to the town were being ceded to towns in Oyo State.





He also said the decision by the village heads to pledge allegiance to towns in Oyo State was meant to provoke violent reactions from the Ifon community.





Akinrotoye urged the Osun State Government to act timely on the allegation.





On Friday, 29th December, 2023 it came to our notice that some indigenes of Ilobu, who are farmers in most of the villages under Orolu Local Government, Ifon-Osun were installed by Baale of Iranyin in Surulere Local Government of Oyo State) as new chiefs in their respective settlements.





For instance, the following indigenes of Ilobu: Mr. Tafa, a villager in Bara-Odunayo village was installed and named a Chief to be controlling Bara village in Orolu Local Government. Also, Mr. Alani, a villager in Olosho in Orolu Local Government Area, Ifon-Osun was installed and named by a traditional ruler in Surulere Local Government area of Oyo State to be controlling Olosho Village in Orolu Local Government of Osun State.





A similar situation applies to Molufon and Idi-Iroko Model Towns whose Chiefs are Second Class Obas under Osun State Chief Laws.





Unfortunately, we factually realized that all these grand conspiracies were maliciously hatched and executed against the people of Ifon, Orolu Local Government, and the government of Osun State with knowledge of Chief Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Baale of Ilobu in Osun State who received them in his palace with fanfare.





He insisted that Ifon-Osun is convinced that the intention of the sponsors and collaborators on this evil and illegal mission is to cause civil disturbances in the area.





He added that the aim was to unnecessarily cede territorial boundary land of Osun State to Oyo State by sabotaging the Osun State government position before the National Boundary Commission, NBC.





It is important to clarify to the members of the public that public facilities, including primary schools, primary health centers, low-cost housing, motorized boreholes, and other social amenities that were provided by the government of Osun State exist in the concerned locations, that also accommodated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Polling Stations positioned within Olufon Ward 10 of Orolu Local Government area, Ifon-Osun without dispute from time immemorial.





We are calling on the Osun State Government and the Inspector General of Police through the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11 Police Command to investigate Baale of Iranyin, Oyo State and the impersonators who purportedly installed the Olu-Idiroko, Olu of Molufon, Bara, among others, within Osun State for impersonation under the Chiefs Laws of Osun State to prosecute them accordingly.





The Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola, when contacted debunked the allegation.





Ogunsola confirmed that the people of Ilobu who are farmers in Oyo State were installed as Baales.





Where they were made village heads is not our land. They are farmers on the land. The Aranhin of Irahin in Surulere Local Government installed them.





The only thing I know is that our people who are farmers on the land of Irahin and Iresa-adu were installed as village heads and there is no problem there, he said.




Former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Doyin Odebowale, has explained why he cant work with the newly sworn-in governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.





Odebowale explained that he worked with Akeredolu for about three decades, hence cant commit the same level of dedication and loyalty to Aiyedatiwa.





Odebowale, alongside other key aides to late Akeredolu, resigned their appointments following the governors death.





On Wednesday, Akeredolu gave up the ghost in Germany after battling with prostrate cancer.





Addressing journalists in Akure, Odebowale recalled how he convinced Akeredolu to contest the 2018 gubernatorial election.





He said, I have worked with Akeredolu for 30 years. I was the last person who convinced him to contest the previous election.





I wrote all his campaign content. It is more of a personal reason for me. I have nothing against whoever is in office now.





I have nothing left to do in the office when the person who brought me there is no longer there. I cant remain in that space and pretend.





I cant be as committed as I was with Akeredolu because I got all his support. It was not political. He gave me the wings to fly. He was my brother, like a family.
Schools have taught alternative versions of United States history for decades  a fact that continues to be the source of controversy. Hundreds of books have been devoted to reviewing and reinterpreting the countrys founding. Political discourse has changed too, incorporating new points of view. In Los Angeles, Judy Baca chose to tell her version of the nations unofficial history out in the open and for all to see. The Chicana artist and activist  one of the movements most important figures  has been doing this work since 1976, concentrating her efforts in a project that has survived to the present day: The Great Wall of Los Angeles.

With a bit of luck, anyone who visits the Resnick Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the coming months will see Baca, dressed in a paint-splattered jumpsuit, working on a new section of the gigantic mural, to eventually join with its larger whole, which is located in the LAs San Fernando Valley, and is considered one of the largest murals in the world. Its sweeping scenes feature leaders from the farmworkers movement that famously called for a boycott of Central California grapes to demand better conditions for workers, many of them immigrants. Cesar Chavez appears on one panel, holding a flag, as does Dolores Huerta, who holds a megaphone in her hand. There are lesser-known characters as well, like the Filipino labor organizer and movement leader, Larry Itliong.

Its a story of evolution, says Baca, as she sits on a small stool and paints the face of the famous United Farm Workers leader. As much as Ive tried to make it about Los Angeles, its also a national story. The 77-year-old artist, the granddaughter of Mexicans who migrated to Colorado, learned to paint to scale in the studio of Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Now, she comes to the museum two or three times a week to sketch out the 60-foot-long scene with thick blue paint. She starts the process, then her team covers the canvas in a monochrome wash that adds dimension and highlights the darker colors.

Artist Toria Maldonado works on a section of The Great Wall of Los Angeles at the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) in Venice, Los Angeles. Luis Pablo Beauregard

An example of the final result, in bold, high contrast colors, is displayed in the same room. Generation On Fire shows a group of young activists, linked in a human chain, sprayed by firehoses and surrounded by a circle of fire. The section is a nod to the Freedom Riders, the students who traveled in buses from Washington in 1961 to the southern states to support efforts against racial segregation.

Baca and her team will work at LACMA through June 2024 to complete another 135 feet of the mural. This will be in addition to the more than 2,750 feet that already exist along the Tujunga Wash, a tributary of the Los Angeles River, just north of the city. That main section was painted over the course of seven summers, from 1976 to 1983, with the help of some 400 low-income youth, artists and community members. The work has benefited from a second boost since 2021, when the artist and her team received a five million dollar grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to expand the project. The mural will stretch nearly one mile long by 2028, when Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games.

Bacas presence at LACMA is a vindication of her lifes work. The Chicana activist, who grew up during a time when speaking Spanish was not allowed in her school, said that decades ago, she was uninterested in having her work featured in museums because they belittled her identity. Times have changed. Now, a major LA art institution has offered Baca her first solo exhibition of her career, and organized a gala in her honor, which also celebrated the work of filmmaker David Fincher.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles, a mural that tells the story of the city from prehistoric times to the 1980s. Education Images (Getty Images) The historical events and figures depicted in the mural are accompanied by descriptive captions. Education Images (Getty Images) The mural is painted on the concrete wall designed to contain the Los Angeles River. Education Images (Getty Images) For now, the story told by the mural ends with the 1984 Olympic Games. Education Images (Getty Images)

Judy grew up with the Chicano movement of the 1960s, at a point in history when there was no recognition of muralism or Mexican-Americans in the institutions. Its been an adventure to watch it develop and to see the impact it has today in different communities. Now her work is considered very important by curators and historians, says Delia Sofia Zacarias, who curated the exhibition, which is titled Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and The Great Wall.

The Great Wall began as a work commissioned by the Army Corps of Engineers, which was building a channel system to prevent the Los Angeles River from flooding. At first, Baca proposed using the concrete walls to tell the story of California from prehistoric times to 1940. The program was a success, and was applauded as a path toward community integration for hundreds of youth caught up in the court system on various charges. The project showed that young people who are prone to getting into trouble also tend to be the most creative, Baca asserted in a letter to City Hall in the 1980s. The mayor of Los Angeles at the time, Tom Bradley, commissioned the painter and her team of artists to complete 47 murals in the lead up to the 1984 Olympic Games.

After years relegated to the margins of the LA art world, Bacas great work has finally achieved mainstream recognition as it approaches its 50-year anniversary. The artists archive, which includes the original sketches of the mural, photographs, maps and correspondence between the painter and her team, was acquired a few years ago by George Lucas. Lucas, a director and patron of the arts, plans to incorporate these elements into a collection at the museum he is building in the heart of the city, dedicated to narrative art.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles stretches 2,754 feet along the concrete wall designed to contain the LA River. Education Images (Getty Images)

Over the coming few months, people can watch Baca working on the mural at LACMA, but the enormous project is simultaneously under way in another part of the city, inside a former prison in Venice, a neighborhood on LAs Westside. The building is the headquarters of the Social and Public Art Resource Center, an organization better known by its acronym, SPARC. The space is the main center of operations and activism for Baca and her fellow artists. In the back section of the building, two teenagers are looking over some old photographs and other visual references displayed on large monitors to ensure the details they paint on future murals are accurate. Our work is important because its telling the history of things that have been forgotten or actively suppressed, says Rachel, one of those charged with the task of finding and displaying photos. Its a history thats not in books, and we have to create images of events that sometimes dont have any existing images.

In another part of the building, Toria Maldonado works on the coloring for a different scene: crows flying over a row of houses. In one of their talons, a bird holds a sign that reads, We want white tenants in our white community, as it flies away. On the street below, a man holds a sign reading I Am a Man, one of the most famous phrases of the Civil Rights Movement. The scene is highlighted in electric blue, a sure sign that Judy Bacas brush has already passed over it. Soon, the scene will be rolled up into a scroll  a technology created by SPARC  and transferred to its new home along the river. There, it will tell a little-known story to anyone who passes by.

Baca paints an outline of Cesar Chavez in a section of the mural on October 26, 2023. Richard Vogel (AP)

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, on Saturday paid a visit to the internally displaced persons in Bokkos and Barkin-ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where armed men attacked on Christmas Eve.

Obi, who was accompanied by party officials, donated the sum of N5 million to victims of the attack.

Speaking during the visit, Obi decried the level of insecurity in the country, and called on the Federal Government to ensure the protection of the lives of Nigerians.

He also urged the government to address the number of people seeking refuge in the country, adding that its unacceptable for one to seek refuge in his own country.

195 people have so far been reported dead from the attack by armed men on the local governments on Christmas Eve.

Of the number, 148 were killed in Bokkos Local Government Area, 19 in Mangu Local Government Area, and 27 in Barkin Ladi. 1,290 houses were burnt down in Bokkos council, one house was razed in Mangu LGA.




The ongoing crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly took a new twist on Sunday as the factional speaker loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ehie Ogerenye tendered his resignation, while quitting as a member of the Assembly.





Ehie in a letter addressed to the National Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, also stated that he has resigned as the member representing Ahoada-East Constituency II in the 10th Assembly.





This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada  East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.





I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently.





Kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem at all times, the letter reads.





The development came after President Bola Tinubu mediated between the Rivers Governor and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister.





Tinubu in the 8-point resolution reached after his intervention directed that Martins Chike Amaewhule be recognised as the speaker of the house while the actions taken by Edison such as budget presentation be repeated.
A member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Timothy Osadolor, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike is technically no longer a member of the party.

Osadolor cautioned Nigerians against taking Wike seriously because he double-speaks on issues.

Speaking with Trust TV, the PDP Deputy National Youth leader, said, The truth is that Wike has technically left the PDP. When last did you see him in any PDP function?

To say that Wike is no longer a member of the party, especially when he has also claimed leadership of the APC in his state, is just over-flogging what is already obvious.

No matter how he continues to say that he is a member of the PDP, the reality on ground and his actions state something else.

I think Nigerians should not take him too seriously because the man is given to double-speaking. Wike has left the party, and that is the truth.

The activities of Wike have been questioned prior to the 2023 general elections.

Wike had allegedly worked against the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar during the election.

He allegedly pitched his tent with President Bola Tinubu and eventually gained an appointment as the FCT Minister.

Aggrieved by his activities, PDPs acting Chairman, Umar Damagum had threatened to sanction him soon.
One person was flown to an area hospital and three others were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Burlington Township early Sunday, state police said Sunday.

The crash occurred at 12:34 a.m. around milepost 45.6 when a car headed north on the Turnpike ran off the road to the right right, into a ditch and back onto the highway, State Police said.

The first car was then struck by a northbound SUV. The SUV was then struck by a third vehicle, according to police.

The driver of the first car, identified only as a 26-year-old woman from Baltimore, Maryland, sustained serious injuries following the crash north of Exit 5 and was airlifted to an area hospital.

The driver of the SUV, as well as the driver and passenger in the third vehicle, all had minor injuries, police said.

The accident remains under investigation by authorities. No additional information was immediately available.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
A 27-year-old Camden County man allegedly stabbed a Pennsylvania state trooper multiple times in the leg Saturday, according to a news release.

The news release says Bradley Odenath stabbed the trooper who was serving a warrant at 8:42 a.m. Saturday in Tilden Township, Berks County.

The trooper was treated and released from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township after suffering multiple stab wounds, the release says.

Odenath, of Pine Hill, was charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and harassment. He was unable to post $10,000 bail and sent to Berks County Prison, police said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
UPDATE: Service on the Northeast Corridor has resumed NJ Transit said just before 10 a.m. Delays were 45 minutes starting at 8:15 a.m.

NJ Transit train service on the Northeast Corridor line into and out of New York Penn Station was suspended early Sunday due to Amtrak signal issues.

The agency announced the suspension between New York and Trenton just after 5:30 a.m. on a major travel day for New Years Eve celebrations in the city.

Midtown Direct rail service is being diverted to Hoboken, where PATH service is available. NJ Transit train tickets are being cross honored by PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd Street in Manhattan.

The signal issues are also affecting Atlantic City line trains. Service on that line is suspended between Cherry Hill and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Tickets are being cross honored by PATCO at Lindenwold station.

North Jersey Coast Line trains will run between Bay Head and Avenel while Raritan Valley service is operateing between Raritan and Cranford.

Around midnight Sunday, service was delayed for 60 minutes before being reduced to 30 minutes.

Amtrak trains are operating, but face delays up to two hours, according to an 8:15 a.m, statement.

Were currently experiencing server/ signal issues in the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak said in a statement. Trains are being delayed departing and operating at reduced speeds. Lengthy delays are expected.

Amtrak operates the tracks NJ Transit trains between New York City and Trenton.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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Thank goodness for the Screen Actors Guild strike.

If it wasnt for the 118-day-long work stoppage that brought movie making to a screeching halt, Rosella wouldnt be a thing. The low-key neighborhood restaurant in Mid-City opened around Thanksgiving, offering partners Alix Petrovich and Paul McCaige a career shift that came about providentially.

Both had careers in filmmaking, Petrovich in the art department and McCaige in lighting design. They met on the set of Quiz Lady starring Sandra Oh. Between the pandemic, the year that (Gov. Bobby) Jindal took away the tax incentives for filmmakers and then the strike, the instability of the business just got to me, Petrovich says. After more than 20 years of working in film, I wasnt able to earn a living.

Rosella Where 139 S. Cortez St., (504) 766-6642; rosellamidcity.com When Dinner Wed.-Mon. How Dine-in Check it out A new casual restaurant in Mid-City

Petrovich grew up in the neighborhood, next door to the restaurant, which back then was a corner store called Tonys. Her mom bought the building after Hurricane Katrina. We got eight feet of water here, she says. Everyone told my mom she was an idiot to stay, let alone invest in property.

Past tenants included the original location of Ruby Slipper and most recently Fullblast Brunch. When that chef/operator decided to go in another direction at the end of summer, the stars aligned. My mom had other people interested in opening, but she asked us if we were interested and to come up with a business plan, Petrovich says. Theyd both worked restaurant jobs to make ends meet over the years, but opening their own place was something new.

After canvassing friends and neighbors for market research, they knew what the block didnt need. There are plenty of great spots for breakfast and good restaurants cooking traditional New Orleans food, McCaige says. We wanted a bar with good food. And we kept hearing people say they wanted a place to drink good, affordable wine. Neither one of us really knew much about wine. And while they had both worked back of the house kitchen jobs, the notion of conceiving a menu for Rosella, named for Petrovichs grandmother, seemed ambitious.

Enter consultants Richard Horner, the former chef and co-owner of the now-shuttered Blue Giant, and James Moises, who owns the eclectic Bizou Wines, a small distributor on the nearby Lafitte Greenway.

We talked to Richard about what we were thinking, and he got it right away, McCaige says. He said, Right, you want drinking food. Which was perfect. Take his andouille corn dog, for example. So many people are admitting how much they love corn dogs, Petrovich says. Were taking the shame away. It is thick and juicy, with a perfectly crispy cornmeal coating, served sliced with Creole mustard and house made pickles. The kids menu includes a hot dog corn dog as well.

Horners original menu, executed by chef Jacob Zambarano, includes charcuterie and more snacks, like croquettes oozing house-made pimiento cheese, mushrooms in sherry cream sauce on toast, and shrimp remoulade lettuce wraps. Theres a terrific cold fried chicken Waldorf salad and a chilled red bean salad that might be the only rendition of red beans and rice that is both cold and light. The potato gnocchi arrive in a creamy bacon-studded sauce reminiscent of a loaded baked potato. Theres a vegetarian three-cheese manicotti, a pork chop with sweet potato puree and Brussels sprouts and meatloaf with onion gravy. For dessert, a fried Hubigs pie is served with a scoop of Angelo Brocato gelato.

Although there currently are no sandwiches, that will change soon when Rosella opens for lunch in mid-January. Well do some cold Italian sandwiches and incorporate some dinner items, like a meatloaf sandwich with tomato jam and a pork belly and pimiento cheese sandwich, McCaige says.

Moise supports Horners menu with an interesting selection of affordable boutique wines ($26-$56) that run the gamut from a French viognier to a Chilean cabernet sauvignon. Theres a creative $10-$12 cocktail menu as well, with a drink called Mr. Tony in honor of the former corner store. It combines Flora de Cana rum, lemon, Curacao, orgeat and orange bitters.

The restaurant is charming, full of plants and funky art, painted to look like a mottled terracotta with spring green booths and tables and seating along the bar. Theres a vintage jukebox loaded with tunes like Some Kind of Wonderful by the Drifters, so its quite possible that dancing will commence. The space already radiates fun, warmth and community. Add in the creative menu and affordable wine and Rosella has found its niche.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Benito Mussolini  Il Duce  gave away autographed photos of himself, often with personal messages. Hitlers voice constantly resonated throughout a Nazi Germany plastered with images of the Fuhrer. Stalin embodied not only the Communist Party, but also Grandfather Frost  Russias Santa Claus. Mao Zedong  Chinas Great Helmsman  was the philosopher-king of the East. And Francois Papa Doc Duvalier was the first voodoo protector of Haiti. They all portrayed themselves as champions of the people, advocating for a fresh political approach while elevating themselves far above the masses. Like Machiavelli, they knew that its better to be feared than loved. However, they also craved adulation and wanted to cling to power forever, which led to repressive systems designed to maintain an illusion of popular support. These are some of the shared characteristics of modern dictators explored by Dutch historian Frank Dikotter in How to Be a Dictator: The Cult of Personality in the Twentieth Century.

Throughout the 20th century, millions of people hailed their dictators while suffering under brutally oppressive regimes. Their faces adorned billboards, buildings and even everyday products. With tight control over the press and education, these totalitarians were omnipresent figures on radio and television. Dictators basked in the adulation of their subjects parading in front of presidential palaces, carrying an assortment of objects, medals and emblems of support. The goal was to create the illusion of popular will. The cult of personality aimed to obtain obedience through isolation, by subjugating individuality to the masses. Steeped in superstition and magic, it became a type of top-down religiosity. Hitler portrayed himself as a messiah with a mystical bond to the German people. Duvalier stoked rumors of his supernatural powers. Communist countries discovered that elevating their leaders to sacred status yielded better results than promoting dialectical materialism, which most people did not understand.

In those dictatorships, loyalty to a single person held utmost importance because following a creed often led to divisions and factions. Mussolini rejected ideology and prided himself on following his instincts. Hitler wielded nationalism and antisemitism, but needed little else. Megistu in Ethiopia was inspired by Lenin, the creator of the revolutionary vanguard, rather than the ideological Marx. Stalin and Mao were worshiped for decades until they died of old age. Duvalier handed down power to his son, Baby Doc, who carried on his fathers cult of personality. Three generations of Kims in North Korea have enjoyed the worship of their pitiful people. But dictators beware  when fear vanishes, the illusion of ubiquitous love also vanishes. Romanias Nicolae Ceausescu delivered his traditional speech in front of the Peoples Palace in December 1989. The speech was televised but the cameras didnt show spontaneous displays of unconditional support. Instead, the world saw thousands of protesters swarming over the massive edifice. Ceausescu and his wife would be dead by the end of the year after being tried and executed for economic sabotage and genocide.

The 1989 demonstration against Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Radu Sigheti

Dictators with longevity successfully blend a cult of personality with terror. In the initial phase, the leader must exert enough influence to defeat opponents and attract public acclaim. The cult diminishes both allies and rivals, coercing their collaboration through submission. However, as these leaders mature, it becomes less clear who genuinely supports or opposes them. The dictator must then clean house through ruthless internal purges. The purge survivors and other visible faces of the regime become complicit in the regimes crimes, ensuring the perpetuation of the cult of personality. To sustain terror, its crucial to maintain the illusion of a personal connection with the people.

Adolf Hitler, who early on discovered his ability to captivate the masses, meticulously crafted his public appearances until the very end. Hitlers initial image campaign, orchestrated by Alfred Rosenberg when he turned 34, released press photos of his face over a black background. Mein Kampf served as both his political biography and his legend  the gifted child and artist, avid reader, born orator, and savior of the German people. Rather than erecting statues, he focused on his face and voice, which reached far and wide. Hitler was a chameleon who could read the mood of his audience and seamlessly absorb it into a meticulously rehearsed choreography performed at countless rallies and parades. When the German people learned of his death, a wave of suicides swept the country.

Vladimir Lenin, too, was glorified during his lifetime. Following his death in 1924, Josef Stalin positioned himself as Lenins most loyal disciple. Four years later, he initiated the first major purge of the Communist Party during the annual May Day parade. Instead of cementing a cult of personality, Stalin portrayed himself as the embodiment of the proletarian revolution. His carefully cultivated image of spontaneity was solidified during the Great Patriotic War (World War II). Once victory was achieved, he sidelined all the military men who challenged his glory. Shortly before his death, Stalin commissioned a large statue of himself to be placed at the confluence of the Volga and Don rivers.

On his 70th birthday, Mao Zedong celebrated alongside Stalin at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. Mao discovered his true calling in mobilizing Chinas peasants, swiftly eliminating rivals and competitors along the way. While officially advocating for the Cultural Revolution, he assumed personal control over nearly every aspect of government, much like Stalin. Gradually, he transformed into a distant, almost divine figure, and retreated to the secluded Forbidden City of the emperors.

Throughout history, dictators have employed a range of tactics to consolidate power. They burned books, desecrated tombs, and demolished sacred sites, all in an attempt to rewrite the past and shape their own narrative. Through his examination of the origins and applications of modern authoritarianism, Dikotter sheds light on some unsettling aspects of life today. During these times of uncertainty and revisionism, we are seeing the ideological descendants of some of the 20th centurys most notorious despots emerge, people who rely on their self-made cult of personality and eschew genuine political engagement.

Gutmaro Gomez Bravo is a historian and co-author of Interacting Francoism: Entanglement, Comparison and Transfer between Dictatorships in the 20th Century (Routledge, 2023).

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Long a mining company that shipped iron ore to steel mills, including those in Northwest Indiana, Cleveland-Cliffs consolidated much of Americas integrated steel industry in 2020 when it bought out AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA.

Then like in the movie Highlander, it decided there can only be one.

The company put in a $7.3 billion offer to buy rival U.S. Steel for $33 a share, seeking to be the last integrated steelmaker left standing in the United States. That would have given it tremendous pricing power, particularly over the automotive industry that relies on the strong but still formable steel only integrated steel mills can currently produce.

U.S. Steel rejected the bid back in August, putting itself up for sale as it faced a potential protracted hostile takeover, arguing it could get a better offer. The gambit paid off.

Nippon Steel more than doubled Cleveland-Cliffs original offer, agreeing to buy Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion for all cash in a 40% premium over its stock price.

Steel industry consolidation has historically happened in waves, such as when Cleveland-Cliffs bought out its customers a few years ago and in the early 2000s when longtime steelmakers like Inland, Bethlehem and LTV vanished from the landscape.

Now an analyst is raising the question of whether a foreign steelmaker could seek to buy out Cleveland-Cliffs.

Jea Yu wrote an article for MarketBeat with the headline Could Cleveland-Cliffs be the next steel company to be acquired?

This sent shares of all steel makers in the basic materials sector higher in sympathy, gapping up stocks like Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Steel Dynamics Inc., Nucor Co. and Olympic Steel Inc. Steel stocks rose due to speculation of further industry consolidation and a price multiple expansion of the industry based on the impressive premium offered for U.S. Steel. This begs the question, who is next to be acquired? he wrote. The steel industry is no stranger to consolidation. In 2006, Indian-owned Mittal Steel acquired West European-owned Arcelor to form ArcelorMittal in a hostile takeover to become the worlds largest steel producer. In 2020, Cleveland-Cliffs acquired AK Steel Holding Co. for $1.1 billion in a stock swap to form the largest U.S. flat-rolled steel producer.

Yu noted there appears to be a robust market of potential buyers.

In August 2023, Cleveland-Cliffs made a $7.3 billion offer to acquire U.S. Steel, which was publicly rejected. It was rumored that U.S. Steel had multiple bidders leading up to the announcement, which included many peers, Nucor, Steel Dynamics, ArcelorMittal, POSCO, and Baosteel, he said.
No one wants to miss the artificial intelligence (AI) wave, least of all the financial markets. Investment banks, analyst firms and advisors have accelerated its use, while market watchdogs are trying not to be left behind. Supervisors are issuing a battery of warnings about its abuse and are working to prevent the use of AI from inducing savers to change their investment behavior, or even from one day becoming a systemic risk, capable of shaking the market.

Gary Gensler, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), recently warned companies to avoid false claims about the use of this technology that could benefit their stock. Moreover, he urged companies to avoid the practice of greenwashing and to shun the AI washing phenomenon.

The S&P 500s third-quarter earnings season perfectly illustrates companies eagerness to showcase their use of AI. According to a Reuters survey, more than 30% of the indexs constituents used the term AI in their presentations to analysts, compared to just over 10% who mentioned it a year earlier. Among the ratings firms, Moodys and S&P Global used the term a total of 58 times in their meetings with analysts. Three months earlier, Moodys mentioned it only once and S&P Global 10 times.

One of the companies that is being most affected by artificial intelligence is Microsoft. The tech company was first hit by the sudden departure of the artificial intelligence guru Sam Altman from OpenAI, only to reach new record highs a few days later as the high-profile conflict was resolved. This kind of roller coaster ride was also seen some time ago in the midst of blockchain euphoria or even over marijuana, when there were cases of shares soaring in a single day as a race unfolded to get hold of the POT ticker or simply to incorporate the word blockchain into the company name and promise new investment opportunities with this technology, like smoke peddlers.

Investor protection

Beyond specific examples, market watchdogs want to be prepared for the fronts opening up due to the increasingly frequent use of artificial intelligence and to prevent it from becoming a trigger for a future crisis in the financial system.

In Europe, the European market supervisor, ESMA, is cautious about the advance of AI. Its chairwoman, Verena Ross, has acknowledged its potential benefits for investors and the market but has been cautious about its potential risks in terms of data privacy, market manipulation  leading to distorted prices  and more ethical concerns, with regard to possible investment decisions that go against consumer welfare. Hence, the supervisor urges for algorithms used by AI to be transparent and free of bias.

ESMA admits that asset managers are increasingly using AI for their investment strategies and risk management but that few have a fully AI-based investment process in place and publicly promote its use, Ross admitted. Similarly, brokers and financial institutions use these tools to reduce the market impact of large orders and minimize settlement failures.

However, the European supervisor has pointed out that the concentration of AI tools in a few systemically important providers could pose a risk and endanger financial stability.

In contrast to European caution, in the U.S. the SEC and the financial industry have become embroiled in a dispute over the future regulations that will govern the use of AI on Wall Street. This aims to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise from its use, even pushing investors to change their financial habits. The industry has been using this type of technology for years to prevent fraud and monitor the market, although more recently it has been applying AI to manage assets or even recommend transactions. The U.S. supervisor notes that the scalability of this technology may cause any resulting conflicts of interest to cause harm to investors more pronounced and on a broader scale than was previously possible.

Greenwashing

While the debate about the dangers of AI in financial markets still remains at a very theoretical level, the fight against greenwashing is already a reality. Greenwashing undermines the fundamental trust in sustainable finance. To ensure the health of the global sustainable finance market, reliable, consistent and comparable sustainability information is needed, while ESG products must be marketed and managed in a way that does not undermine investor confidence, recently acknowledged Rodrigo Buenaventura, chairman of Spains securities watchdog CNMV, who is leading a working group within the International Organization of Securities Commissions (Iosco) to tackle investment sustainability issues.

It is an endeavor that seeks to address all the loopholes that have arisen around the sustainable investment boom and seeks to prevent financial products from being marketed under a green label when they are far from being so.

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Q: Can you name one kid the financial power of attorney and the other one the health care power of attorney? That way both of them can be involved.

A: Absolutely. However, the real question ought to be should I name one child Attorney-in-Fact (AIF) in the Power of Attorney (POA) and the other child Health Care Representative (HCR)?" Thats a little more complicated.

Changes to Indiana law a few years ago require separating the financial powers and the health care powers. Before the changes, the powers could be addressed in one document. I started separating the powers into two documents years ago because of the flexibility, but the powers could have been combined until the change in the law. Also, those of you that have combined powers are grandfathered in, so no worries there.

Keep in mind that the order of birth or inclusion simply because they are a child arent really good reasons to name a person AIF or HCR. The person selected should be the best person for the job. If you have a child that is organized, trustworthy, has the time to commit and lives fairly locally, they might be the best choice for AIF regardless of order of birth. Sorry, first borns should only get the best bedroom, not necessarily appointed in the estate planning documents,

Also, if you have a child who is calm in stressful situations or has a health care background, they might be a good choice for HIC. If you simply cant decide, include all of the kids so they can share in the medical decisions.

Just dont let the order of birth or the thought that you must include everyone affect your decision. Finally, full disclosure requires me to let everyone know that I was the second youngest in a big family so I didnt get dibs on anything. I dont think that affects my view on the matter, but keep in mind that I didnt even get my own room until I was 18. Okay, I might be a little bitter. Ill try to let go of the pain.

Q: Do wills expire if they are old? Should they be renewed or replaced?

A: No, wills do not expire. If you executed a valid will 30, 40 or 50 years ago, it should be valid. Time does not affect the validity of a will.

Having said that, it is a good idea to review the will periodically, just to make sure that changes arent required. Our lives change all of the time, sometimes without us even noticing. A periodic review can be helpful to recognize the changes that may affect the will.

Also, although wills dont expire, that doesnt mean that changes to law dont affect them. If you have a will that was executed before Jan. 1, 2013, chances are good that you have some Indiana inheritance tax language that is unnecessary. Inclusion doesnt invalidate anything but it can cause confusion and questions. I still include inheritance language just in case it comes back in some form. That language leads to a lot of questions which I try to address. Its not necessary, but I like having it there.

Thanks for the questions.
Incoming Gary Mayor Eddie Melton has removed Akilia McCain from the Gary School Board.

McCain was notified of her removal, effective Dec. 31, in a letter sent to her last Thursday.

A speech pathologist and wife of outgoing Deputy Mayor Trent McCain, she previously served on the now-defunct Gary Schools Advisory Board. McCain had also served as president of the Gary Public Library Board.

In a statement, McCain said she was grateful to be elected on the previous advisory school board, and being appointed to the current board.

"As a Gary native, a product of the Gary public school system's honor program, a career educator, and the mother of three school-age children, I wish our district the very best. Our city's future depends on it," she said.

McCain was selected to served on the new school board by Mayor Jerome Prince in June. The five-member appointed board was established by Senate Enrolled Act 327, which was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in May.

It gives the mayor and Gary Common Council each an appointment, while the Indiana Secretary of Education gets three picks.

The council chose Vanessa Allen-McCloud, while Secretary of Education Katie Jenner selected Michael Suggs, Danita Johnson and Shontrai Irving.

The Gary Community School Corp is currently overseen and operated by the Distressed Unit Appeals Board and MGT Counseling, with the school board serving in an advisory role. The board is expected to take full control of the school district in July.

Melton is expected to announce his school board appointment later this week.

Community schools work to boost student performance by meeting their non-academic needs Community schools work to boost student performance by meeting their non-academic needs Services available to students are as varied as their needs
GARY  In a jubilant ceremony featuring musical and dance performances, Eddie Melton was sworn in as Garys 22nd mayor to cheers and chants of his name at West Side Leadership Academy on Saturday. He provided a forward-looking message for a greater Gary.

Today we stand on the precipice of change here in Gary, Melton said in his inaugural address.

Hundreds filled the high schools auditorium to see the incoming mayor, surrounded by his wife and family, being sworn in by Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter.

Additionally, members of the Gary Common Council, and other city officials  including the new police and fire chiefs  each took the oath of office.

They officially take office on Jan. 1.

Melton is taking over as the citys mayor following his victory against outgoing Mayor Jerome Prince, whom he beat in Mays Democratic primary election, and a landslide win over Republican Andrew Delano in November.

The new mayor thanked Prince and his wife for their service and sacrifices to the city on Saturday, noting they led the city gratefully and honorably.

Melton committed his incoming administration to improving the citys finances, providing basic services, fighting illegal dumping, repairing and maintaining streetlights and pursuing a better education system.

Our collective work will be the evidence to those here in Gary and across the country that Gary is a world-class city. One that can be home to corporate headquarters, innovation centers, tech incubators, fine arts centers, thriving small businesses, nationally ranked schools and so much more, he said.

Melton also emphasized the need to work with local, state and federal partners to stand with the Steel City, calling on individuals such as U.S Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to help grow the Gary/Chicago International Airport and Governor Eric Holcomb to open up the states surpluses to invest in the citys school system.

I truly believe the stars are aligned for us to move the city forward, Melton said.

Prior to being sworn in, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and U.S. Rep Frank Mrvan provided their remarks and introduced the new mayor.

Hogsett quoted Martin Luther King Jr. noting the challenges and controversy city leaders currently face, but assured Melton was up to the challenge,

He and I will stand in quite a similar place, and that is standing with those that we are charged to serve, Hogsett said.

Mrvan urged residents to unite behind the new mayor to do greatness for the city. He also stated that while they need hope, they also need resources.

The Indianapolis mayor and the congressman assured they would be allies for the city and the new mayor.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, attendees crowded outside the auditorium for a meet-and-greet with the new mayor which included a photo opportunity with him.

Melton was most recently a two-term state senator, and the manager of the Corporate Citizen and Community Relations for Northern Indiana Public Service Company, or NIPSCO.

PHOTOS: Gary giving out free gun locks Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) Gun Buyback
Michigan City is poised to take off in 2024 with more than $400 million in private-sector investment flowing into the city.

Clarence Hulse, the executive director of Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana, said the city is coming off an "awesome" year filled with high-profile megaprojects likely to transform the downtown and community at large.

Developers are investing $100 million into the Franklin at 11th Street Station project that will build more housing around the new South Shore Line station after the Double Track project shortens commute times to Chicago. Other major projects include a $24.4 million renovation at The Blue Chip Casino, a $3 million relocation of Burn Em Brewing, a $6 million Bay Logistics warehouse, a $3 million investment at the former Federal Mogul windshield wiper plant and the $280 million SoLa project downtown.

SoLa, short for South of the Lake," will feature two boutique hotels, a rooftop pool, upscale restaurants, bars, stores, luxury condos and townhomes.

The 14-story 628,000-square-foot building will feature state-of-the-art modern architecture, such as a deck with views of Michigan that's like a donut hole in the middle of the glassy, uber-chic facade.

"The really big one is the $280 million SoLa project next to city hall," Michigan City Redevelopment Commission member Don Babcock said. "It will have two Wyndham hotels and condominiums near Lake Michigan. The 11th Street project is going to bring a new apartment complex by the South Shore Station. The parking garage will be open there soon. Those are just the two big ones downtown. There are also smaller scale projects like Burn 'Em Brewing moving to East Route 12 by Blue Chip Casino."

Michigan City is benefiting from the Indiana Dunes being declared the 61st national park and will benefit from the state prison and NIPSCO generating station being shut down, Babcock said.

"The community is coming together behind all these projects," he said. "There's new investment fixing up properties and painting homes. There's a new administration coming in."

The Double Track project adding a second rail line to speed up the commute to Chicago will soon be finished.

"That will continue to drive momentum," Babcock said. "There are so many things happening here, especially downtown. More visitors will come to explore, which will mean new investment. Cafe Farina just opened a few months ago. It's doing outstanding. Burn 'Em Brewing is relocated from the edge of town to by the Blue Chip Casino, which should be finished by Valentine's Day. Folks are targeting future development on Pine Street and Sixth Street. Hopefully, that comes to fruition."

All of the major projects have been in the works for years.

"Great plans take some time to execute," he said. "But more people are seeing it's a pro-business state where we're working together to ignite the Region and as one Region."

A few of the projects are years away but show that Michigan City is a desirable place to invest, Hulse said.

"They signal that the community can do these huge, monumental $100 million and $280 million projects," he said. "These are huge projects, large projects with mixed use. It's a reflection of our economic strategy to try to attract both new businesses and new talent."

Michigan City made the cover of Crain's Chicago, which asked if it was the next New Buffalo.

"They ran that headline as a teaser for people who like to visit New Buffalo," Babcock said. "But we hope to be more than a tourist town that draws people for four months a year. We want to be a city that's active for all 12 months."

The Crain's article brought six developers to come look at sites in the lakefront city.

"Last year was awesome, just fantastic," he said. "We're very excited about 2024. We have new leadership, a new mayor and city council. The city is going to move forward. I'm just happy and grateful we live in a great community that welcomes development. I'm looking forward to a gangbuster 2024. The best is yet to come."
Whether you love politics or loathe it, politics will be inescapable in the new year.

Not only is 2024 a presidential election year, the general election is likely to feature two unprecedented contenders for the nations highest office  the oldest president ever to seek reelection (Joe Biden), and a criminally indicted former president (Donald Trump).

The bulk of the attention is certain to focus on Trump as he navigates campaigning for a non-consecutive second term amid pending trials in four jurisdictions on a total of 91 felony charges, some of which potentially could send the 77-year-old Republican to prison for the rest of his life.

At the same time, Trump faces the possibility of constitutional disqualification from the ballot in several states for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that sought to prevent the official certification of Bidens 2020 electoral victory over Trump.

Public opinion polls show Biden faces his own struggles in the new year as he tries to hold together a coalition of Democratic voters whose average age is decades younger than the 81-year-old Biden.

House Republicans also are expected next year to lead an effort to impeach Biden for so-far unspecified offenses that almost certainly will distract from the presidential campaign but has little chance of leading to Bidens removal from office by the Senate.

Region residents will have a nearly front-row seat to two key moments in the presidential race as the Democratic Party is set to nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates in Chicago, while the Republican Party is holding its nominating convention in Milwaukee.

Back home in Indiana, the political fires are burning just as hot with one of the states two U.S. Senate seats on the ballot next year, along with the contest to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.

The U.S. Senate race already is on the docket at the Indiana Supreme Court for Feb. 12 as supporters of U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, seek to disqualify businessman John Rust from competing against Banks in the Republican primary based on the states restrictive party identification requirement that a Marion County judge deemed unconstitutional in December.

Meanwhile, five well-funded or politically experienced Republicans are vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination: U.S. Sen. Mike Braun; former Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers; Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch; Eric Doden, a Fort Wayne businessman; and former Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr.

The fierce competition among Republicans for the nominations to those offices so far has left little oxygen for Hoosier Democrats seeking their partys nods, including former state Rep. Marc Carmichael, D-Muncie, for U.S. Senate; and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick for governor.

Before voters have their say, however, the Indiana General Assembly is set to convene a 9-week session Jan. 8 to consider enacting new state laws and to give Hoosiers something to react to as they cast their ballots in the May 7 primary election and the Nov. 5 general election.

Republican legislative leaders have advised Hoosiers not to expect too much in terms of major new laws or policies during next years short session, following the enactment in recent years of initiatives aimed at bolstering Indianas business competitiveness, improving education and workforce development, and reducing health care costs, among other priorities.

Nevertheless, a few hot-button issues are certain to rise to the forefront, including abortion access, book bans, campus antisemitism, childrens access to technology, marijuana legalization, public safety, regulatory policy and taxes.

As state lawmakers paddle through or around those potentially rocky shoals theyll also be keeping an eye on the calendar to see if they attract an election opponent prior to the Feb. 9 candidate filing deadline.

All 100 Indiana House seats and 25 of the 50 seats in the Senate will be on next years ballot, along with the nine Hoosier members of Congress, Indiana attorney general, and potentially a host of county, judicial, municipal and school board offices  depending on where a voter resides.

In any case, the campaigning and the television commercials and the mailers and the door-knockers will be inescapable as Hoosiers and Americans choose their leaders next year.

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Jump to: Tricky Clues | Todays Theme

SUNDAY PUZZLE  Will Shortz, in his print introduction to this grid, writes: Matt Linzer, of San Francisco, is a former professional ballet and contemporary dancer who now works in graphic design and art. Rafael Musa, also of San Francisco, is a software engineer at Airbnb. This is Matts second puzzle for The Times, Rafas ninth. After Matt solved Rafas Pride-themed puzzle in the paper last June, he reached out for help in developing this ones theme.

This grid had me plotting more routes on paper than I have since the advent of online maps, though it is possible to breeze through it without noticing the fabulously complex theme. But hey  thats life. Happy New Year!

Todays Theme

There are five examples in the theme set. Each one involves three different entries, two in the Acrosses and one in the Downs. Once you see this relationship, youll be popping the Champagne, but it doesnt easily swim into focus. The clearest way to explain it is with an example.

Start with 25-Across, Before midnight: One with major influence. With a few crossing letters, I was able to deduce a straightforward answer to the second part of this clue: POWER BROKER. I didnt pay too much attention to the Before midnight portion at this point; that happened when I arrived, circuitously, at 40-Across.
A third day of rain, coastal flooding and gigantic waves along parts of the California coast forced residents to evacuate and left streets and parking lots flooded on Saturday, though forecasters predicted that conditions would soon improve in some areas.

On Saturday, warnings of coastal flooding and dangerous waves of up to 20 feet were in place for beaches and coasts in several California counties, including Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The warnings were lifted on Sunday.

In coastal areas of Orange and San Diego Counties, a high surf warning was in place until 2 a.m. on Monday.

The National Weather Service said that dangerous coastal conditions would linger in the West Coast through Sunday, with slow improvements expected into Monday.
Israeli forces clashed with Hamas militants across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, the Israeli military said, deepening its engagement in the decimated enclave even as the Palestinian death toll from relentless airstrikes in 12 weeks of war soared higher.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported Saturday that 165 people had been killed in Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks in the previous 24 hours, adding to the toll of more than 20,000 people killed in Gaza since the war began with the Oct. 7 Hamas-led raids into Israel.

The Israeli military said late Friday that it had destroyed a Gaza City apartment of the person it considers the mastermind of those attacks, Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who sits atop the list of the Israel militarys most-wanted list in Gaza.

The army said Mr. Sinwar used the apartment as a hide-out and that it destroyed a tunnel shaft discovered by its troops in the apartments basement floor, as well as an underground headquarters that served as a nerve center for senior officials from Hamass military and political wings.
Her grandfather founded the outfitting giant L.L. Bean, whose gear has become synonymous with a woodsy lifestyle. She became a force in lobstering and tourism with companies of her own, and a lightning rod for critics who object to her outspoken conservative views.

But Linda Bean has also been a passionate fan of the arts, in particular of the painting clan of Wyeths, three generations of American realists who have long owned homes not far from her own in coastal Maine.

Her favorite is Newell Convers Wyeth, best known for his classic book illustrations of characters like Uncas in The Last of the Mohicans and the pirates in Treasure Island.

I love his art, I just love it, Bean, 82, said in an interview. Its bold, colorful. He was a big man himself, but he painted big too, at a time when people generally painted small.
When the billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk sat down for his profanity-laced interview at The New York Timess DealBook Summit in late November, his petulant dropping of F-bombs received a lot of attention. Less noticed but far more revealing was his evident disdain for a humble word beginning with the letter T. You could not trust me, Musk said, affecting an air of tough-guy indifference in his shearling-collared flight jacket and shiny black boots. It is irrelevant. The rocket track record speaks for itself.

Musk wasnt being pressed on the rocket track record  after all, the number of civilians in the audience who were in the market for a spaceship was presumably few. But though he seemed loath to acknowledge it, the question of trust is at the core of X, the social media platform he acquired in October 2022, and where he recently replied to an antisemitic post with the words You have said the actual truth. (Calling it literally the worst and dumbest post that Ive ever done, he still hasnt removed it.)

Asked at the summit to comment on his trustworthiness, Musk rattled off statistics about launching rockets into orbit and boasted about making the best cars. (More than two million of those cars have since been recalled under pressure from regulators concerned about the Autopilot software.) But he resisted reflecting on how getting people to engage on X  which is built around information and social relationships  might be qualitatively different from getting earthlings to Mars. There were moments when his defiance shaded into incomprehension. The word trust didnt seem to compute.

One of the first changes Musk made to X was to stop putting as many resources into maintaining the trust he valued so little. He started charging for a blue check mark, which had reliably signaled (at no cost) that a notable account was verified and not an impersonation. (The only thing a blue check mark reliably signals now is that someone is willing to pay Musk $8 a month  or maybe not, since he has comped the marks for some celebrity accounts.) He gutted the platforms content moderation team. He reinstated accounts that had been suspended for peddling hate speech and harmful falsehoods about vaccines.
The police working for Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillos regime have attacked the Catholic Church at Christmas. Between December 20 and 30, 13 priests and two seminarians were arrested, among them priests known as Monsignors Carlos Aviles, Silvio Fonseca, Miguel Mantica, and Father Pablo Villafranca. These arrests are added to the conviction of Bishop Rolando Alvarez and the head of the diocese of Siuna, Isidro Mora Ortega.

This week the Sandinista dictatorship has unleashed a fierce hunt against priests, taking several of them to prison, adding to two bishops who were already imprisoned, said the auxiliary bishop of Managua, Silvio Baez, who is exiled in the United States. I beg the bishops and the episcopal conferences of the world not to abandon us at this time, to pray for the Church of Nicaragua, and to show solidarity and raise their voices to denounce the dictatorships persecution against our Church!

At dawn on December 30, clergy belonging to the Archdiocese of Managua were detained, including Monsignor Mantica, priests Gerardo Rodriguez, Jader Hernandez, and Raul Zamora. The latter is the parish priest of the Iglesia Divina Misericordia, the church that was raided by Sandinista paramilitaries on July 13, 2018. It was a brutal attack that lasted hours. The assault came within the framework of the so-called Operation Cleanup, when the government ordered the dismantling of protesters barricades. The security forces open fire, killing two university students, Geral Vasquez and Francisco Flores. Some of the priests who are now persecuted and imprisoned had participated as mediators in the failed national dialogue process between the Sandinista Government and the opposition.

Monsignor Silvio Fonseca, vicar of Family, Life, and Childhood in the Archdiocese of Managua, was another of those kidnapped by police officers on the night of Friday, December 29. Silvio Fonseca is an open critic of the president and his wife and has accused them of promoting a hatred never seen before against the Catholic Church, and of depriving the Catholic people of being formed in their faith.

The other religious figures arrested in December are Monsignor Marcos Diaz (Leon), Fernando Calero (Matagalpa), Hector Treminio Vega Managua), Mykel Monterrey (Managua). Gerardo Rodriguez (Managua). There are also other seminarians not identified by the Blue and White Monitoring organization that is documenting Ortegas repression.

The arrests of priests hinder the free and fearless exercise of faith in Nicaragua. Freedom of worship and thought are fundamental pillars in a plural and democratic society. Protecting them is essential to fostering an inclusive and respectful society. The arrest of these 14 clerics adds to the political condemnation against the bishop of Matagalpa, Rolando Alvarez, and Monsignor Isidoro Mora, head of the diocese of Siuna, the Legal Defense Unit (UDJ) that defends political prisoners stated.

From 2018 to 2023, the Catholic Church has endured 740 attacks, according to researcher and lawyer Martha Patricia Molina, author of the study Nicaragua: a persecuted Church. In 2023 alone, 275 attacks were carried out. We can describe this last year as the year with the most attacks against the Catholic Church in the recent five years. Furthermore, 176 religious men and women are not exercising their ministry in Nicaragua because they were expelled, prohibited from entering the country, or sent into exile, says the jurist who is exiled herself.

The most recent banishment of priests occurred last October, when the Central American countrys regime removed a dozen priests it held as political prisoners from its prisons and put them on a plane to Rome. However, the expulsion of clerics began in 2018, when the Ortega-Murillos forced the exile of the auxiliary bishop of Managua, Monsignor Silvio Baez, one of the most critical pastoral voices against the authoritarian drift and human rights violations in Nicaragua. Father Edwin Roman, a parish priest who was key in protecting citizens from repression in the city of Masaya during the 2018 protests, was also exiled.

We strongly condemn these repressive acts and call for international solidarity. We demand the immediate release of priests, seminarians, and bishops, as well as the cessation of any form of persecution against the Church. We urge global leaders to unite in denouncing these crimes and exert diplomatic pressure to end this escalation of violence. The international community must urgently direct its attention to the growing threat to religious freedom in Nicaragua, said the group of opponents brought together in the Monteverde Reconciliation process.

In a timeline carried out by EL PAIS on the persecution against Catholicism, there were attacks against priests and bishops, desecrations of churches, closures of media outlets and NGOs managed by the dioceses, freezing of bank accounts, and a sustained narrative against the Catholicism and its hierarchies. For example, on January 24, 2022, co-president Rosario Murillo attacked the priests, calling them retarded and backward, adding that they disguise themselves with masks and supposedly elegant costumes.

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Ukraine steps up sabotage, targeting trains

As Russia and Ukraine each fail to make substantial advances at the front in their war, Ukraine has been turning to guerrilla tactics, including sabotage, assassinations and the targeting of Russian trains and train tunnels.

On Nov. 29, Ukrainian saboteurs placed explosives on a Russian freight train roughly 3,000 miles from the Ukrainian border, in an attempt to damage an important tunnel through the Severomuysky mountains. After an explosion rocked the tunnel, Russian officials said the blast had been caused by the detonation of an unidentified explosive device. Ukrainian partisans also said that they had blown up a freight train last month as it was transporting ammunition and fuel from Russian-occupied Crimea.

Russia is using similar tactics. Last month, the Polish authorities convicted 14 people on charges of sabotage under the direction of Russian intelligence, Polish officials said. Their main targets were trains transporting military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, officials said.

Elsewhere in the war:

Russia pummeled Kharkiv, an eastern Ukrainian city, with missiles and drones leading up to New Years Eve.
A weekly newspaper in Oregon abruptly stopped publishing and laid off all of its workers after an employee embezzled tens of thousands of dollars and left months of bills unpaid, its editor said.

The newspaper, The Eugene Weekly, announced on Thursday that it would stop printing after it discovered financial problems, including money not being paid into employee retirement accounts and $70,000 of unpaid bills to the newspapers printer, Camilla Mortensen, the newspapers editor, said on Sunday.

The entire 10-person newspaper staff was laid off three days before Christmas, though some workers, including Ms. Mortensen, were still volunteering to publish articles online.

The Eugene Weekly, a free newspaper, was founded in 1982 and each week prints 30,000 copies, which can be found in bright red boxes in and around Eugene, one of the most populous cities in Oregon.
Wilkinson (no relation, though publicists used to ask me), who died on Saturday at 75, is one of those actors everyone knows even if they cant quite place him. He is the guy from The Full Monty, from Batman Begins, from Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol. He did everything from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to The Grand Budapest Hotel, and channeled historical figures including Joseph P. Kennedy (in The Kennedys), Lyndon B. Johnson (in Selma), and Benjamin Franklin (in John Adams). He played a lot of priests and a lot of soldiers and a lot of men from history, but he never quite managed to be pigeonholed as anyone in particular.

Wilkinson worked a lot, with multiple film, TV and stage credits most years since the early 1980s, in part because he usually didnt play the lead. Instead he was the man you brought in to fill a role with gravitas and a spark of peril, someone who would never simply say lines but make everything suddenly significant. Whats so fascinating about Wilkinsons career, the kinds of characters he chose to portray, is their capacity for vulnerability and unpredictability. When he walked onscreen, you were not quite sure whether this guy was going to be trustworthy or explosive.

The instruments Wilkinson had to work with  his look, his stature, his voice  werent particularly remarkable on their own. His face, which began to verge on the cherubic as he aged, was that of an ordinary Englishman, someone youd bump into in a pub. His voice wasnt particularly rumbly or low-pitched, and while he stood much taller than many men he acted with, youd never stare as he walked down the street. Wilkinson looked, in essence, like someones granddad, a man who would slip you a cough drop midmeeting and wink.

Yet his roles I remember most involved an element of danger so thoroughly fused into that exterior that I spent the whole movie wondering whether this guy was a warm hug or a time bomb. In Michel Gondrys Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Wilkinson has a minor role as the doctor overseeing the memory-erasing procedure that Jim Carreys lovelorn Joel desperately seeks. Kirsten Dunst plays Mary, the much-younger assistant who falls in love with the doctor. When he tries to explain that the two of them have a history already, theres equal parts patheticness and pathos in his performance. Is he predator, prey, or helplessly uncertain how his own work really affects people? Hes not sure, and neither are we.

Or theres the bereaved father in Todd Fields In the Bedroom, a quiet, upstanding Maine father who is being eaten alive by his need to avenge the death of his son at the hands of his sons girlfriends ex-husband. The final half-hour features Wilkinson at his most volatile, a deadpan expression on his face and a pistol in his hand. Whats in his heart is wholly inscrutable not just to the man at the other end of the gun, but to the audience, too. He could go off at any minute  or not at all.
Yusef Salaam stood at the front of the City Council Chamber in Lower Manhattan with his right hand raised and his left hand on the Quran held by his wife. It was the one that his mother gave him when he was 15 years old and standing trial for a crime he did not commit. Its pages, filled with notes and bookmarks, were kept intact by a cloth cover that Mr. Salaam made during nearly seven years in prison.

Surrounded by relatives including his mother, sister and some of his children, Mr. Salaam was asked by Michael McSweeney, the city clerk, to repeat an oath.

With each passage that Mr. McSweeney recited and Mr. Salaam repeated, their voices took on volume and urgency: I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, Mr. Salaam said. I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of council member of the ninth district, in the borough and county of New York, in the City of New York, according to the best of my ability.
Want to ruin a Democratic strategists New Year? Bring up President Bidens popularity problem with younger voters.

The strategist may start furiously tap-dancing about this outreach plan or that policy achievement. But she has seen the polling trend line. She has heard the focus groups. She knows that millennials and Gen Z-ers are not feeling the Biden love. Many are threatening to sit out next years election. Some are flirting with supporting Donald Trump  or a third-party rando.

And even if only a few of them follow through, the president and his party could be in big trouble. Americans younger than 45 have saved the Democrats from disaster in multiple recent elections. Their creeping alienation has the blue team rattled and raging: For the love of God, what will it take to lock in these voters?!

This is not a new question. The political world, especially the Democratic Party, has long been in search of the secret formula for wooing younger voters to the polls. Strategists noodle over which issues members of this cohort care about, which candidates they connect with, how best to reach them. In 1994, Bill Clinton ventured onto MTV and overshared about his underwear in an effort to impress the young uns. Now that is desperation.
To the Editor:

Re What Reporting on Long Covid Taught Me, by Ed Yong (Opinion guest essay, Dec. 22):

As a Covid long-hauler (going on three years now!), I found it validating and even supportive to read Mr. Yongs essay. It was particularly validating to have the acknowledgment of post-exertional malaise (PEM). This so aptly describes much of my life.

For example, I apologize to my dog before going on a shorter-than-usual walk. I have to plan for seemingly mundane tasks of self-care and home care: taking a shower, changing clothes, doing the dishes, sweeping my apartment, doing laundry, etc. I put these tasks in my calendar, and even then the expectation of the aftermath makes me feel incapable, desperate and overwhelmed.

I appreciated Mr. Yongs astute acknowledgment that symptoms are often dismissed because of sexism (Im transgender). And I was denied disability because it was determined that I was functional enough to wrap silverware in napkins. Yes indeed, treatment is not only a medical issue, but also a social one.

Mr. Yong made it clear that his journalism has been transformed by doing research in a more integrative manner, especially actually being with current long-haulers. Im immensely grateful to him for his journalism and to The Times for publishing it.
After almost 10 years of marriage, Christine Dowdall wanted out. Her husband was no longer the charming man she had fallen in love with. He had become narcissistic, abusive and unfaithful, she said. After one of their fights turned violent in September 2022, Ms. Dowdall, a real estate agent, fled their home in Covington, La., driving her Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan to her daughters house near Shreveport, five hours away. She filed a domestic abuse report with the police two days later.

Her husband, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, didnt want to let her go. He called her repeatedly, she said, first pleading with her to return, and then threatening her. She stopped responding to him, she said, even though he texted and called her hundreds of times.

Ms. Dowdall, 59, started occasionally seeing a strange new message on the display in her Mercedes, about a location-based service called mbrace. The second time it happened, she took a photograph and searched for the name online.

I realized, oh my God, thats him tracking me, Ms. Dowdall said.

Mbrace was part of Mercedes me  a suite of connected services for the car, accessible via a smartphone app. Ms. Dowdall had only ever used the Mercedes Me app to make auto loan payments. She hadnt realized that the service could also be used to track the cars location. One night, when she visited a male friends home, her husband sent the man a message with a thumbs-up emoji. A nearby camera captured his car driving in the area, according to the detective who worked on her case.
When Thomas Wong set foot in the United States Embassy in Beijing this summer for a new diplomatic posting, it was vindication after years of battling the State Department over a perceived intelligence threat  himself.

Diplomatic Security officers had informed him when he joined the foreign service more than a decade ago that they were banning him from working in China. In a letter, he said, they wrongly cited the vague potential for undue foreign preference and suggested he could be vulnerable to foreign influence.

Mr. Wong had become a U.S. diplomat thinking that China was where he could have the greatest impact. He had grown up in a Chinese-speaking household and studied in the country. And as a graduate of West Point who had done an Army tour in the Balkans, he thought he had experience that could prove valuable in navigating relations with the United States greatest military and economic rival.

As he looked into the ban, he discovered that other diplomats  including many Asian American ones  faced similar restrictions. Security officers never gave the exact reasons, and they made the decisions in secret based on information gathered during the initial security clearance process. Thousands of diplomats have been affected by restrictions over the years.
Just weeks before New Hampshire holds its Republican presidential primary, the states governor, Chris Sununu, said on Sunday that Chris Christies presidential bid was at an absolute dead end and suggested that he drop out to pave way for Mr. Sununus preferred candidate, Nikki Haley.

Mr. Sununu, who this month endorsed Ms. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and United Nations ambassador, told CNN that the only person that wants Chris Christie to stay in the race is Donald Trump.

He framed the race as a two-person contest between Ms. Haley and Mr. Trump, whom she now trails in New Hampshire by an average of 20 percentage points.

Theres no doubt that if Christie stays in the race, the risk is that he takes her margin of the win, Mr. Sununu said on CNNs State of the Union.
Burundis president said that gay people in his country should be stoned, amid a widening crackdown against L.G.B.T.Q. people in the East African nation that is adding to the anti-gay sentiments sweeping across the region and the wider African continent.

While President Evariste Ndayishimiyes remarks do not have the force of law, they are an escalation of provocative statements directed at L.G.B.T.Q. people elsewhere by African government officials.

Mr. Ndayishimiye said that gay people should not be accepted in Burundi, a conservative nation where consensual same-sex intimacy among adults can already be penalized with up to two years in prison.

I think that if we find these kinds of people in Burundi, it is better to take them to a stadium and stone them, Mr. Ndayishimiye said on Friday during an event in the countrys eastern Cankuzo Province, where he answered questions from journalists and members of the public. Thats what they deserve.
CHIZ LAUDS PBBM FOR SIGNING LAWS TO CREATE MORE MEDICAL SCHOOLS

Sen. Chiz Escudero has thanked President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for signing seven laws meant to boost the education sector, including the establishment of more medical schools around the country.

Escudero's office has received the report that these pieces of legislation were enacted into laws after the Chief Executive signed the bills on December 20, 2023 in Malacanang.

"I thank President Marcos for his expeditious action. Malaking bagay sa sektor ng edukasyon ang mga bagong batas na naipasa, lalo na ang pagbibigay pahintulot sa ilang unibersidad na makapagtatag ng mga bagong kolehiyo para sa kursong medisina," Escudero said.

Among the measures signed into laws are Republic Act (RA) 11970, which will create the Benguet State University College of Medicine; RA 11971, Southern Luzon State University College of Medicine; RA 11972, University of Eastern Philippines College of Medicine; and RA 11974, the Visayas State University College of Medicine.

Meanwhile, RA 11973 allows Bicol University to have its own College of Veterinary Medicine.

"We are now closer to our goal of offering medical courses in various parts of the country to meet the health needs of the Filipino people," Escudero stressed, noting that the country is already 114,000 short of doctors even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, based on data from the Department of Health.

Aside from addressing the current shortage, the government also must anticipate the future increase in population.

"Even if our population increase decelerates and stabilizes at 1.5 million a year, this would still have to be matched with new entrants to the medical profession," he said.

The remaining two bills signed by the President are RA 11968, which converted the San Isidro Satellite campus of the Leyte Normal University (LNU) into a regular campus; and RA 11969, which makes the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU)-Bagac Extension Campus in Bagac, Bataan a regular campus.
Russia has raised the death toll from Saturdays attacks on Belgorod, Bryansk, and other cities in the southwest of the country to 24, including three children, with more than 100 people wounded. The Kremlin claimed that the strikes hit civilian buildings and has vowed to punish Ukraine. On Saturday night and early Sunday morning, Russian forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones against Kharkiv, 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the Russian border, mainly targeting apartment blocks, a cafeteria, a kindergarten, and a hotel where international aid workers and journalists often stay. Some 30 people have been wounded in the retaliatory strikes. Russian attacks have also hit other regions, including Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Kherson in the south.

Saturdays attack  which mainly targeted the city of Belgorod and for which Kyiv has not officially claimed responsibility although several sources confirmed it to RBC Ukraine and the BBC  is the largest of its kind since the Kremlin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The strikes came on the heels of one of Russias biggest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, in which at least 39 people were killed on Friday. Russias war against Ukraine, which has become a battle of attrition on the front lines, has escalated in recent days, coinciding with the New Years Eve holidays, traditionally the biggest festive celebration in both countries.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday that the attacks against Kharkiv, which before the war was the second most-populated city in Ukraine and mostly Russian-speaking, targeted decision-making centers. The ministry also stated that it targeted locations where military personnel and mercenaries were stationed.

The governor of Russias Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said Saturdays shelling hit 37 apartment buildings, three private homes, and seven stores or cafeterias.

Ukrainian authorities reported that in the early hours of Sunday morning Kyiv was targeted by drone attacks, but that most had been shot down. On New Years Eve, the Russians want to intimidate our city, Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said on social media.

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The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, was declared the winner on Sunday of the December presidential vote in an election marred by severe logistical problems, protests and calls for its annulment from several opposition candidates.

Mr. Tshisekedi won more than 13 million votes, or 73 percent of the total ballots cast, said Denis Kadima, the head of the countrys electoral commission. Just over 18 million people, out of the 44 million registered to vote, cast ballots, Mr. Kadima said. The provisional results will now be sent to the nations Constitutional Court for confirmation.

The announcement was a critical moment in an election dogged by acute problems, some because of Congos vast size, and many fear the outcome could plunge the Central African nation into a new round of political turmoil and even violent unrest that has followed other electoral contests in recent years.

The results of the election matter not only to Congos 100 million people, who are suffering after decades of conflict and poor governance, but also to Western countries that consider Congo a critical part of their efforts to stem climate change and make a transition to green energy.
Russia hit Ukraine with missiles and drones hours before the leaders of the two countries used New Years Eve speeches to their people on Sunday to offer starkly different messages at the end of another year of brutal war.

Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said the Russian invasion had already demonstrated his countrys strength and resilience  and he called on Ukrainians to make an extraordinary effort and to do more.

Each of us fought, worked, waited, helped, lived and hoped this year, Mr. Zelensky said in a 20-minute video address delivered from his presidential office. No matter how many missiles the enemy fires, no matter how many shellings and attacks, he vowed, we will still rise.

A listener to the New Years address given by his Russian counterpart, Vladimir V. Putin, might be forgiven for thinking that the biggest land war in Europe since World War II was not taking place just across the border.
Russian special services should get used to the fact that our people are everywhere, a senior official with the Ukrainian intelligence service, known as the SBU, said after the second rail attack, offering details of the operation on the condition of anonymity for security reasons. The details of the attacks were confirmed by the official and two other senior Ukrainian officials familiar with the operation, and corresponded with details released by the Russia authorities, videos from the scenes and reporting by Russian media outlets.

The Russian security services, known as the FSB, said soon afterward that they had detained two people suspected of organizing several arson attacks on behalf of Kyiv, including one man they said installed magnetic mines on the train that exploded in the tunnel.

Russian Railways claimed that 120 workers cleared the tunnel in a matter of days and said that train traffic had resumed. Ukrainian intelligence officials said it could take months to restore the mountain pass to full working order. It is impossible to verify either account.

Ukraine is not alone in using guerrilla tactics. Russia is also employing spies, saboteurs and collaborators, and it targets trains, as well. The Polish authorities convicted 14 people on Dec. 19 on charges of undertaking sabotage and propaganda activities under the direction of Russian intelligence, Polands Interior Ministry said in a statement. Their main targets, the ministry said, were trains transporting military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and preparing for train derailments.

Trains are vital to both sides, as they were designed to be the backbone of the Soviet supply system. But the bold attack on the tunnel in Russias Far East is likely to be of particular concern to the Kremlin, said Emily Ferris, a research fellow specializing in Russia at the Royal United Services Institute in Britain.
In a classroom decorated with Hebrew and Arabic letters, a group of third graders  their eyes closed, their hands placed facing up on their laps  took a deep breath in unison.

And exhale, a teacher told them.

The students, a mix of Jews and Arabs, attend Max Rayne Hand in Hand School in Jerusalem, one of six such bilingual institutions in Israel dedicated to the proposition that Israelis and Palestinians can learn and live together in peace. On a recent day this month, soon after a temporary cease-fire in Gaza collapsed and the prospect for peace seemed more distant than ever, the students were meditating.

If regional peace seemed momentarily unobtainable, at least they could try for inner calm.

Schools across Israel, most of them divided along lines of religion and language, are struggling with how to help students cope emotionally during the deadliest conflict in a generation. At Hand in Hand schools, where every class has two teachers  a Hebrew speaker and an Arabic speaker  the conversation about the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and the subsequent war unfolding in Gaza sounds markedly different than in other schools.
Looking out at the U.S.S. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf in November. Helicopters from the aircraft carrier came under fire from the Houthis on Sunday.

A clash between Iranian-backed Houthi fighters who were attacking a commercial freighter and U.S. Navy helicopters responding to the ships distress call ended on Sunday morning with the killing of all the crew members on three Houthi boats, the Pentagon said, a sharp escalation of violence at a moment when the White House is considering direct strikes on Irans proxies in the Middle East.

It appeared to be the first time that American and allied forces patrolling the Red Sea, a critical waterway for oil and other shipments, have engaged in a deadly firefight with the Houthis since their attacks on ships began in October, following the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas. President Biden has said he wants to avoid direct military attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, to avoid escalating a Middle East conflict that is already threatening to spread throughout the region.

But in the fight that broke out on Sunday morning, the Navy forces had little choice, at least according to the account given by United States Central Command.

The Houthis had launched an attack on the freighter, the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged container ship, and were attempting to board it. As the ships security forces tried to hold the attackers at bay, helicopters from the U.S.S. Eisenhower carrier group arrived to chase them away and the Houthis opened fire on them.

The small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew-served weapons and small arms, Central Command said in a statement. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. Central Command did not say how many had been killed, but in a statement later on Sunday the Houthis said that 10 of their fighters were dead.

The American enemy bears the consequences of this crime, they said in a statement, and its military movements in the Red Sea to protect Israeli ships wont prevent the Houthis from performing their religious, moral and humanitarian duty in support and aid of those who have been wronged in Palestine and Gaza.

Image The Houthis say they are disrupting shipping to support victims of Israels war in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians living in a tent outside the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Sunday. Credit... Agence France-Presse  Getty Images

The incident now presents a difficult choice for Mr. Biden and his administration. Senior officials said they must decide whether to strike Houthi missile and drone sites in Yemen, or wait to see whether the Houthis back off after the sinking of three of their fast boats and the deaths of their fighters.

Ten days ago, the administration declassified intelligence indicating that Iranian paramilitary groups were coordinating the Houthi attacks, providing targeting information about commercial shipping passing through the waterway and the Suez Canal. Israel is heavily dependent on Red Sea shipping traffic.

In response to the attacks, the United States has created a multinational naval task force to protect commercial ships in both the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The effort, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, so far includes about 20 countries, among them Britain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Spain. Most Arab states have declined to join, with the exception of the tiny Gulf state of Bahrain, which hosts a major American naval base, home to the Fifth Fleet, and recently concluded a security agreement with the United States.

Senior Pentagon commanders have been pressing for more aggressive action against the range of Iranian proxies that are attacking American forces, including in Syria and Iraq. Last week, the United States struck a base in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah after an attack that injured three U.S. troops, leaving one in critical condition.

But the most urgent problem appears to be in the Red Sea, where the Houthis have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in response to Israels war against another Iranian-backed group, Hamas.

While U.S. forces have struck missile and drone launching sites in Syria and Iraq, Mr. Biden has been reluctant to order the same against Houthi bases in Yemen. The caution is driven by many considerations, but chief among them is that Saudi Arabia wants to move beyond its costly war in Yemen. Escalating the conflict with the Houthis, who control the capital, Sana, and much of the countrys north, could sink a painstakingly negotiated truce.

Image Houthi troopers in Sana, Yemen, on Saturday. Credit... Yahya Arhab/EPA, via Shutterstock

Everybody is looking for a way to de-escalate tensions, Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen, said in an interview earlier this month. The idea is not to engulf the region in a wider war, but rather to use the tools available to us to encourage the Houthis to dial back their reckless behavior.

At least, that was the strategy until Sunday.

While the United States had shot down Houthi missiles and drones, deployed warships and created the task force to protect shipping, the one thing it had not appeared to do was engage directly with the Iranian-backed militia. That self-imposed moratorium ended with the clash to protect the Maersk ship.

Pentagon officials have worked up detailed plans for striking missile and drone bases in Yemen, and some of the facilities where fast boats of the kind used to attack the Maersk container ship appear to be tied up. But there is some concern that such strikes would play into Irans game plan.

I have doubts on what strikes would do, said Adam Clements, a former U.S. Army attache for Yemen. The Iran-Houthi relationship greatly benefits from conflict, so why create more?

But several senior retired U.S. officers with experience in the Gulf region say it is essential to re-establish American deterrence, a view echoed by many in the Pentagon. In 2016, the U.S. struck three Houthi missile sites with Tomahawk cruise missiles after the Houthis fired on Navy and commercial vessels. The Houthis attacks stopped.

The situation today is different. The Houthis have vowed to continue attacking until adequate supplies of food and medicine are allowed into Gaza, where a humanitarian disaster has been unfolding since the Israeli assault began. The assault followed the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel that, Israeli officials say, killed 1,200.

In Israel shortly after midnight on Monday, sirens sounded across the central part of the country warning of incoming rocket fire from Gaza.

So far the administration has bet that assembling the international naval task force in the Red Sea is the best way to isolate the Houthis, and reduces the groups ability to cast itself as fighting the United States or Israel.

Image An Israeli missile boat in the Red Sea, off the coast of the Israeli port city of Eilat, on Tuesday. Credit... Alberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images

The countries that are participating  and many that are sitting on the sidelines  have both a commercial and a security stake in the initiative. Maersk had just resumed shipping before the attack on the Hangzhou; it has now suspended shipments again.

Yemeni political analysts, and the Houthis themselves, have dismissed the task force as an ineffective exercise that will do little to deter the Houthis, who say that they crave a direct confrontation with the United States.

The Pentagon has a separate concern: deterring attacks on U.S. forces.

The bigger issue is that the U.S. since early October has also been accepting as normal persistent Houthi missile and drone attacks on the Red Sea, said Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, a retired Fifth Fleet commander.

Not responding when U.S. forces are attacked in any fashion risks the lives of U.S. sailors and marines if a missile were to make it past U.S. defenses, he said. It also sets a new precedent that attacking a U.S. ship carries low risk of retaliation and as we have seen invites more attacks from the Houthis.
Lucky Kieran Rushe has won the top prize in the December car draw at Tullamore Credit Union.

The draw was held at the packed 61st annual general meeting of Offaly's largest credit union in the Esker Arts Centre in December.

Kieran Rushe, from Killaderry, Daingean, was announced as the winner by the Chairperson of the credit union's Board of Directors, Liam O'Callaghan.

Liam also advised that two presentations of 5,000 each were made to UNICEF and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) on behalf of the members to support their work in Gaza.

This announcement was met with a resounding round of applause.

Members present in the arts centre were entered into the traditional turkey draw for QUID vouchers.

This year as sponsor of the first ever panto in Tullamore, five family tickets to Cinderella were also raffled.

Once all the formalities were completed all that remained for Chairperson Liam was to wish all members a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Our picture shows Kieran receiving his prize. Photo (l. to r.) Michelle Rushe, Liz Rushe, Karen Byrne, Tullamore Credit Union, Kiernan Rushe, Prize Draw winner , Finbar Coffey Lambe Bros Toyota, Tullamore and Siobhan Conroy, Tullamore Credit Union.
A former Dublin pub has been burned amid speculation it was going to be used to house immigrants.

Officers are investigating the blaze at a vacant property in Thorncastle Street, Ringsend in the early hours of Sunday, a Garda spokesperson said.

They said the alarm was raised shortly before 2am and the fire was brought under control by units from Dublin Fire Brigade.

No injuries have been reported.

Overnight, firefighters were called to a vacant premises on fire in #Ringsend 6 Fire engines attended including a turntable ladder to fight the fire from above  Smoke drifted across the area Thanks to @DubCityCouncil who increased the water supply to the fireground pic.twitter.com/NgswSP6jhG  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) December 31, 2023

Last month, protests took place outside the building over speculation it was due to be used to house asylum seekers.

The Department of Integration told RTE it had no plans to use the building in that way.

A Garda spokesperson said the force is aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the building.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Irishtown Garda Station 01 6669600 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has expressed his concern about the blaze, but emphasised that the cause was still under investigation by gardai.

The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Siochana, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire, he said.

If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Anyone with information should contact the Gardai. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families.
More Heat For BJP MP Pratap Simha, Involves Crores This Time, Read What Happened

Bengaluru

oi-Gaurav Sharma

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Simha, who came to the spotlight after the Parliament security breach, is likely to face some heat concerning another case now. According to the reports, MP Pratap Simha's brother Vikram Simha has been held by the forest department for smuggling 126 trees worth crores. The reports said he was arrested by the Central Crime Branch's Organised Crime wing for illegally cutting and selling trees.

An official told the media that Vikram Simha has been held based on "available documentary evidence" which hints at his involvement in organized crime.

Vikram Simha was on a run for a long time and was nabbed on Sunday after a joint operation by the forest department and Central Crime Branch's Organised Crime Wing, who used electronic surveillance to track him down.

Reports added that the sleuths will now take Vikram to Hassan for further investigation.

Hitting out at the BJP MP and his brother, Youth Congress President Srinivas BV said, "BJP's Simha brothers have brought disgrace to Karnataka & Nation. One facilitated a security breach in the Parliament, and the other destroyed the environment by cutting down 126 trees & smuggled wood from 8-acre land belonging to the Forest Department. What a shame!"

The arrest of Vikram Simha is surely going to affect MP Pratap Simha's image again. The lawmaker had signed the entry pass for one of the intruders who jumped into the area where MPs sit from the viewer's gallery on December 13.

The Opposition has been asking for an explanation from the MP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Parliament's Security Breach incident that shocked the nation.

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Story first published: Sunday, December 31, 2023, 11:31 [IST]
Digvijaya Singhs Fresh Attack on EVMs: Demands VVPAT Slips for Voters

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh reignited the debate over the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by questioning their security and demanding that voters be provided with VVPAT slips to ensure transparency in the electoral process.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has once again raised questions about the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and demanded that voters be handed over VVPAT slips that can then be put in ballot boxes.

Singh's Concerns About EVMs

Singh, who has been a vocal critic of EVMs for many years, stated that he does not trust these machines and believes that they can be hacked. He pointed out that there is no machine in the world with a chip that cannot be hacked, and that the chip will follow the orders of the software embedded in it.

Singh also referred to a video that raises questions about the use of EVMs in elections. He said that if a voter presses the Congress poll symbol on the EVM, but the software says lotus (the BJP's election symbol), then the VVPAT machine may show panja for 7 seconds, but the printed slip will show lotus. He urged people to watch the video by Rahul Mehta to understand this issue.

Opposition's Demand for Ballot Papers

Singh reiterated the Opposition's demand that elections be conducted through ballot paper, as is done in all developed countries. He argued that this would take more time for counting, but the public would have confidence that their vote went to the person they intended it to.

Singh criticized the Election Commission for not giving time to the INDIA bloc, a group of opposition parties, to meet and discuss their concerns about EVMs. He questioned why the Election Commission is so busy that it cannot even meet with the opposition.

Seeking Legal Recourse

Singh suggested that the opposition parties may need to take legal action or take to the streets to protest against the use of EVMs. He emphasized the need for political parties, especially INDIA, to decide on a course of action soon.

VVPAT Slips and Software Concerns

Singh also responded to a post by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who shared a video about pre-VVPAT EVMs. Singh argued that the Election Commission would dismiss this issue as settled since voters can now see which candidate they have voted for for 7 seconds. However, he questioned why voters should not have the printed VVPAT slip in their hands to ensure that what they have seen has been correctly printed.

Singh raised concerns about the software used in EVMs and who has written and loaded it into the system. He called for transparency by asking the Election Commission to put the software in the public domain.

Singh's remarks come amid growing concerns among opposition parties about the integrity of EVMs. The INDIA bloc has asserted that there are doubts about the functioning of EVMs and has suggested that VVPAT slips be handed over to voters and its 100% counting done later. The Election Commission, however, maintains that mandatory verification of printed VVPAT slips is done in case of election to the House of the People before declaring results.
Haryana Police Use Force on Protesting Guest Teachers in Yamunanagar

Police in Yamunanagar, Haryana, used force to disperse protesting guest teachers who attempted to gherao the residence of Education Minister Kanwar Pal. The teachers are demanding regularisation of their services.

India

-Krishna Kripa

On Sunday, police in Yamunanagar, Haryana, used force to disperse protesting guest teachers who attempted to gherao the residence of Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal. The guest teachers were demanding the regularization of their services.

Police Intervention

According to the police, the teachers intended to gherao the education minister's residence without obtaining permission for the demonstration. As a result, they were stopped by the police.

Guest Teachers' Claims

A body representing the guest teachers asserted that 20 teachers sustained injuries during the police action. Among the injured was Rajinder Shastri, the President of the Guest Teachers Associations Haryana State. He was admitted to a hospital in Yamunanagar.

Political Condemnation

Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Randeep Singh Surjewala strongly condemned the police action against the teachers. Hooda expressed his disapproval in a post on X, stating, "In the harsh winter, the BJP-JJP government lathicharged the guest teachers in Yamunanagar. No amount of condemnation for this act will be enough. Going back on one's election promises and lathicharging teachers who are protesting peacefully is against democratic norms. People will not forget this cruelty."

Surjewala also took to X to express his disapproval, saying, "Lathicharge on guest teachers in Yamunanagar is condemnable. The government should talk to these teachers and not lathicharge them. The entire state is troubled by this dictatorial attitude, and the public will give an answer to this."

The incident in Yamunanagar has sparked outrage and drawn criticism from political leaders and the public. The guest teachers' demand for regularization of their services remains unresolved, and the use of force against peaceful protesters has raised concerns about democratic rights and the treatment of educators in the state.
The U.S. military said Sunday that its forces opened fire on Houthi rebels after they attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea, killing several of them in an escalation of the maritime conflict linked to the war in Gaza.

In a series of statements, the U.S. Central Command said the crew of the USS Gravely destroyer first shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired at the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou late Saturday, after the vessel reported getting hit by a missile earlier that evening as it sailed through the Southern Red Sea.

Four small boats then attacked the same cargo ship with small arms fire early Sunday and rebels tried to board the vessel, the U.S. Navy said.

Next, the USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier responded to the Maersk Hangzhous distress call and issued verbal warnings to the attackers, who responded by firing on the helicopters.

The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four boats and killing the people on board while the fourth boat fled the area, the U.S. Central Command said. No harm to U.S. personnel or equipment, or casualties from the cargo ship, were reported.

The Houthis acknowledged that 10 of their fighters were killed in the confrontation and warned of consequences.

The events surrounding the Maersk Hangzhou represented the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19, the Central Command said. It was the first time the U.S. Navy said its personnel had killed Houthi fighters since the Red Sea attacks started.

For over a month, Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. They say their attacks aim to end the Israeli air-and-ground offensive in the Gaza Strip that was triggered by the Palestinian militant group Hamas October 7 attack in southern Israel.

However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as the attacks continue.

The Denmark-based shipping giant Maersk, owner of Maersk Hangzhou, said Sunday it would suspend shipping through the Red Sea again after the two attacks on its freighter.

In light of the (most recent) incident  and to give time to investigate the details of the incident and assess the security situation further  it has been decided that all transits through the area will be postponed for the next 48 hours, Maersk was quoted as saying by the Danish public broadcaster DR.

On Saturday, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East said Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Earlier this month, Washington announced the establishment of a new international coalition to protect vessels traveling through the waterway. The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain are also part of the new maritime security mission.

Since the Pentagon announced Operation Prosperity Guardian to counter the attacks just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have traveled through the Red Sea region, and none had been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper told The Associated Press in an interview on Saturday.

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IIT-BHU Sexual Assault Case: Police Arrest Three For Kissing, Tearing Clothes, Filming A Girl

India

oi-Gaurav Sharma

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday arrested three men in relation to a sexual assault case. According to the reports, these three men namely Kunal Pandey, Anand Chauhan, and Saksham Patel reportedly undressed and sexually assaulted a female within the IIT-BHU campus two months ago. Following the tragic and shocking incident, student protests were held in demand of justice for the victim.

Reports said all these accused are in their twenties and residents of Varanasi.

A senior police official told the media that "three accused have been arrested. We will release more details during the day."

According to the police report, three men came on a motorbike and forcibly kissed the girl. She alleged that her clothes were torn and a video of her was recorded on November 1 inside the IIT-BHU campus.

After the sexual assault, hundreds of students protested outside IIT BHU Director's office demanding justice for the victim and better security on campus for the rest of the females.

In her complaint to the police, briefing about the incident, the victim said, "I am a resident of a hostel at IIT-BHU. On November 2, around 1.30 am, I left my hostel for a walk. I met a male friend... We were walking together when...a motorcycle with three men approached us from behind. They parked their motorcycle there and separated my friend and me".

"They shut my mouth tightly and took me to a corner, kissed me forcibly, took off my clothes, and recorded photos and videos. When I shouted for help, they threatened to kill me. They let me go after 10-15 minutes. When I ran towards my hostel, I heard the sound of the motorcycle. Then, I hid at the residence of a professor, who took me to the security officials," she added.

At first, police lodged a complaint against unidentified men under IPC sections 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe) and 506 (criminal intimidation). Later, sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) were added to the chargesheet after the police recorded victim's statement.
Indian Navy Deploy Destroyers And Frigates In Arabian Sea

India

oi-Gaurav Sharma

After a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto en route for Mangalore from Saudi Arabia was hit by a drone last week, the Indian Navy has increased its monitoring activities in the northern and central Arabian Sea as well as the Gulf of Aden. According to the Indian Navy's recent statement, naval task groups consisting of destroyers and frigates have been dispatched for maritime security operations and to assist merchant ships in the event of any incidents.

The Navy also deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maritime patrol aircraft to protect Indian water boundaries.

In addition, the navy highlighted its collaboration with the Coast Guard to address emerging security threats within the Indian Ocean region.

The Navy's decision came after the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, which was carrying a crew of 21 members, including 20 Indians and one Vietnamese national, was struck by the unidentified air strike. Later, the ship had to seek refuge at the Mumbai port with the escort of the Coast Guard ship Vikram on December 26.

Indian navy's statement reads: "The last few weeks have seen increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and central/north Arabian Sea."

"The piracy incident on MV Ruen, approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast, and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar, indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," the navy said.

Quoting the Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, the statement conveyed, "directions to take all possible actions to enhance security in the Arabian Sea region and keep a close lookout for any suspicious activity, he further directed to carry out thorough checks on the suspicious boats to ensure the safety of our merchant vessels and mariners."
Jammu and Kashmir Police Cracks Down on Financial Fraud, Makes First Arrest

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested one person from Tamil Nadu in connection with a financial fraud case that came to light in the union territory last week. The arrest was made based on the statements of victims, technical and digital evidence.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended an individual from Tamil Nadu in connection with a financial fraud case that recently surfaced in the union territory. Acting swiftly upon the statements provided by victims and leveraging technical and digital evidence, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) successfully identified six accused individuals, all residing outside the boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir.

Collaborative Efforts for Apprehension

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police formed specialized teams with the primary objective of apprehending the identified accused individuals. Their efforts bore fruit when one of the accused was apprehended in Tamil Nadu and subsequently taken into police custody, as confirmed by a police spokesperson on Sunday.

Ongoing Investigation and Assessment

The investigation into the financial fraud case is ongoing, with the police actively pursuing the remaining accused individuals. Concurrently, meticulous efforts are being made to ascertain the extent of financial losses incurred by the victims through the collection of relevant evidence and witness statements. To safeguard the interests of the affected individuals, all the company's account numbers have been frozen, ensuring that no further financial transactions can take place.

Scrutiny of Employees and Social Media Influencers

The investigation has expanded to include employees and local contacts of the primary accused individuals, as their potential involvement cannot be overlooked. Additionally, social media influencers who promoted the fraudulent company through various platforms are also under scrutiny, with the police thoroughly examining their actions and determining their level of involvement in the criminal activities.

Extent of Complaints and Modus Operandi

As of now, the Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone Srinagar has received a total of 27 complaints related to the fraudulent company. The modus operandi employed by the company involved operating under the name Curative Survey Private Limited and luring unsuspecting individuals through a fraudulent website. By promising substantial returns on investments, the company deceived subscribers and convinced them to invest their hard-earned money. However, after misrepresenting the facts and cheating the investors, the company became unresponsive, leaving the subscribers in a state of confusion and distress.

Uncovering the Company's Operations

During the course of the investigation, the police discovered that the fraudulent company had established six offices in the Kashmir Valley and one regional office in Jammu during the months of January and February 2023. Subsequently, all seven offices were thoroughly searched and sealed, with incriminating evidence being seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis and expert opinion. Furthermore, numerous employees of the company from across Jammu and Kashmir were identified, examined, and their statements were recorded to gather crucial information.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's prompt action in apprehending one accused individual and their ongoing efforts to bring the remaining perpetrators to justice demonstrate their commitment to protecting the citizens from financial fraud. The investigation is progressing steadily, with a focus on assessing the extent of financial losses, scrutinizing the involvement of employees and social media influencers, and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of this fraudulent scheme.
Mumbai Rings in 2024 with Excitement and Enhanced Security

Mumbai embraced the New Year with enthusiasm as thousands gathered at iconic locations like the Gateway of India and religious sites. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in a blood donation camp in Thane. Special suburban services facilitated travel, while robust security measures ensured a safe celebration.

India

-Krishna Kripa

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2023, the city of Mumbai erupted in jubilation as thousands of Mumbaikars thronged iconic locations like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Girgaum Chowpatty to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Amidst heightened security arrangements, the city's residents embraced the spirit of New Year's Eve with fervor and enthusiasm.

Religious Visits and Festivities

Many Mumbaikars chose to seek divine blessings by visiting religious places, including the revered Siddhivinayak and Mumbadevi temples, as well as churches across the city. In Thane, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde marked the arrival of the New Year by participating in a blood donation camp, extending warm greetings to the people on this joyous occasion.

Public Gatherings and Celebrations

Families and friends converged at various public spaces, housing societies, and terraces of buildings to join in the New Year festivities. The city's restaurants and bars were abuzz with patrons, who reveled in the celebratory atmosphere until the late hours of the night.

Special Suburban Services

To accommodate the surge of revelers heading to south Mumbai and other popular destinations, the Central Railway operated four special suburban services in the Mumbai division on New Year's Eve. These special trains ensured convenient transportation for those seeking to join the festivities.

Enhanced Security Measures

To ensure a safe and peaceful New Year celebration, the Mumbai Police implemented comprehensive security arrangements. Stringent security check-ups were conducted at various locations, and certain roads were barricaded to maintain order. Strict action was taken against motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or violating traffic rules. Additionally, two-wheeler riders without helmets were penalized.

Peaceful Celebrations and Tight Security

Thanks to the robust security measures, the New Year celebrations in Mumbai transpired peacefully, without any untoward incidents reported. The heightened security presence, which included the deployment of over 11,000 police personnel, 2,000 officers, and senior police officials, will remain in place until 5 AM on Monday to ensure continued safety.

Traffic Management and Parking Restrictions

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the Mumbai Traffic Police deployed more than 1,200 traffic policemen and 150 officers to monitor the roads during the celebrations. Certain roads were closed, while traffic was diverted at other locations. Additionally, areas like Marine Lines, Worli Seaface, and Juhu beach were designated as no-parking zones to facilitate seamless traffic movement.

As the city of Mumbai welcomed the arrival of 2024, its residents embraced the spirit of New Year's Eve with enthusiasm and joy. The combination of vibrant celebrations, enhanced security measures, and responsible traffic management ensured a safe and memorable start to the new year for Mumbaikars.
Noida Crime Rate Drops in 2023: Murders, Crimes Against Women, Thefts Decline

Noida experienced a remarkable reduction in murders, crimes against women, burglaries, and vehicle thefts in 2023, marking a positive trend in the citys safety.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Noida, a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, has witnessed a significant decrease in murders, crimes against women, burglaries, and vehicle thefts in 2023, according to official data. The city has experienced an overall improvement in its crime situation compared to the previous two years.

Reduction in Murders and Vehicle Thefts

In 2023, Noida recorded 50 murder cases, marking a decline from 53 cases in 2022 and 74 cases in 2021. Additionally, there were 1,098 vehicle thefts reported this year, which is lower than the 1,336 cases in 2022 and 1,259 cases in 2021.

Drop in House Burglaries

The number of house burglary cases in Noida also saw a substantial decrease in 2023. There were 88 burglary cases reported this year, compared to 141 cases in 2022 and 136 cases in 2021.

Crimes Against Women

Noida has made significant progress in addressing crimes against women. In 2023, the district recorded a 21% reduction in such crimes compared to 2022 and a 24% drop compared to 2021. A total of 453 cases of crimes against women were reported in the year gone by, down from 576 in 2022 and 596 in 2021.

Convictions and Arrests

The Gautam Buddh Nagar commissionerate, which oversees Noida, has achieved a high conviction rate for crimes against women. In 2023, there were 4,085 convictions in such cases, although this number is lower than the 2,260 convictions in 2022 and 3,236 convictions in 2021.

Additionally, the police have taken strict action against gangsters and criminals. In 2023, 396 accused were booked in 72 cases under the stringent Gangsters Act, up from 56 cases and 277 accused in 2022. The value of movable and immovable assets belonging to gangsters that was attached under Section 141 of the Gangsters Act also increased substantially in 2023, reaching Rs 81 crore compared to Rs 59 crore in 2022 and Rs 48 crore in 2021.

NDPS Act Cases

The police have also intensified their efforts to combat drug trafficking. In 2023, the police commissionerate arrested 646 accused in 559 cases lodged under the NDPS Act, up from 569 cases and 641 accused in 2022. Over 4150 kg of contraband, including marijuana, hashish, and MDMA, was seized during these operations.

Noida's improved crime situation in 2023 is a testament to the effective strategies implemented by the local police and law enforcement agencies. The decline in murders, crimes against women, burglaries, and vehicle thefts demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the city's residents. By continuing these efforts and adopting innovative crime prevention measures, Noida can further enhance its reputation as a safe and secure city.
Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan Blasts Christian Priests for Ignoring Manipur Violence

Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan strongly criticized Christian priests for their alleged silence on the issue of Manipur violence during PM Modis Christmas program. He questioned their attendance at the event and accused them of forgetting the violence against their community members. Cheriyan also criticized certain Christian priests for joining the BJP in Kerala.

India

-Krishna Kripa

On Sunday, Kerala's Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cheriyan, strongly criticized Christian priests for their alleged silence on the issue of violence in Manipur during a Christmas program organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi.

Mocking Bishops Who Attended the Event

While inaugurating a local committee office of his party, CPIM, in Alappuzha district, Cheriyan mocked certain bishops who attended the Prime Minister's program. He sarcastically remarked that they experienced goosebumps when BJP leaders invited them.

Accusations of Ignoring Manipur Violence

Cheriyan alleged that these bishops forgot about the violence targeting their own community members in Manipur when they were served with cakes and grape wine at the event. He questioned whether they urged the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter.

Criticism of Christian Priests Joining BJP in Kerala

Cheriyan also criticized certain Christian priests for still joining the BJP in Kerala, highlighting the recent incident where a priest and around 50 Christian families joined the party in Pathanamthitta district.

PM Modi's Praise for Christian Community

During his interaction with members of the Christian community at his residence on Christmas, Prime Minister Modi had praised the minority community for its contributions to the freedom movement and various fields such as healthcare and education. He acknowledged their role with pride.

No Response from BJP or Bishops

Neither the BJP nor the bishops have responded to Cheriyan's allegations as of yet.
Ram Temple Inauguration: What Is 'Pran Pratishtha' And How It Is Performed?

Transforming Ayodhya: Confluence Of Tradition And Modernity And A Winning Mantra for BJP

India

oi-Pankaj Mishra

Feels Like Diwali Again!

Sample this! Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to celebrate Diwali in their homes on January 22, coinciding with the consecration of the Ram Temple. He invited people to visit Ayodhya at their convenience from January 23 onwards.

Hindutva-Plus Message

It might appear that PM Modi's message was to keep the masses at home on Jan 22, 2024. But actually, it blends Hindutva with a focus on world-class infrastructure in Ayodhya and something that calls for Diwali-like celebrations. The convergence of tradition and modern development is seen as crucial for India's 'national greatness,' aligning with the BJP's vision.

Ayodhya's Renaissance

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, marking the beginning of Ayodhya's infrastructural renaissance.

'New Ayodhya' Envisioned, Delivered!

PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath have been stressing on the development of a 'New Ayodhya.' The town is undergoing a massive facelift to become a global hub, seamlessly blending tradition, spirituality, and modern amenities. And this is something that not many can deny when it comes to delivering on the promises made.

Just the Beginning...

Ram Temple, Railway Station, and Airport are just the beginning. Ayodhya's expansion includes earmarked hotel plots, shopping complexes, and pilgrim facilities among others. The BJP aims to showcase Ayodhya as a cultural and modern destination.

BJP's Ideology in Action

The event visually (as of now) has realized the ideological project pursued by the BJP and RSS and its affiliated bodies for decades. The seamless integration of religious symbolism with modern infrastructure reflects a long-standing ideological pursuit.

A Social Balancing Act: Valmiki Airport and Dalit Outreach

The choice of naming the airport after Valmiki holds cultural significance, as Valmiki is revered by a section of Scheduled Castes. This move adds a dimension of Dalit outreach to the cultural and religious narrative.

Dalit Symbolism

Visiting the house of a Ujjawala Yojana beneficiary, Dhani Ram Manjhi, known to be from the Scheduled Castes, adds a Dalit outreach element to the event, fostering social balance.

((NAT UP MODI ))

BJP's Long List of Visionary Projects

The Ayodhya event aligns with other grand cultural projects initiated by the BJP, such as the new Parliament building, the Kartavya Path, the Netaji statue at India Gate, and the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. These projects aim to redefine India's visual and memorial landscape.

And The Credit Goes To...

The transformation of Ayodhya links it indelibly to the Modi government and the BJP. Ayodhya's new look, combining spiritual and modern elements, will be a visible testament to the BJP government's cultural and infrastructural efforts. This is undoubtedly one of the many strongholds that the opposition parties will have to breach, in case they want to stand a chance in 2024.

The Bottom Line

Ending 2023 on a high spiritual note, the Ayodhya event represents a confluence of tradition and modernity. It also stamps the BJP's ideological pursuit and its vision for a culturally rich and developed India. The grand cultural projects undertaken by the government aim to leave an enduring mark on the country's historical and visual narrative. And public memory, often touted to be short, will surely have this grand Ayodhya event etched in its consciousness for a long.
Happy New Year 2024: Know Countries To Welcome New Year First and Last

International

oi-Gaurav Sharma

As the clock strikes midnight in various parts of the world, people everywhere bid farewell to the past to enter a new year with hope, anticipation, and celebrations. The advent of a new year is often marked by joyous gatherings, fireworks, parties, and reflections on the past and aspirations for the future. Interestingly, many countries will welcome the new year minutes before other regions around the world due to different time zones.

Kiritimati, a part of the Pacific nation, will be the first one to step in 2024. Kiribati consists of 33 atolls, pronounced as Kiribass, spread across a vast expanse in the equatorial Pacific.

They cover an area of nearly 4,000 kilometers from east to west and over 2,000 kilometers from north to south. Kiritimati Island welcomed the New Year at 10:00 am GMT (3:30 pm IST), a day ahead of New York City.

Following Kiribati, New Zealand ushered in 2024 at 11:00 GMT.

Australia, Japan, and South Korea are the countries that welcomed the New Year, with each nation experiencing it an hour after the previous one.

The Kirabati Choir was amazing to see in Tassie @MONAFOMA in January. Such joy! Every time I watch this I feel happy. Thinking of these men, far from familythank you  #SingalongSBS #choir #kiribatichoir pic.twitter.com/401x6KEft2  anna sublet (@subbie) June 5, 2021

People around the world are ready to welcome the year. Large gatherings are forming in Sydney, Australia, in anticipation of one of the most spectacular New Year's fireworks displays in the world. A tourist who is visiting Sydney said "It's been on my bucket list for the last ten years so I'm excited for the fireworks."

"It's iconic because it's the first fireworks in the world and it's the first celebration of the New Year so it's nice. And it's cool because you have the spot really near and this is amazing, this is amazing," Christopher Maldonado, a tourist from Chile, said while expressing his joy and excitement.
Maharashtra: Fire Breaks Out At A Glove Factory, 6 Dead

Mumbai

oi-Gaurav Sharma

According to the reports, a massive fire broke out in Maharashtra on the interjecting night of Sunday that claimed six lives. The incident happened at a glove factory situated in Aurangabad's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The reports said at least six people succumbed in the tragic incident and many ran out after the fire came in to notice. Talking to the media, a worker said the factory was closed when the fire engulfed the factory and workers were sleeping inside it. He said that the incident happened at around 2:15 am.

It was such a massive fire that it took hours to douse it.

After being informed, firefighters and police swiftly rushed to the spot. According to the reports, firefighters extinguished the massive fire with the help of multiple firefighting vans and recovered six dead bodies from inside the factory. The situation has been brought under control now, said an official.

#WATCH | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra: Fire breaks out in a factory in the Waluj MIDC area. Operations to douse the fire are underway. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/mY9ChJv8n8  ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023

"We received a call at 2:15 a.m. When we reached the site, the entire factory was on fire. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered," News agency ANI quoted Mohan Mungse, a Firefighting official.

One of the workers, trapped inside the factory at the time of the incident, told the media that around ten to fifteen workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire erupted. Many managed to escape, but five to six were still trapped inside the building that was ablaze.

The exact reason for the fire has not been discovered yet, and the police have registered a case to investigate the cause behind the massive fire and the deaths of six workers.
Goa's Sunburn EDM Festival Lands In Soup, Complaint Filed For Using Lord Shiva's Pic

Panaji

oi-Gaurav Sharma

Organizers of Goa's most popular Sunburn EDM event landed in a soup after police complaints were been filed against them ahead of the new year. According to the reports, complaints have been lodged in Goa's Panji by the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party leaders stating that using lord Shiva's picture at such an event is an insult to the lord and has hurt their religious sentiments.

Sunburn EDM, is one of the most popular electronic dance music festivals among the youth worldwide, which happens at the time of the new year. The music festival is slated from December 28 to 30 at Vagator in North Goa.

The complaint has been registered at the Mapusa Police Station by Congress leader Vijay Bhike against the organizers of the event, where alcohol is being served.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa President Amit Palekar has also complained about the same and demanded strict and swift action against the organizers for using Lord Shiva's picture and hurting the sentiments of "Sanatana Dharma".

Talking to the media, Palekar said "We saw that Lord Shankar's image was used during the festival. It was flashed on the LED screen when people were drunk and dancing."

"The use of our God for the purpose of the EDM festival where alcohol is served is not right. We have called up the director general of police demanding registration of an offense against Sunburn festival organizers," Palekar added.

His counterpart, Congress leader Bhike, in his written complaint submitted at the Mapusa police station, said: "Organizers have intentionally insulted the religious feelings of Hindus by portraying that Lord Shiva supports drinking alcohol, consumption of prohibited substances and all other illicit activities that take place during the event".

Taking cognizance of the incident and accepting complaints from both political party representatives, a senior police official said that the matter will be investigated and if anyone is found guilty then the action will be taken against the culprits according to the law.

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Story first published: Sunday, December 31, 2023, 9:37 [IST]
Javier Milei walked down the steps of Congress to give his inauguration speech as president of Argentina less than a month ago. With his back to parliament, he spoke facing the followers who were waiting for him under the scorching sun. It was a gesture, and then came the measures. In the first 20 days of government, the far-right politician imposed a decree that changes or repeals more than 300 laws without debate, implemented a protocol of action against protests, and sent a bill to Congress to expand the powers of the Executive. This authoritarian drift and the radical nature of the measures are beginning to take their toll on the president. The social climate is effervescent  the unions announced a strike for the end of January  and Mileis negative image has risen five points to 55% since he arrived at the Casa Rosada, according to a consultant.

Mileis party, La Libertad Avanza, does not have majorities in Congress  it has only 38 of 257 deputies and seven of 72 senators  and lacks its own governors with the ability to influence parliament. However, he retains the broad support that the polls gave him. Milei received 30% of the votes in the first electoral round and managed to add 56% in the second against the Peronist Sergio Massa. These days, the far-right is in the honeymoon period that follows electoral victory. From his own experience, Mileis now ally  former conservative president Mauricio Macri  recommended moving forward with shock and without gradualism.

On top of the megadecree with more than 300 reforms to begin dismantling the state and the bill with more than 600 articles that gives a radical turn to the Argentine political, economic, and social system, and in addition to a protocol that bans street closures, Milei has added a decalogue of economic measures that apply a radical readjustment: dismissing more than 5,000 state employees hired in the last year and suspending a similar number from welfare payments due to incompatibilities, as reported by the government Friday. Every day, the Milei government overwhelms Argentines with new announcements. On the last working day of this year, presidential advisor Federico Sturzenegger, author of the first package sent to Congress, announced that they will announce another initiative that includes the elimination of 160 regulations. Milei puts it in these terms: Argentina requires an urgent change of course to avoid disaster.

Milei is trying to dismantle the country that has been put together since 1916. At the beginning of the 21st century in Argentina there was also a regime change that oriented the state and society towards the center-left. The one that is being produced now is very strong and very fast, says Sergio Morresi, doctor in political science and co-author of the book Esta entre nosotros: De donde sale y hasta donde puede llegar la extrema derecha que no vimos venir? (It is among us. Where does the extreme right that we did not see coming come from and how far can it go?). To achieve this, the political scientist says, the president relies on a contempt for institutions that has been developing for a long time in Argentina. Argentina is a place where democracy is still valued. But what does Milei understand by democracy? Do what people want as he interprets it; That is, to do what his voters, not the collective, enable him to do, explains Morresi.

Protest in Buenos Aires by social organizations and unions against the Milei government. Amanda Cotrim

Asked during the campaign if he believes in the democratic system, Milei did not answer the journalists question, which asked for a clear definition. I believe that democracy has many errors, he said simply. Some have resorted to adjectives such as Napoleonic  as pointed out by a center-right politician, Rodrigo De Loredo  or messianic  as the former left-wing Uruguayan president Jose Mujica pointed out  to describe the president in accordance with the first acts of his government. He has also been described as revolutionary by the historian and analyst Carlos Pagni. The columnist for EL PAIS wrote in the newspaper La Nacion: Revolutions negotiate little, they are not deliberative. It is an idea of how society should be drawn that is transferred to reality as if it were a blank piece of paper.

The institutional weakness of the Milei government to carry out the reconstruction of a country in crisis is compensated by the support it receives from at least two actors, Morresi believes. Milei has just won clearly and has some social support. Furthermore, in these few weeks he has received strong and determined support from the most important business groups in the country, says the analyst. The political scientist adds that the far-right also has the support of Together for Change, the center-right coalition he faced in the elections, and part of Peronism, which will be crucial for the megadecree and for the omnibus law to pass through Congress.

The legislative chambers are one of the obstacles that the far-right measures will have to overcome  another is the judiciary and the third is social mobilization. Milei has maintained his challenge to the legislative branch since he walked down the steps of Congress on December 10 and turned his back on them. Explain to me why Congress is against something that is good for people. Because people understood well, right? he said in a television interview. If Congress does not approve his measures, he suggested that night, he will call a referendum  which will have to be non-binding. Later, he accused some legislators of being corrupt: Those who like to argue so much do so because they are looking for bribes.

This way of governing that he is proposing has to do with his way of understanding power and reading the keys to the position he is in, political scientist Yanina Welp believes. The academic, who is a specialist in the study of democracy, disagrees with those who argue that Milei is governing alone because the lack of majorities in Congress leaves him with no other option: There are always alternatives in democracy, she points out. Expanding the government coalition or negotiating each law separately, for example, are some of the options proposed on social media. It is a risky alternative that can delegitimize a necessary public policy agenda. Furthermore, others warn that the polarization caused by such radical measures can further damage the already fragmented Argentine society.

The more than 300 reforms in the megadecree came into force Friday but have yet to be approved by parliament. The 664 articles of the omnibus law will be discussed in extraordinary sessions of Congress. For Welp, two scenarios open up. If the law passes, we would be facing a situation very similar to that of Fujimoris Peru, the political scientist explains. For different analysts, Milei is trying to raise a conflict of legitimacy with parliament, as the former Peruvian president did in the early 1990s. Alberto Fuijimori came to the presidency with enormous popular support and took advantage of it to attack Congress, where he did not have majorities. The Peruvian deputies, scared and delegitimized, gave him special powers. The Shining Paths heavy hand against terrorism made Fujimori even more popular and after months of attacking Congress, he closed it in 1992 with a self-coup.

Social and political organizations at a demonstration in Buenos Aires on December 20. Tiago Ramirez Baquero

I have doubts that it will happen. If it does not happen, the uncertainty is greater, warns Welp. In the second scenario we would be faced with a situation where Milei would be forced to back down and govern in a different way. The analyst warns that a majority takes a dim view of the content and procedure of the reforms. In recent days, the courts have received proposals of unconstitutionality against the megadecree that constitutional lawyers see as justified, and hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets to reject the unilateral way in which the measures are being proposed. Protesters also reject the content of these measures, which enable the privatization of public companies, open the door to operations in dollars, punish protests, and fire the starting gun on making the labor market and the health system more flexible.

A study by the consulting firm Zuban Cordoba y Asociados published Friday reveals that since Milei assumed the presidency, his negative image has worsened by five points and has gone from 50% to 55%. The analysis shows that for more than half of the population surveyed, the country has taken the wrong direction since the president took office. Both the deregulatory DNU and the omnibus law presented in Congress have garnered significant levels of dissatisfaction. There even seems to be a majority forming that is willing to vote against all measures in a potential plebiscite, the study points out. 56% of those consulted say that the megadecree is unconstitutional and more than half affirm that they strongly disagree with sending the bill to Congress.

For 44%, Milei still has a positive image, according to the study. Carla Yumatle, a political philosopher and professor at the Torcuato Di Tella University, explains that the social support that Milei still has allows him to comprehend the social mood of disaffection, anger, frustration on the part of citizens. He has the support having promised pain and sacrifice. Argentines see the status quo as more costly than all the suffering that Milei is asking of them, Yumatle explains. The idea that the state hinders and does not guarantee freedom, but rather takes it away, is an unprecedented fact in Argentine political culture, the theorist adds.

Milei has positioned himself against the status quo. He sees the existing order as a trap and does not believe that it is possible to get out of that trap with the mechanisms proposed by that same social order. How do you go about producing decisive social change? I think its creating a certain anarchy, so that no one really knows where they stand. It is a way of implementing a refoundation, a tabula rasa, says Yumatle. The philosopher warns, however, that refounding is not the same as governing: What is effective at the beginning is not necessarily effective in keeping you going later, and the fact that it starts like this does not necessarily mean that it will continue. For the analyst, what remains to be seen is if Milei is going to recognize that difference: If he is going to see it or if Congress and the public are going to force him to recognize it.

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Eurasia Review 23 Dec 2023

One would think that heart wrenching images streaming out of the Gaza Strip suggest that Israel has Hamas over a barrel in stalled..
Arina Rodionova has sent a strong message in her opening round clash at the Brisbane International, cruising past Italian world No.42 Martina Trevisa in straight sets.
The UN's Khaled Khiari said the fighting and bloodshed must end as Moscow and Kyiv traded blame over civilian deaths. Follow DW for more.
The Danish monarch blamed her advanced age and health issues for her decision to step down after reigning for 52 years. Her son is set to become King Frederik X next month.
A senior UN political affairs official condemned attacks against the Russian city of Belgorod, located near the Ukrainian border, as he briefed the Security Council at an emergency meeting convened on Saturday afternoon.



At least 18 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in an attack on Belgorod, said Khaled Khiari,...
The queen announced during her New Year's speech that she would abdicate on the 52nd anniversary of her own accession to the throne at age 31 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.
Last Fall, I took an online course with the philosopher Bayo Akomolafe to explore creativity and reverence while we collapse. He called the course We Will Dance with Mountains, and I loved it. I loved the warm welcome and libations given by elders at each meeting's start. I loved discussing juicy questions with people from different continents in the breakout rooms. I loved the phenomenal music, the celebration of differently-abled thinking, the idea of Blackness as a creative way of being. When people shared tears about the events that began on October 7th, I felt humanly connected.

By engaging about 500 mountain dancers from a half dozen continents, the ten-session course displayed technology's wonders.

I could not delete my awareness that online conferencing starts with a global super-factory that ravages the Earth. It extracts petroleum coke from places like the Tar Sands to smelt quartz gravel for every computer's silicon transistors. It uses fossil fuels to power smelters and refineries. It takes water from farmers to make transistors electrically conductive. Its copper and nickel mining generates toxic tailings. Its ships (that transport computers' raw materials to assembly plants and final products to consumers) guzzle ocean-polluting bunker fuel.

Doing anything online requires access networks that consume energy during manufacturing and operation. Wireless ones transmit electro-magnetic radiation 24/7.

More than a decade before AI put data demands on steroids, Greenpeace calculated that if data storage centers were a country, they'd rank fifth in use of energy.

Then, dumpsites (in Africa, in India) fill with dead-and-hazardous computers and batteries. To buy schooling, children scour them for copper wires.

Bayo says, "in order to find your way, you must lose it."

Call me lost. I want to reduce my digital footprint.

A local dancer volunteered to organize an in-person meeting for New Mexicans. She invited us to consider the question, "What does the land want from me?"

Such a worthwhile question.

It stymied me.

I've lived in New Mexico 33 years. When new technologies like wireless Internet access in schools, 5G cell sites on public rights-of-way, smart meters or an 800-acre solar facility with 39 flammable batteries (each 40 feet long), I've advocated for professional engineering due diligence to ensure fire safety, traffic safety and reduced impacts to wildlife and public health. I've attended more judicial hearings, city council meetings and state public regulatory cases and written more letters to the editor than I can count.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Gresham police identified the 34-year-old man shot and killed Thursday as Austin Brand.

Brand, who lived in Damascus, allegedly got into multiple physical confrontations in a Gresham neighborhood leading up to the shooting, police said Friday. The final encounter turned fatal, police said, and it is being investigated as self-defense.

Officers responded to reports of a disturbance at Southeast Orient Drive and Anderson Road just before 10 p.m. When they arrived they found Brand badly injured, and he died at the scene.

Austin Brand, 34, was shot and killed in Gresham Dec. 28.Gresham Police Department

Detective Adam Wright said in a statement that the investigation is complicated. Wright said police are working to determine whose actions were criminal and if any were justifiable in self-defense.

Wright said that the person suspected of shooting Brand was not arrested and is cooperating with the investigation.

Investigators ask anyone who had contact with Brand or witnessed the shooting to call the Gresham police tip line at 503-618-2719.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

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If there was one thing Oregonians wanted to read about in 2023, it was real estate. Whether it was a famous actor selling a house, a bread company executive selling a house or even not-so-famous developers and investors selling a remote lighthouse, Oregonians were interested.

Of course, readers of The Oregonian/OregonLive had other interests too. They definitely wanted to know about restaurants closing, jokes about The Big One and movie opportunities for themselves, possibly so they could become famous and then rich and then be featured in a story about real estate.

Here are the 10 most read life and culture stories of 2023.

Brian Cox poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the TV series 'Succession' in London Thursday, March 23, 2023. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

People looking to get their big break clicked on this story in a big way. A feature film from Paramount Plus was scheduled to start filming in Portland in April and the production was looking for extras, especially young people ages 12 to 15, as well as stand-ins, doubles and possibly some vehicles.

The next month, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the movie was called Little Wing, and stars Brian Cox, who plays Logan Roy in Succession, and Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton in Yellowstone.

9. Edgefield announces line-up for summer Concerts on the Lawn, published, April 15

Phoebe Bridgers played to a sold-out crowd of adoring fans at Edgefield on Thurs., Aug. 25, 2022.Dave Killen / The Oregonian

McMenamins Edgefield announced the line-up for its annual Concerts on the Lawn series in the spring. That line-up included The National, Death Cab for Cutie, Diana Ross, Maggie Rogers and so many more.

8 1 / 8 Nick's Italian Cafe in McMinnville closes

A James Beard Award-winning Oregon restaurant, Nicks Italian Cafe, closed after 46 years in downtown McMinnville in July. When it opened, Nicks was the best restaurant north of San Francisco, the late Oregon pinot pioneer David Lett told Saveur magazine in a 2008 feature.

The restaurant and its neighboring deli, which had hosted aspiring winemakers and visiting wine lovers for generations, went up for sale.

7. Oregon town named one the happiest places to live in the country, published Sept. 21

The sun shines brightly over Mount Hood, seen from the fields of flowers at Draper Girls Country Farm outside Hood River. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

According to Outside Magazine, Hood River is one of the 15 happiest towns in the United States. Anyone who has traveled the hour or so east from Portland to visit Hood River wont be surprised at the main reason the town of roughly 8,300 people made the list  Its the outside parts. Windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing, hiking and mountain biking are all mentioned by Outside, as well as the proximity to you-pick fruit farms.

6. Classic Portland pizza chain Hotlips closes most locations, published March 27

Josh Howell slices a fresh pizza at the Hot Lips Pizza.The Oregonian

It was the end of an era for Portland pizza chain Hotlips when the chain announced in March it would close three of its five restaurants, effective immediately. It is with a terribly heavy heart that we must close these beloved stores and have the first layoffs in our history, co-owner Jeana Edelman said in a press release. Each person is hardworking and has contributed mightily to the teams they have worked with, and to the longevity and health of our company. Many have been with us for years, decades even. I have sincere gratitude for the time theyve given us, and deep sadness at this unfortunate turn.

Shobi DahlJanet Eastman/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Shobi Dahl, the co-founder and former CEO of the wildly successful Daves Killer Bread company, decided to sell the Lake Oswego mansion Dahl saved from the wrecking ball in 2023.

At the time, Dahl said that the 19,444-square-foot trophy home filled with crystal chandeliers illuminating museum-quality antiques no longer suits who I am or how I want to live anymore.

The Mediterranean-style mansion hit the market at $11.5 million.

Actor Patrick Duffys longtime southern Oregon residence along the Rogue River is for sale, with the main house and 327 acres listed along with four smaller parcels, from two to 30 acres, to be sold separately.Cascade Hasson Sothebys International Realty

Readers were interested to hear that actor Patrick Duffys longtime southern Oregon residence along the Rogue River was headed to the auction block in December, with no minimum starting bid. Although there was no pre-set reserve or minimum bid for the ranch outside of Eagle Point, starting bids were expected to be between $3 million and $5 million, said Charlie Engel of Concierge Auctions, which specializes in marketing luxury real estate worldwide.

3. 3 Oregon restaurants named to New York Times list of 2023s best, published Sept. 19

The interior of Cafe Olli is shown on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in Portland.Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

When The New York Times published its third annual American restaurant guide in September, the list included three in Oregon  South Portlands Lilia, Northeast Portlands Cafe Olli and McMinnvilles Okta. While not all of the restaurants on the list were new, the Oregon spots had all opened relatively recently. Lilia and Cafe Olli both made The Oregonians guide to Portlands best new restaurants in 2022, with Lilia at No. 4 and Cafe Olli at No. 2.

Most people in the Pacific Northwest spend some time every year being terrified about the Big One  a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake expected to hit in the next 100 years and wreak havoc on the region. In April, University of Washington scientists announced a new discovery about the subduction zone: its leaking. The Daily Beast immediately dubbed the leak a harbinger of doom. Then, Stephen Colbert got in on the action.

In March, four men and one woman, ages 29 to 58, camped three nights at the abandoned 142-year-old Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, a mile off northern Oregons coast. This is Terrible Tilly, Oregons only offshore light station, rising 133 feet above the churning ocean. The lighthouse is visible from Seaside to Cannon Beach, but difficult to get to. The group spent their days cleaning up the stone fortress to ready it for sale. They also collected artifacts to raise money for more maintenance work.

 Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052; lacker@oregonian.com; @lizzzyacker

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Another year down and another year of fighting the same challenges. As in 2022, Oregon has struggled with how to help thousands of people living on the streets amid a severe housing shortage that crosses urban and rural communities. Despite millions distributed for drug addiction services, overdose deaths are rising, with Oregon leading the nation in its increase in youth fatalities. And like last year, downtown Portland, a key economic engine for the state as a whole, continues to languish as employers, residents and visitors keep their distance.

Meanwhile, Oregon still cannot provide lawyers on a timely basis for those charged with crimes. The states mental health system cannot adequately accommodate those voluntarily seeking help nor those remanded to its care. And political dysfunction struck once again with an ethics scandal taking down one of the highest-ranking Democrats and a boycott by Senate Republicans that halted work in the Legislature for weeks.

And yet, for all the ways that 2023 has marked a year of rinse and repeat, there were key signs that our elected officials  finally  are beginning to break the cycle. New leaders have helped shake off the inertia thats marked government at multiple levels. An exasperated public, as well, has provided some needed pressure to change the debate and strategy around our crises. And while progress was minimal in many areas, the year offers reasons to believe momentum is shifting  along with clear signs that we cannot wait any longer for action.

A show of leadership: Even before her inauguration last January, Gov. Tina Kotek broadcast that she would take a more hands-on approach to governing than her predecessor. By March, she worked with legislative leaders to pass a $200 million package of homelessness relief measures and assembled a task force to explore how to spur new housing construction. She has been quick to dole out consequences for those who dont move with the same urgency, such as her decision in September to rescind $2.7 million in homelessness funding from Multnomah County and redistribute it to other counties. And she has taken personal ownership of the need to revive downtown Portland. Not only did she appoint a massive advisory committee to quickly develop recommendations, but she took a prominent role in championing them at an annual business and political conference earlier this month. Koteks deep involvement on such high-profile matters sends a clear message that she is taking charge and staking her reputation on progress.

On a county level, the mid-year election of Julia Brim-Edwards to serve out the term of now-Chair Jessica Vega Pederson brought new drive to the Multnomah County Commission, which for years has failed to demonstrate true oversight of the countys approach to homelessness. The commissions lack of a strategy became clear to the broader public with news early this year that the county failed to spend tens of millions from the regional homeless services tax, despite the thousands of unsheltered residents living on the streets. Brim-Edwards not only helped shape subsequent spending plans to address a spectrum of outcome-focused investments, but she is leading efforts to create a sorely-need sobering center and pushed the commission to fund proposals it rejected under the rigid direction of former Chair Deborah Kafoury. Perhaps most telling of the changes is the commissions reversal regarding Portland Mayor Ted Wheelers proposal to create mass homeless camping sites. A year ago, the commission unanimously rebuffed Wheelers request to help fund them. Three months ago, even though only one of the five seats changed, the commission approved $16 million for them.

At the city level, Wheeler and the four city commissioners have presented a united front that the status quo of widespread unsanctioned camping and open drug use is not acceptable. Despite strident pushback from some corners, Wheeler in particular has continued to press for initiatives that help connect people to housing and addiction services while restoring broad access and use of public spaces. The harmony that the Portland City Council has largely shown on these issues has been key to communicating with Multnomah County and signaling to the public that the city is insisting on change.

Recognizing the need for a behavioral health rescue: Oregonians voted in 2020 to decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs and direct a portion of cannabis tax proceeds to funding addiction treatment and services. But three years later, the states poor implementation of Measure 110 and the measures unintended consequences have left many regretting their vote. While legislators made small fixes to the administration of the program earlier this year, they neglected to address some of the programs most significant failings, such as its lack of a youth-specific plan and its toothless approach to encouraging users to seek help.

A recently released audit showed huge gaps in the network of services and the states failure to collect key data necessary for measuring the programs effectiveness. Public polls show strong support for recriminalizing drug possession. And former legislator Max Williams and Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton are advancing an initiative to make drug possession a misdemeanor while providing multiple opportunities for people to seek treatment as an alternative to justice system repercussions. All three developments should make clear to legislators gathering next year for the short session that now is the time for significant reforms.

The behavioral health crisis extends to far more than just Measure 110, however. Oregons behavioral health system is struggling at all levels  health nonprofits are scrambling for workers; communities have few mental health providers; and counties and state government lack a coordinated strategy. Strict deadlines for the states psychiatric institution, the Oregon State Hospital, to discharge criminal defendants regardless of their ability to assist in their defense are just one symptom of how overwhelmed the system is. The year has only clarified how aimless Oregon remains in charting a path to a functional behavioral health network.

Mixed progress in Portland: After setting records in 2021 and 2022, the number of homicides in Portland this year has dropped substantially, from 101 last year to 73 as of Dec. 28. While still higher than pre-pandemic years, the downward trend is a welcome change. It also deserves further analysis to see what has helped and what role a revived police gun violence unit has played.

However, traffic deaths continue to break new records. While the city is installing additional traffic cameras to improve safety, the death toll calls for examining greater enforcement of drunk-driving laws; lighting and engineering improvements on deadly streets and improvement of non-driving alternatives in the new year. The high proportion of deaths among the homeless population also brings greater urgency to providing both permanent and temporary housing solutions.

A fresh look at education funding: Its difficult to find any silver linings from the teachers strike that shut down Portland Public Schools for nearly all of November. Its unclear what teachers gained from the strike considering that the cost-of-living increases in the new contract nearly match the amounts offered by the district just prior to the teachers walkout. PPS faces millions in cuts over the next two years to pay for the contract. And students lost 11 days of instruction at a critical time in the year, making the post-pandemic recovery in academic performance, attendance and behavioral health all that much harder.

Perhaps the only positive to emerge is that Kotek announced she will lead an examination of education funding to ensure the state is adequately assessing districts needs for teacher salaries, building maintenance and student services. She has also indicated her support for allowing districts, like Portland, to keep more of the proceeds from locally-approved levies before having to share it with other districts. While school boards and districts already make clear every budget cycle that the state is not providing the money to allow for changes like smaller class sizes, additional attention can help shed light and bring accountability for education funding back to the Legislature.

Measure 114, unresolved and unimplemented: Despite voters narrow passage in 2022 of Measure 114, which requires gun buyers to secure permits and bans the sale, transfer and manufacture of magazines holding more than 10 rounds, the law remains on hold. After a Harney County judge ruled last month that the measure violates the Oregon constitution, the state is expected to appeal the case. Unsurprisingly, this hot-button issue will continue to be a hot-button issue in the coming year  one area in which Oregon seems unable to get unstuck.

Turning the page on political dysfunction: Early in the year, then-Secretary of State Shemia Fagan resigned after reporting by Willamette Week revealed that she had been moonlighting for two cannabis entrepreneurs who were heavy donors to her and other Democrats campaigns. The troubling circumstances in which she appeared to use her connections to help the donors expand their business and welcomed input on an audit affecting the cannabis industry were clear reasons she needed to step down. Thankfully, she did so swiftly. That even loyalists appeared to support her withdrawal from politics speaks to Oregonians fundamental belief that ethics and integrity still matter, even in an age of intense partisanship.

The prolonged walk-out by Senate Republicans, however, also brings a couple lessons to carry into next year. First, Measure 113, the ballot measure that allegedly would stop future walkouts, was a failure. Not only was it clumsily worded  flaws that are now before the Oregon Supreme Court to consider  but it tried to address Oregons higher-than-typical quorum requirement in a backhanded way. Such political manipulation is yet one more way to erode the publics trust in government and the political process.

And a second lesson: Our elected officials must focus on the big problems that will keep both parties at the table. Legislative leaders appear to be heeding that lesson in advance of the short session scheduled to begin in February. While lawmakers should be able to pursue partisan priorities, the fact is theres no shortage of big-ticket items in desperate need of attention. This year has shown that some of the ingredients for change are coming together  leadership, public sentiment and a widespread feeling of urgency. Our elected officials should embrace our ability to get unstuck from the patterns of the past and seize the momentum.

-The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board

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I was just informed that I was thrown off my SAG-AFTRA health insurance because residuals dont count as earnings for seniors seniors who need it most. Such were the pull-no-punches words from Ellen Barkin on her X (formerly, Twitter) account regarding the loss of the private health insurance that protects members of the U.S. actors union, the largest in the world at 160,000 members. The 69-year-old actress, known for her work in movies like Sea of Love, Diner and Oceans 13, mourned the loss of her health benefits, which happened just as she is beginning a gradual retirement from cinema after four decades of continuous work.

So-called residual rights have been one of the main points of contention between employers and unions in the strikes that froze filming in Hollywood for 120 days. Residuals are additional payments that studios and platforms must offer to makers of a film or series when it is rebroadcast on television or the internet. Faced with the boom of rebroadcasting on streaming platforms, with series such as Friends and The Office continuing to attract legions of adoring fans, the unions demanded  and won  an increase of this fee, and more transparency regarding the true number of times content is reproduced.

Robert De Niro, Ellen Barkin and Leonardo DiCaprio, during a benefit gala.

Although the case of an actress as popular and well-off as Barkin is able to trigger a heated debate on social media, the situation for the vast majority of Hollywood actors, far away from the glamour and red carpets of Graumans Chinese Theatre, is one of extreme precarity. According to data provided by SAG-AFTRA, in order to claim the unions health insurance a performer must earn an annual income of more than $26,470 and work 102 days a year. Only 12.7 percent of the unions members meet these requirements  and earnings from residual rights do not count towards them, as the actress points out. Does that mean that an actor can never retire if they want to keep their health coverage? Exactly what it means, Barkin replied in another tweet.

Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino in Sea of Love.'

With a fortune valued at over $87 million, the Emmy and Tony-winner has become one of the most vocal, committed and unequivocal activists in the country. Using her Twitter account as a megaphone, Barkin has presented herself as a scourge of the Republican Party and, most especially, of former President Donald Trump. Although her latest work in acting took place just this year, as a guest character in the series Poker Face and action-comedy The Out-Laws (Netflix), the actress from the Bronx expresses her opinions without caring about possible consequences that her opinions could have for her career. Likewise, she has spoken openly about how Hollywoods chronic sexism has limited her career as a performer: I was typecast first as the ugly girlfriend. And then I went right into the voracious sex symbol, and then I went to mean old lady. So it makes perfect sense  mans view of me.

In 2022, she made headlines for publicly condemning Johnny Depps possessive behavior during the trial for defamation charges that the Pirates of the Caribbean star brought against his former partner Amber Heard. Barkin and Depp had a brief romantic relationship while they filmed the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and, testifying before the court, Barkin characterized Deep as controlling and jealous, also sharing how the actor hurled a bottle of wine in her direction in a fit of rage. Following the wave of confessions that led to the emergence of the #MeToo movement, she also publicly condemned the harassment and mistreatment of filmmakers like Terry Gilliam  never get into an elevator alone with him, she tweeted  and Harold Becker, who made Sea of Love. During the filming of a sex scene, the director allegedly and non-consensually ripped off a wig of artificial hair that was covering her private parts. In the actress words, Becker humiliated and chastised her: What do you need this for? Nobodys looking at you.

Ellen Barkin and the actor Oscar Isaac during a protest by the actors union in New York. John Nacion (Getty Images)

After two marriages, one with well-known Irish actor Gabriel Byrne (The Man in the Iron Mask) and with billionaire businessman and shareholder of cosmetics giant Revlon, Ronald Perelman, Barkins last public-facing partner dates back to 2011. This short-lived romance with director and screenwriter Sam Levinson, creator of the celebrated series Euphoria, who is 30 years younger than her, made headlines for its novel generational gap in an industry accustomed to older men boasting of younger female partners. The actress has two children from her marriage to Byrne: actress Romy and Jack, who is a musician.

Ellen Barkin and Sam Levinson. Francois Durand (Getty Images)
Dying whales, sea lions, a mammoth tooth  in 2023, Oregonians were interested in the natural world.

But thats not all. Readers of The Oregonian/OregonLive voraciously read stories on a wide range of topics. Animals, sure, both alive and dead, changes to U.S. mail and a DMV data breach all make an appearance on the list of the top 10 most read news stories of the year. And, Oregonians also read stories on more serious subjects such as the specter of an unidentified serial killer, cancer and controversies in education.

Here are the top 10 most popular news stories from The Oregonian/OregonLive in 2023 as of Dec. 17.

10. Likely culprit found for recent gray whale die-off, published Oct. 13

A dead baby gray whale lies on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park on the northern Oregon coast on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. It was the third whale to wash up on Oregon's coast in the past week. Allysa Casteel

In October, researchers from Oregon State University published an important discovery, the answer to why hundreds of gray whales were washing up dead on the beaches of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. That answer? Malnutrition. According to a study published in the journal Science, the die-offs followed declines in sea ice cover that led to a dearth of the crustaceans that gray whales love to eat.

9. Massive hack of Oregon DMV system puts estimated 3.5 million driver license and ID card info at risk, officials say, published June 15

Oregon driver's licenses.

According to the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, an estimated 3.5 million drivers license and identification card files were compromised when the agency was hacked earlier that month. The breach, which wasnt reported to the public for several days, extended to about 90% of the states drivers license and ID card files.

8. $20k reward offered for help tracking down Columbia River boater who steered into sea lions, published April 28

Authorities offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to penalties for a boater caught on camera driving through a group of sea lions near Hayden Island in April. California sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassing the animals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office of Law Enforcement said it would pay for information that leads to a civil penalty or criminal conviction.

From left, Bow Longbrake, Jeremiah Longbrake and Megan Johnson stand next to the creek on Thursday where Jeremiah found a mammoth tooth on April 11.

In a far west area of Winston, near Tenmile, 9-year-old Jeremiah Longbrake noticed a small object in a creek in his grandmothers yard. He fished the item out and his mother posted it on Facebook, thinking it might be petrified wood or something.After some people suggested it was a tooth, his mother reached out to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene where Pat OGrady, a staff archeologist at the museum, told her that Jeremiah had just found a fragment of a mammoth tooth.

Portland resident Angela Wynia was walking her dog near the stairs leading down to the beach in Yachats when a sneaker way tumbled a small child into the mouth of the Yachats River and a terrified mother screamed for help.Garret Jaros | YachatsNews

Luckily, this sneaker wave story from October had a happy ending. Angela Wynia, a 50-year-old physician assistant from Portland, was with her dog on the beach when a sneaker wave snatched a small child from her grandmothers grip and tumbled her below the surface of the Yachats River. Wynia witnessed the incident and was able to rescue the girl who was pulled under. Wynia said she told her story to YachatsNews because she hoped to increase education about sneaker waves.

Officials found the bodies of six women between Feb. 19 and May 7, 2023 (top left to top right, then bottom left to bottom right): Kristin Smith; Joanna Speaks; Charity Perry; unidentified woman; Bridget Webster; Ashley Real.Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah, Polk, Clark and Clackamas Counties

The discovery that six women under the age of 40 had been found dead within 100 miles of each other in Oregon, most in wooded or secluded rural areas, over the previous three months, caused some to question whether a serial killer was at work. Law enforcement officials linked four of the dead women to one person of interest in July. But that person, 38-year-old Jesse Calhoun, had not been charged with any crime in connection with their deaths as of Sunday. It is unclear if the death of a fifth woman, whose murder investigation has been transferred to Portland detectives, is connected. The death of a sixth woman originally included in the list was deemed not suspicious, authorities later said.

A Forever stamp is 66 cents.Associated Press

In July, the United States Postal Service raised the cost of its Forever First-Class stamps, the postage stamps that remain good for mailing a 1-ounce letter, regardless of rate increases, by 3 cents. The costs of several other mail services also increased.

Milwaukie High School and Milwaukie Academy of the Arts Class of 2023 graduation ceremony at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon on Monday, June 12, 2023.Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

The state Board of Education decided unanimously in October that Oregon high school students wont have to prove basic mastery of reading, writing or math to graduate from high school until at least 2029, extending a pause that began in 2020. Some Oregonians, including former Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan, opposed the move, asking that the standards be reinstated. Opponents argued that pausing the requirement devalues an Oregon diploma. But leaders at the Oregon Department of Education and members of the state school board disagreed, saying requiring all students to be assessed this way was a harmful hurdle for historically marginalized students.

Robert Skeeter Salim in his office in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After Salim was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer, his health insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, refused to pay for proton therapy, recommended by Salims doctor. Salim, named one of the countrys top litigators, fought back. (Danielle Villasana for ProPublica)Danielle Villasana for ProPublica

When Robert Salim was diagnosed with throat cancer, his doctor told him it would respond well to a treatment known as proton therapy, which focuses a tight beam of radiation on a tumor. But then, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana said it would not pay for the treatment. Salim, a top trial lawyer, paid for the treatment. And then he took Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to court.

Damon Keller leads his students during a dance class in this file photo from 2014. The Ockley Green Middle School's principal recommended firing him after a series of disciplinary issues, but the school board rejected that recommendation on a 4-3 vote.Courtesy of Portland Public Schools/Flickr

When the Portland School Board refused to sign off on firing a popular Black dance teacher at Ockley Green Middle School accused of skipping work and lying about it to his principal, it raised wider questions about institutional racism and limits on principals and the superintendents authority.

 Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052; lacker@oregonian.com; @lizzzyacker

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
This year is coming to an end and 2024 is just around the corner! If youre looking to watch the ball drop live on TV this New Years Eve, youre in luck! Tonight, there are multiple channels and streaming platforms offering live (and some free) access to the New Years Eve ball drop including Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve, New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, and others. Grab the champagne, put on your party hats, and let the celebration begin!

2024Getty Images

How to watch the ball drop live on New Years Eve:

Ryan Seacrest is back again to host the Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve special live televised event airing on ABC starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The broadcast will be streamed live from New Yorks Time Square and feature performances from NewJeans, Post Malone, Ivy Queen, plus Green Day, Janelle Monae, and Renee Rapp. Watch it for free with a trial of DirecTV Stream or Fubo.

Another option for watching the ball drop live is with New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, airing at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CNN. The performers during this live event include Rod Stewart, Darius Rucker, Enrique Iglesias, Miranda Lambert, Maroon 5, and the Jonas Brothers. Watch it for free with a trial of DirecTV Stream or Fubo.

If youre looking for a ball drop with a country twist, the New Years Eve Live: Nashvilles Big Bash hosted by Elle King and Rachel Smith starts at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on CBS. It can be streamed live on Paramount+.

Why is the New Years Eve ball drop a tradition? How long has it been going?

The ball drop has been a New York City tradition for 115 years. Every year, the 12,000-pound ball made annually from crystal gets slowly lifted into the air at 6 p.m. ET and briskly dropped to the ground when the clock strikes midnight. Originally called a time ball created by Adolph Ochs as a physical object to symbolize the changing of the years, it was first dropped in 1907.
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The UN peacekeeping operation in Mali is poised to complete its drawdown on Sunday following a decade of multifaceted efforts to support the West African nation and its people after Malian authorities requested earlier this year to end the mission by 31 December
Nyala, Sudan (PANA) - Sudanese army warplanes have destroyed a substantial supply shipment to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, which had been delivered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
New York, US (PANA) - In 2024, the UN will once again be at the heart of international efforts to tackle the worlds most urgent challenges, from bolstering the global economy, to supporting climate action and keeping the peace in conflict hotspots
Photo: (Photo : Leon Neal / Getty Images)

Wrapping up the 10 best stories of Parent Herald!

As 2023 comes to an end, here is the news that caught a whirlwind of attention this year in the Parent Herald.

Our articles have touched on both the joys and the risks of parenting, from talking about child safety in the water to the breakthrough development of a new vaccine to talking about social media apps to following the story of Baby India, who was once abandoned four years ago, to finding her justice.

This year also saw tremendous advances in child health, most notably the introduction of an RSV vaccination for infants and for adults as well, a breakthrough that gives our children hope and protection.

Blue swimsuits for kids made a splash in summer style, which was a pleasant trend in children's fashion.

Come along with us as we relive these significant moments and experiences, each of which sheds light on the many facets of the path of parenthood.

10 Best Stories of Parent Herald 2023

One of the news stories that caught the attention of many is about the first mother-daughter duo that broke records and became the first co-pilot internationally, working for FedEx.

A mother-daughter duo, FedEx pilots Teri Eidson and Nicole McCallister, recently made history as the first to co-pilot an international flight. The two pilots piloted FedEx Flight 5434 from Memphis International Airport to Incheon International Airport, South Korea. The journey takes just over 14 hours.

The memorable day for the mother-daughter duo occurred just before Mother's Day. Eidson, who is a Boeing 777F captain for FedEx, has been working for the airline for 28 years.

She began her career as a flight attendant before pursuing a career as a pilot. Her daughter, McCallister, is a 777 first officer and followed in her mom's footsteps.

The company they work with, FedEx, is inherently a company supportive of women in aviation. In fact, FedEx was the first to sponsor the Women in Aviation International Conference.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin for allegedly offering its gender-affirming care to minors.

The investigation by Paxton is part of a wider effort to clamp down on the medical care and rights of transgender people in the state.

The Texas Attorney General's office investigation seeks information from Dell Children's Hospital about its policies on puberty blockers and documents identifying patients referred for treatment or counseling

The investigation attempts to restrict or ban gender-affirming care for minors in Texas and other states, highlighting the ongoing debate over the medical care and rights of transgender people.

Transgender youth are at a heightened risk of mental health issues and suicide, and access to gender-affirming care can help reduce these risks.

Restricting or banning this care can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of transgender minors.

A TikTok video from a swimming instructor went viral on the platform, urging parents and guardians not to put their children in blue swimsuits.

The viral video that which has received 4.6 million views, features a certified swim instructor

Nikki Scarnati demonstrated with her own daughter the risk of wearing blue swimsuits for kids.

The video shows her daughter wearing a blue one-piece swimsuit while swimming in a pool. Scarnati uses this as an example to warn parents not to buy blue swimsuits for their kids, as it makes it hard to see them in the water.

Read Also: Setting Boundaries: Create Healthy Screen-Time Schedule for School-Aged Kids

Another story that dominated headlines this year was the number of children killed in hot car incidents.

Three small children were killed after being left alone in hot cars in a series of terrible occurrences in Washington, Texas, and Florida.

A one-year-old toddler in Washington was left in a parked vehicle for roughly nine hours while the foster mother was at work. Despite obtaining rapid medical assistance, the infant was found unresponsive and was confirmed dead.

Puyallup police believe the event was caused by the foster mother, who was unaware that the infant was in the car.

Similarly, over Memorial Day weekend in Houston, Texas, an adult discovered a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old daughter unresponsive in a parked automobile.

Unfortunately, the boy died, but the girl is likely to recover. Before the tragedy, the youngsters were reportedly playing outside their home. In addition, another tragedy occurred in Florida when an 11-month-old kid was discovered lifeless in a parked vehicle after being left there for three hours while the parents attended church services.

Temperatures were rising across the country, creating potentially fatal circumstances in abandoned vehicles. Even on comparatively chilly days, vehicles can function like greenhouses, rapidly raising internal temperatures. This is especially dangerous for youngsters, whose core temperatures can increase three to five times quicker than adults, resulting in heatstroke and death at 104 and 107 degrees, respectively.

A noteworthy achievement in the field of medicine in the year 2023 is the approval of the RSV vaccine for use in newborns and old persons by the Food and Drug Administration.

An important step forward in the field of pediatric healthcare was taken by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when it evaluated Pfizer's RSV vaccination for newborns. In the event that this crucial choice is ultimately authorized, it would indicate the introduction of the very first RSV vaccine for infants in the United States.

It has been determined by the (CDC) that RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of one in the United States.

On an annual basis, it is estimated that it causes between 6,000 and 10,000 deaths among adults aged 65 and older, in addition to 100 to 300 deaths among children under the age of five.

Medical professionals and parents who are concerned about their children's health are eagerly awaiting the vote that the FDA advisory group will make on the Pfizer RSV vaccination for infants.

On June 6, 2019, a family in Cumming, Georgia, about 40 miles north of Atlanta, thought they heard animal noises coming from a wooded area.

They decided to look into the weird sounds, which led them to a horrifying discovery. They discovered a newborn baby girl hiding among the bushes in a tightly knotted plastic bag with her umbilical cord still attached.

Authorities were then called for help, and the delicate child, called 'Baby India' by the kind nurses, was discovered to be just a few hours old. Nearly four years later, law enforcement identified and apprehended the child's mother.

Karima Jiwani, 40, was arrested by deputies from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office on charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, reckless abandonment, aggravated assault, and cruelty to minors.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office made a breakthrough in the 'Baby India' case by using modern DNA investigation methods.

The child's father was discovered utilizing sophisticated family DNA testing, providing the police with an important clue.

Furthermore, family members and medical specialists claim that Jiwani had a history of hidden pregnancies and unexpected deliveries and that when she was pregnant with 'Baby India,' she went to great lengths to conceal the pregnancy.

Fortunately, the Sheriff of Georgia pleased everyone by announcing that 'Baby India,' who is about to turn four, is safe, happy, and in a secure environment.

The FDA has approved GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Arexvy vaccine, which protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The vaccine, created by the British pharmaceutical company GSK, is intended for those aged 60 and older who are particularly susceptible to RSV infection and requires only one shot.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, underlined that older people, particularly those with underlying health issues, are more likely to experience severe RSV symptoms. This is the first time that an RSV vaccination has been approved for use in the US.

He added that the FDA's approval of the first RSV vaccine is an important public health achievement that underscores the FDA's commitment to assisting in the development of safe and effective vaccinations.

A hot topic that politicians, parents, advocates, and creators themselves have been seriously dealing with is the use of the TikTok app and the overall access to social media by minors.

A man who found himself in a hot seat is Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok. Amidst it, one viral short video of him circulated in the media, admitting that his children, who are eight and six years old, do not have accounts on TikTok.

Of course, a lot were in shock as to why, but he explained himself, saying he lives in Singapore.

Chew then explained that on TikTok, here in the United States, if you are below the age of 13, you get a very constrained version of TikTok, and in many other nations across the world, they do not allow users who are below the age of 13.

Critics were immediately jumping to conclusions, saying that he wouldn't allow his kids on the app because he knew the dangers of TikTok; however, everyone was astonished to hear that reason out.

This year, the Parent Herald also covered a horrifying bear attack that occurred around May, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and resulted in the injuries of two small children. Fortunately, the Pennsylvania Game Commission responded quickly to the incident.

Two bear traps were strategically placed near the scene of the attack with the primary purpose of capturing the offending animal. Authorities, on the other hand, report that a bear assaulted them and was later killed after being captured.

The incident appeared to take place on a typical weekday while a five-year-old and a one-year-old were playing in the driveway of their Wright Township house.

The bear bit and scratched the children, turning their innocent pastime into a horrifying encounter. When they were rushed to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, they got immediate medical attention.

Luckily, after receiving treatment, they were eventually allowed to return home, and they are now on the mend.

We asked mental health expert Sarah Slater Snyder to weigh in on the top three questions we get about self-care for busy women.

Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a private therapy practice in Hawaii who specializes in dealing with adolescent girls and young adult women.

Snyder remarked that the most difficult problem that busy moms face today is finding the correct balance. Many mothers struggle with people pleasing, trouble setting boundaries, and the belief that they are insufficient.

Perfectionism and the need to impress others, in her professional view, are two of the key reasons why working mothers feel burned out.

She noted that many working mothers are constantly in fight or flight mode, which contributes to their lack of ideal health and fitness. As a solution, Snyder created the Embodied Paradise Method, a program designed specifically for burnt-out mothers.

She has taught hundreds of busy, stressed-out mamas how to rewire their brain and body by improving sleep, stress, and health with my Embodied Paradise Method, allowing them to construct their own personal paradise anywhere, at any time, in a matter of weeks.

Related Article: Top 10 Science-Based Recommendations for Parents To Help Teens Use Social Media Safely
Even for someone as comfortable with shock as Donald Trump, his last few weeks have felt a lot like a rollercoaster ride. He has been compared to Adolf Hitler for the xenophobic statements he made; he has threatened to retaliate on those who are now holding him accountable for his actions in the White House; he has said that he will be dictator on day one if he resumes command; and he is ending the year at the center of an unprecedented legal battle to prevent him from running in the presidential elections next November. This has opened an interesting debate about democracy in the United states.

It is a discussion about who should decide  the judges or the voters  whether the candidate best positioned to win the Republican Party nomination should be allowed to run for office, given his track record. In the presidential election, Trump could even beat his more than likely opponent. Joe Bidens popularity is not rising due, among other reasons, to his advanced age and the war in Gaza.

The idea of a second round of Trumpism in the White House has managed, at least, to bring the two Americas into agreement. It has invoked the dangers looming over democracy in 2024. Like 1776, 1861, 1968, 2001, or 2020, the year will be recorded in the annals of American history. For one side, four more years of Trump would push the country toward autocracy. For the other, the real risk is in the attempts to stop him in the courts, which would respond to an illiberal political persecution with the entire arsenal of the state apparatus: a dirty trick to defeat him in the face of a rivals inability to do so at the polls.

The tycoon closes his difficult year with the courts with more legal attacks; four cases so far, in which he is accused of 91 criminal indictments: for electoral subversion, for his role in the attack on the Capitol, for his handling of classified material, and for hush money payments to a porn actress. The last two have triggered the disqualification clause contained in Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was written after the Civil War with the rebels of the Confederacy in mind and prevents anyone who has participated in an insurrection, after swearing allegiance to the Constitution, from running for public office.

It is a legal fight that is similar to the fight for the presidency: it is fought state by state. For now, Maine and Colorado have given two good interpretations. On the one hand, what Trump did (and still does) by refusing to accept the result at the polls in 2020 and his encouragment of the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, count as an act of insurrection and are not protected by freedom of expression. On the other hand, what that obscure paragraph of the rarely invoked founding text says can be applied to the office of the president, although it is not expressly cited among the pile of elected positions that it does mention.

Half a dozen states (the latest being California) have already rejected this legal theory and there are at least 32 others in which cases have been initiated based on this interpretation of the Constitution. The ball is now in the court of the Supreme Court with its conservative supermajority, three of which were appointed by Trump. If they accept the case, they can decide on both questions (the insurrection, and whether the clause affects presidents), or stay only on the practical side and return the candidates name to the ballots. What those nine justices decide will have an effect throughout the country and will pave or cut off Trumps path to the White House. There is some urgency: The primary process begins in mid-January with the Iowa caucuses.

Those who defend removing him from those primaries argue that no one is above the law, but are faced with the certainty that these attacks could end up having the opposite effect to what is desired: helping Trump win votes. No one like the Secretary of State of Maine  Democrat Shenna Bellows, who wrote in her argument that democracy is sacred  has embodied that fight more in recent days.

Betrayal and protection

The same recourse to the sacred ideal of democracy serves those who think otherwise  and there are plenty of them  and not only from the side of the magnates supporters. They say it would be better to let the voters speak and remove Trump from the electoral race, than for a handful of judges to do so. And, of course, it would be easier, they add, if there was already a conviction proving that he committed the crime of insurrection.

For Yale University jurisprudence professor Samuel Moyn, there is a danger in resorting to the disqualification clause: Turning what should be a national referendum on the future of the country into a spectacle in which judges will interpret a legal text from the past. It may favor Democrats in the short term, Moyn believes, but in reality it would only be postponing the need to govern by legitimate means, rather than by legal subterfuge.

Some, like conservative analyst David Frum, Trumps longtime antagonist, also point out the irony that the president who betrayed democracy is now asking for its protection. Perhaps prudence would recommend leaving Trumps disgraced name on the primary and general election ballots. But remember that old joke about the man who murdered his parents and then begged for mercy because he was an orphan? Another could be told, about a former president who destroyed democracy when he was in power and then demanded the protection of democracy so he could have another opportunity to destroy it, Frum wrote on The Atlantic magazines website after Maines decision was made known.

The latest issue of the publication is a monograph on all the ways and areas in which Trump returning to the White House could cause this damage. To highlight the drama of the alarm signals contained within, the creative director decided to place the index on the red cover. It paid homage to another solemn occasion in which the editors resorted to that idea: August 1939, a month before the start of World War II.

The list is long: electing him president would represent a threat to immigration, the climate, journalism, science, the relationship with China, the rise of extremism on both sides, disinformation, the Department of Justice and much more. In his first term, Trumps corruption and brutality were mitigated by his ignorance and laziness. In a second, Trump would arrive with a much better understanding of the systems vulnerabilities [...] and a much more focused agenda of retaliation against his adversaries and impunity for himself, Frum writes.

For Trump, who said goodbye to 2022 looking into the abyss of political irrelevance and is heading into 2024 sitting on his pending accounts with justice and inflated with popularity, playing the victim has served to connect with a loyal base of followers who consider him little less than a martyr. In recent weeks, he has raised the tone with an already openly revanchist speech.

The climax came last Tuesday, when he boasted of his rhetoric by sharing on his own Truth Social network account, a concept cloud published by the British Daily Mail newspaper. It consisted of words used by a thousand potential voters, to whom a pollster asked for a concept that summarizes what they expect from a second term of the two candidates who aspire to the White House. Revenge, power, economy, and dictatorship were the terms highlighted in large print in the Trump swarm. In Bidens?: Nothing, economy, democracy, and peace.

That the former president appropriated a list that anyone else would have preferred to forget is a new demonstration that if Trump is anything, it is not any other politician, but someone capable of emerging unscathed from statements like those he recently made on Fox News. He said he would be a dictator on day one to close the border with Mexico, and to resume oil extraction. And then democracy would return. That democracy that has been put on the ropes several times since its emergence on the political scene in 2016, as a candidate, as president, and as former president.

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I would like to commend two recent blog entries by the redoubtable Jeff Lindsay to your attention. It seems particularly fitting to do so as were about to enter a new year for the Come, Follow Me curriculum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a curriculum that will be focused on the Book of Mormon:

Nephis Three-day Journey into the Wilderness: The Natural vs. the Naturalistic Reading

The Glue of Forgiveness and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies (the People of Ammon)

A few days before Christmas, somebody in Modesto, California  I dont know who it was  sent me a copy of a small and very accessible book that I have been reading since its arrival: Hadley Vlahos, The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Lifes Final Moments (New York: Ballantine Books, 2023). Ms. Vlahos is a still-young R.N., born and raised in Florida (I think) and still based there, and specifically a hospice nurse who attends to people who are fatally ill and in the last stages of their lives. Despite what the title might seem to suggest, it isnt primarily about encounters with the spirit world, although she relates a few brief experiences that certainly seem to suggest such encounters. And, although its chiefly focused on her patients, its also quietly autobiographical, telling about her somewhat unlikely path to a rather unusual career that she now regards as very much her calling.

Although she had attended church faithfully in her earlier life, Hadley had pretty much lost her faith and her interest in religion by the time she went off to college. Coming home after her freshman year, she found that she was pregnant. She was devastated. She had expected to fall in love with somebody in college, graduate, get married, have a couple of children, and eventually settle down in a nice little house near the beach with a white picket fence. She had intended to become a writer.

Now, she thought, she would get an abortion. Nobody really needed to know and, that way, she might still be able to have the life of her dreams.

The next morning was Sunday and, rather on a whim and not wanting to be alone with her dismal thoughts, she asked her recently-divorced mother if she could tag along with her to church. It was a church that Hadley had never attended.

We found a seat near the back and sang along to the hymns. I was distracted, bored, and wondered why I had come. Finally the priest, Father Tom, an older man wearing silky robes, raised his hands to the sky, holding a Bible in one hand and a notebook in the other. After a few moments, he placed both down on the podium in front of him. He stared down at the open books in complete silence, then finally closed the notebook and began speaking. I had a sermon planned for today. I spent an entire day writing it, but God is telling me I have someone here to speak to. I rolled my eyes, thinking this was just a cheap way to keep peoples attention. Gods plan can sometimes feel confusing, he began. Many times we might find ourselves saying, Why me, God? Or, Why couldnt you have given me their life instead? It looks so much easier. Well, that does apply to me, I thought, but Im sure it applies to half the people in this room as well. On my way inside, I was stopped by a couple with two children, he continued. They asked me to take their picture, and as I was taking it I was spoken to. Someone in here yearns for this couples life. They want the white picket fence  to graduate college and get married, have two kids, and live happily ever after. But thats not what God needs them for. I watched my mom out of the corner of my eye as he spoke, but she never took her eyes off of Father Tom. I began picking at my chipped fingernail polish. Youre going to have to give up your ideal life in order to lives the life planned for you. Youre going to have to give up your sorority, your college life, and this path youre currently on. I blatantly looked at my mom this time, only to see that her mouth was hanging open in shock. I was shocked, too, because now this was very specific to my situation. But as I glanced around the room, I saw many girls my age. You need to have this baby, he continued. All right, what is going on?! I wondered. This was way too close to home. I glared at my mom, thinking she had somehow orchestrated this, but she swears to this day that she never said a word to anyone in the church and did not have a clue that I would come with her that morning. Life is not going to be easy at first, but this is the life planned for you and it will be worth it, Father Tom finished. As my mom and I walked out of the church, I felt more confused than ever. We rode home in silence, and I spent every waking moment between then and Monday agonizing over my choice. On Monday morning, I held the phone number of the abortion clinic in my hands, but I couldnt bring myself to call. What if Father Tom was right? What if this was the path for me? I knew life wouldnt be easy if I kept the baby  and it certainly wouldnt be the life I had imagined. The days turned into weeks, and I never called the clinic. My mom and I didnt talk about it until one day when she told me I needed to make a doctors appointment. I was starting to show, and the window for me to decide was rapidly closing. As I called the ob-gyn for a prenatal appointment, my fate seemed sealed. In that moment, I felt like everything was going to be okay. Somehow, in the place I least expected it, I had found comfort. (59-61)

Now, I should frankly state my belief that divine inspiration is possible and that it is a reality. Ive experienced it myself on a few notable and distinct occasions, as have others that I know. With that question settled, though, another question (for Latter-day Saints) is whether those outside of the Church can receive it. To me, the teaching of the scriptures is absolutely clear on this point: Yes, they can. In fact, the entire missionary approach of the Church seems to me to be premised upon the expectation that they can. And the story above, if Hadley Vlahos has related it accurately, appears to illustrate such an occurrence, in which inspiration was received by a clergyman of a different Christian denomination. Im entirely comfortable with that.
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In an atheist forum (which shall remain unnamed), a video critical of the Bible from a secular / minimalist archaeological perspective was posted. This video included a section about Jericho. So I posted much of the portion on that topic in my book, The Word Set in Stone: How Archaeology, Science, and History Back Up the Bible.

In a nutshell, I agued that the seeming absence of the archaeological layer dated around 1200 BC, when Joshua would have encountered Jericho, can be explained by a process called haloclasty, in which salt crystals become embedded in buildings and start causing them to deteriorate. Moreover, Jericho is in a desert climate, has rains for six months every year, was uninhabited for hundreds of years, and lies just 21 miles away from the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world (ten times more than the ocean), which is also the lowest elevation of any area on earth (Jericho being the lowest elevation of any city).

Then questions started being asked. I cant quote them because then Ill likely get in trouble (I may not even make it one day there anyway, because some are attacking me and implying that I should be kicked out). But I can summarize (and Ill use italics for them).

One person inquired as to why remains from hundreds and thousands of years before Joshuas conquest (as far back as 8000-7000 BC) still remain at Jericho, whereas the layer dated around 1200 does not?

Its because (citing Wikipedia, Jericho for the purpose of a quick reply), Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of more than 20 successive settlements in Jericho, the first of which dates back 11,000 years (to 9000 BCE). But then, Bronze Age Jericho fell in the 16th century at the end of the Middle Bronze Age, the calibrated carbon remains from its City-IV destruction layer dating to 16171530 BCE. In other words, since it kept being inhabited and built over and over, on top of earlier settlements, the earlier sections were not exposed to the elements, so they have been preserved.

But then it was destroyed in c. 1530 BC, which is about 330 years before the time of Joshuas conquest. The lack of building and preservation after that, haloclasty, the heat, and the rains would then have eroded the top layer. The article goes on to state that There was evidence of a small settlement in the Late Bronze Age (c. 1400s BCE) on the site, but erosion and destruction from previous excavations have erased significant parts of this layer.

This lines up with my thesis. If this small settlement, documented to c. 1400 BC survived till 1200 BC, then it was the city that Joshua conquered, but has since eroded to nothing, so that the minimalist archaeologists claim that it didnt exist at all in 1200 BC. My thesis attempts to explain why its no longer there. The most recent layer simply eroded, in the unique environmental conditions that the city was subjected to.

It was objected that the Great Sphinx in Egypt (dated to the reign of Khafre, c. 25582532 BC) has also been subject to erosion, too, but its still there.

Its not analogous because it hasnt been subject to the same harsh environmental conditions as Jericho. This was my argument. The Sphinx is at an elevation of 85 feet above sea level, compared to Jerichos 670 feet below sea level. Nor is the Sphinx 21 miles from the Dead Sea, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world and, with a salinity of 34.2 percent, the seventh saltiest body of water in the worldalmost ten times more than the oceans. Thats why the Sphinx is still there, and 1200 BC-era Jericho aint. Its not subject to the hyper-saline environment, as Jericho was.

Also, the walls of Jericho were made of mud bricks, which are especially subject to erosion from rain, as well as to salt. I was just perusing an article about ancient Babylon, that repeatedly referred to salt in the groundwater causing significant erosion to the mud bricks there. The Sphinx, in contrast, was made of limestone, and experts believe it was even under the sand for some 700 years. That would obviously help preserve it, just as I noted that older portions of Jericho under the ground and under subsequent developments of the city helped to preserve them.

Erosion happens everywhere. But other places arent the lowest city in the world, in extreme desert conditions, subject to yearly severe rains, and close to the seventh saltiest body in the word, which sits at the lowest elevation spot in the entire world. In other words, vastly different conditions apply in this instance.

Another atheist appeared to argue that wind conditions didnt support my hypothesis, because they didnt come from the south in the era, and Jericho is north of the Dead Sea.

If the point is that haloclasty proceeds primarily by means of wind, I think its incorrect. One article on Weathering noted:

Haloclasty (growth of salt crystals): Salt crystallization causes disintegration of rocks when saline solutions seep into cracks and joints in the rocks and evaporate, leaving salt crystals behind. These salt crystals expand as they are heated up, exerting pressure on the confining rock. It is normally associated with arid climates where strong heating causes strong evaporation and therefore salt crystallization.

Likewise, About: Haloclasty (DBpedia) opines:

Haloclasty is a type of physical weathering caused by the growth of salt crystals. The process is first started when saline water seeps into cracks and evaporates depositing salt crystals. When the rocks are then heated, the crystals will expand putting pressure on the surrounding rock which will over time splinter the stone into fragments.

None of this has to do  primarily or directly, as far as I can tell  with wind. But it could have quite a bit to do with a very salty local body of water, and to some extent, also rain. In my book I noted from experts that Jericho has a long rainy season . . . (late October to April). And I noted that the water level of the Dead Sea has also greatly fluctuated over the last several thousand yearsas much as 1,300 feet, the experts tell us. This means that during the time under consideration, it likely was in some periods much closer to Jericho than it is now, thus exacerbating the problem of haloclasty and the citys erosion.

I was asked if I found anything specifically from Jericho regarding the eroding capabilities of salt, per my thesis.

I found an article called, Sources of salinity in ground water from Jericho area, Jordan Valley. (Ground Water, March 2001). It stated:

One of the major problems in the lower Jordan Valley is the increasing salinization (i.e., chloride content) of local ground water. The high levels of salinity limit the utilization of ground water for both domestic and agriculture applications. This joint collaborative study evaluates the sources and mechanisms for salinization in the Jericho area. We employ diagnostic geochemical fingerprinting methods to trace the potential sources of the salinity in (1) the deep confined subaquifer system (K2) of Lower Cenomanian age; (2) the upper subaquifer system (K1) of Upper Cenomanian and Turonian ages; and (3) the shallow aquifer system (Q) of Plio-Pleistocene ages. The chemical composition of the saline ground water from the two Cenomanian subaquifers (K1 and K2) point to a single saline source with Na/Cl approximately 0.5 and Br/Cl approximately 7 x 10(-3). This composition is similar to that of thermal hypersaline spring that are found along the western shore of the Dead Sea (e.g., En Gedi thermal spring). We suggest that the increasing salinity in both K1 and K2 subaquifers is derived from mixing with deep-seated brines that flow through the Rift fault system.

As previously noted, the question of the rising or falling levels of the Dead Sea was only one tangential sentence in my book, with no documentation (my book has 393 footnotes: most from scientific articles). The overall argument doesnt rest on this factor. The two paragraphs that I already cited above [in the thread, not here] from the National Geographic are about Petra, which is 123 miles form the Dead Sea. It explained how Salt upwelling, the geologic process in which underground salt domes expand, can contribute to the weathering of the overlying rock. Then it noted that structures in Petra often collapsed due to this very thing. If that can happen in Petra, all the more so in Jericho.

Add to that yearly rains for six months on end, a desert climate and a lack of maintenance of mud brick walls and buildings for several hundred years, and being 670 feet below sea level (almost the lowest in the world) and my explanation is perfectly plausible. There are many unique factors in play here. We see nothing now of that latest period of ancient Jericho. It doesnt follow that Joshua saw nothing in 1200 BC.

I wrote earlier about how the layers were built on top of each other, as is the case in many other ancient sites. Jericho was destroyed c. 1550 BC according to Kathleen Kenyon. But there are evidences of a continuing occupation (which in my theory has to occur down to c. 1200 BC). Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Archaeology (Jericho) states:

One of the most interesting nds from the Middle Building (just east of it on the slope) is a cuneiform tablet, attributable to the fourteenth century B.C.E. Pottery vessels found by Garstang in reused tombs 4, 5, and 13, can be attributed to the same time. Actually, tomb 5 shows vessels as early as the second half of the fteenth and the beginning of the fourteenth centuries B.C.E.; tombs 4 and 13 , conversely, yielded vessels datable to 1375  1275 B.C.E. Tomb 5 also included a scarab of Thutmose III (r. ca. 1504  1450 B.C.E.) and one of Hatshepsut (r. ca. 1473  1458 B.C.E.) (a second scarab of Thutmose III was found in pit tomb 11 dating from the Iron I), while tomb 4 yielded two scarabs with the cartouche of Amenhotep III (r. 1417  1379 B.C.E.).

The same source states that the site was unoccupied after 1200 BC. But that is consistent with my account since thats when Joshuas conquest would have happened (which included burning of the city). I dont have all the ins and outs worked out, as I am not an archaeologist and am only speculating, but if the city in this era was unoccupied for 3-4 centuries after 1200 (the above source says it may have been occupied again in the 9th c. BC and certainly was from the 8th-6th centuries BC), then being unoccupied for all that time could have been the cause of overwhelming erosion due to the unique environmental factors that I have enumerated.

Archaeologists Avraham Negev and Shimon Gibson, in their article on Jericho in Archaeological Encyclopedia of the Holy Land (New York: Continuum, 2003) opined that the city was not inhabited during most of the 17th and 16th centuries and that if there were any buildings at this period they must have been washed away by the winter rains. Then they state:

It is possible, however, that the Late Bronze Age II [1400-1200 BC] city of Jericho was conquered by Joshua, and that during the long period that elapsed before its resettlement . . . all remains were washed away by the rains.

They casually assume that rains alone could possibly have done all of that erosion, without even considering haloclasty. So Im not just pulling these ideas out of thin air. One can reasonably suppose that they know a bit about erosion, and erosion by rain, since this is closely related to the excavation of archaeological sites.

More support for my view on Jericho:

Israeli archaeologist Amihai Mazar (b. 1942) has been since 1994 a professor at the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, holding the Eleazer Sukenik Chair in the Archaeology of Israel. His Archaeology of the Land of the Bible (Yale University Press, 1992) is a widely used textbook for Israelite archaeology in universities. His work has resulted in the Modified Conventional Chronology being the most widely accepted framework for the Israelite chronology during the Iron Age period. He was also one of the first archaeologists to normalize the use of radiocarbon dating in Levantine and Mediterranean sites. He wrote in the above book (p. 331):

At Jericho, no remains of the Late Bronze [1300-1200 BC] fortifications were found; this was taken as evidence against the historical value of the narrative in the Book of Joshua. The finds at Jericho, however, show that there was a settlement there during the Late Bronze Age, though most of its remains were eroded or removed by human activity. Perhaps, as at other sites, the massive Middle Bronze fortifications were reutilized in the Late Bronze Age. The Late Bronze Age settlement at Jericho was followed by an occupation gap in Iron Age I. Thus, in the case of Jericho, the archaeological data cannot serve as decisive evidence to deny a historical nucleus in the Book of Joshua concerning the conquest of this city.

John M. Monson, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages (doctorate from Harvard), and author of The Architecture of Solomons Temple (Oxford University Press, 2008), adds:

[T]wo points must also be noted. First, the presence of tombs nearby confirms that there was a settlement during the period of the Israelite conquest, however small it may have been. Second, whatever walls did exist were constructed atop those of the substantial Middle Bronze Age city structures. When one considers the arid climate of the Jericho region and the intense, sporadic downpours in winter, together with the ban that Joshua placed on the city, the likely erosion of most Late Bronze Age structures atop the ancient mound makes perfect sense. (Enter Joshua: The Mother of Current Debates in Biblical Archaeology, ch. 19 [citation from p. 437] in James K. Hoffmeier & Dennis R. Magary, editors, Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? [Crossway, 2012]; cites in corroboration of his view, The New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land, edited by Ephraim Stern, 5 vols. [Jerusalem: Israel Exploration Society and Carta, 1993], 2:679-81)

I have also seen somewhere (but I couldnt track down the exact quote) that Dame Kathleen Kenyon, the renowned excavator of Jericho from 1952-1958 allowed for the possibility of a complete erosion of these Late Bronze walls in Jericho, in accordance with the other archaeologists whom Ive cited.

Conclusion: there is solid archaeological support for my theory of erosion at Jericho, though the aspect of salt and haloclasty is not part of their analysis. To me, it simply strengthens the possibility, alongside annual torrential rains, as another form of known erosion, which is a plausible explanation for what we observe at the site. Moreover, LaMoine F. DeVries, in his book, Cities of the Biblical World (Wipf and Stock, 2006, p. 192) wrote:

Jericho was also ravaged by the forces of nature. . . . the city seems to have been devastated by earthquakes several times during its history. Jericho was occasionally crippled by forces of wind, torrential rains, and massive mud slides, which contributed to erosion and were potentially dangerous in a city that was built primarily of mud brick.

Norman Herz and Ervan G. Garrison, in their book, Geological Methods for Archaeology (Oxford University Press, 1998) suggest that the erosion of mud brick structures is more or less constant, leading to many successive towns on top of each other (precisely as occurred in Jericho):

Tells in the Middle East are low hills containing the remnants of successive settlements. Much of the sediment forming the tell consists of decomposed remains of mud-brick houses that collapsed and over which new mud-brick houses were built. Over time, the accumulated debris and settlement of each succeeding occupation formed the tell.

This being the case, we can see that it is altogether plausible, and indeed likely, that the top level of Late Bronze walls at Jericho, abandoned after 1200 BC, would erode in the very unique climatic conditions of the region. It had, after all, some 3,100 years to do so before modern scientific archaeology and excavations commenced. Sam Kubba provided another relevant fact for my analysis:

It is often thought that heavy torrential rains will severely erode and damage the surface of an unprotected mud wall. The clay content inherent in the brick will resist wetting, except at the surface. Natural erosion rates for vertical surfaces have recently been determined to be about 2.5 cm in twenty years. (The Iraqi Marshlands and the Marsh Arabs [Trans Pacific Press, 2011], p. 194)

I did the math. Over 3100 years, the erosion would be 4.238 yards, or 12.7 feet. A source on natural building adds that unprotected horizontal surfaces, such as tops of walls, will erode much faster. Another related book similarly states:

If the material is soft, erosion is undoubtedly fast: it has been observed that massive mud-brick walls around ancient Egyptian cities have been completely eroded, and although some of the erosion was undoubtedly by water, most must have been by wind. (Ronald U. Cooke, Andrew Warren, Andrew S. Goudie, Desert Geomorphology, CRC Press, 1993, p. 292)

An archaeological work related to Turkey remarkably confirms the above data:



[M]ud-brick buildings can last from 50-100 years . . . the bricks could retain durability only if well maintained.. . . Mud brick is a soft, pliable material, which is subject to erosion by wind, rain, and even to human touch. . . . most processes of deterioration are physical, including erosion, moisture penetrating the surface, and exfoliation due to soluble salts (which is a chemical action but has a physical effect).

Then it was claimed that my entire argument was a form of the ignoratio elenchi logical fallacy (apparently refuting an opponent while actually disproving something not asserted).

I have been contending that there is good reason to believe that the wall at Jericho in 1200 BC would have eroded away in the following 3100 years. I never set out to prove that there was a wall from that time period that can be examined today. In my book, I flatly stated, The walls from the period in question (c. 1200 B.C.) are simply not there (p. 126, italics in original).

That was my starting assumption, and then I proceeded to offer a theory as to why they are gone now. Thats perfectly legitimate and not unreasonable and not unscientific, unless someone believes that all things are eternal and dont rot and decay and erode (which is absurd). Offering explanations as I did for their absence is not a stupid fallacy. I find it to be a fascinating discussion.

Contrary to the constant digs in this forum against Christians not giving a fig about facts, being fundamentally dishonest, relentless special pleaders etc. (which is standard boilerplate  and boorish  rhetoric in all atheist forums), Ive never seen a Christian scholar claim that Jericho was not a problem that we had to explain. We freely admit it. It raises a difficulty. I then submit a possible explanation, and I back it up with the corroboration of several archaeologists: at least for the erosion of the walls, generally speaking.

I havent found support for my contention that haloclasty may have played a big role in that, except for the analogy of Petra. But that doesnt immediately make the theory false. We know that it is a factor in the region, primarily due to the Dead Sea. The question then becomes, how much it affected the later (Late Bronze Age) exposed walls of Jericho.

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Summary: I reply to several atheist biblical skeptics regarding my thesis as to the erosion (mostly by salt) of the Jericho of 1200 BC that was conquered by Joshua & the Hebrews.
A student of the intimate said to the master Yunmen, The radiance serenely illumines the whole universe Before he finished Yunmen asked, Arent those Zhangzhuos words? The student said, Yes. Yunmen said, You have misspoken.

Gateless Gate, case 39

I never graduated from High School. At 38, when I finished my undergraduate degree at a commuter college, I had a thought of attending the commencement ceremony, but it was inconvenient, my eyes were on graduate school, and finally I didnt. Then just before my 43rd birthday, I walked the boards at the Pacific School of Religion, as I received my Master of Divinity degree.

My wife, mother, and auntie all came. They were dressed in their best. As I was on my way into ministry, it was advised I own my own Geneva gown to wear as well as to purchase the masters academic hood. The hood would be formally presented during the ceremony. The commencement was outdoors, and it was a hot day. I recall sweating. I recall holding the announcement for the program and seeing my name printed on the card stock.

Finally, there was the procession, then hearing my name called out, stepping forward, being presented with my diploma, having the hood placed over my shoulders, and receiving many, many handshakes, and later hugs, among us tears.

As I stood on that lawn with my family and all those other graduating students and their families and closer friends, I realized that at that moment how nothing special really happened. It was just people doing some things people have done for generations. Some of it pretty silly. That academic hood created following procedures first laid down in the Middle Ages had absolutely no practical value. It was still hot. And yet, and yet the world had shifted. For me, for my family, the world had changed.

And it felt right to honor the moment with these forms and actions and even special clothing. I realized this showed much of the heart of rituals, of liturgy. Liturgy comes to English from French although it ultimately derives from Greek. It means public work, or the work of the people. Ritual enters into English in the late 16th century by way of Latin, meaning sacred observance, customs, and usage. Its connected to the word rite, also from the Latin, meaning the act or procedure performed according to a customary pattern.

Humans do rituals. Its part of our being the symbol making animal. Fourth of July parades, graduation ceremonies, baptisms and dedications, recognizing a childs coming of age, weddings, funerals are all rituals. Some are religious in nature, others are not.

Were all familiar with the term rites of passage, a term coined by the French ethnographer Arnold Van Gennep in 1960. The rituals of rite of passage can be critical to our well-being, to finding ourselves within our lives.

Over the many years Ive accompanied many families suffering a death among them. What I observed was that those who had a ritual moment acknowledging the loss weathered the time following better than those who did not. Not a hard rule, but a pretty good rule of thumb.

Rituals are part of all religions. A classical definition of ritual in religion suggests four elements. It is a repeated action. The mass or that offering of incense in a Zen temple, for instance. It is set out of regular time. That is, it is separate from our ordinary actions in some manner. It follows a pattern. And it carries the story, the myth of the tradition in some way.

For instance in the Gateless Gate, case six.

Once upon a time the world honored one was at Vulture Peak. Before a vast crowd of lay practitioners, nuns, and monks, angelic creatures, and even gods, he held up a single flower and twirled it. Of the assembled crowd only the disciple Mahakashyapa, responded, breaking into a wide grin.

Commenting on this most famous of Zens sermons and that little act of twirling a flower and smiling, Carl Jung once suggested this is not far from the Mystery of Eleusis where the priest held up a reaped ear of corn. And not unlike the transformed wine and bread presented by the priest at the Christian communion. Or the offering of a stick of incense at a Zen morning liturgy.

Liturgy means public service, or the work of the people. Within a Zen context the late John Daido Loori Roshi was fond of saying, Liturgy makes visible the invisible. Making the invisible visible in Zen means bringing our whole lives together. Liturgy is a symbolic expression of that fullness, which, like zazen, opens us to a way of being in the world. So, even if we in the West are no longer supported through that work of creating and transferring merit, liturgy remains important.

Here we find the power of non-separation, the reality of our intimacy with the ten thousand things. Rituals reveal the fundamental truth of our lived mutuality, embodied. Or, can. Engaged with full hearts. And bodies.

Such engagement captures the whole world. All of it. Our lives and our stories collapsed in a moment of noticing. Just this. And from this noticing. From that flower as it twirled. From that smile, that lovely grin. Just as it happened. With an offering of incense and a bow.

Rituals place us in the rounds of life, give us a sense of rightness including healing hurts, they draw our attention into our sensory experiences, and can inspire us as we live through the vicissitudes of life. On that hot June day in Berkeley, California, I got it.

Liturgy and ritual are an important component of communal self-definition. Which is both important and dangerous. Especially as while it reinforces who is in, it also enforces who is out. It is a powerful, and therefore, dangerous part of all religions. And if used carefully, it is potentially one of the most powerful of spiritual practices.

We humans all have our little and big rituals which can simply be brushing our teeth in the morning or making a cup of coffee exactly the way we want it. And sometimes it can be unhealthy. In that big way of cutting other people out, or in a more intimate way in an obsessive action. The compulsive acts that are part of the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. As Paul famously notes in his second letter to the Corinthians the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

There is doing the ritual, getting lost in it, missing the whole point. Theres Yunmens point when telling the student of the intimate that merely quoting a poem describing facing into the real is a mistake. What he invites is not ignoring the poem. He is inviting the practitioner to find the real and making the writing and reciting of that poem the students own.

Rituals small and large, private and communal, are part of how we human beings interact, communicate, both within our inner lives and as members of a society. The Zen tradition has evolved a number of rituals to help along the way. There are daily rituals such as those surrounding meditation, having a particular place, lighting candles, offering incense, concluding with a verse. There are weekly rituals, for many joining with others for meditation once a week is an example. There are seasonal observations. For many attending retreats at least quarterly. And there are annual observations. The great festivals of Zen such as Rohatsu, marking the enlightenment of the Buddha as our own.

There are ritual acts like eating meals in a formal way, oryoki in the Japanese tradition and barugongyang in Korean. These are powerful disciplines. Actually there are ritual ways of engaging all the daily activities of life.

A connecting thread for rituals of daily life can be the recitation of gathas. The word means to speak or sing. In Zen gathas are brief phrases, perhaps just a word, maybe a verse recited at various moments in the rhythms of our lives. Traditional gathas in the Zen world include a verse recited before putting on the rakusu, a small vestment worn by many Zen practitioners, the three refuges, and the four vows.

But we can have our own gathas, and many people do. A grace at mealtime. Something for when we get up in the morning. Something before we go to bed. Perhaps something for when we are about to use a restroom. Someone suggested to me it might be good to have a gatha before turning on a television set.

Several Zen teachers have shared versions of gathas including Robert Aitken and Thich Nhat Hanh. You can profitably use theirs. You can compose your own. For instance.

As I awake, I offer myself into the great project of noticing, of being present.

As I wash the dishes, I offer my attention to the disciplines of life.

As I experience anger, I offer a moment to untangle, to notice the heat.

As I notice birds calling, I offer up my ears.

As I listen to the news, I offer space.

As I settle into bed, I offer a moment to feel the quiet.

Collect ancient verses, find collections like Aitken Roshis volume Zen Vows for Daily Life. Discover the rhythms of life and death in these moments.

The radiance serenely illumines the whole universe

These moments touch the real. They channel the real. They are the real.
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By Yashna Gurung

Over 21,000 killed and 55,000 people have been injured in Gaza according to, Israel-Hamas war live: Israeli goal in Gaza forced displacement: UN envoy by Al Jazeera. Additionally, a whopping 1.9 million Gazans displaced according to an update by the UN, Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel  OCHA Flash Update #52. Those are the accounted numbers of the reality Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing since October 7 2023 alone.

That number has and will continue to rise if there is no united agreement inside the United States government on a ceasefire in the bombing and attacking of the Gaza Strip.

Although Palestinian citizens have gained support and calls for ceasefire all over the world, U.S. leaders remain divided. If U.S. leaders would unite in a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the global pressure for a ceasefire would undoubtedly intensify against Israel. Therefore, to put an end to the tragic and nonstop killing, injuring, and the displacement of innocent Palestinians, Americans and American leaders need to continue heavily advocating, pressuring, and calling for ceasefires.

This can be done by boycotting Israeli products or pro-Israeli companies to send a message, calling your representatives and senators, and spreading accurate awareness and information.

It is not that hard to see millions of people, whether they are Palestinians or not, are standing with Palestine. According to news television networks such as ABC News and Al Jazeera, tens of thousands are taking a stand with Palestine by organizing mass protests in the streets of Washington D.C., New York City, and many more. Millions more are using hashtags such as #freepalestine and #pro-Palestine on social media as stated by TikTok was slammed for its pro-Palestinian hashtags. But its not alone.

Although there is already massive support for Palestine, mass boycotts of pro-Israel companies will allow this movement to target and pressure the companies to rethink why they are essentially encouraging and allowing the deaths of innocent Palestinians.

For instance, ever since McDonalds Israel announced they were giving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) thousands of free meals on their Instagram story post, a boycott for the fast-food chain was called by pro-Palestinians all over the world. This would be because while McDonalds was donating free meals to Israels IDF, Israel had enacted a total blockade on essential humanitarian supplies to the Gaza strip such as fuel, food, water, and electricity.

This enraged thousands and led to protests and boycotts of McDonalds in support of Palestine. However, many Americans are struggling to continue the boycott because according to the Newsweek Magazine, Boycott Fatigue Is Starting to Plague Consumers.

The boycott fatigue is shown in the stocks of large corporations that were called to be boycotted at the start of October. As stocks decreased in the weeks following the 7th of October, they steadily increased only a few weeks after the initial calls for boycotts. This shows that some Americans are just not yet ready to give up a simple burger or drink even if it comes to the cost of the exploitation of others. It reveals the decision to choose their comfort over complying with simple requests of a boycott. Therefore, Americans need to strengthen boycotting targeted companies that are pro-Israel, to put pressure on the need for a ceasefire.

Another way Americans can strengthen the pressure for a ceasefire would be by calling their state representatives and senators and demanding for a ceasefire in Gaza as a constituent of the respective state. According to New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 24 Members of Congress Call on Biden Administration to Establish a Ceasefire, Protect Children in the Gaza Strip.

Although there are calls made for a ceasefire within the U.S. government, it is simply not enough. Only 24 Congressmen out of 535 are calling for some kind of ceasefire. In other words, as Palestinians face ongoing war, the U.S. government has mustered up about 5% of its congressmen to call for a ceasefire. However, lose no hope. As awareness spreads, more will understand the power of calling their state representatives and senators to demand a ceasefire.

To prevent the tragic deaths of innocent Gazan citizens and children, Americans need to do more to stop the war. If there is no united call for a ceasefire, innocent Palestinians will be forced to continue facing the death of their family, friends, and the loss of their homes.

By Yashna Gurung is a student at DC Tech and lives in Linglestown Township, Pa.
The City of Edmonton says it has closed another homeless encampment that it considers high-risk. A man prepares to move his belongings as police and cleanup crews prepare to tear down homeless encampments in Edmonton on Friday December 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
Sen. John Fetterman acknowledges having dark conversations about harming himself before he hit the emergency brake and sought treatment for depression.

He remembers thinking about his three school-age kids. I cant be a blueprint for my children. I cant let them be left alone or not to understand why he would have done that, the first-term Pennsylvania Democrat told NBCs Meet the Press in a deeply personal and introspective interview taped before the broadcast that aired Sunday.

So he checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, last Feb. 15. There was nowhere else to go, he said, describing how he often felt during his stay that there wasnt any hope sometimes and like, What do I have left?

He also wondered whether he would survive politically.

When it got released where I was and where it was going, it was a big story. And so, I had assumed that that would be the end of my career, he said.

When he sought treatment for clinical depression, Fetterman was still coping with the effects of the stroke he had in May 2022, during his campaign for one of the Senates most contested seats. My heart technically stopped, and it was a very touch-and-go situation, said Fetterman, 54. A pacemaker was implanted with a defibrillator to manage two heart conditions, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy.

His victory over Republican Mehmet Oz had helped Democrats keep control of the Senate and made him a national figure. It was the height of his political career. But he couldnt make it out of bed at his home in Braddock, in western Pennsylvania.

I really scared my kids, and they thought, You won, Dad. Why arent we enough? Why are you still so sad? Why are you even more sad? And it was hard for  to explain why I was. And, of course, a 9-year-old child wouldnt understand that. And it was awful, Fetterman said.

So much so that he said he pleaded not to go down to D.C. later that November for orientation sessions in Washington for newly elected lawmakers.

His favorite holiday was nearing, yet he was unable to think about getting Christmas presents for his children and dreading his swearing in on Capitol Hill early in the new year.

Within two months, he was at Walter Reed. Aides had described the new senator as being withdrawn and uninterested in eating, discussing work or the usual banter with staff.

This is a conversation that Ive had with myself and anybody that knows theyre unable to address their depression, is they start to have dark conversations with themself about self-harm, Fetterman said. And things continued to kind of tick off the list. And then I kind of hit the emergency brake.

He added, I knew I needed help.

Before checking into Walter Reed, Fetterman had never publicly discussed his battle with depression. He has since said that he has experienced it on and off throughout his life.

He left Walter Reed at the end of March after six weeks of inpatient treatment with his depression in remission, according to a statement from his office.

Doctors describe remission as when a patient responds to treatment so that they have returned to normal social function and they are indistinguishable from someone who has never had depression.

Fetterman has since become a visible presence in the Capitol, bantering with reporters, joking with Senate colleagues and speaking up at Senate hearings.

To others who are now facing a really dark holiday time, Fetterman offered this guidance: I know that last years was desolate. And this years might be desolate. Next years can be the best ever. And thats what happened for me.

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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
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant is ringing in the new year with its annual "pay what you can" offer next weekend.

On Jan. 6 and 7, the cost of admission will be adjusted based on what visitors can afford.

The promotion is a longstanding tradition at the state-owned tourist attraction and military museum, as a way to make remove cost as a barrier to visit.

History is the story of us all and ..., we believe that story should be made available to each and every person who wishes to experience it, executive director Allison Hunt said.

Each ticket allows guest to visit the Yorktown, Laffey and the Vietnam Experience. Purchases must be made at the onsite booth.

Holiday guests

The S.C. Aquarium welcomed several unexpected out-of-town guests that were flown in for Christmas.

Five "cold-stunned" loggerhead sea turtles arrived this month from coastal New England, where water temperatures suddenly dropped. The Concord Street tourist attraction's onsite hospital will oversee their care.

Each of the loggerheads are young, ranging from about 14 to 33 pounds in weight. They were named in the spirit of the 2023 cheese theme: Fontina, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Pecorino and Romano.

Once they recover, they'll be released back into the wild.

With loggerheads being the state reptile of South Carolina, it felt extra special to welcome them here to continue their rehabilitation journey, said Melissa Ranly, manager of the Sea Turtle Care Center.

According to the aquarium, hundreds of sea turtles have already been found stranded off the coast of Cape Cod this winter. If they dont make it to warmer waters in time during the fall, they can suffer from hypothermia.

The condition is becoming more frequent as ocean temperatures change rapidly, which, in turn, strains the resources of local rehabilitation centers. That's why the turtles sometimes must be transported hundreds of miles for medical care.
Its easy to see the exchange of vows as the most beautiful part of the ceremony, but as a chaplain whos been doing this marrying-burying thing for more than 40 years, I can testify that nothing matches the beauty of witnessing the fulfillment of those vows by couples who meant what they said when they promised, For better or for worse  till death do us part. Read moreNorris Burkes: 'Let me die in your arms'
KYODO NEWS - Dec 31, 2023 - 20:05 | All, Japan

The number of 18-year-olds in Japan totaled a record low of 1.06 million as of Monday, a government estimate showed, as the country continues to grapple with a falling birthrate.

The number of those that have reached Japan's legal adult age fell by 60,000 from 2023 and accounted for 0.86 percent of Japan's total population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said Sunday.

The year 2005, when the new adults were born, had seen the country's total fertility rate -- the average number of children a woman is estimated to bear in her lifetime -- fall to a record-low 1.26, later matched by that of 2022.

In Japan, the age of adulthood was lowered from 20 to 18 in April 2022 in a bid to encourage active social participation by youth.

The number of new adults hit a record-high 2.46 million in 1970. Following a decline, the figure surpassed 2 million in the early 1990s when those born between 1971 and 1974 amid a second baby boom reached adulthood. But the number has been on a falling trend since then.

The latest ministry data includes foreign residents living in the country for over three months.

Related coverage:

Japan's population forecast to fall nationwide except Tokyo in 2050
COLUMBIA  On a bustling New York City street corner a block from Times Square, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham positions himself in front of a Chick-fil-A restaurant on 6th Avenue with a smile on his face, an aide's cellphone camera rolling in front of him.

Graham, a regular presence on the major cable news networks, was in the Big Apple for a string of TV appearances over Christmas weekend.

First, on ABC's Sunday morning news show. Then, later in the week, an in-person visit to Fox News' Midtown Manhattan studios where he would sit down with the cast of "Fox & Friends" for a wide-ranging interview touching on everything from U.S. border policy to the ongoing conflict on the West Bank.

But on this day, Graham was not here to talk about world affairs. He was here to talk chicken.

"Hey everybody, back in New York, about to have lunch here at Chick-fil-A in New York City," he said into the camera. "As I speak, the state of New York is trying to pass a law requiring Chick-fil-A to stay open on Sunday at state rest stops. This violates the Constitution. This violates the religious liberty of all of us and the company called Chick-fil-A, which tries to honor the Sabbath.

"Lend your voice to this cause," he urged supporters. "Stand up for Chick-fil-A. We need to have their back."

To Graham, it was a cause worth fighting.

Chick-fil-A, whose founders and current leadership are evangelical Christians, famously keeps its restaurants closed on Sundays "to rest or worship," according to their website. The Georgia-based company also is a political lightning rod, long in the news for its leadership team's support of conservative causes, including the opposition of same-sex marriage.
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
Back on July 23, the Obamas personal chef Tafari Campbell disappeared while paddleboarding in the waters of Edgartown Great Pond on Marthas Vineyard. The death of the 45-year-old was ruled an accident, but troubling questions failed to float away.

Campbell had posted videos of himself swimming laps, so it was strange that an able swimmer perished in eight feet of water, in a pond for the most part half that depth. Several reports mentioned another paddleboarder who saw Campbell go under. According to the Daily Mail, the observer was a 26-year-old female who worked for the Obamas, but the eyewitness remained unidentified.

It was also unclear who had called 911, but the dispatch was directed to the Obamas estate. The official police report is heavily redacted but does reveal that the medical examiner found a small  centimeter abrasion on Campbells upper lip.

Any personal chef is in a position to gain intimate details about his employer, especially a chef regarded as a beloved part of the Obama family. Tafari Campbell could easily have seen or heard something he wasnt supposed to see or hear.

Like Luca Brasi in The Godfather, the chef now sleeps with the fishes, and like Paulie Gatto the Obamas arent going to see him anymore. A week after Campbells death, more realities about the former president came to the surface.

In Tablets August 2 The Obama Factor, David Samuels interviewed Pulitzer Prize winner David Garrow, author of the massive Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama. On page 538 readers learn:

Dreams from My Father was not a memoir or an autobiography; it was instead, in multitudinous ways, without any question a work of historical fiction. It featured many true-to-life figures and a bevy of accurately described events that indeed had occurred, but it employed the techniques and literary license of a novel, and its most important composite character was the narrator himself. (Garrows emphasis)

The composite character didnt like Garrows revelation. He wants people to believe his story, Garrow told Samuels. For me to conclude that Dreams from My Father was historical fictionoh God, did that infuriate him. A reporter also told Garrow that Obamas staffers were terrified of people poking around Obamas life. The whole Obama narrative is built around this narrative that Obama and David Axelrod built, and, like all stories, its not entirely true. So they have to be protective of the crown jewels.

For David Samuels, the fictitious character of Dreams is responsible for the disaster we are living through now. The Tablet editor provides a roster of Obama officials still running White House policy to this day.

The composite character would surely like a fourth term through wife Michelle, whose books also bear the auto-hagiographical style of Obamas narrator David Axelrod. A fourth term would give the Dreams author, formerly known as Barry Soetoro, the opportunity to fulfill his transformative role as national undertaker. While the election awaits, other events portend what the people might expect in 2024.

Last January, Chinas spy balloon crossed the United States surveilling military bases and wasnt shot down until it reached the east coast. Under Joe Biden, the Chinese can do pretty much anything they want, so expect more Chinese incursions in the new year.

On March 27, in the run-up to Trans Day of Vengeance, Audrey Hale murdered nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs and also shot dead adults Mike Hill, Katherine Koonce and Cynthia Peak. The Biden White House failed to condemn the shooter or name the victims, and portrayed the trans community as under attack. Expect more trans murder sprees in 2024.

On August 9, the FBI shot and killed Craig Robertson a 75-year-old woodworker who had allegedly made online threats against Joe Biden. The FBI now regards anyone less than worshipful of Biden as a domestic terrorist or violent extremist. Expect more deadly violence from the FBI in 2024.

On October 7, Hamas terrorists committed the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, launching a tsunami of Jew hatred on American campuses. Harvard president Claudine Gay tries to see anti-Semitism in context, and gets support from the composite character as she faces charges of plagiarism. Expect more plagiarism and anti-Semitism on Ivy League campuses in 2024. There could also be more mysterious deaths like that of Tafari Campbell.

According to the police report, his case is closed pending any future information that would warrant it being re-opened. Investigative journalists should look into it. As David Garrow confirms, when you poke around the composite characters life, theres no telling what youll find. Happy New Year everybody.
Glenn Reynolds quotes some of the same accounts of rape and sexual mutilation of Israeli girls and women by Gazans that I wrote about here. What the Arab Muslims did on October 7 isnt just unspeakable, it is almost unimaginable. Glenn comments:

Its as if these people are a bunch of degenerate animals, which is because thats what they are. Hamas and the  majority  of Palestinians who support them. And their western supporters  including the Western feminists who went crazy about a fictional frat-house rape that left its victim alive and unscarred  are utterly complicit as well. And were supposed to pretend somehow that these degenerate animals arent degenerate animals because of a bullshit Cultural Marxist theory created by people whose goal was always to undermine Western civilization and replace it with something that looks a lot like a cross between Hamas and Stalin. Garbage ideas from garbage people who deserve to be treated like the garbage that they are, but that are instead amplified and legitimized by our academic/media/political complex, which is itself no better. It is important to make that truth utterly clear and to repeat it and throw it in their faces.

The purported leaders of our societythe liberal ones, anyway, which they pretty much all areare morally bankrupt. They habitually pretend to occupy some sort of high ground, when in fact they are well below the average ethical standard. This is true internationally, too. The United Nations, for example, has zero moral authority, and one thing Israel will need to do after Gaza is finally ridded of terrorists is to keep the U.N. and its enablers out.

Our current political scene fits this pattern. I am no fan of Donald Trump, but what our purported leaders fail to understand is that, for all his many faults, he is not part of the utterly bankrupt nomenklatura that believe they are entitled to rule the rest of us, and which have among the lowest standardsnot just with regard to moralityof any ruling elite in world history.

UPDATE: Upon re-reading this post, I realize that I may have inadvertently maligned the animal kingdom. To be clear, there is no animal species, no predator, anywhere near as cruel, as heartless, as vicious, as ignorant, as the Muslims who carried out the atrocities of October 7and the much larger number of Muslims and Western liberals in the press, at Harvard, Penn, MIT, etc., who cheered those atrocities. No animal species has sunk that low.
From the DHS comes confirmation that the Biden administration will issue ID cards to illegal immigrants:

[The Office of Immigration Program Evaluation] is leading the ICE Secure Docket Card (SDC) project, which offers a uniform, durable card provided to noncitizens upon release, and facilitates reliable access to commonly lost or damaged immigration-related paperwork. The SDC will be integrated with the Unified Immigration Portal that ICE and [Customs and Border Protection] officers and agents use in the field and the ICE Portal to allow noncitizens access to commonly used documents and services.

By throwing the southern border open, the Biden administration has illegally and unconstitutionally repealed the nations immigration laws. The only remaining authorities that can uphold the rule of law are the states. But wait!

The Biden administration warned Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday that legal action will be taken if the state enforces a new law that allows authorities to arrest, jail, prosecute and deport migrants who enter the country illegally.

***

SB 4 is preempted and violates the United States Constitution. Accordingly, the United States intends to file suit to enjoin the enforcement of SB 4 unless Texas agrees to refrain from enforcing the law, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton writes in the missive, obtained by CBS News.

It seems obvious that Joe Bidens deliberate subverting of Americas immigration laws, in violation of his oath of office and his most fundamental duty under Article II of the Constitution, to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, is an impeachable offense. In fact, short of deliberately obstructing the national defense in time of war, it is hard to think of conduct more deserving of impeachment.

UPDATE: I meant to add this: Illegal immigration should be the number one issue in the 2024 election, at all levels of government. If Republicans talked about nothing but illegal immigration, the refugee scam, and the Biden administrations open borders policy, they would sweep to victory in November. Americans have had it with this lawlessness, and the Democrats attempt to put a pretty face on it has failed.
I have adapted the heading of this post from the great Thomas Sowells occasional columns expressing random thoughts on the passing scene. It is unbelievable how many apothegms he formulated and shibboleths he pierced in those occasional columns. In no way can I rise to Sowells standards. I only claim to have a few random thoughts. Random I can do.

Sowell compiled numerous random thoughts from his columns in Part VIII of his 2006 collection Ever Wonder Why? And Other Controversial Essays, published by the Hoover Institution. Someone at Hoover has proved himself a benefactor of humanity by uploading Part VIII in PDF form here.

Sowell leads off Part VIII with this random thought: One of the sad signs of our times is that we have demonized those who produce, subsidized those who refuse to produce, and canonized those who complain. Here is one more from the same page: If navel-gazing, hand-wringing or self-dramatization helped with racial issues, we would have achieved Utopia long ago.

Sowell is a constructive genius. His books constitute a permanent legacy to those who struggle to think clearly, write clearly, or improve the passing scene through writing. He presents as a model. Although it is difficult to choose a best of his many books, A Conflict of Visions must be one of them.

I posted my political predictions for the coming year in My cloudy crystal ball last week. A prediction is not a wish. I hope every pessimistic political prediction I made proves wrong. That is my wish.

George Eliots narrator in Middlemarch writes: Among all forms of mistake, prophecy is the most gratuitous. In other words, mistakes take many forms. Some are unavoidable. Some are gratuitous. Prophecy is the most gratuitous.

I think Joe Biden is the worst president since James Buchanan. Bidens aspiration seems to be to surpass Buchanan. If so, that would explain a lot. If not, he illustrates the destructive power of leftist ideology.

By contrast, in our recent political history the administrations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton seem benign. We didnt know how good we had it. As many conservatives have noted, the Biden administration represents a third Obama term.

The environmental movement has done untold damage to the environment. It will keep it up as long as we have wealth to burn on it. I should think that we have passed that point, but President Biden is committed to continue the burning. He believes in it like the Aztecs believed in human sacrifice.

I understand people who enjoy driving electric cars. I dont understand people who think that driving electric cars contributes to the preservation of the environment. In political terms the environmental movement seems little more than a pure expression of the lefts will to power.

Speaking of the Aztecs, I wonder if anyone under 60 reads William Prescott on Mexico and Peru or even Francis Parkman on North America. I wonder if anyone under 60 has even heard of them.

Thinking of obscure books of merit, The War Against the Automobile by B. Bruce-Biggs (1977) comes to mind.

It may be difficult to assess the damage Biden has done to the interests of the United States at home and around the world, but his opening of our borders and welcoming of illegal immigrants may be the most destructive of his many destructive acts.

In response to a question about Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson recently condemned people on the right who have spent the last two months every single day focused on a conflict in a foreign country as our own country becomes dangerously unstable, on the brink of financial collapse, with tens of millions of people who shouldnt be here in the country, we dont know their identities or the purpose of their being here. Like, stuff that could destroy the country for real and make it impossible for my kids to live here. Theyve said nothing about that, and theyre focused with laser intensity on foreign conflicts that Im like, at some point Ive got four kids I dont think Ben Shapiro answers to that description. I dont know anyone who does.

I find that Tucker Carlson increasingly evokes the animus of Charles Lindbergh circa 1941. In a recent interview, however, Tucker sounds to me like the British dude who characterized the anguish over the fate of Czechoslovakia in 1938 as a quarrel in a faraway country, between people of whom we know nothing.

All best wishes to our readers for a happy and healthy 2024.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-31 14:01:14

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 31, 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
In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Chrys Kaniki, a Senior Technical Officer for Strategy and Policy, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, sheds light on the disparities in healthcare workforce distribution on the African continent and the pressing challenge of brain drain.

PT: Can you provide an overview of the current state of healthcare professionals in Africa, with a focus on the youth demographic?

Kaniki: Recent studies conducted in the African continent have revealed a significant disparity in the healthcare workforce across the continent. This gap encompasses both the population of individuals residing on the continent and the availability of healthcare professionals. While certain countries boast of many health workers, they tend to be concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. In such regions, a single doctor or nurse often caters to the needs of thousands.

Efforts must be made to optimise the utilisation of our human resources across the continent. Despite the millions of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives, lab specialists, and epidemiologists, trained by universities annually, the existing gap remains a pressing concern.

Moreover, it is important to recognise the potential presented by young health workers. By harnessing this opportunity, we can provide training to a greater number of young individuals who can contribute to developing public health initiatives in Africa.

PT: In your view, what are the primary reasons behind the brain drain of young healthcare professionals from African countries?

Kaniki: One of the primary factors to consider is the remuneration of young healthcare professionals across the African continent. This is a matter of utmost priority that necessitates immediate attention and resolution. Regrettably, many healthcare workers are inadequately compensated or not compensated at all within the majority of our member states. Understandably, this predicament serves as a compelling incentive for them to seek better livelihoods elsewhere. It is crucial to acknowledge that these individuals are young leaders and parents, with financial obligations such as bills to settle, children to educate, and educational expenses to cover, amongst others. Given the absence of sufficient remuneration to sustain a harmonious work-life balance, it is only natural for them to explore alternative opportunities. Consequently, it would be unjust to blame them for their choices.

Another contributing factor is their aspirations for personal growth and professional advancement, which are key to securing a prosperous future. As they witness groundbreaking innovations in more developed countries, the allure of what they can accomplish elsewhere entices them to abandon their homelands in search of improved living and working conditions. To mitigate this trend, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive system of continual capacity building and programmes that enable young healthcare professionals to remain abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge. After all, no one wishes to lag in the ongoing global evolution, particularly young individuals who are connected through technology.

One more factor contributing to the migration of health professionals to developed countries is the substandard working conditions in the continent, particularly during disease outbreaks. It is evident that whenever an outbreak occurs, a healthcare practitioner is invariably among those affected. This is due to their inadequate protection. Unless we have a concrete plan to furnish them with sufficient safeguards, the issue of brain drain will persist. We must take measures to avert this situation by equipping our healthcare workers, particularly the frontline workers who face the greatest risk of exposure to various health hazards while attending to patients.

Ultimately, it is also evident that there are solutions to the problems that fuel brain drain in Africa. Therefore, we must proactively address the root causes rather than merely dealing with the consequences. Preventive measures are within our reach, and we must act promptly.

PT: How does the loss of skilled healthcare professionals affect the quality and access to healthcare services for the people? And what is the overall impact of the brain drain on the healthcare systems on the continent?

Kaniki: The outflow of skilled healthcare professionals, commonly known as brain drain, can have substantial and diverse implications for the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Africa. The migration of skilled healthcare workers creates a deficit of qualified personnel, which directly impacts the overall standard of healthcare services.

Furthermore, the departure of specialists can lead to a scarcity of expertise in specific medical fields, thereby restricting the range and calibre of available healthcare services. For instance, countries like the DR Congo are consistently training a significant number of healthcare professionals each year. However, the loss of such personnel necessitates a continuous effort to train more individuals to fill the resulting void. The issue lies in the fact that even though we strive to bridge this gap through training, healthcare professionals still choose to leave, exacerbating the problem, especially considering the growing population on the continent. Consequently, the impact on our economy and the quality of care services remains substantial.

The phenomenon of brain drain frequently amplifies the pre-existing discrepancies in healthcare access across different regions. Rural areas and underserved communities suffer disproportionately as healthcare professionals relocate to urban centres or foreign nations.

The scarcity of healthcare professionals can result in extended waiting times, limited appointment options, and overall restricted access to healthcare services. Moreover, the departure of healthcare workers can cause an economic burden for the region, as countries allocate substantial resources to train healthcare professionals. The departure of these professionals signifies a financial burden on the countrys resources, as the investment in education and training does not yield a commensurate return.

The departure of healthcare professionals can significantly impede efforts to control and manage diseases, particularly in the case of infectious diseases that demand a well-coordinated and expert healthcare response. Furthermore, the health workers who remain may face amplified workloads and burnout, which can result in diminished morale and potential deterioration in the quality of care delivered.

PT: What incentives or strategies can be put in place to encourage young healthcare professionals to stay and contribute to healthcare development in their home countries?

Kaniki: To begin with, lets consider the Abuja declaration, an imperative on the African continent. This declaration mandates African Governments to allocate a significant portion of 15 per cent, of their yearly budget towards the enhancement of health. However, it is crucial to evaluate the extent to which nations have successfully implemented this requirement. We must prioritise investments in public health and establish a robust system that places the well-being and invaluable contributions of healthcare professionals at the forefront of our concerns.

The brain drain of skilled healthcare professionals in Africa has profound consequences that extend far beyond what meets the eye. It greatly affects the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, creating an immense burden on healthcare systems. To tackle this pressing issue, a holistic and all-encompassing approach is needed, one that encompasses both domestic efforts to retain and train healthcare professionals in our continent.

It is also important for our governments to assume responsibility for the well-being of their citizens, rather than relying solely on external sources of funding.

In response to your question regarding incentives, I must express my profound opinion that incentives are not the optimal solution, (at least in the format I think and understand what incentives could be). Rather, individuals require genuine and satisfactory compensation, rather than incentives. Hence, one approach to tackle these concerns is by implementing policies aimed at retaining healthcare professionals. This could involve enhancing working conditions, offering competitive salaries, and facilitating opportunities for professional advancement.

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The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubus request on the 2022-2024 external borrowing rolling plan of $7.4 billion and 100 million euros.

This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt at plenary.

Presenting the report, Haruna Manu, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, said the committee noted with utmost importance, the genuine and grave concerns of Nigerians about the level, sustainability, and serviceability of the nations borrowing activities in the last decade.

He said the debt service figures constitute a huge drain on the nations revenue to the extent that it accounts for over 30 per cent of its expenditure in the annual budget.

Mr Manu said due to the shortfall in the nations annual revenue in relation to its need for rapid infrastructural and human capital development, the National Assembly had to pass a deficit budget every year.

This, he said, required borrowing to finance the deficit in the budget.

Mr Manu said the borrowing request seeking approval of the National Assembly was proposed to be borrowed from various financial institutions.

According to him, the proposed projects in the Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Women Affairs were mostly ongoing projects and programmes on which externally borrowed funds have been spent in the past, including loans.

He said the projects have a great multiplier effect on stimulating economic growth through infrastructure development, job creation and poverty alleviation, and stimulation of commercial and engineering activities.

The Taraba senator said the projects also have consequent tax revenues payable to the government as a result of the productive activities.

He said the committees found that the World Bank has expressed its willingness to provide funds to improve the reliability of electricity supply, achieve financial and fiscal sustainability, enhance accountability and also ensure that all existing grid-connected capacity is utilised to deliver more power.

According to him, the projects also aim to improve states land administration, business-enabling environment and public-private partnerships.

Similarly, the Senate also gave expeditious approval for the securitisation of the balance of N7.3 trillion ways and Means revenue in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of Nigeria.

The approval followed the consideration of President Bola Tinubus request in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary.

The Senate also confirmed the appointment of Executive Commissioners for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Upstream on the screening of the nominees.

Those confirmed were Bashir Indabawa, North-West, Executive commissioner, exploration and acreage management

Kelechi Ofoegbu, South-East, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration.

Enorense Amadasu, South-South , Executive Commissioner, Development and Production.

Babajide Fasina, South-West, Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning.

The Senate, thereafter, adjourned plenary until 23 January.

(NAN)

KC/ABI

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 31, 2023 - 21:54 | World, All

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un said at a key meeting of his ruling party through Saturday that Pyongyang plans to launch three more spy satellites in 2024 following the deployment of its first one in November, state-run media said.

Kim also told the plenary session of the Workers' Party of Korea that Pyongyang will further boost its nuclear arsenal next year amid the expanded security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan, the official Korean Central News Agency said Sunday.

The leader pointed out the confrontational nature of the United States and its "top class stooges" is getting "more vicious" and the prevailing grave situation requires Pyongyang to steadily step up its military combat readiness to deter any form of provocation.

"The word 'war' is already approaching us as a realistic entity, not as an abstract concept," the report said. The leader stressed the need for the nuclear weapons field to "lay a reliable foundation for steadily increasing the production of nuclear weapons" in 2024, it added.

Kim said inter-Korean ties have been "completely fixed into the relations between two states hostile to each other and the relations between two belligerent states," with Seoul viewing Pyongyang as its "principal enemy." He indicated party organizations in charge of dealing with South Korea will be reorganized.

He said it is not suitable for North Korea to discuss the issue of reunification with South Korea, saying Seoul is "no more than a colonial stooge" of the United States.

Kim noted the country has not fully achieved goals stipulated in its five-year national defense plan from 2021 and called for the boosting of "underwater and surface combat strength of the navy."

The year-end party gathering was convened on Tuesday to review the North's policies from 2023 and discuss a draft budget for next year. The meeting unanimously approved six agenda items including the budget and personnel changes, KCNA said.

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The Senate on Saturday mourned a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali NaAbba.

This followed the adoption of a motion by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano),at plenary.

The former speaker died on Wednesday in Abuja, at the age of 65.

Mr Barau said Mr NaAbba stood firm for the independence of the legislative arm of government during his tenure as speaker from 1999 to 2003.

He said the former speaker was instrumental to the successful take-off of the House of Representatives by putting in place all necessary structures needed to galvanise a new legislature to perform its functions.

He called on the Senate to honour Mr NaAbbas contributions to the development of the legislature in the country by observing a minute silence.

This is to officially inform this August sitting of the death of the founding presiding officer of the House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaAbba,

He died on Wednesday in Abuja and was buried in Kano according to Islamic rites.

He was the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.

He fought to put the necessary structure for the take off of the House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic.

He was a dogged fighter who stood firm for the independence of the legislature.

He will ever be remembered for the sacrifices he made to make sure the House of Representatives was put in the best place to perform its functions.

He needs to be honoured by this distinguished Senate for his contributions to the development of the legislature of this country.

I, hereby, urge that a minute silence be observed in his honour, Mr Barau said.

Seconding the motion, Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), said the late NaAbba played a prominent role in the Fourth Republic as the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, said Mr NaAbba was a pillar in defending the independence of the legislative arm at the onset of the Fourth Republic.

He said it was during Mr NaAbbas tenure that elaborate rules of the legislature were formulated.

NAN reports that the Senate thereafter observed a minute silence in honour of the memory of Mr NaAbba.

(NAN)

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The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has advocated for true independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to add credibility to Nigerias elections.

Mr Gabam said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He appealed to the executive, judiciary and legislature to act within the law to strengthen the electoral processes in the country.

He said that the commission did its best in the conduct of the 2023 general election and the off-cycle election, especially in the area of logistics delivery during an election.

Mr Gabam, however, said that INECs performance was still being affected by the huge influence of the executive.

Let me tell you the honest truth, INEC is not independent. A lot of people do not understand it when I raise these issues.

There is nothing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, can do. He is completely handicapped in conducting elections.

What he can do is to produce election materials, deliver them to every state and polling unit, deploy INEC or ad hoc staff to supervise the election? Mr Gabam said.

He said that by law, the executive, under Mr President, was responsible for appointing INEC chairman, national commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

He added that the executive was also responsible for funding INEC and creating a conducive environment needed for the deployment of logistics and conduct of elections.

If the environment is not conducive, INEC cannot deploy election materials. It is in the law. Every deployment of every security officer is under the approval of Mr President.

Who is responsible for securing the environment, it is the executive. Who is the person responsible for escorting INEC materials? It is the executive. So, where is the independence of INEC to fully control the election?

Naturally, people dont look at critical issues. They go after the person who is at the helm of affairs in INEC.

But, if we are to tell ourselves the truth, theres no independent INEC. It is the executive and INEC that conduct elections in Nigeria, he said.

Mr Gabam said that for INEC to be truly independent, the power to appoint INEC chairman and commissioners must be withdrawn from the president.

He added that for INEC as a democratic institution to be strengthened, it also required the neutrality of security personnel and the support of all stakeholders.

ALSO READ: INEC chair seeks collaboration among electoral commissions in West Africa

If you continue to weaken the system, well continue to be victims of the system.

We are the ones weakening the system- politicians, security agencies, including the media that underreport issues. That is why we are where we are today.

Unless we agree that we have a nation and that we have to work for that nation, the institutions of nations must be strong and be above any parochial interest.

The executive must resist themselves from interfering in INECs elections. The power to appoint any chairman and RECs must be off the executive. That is the only way to have free, fair and credible elections, he said.

(NAN)

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reacted to the diversion of a United Nigeria Airlines flight UN542 to Asaba on Saturday.

The agency said that developments around the flight, scheduled to convey passengers from Lagos to Anambra, are being monitored closely.

The agency made this known in a statement issued Sunday by Michael Achimugu, NCAAs Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection which was posted on the agencys official X handle ( formerly Twitter).

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is aware of the diversion of United Nigeria Airlines flight UN542 Lagos  Anambra to Asaba which occurred on 30th December 2023, the statement said.

Flight diversion

On Saturday evening, some passengers of United Arab Airlines took to the social media platform, X, to lament the diversion of flight to Asaba instead of Anambra as indicated on their tickets.

The Nigerian Aviation minister @fkeyamo and civil aviation authority (NCAA) should consider the status of United Nigeria Airline @flyunitedng, Alexander Onukwe, who claimed to be a passenger of the aircraft, tweeted.

A flight from Lagos to Anambra has now terminated in Asaba at 7:30 pm after a stop in Abuja. How do they keep getting away with this?

His tweets generated reactions from other concerned Nigerians who called for the intervention of the appropriate authorities.

READ ALSO:

My sister and her baby were on that flight. A flight scheduled for 10 am for Gods sake. Although, they were checked into a hotel. I just hope arrangements can be made to ensure their safe arrival in Anambra tomorrow. The depth of my disappointment is truly indescribable, another tweet from an X user, Cy_Nicky, claimed.

Was at the Asaba airport to pick someone when this happened, seems like they merged both Lagos and Abuja passengers and dumped them in Asaba without considering those who choose Anambra, said @airboocar in another post.

NCAA reaction

On Sunday, the Nigerian aviation regulatory agency explained that while flight diversions are not uncommon in the air transportation business, the incident involving the United Nigeria aircraft diversion is being investigated.

We have been informed by United Nigeria airline staff that some passengers have been taken to the Hotel, while others chose alternative means of transportation to their destination, the agency said.

The NCAA also assured the general public of aviation safety, compliance and strict enforcement of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

Saturdays incident of flight diversion by United Nigeria Airlines is not the second case officially reported within a month by the airline.

In November, aircraft belonging to United Nigeria Airlines Limited landed at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State instead of Abuja, causing confusion among air passengers.

Shortly after the incident was reported, the airline in a statement by its spokesperson, Uchegbu Achilleus-Chud, explained that the affected aircraft, NUA 0504, was temporarily diverted to Asaba due to poor destination weather.

A United Nigeria Airlines flight, NUA 0504, operating from the MM@ in Lagos en route Abuja on Sunday, November 26, 2023, was temporarily diverted to the Asaba International Airport due to poor destination weather, the airline said.

Contrary to the airline claims, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, said the Abuja-bound aircraft that landed in Asaba, Delta State, was not due to bad weather.

Mr Keyamo maintained that there was no bad weather in Abuja on the said day and that what happened was an administrative mistake on the part of the airline.

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The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) said it granted three years of tax exemption to 34 companies in 2023.

The Head of Incentives Administration of the NIPC, Lovina Kayode, told journalists in Abuja that the exemption was to promote the companys investment drive towards developing the nations economy.

This tax exemption known as Pioneer Status Incentives (PSI) is executed under the Investors Relations Department of the NIPC and allows a company three years of not paying Corporate Income Tax, she said.

According to her, not all companies are granted incentives owing to the stringent procedures followed by the commission on waiver awards.

While acknowledging the high amount of revenue lost to waivers granted every year, Ms Kayode said what mattered was the bigger picture and the amount of forex brought into the country.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and our parent ministry, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, are also part of this process to ensure that the right investors get this incentive.

So far, 34 applications have been approved, and one of the things we intend to do was to ensure that we were not just giving incentives to undeserving companies.

Meanwhile, there is already a notion that Nigeria gives out too many waivers, incentives, and concessions.

However, tax expenditure means what the government has lost by granting PSI, was just a small amount compared to the gains made by granting these incentives to qualified companies.

She revealed the plans by the commission to publish impact assessment reports on the effectiveness of the pioneer status report on job creation and other economic activities to promote investments.

On impact, that is one thing NIPC is planning on, next year, it is one of our biggest tasks to do an impact assessment.

These incentives we gave out, how have they impacted the country in terms of job creation and what kind of import substitution has come about because we granted these incentives?

And how much will the government gain after the three years of them (the companies defaulting paying these taxes?)

The Head, Policy and Advocacy of the commission, Salami Abayomi, expressed displeasure at the rate at which foreign companies/investors were leaving the country.

According to him, some challenges are responsible for this development, but the commission was working in collaboration with relevant agencies to address the issue.

He expressed optimism that by 2024, the efforts of the agencies in that regard would yield positive results.

Earlier, NIPCs Executive Secretary, Aisha Rimi, reiterated the commissions commitment to facilitate and assist investors to gain inroads into the country.

(NAN)

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says the planned demolition and reconstruction of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex, Ikeja, Lagos, was in good faith and for the interest of all concerned.

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave this clarification on Saturday night in a statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traders at the complex have been protesting against the planned demolition.

NAN further reports that on Friday, commercial activities at the complex were paralysed following the running protest by traders over the demolition plan.

Shops and stores were opened for business on Thursday while the protest lasted, but on Friday, all the gates leading to the complex were locked.

The traders, led by the leadership of the complex, displayed a banner showing the court injunction they secured to prevent the demolition of the complex.

Mr Adejobi, however, said it has become imperative to properly establish that the complex, a property of POWA, which was officially allocated to wives of police officers and their relatives, has been scheduled for demolition.

According to him, the demolition is to enable the police to commence immediate construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.

The decision to demolish and reconstruct is predicated on the fact that professional opinion indicated that the structure as it is, constitutes a looming environmental hazard, as the site is prone to flood and may collapse.

There is also the need for immediate landscaping and reconstruction. The planned demolition and reconstruction will be in phases and is in good faith for the best interest of all concerned.

All necessary legal requirements have been duly met. The current occupants of the complex have been given more-than-enough enough notice of the demolition to enable them evacuate from the facility in good time.

Necessary steps have been taken to temporarily accommodate them within the same complex, while the reconstruction lasts.

Equally, the relevant Lagos State Government agency, according to its expert advice, has been approached, required help sought, and necessary approvals for demolition obtained, he explained.

Mr Adejobi further said that while the demolition will proceed as planned, Nigerians were urged to disregard frivolous and unsubstantiated claims as well as media blackmail alleging wrongdoing and illegality on the part of the police or the POWA.

He pointed out that the police and their affiliates, like the POWA, will always be committed to better welfare and standard of living for its personnel and their families.

(NAN)

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From the killing of a butcher for making a blasphemous comment in Sokoto State to a mistaken air strike that killed dozens of civilians in Kaduna State, the year 2023 will be remembered in northern Nigeria for several key events and developments.

Here are some of the stories from the region that stood out in 2023:

Death over blasphemy

In June, tragedy struck when an irate mob killed a butcher, Usman Buda, in Sokoto State for allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.

Some young men challenged Usman (Mr Buda) to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not. He even repeated it thrice. That was when they started beating him, a witness told PREMIUM TIMES.

The police in Sokoto confirmed the attack

The incident came a year after a student, Debora Samuel, was also lynched in Sokoto by fellow students for blasphemy.

Air bombing of pastoralists

Early January, a group of pastoralists were loading their cattle into waiting trucks when jets belonging to the Nigerian Air Force dropped bombs and killed 40 of them.

The pastoralists had gone to Benue to pay fines for the release of cattle impounded by the Benue Livestock Guards implementing the states Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Law.

It took the Nigerian Air Force about five months to own up to the bombing of the pastoralists, according to a Human rights report.

Air strike hits innocent residents

Another sad incident from the northern part of the country during the year was the killing of 88 civilians, with more than 60 injured, in a drone attack on residents of Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State in December.

The Nigerian Army claimed responsibility and said the attack was a mistake. It noted that the drone was targeting a group of terrorists who were said to be on the loose.

President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani ordered an investigation into what led to the drone attack.

Outrage from Islamic scholars, Amnesty International, Northern leaders and others followed the drone attack.

The Northern Governors Forum provided N180 million in support to the people of the community.

Abduction of university students

The mass abduction of students continued in 2023. The mass abduction of school children became a major issue in 2014 with the kidnap of over 200 female students in Chibok, Borno State but has since become a regular occurrence with 2023 witnessing more daring expeditions by the terrorists.

Two students of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State were abducted in their off-campus hostels by terrorists in April.

Another abduction of students occurred in September. This time around, 24 students of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State were abducted by terrorists. Some of them were rescued by security agents but a large number of them are still in captivity.

In October, terrorists stormed the off-campus hostels of the Federal University Dutsin Ma in Katsina State and abducted five female students in the night.

They were released after 50 days in captivity

In October, four more students of Nasarawa State University were abducted by terrorists. Those abducted were Rahila Hanya (Science and Laboratory Technology), Josephine Gershon (Computer Science), Rosemary Samuel (Business administration) and Goodness Samuel Geography. All of them are in the 100 level, a students leader, Solomon Timmy, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Niger Republic coup & Northern Nigeria

Residents of seven states that share an expansive boundary with Niger Republic were thrown into confusion when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened to go to war with its neighbour following a military coup that ousted Mohamed Bazoum.

Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno States in Nigeria share borders with Dosso, Tahou, Maradi, Zinder and Diffa regions of Niger Republic.

In all of these states and regions, there were instances of intermarriage and business relationships for centuries and when the coup took place and the two countries shut down their borders, several businesses especially around border communities crumpled.

While ECOWAS continues to threaten the Niger Republic junta with a military invasion, residents of the northern states opposed it vehemently.

Top politicians and religious scholars from the northern part of the country also joined the opposition against ECOWASs stand to go to war with Niger Republic.

Boat mishaps in northern Nigeria

Aside from the killing over blasphemy and deaths related to insecurity, many riverine states in the region witnessed boat mishaps leading to the death of hundreds of people.

While boat mishaps are not new in the region, more accidents were recorded in 2023.

In Kebbi State, 15 people died when a boat capsized in the Koko-Besse area. About 80 people were rescued from the boat in January.

A local official said the victims were returning from the farm when the overloaded boat broke into two.

Five people were reported dead in the Madobi area of Kano State when a boat capsized in April.

There are 11 persons on the boat, six were rescued alive, while five were rescued in an unconscious state. Names of those that lost their lives in the mishap are Abdulrazak Nabara, 40; Dalha Muktar-Atamma, 40; Mustapha Ibrahim, 45; Umar Isah, 35, and Umar Idris, 35, a local official said.

In May, eight people including a prospective bride died in a boat accident in Gusau, Zamfara State.

In the same month, 15 girls died in the Shagari area of Sokoto State in a boat accident. The girls were reportedly on a mission to fetch firewood for household use.

In June, over 100 people died after a boat capsized in the Pategi area of Kwara State. The victims were returning from a marriage ceremony.

Nasarawa State also witnessed a boat accident that led to the death of 12 people in the Lafia area.

In September, 26 people died in a boat accident in the Mokwa area of Niger State.

The boat mishap was said to have occurred at about 8 a.m. on Sunday, 10 September, between the Jabba and Kainji dams.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that over 100 persons were on board the boat, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

Also, 15 people died in the Yola South area of Adamawa State in September following a boat mishap.

It was raining when the accident happened. A heavy windstorm blew water into the boat and it capsized instantly, a witness told PREMIUM TIMES.

Ten more people died in yet another boat accident in the Shiroro area of Niger State in November.

A boat carrying 100 passengers capsized in Taraba State leading to the death of 17 people. The passengers were mostly local traders returning from a local market.

Eight more people died while several others got injured in November in the Ibi Area of the same Taraba State.

Northern billionaires at war

Major highlights in northern Nigeria would not be complete without mentioning the war of words between Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Rabiu.

The Dangote Industries Limited accused BUA of engaging in illegal foreign exchange deals.

Dangote said BUA was sponsoring a campaign to tarnish its image by saying the group was being investigated for illegal foreign exchange deals.

BUA responded by asking Dangote not to blame it for the issues its facing.

The war of words did not start in 2023. There was another war of words in 2021 but it was settled by then Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and billionaire businessman Aminu Dantata. The 2021 fight was on who controls the sugar market.

There were other wars in 2017 and 2020.

Release of FGC Yauri girls

The year 2023 also saw the release of the pupils of Federal Government College Yauri in Kebbi State who were abducted by notorious banditry kingpin, Dogo Gide in June 2021.

Several of the pupils were rescued by security agents but Mr Gide held 11 school girls for almost two years.

In April, the terrorists released four out of the 11 girls after six days of intense negotiations with the parents of the captives. About N80 million was paid by the parents before the first batch of the pupils was released.

Early in May, three more students were released by the terrorists.

On 26 May, the last two pupils were released by Mr Gide following the payment of N45 million to him.

While the release of the last two pupils was not announced in the media, the chairman of the parents of those abducted, Salim Kaoje, told PREMIUM TIMES that all the 11 pupils had been released.

Shooting down an Air Force aircraft

Northern Nigeria witnessed yet another sad incident when terrorists loyal to Dogo Gide shut down an air force helicopter in Niger State. The soldiers aboard the aircraft were on a rescue mission to evacuate their wounded and killed colleagues who were in a fierce battle with terrorists.

Though military authorities said the helicopter was not shut down by the terrorists but crashed, a group of terrorists appeared in a video clip at the site of the attack and claimed responsibility.

By Gods grace, this is what we will be showing you. These are dead bodies of Nigerian soldiers that attacked us with the aim of killing us, a man with a heavy Fulani accent said in Hausa while showing the bodies of dead soldiers and the remnants of the helicopter.

They wanted to kill Dogo Gide. But Dogo Gide by Gods grace is still alive and he will not die (by soldiers bullets). These are soldiers lying on the ground. Look at themand their helicopter lying wasted. I want you people to repent because we dont have any problem with anyone. Well not kill anyone except those who plan to attack us, he said.

Transitions

Northern Nigeria lost some of its illustrious sons in 2023. Towards the end of the year, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali NaAbba, died in Abuja. Mr NaAbba, who was born in 1958, represented Kano Municipal from 1999 to 2003 and was speaker during the time.

Still in 2023, a popular scholar and emeritus professor, Umar Shehu from Borno State, died at the age of 97. A professor of medicine, Mr Shehu, was a career civil servant who worked at different hospitals, universities and other government offices as a medical doctor and lecturer.

The year also saw the demise of a renowned Islamic preacher, Abubakar Gero, in Argungu, Kebbi State. Mr Gero preached Islam across Nigeria and West Africa. He had been to several African countries including Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Togo, Chad, and Mali.

Northern Nigeria also lost another elder in 2023. Baffa Sulaiman, a former managing director of the Nigerian Printing and Minting Company died in Kano. The career civil servant held the position of chairman of the Jigawa Elders Forum until his death. He was said to be one of the finest bankers from the region and was at separate times the Managing Director of two old-generation banks in Nigeria.

On 29 December, a former ambassador and former minister, Muhammadu Zayyanu (Alias M. Z Anka), died in Zamfara State.

An ace broadcaster and comedian, Usman Baba Pategi (Alias Samanja), died in Kaduna in the year under review. The veteran actor was a Nigerian Civil War veteran. His famous drama where he took the role of Samnaja was enhanced by his military background.

The television drama was famous in the 80s.

Kannywood, the movie industry in the Northern part of Nigeria, also lost several of its stars and directors including Nura Mustapha (Alias Waye), Aminu Bono, Binta Shola, Aminu Muhammad (Alias Kawu Mala) and Hannatu Sani,

Mosque collapse

In the ancient city of Zaria in Kaduna State, four people lost their lives while seven others got injured when the citys emirate Jumuat mosque collapsed in August 2023.

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Two persons were killed on Friday night when a petrol tanker exploded along the popular Abakaliki-Afikpo Expressway, near Ebonyi Airport in Ebonyi State, Nigerias South-east.

The explosion resulted in a fire outbreak that engulfed the tanker and other properties around the area.

Nnaemeka Nwafor, a special assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, has confirmed the development, Vanguard newspaper reported.

Apart from the two persons killed in the explosion, one other victim was being hospitalised in the area, the report said.

The bodies of the victims have been deposited at a morgue.

Mr Nwafor urged motorists, pedestrians and other road users not to panic over the incident and assured that the state government had brought the situation under control.

There is no cause to be afraid over the petrol tanker accident at Onueke Airport flyover junction.

Ebonyi State government is on top of it to stop the menace and create free flow traffic in the area, he said.

The officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission, the Ebonyi State Fire Service and personnel of security agencies were said to be on the ground to ensure the free flow of traffic in the area.

The governors aide commended the state firefighters for their effort in putting off the fire and further appreciated the youths who assisted in the exercise.

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Ndi Ebonyi are advised to obey the directives of security agencies on the diversion of roads. It is obedience to road signs that guarantees a hitch-free traffic flow.

Motorists are advised to be cautious in the area as the government is ensuring a hitch-free evacuation of the affected tanker, he stated.

He added that the administration of Governor Nwifuru was committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of residents of the state.

Lets continue to support the state government as it discharges its responsibility towards Ndi Ebonyi, he said.

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The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government and all political leaders across the country to give Nigerians enough reasons to smile in 2024.

The Archbishop observed that 2023, an election year with all its controversies, witnessed untold hardship for millions of Nigerians due to the prohibitive cost of most essential commodities.

He enjoined governments at all levels  across party lines  to harness all available resources to fashion out policies that would help alleviate the suffering of majority of Nigerians.

He said, The increase in pump price of petroleum products and the drastic loss in the value of the naira, among other factors, have grossly affected the purchasing power of most Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to survive. This alongside insecurity in the country has pushed the best brains in the country to yield to the Japa syndrome. Those of us who remain are struggling to breathe, as they say. This is unacceptable. As we begin the year 2024, we call on government, at all levels, to focus on policies that would help to rejig the economy and bring solace to the impoverished masses. Government must listen to the cries of poor Nigerians.

Oftentimes, political expediency and patronage militate against even good policies. So, we expect that if President Tinubu wishes to write his name in gold, he must begin to employ all resources available, human and material, and not allow politics and political expediency to stand in the way of common good and the welfare of the majority. All that Nigerians are asking for are policies that would bring down the high cost of foodstuff, reduce transportation costs, and provide gainful employment for the jobless, especially the youths.

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The Archbishop challenged President Tinubu, the state governors, and members of the National and State Houses of Assembly to take the lead in prudent living by reducing the high cost of governance and avoiding unnecessary travels that do not impact the daily life of the people.

He cited the number of expensive vehicles purchased for government officials by the National Assembly and Executive arms of government as an example. The other instance, according to him, is the bloated delegations who attend international meetings at huge government expense.

Mr Martins urged Nigerians to cooperate with their leaders to ensure peace and economic stability in the New Year, and appealed to government to urgently address lingering wage-related issues that concern Nigerian workers, particularly Resident Doctors and University lecturers, among others.

The Archbishop congratulated all Nigerians for witnessing another new year and urged them to be hopeful and to keep their minds positive about the year 2024, while praying that it would be a prosperous and fruitful year for all Nigerians.

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The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the year 2023 as a year of enormous suffering, violence and climate chaos.

He made this known in his New Years message where he noted that humanity is in pain and the planet in peril. Scientists found 2023 to be the hottest year on record.

People are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger, wars are growing in number and ferocity, and trust is in short supply, Mr Guterres said

However, he noted that pointing fingers and pointing guns will lead nowhere, rather standing together will.

Recall that the year has been riddled with all forms of political crisis, from coups in Niger and Gabon to crisis in Sudan, climate crisis across the board and very recently the war in Gaza.

Mr Guterres said 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope. We must come together across divides for shared solutions.

He invited people of the world to stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities.

The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights, he said.

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Austin Umahi, a younger brother to the immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, Friday, withdrew from Ebonyi South senatorial by-election.

Austin had indicated his interest in contesting in the Senate rerun exercise on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a press briefing on Monday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the rerun for February 2024 after Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the seat vacant.

Mr Umahi, the former governor, had won the Senate seat for the district in the 2023 election on the platform of the APC but resigned from his position after President Bola Tinubu appointed him as Nigerias minister of Works and Housing.

Withdrawal

Nwaze Umahi, the eldest son of Umahis family, announced the development in a statement which was forwarded to reporters by Austin on Friday.

Nwaze said the family, after their meeting on Thursday, prevailed on Austin to shelve his legitimate ambition in order to give peace a chance because no position is worth spilling the blood of anybody.

He said the family believes that no sincere person who wants to serve the people in any capacity ought to fight for it.

His withdrawal followed the zoning of the position to Onicha Local Government Area by the State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC which was reportedly sanctioned by the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.

But Nwaze said the family is aware that the zoning of the position by the Ebonyi APC SWC has no place in law.

He argued that it is the exclusive preserve of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) or the National Working Committee to zone political offices if need be, and to organise party primaries for all elective offices.

The family is fully convinced that it is the inalienable constitutional right of Austin Umahi, as a member of the APC and Nigerian citizen of Ebonyi South Senatorial District, to contest the APC primary for the rerun election to the vacant Ebonyi South Senatorial seat notwithstanding the purported Ebonyi APC SWC resolution, he stated.

The whole essence of the purportedly Ebonyi APC SWC resolution is to oust Austin Umahi from contesting the primary in view of the clear evidence on the ground that Austin enjoys an overwhelming grassroots support capable of granting him an outright victory in a free and fair APC primary and re-run elections in Ebonyi South.

Nwaze stressed that APC has a moral burden to give Austin the right of first refusal in Ebonyi South senatorial rerun election having earlier won the partys senatorial ticket but stepped down for Mr Umahi, who was the then governor of the state.

He contended that Austin is a reliable APC member who has worked selflessly and relentlessly for victories of the party in Ebonyi, including working as the director-general of Governor Nwifurus campaign organisation.

Austin Umahi has never enjoyed any political appointment, notwithstanding that he was the same person who dropped his position as National Vice Chairman of the PDP to defect to the APC with the then Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, and joined since then in building the APC in 2020, he said.

He added that the family decided to appeal to Austin to shelve his ambition to allow peace and then disappoint all those people who want to engender crisis and anarchy in Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

The family immensely appreciates Austin Umahi for accepting to drop his just ambition and thank his teaming supporters for their sustained support even after the purported Ebonyi APC SWC resolution, Nwaze added.

Zoning

The leadership of the APC, in a communique issued on Tuesday, announced the zoning of the Senatorial district ticket to Onicha Local Government Area of the state, barely 24 hours after Austin declared his intention to contest in the rerun election.

The communique was signed by the State APC Chairperson, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, and other members of the partys SWC.

The statement indicated that Governor Nwifuru is in support of the zoning arrangement.

The APC explained that the decision was because the Ohaozara Local Government Area, where the Umahi family comes from, already has a ministerial seat, INEC resident electoral commissioner and a senior special assistant to the president in its kitty.

The party stressed that it was threading the path of equity and justice with the zoning of the senatorial district ticket to Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

Afikpo North Local Government Area produced the Deputy Governor and a House of Representatives member, while Edda Local Government Area produced the state party chairman.

Ivo Local Government Area has a House of Representatives member, Ohaozara Local Government Area has a minister, INEC resident electoral commissioner and a senior special assistant to the president.

Onicha Local Government Area has none and in the spirit of equity and justice as propagated by the partys leader, the vacant seat should be zoned to it, the party said in the communique.

The party added that it was in total alignment with the state governor on the decision.

The SWC is in tandem with our leaders philosophy of ensuring peace and peaceful coexistence in all parts of the state, the communique read.

Background

Austin was the winner of the 28 May primary of the APC ahead of the 2023 general election. When the first primary was held, Mr Umahi was still seeking to be the APC presidential candidate.

After losing the APC presidential ticket, the former governor returned to Ebonyi.

His brother subsequently withdrew from the race apparently to allow for another primary for the former governor to participate.

The party, consequently, held a second primary election on 9 June which was won by the former governor, who equally won at the general elections.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 30, 2023 - 23:14 | All, World

Frontrunner of Taiwan's January presidential election Lai Ching-te said he will maintain the status quo concerning the island's relations with China during a televised debate among three candidates Saturday, while his rival from the main opposition party accused him of peddling Taiwanese independence.

Lai, the nominee of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and vice president in the current administration of Tsai Ing-wen, pitched himself as the best person to lead Taiwan in terms of gaining recognition from the international community and standing with the world's democratic camp following Tsai's policies.

"I will maintain the status quo, without being too humble or overbearing, and protect Taiwan," Lai said, adding that he will uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific.

But Hou Yu-ih, the nominee of the main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), claimed that cross-strait tensions would worsen if Lai wins the Jan. 13 election.

"Everyone is so nervous and afraid of war" with the mainland amid China constantly flying warplanes close to Taiwan, Hou said, criticizing the Tsai government's decision earlier this year to extend compulsory military service from four months to one year, starting from January.

Hou said official communication and exchanges between Taipei and Beijing have stopped under the Tsai government. He also rebutted Lai's opinion about garnering recognition from the international community, pointing out that nine countries have cut off official relations with Taiwan since Tsai took office in May 2016.

Meanwhile, Ko Wen-je, the candidate of the Taiwan People's Party, the second-largest opposition party, accused Lai of toning down his pro-independence rhetoric for the election so that he could win more votes.

The Saturday debate was the only opportunity for the three candidates to question each other directly. They previously took part in three other televised policy presentations, in all of which they were each given the chance to speak three times.

According to recent opinion polls, Hou has been trailing Lai by a narrow margin.

If Lai wins the election, the DPP will be the first party to secure three consecutive terms since the island held a direct presidential poll in 1996.

Related coverage:

FOCUS: Taiwan poll may not affect Sino-U.S. ties, invasion unlikely in 2024

Taiwan opposition top brass visits China month before election

China plans to keep ships near Senkakus 365 days in 2024
Yesterday the world rose up and came to the aid of the Jews when Hitler sought to eliminate them Today the world WILL rise up and come to the aid of the Palestinians It is just a matter of time O Israel, once loved and cherished by virtually all, you have now become a stench to everyones nose What a tragedy!

The genocidal monster and strange little creature that appears in a video which I posted on X, boastfully proclaiming that every single Gazan is an enemy of Israel and that every man, woman and child in Gaza should be killed, proves that the Jewish state is now a nation of demonically-inspired souls that are in the grip and power of Satan.

The creature, whose name is Eliyahu Yossian and who is a former member of an elite Intelligence Unit of the Israeli Defence Force, spoke with the same murderous intention and homicidal obession that his Jewish forefathers did 2,000 years ago when they insisted on the cold-blooded murder and crucifixion of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and when they proudly and foolishly proclaimed, Let His blood be upon us and upon our children.

For those who have not seen or heard the creatures vile, venomous and incendiary contribution, the video can be found on my X handle (@realFFK) or @intifada.

In case his display of madness was not enough to invoke your boiling and inconsolable rage, consider the words of yet another mentally ill malefactor.

This time it was a serving Israeli Army officer, fresh out of Gaza, who was recorded whilst proclaiming the following, with a big smile on his face, we are looking for babies to kill! I have killed a girl who was around 12 but I want to kill a baby.

For those who doubt that anyone could speak like this and are skeptical about my representation of his sentiments, kindly view them yourself on my X handle (@realFFK) or on @tparsi and @Khaledyoursy22.

If one is looking for good examples of what the English common law describes as a diseased mind and what Romans 1:28 of the Holy Bible describes as a reprobate one, these two troubled, twisted souls readily provide them.

Sadly this depravity is not limited to them alone and does not stop there.

It is a general, widespread malaise which is shared most by Israelis and particularly by those in the ruling Likud party, the government, the parliament (the Knesset), the security and intelligence agencies (Mossad and Shin Bet) and the Israeli Defence Force.

Permit me to share a few examples of their barbarous disposition.

Palestinian men, women and CHILDREN who have been arrested by the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza are routinely stripped naked and paraded through the streets before being spat on, tortured, mocked, defecated on, urinated over, and finally murdered.

Even in death they are not spared but are subjected to even more humiliation, as their bodies are desecrated and mutilated, and their vital organs are skillfully and clinically carved out and sent back to Israel for sale on the flourishing international and national black market for human parts!

I will not speak of the mass rape and group sodomy that Palestinian men, women and CHILDREN are subjected to by the Israeli Army.

I will not speak about the fact that the Israeli Army are using shells containing internationally-banned white phosphorus and that they have launched more than a thousand artillery strikes on densely populated areas since the start of their bloody war on the Gaza Strip on 7 October.

I will not speak about the fact that they burn little children from head to toe with their flame throwers, Nepam bombs and white phosphorus shells and the fact that the few who are left alive suffer the most excruciating form of unbearable pain before they eventually die.

I know this because I have seen the videos and they are far too troubling and graphic for me to post or share.

They were sent to me by my friend and brother, His Excellency Abdullah Abu Sawesh, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria.

After watching them in absolute shock, horror and disbelief, I wept for the children of Gaza and the people of Palestine, and I told him that I honestly believe that all the demons had fled hell and relocated to the State of Israel.

These are just a few of the unspeakable things and abominable atrocities that are being committed against innocent and defenceless Palestinians in the name of waging war against Hamas by the Jews, and frankly it beggars belief and is utterly mind-boggling.

They are targeting and killing women, infants and babies as if they were shooting fish in a barrel.

All this, yet the world sits back and does NOTHING, whilst what is fast developing into the greatest massacre of non-combatants and civilians by one of the worlds most powerful armies is taking place right under our noses and before our eyes.

What a tragedy this is and what a terrible stain on humanity.

Yet, despite the horrors that the Jews are subjecting the Palestinians to, they insist on rejoicing about their shameless barbarity and unconciable cruelty with loud roars of triumph and wild, far-fetched notions and claims of victory.

Unknown to them, this so-called victory comes at a great cost.

I say this because given the savagery and barbarity that we are witnessing in Gaza, many are of the view that the Jewish state may have proved its historical and modern-day detractors right and FORFEITED its right to exist.

The notion that it should be wiped off the face of the earth is beginning to gain traction and appear attractive to millions of people throughout the world.

The relentless madness and murderous disposition of Prime Minister Bibi Satanyahu, the blood-lusting barbarity of the Israeli Defence Force, and the insidious and malevolent intention of the Zionist lunatic fringe to unleash the worlds second holocaust on the Arabs of Gaza and the West Bank, and effect what Adolf Hitler described as the Final Solution by eliminating and exterminating every single Palestinian man, woman and child on the face of the earth, have made many reconsider their position and come to the chilling conclusion that Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, and all the other notable individuals and state and non-state actors in world history and from time immemorial, who believed that the Jews and the State of Israel should be erased from existence, may have had a point.

Let me be clear.

As a strong believer in the resolutions of the Oslo Accords and the two-state solution and a believer in justice, equity and the Jewish states right to exist, I do NOT share this view and neither do I believe that Israel could ever be wiped out, but if truth be told, as a consequence of events in Gaza and particularly the wilful and premeditated slaughter of women and children, many who think like me are beginning to reconsider their views.

Is it not an irony of fate that yesterdays victims of terror, racism and genocide are today the greatest oppressors, terrorists and perpetrators of ethnic and religious cleansing?.. Are the Zionists, led by Bibi and the lunatics in his cabinet, any different from Hitler, Goebbels, Himmler, Goring, Hess and all the other German Nazis? The latter caused the death of no less than 50 million people in WWII and the former may well cause the death of billions in what may end up being WWIII.

Worse still, most people, quite erroneously in my view, no longer care to make a distinction between Zionism and Judaism and, as each day passes, they say more and more that the Jews and the Zionists are one and the same, and are BOTH the enemies of not just the Arabs but of the whole of humanity!

That is where Satanyahu and his insidious supremacist philosophy, racist disposition and apartheid mindset has taken his country.

He has made more enemies for the Jews than any other leader in their 6,000 year history.

Permit me to shed more light on his dark and sinister mindset and that of those who are members of his inner circle by sharing the following.

A few days ago on X @CensoredMen posted the following insightful and revealing contribution titled, Netanyahus Superstars.

They wrote,

Benjamin Netanyahu has a wide range of personalities serving inside his government but two names in particular separate themselves from the rest.

These two people are: Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security Minister of Israel) and Bezalel Yoel Smotich (Finance Minister of Israel).

Before we continue I want you to know that these two men were PERSONALLY appointed by Netanyahu to their positions.

Now let us go through their highlight reels.

Itamar Ben-Gvir:

 He believes that the Jewish tradition of spitting on Christians, Priests and Churches is perfectly fine and should NOT be punishable by law.

 He is a firm Israeli Supremacist.

He proved this when he said:

The right of me, my wife and my children to move around the West Bank is more important than freedom of movement for the Arabs.

 He has pulled a gun on multiple Palestinian parking attendants in Tel Aviv.

 He was notorious for having a portrait of Baruch Goldstein on his wall.

For those who do not know, Baruch was an American-Israeli terrorist who massacred 29 Palestinian worshipers in Hebron in 1994.

 In June, he entered Al-Aqsa Mosque and declared Israel in charge to deliberately cause tension.

 He has been convicted of all the following:

Incitement to racism.

Destroying property.

Possessing a terror organizations propaganda material.

Supporting a terror organization.

Now that you have the rundown of Israels National Security Minister, lets move onto Israels Finance Minister.

Bezalel Smotrich:

 In 2016 Smotrich made a statement in which he said Jewish mothers should not share maternity wards with Arab mothers.

 In February 2023 he was in favour of wiping out a Palestinian village and called for the Palestinian town of Huwara to be erased.

 In March 2023 he said there is no such thing as Palestine and there are no such people as Palestinians.

 In March 2023, Smotrich visited France and spoke at a podium featuring a map of Greater Israel.

Greater Israel includes:

The entirety of Palestine 

The entirety of Jordan 

Parts of Iraq 

Parts of Lebanon 

Parts of Syria 

Parts of Egypt 

Parts of Turkey 

Parts of Saudi Arabia 

I refer to these two as Netanyahus Superstars.

Why?

Because no matter what they say or do Netanyahu will always defend them and refuses to remove them from their positions inside the Israeli Government.

I hope this tweet gave you a better understanding of the mentality of Israels leadership.

Something needs to be done before it is too late and the sooner the people of Israel insist on a ceasefire in Gaza, bring an end to the war, remove Satanyahu from power and either jail him or hand him over to the International Criminal Court, where he will undoubtedly be successfully prosecuted and handed a life sentence for genocide, ethnic cleansing, mass murder, war crimes, crimes against humanity and infanticide, the better.

This is a useful contribution from @CensoredMen and I commend them for their courage.

It is not only disturbing but also revealing and one wonders whether there is any other government in the world that harbours such deranged, psychopathic, vicious and Nazi-like thugs at the highest level within its ranks.

Could this have been the mindset that Adolf Hitler, another monster of history and author of the infamous and rabidly racist treatise titled Mein Kampf (My Struggle), envisioned many years ago and attempted to warn the world against?

To be sure I deplore Hitler and all that he stood for and I have nothing but contempt for his Nazis and their despicable Aryan dream and vision.

Needless to say, I wholeheartedly and categorically condemn EVERYTHING that they said and did to the Jews, the Slavs, the Gypsies, the homosexuals, the disabled, the deformed and indeed the rest of humanity but my question is pertinent and needs to be answered.

That question is whether it is possible that Hitler prophetically foresaw and envisioned a mirror of his evil self in the Satanyahus of this world and decided to rid us of the insidious Zionist plot and barbarous plague that lay many years ahead?

Much like the murderous, homicidal, conniving, treacherous, cruel, insidious and dark soul depicted in the Holy Bible by the name of Haman, Hitler wanted to kill all the Jews, wipe out their faith and take their land, worldly possessions and money, whilst todays Jewish Zionists want to kill all the Arabs, wipe out their faith and take away all that they have.

Is it not an irony of fate that yesterdays victims of terror, racism and genocide are today the greatest oppressors, terrorists and perpetrators of ethnic and religious cleansing?

Are the Zionists, led by Bibi and the lunatics in his cabinet, any different from Hitler, Goebbels, Himmler, Goring, Hess and all the other German Nazis?

The latter caused the death of no less than 50 million people in WWII and the former may well cause the death of billions in what may end up being WWIII.

Are the two not one and the same?

We can debate this from morning till night but the little Palestinian girl who has lost her entire family, including her parents, grandparents and siblings and that was beaten to a pulp, raped, sodomised, mutilated and burnt alive by the heartless butchers of the Israeli Defence Force will certainly tell you that there is no difference at all.

She will confirm to anyone who cares to listen that both the German Nazis and the Jewish Zionists are two sides of the same coin and that the only difference is that the latter literally own and control the United States of America and indeed the Western world.

Is it any wonder that South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to probe the State of Israel for genocide in Gaza?

Just last week in an open letter that I wrote to Satanyahu titled, Bibi, history will not be kind to you for the genocide in Gaza I submitted that he was mentally ill and that he needed psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

My assessment was borne out of an honestly held opinion and strong conviction and not malice, and my observation and counsel were later confirmed by no less a person than the famous Hollywood blockbuster film producer Oliver Stone who said, in a widely publicised television interview a few days ago, that he had met Satanyahu and that based on what he had told him and the way he behaved at that meeting, he had no doubt that the man was raving mad.

Stones assertion and assessment of the Israeli Prime Ministers failing mental health, coupled with the revelations by @Censoredmen exposing the reckless sociopaths and psychopaths that he insists on keeping in his cabinet, has confirmed my views about Satanyahu.

He is totally and completely unhinged and the fact that his nation has a nuclear bomb, which he has the power to set off at any time, is indeed a sobering and frightful thought.

Something needs to be done before it is too late and the sooner the people of Israel insist on a ceasefire in Gaza, bring an end to the war, remove Satanyahu from power and either jail him or hand him over to the International Criminal Court, where he will undoubtedly be successfully prosecuted and handed a life sentence for genocide, ethnic cleansing, mass murder, war crimes, crimes against humanity and infanticide, the better.

Yesterday the world rose up and came to the aid of the Jews when Hitler sought to eliminate them.

Today the world WILL rise up and come to the aid of the Palestinians.

It is just a matter of time.

O Israel, once loved and cherished by virtually all, you have now become a stench to everyones nose.

What a tragedy!

Femi Fani-Kayode, the Sadaukin Shinkafi and the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, is a lawyer, and former minister of Culture and Tourism, and Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The deaths on 27 December of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, NaAbba and erstwhile governor of Ondo State, Akeredolu, have provoked epistemological questions on why the rich and powerful die. So also the killing, on the eve of Christmas, of 200 persons in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu areas of Plateau State. The latter gruesome deaths of those innocent, unarmed countrymen were prosecuted by animals in human skin.

For the Algerian journalist, editor and editorialist, playwright and director, novelist and author of short stories, political essayist and activist, Albert Camus, life is meaningless and absurd. To him, it is inexplicable why we live, struggle all through and die. The meaninglessness of life is explained in his book, The Myth of Sisyphus, where he captures the absurdity of the god, Sisyphus, struggling to push a rock up the mountain. The rock is pushed uphill; yet the rock rolls back in an endless, fruitless fight of forces. It is what human life represents to the writer. You cannot have a full sky of happiness that will not be undermined by some clouds of unhappiness. Why? Camus says it is absurd for any man to seek meaning in life (and in the after-life) because there is none  and no one can get any.

So, if we agree with Camus that life is truly absurd and without meaning, why do we spend the whole of our days perspiring to conquer the world? Why mourn those who have exited the absurdity of life, like erstwhile Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ghali Umar NaAbba and the 200 people murdered in Plateau State last week? Why do we build impressionistic castles as if we will inherit the kingdom of this absurd earth? Why do we take delight in gloating about our existence and why do palace people flaunt fleeting fripperies?

The deaths on 27 December of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, NaAbba and erstwhile governor of Ondo State, Akeredolu, have provoked epistemological questions on why the rich and powerful die. So also the killing, on the eve of Christmas, of 200 persons in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu areas of Plateau State. The latter gruesome deaths of those innocent, unarmed countrymen were prosecuted by animals in human skin. The two calibres of deaths have also further motivated questions on why human beings die at all. Why does God allow death? Is death the end of existence? Where does man go after the cessation of breath? Or does he just perish like vapour that is extinguished without trace? For ages, these questions have remained unanswered and unanswerable, in spite of religious, philosophical, psychological, cultural and clinical examinations of death and dying.

NaAbba and Akeredolus deaths are very sobering. Both were staunch readers of this column and were acquainted with me. NaAbba and I began as ferocious enemies. When he launched missiles against President Olusegun Obasanjo, he became the proverbial ripe orange on a tree, the offspring of Mother Tree, which attracts the pelting of stones at its mother. The impression NaAbba created when he began that adversarial hitting of the presidency with cudgels was that he was an anvil in the hands of the Northern establishment, which was averse to relinquishing its supposed presidential birthright. As such, NaAbba began to receive a confetti of attacks and scrutiny of each and every one of his actions. The attacks were so vehement that he sent his then Special Adviser on Media, who later became Member of the House of Representatives, Eziuche Ubani, to the Tribune House to demand what his offence was and seek armistice. We told Ubani pointblank that we had no grouse against his boss but couldnt stand what appeared to us as his ethnic antagonism against Obasanjo. And the flaks continued. Then one day, NaAbba got my phone number and called. Unfortunately, I was in the thick of slumber and like one in a delirium, answered him incoherently. He promptly called Hon Babs Oduyoye who represented my constituency in Ibadan to get in touch with me, as I sounded unwell. It was the beginning of a long-lasting friendship. I was overwhelmed by his humanity, his high office notwithstanding. We maintained that friendship until his passage last week.

Akeredolu, widely known as Aketi, was an Ibadan boy. He was famous for his unconventionality and stubbornness. He could look at an Ominran  giant  in the face and call his bluff. Apparently bolstered by his knowledge of law, he was like an avant-garde, an iconoclast if you like, and feared no man. When he later joined politics, to us, he looked like a fish out of the water. People wondered how he would acquire the opaqueness of politicians and how his lacerating tongue would fit the bill of politics. When he sought reelection, I openly queued against him and he knew. My people in the state capital he administered felt he was not fair to them, especially their highly revered monarch, the Deji. So whenever he saw me, he tagged me with the sobriquet, Akure Lo Kan  It is Akures turn. Some months ago, I called him to commiserate with him on his mothers demise and I thought I had afforded him an opportunity to unleash his infamous lacerating tongue on me. The Akure group I belong  Ooye Development Initiative  had issued a very unsparing riposte to his governments decision to stop the ancient Aheregbe festival in Akure and we felt it was unjust. I signed the press release, which gave him the back of our tongue, asking the governor if he would stop the Igogo festival of his people in Owo simply because of its unconventional nature. During that call, Aketi disappointed me. He carefully explained why his government stopped the festival in a way that mesmerised me. That was our last conversation.

So, why did Aketi and NaAbba die? Why do people die? Is the death of the body, particularly the stoppage of the working of the brain, an absolute end to any form of conscious activity? The truth is that death is universal and a biological given that no one can escape. We will all die. The only thing that is not given is how we will die and where we will die.

must mortal man continue that veneration of Camus absurdity of life in such a needless form? At some point in time, both NaAbba and Akeredolu also helped in entrenching this absurdity. As the presidents convoy snaked to wherever it was headed, snide comments followed it. Ebi npa wa o! We are hungry; the people hollered. This same people who Frantz Fanon called wretched of the earth had, days earlier, gathered in an embarrassing queue at the presidents Bourdillon Road residence to demand food to put on the table for Christmas.

As I said earlier, so many scholarly works have been conducted on death-bed moments by scholars, physicians and nurses. One locus classicus study was conducted by Karlis Osis in 1961. Osis, who was born in 1917 and died in 1997, was a Latvian parapsychologist whose area of specialisation was the exploration of the deathbed phenomenon and life after death. His maiden research, which began in the 1940s, got its inspiration from English physicist and parapsychologist, William Barretts work, Death Bed Visions. This led Karlis to attempt building on Barretts research and subsequently a four-year study he did focusing on doctors and nurses in the US and northern India. He wanted to know what these medics observed about their dying patients.

While religionists say that life ends with death and the soul takes over, resurrecting on Judgment Day, pre-industrial societies like those in Africa disagree with this. In Africas cosmologies, philosophies, mythologies, spiritual and ritual lives, we give out clear messages that death cannot be the absolute and irrevocable end of life. Attached to this is our belief that life or existence continues in some other forms even after biological demise. We believe that death is an integral part of life. In death, the soul of a deceased travels, undergoing complex adventures and the dead is conscious of this posthumous journey of the soul. So, for us, death is not the ultimate defeat of the body nor is it an end of existence but an important transition.

This is perhaps why in Africa, our lives are woven around cultures of spending time with dying people and venerating their corpses. In First World countries, the dying are given impersonal treatments that do not reflect belief that they are merely transiting into a higher life form. I recently engaged a friend in a conversation on why the Igbo lay so much emphasis on the dead, so much that if a relative dies even in a far-flung place like Australia, their corpses would be brought home at huge financial expense and intricate cultural rites of passage and elaborate rituals are conducted for their transitions. So, while biological death is seen as representing the final end and cessation of existence, as well as an end to any conscious activity of any kind, we believe that death is a natural transition from the visible to the invisible.

Africans have their own indigenous ways of dealing with death and a unique way they conceive and understand the world. To them, life is in three discrete stages which begin at conception and end with death. For the first stage of this tripod, death is a marker of the end of that stage of life. At this stage, Africans believe that the dead literally cease to exist but its flipside is that death is perceived as an integrated and continuous developmental process that cannot be separated from life. When people die, with the extinguishing of their physicality, Africans believe that they transcend to the spiritual world. There, in the words of philosophers like Kenyan John Mbiti, such living dead continue to exist in an unseen community that is reserved mainly for a people called the living dead. Such dead persons merely transcend mortality for immortality, the latter being a state of collective existence, where the living dead mingle in company of other spirit beings.

This is probably why Africans revere their dead. The advent of religions seems to erode and abridge such relationship between the living and the dead. Before these religions, Africans believed that their living dead, with whom they still communicate through rituals by their graves, constitute an inseparable and influential part of their existence. As such, there is consistent and potent communication between the living and the living dead. I have a highly educated friend who believes that no one can hurt him because his late mother always intervenes for him. This has remained a powerful corpus of his belief in spiritual shield from evil doers. Some other people commune with their living dead, who they claim to see in dreams and who instruct them on what to do. They also claim to be in constant touch with the spirit of their dead fathers or mothers, as a clear illustration of the amity between them.

For the Ndebele people of Matabo in Zimbabwe, who are part of the Nguni people of Southern Africa, with their strong Zulu cultural links, like many other parts of Africa, death marks a transition from the world of the living to the world of the living dead. The Ndebele concept of life and death also looms large in the way they ritualise and medicalise the two concepts of death and dying, as well as life after death. The Ndebele believe that death is not a medical phenomenon. They see it as a response to a home call by their ancestors who need company in the spiritual world. This is especially so when the dead fellow is perceived to have fulfilled his or her time on earth as determined by the abaphansi or amadlozi,the ancestor.

As I commiserate with the families of our recent ancestors  NaAbba and Akeredolu  who have suddenly become our seniors in this existential affliction of dying, let me also congratulate us all for the new year we are about to enter. One sure thing is that the new year will mark a year less in our engagement with this ceaseless and absurd rock-pushing called life. When we transit eventually, perhaps we may find out that death might not be a bad thing after all.

This is responsible for why ancestor worship is very potent among the Zulu. They believe that those ancestors, who were once like us, live in the spirit world with Unkulunkulu  the highest god  and there is a connection between them and the living. There are many ways in which the Zulu ancestors are believed to appear to their people. These are by dreams, sicknesses or even as animals like snakes. Diviners, such as the sangomas, invoke the spirits of the dead ancestors to come to the aid of the living.

Another school of thought says that our lives and existence are just dreams. The idea that life is like a dream is a philosophical concept that has been explored by thinkers and writers throughout history. Some people use this metaphor to describe the fleeting and impermanent nature of life, while others use it to emphasise the mysterious and sometimes unreal quality of existence. Even the Psalmist in the 90th chapter amplified the same thought. Now, if life is just a dream as it is assumed, then all mortals who still draw the breath of life must take time to peruse their lives to determine if they are a nightmare or a sweet dream. What exactly are our lives worth? Is it in the number of mansions and exotic cars that we flaunt?

Some other African societies, through their cultures, believe that after death, the departed individual begins to live in a spirit world and receives a new body that has identical features with the earthly body they hitherto had. There, however, s/he has transited into becoming an ancestor with the power to look after the living. There is a qualification nevertheless for this: the dead individual must have lived a meaningful life while on earth and must not have had his or her life cut short in unnatural ways like accidents.

Life may not have meaning but man will forever seek to conquer it, even with its inanities. Take, for instance, a video that is trending in virtual virality. It is that of the Nigerian president, the local boy made good, who arrived his home city for the yuletide. On Friday, 29th December, the president drove through a very dirty street of famished Lagosians in Lagos Island. The serpentine, long-winding convoy of exotic cars was like an elephant in a marketplace  it got a sea of spectators. Dont mind me; I am quite aware that the socially unhealthy optics of a huge number of cars is a presidential pestilence that predates this presidency. It didnt start with the incumbent; it was a security necessity that created that culture of obscenity, post-February 1976, when an unarmed, lone-car-driven Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. But, must mortal man continue that veneration of Camus absurdity of life in such a needless form? At some point in time, both NaAbba and Akeredolu also helped in entrenching this absurdity. As the presidents convoy snaked to wherever it was headed, snide comments followed it. Ebi npa wa o! We are hungry; the people hollered. This same people who Frantz Fanon called wretched of the earth had, days earlier, gathered in an embarrassing queue at the presidents Bourdillon Road residence to demand food to put on the table for Christmas. The unspoken words were that, while perishable man was gloating in his behemoth of affluence, his people were roasting in abject poverty. It is an oxymoron to think that the cost of fuelling that interminable queue of SUVs slithering through the dirt of the Island could wean some of these wretched Nigerians of their poverty.

The homily not to venerate the flesh that will someday become food for maggots as ours, is however never heeded by man. The reason why it will always fall on deaf ears is that many believe that, against Camus, life is a highly addictive drug. The longer one lives, the more dependent on this drug of living one is.

As I commiserate with the families of our recent ancestors  NaAbba and Akeredolu  who have suddenly become our seniors in this existential affliction of dying, let me also congratulate us all for the new year we are about to enter. One sure thing is that the new year will mark a year less in our engagement with this ceaseless and absurd rock-pushing called life. When we transit eventually, perhaps we may find out that death might not be a bad thing after all.

Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist.

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The legacy of Sultan Dasuki remains a guiding light, casting shadows on the paths of governance, leadership, and national unity. His faith in Nigerias vast potential echoes through the corridors of time. As a policymaker who has had the privilege of serving in executive and legislative roles, I recognise the enormity of the shoes he left behind for a generation in search of models. We must keep on striving to follow in their footsteps.

Nearly half a century ago, my father, Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki of blessed memory, headed a committee which proposed lasting solutions to the dysfunctions within our local government system. The ongoing conversation about restructuring local government councils to enhance their effectiveness as the third tier of government echoes his memory. He led a committee that proposed solutions to this enduring threat to our federalism, yet those recommendations were not fully adopted, and this generation continues to pay the price.

Known widely as the Dasuki Reform, it aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our local government structure. The key recommendations included: reducing the number of local governments to streamline administration, enhancing financial autonomy for them, and emphasising grassroots development through increased community participation in decision-making. The reform also aimed to ensure accountability, transparency, and proper resource allocation within the local government system.

Remarkably, in 2020, four years after his passing, His Royal Highness Maigari of Lokoja, Muhammed Makarfi II, remembered and urged the nation to revisit and implement the 1976 Dasuki Local Government Reform report, asserting it as the most practical solution to the challenges facing the third tier of government.

Sultan Dasukis influence extended far beyond his region, earning him respect and admiration from those who upheld high moral principles. His wisdom in governance, spirituality, and national cohesion resonated widely, leaving an indelible mark on a nation that still finds relevance in his legacy, seven years after his passing at age 93.

The late Sultans examples remain a reference point for current Nigerian leaders, with one recurring aspect being his call for a revolution of the mind. He believed that Nigeria needed more than a change of political systems but also a mindset inspiring a new approach to leadership and strategies to tackle the myriad challenges undermining the nation.

Ironically, we are yet to achieve the level of diversity management Sultan Dasuki aimed for. He remained dedicated to improving inter-faith relations in our unstable environment by creating the Peaceful Coexistence Committee (PCC) to address religious conflicts and community disruptions. As a prominent figure in Islam, he demonstrated the religions promotion of peace and its embrace of other beliefs and traditions.

As we commemorate Sultan Dasuki, we pay homage to a luminary whose footsteps in history remain etched in the hearts of many. He belonged to a generation whose leadership values are still considered models and inspiration. He served as a private secretary to the great premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, during a critical phase of our history, before assuming leadership roles in strategic organisations during his public service and retirement. These experiences shaped his philosophy and work ethic as he transitioned through various careers and roles, including chairing the board of the African International Bank (AIB), before his eventual coronation as the 18th Sultan of Sokoto.

Sultan Dasuki, a cornerstone of Northern Nigerias traditional establishments, possessed a global perspective influenced by his diplomatic travels. His experience included service at the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, building on a prior career stint established when he was stationed in Saudi Arabia as Pilgrims Officer. Notably, he is remembered for diplomatically safeguarding Nigerians interests in the holy land, aiding those facing issues with local authorities, and even ending up in jail. Progressing in his career, he eventually became the Permanent Secretary of the Northern Nigerian Ministry for Local Government until his retirement.

I find it challenging to reconcile the ideals my father advocated with the current state of our country. It is alarming to witness how Northern Nigeria has fragmented into hostile groups, a stark contrast to when the region interacted with other parts of the country and the world as a unified people, despite differences in religion and ethnicity. This is why, as Sultan, he practiced what he preached and dedicated his life to promoting peace and unity.

There has never been a time that challenges us more to reflect on our institutional, societal, and moral decline than now. There has never been a time that urges us more to draw upon the ideas and lessons of that generation in which Sultan Dasuki was a shining example, especially in the North, where poverty has almost doubled in recent years, with over 80 per cent of the poverty burden in Nigeria stemming from the region.

Its haunting to acknowledge that the previous generation of Northern leaders built the largest university and polytechnic in Sub-Saharan Africa in an agrarian economy. They also established the largest black-owned conglomerate of their time, the Northern Regional Production Development Board (NRPDB), which evolved into the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) in the 1970s. They had the foresight to import Neem trees from India and line them along the streets of desert towns like Sokoto to combat climate change. All of these were done altruistically.

I often reflect on my father as a mirror to discern the gap between the past and the present. Each time, it becomes clear that the challenges ahead can only be overcome by us and no one else. However, we cant find our direction unless we retrace our steps back to our past heroes and learn from their successes. Clearly, we do not suffer from the lack of blueprints and policies, as always the devil is in the execution.

Despite the injustices faced by Sultan Dasuki, he left this world as a believer in Nigeria. He remained fiercely optimistic about the nations future. Even when his emergence as Sultan was politicised in 1988, he upheld an uncompromising belief in Allah. It is my firm belief that Allah can make you a ruler at the time He wants you to be, and remove you at the time He wants, he said in response to the antagonism from those aspiring to be Sultan. He extended his hand of brotherhood to all those who aspired to the Sultan position. Its been 35 years, and this fatalistic belief still resonates, in a world in search of principled role models.

The legacy of Sultan Dasuki remains a guiding light, casting shadows on the paths of governance, leadership, and national unity. His faith in Nigerias vast potential echoes through the corridors of time. As a policymaker who has had the privilege of serving in executive and legislative roles, I recognise the enormity of the shoes he left behind for a generation in search of models. We must keep on striving to follow in their footsteps. May Allah continue to repose his soul, and may his principles continue to illuminate the way for a Nigeria he fervently believed in.

Abdussamad Dasuki is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, and former Commissioner of Finance in Sokoto State.

This article was written in commemoration of Sultan Dasukis 100th posthumous birthday today.

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In view of the fact that state governments have failed to comply with section 3 of the Education Reforms Act which mandates them to contribute half (50 per cent) of the total cost of projects to be executed in the state as its own commitment in the execution of the projects, we are compelled to call on the UBEC to disburse the fund directly.

In early 2023, the United Nations Children Emergency Fund estimated the total number of out-of-school children in Nigeria to be 20.2 million. The UNICEF report disclosed that one in three children in Nigeria is out of school, totalling 10.2 million at the primary level, and 8.1 million at the junior secondary school level. It said one in every five out-of-school children in the world is in Nigeria. And, over 60 per cent of the countrys illiterate are in the North. The report has confirmed that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world.

Disturbed by the figure of out-of-school children, we requested the Universal Basic Education Commission to furnish us with information on access to UBEC fund by the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory. In its prompt reply to our letter, the UBEC disclosed that the total unaccessed matching grant from all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory stood at N68,737,873,073. 52 as of 11th December.

In view of the fact that state governments have failed to comply with section 3 of the Education Reforms Act which mandates them to contribute half (50 per cent) of the total cost of projects to be executed in the state as its own commitment in the execution of the projects, we are compelled to call on the UBEC to disburse the fund directly.

This call is in line with the combined effect of sections 12 and 17, which have saddled the Commission with the responsibility to ensure effective implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the Universal Basic Education programme of the Federal Government and help teachers, schools managers and other stakeholders in Basic and Secondary Education institutions in Nigeria to identify areas of deficiencies in achieving curriculum goals and help to remedy these deficiencies.

As a matter of urgency, we call on the Federal Government, State Governments, and the 774 Local Governments to adopt remedial measures to ensure the immediate registration of the 20 million out-of-school children in schools.

Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is the Chair, Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB).

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The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani has inaugurated a special Tudun Biri Implementation and Monitoring Mechanism Committee to ensure accountability and fairness in the disbursement of all interventions provided towards the rehabilitation of the survivors and families of the deceased as well as those who lost their property during the unfortunate military drone bomb mishap that occurred on Sunday 3rd December 2023 at Tudun Biri Village in Igabi local government area of the state.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mohammed Shehu on Sunday, the committee is to be chaired by the Deputy governor, Hadiza Balarabe.

Mr Sani, while highlighting the proactive interventions taken by relevant agencies in the aftermath of the drone bomb mishap, further reiterated the importance of accountability and openness during the entire process of the disbursement of funds and other special interventions provided to the people of Tudun Biri.

He stated: The Federal Government, National Assembly, Nigeria Governors Forum, corporate organisations, and well meaning Nigerians have made donations and announced intervention programmes aimed at bringing succour to the distressed community, rebuilding the community, and giving the people renewed hope and sense of security.

As a responsive, responsible and accountable government, we must take keen interest in how donations and intervention programmes for the Tudun Biri Community are disbursed and executed. We want to ensure that the donations go to the actual beneficiaries. We want to monitor the implementation of the projects to ensure their speedy and effective implementation.

This Committee has therefore been constituted for the purpose of accountability, inclusivity and transparency. The Committee will serve as the implementation and monitoring mechanism for Tudun Biri projects and funds. The committee is to be headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe,while membership of the Committee are drawn from representatives of victims of the unfortunate Tudun Biri incident (next of kin of the departed and injured), community, religious and political leaders from Tudun Biri Community and Igabi local government, and the Kaduna State Government, the governor added.

The terms of reference for the Committee include:

(a) Develop a database of the injured and next of kin of the victims of the unfortunate Tudun Biri military drone attack.

(b) Take inventory of all the donations made by the Federal Government, National Assembly, Nigeria Governors Forum, Corporate Organisations and well meaning Nigerians.

(c) Develop a framework for disbursement of the funds and ensure prompt disbursement to actual beneficiaries.

(d) Liaise with relevant Federal and State Government agencies for the effective execution of intervention projects for the Tudun Biri Community.

(e) Submit monthly reports on the work of the committee.

The governor urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, fairness and dedication to service for the benefit of the survivors and the community at large.

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President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with the Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as he marks his 53rd birthday today, 31 December.

According to a statement by Mr Tinubus spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the president congratulated Mr Sani as an accomplished engineer and politician whose leadership odyssey has been one of sacrifice, dedication, and service to the people.

The President commended the governor for his devotion to the nation, from his early years as a pro-democracy activist, promoting the pristine elements of democracy, good governance, and national unity.

President Tinubu further extolled the brilliance and excellence of the governor, who is also a renowned finance expert. He recalled his efforts as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, and now as governor.

The president thanked the governor for his unwavering support while wishing him many more years in good health, happiness, and strength in the service of the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria.

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Edison Ehie, the factional speaker of Rivers House of Assembly has resigned from the assembly.

Mr Ehie, in a letter dated 29 December and addressed to the chairperson of INEC, said he was resigning as member representing Ahoada-East Constituency 11 in the assembly.

Mr Ehie and his faction  comprising only four of them  have been loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara who had been engaged in a fierce political battle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister.

I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in the service of Rivers State subsequently, Mr Ehie said in his resignation letter.

It is curious, however, that the letter which is posted on Facebook was addressed to the INEC chairperson, instead of the speaker of the assembly as prescribed by the law.

Mr Ehie, a loyalist of Governor Fubara, was the leader of the assembly before he was removed from the position for declining to endorse the impeachment plot initiated against the governor by some lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike.

His resignation came less than a week after Governor Fubara promised to implement an Abuja peace deal he signed to end the political feud between him and Mr Wike.

Part of the deal was for 26 members of Mr Wike-backed faction whose seats were declared vacant after their defection to the APC to return to the assembly with all their privileges restored.

With Mr Ehies resignation, Martin Amaewhule, the speaker of Mr Wike-backed faction, can now resume full authority in the assembly.

A source in Rivers State told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Ehie is likely to be appointed as chief of staff to Governor Fubara.

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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
Patna, Dec 31 : The Bihar police has decided to strike at the roots of crime and criminals to provide a secure environment for the common people of the state in 2024.

To achieve this goal, the police is going to launch Mission Suraksha from January 1 with the aim to nab notorious criminals, supari killers and interstate gangsters.

"We will work in a mission mode in 2024 in Bihar and hence launched Mission Suraksha to target notorious criminals, contract killers and dreaded interstate gangsters. The Bihar police has given the task to the Special Task Force (STF) to nab them. We have identified 18 districts of Bihar where criminals take shelter after committing crimes.

"These districts are known for sand mining, liquor operations, smuggling and procurement of contraband. Criminals take shelters after committing the crime specially in the Diyara area located on the riverbeds," said Jitendra Singh Gangwar, ADGP headquarter of the Bihar police.

The police said that incidents of illegal sand mining and liquor frequently take place in districts like Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Bhojpur, Jamui, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Gaya and other areas.

The liquor, sand mafias and robbers have targeted many police personnel apart from the common people this year.

A home guard was killed by the liquor mafia in Bihar's Motihari district in July this year.

Sub-Inspector Nand Kishore Yadav was killed during a gunfight with cattle smugglers in Samastipur district on August 15 this year. He was a native of Araria district.

Constable Amita Bachchan was shot dead by three criminals in the second week of October this year in Bihar's Vaishali district. He was a native of Munger district.

Another home guard was mowed down by the sand mafia in Bihar's Aurangabad district on November 1.

A sub inspector rank officer was killed in Jamui district in the second week of November.

"The STF will work as a nodal agency in Bihar especially in those 18 districts. They will open camps at 50 places in those 18 districts and the officers will be given special training to deal with the criminals," Gangwar said.

"We have already directed the SP and SSP of every district to list the names of the top 10-20 hardcore criminals and gangsters. The STF has the job to nab 80% of them. Similarly, we have prepared a list of the top 200 interstate gangsters and the STF has been given the job to nab 80% of them," Gangwar said.

"Another component of Mission Suraksha is to conduct a survey of criminals in every village and locality in the rural and urban areas respectively. There are 14 types of goons defined in the police manual. The police will go to every door step in the rural and urban areas and enquire from the people about the youths and their activities. If anyone has a bad record, their names will be registered by the police. We will note their names in a "Goon Register'' and prepare e-dossiers and conduct e-surveillance on them," Gangwar said.

"Another component of Mission Suraksha is the installation of CCTV cameras at every important place in the rural and urban areas. It is also a part of a smart city project to install CCTV cameras at every advantageous position. Even the retail shop owners, industrial units, and private building owners will be asked to install CCTV cameras. The Bihar police will take help from them to crack cases," Gangwar stated.

"Another major part of Mission Suraksha is to reach the crime scene in the minimum time. We have set 20 minutes as the maximum time to reach the crime scene and to achieve it, we have started DIAL 112 in Patna this year. This has been highly successful and we have decided to expand it in the second phase to all districts of Bihar. DIAL 112 is an emergency helpline number to reach the crime scene in the minimum possible time," Gangwar added.
New York, Dec 31 : Retired US Army General Barry McCaffrey has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "actively hoping" that former President Donald Trump wins the 2024 Presidential election as Putin felt "Trump's persecution was politically motivated reflecting the rottenness of the American political system".

Trump, the frontrunner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, has long been praised by Putin (even suspected of trying to interfere in the 2016 campaign to influence voters) and the former President has often quoted the Russian leader on the campaign trail.

The Russian President himself faces the electorate in his country facing a crisis of confidence fighting "ill health" besides the army's resistance to prolong the war with Ukraine.

Putin is rumoured in the Kremlin to be suffering from cancer and that he is operating incognito from a far-off mansion in the outskirts of Moscow and some say he is in Georgia.

At a rally in Durham, New Hampshire, earlier this month, former President Trump quoted Putin, who reportedly criticised the numerous criminal charges that Trump is currently facing, denied by the former President and pleaded not guilty to.

"Even Vladimir Putin... says that Biden's, and this is a quote, politically motivated persecution of his political rival is very good for Russia because it shows the rottenness of the American political system, which cannot pretend to teach others about democracy," Trump quotes Putin.

Putin made the comment during an Economic Forum in eastern Russia as late as September this year. Putin did not name Biden in the original quote which was added by Trump, Newsweek reported in its latest issue, putting Trump on the cover with the caption "Trump, the year that was".

Meanwhile, the relationship between Trump and Putin has been criticised since the former President's 2016 run when questions of Russia's alleged election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign arose, media reports said.

"I have never understood this whole relationship between Trump and Putin. Putin is a thug, a murderer; he's gotten the Russian Federation into terrible trouble economically, politically. He stamped out free speech. So, why Trump seems to be in league with this desperado is hard to understand," McCaffrey said, during his interview appearance on MSNBC.

"Yes, Putin and for that matter other criminal enterprises like the North Koreans are actively hoping to have Trump back in office, where in my personal opinion, he would be devastatingly bad for US national security," the retired General said.

Some media reports suggested that arch foes of US such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia were in cahoots to disrupt or influence the 2024 elections using social media to spread false information or propaganda against the Biden administration and eulogise Trump.

McCaffrey, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, was in the US Army for 32 years and later served as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Bill Clinton. Newsweek reached out to McCaffrey via 'X' direct message, Trump's campaign via email and the Russian government via online form.

Following Trump's 2016 win against his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, the Department of Justice (DOJ) probed possible Russian interference. Special counsel Robert Mueller led the investigation and in March 2019, his findings were made public in what is infamously known as the Mueller report.

"Although the investigation established that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome, and that the campaign expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts, the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities," the report said.

Russia has denied allegations of election inference and Trump has called the Mueller report a "complete and total exoneration".

On the question of whether Trump obstructed justice, the report said, "The President's efforts to influence the investigation were mostly unsuccessful, but that is largely because the persons who surrounded the President declined to carry out orders or accede to his requests."

"While this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him," according to the report.

In March 2021, a declassified US intelligence report alleged Russia also tried to help Trump in the 2020 election, but found no evidence of foreign voter fraud.

Putin authorised "influence operations aimed at denigrating President Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Party, supporting Trump, undermining public confidence in the electoral process and exacerbating socio-political divisions in the US," the Office of the Director of National Intelligence report said.

The Kremlin denied allegations that it interfered in the 2020 election, which Trump ultimately lost to Biden. The former President also denied being "given help from any country" in the election.
The Israeli ground troops, backed by aircraft, have killed dozens of "terrorists" during operations in Gaza City over the past day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday morning.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service




(HEALTH PACKAGE) Long Covid is here to stay: How does it express itself? And are we safe? (IANS Column). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Dec 31 : After the acute phase of a Covid-19 infection has ended, people who continue to experience signs, symptoms, and other health difficulties are referred to as having 'Long Covid'.

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) After the acute phase of a Covid-19 infection has ended, people who continue to experience signs, symptoms, and other health difficulties are referred to as having aLong Covida.

The medical term for this is post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). While most people recover within weeks, a small percentage of persons, known as along-haulersa, endure new or persistent symptoms after contracting Covid-19.

These persistent symptoms can include joint pain, exhaustion, chest pain, difficulties concentrating (often called 'brain fog'), weariness, and shortness of breath.

Research is being done to investigate the underlying causes and possible treatments for extended Covid. Its specific cause is currently not fully known. However, those with comorbidities and weakened immune systems from prior illnesses are more likely to experience it.

A wide range of symptoms, lasting weeks, months, or even years after infection, are common in these cases. The symptoms may occasionally go away and then reappear.

Long-term Covid can cause a variety of general symptoms, such as altered lung function that results in dyspnoea, heart attack propensity due to cardiac disease, headaches from neurological disorders, symptoms related to the digestive system, such as indigestion and diarrhoea, joint or muscle aches, or changes in the menstrual cycle.

A multimodal strategy is frequently necessary to manage long-term Covid, including self-control, medical attention, better ventilation, rehabilitation, and mental health assistance.

Fighting new infectious illnesses successfully requires four fundamental components.

The first is preventive - in order to prevent potentially harmful new infections from emerging. The second is containment, which aims to stop the spread of the disease from susceptible to infected people; the third is health services or medical needs; and the fourth is global innovation, which aims to create, produce, and distribute new medications and vaccines in a fair and effective manner.

Are we secure? YES and NO.

In order to stay uninfected, we must practice self-discipline, seek medical assistance, improve ventilation, wear masks, and avoid other illnesses that could weaken our immunity. In addition, isolation of the ill, receiving medical attention, immunizations, and booster shots are also crucial. Since winter is the time when the virus spreads most readily, taking these precautions is even more important.

A 'tripledemic' has been predicted in recent years due to the expectation of three viruses -- SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV -- occurring at around the same time.

We must realise that when an epidemic breaks out, time is of prime importance. The exponential rise of new infections in the early phases of mass transmission is a fundamental feature of emerging infectious illnesses like Covid. Artificial intelligence methods to combat Covid-19 may be available in the future, although it is too soon to say how effective they will be.

Positive support is needed from the government to ensure hospital facilities including adequate stock of medicines, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines.

Strengthening of the surveillance system for sequencing of new variants is also imperative, along with ensuring that there are sufficient doses of vaccines, boosters and crucial medicines at all times.

We donat need to panic with the onset of new Covid variants. However, it is a good practice to implement precautions in order to remain healthy.

(Professor Deepak Sehgal is a virologist at the Department of Life Sciences at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR)
do not release (PATHOLOGY OF TROUBLES) Resurgence of HIV/AIDS adds to northeast's growing burden of disease. Image Source: IANS News

Guwahati, Dec 31 : Even though just four per cent of the nation's population lives in the eight states that make up the northeastern region, most of these states top the chart in the country for a number of ailments, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other vector-borne illnesses.

Despite significant advancements in the fight against AIDS, a recent report raises concerns about its increase in the northeast.

According to a survey, the northeastern states have the highest adult HIV prevalence, which is at 2.70 per cent in Mizoram, 1.36 per cent in Nagaland, and 1.05 per cent in Manipur, while the southern states have the lowest rates, at 0.67 per cent in Andhra Pradesh, 0.47 per cent in Telangana, and 0.46 per cent in Karnataka.

Given that Meghalaya has a higher rate of HIV infections than the national average, all 60 of the state's MLAs have made the extraordinary decision to actively fight the illness by increasing public awareness.

Recently Shillong hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly-formed Meghalaya Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS.

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma presented six specific plans related to 'People Living with HIV (PLHIV).a

The suggested strategy calls for the provision of healthcare access, social assistance, employment and skill-development opportunities, education and awareness campaigns, nutritional support, and legal help in order to combat the disease.

Legislators from all parties would bring attention to social, economic, and stigma issues in addition to healthcare concerns for persons living with HIV/AIDS during the campaign against the disease.

These legislators might help those living with HIV/AIDS become more integrated into society.

According to Sangma, every one of the state's 60 lawmakers, from both the government and Opposition parties, has committed to supporting PLHIV with funds from their programs or discretionary grants.

Conrad K Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, declared that the government will be putting all of its resources into stopping the disease's spread throughout the hill state.

Legislators can help to combat societal stigma by increasing knowledge through the Meghalaya Legislator's Forum on HIV/AIDS, according to state Opposition leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh. He emphasised that lawmakers may support the cause in social as well as financial ways.

Although alcohol has been outlawed for a long time in Manipur and Mizoram, which is mostly a Christian state, many people die each year from severe drug usage.

In Mizoram, drug usage claimed the lives of at least 68 individuals, including 11 women, up to November this year. The extent of the drug problem can be gauged by the fact that out of the 28 lakh people living in Manipur, 1.4 lakh young people have been impacted by narcotics.

Mizoram and Manipur, which have an unfenced border with Myanmar spanning 510 km and 400 km, respectively, have also developed into hubs for the massive smuggling of illegal substances into India from the neighbouring nation.

With 45.58 million inhabitants (2011 census), the northeast region is home to many large and medium-sized companies. However, with the exception of Assam most of the states lack industries and that in turn contributes to rising unemployment and drug addiction.

An official from the State's Excise and Narcotics Department stated that there were 43 drug-related deaths in Mizoram last year and 47 in 2021. She also added that the number of fatalities which is 68 till now may rise by the end of 2023.

In Mizoram, a vital conduit for the smuggling of various drugs and other contrabands from Myanmar, the first drug-related fatality was documented in 1984. In the last 39 years, drug misuse has claimed the lives of 1,804 people, including 218 women (since 1984).

The Excise and Narcotics Department, among other law enforcement organisations, recovered 76.22 kg of heroin between January and October this year and 33.4 kg of heroin was seized in total last year.

The primary route for the smuggling of narcotics and other contraband from Myanmar is through the Champhai area of Mizoram. In addition to several illegal substances, gold, cigarettes from abroad, weapons and ammunition, exotic animals, and areca nuts are frequently trafficked into the northeastern states from Myanmar.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : As cases of the new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 continue to rise globally, including in India, there is a fear among many about a possible Covid wave early next year that may derail normalcy once again. Are these fears real?

India recorded 743 fresh cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours (as of Saturday). The total active caseload increased by seven, reaching 3,997, according to the Union Health Ministry.

A total of 162 JN.1 cases have been reported in India to date, with Kerala reporting the highest number at 83.

With this, the total count of coronavirus cases in India since its outbreak in January 2020 has reached 4,50,12,484. The death toll due to COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 5,33,358, reflecting seven deaths in the last 24 hours.

Globally, cases of JN.1 have been reported from the US, some European countries, Singapore and China.

Maria Van Kerkhove, COVID-19 Technical Lead at WHO, said on Saturday that from a limited number of countries reporting, there has been a 35 per cent increase in Covid-19 hospitalisations and ICU admissions in the last month.

"SARS-CoV-2, influenza and other respiratory pathogens continue to be on the rise. Take measures to protect yourself from infection," she advised.

Kerkhove said that JN.1 continues to rise in detection, but what matters is that Covid-19 is circulating in all countries.

"You can protect yourself from infection and severe disease. Mask, ventilate, test, treat, vaccinate: boost every 6-12 months depending on your risk group," she posted on X.

According to Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former DG, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) the JN.1 Covid-19 variant is more transmissible and infectious as compared to other variants.

However, "the public health risk is still low because we all have immunity now because of the vaccines and the natural infections we've had in the past," she said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a separate "variant of interest" given its rapidly increasing spread but said it poses a "low" global public health risk.

According to Dr Ishwar Gilada, Consultant in Infectious Diseases Unison Medicare and Research Centre, Mumbai, till JN.1 becomes 'variant of concern' (VoC), it should not bother the common man.

"India had managed the Covid-19 pandemic much better than many powerful countries. India had one of the best vaccination against Covid-19, with 75 per cent of the population fully vaccinated and 35 per cent population having received booster (third dose)," he told IANS.

The third wave orchestrated by the Omicron Variant mainly with the BA.2 sub-variant infected the majority of the population with least morbidity and mortality.

"In fact BA.2 was a saviour for India, from infections with BA.4 and BA.5 as well as descendants of BA.2 like BA.2.86 (Pirola). We are much better prepared now than ever before. Not only that, India supports more than 50 countries in Africa and elsewhere with preparedness, medicines and vaccines," he added.

Though identified in August 2023 in Luxembourg and currently present in more than 40 countries, JN.1 has neither caused larger morbidity or any remarkable mortality.

"Deaths are only in co-morbid people globally. There is neither clustering of infections with JN.1 nor it is yet a dominant strain of coronavirus in India. The presence of JN.1 has not increased demand for oxygen, beds, ICU beds or ventilators," said Dr Gilada.

Experts request masking for senior citizens and those with severe comorbidities, as well as those going to crowded places.

"Individuals with certain comorbidities face an elevated risk of severe outcomes and increased mortality from Covid," Dr. Vikas Chopra, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Primus Super Specialty Hospital, told IANS.

"Common comorbidities associated with higher death risk include cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and coronary artery disease, chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, obesity, and compromised immune systems," Dr. Chopra said.
Tel Aviv , Dec 31 : Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Iran and Hezbollah against attack on Jerusalem and said that the country would not hesitate to land severe blows which they would have never dreamt of.

Addressing media persons on Saturday night, Netanyahu said that the war against Hamas in Gaza would continue for months.

He added that the operational plans for fighting against Hezbollah has been approved and said that if Hezbollah expands its fight against Israel, there would be heavy retaliation.

He said: "On the northern border - we are landing heavy blows against Hezbollah, eliminating many terrorists and destroying the enemy's capabilities."

The Israeli Prime Minister said that said that diplomacy was the best option to restore security to that border but added that Israel would not hesitate to act against Hezbollah should those options fail.

He said: "If Hezbollah expands the war - it will receive blows it never dreamt of, and so will Iran. We will act in any way until we restore security to the residents of the north."

Netanyahu said: "Iran was leading the axis of evil and aggression against Israel on various fronts. Israel would not shy away in acting again for the security and safety of the people of his country.
BJP sees the bulldozer as its ticket to a 2024 clean sweep in UP.. Image Source: IANS News

Lucknow, Dec 31 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's much-publicised bulldozers -- known as 'Baba's bulldozers' in local parlance -- have emerged as a symbol of State power and a crushing machine for patrons of organised crime.

Yogi Adityanath has been using bulldozers to raze properties, built illegally on government land by criminals and the mafia.

The first major property to be bulldozed was the palatial house of Vikas Dubey in Kanpur. Dubey was the main accused in the massacre of eight policemen in Bikru Village on July 3, 2020. He was later arrested and shot dead in a police encounter. His house in Bikru Village was pulled down and remains so till date.

The bulldozer picked up speed after this incident and properties belonging to mafia dons like Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmad, their kin, business partners and aides have been pulled down in various cities of Uttar Pradesh.

The Yogi Adityanath Government mainly targeted two mafia dons  Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmad  and today a majority of the members of these two gangs are either dead, in jail or on the run.

A senior STF official said, "We can claim that almost 95 per cent members of the Atiq and Mukhtar gangs are either dead or in jail. The remaining members are absconding. Organised crime has been dealt a death blow in Uttar Pradesh and the real estate business has taken a hit since the mafia invests its money in this sector."

The bulldozer action has almost become synonymous with freedom from oppression, especially among the poor, whose land was usurped by the dons.

On the other hand, it has instilled a deep sense of fear among criminals who poach on the properties of others.

The popularity of the bulldozer is apparent from the fact that the market is flooded with bulldozer-shaped sprinklers during Holi and bulldozer-shaped crackers during Diwali. The most favoured toys in the market now are also bulldozers.

However, while the state policy is getting increasingly bulldozer-driven, petty criminals are getting a free run. This has led to a spurt in crimes including rape, murders and kidnappings for ransom.

The biggest challenge that the Uttar Pradesh Police now faces is the sudden spurt in cyber-crimes which are being reported in more numbers than routine crimes.

The police force of Uttar Pradesh is not yet fully equipped to deal with such cases and the common man remains vulnerable to such crimes.

"Cyber-crime is changing its form almost every day. Artificial Intelligence-based voice cloning is the latest tool for extortion. We have to equip our cops with the latest technology and the problem is that most of them are not tech-savvy. We are taking steps to provide necessary training so that every district has its own cyber cell," said a senior police officer, known for his expertise in handling cyber crime.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : The general definition of organised crime encompasses a continuing criminal enterprise profiting from illicit activities fuelled by public demand.

Corruption among public officials and the use of intimidation further characterise its operations. In response to this, India employs a multifaceted approach, targeting specific aspects of organised crime through legislation.

While no consolidated law directly addresses organised crime, statutes such as those addressing drug trafficking, human trafficking, contract killings, money laundering, and smuggling collectively tackle the menace.

Recognizing the limitations of the Indian Penal Code in curbing organised crime, special laws were enacted, granting investigating agencies enhanced powers.

"One notable legislation is the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999, initially introduced in Maharashtra and later extended to other states, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka. This law empowers police with extended custody periods, admissibility of confessions made in custody, and stringent bail conditions, acting as a deterrent for potential offenders. However, concerns persist regarding the potential abuse of such powers by the state," Advocate Anant Malik said.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 targets the financial aspect of organised crime, with strict bail conditions under Section 45. "Similarly, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, takes a tough stance against drug trafficking, imposing stringent punishments and bail conditions for commercial quantity offences," Malik said.

Preventive acts like the National Security Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act contribute to national safety and security.

Despite the robust legal arsenal, organised crime continues to pose a challenge. Malik stressed the need for effective policing and preventive measures to curb crime rates, suggesting that strengthening laws against corruption could serve as a fundamental deterrent.

In conclusion, according to Malik, the battle against organised crime in India involves a delicate balance between empowering law enforcement and safeguarding against potential misuse of legislative powers.

Speaking with IANS, Kumar Kislay, Partner and Attorney, JSA Advocates and Solicitors, said that a notable challenge remains the absence of a centralised legislation, akin to the United States' Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which successfully shattered the backbone of the infamous American mafia.

"Indian legislations deal with organised crime in different spheres. However, the scattered set up makes it easier for criminals to defy the system and use the loopholes. Further, the cross border nature of organized crime also makes it difficult and frustrating to catch hold of the real culprit," Kislay said.

Coordination and collaboration among law enforcement agencies emerge as crucial components in the battle against organised crime.

The lack of a centralised command structure, Kislay said, often impedes information sharing and collaborative efforts among different agencies.

Instances where states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra established centralised units, such as Special Task Forces or Crime Branches, exemplify successful measures in curbing organised crime by fostering synergy among various enforcement entities.

Efforts to combat organised crime face challenges beyond the criminal realm, including unintentional lack of coordination and political interference within law enforcement agencies.

"Streamlining efforts and establishing a centralised approach could serve as a pivotal step toward fortifying the nation's resolve against this menacing threat," Kislay said.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : Communities nationwide are grappling with a surge in juvenile crime rates, raising concerns about the growing influence of local and international gangs with law enforcement agencies highlighting the involvement of notorious criminals like Arsh Dalla and Goldy Brar operating from abroad.

Recent statistics expose a marked increase in crimes committed by juveniles, ranging from petty theft to more serious offences like assault, extortion, and drug-related activities. Security agencies are intensifying efforts to unravel the recruitment tactics used by gangs targeting vulnerable youths, especially juveniles.

The National Records Crime Bureau (NRCB) data for the year 2022 has exposed a significant surge in juvenile involvement in criminal activities in Delhi with a staggering 2,430 criminal cases, in stark contrast to the statistics of 19 other major metropolitan cities across India.

Among the reported cases, 92 were classified as murders, while 154 were attempts to commit murder.

Law enforcement sources suggest that gangs are actively targeting juveniles for recruitment, taking advantage of their susceptibility to peer pressure, socio-economic challenges, and a lack of positive role models. The allure of quick money and a sense of belonging draws many young individuals into the dangerous world of organised crime.

"Unfortunately, we are witnessing an alarming trend where criminal gangs are preying on the vulnerabilities of juveniles. These gangs often use subtle coercion tactics to recruit young individuals, turning them into accomplices in illegal activities," said a senior police official.

The gangs are recruiting juveniles from the rural areas of Haryana, Rajasthan, or Delhi, aged between 15 and 20 years. These immature youths were enticed by the allure of being gang members and were contacted through internet-based services.

"They are given instructions to reach specific locations and are provided with weapons and logistical support by masked or fake identity individuals," said Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ravindra Singh Yadav.

The newly recruited members are assigned the task of conducting surveillance on the target's residence or place of business.

"After completing the surveillance, they are then instructed to carry out acts of intimidation, such as firing at windows, doors, or ceilings, to scare the victims into paying the extortion amount. Following the task, the recruits were moved to other locations to avoid detection before being given a new assignment," said the Special CP.

The entire operation functioned smoothly, with no communication between different parts of the syndicate.

"The handler, operating from abroad using international members, coordinated with various gang members, including recruiters, logistics providers, and shooters. The syndicate frequently changed phones, SIM cards, and locations to evade law enforcement," said the official.

The extorted funds were collected and held in safe havens abroad, using escape routes such as the "donkey" or mule route.

In December, two sharpshooters of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were arrested, who had fired seven to eight rounds in front of the residence of a former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Punjab MLA in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area in a bid to extort money.

A recent revelation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) underscores the gravity of the situation. The charge sheet points to Canada-based gangster-turned-terrorist Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla, collaborating with Hardeep Singh Nijjar to identify targets, arrange weapons, and funnel terror funds through various channels. This sinister collaboration aimed to strengthen the activities of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).

"Arshdeep Singh in association with Hardeep Singh Nijjar who also is a designated terrorist, was facilitating the members of the terror gang by providing details of targets, arranging weapons, sending terror funds through various MTSS channels and also raising funds through extortion to strengthen the terror activities of KTF. The investigation has further revealed that the major part of the extorted money was channelised to Arsh in Canada through hawala operators," stated the charge sheet.

"Investigations have revealed that Nijjar and Arsh lured people to commit terror acts in return for arranging visas, splendid jobs, and handsome earnings for them in Canada. Initially, they were motivated for threatening and extorting money from businessmen in Punjab and subsequently they were radicalised and motivated for carrying out terrorist acts of killing persons of other faiths," the charge sheet stated.

As per the NIA charge sheet submitted in court, the Lawrence Bishnoi terror syndicate's main activities involve kidnapping, murder, extortion for ransom, cross-border smuggling of sophisticated weapons and narcotics, inland smuggling of contraband and illegal liquor.

The gangster didn't talk directly to any shooter, but routed them through his close associates, including Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar, and Anmol Bishnoi.

The NIA also said that its investigation has revealed that distribution of work used to be done with careful planning, and the gang members were assigned different tasks. Matters pertaining to funding were mostly decided by Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Darmanjot Kahlon.

"Bishnoi was intentionally running the entire operation from jail. He was so adept in operating from inside the jail that he didn't apply for bail in any case. It was also revealed that a considerable part of the money generated through extortion activities was sent to Canada, the US, Dubai, Thailand and Australia for the use of their associates/family members based abroad and also for funding the activities of pro-Khalistan extremists," the charge sheet read.

(Shekhar Singh can be reached at shekhar.s@ians.in)
Los Angeles, Dec 31 : British actor Tom Wilkinson, who appeared in films including 'The Full Monty', 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel', passed away in the U.K.

He died at the age of 75 on Saturday. He won a BAFTA for supporting actor for 'The Full Monty', in which he plays an unemployed steel worker who joins a male striptease dance group who decide to strip completely  "go the full Monty"  in order to make money, reports Variety.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him," the statement from his family to the BBC read.

As per Variety, Wilkinson reprised his role as Gerald in 'The Full Monty' for the recent Disney+ series which revisited the characters 26 years later.

Wilkinson was Oscar-nominated for his roles in 'Michael Clayton', in which he played an attorney who has a manic episode; and Todd Field's "In the Bedroom," as the doctor husband to Sissy Spacek's character.

George Clooney, who starred with Wilkinson in the intense 2007 drama 'Michael Clayton', directed by Tony Gilroy, was quick to praise the actor, calling him "the epitome of elegance" and skilled as a thespian.

Variety further states that Wilkinson also appeared in films such as 'Rush Hour' in which he played the evil British ambassador, and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'. He also had roles in 'The Green Hornet', 'Batman Begins', 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol'.

On television, he played Benjamin Franklin in 'John Adams', James A. Baker in 'Recount', for which he was Emmy-nominated and Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. in 'The Kennedys'. He once again played a historical American in Ava DuVernay's feature 'Selma'.

Born Yorkshire, Wilkinson attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and then began acting on TV in programs including 'Martin Chuzzlewit', with a small part in 'Sense and Sensibility' in 1995. Wilkinson is survived by his wife, actor Diana Hardcastle, and two daughters.
Tel Aviv, Dec 31 : With a crucial meeting of the Israeli war cabinet to be held on the New Year's eve, the possibilities of release of around 50 hostages from Israel who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 is likely to happen soon.

The war cabinet, according to sources in Israel defence ministry, is meeting on Sunday, to take forward further discussions with Qatar and Egyptian mediators regarding the release of hostages.

Israel spy agency Mossad's chief David Burnea has been given the green signal by the government to move ahead regarding discussions on release of hostages.

A couple of weeks ago Burnea had met CIA chief William Burns and Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at Warsaw in Poland and highly-ranked Egyptian officials regarding the release of hostages.

However, there were reports of Hamas backing out of the talks and insisting on a total end of the war. This was dismissed by the Israeli side with both Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Galant sticking on to their earlier positions of eradicating Hamas.

Sources in the Israel defence ministry told IANS that Hamas is back to the negotiating table as the militant outfit saw scores of its operatives deaths in war with the country.
Patna, Dec 31 : BJP National Spokesperson and former Bihar industry minister Shahnawaz Hussain, believes that preventing migration without industrial development in Bihar is a challenging task. He stated that no government in power in Bihar to date has worked with determination and dedication in this direction, which has led to the current situation. In a conversation with IANS, the former Union Minister expressed his views on several issues.

"I had the opportunity to work as the Minister of Industries in the state for almost two years. I made efforts to reopen the closed ethanol factory here. There were several plans, but as soon as the government changed, those plans were shelved," he stated.

When asked about 'Bihar Business Connect 2023' the Global Investors' Summit which concluded in Patna recently, he said that the summit was significant, but the Bihar government could not capitalise on it as much as it should have.

Hussain criticised the Bihar Government, saying that the industrial sector cannot progress merely on statistical games; it requires concrete action on the ground.

He added that despite it being such a significant summit, it was noteworthy to see how much time Chief Minister Nitish Kumar devoted to it. "If he attended the summit without making any public address, what message does it convey?" he asked.

The BJP National Spokesperson also emphasised that industry and crime cannot coexist. He said that the investors' summit in Patna was an attempt to deceive people in the name of attracting investments. "With the Chief Minister remaining silent throughout the meeting, how can people be encouraged to set up industries in Bihar? The Ministry of Industry is currently with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and industrialists know its history. How can anyone trust it?" he added.

Hussain said that nature has endowed Bihar with many resources, but the government remains unresponsive. He emphasised that under the current schemes of the Central Government, the basic infrastructure in Bihar is entirely ready and now what is needed is robust industrial development.

Hussain stated that the concept of preventing migration without industrial development is unrealistic. Industrial development will create significant employment opportunities. He also mentioned that Bihar has lagged far behind, so expecting substantial gains from small industries is not feasible.

He stated that while there are over 246,000 industries in the country, Bihar only has 3,429 industries. "If we talk about capital investment in industries, the average investment per factory in the country is Rs 15 crore, while in Bihar it is only Rs 4 crore per factory," he said.

When IANS asked Hussain regarding the controversy surrounding the emerging dispute in the JD(U), he said that the party has never been able to form a government alone.

"The recent controversial statements of Nitish Kumar and his political flip-flops have diminished his political credibility," he said.

He mentioned that the buzz in the JD(U) had already started ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, and it was certain to split before the polls.

Hussain stated that the BJP's graph was rising rapidly and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's credibility had not only increased among the people of the country but also internationally.

Responding to a question about the INDIA bloc, he said that most parties in the Opposition alliance were either fighting for their existence or facing corruption allegations. In such a scenario, they were coming together to form an alliance, but the leadership was not yet decided.
Press Release

December 30, 2023 Legarda urges Filipinos to use Rizal's ideals as a foundation for own In commemoration of Rizal Day today, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda reminded Filipinos to harken back to the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal and use them as inspiration to become better citizens. "Despite Dr. Jose Rizal being martyred 127 years ago, his ideals remain timeless, and we should use that as a springboard to foster our love for our nation and become model citizens," said Legarda. "The real way to give homage to one of our foremost heroes is to build upon the foundations that he laid when this archipelago was striving to find its identity -- and build upon it for a better understanding of today," she added. One of the ways Filipinos can look inward, according to Legarda, is the uninterrupted pursuit of knowledge to help solve current issues such as human-driven climate change. According to numerous studies and reports, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world in terms of bearing the brunt of climate change's negative impacts. Building upon that knowledge, according to Legarda, can help the next generations live a more fruitful and decent life. "The world is at a crossroads; we must strive to achieve within ourselves change for the environment because it is not going to adjust for us," asserted Legarda. "We have so many channels today to help spread the message. We must join the legions of people using social media to push and press tackling hot-button issues so that discourse remains alive in a democratic country such as ours." Legarda also reiterated her call that many more should remain proactive in preserving Filipino heritage. "Dr. Rizal was very much ahead of society, as he understood the importance of taking pride in our heritage, as we can use it to go back to our roots and then go from there," the four-term senator asserted. "He recognized the beauty of the country and its people, including the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship of Philippine textiles," the senator furthered. Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inducted the Aklan Pina handloom weaving into its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Legarda reminded the citizens of the enduring relevance of Rizal's ideals in shaping our nation's destiny, uniting us in our shared pursuit of progress and prosperity.
YANGON, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar exported 918,606 tons of corn in eight months of the 2023-24 fiscal year starting from April 1, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday.

The Southeast Asian country earned more than 275 million U.S. dollars from corn exports during the period between April 1 and Dec. 15 this year, the ministry's figures showed.

According to the data, the country exported over 44,000 tons of corn in November.

During the period, Myanmar exported the corn to countries like the Philippines, Singapore and China, via both sea routes and land borders, official data showed.

The country's overall export earnings during the period reached 10.13 billion dollars, according to the ministry's data.

Myanmar mainly exports agricultural products, animal products, marine products, minerals, forest products and manufacturing goods. 
Panaji, Dec 31 : Unable to form government in Goa in 2017 despite emerging as the single-largest party in the state Assembly and its MLAs defecting to the BJP since last two terms, the Congress unit here has been facing criticism, but a senior leader of grand old party exuded confidence of taking on the saffron party and combating what he alleged the "BJP's strategy of finishing democracy".

Defections may be not be new for Goa, as since 1963, the coastal state has seen different Chief Ministers (13 faces) of various parties being sworn in 30 times and imposition of the President's Rule five times due to political crises.

Since 2017, two major rounds of defections have taken place in the state, wherein Congress MLAs have switched sides by joining the BJP, helping the saffron party to retain power from 2017-22, and now, to become stronger.

Despite the Congress having numbers in the 2017 Assembly polls, the BJP having just 13 seats outplayed the former to form the government and completed the term with full strength by welcoming Congress defectors in its party fold.

Sources informed that Congress could not decide on its Chief Ministerial face in 2017, as their three senior politicians including Ravi Naik, Digambar Kamat and Luizinho Faleiro were in the fray to grab the top post. Even the independent MLA who was keen to support Congress changed his mind and supported the BJP after witnessing chaos in Congress office. Thus the BJP came into power with the support of regional parties and independents.

In March 2017, the then Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane resigned from the party as well as an MLA and joined the BJP. The leakage in Congress started with his attempt. Rane won the by-election against Congress candidate Roy Naik, son of then Congress MLA Ravi Naik, and became a minister in the BJP government.

In October 2018, another two Congress legislators, Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte, also resigned and joined the BJP, subsequently winning the by-elections.

Switching sides did not stop here. On July 10, 2019, Congress faced a third setback after 10 more MLAs along with Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar switched to the BJP. Kavalekar, along with six other defectors, however, lost the Assembly elections in February, 2022.

Before the Assembly election in February, 2022, Ravi Naik joined the BJP and got elected from Ponda. Now, Ravi Naik is a minister in the cabinet of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Luizinho Faleiro joined the Trinamoool Congress and became Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal. The departure of senior politicians from the party had baffled the Congress then.

In the second term of BJP government in 2022, former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, (then) Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Sankalp Amonkar, Rajesh Faldesai, Aleixo Sequeira and Rudolf Fernandes, these eight MLAs switched parties by joining BJP on September 14, 2022. This political development decimated the Congress party to mere 3 MLAs in 40 members of Goa Legislative Assembly.

Speaking about the defection and his party MLAs joining the BJP, AICC former Secretary Girish Chodankar said that had they formed the government in 2017, BJP would have been at bay till today.

"Our 13 leaders joined the BJP after the 2017 election. Ten of them defected and three joined by resigning as the BJP was in power. Still we managed to combat the situation by convincing our voters and could elect 11 MLAs in 2022. People vented their anger against defectors (of 2018) and showed them doors in the 2022 election. Now those who defected last year will also face the similar fate," Chodankar said.

Speaking about how they defeated Chandrakant Kavalekar from Quepem constituency, Chodankar said that they punctured the strength of the former by focusing on city votes.

"We had no leader in Quepem as Kavalekar had won four times on Congress ticket. However, we did not lose hope and with support from our traditional voters we could elect a new face," Chodankar said.

He said that it becomes very tough to build the organisation at constituency level, when suddenly leaders betray and join other parties.

"Despite our leaders joining the BJP, our vote share has not been affected. In the last assembly elections, our vote share decreased by mere 3 per cent and that too because new entrant parties contested," Chodankar said, referring to TMC, AAP and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP).

The RGP has recently alleged that Congress has become a factory of manufacturing MLAs and supplying them to BJP.

Attacking RGP, Chodankar said that this regional party made inroads by promising people to bring a bill called 'Person of Goan Origin' (POGO).

"But now they have shelved the POGO bill issue and are trying to target Congress only to help BJP, to whom they hobnob backdoors. RGP should target robbers who have robbed our MLAs and not us, as we are victims," Chodankar said.

He said that the defection issue will not affect them in any way for the Lok Sabha election. "People know that we have done nothing wrong. Our MLAs switched party for their benefits and BJP gave them entry to finish opposition, so they can bulldoze democracy, which they have started in Goa and also across the nation," Chodankar said, adding that BJP is "suppressing institutions and also people".

"Some leaders joined us only to get tickets, they had not opted for our ideology. When the leaders accept ideology, people will see the difference. But it was shocking when our MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who was a loyal leader, too joined the BJP. It was a big shock for this theory that one who opt ideology would not betray," Chodankar replying to the question said.

"People are witnessing the situation of those who left the Congress and joined the BJP. Former Chief Minister Ravi Naik is being treated as 'joker' and Digambar Kamat is waiting for his turn to become minister in the cabinet of Pramod Sawant, who is junior to him," Chodankar said.

"Yes we are frustrated that defection cases are not heard by Goa Legislative Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, who has become a puppet of BJP. He is making a mockery of democracy and I cannot accept it as it is done by a person who was a school teacher," Chodankar said.

"Amendment in the tenth schedule of the constitution would help to save democracy. MLAs who resign should not be given an opportunity to contest in that term. And most important is that disposal of defection cases should be time bound," he said.

He said that justice in such cases should be delivered timely, so such incidents do not happen in future.
Guwahati, Dec 31 : The BJP has started preparations for the Lok Sabha polls in Assam and the party's chief architect in the state Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed party leaders to go to the people and explain the welfare schemes of both the Union and state government to them.

There are a total of 25 Lok Sabha seats in the northeast and Assam has the highest  14 seats  among all the states in this region. The saffron camp has set a target of winning at least 22 seats in the northeast and this can only be achieved if the BJP wins 12-13 seats in Assam.

In the previous Lok Sabha polls, three Congress candidates won in Assam, namely Pradyut Bordoloi from Nagaon, Gaurav Gogoi from Kaliabor and Abdul Khaleque from the Barpeta constituency.

Gogoi's Kaliabor constituency no longer exists following the delimitation exercise. There is now a new Kaziranga Lok Sabha seat with a changed demography of voters. The BJP believes that they can easily win the new seat and Gaurav Gogoi has no chance of winning there.

Nagaon has been a BJP stronghold for the last two decades with senior party leader and former Union Minister Rajen Gohain winning the seat four times.

Gohain was denied a ticket last time as he was an accused in a molestation case, however this time he is a potential candidate there.

But there is a power struggle between Gohain and the next generation BJP leaders in Nagaon and if the infighting continues till the polls, then the BJP may find it difficult to win this seat back.

Khaleque's seat Barpeta is dominated by Muslim votes, but Badruddin Ajmal's party AIUDF will field a candidate there. If the contest becomes a triangular one, then the BJP has a good chance in Barpeta too.

Sarma also conducted an in-depth review meeting with all party MLAs and MPs in the Tinsukia District. The leaders of the BJP's two allies  Asom Gana Parishad and United People's Party Liberal in Bodoland were also present in the meeting.

Sarma briefed the party leaders on the government's welfare schemes and asked them to keep an eye on last mile delivery.

Much before the Opposition parties forged the INDIA bloc, the Congress in Assam was successful in bringing together 12 parties to form a unified Opposition forum to take on the BJP's fierce election machinery in the state under the leadership of Sarma.

The joint Opposition forum included Left parties, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi's Raijor Dol party, former All Assam Students Union (AASU) leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi's Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), and others. But the joint forum lacks a prominent player in Assam politics, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).

Initially, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were also not given a place in the Opposition forum.

Following the announcement of the INDIA bloc, the situation changed to a great extent and both TMC and AAP are now constituents of the Opposition alliance.

However, the tension has begun to mount among the allies over ticket distribution. Assam has a total of 14 Lok Sabha seats and in the 2019 General Elections, the Congress fought on the maximum number of seats. But this time, as they forged a bigger alliance, the allies have started demanding seats.

The AAP leaders have said that they are keen to contest on four Lok Sabha seats. The other key constituent of the INDIA bloc, the Trinamool Congress has also demanded at least four seats. The Left parties have requested three seats. Akhil Gogoi has openly said that he would contest from the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat. Till now, the Congress is not ready to give its allies many seats.

Although state Congress President Bhupen Borah has been speaking about sacrifice in order to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, he also said, "Our primary aim is to beat the BJP. All parties including the Congress are ready to sacrifice for the cause. I hope every leader will understand this."

Assam has a good number of Muslim voters with more than 30 per cent of people in the state belonging to the minority community. The role of the AIUDF is important in the political landscape of Assam.

Since its inception in 2005, the AIUDF has played a significant role in Assam politics. In the 2011 Assembly elections 18 of their MLAs won, making them the main Opposition party in the state.

The number of seats decreased somewhat to 13 in 2016, although Badruddin Ajmal's party managed to gain 16 seats in the most recent Assembly elections. Later, after leaving the party, one of its MLAs won a re-election on a BJP ticket.

The exclusion of the AIUDF from the INDIA bloc will pose a big challenge to the Opposition parties in the fight against the BJP.

Meanwhile, the AIUDF chief has already warned that the Congress will face the consequences in the Lok Sabha election for not forging an alliance with his party.
A 12 --(STATE OF STATES) Punjab moves into New Year with another war of words between AAP, BJP. Image Source: IANS News

Chandigarh, Dec 31 : In a fresh war of words between the AAP government in Punjab and BJP-led central government, the former slammed the latter for rejecting state's tableau for the Republic Day parade second time in a row.

However, the Ministry of Defence on Sunday clarified that the tableau proposal of Punjab was considered in the first three rounds of meeting of the expert committee comprising eminent persons in the field of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, etc.

After the third round of meeting, the tableau of Punjab could not be taken forward by the committee for further consideration for not aligning to the broader themes of this year's tableau.

Training guns, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the "power mad" Centre "is demeaning and humiliating the enormous sacrifices made by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle".

Officials aware about the development told IANS that the state government had submitted three ideas on tableau -- Punjab history of sacrifice and martyrdom, Mai Bhago -- the first lady warrior of Sikhism (women empowerment) and rich heritage of Punjab.

The AAP said by rejecting the tableau the Union government is making a mockery of the state and its immense contribution in nation building.

"This is not for the first time the BJP-led Union government had done the same mischief as it did last year by rejecting the tableau. The Centre has rubbed salt into wounds of the state," was the first public reaction of the Chief Minister.

He said on December 27 that it was unfortunate that on one hand devotees from across the globe are paying obeisance at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib to pay homage to chotta Sahibzadas -- Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh -- along with Mata Gujriji whereas on the other hand the BJP government "is playing such dirty tactics to humiliate Punjab".

He said martyrdom and sacrifices was part of the glorious heritage of the state which was to be duly highlighted in the tableaus of the state.

However, Mann said by rejecting these nationalistic and progressive ideas of tableaus, the Union government has insulted the sacrifice made by great patriots and national leaders.

The Chief Minister was categorically clear in saying this step-motherly treatment with the state is totally unacceptable and unwarranted.

He said the unfortunate thing is that this decision has been taken during the days when the entire globe is bowing before the supreme and unprecedented sacrifice made by the Chhota Sahibzadas and Mata Gujriji for humanity.

Mann said the "tyrant Modi government has forgotten that Punjabis had made unprecedented sacrifices both for attaining and preserving freedom, besides safeguarding the borders of the country".

Paying back, the AAP government in the same coin, BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar said the state wanted to display photographs of Chief Minister Mann and his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal.

He said the state did not concede to requests by the organising committee of the Republic Day parade. Not agreeing to remove the pictures was the main reason for rejection of the state tableau, he said.

Replying to Jakhar, state's prominent Hindu face, AAP spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang said, "The concept of Punjab's tableau is present on official website of the Government of India. Can you show us the picture of Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal?"

Challenging the state's BJP president's assertion, Chief Minister Mann declared his readiness to quit politics if proof surfaced that the state government proposed featuring his and AAP supremo Kejriwal's photos on the tableau.

He announced plans to showcase the rejected tableau in Delhi on January 20, displaying it outside Punjab Bhawan and organising a procession to exhibit Punjab's rich history and culture.

"Jakhar is new to the BJP, he lacks the expertise to fabricate properly. Can I place my photo next to Bhagat Singh? Do I have such stature? Prove it, and I'll exit politics. That's the biggest statement I can make," Mann said, adding, "If Jakhar is proven a liar, he must also exit Punjab politics."

Also the state will include the rejected tableau in all functions to be held across Punjab on January 26 and perpetuate the state's rich legacy amongst the masses.

Training his guns against "sycophants" of the BJP, the Chief Minister said these people eulogize the tableaus of Modi, that are being run across the country these days, but they are against the idea of a tableau of great martyrs.

Mann said the Union government has also maliciously stalled the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme by not giving trains to the state despite advance payment.

The Chief Minister said the trains to Varanasi, Patna Sahib, Nanded Sahib, Ajmer Sharif and others have been deliberately stopped by the Union government.

The sole motive is to deprive people of not paying obeisance at revered places, he said, adding these designs of the Union government will not be successful. He quipped though the Prime Minister is daily boasting about double-engine government but Railways is citing that they have no engine to run trains for this pro-people scheme.

Senior AAP leader and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the BJP's rejection of Punjab's tableau means they don't value the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.

Echoing similar sentiments, Cabinet minister Anmol Gagan Maan wrote on X, "Disheartened to witness the exclusion of Punjab's tableau from the Republic Day parade. Are we erasing the rich tapestry of our diverse history? This decision deserves scrutiny. Is it now a parade of select narratives, leaving the sacrifices of our heroes in the shadows?"

Slamming the BJP government, another Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, "Out of 121 freedom fighters who courted gallows, 93 were Sikhs and Punjabis. Similarly, out of 2,646 freedom fighters sentenced to life imprisonment, no less than 2,147 were Punjabis. But Punjab is again excluded from the January 26 Republic Day parade consecutively for the second year."

Criticising the Centre's move, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora requested the authorities to reconsider the decision of not allowing Punjab's tableaux in the parade.

Later, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj joined the issue by saying even Delhi's tableau hadn't been included in the Republic Day parade for the third year in a trot.

After days of AAP's allegations, the Ministry of Defence said 30 states and Union Territories (UTs) had shown willingness to participate in the Republic Day parade, including Punjab and West Bengal. Out of these 30 states and UTs, like every year, only 15 to 16 states and UTs will be finally selected to present their tableaux in the parade.

During the past few years, the tableau of Punjab has been shortlisted for the Republic Day parade by the expert committee from 2017 to 2022 -- six times in the past eight years.

"As states have to be treated equally, it is essential that states should be given the opportunity to display their tableaus as per a formula. The Government of India is preparing a three-year program covering all states and UTs which will be shared with them. Hence, the criticism by these states (Punjab and West Bengal) is baseless," an official with the Defence Ministry said.

Moreover, the states and UTs not being selected for the Republic Day Parade are being invited to showcase their tableaux in Bharat Parv at Red Fort, New Delhi, during January 23-31, he added.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com)
Amaravati, Dec 31 : Andhra Pradesh is heading for an interesting poll battle in 2024 as the Telugu Desam Party in alliance with the Jana Sena Party is gearing up to take on ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP).

The victory of Congress party in Telangana has given hope to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that it can repeat the same with the help of Pawan Kalya-led Jana Sena to defeat Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP.

The YSRCP will be banking on the welfare schemes implemented by it during the last five years to seek a fresh mandate while TDP-JSP will be hoping to cash in on the anti-incumbency.

Political analysts say while in Telangana voter fatigue and allegations of corruption were the key factors for defeat of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), YSRCP is not facing a similar situation in Andhra Pradesh.

Jagan also appears to have learnt lessons from the Telangana outcome as he is said to be planning to drop more than 50 per cent of sitting MLAs to beat the anti-incumbency at constituency level.

"It's too early to predict the result but even if YSRCP loses the factors will be different. The factor may be like development not happening and the perception that the government is using dole outs to buy votes," said political analyst Palwai Raghavendra Reddy.

At a public meeting two days ago, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that the YSRCP government has so far disbursed Rs 2.45 lakh crore under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.

Claiming that his government has implemented 95 per cent of poll promises, he said people in all villages would only remember the village secretariats, volunteer system, Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs), pension door delivery, village clinics, family doctors, Mahila Police, Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha and free power supply to farmers ushered in by him.

He claimed that the government distributed 35 lakh house site pattas to the poor and is building 22 lakh houses besides building 17 new medical colleges, four new ports and 10 fishing harbours. The social pensions were hiked three times and 50 per cent of the nominated posts were reserved for women and 75 per cent of the benefits of welfare schemes are being received by SC, ST, BC, and minority communities.

Jagan has stepped up attacks on his main political adversaries Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.

"Despite working for 14 years as Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu has no achievements to his credit as he spent entire tenure indulging in scams and pursuing the policy of plunder, stash and devour. He has no political values and credibility except telling lies, cheating people and backstabbing," Jagan Mohan Reddy said.

The YSRCP chief has termed TDP-JSP an evil alliance and remarked that they have no guts to contest independently.

With Pawan Kalyan joining hands with Chandrababu Naidu, the alliance appears to be in a strong position to challenge YSRCP.

"For the first time opposition unity is visible in Andhra Pradesh which may not be a good sign for Jagan Mohan Reddy," said Raghavendra Reddy.

He believes that unlike in 2019, Pawan Kalyan is acting with maturity. In the previous elections, JSP had an alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Left parties. Out of 175 Assembly seats, JSP had contested 137 seats but could win just one seat. Pawan Kalyan himself suffered defeat in both the seats he contested. JSP had polled 5.53 per cent votes.

Political analysts say the TDP-JSP alliance may make a difference this time. In 2019, YSRCP had wrested power from TDP with a landslide victory, bagging 151 seats. It polled 49.95 per cent votes. The TDP was distant second with 23 votes and 39.17 per cent votes.

Sharing the dais after nearly a decade, Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan at a public meeting in Vizianagaram district on December 20, they sounded the poll bugle and ended the 'anarchic' rule of YSRCP.

Chandrababu Naidu described TDP's alliance with the Jana Sena as a historic necessity. The 73-year-old has already declared that this will be his last electoral battle.

The former chief minister remarked that the state has been pushed 30 years back due to the mistake of giving a single chance to Jagan.

Announcing that the TDP-Jana Sena combined manifesto will soon be released, the TDP supremo said that they have already decided to provide free bus travel for women, to pay Rs 3,000 per month each for jobless youth and provide employment to 20 lakh youth.

With defeating Jagan his top priority, Pawan Kalyan is ready to play second fiddle to Naidu in the alliance. The actor is not in a hurry to become the chief minister and is ready to wait for his turn.

It is likely to be a direct fight between the YSRCP and TDP-JSP alliance. As Andhra Pradesh politics over the last one decade is dominated by the two major regional players, both the national parties are insignificant. The vote share of Congress and BJP has reduced to less than two and one per cent respectively.

While Pawan Kalyan, who is part of BJP-led NDA, is making all efforts to rope in the saffron party for a grand opposition alliance to avoid split of anti-incumbency votes, it is still not clear if BJP will join them or contest on its own.

The saffron party went alone in 2019 and drew a blank. It polled 0.84 per cent votes.

The victories of the Congress party in Karnataka and more recently in Telangana have rekindled the hopes of a revival in the grand old party. However, political observers say making a comeback will be a huge task for Congress, which was virtually wiped out of the political scene in 2014 due to public anger over bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The Congress party drew a blank in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections for a second consecutive time in 2019.

A section of Congress leaders are making efforts to revive the party in the state. As part of this they are trying to woo Y.S. Sharmila to join the party.

Following differences with her brother Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Sharmila had floated YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) in neighbouring Telangana. Though she was keen to merge her party with the Congress before the Assembly elections in Telangana, the talks with the central leadership hit a roadblock as a section of Congress leaders, especially Telangana Congress chief A. Revanth Reddy was opposed to the idea of giving her a role in Telangana. They had instead suggested that Sharmila join the party in Andhra Pradesh. She, however, was reluctant.

Sharmila, daughter of late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, had not contested the recent Assembly elections in Telangana as she wanted to avoid a split of anti-BRS votes. Political analysts say with Revanth Reddy becoming the chief minister in Telangana, Sharmila may explore a role outside Telangana.

Some Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh want the party to rope her in for running an election campaign in the state.

It's still not clear if Sharmila will be ready to campaign against her brother. Despite the differences with Jagan Mohan Reddy, she so far avoided a direct confrontation.

Caste plays a key role in Andhra Pradesh elections. While Kammas are seen as supporters of TDP, Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena is hoping to get the support of Kapu community.

Dominated by Reddys, the YSRCP also claims to be enjoying support of Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities.

Riding on this support, YSRCP swept the 2019 elections, winning 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly. It also bagged 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats from the state.

The BCs constitute nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, with 139 subcastes. The SCs make up around 19 per cent while STs comprise about 5.6 per cent.

In what is seen as a move to drum up support of these sections for YSRCP ahead of elections, the state government decided to undertake a caste census.

A pilot of the caste census was launched on November 15. The actual exercise was scheduled to begin on December 9 but was postponed due to cyclone.

This will make Andhra Pradesh second state after Bihar to undertake caste census.

Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy believes that the census will empower the BCs and ensure social justice in the state.

The YSRCP government says that the findings will enhance our data-driven governance and help in targeted delivery of the poverty alleviation and other welfare schemes.

Through this exercise, the YSRCP is also trying to woo Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who are considered traditional supporters of the TDP.

Political analysts say through caste census the YSRCP may be looking to break the stranglehold of Kammas and Kapus in certain districts.

With politically powerful castes like Kammas and Kapus dominating elections in some districts in south coastal Andhra, the YSRCP may be looking to use the findings of the caste census to challenge this domination.

The TDP is also trying to counter YSRCP by planning a separate manifesto for the BCs. The party has announced that 'Jayaho BC' will be launched on January 4 to know the problems being faced by the backward classes in the state.
Mumbai, Dec 31 : Maharashtra has been experiencing major political turbulence for the last five years, which began after the 2019 Assembly election results and is continuing in the run-up to the 2024 Assembly polls.

In 2019, it was the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress which came to power and in 2024, there is the ruling Mahayuti of the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party-NCP (AP), which is likely to continue till the Assembly elections scheduled to be held in September-October 2024.

This time an unexpected storm in the form of the Maratha reservation agitation is moving to engulf the ruling Mahayuti, rattle the OBCs and shake up state politics - with some experts likening it to the post-Mandal Commission Report implementation of 1990.

It was in August 2023 that a 40-year-old, lanky Manoj Jarange-Patil, heading the little-known Shivba Sanghatana stormed on to the political stage in Maharashtra, simultaneously dividing and uniting several forces as he launched his crusade for Maratha quotas.

Unlike past movements that fizzled out, Shivba Sanghatana struck a sensitive chord with the Marathas, who responded to Jarange-Patil spontaneously, virtually making the political establishment dance to his tune.

With ministers practically at his beck-and-call Jarange-Patil lords over the community from Jalna.

Towards the end of 2023, Jarange-Patil set off major alarms by announcing plans to lay a peaceful siege to the country's commercial capital, Mumbai from January 20, 2024, onwards along with three crore Marathas as he prepares for "the final, do-or-die battle" for reservation - despite the state having 11 out of 19 Chief Ministers from the community.

For a congested city like Mumbai, with a population of over 1.50 crore, a sudden influx of three crore people could prove to be catastrophic for the administration.

A close advisor to the Shivba Sanghatana chieftain said that Marathas comprise approximately 35-40 per cent of the state electorate and are a decisive factor in some 150 of the state's 288 Assembly seats, and in around 20 of the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies  both going for polls in 2024.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and top Opposition leaders like ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Nana Patole and others have openly supported Jarange-Patil's demands.

However, to their dismay, prominent OBC leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and other groups have launched their own agitations to oppose purported plans to carve out Maratha quotas from the existing OBC reservation, as demanded by Jarange-Patil.

Considering the legal aspects, the political fall-out, the electoral ramifications and the impact on society, the beleaguered Shinde played his next best card, seeking time till February 2024 to announce the Maratha quotas.

Jarange-Patil junked Shinde's proposal outright, saying "no more deadlines, not even one extra hour" - a climbdown from his earlier challenge, "either the Marathas' victory march or my funeral procession" - and vowed to walk down 400-kms from Jalna to Mumbai from January 20 onwards with millions of Marathas trooping into the city from all over the state.

"In case there is a botch-up, the Marathas would rise as an independent political force that can bulldoze all existing political parties There is no alternative left but to give the quotas," a close advisor said, alluding to Jarange-Patil's recent warnings vis-a-vis Bhujbal's threats in recent weeks.

Another major Maratha group leader ominously warned that "in case there's any 'gadbad' (bungling) in Mumbai, then prepare to see Jarange-Patil taking the oath in Raj Bhavan" after the Assembly elections.

Political leaders from major parties fear that whether quotas are given or not, Jarange-Patil remains in a win-win situation and can potentially create havoc by upsetting all poll permutations-combinations, and get catapulted to the position of a 'king or king-maker' in Maharashtra.

A senior Congress leader said, "Nobody doubts his ability to bring three-crore people to Mumbai, given the past record. Look at his disciplined rallies in the last few months, especially the first one in Jalna, the hundreds of JCBs showering flowers on him, his open-to-sky stage giving a 360-degree view of the gatherings, how he praises and chides the crowds which react enthusiastically."

For the Mahayuti Government, the challenges in 2024 are manifold: The legal hurdles for the Maratha reservation, the churning among the OBCs and other quota hopefuls like Dhangars or Muslims, the uncertainties dogging the Shinde regime's survival, the looming Lok Sabha elections followed by the Assembly polls, or the likelihood of a new social-political chasm developing in the state.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, Dec 31 : Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who made her acting debut in 2016 with the Kannada film 'Kirik Party' has reflected upon the seven years of her journey in the showbiz, thanking her fans and admirers for their support, wishing for more beautiful years ahead.

The 27-year-old diva has captured the audience's hearts with her charismatic screen presence and acting prowess. 'Kirik Party' which stars Rashmika alongside Rakshit Shetty became one of the highest grossing films in 2016 in Kannada industry.

Rashmika's breakthrough performance in the 2018 Telugu romantic comedy "Geetha Govindam" opposite Vijay Deverakonda catapulted her to pan-Indian fame.

Her appearance in Allu Arjun'-starrer 'Pushpa: The Rise', was a significant breakthrough in Rashmika's career, as she gained national recognition for her role as Srivalli.

Reflecting upon her 'good' seven years of acting journey, Rashmika, who enjoys a massive fan base of 40.9 million followers on Instagram, took to the Stories section and penned a heartfelt note for her fans.

She said in her note: "7 years! It's been a good journey! You've supported me. You've had patience with me. You've watched me grow up into what I have become today and I thank you for your patience Cheers to Many more beautiful years together Thankyou! I love you!"

The 'Dear Comrade' actress further gave a recap of how her year 2023 went by in the form of pictures.

Rashmika wrote: "Hey, my loves Only few hours left for the New Year so thought let's do a #Tb to 2023 from my lens Let's see how that goes!"

One fan asked her to post the picture of January 1, 2023, and the actress replied to the same by dropping the photograph from her Bali vacation. She can be seen wearing a long flowy dress, while resting on a couch. It was captioned as: "This was in Bali and this was the 1st of Jan."

Another user asked her to post a snap of October 9th, and the 'Mission Majnu' actress shared a picture of herself sitting in a recording room, sporting a white tee shirt and denims.

She captioned it as: "9/10/2023- was dubbing for Animal". Rashmika portrayed the role of Geetanjali in the recently released action drama 'Animal', starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the flick also stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Tripti Dimri.

Giving a 'purrrfect' glimpse of January 29th, 2023, Rashmika posted a photo holding a furry friend and wrote: "Dubaiiiiiiiiii met this pup in the most random way but what an absolute cutie."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Rashmika next has 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', 'Rainbow' and 'The Girlfriend'.
Mobile phone exports at Rs 75,000 cr till Nov, on way to cross Rs 1,24,000 cr in FY24. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Dec 31 : Riding on the local manufacturing growth, mobile phone exports from the country have surpassed $9 billion (more than Rs 75,000 crore) from April to November in the current fiscal year, industry data showed on Sunday.

This stupendous growth is compared to $6.2 billion (Over Rs 50,000 crore) during the same period last year, according to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA).

Led by Apple, India is set to cross $15 billion (over Rs 1,24,000 crore) in mobile phone exports in the current fiscal year, posting a growth of 35 per cent over the last fiscal year.

The country is now the second-biggest manufacturing hub for mobile phones due to heavy investment from original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers and companies dealing in components and parts.

"The mobile phone export juggernaut continues, riding on the tremendous growth in mobile phone exports, which have crossed Rs. 75,000 crore during April-November of the current fiscal year. Overall electronics exports have also grown by 28 per cent to Rs. 1,46,584 crore," said the industry's apex body.

During FY2022-23, out of $23.6 billion of electronics exports, the share of mobile phones accounted for $11.1 billion. Whereas, out of the projected $26 billion in electronics exports, mobile phones are expected to reach $15 billion in FY23-24.

"This year, the mobile phone exports are anticipated to account for about 58 per cent of the overall electronics exports in FY23-24, compared to around 47 per cent in the previous fiscal year," the ICEA informed.

Apple is aiming to manufacture more than 50 million iPhones in India per year, as it aims to shift some of the production out from China. The tech giant aims to achieve the target within the next two to three years, with additional tens of millions of units planned after that, according to reports.

From Apple to Foxconn, the companies are aiming to leverage domestic capabilities to achieve supply chain diversification and scale up production by manufacturing in the country.
Toronto, Dec 31 : A Sikh man has said that police spoke to his visiting parents from India just four days before they were killed in a shooting spree in Canada's Ontario province last month.

Jagtar Singh Sidhu and Harbhajan Kaur, both in their 50s, were shot more than 20 times just before midnight on November 20 at their rental property along the Caledon-Brampton border.

While Jagtar died on the spot, Harbhajan succumbed to injuries in the hospital where she was rushed to along with their daughter who was shot 13 times and continues to battle for her life.

Devastated, the couple's son Gurdit Singh Sidhu, a Canadian citizen, told CBC News that he wants to know why and who did this to his parents who were supposed to return to India in January.

He told the news channel that why an officer from Peel Regional Police's Homicide and Missing Persons Bureau showed up at his property, and spoke to his parents four days before their murder.

"I felt like I should have never called them here.... I am just praying for my sister," Sidhu said, adding that he hasn't told her about the parents.

Sidhu, who has quit his job to look after his sister, told CBC that the first thing that came to his mind after he learnt of the shooting was the police visiting his parents before the killing.

"That's the question we are trying to ask the police. 'Why were you here? Why was our family targeted? Why have you not informed us of anything?' Because for sure they knew something was going to happen," he said.

"We couldn't even think these things could happen in Canada. That's why I took citizenship here -- [thinking it was] a safe country."

Sidhu's parents were alone at home when Peel police visited the house, located near Mayfield and Airport roads, on November16.

As neither of them spoke English, they phoned a friend, Daman Preet Singh, who offered to translate the conversation.

Daman told CBC Toronto that he asked the police officer for his badge number andthen answered the officer's questions about who was staying in the house since Gurdit Singh Sidhu moved in over a year ago.

"The police officer was telling me, 'we are looking for somebody, that's why we're here to identify the people living here,'" said Daman.

Sidhu is clueless as to why Peel police would be asking questions as the area is under the jurisdiction of Ontario Provincial Police.

Sidhu said Harbhajan told him the police remained parked on the street for close to an hour, and that the police officer left his card with them, which included the badge number.

He said he has asked the police "several times" about the visit but "they are saying 'we can't say anything, we have no comments'," he said.

Launching a homicide investigation soon after the incident, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said that they could have possibly died in a case of mistaken identity, and that they believe "multiple suspects" were involved in the killing.

Investigators are probing "all aspects of this homicide, including whether or not the victims of this crime were intended targets or not", Detective Inspector Brian McDermott, OPP, had told Toronto Star newspaper.

"It is still too early to make any firm determinations on that aspect," he had said.
Islamabad, Dec 31 : At least five terrorists were killed in a security operation in the Mashkai area of the Pakistan's Balochistan province, local media reported.

In the intelligence-based operation by the security forces on December 30, five terrorists were killed in exchange of fire, military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Terrorists' hideout was busted and a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was recovered, Dawn reported quoting the ISPR.

After banned outfit Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the Pakistan government last year, the country has seen an uptick in terror activities in the recent months.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : Appointments for 'Professors of Practice' (PoPs) have started in universities across the country as Central Universities (CUs) started adopting the PoP scheme in various domains.

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Appointments for aProfessors of Practicea (PoPs) have started in universities across the country as Central Universities (CUs) started adopting the PoP scheme in various domains.

So far, professionals under the 'Professor of Practice' scheme have been appointed in 32 higher educational institutions including central universities across the country.

UGC had asked to appoint the Professors of Practice during the meeting of the Vice-Chancellors of all 45 Central Universities across the country.

'Professors of Practice' are not the people who are teachers by profession, or have they done a PhD. Rather, they, on the basis of their professional experience, will be hired to teach students in colleges. This Professor of Practice will teach students the subject in which he has proven expertise.

Till now, 11200 experts have sent online applications for aProfessor of Practicea posts in a total of 332 universities across the country.

Till now, most of the appointments, that have been made, are experts from computer science, marketing advance, engineering, hotel management and other fields.

However, under this scheme, professionals coming from different work areas should have at least 15 years of experience.

Under the PoP scheme, a portal was launched where professionals with expertise from various fields including science, law, environment, industry, engineering, industry, media, climate, music, arts, etc. can register themselves.

UGC has written a letter to all higher educational institutions regarding the rules for the appointment of Professor of Practice. In the letter, Vice-Chancellors of Universities and Principals of Colleges were requested to make necessary changes in their laws, ordinances, rules and regulations to appoint Professors of Practice in their institutions.

UGC says that the universities are also sharing the action taken in this matter on their activity monitoring portal. Along with this, higher educational institutions have also made changes in their rules for appointment.

In this scheme, the appointment of Professor of Practice is for a fixed period. The initial tenure is up to one year. However, extension can be given depending on the quality of service.

The UGC says that the position of Professor of Practice provides a unique opportunity to educational institutions to bring diverse skills to complement the efforts of the faculty member. Such positions attract people with exemplary experience from industry and other professions to teach students in colleges.

The UGC says it is continuously working with universities to encourage the appointment of experts as Professors of Practice.
This screen capture from a video released by Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Dec. 30, 2023 shows rescuers working at the site of Ukrainian shelling attacks in Russian border city of Belgorod. The Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod has caused 21 deaths, including three children, and damage in 30 apartment buildings, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said Sunday. (Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations/Handout via Xinhua)

MOSCOW/KIEV, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod has caused 21 deaths, including three children, and damage in 30 apartment buildings, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said Sunday.

"The number of dead has increased to 21 people, of whom three are children. 110 people were injured with varying degrees of severity, including 17 children. To date, various damages have been identified in 30 apartment buildings, 344 apartments, three private households, several businesses and social facilities," Gladkov wrote on social media.

According to a report from the Russian Defense Ministry, Belgorod and the region were shelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday and Saturday. The last one was carried out by two rockets with cluster munitions and from a multiple launch rocket system to the city center.

The ministry said that the air defense systems intercepted rockets and most shells on Saturday and destroyed 13 rockets over the territory of the Belgorod region on Friday night.

Meanwhile, citing an unnamed source in Ukraine's security services, Ukrainian local media reported that the Ukrainian forces struck Russian military facilities in the Belgorod region.

The joint activities of Ukraine's defense forces continue as a "consequence of the Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and the killing of civilians," the source said.

On Friday, Russia launched massive air attack on Ukraine, killing 30 people and injuring 160 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. 

This screen capture from a video released by Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Dec. 30, 2023 shows rescuers working at the site of Ukrainian shelling attacks in Russian border city of Belgorod. The Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod has caused 21 deaths, including three children, and damage in 30 apartment buildings, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said Sunday. (Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations/Handout via Xinhua)

This screen capture from a video released by Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Dec. 30, 2023 shows damaged buildings at the site of Ukrainian shelling attacks in Russian border city of Belgorod. The Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod has caused 21 deaths, including three children, and damage in 30 apartment buildings, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said Sunday. (Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations/Handout via Xinhua)
San Francisco, Dec 31 : A US judge has again denied Binance founder Changpeng Zhao's (also known as CZ) request to travel abroad as he awaits sentencing for criminal charges.

After prosecutors argued that Zhao was a flight risk, Judge Richard Jones of the US District Court for the Western District of Washington barred Zhao from travelling abroad for the second time, reports Coindesk.

The sealed ruling did not disclose in detail the former Binance executive's argument against the court's repeated efforts to block his return to the UAE, where his three children and their mother reside, the report mentioned.

Zhao stepped down as the CEO of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange last month, after pleading guilty to federal charges and agreeing to pay $4.3 billion in fines.

"Zhao, a Canadian national, also pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) programme, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and has resigned as CEO of Binance," the Justice Department said in a statement.

According to court documents, Binance admitted to prioritising growth and profits over compliance with US law.

Meanwhile, India's Financial Intelligence Unit has issued show-cause notices to nine offshore virtual digital asset service providers, including Binance, for operating in the country without complying with the money laundering laws, the Finance Ministry has said.

Apart from Binance, notices have been issued to Kucoin, Huobi, Kraken, Gate.io, Bittrex, Bitstamp, MEXC Global, and Bitfinex. The Finance Ministry has also asked the Information Technology Ministry to block the URLs of the companies as they have been operating illegally in the country.
Kolkata, Dec 31 : On the last day of the year, mysterious posters speaking of an "alternative politics in West Bengal" appeared at several places in the state.

Kolkata, Dec 31 (IANS) On the last day of the year, mysterious posters speaking of an "alternative politics in West Bengal" appeared at several places in the state.

Mystery shrouded over the source of these posters, as no one claimed responsibility.

What has deepened the mystery is the quick response of the rebel state Congress leader and Calcutta High Court counsel, Kaustav Bagchi who has welcomed this call for "alternative politics in West Bengal" in a social media post.

In his post, he has also described this call for "alternative politics in West Bengal" as the "future of Bengal".

Bagchi has always been a vocal face in the state unit of Congress against that section in the party which reportedly has a soft corner towards Trinamool Congress.

Bagchi has been vocal against high-profile advocate- leaders within Congress, like P. Chidambaram and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, for their decisions to accept legal briefs on behalf of West Bengal government and Trinamool Congress leaders.

Political observers feel that the mysterious posters on "alternative politics in West Bengal" has some synergy with the recent call given by the leader of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on "no vote to Mamata", clearly appealing to the voters to vote for anyone except Trinamool Congress.

"That call from the leader of the opposition was more of 'vote against Trinamool Congress' rather than 'vote for BJP'. This call was a clear indication of the solidarity of anti-incumbent forces in the state. There is also clear semblance between his call and the newly surfaced mysterious posters," said a city- based political observer.

Earlier, in the context of opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc meetings, where the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi and the CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury were seen sharing same platform with Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari gave a strategic call to Congress and CPI(M) leaders and workers in the state.

"Those in Congress and CPI(M) believe that they will not be able to build up resistance against Trinamool Congress being in their respective parties, should either join BJP or form a separate anti-Trinamool Congress platform.
Chennai, Dec 31 : The Indian electric vehicle (EV) sector would continue to face regulatory, technology and market headwinds in 2024, said industry officials.

As to the tailwinds that would push the sector forward, the officials said growing popularity, reducing battery prices which in turn would reduce the price gap between oil-powered vehicles and EVs.

The industry is also taking note of the traditional two-wheeler makers like TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto gaining market share against the pure play EV players.

The year 2024 may also see the US-based Tesla promoted by Elon Musk setting up base in India and India's own EV two-wheeler maker Ola Electric hitting the markets with its initial public offering.

"The EV sector in India is poised for growth, but it faces several headwinds in the regulatory, technology, and market domains. On the regulatory front, the lack of a cohesive and standardised policy framework poses challenges for manufacturers and investors, hindering the sector's rapid expansion. Additionally, the absence of robust charging infrastructure further complicates widespread EV adoption," Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia Auto Industries Ltd told IANS.

According to him, technologically, advancements are crucial for enhancing battery efficiency and reducing costs.

"The EV sector in India must contend with the evolving global landscape to stay competitive. Market challenges include consumer hesitancy due to high upfront costs, limited model options, and concerns about charging infrastructure availability. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates collaborative efforts from the government, industry stakeholders, and innovators to create an enabling environment for sustainable EV growth in the Indian market," Lohia said.

Industry officials also cite the uncertainty about government subsidies/incentives.

The Indian government plans to scrap the financial incentives under its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) scheme.

"For example, the FAME 2 subsidies and benefits are not consistent and the government still has to come out with a stable policy so that the manufacturers and all these stakeholders of the EV segment can formulate their business plans accordingly," H. S. Bhatia, Managing Director, Kelwon Electronic Pvt Ltd, manufacturing and marketing partner, DAEWOO India.

Under the technological framework we need more battery charging infrastructure and a lot are still working on the battery per se because lithium is not the only battery in this category. A lot of people are working on hydrogen, aluminium or nickel cadmium batteries so there is a lot of work still going on, he said.

At the marketplace, Bhatia said public sector banks are not financing the EV sector and only the private lenders/finance companies are financing which leads to limited financing options for consumers.

As to the tailwinds for the sector next year Lohia said a surge in investments by both domestic and international automakers in the development of EV infrastructure and manufacturing facilities is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.

"The declining cost of EV batteries and the introduction of incentives and subsidies further sweeten the deal for potential buyers. As charging infrastructure continues to expand and technology advances, the stage is set for a substantial increase in EV penetration, making India a key player in the global electric mobility landscape," he added.

As regards the subsidies, there are views that the crutches should be removed so that the industry can progress further.

"I hope that 2024 is the year that EVs can come out of being a subsidy driven industry. It's about time  the crutches have to come off. Supply chain localisation has been successfully achieved by many companies," Anirudh Ravi Narayanan, CEO of BNC Motors Pvt Ltd told IANS.

"Companies have to be under pressure to reduce costs to survive if we hope to win against Chinese and other products in the global market," Narayanan added.

"While initial incentives are crucial to jumpstart adoption, the long-term sustainability of EVs will depend on advancements in technology, infrastructure development, and economies of scale. In India, the withdrawal of subsidies on two-wheelers might initially pose challenges for affordability," Lohia said.

However, as battery costs decrease and manufacturing efficiency improves, the dependency on subsidies is expected to diminish.

Government policies, including incentives for charging infrastructure and research and development, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV adoption. The focus should shift towards creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and ensures competitive pricing, paving the way for a self-sustaining EV market in India and globally, Lohia added.

Be that as it may, at the market place traditional two-wheeler makers TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto are slowly gaining market share with their EVs given their wide distribution sales and after sales network.

Alive to this, the pure play EV players are not largely perturbed and insist that advanced technological products will offset their network disadvantage.

"In this dynamic industry, a balance between innovation and customer-centric services is essential, and we are committed to navigating this equilibrium to ensure the sustained growth of Lohia Auto in the evolving market landscape," Lohia said.

Added Bhatia: "Youngsters are focusing more on technology. They want better technology at an affordable price. So if any new manufacturers are giving better technology at more affordable prices then young segments are more willing to go with them, therefore it is an open field for everyone."

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
New Delhi, 31 Dec : The Indian Navy has enhanced surveillance in North, Central Arabian sea and Gulf of Aden. The Ministry of Defence has said that this decision has been taken in the light of piracy incidents and a recent drone attack on a ship closer to Indian EEZ.

Ministry of Defence said that the last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central and North Arabian Sea.

The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ, MoD official added.

The Ministry of Defence said that in response to these incidents, Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in Central, North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels.

Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with Coast Guard, official added.

Ministry of Defence said that the overall situation is being closely monitored by Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region.

On December 26, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had 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.

Considering the recent spate of attacks in Arabian sea, earlier Indian Navy had deployed Guided Missile Destroyers INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata (Guided Missile Destroyers) in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence.
Tel Aviv, Dec 31 : The Israel Defense Forces( IDF) in a statement said that it has discovered explosives in a children's playground near to a daycare centre which is on the outskirts of Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza.

The IDF in the statement said that soldiers of 14th Reserve Brigade discovered explosives and neutralised them.

The explosive devices were planted in the playground ahead of expected arrival of the IDF soldiers, sources said.

Israeli army said that the troops killed many Hamas men who had tried to attack the forces.

"We are engaged in a fierce battle in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza and expecting to capture the area soon," the IDF said.

Khan Yunis is the hiding place of Hamas leaders Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar who are considered as the mastermind of the October 7 Israel attack.
Bhopal, Dec 31 : 2023 perhaps was one of the most watchful years in Madhya Pradesh as it witnessed a nail-biting bipolar contest between the BJP and Congress, and the speedy political winds finally slowed down as the end neared.

Due to the election year, Madhya Pradesh -- also called the centre of Hindi heartland -- saw a race for making promises ranging from cash to the basic needs of life, for instance slippers, sarees, umbrellas, -- by various political parties. This also showed the clear picture of the state where 72.40 per cent of more than eight crore population lives in rural areas, and are struggling for their basic needs.

Outgoing year has also been full of high-voltage political actions; aggression on streets from youths pressing for their demands and to awaken the government over the scams, and also some mysterious and tragic incidents. The year also saw some developments, for instance -- construction of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and more importantly two major cities -- Bhopal and Indore -- getting ready for faster and safer mode of transport, metro rail.

The year will leave behind some painful memories of tragic incidents, which occurred due to the negligence of the governance system. The state witnessed the year's biggest tragedy on March 31 when 36 people died after falling into a well at the Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal temple in Indore.

Last week, at least 13 people died after a passenger bus turned into a fireball following a head-on collision with a truck in Guna. The incident saw prompt action from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav as he made some bureaucratic reshuffle with hope of corrective measures from the stateas transport department in future.

It also saw the very presence of a multi-layer nexus in the governance that destroyed the future of youths through their involvement in the stateas recruitment board. The alleged irregularities in the Employees Selection Board (ESB), formerly known as Vyapam (mysterious and multi-layer scam broke out in 2013), once again riddled with system fraud when Patwari, police constable, nursing colleges exams and many more made headlines.

A large number of job aspirants finding their future at stake took to the streets to raise their voice, however, well controlled government machinery of a bunch of IAS and IPS officers guided by the then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, managed to suppress them. Instead, the opposition was accused of misleading and defaming the stateas image. .

Similarly, irregularities also reported in the BJPas auspicious project -- Mahakal Lok, and it came to the fore after six out of the seven idols of aSaptarishisa installed at the Mahakal Lok corridor at the temple collapsed due to the gusty winds in May 2023. And again, the ruling BJP and its selected bureaucrats maintained that no irregularities had occurred in it. However, the state's Lokayukta department took suo-moto action and started investigation into the alleged scam.

The opposition Congress-led by former Chief Minister Kamal Nath tried to convert the public aggression in its favour and get support in the Assembly election. It, however, failed to do so as the well organised BJPas central leadership took the command of the state party and registered a resounding victory by winning 163 out of total 230 seats. The Congress, which had won 114 seats in 2018, was reduced to 66.

Importantly, things like public grievances, scams, financial irregularities, rising crime against women and minor girls, poverty, high rate unemployment and many more remained in its place, the only change was in the political leadership of the state.

Post-Assembly poll ended the one man show of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, whose regime for over 16 years undoubtedly has a lot to explain, and with some relevant questions too.

The Congress has also introduced young leader Jitu Patwari replacing veteran Kamal Nath.

The leap year -- 2024 -- will be a ray of hope under the new leadership in Madhya Pradesh. That's what the people believe they have voted for.
Guwahati, Dec 31 : A Bangladeshi national suspected to be a Jihadi, who also enrolled his name in the voter list by illegal means, was arrested in Assam's Morigaon district, police said on Sunday.

Guwahati, Dec 31 (IANS) A Bangladeshi national suspected to be a Jihadi, who also enrolled his name in the voter list by illegal means, was arrested in Assamas Morigaon district, police said on Sunday.

Superintendent of Police in Morigaon, Hemanta Kumar Das said that the police raided the Chenimari area of the district on Saturday night after receiving a tip-off. They arrested a person with a Bangladeshi passport who had taken refuge in a woman's home without telling the authorities.

He said that Islam Mandal, the individual who was arrested, was also suspected of being a jihadi and that his name was improperly added to the voter list under the Lahorighat assembly constituency as Noor Mandal.

The police officer asserted that he had also cast his vote in the earlier assembly elections.

A 14-year-old boy was also apprehended by the police on suspicion of being a citizen of Bangladesh.

According to Das, more people of this type may have entered the district illegally in order to carry out anti-national activities, which is why the police have stepped up operations in the districts.
Kolkata, Dec 31 : In a surprise move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has finally decided to appoint an IAS officer, who was earlier removed from the chair of the principal secretary to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, as the new state home secretary.

Sources from the state government said that Nandini Chakraborty, who was removed from the key bureaucratic position in the Raj Bhawan following the desire of the Governor himself, will be taking over from the current state home secretary, B.P. Gopalika.

A notification was issued by the state personnel and administrative reforms department on Sunday afternoon, notifying Chakrabortyas name as the new state home secretary. She is currently serving as the state tourism secretary.

Gopalika is slated to be elevated to the position of state chief secretary, as the incumbent, H.K. Dwivedi, is retiring on Sunday.

However, sources in the state government said that Chakrabortyas choice as the new state home secretary has come as a surprise for the bureaucratic circle in the state since her name was not in the list of probables.

A 1994- batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Chakraborty has served in a number of important bureaucratic positions. She had always been a blue-eyed bureaucrat of the chief minister.

Her name was dragged into controversy early this year after the Governor recommended to the state government that she be removed from the chair of the principal secretary to the Governor. She reportedly went into the bad books of the Governor as the latter felt that she was acting on behalf of the state secretariat within the Raj Bhawan.

After being removed from that chair, she was made the state tourism secretary.
Mumbai, Dec 31 : It was undoubtedly one of the best years for the Hindi film industry as 2023 saw many blockbusters and superhits across the spectrum of scale, budget and genre.

While global megastar Shah Rukh Khan set the cash registers ringing with aPathaana and aJawana, Sunny Deol too flexed his power at the box-office with aGadar 2a and currently the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer ; Animala is having a dream run at the box-office.

The year 2024 too has many films in the pipeline which are highly awaited. Many of these films are a part of successful franchises across genres which lend them a greater degree of assurance in terms of success as legacy films mostly do well.

Letas take a look at some of the most awaited films of 2024:

aFightera: The yearas first big release is the Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor-starrer aFightera. The film has been directed by Siddharth Anand, who is known for his stellar track record with aBang Bang!a, aWara and aPathaana. The film follows the story of airforce pilots and promises an entertaining story with lots of aerial action. The film is set to debut in theatres on January 25.

aSoorarai Pottrua: Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar would like to maintain his streak at the box-office after aOMG 2a and what better way to do that with the Hindi remake of one of the most loved Tamil films. aSoorarai Pottrua, which originally starred Tamil actor Suriya, is set to release in Hindi on February 16 in theatres. The original Tamil film was inspired by events from the life of G. R. Gopinath, the founder of Indian low-cost airline Simplifly Deccan, as described in his memoir Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey.

aLove Sex Aur Dhokha 2a: Next on the list is filmmaker Dibakar Banerjeeas highly awaited sequel to his 2010 sleeper hit aLove Sex Aur Dhokhaa. The first part of the film, which was highly experimental in its approach, and was shot entirely with handheld cameras and featured CCTV footage, has gone on to become a cult in cinephile circles. For the second installment, the narrative will focus on the role of social media in current times and how things may take a sinister turn on different social media platforms. The film will release on February 16.

aMetro... In Dinoa: Another film which has piqued the interest of the audience is aMetro... In Dinoa which features an ensemble starcast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The plot of the film is currently under the wraps. The film has been directed by Anurag Basu, who is known for aGangstera, aBarfia, aMurdera, aLudoa and others. aMetro... In Dinoa will be released on March 29.

aBade Miyan Chote Miyana: Another film that will satiate the taste buds of the lovers of action genre is the remake of aBade Miyan Chote Miyana starring Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran will serve as the antagonist in the film. The film is set to release in theatres on Eid 2024.

aAuron Mein Kahan Dum Thaa: Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn, who was last seen in aBholaaa, is returning with another entertainer titled aAuron Mein Kahan Dum Thaa. The film, directed by Neeraj Pandey, also stars Tabu, Saiee M Manjrekar and Shantanu Maheshwari. The film will be Pandey's first directorial in five years after his last 'Aiyaary'. It is touted to be a musical journey spanning over a period of 20 years, and is set between 2002 and 2023. The film will release on April 26.

aChandu Championa: The upcoming film, directed by Kabir Khan of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' fame, is based on a true story of a sportsperson. 'Chandu Champion' went on floors with its mahurat shot in London. The film is scheduled to release on June 14, 2024.

aStree 2a: The fan-favourite 2018 horror-comedy is set to return with its sequel and it promises more fun and jump scares in equal proportion. The filmas second instalment of the film stars Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi. The film is set to arrive in theatres on August 30.

aJigraa: Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who has had a great run at the movies and is currently enjoying motherhood, will be seen in the Vasan Bala directorial which she has produced. The plot of the film is currently under the wraps. It is set to release on September 27.

aBhool Bhulaiyaa 3a: Another Kartik Aaryan film which is also a legacy film. The film will see the Bollywood star reprising his role of Rooh baba, as he looks to repeat the success of the second installment which brought much respite to Hindi cinema while it was struggling at the box-office after the pandemic. The film is directed by Anees Bazmee and is set to release on November 1.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested a wanted criminal, also the kingpin of Mewat-based ATM breaking gang, while he was on his way to Guwahati to commit the crime, an official said on Sunday.

The accused was identified as Mohd. Jahid (31), a resident of Nuh (Mewat), Haryana. He is also found involved in previous 15 cases registered in the national capital and other states.

The official said that Jahid was also a 'proclaimed offender' in two cases.

According to police, specific information was received about the arrival of a key member of the gang named Mohd. Jahid at Palam between 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. on December 25.

"A trap was laid around the red light at Palam Airport and Jahid was nabbed from the spot," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Alok Kumar.

On interrogation, it also came to light that he and his associates have recently stolen Rs 7.5 lakh from an ATM booth in the Welcome area of Delhi, and a case has already been lodged there.

"Members of the gang used to identify unguarded ATM booths in less-lit and isolated areas. Thereafter, they conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the area around ATM booths. They would sprinkle black paint on the CCTV cameras after entering the ATM booths and would also wear face masks and monkey caps to conceal their identities," said the DCP.

"They would cut the machine with the help of gas cutters and take out the cash trays. Members of the gang would use robbed/stolen cars like Creta, Scorpio, etc. with fake number plates to commit crimes," said the DCP.

The DCP said that Jahid is a habitual offender and was previously involved in nearly 15 criminal cases including 14 ATM breaking in Delhi, MP, Haryana, and Assam.

"The remaining members of the gang have also been identified, and efforts are being made to nab them," the DCP added.
BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cities are mobilizing in diversified ways in pursuit of high-quality development, but new technologies are a consistent choice and have already helped some explore smarter, greener and more innovative paths.

Huangshi, an industrial city in central China's Hubei Province, has reaped the benefits of intelligent technologies.

When it comes to mining, many think of a dirty, labor-intensive and dangerous industry. But that is not the reality in Huangshi, where mining relies on unmanned machines, remote monitoring technologies and intelligent coordination systems.

Dressed in a blue suit and a white T-shirt, Daye Iron Mine worker Yuan Jianjun sits in front of several computers in a spacious command center. His eyes are glued to the screens, which show live images of underground mining machines and real-time data from sensors placed inside the mine and on the tools in use.

In the past, Yuan worked underground in a very dusty environment amid roaring machines. "It used to be a challenging job both physically and mentally," he said.

The coal miner, who is in his mid-forties, attended additional training and then resumed his career as a white-collar worker. Now, machines are controlled remotely from an office environment to collect minerals.

Tech support has reduced labor intensity and improved safety, enabling more mining workers like Yuan to work in a safer and healthier environment than previous generations.

"It has become a decent job," Yuan said.

Technology is also driving green development in the Xiong'an New Area. Local tourist destination Baiyangdian Lake offers the public a glimpse into how cutting-edge technologies are assisting the ecological conservation of the "future city."

Many Chinese people have a place in their hearts for Baiyangdian, the largest freshwater wetland in northern China. In several famous literary works from the 1940s, the lake was described as flourishing with reed beds and towering lotus fields, and offering an abundant harvest from the water.

Between the 1960s and 1980s, however, it suffered severely from industrial pollution. Sewage chemicals poisoned the water and lake beds, decimating the aquatic life, with the lake nearly drying up in the 1990s due to climate change. Habitat loss and human interference then caused the lake's bird population to decline drastically.

Baiyangdian's rehabilitation and protection activities have improved since the Xiong'an New Area was established in 2017.

Technology companies and academic organizations have been pushing to develop monitoring devices using new technologies. The people who work at the lake have deployed drones and carried out unmanned ship patrols with real-time video feedback in the 360-square-kilometer lake area. The 5G network's high speed and low latency, combined with virtual reality equipment, enable people to inspect the lake surface visually and obtain data in real time.

Since 2019, the lake's new technology system has significantly decreased manual labor and increased work efficiency, enabling workers to identify pollutants more quickly and accurately.

Increasing numbers of wild creatures are returning to Baiyangdian as the water quality improves, and the lake has steadily evolved into a haven for lotuses, reeds and abundant fish species.

Another beneficiary of new technologies is Haiyang in east China's Shandong Province. The small coastal city used to rely on the textile sector, but it is now attempting to capitalize on a booming commercial rocket launch industry to increase its competitiveness.

The city made national headlines in early September, when a private rocket maker completed a launch from the city's waters. The bright rocket flame soaring from the sea attracted thousands of spectators to the onshore viewing site.

It was the sixth sea-based rocket launch from the location. On June 5, 2019, a Long March rocket blasted off from a mobile offshore platform at Haiyang Port, marking China's first space launch at sea.

Spacecraft launches have long been the domain of China's state-owned aerospace companies, but private space firms have emerged since a government policy was implemented in 2015 to encourage commercial enterprises in the industry.

"There are limited launch pads available for commercial rockets, and the sea spaceport in Haiyang is a perfect complement to land sites," according to Orienspace CEO Bu Xiangwei.

Orienspace is one of China's newest launch startups and is headquartered in Haiyang. The company said that the total cost of a sea launch can be 10 percent less than for a land launch, and the preparation period can be shortened by 50 percent.

The local government in Haiyang also aims to establish an entire industrial chain to tap into innovation-driven economic growth potential. Since 2020, it has stepped up its efforts to build the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port, which covers an area of over 34 square kilometers and includes an industrial manufacturing park for rocket makers and supporting firms, a satellite data center for scientists, and a tourism zone for fans of space.

Haiyang's aerospace ambitions are both lofty and down-to-Earth. Facilities such as aerospace museums, space-themed hotels and restaurants are also being planned. The local government hopes that space-related tourism will also improve the livelihoods of people on the ground. 
London: Australia's captain Pat Cummins celebrates the dismissal of India's captain Rohit Sharma on the second day of the ICC World Test Championship Final between India and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Pho. Image Source: IANS News

Sydney, Dec 31 : Former Australia captain Ian Chappell said how Pat Cummins dismissed Babar Azam during the second Test at the MCG reminded him of legendary fast-bowler Dennis Lillee and his greatness with the ball.

At the MCG, Cummins castled Azam with a jaffa of a delivery which hit the top of off-stump in Pakistan's first innings, which the Australia skipper later described as a 'dream ball'. Eventually, Cummins had a match haul of ten wickets, becoming only the second Australia captain after Allan Border to do this.

"As Australia captain Pat Cummins cleverly dissected the Pakistan batting line-up to bring his team a tough victory in the second Test, I thought: what does it take to amass Test victims - lots of them?

"I liken Cummins to the great former Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee in both inspirational qualities and heart size. Lillee wanted to get batters out, to have their number. He says, 'Fast bowling is a mental job as well as a physical one'. At the top of his mark, Lillee envisioned the ball flying through to keeper Rod Marsh, who'd take the delivery at head height standing back. That's what Lillee means when he talks about the mental side of fast bowling."

"The spectacular delivery that Cummins produced to bowl Pakistan's Babar Azam - dismissing the opposition's best batter once again - reminded me of Lillee's greatness. Like Lillee, Cummins wanted Babar out," wrote Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo.

He also talked about what made Lillee and now Cummins bowlers to be feared by the batters. "It's also when you need every bit of the mental fortitude that Lillee speaks about and Cummins exudes. Wickets are important. Just ask Cummins."

"One of Lillee's great traits was that a batter had to overcome his enormous skill first, which was no easy feat. However, if he achieved that difficult task, he still had to outlast his iron will, which took a monumental effort.

"On those hot, demanding days, give me a Lillee- or a Cummins-style character who cares only about not giving in and taking wickets rather than how the process feels. That's why great fast bowlers like Lillee and Cummins are a captain's dream and a batter's nightmare.
London, Dec 31 : The US Navy has destroyed Houthi "small boats" attempting to board a container ship on Red Sea, the media reported.

Four vessels from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen fired upon the Maersk Hangzhou and got to within metres of the ship, the US military said, the BBC reported.

Helicopters from nearby US warships responded to a distress call and after being fired upon, sunk three of them "in self-defence", the BBC reported.

The crews were killed and the fourth boat fled the area.

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November, the BBC reported.

The Iranian-backed Yemeni rebel group have claimed its attacks on the the vital shipping lane are directed at vessels linked to Israel, in response to the war in Gaza.

The commercial ship attacked, the Maersk Hangzhou, is registered to Singapore and operated and owned by a Danish firm, US Central Command (Centcom) said.

Maersk says it has paused sailings through the Red Sea for 48 hours, BBC reported.

The four Houthi boats attacked at around 6.30 p.m. Yemeni time with mounted weapons and small arms, getting to within 20 metre (66 feet) of the container ship, which the crew "attempted to board".

The ships crew issued a distress call and a security team returned fire, the statement said.

Helicopters from the nearby USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier and USS Gravely destroyer responded to the call for help and were shot at while "in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats", the BBC reported.

The helicopters "returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews", Centcom said. It added that the fourth boat "fled the area" and no damage had been recorded to US personnel or equipment.

It was the second attack on the Maersk Hangzhou in 24 hours, after it was attacked with missiles on Saturday, BBC reported.

The anti-ship missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas as the destroyers Gravely and Laboon responded on Saturday, according to a previous Centcom statement.
Rome, Dec 31 : Venice, one of the Italy's most picturesque cities, is to ban tourist groups of more than 25 people and loudspeakers from June, the media reported.

The move was announced as use of loudspeakers on tours "can generate confusion and disturbances", a city official said.

Elisabetta Pesce, the official responsible for the city's security, said the latest policies are "aimed at improving the management of groups organised in the historic centre", BBC reported.

Fearing that tourists could overwhelm the Canal City, residents are choosing to leave.

Earlier, Venice approved five Euros fee for daily visitors, hoping that it will help in regulating crowd.
Maersk suspends passage of vessels through Red Sea after attack on its merchant ship. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Dec 31 : Shipping giant Maersk suspended the passage of its vessels through the Red Sea strait following an attack by Houthi rebels on one of its merchant ships. Maersk said on Sunday that this decision is for next 48 hours.

Maersk is one of the largest shipping companies in the world.

The Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned and operated container vessel en route from Singapore to Port Suez in Egypt, reported being struck by a missile while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

According to the sources, there was no damage reported in that attack. The merchant ships moved to its transit north.

The sources said that the vessel was attacked by four ships operated by Houthi rebels, which "engaged fire in an expected attempt to board the vessel," the Danish shipping company said.

The Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes. They say they are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is battling militant group Hamas.

Considering the prevailing situation, the Indian Navy has enhanced surveillance in North, Central Arabian sea and Gulf of Aden. The ministry of defence said that this decision has been taken in the light of piracy incidents and a recent drone attack on a ship closer to Indian EEZ.

The ministry said that the last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central and North Arabian Sea.

The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ, a defence minsitry official said.

The ministry said that in response to these incidents, Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in Central, North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels.

Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with Coast Guard, the official added.

The ministry said that the overall situation is being closely monitored by Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region.

Considering the recent spate of attacks in Arabian sea, earlier Indian Navy had deployed Guided Missile Destroyers INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the government is developing a strong base of domestic defence industrial ecosystem to make India a strategic economy.

"The ministry is making all efforts to achieve the target of becoming self-reliant in the defence sector," the Defence Minister said while addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of Tezpur University.

Rajnath said that for the first time the import of arms has been restricted because of the success of the Aatmnirbharta.

"We issued five positive indigenisation lists, under which 509 such defence equipment have been identified whose manufacturing will now be done indigenously. We have also issued four positive indigenisation lists of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, in which 4,666 items have been identified which will now be manufactured in our country," the Defence Minister said.

He said that for the first time, the production has crossed the record figure of Rs one lakh crore.

"The total value of India's defence exports, which was Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17, has increased almost 10 times to reach a record level of Rs 15,920 crore in 2022-23," the Defence Minister said.

He said that the incumbent government has a proactive attitude in tackling any situation which has replaced the crisis of credibility with a culture of confidence.

"India is no more tolerant of the let-it-be approach. Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, the new India believes in let's-do-it approach," the Defence Minister said.

On women empowerment, the Defence Minister said that the government has taken steps to ensure proper representation of women in all sectors including the military.

"Today, women are walking shoulder-to-shoulder with men in every field. From fighter planes to Chandrayan, there is no field in which the presence of women is not seen," the Defence Minister said.

Mentioning the start-up culture initiated by the Ministry in the Defence Industrial Sector, Rajnath said the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been successfully promoting innovative ideas since its inception.

"Because of the various efforts by the government to promote entrepreneurship among youth, now there are over one lakh start-ups in the country," he said.
Mumbai, Dec 31 : Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan -- who recently tied the knot with make-up artiste Sshura Khan -- made sure that he did it perfectly as seen in the proposal video.

Sshura Khan, who made her Instagram account public days after marrying the actor, shared the proposal video in which Arbaaz can be seen going down on his knees to propose to his lady.

Sshura gets surprised as Arbaaz proposes to her with a bouquet of flowers. As the makeup artist blushes, Arbaaz's sister Arpita Khan can be seen with them. Arbaaz's son Arhaan Khan was also a part of the proposal video and had the loudest cheer for his father and mom.

As Sshura accepted the proposal, Arbaaz put a ring on her finger. They kissed and shared a hug before Arbaaz planted a kiss on her forehead.

Arbaaz and Sshura got married during a ceremony on December 24 at the residence of Arpita Khan Sharma, the sister of Arbaaz Khan. After the ceremony, Arbaaz took to Instagram to share the news of their union with his followers.

Sharing the official wedding pictures on his social media, he wrote in the caption: "In the presence of our loved ones, me and mine begin a lifetime of love and togetherness from this day on! Need all your blessings and good wishes on our special day".

The actor also shared pictures with his family from the wedding celebrations as he took to Instagram to post an array of pictures with the members of his family including Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arpita Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Aayush Sharma and Arhaan Khan.

He wrote in the caption, "A happy family is but an earlier heaven."

Arbaaz was previously married to Malaika Arora. They separated in 2016 and officially divorced in 2017; they have son Arhaan together. Arbaaz also dated Giorgia Andriani but the two called it quits last year.
Jammu, Dec 31 : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday announced cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh for anyone who provides information and intelligence on trans border tunnels, drones, narcotics, militant activities and militants to curb anti-national activities.

J&K Police said on X that general public can share such information with district Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) assuring that the identity of the person will be kept secret.

"The highest reward of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 12.50 lakh has been announced for those giving specific information about the presence of militants, resulting in successful operations leading to arrest or combat. The cash reward will be provided as per category of A, B and C of the militant," the police said.

Police said that a reward of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for those who provide information about the trans-border tunnels used by anti-national elements to tranship militants, explosives and contraband consignments.

"A reward of Rs 3 lakh has been announced for those who sight drones from across the border to drop narcotics and explosives and provide actionable information about the person receiving/ transporting material dropped through drones from the border and Line of Control (LoC) to hinterland and Punjab," police said.

Police added that a reward of Rs 2 lakh each has been announced for people providing information about inter-state narcotics modules and people talking to Pakistan based militant handlers and separatists in jails and persons talking to or communicating with militant handlers across the border or with their agents within J&K and branding citizens as informers.

"A reward of Rs 1 lakh has been announced for persons providing information about those persons who are encouraging, inducing and inciting people to join militant ranks or pick up gun," the police said.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 31 : The police in Hyderabad busted an inter-state drug peddler gang and seized MDMA, brown sugar and cocaine they were selling to customers for New Year celebrations.

The sleuths of Commissioner's Task Force, West Zone team, apprehended two interstate drug offenders, who were found in possession of MDMA, brown sugar and cocaine meant for delivery to needy customers in Hyderabad.

The police seized 100 grams of MDMA, 29 sachets of brown sugar and two grams of cocaine, all valued at Rs 7.50 lakh, from their possession.

The accused S. Naveen and Borra Veera Sai Teja are natives of Andhra Pradesh and were residing in Manikonda in Hyderabad.

Police also seized four mobile phones from their possession. According to police, both the accused are addicted to drugs. Naveen became an addict while studying B.Tech Mechanical from Lovely Professional University, Punjab in 2019.

He had obtained loans from loan apps after returning to his native Guntur district, he faced problems from financers. He along with his friend Sai Teja decided to earn easy money to clear debts and hatched a plan to sell the drug to needy customers in Hyderabad.

They contacted a drug peddler in Delhi.

Police said the accused were procuring MDMA from Delhi for 2,000 per gram and selling the same to needy customers in Hyderabad for Rs 6,000-8,000.

They were procuring cocaine for 10,000 per gram and selling the same to customers for Rs 17,000.

They were also getting brown sugar for Rs 5,000 and selling the same to customers at Rs 10,000.

The accused went to Delhi on December 12 and purchased drugs for selling the same for New Year celebrations.

On credible information the West Zone Task Force team apprehended them while they were selling drugs in Jubilee Hills.
London, Dec 31 : The Middle East has been slipping towards the precipice of a regional war ever since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October and the ferocious Israeli response in Gaza, the media reported.

The past week has shown how the cliff edge keeping it from that abyss could quickly crumble away, The Guardian reported.

Within hours of the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Hezbollah Shia militia in Lebanon began to fire on northern Israeli towns and villages in solidarity with Palestinians, triggering Israeli air strikes in response, and Houthi forces in Yemen attacked ships in the Red Sea with real or perceived Israeli connections.

The US moved two aircraft carriers and their accompanying strike groups to the region as American bases in Syria and Iraq came under repeated attacks from Iran-affiliated groups, drawing swift retaliation from Washington.

At the same time the West Bank erupted in protests at the bombing of civilians in Gaza and extremist Jewish settlers quickly sought to ride the wave of Israeli anger by seizing Palestinian land and terrorising its residents, The Guardian reported.

Each of these theatres of conflict has the potential to ignite a much-feared Middle East conflagration, and the past few days have demonstrated just how easily escalation, intended or not, could bring Israel into open confrontation with Iran, and suck in the US too, The Guardian reported.

An Israeli airstrike just outside Damascus killed a senior figure in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Sayyed Razi Mousavi, who was responsible for military liaison between Syria and Iran.

After Mousavi's death last Monday, the IRGC issued a statement declaring the "usurper and savage Zionist regime will pay for this crime".

Tehran's Houthi allies have meanwhile have been firing on the US-led "Prosperity Guardian" naval task force assembled to protect shipping in the Red Sea.

American warships shot down dozens of drones and also a handful of ballistic missiles, The Guardian reported.

US Central Command issued a statement to say that Washington had "every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran".

If a US warship is struck, President Joe Biden would be under intense pressure to deliver a decisive response, as he enters an election year with his tenure hanging in the balance and Republicans looking to focus on any trace of weakness, The Guardian reported.

On Thursday, a former Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennet, wrote a commentary in a US newspaper expressing the view of many on the hawkish end of the security establishments in both the Israel and the US that they are doomed to fight Iranian proxies indefinitely until Iran is taken on directly, The Guardian reported.

"The evil empire of Iran must be brought down," Bennett argued in the Wall Street Journal.

"The US and Israel must set the clear goal of bringing down Iran's evil regime. Not only is this possible. It is vital for the safety and security of the Middle East -- and the entire civilised world."
Kohima, Dec 31 : Amid the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) holding talks with the Central government to resolve the decades-old Naga political issue, three other Naga groups decided to pursue negotiations jointly for a solution to the unsettled Naga issue with the Central government.

The leaders of three splinter Naga groups -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Akato Chophy, NSCN-K led by Khango and Naga National Council (NNC) led by Z. Royim decided to jointly negotiate with the Center to resolve the Naga political issue.

"In the new year (2024), the three groups would jointly talk with the government for a lasting political solution to the Naga issue. We held a meeting on Saturday and taken this decision," Akato said on Sunday.

He said that the three Naga groups earlier approached the government separately and from now on, they would negotiate jointly for a solution to the Naga political issue at the earliest.

"We would not be involved in the negotiations being held between the Centre and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). We welcome like-minded other organisations to join them for the interest of Nagas," Akato clarified.

The meeting of the three Naga outfits was held at the residence of Akato Chophi president of NSCN (Akato) at Hoito village in Niuland district.

The NNPG was formed in 2017 with seven Naga groups while other groups have not included the grouping.

The Centre has been holding separate negotiations with NSCN-IM since 1997 and the NNPGs since 2017.

Since the signing of the all important Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 with NSCN-IM and following the inking of Agreed Position on November 17, 2017 with NNPGs, many years have already passed over the issue.

The NSCN-IM has remained unyielding on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas as well as integration of Naga-inhabited areas spread over four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, besides Myanmar.

The NNPGs has already expressed its willingness to accept whatever is granted for now and continue with the talks. (NSCN-IM) on Saturday said that the last round of formal talks on Naga political issue with the Central government on November 14 in Delhi "were not conclusive but also not deadlocked".

The NSCN-IM said that the outfit's General Secretary and its chief negotiator, Thuingaleng Muivah had unequivocally stated that a solution without the Naga national flag and constitution would never be acceptable to the Naga people. --IANS

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Members of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble perform during the opening of the "Hong Kong Palace Performing Showtime Carnival" in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

HONG KONG, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- As the orchestra filled the air with enchanting melodies that seemed to echo from centuries past, the vibrant fusion of cosmopolitan Hong Kong and Gobi Desert oasis Dunhuang in remote northwest China breathed life into ancient murals, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

At the recent opening of the "Hong Kong Palace Performing Showtime Carnival," young musicians played ancient instruments while giant murals from the Mogao Grottoes flickered on the big screen.

Like a vivid tapestry unfolding before the audience's eyes, the music intertwined with the rich hues and intricate brushstrokes, awakening the dormant figures and transporting listeners through time.

The performance was a testament to the enduring power of art and culture to bridge time and space, connecting the present with the past and creating a sense of wonder and awe.

Driven by a profound commitment to reviving and preserving Dunhuang's rich cultural legacy, the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble is infusing renewed vitality into the ancient melodies enshrined within the murals.

MOGAO'S ENDURING INSPIRATION

Leonie Ki, the ensemble's honorary director and founder, fell in love with Dunhuang during her first visit in 2010, and since then, she has been there 15 times in the past 13 years.

The Mogao Grottoes, located in Dunhuang in northwest China's Gansu Province, is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and home to a vast collection of Buddhist artworks. More than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals are housed in 735 caves, carved into the cliffs by ancient worshippers.

In October 2017, Ki led a group of aspiring young musicians to visit the grottoes, many of whom were seeing them for the first time.

It was Ki's first time entering Cave 112, which was dimly lit and only allowed four people inside at a time. They had to be extremely careful not to touch or damage the murals, which featured the famous image of the "playing pipa behind the back."

If the first rock-and-roller who played an electric guitar behind his back thought he had invented something groundbreaking, he would have been surprised to discover pictorial evidence from Cave 112, dating back 1,200 years to the middle Tang Dynasty.

In this depiction, an entertainer joyfully dances amidst an orchestra, gracefully maneuvering a pipa (lute) behind her back, all while standing barefoot on a carpet.

Tears welled up in the eyes of several young girls as they sat at the dinner table. When asked the cause of their sudden outpouring of emotion, they revealed that the mesmerizing murals had left them both astonished and deeply moved. It was at that very moment that Ki, inspired by this profound experience, resolved to establish an orchestra.

The captivating allure of Dunhuang's rich cultural heritage had entranced her, as had the unwavering commitment of those who came before her, such as renowned Chinese painter Chang Shuhong and archaeologist Fan Jinshi. These stalwart guardians had dedicated their lives to upholding the indomitable "Mogao Spirit" that epitomizes perseverance amidst the desert's unforgiving terrain, prompting Ki's profound admiration.

Thus, in May 2018, the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble was born. Merely four months later, they took the stage as representatives of Hong Kong at the esteemed 3rd Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, delivering a mesmerizing performance at the illustrious Dunhuang Grand Theater.

Their journey reached new heights when an invitation arrived from Wang Xudong, the former director of the Dunhuang Academy. The music group was bestowed the honor of performing in front of the iconic "nine-story building" in the Mogao Grottoes. This distinction firmly established them as the solitary performance ensemble hailing from Hong Kong to receive such remarkable recognition.

Despite the chilly September air that swept through Dunhuang, the musicians, clad in their lightweight performance attire, fearlessly took to the open-air stage.

Ki understood the significance of this moment -- a resounding testament to the unwavering support bestowed upon the music group, serving as a tremendous source of inspiration.

MELODIES REKINDLE MILLENNIUM SPLENDOR

Following the prevalent depictions found in the murals, the orchestra took shape with eight musicians and two composers. They meticulously selected wind and percussion instruments commonly featured in the artwork, including the evocative curved-neck lute and the resonant mouth organ, among other meticulously replicated ancient instruments.

As the ensemble gathered, a profound question lingered: what melodies should resonate through the air? How does Dunhuang music truly manifest itself when it has remained unheard by contemporary ears?

In the early 20th century, a treasure trove of ancient documents and 25 musical scores from the Tang Dynasty were unearthed from the depths of the Dunhuang Caves. However, due to the absence of comprehensive musical notation, the true essence of these compositions remained elusive.

Kam Shing-hei, the artistic coordinator and composer-in-residence of the ensemble, undertook his inaugural artistic pilgrimage to Dunhuang during his sophomore year at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

"At that moment, the stories concealed within those murals eluded my comprehension, yet their visual allure emanated a profound musical essence. The compositions, hues, and strokes bestowed upon me a cornucopia of melodic inspiration," he reminisced.

Gradually, he unraveled that composition requires not only an understanding of music theory and performance techniques but also a profound grasp of the cultural nuances underpinning it.

"At first, I relied on my own knowledge of music theory and my familiarity with Western music to create Chinese traditional compositions. The melodies resonated pleasingly, and the musicians appreciated them, but they encountered difficulties in their execution."

For instance, Western music often adheres to a more "concrete" structure in its composition, while traditional Chinese music accentuates "rhythm," allowing ample room for musicians and instruments to express themselves freely.

Felissa Chan, one of the ensemble's early members, humorously expressed her surprise at staying with the group for five years. The most significant transformation for her was shifting her focus from solely playing the pipa to actively seeking out books and research materials to delve into the music's history and culture.

During one performance, Chan participated in a trio piece featuring the curved-neck lute, the Tang Dynasty sheng (a mouth-blown polyphonic free reed instrument), and the xun (a globular, vessel flute), among other musicians.

"Unlike the regular pipa, the curved-neck lute is played horizontally, yielding a poignant sound that evokes a sense of vicissitude," said Chan.

Kam has begun inviting more composers to create a diverse array of works. They continuously innovate their performances, collaborating with multimedia elements on stage and presenting interactive art installations in public spaces, thus engaging with a wider audience.

"In Dunhuang culture, I discovered my true identity and the stories I can narrate through these instruments," Kam reflected. "I am grateful to have grown alongside the entire ensemble." 

Felissa Chan (R), a pipa player of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, rehearses in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Felissa Chan, a pipa player of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, receives an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Kam Shing-hei, the artistic coordinator and composer-in-residence of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, conducts the orchestra during the opening of the "Hong Kong Palace Performing Showtime Carnival" in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Leonie Ki, the honorary director and founder of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, receives an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Members of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble rehearse in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Kam Shing-hei, the artistic coordinator and composer-in-residence of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, receives an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
Tel Aviv, Dec 31 : The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that a former Minister of Palestinian Authority was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

According to Health Ministry officials, Youssef Salama (68), former Palestinian Authority Minister for Religious Affairs, was killed in the airstrike at Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

He was a minister from February 2005 and March 2006. He had also served as a preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is the third most important Mosque of the Muslim community after Mecca and Madina.
Nellore: TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu being welcomed by party workers on his arrival to address party cadres, in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore, on Oct 14, 2019. . Image Source: IANS News

Amaravati, Dec 31 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday assured the people of Andhra Pradesh that he will provide freedom to them from 'atrocious' rule in another 100 days.

In his message on New Year, the former chief minister said he would personally take the responsibility that no power on earth can create any kind of hurdles for the progress and reputation of the Telugu community.

Wishing a happy new year to the people of the state, the TDP supremo wished that the new year brings all good for them.

''Welcoming the new year with one crore hopes is our tradition and we always fondly hope that the bitter memories should never come back to our mind,'' he said. Naidu said that the people have personally experienced hell in 2023.

''We all have experienced how the state suffers when an inefficient person is given an opportunity to hold power as he sought a single opportunity,'' he said.

Asking the people to welcome the new year with a fond hope and expectations, the TDP supremo said that the people should take an oath to build a state sans violence, corruption and irregularities.

''Let us all get ready to send this Sisupala home with the most powerful weapon of vote,'' Chandrababu Naidu said. Calling upon the people to contribute their mite for the overall development of the country, the former chief minister said that the people are aware that an action plan is on for a good governance which will run on the two wheels of welfare and development.

As part of this a mini-manifesto is already released with six guarantees, he said, adding that the TDP and the Jana Sena combine will soon come out with a detailed manifesto.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : A 65-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her youngest daughter over a property dispute in Delhi, police said on Sunday, adding that they have arrested the accused.

The deceased was identified as Beermati, a resident of Ranhola village.

A police officer said that the incident occurred between 5 to 5.30 a.m. on Saturday and there were cut marks on her neck, hands, and legs.

During the probe, it was revealed that Beermati went to her plot near her house at around 5 a.m. and when her son Devender's wife Asha went to the plot at about 5.30 a.m., she found her mother-in-law dead inside the plot.

There was a dispute regarding property in the family and her husband, Ishwar, 70, who is an ex-serviceman and turned towards spirituality), used to reside somewhere outside, the police officer said.

During the probe, as per CCTV footage near the scene of the crime, the police team tasked to crack the case zeroed in on the possible accused as Promila, the youngest daughter of the deceased.

"Finally after an overnight operation, accused Promila, 36, a resident of village Ranhola was arrested from Haryana's Bahadurgarh area near her home," Deputy Commissioner of Police Outer, Jimmy Chiram.

Promila works as a guest teacher of Sanskrit at the GBSS School, Ashok Nagar. "As per the initial probe, the reason behind the murder is property dispute," the DCP added.

--IANS

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Perth, Dec 31 : The women's World No.15 Zheng Qinwen improved to 2-0 in the new season after defeating the 119th-ranked Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2 at the United Cup in Perth. The victory sent the Group E tie between China and Serbia into a deciding mixed-doubles rubber.

Zheng will team up with Zhang Zhizhen with a chance to send China (1-0) through to the United Cup quarterfinals, having already secured a 3-0 sweep of the Czech Republic on Day 2. Serbia will put its hopes of winning its opening tie and remaining in contention on the shoulders of Danilovic and Novak Djokovic.

After men's World No.1 Djokovic opened the tie with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Zhang, Zheng was faced with a must-win match against Danilovic. Coming off a three-set win over reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in her opener, Zheng kept her cool to keep the feisty 22-year-old Serbian at bay.

Bidding to tally her third career Top 20 victory, Danilovic jumped out to a 2-0 lead and found herself a point away from a 3-0 lead early in the first set. Zheng stormed back to take the next four games with the aid of a flurry of forehand winners.

The Chinese star appeared to have wrenched the momentum back for good, but Danilovic kept the pressure on. With Zheng serving for the opening set at 5-4, Danilovic earned two chances to level the set.

Zheng responded with steely resolve, wiping away Danilovic's chances and coming through an 11-minute game to take the 61-minute set with a leaping backhand winner.

Zheng rode out her momentum to a 4-0 lead in the second set and closed out the win with her eighth ace of the match after 1 hour and 37 minutes.

The No. 1 in the ATP Rankings Djokovic earlier eased past Zhang 6-3, 6-2 to give Serbia a 1-0 lead in its Group clash with China in Perth. Djokovic was rock-solid in all facets of his game as he notched a 74-minute triumph in his maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting with Zhang.

Djokovic converted three of the seven break points he earned to delight the Serbian contingent in the stands at RAC Arena. He is now 17-1 in season-opening matches since the start of 2007.

"I was a little bit rusty in the beginning, a little bit out of rhythm in the first five or six games, but it's normal," said Djokovic. "When you don't play an official match for over a month, it obviously takes a little bit of time to get the engines going and he was serving well. I think the serve was great on my part, whenever I needed to get myself out of trouble, at 15/15 or 30/30 in my service games, I found a good serve," Djokovic said.
Patna, Dec 31 : JD-U's former national President Lalan Singh on Sunday sought to reveal the real story behind his resignation, saying that he had argued with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was not accepting his decision to quit.

"CM Nitish Kumar did not agree with my decision. I request him to accept my resignation as I have to work in my constituency. Due to the workload of the JD-U national President, I am unable to give time in my constituency. If I would not stay continuously, my election campaign would be affected. Then he agreed and accepted my resignation," Singh said while addressing a gathering in his home constituency Munger.

"He asked me to sign the nomination form for the post of national President of the party. I was not ready for it. Then Nitish Ji told me that if you would not sign on the nomination form, I would not sign on any document you bring to me.

"In 2022 too, I requested him to let me resign from the post of national President as I am unable to give time to my home constituency. Then he said that if I resigned from the post of national President, he would break his head by smashing it on the wall," Singh added.
New Delhi, Dec 31 : The year 2023 saw the National Investigation Agency (NIA) intensifying efforts against the Islamic State (IS), Jammu and Kashmir-based jihadis, and the terror-gangster nexus while action was also taken to address offences against Indian interests abroad, with a focus on the attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, London, and San Francisco, an official said.

The agency, this year, utilised innovative methods, including crowd-sourcing, leading to the identification of 43 suspects related to these attacks.

An NIA official said that the conviction rate soared at 94.70 per cent, 625 people were arrested, and the attachment of assets totaling around Rs 56 crore was done this year.

Throughout the year, the NIA significantly scaled up its operations across India, resulting in a 28 per cent increase in arrests compared to the previous year.

Noteworthy categories included 65 arrests in IS cases, 114 in jihadi terror cases, and 76 related to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).

The agency registered a total of 68 cases in 2023, covering a broad spectrum of terror-related incidents.

"The number of persons chargesheeted and convicted stood, respectively, at 513 and 74, as against 459 and 79 in 2022. The 74 accused convicted during 2023 were sentenced to various quantums of 'Rigorous Imprisonment' and 'Fines' as punishment," as per NIA.

"The year witnessed an increase in searches and raids, totaling 1,040, and a strategic focus on dismantling terror financing and seizing assets accrued through illegal activities. Notably, 240 properties, including 156 bank accounts, with a total value of Rs 55.90 crore, were attached and seized," said the official.

In a major breakthrough this year, the NIA arrested Dinesh Gope, the PLF Supremo, after two decades of evasion, highlighting the agency's dedication to pursuing individuals involved in long-standing cases.

The attacks on the High Commissions of India in Ottawa and London, as well as on the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, US, also remained the focus of the NIA actions offences against Indian interests abroad through the year, which witnessed more than 50 raids & searches as part of the agencyas efforts to unravel the conspiracy behind the attacks on Indian Missions abroad.

The NIA also focused on human trafficking, with significant arrests at the India-Bangladesh border, marking another triumph for the agency.

In another major success for the NIA, six individuals, namely Mohammed Amin Khubaiab, Arbaz Ahmad Mir, Asif Maqbool Dar, Arshdeep Singh Gill a.k.a. Arsh Dala, Harwinder Singh Sandhu a.k.a. Rinda and Lakhbir Singh Landa, were designated as 'Individual Terrorists' by the Centre during the year.

In addition, four terrorist organisations -- The Resistance Force (TRF), People's Anti-Fascists Front (PAFF), Jammu & Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) -- have been banned in response to the proposal made by the NIA.

"The agency is actively pursuing necessary actions against these designated individuals and terrorist organisations to effectively counter their activities," said the official.
Cuttack, Dec 31 : Mumbai Khiladis registered their first win in the ongoing Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 as they defeated Rajasthan Warriors 31-30 on Sunday, while Telugu Yoddhas held their nerve in the last 59 seconds to beat defending champions Odisha Juggernauts by 29-28 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack.

P. Siva Reddy was the star of the match for Mumbai Khiladis as he clinched eight points and stayed on the mat for more than two minutes to contribute to the team's defence as well. Sreejes S. and Gajanan Shengal also spent four minutes on the court to win dream-run bonus points for the Mumbai side.

Rajasthan Warriors allowed Mumbai Khiladis to win only 12 points during the first turn and earned a dream run bonus point to get off to a positive start in the match. However, Mumbai defended well before the end of the first inning and gave Rajasthan 12 points.

The third turn also went in the favour of Mumbai Khiladis as they secured 14 points with Sreejes S and P Siva Reddy contributing 8 points. Rajasthan made a remarkable comeback during the last turn and eliminated the first batch of Mumbai in just 33 seconds.

However, Mumbai turned the match around with three dream run bonus points in the last minutes to earn their first win in the ongoing league.

Earlier, in a see-saw battle, captain Pratik Waikar scored 10 points for Telugu Yoddhas, whereas Aditya Ganpule, Avdhut Patil and Akash Tagore stayed on the mat for more than five minutes to claim crucial dream run bonus points for the winning side.

Defending first, Odisha Juggernauts made a frantic start to the match and earned three dream run bonus points in the first turn of the contest. Telugu Yoddhas managed to clinch only 10 points before producing a sparkling performance in defence during the second turn.

The batch of Avdhut Patil, Pratik Waikar and Aditya Ganpule won four dream run bonus points for Telugu Yoddhas and Odisha could only take a mere one-point lead in the first inning despite getting 12 points in attack.

Odisha then notched up a dream run bonus point during the third round, allowing the Yoddhas to earn 14 points in the attack.

The last turn witnessed a see-saw battle between the two teams and in the end, Odisha needed to eliminate a player for victory with only 59 seconds left on the clock. However, the Telugu Yoddhas defended effectively, securing a thrilling win to get three points.

Table-toppers Gujarat Giants will take on Chennai Quick Guns on Monday, whereas Rajasthan Warriors will play against Telugu Yoddhas.
Tel Aviv, Dec 31 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the war with Hamas will continue for many more months making it clear that there would be no ceasefire until all the remaining 140 hostages are released from Gaza.

Israel wants to maintain an open ended security over Gaza after the war ends in defiance of its closest ally US wanting a two state solution leading to an eventual statehood for Palestine.

Netanyahu said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip, but he kept the world guessing on what would come next.

"The war would continue for many more months," Netanyahu told a news conference Saturday reiterating his intention to preserve an Israeli military foothold in a narrow strip of land in southern Gaza near the border with Egypt.

"(It) must be in our hands, it must be sealed. It's clear that any other agreement will not guarantee the demilitarization that we need and require," Netanyahu said.

Israel claimed Hamas had smuggled weapons in through the Egyptian border but Egypt opposes any Israeli military presence there.

Netanyahu has also said he won't allow the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the West Bank, to participate in any future rule over Gaza.

These were his public remarks about Israel's plans for the Gaza Strip post war scenario.

Netanyahu's stance has put him at odds with his closest ally, the US, as the Biden administration and Israel government grapple over who should run Gaza after the war.

The US wants a unified Palestinian government should run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood, media reports said.

Israeli media have reported that Netanyahu has repeatedly dodged holding meetings with his War Cabinet about the post-war possibilities.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as the military targeted areas in several parts of the territory a day after the country's prime minister said the war will continue for "many more months", resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gaza's second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents said strikes are seen in the central part of a tiny enclave in a region Israel this week said it made the new focus of its war.

The war has raised fears of a larger middle eastern conflict with Hezbollah from Lebanon and Houthis from Yemen joining the Hamas in their war against Israel.

The US military on Sunday said it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired toward a container ship by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same ship, but US forces opened fire, killing several of the armed crews, the US Central Command said.

Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas' governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Islamabad, Dec 31 : Three terrorists trying to infiltrate into Pakistan were gunned down in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district after a gunfight on Sunday, while one soldier was killed in a separate incident in North Waziristan on Saturday, the Pakistan Army said.

Islamabad, Dec 31 (IANS) Three terrorists trying to infiltrate into Pakistan were gunned down in Khyber Pakhtunkhwaas Bajaur district after a gunfight on Sunday, while one soldier was killed in a separate incident in North Waziristan on Saturday, the Pakistan Army said.

Security forces picked up the movement of the three terrorists who were trying to infiltrate n Bajauras Batwar area, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported Geo News.

After an exchange of fire, all three terrorists were killed by the security forces. "Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists," the ISPR added.

In another incident late Saturday night, terrorists from inside Afghanistan opened fire on a Pakistani border post in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan district, and its personnel responded in a befitting manner causing considerable losses to the terrorists, the ISPR said.

however, during the exchange of fire, Naik Abdul Rauf, 31, from Rahim Yar Khan district was killed, it said.
Tourists visit the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 31, 2023. Cultural tourism has become an option for both residents and tourists in the southwestern city of Chengdu during the three-day New Year holiday. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

Tourists visit the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 31, 2023. Cultural tourism has become an option for both residents and tourists in the southwestern city of Chengdu during the three-day New Year holiday. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

Tourists buy cultural and creative products at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 31, 2023. Cultural tourism has become an option for both residents and tourists in the southwestern city of Chengdu during the three-day New Year holiday. (Xinhua/Tang Wenhao)

Tourists visit the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 31, 2023. Cultural tourism has become an option for both residents and tourists in the southwestern city of Chengdu during the three-day New Year holiday. (Xinhua/Tang Wenhao)

Tourists visit the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 31, 2023. Cultural tourism has become an option for both residents and tourists in the southwestern city of Chengdu during the three-day New Year holiday. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

Tourists wait to enjoy a new year's concert in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 31, 2023. Cultural tourism has become an option for both residents and tourists in the southwestern city of Chengdu during the three-day New Year holiday. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)
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'If you want it to grow well and serve the true needs of the economy, it needs a lot of freedom and flexibility, which comes in terms of the reform objective set by the regulator.'

IMAGE: Shoppers at a market in Mumbai. Photograph: Niharika Kulkarni/Reuters

The General Insurance CEOs panel discussed 'A paradigm shift from rule-based to principle-based regime' at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit held on October 31, 2023.

The panel included Bhargav Dasgupta, the then managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of ICICI Lombard General Insurance; Kishore Kumar Poludasu, MD and CEO of SBI General Insurance; Ritesh Kumar, MD and CEO of HDFC Ergo General Insurance; and Yashish Dahiya, CEO and co-founder at PolicyBazaar.

How will the simplification of regulation help the general insurance industry?

Bhargav Dasgupta: We are the 15th largest general insurance market in the world.

I think one of the reasons that this happened is the opening up of the sector to private players, liberalisation to attract foreign capital, and setting the ground rules in a manner that didn't lead to too many market failures.

So, there was a lot more control, a lot more rule-based regulations.

We have seen some changes over the years. There was de-tarification in 2008, which was a significant reform in the sector.

But those original sets of rules that were laid down back in 2000 were not fundamentally re-looked when the sector was liberalised.

Maybe there was a reason and a role for it in the past.

However, as the industry matures, if you want it to grow well and serve the true needs of the economy, it needs a lot of freedom and flexibility, which comes in terms of the reform objective set by the regulator.

So, the agenda is 'insurance for all by 2047'.

And a belief that the industry has matured, where you can move to principle-based regulations rather than very restrictive, prescriptive regulations, like rule-based regulations.

Kishore Kumar Poludasu: There's a wide disparity between the gross written premium (GWP) of the nations across the world when you compare the Indian ranking in the GWP and gross domestic product (GDP).

And, when you look at the penetration percentages globally, our general insurance penetration is at 1 per cent, while global penetration is at 4 per cent.

There is a 4x multiple of potential opportunity, which is still untapped in India.

When India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047 and to be in the top three global economies in the medium term, there is an ample push towards improving infrastructure development and our core sectors so that the entire economy will get uplifted to meet the goal of reaching the top three global economies.

Towards that, when we compare ourselves with the US, there is a wide disparity in terms of the penetration of life insurance versus general insurance.

In the US, what we observe is that general insurance penetration is higher than the life insurance penetration.

But in India, the situation is entirely opposite.

Life insurance is around 3.9 per cent and general insurance at 1 per cent.

So, we are looking at the rural areas where most of the assets are not insured, and there is no risk of transmission happening.

This is the main pocket which can be used to bridge the gap between these two and rise to global standards.

So, towards meeting that objective of insurance for all by 2047, the regulator is coming up with these relaxations in terms of converting from rule-based to principle-based so that appropriate flexibility, innovation, and risk assessment techniques will be developed by the insurers.

Insurance companies will benefit by being able to come out with new processes and new products so that the ultimate aim of customer centricity will improve in providing insurance coverage for the entire population, which, in turn, will help the nation develop.

Why do you think the penetration is low, and what do we need to do, going ahead?

Yashish Dahiya: It has been fairly well stated that we spent the first 20 years of the industry in a rule-based mechanism.

For the last 10-15 years, I think the demand from the leaders of the industry was crystal clear but did not materialise.

Things have started to change in the last 18 months.

Speaking about penetration, insurance is not an industry that changes overnight.

I think the ground has been laid. Maybe in the next five to 10 years, we will reap benefits as people gather around and figure out new strategies that are conducive and introduce flexible ways of operating.

So, I think with a lag, you will see the penetration increasing.

There is also a developmental aspect that we are at 1 per cent of GDP.

This is because India is still quite low when compared to the number of people who have per capita income above $6,000.

The number of assets in India is also low. However, the groundwork has been laid.

The insurance industry can't change the entire country just by itself. The asset base of the country has to change.

Has the groundwork been laid for the insurance sector to grow?

Ritesh Kumar: The fact remains that for any sector once it opens up, there are a set of things that need to be done.

On the global level, depending on how one looks at it, there is a gap.

But, I think a sound foundation has been laid, and what would be important for the industry is to attract capital.

At the end of the day, the Rs 2.5 trillion has to become Rs 10 trillion.

Therefore, it is also important that we look at some of these important aspects in terms of making the industry attractive to the market.

Dasgupta: Capital seeks returns; it also seeks consistency of law.

While we are doing this, which is a great first step, I think it's very important that we stay the course.

And to stay the course, there have to be a couple of things.

One is a level of confidence and trust in the industry that the regulator sees in terms of how we are behaving as an industry.

And, the second is a sense of responsibility among the players to behave in a mature manner.

And, I still want to put this point out because at times we get very carried away with reforms, without understanding the responsibility that we have in the industry.

We need to behave in a certain manner, ensure market conduct, and ensure customer service.

Because we've seen many times that there are regulatory flip-flops.

And, the general tendency is to blame the regulator without doing some soul-searching.

And, I think that's why I wanted to make this point that the regulator must trust the industry.

The industry should also be mature in its conduct, going ahead.

Equally, there have to be mechanisms to monitor what's happening in the industry rather than wait for outcomes to see that things are not going off course.

And, that's a capability that the regulatory system has to build.

So, where do you see the penetration, at least exponentially, say by 2030?

Dasgupta: I think if you look at this industry, we've grown through these last 23-24 years at a compound rate of over 16 per cent at a time when prices are corrected.

If you look at the prices, the rate of per risk charged, per sum insured price that we charge as an industry has come down in a lot of sectors like motor, and fire, among others, from 2008 to 2023.

So despite that, the industry has grown at this rate.

So, given some of the reforms that we're witnessing, the fact that the industry has matured a lot more and that India is doing so much better than the rest at this point, I think all of us should have good reasons to be optimistic about the future of the country.

I sense that this industry should comfortably be able to grow at about 20-25 per cent compound rate for the next five to 15 years.

I am assuming that India grows at maybe close to 8 per cent.

When we started, we had 0.5 per cent penetration, so, reaching 1.5 per cent penetration in a matter of seven to eight years should be feasible from the current 1 per cent penetration.

Poludasu: More and more new products and innovative ways of dealing with the customers be it in the sourcing of the business or servicing the claim settlements with appropriate support from the digital architecture have been evolving in the industry due to the leverage provided by the regulator.

Also, new players are entering the industry and all these things will help in improving the penetration and awareness across the nation.

To this account, even the Government of India is also contributing equally by pushing more and more health schemes and crop insurance.

More state governments have joined the Ayushman Bharat and the crop insurance schemes in the recent past.

This will help us to appropriately keep in place the transfer mechanism for all the infrastructure projects which have been implemented by the push of the Government of India.

With the kind of projects which are coming up and opportunities available, we will see growth coming in the engineering segment and decent growth in the motor and health segments.

Do you think the Bima Trinity will change the business?

Poludasu: Absolutely. I think when you talk about the initiatives by the regulator in terms of putting in place, we call it a Bima Trinity: Bima Vistar, Bima Vahak and Bima Sugam.

If you talk about Bima Vistar, it is a comprehensive product where the insurance industry is coming together and deriving a common product wherein people can choose as per their requirements and the pricing is also affordable.

Bima Vahak is one of the channels which the regulator is pushing, mainly with woman-centric rural penetration in view.

Bima Sugam is an online platform to which insurers will have access.

They can display their products and the pricing as well so that the customer will get to make an informed decision to appropriately pick up the right product which gives value for their money.

This will be a game changer for the insurance industry as it will help to penetrate untapped and unpenetrated markets.

Dahiya: This is an effort by the government to expand and develop a road for the insurance sector and these three being there to support is a fantastic thing.

It is very supportive of the growth of the industry.

I think, we must also as an industry work towards having greater confidence in both servicing and claim aspects.

Globally, among consumers, I would say there is a trust deficit or a bit of confidence deficit and that comes from servicing difficulties.

If this part is solved, it will truly expand the industry.

But, at the same time, any effort by anyone is only going to help the industry grow further.

What are the broad changes that are expected from this risk-based capital and risk-based solvency and how is that going to impact the industry?

Kumar: Currently, we have what is typically called a solvency quantity.

Now, what this means is that it's a standard sort of bar for everyone.

To my mind, the risk-based capital or the risk-based solvency moves into what we call principle-based solvency.

Today, any company that has 100 per cent of a particular portfolio largely needs to keep the same amount of capital.

What will change tomorrow is that people who have a more diversified portfolio will have to keep less capital.

So, it starts giving some benefits for diversification.

Today, if 40 per cent of my portfolio is insured in a particular line of business, I may reinsure it with the world's best and this company may reinsure it with something else.

We still have the same capital relief. Tomorrow, the quality of the insurance will start making a difference.

Today, in a rule-based regime, there are gaps in how much benefit you can get from insurance. Tomorrow, that opens up.

So, risk-based solvency will look at the portfolio quality, quality of insurance, and the market risk.

It will look at how well you are and what is being done on the enterprise risk management.

It is a far more holistic issue than what the present sort of rule-based solvency is.

Will the risk-based capital change the product or portfolio mix of companies?

Dasgupta: The risk-based approach could drive strategy.

At the end of the day, it depends on how capital-constrained you are and whether you are forced to choose your lines of business based on your capital constraints.

However, I think it will help in allocating the right amount of capital for the right set of risks.

If one has a lot more granular business, where the volatility is less, there should be some benefits.

If one runs a book that has a high equity exposure, one should put more capital.

These are the correct measures. When one says risk-based capital, it need not mean the same for everyone.

Within risk-based capital, there is a standard model, an internal risk-based model.

An important point is the extent of diversification benefit.

During the pandemic, multiline general insurance companies had a reasonably robust year as compared to monoline companies.

The multiline companies did not dip in capital, which shows the power of diversification.

And, at the end of the day, solvency is to protect the company from going bankrupt or insolvent.

So, it was a true test of a Six Sigma event and the industry rising to the challenge.

So, these are things that a proper risk-based capital mechanism should factor in and account for.

Poludasu: In the risk-based capital framework, what we foresee is that the focus will shift from the top-line approach to the profitability approach, wherein the return on capital will play a major role in deciding the business mix of any industry, going forward.

The kind of business mix, what kind of growth will be chosen and what kind of reinsurance structures will be entered into based on the rating of the reinsurance.

Also, when it comes to the investment portfolio, where you get the majority of the investment income.

Again, what kind of instruments you are deploying with your money? If it is an equity-based option, the higher capital requirement will be there.

And, if it is a motor-third party business, what they are doing, based on the quality of the book, then again the capital will get changed.

The shift from factor-based capital maintenance to risk-based maintenance is a perfect measure for the insurance industry to identify efficiencies across the price.

That will help in keeping our industry in the international arena, towards a greater insurance framework.

I think all roads lead to health, is my view of the general insurance industry.

IMAGE: A patient is seen inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) section at a hospital in Noida. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

Do you see health being dominant in the general insurance industry?

Dahiya: I think all roads lead to health, is my view of the general insurance industry. It is a difficult, complex area.

Recently, there was a misdeclaration; it was a port policy.

The company settled the claim for a hospitalisation bill of Rs 11 lakh for four days.

There was not a single voice which said that the bill was too high.

Somewhere, we have to understand that health insurance pays for health care.

Health care bills have been funded. How does the health insurance industry keep up with sympathy towards declarations and misdeclarations?

So, I think it's a complicated area. Even if I speak to most of the insurance companies, they have no clear answers on how to get this resolved.

Countries have solved this as a combination of efforts from government and private or a combination of health care and the insurance industry.

It's not a simple problem. It's not a trivial problem to solve. The industry, yes, it will grow. It has been growing at 18 per cent.

It will keep growing.

However, if you look at the fresh health insurance business, the health insurance industry has seen perhaps a growth of zero per cent in the past few quarters.

So, porting is now almost 30 per cent of the industry where one company's policy is moving to another company.

This is despite having a good price range as an industry.

What is the reason for not having growth in the fresh health insurance business?

Dahiya: I think it's a difficult claims environment. I think there are two reasons for that.

The customers believe they are covered for a lot more than what their policy says.

I also feel doctors are struggling with claims at the back end as the quality of the charge and the nature of the cost comes up.

And I think the hospitals do have a similar problem.

In many places, hospitals charge more than the customer's insurance. The costs are not the same.

Kumar: At the core is the fact that health insurance needs to be affordable.

It's very easy for an insurance company to go out and pay all the claims.

Meanwhile, with a lead or a lag, the premiums will go up. So I think it is a very complex problem.

How do we handle fraud? We are a regulated industry.

On the other side, the provider is not regulated. So these are complex problems.

The other thing is, the more transparent we get as an industry, the faster the turnaround times are.

I also want to put it across that there is a very, very important initiative that we as an industry are trying to move which is to move health insurance to 100 per cent cashless.

The bulk of the problems that we face as an industry today are because there is a significant amount of claims that come in as real cases.

In India, if one settles something in cash, you will pay lower than what the insurers pay.

Now if you look at insurers as cash cows who are going to just be paying claims because as corporates they have a larger pocket, that's not going to solve the problem.

Because at the end of the day, I think affordability is what we are missing. We can settle a claim instantly.

But, we want to pay claims fast to the rightful claimant, not to someone who has misdeclared. This is what we are doing.

It is an industry's endeavour along with the regulator, along with the government to try and see to what extent we can push up cashless settlement than what is presently 60 per cent in terms of cashless.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2023 shows the capping ceremony of the D01 residential building of the Alamein Downtown Towers Project in New Alamein City, Egypt. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Irina Popova, director of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, believes that initiatives like the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative have resulted in mutual benefits for both China and the countries involved, given the initiative's focus on joint development, harmony and cooperation.



ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's international policy based on peaceful development has a positive impact on international relations, an expert has said.

China is committed to governing the country with virtue and peacefully engaging with other countries, said Irina Popova, director of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with Xinhua.

Western countries, by contrast, believe in hegemonic aggression, said the sinologist.

Throughout history, Western international relations theories paid little attention to Asian countries. Even today, a belief in the superiority of Western civilization continues to influence the foreign policy of Western countries. This often results in the forceful imposition of Western values on a global scale, Popova added.

"China is moving to the center of the world stage and occupies a leading position in global influence in many aspects, such as international affairs and economics," said Popova, adding that China works to strengthen multipolarity in international relations, which meets the interests of many other countries.

According to the expert, most Western countries and civilizations have waged war throughout history. "They have grown their own military strength at the expense of other countries' interests."

Popova believes that initiatives like the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative have resulted in mutual benefits for both China and the countries involved, given the initiative's focus on joint development, harmony and cooperation.

"China has a profound history and culture and is a real treasure trove of wisdom, including in the sphere of government and management," Popova said. "This wisdom allows the Chinese authorities to pursue a balanced policy that meets the interests of global development." 
Bihar assembly Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary on Sunday called on Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav, at a time when the state was witnessing a big political churn.

IMAGE: RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. Photograph: ANI Photo

Chaudhary, who himself belongs to the RJD, met the party supremo at the official residence of the latter's wife and former CM Rabri Devi.

Lalu's elder son and minister Tej Pratap Yadav, who stays in a different house, had accompanied the speaker during the visit.

After the meeting, Chaudhary told reporters, "I had met Lalu-ji to extend greetings on the eve of the New Year. There was nothing political about it."

The development came close on the heels of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar taking over as the national president of his Janata Dal-United, following the resignation of his trusted aide Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan'.

There had been speculations that Lalan had grown too close to Lalu Prasad which had made Kumar, the JD-U's supreme leader, uncomfortable.

However, in a gesture that appeared to be aimed at dispelling such speculations, Kumar took Lalan along when he received a rousing welcome in Patna from the JD-U cadre upon return from Delhi on Friday night.

Lalan has also threatened to sue media organisations that had carried reports alleging that he held a meeting of JD-U MLAs in Patna, at the behest of the RJD, to plot the dethroning of Kumar.

The reports had suggested that the alleged plan was aimed at the elevation of Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD supremo's younger son and heir apparent.

Interestingly, Kumar has on more than one occasion expressed his intent to pass over the mantle to the young RJD leader and made it clear that the latter will be leading the ruling Mahagathbandhan in the next assembly polls in 2025.

Notably, the day also saw Kumar visiting a private hospital here to meet Shivanand Tiwary, an old associate who has nonetheless been closer to Prasad and is a national vice president of the RJD.

Lalan was away in his Lok Sabha constituency of Munger, where he told a public meeting 'not to be swayed by rumours of BJP-inclined media'.

"There is no mistrust between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad. The Mahagathbandhan is going to inflict a crushing defeat on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls," he claimed.

The former JD-U president had also told a news channel after giving up the post that it was his own desire 'because of my preoccupation with my constituency ahead of the Lok Sabha polls' to give up the party post.

Lalan had also dismissed suggestions that Kumar had softened his stance towards the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, pointing out the 'highly critical' political resolution adopted at the JD-U national executive which lambasted the Narendra Modi government for en masse suspension of MPs and accused it of trying to 'run the country as per the Manusmriti, in place of Constitution'.

Meanwhile, there seems to be confusion in the NDA camp in Bihar about the current turn of events.

BJP allies like Upendra Kushwaha, who quit JD-U about a year ago to float his own party, and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who joined the NDA to escape pressure from Kumar to merge his Hindustani Awam Morcha with JD-U, claimed that the chief minister was 'regretting' having joined hands with Lalu, his arch-rival.

Manjhi claimed that Nitish Kumar was 'in touch with many BJP leaders' and could make a volte face, while Kushwaha has been of the view that even if the JD-U supremo desired a comeback, he would not get a re-entry since he was being seen as a spent force.

BJP leaders like Union minister Giriaj Singh and state president Samrat Choudhary were of the view that the Mahagathbandhan government could fall any time because of internal contradictions, though, now, the saffron party would not go for yet another tie-up with Kumar.

They claimed that the BJP was now in a position to get a majority on its own whenever assembly polls were held in the state.
Three battalions of the Border Security Force comprising more than 3,000 personnel will move across the border from Odisha to Chhattisgarh and an equal number of Indo-Tibetan Border Police units will further move into the Naxal stronghold of Abujhmad as part of a strategy to intensify anti-Maoist operations in their last bastions, official sources said.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The new operational blueprint is part of a plan under which Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made a declaration that India was 'on the verge of' eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

"The last strike against LWE by forces such as the BSF, the CRPF and the ITBP is in the process. We are determined to end Naxalism in the country," Shah said on December 1 in Hazaribag, Jharkhand while addressing BSF troops on their 59th raising day.

These forces are called as central armed police force (CAPFs).

Sources in the security establishment told PTI that the BSF has been directed to create six new COBs or company operating bases in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district by initially moving one of its battalion based in Odisha's Malkangiri, just across the inter-state border.

A BSF battalion has a strength of over 1,000 personnel.

The ITBP, which currently has about eight battalions located in Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon and Kondagaon districts of Chhattisgarh, has been asked to move one unit further inside the core area of Abujhmad.

This is an about 4,000 sq km forest area in Narayanpur district and considered a stronghold of armed Naxal cadres.

The uncharted Abhujmad or 'madh' forests are host to a population of about 35,000 people, mainly tribals, residing in around 237 villages.

The area, at present, has no permanent central or state police base and armed Maoist cadres are stated to be operating, training and moving here from across the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in south Bastar region of the state.

The Bastar region comprising districts like Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur up to Narayanpur and Kondagaon and Kanker district further north is the last bastion and corridor where Maoists have some strength and can spring surprises against the security forces and the administration.

The security forces are building their new strength and infrastructure here to demolish the Maoist network and hold the area so that development works can be initiated by the state government, a senior officer said.

He said two more BSF and ITBP battalions each will be later moved to further dominate the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border along south Bastar.

A second security officer said the Naxals are using the Bastar corridor of Chhattisgarh to move back and forth into Odisha districts like Malkangiri, Koraput and Kandhmal and hence the central forces have been tasked to create more COBs or forward operating bases along the border of these two states.

While there are around 800-900 active cadres in Chhattisgarh's Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee leadership of the Naxals, the Communist Party of India-Maoist strength in Odisha under the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division is depleted with only 242 active cadre, the second officer said.

Out of the 242, only 13 are from Odisha while the rest of the senior and middle-rung leadership of the Maoists hail from Chhattisgarh.

Hence, the operations in Chhattisgarh are to be intensified as part of an operation that could be code named 'Kagar' (edge) during a meeting of various agencies to be held in January, he said.

Home minister Shah said on the BSF raising day that in the last 10 years, incidents of Naxal violence have gone down by 52 per cent, deaths in these incidents declined by 70 per cent and the number of affected districts have come down from 96 to 45.

The number of 'LWE-hit police stations have come down from 495 to 176', he had said.

Shah said the Modi government was 'on the verge of' eliminating the LWE violence in various states.

He also counted the recent operations undertaken by security forces in the hills and forests of 'Burapahar' and 'Chakarbandha' in Jharkhand that freed vast tracts of areas from the clutches of Maoists.
India firmed up defence procurement worth over Rs 3.50 lakh crore in 2023 as the lingering border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh as well as the crises and conflicts around the world kept the military focused on ways to enhance the country's overall combat prowess to firmly deal with any security challenges.

IMAGE: The troops from the Armed Forces of India and Australia undergoing tactical exercises in multi-domain operations in Urban and Semi-Urban terrain during the Joint Military Exercise Austra-Hind 2023 in Australia.. Photograph: ANI Photo

India also went on an overdrive in expanding its military engagement with like-minded countries in its neighbourhood and beyond in the face of China's relentless attempts to become a regional hegemon and establish its primacy in South Asia.

The Indian troops guarding the nearly 3,500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) maintained an assertive approach as the eastern Ladakh border spilled into the fourth year even as both sides held several rounds of high-level military and diplomatic talks to resolve it.

The face-off between the two of the planet's biggest military forces mainly continued in Demchok and Depsang regions though both sides completed disengagement in several other friction points.

In line with a growing realisation about the need to boost the national military power, the defence ministry accorded approval to a number of big-ticket acquisition projects including procurement of 97 Tejas light combat aircraft, 156 Prachand combat helicopters and upgrading 84 Su-30 fighter jets.

In 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved in its meetings proposals worth a total of over Rs 3.50 lakh crore to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces, the defence ministry said in a year-end review.

In June, the DAC, the defence ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, approved acquisition of 31 MQ-9B high altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) for the three services from the US through foreign military sale (FMS) route.

In another significant decision, the DAC granted approval for procurement of 26 Rafale marine aircraft along with associated equipment, weapons, simulator and spares for the Indian Navy from French defence major Dassault Aviation under the framework of an inter-governmental agreement.

The Indian Air Force formally inducted the first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft, days after it was handed over to it in the southern Spanish city of Seville.

The IAF received the first of the 56 C295 transport aircraft two years after India sealed a Rs 21,935-crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure the jets to replace its ageing Avro--748 fleet.

Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025 and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.

The defence ministry also maintained its focus on making India a hub for defence manufacturing in the year.

In June, American defence major GE Aerospace inked an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to co-produce F-414 fighter jet engines in India, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US.

According to provisions of the deal, GE Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power Tejas light combat aircraft Mk2.

The agreement was seen as a transformational move in further expanding the India-US global strategic partnership.

In reflection of growing military ties between the two nations, two B-1B Lancer supersonic heavy bomber jets of the US Air Force joined the American exhibits at the Aero India at the Yelahanka air base in February.

The bomber carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the US Air Force and is considered the backbone of America's long-range bomber force, American officials said.

The defence and strategic ties between India and France also witnessed a major upswing in 2023.

The two sides announced a raft of ground-breaking defence cooperation projects including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines and construction of three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy in July.

The government also worked on its policy to boost domestic defence production. The value of defence production in 2022-23 crossed the figure of Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time ever.

In November, Prime Minister Modi flew a sortie in 'Tejas' twin-seater Light Combat Fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

During the 30-minute sortie, capabilities of Tejas were demonstrated to Modi. It was the first time an Indian prime minister flew a fighter aircraft sortie.

In tune with the government's policy priorities, the three services carried out numerous military exercises in the last one year with their counterparts from several friendly nations to boost cooperation in confronting common challenges.

In the fag end of the year, the Indian Navy commenced focused maritime security operations in the Arabian sea in view of incidents of attacks on commercial vessels.

Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was the target of a drone attack off India's west coast on December 23, triggering security concerns as the incident came amid Iran-backed Houthi militants launching strikes on several commercial ships.

Another commercial crude oil tanker, MV Sai Baba, that was on the way to India came under a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day.

India also prioritised development of border infrastructure in 2023 as 118 projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were dedicated to the nation by defence Minister Rajnath Singh this year.

In September, he launched 90 infrastructure projects worth over Rs 2,900 crore, spread across 11 states and Union territories.

In February, the defence budget was increased to Rs 5.94 lakh crore for 2023-24 in a modest hike of 13 per cent from last year's allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore.

The year also saw women armed forces personnel shattering glass ceiling on many fronts.

Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to get operationally deployed in Kumar Post, Siachen Glacier in January. Siachen is the world's highest battlefield.

In another milestone, Lt Cdr Prerna Deosthalee was named as the first woman officer to command an Indian Naval warship.

The induction of women officers in the Regiment of Artillery is under progress. Ten 10 women officers were commissioned in the Regiment of Artillery during 2023.

The Indian Air Force deployed Group Captain Shaliza Dhami to take over the command of a frontline combat unit in the Western sector. She is the first woman to command any combat unit of IAF.

The year 2023 saw the Indian Army continuing its anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir besides keeping a strong vigil over the Line of Control.
At least six people were killed in a massive fire that broke out at a gloves manufacturing company in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the early hours of Sunday, officials said.

IMAGE: Fire service personnel after dousing fire at a gloves making factory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, December 31, 2023. Photograph: ANI on X

According to fire department officials, the blaze erupted around 02:15 am at the factory in Waluj MIDC area.

"We received a call at 2:15 a.m. When we reached the incident site, the entire factory was on fire. Locals informed us that six people were trapped inside. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered," Mohan Mungse, a fire officer, told ANI.

"Extinguishing work is currently in progress," he added.

Earlier, locals claimed at least five workers were trapped inside the building.

Officials with the fire department later confirmed the deaths of six people in the fire incident.

The workers said that the company was closed, and they were sleeping when the fire broke out.

"About 10-15 workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out. Some managed to escape, but at least five were trapped inside," one of the workers had told ANI.

Meanwhile, dousing operations are ongoing, and the exact cause behind the fire is not ascertained yet.

More details are awaited.
Amid a tug-of-war between Congress and the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray over seat sharing in Maharashtra ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, Shiva Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut expressed confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, saying that the discussion on seat sharing is underway.

IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

Addressing a press conference, Raut said, "There is no formula for seat sharing. The person who has the power to win will get that seat. There is no difference between us. Our talks are going on with the central leaders, and the right decision will be taken at the right time."

"We are very positive about taking Prakash Ambedkar into the MVA alliance; he is also speaking strongly in favour of the Constitution," he said.

Earlier, former Lok Sabha MP Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar, reiterated his interest in joining the MVA and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

VBA (Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi) president Prakash Ambedkar, in his letter to Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, stressed the need to adopt his proposed formula of 12 seats for each party.

He termed the '12+12+12+12 formula' as a 'conflict-free' plan to decide on the number of seat sharing in the state.

Emphasising that 'defeating Modi should be the only priority for MVA', Ambedkar in his letter mentioned that the 'VBA desires that the parties within the MVA- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party, Indian National Congress and VBA should fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together and on an equal number of seats as equal partners'.
Two months after a woman student was allegedly gang-raped inside the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) campus in Varanasi, police have arrested three men in connection with the incident, officials said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Student organisations stage a protest against the alleged molestation of a female student of IIT-BHU, in Varanasi on November 3, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Following the arrests, opposition parties hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party government alleging that the accused persons are linked to the ruling party.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demanded that police file a charge sheet in the case at the earliest and take action against those who protected the accused for two months.

The incident took place on the night of November 1. Following the incident, hundreds of BHU students had held a protest on the campus and demanded that the entry of outsiders be banned.

According to the complainant, she had gone out of her hostel with a friend on the night of November 1. They were near the Karman Baba temple when three men came there on a motorcycle, forcibly took her to a corner and gagged her after separating her from her friend.

The accused then allegedly stripped the woman, made a video of her and clicked photos. They let her go after about 15 minutes and took her phone number, the complainant stated.

On the basis of the complaint, a first information report (FIR) was registered under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of the Information Technology Act at Lanka police station.

Subsequently, the charge of gangrape was added to the FIR, police said.

Three people -- Kunal Pandey, Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan, and Saksham Patel -- have been arrested in the case, said Shivakant Mishra, Station House Officer, Lanka police station.

Opposition parties targeted the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government over the law and order situation in the state and alleged that those arrested in the case have links with the ruling BJP.

'For the BJP, 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' is just a slogan. I had said at that time that BJP people are involved in this matter,' Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai said in a post on X.

'The person who gang-raped an IIT BHU student is none other than BJP's Kunal Pandey, convener of Mahanagar IT cell, and Saksham Patel, who is the PA of Dilip Patel (Kashi zone president of the BJP). This is the evil face of BJP. Shameful,' the Congress leader said in another post.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X that those arrested for gang-raping the woman student are part of a new crop of BJP workers thriving under the patronage of senior leaders.

The government had to get them arrested due to the solid evidence in the case and the growing public anger, he said.

'Every woman across the country is seeing how the BJP is playing with women's dignity and protecting those accused of atrocities, harassment and rape. Women will not give even a single vote to the BJP in the upcoming elections. Women will be the reason for the BJP's defeat.

'The truth of the BJP is before the public today. The public will give its verdict by defeating the BJP in the upcoming elections and do justice to women,' he said.

The Samajwadi Party, in a post on X, said sisters and daughters are unsafe in the state and BJP people are the only threat.

The party demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits.

In a statement, ABVP state media coordinator Abhinav Mishra demanded that police file a charge-sheet in the case at the earliest and also take action against those who protected the accused for two months.

The ABVP also called on the BHU administration to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of everyone on the campus.
A man inspects the rubble of a house after an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Dec. 31, 2023. The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 21,822, with 56,451 injured, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Sunday. (Xinhua)

GAZA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 21,822, with 56,451 injured, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Sunday.

In a press statement sent to Xinhua, Ashraf Al-Qedra, the health ministry spokesman said that the Israeli army killed 150 and injured 286 others during the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Palestinian sources told Xinhua that the former Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Youssef Salama, was killed in an Israeli air strike on his home in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip.

The sources said that Israeli warplanes bombed Sheikh Salama's house, killing him and wounding a number of his family members.

The sources added that a paramedic was killed while working in an Israeli raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army spokesperson said on his X account that the Israeli forces continued the fight in Gaza, and have thwarted ready-to-use explosive devices, destroyed infrastructure of Palestinian factions, and killed 14 militants.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. 

People inspect the rubble of a house after an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Dec. 31, 2023. The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 21,822, with 56,451 injured, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Sunday. (Xinhua)

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Dec. 31, 2023. The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 21,822, with 56,451 injured, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Sunday. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2023 shows the site of an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 21,822, with 56,451 injured, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Sunday. (Xinhua)

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Dec. 31, 2023. The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 21,822, with 56,451 injured, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Sunday. (Xinhua)
They constitute most of the civilians displaced by armed conflict. One woman lost all five of her children.

A woman who fled Myanmar feeds a baby in a relief camp at the border village of Zokhawthar, in India's northeastern state of Mizoram, India, Nov. 15, 2023.

As Myanmars civil war approaches its third year, intensified fighting across the country this year between ruling junta forces and resistance fighters has destroyed villages and parts of towns, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians, most of whom are women and children.

The number of internally displaced persons, or IDPs, reached more than 1 million this year, nearly 11,000 of whom fled to neighboring India and Thailand, according to a United Nations report.

The lives and properties of our people were destroyed, said Zin Mar Aung, foreign affairs minister under the parallel National Unity Government, noting the juntas burning of villages, air strikes targeting civilians and mass killings.

At least 330 women died this year as a result of attacks by junta forces amid the escalation of armed conflict, said Tin Tin Nyo, general secretary of the Women's League of Burma.

The number of civilian casualties increased due to artillery attacks and air strikes, she told Radio Free Asia. Most of the victims were women, children and the elderly.

A woman killed by an artillery shell fired by Myanmar junta forces is carried by rescuers in Noe Koe village in Kayah states Loikaw township, Aug. 31, 2023. (Karenni Human Rights Group)





Since the end of October, the number of internally displaced persons also increased, with most being women and children, Tin Tin Nyo said.

After a country falls under the rule of dictators, it loses the rule of law and justice, she said, adding that her organization has seen an uptick in gender-based violence, abuse by husbands amid economic decline, and a growing number sex workers.

These are both visible and invisible challenges, said the women's rights advocate. 2023 was full of severe hardship for women.

Lost hope

Yu Yu, a woman who fled amid armed clashes in eastern Myanmars Kayah state, said she has suffered trauma as an IDP.

We are surviving on the food of donors as we have no jobs, she said. We have lost hope.

Women who left their jobs to join the Civil Disobedience Movement, or CDM, to resist the military rule following the February 2021 coup say theyve had difficulties making ends meet while caring for children or aging parents.

My father is 80 years old, my mother is also elderly, [and] they are not in good health, said Khin May, who used to teach at a private high school in Bago region but quit to join the CDM.

It is very difficult for us while I have no job, she said, adding that she believes the resistance forces will triumph over the junta in 2024.

Hla Win, who lost her leg to a landmine, walks with crutches at a camp for internally displaced people near Myanmars Pekon township, July 29, 2023. (AFP)





Children have suffered amid the civil war as well, and more than 560 have died since the military seized control from the civilian-led government in the February 2021 coup, according to Aung Myo Min, the NUGs human rights minister.

Since Dec. 21, four children between the ages of 8 and 11 were killed in Rakhine states Mrauk-U township, a 9-year-old child was killed in Namtu in northern Shan state, and a seven-year-old girl died in an attack by junta troops in Sagaing regions Paungbyin township, according to figures compiled by RFA.

This is a war crime, said Aung Myo Min. Its everyones responsibility to protect children at all times, but we have seen almost every day that killings are taking place where there are children as they sleep alongside their families, as well as the deaths of pregnant mothers.

Utter despair

The death of children are often directly linked to women dying mid the fighting, said Thandar, head of gender equality and womens development under the NUGs Ministry of Women, Youth and Childrens Affairs.

For example, in Sagaing and Magway regions, grown men are performing revolutionary duties, while the women, the elderly and vulnerable groups like children are fleeing together, she said. So, if women are hit, children are hit, too.

According to Shan Human Rights Foundation based in Thailand, 28 children were killed due to the juntas attacks from Oct. 27 to Dec. 27 during the the Three Brotherhood Alliance rebel offensive that has put junta forces back on their heels.

People flee a village after renewed fighting between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army in Pauktaw township in western Rakhine state, Nov. 19, 2023. (AFP)





Air- and land-based artillery strikes are the most common cause of death, and children are among the mass casualties when such attacks occur, death counts indicate.

On Apr. 19, nearly 20 children under the age of 18 were killed in an air strike during a gathering in Pa Zi Gyi village in Sagaing regions Kanbalu township. Eleven others died during an attack on Mon Laik IDP camp near the headquarters of an ethnic army in the town of Laiza in Kachin state on Oct. 9.

And eight more children were killed during an aerial bombardment of Vuilu village in Matupi township in western Myanmars Chin state on Nov. 15.

Roi Ji, 40, told RFA that she was in utter despair because all five of her children died in the attack on the Mon Laik IDP camp.

I cant think about anything anymore, she said. Im in a state of derangement.

Precarious futures

Children who live in war-torn areas no longer have access to schools or adequate nutrition, and face bleak futures.

Nwe Nwe Moe, a former teacher at Shwebo Technical College who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement and has since become a member of Yinmarbin-Salingyi multi-village strike committee in Sagaing region, said she dare not think about the future of the children living among the chaos of war.

Im concerned about whether the children will be able to develop into capable young people because there is no safety, no access to study, health care, or nutritious food for them, she said. I have a sinking feeling about those who are in life-threatening and emotionally insecure situations.

People flee a village after renewed fighting between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army in Pauktaw township in western Rakhine state, Nov. 19, 2023. (AFP)





As the bloodshed continues, Aung Myo Min said the NUG is making efforts to protect civilian survivors of attacks and to seek justice for them.

Since there are air and artillery strikes against the civilians, the NUGs Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management is working with administrative organizations on creating bomb shelters for emergencies and providing guidance about not harming children, he said.

Translated by Aung Naing and Htin Aung Kyaw for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and 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.
KYIV  Ukrainians braced for further attacks as they ushered in another likely difficult year on January 1, with death and destruction from Russian missile strikes continuing to terrorize Ukrainian cities and dampening any New Year's celebrations.

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.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities on December 31 said the death toll from a purported Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod reached 24 people, with dozens of others injured as the Kremlin vowed revenge for the strike, which took place some 25 kilometers inside the border.

Kyiv did not immediately comment on the Belgorod attack, but it regularly says the region is used by the Kremlins forces to launch air strikes against Ukrainian cities.

Both sides regularly deny targeting civilian areas, although Russia has been regularly condemned for such attacks.

One year ago, Russia launched a rocket and drone onslaught against Ukraine, with New Years Day blasts killing at least three civilians and wounding dozens of others.

This year, in a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that "we Ukrainians know better than anyone else that a better tomorrow does not come on its own, because we defend each of our tomorrows with our own hands.

"Not only a New Year's, but also a year-round, a miracle is within all of you: decisive, responsible, caring, and effective.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin in his annual address broadcast on state television called on Russians not to look back but to move forward and create the future.

He praised Russias military, which invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 on a full-scale basis and has been fighting there ever since. Putin stood against a background of the Kremlin during the low-key address. He did not mention the December 30 incident in Belgorod.

Ukrainian officials said 28 people were injured in the attacks on Kharkiv -- a city of some 1.4 million people -- and that 12 people had been hospitalized.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that among the victims is a journalist from Great Britain, without providing additional information. One of the missiles struck the five-star Kharkiv Palace Hotel.

WATCH: Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, woke up to Russian missile and drone strikes on December 31. Ukrainian authorities say 28 people were injured in the barrage.

Separately, Germanys ZDF broadcaster said a seven-person television crew was hit by the Russian missile strike on the hotel, with a Ukrainian translator being seriously injured.

This is another attack by Russia on the free press, ZDF Editor in Chief Bettina Schausten said.

Following the purported Ukrainian attack on Belgorod, Russian authorities said New Year's celebrations had been canceled in a number of Russian cities.

While the attack on Belgorod and the Kremlins retaliatory strike on Kharkiv took the spotlight as 2023 came to an end, deadly fighting and missile strikes continued elsewhere as well.



Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Ukrainian regional military administration in Kherson, said a Russian strike killed a teenager and injured another child in the southern Ukrainian city on December 31.

Prokudin wrote on Facebook that a 14-year-old boy died on the spot when a store was hit in the city, while a 9-year-old boy was in extremely serious condition with a traumatic brain injury. Prokudin later said that two women were also injured in the attack.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service and AFP
In the fall of 2022, the Kremlin was forecasting a very bleak winter ahead for citizens of the European Union.

After cutting natural gas supplies to Europe -- in retaliation for Western sanctions on Russia for the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine -- Moscow and pro-Kremlin media were almost gleefully predicting that Europe, without the benevolence of Russian gas supplies, would become a wasteland of dark, iced-over cities. Europeans would be lucky if they didn't freeze to death in their beds.

But while energy prices spiked, the EU didn't freeze, helped by a relatively mild winter. To cope with the shortfall of Russian gas throughout the colder months and for the rest of 2023, the EU stockpiled supplies; increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), mostly from the United States; encouraged consumers to cut consumption and improve efficiency; and relied more on renewables such as wind and solar.

"The European Union has made incredible progress since February 2022 to reduce its dependence on Russian pipeline gas imports," Akos Losz, a senior research associate at New York's Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, told RFE/RL.

That, experts say, is good for the EU's long-term energy security. Yet cutting Russia out of the energy equation completely will be much harder to achieve across a divided EU, where countries not only have very different energy needs but very different relationships with the Kremlin.

"The remaining flows are more difficult to phase down due to the combination of geography, contractual commitments, and -- in some cases -- political expediency," Losz said.

At the time Moscow launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the EU was largely dependent on Russia for gas. Overall, Russia provided more than 40 percent of the EU's gas imports -- supplying as much as 95 percent of Hungary's gas to less than 10 percent of Spain's in 2021, according to EU's official statistics office Eurostat. The biggest net importer of Russian gas in the EU, however, was Germany with 55 billion cubic meters in 2021, making up over 65 percent of the country's gas imports.

Before the February invasion, exports of Russian gas to the EU were actually expected to increase, with the near completion of a new pipeline: Nord Stream 2. Like its older sibling, Nord Stream 1, the new pipeline was built to transport gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea and was financed by the Russian state energy giant Gazprom and other European energy companies. Warnings of the geopolitical risks of overdependence on Russian gas largely fell on deaf ears within the bloc.

"[Russia] always uses energy as a blackmailing tool," Philipp Lausberg, an analyst at the Brussels-based European Policy Center, told RFE/RL. "This is clearly the most powerful weapon they have."

Ukraine knew only too well how that "blackmail" worked, as for decades Moscow had regularly resorted to turning off the taps in its spats with Kyiv.

Fewer Routes For Russian Gas

Imports of Russian gas to the EU are now down by roughly one-third, when compared to levels before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. According to figures from Eurostat, in the third quarter of 2021, 39 percent of the EU's gas came from Russia. Two years later, in the third quarter of 2023, that amount is down to 12 percent.

This reduction was partly out of necessity, as Russia unilaterally cut off supplies to some of its European customers in 2022, causing gas prices to hit record highs. Among them were Bulgaria, Poland, Finland, and the Netherlands, which refused to pay for Russian gas in rubles -- a condition imposed on "unfriendly countries," who usually paid in dollars or euros as a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against Russia's central bank. On August 31, 2022, Moscow suspended deliveries to Europe through Nord Stream 1 for what it said would be three days of routine maintenance. Since then, the pipeline has remained offline.

Three of Russia's major routes for shipping gas to the EU have been closed since 2022. In May of that year, Ukraine's Gas Transmission System Operator declared force majeure -- a clause invoked when a business is hit by unforeseeable circumstances -- saying that it no longer had operational control over infrastructure on territory occupied by Russia and halted transit flows through Sokhranivka, one of the two entry points of Russian gas into Ukraine.

Also in May of that year, the Yamal-Europe pipeline, a joint Russian-Belarusian-Polish project that shipped gas from Russia to Poland and Germany, stopped operating after Moscow halted flows to Poland and sanctioned the firm that owns the Polish section of the pipeline. Poland is now using its section of the pipeline to import gas from Germany.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Berlin put on hold its certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which hadn't yet started transporting Russian gas to Germany. Then, in September 2022, explosions destroyed parts of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, making the pipelines inoperable. Experts concluded that the explosions were sabotage, although separate investigations have not found anything conclusive about the perpetrator.

That means Russian gas deliveries to Europe via pipeline are currently limited to two routes: the first through the European leg of TurkStream, a joint Gazprom-Turkish project that ships gas from Russia to Turkey under the Black Sea and then onwards to Central and Southeastern Europe; the second via Ukraine through the Sudzha entry point on the border with Russia.

Additionally, the overall consumption of natural gas in the EU has decreased by almost 18 percent, as part of a bloc-wide effort to diversify energy supplies, increase efficiency, and invest in renewable sources. The EU has committed to end dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027 through its REPowerEU Plan and, according to the European Commission, is on track to meet that target.

Halting Ukrainian Flows

Supplies of Russian gas could further decrease in the years ahead, as the already limited transit of gas through Ukraine might not continue past December 2024. Russia's current contract with Ukraine is set to expire, and both Kyiv and Moscow have signaled that they don't plan to extend it.

While this doesn't automatically mean that flows through Ukraine will completely cease from January 2025, it is unlikely that the volumes will continue at the current levels. The Ukrainian transit corridor "could theoretically function" based on short-term capacity bookings from 2025 onwards, said energy expert Losz. But "this would require a basic level of trust and working relationship between the companies involved, and that is in very short supply these days."

Halting the remaining gas flows through Ukraine would impact several European countries still receiving Russian gas through this transit corridor. Among them is Austria, which before the invasion got nearly 80 percent of its gas from Russia. Austrian energy company OMV has a long-term supply contract with Russia's Gazprom valid until 2040, with deliveries arriving through Ukraine. OMV's head, Alfred Stern, told the London-based Financial Times in July that it would continue taking the gas as long as Gazprom will continue to supply it.

Slovakia, Italy, and Croatia also receive Russian gas through Ukrainian transit routes under long-term contracts with Gazprom, according to the Center on Global Energy Policy. But those countries, according to Losz, a researcher at the center, "have more than enough import capacity to bring in alternative supplies," although they would come "at a higher price and through more complicated transit routes."

EU candidate Moldova might likely fare worse with a sudden stoppage of Ukrainian gas flows. While Gazprom provides gas supplies only to Moldova's Russian-backed breakaway Transdniester region, Moldova buys a significant share of the electricity it uses from the gas-fired Cuciurgan power plant in Transdniester. A sudden disruption of gas deliveries could effectively leave a large part of the country without electricity.

In an October interview with RFE/RL, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that her country was now building a direct high-voltage connection to import electricity from Romania and allow the country to be "fully independent." The transmission line is expected to be finished before 2025.

Giving Up Is Hard

Completely abstaining from Russian gas won't be easy for the EU and Russian flows are expected to continue, at least for a while.

Lausberg from the European Policy Center noted that while some countries "have significantly decoupled from Russia when it comes to energy," others -- like Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, as well as Serbia -- are still dependent on Russian gas and are not ready to give that up for both economic and political reasons.

TurkStream is a case in point. The European leg of the pipeline, which utilizes new and existing infrastructure, transports gas farther on to the European Union via Bulgaria. Although Moscow unilaterally halted deliveries to Bulgaria in April 2022, with Gazprom saying that it had not received payments in rubles as requested, TurkStream continues to supply Serbia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Greece through its network of pipelines.

"Some countries in Central and Eastern Europe, especially Hungary, are trying to keep close ties with Putin," Lausberg said, "and are ready to rely longer on Russian gas imports because they see it as politically expedient, as a tool in their games between the EU and Russia to use as a bargaining chip on both sides."

Hungary, which has been Russia's strongest ally in the EU, receives most of its natural gas from Russia. In 2021, Prime Minister Victor Orban's government negotiated a 15-year contract, under which Gazprom would ship 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Hungary annually, via TurkStream and via Ukraine. In 2022, after Russia's invasion, Budapest signed a new deal with Moscow for additional quantities of Russian gas. Most of the deliveries -- 3.5 billion cubic meters out of the 4.5 billion total under the long-term contract, plus the additional quantities -- come through TurkStream, with a smaller portion being delivered through Ukraine.

It doesn't look like Hungary wants to stop those gas supplies anytime soon. In October, Bulgaria imposed a tax on Russian gas transit to the amount of 20 leva ($10.80) per megawatt hour. Sofia said it was aiming to make it less profitable for Gazprom to ship gas via Bulgaria, in order to reduce the profits going into the Kremlin's war chest, as well as to reduce the region's reliance on Russian energy.

Hungary hit back, threatening to veto Bulgaria's entry into the passport-free Schengen zone, unless it abolished the transit fee for Russian gas. Bulgaria relented, with the country's parliament voting to abolish the tax. Belgrade also threatened to respond to Sofia's move, saying it was directed against Hungary and Serbia, which also imports most of its gas from Russia through Bulgaria under a long-term contract with Gazprom that runs until 2025.

The angry reactions were motivated not only by the potential price impact but also by a "perceived risk to supply security," Losz said. "Both Hungary and Serbia see Russian gas as fundamental to their energy security, regardless of the geopolitical ramifications, and they receive their gas on highly favorable terms compared to the alternatives," he added.

The LNG Factor

While imports of Russian gas via pipeline to the EU have decreased since February 2022, Russia has increased from prewar levels its LNG exports to the bloc. According to data from Eurostat, in 2023, the United States has supplied the majority of the EU's LNG (40 percent), followed by Russia and Qatar, which both have a market share of around 13 precent.

Not subject to EU sanctions, imports of Russian LNG, mostly via tankers, jumped 40 percent in the period between January and July 2023 compared to the prewar levels, according to an August report by the environmental watchdog Global Witness.

"EU countries now buy the majority of Russia's [gas] supply, propping up one of the Kremlin's most important sources of revenue," the report said.

Some of this LNG, however, is shipped onwards to other markets, some in the European Union, according to a June report by the Center for the Study Of Democracy, a Bulgaria-based think tank.

Bulgaria, for example, has indirectly bought Russian LNG, which was initially destined for Greek companies with long-term agreements with Gazprom. Another example is Germany, which received 23 percent of its natural gas imports from Belgium in the first three months of 2023. During the same time period, according to the Center for the Study of Democracy report, Belgium imported 60 percent of its LNG supply from Russia.

In October, the European Commission acknowledged the increase in Russian LNG imports in its annual State of the Energy Union report but said that "they represent a very small portion of overall gas imports."

These shipments are likely to continue, according to Losz, unless the EU imposes a wholesale ban on Russian LNG imports. In July, Ukrainian climate activists lobbied the European Commission, calling for a complete ban of imports of Russian LNG to the EU. However, in September, Spain -- which holds the rotating EU Presidency until the end of 2023 and is the bloc's biggest consumer of Russian LNG -- said there was no plan in the short-term to ban imports of Russian liquefied natural gas.

Despite the EU considerably reducing its imports of Russian gas, experts say that it is unlikely that the bloc will be able to fully cut Russia off as a supplier. One reason why some European countries will have continued interest in Russian gas supplies, Lausberg said, is because "a lot of these countries are landlocked. For them, it is much harder to get LNG gas. And the other reason is that Russian gas is still comparatively cheap."

"The urgency to go to zero has somewhat diminished, and I expect that it will take longer than the 2027 target date in the REPowerEU Plan to completely eliminate Russian gas from the EU energy mix," Losz said. He noted, however, that the current level of dependence on Russian gas is "much more manageable" than it was before.

"Russian gas dependence is no longer the economy-wrecking menace for the EU that it once was not too long ago," he said.
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
There were no mass protests in Russia in 2023. There were no hair-raising scenes of riot police in helmets and body armor beating students and shoving elderly demonstrators into police vans.

Nonetheless, the harsh repression of dissent was the daily business of President Vladimir Putins security forces, with the action shifted to pretrial detention centers, the courts, and the prison system.

It is a return to the repressive system of the post-Stalin period, said human rights activist Aleksandr Cherkasov of Memorial, which has been banned in Russia. Maybe this has been ordered [from above] -- that is possible. But it is the same logic as the campaigns of the Soviet Union.

Now Putin has returned to the same thing, but the difference is that he is not just maintaining some kind of stability but is undertaking social engineering, building a new country, he added. The scope of the repression turns out to be sufficient: One person is imprisoned and 100 have their hands tied because they already have an administrative offense, and the next violation means prison. It worked in the Soviet Union, and it works now.

Most dramatically, the year saw increasingly long prison terms handed down in cases widely seen as politically motivated. Opposition politician Aleksei Navalny was handed a 19-year prison term in August on an extremism conviction. Navalny denounced the sentence as Stalinist.

Fellow opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years on treason and other charges in April. In November, St. Petersburg artist Aleksandra Skochilenko was sentenced to seven years in prison for an anti-war protest.

According to the end-of-the-year report by OVD-Info, a rights project that monitors and reports on repression in Russia, typical prison terms for anti-war charges in 2023 were from 36 to 77 months. Typical sentences for publications on the Internet were between 34 and 65 months.

'Satanic Work'

The OVD-Info report presents a clear picture of the Kremlins suppression of basic freedoms, using a tangle of new or recently modified laws criminalizing the spread of what the state deems false information about the armed forces, justifying terrorism, rehabilitating Nazism, and so on. The laws are notable for their vague language and unpredictable application.

In 2023, at least 2,830 cases were filed under the law on discrediting the armed forces -- Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, or KoAP. This represented a small downturn from the previous year, when people arrested at anti-war protests were routinely charged under that article.

More ominously, however, there was a significant uptick in prosecutions under Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes the repeated discrediting of the armed forces. That law stipulates prison terms up to five years for defendants who have already been punished under KoAP 20.3.3. For instance, on December 28, 86-year-old Orthodox Archbishop Viktor Pivovarov was charged under the law in the Krasnodar region.

I said during interrogation that the current government is acting illegally, Pivovarov, whose small confession is separate from the state-allied Russian Orthodox Church, told RFE/RL. It is the heirs of those who carried out the Bolshevik coup in 1917 and is continuing their Satanic work.

2023 also saw a dramatic uptick in the application of the criminal law against disseminating false information about the war in Ukraine, particularly cases allegedly motivated by political hatred (Criminal Code Article 207.3). At least 794 defendants were charged under the article in 2023, OVD-Info reported. Siberian journalist Maria Ponomarenko was one of the most prominent defendants convicted under this article. In February, she was sentenced to six years in prison, after spending nearly a year in pretrial detention.

In May, she was transferred to a prison more than 1,000 kilometers away from her under-aged children, and in November she was charged with attacking a prison official, which could add another five years to her sentence.

'Significantly Harsher'

There were also at least 16 criminal cases opened in 2023 on the charge of justifying terrorism, which is covered by Article 205.2 of the Criminal Code. Many of the cases involved people who commented on the wave of attacks on military recruiting offices around Russia or on the attacks that damaged the Crimea Bridge, which connects Russia to the occupied Ukrainian peninsula.

Also in 2023, lawmakers criminalized the justification of extremism, which OVD-Info analysts predicted could portend a coming wave of prosecutions for anyone commenting on any individual or organization figuring on the Kremlins list of purported extremists.

Lawmakers also added Article 280.4 to the Criminal Code in 2023, criminalizing statements or actions running counter to national security. In recent months, at least 134 cases have been opened under the new law, at least 10 of which were connected with statements criticizing Russias 2022 military mobilization for the war against Ukraine.

At least 43 journalists were caught up in the wave of repressions in 2023 on a variety of charges usually related to statements about the war in Ukraine. Two American journalists -- Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal and Alsu Kurmasheva of RFE/RL -- were arrested in Russia in 2023 and remain jailed in pretrial detention.

In 2023, 217 individuals and organizations were added to the Justice Ministrys list of foreign agents. Fifty-three organizations were declared undesirable in Russia, compared to 23 in 2022. The nonexistent international LGBT social movement was banned as extremist on November 30. At least 75 Jehovahs Witnesses were charged with crimes related to extremism in 2023.

There were at least 45 cases under laws criminalizing the rehabilitation of Nazism, including a case in Kurgan where a man was fined 2 million rubles ($22,300) for lighting a cigarette using the local eternal flame war memorial. Volunteers with the banned Memorial human rights group were charged under the article after it was discovered that three of the tens of thousands of names included in the groups database of victims of Stalinist repression were people who had collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.

This year laws concerning public statements, foreign agents, and terrorist activity were made significantly harsher, said OVD-Info analyst Yelizaveta Shtiglits. Apparently, the latter was in response to the attacks on recruiting centers and railroad lines. They have begun adopting new laws on public statements, including calls for anti-government activity or the repeated display of banned symbols and so on.

What The Future Holds

In April, the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed Bulgarian activist Mariana Katzarova as the first-ever UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia.

She told Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, that the situation in Russia is very difficult.

This doesnt mean that activists and rights monitors are not still working in the Russian Federation, she said, noting that she has received more than 200 reports from activists in the country so far. They are working, but the foundation of civil society has been destroyed.

Since Moscows unprovoked massive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, she said, we seea situation in which all lawmaking and state activity is aimed at stifling the voices of the people, the voices of civil society, and the anti-war messages of the people.

I believe that the war became possible because of the enormous repressions within Russian society, Katzarova added.

Such trends will continue and intensify in 2024, OVD-Infos Shtiglits said.

We cant forget that during the last year a whole raft of new articles have been added to the security agencies arsenal that will enable them to even more actively prosecute expressions of opinion or cooperation with various organizations, she said. The laws on state-security crimes have been made significantly harsher.

Written by RFE/RLs Robert Coalson with reporting by Current Time
BELGRADE  Three additional opposition leaders associated with the pro-Europe Serbia Against Violence coalition have ended their hunger strikes that were launched to demand annulment of general elections that took place in the country earlier this month.

Officials on December 31 confirmed that Marinika Tepic, Jelena Milosevic, and Branko Miljus had ended their hunger strikes after about 12 days, joining Janko Veselinovic and Danijela Grujic, both members of parliament, who on December 28 announced they were ending their hunger strikes on the advice of doctors.

In addition to the hunger strikes, pro-Europe opposition supporters and student groups have held daily protests in Belgrade since the day after the December 17 election. They are demanding annulment of the parliamentary and local elections across Serbia, claiming fraud after President Aleksandar Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) was declared victorious in the elections.

Opposition figures said there would be a pause in daily protests  held for 13 straight days  with some saying that further major demonstrations would be organized at specific future dates.

On December 30, several thousand protesters filled Terazije Square in the old Stari Grad neighborhood of the Serbian capital.

Tepic, a leading figure in Serbia Against Violence, began her hunger strike on December 18. She was placed on intravenous drips on December 25 following a deterioration in her health. She vowed to continue the hunger strike but later indicated that the health concerns were forcing her to call if off.

On December 30, Tepic briefly addressed the crowd at a protest against alleged election theft in downtown Belgrade, after which she went to the hospital.

Opposition leader Dragan Djilas, who is head of the Freedom and Justice Party, on December 31 confirmed the hunger strike had ended and told the FoNet agency on December 31 that Tepic was feeling fine and had started consuming minimal amounts of food.

Local media reports said Milosevic ended the hunger strike after doctors at the Clinical Center in Nis concluded that the continuation of the strike could lead to organ damage.

Miljus confirmed to RFE/RL that he had suspended his hunger strike. He is out of the hospital and undergoing home treatment.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international observers denounced what they called a series of "irregularities" in the December 17 voting. Domestic nongovernmental election-monitoring groups also alleged that irregularities took place in the voting process.

Viola von Cramon, a member of the observation mission of the European Parliament to the parliamentary and local elections, condemned the alleged irregularities and said the European Parliament expects higher democratic standards from an EU candidate country.

Vucic and SNS politicians have denied allegations of fraud and vote-buying, saying the elections were held in a democratic atmosphere.

Serbia's national election commission on December 29 rejected the call by Serbia Against Violence to nullify the voting.

Many Western observers have raised concerns over deteriorating political rights and civil liberties in Serbia and increased government pressure on independent media outlets.

Vucic has attempted to maintain good relations with Moscow, even as Serbia seeks closer ties with the European Union. Serbia has not joined the bloc and other Western powers in imposing sanctions against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow accused the West, without providing evidence, of orchestrating the Belgrade protests following the elections.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday expressed his deep appreciation for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali as it completed its withdrawal from the country.

The UN chief underscored the pivotal role the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) played in bolstering the peace process.

The mission was instrumental in ensuring respect for the ceasefire under the 2015 Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, as well as in supporting the transition towards the "restoration of state authority," Guterres said.

The secretary-general expressed his "deepest gratitude" towards the personnel of MINUSMA. The mission's head El-Ghassim Wane was particularly commended for his "outstanding leadership in a challenging context."

Regarding the human cost of the mission, the secretary-general paid a poignant tribute to the 311 MINUSMA personnel who lost their lives and the over 700 who were injured.

"The entire United Nations family stands in sympathy and solidarity with the loved ones, friends, and colleagues of the fallen staff," he said, honoring their "selfless devotion to the cause of peace."

With the onset of the liquidation period on Jan. 1, 2024, a smaller team will oversee the transportation of assets and the disposal of United Nations equipment in Mali. Guterres has placed his trust in the "full cooperation of the transitional government" to facilitate the effort.

Reaffirming the United Nations' unwavering support to Mali, the UN chief pledged to continue working with the Malian people towards restoring its constitutional order and promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

The Security Council on June 30 adopted resolution 2690 to end MINUSMA's mandate as of June 30. It requested the mission to immediately start on July 1 the cessation of its operations, transfer of its tasks, as well as the orderly and safe withdrawal of its personnel, with the objective of completing this process by Dec. 31, 2023.

MINUSMA, established by Security Council resolution 2100 in April, aims to support political processes in Mali by carrying out security-related tasks. 
Armed Forces carry out military operation on container ship heading to ports of occupied Palestine





Sana'a 18 Jumada al-Akhirah 1445 AH Corresponding to December 31, 2023 AD Issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces

resource : Saba

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[31/December/2023]SANA'A December 31. 2023 (Saba) - The Yemeni Armed Forces announced that the naval forces succeeded on Sunday in carrying out a military operation targeting the Maersk Hangzhou container ship, which was heading to the ports of occupied Palestine, with appropriate naval missiles.The armed forces confirmed in a statement issued today that the targeting operation came after the ships crew refused to respond to the warning calls of the Yemeni naval forces.The statement explained that while the naval forces of the Yemeni armed forces were exercising their regular official duties in establishing security and stability and protecting maritime navigation, in addition to performing their humanitarian and moral duty declared by Yemen to prevent Israeli ships or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine from passing through the Red Sea, in solidarity and support for the Palestinian people, the American enemy forces attacked three boats belonging to the Yemeni naval forces, which led to the martyrdom and loss of ten members of the naval forces.It pointed out that the Yemeni armed forces, as they are bleeding in the midst of the battle to support the Al-Aqsa flood, these martyrs for the sake of Palestine, confirm that the American enemy bears the consequences of this crime and its repercussions, and that its military movements in the Red Sea to protect Israeli ships will not prevent Yemen from performing its religious, moral, and humanitarian duty in support and victory for Palestine and Gaza.We also call on the rest of the countries not to engage in the dangerous American behavior, as it will have negative repercussions that may affect everyone.The Yemeni Armed Forces confirm what was stated in their previous statements regarding preventing the passage of all Israeli ships, or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine, with their full concern for maritime traffic to all destinations except the Israeli entity.The Yemeni armed forces renew their advice to all countries not to be drawn into the American plans aimed at igniting the conflict in the Red Sea, and that they will not hesitate to confront any aggression against our country and our people.The Yemeni Armed Forces call on the sons of our great Yemeni people and all the free people of our Arab and Islamic nation to be extremely vigilant and prepared for all options in order to confront the American escalation in support of the criminal Zionist entity and encouraging it to commit more crimes against our brothers in Gaza.E.M
by Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani experts and academics have said artificial intelligence (AI) is the need of the hour to give impetus to exports and the national economy.

AI is the new reality as it is going to contribute trillions of U.S. dollars to the world economy in the next couple of years, and Pakistan must benefit from it, said experts and speakers during a seminar on AI on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yasar Ayaz, chairman of Pakistan's National Center of Artificial Intelligence, said that AI is the main technology spearheading technological advancement for the past one and a half decades in the world.

"Many technology-based industries are focusing on AI as it is embedded in every technology solution like social media, applications, networking and banking tools," he said.

Highlighting that AI investment and development can help the country generate billions of dollars in revenue, Ayaz underlined that AI is the only technology driving economic development as the current industrial era is the era of human and robot society.

"We can get a new share from this new technology unfolding in the world. Many Pakistani foreign entrepreneurs and international companies are opening their businesses related to AI in the country," he said.

Syed Mohammad Anwar, former deputy attorney general of Pakistan, noted that AI is the technology of the real world, saying collection of information is the primary aspect of artificial intelligence.

Pakistan should embrace the revolution of artificial intelligence as an opportunity to advance its information technology exports and economy by exploring billions of dollars worth of global market, he said.

Talking about the hostile impacts of AI, Anwar said that the source of information needed to be verified while viewing AI-based content, adding that there is a need to develop a filter in mind to scrutinize every piece of information. 
"I think what you hear when you are abroad about China and your imagination is so different to what the reality is." Richard Waddell, the principal of an international kindergarten in downtown Beijing, shares with Xinhua his experience in China and his thoughts about the country.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Politics

spotlight

San Francisco's political future is up for grabs in 2024

Craig Lee/The Examiner Mayor London Breed speaking at the reopening of UN Plaza in San Francisco on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.

By San Francisco standards, 2023 was boring.

Rest assured, 2024 will make up for it.

The City will decide its next mayor in November, but the politicking is well underway, with voters set to make major decisions in March on public-safety proposals and a $300 million affordable-housing bond.

Meanwhile, legislators and political action committees will bat around proposals that could fundamentally reshape city government and how San Franciscans elect their leaders.

The Board of Supervisors will also be reshaped next year, as six of the 11 seats are up for grabs. That includes three races in which there is no incumbent, ensuring change in a body that  like the mayor  has received consistently low approval ratings from city voters.

Behind each of these races will be a substantial amount of cash, with money starting to flow behind campaigns and causes.

In short, what happens in 2024 will set the course of The City through what will surely be one of its most challenging periods in modern history. Whoever wins the mayoral race will inherit a budget deficit poised to exceed $1 billion by 2027. While the downtown office market has shown some signs of recovery, it continues to march toward a new nadir, and The City saw in 2023 the highest number of fatal drug overdoses recorded in its history.

Whats making 2024 such a busy year for voters? Blame  or thank  2022 voters who approved a ballot measure that shifted city elections to even years. The mayors race would have otherwise been decided in 2023, along with those for sheriff and several other top city positions.

The goal of the 2022 ballot measure was to increase voter turnout by consolidating city elections with federal ones, and this year will be an important initial test of that theory.

March madness

Mayor London Breed isnt up for reelection until November, but shell try to build political momentum early in the year by backing two ballot measures that ostensibly respond to San Franciscans persistent concerns about public safety.

The first, dubbed Safer San Francisco, would walk back a decade-old policy that limits the ability of police officers to pursue suspects in certain crimes, give police more authority to use drones and roll back some reporting requirements seen as an administrative burden.

The second would require people who accept welfare from The City to first be screened for addictions. To continue receiving financial assistance, a person determined to have an addiction would be required to participate in treatment.

The measures are already receiving substantial financial backing from civically minded and thick-walleted business leaders such as Ron Conway and Chris Larsen. Both are pouring big money behind Safer San Francisco, while the ACLU of Northern California has already committed $100,000 to defeating it. Interestingly, Larsen and Conway were on different sides of the recall campaign that ousted District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022, with Larsen backing Boudins bid to stay in office.

Larsen has put $250,000 behind the Committee for a Safer San Francisco, while Conway has given $100,000.

Other key ballot measures include a proposal that would require San Francisco middle schools to restore the algebra curriculum, as well as a proposed bond measure that would allocate $300 million to support affordable-housing construction and maintenance.

Voters will also take up a third proposed ballot measure that would set a new minimum police staffing level for the police department. However, unlike the original measure, the one thats on the ballot calls for the recruitment efforts to be funded by a new or existing tax  a substantial difference that prompted the bills original sponsor, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, to abandon it.

Expect campaigns to ramp up

After a busy March primary, the campaigns for mayor and the supervisorial races will get into full swing.

Thus far, the field is chock-full of moderates and empty of progressives.

Breed will seek a second full term in office. Her prominent challengers to this point are Ahsha Safai, who has represented District 11 on the Board of Supervisors for two terms, and Daniel Lurie, who co-founded the nonprofit Tipping Point and is an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune.

Absent from the mix is any formidable progressive candidate.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who has spent two two-term stints on the Board of Supervisors, has declined to enter the race, though many suspect that he might have a change of heart in the new year.

Former Mayor Mark Farrell, who served briefly following the 2017 death of Mayor Ed Lee, has also floated the possibility of a run but has not formally entered the race.

2024 in San Francisco: What will the new year bring? As The City faces a consequential year, these stories will be worth watching long past the expiration date of a loaf of San Francisco sourdough.

Supervisors

Odd-numbered districts in the Board of Supervisors will also be up for grabs in November.

In three cases, the incumbent supervisors are termed out and will not be running for reelection.

That includes District 9, which encompasses the Mission district, where a healthy slate of candidates has already stepped forward to replace outgoing Supervisor Hillary Ronen. The winner will have a key role in the controversial expansion of homeless services in the district and confronting the proliferation of street vending along Mission Street that has vexed city leaders.

Safai is leaving after two terms representing a district that includes The Excelsior, as is the case for Chinatown and North Beach Supervisor Aaron Peskin. In both districts, eager candidates are already vying to replace them.

Incumbents aiming for reelection include Richmond district Supervisor Connie Chan, who faces a challenge from Marjan Philhour, the same opponent she narrowly defeated to win her first term in office.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who represents a large swath of the west side that includes Parkmerced and the Inner Sunset, is also eyeing a second term in office, as is Tenderloin and Hayes Valley Supervisor Dean Preston.

Editors note: This story was changed on Jan. 1, 2024, to correct the supervisor who is termed out at the end of this year. It is Supervisor Ahsha Safai.
A 14-year-old boy killed his parents at their home on Dunlap Road, seen here, in Miramonte, Fresno County, sheriff's deputies say. Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Handout

A 14-year-old boy is in custody on suspicion of faking a home invasion, killing both of his parents and wounding his younger sister, Fresno County sheriff's deputies say.

Around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 911 dispatchers received a call from a 14-year-old boy claiming an intruder had broken into his Miramonte home. The boy allegedly said his parents and sister were harmed in the attack, and the intruder left in a pickup truck. When deputies arrived at the scene on the 47000 block of Dunlap Road in rural Fresno County, both parents were already dead. An 11-year-old girl was rushed to a hospital for surgery, and a third child inside the home was unharmed.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and learned there were inconsistencies with what supposedly took place, the sheriffs office said in a news release. The evidence ultimately showed the 14 year old boy had fabricated the story of a break-in and he was responsible for using multiple weapons to attack his family members.

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The boy, who is not being identified due to his age, was taken to a Fresno County juvenile hall and faces two charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder. The deceased have been identified as Lue and Se Vang, both 37. Their daughter is expected to survive.

Two children have lost their mother and father due to the actions by their other sibling, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said.

There were no prior calls to police from that home, Zanoni said. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are still trying to determine a motive.
Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, in Fairfield, Conn. Dec. 26, 2023. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, in Fairfield, Conn. Dec. 26, 2023. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, in Fairfield, Conn. Dec. 26, 2023. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, in Fairfield, Conn. Dec. 26, 2023. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, in Fairfield, Conn. Dec. 26, 2023. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

FAIRFIELD  Tablao Wine Bar and Restaurant has added another piece of prime downtown real estate as it continues to grow its presence in Fairfield County.

Tablao opened in Fairfield last week on Sanford Street, between the Fairfield Metro Station and the series of shops that line the Post Road's business corridor. The December opening marks Tablao's third location since the Spanish tapas restaurant opened in South Norwalk in 2016 and later Ridgefield's Main Street strip in 2019.

"We've got a lot of traffic from the main road, and also we have the train station," Galo Aleman, one of Tablao's owners, said of the Fairfield location. "There's a lot of people, believe it or not, the train leaves, you see a lot of people walking this way, taking their cars, going through the restaurant having a drink like we noticed yesterday, so that's the best option to go for."

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Aleman said Tablao's vicinity to the station, Fairfield Theater Company, Post Road and both Sacred Heart and Fairfield universities can attract foot traffic, and visitors come from neighboring Bridgeport, Trumbull and Westport. He said the business jumped on the Sanford Street space as the owners were searching for a new spot in Fairfield.

"Downtowns always offered that foot traffic," he said. "Every town, every city  downtown is part of the soul of the city or town wherever businesses are."

Aleman said the Fairfield location would host live music each week, ranging from flamenco  a traditional Spanish folk music featuring guitar and dance  on Thursdays once or twice a month, to either live bands or DJ sets on Friday and Saturday.

"Besides the tapas, we want to do a day where everybody can enjoy a little bit being in Spain, providing food, paella, sangria, music," Aleman said. "So that's how we've been doing it in Norwalk, and we try to do that here."

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Aleman said he's noticed Spanish cuisine becoming a centerpiece among European-inspired food, especially boosted by celebrity chef Jose Andres, who owns restaurants across the country and leads international humanitarian projects. Tablao's menu features more than 30 tapas, or small dishes, and a selection of classic, seafood and vegetarian paella  a Spanish rice dish.

Aleman said the restaurant employs about 20 workers between the kitchen and dining room crew.

"It's not just a random random chain where you go," Aleman said. "Here everything is from scratch, traditional."

Aleman experience in the restaurant industry comes from bartaco  a chain of taco restaurants that has Connecticut locations in Westport, Stamford and West Hartford. He said one of Tablao's chefs, who happens to be married to the owner of the South Bay restaurant that stands roughly a block away, carried industry experience from Norwalk's since-closed Meson Galicia eatery and joined the staff to open Tablao's first location on South Norwalk's Washington Street.

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Now with its third location in the last seven years, the restaurant will look to continue building its brand in Fairfield.
An order of chilaquiles, a tamale plate, and an open-face pork taco arabe al pastor sit ready for pickup by customers at the Primavera stall at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE

Food is the glue that binds us here at SFGATE.

We inhale authentic shrimp poboys in Bayview and find the most New York-style pizza slices in the Tenderloin. We head north in search of the slurpiest oysters Marin has to offer, and wait in long night market lines for skewers of Chinese barbecue bliss. Our writers and editors find food nirvana in unexpected places, too, like a Michelin-cred gastropub in Lodi and a legit Hawaiian shave ice shop 60 miles east of San Francisco.

Here is a taste of the most memorable Bay Area dishes we had in 2023.

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Left to right: The Deli Lama; Jimmy Zarur holds a chorizo breakfast burrito. Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE Left to right: The Deli Lama; Jimmy Zarur holds a chorizo breakfast burrito. Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE

The Deli Lamas breakfast burrito

Food reporter Nico Madrigal-Yankowski searched high and low to find a breakfast burrito that was as good as those of his childhood. He found it in the Deli Lama, a hidden warehouse cafe on the edge of Bayview-Hunters Point. Owned and operated by Jimmy Zarur, the Deli Lama is succeeding in a remote part of the city, in the shadows of brick and steel, offering some of San Franciscos most delicious breakfast food. That includes the torpedo-shaped and forearm-sized burrito stuffed with three scrambled eggs, chopped bacon, melted cheese and crispy tater tots. A dash of Tapatio elevated it to perfection, Madrigal-Yankowski wrote.

The Deli Lama, 150 Toland St., No. 7, San Francisco.

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Khiar dalar and zeytoon parvardeh at Komaaj in San Francisco on Feb. 7, 2022. Saba M. via Yelp

Komaajs zeytoon parvardeh

A flood of childhood memories washed over food editor Jessica Yadegaran after taking a bite of Komaajs highly addictive zeytoon parvardeh. The zippy marinated olives ($12) are a Persian mazzeh, or mezze, and this humble Northern Iranian eatery in Bernal Heights does them with fervor. Chef-owner Hanif Sadr, a preservation whiz with a dedicated on-site lab, starts with Castelvetrano olives that he slathers in pomegranate molasses, crushed walnuts, garlic, Persian hogweed, olive oil and dalar, a salty Persian herbal paste. Nibble on them alongside Komaajs sumac beef wrap or sour chicken and rice. No one in the Bay Area does Persian food like this.

Komaaj, 10 29th St., San Francisco.

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Sfizio in Oakland on May 7, 2023. Brittney L. via Yelp

Sfizios pesto fusilli

Its normal for a bowl of fresh pasta to fetch upwards of $20 in the Bay Area. But that didnt sit well with Seattle transplant and chef Matt Solimano, who opened the Cal-Ital eatery Sfizio in Oaklands Rockridge neighborhood in May. His motto: unfussy, delicious, generous plates of fresh extruded pasta for as little as ten bucks. While his $10 spaghetti is the crowd favorite, Yadegaran fell in love with the verdant basil pesto fusilli ($16), which gets crunch from sprightly snap peas and smokiness from grilled scallions. Get yourself a bowl and a perch on one of the outdoor patio tables, with an order of hefty, ricotta-laced meatballs.

Sfizio, 6099 Claremont Ave., Oakland.

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Left clockwise: A plate of Bivetts Big Black Brunch PoBoys; Dontaye Ball, owner of Gumbo Social; Madeline Wells eats a shrimp poboy with her partner at the grand opening of Gumbo Social. Samantha Laurey/Special to SFGATE Left clockwise: A plate of Bivetts Big Black Brunch PoBoys; Dontaye Ball, owner of Gumbo Social; Madeline Wells eats a shrimp poboy with her partner at the grand opening of Gumbo Social. Samantha Laurey/Special to SFGATE

Gumbo Socials shrimp poboy

As our resident seafood expert, senior reporter Madeline Wells can tell you when to avoid the tourists at Swan Oyster Depot and how to properly steam shrimp at Xian Steam Pot & Yakiniku in Milpitas. Among her unforgettable eats of 2023: The shrimp poboy at Gumbo Social in San Franciscos Bayview. While gumbo is in chef-owner Dontaye Balls DNA  his recipe is inspired by his Southern grandmothers  loyal customers from his pop-up days flock to Gumbo Social for the grilled shrimp poboy. Wells said the French roll heaped with tender grilled shrimp, coleslaw and creamy, zippy remoulade rivaled the best poboys shes had in New Orleans.

Gumbo Social, 5176 3rd St., San Francisco.

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The sausage biscuit breakfast sandwich from Jane on Fillmore. Grant Marek/SFGATE

Jane on Fillmores sausage biscuit

SFGATE editor-in-chief Grant Marek is only about a quarter of the way through updating his list of the best breakfast sandwiches he ate in the last year, but as a preview of whats to come, this is thus far the best addition hes found: the sausage biscuit at Jane on Fillmore. The ratio of ingredients is perfect, from the incredible cheddar biscuit that doesnt fall apart to the cheese melted on the inside of both the top and bottom biscuit slices. It comes with a tomato jam on the side that is completely unnecessary, Marek felt  but holy moly, its good, too. The sandwich is now atop his list of things he wants to eat every day for the rest of his life.

Jane on Fillmore, 2123 Fillmore St., San Francisco.

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Left to right: Kubbaneh at Loquat; interior of Loquat. Jessica Yadegaran/SFGATE/Cathy N. Via Yelp Left to right: Kubbaneh at Loquat; interior of Loquat. Jessica Yadegaran/SFGATE/Cathy N. Via Yelp

Loquats kubaneh

For the uninitiated, kubaneh is a traditional Yemeni Jewish bread consisting of multi-layered rolls laminated with butter and nigella seeds. The version from San Franciscos Loquat is a revelation, according to Yadegaran. Imagine a savory babka thats sinfully buttery and pulls apart like a dream. The weekend-only kubaneh ($20) comes in a ramekin with enough accouterments to feed two: Sephardic braised, hard-boiled eggs known as haminados, plus feta, olives and zippy red and green sauces for dipping. Get there early. Its worth the wait.

Loquat, 198 Gough St., San Francisco.

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Nick's Cove is best known for its barbecued oysters. The restaurant is located at 23240 Highway 1 in

Marshall. Susana Guerrero/ SFGATE

Nicks Coves barbecued oysters

A decade after former San Francisco Chronicle food critic Michael Bauer declared Nicks Cove no longer worth the trip, food reporter Susana Guerrero set out to prove him wrong. The famed Marshall seafood restaurant and lodge received a hefty facelift in 2022, Guerrero noted, and the fresh barbecued oysters, a signature dish for the past 51 years, were off-the-charts good. The savory garlic parsley butter was a surprising addition and balanced the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. I shouldve ordered an entire dozen instead of half, Guerrero wrote. That half-dozen will run you $24.

Nicks Cove, 23240 Highway 1, Marshall.

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Left clockwise: A roasted lamb sandwich with cheese, mayo, mustard, pickles, pepperoncini, red onions, tomatoes and lettuce; left to right, Skylark Diamon, James Murphy, Ann Murphy, and Michael Murphy; Ann Murphy takes an order from a customer. Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE Left clockwise: A roasted lamb sandwich with cheese, mayo, mustard, pickles, pepperoncini, red onions, tomatoes and lettuce; left to right, Skylark Diamon, James Murphy, Ann Murphy, and Michael Murphy; Ann Murphy takes an order from a customer. Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Domenicos Italian Delis roasted lamb sub

Delis like Domenicos Italian Deli in Alameda were a big part of our food explorations in 2023. The 41-year-old family-owned deli is known for its Italian sandwiches and matriarch Ann Murphys warm, affable personality. While the turkey reigns supreme, longtime regulars know Domenicos also makes a rare, hard-to-find sub with Worcestershire-marinated and roasted lamb ($9.75). The 6-incher is loaded with layers of tender, medium-rare lamb, Swiss cheese and yellow mustard thats like nothing Ive ever tasted before, Guerrero wrote.

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Domenicos Italian Deli, 1407 Webster St., Alameda.

Left clockwise: A long line forms at the Primavera stall at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market; people order food next to the menu at the Primavera stall; an order of chilaquiles. Adam Pardee/Special To SFGATE Left clockwise: A long line forms at the Primavera stall at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market; people order food next to the menu at the Primavera stall; an order of chilaquiles. Adam Pardee/Special To SFGATE

Ferry Plaza Farmers Markets chilaquiles

Saturdays at the San Francisco Ferry Building are a zoo, but one worth braving for an unforgettable Mexican breakfast staple. Wells waited in long lines at Primavera, a tamale and tortilla stall in the back of the farmers market, to try what Thrillist called the best chilaquiles in the world. The corn tortilla chips fried in salsa  verde in this case  and topped with soft scrambled eggs gripped her taste buds, virtually curing her hangover. A side of pillowy refried beans was perhaps the pinnacle, although the most texturally impressive element was the thick tortilla chips, Wells wrote. Translation: not a single soggy chip.

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Primavera, 1 Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco.

The everything garlic chive savory malasada (doughnut) at Dough Wei Me at Union City, Calif., on Aug 10, 2023. Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

DoughWeiMes everything malasada

We ate a lot of impressive doughnuts in 2023, but perhaps none as memorable as DoughWeiMes savory, filled variety. Guerrero discovered the tiny Union City strip mall bakeshop in August and instantly became enamored with owner Wei Phungs passionate family operation. The everything seasoning malasada ($6) is slathered with garlic butter and immaculately coated with black and white sesame seeds, filled with garlic chive whipped cream cheese and looks remarkably like its bagel counterpart, Guerrero wrote. The umami bomb is not always on the menu, so get it when you can.

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DoughWeiMe, 31858 Alvarado Blvd., Union City.

A slice of pepperoni pizza at Outta Sight Pizza in San Francisco on March 7, 2023. Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Outta Sight Pizzas pepperoni pizza

San Francisco has no shortage of excellent pizza, but when Madrigal-Yankowski, an SF native and former New York resident, wants a slice of perfection, he heads to Outta Sight Pizza in the Tenderloin. Everything about the pizza shop, down to the ridged paper plates, emits New York vibes. Visceral food memories instantly flooded my brain, he wrote of his first bite, the mozzarella melting into the San Marzano tomato sauce. It was a late-night slice at Joes in the West Village after the last note had been played at nearby Smalls Jazz Club.

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Outta Sight Pizza, 422 Larkin St., San Francisco.

Left to right: Items for sale at the West Marin Culture Shop; a fermented soda ice cream float at the West Marin Culture Shop. Madeline Wells/SFGATE Left to right: Items for sale at the West Marin Culture Shop; a fermented soda ice cream float at the West Marin Culture Shop. Madeline Wells/SFGATE

West Marin Culture Shops fermented soda ice cream float

Point Reyes may be known for views and seafood, but Wells insists you add dessert to that list. Tucked inside the West Marin Culture Shop run by sauerkraut maker Wild West Ferments, the ice cream soda counter has an on-tap selection  think strawberry and apple-lemon  to mix with swirls of Double 8 Dairy vanilla soft serve. When I tell you this is one of the best desserts Ive ever put in my mouth, Im not exaggerating, Wells wrote of the strawberry version. She called it a grown-up spin on a classic root beer float.

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West Marin Culture Shop, 80 4th St., Point Reyes Station

Left to right: Chicken vampiro, which is like a tostada, at La Parilla Loca; salsa at La Parrilla Loca. Nico Madrigal-Yankowski/SFGATE Left to right: Chicken vampiro, which is like a tostada, at La Parilla Loca; salsa at La Parrilla Loca. Nico Madrigal-Yankowski/SFGATE

La Parrilla Locas chorizo taco

Long lines and the smell of charcoal grilling signals your arrival at La Parrilla Loca, an East Oakland Mexican taco trailer that rivals LAs best. Taqueros chop the al carbon meat of choice  chorizo, al pastor, carne asada, marinated chicken  on weathered wooden blocks before a stunning array of toppings, including fresh guacamole and silky red salsa. The operation is a sight to behold, Madrigal-Yankowski wrote in June, and he fell hard for the chorizo taco. Cooking the sausage whole over charcoal yields nice little plumps of porky pop with each bite, he said.

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La Parrilla Loca, 9829 San Leandro St., Oakland.

The "legendary" fried chicken at the Gold Club, on Howard Street in downtown San Francisco. Image via Yelp

Gold Clubs fried chicken

News features reporter Ariana Bindman broke 10 years of vegetarianism for an eight-piece bucket of fried chicken ($20) at a San Francisco strip club, and regrets nothing. The meat is so juicy and tender that it gracefully falls off the bone, Bindman wrote about Gold Clubs chicken back in March. Meanwhile, its golden outer layer is thick, crunchy and savory. This is, undoubtedly, the dankest fried chicken Ive ever had.

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Mayor Roberto Alves delivers the annual state of the city address at the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce annual leadership luncheon. Held at the Amber Room Colonnade. Friday, December 8, 2023, Danbury, Conn. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

Redeveloping downtown Danbury and forming a community advisory committee are two of the goals for 2024 for Roberto Alves, the city's new mayor.

Alves and the leaders of other municipalities in greater Danbury shared whats on their bucket list for the New Year.

As he enters his second month in office as Danbury's mayor, Alves said he wants City Hall to feel welcoming to the community as well as accessible and transparent. He said his administration is planning to hold a listening tour of "town hall-type events" that he hopes to announce the dates for soon.

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Another thing were doing with that is we will form a community advisory committee, which will meet with the mayors team to let us know what they see, that forwards ideas, Alves said.

The new mayor also said he wants to hit the ground running on downtown redevelopment.

We already signed off on a sewer assessment study for downtown. We cant develop the area unless we know what our infrastructure is, Alves said.

In Brookfield, new First Selectman Steve Dunn said he hopes to hear the opinions of residents on projects he said town leaders need input on. But first, he said, My wish list is that everyone have a great, happy New Year, and that they stay involved.

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Town leaders need input on potential plans for a possible new police station and library, as well as ideas on how to use the now-vacant Center Elementary School building, Dunn said.

We want our residents to tell us how they feel about it, he said. In the next several months, Dunn said, town leaders also need to advance a budget proposal that residents will support in Mays referendum.

Most of the capital spending plan will include new equipment for individual town departments, he said. But Dunn said the town's Capital Planning Committee, which reviews each departments capital project requests, has been reactivated after it had previously been dissolved, Dunn said.

The capital committee looks at requests from every department and ranks them across all of the departments. For example, is a public works truck more important than a parks and rec truck? he said. The committee sets priorities and provides an in-depth review for the Board of Selectmen to consult when developing an overall capital spending plan.

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Dunn cited the proposed new police station as an example of a capital project that Brookfield leaders need to start planning. He noted that any large building project takes years, from planning and design to construction, before it is complete.

If a new police station is built, it must meet the requirements of Connecticuts 2020 police accountability law, Dunn said. One new requirement is that anyone under 18 who has been arrested cannot be held in a cell next to an arrested adult. All of our (current) cells are next door to each other, Dunn said.

Town leaders will also need to consider whether to build a new police station or to expand the existing one, he said.

Ridgefield First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, who is beginning his ninth term in office, said he hopes to get a combined police and fire station off the ground in the coming year. The town has preliminary work to do for the building, which will be constructed on Old Quarry Road, Marconi said.

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Were looking at the sites: How much, whats it going to look like, wheres the building going to be? he said.

All the information gathered about the site will be brought to the Board of Police Commissioners and the Board of Selectpeople in the next couple of weeks, Marconi said. Some requests for changes will probably be made, he said.

But once the changes are complete, we will begin our public hearing process," Marconi said. "We may be ready for a referendum possibly toward the end of this '24 calendar year  next fall."

The future of the current fire station on Catoonah Street will be reviewed in public hearings and decided by the Board of Selectpeople, Marconi said. He said hes considering using the location as affordable housing but said it will be up to the town to decide.

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Most communities have taken their firehouses and converted them to restaurants with apartments upstairs, he said.

Additionally, he said the current police station on East Ridge Road would make great additional senior affordable housing.
The total program splits very conveniently into two parts; the arithmetic expression compiler, and the statement compiler, so I shall describe the former here and the later in the second part of this article. Although I am at risk of re-inventing some wheels here (see the second reference!) it does turn out that the expression compiler is useful in its own right as an infix arithmetic compiler/interpreter, as I will show later.

First, however, we must establish the basic routines for parsing the input stream and identifying Pascal reserved words. Given the design constraints outlined earlier, we can see that a Pascal program will contain five basic word types:

Pascal reserved words

Numbers

References to Forth variables

References to Forth constants

Other words to be treated as Forth functions or procedures.

What we require is a basic routine to 'fetch the next thing from the input stream' and classify it as one of these five basic types.

Since the final three types (variable, constant, or function) will all be words in the dictionary when the Pascal program is compiled, it is clear that a dictionary search wil lbe needed somewhere in this routine. Why not, therefore, create a special vocabulary containing the Pascal reseverd words and let the Forth dictionary search word FIND do all the work for us?

When FIND is executed it will fetch the next word from the input stream (delimited by space ), and search the CONTEXT vocabulary for a matching word. If successful it returns the (unique) address of the dictionary entry for that word, or the value zero if not. (This is the Code Field Address or CFA). All that we need to do in our basic parsing routine (which I call next ), is to arrange that the Pascal reserved word vocabulary is CONTEXT when FIND is executed. This will ensure that it is searched before the rest of the Forth dictionary, avoiding any conflict between similar Pascal and Forth words. We can then use the CFA to classify the word into one of the five types above.

All of this happens in blocks 2001-2006, listed at the end of this article. The pascal reserved words are a set of empty definitions in the vocabulary pascal-words , in block 2001. The classification of reserved words is achieved by attempting to match the CFA returned by FIND with one of the entries in a special table containing the reserved words CFAs ( cfa-table , 1.7.4), thena value from 1 to 40 is returned, corresponding to the position of the reserved word in cfa-table . If no match is found then next (blocks 2005 and 2006) compares the CFA with vcode and ccode , the CFAs for variable and constant, respectively. No further matching is necessary, since if all of these tests fail the word must have been either a number, or a Forth function or procedure call, and a value of zero returned by FIND will, of course, indicate a number (or a syntax error!)

The final result of next is returned in the variable type ; values 1-40 indicate Pascal reserved words, -2 constants, -1 variables, 0 numbers, or any other value for references to Forth words (defined by colon definitions). Thus, after loading blocks 2001-2006 into a Forth system, we may test these by typing:

next + type ? 1 ok (Pascal '+') next begin type ? 20 ok (and 'begin') next 27 type ? 0 ok (a number) VARIABLE fred 1 CONSTANT true next fred type ? -1 ok (a variable) next true type ? -2 ok (a constant) next .R type L 12524 ok (the CFA of .R)
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Five terrorists were killed in a counter-terror operation by the security forces in Awaran district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, the military said on Sunday.

The security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation late Saturday night in Mashkai area of the district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement.

"During the conduct of the operation, after intense fire exchange between own troops and the terrorists, five terrorists were killed," said the ISPR.

Terrorists' hideout was also busted and a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered, it added.

A clearance operation is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, according to the statement. 
Palestinians visit the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Mohammed Hajjar/AP Palestinians load the bodies of their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip on a truck in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Adel Hana/AP An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip, in a position near the Israel-Gaza border on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Israeli army vehicles arrive to an staging area after combat in the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. Tsafrir Abayov/AP A Palestinian child looks at the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Mohammed Hajjar/AP Palestinians visit the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Mohammed Hajjar/AP Palestinians visit the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Mohammed Hajjar/AP Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold their photos and shout slogans during a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. More than 100 Israeli hostages are held in Gaza after being abducted in a Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7. Ariel Schalit/AP Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP) Abir Sultan/AP Israeli soldiers embrace after arriving from combat in the Gaza Strip at an army staging area in southern Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. Tsafrir Abayov/AP Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold their photos and shout slogans during a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. More than 100 Israeli hostages are held in Gaza after being abducted in a Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7. Ariel Schalit/AP

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israels prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central region, the latest focus of the nearly three-month air-and-ground war that has raised fears of a regional conflagration.

The U.S. military said its forces shot and killed several Iran-backed Houthi rebels when they tried to attack a cargo ship in the Red Sea, an escalation in a maritime conflict linked to the war. And an Israeli Cabinet minister suggested encouraging Gaza's population to emigrate, remarks that could worsen tensions with Egypt and other friendly Arab states.

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Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people after breaking through Israel's extensive border defenses, shattering its sense of security. They also captured around 240 hostages, nearly half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire agreement in November.

Just after midnight on New Year's Day, Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in southern and central Israel. No injuries were reported.

Displaced Palestinians found little to celebrate on New Year's Eve in Muwasi, a makeshift camp in a mostly undeveloped area of southern Gaza's Mediterranean coast designated by Israel as a safe zone.

From the intensity of the pain we live, we do not feel that there is a new year, said Kamal al-Zeinaty, huddled with his family around a fire inside a tent. All the days are the same.

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Another relative, Zeyad al-Zeinaty, who fled with the family from the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, said his wife, brother and grandchildren are among many relatives he has lost in the war.

Israel's unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 56,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations. Israels bombardments have leveled vast swaths of the territory, displacing some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

THE OFFENSIVE GRINDS ON

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Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of densely built-up communities that house refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants.

In Zweida, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

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The Israeli military said it was battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. It also said its forces operating in the Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a kindergarten and defused it. Hamas continued to launch rockets toward southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting. Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

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The fighting has pushed much of Gaza's population south, where people have flooded shelters and tent camps near the border with Egypt. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in both areas.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter. There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

ISRAELI MINISTER URGES MASS MIGRATION FROM GAZA

The scale of the destruction and the exodus to the south has raised fears among Palestinians and Arab countries that Israel plans to drive Gaza's population out and prevent it from returning.

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On Sunday, Israel's far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and re-establish Jewish settlements in the territory, where it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not 2 million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a war Cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighboring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, along with other friendly Arab countries.

Later Sunday, an official in the prime ministers office said Israel does not want to resettle Palestinians.

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Contrary to false allegations, Israel does not seek to displace the population in Gaza," the official said in a statement to The Associated Press. "Subject to security checks, Israels policy is to enable those individuals who wish to leave to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Israel is also at odds with the United States, which has provided crucial military aid for the offensive, over Gaza's future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip. At a news conference Saturday, he said the war would continue for many more months" and that Israel would assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons from Egypt, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

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Netanyahu has also said he won't allow the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the occupied West Bank, to expand its limited rule to Gaza, where Hamas drove its forces out in 2007.

The U.S. wants a unified Palestinian government to run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. The last Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down over a decade ago, and Israeli governments since have been staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

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Mroue reported from Beirut and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Jack Jeffery in Cairo contributed to this report.

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Migrants camp outside the Church of Santa Cruz y La Soledad in Mexico City, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. Marco Ugarte/AP Migrants camp in tents outside the Church of Santa Cruz y La Soledad in Mexico City, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. Marco Ugarte/AP Migrants camp in tents outside the Church of Santa Cruz y La Soledad in Mexico City, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. Marco Ugarte/AP

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico and Venezuela announced Saturday that they have restarted repatriation flights of Venezuelans migrants in Mexico, the latest move by countries in the region to take on a flood of people traveling north to the United States.

The move comes as authorities say at least 10,000 migrants a day have been arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, many of them asylum seekers. It also comes as a migrant caravan of thousands of people from across the region  largely Venezuelans  has trekked through southern Mexico this week.

The repatriation flights are part of an agreement made between regional leaders during a summit in Mexico in October that aimed to seek solutions for migration levels that show few signs of slowing down.

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Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Relations said the two countries began repatriations with a flight on Friday and a second on Saturday in an effort to strengthen their cooperation on migration issues. The statement also said the two countries plan to implement social and work programs for those repatriated to Venezuela.

Mexico and Venezuela reiterate their commitment to address the structural causes that fuel irregular migration in the region, and to achieve a humanitarian management of such flows, the statement read.

Mexicos government said it previously carried out a similar repatriation flight last Jan. 20 with 110 people.

Venezuelan authorities said Saturday that 207 Venezuelans had landed in Caracas on one of the latest flights.

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Gustavo Vizcaino, director of Venezuela's migration agency, said the migrants came on a voluntary return flight, part of a 2018 program of President Nicolas Maduro's government seeking to bring back Venezuelans who have fled the country's economic and political crisis.

As migration has soared in recent years, the U.S. government has pressured Latin American nations to control the movement of migrants north, but many transit countries have struggled to deal with the quantities of people.

This week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other Biden administration officials were in Mexico City to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador about the high levels of migrants landing on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Lopez Obrador said he also spoke about the issue in a phone call with Presient Joe Biden on Dec. 20.

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He asked  Joe Biden asked to speak with me  he was worried about the situation on the border because of the unprecedented number of migrants arriving at the border, Mexico's leader said. He called me, saying we had to look for a solution together.

Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help, but in exchange he wants the U.S. to send more development aid to migrants home countries and to reduce or eliminate sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela.
Ethnic Rohingya women rest under a tent after landing on a beach in Kuala Besar, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Dozens of likely Rohingya refugees, mostly hungry and weak women and children, were found on a beach in Indonesia's North Sumatra province after weeks at sea, officials said on Sunday. Dedy Zulkifli/AP Ethnic Rohingya people take shelter under a a tent after landing on a beach in Kuala Besar, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Dozens of likely Rohingya refugees, mostly hungry and weak women and children, were found on a beach in Indonesia's North Sumatra province after weeks at sea, officials said on Sunday. Dedy Zulkifli/AP

MEDAN, Indonesia (AP)  Nearly 150 Rohingya refugees, mostly hungry and weak women and children, have reached a beach in Indonesias North Sumatra province after weeks at sea, officials said Sunday.

The group of 53 men, 39 women and 55 children arrived on Karang Gadih beach in Langkat district late Saturday, said the village head, Muhammad Amiruddin. A rickety, leaky wooden boat that brought them from Bangladesh was moored on a lighthouse island not far from the village, he said.

Five among the refugees were sick after the long journey and residents gave them food and water while they waited for instructions from immigration and local officials to decide where to take them. Residents do not want the refugees in their communities, however, and last week many protested the recent Rohingya arrivals.

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We helped them as they look very weak from hunger and dehydration, Amiruddin said. But many residents cannot accept them to live in our village because they will only bring problems later.

He said that one of the refugees told authorities that they sailed from the Cox Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh to Indonesia and became stranded on a lighthouse island.

About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in Myanmar to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by security forces. But the camps in Bangladesh are squalid, with surging gang violence and rampant hunger, leading many to flee again.

A mob of Indonesian students on Wednesday attacked the basement of a local community hall in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, where 137 Rohingya were taking shelter. The incident drew an outcry from human rights group and the U.N. refugee agency, which said the attack left the refugees shocked and traumatized.

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Indonesias navy said Thursday that it forcibly pushed a boat packed with refugees back to international waters after it approached the shores of Aceh province.

Its unclear whether the refugees who arrived late Saturday in neighboring North Sumatra province were from the same boat that was pushed away by the navy.

Indonesia has appealed to the international community for help and intensified patrols of its waters due to a sharp rise in Rohingya refugees leaving overcrowded camps in Bangladesh since November. Over 1,500 Rohingya have arrived in Aceh and faced some hostility from fellow Muslims.

Indonesia, like Thailand and Malaysia, is not a signatory to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention so is not obligated to accept the Rohingya. So far, refugees in distress have received at least temporary accommodation.

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Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

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Reports of the demise of this Web site are greatly exaggerated! We at sheldonbrown.com thank Harris Cyclery for its support over the years. Harris Cyclery has closed, but we keep going. Keep visiting the site for new and updated articles, and news about possible new affilations.

The first issue in bicycle security against theft is what kind of bicycle you are locking up. A bicycle that looks like a junker can ride like a dream. An older frame with scratched and chipped paint and nice but undistinguished-looking components is a good choice. Let it get dirty. Sheldon's Mead Ranger is a good example. That's the original paint, or what's left of it. This bicycle is really old. (1916! -- maybe too old, it's collectible, but most thieves wouldn't understand such subtleties. In any case, this isn't a daily ride-to-work bike.)

If you don't have secure parking at your workplace, or will be locking your bicycle in unsecured areas, you should have a serious lock, such as a Kryptonite. You need not carry it home every night unless you also are locking the bicycle in high-crime areas on the way home. The weight of a typical U-lock represents the difference between a $400 bike and a $1000 bike.

People tend to buy big, clunky U-locks because they don't know how to use them properly. A U-lock can go around the rear rim and tire, somewhere inside the rear triangle of the frame without looping it around the seat tube: the wheel cannot be pulled through the rear triangle. A lock which passes around a rim makes the bicycle unrideable even if the object it is locked to can be broken or disassembled.

The best U-locks, if you must carry one on the bike, are the smallest. The Kryptonite Mini is much smaller and lighter than the more popular models, but just as secure. It may be even more secure, because of the limited room to put an automotive jack inside it. It also gives less purchase for leverage-based attacks. Have the keyway of a U-lock facing downward so it isn't as easy to drill out.

Some people will object that felons might cut the rear rim and tire to remove a lock. This just doesn't happen in the real world. It is possible to cut the rim with a hacksaw, working from the outside to the inside, but first, the tire must be removed or cut through. It would be a lot of work to steal a frame without a usable rear wheel, the most expensive part of a bike after the frame.

On the other hand, a slightly longer lock would fit around the rim, and the chainstays or seatstays...or locking from the left side might allow a smaller lock because the chain doesn't get in the way...you might need a longer lock too, for when you can't get the bike as close to a pole.

Lock the bicycle in one way or another, or at the very least disable it, whenever it is out of your sight. Theft can occur at unexpected times and places. John had his bicycle parked in the fenced-in back yard of a friend's house when it a guest who left a Thanksgiving dinner early rode away on it. A general invitation had been issued to people who attended the same church. This person evidently did not subscribe to the teachings of the church. A simple cable lock would have prevented this theft, and there was one in the bicycle's touring bag. Also lock your bicycle at home unless it is in a secured area.

Some workplaces have secure bicycle parking. You may be able to take the bicycle inside your workplace, or there may be a secured parking area. The bike cage shown in the photos below is next to the parking-garage entrance at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The entrance is under video surveillance and the door has an electrically-operated lock. Employees enter by swiping a smart card; others must press a button to speak over an intercom with a guard who releases the door. Still, lock the bicycle and remove valuable items.

Lacking this level of security, you can leave a heavy lock at work, locked to whatever you normally lock your bike to. Carry a light cable lock with you for quick errands or emergencies. It is easily cut, but you are making a trade-off between security and convenience.

If you must lock your bike in an unsecured area, choose an area exposed to public view if possible. You may be able to lock your bike in a praking garage in view of the attendant.

If you use both the U-lock and the cable lock, you are more than twice as safe as you would be with either of them alone. Either type of lock can be defeated, but each requires a different large, bulky tool which is useless against the other.

The cable lock will secure your front wheel to the frame and any convenient object, and the U-lock will secure the rear wheel and frame. If you have a quick-release seatpost bolt, replace it with an Allen-head bolt, put a cheap saddle on your commute bike, and then you won't worry.

The best cable locks have the lock built-in, rather than relying on a padlock. The padlock is the weak link, easily cut with bolt cutters, the tool of choice for most bike thieves. A new, sharp bolt cutter will cut a cable too, but an old, worn-out one will only crush a cable.

Lock to an object which would be difficult to cut or disassemble, and where the bicycle can't be lifted over the top. Good, secure bicycle racks are becoming common these days: "dishdrainer", wheel-bending racks are seen less often. A thick signpost, cast-iron fencepost, parking meter post etc. is good, as long as locking there is legal: bicycles also may be removed by police and maintenance crews. Check before locking: some posts can be lifted out of the ground, and thieves have been known to cut bicycle racks, taping over the cuts to hide them. If you are stuck with a dishdrainer rack, lock to the end of it if you can. If one is in a secure area, back the bicycle in:: the rear wheel, unlike the front, will hold the bicycle steady. Lock the rear wheel to the rack and the frame to the wheel for additional security.

Face the keyhole of your lock down, so water doesn't run into it. Some locks have sliding covers for the combination dials or keyhole.
YANGON, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's renowned archaeological site Bagan welcomed over 2 million tourists including more than 10,000 foreign tourists this year, an official told Xinhua on Sunday.

"Bagan is a popular destination among domestic and international tourists. The road to Bagan is safe, easy and convenient, and there are many places to visit in Bagan," said U Win Aung, deputy director of Bagan's Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.

This year, tourist arrivals to Bagan have increased by 50 percent compared to last year, which can generate more income for local people and improve their lives, he said.

"We cooperated with the administration teams to make Bagan clean and peaceful. Pagodas in Bagan are cleaned once every two weeks," he said.

Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top tourist attractions in Myanmar. There are over 3,000 pagodas in Bagan, an ancient city situated in the Mandalay Region. 
STATEN ISLAND, N..Y -- As the annual tradition unfolds in the heart of NYC, where millions gather to witness the iconic ball drop, theres still a world beyond those crowded streets. For those who want to ring in 2024 from anywhere you please, there are several options to kick off the new year right.

Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest, The special we all know and love is set to grace our screens once again. Joined by Rita Ora, the festivities begin at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC live from Times Square. You can also stream on Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, Direct TV Stream, and SlingTV. (Both FuboTV and Direct TV Stream offer free trials.)

Joining forces for the countdown to midnight on Dec. 31, the special extends beyond New York City.

Jeannie Mai will co-host live in the Pacific Time Zone, with performances in Hollywood featuring Aqua, Bebe Rexha, Coco Jones, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monae, Loud Luxury, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Paul Russel, Renee Rapp, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Two Friends. Post Malone will take the stage in Las Vegas.

And in the Atlantic Time Zone, Dayanara Torres will bring the festivities to Puerto Rico with performer Ivy Queen.

Even across the globe, the New Jeans girl group is set to perform in South Korea.

There is plenty more in store to welcome the new year.

Returning for the seventh year, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will co-host CNNs New Years Eve Live from Times Square. The program is set to air at 8 p.m. EST. Later in the night, Sara Sidner and Cari Champion will step in to lead the countdown as the Central Time Zone welcomes the New Year in Austin, Texas.

Adding to the lineup of NYE extravaganzas is CBS Nashville New Years Eve Special. The five-hour special is set to air live from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m ET/PT on CBS. You can also stream on Paramount + which is available live on demand with SHOWTIME bundle subscribers.

As reported by Billboard.com, the five-hour program will showcase over 50 performances exclusively from Music City. Nashville will align its countdown with the East Coast at midnight and extend the celebrations until midnight Central Time, featuring the iconic Music Note Drop on the Bicentennial Mall stage.

The special will feature performances by Trace Adkins, Grace Bowers, Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Blake Shelton, Jackson Dean, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Trombone Shorty, and Bailey Zimmerman.

Miley Cyrus took center stage in 2022 and 2023 with her New Years Eve Party special on NBC showcasing performances by Dolly Parton, Sia, Paris Hilton, and more. However, as we approach 2024, the special is not set to return for this NYE.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Readers of Carol Ann Benantis Inside Out should note that the column will resume after the New Year.

And because she didnt want to disappoint those celebrating birthdays and wedding anniversaries, news of the special events are being published.
STATEN ISLAND, NY -- As the year concludes and youre updating your New Years resolutions, you may be seeking more activities for the upcoming year. Look no further than a list of shows to stream starting in January.

From the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to the DC Comics, this list has something for everyone. Here are nine shows you must watch in 2024.

1. The Brothers Sun

Jan. 4 on Netflix

Charles Sun, a Taipei gangster and ruthless killer, must return to Los Angeles to protect his family after his father, a powerful Taiwanese Triad leader, is murdered by a mysterious assassin. Academy Award Winner Michelle Yeoh stars in this action-comedy drama, streaming on Netflix from Jan. 4, 2023.

2. Echo

Jan.10 on Disney+

Following the events of Marvel show Hawkeye, Maya Lopez or Echo returns to her Oklahoma hometown, forced to face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots, and embrace the meaning of family and community. Starting Jan. 10, 2024, you can stream the newest MCU series on Disney+.

3. Griselda

Jan. 25 on Netflix

Griselda follows the true story of a Columbian drug lord Griselda Blanco, also known as the Black Widow or Cocaine Godmother. Made by the creators of " Narcos, the series dramatizes Griseldas life, chronicling her rise to power during the violent drug wars of the 70s and 80s in Miami. Griselda can be streamed on Netflix starting Jan. 25, 2024.

4. Expats

Jan. 26 on Prime Video

This six-episode series is based on the book The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee, centering on the lives of three women living in the backdrop of Hong Kongs prosperous expat community. Nicole Kidman plays Margaret, a privileged woman living a lavish lifestyle. Her friend Hilary played by Sarayu Blue grapples with a failing marriage and college graduate Mercy, played by Yoo Ji-young seeks to reinvent herself. When a single encounter leads to life changing events, it leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability. Stream Expats on Prime Video starting Jan. 26, 2024.

5. Masters of the Air

Jan. 26 on Apple TV+

Based on the novel Masters of the Air: Americas Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, this series follows the actions of young men serving in the 100th Bomb Group during World War II. The series featuring Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan, and more is streaming on Apple TV+ starting Jan. 26, 2024.

6. Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Feb. 2, 2024 on Prime Video

Following a storyline akin to the 2005 action-comedy film Mr. & Mrs. Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, this series of the same title will depict the adventures of two spies on a mission that must pose as a married couple. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine star in this series, streaming on Amazon Prime from Feb. 2, 2024.

7. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Feb. 22 on Netflix

If your a 2000s kid, theres no doubt you miss watching new episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Well theres good news for you: a live action adaptation of the Nickelodeon show is coming to Netflix on Feb. 22, 2024. The show is centered around 12-year-old Aang, who is the current Avatar and the last survivor of his nation, the Air Nomads. Him, his friends, and their flying bison travel around the world and strive to end the Fire Nations war against the other nations. The animated series was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, and aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons from 2005 to 2008. A not so fan-favorite live action movie was released in 2010, and in 2012, a sequel animated series, The Legend of Korra was released.

8. Fallout

Apr. 12 on Prime Video

Based on the six-part roleplaying videogame of the same name, Fallout takes place more than 200 years after a nuclear war changes humanity and creates a post apocalyptic wasteland. Survivors of the war are confined to underground bunkers or vaults, until the main character Lucy, is forced to leave her sheltered life for a rescue mission on the surface. On the ground, she must navigate a lawless land filled with ghouls, mutants, and humans determined to survive at any cost. Stream Fallout on Prime Video starting Apr. 12.

9. The Penguin

Release date TBD on MAX

A spin-off of the 2022 film The Batman, this series explores DC super villain Penguins rise to power in Gotham Citys underworld. The show is also said to draw inspiration from the Batman: No Mans Land comic storyline. While the exact release date has not been announced yet, the series will air on MAX in 2024.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Cris Marchionne, founder and executive director of Person Centered Care Services (PCCS), is one of Staten Islands fiercest advocates for people with disabilities.

A lifelong Staten Island resident, Marchionne has been working with people with disabilities for most of her life. In 1990, Marchionne began working at Lifespire, an organization that champions and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lifespire aims to create a community that raises the standards of care for people with disabilities, helping people reach their goals of community involvement, meaningful employment, and independent living.

When I got into this kind of work, I was 25 years old and working part-time at my uncles hardware store,' said Marchionne. I had no career direction at the time. One day at the store, I met someone who worked at Lifespire, and I was really intrigued by the organizations mission. Following that conversation, I applied for a job at Lifespire, and soon after I began working there as a direct support professional. I immediately fell in love with it.

Shortly after starting at Lifespire, Marchionne was recognized for her dedication and quickly promoted to a management position, taking the lead on high-level projects. She continued to work with various other organizations, including the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, for another 10 years, earning invaluable experience interacting with people with disabilities on a day-to-day basis. However, Marchionne found herself wanting to do even more, and she dabbled with the idea of starting a community-based organization.

I figured out how to start a not-for-profit, and becoming incorporated as Person Centered Care Services was actually the easiest part of the process, says Marchionne. I was attending St. Johns University for my bachelors in psychology, and I was also working two full-time jobs in order to get PCCS off the ground; It was a lot of work for one person, but I eventually did it. We were incorporated in 2001, but it took me another five years to figure out how to provide services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

PCCS officially launched in 2006 as a hub for services for people with disabilities, aiming to create social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance. Marchionne began working out of her parents basement, which was unoccupied at the time, and started her outreach by approaching parents who were looking for services for their children. Following her immediate success, Marchionne was able to hire her first employee. The organization slowly grew, as word spread about the inclusive community that Marchionne was creating for people with disabilities, and PCCS soon became a trusted and well-known organization among Staten Islanders.

PCCS provides person-centered support and services to people with disabilities and their families in the New York City area. From support in education, employment, and housing to training, counseling, and advocacy initiatives, PCCS is at the forefront of continuing to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. The organizations mission is to create equitable opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, and subsequently, a network of disability allies spread across communities near and far.

Today, PCCS operates out of a beautiful facility in Mariners Harbor and supports almost 1,000 people across the five boroughs, Long Island, and Putnam County with a staff of more than 750 employees. In addition to serving people with disabilities through housing subsidies, counseling, and education and employment opportunities, PCCS also operates two intimate group homes on Staten Island, with only three residents in each home.

We provide many different types of supports, but I think the most important service that we offer is allowing people with disabilities to live on their own, and if they cant live on their own, then keeping them with their families, said Marchionne. As people age, they want to experience independent living, and Im proud to say that we can help with that.

As soon as PCCS began servicing people with disabilities on a full-time basis, Marchionne decided to further her knowledge by pursuing a higher education in disability studies. In 2012, she graduated from the CUNY School of Professional Studies with a masters in degree in disability studies. Some years later, following the onset of the pandemic, Marchionne was presented with an opportunity to apply for a first-of-its-kind program at the College of Staten Island, a Doctor of Education (EdD) with a focus on community-based organizational leadership. Marchionne is in the programs third cohort, with the first cohort expected to graduate in May 2024.

Many of the people that I started with while working out of my parents house are in their 20s now, and theyre still receiving services today, says Marchionne. I love re-connecting with the people that Ive supported and seeing how theyve grown over time. The greatest gift in the world is being able to support another person.

For her accomplishments, Marchionne is being honored with a Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award, which she will receive in the Not-for-Profit Businessperson category. The awards, which are presented by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance, honor the memory of Louis R. Miller, a businessman and West Brighton resident who was also a community leader.

Marchionne was destined to work with people with disabilities, happily dedicating her life to advocating for others. In addition to representing PCCS, Marchionne is also deeply involved in the community in which she was born and raised, making herself available to anyone in need.

Marchionne is a member of Nonprofit Staten Island, the Staten Island Equity and Belonging Project, the Social Justice Task Force of the Reformed Church of Huguenot, and the New York City Public Health Corps Advisory Council. She is also a community ambassador for the Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster, the President of the Staten Island Opportunities Alliance, and a former chair of the Staten Island Disabilities Council. Marchionne is also a recipient of the Volunteers of America-Greater New Yorks Spirit Leadership Award and the New York City Board of Educations Together We Can Award.

I dont see myself as a community leader because this is just who I am, says Marchionne. I do this work because I love it, and I can only hope that I inspire others to do the same thing. I want to teach future generations so that the world will be a better place for people with disabilities.

Questionnaire:

Current occupation and title: Founder and executive director of Person Centered Care Services, Inc.

Hometown: Willowbrook

Past occupations and titles: Program director at Volunteers of America-Greater New York, quality improvement specialist at Cerebral Palsy Association of New York State, residence manager at Advocates for Services for the Blind/Multi-handicapped, and assistant residence manager at Lifespire.

Community involvement: Member of Nonprofit Staten Island, the Staten Island Equity and Belonging Project, the Social Justice Task Force of the Reformed Church of Huguenot, and the New York City Public Health Corps Advisory Council. Community ambassador for the Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster, president of the Staten Island Opportunities Alliance, and former chair of the Staten Island Disabilities Council.

Some of my life goals include: Traveling, learning to play the guitar, meeting Bruce Springsteen, writing a memoir focused on my own life struggles with identity as well as others, and the search for human justice.

The best part of my job: The people I work with and a shared mission for disability justice.

The most difficult part of my job: Obtaining funding and building better relationships with the government.

My life philosophy: I believe in collectivism; we are dependent on one another, and we have a responsibility to ourselves and one another.

I am most proud of: The connection with my family and friends, and the love, values, and beliefs that we share.

Something that no one knows about me: I only write with pencils and in books with no lines.

The quality I like best about myself: I am a curious person. I want to know the reason for everything!

Personal interests and hobbies: Music, art, specifically modern art. I am a Star Trek fan and have a collection of Star Trek artifacts, and I study the music and writing of Bruce Springsteen, as it is a guide in the work I do and in my personal life.

I laugh at: Corny jokes.

I am really good at: Organizing at home.

I admire: My mom and dad for the love they have for their family and for always putting me, my sisters, and their grandchildren first!

Some important things I would like you to know about me: I am a dedicated disability justice activist, I am in the process of completing a Doctorate in community-based leadership, I have worked with people with an intellectual disability for over 30 years, and I met Bruce Springsteens first manager Mike Appel, who is also a Staten Islander!
One of New Jerseys oldest craft breweries has filed for bankruptcy, deep in debt months after a merger deal with another South Jersey brewery fell through.

The Flying Fish Brewery Company of Somerdale filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, citing $1.3 million in assets against $9.3 million in liabilities.

The company also noted a steep drop in revenue in 2023 to $3.1 million, down from $4 million in 2022, according to the filing.

Earlier this year, Flying Fish appeared close to a merger with another South Jersey beermaker, Cape May Brewing. But the deal fell through over the summer, leaving Flying Fish to founder in a sea of debt amid increased competition among microbreweries.

The business, which began as a virtual brewery online in 1996, with founder Gene Muller selling all his product online, long before legislation in 2012 that laid down much of the regulatory framework for the microbrewery industry. Muller and a partner, Andrew Newell, set up their brewery in Cherry Hill, then later moved to Somerdale.

One of the early start-ups, Flying Fish is now one of 141 craft breweries operating around the state, according to the New Jersey Brewers Association. Brewers have complained that New Jerseys ABC laws are strangling growth and have pressured state leaders to allow them to serve food and snacks in tasting rooms, and hold an unlimited number of special events per year, which are currently capped at 25.

The state Legislature passed a bill (S3038) that would ease the restrictions, but Gov. Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed it, hoping lawmakers would agree to broader liquor license reform. The bill is now back before the Legislature, which has until the current session ends on Jan. 9 to take action.

In its filing before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Camden, Flying Fish listed its two largest unsecured creditors as the owner, Elk Lake Capital Corp. of Scranton (a $2.55 million loan) and the Celtic Capital Corp of Calabasas, Cali. ($508,617).

Flying Fish also asked the court to allow it to use cash collateral to make payroll and keep making its distinctive brand of brews, with labels such as Dirt Cake, Ice Cream Stout and Octoberfish.

The brewery and tasting room at 900 Kennedy Boulevard in Somerdale was open on Saturday. The bartender on duty said he wasnt allowed to speak for the company, and referred all inquiries to Flying Fishs email account.

No one responded to a request for comment on Saturday afternoon.

Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com.
New Yorks governor vetoed a bill days before Christmas that would have banned noncompete agreements, which restrict workers ability to leave their job for a role with a rival business.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she tried to work with the Legislature on a reasonable compromise this year, called the bill a one-size-fits-all-approach for New York companies legitimately trying to retain top talent.

I continue to recognize the urgent need to restrict non-compete agreements for middle-class and low-wage workers, and am open to future legislation that achieves the right balance, she wrote in a veto letter released Saturday.

The veto is a blow to labor groups, who have long argued that the agreements hurt workers and stifle economic growth. The Federal Trade Commission had also sent a letter to Hochul in November, urging her to sign the bill and saying that the agreements can harm innovation and prevent new businesses from forming in the state.

But in recent months, the legislation had come under fierce attack by Wall Street and top business groups in New York. They argued the agreements are necessary to protect investment strategies and keep highly-paid workers from leaving their companies with prized inside information and working for an industry rival.

While the agreements are often associated with top executives, about 1 in 5 American workers  nearly 30 million people  are now bound by noncompete agreements, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

For example, the sandwich chain Jimmy Johns previously came under scrutiny for forcing its low-wage workers to sign noncompete agreements that prevented them from working for a nearby business for two years after they left. In 2016, the company reached a settlement with the New York attorney general agreeing to no longer enforce the agreements.

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed its own rule to eliminate all noncompete agreements nationwide under the idea that they unfairly reduce competition.

Peter Rahbar, an employment attorney who represents individuals dealing with noncompete issues, said he was disappointed the governor vetoed the bill.

I view it as a missed opportunity to help employees and workers gain leverage in their negotiations with employers, he said. She is missing an important step that would help employees not only have freedom of choice on where they want to work, but deprive them of an opportunity to increase their income.

The Federal Trade Commission has estimated that banning noncompete agreements could increase workers earnings by approximately $250 billion to $296 billion per year.

Rahbar pointed to California as the center of American innovation, crediting that to the states longtime ban on noncompete agreements.
Ring in the new year with a boom.

Several fireworks shows are expected to light up the New York City skyline on Sunday night, after the ball drops in Times Square, to open New Years Day, according to a list from CBS News and the citys 311 fireworks display schedule.

The New York Road Runners fireworks show kicks off before the group hosts their annual four-mile midnight run in Central Park.

The New York Harbor will be lit up just a bit, as fireworks as scheduled to be shot off from a barge near Liberty Island that can be seen from the Brooklyn Bridge or the Brooklyn Park and Promenade, the report said.

Music followed by fireworks are expected to go off at Grand Army Plaza by the main entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Live music, followed by a fireworks display, is also on top for Luna Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

A commercial-free broadcast will also feature exclusive interviews, original content, and hourly countdowns from the center of the Times Square in Manhattan.

The commercial-free webcast will be streamed live on multiple websites including TimesSquareNYC.org, NewYearsEve.nyc, LiveStream.com/2024 and TimesSquareBall.net.

In addition, several national broadcast networks will be airing elements of the Times Square celebration.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding New Yorkers across the state that the minimum wage will increase starting Jan. 1.

Minimum wage will increase from $15 per hour to $16 per hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, while the rest of the state increases from $14.20 per hour to $15 per hour.

The increase is part of a historic, multi-year plan to increase the minimum wage, after Hochul reached an agreement with the New York State Legislature.

Hochul noted the increase will help to ensure that New Yorkers can continue to keep pace with rising costs.

By 2026, the increase of minimum wage is expected to go up by $1 throughout New York State, while only seeing a 50 cent increase over the next two years.

Starting January 1, minimum wage workers who do not see the increase reflected in their paychecks are urged to file a complaint with the Department of Labor to make sure that they get the wages they are owed, said Hochul.

In addition to this historic increase, minimum wage for home care aides will increase to $18.55 an hour in the city, Westchester and Long Island, while counties in upstate New York will see a $17.55 per hour pace.

Hochuls office noted that according to research, raising the minimum wage can lead to reductions in poverty, reduced social assistance spending, stimulative spending, improved worker productivity, and other benefits.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon noted, The elevation of the minimum wage serves as lifeline for New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet as costs rise. Steady, multi-year changes allow businesses time to adjust while providing low-wage workers the ability to better support themselves and their families.

As part of public awareness, the Department of Labor will look to remind New Yorkers of the increase and encourage minimum wage workers to report missing wages.

Minimum wage earners who do not see the increase reflected in their paychecks can file a wage complaint on the New York State Department of Labors website or by calling 833-910-4378. For more information about NYSDOLs efforts to combat wage theft, visit the Departments landing page.
NEW YORK, N.Y.  A New York City police officers decision to use somebody elses fake COVID-19 positive test to remain in the Dominican Republican during a family vacation has resulted in termination, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.

Officer Edward Nunez-Nunezs wife was hit with COVID during the familys vacation in September 2022, said the report, citing an NYPD trial decision. The officer said he experienced COVID symptoms as well and went for treatment at the same medical clinic that treated his spouse.

However, the clinic didnt give Nunez-Nunez a COVID test, the report says. The officer returned to the site, where a worker gave him a piece of paper indicating Nunez-Nunez was positive, but the rest was for someone else, the documents QR code revealed, says the Daily News.

The cop later confessed to the police that a COVID test was never taken, according to the publication.

I should have said the truth, Nunez-Nunez admitted at a hearing, the NYDN wrote. I just wanted to spend more time with the family. You know, I never had a family vacation  it was no malicious intent. I should have said the right thing.

The report said Nunez-Nunez had left the force prior to being terminated by Police Commissioner Edward Caban in October.
The likely change in the global EV pecking order marks the realisation of a goal that Wang, 57, set back when China was just starting to foster its now world-beating electric car industry. While BYD continues to pull away from Tesla and all other auto brands at home, replicating its runaway success abroad is proving tricky. Europe looks poised to join the US in slapping Chinese car imports with higher tariffs to shield thousands of manufacturing jobs. Other countries EV markets are still in their infancy and arent nearly as lucrative. Management views the US as virtually off-limits due to the escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Loading Wang is no Musk  he eschews social media and largely steers clear of the limelight. But in an uncharacteristically brash address delivered weeks before the European Union opened an investigation into how China has subsidised its EV industry, Wang declared the time had come for Chinese brands to demolish the old legends of the auto world. While many car buyers outside China are still only dimly aware of BYD, Warren Buffett surely isnt. In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway invested about $US230 million ($336 million) for an almost 10 per cent stake in the Chinese automaker. When Berkshire started paring its holding last year  BYD shares were trading near their all-time high  the value of its stake had soared roughly 35-fold to about $US8 billion.

The late Berkshire vice chairman Charlie Munger saw BYD primarily as a battery play. On Bloomberg TV in May 2009, he said the company was working on one of the most important subjects affecting the technological future of man. Mungers family had invested in the company years ahead of Berkshire, and he said weeks before his death in November that he had tried to dissuade Wang from getting into the car business. BYD acquired a failing state-owned automaker in 2003 and introduced its first plug-in hybrid  called the F3DM  in 2008. A New York Times reviewer panned its exterior design, calling the compact about as trendy as a Y2K-era Toyota Corolla. The company sold all of 48 units in the first year. Around that time, China started subsidising plug-in car purchases. Support from the government extended from cities and provinces to the national level, spanning tax breaks for consumers, production incentives for manufacturers, help with research and development, and cheap land and loans. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu says the time has come for Chinese brands. Credit: Bloomberg As a rare automaker that also made its own batteries, BYD was uniquely positioned to benefit. Before entering the car business, it was the first Chinese lithium-ion supplier to Motorola and Nokia in the early 2000s. To scale up output before consumers were embracing EVs, the company targeted automotive segments that would need lots of cells. Its first electric bus launched soon after the F3DM.

BYD was a miracle, Munger told the podcast Acquired in an episode that aired in October. He called Wang a genius, saying he kept the company from going broke by working 70-hour weeks, and described him as a fanatical engineer. The guy at BYD is better at actually making things than Elon is, he said. Roughly a decade and a half into making cars, BYD had mustered the smarts to bring plug-in car prices down to levels comparable with combustion engine vehicles. But its lineup still lacked good looks. In 2016, the company hired Wolfgang Egger as design chief, a role he previously played for Audi and Alfa Romeo. It also lured away other international executives, including Ferraris head of exterior design and a top interior designer for Mercedes-Benz. By the time China invited Tesla to build the countrys first car plant fully owned by a foreign entity, BYD was no longer resigned to making no-frills econoboxes. Now, its most expensive model  the Yangwang U8 sport utility vehicle  costs 1.09 million yuan ($223,000).

While the level of government subsidies has played a role in Chinas tremendous EV growth, Paul Gong, UBS Group AGs head of China autos research, believes the bigger factor is the level of competition that this support spawned. They have to work on the innovation, they have to try and find what consumers really want, and they have to optimise their costs to make sure their EVs are competitive in this highly competitive market, Gong said. After tearing down a BYD Seal sedan and finding a 25 per cent cost advantage over legacy competitors, his team concluded that Chinese manufacturers are likely to own a third of the global car market by the end of the decade. Loading For now, Tesla still has BYD beat on key metrics including revenue, income and market capitalisation. Analysts at Bernstein expect some of those gaps to close considerably next year  theyre projecting Tesla will generate $US114 billion in sales to BYDs $US112 billion. Wang grew up the second youngest of eight children in the impoverished village of Wuwei in eastern Chinas Anhui province. His parents died when he was a teenager, and his older siblings supported him through his high school and university education.

Through the early years of his working life, Wang was based in Beijing, working as a mid-level government researcher on rare-earth metals critical to batteries and consumer electronics. He founded BYD in 1995 in Shenzhen with the help of an almost $US300,000 loan from a friend. Hes now worth $US14.8 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Wang has racked up the air miles in 2023, crisscrossing the globe between auto shows, new market launches and meetings with heads of states. Hes touched down in countries including Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico and Chile  a travel schedule befitting the leader of a company thats set up shop in some 60 countries and territories in just the last two years. Analysts expect BYD to launch its third-generation EVs next year offering more technology, such as automated-driving capabilities. Thats one area where BYD falls short with its more affordable products versus upstarts like Nio and Xpeng. Even as the number of auto rivals in China has shrunk from over 500 to around 100, new entrants continue to emerge, including well-funded tech giant Huawei Technologies. When Bloomberg News asked Wang in March whether BYD had aspirations to be as big as Toyota, which in 2023 was the worlds top-selling overall carmaker for a fourth straight year, he said the development of the EV industry would lead to an industry reshuffle. How a car company performs will depend on its tech and response, he said. BYD in Chinas electrification is the winner for now, but how it will go tomorrow, we cant say for sure. But we will lean into our advantages and keep making good products.
BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday pledged continuous support for Hong Kong and Macao in securing their long-term prosperity and stability.

In his 2024 New Year message, Xi said China will continue to support the two special administrative regions in harnessing their distinctive strengths and better integrating themselves into China's overall development. 
The ABC asked one thing of its New Years Eve viewers: put your party shoes on, leave your grumpy hat in the cupboard, keep an open mind  and let the music carry you along.

And it worked, if you met your half of the bargain.

The ABCs New Year broadcast hosts: Zan Rowe, Charlie Pickering and Concetta Caristo. Credit: ABC

This was, in the main, a belter of a show  a blend of familiar faces and some newish-to-unknown ones, and the music traversed the genre factory, ensuring that there was something for everybody. That means, of course, there was also something else for everybody to complain about, but thats the essential point with this show. Dont like this act? Sure, but hang about. Therell be something along for you any minute.

Thats the ABCs half of the bargain  and they delivered on it.
Usually at the end of December, my inbox is flooded with pitches for mocktails, apps and lifestyle gurus ready to help you sober up after the excess of the holidays. So-called Dry January  initially intended as a public health campaign  is now as fully commercial as Christmas and New Years Eve.

But according to data from Morning Consult, fewer people in the US participated in Dry January in 2023. Older generations show the least interest. Thats a shame because the health benefits of consuming less alcohol couldnt be clearer.

Cutting back can be as worthwhile as cutting out. Credit: iStock

Maybe one way to get more on board would be to extol moderation rather than abstinence. For some, a dry-as-the-desert January can feel daunting. Maybe you dont want to forgo the celebratory glass of champagne for a birthday or anniversary, or skip the fancy cocktail at a restaurant youve been waiting months to try. If youll cave once or twice, why bother at all?

But there are still health benefits to a damp January, where drinkers pare back rather than abstain. Even a moderate month can offer one of the biggest benefits of Dry January: reflecting on ones relationship with alcohol.
The Queensland Department of Health now invites persons with a cervix rather than women for cervical cancer screening in their health promotion materials. Professor Hannah Dahlen, the associate dean of research at Western Sydney University and a signatory of the letter to the NHMRC, says that term is frankly, demeaning and confusing, particularly for people from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Dahlen said the push to desex language was motivated by the best of intentions, but from a scientific point of view was scary. Sex plays a fundamental role in the health of females and males and to lose the ability to identify and represent the needs of females is a huge backwards step, not only for females, but for womens rights, equity and health, Dahlen said.

Loading So when were being inclusive, lets not be exclusive. Half the population is female, lets not discriminate against them. Its lazy not to get this right, and its dangerous not to get it right. Australias peak health statistics body, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes on its website that in its reports, male or female may refer to either sex or gender, depending on the data source ... so it can be unclear which is the focus. The letter to the NHRMC came in response to a consultation paper it released on the ethics of conducting medical research on pregnant women. The draft paper used the term pregnant woman, then acknowledged that some would consider it controversial and asked researchers whether the language was appropriate and, if not, with what should it be replaced?

A footnote added that we recognise that it is also important to avoid gendering birth, and those who give birth, as feminine. In response, the letter from researchers warns that physicians are under increasing pressure to desex language in research, policy, and public health communications and that, as a result, sex is not being accurately recorded in health systems and elsewhere. For example, a study on pregnancy involvement and the mental and sexual health of transgender young people did not report data disaggregated by sex even though getting someone [else] pregnant is very different to getting pregnant. Of the 120 signatories of the letter, more than one-third are professors. It also includes a number of senior clinicians working in womens health and nine womens health organisations.

Loading A spokesperson for the NHMRC said the revised version of the guidelines will be released later in 2024, and the issue of language  is being considered. Another of the letters signatories, Dr Karleen Gribble from the Western Sydney University, said it was about having good data because we cant have good healthcare if we dont have good data. Gribble  who in 2022 co-authored a paper with Dahlen on the importance of sexed language around pregnancy  cited a published case study of a person who turned up at an emergency department with abdominal pain. Their records said they were male but they were in labour. They had a prolapsed umbilical cord, but there was a delay while doctors worked out what was going on, and by the time they found it, the baby had died, Gribble said.

In another case, a transgender man had a car accident and required intubation. The hospital mistook him for a biological man. There are different-sized tubes between sexes and this person was intubated with an inappropriately large endotracheal tube for a long time, and ended up with serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries. The letter said the move towards new language also threatened to undo efforts to close the female data gap. The gap exists because most medical research has been conducted on biologically male subjects, with the erroneous assumption that medications and devices will work the same way on females. We are very concerned that the female data gap, which was being closed, is stalling or even widening with the inappropriate prioritisation of data collection on gender identity over sex, the letter says. At a recent hearing in the Victorian coroners court into a cluster of five transgender women who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, Royal Childrens Hospital gender clinic co-head Tram Nguyen said forcing a transgender person to disclose to a doctor their sex at birth or their deadname could amount to a lack of cultural safety.

When one is wanting to access acute medical services, whether itd be medical or mental health, then youre probably at the point where youre most vulnerable, she told the coroner. Loading Then to have experience of discrimination, misgendering, having to disclose your gender in public spaces, having intrusive or inappropriate physical examinations, there is likely to be  an avoidance of services and not feeling safe. When we look at student, young people population data, about a third will identify as non-binary. So this is not an insignificant amount. If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In the current rehashing of the presumptuous and calculated nobody wants cash, it costs too much to supply, lets end it debate (Digital uprising gains momentum for cashless society, December 30), it seems that the cost of distributing cash to Australians isnt necessarily the banks to cover, but just possibly for passing on to the government, or directly to the end users. The banks evermore stratospheric profits are untouchably theirs, and after the permanent closure of an amazing number of branches and a great reduction of staff on the godsent COVID pretext, evidently need to be even more freed from operating costs. On the Australian coat of arms we really do need to include our timeless business  and now broadly national  credo: privatise the profits, socialise the losses and cost-shift the operating expenses. Alex Mattea, Sydney In many small country towns, banks have already closed their branches and removed ATMs. Now its becoming increasingly clear that theyd like to remove access to cash altogether  wherever we live. However, not everyone is impressed with the convenience of digital banking. One small shopkeeper in Katoomba displays a sign encouraging customers to pay with cash rather than card. He says it saves the customer giving even more money to the banks (a reference to that little extra fee that often accompanies card payments) and keeps more people employed. I am one of the 13 per cent still regularly using cash, and I find it hard to shed a tear for banks recording bumper profits while whingeing that handling cash  once the essence of their business  is all a bit of a bother and, wait for it, costing them money. Cash still comes in handy, especially when servers go down. Nick Franklin, Katoomba Surely if the banks want to phase out cash transactions to improve their bottom line, it is only equitable for them to indemnify their customers against card fraud. Is it an unfair contract to implement a change made to benefit the perpetrator without a guarantee against losses to the target client? The governments role is to protect the exchange of legal cash transactions. DArcy Hardy, North Turramurra Or is this the next choice? Credit: AP One advantage of a cashless society would be a boost to tax revenue. Without a cash economy, all earnings would be declared, due to the presence of electronic records for all transactions. One disadvantage, however, is that fees for card payments are passed on to consumers, who bear the cost, although these fees are a claimable tax-deductible business expense. Why is this flagrant example of double-dipping allowed to occur? Carmen Fenech, Frenchs Forest Another story about the demise of cash and/or cheques with the banks complaining about the obvious extra cost of maintaining cash or cheques. But if electronic banking is much cheaper and efficient for the banks, why, then, does it often draw an extra fee? As a cashless society becomes inevitable, maybe the Reserve Bank should have a good look at the rationale of charging these fees. And if cash disappears, you can bet that the banks wont be tardy in jacking up these fees whenever they feel they need an extra billion or two. Tony Mitchell, Hillsdale Amid despair at the world there is still hope for 2024

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Its difficult not to agree with Nick Bryants depressing assertion about the state of the world (Progress has peaked. Now what?  December 30). When we are faced with the possibility of another Trump presidency to add to the already present chaos of wars in Europe and the Middle East, its little wonder. It seems that good sense and selflessness has been submerged by populism and self-aggrandisement with those skilled in those pursuits taking control with disastrous consequences. We are not immune in this country, with constructive progression of any kind beset with a culture of No from politicians with nothing to offer except the concept of No. Max Redmayne, Drummoyne What happens next? Credit: Reuters It is hard not to agree that the world is going backwards. After the optimism of the end of last century most things seem to have taken a turn for the worse. The Great Leader syndrome seems to be at the heart of it. China, aware of the dangers of a repeat of Mao, established a limit of two terms for a leader, but it didnt take Xi long once he had taken the reins to get rid of that. Putin dispenses with anyone who might challenge him. North Korea follows suit. The West has its own versions of populist leaders, and Trump in the US could take down democracy itself. It should be noted they are all male. Oh, for more women at higher levels of politics. Gary Barnes, Mosman Nick Bryants opinion piece, though he said nothing that could be argued against, was hardly uplifting reading and Im hoping for something a bit more optimistic to start the new year. His efforts to end on a positive note with his quote from the African-American poet Amanda Gorman, saying there is always light, if only were brave enough to see it. If only were brave enough to be it, reminded me of a line from a great Canadian poet, Leonard Cohen, Theres a crack, a crack in everything, thats where the light gets in. In 2024, Im hoping to see that crack. Charmain Brinks, Newcastle Desk calendar wisdom might be a good place to start, Nick Bryant. If I choose to be the light, there is always a cost. There is always hope. This year started with much hope. It always comes down to people of good will doing the right thing. Geoff Nilon, Mascot A new year dawns with conflicts, unbelievable suffering for some and a great fear for the sustainability of our planet. Let each one of us spread kindness wherever we find ourselves, and remember Amnestys saying: It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Josephine Piper, Miranda Sydney vastly different to Paris

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Michael Koziol makes sense and says it all but for two points (How to shape Sydneys future? Paris has some clues, December 30). First, Paris is not obsessed with property ownership as Sydney is. It is not an item of gossip, nor is property obsession a marketing tool in Paris, nor is it the character of Paris. In Sydney, it is the basis of NIMBYism. Second, banks need to address barriers to lending to women. Anne Eagar, Epping Its too late to try to turn Sydney into Paris. The public interest requires heritage to be conserved, not traduced for high-rise apartments, regardless of the housing crisis. If heritage is not saved, Sydney will become soulless tumbleweeded nihilistic towers fulfilling the prophecy that theres no point going or living there if theres no there there. Andrew Woodhouse, Potts Point Is Paris the best place to be? Credit: iStock Michael Koziol wants us to emulate Paris, which is building subsidised housing along its ring road. In Sydney, it makes sense totake maximum advantage of existing infrastructure and increase density along train lines. But affordable housing shouldnt be at the cost of our citys visual amenity. What we have been creating over decades are canyons of high rises through which heavy rail rattles. A daily commute is enough to breed NIMBYism. How the residents themselves must feel is a mystery  its their backyard, after all. Highways are beautified, so why not give more thought to our transport corridors? Margaret Johnston, Paddington Castles in the air A word of caution for coastal home owners who say their locality cant be built out (Coastal spots close to Sydney where property prices are picking up, December 30): take nothing for granted. Under this NSW government, developers who cannot build out are encouraged to build up. If Yamba can have high-rise buildings, so too can other coastal locations. Col Shephard, Yamba Norway ahead

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What a delight to read about Norways sporting success as a confirmation of their long-term planning and vision using the benefits of their oil and fields (Little country that roared on the world sporting stage, December 30). North Sea oil and gas revenues threatened to upend Norways economy if the money was brought into the country. The natural resource bounty has only been brought into the country as needed for hospitals, schools and sports. Norways sovereign wealth fund is now over $2trillion, compared to our $200billion  a 10th the size  for a country the size of Sydney (5.4million population). All Norwegians are millionaires. We continue to lose the opportunity to generate a common wealth fund, instead turning Australia into an impossible place for young people to buy homes, and many taking on far too much debt in the chase for hoped-for profits from home ownership. Bill Johnstone, Blackheath Leave trees be Why is a big expanse of ocean the most sought-after view (Letters, December 30)? Enough to vandalise the immediate environment for the momentary glimpses of shades of blues and grays? So you feel free to destroy foreshore habitat, visual amenity for communities, erosion barriers and shade? Trees are part of the view. Leave them alone for all their value, not just the view. Anne Skates, Bomaderry Lets let trees be. Lets make any tree vandals we catch do community service. During the hours when they are not at work or getting their eight hours of sleep, make them dress up to look like trees and then have them stand where the trees used to be. Mark Anderson, Coogee Whom it may concern While joining the throng mourning the loss of ing (Postscript, December 30), I was already bereaving the neglect of whom. Whatever has happened to a word that I was taught the role of around 75 years ago? I suppose the loss has not been sudden, but when did it become OK to ignore the objective form of the word who? Mike Foale, Maleny (Qld)

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I had a surge of agreement on reading the letter (Letters, December 30) complaining about the ubiquitous use of the term reach out. Thank you for reaching out irritates because it implies that I am in a more disadvantaged position than the person or organisation I am contacting, when I am actually an individual who expects to be treated with respect. Sally Smith, McMahons Point Advice and thanks In wishing everyone a very happy new year, this bloke approaching 80 would like to pass on a few observations (with only a little aged chauvinism intended): It is all very well to have a very caring heart, but one only, matched by an equally very careful head, Go looking for trouble, and trouble will find you in half the time and double the amount you expected and Live your life in such a manner that you would not be ashamed to sell the family parrot ... to the town gossip. Howard Hutchins, Chirnside Park (Vic) As a child born January 1, 1935, I have experienced war in Yugoslavia (now Croatia) and Austria, including Russian occupation, poverty in refugee camps, and finally migration to Australia in November 1949. I have told my story to my children and grandchildren more times than they care to listen. Thank you, Australia, for the welcome and opportunities this country has opened for me over 75 years and continues to offer to people in distress. Ferdo Mathews, Robina (Qld) Toll robbery Almost $10 to travel on a small section of road in a passenger vehicle is legalised highway robbery (The more things change: Shake-up for tolls, vapes and tax, December 30). Is the CEO of Transurban called Dick Turpin? Alicia Dawson, Balmain Outnumbered

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This article is part of our Behind the Headlines series, where Age reporters reveal unforgettable moments in their careers. See all 7 stories . My mobile phone was ringing again, the fourth time the same number had appeared in as many minutes. It belonged to a source of mine, an insider at the intersection of elite sport, gambling and organised crime. It must be important, I reasoned. Id sworn to myself I wouldnt answer my phone. Not today, of all days. Today I was getting married. It rang again. I was about to get married. Then a distraught source rang with bad news. Credit: iStock Hey mate, I answered brusquely. The caller was distraught, his words tripping over themselves as he blurted out how his wife had just left him. He sounded close to the edge. I did my best to reassure him, talk him back from the abyss, conscious I had to get to a ceremony. My ceremony.

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How are you going? he finally asked me as an afterthought. Up to anything? I didnt have the heart to tell him where I was, only that I had to go. Youre a real mate, he said quietly as he hung up. Can journalists form genuine friendships with their sources? Credit: Stock image I wasnt quite sure that was true. Hed certainly helped me break stories and we had formed a genuine bond. I liked him enormously and had always listened to him when he was in need. But was ours a genuine friendship or merely an extended dance between journalist and source? I checked my wedding suit for the last time and headed towards my waiting best men. In-depth reporting leads a journalist to become deeply familiar with their source or subjects life.

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You often become something much more than a human receptacle of information. Loading You become a persons confidant, therapist, human life raft. Sometimes, you become a friend. Each source and subject has their own story and each relationship is different. My first genuine deep throat I met in 2002. They worked as a senior official and leaked me classified information over the next decade, allowing me to expose government failings and corruption. What I published was always in the public interest, even though I knew the source was, at times at least, motivated by personal or career ambition. But he was also unquestionably courageous. And he also advanced my career. Self-interest flowed both ways. My first Walkley award was on the back of immense risks this source took, and yet he got no glory or reward. That went to me. And yet he still gave.

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When my familys safety was threatened, this source called my wife on the pretext of advising her on how to better secure our home. What he was really doing was offering emotional support, the assurance we werent alone. At some point, my source stopped being a source. It was a relief to no longer be performing a dance with him, an act of juggling self and public interest. He stopped sharing secret government intelligence. Instead, we began sharing information about our true selves. Twenty years later, ours remains a close and genuine friendship, sans secrets. Ive had many briefer interactions that were just as meaningful. Im often asked about the story Im proudest of. It involves a disabled woman called Jules Anderson, who was raped by her carer, a serial offender who preyed on the vulnerable. Jules Anderson was raped by her carer. Credit: ABC Jules initially agreed only to be a confidential source, sharing her story anonymously. She was worried about being judged or misunderstood and having her most personal details made public. But after spending time with Jules and meeting her parrot, I felt the trust between us grow, and she agreed to go on camera for a Four Corners program. After 20 years of reporting, I marvel at the courage and grace of ordinary or vulnerable people whove briefly let me, and then the public, in. Jules was the exemplar.

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Her rapist preyed on her because he thought a disabled woman wouldnt speak up. Instead, she confronted her abuser and the institution that failed her on national television. The man she called the monster was jailed for 18 years. I interviewed another care home resident and have no doubt their advocacy was a catalyst for a later royal commission. Nick McKenzie, right, with colleague Richard Baker. Credit: Michael Clayton-Jones That Christmas, a colleague, Richard Baker, and I, took them out for lunch in Chinatown. It wasnt the beginning of a lasting friendship, but was a moment of genuine mutual affection and respect. A few weeks ago, almost a decade after that Four Corners program, another disabled victim-survivor and advocate Id interviewed, Milly Parker, had an Order of Australia medal pinned on her chest. Milly emailed me about her accomplishment even though we hadnt spoken in years, our relationship strained by a poor decision Id made to try to introduce her to the new CEO of the organisation that contributed to so much of her trauma.

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Hundreds of thousands of revellers packed Melbournes CBD to see off 2023 and ring in a more hopeful new year.

More than 400,000 Victorians descended on the city on Sunday night to watch 12,000 fireworks light up the night before many of them crowded onto packed railway platforms to get a train home.

Revellers at the St Kilda Sea Baths New Yers Eve celebrations. Credit: Joe Armao

Crowds started counting down before the sparkling spectacle and the display filled the sky for more than eight minutes. Others used the seconds before midnight for a cheeky pash under the bright lights, but more danced their way into the new year.

Among those celebrating in Docklands was mum Ruhi Dalwadi, who arrived at the viewing point at 6pm to secure the perfect position to watch both sets of fireworks on New Years Eve.
At a Point Lonsdale beach, between two and eight veterans of the local Boardriders Club gather most mornings to assess the swell.

If theres no surf, youll sit there and go, Well its shit, isnt it?  says Rodney Nicholson, one of the clubs longtime members and the current vice-president.

Lifelong mates: Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club veterans Rodney Nicholson (left) and Graham Slade share a cup of tea. Credit: Penny Stephens

But if the waves are decent, theyll grab their surfboards.

If the surfs on, thats got priority, Nicholson, 68, says on an unseasonably drizzly day last week. Youre into the surf and the tea comes later.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The misplacement of highly sensitive documents containing advice from the nations spy agencies used by John Howards government to go to war in Iraq in 2003 has prompted a high-level inquiry so they can be made public. The National Archives on Monday released the cabinet papers of Howards government but this did not include the submissions relied upon by the national security committee (NSC) to justify the decision to join the coalition of the willing in a war that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and destabilised the Middle East for years. John Howard with George W Bush on a visit by the prime minister to the presidents Texas ranch in 2003. Credit: AP But in a rare public statement hours before the 2003 cabinet papers were due to be released, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet revealed that the key security committee documents had not been handed over to the national archives in 2020 when other records were transferred. While the statement described the missing papers as administrative oversights ... likely as a result of COVID-19 disruptions, department secretary Glyn Davis has called in former ASIO director-general Dennis Richardson to conduct an independent review of the transfer and to ensure all documents have been moved to the archives. The National Archives have previously released submissions created for the national security committee and its predecessors. It is also today releasing some of the committees records that were submitted to the Howard cabinet of 2003. That years cabinet papers release was of particular interest as it covered the decision taken on March 18 by the Howard government to officially commit troops to Iraq. Australian troops entered the country less than 40 hours after the decision.

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In mid-December, the archives said that the national security committee documents were not yet held by the institution. National Archives does not hold records for 2003 documenting NSC decisions relating directly to the conduct of the Iraq War, it said in a statement to this masthead. As a result, they were not considered for public release along with other selected cabinet records from 2003 that have been released proactively. According to the department, the missing records were discovered on December 19. Archives staff jointly inspected the records three days later and they have now been transferred to the agency. The archives will review the documents in consultation with security agencies before they become available for release. The missing papers have already prompted calls for the detailed notes taken of the inner workings of the security committee and cabinet from 2003 to be immediately released so the public can better understand one of the Howard governments most important and contentious decisions. Every year, the archives releases the cabinet documents of previous governments 20 years after their creation. They are mined by historians and the general public to gain an insight of the issues debated around the cabinet table as they contain official submissions from departments and agencies.

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Key players including Howard and Peter Costello have discussed the major issues around the decision in interviews and in their memoirs and referenced some of the confidential information. But the full picture of the advice from security agencies has been kept secret. The six-page note The official documents reveal the full cabinet met on the morning of March 18 where Howard  who had earlier that day talked to US President George W Bush  delivered a verbal briefing on the possible war. The six-page note, which records 18 separate cabinet decisions, noted that Howard had received a formal request from Bush that Australia participate in military action by a coalition to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction and advice that it was the intention of the President to issue an ultimatum to Iraq very shortly. Noting that Iraqs weapons represented a real and unacceptable threat to international peace and security, the cabinet agreed they posed a direct risk to Australias own security. The note confirmed Howard talked to the then governor-general, Peter Hollingworth, about sending troops to Iraq. Hollingworth would resign his post two months later after an inquiry found that while he was the Anglican archbishop of Brisbane in the early 1990s he had allowed a known paedophile to continue working as a priest. Just hours after the cabinet meeting, Howard went into the House of Representatives with a motion to support going to war that had already prompted protests from opponents.

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The prime minister made clear that one of his greatest concerns was the possibility of Iraqs weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists who could then use them on Australians. This is the ultimate nightmare which the world must take decisive and effective steps to prevent, he said. Possession of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by terrorists would constitute a direct, undeniable and lethal threat to Australia and its people. While the government argued the war was about preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, Howard used the same speech to acknowledge Saddam Husseins reign would come to an end. This is the ultimate nightmare which the world must take decisive and effective steps to prevent. John Howard, March 18, 2003 The governments principal objective is the disarmament of Iraq; however, should military action be required to achieve this, it is axiomatic that such action will result in the removal of Saddam Husseins regime, he said.

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Throughout Howards address to parliament, he was interrupted by Anthony Albanese, who alleged the governments decision to go to war had been made six months earlier. Albanese was ejected from the House, along with other members of the Labor Party which was opposed to the decision. Within weeks of the ground invasion of Iraq, it became apparent that Saddam Husseins regime did not have weapons of mass destruction. Then-defence minister Robert Hill, who believes the security committee submissions should be released, said the absence of the weapons of mass destruction had come as a major surprise given the intelligence the government had received ahead of the invasion. There was a lot of scratching of heads and different experts had different ideas on what had happened, he said. The submission that never was National Archives cabinet historian, associate professor David Lee, described the absence of documentation surrounding the war decision as the cabinet submission that never was.

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The recent St Vincents Health cyberattack was carried out by a sophisticated group of cybercriminals who gained access to the organisations data through a compromised account, investigators believe, in a breach similar to the one that crippled Medibank almost a year ago.

Two sources directly involved in the investigation but not authorised to speak publicly told this masthead that evidence collected so far pointed to stolen login credentials as the cause of the attack that has left thousands of St Vincents patients in the dark about whether sensitive health information has been exposed.

The St Vincents cyberattack was discovered on December 19. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Hackers can use fake emails, also known as phishing emails, to trick staff members into giving up their login information. The stolen credentials can then be used to carry out cyberattacks.

Details about the compromised account were not available on the dark web, meaning the attack was probably orchestrated by sophisticated cybercriminals who were targeting the hospital, the sources said.
Seoul: North Korea has vowed to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong-un said US policy is making war inevitable, state media reported on Sunday.

Kim lashed out at Washington in lengthy remarks wrapping up five days of ruling party meetings that set economic, military and foreign policy goals for the coming year.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a year-end plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party. Credit: KCNA

Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula, he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

He ordered the military to prepare to pacify the entire territory of South Korea, including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack.
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan witnessed a sharp surge in militant attacks in 2023 as the country saw a staggering 69 percent rise in militant attacks and an 81 percent increase in resultant deaths, an Islamabad-based think-tank said on Sunday.

In 2023, at least 641 militant attacks occurred across the country in which 974 people were killed, while in 2022, Pakistan suffered 380 militant attacks resulting in 539 deaths, a statistical report released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies said.

Overall, there was a 74 percent surge in the actions of the security forces against the militants in which around 600 militants were killed and at least 625 were arrested, said the report.

By combining militant attacks and security forces actions, the country saw over 1,000 violent incidents in which around 1,511 people were killed, it added.

The average militant attacks per month rose from 32 in 2022 to 53 in 2023, which is the highest monthly average in any year after 2015, data showed. 
Kyiv: Russian authorities said a Ukrainian attack on the city of Belgorod had killed at least 20 people and injured more than 110 others, in what would be the deadliest single assault against a Russian city since the start of the war nearly two years ago.

Russias Defence Ministry said that Ukraine had hit Belgorod  a regional centre of about 330,000 residents, 40 kilometres north of the Ukrainian border  with two missiles and several rockets, adding that the strike was indiscriminate.

Rescuers and people carry a wounded person after shelling in Belgorod, Russia. Credit: Russia Emergency Situations Ministry

The ministry said that most of the rockets had been shot down but that some debris had fallen on the city. The Ukrainian government has not officially commented on the Belgorod attack, and Russian claims could not be independently verified.

The attack seemed to be Ukraines response to a massive and deadly Russian air assault against its territory a day earlier, and another sign of Kyivs determination to bring the war to Moscows doorstep. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country would continue to work toward pushing the war back to where it came from  home to Russia.
"China is the fascinating embodiment of miracles and progress in all fields." Yara Ibrahim, a staffer with the Cairo-based Wisdom House for Cultural Industries, recalled her trip to China in 2018. #GLOBALink





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) dog squad unit work at a metro rail station in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Dec. 31, 2023.

Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security in capital Dhaka for New Year's Eve a week ahead of general elections to be held in the South Asian country.

Law enforcers came out in full force in parts of the capital on Sunday to ensure security on the last night of 2023. (Xinhua)

by Naim-Ul-Karim

DHAKA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security in capital Dhaka for New Year's Eve a week ahead of general elections to be held in the South Asian country.

Law enforcers came out in full force in parts of the capital on Sunday to ensure security on the last night of 2023.

A senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official told Xinhua that thousands of law enforcement personnel including members of the anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are deployed to guard key state institutions in Dhaka.

Checkpoints manned by explosives experts have been set up on many streets, said the official who did not like to be named.

Like in previous years, he said that they installed check posts in all strategic points in Dhaka.

Strike force and mobile teams will patrol the sensitive areas round-the-clock to avert any unpleasant incident, he added.

In addition, members of the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Dhaka to maintain law and order.

General elections are scheduled for Jan. 7 in the country amid boycott by opposition parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

In the interest of overall security and law and order in Dhaka city, no gatherings are allowed at road intersections, flyovers, streets, and public places, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman said in a statement Saturday.

No firecrackers, crackers, and lanterns are allowed in celebrations in the capital, according to the release. No bars in Dhaka city can be kept open after 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.

From 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, all types of licensed firearms cannot be carried at various residential hotels, restaurants, or public gatherings in Dhaka city, according to the release. 

Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) dog squad unit work at a metro rail station in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Dec. 31, 2023.

Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security in capital Dhaka for New Year's Eve a week ahead of general elections to be held in the South Asian country.

Law enforcers came out in full force in parts of the capital on Sunday to ensure security on the last night of 2023. (Xinhua)

Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) dog squad unit work at a metro rail station in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Dec. 31, 2023.

Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security in capital Dhaka for New Year's Eve a week ahead of general elections to be held in the South Asian country.

Law enforcers came out in full force in parts of the capital on Sunday to ensure security on the last night of 2023. (Xinhua)

A member of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) dog squad unit works at a metro rail station in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Dec. 31, 2023.

Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security in capital Dhaka for New Year's Eve a week ahead of general elections to be held in the South Asian country.

Law enforcers came out in full force in parts of the capital on Sunday to ensure security on the last night of 2023. (Xinhua)
From the incredible torchlight procession through to Pulp seeing us into 2024, and so much more, were really fortunate to have such excellent events on offer for our residents and visitors.
Marrakesh is rapidly establishing itself as a hotspot among the city weekender set, easily slotting in alongside the likes of Paris, Lisbon and Madrid. While Septembers devastating earthquake has led to some rebuilding efforts in the former imperial city, Morocco still has ambitious tourism targets in its sights, planning to double its visitor numbers by 2030. One of the places sure to help reach that goal is Nobu  which, as of 2023, is Africas first to welcome the vaunted chain.
On her surprise abdication, Mr Poulsen, who now lives in Randers, Denmark, added: I saw it on television when she announced she was retiring and surprise thats one thing, and at the same time, really, really a feeling of gratefulness. Shes been a fantastic queen of Denmark and in many ways shes been a beacon, I mean the way she had conducted herself, her service as queen, shes been a beacon.
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. (Xinhua)

SANAA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said Sunday that 10 of its fighters were killed by U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea while they were trying to hijack a commercial ship in international waters.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement broadcast live by the group's al-Masirah TV that the U.S. forces attacked three boats belonging to the Houthi rebels.

He said the rebels were "performing their humanitarian and moral duty" to prevent Israel-related ships from passing through the Red Sea, "in solidarity and support for the Palestinian people."

The spokesman said the U.S. "bears the consequences of this crime," and that the "military movements in the Red Sea to protect Israeli ships will not prevent Yemen (Houthi militia) from performing its humanitarian duty in support of Palestine and Gaza."

The Houthi official also stated that the rebel group targeted the cargo ship "with appropriate naval missiles," without saying whether the missiles hit the target.

People gather in a rally to support Palestinians amid the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in Sanaa, Yemen, Oct. 20, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Central Command said its naval forces responded to a distress call from a merchant boat in the Red Sea reporting being under a Houthi attack, sinking three Houthi boats and killing all their crews.

The Singapore-flagged "container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats ... originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen," the U.S. Central Command wrote on the social media platform X.

The Houthi militants fired "small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel," it said.

"U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters ... The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area," it added.

"There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment," the U.S. Central Command noted.

An Israeli Navy missile boat is seen in the area of the Red Sea on Nov. 1, 2023. Israel sent missile boats to the Red Sea, the army said on Wednesday (Nov. 1) after Houthi forces in Yemen fired missiles and drones toward Israel's resort city of Eilat. (IDF/Handout via Xinhua)

Hours earlier, the U.S. Central Command said the container ship reported that it was struck by a missile while transiting the southern Red Sea, and there were no injuries among its crew.

"While responding, the USS GRAVELY shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships," the U.S. Central Command said in another post on X.

"This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19," it added.

The Houthi militia has escalated their attacks on Israel-linked ships since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, demanding that food and medicine aid be allowed to enter the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip.

The Houthi rebel militia controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. 
Were more than more than happy to speak to people who are transitioning and therefore have the credentials to move the paramilitaries out of the space.But its quite a quite appalling that you as a parent can be told that your child has to go for an appointment for a kneecapping, and sometimes its said in almost a form of acceptance.
Police at the Abbey estate near St Johns Wood, north-west London, where a 29-year-old man was stabbed to death near Londons famous Abbey Road. Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service to the scene just after 7.30pm on Friday after the victim, who has not been named, was found injured. He was then taken to hospital but died later that evening. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2023.

PA Wire
MSC Mediterranean Shipping said there were no injuries to its crew from the attack on its ship, the United VIII, on Tuesday. The vessel was en route from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan.
One tourist who waited for hours to secure a spot to see the fireworks, Christopher Maldonado, from Chile, told the BBC: It's iconic because it's the first fireworks in the world and it's the first celebration of the New Year so it's really nice. And it's cool because you have the spot really near and this is amazing, this is amazing.
KABUL, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The number of Afghan police force has reached more than 200,000 to ensure law and order in the war-torn nation, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior Affairs Abdul Matin Qani has said.

"The capacity of the Ministry of Interior Affairs has increased from 150,000 to more than 200,000 personnel and all forces and personnel have been enrolled based on the needs in civilian and military departments," the private media outlet Tolonews quoted Qani as saying.

Qani also noted that efforts are underway to attract more personnel to the police force.

To bolster police strength and professionalism, the interior ministry provided short-term training to the recruited youth before commissioning them to the national police force.

Official figures showed that the capacity of the Afghan national army under the caretaker government has also reached more than 200,000, including air and ground troops. 
The member states of the European Union unanimously approved on Saturday the gradual entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area of free movement, after Austria, the last EU-27 country opposing this measure, lifted its veto, Agerpres reports.

The decision regarding entry into the Schengen Area with air and sea borders starting from March 2024 is an important first step, says President Klaus Iohannis.

"This positive stage result is due to the active involvement of all institutions with attributions in the matter, especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs", the head of state wrote on Saturday evening on his Facebook page.

He says that, "in the future, Romania's priority objective remains to fully apply the Schengen acquis, by completing the last stage, namely the elimination of controls at the internal land borders, as provided by the EU Council Decision adopted today"."In order to complete this process, it is necessary to continue the intense institutional and diplomatic efforts, which I will continue to support. The step taken today is one for the benefit of Romanian citizens, which strengthens Romania's position among the member states, once it has acquired the status of a Schengen country Romania was and remains a security provider, including in terms of the protection of the EU's external borders," stated Klaus Iohannis.Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared on Saturday evening that from March air and sea borders will be lifted and Schengen visas will be issued."We promised it, we did it! Now it's official: from March, the air and sea borders will be lifted and we will be able to issue Schengen visas. After 13 years of failures and humiliations, this Government has started a process that is irreversible as of today. Next year we will continue the efforts to definitively close this process!", Ciolacu wrote on Facebook.Romania remains dedicated to a strong and safe Schengen Area, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, said on Saturday evening.In a post on page X (formerly Twitter), the head of Romanian diplomacy welcomes the EU Council's decision to lift controls at the internal air and sea borders for Romania and Bulgaria."An important result for the citizens of Romania. Our thanks to all partners and EU institutions for their support. Romania remains dedicated to a strong and secure Schengen area", the foreign minister wrote.Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) sent, through a press release, that it welcomes the adoption on December 30 of the Decision on the application of the Schengen acquis in Romania and Bulgaria, an objective that the MAE actively supported and promoted through constant political-diplomatic efforts throughout the process of Romania's accession to Schengen and intensified in the last period.According to the MAE, this positive development consolidates Romania's integration process within the European Union and the free movement area, generating direct advantages for Romanian citizens both in the country and abroad.Thus, starting from March 31, 2024, Romanian citizens will be able to travel freely by air within the European Union and in the Schengen associated states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation), given the elimination of controls at the internal air borders between Romania and these states. The controls at the maritime borders are also eliminated, states the MAE."At the same time, from the perspective of the aspects of direct interest for the activity of the MAE, we welcome the provisions of the Decision that allow the standardization of the national policy regarding short-stay visas for tourist or business purposes with the EU provisions, another important component of the Schengen acquis that facilitates the free circulation within the EU'', the press release states.The MAE will continue to actively support the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other national institutions in the efforts to complete the process of full application of the Schengen acquis by eliminating land border controls."Through the declarations annexed to the decision of the EU Council, Romania actively contributes to ensuring a functional and integrated Schengen Area, through consolidated measures for the protection of external borders. The MAE thanks the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Member States, the European Commission, the European Parliament and other external partners for the constant support given to Romania'', the press release states.The Minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, sent a message on Saturday evening thanking all partners for the decision regarding Romania's entry into Schengen."Important news! The EU Council approves the Schengen rules for Romania and Bulgaria starting from March 2024, which cover air and maritime borders. Efforts continue to include land borders. Thank you to all partners!", Predoiu wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter).***Romania has successfully completed the technical evaluation stage provided by the Schengen acquis, the fulfillment by our country of the criteria for accession to the Schengen Area being recognized by the Council's Conclusions on June 9, 2011.Previously, on June 8, 2011, the European Parliament favorably approved the draft Decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Romania and Bulgaria. The successful completion by Romania of the measures provided for by the Schengen acquis was also confirmed by the European Council (December 13-14, 2012).In its process towards full accession to the free movement area, Romania has completed a series of technical stages, by obtaining full access to the Schengen Information System (SIS), with the adoption, on August 1, 2018, of a Council Decision in this regard sense, as well as through the adoption on October 12, 2017 of the Decision on the passive access of Romania and Bulgaria to the Visa Information System (VIS), the latter being effectively implemented in 2021.Most recently, the continuation of fulfilling the conditions for the full application of the Schengen acquis was reconfirmed by the European Commission and by European experts on the occasion of the two voluntary visits to Romania in October and November 2022.According to the terms of the Decision adopted on December 30, 2023, controls at the internal air and sea borders with the two countries and between them will be lifted as of March 31, 2024.Also, starting from the same date, the provisions of the Community Visa Code will be fully applied by the two countries. At the same time, the EU Council is making efforts to take a decision to eliminate controls on people at internal land borders.
HUNTLEIGH  Adolphus Busch Orthwein, 13, lived in a stone mansion and attended the eighth grade at Country Day School. His father, Percy Orthwein, was an advertising executive. His mother, Clara, was the second of three daughters of August A. Busch Sr.

Adolphus, nicknamed Buppie at the time, planned to spend New Years Eve 1930 with his grandparents at the Grants Farm estate. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., as his parents dressed for the evening, Buppie climbed into the family Lincoln limousine.

As chauffeur Roy Yowell slowed on the long driveway to turn onto Lindbergh Road, a masked gunman jumped onto the car and ordered Yowell out. Buppie reached for the door, but the gunman said, You stay in.

The gunman drove away in the Lincoln, then abandoned it for a green sedan stashed nearby. He handcuffed the boy and drove to his own secluded, run-down home at 715 Bismark Avenue near Webster Groves, where he sat the boy in the kitchen and covered his head with a towel.

Yowell had run back to the big house shouting the alarm. Grandpa Busch soon arrived with a pistol. Uncle Gussie Busch Jr., then 31, brought two bloodhounds. Friends in evening finery and reporters crowded the house. Clara Orthwein, described as hysterical, was taken to her bed.

The Orthweins asked radio stations to broadcast a reward with no questions asked. The bloodhounds sniffed nothing.

Shortly after noon on New Years Day, the family telephone rang. The caller was Pearl Abernathy, a well-regarded real estate man in St. Louis black community. He wanted to meet with Orthwein.

A mortified Abernathy said the kidnapper was one of his sons. He offered Orthwein his help as one father to another. Two hours later, Orthwein drove along Bacon Avenue, one block from the Bismark hideout, and saw his son. Ive been waiting for you, the boy said.

The ordeal had lasted 20 hours. The Orthweins said no ransom had been demanded or paid.

The suspect was Charles Y. Abernathy, 28, a married father of seven children whose own real-estate trade had collapsed. Pearl Abernathy said he was worried about his sons mental state and gave him $40 on the morning of the kidnapping to go away.

Charles Abernathy was tracked down in Kansas City by Harry T. Brundidge, a reporter for the St. Louis Star. Brundidge won renown seven years before for helping to crack the Egans Rats, a criminal gang. This time, he scored a full confession from Charles Abernathy. The Star filled its front page with the scoop.

Buppie, meanwhile, already had met with reporters shortly after he was washed and fed. He said the kidnapper gave him poorly cooked scrambled eggs but added, He treated me pretty well.

Charles Abernathy pleaded guilty and drew 15 years. Charges against his father were dropped. The kidnapper was paroled after eight years, returned to business in St. Louis and died in 1963 at age 60.

Adolphus used the nickname Dolph as an adult. He worked for the brewery but parted in 1963 after disagreements with Uncle Gussie. Dolph Orthwein, an accomplished polo player, died in November 2013 at age 96.

A Look Back  1930 New Year's Eve kidnapping of Adolphus Busch Orthwein Adolphus Orthwein and chauffeur Huntleigh home of Percy and Clara Busch Orthwein Driveway where kidnapping took place Abernathy home Charles Y. Abernathy Inside Abernathy home Adolphus Orthwein Adolphus Busch Orthwein Harry T. Brundidge Clara Busch Orthwein Percy Orthwein Adolphus Orthwein Adolphus Busch Orthwein Adolphus "Dolph" Busch Orthwein
COLOMBO, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan police have arrested over 20,000 suspects in connection with drug-related offenses and other criminal activities in a recently launched operation, the Public Security Ministry said on Sunday.

The ministry said in a statement that the police made the arrests in an operation launched on Dec. 17 to curb drug trafficking and organized criminal activities.

The operation has reached its 14th day and 20,797 suspects have been arrested by the police, the ministry said.

During the operation, the police seized 11.6 kg heroin, 8.3 kg crystal meth, 297 kg cannabis and many other drugs, the ministry said.

The police have also confiscated the properties of some of the suspects.

The ministry said the street value of the confiscated drugs and properties is worth over 558 million rupees (1.7 million U.S. dollars). 
EXPANDING

Quarles & Brady signed a lease for office space at 8235 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, for occupancy in spring 2024. The law firm is currently in temporary offices at 8182 Maryland Ave., Clayton.

HELPING OUT

The ARCHway Institute for Addictive Diseases & Co-Existing Mental Health Disorders awarded $5,000 grants to Hanani House, Washington, Missouri, and Rise Up Transitional Resources, St. Charles, Missouri.

Revity Credit Union employees raised $2,331 in November through their Smile for Jeans Program and the sale of Veterans Day cards to benefit the Granite City American Legion.

NEW BUSINESS

St. Louis University Associate Professor of Computer Science Flavio Esposito, and doctoral student Alessandro Sangiorgi launched WeeNet, a comprehensive network utility application for Android, from the duos Spaghetti Code Lab. The free app has had more than 5 million downloads since its fall 2023 launch.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man is facing second-degree murder charges in connection to the shooting death of a woman in St. Louis Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

Mario Lee, 46, has also been charged with armed criminal action and burglary. The charges were filed Friday, and a no-bond warrant has been issued for Lees arrest.

Lee, who police say has many aliases, including Mark K. Wells, Mario Montell Lewis, Marlo Daniel Lee and Mario Lee Love, has a lengthy criminal history. Among his past convictions are charges of drug trafficking, drug possession, car theft, and unlawful use of a weapon.

These latest charges stem from a shooting that occurred on Dec. 21 in the 5800 block of Kennerly Avenue. Police were called to the scene by the homeowner, who had returned home to find Lee and the deceased woman inside of her residence.

Police later identified the shooting victim as Candace Horskins, 34, of St. Charles.

The resident said she knew both Lee and Horskins well, but neither person was supposed to be inside of her home on Dec. 21.

The resident said once she entered her home around 11:30 p.m., she heard a gunshot from an upstairs room and then saw Lee come downstairs. He left the home after telling the resident that Horskins had died, according to court records.

When police entered the home, they found Horskins had died from a gunshot wound to the head. They also found heroin and cocaine on Horskins.

Security camera footage from the residents doorbell camera verified the womans account of events, police said.
ST. LOUIS  A woman faces felony charges in connection with the September 2022 death of her 1-year-old child due to ingesting fentanyl, according to court records.

Bria J. Wilson, 31, was charged Saturday with first-degree child endangerment resulting in the death of a child and possession of a controlled substance.

According to court records, paramedics were dispatched on Sept. 19, 2022, to a home in the 3700 block of Lincoln Avenue following a report of an unresponsive child. The child was pronounced dead at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

Court records said Wilson told police that the child had been in her care. While at the hospital, Wilson collapsed. Police then found fentanyl capsules in Wilson's bag, court records said.

An autopsy determined that the child's death was caused by fentanyl ingestion. A no-bond warrant has been issued for Wilsons arrest. Court and jail records do not show she is in custody.
FORT MORGAN, Colo.  Magdalena Simons only consolation after immigration officers handcuffed and led her husband away was the contents of his wallet, a few bills.

The hopes that had pushed her to trudge thousands of miles from Guatemala in 2019, her sons small frame clutched to her chest, ceded to despair and loneliness in Fort Morgan, a ranching outpost on Colorados eastern plains, where some locals stared at her too long and the wind howls so fiercely it once blew the doors half off a hotel.

The pregnant Simon tried to mask the despair every morning when her toddlers asked, Wheres papa?

To millions of migrants who have crossed the U.S. southern border in the past few years, stepping off greyhound buses in places across America, such feelings can be constant companions. What Simon would find in this unassuming city of a little more than 11,400, however, was a community that pulled her in, connecting her with legal council, charities, schools and soon friends, a unique support network built by generations of immigrants.

In this small town, migrants are building quiet lives, far from big cities like New York, Chicago and Denver that have struggled to house asylum-seekers and from the halls of Congress where their futures are bandied about in negotiations.

The Fort Morgan migrant community has become a boon for newcomers, nearly all of whom arrive from perilous journeys to new challenges: pursuing asylum cases; finding a paycheck big enough for food, an attorney and a roof; placing their kids in school; and navigating a language barrier, all while facing the threat of deportation.

The United Nations used the community, 80 miles northeast of Denver, as a case study for rural refugee integration after a thousand Somalis arrived to work in meatpacking plants in the late 2000s. In 2022, grassroots groups sent migrants living in mobile homes to Congress to tell their stories.

In the past year, hundreds more migrants have arrived in Morgan County. More than 30 languages are spoken in Fort Morgans only high school, which has translators for the most common languages and a phone service for others. On Sundays, Spanish is heard from the pulpits of six churches.

The demographic shift in recent decades has forced the community to adapt: Local organizations hold monthly support groups, train students and adults about their rights, teach others how to drive, ensure kids are in school and direct people to immigration attorneys.

Simon herself now tells her story to those stepping off buses. The community cant wave away the burdens, but they can make them lighter.

Its not like home where you have your parents and all of your family around you, Simon tells those she meets in grocery stores and school pickup lines. If you run into a problem, you need to find your own family.

The work has grown amid negotiations in Washington, D.C., on a deal that could toughen asylum protocols and bolster border enforcement.

On a recent Sunday, advocacy groups organized a posada, a Mexican celebration of the biblical Joseph and Mary seeking shelter for Mary to give birth and being turned away until they were given the stable.

Before marching down the street singing a song adaption in which migrants are seeking shelter instead of Joseph and Mary, participants signed letters urging Colorados two Democratic senators and Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck to reject stiffer asylum rules.

A century ago, it was sugar beet production that brought German and Russian migration to the area. Now, many migrants work inside dairy plants.

When area businesses were raided several times in the 2000s, friends disappeared overnight, seats sat empty in schools and gaps opened on factory lines.

That really changed the the understanding of how deeply embedded migrants are in community, said Jennifer Piper of American Friends Service Committee, which organized the posada celebration.

Guadalupe Lupe Lopez Chavez, who arrived in the U.S. alone in 1998 from Guatemala at age 16, spends long hours working with migrants, including helping connect Simon to a lawyer after her husband was detained.

One recent Saturday, Lopez Chavez sat in the low-ceilinged office of One Morgan County, a nearly 20-year-old migration nonprofit. In a folding chair, Maria Ramirez sifted through manila folders dated November 2023, when she arrived in the U.S.

Ramirez fled central Mexico, where cartel violence claimed her younger brothers life, and asked Lopez Chavez how she could get health care. Ramirezs 4-year-old daughter  who pranced behind her mother, blowing bubbles and popping the ones that landed in her brown curls  has a lung condition.

Ramirez said she would work anywhere to move from the living room they sleep in, with just a blanket on the floor as cushioning.

In the offices resembling a hostels well-loved communal space, Lopez Chavez cautioned Ramirez to consult a lawyer before applying for health care. Sitting aside Ramirez were two settled migrants offering support and advice.

A lot of stuff that you heard in Mexico (about the U.S.) was you couldnt walk on the streets, you had to live in the shadows, youd be targeted, said Ramirez. Its beautiful to come into a community thats united.

Lopez Chavez works with new migrants because she remembers shackles snapping around her ankles after she was stopped for a traffic violation in 2012 and turned over to the U.S. immigration authorities.

I just wanted to leave there because Id never been in a cage before, Lopez Chavez said in an interview, her eyes filling with tears.

At her first court hearing, Lopez Chavez and her husband stood alone. At her second hearing, after Lopez Chavez was connected to the community, she was flanked by new friends. That wall of support allowed her to keep her chin up as she fought her immigration case before being granted residency last year.

Lopez Chavez now works to cultivate that strength across the community.

I dont want any more families to go through what we went through, said Lopez Chavez, who also encourages others to tell their stories. Those examples give people the idea: If they can manage their case and win, maybe I can, too.

Photos: Migrants rush across US border in final hours before pandemic rule expires
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  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 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.

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.

'Let me tell them goodbye before they get killed': How eSIM cards are connecting Palestinian families 'Let me tell them goodbye before they get killed': How eSIM cards are connecting Palestinian families Taking 'baby steps together across the world'
WASHINGTON  A chaotic year for the House is coming to a close with more Democrats than Republicans deciding to leave the chamber, a disparity that could have major ramifications in next year's elections.

About two dozen Democrats indicated they won't seek reelection, with half running for another elected office. Meanwhile, only 14 Republicans have said they are not seeking another term, with three seeking elected office elsewhere.

More retirements can be expected after the holidays, when lawmakers have had a chance to spend time with families and make decisions ahead of reelection deadlines. But so far, the numbers don't indicate the dysfunction in the House is causing a mass exodus for either party.

"Members sort of knew that this is what the institution is currently like when they chose to run for office," said Molly Reynolds, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a think tank that maintains a database of statistics on Congress, including retirements. "Some of them may well be feeling frustrated at this point in time, but anybody who has been elected to Congress in recent years, they're not surprised at what they're finding when they are getting to Washington."

Republicans certainly had the most high-profile exits. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., became only the third lawmaker to be expelled by colleagues since the Civil War. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was the first-ever speaker removed from that office by his colleagues. He opted to leave the House effective Dec. 31.

But it's the departure of a handful of Democrats in competitive districts that has Republicans thinking the overall retirement picture gives them an advantage in determining who will control the House after the 2024 elections.

Reps. Katie Porter of California, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia proved they could win toss-up congressional districts in good election cycles for Democrats and not-so-good cycles. They are all seeking higher office within their home states. Porter and Slotkin are running for the U.S. Senate. Spanberger is running for governor in 2025.

Democrats are also losing six-term Rep. Dan Kildee of Michigan to retirement, leaving them with another competitive open seat to defend in a state that will be crucial in the presidential election. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., is not seeking reelection due to health challenges in a district that leans Democratic but is more competitive than most.

On the other side of the aisle, the Republicans leaving office generally represent districts that Democrats have little chance of flipping. They'll be replaced by Republicans, predicted Rep. Richard Hudson, the chairman of the House Republican campaign arm.

"Retirements are a huge problem for the Democrats. They're not a problem for us," Hudson said.

The exception is Santos, who represented a competitive New York district. Democrats hope former Rep. Tom Suozzi can win back the seat, which he gave up when he ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022.

Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said he found it "a bit of a surprise" that the number of Democrats leaving office exceeded the Republican exits given all that has transpired this year.

"Politically, I think we're very well positioned for 2024," Cole said. "I just think the margins are going to remain narrow no matter who wins. The number of competitive seats is so much lower than it was even a decade ago, the polarization is so much greater, that it's hard to move big numbers. Whoever wins the presidency probably wins the House."

Sometimes, legislators in the states tip the scales in determining the makeup of Congress. It's one reason there are so few competitive races.

Three incumbent House Democrats from North Carolina essentially been left with little opportunity to return after GOP lawmakers in the state drew new boundaries for their congressional districts. What were once competitive seats became near locks for whichever Republican emerges from the state's primary elections.

Democratic Rep. Jeff Jackson decided to run for attorney general rather than attempt to run again for a Charlotte-area seat that he had just won in the 2022 midterms. Rep. Wiley Nickel, a fellow freshman who flipped a toss-up district in the last election, also announced he would not be running, and would focus instead on a potential U.S. Senate bid in 2026. Rep. Kathy Manning said she won't file for reelection under the current maps but would run if a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn the new districts is successful.

Manning said the city of Greensboro in her district was split into three pieces and combined with rural counties, giving a 16-point advantage to a Republican candidate.

Democrats are hoping court-ordered redistricting in Alabama and Louisiana will favor their side and effectively make the redistricting battles a wash.

Ambition is also playing a role in the retirement trends. About half of the Democrats not seeking reelection to the House are seeking office elsewhere. That includes three members running for the seat once held by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who entered the Senate in 1992 and served more than three decades before her death in September. Slotkin is running for the seat Sen. Debbie Stabenow has held for more than two decades. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota is running for president against fellow Democrat Joe Biden.

Still, a few lawmakers do attribute their leaving, at least in part, to the dysfunction they've witnessed in Congress.

Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins of New York doesn't plan to wait for the election to get out. He's retiring sometime in February.

"We're spending more time doing less. And the American people aren't served," he said when announcing his retirement last month.

Republican Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., described a similar sense of frustration in his retirement announcement. He's been critical of Republican leaders for "lying to America" that the 2020 election was stolen and downplaying the Jan. 6 insurrection.

"Our nation is on a collision course with reality and a steadfast commitment to the truth," Buck said.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israels prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central region, the latest focus of the nearly three-month air and ground war that has raised fears of a regional conflagration.

The U.S. military said Sunday that its forces shot and killed several Iran-backed Houthi rebels when they tried to attack a cargo ship in the Red Sea, an escalation in a maritime conflict linked to the war in Gaza. And an Israeli Cabinet minister suggested encouraging Gazas population to emigrate in remarks that could worsen tensions with Egypt and other friendly Arab states.

Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people after breaking through Israels extensive border defenses, shattering its sense of security. They also captured around 240 hostages, nearly half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire agreement in November.

Israels unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 56,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations. Israels bombardments have leveled vast swaths of the territory, displacing some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

The offensive grinds on

Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of densely built-up communities that house refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants.

In the area of Zweida in central Gaza, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. It also said its forces operating in the urban Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a kindergarten and defused it. Hamas continued to launch rockets toward southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said late Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting. Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

The fighting has pushed much of Gazas population south, where people have flooded shelters and tent camps near the border with Egypt. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in both areas.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter. There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

Israeli minister urges mass migration from Gaza

The scale of the destruction and the exodus to the south has raised fears among Palestinians and Arab countries that Israel plans to drive Gazas population out and prevent it from returning.

On Sunday, Israels far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and re-establish Jewish settlements in the territory, where it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not 2 million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a War Cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighboring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, along with other friendly Arab countries.

Israel is also at odds with the United States, which has provided crucial military aid for the offensive, over Gazas future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip. At a news conference Saturday, he said the war would continue for many more months and that Israel would assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons from Egypt, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

Netanyahu has also said he wont allow the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the occupied West Bank, to expand its limited rule to Gaza, from where Hamas drove its forces out in 2007.

The U.S. wants a unified Palestinian government to run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. The last Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down over a decade ago, and Israeli governments since then have been staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Jack Jeffery in Cairo contributed to this report.

Updated at 2:15 p.m.
New Years Eve. Some of you will be out celebrating or watching the crystal ball drop in Times Square. Since the sudden appearance of a heel spur has stymied any thought I had of dancing tonight, my revised plan is to snack my way into the new year (undoubtedly with a glass of wine or two) while binge-watching the final episodes of The Crown.

But when Jan. 1 comes, after we recover from our celebrations, we must renew the fight to protect our democracy in earnest. One way to do this is to examine why 74 million people voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020.

Not surprisingly its an eclectic mix. For me, the group waving placards proclaiming Blacks For Trump is the most puzzling.

Several categories of Trump supporters are identifiable. There are the one-issue voters for whom abortion or the economy is their main focus. There are those in the upper echelons who seek to preserve the revised tax codes that reduced their current taxes and future estate taxes. Some folks are so enamored of the riches Trump continually brags about that they ignore the financial devastation his multiple bankruptcies (i.e., Trump casinos and Trump University) caused for ordinary people.

There are those who want to Make America White Again and wipe out any protections gained during the Civil Rights era. And there are those who believe the former presidents spiel that he can stop the massive influx of people at the borders  although short of executing them en masse, I cannot imagine how.

Nevertheless, Blacks For Trump is the most unfathomable. Its an oxymoron.

The first time I saw that sign in 2016, my initial response was Have you lost your mind? Then, upon reflection, I thought that perhaps we older Black Americans  those who were alive before and during the Civil Rights movement  had shielded our young people too much.

Most younger Black Americans have never felt the racial animus today that we older people experienced, as recently as 50 years ago. These people may never have experienced being ignored at a store counter simply because a white person appeared at the counter subsequently, but I have.

Nor could they believe the consequences of daring to object to this slight. Few could imagine being expected to step off a sidewalk simply to avoid coming face-to-face with a white person  I have. If these Black Trump supporters were always welcomed in any school or at any public pool, its the sacrifices we older people made that are responsible.

Sure, we want to believe that life in America for a person of color now is no different from that of a white person. But it is. We still must give our children the talk when they are old enough, so they are not killed for driving (or even walking) while Black. Were still hunted for jogging through white neighborhoods and assailed for every sort of mundane activity that, had we been white, would have gone unnoticed. (Recall the story a couple years ago about police in a small New York town being called to investigate some Black children for setting up a lemonade stand.)

Before we were Black  when we were still colored  we lived separate lives. Separate train cars, separate bathrooms, separate pools, and certainly separate schools. Many hospitals, even in metropolitan areas like St. Louis, would not give our doctors privileges or allow Black patients to be treated there.

Black lives will not be better under a racist misogynistic bully, which the former president clearly is, despite his protestations. In rally after rally, Trump is quoted saying something to the effect of Theyre taking our country.

Precisely who are the collective they hes referring to, do you suppose? Its not just the immigrants at the border.

Every time I hear Trump speak, I am reminded of a television series from 1983 called V, the tale of visitors from another planet. Diana, the human-looking alien spokesperson, was able to convince throngs of the worlds population that her planet was a paradise replete with ample food and fresh air. In actuality, these aliens were giant lizards who were collecting humans to be consumed for food.

Metaphorically this is what I fear will happen to Black people if former President Trump returns to the white house; well be eaten alive.

People died fighting to protect your rights to vote  rights that are now being assailed on every front. Dont be deceived.
Regarding the op-ed "What do children learn when theyre taught to kill?" (Dec. 26 print edition) by Craig Shapiro of PETA: As a hunter, I respect those who work passionately for their organization, as certainly do those at PETA who rail against we hunters every day. The op-ed will probably influence many, in particular with that headline.

On the other hand, and as a reminder, we hunters enjoy the opportunity given to us in the United States and in almost all cases it has taught us proper gun safety, respect for others property and the outdoors, and conservation of animals and their habitat. We do kill about six million deer in the U.S. each year (which provides both hunters and "Share the Harvest" recipients with about 200,000 pounds of protein).

But also as a reminder, about 165 million cattle, pigs, and sheep, plus eight billion chickens, and 245 million turkeys are slaughtered at the same time in the U.S. for food. Most all of us  and chances are that at least a few at PETA  eat at McDonalds or Chick-Fil-A and wear cowhide leather shoes. Go figure!

J. Poneta

Creve Coeur
UserWays AI-powered accessibility technologies to enhance Level Accesss suite of leading digital accessibility solutions

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Level Access, a leading provider of digital accessibility solutions, and UserWay (TASE: UWAY), a pioneer in accessibility AI technologies, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for Level Access to acquire UserWay. Together, Level Access and UserWay will create advanced digital accessibility solutions to help more organizations to start, and accelerate, sustainable digital accessibility programs.

UserWays AI-powered software automates the identification and optimization of code to improve digital accessibility for websites, apps, and digital documents. Millions of websites globally trust UserWays technology to help improve usability for people with disabilities. The addition of UserWays complementary technology and team will enhance Level Accesss full-service digital accessibility solutions, including its market-leading digital accessibility platform, and extend the reach of its deep subject matter expertise to organizations of all sizes.

Allon and the UserWay team have developed incredible automated remediation technologies that enable organizations to move faster in their digital accessibility programs, said Tim Springer, CEO and Founder of Level Access. This combination, with our full-service digital accessibility platform, will enable us to bring powerful new tools to our customers and positions us with a robust solution set for organizations of any size and maturity.

Weve long admired the Level Access team and their integration of technology, service, and subject matter expertise, said Allon Mason, CEO and Founder of UserWay. This transaction delivers compelling value to our shareholders and provides our team with a great opportunity to bring our technology to a broader market. We are unified by a shared mission to make the world more accessible, and we believe this partnership will increase and accelerate what we are able to accomplish.

As part of Level Access, UserWay will continue to operate under its existing name and brand. Allon Mason will continue to lead UserWay as CEO and will become President of Level Access. The transaction is expected to close in early 2024, subject to approval by UserWays shareholders and receipt of customary regulatory approvals. Additional information for UserWay shareholders can be found on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE)'s 'MAYA' Website.

Level Access's existing investors JMI Equity and funds managed by KKR continue to support the growth of the company.

Nfluence Partners acted as financial advisor and Sullivan & Worcester as legal counsel to UserWay. Latham & Watkins LLP and Herzog, Fox & Neeman served as legal counsel to Level Access.

About Level Access

Level Access has an unparalleled history in helping customers achieve and maintain compliance with the full scope of accessible technology regulations and standards including the ADA, WCAG, CVAA, AODA, EU directives on digital accessibility, and Section 508. Delivered through a comprehensive suite of software, expert services, and training, the companys solution ensures customers websites, desktop and mobile applications, embedded software, gaming software, digital products, and electronic documents are accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit levelaccess.com.

About UserWay

UserWay is a full-service provider of digital accessibility software solutions. UserWay is trusted by millions of websites globally to increase usability for people with disabilities. The company's Al-powered technologies help websites, apps, and digital documents more readily achieve compliance with accessibility regulations, such as the ADA, Section 508, AODA and EAA, and internationally recognized standards such as WCAG 2.2, and EN 301 549. Learn more at UserWay.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231230727471/en/

Level Access

Nicole McTheny

Senior Director, Content and Communications

[email protected]

(602) 339-1569

UserWay

Sophia Tupolev-Luz

VP Communications

[email protected]

UserWay.org

Source: Level Access
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CelestLoan: Unlocking a New Dimension of TIA On-Chain Use Cases



Celestia is a groundbreaking innovation in blockchain, hailed as one of the most significant innovations in the field since Ethereums inception. It is not only a modular blockchain network but also allows anyone to deploy decentralized blockchains rapidly without incurring the costs of launching a new consensus network. The Celestia ecosystem is thriving, with its native token TIA gaining popularity and ranking among the top 40 cryptocurrencies globally. One key factor behind this success is the controlled circulation of TIA tokens and the continuous staking efforts of the networks validators, ensuring that liquidity is readily absorbed by the market and resulting in substantial price appreciation.

However, despite the success of the Celestia ecosystem, there has been a notable absence of a comprehensive protocol that fully utilizes TIA for staking and interest-bearing lending. In response to this market gap, CelestLoan introduces the innovative concept of cTIA, opening up new opportunities for TIA-based derivatives and expanding the boundaries of on-chain ecosystems.

cTIA: The Heart of the Ecosystem

At the core of CelestLoan lies cTIA, a novel digital asset that offers users an entirely new experience in staking and lending. Through straightforward on-chain operations, users can stake their TIA tokens and mint cTIA tokens at a 1:1 ratio. This not only allows users to enjoy staking rewards but also enables participation in lending, airdrops, and other incentives. cTIA serves as the ecosystem credential for TIA holders, offering enhanced flexibility for interaction with external lending protocols, trading platforms, and wallets, thus helping users capture more opportunities for on-chain yield without taking on undue risk.

Furthermore, the minting of cTIA and protocol interactions are executed on the Optimism Layer 2 network. Optimism is one of the closest Layer 2 solutions integrated with Celestia contracts, providing users with scalability and low-cost transaction experiences, thereby enhancing the efficiency of CelestLoan operations.

cTIAs introduction enhances the flexibility and interoperability of CelestLoan. After staking TIA to mint cTIA, users not only gain staking rewards but can also borrow USDT on the CelestLoan platform. Additionally, cTIA can interact with various Optimism-based DeFi protocols, allowing users to capture more incentives. This flexibility enables users to maximize the utility of their digital assets, along with the opportunity to earn multiple forms of income, including staking rewards, lending interest, and multiple token rewards.

1. Holding cTIA for Annual Staking Rewards

Holding cTIA automatically allows users to participate in CelestLoans staking pool, where they can earn an annual percentage yield (APY) of 17% on their staked assets. This provides a stable and predictable source of income for users who seek passive asset growth.

2. Pledging cTIA for USDT Loans and Capturing Additional Yield

Users have the option to pledge their cTIA tokens and borrow USDT. The borrowed USDT can be further utilized for pledging, lending, or engaging in derivative trading on other platforms. This increased flexibility allows users to switch between different financial products and strategies, increasing leverage and capturing additional yields.

3. Participation in Platform IDOs (Initial DEX Offerings)

After the launch of CelestLoans Launchpad functionality (mid-term feature), cTIA holders have the opportunity to participate in the platforms Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs). The allocation of IDO tokens is based on the amount of cTIA held, granting cTIA holders a stronger say and greater involvement in new projects within the ecosystem, potentially resulting in significant value appreciation.

4. Providing Liquidity for Yield

Users can also choose to provide liquidity by pairing their cTIA tokens with other tokens and contributing to DeFi protocols on the Optimism network, such as Aave and Curve. By providing liquidity, users can earn the yield offered by the protocols, diversifying their investment opportunities and contributing to the health and liquidity of the DeFi ecosystem.

5. Receiving Airdrops from cTIA Labs Investments and Collaborations

Once cTIA Labs is launched (mid-term), it will invest in and incubate innovative projects built on the Celestia blockchain. A portion of the tokens acquired from these projects will be airdropped to cTIA holders, with the distribution breakdown as follows:

- 4%: Distributed among cTIA holders based on their holdings.

- 1%: Distributed among DAO members based on their cTIA holdings.

6. Becoming a DAO Organization Member

The top 20 cTIA holders have the opportunity to apply for membership in the DAO organization during the open recruitment period. Ultimately, 11 members will join the DAO, participating in the proposal and voting process for ecosystem projects.

In conclusion, CelestLoan introduces new opportunities for TIA holders to better manage and enhance the value of their digital assets. By providing flexible staking and lending tools, CelestLoan becomes a crucial component of the ecosystem, offering users a fresh financial experience.

Whether through staking, lending, or participating in platform IDOs, CelestLoan offers multiple income avenues, enabling users to maximize the utility of their digital assets within the Celestia ecosystem.

Contact Info:

Name: Dareen Lee

Email: Send Email

Organization: CelestLoan

Website: https://www.celestloan.com/



Release ID: 89117612

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Redemption Law, a leading boutique personal injury law firm founded by Christopher D. Alas in the Greater Miami area, distinguishes itself through compassionate advocacy, offering personalized legal representation for individuals facing the aftermath of accidents in various practice areas.



Redemption Law, PLLC, a distinguished boutique personal injury law firm based in the vibrant Greater Miami area, stands as a steadfast ally for individuals navigating the challenging aftermath of accidents caused by the negligence of others. Founded by the highly skilled and compassionate Miami Accident Attorney Christopher D. Alas, the firm has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering unparalleled legal representation with a focus on empathy, professionalism, and achieving maximum compensation for their clients.

At Redemption Law, the commitment to helping those who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to negligence is at the core of the firm's mission. The team recognizes that when clients seek their services, they are often facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives. With this understanding, Redemption Law approaches each case with a combination of legal expertise and genuine compassion, providing a supportive environment for clients to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.

Redemption Law specializes in a range of personal injury claims, including but not limited to:

Auto Accidents

Slip & Fall Accidents

Ride-Share Accidents

Dog Bite Injuries

Medical Malpractice

Wrongful Death

The firm's legal team, led by Christopher D. Alas, has a proven track record of aggressively pursuing the maximum compensation for clients, allowing them to concentrate on healing and rebuilding their lives. Redemption Law has successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in settlements and judgments, reflecting the firm's dedication to achieving justice for those it represents.

Redemption Law has garnered significant recognition within the legal community and beyond. The firm boasts a five-star Google rating, a testament to the consistently high level of client satisfaction. Whats more, Expertise.com has identified Redemption Law as a top personal injury law firm, highlighting the firm's commitment to excellence in legal practice.

Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States, further underscores Redemption Law's reputation for achieving substantial verdicts and settlements. This exclusive membership is reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill and success in securing million and multi-million-dollar outcomes for their clients.

Christopher D. Alas, the founder of Redemption Law, is a highly experienced and dedicated Miami personal injury lawyer. His journey in the legal field began with a deep respect for the law instilled in him by his law enforcement family. In 2014, he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida International University, and in 2018, he graduated Cum Laude with his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law, accompanied by certificates in Real Estate Law, Tax Law, and Business Law.

Christopher further enhanced his legal expertise by obtaining an advanced Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation and a certificate in ERISA from Georgetown University School of Law. Today, his primary focus is on personal injury cases, where he has successfully represented clients in various accidents, including auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, trucking accidents, and motorcycle accidents.

As a member of The Florida Bar, Christopher leads a dedicated team at Redemption Law that prioritizes personalized attention and compassionate representation. The firm operates on a no-recovery, no-fee basis, offering free consultations to those in need. Christopher and his team work tirelessly to ensure that every client receives the compensation they rightfully deserve.

For individuals seeking compassionate and professional legal representation in personal injury cases, Redemption Law is the trusted ally. The firm serves clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and throughout Florida. Prospective clients are encouraged to reach out for a free consultation to discuss their case with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Redemption Law.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, please visit www.theredemptionlaw.com.



Contact Info:

Name: Christopher D. Alas, Esq.

Email: Send Email

Organization: Miami Best Car Accident Lawyer: Redemption Law

Website: https://theredemptionlaw.com/about/



Release ID: 89117607

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BEIJING , Dec. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The modernization of China has been an evolving pursuit of the Chinese people over generations.

In 2023, the country embarked on its first full year of implementing the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), charting the course for the next stage of China's modernization path.

"Chinese Modernization, Global Opportunities," a special interactive page launched by CGTN, details China's domestic development and international contribution in 2023 through visual effects and in-depth stories.

Strong focus on Chinese modernization

In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping made 14 domestic inspections, issuing detailed plans and instructions during each visit and urging unremitting efforts to advance Chinese modernization attuned to local characteristics.

Development was the most frequently mentioned keyword during Xi's inspection tours, suggesting a strong focus on the goal of advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi emphasized the need for the areas he visited to fully implement the new development concept and the importance of focusing on promoting high-quality development and constructing a new development pattern.

Besides development, innovation, technology, modernization, ecology, culture, people, economy, high-quality and security are the other top words and phrases Xi used during his visits, according to an analysis by CGTN.

Guided by the objectives set out in its development blueprint, China , in 2023, continued to be a leading growth engine for the world economy. The International Monetary Fund forecast that China's economy would grow by 5.4 percent in 2023, aligning with the globally projected pace.

Sharing development dividends with the world

In 2023, China promoted global prosperity, stability and peace by sharing the development dividends it gained through modernization with the world.

As President Xi said in his 2024 New Year address, "We will work closely with the international community for the common good of humanity, build a community with a shared future for mankind and make the world a better place for all."

At the first China-Central Asia Summit, China and the five Central Asian countries signed seven bilateral and multilateral documents and over 100 cooperation agreements in various fields.

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October, the most significant celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), yielded 458 outcomes, with cooperation agreements worth $97.2 billion concluded.

During their "frank and fruitful" talks in Moscow , President Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin , drew up a blueprint for the growth of bilateral ties. The highly anticipated Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco played a key role in reshaping relations between the world's two largest economies.

Contributing to the rise of the Global South in 2023, China supported the expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. It also initiated a series of plans to help Africa realize modernization and signed BRI cooperation documents with all 22 Arab nations and the League of Arab States.

In March, mediated by China , Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies.

China proved with words and deeds that it has always been and continues to be a supporter of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-12-31/How-Chinese-modernization-brings-new-opportunities-to-world-1pZoMDZdlSg/p.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-how-chinese-modernization-brings-new-opportunities-to-world-302024122.html

SOURCE CGTN
SINGAPORE , Dec. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China Yuchai International Limited (NYSE: CYD) ("China Yuchai" or the "Company), one of the largest powertrain solution manufacturers through its main operating subsidiary in China , Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited ("GYMCL"), today announced that GYMCL has recently entered into an agreement with Beijing Liandong Jinyuan Management Technology Co., Ltd. ("Beijing Liandong") for the sale of GYMCL's 100% equity holding in Yuchai Remanufacturing Services (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. ("Suzhou Reman") to Beijing Liandong. The consideration for the transaction will be in the form of cash and it will be paid into an escrow account in phases. The consideration is RMB 179.94 million , along with the book value of cash and cash equivalents and an agreed-upon fair value for the equipment in Suzhou Reman as of the settlement date. The transaction is subject to, amongst others, the receipt of approval of the Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee.

About China Yuchai International

China Yuchai International Limited, through its subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited ("GYMCL"), engages in the manufacture, assembly, and sale of a wide variety of light-, medium- and heavy-duty engines for trucks, buses, passenger vehicles, construction equipment, marine and agriculture applications in China. GYMCL also produces diesel power generators. The engines produced by GYMCL range from diesel to natural gas and hybrid engines. Through its regional sales offices and authorized customer service centers, GYMCL distributes its engines directly to auto OEMs and retailers and provides maintenance and retrofitting services throughout China. Founded in 1951, GYMCL has established a reputable brand name, strong research and development team and significant market share in China with high-quality products and reliable after-sales support. In 2022, GYMCL sold 321,256 engines and is recognized as a leading manufacturer and distributor of engines in China . For more information, please visit http://www.cyilimited.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "targets", "optimistic", "confident that", "continue to", "predict", "intend", "aim", "will" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements concerning China Yuchai group of entities' operations, financial performance and condition are based on current expectations, beliefs and assumptions which are subject to change at any time. China Yuchai cautions that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors such as government and stock exchange regulations, competition, political, economic and social conditions around the world and in China including those discussed in China Yuchai's Form 20-Fs under the headings "Risk Factors", "Results of Operations" and "Business Overview" and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. All forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date it is made and China Yuchai specifically disclaims any obligation to maintain or update the forward-looking information, whether of the nature contained in this release or otherwise, in the future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-yuchai-divests-yuchai-remanufacturing-services-in-suzhou-302024096.html

SOURCE China Yuchai International Limited
(Reuters) - Police on Sunday detained three further suspects in an alleged Islamist plot to attack Germany's famed Cologne Cathedral on New Year's Eve, authorities said.

The alleged attackers had planned to use a car to attack the 800-year-old Gothic edifice by the Rhine river, Cologne police director Frank Wissbaum told a news conference.

The method of the planned attack was unclear, but an underground car park below the cathedral had been searched with explosives sniffer dogs overnight, he told reporters.

"The three people are now securely in custody, which we are very glad about since they can no longer communicate with each other," he said.

Wissbaum said investigators had found evidence late on Saturday that linked the three to a 30-year-old Tajik man with alleged ties to the Islamic State militant movement, who has been in custody since Dec. 24.

Federal authorities were continuing their investigation into what he termed a "network of individuals" from Central Asia with links to several German states and European countries.

No details were given on the identity or background of the people now in custody.

The suspects were detained in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne and Noervenich, police said, and communications devices were seized during searches of their apartments.

Security has been stepped up in and around the cathedral ahead of a New Year's Eve service. Police warned the public not to be concerned if they saw officers carrying machine guns and body armour.

Thousands of extra police are also patrolling in Berlin, where celebrations last year were overshadowed by violent clashes, with revelers barracking first responders attempting to reach the sick.

Police in the capital are also on guard after a pro-Palestinian solidarity demonstration scheduled for midnight was banned. Many Muslims in Germany are unhappy with the support shown for Tel Aviv in its war against Hamas.

(Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by David Holmes)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli prosecutors filed criminal charges on Sunday against a man accused of impersonating a soldier to join the Gaza war, of stealing munitions and, according to media, of posing for a frontline picture with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel was blindsided by an Oct. 7 cross-border rampage by Hamas militants, with security forces often organising themselves spontaneously in the field to repel the infiltrators and mount a counter-offensive.

According to the indictment brought in Tel Aviv District Court, defendant Roi Yifrah never served in the Israeli military but nonetheless managed to make his way into the war zones by pretending to be a member of an elite Shin Bet combat unit.

Shin Bet is Israel's domestic intelligence agency.

The top-rated Channel 12 TV aired a photograph of what it said was the 35-year-old, in full battle gear, posing with other soldiers alongside Netanyahu at a helicopter landing site.

An Israeli official confirmed that Yifrah had posed with Netanyahu, but said the prime minister was never at risk due to several layers of security at the site.

The Prime Minister's Office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The ruse "facilitated (Yifrah's) access to firearms, ammunition and military and police equipment," the indictment said, adding that a purloined haul found in Yifrah's home included an assault rifle, various kinds of bullets, smoke grenades and holsters.

The five counts against him, including aggravated fraud and larceny, could amount to a maximum prison sentence of 36 years. But Yifrah's lawyer argued that the defendant should be lauded.

"My client is a medic who ... saved lives under fire, while risking his life and eliminating terrorists," the lawyer, Eitan Sabag, told Channel 12, adding that "the defendant, under the circumstances, is the State of Israel - not Roi Yifrah".

(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Nick Macfie and David Holmes)
FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister of Burkina Faso Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and Prime Minister of Mali Choguel Kokalla Maiga attend a sit-in in Niamey, Niger, December 29, 2023. REUTERS/Mahamadou Ha

By Boureima Balima and Abdel-Kader Mazou

NIAMEY (Reuters) - The prime ministers of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali on Saturday affirmed their commitment to a shared future under an alliance that has seen the three junta-led countries distance themselves from the larger West African political bloc since their coups.

The three neighbouring states are all ruled by military officers who have seized power in coups since 2020. This has put them at odds with the rest of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is urging them to return to democratic rule.

"From now on, we say, whether you're from Mali, Niger or Burkina, we have the same destiny. We're going in together," said Burkinabe premier Appolinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela at a joint press conference in Niger's capital Niamey.

"It is up to us to take control of our destiny," he said.

A day earlier the three premiers appeared in front of a crowd of thousands celebrating the recent full withdrawal of French troops from Niger.

The juntas have all severed long-standing military ties with former colonial ruler France, dealing a blow to France's influence in the region and complicating international efforts to curb a decade-old Islamist insurgency that has destabilised the Sahel region.

In a show of independence from France and ECOWAS, the three countries have sought to forge closer security, political and economic ties through a new union called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

"And so AES was born. If you notice, it all started with safety issues. Today, collaboration between our three armies has reached an extremely high level of integration. And that scares some people," said Malian Prime Minister Choguel Maiga.

In August, data from U.S.-based crisis-monitoring group ACLED showed violence had soared in Mali and Burkina Faso since their militaries took power.

The countries have shared few specifics about the new alliance or their plans, but Niger's premier Ali Lamine Zeine said all future cooperation would be done trilaterally.

"We have now decided to hold unified joint commissions for all three countries," Zeine said at the press conference that was interrupted by loud chants of support.

(Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: A North Korean flag flutters at the propaganda village of Gijungdong in North Korea, in this picture taken near the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, South Korea, July 19, 2022. REUTER

By Cynthia Kim, Josh Smith and Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea vowed to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong Un said U.S. policy is making war inevitable, state media reported on Sunday.

Kim lashed out at Washington in lengthy remarks wrapping up five days of ruling party meetings that set economic, military and foreign policy goals for the coming year.

"Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula," he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

He ordered the military to prepare to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea," including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack.

Kim's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States.

Experts predict North Korea will maintain a campaign of military pressure for leverage around the U.S. presidential elections in November, which could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who traded in both threats and historic diplomacy with Kim.

"Pyongyang might be waiting out the U.S. presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

President Joe Biden's administration says it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more missile tests banned under United Nations' sanctions.

South Korea's defence ministry condemned Pyongyang's plans to press ahead with its nuclear ambitions.

"If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons against us,

we will retaliate overwhelmingly by utilizing the dramatically

strengthened extended deterrence of the ROK-U.S. alliance and the three-axis system, and the Kim Jong-Un regime will face its end," the defense ministry said in a statement.

Seoul's Unification Ministry said in a statement analyzing the KCNA report that "further provocation is always possible to highlight North Korea's presence ahead of the U.S. presidential election".

"(North Korea) could maintain its hard line stance against the U.S. and anti-American, anti-imperialist solidarity, and also seek opportunities to turn the situation around at the same time."

WAR A 'REALISTIC REALITY'

The U.S. has also increased drills and deployed more military assets, including nuclear-armed submarines and large aircraft carriers, near the Korean peninsula.

Kim said the return of such weapons had completely transformed South Korea into a "forward military base and nuclear arsenal" of the United States.

"If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept," Kim said.

Kim said he has no choice but to press forward with his nuclear ambitions and forge deeper relations with other countries that oppose the United States. North Korea has deep ties with both China and Russia.

"North Korea is preparing for further escalation of tension with Washington and Seoul, for at least a year or more, and its hard line policies are likely to be accompanied by efforts for dialogue as well ahead of the U.S. election," Yang Uk, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said.

"Kim is building on his success of the spy satellite to do three more because he knows satellite capabilities are powerful targeting tool for better nuclear command and control."

South Korea holds a parliamentary election in April that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

Pyongyang has now ruled out the possibility of unifying with South Korea, and the country must fundamentally change its principle and direction toward South Korea, Kim said.

"North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war," he said, calling the South a colonised state completely dependent on the United States for national defence and security.

Both Yoon's ruling party and the opposition democratic party slammed the Sunday report and urged North Korea to return to dialogue for peace talks.

"If North Korea repeats hostile acts, we will respond strongly using all means and methods ... If the Kim Jong-un regime misjudges the situation and makes a wrong decision, the Republic of Korea will definitely correct it based on its overwhelming power," the ruling People Power Party said in a commentary.

Kim also promised to develop the economy, including the metals, chemicals, power, machinery and railway sectors, while modernising wheat facilities to boost production.

One key policy goal is to invest in science and technological research at schools, he said.

(Reporting by Cynthia Kim, Josh Smith and Jack Kim; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Neil Fullick, Kim Coghill and Frances Kerry)
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits the Puget Sound on the way to its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., July 2, 2023. (Heather C. Wamsley/U.S. Navy)

The USS Nimitz has been the template of American sea power for nearly a half-century.

Commissioned four days after the fall of Saigon ended the Vietnam War in 1975, the 100,000-ton supercarrier powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors could set off at 30 knots to trouble spots around the world and catapult 80 attack jets at enemies.

You dont have to ask anyones permission to use their bases or provide fuel for your ship  you just go and stay for as long as you need, said Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel who is now a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

The Navy would add nine more Nimitz-class carriers to the fleet over the next 34 years. When the Nimitz-class carrier USS George H.W. Bush was commissioned in 2009, the Navy simultaneously retired its last non-nuclear carrier, USS Kitty Hawk.

USS Nimitz is in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for several months of maintenance before it starts whats likely its final assignment: retirement. It will be followed in regular intervals by its older sister ships.

Inactivation of Nimitz class aircraft carriers is currently scheduled to begin with USS Nimitz in 2026, subject to Congressional budget approval, said Alan Baribeau, a spokesman for the Office of Corporate Communications at Naval Sea Systems Command.

While the Nimitz may disappear from the fleet, the idea it came to represent  the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier strike force  will live on.

Aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower sail with other U.S. and allied ships sail in the Mediterranean Sea on Nov. 3, 2023. (Jacob Mattingly/U.S. Navy)

The first ship of a new supercarrier class, USS Gerald R. Ford, is in the eastern Mediterranean as a sign of American support for Israel following the attack by Hamas militants from Gaza.

The Chief of Naval Operations Navigation Plan  the sea services public playbook  says a carrier accompanied by guided missile cruisers, anti-aircraft destroyers and attack submarines is Americas top option for quick response to hot spots from the Red Sea to the Strait of Taiwan.

Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which will remain the most survivable and versatile airfields in the world, provide long-range, persistent sea control, power projection and organic sensing in contested seas, as well as flexible options across the spectrum of conflict, the Navys recently released shipbuilding plan says.

The sentiment isnt shared by all in the Pentagon and Congress.

Critics of the carriers dominance over official debate and dollars include advocates pushing for an increased focus on attack submarines, hypersonic missile boats and Unmanned Surface Vehicles  ships without any crew.

In the October 2023 issue of the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, retired Navy Vice Admiral David H. Lewis wrote that the Nimitz was a response to the world conflicts of 1975  mainly the Soviet Union and its proxies worldwide.

There was a clear adversary to beat, Lewis wrote. The challenges were less about technology and more about how many, when and where to allocate resources.

Cancian says the debate over carriers splits naval strategists into two camps. To advocates, they are 90,000 tons of American sovereignty, deployable anywhere on the globe while critics see them as soaking up too much of the defense budget for increasingly vulnerable monuments to a naval age gone by.

Carriers are at their best when they stack the odds heavily in favor of the side Americans are on  a role they have played in Iran, Iraq, Syria and the current conflict with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels firing missiles at shipping in the Red Sea.

I dont think the Houthi missiles can get past a carriers defenses, Cancian said. Im not as sure about an attack by the Chinese.

American ships and weapons are likely technologically superior overall to what the Chinese can bring to a battle, Cancian said. But the gap isnt so great that the outcome of a swarm attack by Chinese missile boats and attack aircraft is assured.

According to a Reuters news agency report, China is in the midst of a major naval construction program, with 370 ships, up from 340 just over a year ago. China plans to have 435 ships by 2030.

The United States has 291 ships, but their total tonnage is twice the total of Chinas Navy.

New weapons require new defensive measures or strategies. Underwater drones like those used by Ukraine against Russian ships in the Black Sea can be launched far from the target. Russia says it is developing hypersonic cruise missiles that can evade the ships anti-aircraft defenses.

The possibility of significant battle damage from could lead military commanders to restrict the exposure of a $14 billion Ford-class carrier with over 4,000 Americans aboard, Cancian said.

While Navy policy backs the continued construction and use of large aircraft carriers, alternatives are part of the future mix. Five American USVs  unmanned surface vehicles  took part in the Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) exercise to develop crewless ships that would operate alongside manned ships in the future.

A Navy modernization report called for a 2050 goal of having more than a quarter of the fleet consist of unmanned vessels.

The use of the supercarrier in the mid-21st century will be a question for after the Nimitz is gone. Its designation, CVN-68, stands for the 68th aircraft carrier commissioned by the Navy since the USS Langley was converted from a coal-carrying transport into CV-1 in 1920.

While the Navy has made no official announcement, the federal SAM.gov contracting website has solicited possible subcontractors to work on CVN 68 Inactivation, Defueling Accomplishment to be completed by 2030.
(Ben Bloker/Stars and Stripes)

Schrollbach, Germany, Jan. 1, 2008: Children gaze over a fence as New Years revelers launch fireworks to celebrate the coming of 2008. The countryside surrounding Kaiserslautern was glowing with skies full of color.
December 31 marks World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. The last day of December is annually celebrated as a day of Azerbaijani unity.

The main idea of this holiday is the unity and solidarity of the Azerbaijanis from all over the world, respect of national and spiritual values.

On December 6, 1991, at a meeting of the Supreme Assembly of Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, chaired by Heydar Aliyev, it was decided to establish the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. The Supreme Assembly sent an appeal to the countrys parliament - the Supreme Council to adopt a legislative act in this regard.

Taking into account the appeal, Azerbaijans Supreme Council adopted a law declaring December 31 as the International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis.

In 1993, December 31 was announced as the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day in accordance with the presidential decree.

Meanwhile, the First Congress of World Azerbaijanis was held in Baku on November 9-10, 2001,

The congress contributed to the strengthening of the national identity, increasing the organization and activity of Azerbaijani communities in various countries. This was a new movement in the country`s socio-political life, a new direction of state policy.

The establishment, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated July 5, 2002, of the State Committee for Work with the Azerbaijanis Living in Foreign Countries, the adoption, on December. 27 of the same year, of the Law On a state policy regarding the Azerbaijanis living abroad further stepped up the process of organizational development of world Azerbaijanis.

Today the Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis is celebrated in all countries worldwide. Solidarity Day has become the most important holiday for the Azerbaijani Diaspora.
ISTANBUL, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish Medical Association has recently warned about the potential escalation of a flu epidemic across the country, urging the use of masks in public transportation.

There are "unusual intensities" in emergency rooms at hospitals nationwide due to the flu epidemic, the medical group said in a warning letter sent to the health ministry this week.

"As long as the epidemic is not extinguished, the health of society and healthcare professionals is under threat" unless necessary measures are taken, the letter read.

Each doctor at family centers sees at least 100 patients suffering from flu symptoms per day in Istanbul, according to the association.

The association also urged the relevant authorities to distribute masks free of charge and promote the use of masks in public vehicles.

A Turkish health expert has also warned on Saturday that a flu epidemic is spreading across Turkiye.

"Especially in the last two weeks, we have frequently encountered upper respiratory tract infections. Almost all of them are caused by viruses," said Celalettin Kocaturk, a thoracic surgery specialist.

"We most frequently encounter Influenza A, Influenza B, Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus, COVID-19, other types of coronaviruses, and Adenoviruses," he said.

These viruses have the potential to cause death among older adults and those with additional diseases, according to Kocaturk.

He urged people to wear masks indoors, observe hygiene rules, and avoid sending sick children to school until May, when the flu epidemic will ease with the onset of warm weather. 
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a year-end plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party, which was held between Dec. 26, and Dec. 30, 2023, in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/AP)

SEOUL, South Korea  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to launch three additional military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and introduce attack drones in 2024, as he called for overwhelming war readiness to cope with U.S.-led confrontational moves, state media reported Sunday.

Kims comments, made during a key ruling Workers Party meeting to set state goals for next year, suggest hell intensify a run of weapons tests ahead of the U.S. presidential elections in November. Observers say Kim believes a boosted nuclear capability would give him another chance for high-stakes diplomacy with the U.S. to win sanctions relief if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House.

During the five-day meeting that ended Saturday, Kim said vicious anti-North Korea moves by the United States and its followers have reached the extremes unprecedented in history, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. Kim cited the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military exercises and the temporary deployment of powerful U.S. military assets such as bombers and a nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea  the steps the allies have taken in response to the Norths weapons testing spree since last year.

Kim called for the overwhelming war response capability to deter potential enemy provocations, KCNA said.

He set forth plans to launch three more military spy satellites next year in addition to the countrys first reconnaissance satellite launched in November. He underscored the need to establish a reliable foundation to build more nuclear weapons, an apparent reference to facilities producing fissile materials like weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium. Kim also ordered authorities to enhance submarine capabilities and develop various types of unmanned combat equipment such as armed drones.

Pyongyang might be waiting out the U.S. presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

The Kim regime has closed the political door on denuclearization negotiations but could offer rhetorical restraint and a testing freeze in exchange for sanctions relief, Easley said. Although North Korea has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons, it might try to extract payment for acting like a so-called responsible nuclear power.

Kim has been focusing on modernizing his nuclear arsenal since his diplomacy with Trump broke down in 2019 due to wrangling over how much sanctions relief the North could get for a partial surrender of its nuclear program. Experts say Kim likely thinks that Trump, if elected for a second term, could make concessions as the U.S. is preoccupied with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas fighting.

Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University in South Korea, said if President Joe Biden is reelected, North Korea wont get what it wants. But he predicted a Trump win could revive diplomacy, saying Trump will likely say during his campaign that he can convince North Korea to suspend intimidating weapons tests.

He said Kims vow to ramp up production of plutonium and uranium is meant to strengthen his negotiating cards. Nam said North Korea will also test-launch more intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the continental U.S. this year.

North Korea will act to the fullest extent under its timetable for provocation until the U.S. election day, Nam said.

During his speech at the party meeting, Kim used bellicose, derisive rhetoric against South Korea, calling it a hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state whose society is tainted by Yankee culture. He said South Korea must not be considered as a partner for reconciliation or unification. He ordered the military to use all available means including nuclear weapons to conquer South Korea in the event of a conflict.

South Koreas Unification Ministry responded by strongly condemning North Korea for pushing to advance its nuclear program and displaying hostility toward its neighbors. A statement said South Korea will try to overwhelmingly deter North Korean threats based on a solid alliance with the United States.

Some analysts have speculated that limited clashes between the Koreas along their tense border could happen in the coming year. South Koreas spy agency said last week that North Korea will likely launch military provocations and cyberattacks ahead of South Korean parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. presidential election in November.

Kim also maintained that North Korea must solidify cooperation with anti-imperialist, independent countries that he said oppose U.S.-led Western hegemony.

Kim didnt name the countries. But North Korea has been seeking to beef up its cooperation with Russia and China, which have repeatedly blocked attempts by the U.S. and its partners to toughen U.N. sanctions on the North over its banned missile tests. The U.S. and South Korea accuse North Korea of supplying artillery and ammunition to Russia in return for high-tech Russian technologies for its own military programs.

Julianne Smith, U.S. permanent representative to NATO, said earlier this month the U.S. assessed that the suspected Russian technologies North Korea seeks are related to fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials of that kind. Smith said U.S. intelligence indicates that North Korea had provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions.

South Korean officials said Russian support likely enabled North Korea to put its spy satellite into orbit for the first time on Nov. 21. Many foreign experts are skeptical about the satellites ability but South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said in November that Russia could help North Korea produce higher-resolution satellite photos.

Yang Uk, an analyst at Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said that he believes North Korea hasnt yet obtained functioning ICBMs that can launch nuclear strikes on the continental U.S. But he said North Koreas shorter-range nuclear-armed missiles can reach South Korea and Japan, where a total of 80,000 American troops are stationed.

Estimates on the size of North Koreas nuclear arsenal vary, ranging from 20-30 bombs to more than 100. The U.N. atomic agency and foreign experts recently said North Korea appears to have started operating a light-water reactor at its main nuclear complex in a possible attempt to secure a new source for weapons-grade plutonium.

Meanwhile, Kim said during the meeting that North Korea made eye-opening economic achievements by fulfilling or exceeding set quotas in major areas such as farming, housing construction and fisheries. Nam, the professor, said the self-praise appears aimed at burnishing Kims image as a leader who cares about public livelihoods as well as military issues.
Before the end-of-year pontifical mass in Cologne Cathedral with Cardinal Woelki, the area around the cathedral is heavily guarded by police with machine guns, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. German authorities say they have detained three more people in connection with a reported threat to Cologne Cathedral over the holiday period. (Thomas Banneyer/dpa via AP)

BERLIN  Three more people were detained Sunday in connection with a reported threat of an attack on the Cologne Cathedral over the holidays, German authorities said.

The detentions came only days after a 30-year-old Tajik man was detained in relation to an alleged plot to attack the world-famous cathedral by Islamic extremists in the western German city.

The suspects were detained in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne and Dueren in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and their apartments were also searched there. No details about their identities were released.

All of the detained suspects  including the Tajik who was arrested last week  allegedly belong to a larger network that included people across Germany and in other European countries, according to Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns, German news agency dpa reported.

The attack was supposed to have been carried out with a car loaded with explosives, local media reported.

Cologne police said in a Sunday news conference that the cathedrals underground parking garage had been searched and that explosives detection dogs had been deployed  but nothing was found. Since the early morning, the entrance and exit of the underground garage had also been checked for suspicious activity.

North Rhine-Westphalias Interior Minister Herbert Reul called the latest detentions a success, for which I would like to thank the investigators.

Islamic extremists have always been active, but they are currently more active than usual and the Catholic cathedral was a prime target for them, Reul said, according to dpa. The police always try to be a few steps ahead, he added.

Police had received information about a planned militant attack on Cologne Cathedral shortly before Christmas. The attack was to be carried out on New Years Eve.

The citys world-famous cathedral has been under high protection for a week and the threat led to the closure of the house of worship for tourists since Christmas Eve.

Usually, more than 100,000 tourists visit the cathedral in the last week of the year. In recent days, only worshippers were allowed to enter the building for Mass, but they had to go through thorough security checks involving sniffer dogs.

On Sunday evening, around 1,000 police officers were on duty around the cathedral as revelers began celebrating the end of 2023.

Reul, the state interior minister, encouraged people to celebrate and not stay at home despite the attack threat.

Islamist terror is still a threat on German streets, he said. We have often suppressed that. And whenever there is a one-off event like this, we are all very electrified again.

However, it would be wrong to panic, said Reul. I say: Celebrate! Behave yourselves! Take care  and enjoy the transition into the new year.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely, seen here in an undated photo, shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles Dec 30, 2023, in the Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy)

Another U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer downed two anti-ship ballistic missiles Saturday in the southern Red Sea while assisting a container ship under attack, U.S. Central Command said.

The USS Gravely shot down the two missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen after responding with the destroyer USS Laboon to an assistance call at 8:30 a.m. Saturday from the Maersk Hangzhou, according to post on X, formerly Twitter, by Central Command that day.

The Singapore-flagged vessel, owned and operated from Denmark, was struck by a missile while transiting the southern Red Sea but, is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries, the message states.

This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19, Central Command said.

Thursday, the destroyer USS Mason shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to Central Command.

That attack followed two days after U.S. fighter jets and the Laboon, part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, fended off a dozen drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack cruise missiles over the course of 10 hours on Tuesday in the Red Sea.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers survey a damaged house in the Israeli village of Kfar Aza on Oct. 10, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

Life in Israel and in the West Bank has been forever transformed since Oct. 7, when Hamas fighters streamed out of Gaza to kill about 1,200 people in Israel and take 240 hostages.

The targeted kibbutzim and villages still show the signs of the unprecedented carnage that took place over several hours that day, while in the West Bank, Palestinians now live in fear of Israeli raids - either from the Israel Defense Forces or from settlers.

For the past three months, photographer Lorenzo Tugnoli has documented the breakdown of ordinary life across Israel and the West Bank.

Here are some of his images.

A boy searches the ruins of the Al-Ansar mosque in Jenin on Oct. 22, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

Blood on the floor of a house in Kibbutz Beeri on Oct. 11, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

Palestinian militiamen gather during the Oct. 20, 2023, funeral for 13 people killed in an Israeli raid in Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

Zoufi, the commander of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military faction of the Fatah party that is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and others, sits with his son in the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank on Oct. 17, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

A tank maneuvers on a dusty road near Kibbutz Beeri on Oct. 11, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

The funeral of Bilal Saleh, a Palestinian man in the West Bank village of Sawiya who was fatally shot by a settler Oct. 28, 2023, while picking olives on his land. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

The family of Kim Demati, who was killed by Hamas militants, at her funeral in the town of Gadara, Israel, on Oct. 12, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

Settlers stage a sit-in Nov. 8, 2023, at the main intersection in front of the Shave Shomron settlement in the West Bank. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

The funeral procession of a Palestinian killed during an Israeli raid in Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank on Oct. 20, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

In the West Bank, Palestinian workers from Gaza pray on Oct. 16, 2023, as they wait to return home. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)

Bodies remained on a road in Kibbutz Beeri on Oct. 11 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli for The Washington Post)
Palestinians visit the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israels prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central region, the latest focus of the nearly three-month air-and-ground war that has raised fears of a regional conflagration.

The U.S. military said its forces shot and killed several Iran-backed Houthi rebels when they tried to attack a cargo ship in the Red Sea, an escalation in a maritime conflict linked to the war. And an Israeli Cabinet minister suggested encouraging Gazas population to emigrate, remarks that could worsen tensions with Egypt and other friendly Arab states.

Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people after breaking through Israels extensive border defenses, shattering its sense of security. They also captured around 240 hostages, nearly half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire agreement in November.

Just after midnight on New Years Day, Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in southern and central Israel. No injuries were reported.

Displaced Palestinians found little to celebrate on New Years Eve in Muwasi, a makeshift camp in a mostly undeveloped area of southern Gazas Mediterranean coast designated by Israel as a safe zone.

From the intensity of the pain we live, we do not feel that there is a new year, said Kamal al-Zeinaty, huddled with his family around a fire inside a tent. All the days are the same.

Another relative, Zeyad al-Zeinaty, who fled with the family from the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, said his wife, brother and grandchildren are among many relatives he has lost in the war.

Israels unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 56,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations. Israels bombardments have leveled vast swaths of the territory, displacing some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

THE OFFENSIVE GRINDS ON

Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of densely built-up communities that house refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants.

In Zweida, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. It also said its forces operating in the Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a kindergarten and defused it. Hamas continued to launch rockets toward southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting. Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

The fighting has pushed much of Gazas population south, where people have flooded shelters and tent camps near the border with Egypt. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in both areas.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter. There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

ISRAELI MINISTER URGES MASS MIGRATION FROM GAZA

The scale of the destruction and the exodus to the south has raised fears among Palestinians and Arab countries that Israel plans to drive Gazas population out and prevent it from returning.

On Sunday, Israels far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and re-establish Jewish settlements in the territory, where it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not 2 million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a war Cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighboring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, along with other friendly Arab countries.

Later Sunday, an official in the prime ministers office said Israel does not want to resettle Palestinians.

Contrary to false allegations, Israel does not seek to displace the population in Gaza, the official said in a statement to The Associated Press. Subject to security checks, Israels policy is to enable those individuals who wish to leave to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Israel is also at odds with the United States, which has provided crucial military aid for the offensive, over Gazas future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip. At a news conference Saturday, he said the war would continue for many more months and that Israel would assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons from Egypt, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

Netanyahu has also said he wont allow the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the occupied West Bank, to expand its limited rule to Gaza, where Hamas drove its forces out in 2007.

The U.S. wants a unified Palestinian government to run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. The last Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down over a decade ago, and Israeli governments since have been staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Jack Jeffery in Cairo contributed to this report.
Palestinians inspect the damage of a destroyed house following Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis, Southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

JERUSALEM  A former member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Cabinet offered a rare public apology Sunday for contributing to the internal strife in Israel that preceded the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.

The mea culpa by Galit Distel Atbaryan, a lawmaker from Netanyahus Likud Party, was one of the first times a Likud member has accepted responsibility for the polarized atmosphere ahead of the attack, which triggered a devastating war that has continued for nearly three months.

Distel Atbaryan appeared to accept the argument that the internal divisions created perceptions of weakness that encouraged Hamas to attack.

Im here sitting and telling you, the democratic, secular public: I sinned against you, I caused pain for you, I caused you to fear for your lives here, and I am sorry for this, she told Channel 13 TV.

Distel Atbaryan added that she was taking responsibility for her role in the massive protests and civil discord that erupted after Netanyahus right-wing government attempted to implement a far-reaching overhaul of the judicial system. The crisis sparked mass protests, alarmed business leaders and former security chiefs, and drew concern from the United States and other close allies.

I was one of those people that caused the state to be weakened, that harmed people, she said. I created a split, I created a rift, and I created tension. And this tension brought weakness. And this weakness, in many ways, brought massacre.

Distel Atbaryan, who served as public diplomacy minister, was one of Netanyahus strongest supporters and drew attention for her harsh criticism of his opponents.

But days after the Oct. 7 attack, she resigned when it was clear that other government ministries were handling her responsibilities.

Distel Atbaryan said the office was a waste of public funds during wartime. She has remained as a member of parliament in the Likud.
ISLAMABAD  Security forces in Afghanistan killed a number of Tajik and Pakistani nationals and arrested scores of others involved in attacks against religious clerics, the public, and mosques, a senior Taliban official said Sunday.

Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Talibans appointed defense minister, during a press conference in the capital, Kabul, said dozens of Tajiks and more than 20 Pakistanis were killed in the past 12 months in operations by security forces.

He said scores of Tajiks and hundreds of Pakistanis involved in various incidents were also arrested during that period.

Mujahid called on neighboring and regional countries to strictly monitor their borders.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad spiked as hundreds of thousands of Afghans left Pakistan after authorities started pursuing foreigners they said were in the country illegally, going door-to-door to check migrants documentation, following an Oct. 31 deadline.

Mujahid also said there has been a 90% decrease in attacks by an Islamic State group affiliate in the past year.

The militant group has carried out major assaults on schools, hospitals and mosques, and has also attacked Shiite areas across the country.

The ISIS affiliate has been a major rival of the Taliban since the latter seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. ISIS militants have struck in Kabul, in northern provinces and especially wherever there are Shiites, whom ISIS considers to be apostates.

Since taking power, the Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and work and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed, as U.S. and NATO forces were pulling out of Afghanistan following two decades of war.
Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, on Dec. 19, 2023. (Kamil Krzaczynski, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Donald Trumps leading Republican primary challengers said in recent days that if they are elected, they would pardon the former president should he be convicted of any of the 91 felony charges hes currently facing.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley argued in separate campaign stops last week that extending clemency to Trump would be in the countrys best interest. Both had previously signaled they were leaning toward issuing a pardon, but their recent statements were the most definitive yet and left little room for doubt just weeks before the first nominating contests in January.

I would pardon Trump if he is found guilty, Haley told a crowd in Plymouth, N.H., on Thursday.

DeSantis, who has blamed Trumps dominance in the polls in part on the string of criminal indictments, said Friday that he would pardon a convicted Trump because we got to move on as a country. Speaking with reporters after a campaign stop in Elkader, Iowa, DeSantis echoed Haleys commitment, invoking the only previous time a U.S. president has received a pardon.

Its like Ford did to Nixon, DeSantis said, referencing Gerald Fords 1974 pardon of disgraced former president Richard M. Nixon. Because you just, you know, the divisions are just not in the countrys interest.

DeSantis and Haley, who are leading a winnowed field of GOP candidates opposing Trump, have for months walked a political tightrope, seeking to distinguish themselves from the former president while continuing to court his substantial bloc of supporters, whose votes will be key in deciding the Republican primary.

Aside from Trump, who has remained the clear leader in polling and campaign fundraising, three of the GOPs top four candidates have now said unequivocally that they would pardon him, with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy committing to the move in July.

Ex-New Jersey governor Chris Christie, meanwhile, has railed against these pledges, calling Trumps actions a threat to democracy. A pardon for Trump, Christie said on Friday, would signal two systems of justice: One for all of us and one for the most powerful.

If we allow that to happen as a country, we would be no better  no better  than a lot of these tinpot democracies around the world who treat the privileged different than they treat everyday citizens, Christie said at an event in Seabrook, N.H.

Trump is facing 44 federal charges and 47 state charges across four separate criminal cases. The federal charges with the most severe penalties are those concerning allegations of obstruction of justice, which in typical cases can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment. Defendants, however, rarely receive maximum sentences and it is not clear whether Trump would be imprisoned if convicted.

Trumps conduct, especially his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, is not only at the heart of criminal cases against him, it is central to officials decisions to keep him off presidential primary ballots in two states. In Maine, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D) barred Trump from the ballot late last week and has been subjected to violent threats in the days since. Over the weekend, her home was swatted  having a fake emergency call that drew heavily armed police to her house  Bellows shared in a social media post.

Despite the charges against him, Trump has retained a wide lead in polls ahead of the 2024 primary, which officially begins in less than a month with a caucus in Iowa and voting in New Hampshire. According to FiveThirtyEights polling average, Trump held a nearly 50-point lead over his two closest rivals, DeSantis and Haley, as of Sunday.

In New Hampshire, Trumps lead was smaller but still commanding, with 46 percent of potential voters supporting him, 28 points more than the next closest candidate, according to a Washington Post-Monmouth University poll.

DeSantis had previously said it would not be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison. Haley made the same case in New Hampshire last week, responding to a 9-year-olds question about the former president.

A leader needs to think about whats in the best interest of the country, Haley said. Whats in the best interest of the country is not to have an 80-year-old man sitting in jail that continues to divide our country. Whats in the best interest of our country would be to pardon him so that we can move on as a country and no longer talk about him.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), who is supporting Haley in the primary, defended her remarks in a Sunday interview on CNNs State of the Union.

Look, I understand Nikkis argument, Sununu said. Everybody wants to move on from the drama and the chaos of Donald Trump. We are all so tired of it. Were all so worn out of it as Americans.

Hannah Knowles, Derek Hawkins and Nick Mourtoupalas contributed to this report.
Punter says bookies bound by consumer protection laws over disagreement on rules

An 83-year-old pensioner is taking Paddy Power to the High Court in an effort to prove consumer law should apply to bets after he said the bookie unfairly withheld almost 14,000 of his winnings.

Under Irish law gambling wagers are deemed void contracts and are not enforceable in court. Anthony Whelan, a pensioner from Dalkey, is hoping to establish that bookmakers are bound by Irish and EU consumer protection law.

On December 14, Mr Whelan lodged an appeal of his Circuit Court case where the judge ruled earlier this month in favour of the gambling giant, which is part of the Flutter group.

Mr Whelan claimed his winnings from four horse races should have come to 21,554, but instead Paddy Power in Dalkey capped his winnings at 7,718, an alleged shortfall of 13,836.

John W Carroll, a solicitor at Crowley Millar, which is representing Mr Whelan, said the case could have wider ramifications if it is found that consumer law protections apply to punters in gambling shops.

The majority of people betting dont realise that a bet is not an enforceable contract in contract law, said Mr Carroll.

Now, nine times of out 10 they will pay. But the bookies rely on their terms and conditions that can be 60 pages long if you download them from their website. We say in this case that there were unfair terms and conditions that were not brought to the customers attention before his bet so consumer law should apply.

Mr Whelans case centres on a January 16, 2022, Lucky 15 promotion bet of 30 that he wagered in the Dalkey branch of Paddy Power, which has since closed. The Lucky 15 bet comprised of four single predictions which were then broken down into 15 possible combinations: one fourfold accumulator, four trebles, six doubles and four singles. Mr Whelans case is that at no point were any additional terms or conditions provided to him or any material on his betting docket or betting slip that purported to limit his potential winnings.

When Mr Whelans four single predictions came in it resulted in all 15 possible combinations of his wager being correct. He contends this meant his 30 bet should have been redeemed for 21,544. When the pensioner went to collect his winnings on January 17, 2022, he was shocked to be told by Paddy Powers staff for the first time that the terms and conditions on his bet put a 8,000 cap on his winnings.

Mr Whelan, who was a long-time customer of Paddy Power, maintained he was never made aware of any additional terms and conditions. He took legal action after he said Paddy Power failed to respond to legal letters sent on January 17 and February 3 of 2022.

His Circuit Court claim alleged Paddy Power misrepresented the bet and it neglected to have an adequate system in place to prevent such misrepresentation. He alleged Paddy Power was in breach of the 2007 Consumer Protection Act and EU consumer protections.

Mr Whelan also served a Notice of Objection to the renewal of Paddy Powers bookmakers licence dated September 6, 2022, citing alleged breaches of the Consumers Protection Act 2007.

The 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act states that every contract by way of gaming or wagering is void and that no action shall lie for the recovery of any money or thing which is alleged to be won or to have been paid upon a wager.

In its defence, Paddy Power said the purported contract in this case was void as a matter of law and could not have been enforced. It submitted that case law on this point made it clear courts should not permit claims to enforce gambling wagers though legal action whether made directly or indirectly.

The plaintiff cannot separate the dancer from the dance, it said.

Paddy Power insisted there was no breach of any consumer protection provision in Mr Whelans case even if it disagrees that consumer law can apply to wagers under Irish law.

In its legal submission Paddy Power stated: The plaintiff asks the court to apply consumer protection legislation to circumstances in which no contract is formed and no contract could be formed, by operation of law. This is misconceived.

It also claimed Mr Whelan had real opportunity to become acquainted with the terms and conditions of the Lucky 15 promotion which it said were shown intermittently on in-shop screens.

Paddy Power said Mr Whelan is disappointed due to his incorrect expectations regarding the outcome of the betting promotion that he availed of.

In dismissing Mr Whelans claim in the Circuit Court, Judge John OConnor said the limit was in the shop rules but was not obvious. He said Mr Whelan could have enquired about it and had not.

Asked by Paddy Power to make an order against Mr Whelan for the bookies legal costs, Judge OConnor refused on the basis the punters claim had been a novel one and was not without some merit. His appeal will be up for mention on January 31 in the High Court.

Mr Whelan has yet to collect his capped winnings of 7,718 from Paddy Power.

A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: Paddy Powers terms and conditions in relation to Best Odds Guaranteed offers are clearly outlined in our rules and displayed through various channels within all of our shops. The District Court ruled in favour of Paddy Power and agreed that the customer had been correctly awarded a 1,000 winning bonus in line with these terms.
Michael Andrecut, with an address at Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15, appeared before Dublin District Court yesterday

This is the 22-year-old man charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry at Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve.

Michael Andrecut, with an address at Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15, appeared before Dublin District Court yesterday.

He faces a single charge that he murdered Tristan Sherry on the evening of December 24.

Garda Sergeant Mark Murphy of Blanchardstown Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He told Judge Stephanie Coggins that he arrested Andrecut for the purposes of charge at Blanchardstown Garda station at 11.42pm on Friday night.

The accused was formally charged with the offence of murder at 11.47pm.

Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown

Andrecut made no reply when cautioned. Sgt Murphy applied for an adjournment of the case to Cloverhill District Court.

Appearing on behalf of Andrecut, solicitor Brian Tunney asked that the case be put back until January 2 and asked that the matter be dealt with by video link on that date.

He also applied for legal aid, handing in a statement of means on behalf of his client. No other applications were made.

Andrecut, who appeared in court in a black Puma hoody, did not speak during the proceedings.

Adjourning the matter to January 2, Judge Coggins assigned legal aid to the defendant.

Father-of-one Tristan Sherry (26) was killed after opening fire inside Brownes Steakhouse on Christmas Eve.

A 47-year-old man was struck several times after Sherry opened fire with a sub-machine gun.

Funeral details for Sherry have not been announced but it is expected to be held in the coming days.

Tristan Sherry

After the shooting, a page was set up for Sherry on the fundraising website GoFundMe, with his family trying to raise money for 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 an amazing Son, Brother, Father and Friend.

The page was removed after several hundred euro was donated.
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The premises in Ringsend had been the focus of protests and rumours in recent weeks that it was to be used to house asylum seekers, but this was rejected by the International Protection Accommodation Service

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has warned that arson is a very serious crime, and said the blaze at a vacant Dublin pub that was to be turned into a homeless hub to house families is under investigation by An Garda Siochana.

If this was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established, the perpetrators will be brought to justice, she promised.

Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

An Garda Siochana is doing everything possible to determine the cause of the fire, the minister said, before asking for the assistance of citizens.

I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact An Garda Siochana, the Minister said.

The building in Ringsend that was earmarked as a family hub for the homeless was badly damaged by a fire in the early hours of this morning.

The blaze broke out on the vacant former Shipwright / Sallys Bar pub on Thorncastle Street in the south city at around 2am.

It had been acquired by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive for use as a family hub, but had been the subject of protests led by anti-immigrant activists amid incorrect rumours it was to be used to house asylum seekers.

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that it sent six units, including a turntable ladder, to the scene to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported but the building was extensively damaged.

The Garda Press Office this morning said gardai had attended at the scene of a fire, and that the scene is currently preserved for forensic examination.

Photographs posted on X by Dublin Fire Brigade showed the top floor of the three-storey building ablaze as well as an area at the back of the premises.

Firefighters battle blaze at vacant Ringsend pub that was earmarked for the homeless

Local Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said in a post on X that the building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) as a family hub for homeless people.

This is so unbelievably sad to see, she wrote, thanking Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin City Council for bringing the fire under control.

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that Dublin City Council had increased water pressure in the area at the time of the fire to assist in the operation to bring the fire under control.

The building had been at the centre of incorrect rumours circulating that it would be used to house asylum seekers, with protesters gathering outside in recent weeks.

Anonymous anti-immigrant agitators online had also made calls for it to be burnt down.

It comes two weeks after the vacant Ross Lake Hotel in Roscahill, Co Galway, was burnt out in an arson attack after it emerged it was to house 70 asylum seekers. There have been a number of similar incidents around the country as the Government struggles to house asylum seekers and refugees.

The DRHE, which allocates emergency accommodation for the homeless in the Dublin area, confirmed today it had planned to use the former Shipwright pub for emergency accommodation for families, and said this had been confirmed to people contacting the DRHE and to local politicians.

We have a number of families who are currently homeless and seeking accommodation in the area, so it is very disappointing. Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent, it said.

If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter. The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened, it added.

The International Protection Accommodation Service and the Department of Integration, which manage the countrys asylum and refugee system, said earlier this month that they had not received any proposal for this property and therefore has neither considered nor examined this property for use.

Labour councillor Dermot Lacey has said the DRHEs statement saying that it informed Dublin councillors about the potential Ringsend homeless hub as simply not true".

He stressed that all last week he was receiving messages from various protesters in the area.

Local councillors werent able to give people information. I believe if we were given the information, we would have been able to give that out and the number of protesters would have been significantly minimised, he told the Irish Independent.

The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade

Cllr Lacey said the response to the proposal would have been different if this were the case.

He said he had defended every single proposal by the DRHE and Department of Housing in previous meetings.

But I cant defend the lack of information and the failure to tell us because I believe we could have seriously minimised the tensions down there had they told us, he stressed.

Cllr Lacey said local government has been decimated in recent years, adding that this is another example where departments feel they "don't have to deal with it anymore.

He stated that there were a lot of people at the protest who are misinformed, misguided or simply wrong as well as those who are "just racist.

I believe we could have informed the people who were just worried. Its the statement by the DRHE that said they had informed the councillors when they hadnt that infuriated me, he said.

It is part of the pattern of every department of the State, all who believe that elected government and elected representatives dont matter anymore, he added.

The former lord mayor of Dublin said this had a tragic bearing in the burning of the property last night.

Local Fine Gael councillor Danny Byrne also denied the DRHE had informed local politicians of the intended use of the property, however.

He said a "lack of communication" was the root cause of the burning of the building in Ringsend.

He insisted local councillors "were not informed of plans for this building, he said.

"Over a period of about two weeks, a narrative took hold in the absence of communication from official sources, Cllr Byrne added.

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Dublin Fire Brigade said it was notified of a fire in a premises on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend shortly after 2am, and on arrival firefighters found a well-developed fire with heavy smoke drifting over the locality. Six fire engines responded to the fire including two turntable ladders to fight the fire from above.

The fire was brought under control by 5am with nearly 30 firefighters working at the fireground. The incident concluded at 6am and the scene was handed over to Gardai. No injuries were reported, a spokesperson said.

Three TDs from the constituency of the fire condemned it outright.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said: This is shocking news. It is greatly concerning to see a fire at the premises in Ringsend intended to provide shelter to homeless families.

I want to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the firefighters who brought the fire under control last night.

Dublin Bay South Fianna Fail TD Jim OCallaghan on Sunday visited the scene of the blaze and said the fire is very disappointing for the families who are on the Dublin City Council homeless list, or were due to move in to the building in the short term until they get longer term accommodation.

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

Obviously there has to be a full investigation to find out what is the cause of the fire. But if it is the case that the investigation establishes that it was started maliciously, I can tell you that it doesn't represent the views or the support of the vast majority of people of Ringsend, he said.

Deputy OCallaghan said there had been a lot of misinformation circulated about the future purpose of the building, and that he had contacted the Department of integration who said they had no plans for its use.

Dublin City Council did plan to use it for homeless accommodation, and it is regrettable now that it won't be available for those homeless families to use as a homeless hub for them in the future, he said.

Asked if buildings that are secured for accommodation of homeless people or people coming into the country might now need garda protection in light of the number that fires that have occurred at them, Deputy OCallaghan said there was a lot of misinformation in Ringsend as to what the building that had been the site of the fire was going to be used for.

Gardai are investigating a fire at the vacant Shipwright Pub in Ringsend that was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families. Photo: Arthur Carron

I don't think anyone has any concern or objections about buildings being used to secure homeless people. If there's issues in respect of buildings being used for immigrants that's an issue that has to be discussed with the community as well. But ultimately people can't dictate who comes into their area to live, he said.

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews said: There were families living and sleeping next to it, to the rear, and it must have been frightening and devastating for them.

Also its devastating for the businesses who will be affected by this. Business is difficult at the best of times but this is a big blow to them.

This is generally a quiet residential area. The Gardai will have to investigate the cause of this, but it is frightening for local businesses and residents.

More to follow...
Circuit Court judge who sexually abused six men makes bizarre comment as we ask if he plans to appeal

Gerard OBrien speaks to our reporter Patrick OConnell at his home in Thurles

Gerard OBrien speaks to our reporter Patrick OConnell at his home in Thurles

A Circuit Court judge convicted of the sexual abuse of six young men has made his first public comments since being found guilty  describing himself as devastated for both himself and his victims.

But Tipperary native Gerard OBrien, who was convicted three days before Christmas of the sexual abuse of the six men almost 30 years ago, said he was not yet ready to answer when asked if he now accepts the verdict of the jury.

OBrien, who remains in receipt of his 177,554 Circuit Court judges salary pending his future removal or resignation from the bench and who denied all the charges, is scheduled to be sentenced for his crimes on March 4.

Answering the door of his home in the centre of Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Thursday afternoon, the disgraced judge  who is now a registered sex offender  said he has avoided much of the reaction and commentary in the wake of his trial.

I havent been reading it, he said.

When asked whether there was any comment he would make in light of the verdicts against him, OBrien said: Im devastated for everybody.

Gerard OBrien speaks to our reporter Patrick OConnell at his home in Thurles

Im just devastated for all involved. I wouldnt want to say any more.

Pressed on the issue of whether he now accepts his guilt in relation to the charges or whether he plans to appeal, he responded: I dont know.

Im still trying to absorb it to be honest. Im trying to absorb it.

OBrien, who is missing both hands and a foot as a result of the rare health condition phocomelia, then said he would not be commenting further.

OBrien pleaded not guilty in the Central Criminal Court to one count of attempted rape and eight counts of sexual assault in relation to six complainants, some of whom were his students.

His four-week trial was told the offences occurred on dates between March 1991 and November 1997 at locations in Dublin.

He was in his 30s while his victims were aged between 17 and 24.

OBrien was teaching in a secondary school at the time of the assaults and four of the complainants were students.

The other two complainants knew him from his home town.

Five of the men said they woke up to find OBrien performing sexual acts on them to which they insisted they had not consented.

OBrien would also ask students in the secondary school he taught in to assist him in going to the toilet.

During the trial, the jury heard from many of the complainants that they stayed in OBriens home to help him get dressed and shaved in the morning.

During their evidence, the complainants were each asked why they did not make a complaint to gardai earlier.

Some said they had compartmentalised the incidents.

Others spoke of shame or embarrassment.

The third complainant to give evidence to the jury said he did not want anyone to find out what happened.

It was an extremely intimate action being taken in a manner I never consented to in the first instance.

I wanted to keep it to myself, the complainant said.

The sixth complainant said: I put it in a block of cement in my mind and I didnt think about it.

Gerard OBrien at his home in Thurles

During his evidence, the sixth complainant told the prosecution that he Googled OBrien and found out that he was a Circuit Court judge, which was one of the reasons he decided to make a complaint to the gardai.

OBrien was interviewed voluntarily by gardai and initially denied any sexual contact with all complainants.

In later interviews, OBrien said sexual interactions had occurred with three of the complainants.

In his direct evidence, he said he lied to gardai initially because of shame.

The idea of being charged with a sexual assault frightened me beyond reason. I went into a sort of blind panic about it all, he said.

OBrien acknowledged that having students at his home and in his bed was inappropriate and should not have happened.

He gave evidence of sexual contact with three of the complainants but denied any sexual interaction with the rest.

OBrien did not accept prosecuting counsel Anne-Marie Lawlors suggestion he was a person who tells lies, and was lying to the jury.

He denied that he groomed a number of the complainants, saying: I dont accept I groomed anyone.

After the jury returned its verdicts, Mr Justice Owens directed the preparation of victim impact statements and remanded the defendant on continuing bail until sentencing on March 4, 2024.

OBriens conviction and subsequent unmasking as a sexual predator led to Justice Minister Helen McEntee issuing a statement confirming she had contacted the Attorney General on how best to proceed in terms of his removal from the bench.

She confirmed she is considering the options open to the Government and the Oireachtas.

Under Article 35.4 of the Constitution, a judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal or the High Court cannot be removed from office except for stated misbehaviour or incapacity and then only upon resolutions passed by Dail Eireann and by Seanad Eireann calling for his removal.

Although Article 35.4 refers specifically only to judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court, its understood the same procedure would have to be followed in order to remove a judge of the Circuit Court or the District Court as these judges are declared to hold office by the same tenure.

To date, no judge has ever been removed from office using this mechanism and the phrase stated misbehaviour or incapacity has never had to be judicially interpreted.

In one previous instance where a sitting District Court judge, Heather Perrin, was convicted of a serious crime, namely deception, she offered her resignation from the bench before her forced removal became necessary.
Tomasz Rozpeda (27), of no fixed address, appeared before a special sitting of Nenagh District Court on Saturday evening

A man has been charged with assault causing harm to a Polish national who died after being found unresponsive in a Tipperary property following a St Stephen's Night party.

Tomasz Rozpeda (27), of no fixed address, appeared before a special sitting of Nenagh District Court on Saturday evening.

Rozpeda, who is originally from Poland, is charged with assault causing harm to Maciej Nowak (32) at Ballycrana, Kilross, Co Tipperary.

The charge is brought contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

It is alleged that the assault occurred sometime between St Stephen's evening (December 26) and the early hours of December 27.

A combined St Stephen's Day celebration and birthday party was being held at the rented property at the time.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath was told that the defendant was arrested on Thursday (December 28) by gardai and detained for questioning at Tipperary Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

He was formally charged at 11.48pm on Friday evening.

Det Garda Kevin O'Keeffe told the court that Rozpeda made no comment when the charge was formally put to him after caution.

Gardai applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody.

The application was for Rozpeda to be remanded to appear again before Nenagh District Court next Wednesday (January 3).

Solicitor Vincent McCormack said that he would not be making a bail application at the current stage.

However, he said he was reserving his position in respect of a bail application at a future time.

The court was told that the services of a Polish interpreter would be required for all hearings.

Mr McCormack applied for legal aid for his client and Judge MacGrath, after hearing an outline of his circumstances and considering a statement of means, granted free legal aid.

Judge MacGrath remanded Rozpeda in custody to appear again before Nenagh District Court on January 3.

Mr Nowak was discovered unresponsive after Gardai were called to the Ballycrana property around 4am last Wednesday.

Despite desperate efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene before he could be transferred to hospital.

A full post mortem examination was later performed at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) while Gardai conducted a detailed forensic examination of the scene.

Gardai also conducted door-to-door inquiries to determine if anyone heard or saw anything suspicious.

Detectives are also tracing all those who were in attendance at the gathering at the property over December 26/27.
The Tanaiste said that the role Ireland has had in aiding Colombias peace process will also be a major focus of the trip.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is to visit Colombia and Mexico in the new year (Brian Lawless/PA)

Micheal Martin has said he will raise the issue of the global drugs trade with Colombian and Mexican authorities during an upcoming visit to South America.

The Tanaiste said that the role Ireland has had in aiding Colombias peace process will also be a major focus of the trip.

Weve a very strong economic relationship with Mexico and with the region more broadly, and were determined to try and build on that, he said.

So we have successful Irish companies operating within the region. So theres a strong economic dimension to this visit.

Politically also, its important for Ireland to strengthen its relationships. We have strengthened our diplomatic footprint in the area and that will be part of the visit.

In Colombia, the focus will again be more political, and also on the role that Ireland has been playing in terms of assisting and helping the peace process within Colombia. And theres been efforts to broaden that peace process in more recent times.

While the visit is largely more political and economic, Mr Martin said he will liaise with the Department of Justice to identify any criminal issues to discuss with Mexican and Colombian leaders, especially those relating to the Kinahan cartel.

We will raise and discuss with the authorities, both Mexico and Colombia, obviously the broader global challenges, narcotics, drug trade and so on and shared experiences, he explained.

Ireland, through its ambassador and diplomatic footprint, is working to share some of the lessons of the conflict in Northern Ireland with the authorities in Colombia, and theyve been very appreciative of our suggestions.

When we were on the UN Security Council, for example, we would have invited women from Colombia to discuss the role of women in conflict.
In the wake of his death, Mr McCormacks son Clinton paid tribute to him, writing: Rest in peace to the best man that ever walked

Family and friends at the funeral of Clinton McCormack at St Michaels church in Gorey, Co Wexford

Almost 200 mourners attended the funeral yesterday of a father-of-three who was shot during a gun attack in Wicklow earlier this month.

The mourners, many wearing matching red and black outfits, sobbed openly as they bid builder Clinton McCormack a final farewell at St Michaels Church in Gorey.

Following the funeral mass, one of the deceaseds favourite songs, Maniac 2000, was played from a speaker set on top of the black horse-drawn carriage that transported his funeral casket to the adjacent cemetery for burial.

Clinton McCormacks coffin at St Michaels church in Gorey Co Wexford

Mr McCormack (44) passed away at St Vincents Hospital in Dublin on December 19 as a result of an undiagnosed brain condition, five days after he was shot on a building site in Delgany.

In the wake of his death, Mr McCormacks son Clinton paid tribute to him writing Rest in peace to the best man that ever walked.

Ill do you proud .. love you, boss man.

Mr McCormack had been carrying out exterior insulation work on a house in Delgany, Co Wicklow when two masked gunman arrived at the scene on December 14.

He had been living in Co Wexford in recent times and had travelled to work at the site in a van from his home.

Dad of three Clinton McCormack

The gunmen fired multiple shots from two handguns but still failed to cause serious injury to Mr McCormack even though they cornered him behind the van.

It is understood the gang who shot him received intelligence that Mr McCormack had been working at the building site at the Bellevue Hill housing development in Delgany.

Mr McCormack received a number of gunshot wounds to his leg.

However, he developed ultimately fatal medical complications over the following weekend which were not linked to the shooting.

The attempt on his life on December 14 was the second time in seven years that a ruthless organised criminal gang targeted Mr McCormack.

Family and friends at the funeral of Clinton McCormack at St Michaels church in Gorey, Co Wexford

Jailed rapist and gun-for hire Eoghan OConnell (34) is currently serving a 12-year sentence for the previous attempted gun murder on Mr McCormacks life.

That incident happened in 2016 when OConnell approached the victim and attempted to fire at him but the shotgun jammed. A struggle ensued and OConnell was later identified before being arrested.

Innocent associates have also been the subject of firearms incidents. In January a gunman approached a man known to him, who is aged in his 30s at his home in Bray, Co Wicklow, and discharged at least one shot before his handgun jammed and he fled the scene.

In a statement released after Mr McCormacks death, gardai said they were continuing to request information on the movements of a 2007 black Ford Focus hatchback on Thursday 14th December between 3pm and 5pm in the Delgany area specifically between Bellevue Hill and Kindlestown Woods car park.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Greystones Garda station on 01 666 5800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Restaurant attacker was stabbed more than a dozen times several months ago

Tristan Sherry, and gardai at the scene of the attack at Brownes Steakhouse

The Finglas gunman who lost his life on Christmas Eve in a Blanchardstown restaurant was brutally stabbed more than a dozen times in a savage attack earlier this year, the Sunday World can reveal.

Sources said machine-gun-wielding attacker Tristan Sherry was also on the brink after a year in which he had lost his own father and had seen relatives homes attacked.

A gangland criminal and a known associate of the Finglas drugs boss nicknamed Mr Flashy, Sherry had been involved in the so-called Corduff feud which saw dozens of violent incidents over a two-year period.

Sherrys involvement with criminality saw him fall foul of a rival gang during an incident in Blanchardstown earlier this year and stabbed multiple times, with one source describing him as having been butchered.

Gardai at the scene of the attack at Brownes Steakhouse

On another occasion, it was alleged a car was reversed into a property where the 26-year-old was staying, while another property housing a relative was set ablaze.

Speaking of the stabbing attack on Sherry earlier this year, a source said I couldnt say how many times he was stabbed but he was butchered.

But there was stuff happening on a regular basis.

Properties of relatives being targeted  that kind of thing.

Despite his ties to serious gangland figures, Sherrys reckless decision to open fire in the packed Brownes Steakhouse, full of families with young children has shocked both politicians and the local community.

The Sunday World also understands Sherry had lost his own father, Emmanuel Mano Sherry, as a result of a medical condition in December of 2022.

Gardai and forensics outside Brownes

Mano Sherry was described by sources as extremely streetwise and of an older vintage who had links to the Westies crew.

One friend of Sherrys told the Sunday World the events of the past year had driven Sherry to the brink.

He had lost everything, the woman said.

The 47-year-old man who was shot three times during the Christmas Eve attack in Brownes Steakhouse remained in a critical condition at James Connolly Memorial Hospital yesterday.

He was rushed to hospital in a car driven by a relative after being hit three times with bullets fired from a machine-gun.

Its understood his condition, although he was initially stabilised, has worsened in recent days. This man is also known to Gardai for his involvement in organised crime.

He cannot be named as he is facing trial before the Circuit Court in 2025 on serious charges relating to theft and fraud.

A source said the main fear of Gardai now is that the Christmas Eve incident may lead to a series of bloody reprisals and reignite hostilities between the different and opposing factions on either side of the Corduff feud.

Although details of Sherrys funeral have yet to be released, Gardai are already understood to be putting in place a robust policing plan to deter any violence before, during or after the event.

One business owner in Blanchardstown village this week described the situation involving rival gangs in the area as akin to something from a Western.

Its like the Wild, Wild West, he said.

The guards are doing all they can but its the politicians who need to get a handle on whats happening with our society.

Gardai seal off the area

I get on with a lot of the younger lads out here who are drifting into that world.

And when I ask them why  they are open enough about it!

They say everything is in sh*t and theres nothing there for them if they dont just take it.

Thats a societal issue as well as a policing one.

Local councillor John-Kingsley Onwumereh described what happened as reprehensible  before adding gardai in the area should be given all necessary and appropriate resources to help stop reprisals.

Its understood officers in the area believe additional marked and unmarked vehicles need to be allocated in the policing district as a priority to help patrol the densely populated area.

Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, Cllr Onwumereh said: I think it is just reprehensible that this happened.

For a long time now, we really havent had incident of this nature in this area.

But its not the case that we should wait for an incident of a similar nature to happen again before we take action.

The natural thing to happen after something like this is for those involved to seek revenge.

So, aside from carrying out an investigation into what happened, the Garda efforts needs to be concentrated to prevent that from happening.

And life needs to be allowed to go back to normal.

So I would be very supportive of every measure  be it the task force or any structure to ensure nothing of this nature happens again.

In a statement issued earlier this week, gardai confirmed how, in the wake of the attack, an increased number of uniform patrols are being undertaken in the Dublin region with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support unit.

Gardai have also urged anyone with information on the attack to make contact or who may have relevant video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01 6667000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
Dublin Fire Brigade reported that it sent six units, including a turntable ladder, to the scene to bring the fire under control

A building in Ringsend in Dublin that was earmarked as a family hub for the homeless was badly damaged by a fire in the early hours of this morning.

The blaze broke out on the vacant former Shipwright / Sallys Bar pub on Thorncastle Street at around 2am.

It had been acquired by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive for use as a family hub, but had been the subject of protests led by anti-immigrant activists amid incorrect rumours it was to be used to house asylum seekers.

Dublin Fire Brigade reported that it sent six units, including a turntable ladder, to the scene to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported but the building was extensively damaged.

The Garda Press Office this morning said gardai had attended at the scene of a fire, and that the scene is currently preserved for forensic examination.

Photographs posted on X by Dublin Fire Brigade showed the top floor of the three-storey building ablaze as well as an area at the back of the premises.

Local Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said in a post on X that the building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) as a family hub for homeless people.

This is so unbelievably sad to see, she wrote, thanking Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin City Council for bringing the fire under control.

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Dublin Fire Brigade reported that Dublin City Council had increased water pressure in the area at the time of the fire to assist in the operation to bring the fire under control.

The building had been at the centre of incorrect rumours circulating that it would be used to house asylum seekers, with protesters gathering outside in recent weeks.

Anonymous anti-immigrant agitators online had also made calls for it to be burnt down.

It comes two weeks after the vacant Ross Lake Hotel in Roscahill, Co Galway, was burnt out in an arson attack after it emerged it was to house 70 asylum seekers. There have been a number of similar incidents around the country as the Government struggles to house asylum seekers and refugees.

The DRHE, which allocates emergency accommodation for the homeless in the Dublin area, confirmed today it had planned to use the former Shipwright pub for emergency accommodation for families, and said this had been confirmed to people contacting the DRHE and to local politicians.

We have a number of families who are currently homeless and seeking accommodation in the area, so it is very disappointing. Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent, it said.

If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter. The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened, it added.

The International Protection Accommodation Service and the Department of Integration, which manage the countrys asylum and refugee system, said earlier this month that they had not received any proposal for this property and therefore has neither considered nor examined this property for use.

Dublin Fire Brigade said it was notified of a fire in a premises on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend shortly after 2am, and on arrival firefighters found a well-developed fire with heavy smoke drifting over the locality. Six fire engines responded to the fire including two turntable ladders to fight the fire from above.

The fire was brought under control by 5am with nearly 30 firefighters working at the fireground. The incident concluded at 6am and the scene was handed over to Gardai. No injuries were reported, a spokesperson said.
Life was on the up for 25-year-old Jordan but took a tragic turn at the beginning of December

The family of a young Irish nurse have been left shocked after he was diagnosed with two brian tumours just days after traveling abroad to work.

Jordan Byrne from Killybegs in Co Donegal moved to Saudi Arabia in November to further his nursing career.

Life was on the up for 25-year-old Jordan but took a tragic turn at the beginning of December.

He was admitted to hospital for Meningitis treatment on 6th December.

Shockingly, after an MRI, a CT scan and further tests, doctors discovered the tumours in Jordan's brain.

His aunt Angrela McCarthy said Jordan has a heart of gold and always tries to help others.

He has previously worked at Letterkenny University Hospital helping others during the Covid pandemic.

Angela said "Jordan is a male nurse who has given so much to so many in his nursing career. He worked in the hospital during the multiple waves of the pandemic."

Jordan's distraught parents, Fiona and Aidan, are flying to Saudi Arabia to be with their son during his vital treatment.

To help with medical and travel costs, Angela has launched a Go Fund Me page.

And just hours after it was launched it has raised more than 17,000.

Angela added "Jordan is going to undergo radiation treatment in Saudi Arabia and his parents Fiona and Aidan Byrne are travelling over to Saudi Arabia to be with him for his treatments.

"This page will help cover any medical costs and travel related expenses for Jordan and his family.

"Any help you can give, no matter how little, would mean the world to them. Thank you all for your prayers, love and concern to date."

If you would like to donate to Jordan's fund please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jordans-treatment?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unknown&utm_campaign=comms_2s26+support-jordans-treatment
Jemi Ventures first applied for planning permission to change the use of the barber shop, which had been in operation for around 70 years, back in October

The barber shop is beside McGregor's Black Forge Inn pub in Drimnagh

Hair stylist Aida Reilly in Roche's Barbers which had been in business for about 70 years. Photo: Frank McGrath

MMA fighter Conor McGregors company Jemi Ventures, which owns his Black Forge Inn Pub in Drimnagh, has received approval from Dublin City Council to change the use of the former Roches Barber Shop premises into a residential unit.

Jemi Ventures first applied for planning permission to change the use of the barber shop, which had been in operation for around 70 years, back in October.

Dublin City Council approved the plans to change the use of the barber shop earlier this month.

In September, the Irish Independent broke the news that Roches Barbers was set to close its doors, having first opened in 1952.

The company was told the rent would be increasing to 1,500 a month, up from 550.

Vincent Roche, who has been running the barber shop since his father died in 2014, said he was told that if the business did not wish to proceed with the tenancy at the increased rate, he would have to vacate the premises within three months.

Hair stylist Aida Reilly in Roche's Barbers which had been in business for about 70 years. Photo: Frank McGrath

Roche told the Irish Independent he could not afford to pay the higher rent rate.

The barber is next door to the Black Forge, which was bought by McGregor for 2m in 2020.

The pub made a 432,000 loss last year, according to accounts for Jemi Ventures.

That comes on top of a 1.13m loss the pub made in 2021, when its opening remained severely restricted due to the pandemic. Its accumulated losses stood at more than 2m at the end of last year.

The pub and restaurant employs about 50 people. Jemi Ventures secured permission in 2021 for a large extension to the pub.

McGregor, who recently expressed an interest in running for President, also recently acquired the Porterhouse Brewery in Dublin, which brews his Forged Irish Stout brand.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by MetService for Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupo.

"Rain is expected over the north of the North Island this afternoon and evening," says a MetService spokesperson.

"This rain will be heavy with intensities of 10 to 25 mm per hour and be accompanied with thunderstorms.

"However about Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, and the Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, there is a moderate risk of localised downpours, with or without thunderstorms, bringing intensities of 25 to 40 mm per hour."

MetSerivce says the risk of downpours is expected to decrease in Waikato, Waitomo and Taumarunui by early evening, and in Bay of Plenty and Taupo late evening.

This Severe Thunderstorm Watch is valid for eight hours from 1pm - 9pm today, Sunday, December 31.



Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.



For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready website
If you had asked me a year ago about Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN) making it to the list of growth stocks that could potentially make you a fortune, I would have probably dismissed the idea.

However, recent developments have changed my perspective. Despite my initial reservations, it has become clear that Coinbase has displayed agility and turned things around for the better. So let's explore the possibilities for the company as it pushes the crypto industry forward.

Image source: Getty Images.

A revamped revenue model takes hold

First on my list of reasons why I was less than enthusiastic about Coinbase's potential was the company's revenue model. At the time, it was heavily reliant upon one source of revenue: transaction fees. So when the crypto winter set in last year, the lack of diversification became a liability, causing the company to post a net loss of $1 billion in the second quarter of 2022.

Crypto is well known for volatility. So as long as Coinbase remained incapable of generating income during downturns, its concentrated revenue source posed too much risk that would outweigh its potential reward.

But since then, much has changed. In just a year, the company underwent a remarkable transformation and has lessened its dependence on transaction fees. With a diversified revenue model that has produced income amid a brutal crypto bear market, Coinbase is now generating income from its innovative subscriptions and service products, using an international expansion strategy, and even launching its own blockchain, Base.

And cost-cutting has left expenses at their lowest in more than a year. Add it all up, and Coinbase is just $2 million away from turning a profit based on the most recent quarterly earnings report.

With the crypto market's recent resurgence making it look like the crypto winter has eased, it's hard to imagine that Coinbase will not close this gap and return to profitability by the next quarter.

Potential victory in the courtroom

The second reason for my hesitance for Coinbase's long-term potential were the numerous legal battles facing the broader crypto industry. As the cryptocurrency market has evolved, agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have aggressively launched legal battles to assert authority over digital assets.

Story continues

Culminating with a subpoena issued to Coinbase in June, citing a 1946 court ruling known as the Howey Test, the SEC's lawsuit alleges that Coinbase sold unregistered securities. If this were determined to be the case, it would seriously threaten Coinbase's core functionality as a crypto exchange and jeopardize any growth prospects.

The initial reaction across the crypto sector was that this might be the nail in the coffin for Coinbase. But sentiment has changed over the year as several judicial and legislative developments have begun to favor the crypto industry.

Most notable is the Ripple case, in which a judge deemed the sale of the token to retail investors did not meet the criteria of a securities sale. The SEC, in a claim that tracks those against Coinbase, accused the crypto of engaging in improper sales of unregistered securities.

Adding to the shift in sentiment are efforts in Congress to introduce favorable crypto legislation, and Bitcoin even becoming a talking point during recent presidential campaign debates.

The recognition of cryptocurrencies as a distinct asset class that is separate from any specific governing body seems to be gaining momentum. While the legal tug-of-war between the SEC and Coinbase will drag on well into 2024, don't be surprised if the company scores a historic victory.

The opportunity at hand

There are few better options for investors seeking authentic long-term growth opportunities than Coinbase. During the past five years, the cryptocurrency market has had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 60%, and Coinbase, thanks to recent developments and improvements to its business model, is in a prime position to benefit from this growth.

For the sake of fun, let's speculate: If Coinbase were to ride the waves of growth sweeping through crypto, a 60% CAGR would mean your $10,000 would be worth more than $1.2 million in 10 years. It might be impossible to imagine such phenomenal growth, but early investors in Amazon, Apple, and other tech giants likely couldn't have fathomed the type of progress that has since occurred.

Coinbase stock has been on a tear in 2023, and it's increasingly difficult to imagine a scenario where it doesn't one day reach new highs. As the cryptocurrency market continues its maturation and Coinbase solidifies its role as a leader in the burgeoning industry, investors could be mistaken in overlooking this opportunity to grab shares while they trade 45% below their all-time high.

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The NZ Prime Minister and Governor-General have each released statements on the death on Friday of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, GNZM, GCMG, QSO, KStJ, PC.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro are paying tribute to Sir Michaels distinguished life of service to New Zealand.

Sir Michael guided New Zealand into the MMP era, says Luxon, who says he is saddened by the death of Sir Michael.

He had a distinguished career in law and practised in Wellington, before being appointed a High Court Judge in 1980.

"He was appointed to the Court of Appeal and became a Privy Counsellor in 1989.

"He became our 17th Governor-General, serving from 1996 to 2001. It was during this time that New Zealand transitioned to the MMP electoral system. Sir Michael was a figure of stability during a time of significant constitutional change," says Luxon.

Im saddened by the death of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, the 17th Governor-General of New Zealand.



His distinguished life of service to New Zealand was one of dedication and reliability.



Sir Michael epitomised what it is to be a great New Zealander. Our thoughts are with his  Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 30, 2023

The Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro has also issued a statement on the death of Sir Michael.

"The Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Richard Davies were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys," says the Governor-General in her statement.

"Sir Michael served as Governor-General from 1996-2001, and came to the role after a distinguished legal career.

"Sir Michael was appointed at a time when New Zealanders were adjusting to the MMP electoral system, and visited Ireland and Denmark to see how their proportional representation systems worked," says Dame Cindy.

"His successors can thank him for clearly articulating the role of a Governor-General following an MMP election, particularly on those occasions when the result of the election is uncertain.

"On the role of the Governor-General more broadly, Sir Michael noted there is still more to the office than the official smile, the genteel wave and the memory of plumed helmets of yesteryear."

The Governor-General says Sir Michaels term was also notable for his promotion of youth excellence.

"Sir Michael carried out his vice-regal duties with the utmost care and good humour, and took particular pride in encouraging and supporting the aspirations of young people," says Dame Cindy.

"In carrying out my own duties as Governor-General during the recent election, I took great comfort in knowing I was following the principles Sir Michael so carefully laid out during his term.

"On behalf of all New Zealanders, Dr Davies and I extend our sincerest condolences to Sir Michaels whanau at this sad time."

Sir Michael was appointed New Zealands first Knight Grand Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit when it was established in 1996 and was a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, additional Companion of the Queens Service Order, and Knight of the Order of St John.

These honours reflected a life devoted to public service," says Luxon.

On ending his term as Governor-General, he continued to support the community.

"He volunteered for a literacy programme at Kapanui School in Waikanae for over a decade, chaired the New Zealand Portrait Gallery trust and served for a time on the Court of Appeal of Kiribati."

The Prime Minister says Sir Michael epitomised what it is to be a great New Zealander.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

In accordance with Sir Michaels wishes, a state funeral will not be held.

Further details will follow from the family in due course.
Commissioner Andrew Coster is congratulating two Police recipients of awards in the 2024 New Year Honours.

Former Detective Inspector Craig Hamilton, now working on contract with the Financial Crime Group after retiring from Police in September, is made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Senior Sergeant Karl Wilson, of Tamaki Makaurau Forensic Imaging, becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

I congratulate Craig and Karl on these thoroughly well-deserved honours, says Commissioner Coster.

They are both superb innovators who have transformed the way we do business in their respective areas of policing, without ever losing sight of the interests of victims and our communities.

Im delighted to see their immense contributions recognised at the highest level.

Also honoured is Aaron Nicholson, who was officer in charge of Wanaka Police Station and Police Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinator in Wanaka from 2000 until his retirement from Police in 2018.

He has remained a leading light in LandSAR locally.

Its great to see Aaron recognised for his key leadership role in Southern District SAR, which led to many successful rescues and the development of a vital rescue capability for the Otago Lakes area, says Commissioner Coster.

Former detective Inspector Craig Hamilton, honoured for services to New Zealand Police and the community, is recognised nationally and internationally as an authority in asset recovery, his specialisation for more than two decades.

He led asset recovery work in his home district Waikato, before managing asset recovery activities across New Zealand.

His national contributions included significant input to the development of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (CPRA).

In 2014 he became one of the first recipients of the Police Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his leadership and expertise in asset recovery.

He says the latest award was very much unexpected.

This is a real honour for me and my family, he says.

Ive had an amazing experience in my policing career  its been absolutely fantastic and very rewarding.

He says much credit for his achievements goes to the people he has worked with.

I feel really privileged to have worked with some wonderful people over the years and Im grateful for the opportunities that Police has given me.

Its an amazing organisation full of amazing people.

Senior Sergeant Karl Wilson. Photo: Supplied.

Senior Sergeant Karl Wilson, Tamaki Makaurau Forensic Photography and Reprographics Manager, is recognised for services to New Zealand Police, disaster victim identification and Search and Rescue.

He joined the forensic photography team in 1998 and took his skills into the disaster victim identification (DVI) field in 2004.

It was when he was rotated to Thailand to join the DVI effort after the 2004 tsunami - with a film camera - that he recognised the value of digital photography and became a leader in its introduction to New Zealand Police.

He was a consultant to the Pike River re-entry and developed equipment and processes to enable high-resolution photography inside the sealed mine.

He says finding out about the honour was pretty mind blowing.

Its amazing, he says.

Its hard to get your head around the fact that youve been recognised for your work at such a level.

This is also recognition for some of the people Ive worked with.

In both DVI and photography its not just me  Im just one person in a team, which is the reason Ive been able to do what Ive done over such a long period.

CITATIONS

Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)

Detective Inspector Craig Hamilton

For services to New Zealand Police and the community

Detective Inspector Craig Hamilton joined the New Zealand Police in 1988 and is recognised as a national subject matter expert in asset recovery work, where he has specialised for the past 22 years.

Detective Inspector Hamilton played a key role in Polices input into the passing of The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (CPRA) and served on the Criminal Proceeds Working Party of Police and the Ministry of Justice to develop regulations to support the CPRA.

He took over leadership of the Waikato Proceeds of Crime Unit in 2002 and from 2009 headed the newly formed Waikato-based Asset Recovery Unit (ARU).

During his tenure, Police secured $140 million as part of an international money laundering investigation, the largest restraint of funds in New Zealand Police history.

He oversaw an operation leading to the forfeiture of $70 million, New Zealands largest forfeiture under the CPRA.

From 2020 to 2022 he was President of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network  Asia Pacific.

From 2023 he has contributed to an expert working group developing the INTERPOL Silver Notice to facilitate information exchange to support the tracing and recovery of criminal assets globally and in New Zealands interests.

Detective Inspector Hamilton has participated in five international Financial Action Task Force Mutual Evaluations as a law enforcement expert assessing country effectiveness with confiscation.

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)

Senior Sergeant Karl Wilson

For services to New Zealand Police, disaster victim identification and Search and Rescue

Senior Sergeant Karl Wilson leads the Forensic Imaging unit for the New Zealand Police in Auckland, having joined the Photography section in 1998, and since specialising in the field.

Senior Sergeant Wilson has been a member of the National Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team.

He has responded to significant disaster sites including tsunamis in 2004 and 2009, Australian Bush Fires, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the Malaysian Airline MH17 plane crash, and the 2019 Christchurch terror attack.

He has developed national systems to record the last remains of the deceased and ensure the imagery is preserved and stored with integrity.

He has delivered DVI training for Police and the New Zealand Defence Force.

He was Forensic Imaging Consultant to the Pike River Re-entry.

He worked with mining engineers to train and equip them to take high quality photographs in potentially explosive atmospheres.

He developed new techniques to capture footage inside the mine workings where manned entry was impossible.

He provided leadership for the scene and search phase following the 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption.

He has been a member of Police Search and Rescue for 20 years and as an incident controller he has coordinated hundreds of successful rescues.

Senior Sergeant Wilson developed Digital Search Management in Auckland and GPS track logging of teams in search areas.

Mr Aaron Nicholson

For services to New Zealand Police and Search and Rescue

Mr Aaron Nicholson joined New Zealand Police in 1987 and became Officer in Charge and Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator in Wanaka from 2000 to 2018, servicing Mt Aspiring National Park, one of the most visited areas for climbers, trampers and adventure tourists nationally.

During his tenure Mr Nicholson has managed more than 600 SAR operations.

Wanaka SAR went from operating out of the police station garage with volunteers called as needed with their own equipment, to now having 80 volunteers with a fully equipped incident management centre and specialist gear.

He has volunteered with Wanaka SAR since his retirement from Police in 2018 and was Chair from 2020 to 2023.

For the past seven years, he has been a New Zealand Land SAR Incident Management Tutor delivering training nationally.

Under his leadership, Wanaka SAR has raised around $4 million to build their headquarters, ensure availability of clothing, communications and technical equipment, and provide volunteers with up-to-date training.

He led Wanaka SAR to create specialist integrated teams for alpine/cliff rescue, swift/water canyon rescue, sub-alpine/bush and an incident management team.

Wanaka SAR is the only group to have received the LandSAR New Zealand Supreme Award three times.

Mr Nicholson helped found the Southern Alps Rescue Trust in 2020 and remains a Trustee.
As the holiday season continues, Air New Zealand is asking customers to embrace the spirit of Christmas and show respect to fellow passengers and their staff who are working tirelessly to help New Zealanders reconnect with loved ones.

Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, says the airline is seeing a concerning trend in unacceptable customer behaviour, with nearly 200 reports a month.

The severity and impact of these incidents have increased over time.

Air New Zealanders who work both on the ground and in the air, work extremely hard to ensure our customers have a safe journey with us, but over the past few years, weve seen an increase in some customers not showing them the respect they deserve.

Holiday travel can be stressful, however, Captain Morgan says there is no excuse for taking this out on fellow passengers, Air New Zealand ground staff, cabin crew, or pilots.

The large majority of our customers are fantastic and treat people with courtesy and respect, but unfortunately, there are some people who fly with us who refuse to follow instructions, verbally abuse other people, or are disruptive. Weve recently also seen instances of people being physically abusive.

We have zero tolerance for such behaviour and will take action to ensure that abusive customers are no longer able to travel with us if needed to ensure the safety of our team and customers.

These incidents not only pose challenges for Air New Zealand but also impact the comfort and safety of fellow travelers. The airline encourages customers to remember to be courteous and think of others this Christmas.

Air New Zealand also reminds customers that there can be consequences for disruptive and unruly behavior and engaging in such actions. Adherence to safety and crew instructions is paramount for the well-being of all passengers and our crew.

We want to thank all of those customers who go the extra mile to say thank you to our frontline staff and are considerate of others  this makes such a difference to what are often long, busy days for our people at this time of year.

Earlier last year, the International Air Transport Association released analysis outlining the global increase in unruly passenger incidents.
Hector Barbotta Seville Sunday, 31 December 2023, 07:22 Compartir Copiar enlace

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SUR journalist Encarni Hinojosa is the first winner of the Andalucia journalism prize (Premio Andalucia de Periodismo) in the infographics category.

It is the first time these media awards, the most prestigious in the region, have included a section dedicated to visual journalism. In its debut year the award went to Hinojosa for her work on the history of forest fires in Andalucia since records began.

"It was about time that visual journalists who have been contributing quality to journalism with graphics, designs, models and infographics for a long time were recognised," Hinojosa said.

Hinojosa dedicated the award to her "two families". The closest one, being her parents; Maite, her husband, and her two children, and the one made up of her colleagues at SUR in Malaga.

Hinojosa especially thanked Fran Ruano, head of art and design at the newspaper, who died last August in a traffic accident. "More than my boss, he was a friend and a role model, the one who taught me everything I know about visual journalism and to whom I owe it to be here today," she said. Hinojosa remembered him as one of the best visual journalists in the country and one of the most influential art directors in Spain.

The ceremony, held at the Palacio de San Telmo in Seville, was attended by the Junta's president Juanma Moreno, who vindicated the journalistic work of seeking the truth in the face of naysayers. Moreno advocated in his speech for rigorous journalism that is committed to Andalucia and said this "does not come from social media or from rumours, hoaxes or the thick broth of the internet, but from the professionalism of journalists and the seriousness of the media". "Help us to be better governors, better managers; in short, help us to make this land progress," he added.

All of the award winners. Joaquin Corchero / Europa Press

Also receiving awards were the family of the recently deceased Antonio Burgos (lifetime achievement award), Canal Sur TV (television); Diario Ideal de Granada (written press); Cordopolis and eldiario.es (radio); photojournalist Lourdes de Vicente of Diario de Cadiz (photography) and photographer Manuel Fernandez, of Associated Press (international projection).

Encarni Hinojosa is a journalist specialising in infographics, data visualisation and visual story telling. She has been apart of Vocento, publisher of SUR, since the beginning of her professional career. After completing her internship at the Malaga daily, she passed through other media of the group including La Voz de Cadiz and Colpisa, until returning to Malaga in 2019. Her infographics have been recognised in other journalistic competitions such as the Premios de Defensa (2006, Ministry of Defence), NH (several years, Society for News Design-Espana) and the Ciudad de Malag (2020, Malaga city council and Asociacion de la Prensa de Malaga).
Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Sunday, 31 December 2023, 07:48 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Following in the footsteps of Malaga city and the other nine towns in the province which have more than 50,000 inhabitants and are obliged by law, Velez-Malaga is finalising the implementation of its low emission zone (ZBE) as of Monday 1 January 2024.

For the moment, residents and visitors will notice very few changes, apart from the recent pedestrianisation of the town centre as no signage or video surveillance systems have been installed so far. This is expected to be completed over the next year.

At the same time, the town hall has announced plans to reactivate the tram service between Velez-Malaga and the coastal town of Torre del Mar, which has not operated since June 2012, having announced in September 2023 that it would not do so. However, this is subject to obtaining the necessary financing from the European Next Generation funds.

It also hopes to be incorporated into the Transport Consortium of the Metropolitan Area of Malaga, a decision which depends on the Andalusian regional government.

Metropolitan Transport Consortium

In terms of the low emission zone plans, the councillor for the area, Rocio Ruiz outlined on Friday 29 December the main lines of this "ambitious initiative, which reflects the town halls commitment to protecting the environment and the surroundings, building a more sustainable future". The Low Emissions Plan addresses a variety of key areas, from transport to waste management, with the aim of improving air quality, and promoting the inclusion of Velez-Malaga in Malagas Metropolitan Transport Consortium, among other areas.

Ruiz said in a statement that among the proposals being studied is a commitment to "promote public transport, pedestrian routes in urban areas and improved mobility". The aim is to reduce polluting emissions, the carbon footprint and noise levels and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the municipality.

"In Velez-Malaga we already have the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, approved in 2012, which already envisioned the goal of reducing traffic and increasing spaces for pedestrians, especially in the centre of the most populated towns," said the councillor. To this end, throughout 2023 work has been done to create an annex to the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan to update it, "introducing a study of Low Emission Zones to comply with the requirements of the guidelines of the regulations", she pointed out.

Raising awareness

Ruiz highlighted that the low emission zone study already includes the recent pedestrianisation of Velez and Torre del Mar town centres, as the first phase of its implementation. "Throughout 2024 we are going to develop a 'Technical Project for the Implementation of ZBEs', which involves specific signage, remote management and access control measures, among others. This will allow us to take advantage of the funding provided by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, as well as other European and regional incentives," she said.

Finally, Rocio Ruiz explained that the low emissions plan for 2024 will also include raising awareness among "all residents, promoting environmental education, improving and extending cycle lanes and inviting the active participation of associations, groups and all kinds of neighbourhood collectives in achieving the established objectives".
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the permanent loss of capital.' So it might be obvious that you need to consider debt, when you think about how risky any given stock is, because too much debt can sink a company. We can see that General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) does use debt in its business. But is this debt a concern to shareholders?

When Is Debt A Problem?

Debt and other liabilities become risky for a business when it cannot easily fulfill those obligations, either with free cash flow or by raising capital at an attractive price. Ultimately, if the company can't fulfill its legal obligations to repay debt, shareholders could walk away with nothing. However, a more usual (but still expensive) situation is where a company must dilute shareholders at a cheap share price simply to get debt under control. Of course, plenty of companies use debt to fund growth, without any negative consequences. The first thing to do when considering how much debt a business uses is to look at its cash and debt together.

View our latest analysis for General Electric

What Is General Electric's Net Debt?

You can click the graphic below for the historical numbers, but it shows that General Electric had US$20.8b of debt in September 2023, down from US$30.4b, one year before. However, it also had US$18.1b in cash, and so its net debt is US$2.74b.

How Strong Is General Electric's Balance Sheet?

Zooming in on the latest balance sheet data, we can see that General Electric had liabilities of US$48.2b due within 12 months and liabilities of US$78.7b due beyond that. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of US$18.1b as well as receivables valued at US$16.1b due within 12 months. So it has liabilities totalling US$92.7b more than its cash and near-term receivables, combined.

This is a mountain of leverage even relative to its gargantuan market capitalization of US$138.9b. This suggests shareholders would be heavily diluted if the company needed to shore up its balance sheet in a hurry.

Story continues

In order to size up a company's debt relative to its earnings, we calculate its net debt divided by its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) divided by its interest expense (its interest cover). The advantage of this approach is that we take into account both the absolute quantum of debt (with net debt to EBITDA) and the actual interest expenses associated with that debt (with its interest cover ratio).

General Electric has a low net debt to EBITDA ratio of only 0.23. And its EBIT easily covers its interest expense, being 16.0 times the size. So you could argue it is no more threatened by its debt than an elephant is by a mouse. Even more impressive was the fact that General Electric grew its EBIT by 436% over twelve months. That boost will make it even easier to pay down debt going forward. When analysing debt levels, the balance sheet is the obvious place to start. But it is future earnings, more than anything, that will determine General Electric's ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet going forward. So if you're focused on the future you can check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts.

Finally, while the tax-man may adore accounting profits, lenders only accept cold hard cash. So we always check how much of that EBIT is translated into free cash flow. During the last three years, General Electric generated free cash flow amounting to a very robust 88% of its EBIT, more than we'd expect. That positions it well to pay down debt if desirable to do so.

Our View

The good news is that General Electric's demonstrated ability to cover its interest expense with its EBIT delights us like a fluffy puppy does a toddler. But truth be told we feel its level of total liabilities does undermine this impression a bit. Zooming out, General Electric seems to use debt quite reasonably; and that gets the nod from us. While debt does bring risk, when used wisely it can also bring a higher return on equity. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But ultimately, every company can contain risks that exist outside of the balance sheet. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with General Electric (including 1 which is significant) .

If, after all that, you're more interested in a fast growing company with a rock-solid balance sheet, then check out our list of net cash growth stocks without delay.

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.
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Syracuse, N.Y. -- Onondaga County is ready for its next big challenges, from providing more housing to training a new generation of workers, because of the way community leaders collaborated during the coronavirus pandemic, County Executive Ryan McMahon said today.

This community did really, really well, McMahon said moments after taking the oath to serve a second full term as county executive. And this community was tested. And because of that we were prepared to believe in the next chapter.

That next chapter includes Micron Technologys pledge to invest up to $100 billion in Clay to build a computer chip manufacturing complex. But that optimism comes with a list of serious challenges, McMahon noted, from tackling lead poisoning in Syracuses children to bolstering the number of doctors, nurses and mental health care providers in the community.

We have to figure out how were going to get out of a housing crisis in a smart and intuitive way, McMahon told a crowd of about 100 people at the Everson Museum of Art. We have to prepare a workforce for a growing community not just for semiconductor manufacturing, but for the jobs that are here today.

McMahon, a Republican, easily fended off a challenge last fall from Democrat Bill Kinne. In the end, McMahon got 61% of about 90,000 votes cast. Kinne got 37%, according to county election results.

Today, New York Supreme Court Justice Rory McMahon, who is Ryans cousin, swore him in. Ryan McMahon was joined by his family, including sons Jack and Andrew, and his fiancee Alicia Turner.

At the end of administering the oath today, Justice McMahon added a familiar Sunday shout: Go Bills!

County Executive McMahon burst out laughing. Hes a fan and shareholder of the Green Bay Packers.

Others in attendance today included District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse University Vice Chancellor Michael Haynie.

Walsh said hes sometime mistaken in Wegmans for McMahon by people wanting to talk about Micron. No, thats the other guy, the mayor joked.

The two grew up a couple of blocks from each other in Syracuse and spent much of their childhood at the same schools. That bond grew stronger during the pandemic, Walsh said.

Still, they dont always see eye to eye. We may vehemently disagree, Walsh said. But we always come back to the table. And again because of that we have continued to move this community forward.

McMahon struck the same note of cooperation, calling on local leaders from different political parties to work together.

Right now we are in a very dangerous spot in our country, McMahon said, where Democrats and Republicans dont work together anymore.

McMahon is taking his oath just days after Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, signed legislation that will change when most local elections -- including for county executive -- are held in coming years. The new law puts these local elections in even years, when voter turnout is typically higher. That also gives an advantage to Democrats, who outnumber Republicans in New York state and in Onondaga County.

McMahon is vowing to fight the new law, saying it usurps local decisions.

Under the new law, McMahon will serve a full, four-year term. The county executive elected in 2027 would serve three years, then face another election in 2030.

McMahon became county executive in late 2018 after Joanie Mahoney resigned from the post to take a job at SUNY ESF. He ran for a full term in 2019 and beat Democrat Tony Malavenda by 10 percentage points.

McMahon is the fourth county executive in Onondaga County.

The pandemics onslaught in early 2020 and Microns commitment to Central New York last year in many ways bookend McMahons first full term as county executive.

Amazing, amazing challenges, said McMahon, who suffered his own health scare in the midst of the pandemic. You know how hard it was in with your own operations to get through what weve just gone through for the last four years.

McMahon called on the crowd to use those lessons to meet the next moment. We have to become a memory technology hub for semiconductor manufacturing in North America, if not the world, McMahon said.

Ryan McMahon takes an oath to serve as Onondaga County executive on Dec. 31, 2023 at the Everson Museum of Art. McMahon laughs after his cousin, Supreme Court Justice Rory McMahon, ends the ceremony with "Go Bills." Ryan McMahon is a Green Bay Packers fan.Teri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.com

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Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on the last day of trading for the year in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

2023 was expected to be the year of the return of the tech IPO.

However, few startups went public, and multiple companies delayed their public offerings.

Here are five IPOs that may finally come in 2024.

2023 was projected to be the return of the tech IPO as startups began returning to the stock market after years of pandemic-era volatility.

But while companies including Instacart and Klaviyo filed to go public this year, their lukewarm debuts dashed investors' dreams that 2023 would see the IPO boom they had hoped for.

Business Insider previously reported that some venture capitalists remain skeptical about whether 2024 will bring a stable enough market to springboard the launches of new tech IPOs. However, others in the financial space think the Fed's promised rate cuts and a weak M&A market will create the perfect circumstances for companies that have pushed off their IPOs to go public next year.

"The outlook is merry and bright for the 2024 IPO market," Lise Buyer, founder of the IPO consultancy Class V Group, told Barron's.

Buyer told the outlet that some venture-backed companies, strapped for cash, may view an IPO as "an increasingly appealing option" and that "renewed, albeit meaningfully slower growth, coupled with last year's expense rationalization/control leaves many with a genuine path to believable profitability."

Here are five much-anticipated IPOs that could finally be ready to debut next year:

Discord

The social messaging platform has been the subject of IPO rumors since the end of 2021 when the company reportedly turned down a $10 billion buyout offer from Microsoft. Discord, widely expected to launch its IPO this year, was valued at $15 billion in a 2021 funding round  though it remains unclear if the company would hit that valuation in a potential 2024 IPO, given market fluctuations.

Reddit

Reddit began making preparations to go public early last year. Business Insider previously reported the social media company hoped to debut its IPO at a $15 billion valuation. Still, market volatility caused the company to push back the public launch. According to Bloomberg , the company is now eyeing a first-quarter IPO in 2024 and courting potential investors like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

Story continues

Chime

According to Reuters, Chime, the digital, fee-free banking company valued at $25 billion in a 2021 funding round, hired Goldman Sachs in 2022 to advise on an IPO. The digital bank denied it had immediate plans for a public debut but may have been simply waiting out the frozen market.

Stripe

In January of this year, The Wall Street Journal reported that fintech startup Stripe publicly announced a one-year timetable to decide whether to go public  and we're coming up on the deadline. The company, valued in 2021 at $95 billion, raised $6.5 billion in March of this year with a lower, though not insignificant, valuation of $50 billion.

Klarna

Klarna is "pretty much ready" for an IPO, CNBC reported CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said last month after recording the company's first profitable quarter since 2019. Though the buy-now, pay-later firm's valuation plummeted from $45.6 billion to $6.7 billion in 2022, Business Insider reported Siemiatkowski said he was waiting for a "sane market" before launching a public offering.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Omkar Team-BHP Support

Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,550 Thanked: 19,547 Times

2023 Edition | Which car variant do you buy? Smartcat had done an



With 2023 behind us, lets see if customer mentality has changed or not. In the last 5-6 years, things have changed drastically concerning customer preferences and the way manufacturers are approaching the Indian market. Here are some of the major changes.



1. Sellers market: We are in a period where the manufacturers are no longer fighting with each other to undercut each other while pricing their products. Car prices are higher than ever because there are people who are willing to pay the amount asked for. A very clear example of this is probably the Maruti Vitara Brezza. While the first-gen car was one of the cheapest in its segment, the second-gen car that was launched in 2022, is one of the most expensive in the same segment!





2. Something for everyone: Manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia have this approach of offering everything to the customer in terms of powertrains and features. This approach has worked in their favour. Weve seen their cars performing really well in their respective segments. Other manufacturers too arent shying away from equipping their cars to the brim with features. Most recently, the Tata Nexon facelift is being offered with over 34 variant options!





3. Adequately-equipped base variants: There was a time when base variants of cars were very poorly equipped. Manufacturers used to resort to extreme cost-cutting when it came to base variants and that showed. As an example, the Honda WR-V base variant was so bare bones that it didnt even get wheel well cladding! (





So, what is your preference? There are three options to choose from -



1. Base variant: A car with all the essential safety features and some other features.

2. Mid variant / Value for money variant: Not everyone wants ADAS tech and a sunroof, so might as well save some money there.

3. Top variant: The car's equipped with all the bells and whistles.



Looking forward to reading the explanation behind the vote. In 2017,had done an insane analysis on which is the most popular variant that people opt for in India. The study gave an idea of which was the most popular variant of a particular car model and gave an insight into the customer preferences. For example, the majority of the buyers opted for the mid variant (VDI) of the Maruti Ertiga while in the case of the Hyundai Elite i20, the sales of the top Asta variant were the highest. And to generalize things, ~65% of BHPians voted that they would opt for the top variant.With 2023 behind us, lets see if customer mentality has changed or not. In the last 5-6 years, things have changed drastically concerning customer preferences and the way manufacturers are approaching the Indian market. Here are some of the major changes.1.We are in a period where the manufacturers are no longer fighting with each other to undercut each other while pricing their products. Car prices are higher than ever because there are people who are willing to pay the amount asked for. A very clear example of this is probably the Maruti Vitara Brezza. While the first-gen car was one of the cheapest in its segment, the second-gen car that was launched in 2022, is one of the most expensive in the same segment!2.Manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia have this approach of offering everything to the customer in terms of powertrains and features. This approach has worked in their favour. Weve seen their cars performing really well in their respective segments. Other manufacturers too arent shying away from equipping their cars to the brim with features. Most recently, the Tata Nexon facelift is being offered with over 34 variant options!3.There was a time when base variants of cars were very poorly equipped. Manufacturers used to resort to extreme cost-cutting when it came to base variants and that showed. As an example, the Honda WR-V base variant was so bare bones that it didnt even get wheel well cladding! ( Related thread ). In 2016-17, Hyundai used to offer a passenger airbag as an option in the Grand i10 and now Hyundai offers 6 airbags as standard in ALL its cars. Nowadays, a lot of the safety features at least are standard across all variants and the base variants aren't bare bones.So, what is your preference? There are three options to choose from -1.A car with all the essential safety features and some other features.2.Not everyone wants ADAS tech and a sunroof, so might as well save some money there.3.The car's equipped with all the bells and whistles.Looking forward to reading the explanation behind the vote. Last edited by Aditya : 30th December 2023 at 17:50 .
saikishor BHPian



Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: TS07 Posts: 468 Thanked: 2,212 Times

Your controversial bike opinion





1. Himalayan 450 is absolute trash. The bike feels like a beta version at best. It took RE years to match performance levels of their peers and yet after all the testing and delay the final version feels so rough and unrefined. Not to mention the heavy weight of the motorcycle. RE deserves all the praise for the 650 twins but for the 452, I am not so sure.



2. KTM should axe the 125 and 200 from their line up. These bikes bring in huge volumes but at the same time affect the brand image due to the undesired colored hair guys buying these bikes. Back when KTM was launched in 2013 in India, their DNA was represented by the 200 and 390. 10 years later if you ask me, their DNA is represented by the 250 and 390. This way the brand will not be diluted further.



3. No brand can match the smoothness of a Honda Activa. Rivals will come and go but Activa will remain. Say after a period of 25000kms, your rival product will start to feel harsh but an Activa will feel as good as new. There is a reason why this has cemented itself in the market.



4. Karizma XMR was a missed opportunity. 210cc motor in 2023 for an aspirational top of the line product, what was Hero thinking!



5. TVS may try how much ever they want but they will simply not sell premium motorcycles. TVS as a brand is not strong enough to be selling premium motorcycles. Add to it their dealership experience and aftersales is sub par.



6. Japanese motorcycles might be low on tech and power, but no one can match their refinement levels.



7. KTM's are very reliable motorcycles provided you do the required services on time.



8. Adjustable suspension on KTM's was something that only a very minor audience wanted. In my 22,000kms of ownership of a 390 Duke, not once did I want adjustable suspension. My bike has stiff suspension, but never did I want to adjust it to a required setting.



9. Turn by turn navigation is useless. Instead, provide a USB charging port to charge our phones.



10. Sports tourers are a beautiful breed of motorcycles, just what Indian riders need now. Adventure bike's potential can be utilised to the fullest only by the hardcore offroaders as most riders cannot handle the bike due to the tall seat height and mostly heavy kerb weight. For touring which most riders do, sports tourers will suffice. There is an exact ditto thread on this topic, but exclusively on cars . Since no one was discussing about bikes there, I thought why not create one for bikes.1. Himalayan 450 is absolute trash. The bike feels like a beta version at best. It took RE years to match performance levels of their peers and yet after all the testing and delay the final version feels so rough and unrefined. Not to mention the heavy weight of the motorcycle. RE deserves all the praise for the 650 twins but for the 452, I am not so sure.2. KTM should axe the 125 and 200 from their line up. These bikes bring in huge volumes but at the same time affect the brand image due to the undesired colored hair guys buying these bikes. Back when KTM was launched in 2013 in India, their DNA was represented by the 200 and 390. 10 years later if you ask me, their DNA is represented by the 250 and 390. This way the brand will not be diluted further.3. No brand can match the smoothness of a Honda Activa. Rivals will come and go but Activa will remain. Say after a period of 25000kms, your rival product will start to feel harsh but an Activa will feel as good as new. There is a reason why this has cemented itself in the market.4. Karizma XMR was a missed opportunity. 210cc motor in 2023 for an aspirational top of the line product, what was Hero thinking!5. TVS may try how much ever they want but they will simply not sell premium motorcycles. TVS as a brand is not strong enough to be selling premium motorcycles. Add to it their dealership experience and aftersales is sub par.6. Japanese motorcycles might be low on tech and power, but no one can match their refinement levels.7. KTM's are very reliable motorcycles provided you do the required services on time.8. Adjustable suspension on KTM's was something that only a very minor audience wanted. In my 22,000kms of ownership of a 390 Duke, not once did I want adjustable suspension. My bike has stiff suspension, but never did I want to adjust it to a required setting.9. Turn by turn navigation is useless. Instead, provide a USB charging port to charge our phones.10. Sports tourers are a beautiful breed of motorcycles, just what Indian riders need now. Adventure bike's potential can be utilised to the fullest only by the hardcore offroaders as most riders cannot handle the bike due to the tall seat height and mostly heavy kerb weight. For touring which most riders do, sports tourers will suffice. Last edited by Rehaan : 31st December 2023 at 06:12 . Reason: Cross-linking to car thread
mobike008 Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 11,587 Thanked: 14,016 Times

View My Garage





Re: 24 Hours in Dubai : Things to do during a layover!



Wish everyone on the forum a happy, prosperous and healthy new year. !!!



Quote: dawnthegreat Originally Posted by Loved reading this! I am flying to the US from Bombay via Emirates in a few months. Decided to include a small 3-day Dubai tour in it too on the way back. How can I avail the visa and accommodation that Emirates provides? All my flights are on the trip are with Emirates. Quote: TheSMG Originally Posted by @mobike008 You visited many places during your long layover. I many times have layover in UAE, can you please let me know the process for transit visa and hotel booking. Thanks. Quote: exhaustbreather Originally Posted by I have two questions to ask.

1) Are you an Indian passport holder?

2) Emirates ticket- which class?



Indian passport holder here, I often take connecting flights via Dubai, I want to see Dubai during the layover period too. I wonder if I have to take a visa(which type?). If it's an overnight layover, can I stay at my relative's rather than a hotel. Quote: soleinkol Originally Posted by



What I understood is you become eligible for this if your transfer is the best (read shortest) transfer time available and it is above a certain threshold. However OP would have more specific personal input to share. The official Emirates airline policy on long layover gives details here: https://www.emirates.com/in/english/...dubai-connect/ What I understood is you become eligible for this if your transfer is the best (read shortest) transfer time available and it is above a certain threshold. However OP would have more specific personal input to share. Quote: exhaustbreather Originally Posted by I have an option of flying with Air India or Emirates to Europe. with this info, I'm definitely taking Emirates, with layover to see the city on two different days.



1. First things first, Dubai as a transit destination comes only if you are flying Emirates (Because Emirates Airline is from Dubai) and similarly, if you fly Qatar (it will be Doha- I flew them in May 2023 to India), Etihad (Abu Dhabi) etc. If you take an Air india flight, it will not go via. Dubai. AI typically flies direct to US. Like Delhi- Newark, Delhi- Chicago, Delhi- SFO etc.



2. I flew Economy from Delhi to Dubai but, I upgraded to Business from Dubai to Seattle with my points + cash on an awesome deal.



3. My perspective is from a US Citizen/Green Card Holder. There was an option to get a transit visa immediately as I approched the "Dubai Connect" desk for AED 65. I preferred to wait for 30 mins and get a FREE VISA. I have no clue how this works for other US visa holders (Business, Work or H1B).



4. Drop in BMW to the hotel, all free meals. All those 7's and BMW station wagons are owned by Emirates.



I just called the airline a day before when I was in Delhi and confirmed my hotel stay. They give you a voucher at DXB that you need to show at the hotel and your passport, onward journey ticket (in my case, it was Seattle).



Quote: dust-n-bones Originally Posted by +1. Even Las Vegas has some culture and definitely a sense that you are in the US of A. Dubai just leaves me cold.



I would personally never live in Dubai (it's a great destination for vacation and mind you it's not cheap) as I would feel intimidated, poor and a failure in life. And, other side of Dubai (poor immigrants) is anyway not at all inspiring.



Quote: Fuldagap Originally Posted by I'm just curious to know the earning figures that the chauffeur told. Do share if you feel comfortable. From what I have heard they earn and save a lot. I could be wrong though. Quote: cormodore Originally Posted by I have stayed in Dubai for six months and travelled with many drivers from TS and AP and can answer the question for you.



The drivers salary would range from 3000AED to 3500AED per month and Pakistanis join as drivers even for less. The waiters in small hotels or shawarma joints earn much less with starting salaries as low as 1500AED per month.



These people stay in rented bunk beds(12 to 15 persons in a room) costing 600AED to 800AED. The accommodation is without AC, and they prefer to work day in and out, so that they can be in the car or building for AC.



They make sure not to spend more than 1200AED and send the rest to India. Some employers are generous enough to offer return tickets once a year and many don't.



Considering 3000AED as median salaries of these people, they send around 35K to India per month (1.8k AED X 20Rs). The downside is they spend a miserable life (very basic food, no purchases or expenses in Dubai) which is quite opposite to the glitzy and flashy buildings/shopping malls that we see of Dubai.



@mobike008 and @Mods: If you fell I have digressed from the main topic which might deviate the topic of discussion/interest, please feel free to delete my post.



This glitzy city has been constructed with the blood, sweat and labor of all these poor immigrants from India, Pakistan, Other Middle Eastern Countries, Philippines.



My driver (his name was PRINCE, which I found cute ) makes 3,500 AED /month for his driver/tour guide job which involves a lot of driving every day.



He is from Karachi and lives with his mom and unmarried sister in a dedicated 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai for which he pays 2,000 AED and other expenses are 700 AED.



He spends 300 AED on himself (phone, eating out etc) and he hands over 500 AED to his mom who saves that money for a rainy day.



Just to put things in perspective :



Group SUV Tour costs 250 AED ( You will share the SUV with other people)



I paid 550 AED for this solo tour. I tipped him 100 AED.



Just to keep things in perspective :



3500 AED is INR 80,000 (May sound like a good salary but, Dubai is an expensive city)



500 AED is ~ INR 12,000 ( After all that hard work in a full month, he saves just 500 AED) Firstly, Happy New Year 2024 folks. As I type this message, it's already New Year in India.Wish everyone on the forum a happy, prosperous and healthy new year. !!!Well, here are some more detail for all queries :1. First things first, Dubai as a transit destination comes only if you are flying Emirates (Because Emirates Airline is from Dubai) and similarly, if you fly Qatar (it will be Doha- I flew them in May 2023 to India), Etihad (Abu Dhabi) etc. If you take an Air india flight, it will not go via. Dubai. AI typically flies direct to US. Like Delhi- Newark, Delhi- Chicago, Delhi- SFO etc.2. I flew Economy from Delhi to Dubai but, I upgraded to Business from Dubai to Seattle with my points + cash on an awesome deal.3. My perspective is from a US Citizen/Green Card Holder. There was an option to get a transit visa immediately as I approched the "Dubai Connect" desk for AED 65. I preferred to wait for 30 mins and get a FREE VISA. I have no clue how this works for other US visa holders (Business, Work or H1B).4. Drop in BMW to the hotel, all free meals. All those 7's and BMW station wagons are owned by Emirates.I just called the airline a day before when I was in Delhi and confirmed my hotel stay. They give you a voucher at DXB that you need to show at the hotel and your passport, onward journey ticket (in my case, it was Seattle).+1.I would personally never live in Dubai (it's a great destination for vacation and mind you it's not cheap) as I would feel intimidated, poor and a failure in life. And, other side of Dubai (poor immigrants) is anyway not at all inspiring.Absolutely correct information. This is the dark and seedy side of Dubai.This glitzy city has been constructed with the blood, sweat and labor of all these poor immigrants from India, Pakistan, Other Middle Eastern Countries, Philippines.My driver (his name was PRINCE, which I found cute) makes 3,500 AED /month for his driver/tour guide job which involves a lot of driving every day.He is from Karachi and lives with his mom and unmarried sister in a dedicated 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai for which he pays 2,000 AED and other expenses are 700 AED.He spends 300 AED on himself (phone, eating out etc) and he hands over 500 AED to his mom who saves that money for a rainy day.Group SUV Tour costs 250 AED ( You will share the SUV with other people)I paid 550 AED for this solo tour. I tipped him 100 AED.Just to keep things in perspective :3500 AED is INR 80,000 (May sound like a good salary but, Dubai is an expensive city)500 AED is ~ INR 12,000 ( After all that hard work in a full month, he saves just 500 AED) Last edited by mobike008 : 1st January 2024 at 01:24 .
ssathiyanarayan BHPian

Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Pune Posts: 91 Thanked: 406 Times

Re: The trip to Goa  Most planned unplanned trip ever Day 4: 02-Oct-23 Return journey to Pune.



The monsoon was going bloody rampage and raining hell the previous night. We decided to have some light tea and snacks instead of the heavy breakfast as it was still too early. Packed and loaded the luggage into the vehicle and all 3 cars started back separately. Once I stated the car, was welcomed with everything black on the MID and infotainment, thought everything worked well and Bluetooth connected and played music. I was more concerned as there was nothing to guide me on drive. Was very hesitant to ride. Called some help to my team going forward and they were clueless to help. Dropped some message in the WhatsApp group and contacted my SC representative with details. Being Sunday and holiday didnt expect anyone to come back with details to help.





Half MID cluster blacked out



I decided to give a break and start once things get back to normal. I was happy that the vehicle started and was going on. Gave it some time to regain its feet but it was not budging. My friends going forward stopped to check on me at the outskirts of Goa. One side of the MID with the speedometer turned up along with the infotainment. All warning lights were lit up as Christmas tree. My friends suggested that since the vehicle was parked int eh raging monsoon yesterday, water should have found its way into the wiring and disturbed the electronics. A good logic behind the issue. They were sure that the warning lights should fade out once the water disappeared from the wiring and electronics area. Being Tata, I assumed that the issue would sort itself out and proceeded to drive based on my gut feel. I told, strictly no breaks till I cross the ghats. Kept the vehicle revving and even placed it on idle when we were busy for some photos of the nice sceneries.





View of Dam from Chorla Ghat



Finally stopped for breakfast before Belagavi by around 10:45 am at Hotel Kateel. It was a very surprising place when it came to food quality. For a hotel located on highway, the quality of food was awesome. Had a stomach full as the timing was too late for breakfast. As the sun was up, so was the traffic on road. Still managed go aggressive fast and furious style, as I wanted to be home sundown. Even my better half reminded me that I was taking too many chances than usual and suggested to relook my style of driving. It struck me then that I was going way too heavy on driving. By now we were closing to Karad and the traffic due to the ongoing construction work was too high. It was also getting late for lunch. So stopped at Hotel Dhani, Karad. Turned out all our expectations were set to be shattered today. Again, this food outlet had the amazing quality of whatever dishes we ordered.



The journey resumed after a full stomach. The road got super crowded and SUV menacing, and charade started. I cant really understand and dont know what the underlying reason for this is. Whoever in SUV (especially the Hyundai/ Kia twins and Fortuners) thinks they own the roads and expect others to give way to them by honking, high beaming lights, dangerously coming close and intimidating, brake checking. Ignored most of them and continued onward journey and was welcomed with the extremely messed up Pune city traffic.



Decided to take the least travelled route via. Veer dam  Valunj - Theur rural  Urli Kanchan  Theur  to Home. Not a wise choice of route during night-time and with family. But still went ahead with this route, as I had done some BRMs via this route and was prepared on what to expect. But at places, the route is too risky especially if something breaks down and you will be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Luckily 2 cars joined me, maybe they too were shown an alternate route by Google maps. Finally reached home around 09:30 pm. One hell of trip filled with loads of memories, surprises, plan shattering events, unplanned/ alternate activities planned on the go to tackle the brim. The monsoon was going bloody rampage and raining hell the previous night. We decided to have some light tea and snacks instead of the heavy breakfast as it was still too early. Packed and loaded the luggage into the vehicle and all 3 cars started back separately. Once I stated the car, was welcomed with everything black on the MID and infotainment, thought everything worked well and Bluetooth connected and played music. I was more concerned as there was nothing to guide me on drive. Was very hesitant to ride. Called some help to my team going forward and they were clueless to help. Dropped some message in the WhatsApp group and contacted my SC representative with details. Being Sunday and holiday didnt expect anyone to come back with details to help.I decided to give a break and start once things get back to normal. I was happy that the vehicle started and was going on. Gave it some time to regain its feet but it was not budging. My friends going forward stopped to check on me at the outskirts of Goa. One side of the MID with the speedometer turned up along with the infotainment. All warning lights were lit up as Christmas tree. My friends suggested that since the vehicle was parked int eh raging monsoon yesterday, water should have found its way into the wiring and disturbed the electronics. A good logic behind the issue. They were sure that the warning lights should fade out once the water disappeared from the wiring and electronics area. Being Tata, I assumed that the issue would sort itself out and proceeded to drive based on my gut feel. I told, strictly no breaks till I cross the ghats. Kept the vehicle revving and even placed it on idle when we were busy for some photos of the nice sceneries.Finally stopped for breakfast before Belagavi by around 10:45 am at Hotel Kateel. It was a very surprising place when it came to food quality. For a hotel located on highway, the quality of food was awesome. Had a stomach full as the timing was too late for breakfast. As the sun was up, so was the traffic on road. Still managed go aggressive fast and furious style, as I wanted to be home sundown. Even my better half reminded me that I was taking too many chances than usual and suggested to relook my style of driving. It struck me then that I was going way too heavy on driving. By now we were closing to Karad and the traffic due to the ongoing construction work was too high. It was also getting late for lunch. So stopped at Hotel Dhani, Karad. Turned out all our expectations were set to be shattered today. Again, this food outlet had the amazing quality of whatever dishes we ordered.The journey resumed after a full stomach. The road got super crowded and SUV menacing, and charade started. I cant really understand and dont know what the underlying reason for this is. Whoever in SUV (especially the Hyundai/ Kia twins and Fortuners) thinks they own the roads and expect others to give way to them by honking, high beaming lights, dangerously coming close and intimidating, brake checking. Ignored most of them and continued onward journey and was welcomed with the extremely messed up Pune city traffic.Decided to take the least travelled route via. Veer dam  Valunj - Theur rural  Urli Kanchan  Theur  to Home. Not a wise choice of route during night-time and with family. But still went ahead with this route, as I had done some BRMs via this route and was prepared on what to expect. But at places, the route is too risky especially if something breaks down and you will be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Luckily 2 cars joined me, maybe they too were shown an alternate route by Google maps. Finally reached home around 09:30 pm. One hell of trip filled with loads of memories, surprises, plan shattering events, unplanned/ alternate activities planned on the go to tackle the brim.
The big picture: SpaceX had a total of 98 successful missions in 2023, far more than its nearest competitors. It will start out 2024 with a January 2 launch of a Falcon 9 with a payload of 21 Starlink satellites, some of which will have the first Direct to Call capabilities.

Every four days over the last 12 months SpaceX sent a rocket into orbit, for a total of 98 successful missions, topping its previous record of 61 orbital launches in 2022 and coming within striking distance of founder Elon Musk's goal of 100 launches for 2023.

It ended the year with an ambitious two launches last Thursday, sending two rockets into orbit from Florida. The first was a Falcon Heavy, carrying the US military's X-37B space plane  which does not have a crew and operates autonomously  from a launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to unprecedented altitudes where it will conduct cutting-edge research. The second was the Falcon 9, which blasted off a few miles to the south carrying 23 Starlink Internet satellites.

In all, SpaceX closed the year with 98 flights that included 91 Falcon 9s, five Falcon Heavy rockets and two test launches of the Super Heavy-Starship rocket. The company might well have met Musk's goal of 100 launches had it not been for bad weather and some technical problems with the last Falcon Heavy launch.

Falcon Heavy launches USSF-52 to orbit from Florida pic.twitter.com/DC269EmaLh  SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 29, 2023

Musk and his team might be disappointed, but not when put into the larger context of what its competitors accomplished in 2023. Rocket Lab USA launched its 42nd Electron rocket in mid-December, marking its 10th orbit for the year and making the Electron the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. It deployed a satellite for Japan-based Earth imaging company the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space.

Another competitor, United Launch Alliance had three missions this year with a total of 158 under its belt, with its latest in October when the Atlas V rocket carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon's Project Kuiper lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Protoflight launch was the first mission in a broader commercial partnership between ULA and Amazon to launch the majority of the Project Kuiper constellation.

SpaceX will waste no time in the new year for additional flights. It is planning a January 2 launch of a Falcon 9 with a payload of 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This launch will include the first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Call capabilities that will enable mobile network operators around the world to provide global access to Internet and phone services.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Altius Renewable Royalties fair value estimate is CA$11.36

Altius Renewable Royalties' CA$7.88 share price signals that it might be 31% undervalued

The US$11.51 analyst price target for ARR is 1.2% more than our estimate of fair value

Does the December share price for Altius Renewable Royalties Corp. (TSE:ARR) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing 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.

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.

See our latest analysis for Altius Renewable Royalties

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 discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) -US$25.4m -US$9.40m US$1.80m US$13.2m US$13.8m US$14.3m US$14.7m US$15.1m US$15.5m US$15.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 3.44% Est @ 2.98% Est @ 2.67% Est @ 2.45% Est @ 2.29% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 5.9% -US$24.0 -US$8.4 US$1.5 US$10.5 US$10.3 US$10.1 US$9.8 US$9.5 US$9.2 US$8.9

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$38m

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. 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 (1.9%) 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) = US$16m (1 + 1.9%)  (5.9% 1.9%) = US$403m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$403m ( 1 + 5.9%)10= US$227m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$264m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of CA$7.9, the company appears quite good value at a 31% 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.

TSX:ARR Discounted Cash Flow December 31st 2023

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own 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 Altius Renewable Royalties 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 0.800. 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 Altius Renewable Royalties

Strength

Currently debt free.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for ARR.

Opportunity

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Significant insider buying over the past 3 months.

Threat

Not expected to become profitable over the next 3 years.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching 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. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Altius Renewable Royalties, we've compiled three important items you should further research:

Risks: Be aware that Altius Renewable Royalties is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 1 of those is concerning... Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for ARR'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 Canadian 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.
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Lean Solutions Group opened an office in Mexico City in 2022, where the company has seen rapid growth in the logistics industry. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Lean Solutions Group making big moves in Mexico; China-based tire maker opening $240M facility in Mexico; Mexican authorities again postpone Carta Porte tax document; and new logistics park begins construction along Texas-Mexico border.

Lean Solutions Group making big moves in Mexico

Lean Solutions Group, founded in 2012, began as a nearshore and offshore services provider to the transportation and logistics industry.

Today, the Coral Springs, Florida-based company has a workforce of 10,000 and has increased its offerings to include warehouse and distribution services, while also supporting other sectors including retail, manufacturing, software as a service, hospitality and health care solutions.

In the commercial transportation space, some of Lean Solutions Groups clients include Riverstone Logistics, ARL Logistics and PGT Trucking.

Lean Solutions Group sees big opportunities in Mexico, which has more than 49 million workers between the ages of 20 and 49. In 2022, the company opened its eighth satellite office in Mexico City, as well as office locations in Guatemala and the Philippines.

We have worked to diversify our locations to better serve our clients, and Mexico is a great extension to those efforts, Robert Cadena, CEO and co-founder of Lean Solutions Group, said in a news release. In Mexico, we can find a large, skilled and highly educated workforce that excels within a variety of industries.

FreightWaves recently spoke with Daniel Agamez, Lean Solutions Groups senior vice president of operations, about its expansion into Latin America, as well as trends in U.S.-Mexico trade.

FREIGHTWAVES: How many employees do you have in Mexico City?

AGAMEZ: We currently have 60 employees and plan to expand in the first quarter of 2024. Weve already hosted various tours to both current clients and interested prospects.

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FREIGHTWAVES: What kind of demand is Lean Solutions seeing in Mexico?

AGAMEZ: By the last quarter of 2022 and through 2023, the demand for Mexico operations increased considerably. This is mainly because of the rise of cross-border operations.

Carrier sales as well as distribution are key to our Mexico operation since the current demand focuses around leaner services and end-to-end solutions, meaning the final consumer requires a complete A-to-Z portfolio ensuring pickup/delivery across the border in a single transaction.

Our ability to post loads and procure carriers as well as ensure the safekeeping of the cargo has created an opportunity to expand operations in Mexico City given the talent pool and competent workforce.

FREIGHTWAVES: What industries in Mexico are growing right now?

AGAMEZ: Technology and transportation are certainly two of the top industries growing right now. Automation is also playing a huge role for most logistics companies around the world, as well as more high-end experiences. Given the geographic location of Mexico and latest agreements to facilitate ground transportation between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, it has only created a more speedy expansion of this market.

FREIGHTWAVES: What kind of services or added value do you think customers will be looking for in 2024?

AGAMEZ: We see Mexico as a land of opportunity as huge companies have had major success operating out of Mexico. We have seen great talent, as well as matching profiles for our clients job vacancies. So, we have in mind very specific roles for Mexico. The Mexican market itself has strong ties and relationships with the U.S business industry; therefore, we now offer our clients the opportunity to have their logistics workforce located in the same country, offering the possibility of direct logistics management where their supply chain begins.

China-based tire maker opening $240M facility in Mexico

Sailun Tire recently announced it is building its first North American tire manufacturing facility in Guanajuato, Mexico.

The $240 million facility is scheduled to open by the end of 2024. Company officials expect the facility to produce 6 million semi-steel radial tires annually.

This expansion will not only allow us to meet the increasing demand for our products but also enable us to design, test and now build products for North America, in North America, Peter Koszo, president of Sailun Tire North America, said in a news release.

Sailun Tire is based in Qingdao, China, and manufactures tires for passenger and commercial vehicles. The company has two factories in China and another in Vietnam. Sailun also has sales networks and logistics centers in Canada and Germany.

Mexican authorities again postpone Carta Porte tax document

The Mexican government announced it is indefinitely postponing the start of enforcement of the Carta Porte Complement (CCP)  a digital tax document issued to shipments aimed at protecting the transfer of legitimate goods across Mexico.

Enforcement of the CCP was set to begin after Jan. 1.

Its the seventh time over the past three years the Mexican government has postponed the controversial measure.

The Mexican Tax Authority (SAT) announced the creation of the electronic CCP bill-of-lading requirement in May 2021. The CCP is a collection of over 120 data elements, including everything from shipper and consignee information to the cargo and its value and carrier equipment.

The CCP is being issued by trucking companies across Mexico. However, the SAT has not been imposing fines for incorrect information or mistakes when filing the document.

New logistics park begins construction along Texas-Mexico border

Panattoni Development Co. and Hunt Cos. announced a partnership to develop Project Grande, a speculative logistics development in El Paso, Texas, according to Commercial Property Executive.

The project will be two Class A logistics facilities totaling 939,612 square feet. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2024. The buildings were over 50% pre-leased prior to breaking ground.

The development represents the first phase of a planned 1.8 million-square-foot industrial park. Upon completion, Project Grande will feature 36-to-40-foot clearance heights for trucks, as well as rear-load and cross-dock configuration.

Irvine, California-based Panattoni Development Co. is an international real estate developer specializing in industrial warehouses. El Paso-based Hunt Cos. is a family-owned holding company that invests in operating businesses, real estate assets and infrastructure assets.

More articles by Noi Mahoney

Thieves spirit away 19,000 bottles of tequila from US distributor

Exports of Mexican-built cargo trucks fell in November

CBP halts rail operations at 2 Texas ports of entry

The post Borderlands: Lean Solutions Group making big moves in Mexico appeared first on FreightWaves.
BT

BT is facing the prospect of a costly fine as the government deadline to remove Huawei technology from Britains telecoms network passes.

Last night, the British telecoms company said it had failed to remove kit made by the controversial Chinese company from its core network, putting it in jeopardy of missing the Dec 31 deadline.

Missing the end-of-year target  a deadline that has already been extended twice  means companies could be fined up to 10pc of their revenue, or 100,000 per day for every day that they do not comply.

The Government banned Huawei equipment from vital infrastructure in 2020 over national security fears. But it was already entwined in Britains telecoms network, making it a nightmare to replace.

BT, which has 30m customers across the UK, has been racing to replace the Chinese-made equipment with tech made by Swedish company Ericsson.

It met a summer deadline to have reduced the amount of Huawei kit in its radio access network (RAN), but the company could not confirm that it would meet this years cut-off.

Telecoms providers have until the end of 2027 to remove all Huawei equipment from the UKs public 5G networks.

A BT spokesman said: Weve met our initial targets  both RAN traffic levels and sites were below the levels required by the Government for its July 2023 deadline. Our focus is now on work in the core for the Governments deadline.

The end-of-year deadline is for all of Britains telecoms providers, but BT is by far the largest provider of consumer mobile and broadband services.

The costs are huge. Speaking at the Connected Britain conference in September, BTs chief technical officer Howard Watson said BTs Huawei replacement programme had cost 500m.

Some of BTs competitors such as Vodafone did not use Huawei equipment in their core network.

Others used very little. Three, whose core network is provided by Nokia, had only a small amount of Huawei equipment to remove and is already compliant with the Dec 31 deadline.

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Virgin Media also confirmed that it had already removed all Huawei equipment from its core broadband and mobile networks in advance of the Sunday cut-off.

Ofcom is due to report on BTs progress to Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan next spring - ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Ofcom, the media regulator, will assess the success or failures of companies in meeting the Dec 31 deadline in a spring report to Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

A government spokesman said: We continue to work with operators to remove Huawei technology as quickly as possible while minimising disruption for consumers, and operators remain on track to remove it from 5G public networks by the end of 2027.

We have already introduced an immediate ban on the installation of new Huawei equipment, limiting their presence in full-fibre infrastructure, and are removing technology from sites with national security implications.

A spokesman for Ofcom said: Government is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules requiring certain telecoms companies to remove Huawei equipment from their networks.

Ofcoms role is to gather information on companies progress and report this to government.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A New Year's Eve fireworks show over the Mississippi River is viewed from Algiers Point Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. People gathered on the levee and near the river to set off their own displays and to watch the main attraction by the nonprofit Crescent City Countdown. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex pulled the royal ripcord for a life of commercial deal-making in the United States, one of their central ambitions was to become podcasters. Flash forward several years and their podcast deal is dead, and Queen Camilla is poised to launch one of her own. The stepmother has struck back.

Camillas podcast, The Queens Reading Room, is due to launch on January 8. It is an exercise in aid of the literacy charity of the same name, of which the Queen is patron. But the context in which it lands is revealing: not just because podcasting was to be a key part of the Sussexes post-royal family strategy, but also because reigning monarchs simply dont give interviews, let alone tape podcasts.

Queen Camilla will launch a new literacy podcast. Credit: Getty Images

The podcast itself will no doubt be aristocratically uncontroversial; the mission of The Queens Reading Room is to develop an appreciation of literature among adults and children. It will also feature high-profile guests, including Scottish crime author Sir Ian Rankin and Absolutely Fabulous actress Dame Joanna Lumley.

So nobody should expect Camilla to sit down and dish the tea on life inside Buckingham Palace, now that she is firmly in the second-biggest red velvet seat in the Throne Room. But the former Duchess of Cornwall has a reputation for candid and thoughtful conversation, which means anticipation around the podcast is high.
No sooner had my family and I left our car upon arriving at an amusement park on the NSW south coast than I was confronted by a man, frothing with anger, who swore at me and told me to f---in go back to your country. For context, I was born and raised on this continent. Australia is my birthplace. There is no other country that I call home.

Like most people of Palestinian heritage, however, my connection to Palestine is deep-rooted. Its a connection that is nested within my very soul in a way that I find hard to explain to others.

What could be more Austalian than a beach holiday? Ramia Abdo-Sultans daughter on their recent getaway.

In fact, we had embarked on our getaway from Sydney with friends in an attempt to disconnect from the constant feelings of horror and grief weve been feeling, as violence spirals out of control in Gaza. I went away seeking an opportunity to reconnect with my spirituality.

That I wear a hijab and am visibly Muslim was provocation enough, apparently, for the man abusing me. Later, when I was watching my children play at the beach pool, a couple sitting a short distance away berated us, saying: If there were Jews here, you would not dare to come here to swim.
A loophole in Victorias ban on new gas connections will mean the rule doesnt apply to about 33,400 small residential lots, but will see new granny flats slugged to go all electric.

The states competing priorities to go green but also encourage the building of 80,000 new homes a year for the next decade has caused the ambiguity, giving a get out clause to anyone wanting to build on land under 300sq metres.

Victorias gas connection ban will apply to granny flats, but now new homes without planning permits. Credit: Adobe Stock

The gas ban is among a raft of new laws coming into effect on January 1, including an early shutdown of native logging, higher taxes on vacant residential land and increased powers for Victoria Police to charge for supporting major events.

Under Victorias Gas Substitution Road Map, a government plan to reduce the usage of natural gas, any new home which must apply for a planning permit will not be allowed to connect to the gas network.
Adam Lockett was the last truck driver in the timber town of Heyfield. Now he lives on the road, on couches and above pubs, chasing temporary work across Victoria.

I have no fixed address any more, Lockett said. Youre constantly chasing work, wondering where youll be, where youll end up.

Adam Lockett had to leave timber town Heyfield in search of work. Credit: Luis Ascui

Native logging is formally banned in the state from Monday, but most work had already wound up.

First there were Supreme Court injunctions that found the state-owned logging agency VicForests had failed to protect endangered gliders. Then in May, the Victorian government gave six months notice that it would bring forward its ban by six years from 2030 to 2024.
You wont see this dish on a menu at a high-end Spanish restaurant. Marmitako is not the stuff of Michelin-starred excellence, it doesnt lend itself to the addition of foams or the artful dotting of squeeze-bottle sauces. Its not a meal for showing off.

This Basque stew is rustic, rural cuisine, a low-cost stomach-filler for people with ready access to its basic ingredients. And those foodstuffs will tell you a lot about its place of origin, Spains Basque Country: tuna, potatoes, onions, choricero peppers, tomatoes, wine and olive oil. All are cherished staples of a semi-autonomous region that enjoys a bounty of seafood from its oceans, and high-quality produce from its emerald hills. This is classic Basque cooking, where the best ingredients are treated with respect, and simple flavours are allowed to shine.

First serve

Marmitako was invented by Basque fishermen; though, they would say that, wouldnt they? The story goes that these hardy men of the sea would be out for weeks on end, sailing the cold seas of the Bay of Biscay, and so would take with them long-lasting produce  potatoes, onions, olive oil, wine  and add their fishy catch, as well as its stock, to a big pot called a marmita to create a hearty stew. There are, no doubt, a few Basque housewives who are a little miffed at the fishermen taking credit for a classic home-style meal, but thats the story that was settled on, and the one that survives to this day.

Order there

In the Basque Countrys gastronomic capital, San Sebastian, sample classic marmitako at portside seafood restaurant Itzalian Jatetxea (Primero del Muelle 12, Donostia).
In 2020, when Air New Zealand ceased its service to Londons Heathrow, it sold its slots  the right to operate flights into and out of the UKs main airport  to another carrier for a cool $US27 million ($39.3 million). That was for a single slot pair, the right to operate just one daily flight into and out of Heathrow. Steep as it was, thats far from a record price for slots at a busy airport.

A multitude of planes take off from Sydney Airport every day, making it one of the worlds Level 3 airports where slots are tightly controlled. Credit: Wolter Peeters

What is a slot?

A slot is an agreement between an airport operator and an airline that allows the airline to operate take-offs and landings at a specific time and date. Their primary function is to allow airports to run smoothly, not to force airlines to adhere to strict schedules.

Not all airports use the slot system. Airports that have sufficient capacity to meet demand are excluded. Airports where capacity is constrained are designated Level 3, a coordinated airport, by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and those airports use the slot allocation system. About 200 airports around the world are classified Level 3, including JFK in New York, Singapores Changi Airport, Londons Heathrow and Australias own Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Cairns airports. While the allocation of slots at Level 3 airports is determined by an independent authority, Level 1 and 2 airports are free to allocate their own slots.
Dubai: US Navy helicopters sank three of four small boats used by Iranian-backed Houthi militants to attack a Maersk container vessel in the southern Red Sea, the US military said on Sunday.

Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, responding to distress calls from the Maersk Hangzhou, returned fire on the Houthi boats in self-defence and sank three of the vessels with no survivors, US Central Command said in a statement.

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall and amphibious assault ship USS Bataan transit the Bab al-Mandeb strait in August. Credit: AP

The fourth boat fled the area, said the statement on social media platform X.

Danish shipping company Maersk confirmed that the crew onboard Maersk Hangzhou had reported a flash on deck early on Sunday (AEDT), when the vessel was 55 nautical miles south-west of Al Hodeidah in Yemen.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Unlike some past tech trends that investors believed to be the next big thing (I'm looking at you, 3D printing), artificial intelligence (AI) is living up to the hype, and its presence is increasingly found across various businesses and areas of our lives.

But identifying a single AI stock can feel overwhelming for investors unfamiliar with the industry. Fortunately for them, choosing an exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an excellent way to gain AI exposure while reducing the risk of investing in a single stock, and starting positions in these AI ETFs seems like a bright idea right now: the Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKQ), the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (NYSEMKT: IRBO), and the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (NYSEMKT: CHAT).

1. Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF

With Cathie Wood at the helm, the Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF includes exposure to a wide variety of AI-related stocks. Autonomous mobility stocks are the main concentration of the ETF's holdings, representing approximately 45% of the fund's composition. One of the most recognizable names in self-driving, Tesla, is the ETF's largest holding, representing a weighting of 12.6%. Similarly, Trimble, the fourth-largest position in the Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF, provides navigation solutions to help facilitate autonomous mobility.

With regards to AI software, UiPath is the second-largest holding in the ETF. Helping businesses to automate their workflows, UiPath is one of Wood's favorite AI stocks, and it's a major holding in several Ark Invest funds, including the Ark Innovation ETF and the Ark Next Generation Internet ETF.

The Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF currently has about $1 billion in assets under management, and it has an expense ratio of 0.75%, or $75 annually per $10,000 invested.

2. iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF

According to BlackRock, the fund's manager, the goal of the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF is to match the performance "of an index composed of developed and emerging market companies that could benefit from the long-term growth and innovation in robotics technologies and artificial intelligence."

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A more comprehensive option than the Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF, which currently includes 35 stocks, is the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF, which has 111 holdings. Its fairly equal weighting among its holdings will also make it alluring to investors who don't want to assume too much risk. The top three holdings in the ETF, for example, are Stratasys, Silicon Laboratories, and Ansys -- all three of which have approximately 1.1% weightings.

Another benefit of the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF is that it makes semi-annual distributions. Currently, the distributions amount to a 12-month trailing yield of 0.64%, which may not be much to write home about, but it could help to cover the cost of the 0.47% expense ratio.

3. Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF

For a decidedly more concentrated approach to AI stocks, the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF is a great choice. The stated goal of the ETF is to "provide exposure to companies involved in the investment theme of artificial intelligence (AI), generative artificial intelligence, and related technologies," and it includes the most familiar players in the AI world. The largest position in the ETF is Microsoft, which is a partner of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. Nvidia and Alphabet, two premier AI names in their own rights, round out the top three holdings.

The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF is a newer kid on the AI ETF block, launching in May 2023. Since its debut on the public markets, it provided market-beating returns, rising about 18.7% while the S&P 500 rose 13.9%. Like the Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF, the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF also has a 0.75% expense ratio.

Which AI ETF is a bright idea for you?

For fans of Wood, the Ark Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF is a no-brainer, though investors who are committed to gaining exposure to robotics-related stocks will also be drawn to the ETF. Those who are interested in a more conservative approach, however, will find the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF more compelling, thanks to its diverse holdings, lower expense ratio, and semi-annual distribution. And for investors who are particularly interested in generative AI exposure, the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF will be more attractive.

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Buying These 3 Artificial Intelligence (AI) ETFs Is a Smart Move for 2024 was originally published by The Motley Fool
120 special squads to check drunk driving





Staff Reporter

As the countdown to the 31st night gains momentum, Nagpur City police are gearing up for the bandobast ahead

of New Years Eve celebrations with an unprecedented deployment. The City Police have deployed a fleet of 2,500 police personnel, commencing their watch over the entire city since Sunday evening. In a bid to ensure public safety and prevent untoward incidents, the police have formed 120 special squads for crackdown on drunk driving. With a focus on maintaining law and order during the festivities, the police blockades have been strategically placed at 70 locations across the city, said Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar. Staff from police stations concerned and traffic police are set to be stationed at various locations to ensure a visible and proactive presence. The police squads will be especially deployed at the entry points to the city to nab the drunkards coming from rural areas in the night.

The top brass have issued instructions to their counterparts to ensure a trouble-free environment for families traveling during the celebrations. Anti-social elements would be put behind the bars with immediate effect. In addition, special patrolling units are set to monitor popular gathering spots including Futala and Dharampeth to maintain law and order. Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar has taken a stern stance on ensuring the safety of women during the celebrations. Police Inspectors have been directed to quickly apprehend those who engage in molesting or eve-teasing of women and girls. As a part of the pre-celebration preparations, 90 parties have been granted official permission while 18 establishments promoting unapproved events on social media have been sternly warned. Owners of party venues and hotels have received directives to prioritise womens safety by installing CCTV cameras. Women police officers in plain uniform will be deployed at these locations.

A notification under Section 144 of the CrPC was issued by the CP Kumar, on Friday, in this regard. A strong warning has been issued against playing loudspeakers after midnight, with strict legal consequences for violators. Officers in uniform and plain-clothes will be deployed across the city to quickly address any anti-social or violent behaviour. Right from the Commissioner of Police to Police Constables, all would be on the field whole night to maintain peace in the city. Mobile surveillance vehicles equipped with CCTV cameras will be patrolling the city to enhance vigilance and quickly respond to any untoward incident. The bandobast will involve Traffic Police, Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police (RCP) and staff from all police stations. The police have urged citizens to adhere to the Supreme Courts regulations on bursting of firecrackers and avoid exceeding prescribed time limits.
151 Myanmarese soldiers flee to Mizoram





AIZAWL,

AT LEAST 151 Myanmarese soldiers fled to Mizorams Lawngtlai district after their camps in the neighbouring country were overrun by an armed ethnic group, an Assam Rifles officer said on Saturday. The Myanmarese army personnel, also known as the Tatmadaw, fled with their arms and approached the Assam Rifles at Tuisentlang in Lawngtlai district on Friday after their camps near the international border were overrun by the Arakan Army fighters, he said. The officer said that there had been intense gunfights between the Myanmar army and the Arakan Army fighters for the past few days in areas close to the Indian border.

He said that some of the Myanmarese Army personnel, who entered Mizoram on Friday, were critically injured and first aids were administered to them by the Assam Rifles. The Myanmar army soldiers are now in the safe custody of Assam Rifles at Parva in Lawngtlai district near the Myanmar border, he said. The Myanmar soldiers will be sent back to their country in some days as talks are going on between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Myanmar military Government, he added.

In November, a total of 104 Myanmar soldiers fled to Mizoram after their military camps along the Myanmar-India border were overrun by pro-democracy militia - Peoples Defence Force (PDF). They were airlifted by the Indian Airforce to Moreh in Manipur, from where they crossed the international border and entered Tamu, the nearest border town in Myanmar.
By Kartik Lokhande

NAGPUR is growing. The city is marching towards becoming an emerging metro. Nagpur got the honour of hosting the Indian Science Congress and G20 Civil20 meet. Once again, Nagpur is gaining the identity of being a culturally happening place. The floods destroyed savings of a lifetime invested in house, but the Government is offering a pittance as compensation. Oh no! Not again! Traffic jams are becoming a regular feature of Nagpurs life. How can one lead a happy life if many roads are in poor condition, or with bad ramps, or dug-up and forgotten?

These are just some of the impressions of the year passing by. As the year 2023 draws to a close on Sunday, and the city gears up to ring in the New Year -- 2024 -- with a bang, it is time to take stock of the setting year. In summary, the year 2023 saw Nagpur coming out of the shadow of COVID-19 in a big way. Since the start of the year, the city hosted several prestigious events of national importance. There was a rush in economic activities all through. At the same time, all this buzz proved to be rich urban rush. For, on liveability count, not many were happy. Infrastructure is alright, but ease of living and doing business was perceived to be poor. The citys grand events calendar started with the Indian Science Congress hosted by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU). The event was grand, no doubt. But, it was not followed up by the host RTMNU with any visible initiative to further scientific research or creating awareness in the region. Sadly, there has been total apathy among the universities and research bodies in Nagpur as far as sharing their scientific breakthroughs, research, and innovations with people is concerned. The Indian Science Congress was followed by another major event -- the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress. In both the events, dignitaries from across the country and abroad marked their attendance.

But, the biggest and the most prestigious event was G20 Civil20 Inception Meet. The guests from across the world descended on Nagpur. For them, the city was decked up. Some new beauty spots came up. The Nagpurians were amazed at the massive scale of investment made in decking up the city. Sadly, after the mega event, there was no evidence that the powers that be and the authorities looking after the citys development and liveability had drawn some ideas from the expressions of the visiting dignitaries. Culturally, the city continued to shine brightly. Apart from the star performers enthralling the Nagpurians at the annual Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav, the city witnessed State-level Drama Competition, lectures by authors of eminence, Vidarbha Literary Festival, music concerts and what not! After a kind of hiatus during COVID-19 pandemic years, the city became vibrant once again. President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu also visited the city and the region twice in the year, since taking charge of her office. In July, she graced the inaugural function of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans Cultural Centre at Koradi. This marked the beginning of a chapter in emergence of Koradi as a cultural tourism centre. In December, she visited Nagpur again, to grace the 111th convocation ceremony of RTMNU and inauguration of Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Government Medical College and Hospital.





During the year, in August, Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar also graced the centenary celebrations of RTMNU and addressed the Officer Trainees of Indian Revenue Service at the National Academy for Direct Taxes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Indian Science Congress in January. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh and Deekshabhoomi. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and other leaders also visited Nagpur and the region. The visits of all these dignitaries underline the increasing importance being attached to Nagpur. As far as political scene was concerned, the biggest disappointment was that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) continued to remain without an elected body throughout the year. Since the ordinary citizens cannot go to higher administrative authorities every now and then for redressal of their grievances often restricted to various areas of the city, the presence of corporators is necessary in any big city. But, like all other municipal corporations, the elections to NMC also were not announced. Whether the elections are held before the State Legislative Assembly polls in 2024, remains to be seen.

Another major political development was conviction of Congress MLA Sunil Kedar in 21-years-old Nagpur District Central Co-operative Bank (NDCCB) scam case. Within a short period of his conviction by the Sessions Court, the Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Adv Rahul Narwekar disqualified him. After spending a few days at hospital due to ill health, Kedar was discharged and sent to jail. The city continued to witness several other political developments and meetings. But, the biggest one of the year was Congress party holding its 139th foundation day event at Nagpur in a bid to revive its falling political fortunes from Vidarbha region that had came to its support in the past. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi skipped the meet, but Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge did attend it. Though a galaxy of leaders of Congress party were present at the meeting, the speeches made amounted to nothing extraordinary. How far the meeting helps Congress to consolidate its base in the region, will be clear during the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in 2024. Because, though Congress brought its big leaders once, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been maintaining ground level connect with own party workers as well as with people. Already, BJP has been in election mode, working out details of its outreach strategy right up to booth level.

More and more infrastructure projects were announced to rid the city of traffic snarls. But, in sharp contrast, the traffic congestion increased! Whenever, including during the annual Winter Session of State Legislature, the city tried to accomodate increase in number of vehicles and visitors in big numbers from outside, traffic jams became a routine. Wrong-side driving and riding has assumed pandemic proportions. Haphazard parking, not following traffic lanes, bad roads, bad ramps joining elevated cement roads with tar roads at lower gradient, encroachments on footpaths, and such problems just worsened the scenario. At places like the road passing from under the Freedom Park Metro Station, one can get an evidence of bad urban infrastructure planning. The element of faulty urban planning and lack of preparedness of the city to face any eventuality became a matter of hot public debate in September when the heavy downpour led to floods in Ambazari, and water gushed into several houses along the Nag river. Many people lost savings of their life invested in furniture and other belongings in their houses, due to flood water and silt that got deposited with it. Later on, the State Government announced compensation of Rs 10,000/-. But, the aggrieved people were obviously not happy with this paltry compensation. Again, surprisingly, none of the authorities gave evidence that they had studied the September floods scientifically and methodically. Because, there was no roadmap unveiled by them to avoid recurrence of the damage caused due to floods.

The year 2023 would go into the annals as another period of development for the city. But, it will also go down in memory as another year of worsening liveability. For, several issues including the dangerous menace of stray dogs, traffic jams, deteriorating air quality, lack of action against rising noise pollution, poor utilisation of closed circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance systems to check traffic indiscipline, abandonment of health infrastructure improvement projects announced during COVID-19 pandemic period, etc constitute an unfinished business. One just hopes that these issues will be addressed in the New Year. Development, in concrete terms, has been on the rise. However, liveability, in terms of effective urban planning and ease, has been on an undesired trajectory. Against this backdrop, The Hitavada -- The Peoples Paper -- thought it fit to continue with its mission of highlighting the issues faced by the people. It ran several reports including the series on flood-affected persons grievances, and also highlighting deterioration in air quality, other urban issues. These issues constitutes a work-list for all the authorities and powers that preside over the citys growth and progress. As the year 2023 drew to a close, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he did not have a wish-list but a work-list. One hopes that the powers that be and the administrative authorities take the right message even for Nagpur and focus on the to-do-list for the city while ushering in the New Year -- 2024.
Consecration of Lord Ram idol, beginning of Amrit Kaal not coincidence: Shah





AHMEDABAD,

UNION Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the consecration of Lord Rams idol on January 22 and the beginning of Indias Amrit Kaal are not a mere coincidence but a sign that the country will rise to prominence on the world stage in the next 25 years. Amrit Kaal, which roughly translates to golden era, refers to the 25-year period from 75 years to 100 years of Indias independence. About the grand event in Ayodhya next month, Shah said for several years, the country was unable to reconstruct the holy place where Lord Ram was born and was destroyed 550 years ago. Over the years, Shah said, many saints performed various kinds of penances and offered prayers for this country to awaken itself and return to its age-old, eternal culture, but it was not happening.

(Court) cases were made complicated and delayed. Then a Government was formed under the leadership of Narendrabhai, and with the blessings and inspirations of saints, all the paths became smooth, and on January 22, Ram Lalla will sit in his house again, he said while addressing the Shri Purani Swami Smruti Mahotsav organised by Swaminarayan Gurukul Vishwavidya Pratishthanam (SGVP) here. And it cannot be a coincidence that the restoration of Ram Lalla in his home and the beginning of Indias Amrit Kaal are happening together. It is not a coincidence, it is natures sign that India is going to be on top (on the world stage) in the 25 years of its Amrit Kaal, he said.

Shah said Ram Lalla will enter his house at a time when Indias yoga and Ayurveda are receiving acceptance all over the world, and the entire world is looking at them with surprise. The whole world is eager to understand the scientific viewpoints of our Vedas, Upanishads and philosophy, and at that very moment, Ram Lalla will enter his house. Modiji will go to Ayodhya on 22nd (January) and will perform the consecration of Ram Lalla there in the presence of saints, he said.
Defence Production





By Girish Linganna

INDIA has one of the largest defence industrial bases (DIB) on the planet; an extensive network of research and development (R&D); as well as, production entities. The DIBs employ scientists, engineers and other professionals. But the dominance of the public sector has resulted in lacklustre performance. Therefore, Indias continued reliance on external sources, a dependence that remains a cause of concern. India, in times of crisis, has found itself reaching out to friendly nations for emergency procurements. Why has India not been successful in sourcing at least a significant portion of its arms requirements from within India? This is where the accountability of the public sector comes up for scrutiny. The need for an in-depth examination and the challenges before the nation becomes essential before making self-sufficiency the goal; strengthening strategic autonomy and minimising reliance on external sources. The debate has centred on whether a developing country should engage in defence production or aspire to achieve self-sufficiency? Some experts have suggested that endeavours towards autarky in defence are largely impractical, asserting that less powerful states should refrain from autonomous arms production, an argument founded on techno-economic considerations.

It is widely acknowledged that modern weapons incorporate advanced and miniaturised technology, making them exorbitantly expensive. Countries with greater financial resources can establish larger production lines, benefiting from economies of scalean advantage that eludes limited industrial bases with smaller budgets. The comparative high cost of Indias arms production tells the story. Forces of globalization have compounded the problems. Significant changes have taken place. There is increased collaboration between defence firms. Co-production, development partnerships, mergers, acquisitions and joint venturesall aimed at mitigating the escalating costs of modern arms. Despite these challenges, India has forged ahead with considerable success systems related to nuclear weapons, missiles and naval shipbuilding. But the overall state of make/made in India has been largely unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, India is in a more robust position in indigenous arms production and the fourth-largest military spender, surpassing even the UK, France and Germany. The continually expanding defence budget is another marker. Indias financial capacity to sustain an autonomous DIB is established.

Indias customisation of imported arms through the incorporation of India-Specific Enhancements (ISE) is a feather in Indias cap and tantamount to maintaining technological advantage over adversaries. But the customisation by foreign vendors and that by domestic entities are different. Securing a favourable price for ISE has proved to be challenging. Think of the Governments negotiations for the purchase of Rafale fighters. In contrast, the limited experience of customisation through the domestic industry has yielded satisfactory outcomes. India has explored diversifying its supplier base. But this option faces challenges. The arms embargoes, particularly those imposed by the US, following the 1965 war and the 1998 nuclear test have underscored the risks of external dependence. That said, while Indo-US relations have improved, concerns about potential US sanctions persist. During the Kargil War in 1999, Indias need for arms assistance left it begging for quick replenishment from external forces. General V P Malik, then head of the Indian Army, revealed Indias delicate position. The vulnerability of India is highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting the Indian Air Force to defer plans to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighters.

The link between supply security and tactical advantages is found in Modis address to the domestic industry, where he noted that uniqueness and surprise elements can only happen when the equipment is developed in your own country, underscoring the need for a robust DIB with autonomy and agility. Despite Indias notable achievements in defence capabilities, including being one of the few countries with Multi-Level Strategic Capability, Airborne Early Warning & Control System, 4th-plus-generation fighter aircraft, Ballistic Missile Defence Programme, Main Battle Tank, Electronic Warfare and Multi-Range Radar Programme, the absence of any Indian company in the worlds top 20 defence firms is of considerable concern. Moreover, the public sector faces lots of challenges in meeting the expanding requirements. Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, the public sectors total sales accounted for only 57% of Indias defence procurement. Recent trends indicate a further decline in the public sectors share and the increasing reliance on imports. The declining share in defence procurement is not the sole concern.

A significant portion of the public sectors sales is directed toward non-defence clients and exports. For instance, in 2021-22, 22% of Indias second-largest defence company, Bharat Electronics Limiteds (BELs) sales turnover came from the non-defence segment. Similarly, over 15% of the Ordnance Factory Boards (OFBs) total sales value was attributed to clients other than the Indian Armed Forces. The landscape of Indias arms production underwent a significant transformation in 2001 when the Vajpayee Government decided to open up the defence industry to both Indian private companies and foreign entities. The current Government has further elevated private sector participation through initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Consequently, the role of the private sector in Indias defence production, virtually non-existent at the turn of the century, surged to nearly 20% by 2021-22. The increasing interest and share of the private sector in defence production are accompanied by its demonstrated capability to deliver items, such as artillery guns, which were previously exclusive to the public sector. In some notable instances, the private sector has secured orders, including artillery guns, electronic surveillance equipment and significant military infrastructure projects, even in direct competition with foreign companies.

The private sector has also made inroads into breaking the monopoly of the public sector in complex areas. For instance, HALs monopoly in aircraft manufacturing was disrupted when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus in September 2021, enabling the TATA consortium to manufacture 40 military transport aircraft in India. The private sectors growing capability to supply essential equipment is evident in the list of items handed over to the Indian Army in August 2022. Out of a dozen pieces of equipment, six were supplied by the private sector, encompassing Multi-Mode Hand Grenades, Downlink Equipment, Landing Craft, Infantry-Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), Quick-Reaction Fighting Vehicles and Long-Range Rockets. Acknowledging the pivotal role of the private sector, the Government has allocated a separate budget for procurement. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, out of the INR 845.98 billion earmarked for capital procurement from the domestic industry, INR 211.49 billion (25%) is specifically allocated to the private sector. This reflects a concerted effort to encourage and support the private sectors expanding role in Indias defence production landscape. (IPA) (The author is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru.)
Documents on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants signed





NEW DELHI,

ON HIS visit to Russia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed three documents relating to the Kudan Kulam Nuclear Power Plants, an MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare and a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations according to a release of the Ministry of External affairs. The EAM was on a visit to Russia from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. During his visit, Jaishankar called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov.

Three documents relating to the Kudan Kulam Nuclear Power Plants, an MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare and a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations were signed during the visit, the MEA said in a release.

EAM had a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral cooperation in trade and economics, energy, defence, connectivity, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation between regions of the two countries. He also shared perspectives on global and regional developments, including multilateral cooperation, the release added. Moreover, during his visit, he also interacted with Russian think tanks and academics and exchanged views on Indian foreign policy perspectives as well as Russia-India relations.
Girl raped by neighbour in Gwalior, accused arrested





GWALIOR,

A 19-year-old youth was arrested allegedly for raping a girl living in his neighbourhood by threatening her in Gwalior district, a police official said on Saturday. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Dabra police station limits in the district on Thursday late at night, around 11 pm, said the official, adding that the incident happened when the family members of the victim were not at home. After the incident, the girl reached the police station and lodged a complaint against the accused, identified as Hemant.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Niranjan Sharma said, The victim lodged a complaint to the police that when there was no body in her house, the accused living in her neighbourhood, Hemant, entered her house and raped her by threatening to kill her. Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against the accused under relevant sections, including rape and arrested the accused, the officer said. Further investigation into the matter is underway, he added. Hearing and speech impaired girl raped by neighbour in Shahdol A 17-year-old hearing and speech impaired girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district, police said on Saturday.

Based on a complaint lodged by the girls mother, the police arrested the 45-year-old accused on Friday, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anjulata Patle said. Kotwali Police Station in-charge Raghvendra Singh said the accused allegedly visited the victim's house while her mother was away in the last few days. The girls mother noticed a change in her behaviour, and on inquiring, she found out that the accused had raped her, the official said. A case under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered against the accused, he said.
Overview of Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio)'s Recent Trade

On December 27, 2023, Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio), a renowned activist investor, increased the holdings in Icahn Enterprises LP (NASDAQ:IEP) by adding 17,060,798 shares. This transaction impacted the portfolio by 2.34% and was executed at a price of $17 per share. Following this addition, the total shares held in IEP by Icahn amounted to 367,879,902, representing a significant 50.56% of the portfolio. The position in the company now stands at an impressive 85.98%, underscoring the confidence Icahn has in Icahn Enterprises LP.

Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio) is an activist investor known for taking substantial positions in public companies and advocating for change to unlock value. Icahn's investment strategy is characterized by purchasing undervalued assets, often in out-of-favor industries, and improving their fortunes before selling them at a profit. This approach is reflected in the diverse portfolio managed by Icahn Capital Management, which includes holdings across various sectors, with a focus on Energy and Utilities. The firm's top holdings include Icahn Enterprises LP(NASDAQ:IEP), CVR Energy Inc(NYSE:CVI), and FirstEnergy Corp(NYSE:FE), among others, with an equity value of $12.08 billion.

Carl Icahn Bolsters Stake in Icahn Enterprises LP

Insight into Icahn Enterprises LP

Icahn Enterprises LP, with its diverse business operations including Automotive, Energy, Food Packaging, and Real Estate, is a major player in the United States' service industry. The Energy segment is a significant revenue driver for the company. As of the latest data, IEP boasts a market capitalization of $7.05 billion and a stock price of $17.17. However, the company's financial performance indicators suggest caution, with a GF Value of $42.29 and a stock price to GF Value ratio of 0.41, indicating a possible value trap scenario. The stock's historical performance shows a year-to-date decline of 66.75%, reflecting the challenges faced by the company.

Story continues

Carl Icahn Bolsters Stake in Icahn Enterprises LP

Significance of Icahn's Trade in IEP

The recent acquisition of shares in Icahn Enterprises LP by Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio) is a strategic move that further solidifies the firm's position as a dominant shareholder in the company. This trade not only reflects Icahn's investment philosophy but also demonstrates a strong belief in the future prospects of IEP. The additional shares increase the influence Icahn has over the company's direction, potentially leading to significant changes in operations or strategy that could unlock shareholder value.

Financial Health and Valuation of IEP

Despite the recent trade, Icahn Enterprises LP's financial health raises some concerns. The company's Financial Strength is rated at 5/10, while its Profitability Rank stands at 4/10. The GF Score of 57/100 indicates poor future performance potential. Additionally, the Piotroski F-Score of 4 and an Altman Z score of 1.46 suggest financial instability. The company's interest coverage ratio of 1.72 further indicates potential difficulties in meeting debt obligations.

Industry and Sector Dynamics

The Energy and Utilities sectors, where Icahn Enterprises LP operates, are central to Icahn's investment strategy. The Oil & Gas industry, in particular, is facing a period of volatility and transition, with fluctuating commodity prices and a global push towards renewable energy sources. These factors can significantly impact the performance and valuation of companies like IEP.

Comparative Guru Holdings

Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio)'s Icahn Capital Management LP remains the largest guru shareholder in Icahn Enterprises LP, with no other guru holding a comparable stake. This unique position allows Icahn to exert considerable influence over the company's strategic decisions and potentially drive significant changes.

Concluding Thoughts on Icahn's IEP Trade

For value investors, Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio)'s increased stake in Icahn Enterprises LP is a noteworthy development. It reflects a strong conviction in the company's potential despite its current financial metrics and market valuation. The transaction's implications could be substantial, as Icahn's history of successful investments suggests a possible turnaround for IEP. However, given the company's financial health and the challenging industry landscape, investors should approach with caution and consider the broader context of the current market conditions.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


GOLDEN DAY





THE signing of peace accord by the pro-talks faction of the insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), with the Central Government and the Government of Assam, must be hailed as a welcome development. The day of signing is no short of a Golden Day in the modern history of Assam. Already on path of development, the signing of the peace accord with Mr. Arabinda Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction is going to only accelerate the pace of progress of the State that saw a long period of insurgency. Previously also, conscious efforts were made for peace talks with ULFA to bloom into peace accord, but those were scuttled by hardliners like Mr. Paresh Baruah, who still leads the anti-talks faction of the outfit. This anti-talks faction has grown weaker due to changes in the world over time. It is yet to wake up the reality of Indias growth story. Hence, it is still sticking to old demand that found echoes of support from some of the hostile foreign forces. Unfortunately for Mr. Baruah and the likes, the forces he has been relying upon are not in a position to needle India because they are not willing to face the backlash.

Sooner or later, either he will have to come to terms with the new reality or his comrades in arms may leave him isolated. Instead of leading a frustrated and melancholic life, it will be better for him to join the mainstream and shun the path of violence. The latest peace accord comes after a long journey of Assam through the troubled waters of insurgency. As has been pointed out by Mr. Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, Assam has suffered for long due to violence. The insurgency in Assam that started in mid-1950s with the Revolutionary Communist Party of India, adopted a more disruptive form with rise of ULFA in the 1980s, followed by other groups. There was a time when ULFA operated as good as seamlessly not only from the jungles of Assam but also neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar by setting up bases there. The memory of ULFA leadership crossing over into China through Myanmar also has not faded out. The subversive activities of ULFA created a serious disturbance not only in Assam but also entire North-East as other groups also took to arms. This led to a tumultuous period in the history of India and efforts had to be mounted by several organisations to reach out to the strife-torn North-East to repair the loosening bond of cultural integrity with other parts of the country.

Many of such people, including some belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had to sacrifice their life. But, they did not stop the efforts. Many in the security establishment acknowledge this fact. Thanks to the sacrifice of such patriotic people, and also the concerted efforts of the successive Governments in initiating peace talks irrespective of the previously unsuccessful tries, Assam is seeing the present golden day. There is still more distance to cover. Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, is committed to ridding Assam of insurgency and leading it on to the path of development. While signing peace accord with ULFA and other insurgent groups, Assam is focussing on systematic rehabilitation of surrendered cadres to allow them to make meaningful contribution to Assams development. For, there is no better answer to insurgency than purposeful engagement. May Assam continue on this path of peace and prosperity.
NewsClick case: Delhi Police grill Navlakha in Mumbai





NEW DELHI,

A TEAM of Delhi Police have questioned activist Gautam Navlakha in connection with probe into NewsClicks alleged foreign fundings and anti-India activities, an official said on Saturday. Navlakha was questioned at his house in Navi Mumbais Agroli for three hours by a team led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)-level officer. Navlakha was asked about his links with news portals founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha and about his share in the company, an official said.

Navlakha, who was on house arrest, was granted bail on December 19 in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. In August, the special cell registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against news portal NewsClick, alleging that a large amount of funds came from China to disrupt the sovereignty of India and cause disaffection against the country. The investigating agency arrested news portals founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty on October 3. They are currently in judicial custody.

The FIR claimed that the Chinese foreign funds were allegedly distributed to activist Gautam Navlakha and associates of activists Teesta Seetalvad, her husband and Javed Anand, and journalists Urmilesh, Aratrika Halder, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Abhisar Sharma, and others. Navlakha has been associated with Purkhayastha since 1991 and is also a shareholder of PPK NewsClick Studio Private Limited since 2018, according to the FIR. It also alleged Purkayastha conspired with a group -- Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) -- to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Prisoner escapes custody from Hamidia Hospital





Staff Reporter

Bhopal Central Jail prisoner Nadeem Khan (24) escaped from Hamidia Hospital. He was brought for medical examination on Saturday when he dodged the jail guards and fled. The incident triggered panic and police teams from nearby police stations are now searching him. Khan was part of group of six criminals who were brought to the hospital for examination but all others are in police custody. The notorious Naseem Banne Khan who had threatened to kill police inspector and was injured in police encounter was also in the group that was brought to the hospital. The Kohefiza police have registered a case and have initiated a probe into the incident.

Police said that jail doctors had sent the group for medical examination on Saturday. At 12:20 pm, he was sent to the Kamla Nehru Hospital along with jail guard Deepesh Ingle. Here his x-ray was being done when the staff asked the cops mobile phone as the machine was not printing the report. The guard gave his mobile for x-ray film to the Hamidia staff but when he turned back, he found Khan missing. There are 16 cases registered against him in different police stations of Bhopal. He then alerted others and then an FIR was registered.

Police said that Khan was sentenced for seven years of imprisonment in a case of attempt to murder and he was serving jail term. Cases like robbery, theft, attempt to murder, affray and assault are registered against him. He along with his partner Danish Zafar had carried out a fatal attack on their rival Hamza Bomb, who is also a notorious criminal of Talaiya police station. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nihit Upadhyay said that they were searching the accused.
Sessions Court rejects stay on Sunil Kedars conviction, suspension of sentence, bail





Special Correspondent

OUTRIGHTLY refusing any leniency to former minister and senior Congress leader Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar convicted in the infamous Rs 153 crore Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB) scam, District Judge-12 and Additional Sessions Judge R S Patil-Bhosale turned down his plea for grant of stay on conviction, suspension of the sentence and bail on Saturday. The Sessions Court would decide the pleas of other convicts --- Ashok Namdeo Chaudhari, former General Manager, NDCCB, Ketan Kantilal Seth (Mumbai), stock broker, Amit Sitapati Verma (Ahmedabad), Subodh Chandadayal Bhandari and Nandkishor Shankarkal Trivedi -- for suspension of sentence and grant of bail on January 2 next. Kedar (61), who was disqualified from Maharashtra Legislative Assembly after he along with five others were sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 10 lakh each for their involvement in the infamous NDCCB scam, would move the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court challenging the Sessions Court Order on Monday. Five times MLA from Saoner, Kedar is cooling his heels in the Central Jail Nagpur after he was discharged from the Government Medical College & Hospital.

Declining to stay Kedars conviction, the Sessions Court was satisfied that there was documentary evidence against Kedar and he hatched a criminal conspiracy (when he was the Chairman of NDCCB) with the broking firms and swindled the hard earned money of the farmers and others for his and other convicts vested interest. Citing the observation of the Supreme Court in Ravikant S Patil versus Sarvabhouma S Bagali case that an order granting stay on conviction is not the rule but an exception to be resorted to in rare matters depending upon the fact of a case, Additional Sessions Judge Patil-Bhosale rejected Kedars application. Special Public Prosecutor Adv Ajay Misar (Nashik) and District GP Adv Nitin Telgote represented the State. Adv Devendra Chauhan, Adv Gopal Agrawal, Adv Avinash Gupta, Adv Girish Purohit, Adv Zeeshan Haq Zishan appeared for the convicts Sunil Kedar, Nandkishor Trivedi, Amit Verma, Ketan Seth and Ashok Choudhary respectively.
Vidarbhas industrial growth gains momentum





Business Reporter

The industrial landscape of Vidarbha showed positive signs of development in 2023 due to infrastructure upgrades, skilled manpower availability, its strategic location, efforts by trade and industry bodies, and support from regional political leaders. Significant progress was made in infrastructure development, with projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg boosting connectivity and investor confidence. The upcoming gas pipeline and arrival of multinational players in MIHAN further enhanced investor sentiment. This excitement among the investors is reflected in the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for investments exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore in the region. Although these proposals are still in the planning stages, their timely execution has the potential to transform Vidarbha into a dynamic industrial hub, not only in Maharashtra but also across India. New Era Cleantech has embarked on a project to establish Indias first private-sector coal gasification plant. With an investment of approximately Rs 20,000 crore, the project promises to transform the industrially backward Chandrapur district in Maharashtra. 2023 also saw RE Power signing an MoU for Rs 18,000 crore to set up a polysilicon and ingot wafer plant. Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd signed an MoU for a steel plant at Gadchiroli with an investment of Rs 28,000 crore.

Varad Ferro Alloys Ltd. also signed an MoU with the Maharashtra Government for a large steel plant near Gadchiroli, with an investment of Rs 5,500 crore. Rajouri Steel Pvt Ltd. signed an MoU for a steel plant at Mul near Chandrapur, and six new iron ore mining licenses were granted in Gadchiroli. JSW announced Rs 10,000 crore investments. Additionally, a few coal mines were allocated to different players for commercial coal mining in Gondkhairi. The State Government appointed MIDC as the nodal agency to conduct a feasibility study for a Petrochemical Complex in the region, which is expected to attract investments between Rs 35,000 crore and Rs 50,000 crore. Pernod Ricard, one of the fastest-growing multinational alcohol beverage companies, may soon announce its ambitious plan to set up a wine maturation plant and distillery in the region to produce single malt whisky. The company, which has been exploring investment opportunities in the region for several months, is likely to make the final announcement soon. A team of senior officials from the company recently visited the city.

Strategically located Nagpur is at the top of the company's list for the investment, estimated at over Rs 2,500 crore. The French manufacturer of renowned brands like Chivas, Ballantines, Blenders Pride, and Royal Stag, among others, has a significant presence in India, with two distilleries and 29 bottling plants. However, the proposed plant will be the companys largest and most state-of-the-art facility in this part of the world, with the capacity to create more than 1,000 jobs. 2023 also saw development in MIHAN with the launch of some new projects. Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, opened its new state-of-the-art development center (DC) at MIHAN-SEZ. Spread across 265,000 sq.ft., Infosys has invested over Rs 230 crore in the facility, which will provide greater flexibility for employees to work in a hybrid mode and enable reskilling and upskilling of local talent.

Airbus Helicopters and Indamer have joined hands to provide cutting-edge after market services for helicopters in India, significantly boosting the development of the rotary-wing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem in the country. Under authorization from Airbus Helicopters, Indamer will provide MRO services for Airbus helicopters at its facilities in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Nagpur. The MIHAN facility was inaugurated by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. While the journey towards the region's industrial prosperity is long, the green shoots of growth witnessed in 2023 are a welcome sign. With continued focus on infrastructure, and policy support, the region is on the cusp of an industrial transformation, promising a brighter future for its people and businesses.
Vigilant, quick thinking authorities keep crime in check in the year gone by





By Ashish Rajput

Jabalpur police remained on toes to curb organised crime in the district and succeeded in solving the heinous and sensitive crime cases in record time during the year 2023. Police have registered a significant growth in conviction rate in sensitive crime cases as conviction rate of district was 85.7 percent against previous year rate of 74.1 percent. Conviction in sensitive crime cases includes one death penalty, 23 lifetime imprisonment, two conviction of 20-years imprisonment and three others. Compliance with the directions of Chief Minister and Madhya Pradesh Police Headquarters, Jabalpur police have identified total 70 habitual criminals for cancelling their bail applications in courts to put-up check on their anti-social activities while police have started a special campaign against trading and transportation of narcotic substances and seized narcotic substances amounting to Rs 2.64 crores, arrested total 102 accused in total 102 cases and seized 15 two-wheelers and 5 four-wheeler and other heavy vehicles this year. Police have disposed-off total 1397 kg Ganja, 1.12 kg Smack, 210-grams Opium and 2.90-kg Poppy Husk on the occasion of Drugs Destruction Day, on July 16.

Jabalpur police have registered total 13,112 crime cases against previous year cases upto 15,420. The numbers of murders were reduced to 66 against total 81 murders previous year. Total 73 attempting murder cases were registered against the numbers of 108 attempting murder cases previous year. Number of loot incidents also reduced from 57 to 31 during the year and theft cases were reduced with 388 against 502 cases previous year. Number of vehicle lifting cases increased upto 710 against 693 previous year cases. Numbers of rape cases were also reduced from 262 to 209 this year. Abduction cases were reported upto 517 against 581 cases registered previous year. Similarly, total 288 eve teasing cases were reported against previous year complaints upto 416 while police have registered total 335 house breaking cases against previous year cases of 429 house breaking and total 257 theft cases reported against 388 cases previous year. Police have registered total 1170 cases of Arms Act against total 923 cases previous year while numbers of NDPS Act cases increased from 66 to 73 this year and total 6538 cases of Excise Act were reported in comparison to 5712 cases previous year. Record numbers of 86,994 cases of Motor Vehicle Act were registered against 72,040 cases previous year.

Similarly, police have registered total 253 cases of Prevention Act against 217 cases previous year while total 4630 cases of Cr.P.C, total 30743 cases of 107/16 were registered and total 48 habitual criminals were apprehended under National Security Act. The year will also be remembered for special campaign against land mafia as the combine team of police, administration and civic authorities razed dozens of encroachments belong to criminals and land mafia on Government lands at different parts of the city and freed precious government land amounting in crores of rupees. District police succeeded in maintaining law and order arrangements during State Assembly Elections 2023 as no major crime case or nuisance was reported during polling and votes counting process. Law and order arrangements were also maintained during celebrations of festivals and communal harmony was maintained during religious celebrations.
Simplicity Solutions LLC trimmed its stake in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP  Free Report) by 17.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 12,567 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 2,626 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $1,875,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Zullo Investment Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 2.4% during the second quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 2,589 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $451,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Accurate Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 4.1% during the second quarter. Accurate Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,588 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $275,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 3.1% during the second quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,112 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $368,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in American Express by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC now owns 3,549 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $618,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lafayette Investments Inc. lifted its stake in American Express by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Lafayette Investments Inc. now owns 1,589 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. 83.08% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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American Express Stock Performance

AXP opened at $187.34 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $136.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.23. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $165.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $163.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. American Express has a 12-month low of $140.91 and a 12-month high of $188.30.

American Express Announces Dividend

American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by $0.34. The firm had revenue of $15.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.36 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 30.60% and a net margin of 13.61%. The companys revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.47 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that American Express will post 11.22 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.28%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is currently 22.51%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently issued reports on AXP. TD Cowen began coverage on American Express in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. They issued a market perform rating and a $158.00 price objective for the company. Monness Crespi & Hardt began coverage on American Express in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Bank of America reduced their price objective on American Express from $203.00 to $202.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on American Express from $194.00 to $188.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on American Express from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $171.78.

Read Our Latest Research Report on American Express

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III acquired 1,000 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was bought at an average price of $143.93 per share, for a total transaction of $143,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $287,860. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III bought 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $143.93 per share, for a total transaction of $143,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $287,860. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total value of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

American Express Company 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.

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Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with embassy employees who were declared as "persona non grata" by France without any stated reason.

Jeyhun Bayramov thanked the embassy staff for their fruitful diplomatic service.

He noted that France's unfounded decision represents another setback to the current bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and France.

The minister highlighted that the source of tension in bilateral relations lies with the biased stance adopted by France towards Azerbaijan.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov wished the embassy employees success in their future diplomatic activities.
In his New Year message, Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged that the country had faced a 'tough' year in 2023 - Ju Peng/Xinhua

Xi Jinping has admitted people are struggling to find jobs and meet basic needs in China as fresh data pointed to a continued slowdown at factories and in the housing market.

In a rare admission of economic weakness made in his New Year message, the Chinese President acknowledged that businesses had faced a tough year in 2023, adding that some people had difficulty finding jobs and meeting basic needs.

His comments came amid further signs of economic slowdown on Sunday as new data showed Chinas factory activity had contracted to its weakest level in six months.

The official purchasing managers index (PMI) for manufacturing declined to 49 in December, down from 49.4 in November, to reach its lowest level since June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Any score of below 50 indicates a contraction in economic activity. Kelvin Lam at Pantheon Macroeconomics said Chinese manufacturing continues to flounder despite Beijings efforts to prop up the economy.

The impact of the recent fiscal stimulus is yet to be felt in the economy, he said, noting that reconstruction efforts in regions hit by natural disasters have been slowed by harsh winter weather.

Meanwhile, a fall in new home sales also accelerated in December. The value of new homes sold by the countrys hundred biggest property companies fell by almost 35pc from a year earlier to 451.3bn yuan (50bn).

Sales for 2023 as a whole were 16.5pc lower than in 2022  a more severe fall than earlier forecasts of 15pc.

In his televised address on Sunday, President Xi said the Chinese governments plans were aimed at delivering a better life for the people.

He added: Our children should be well taken care of and receive good education, our young people should have the opportunities to pursue their career and succeed, and our elderly people should have adequate access to medical services and elderly care.

Youth unemployment in China rocketed to a record 21.3pc in June 2023. Beijing stopped publishing data on the youth jobless rate after the record was reached.

Story continues

China has rolled out a number of stimulus packages in a bid to revive its ailing economy, which has struggled in the aftermath of the pandemic.

However, a crisis in the property industry and surging local government debts have hampered recovery.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe Chinas GDP grew by 5.3pc in 2023 but expect growth to slow to 4.8pc in 2024 before worsening steadily each year to 4pc in 2026.

This is an underwhelming rate by the standards of Chinas recent history or by comparison with India, which is expected to grow by well over 6pc each year for the foreseeable future.

President Xi said: We will consolidate and strengthen the momentum of economic recovery, and work to achieve steady and long-term economic development.

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Ballentine Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,318 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 298 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLCs holdings in Carrier Global were worth $404,000 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 the business. Pacific Global Investment Management Co. increased its stake in Carrier Global by 12.3% during the 2nd quarter. Pacific Global Investment Management Co. now owns 31,828 shares of the companys stock worth $1,582,000 after buying an additional 3,481 shares in the last quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Carrier Global during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $314,000. FORVIS Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Carrier Global by 42.8% during the 2nd quarter. FORVIS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 18,653 shares of the companys stock worth $927,000 after buying an additional 5,593 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors increased its stake in Carrier Global by 11.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 80,757,252 shares of the companys stock worth $4,014,427,000 after buying an additional 7,996,941 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prospera Financial Services Inc increased its stake in Carrier Global by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 15,694 shares of the companys stock worth $780,000 after buying an additional 308 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.47% of the companys stock.

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Carrier Global Stock Down 0.3 %

NYSE:CARR opened at $57.45 on Friday. Carrier Global Co. has a 52 week low of $40.28 and a 52 week high of $60.04. The stocks fifty day moving average is $52.92 and its two-hundred day moving average is $53.45. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.41.

Carrier Global Increases Dividend

Carrier Global ( NYSE:CARR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.11. Carrier Global had a return on equity of 26.60% and a net margin of 5.43%. The business had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.89 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.70 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Carrier Global Co. will post 2.71 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be issued a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. This is a positive change from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is 53.90%.

Insider Activity at Carrier Global

In related news, VP Ajay Agrawal sold 16,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.99, for a total value of $956,835.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 89,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,214,460.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have commented on CARR shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Carrier Global from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Bank of America cut Carrier Global from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $62.00 to $55.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Oppenheimer lowered their target price on Carrier Global from $60.00 to $58.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Citigroup boosted their target price on Carrier Global from $52.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, Wolfe Research cut Carrier Global from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $56.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Carrier Global has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $58.40.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Carrier Global

Carrier Global Company Profile

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies worldwide. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security. The HVAC segment provides products, controls, services, and solutions to meet the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of residential and commercial customers.

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Bremer Bank National Association raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 26.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,257 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,587 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 1.8% of Bremer Bank National Associations investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position. Bremer Bank National Associations holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $9,269,000 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. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,878,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,888,300,000 after buying an additional 642,274 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew 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 worth $8,938,609,000 after purchasing an additional 19,056,108 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,205,501 shares of the companys stock worth $7,111,568,000 after purchasing an additional 338,077 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew 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 in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,416,206,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.38% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the 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 legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total 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. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.4 %

LLY stock opened at $582.92 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $553.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 105.60, a PEG ratio of 3.55 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. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The business has a fifty day moving average of $585.14 and a 200-day moving average of $540.91.

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 for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The company had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to 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%. As a group, equities research 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. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 81.88%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on LLY. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a report on Friday, October 6th. Argus lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a $710.00 price objective (up previously from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, TheStreet lowered Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. One investment 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 currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $583.24.

View Our Latest Report on LLY

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Ballast Advisors LLC cut its holdings in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 11.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,013 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 895 shares during the period. Ballast Advisors LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $1,182,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Heritage Financial Services LLC lifted its holdings in Chevron by 3.8% in the third quarter. Heritage Financial Services LLC now owns 2,034 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $343,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Consolidated Investment Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chevron by 12.0% in the 3rd quarter. Consolidated Investment Group LLC now owns 16,800 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,832,000 after acquiring an additional 1,800 shares during the period. Birch Hill Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 3.0% in the third quarter. Birch Hill Investment Advisors LLC now owns 16,567 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,794,000 after acquiring an additional 485 shares in the last quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Chevron by 10.2% during the third quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,736 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $799,000 after acquiring an additional 437 shares during the period. Finally, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Chevron by 1.1% during the third quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 891,107 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $150,258,000 after purchasing an additional 9,699 shares in the last quarter. 68.87% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Chevron Price Performance

Shares of CVX opened at $149.16 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $146.87 and its 200-day moving average is $156.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The company has a market capitalization of $281.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.07, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.11. Chevron Co. has a fifty-two week low of $140.72 and a fifty-two week high of $187.81.

Chevron Announces Dividend

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 company had revenue of $54.08 billion during 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% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $5.56 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Chevron Co. will post 13.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.05%. Chevrons payout ratio is 44.84%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently commented on CVX shares. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Chevron from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and cut their price target for the company from $184.00 to $182.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Chevron from $200.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $190.00 to $200.00 in a report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $180.00 price target on shares of Chevron in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.50.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CVX

Chevron Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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National Health Investors (NYSE:NHI  Get Free Report) and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:NWHUF  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends and analyst recommendations.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

62.1% of National Health Investors shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 15.5% of NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 7.3% of National Health Investors shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares National Health Investors and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets National Health Investors 33.90% 8.25% 4.20% NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score National Health Investors 0 6 0 0 2.00 NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust 0 1 0 0 2.00

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for National Health Investors and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, as provided by MarketBeat.

National Health Investors presently has a consensus price target of $53.86, suggesting a potential downside of 3.57%. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust has a consensus price target of $13.38, suggesting a potential upside of 244.72%. Given NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trusts higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is more favorable than National Health Investors.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares National Health Investors and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trusts gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio National Health Investors $278.19 million 8.72 $66.40 million $2.43 22.98 NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A ($0.56) -6.94

National Health Investors has higher revenue and earnings than NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than National Health Investors, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dividends

National Health Investors pays an annual dividend of $3.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.4%. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.87 per share and has a dividend yield of 22.3%. National Health Investors pays out 148.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust pays out -155.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Summary

National Health Investors beats NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About National Health Investors

(Get Free Report)

Incorporated in 1991, National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE:NHI) is a real estate investment trust specializing in sale, leasebacks, joint-ventures, senior housing operating partnerships, and mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical investments. NHI's portfolio consists of independent living, assisted living and memory care communities, entrance-fee retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, and specialty hospitals.

About NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

(Get Free Report)

Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: NWH.UN) (Northwest) is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT provides investors with access to a portfolio of high-quality international healthcare real estate infrastructure comprised as at September 30, 2023, of interests in a diversified portfolio of 229 income-producing properties and 18.2 million square feet of gross leasable area located throughout major markets in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The REIT's portfolio of medical office buildings, clinics, and hospitals is characterized by long-term indexed leases and stable occupancies. With a fully integrated and aligned senior management team, the REIT leverages over 300 professionals in ten offices in eight countries to serve as a long-term real estate partner to leading healthcare operators.

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Denali Advisors LLC lowered its stake in Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE:LPG  Free Report) by 94.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 4,700 shares of the shipping companys stock after selling 73,600 shares during the quarter. Denali Advisors LLCs holdings in Dorian LPG were worth $135,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Dorian LPG by 8.2% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,263,675 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $71,427,000 after buying an additional 400,804 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of Dorian LPG by 11.8% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,240,874 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $64,622,000 after acquiring an additional 341,453 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its stake in shares of Dorian LPG by 364.5% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 367,400 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $7,326,000 after acquiring an additional 288,300 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Dorian LPG by 549.5% during the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 319,025 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $4,849,000 after purchasing an additional 269,906 shares during the period. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dorian LPG in the third quarter worth about $3,435,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.01% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

LPG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $37.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Pareto Securities upgraded Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $27.00 to $35.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Dorian LPG from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 21st. 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.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.58.

Insider Activity at Dorian LPG

In other Dorian LPG news, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.61, for a total transaction of $940,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 186,866 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,028,030.26. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Dorian LPG news, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.61, for a total value of $940,250.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 186,866 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,028,030.26. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Christina Tan sold 5,629 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.50, for a total value of $250,490.50. Following the transaction, the director now owns 4,371 shares of the companys stock, valued at $194,509.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 69,129 shares of company stock valued at $2,755,736 in the last three months. Company insiders own 15.90% of the companys stock.

Dorian LPG Stock Down 0.9 %

LPG stock opened at $43.87 on Friday. Dorian LPG Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $15.81 and a fifty-two week high of $47.19. The company has a market capitalization of $1.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.93 and a beta of 1.22. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $39.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $31.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.61 and a current ratio of 2.63.

Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The shipping company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.73 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $144.70 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $135.02 million. Dorian LPG had a return on equity of 28.85% and a net margin of 51.81%. As a group, analysts forecast that Dorian LPG Ltd. will post 7.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Dorian LPG Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a Variable dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th were paid a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. Dorian LPGs payout ratio is 47.39%.

Dorian LPG Company Profile

(Free Report)

Dorian LPG Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its LPG tankers worldwide. It owns and operates twenty-five very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

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Plimoth Trust Co. LLC trimmed its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Free Report) by 4.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,859 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 189 shares during the period. Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $267,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 98,836.3% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 759,315,387 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $71,626,220,000 after buying an additional 758,547,908 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 0.4% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,053,304 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,551,938,000 after acquiring an additional 108,102 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors raised its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 27,015,032 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,548,023,000 after acquiring an additional 1,255,926 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 20,512,235 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,934,919,000 after acquiring an additional 66,763 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 104,971.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,399,249 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,148,938,000 after purchasing an additional 15,384,593 shares during the period. 79.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Edwards Lifesciences

In related news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total transaction of $454,598.30. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,206,079.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total transaction of $454,598.30. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,206,079.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Catherine M. Szyman sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.68, for a total value of $363,400.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 34,814 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,530,281.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 178,793 shares of company stock valued at $12,609,215 in the last quarter. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance

Shares of EW opened at $76.25 on Friday. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a 52 week low of $60.57 and a 52 week high of $94.87. The company has a current ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The firm has a market cap of $46.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.59, a PEG ratio of 4.60 and a beta of 1.01. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $69.26 and a 200-day moving average of $76.53.

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.59. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 24.54% and a net margin of 24.59%. The company had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.48 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.61 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.51 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on EW shares. StockNews.com downgraded Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 16th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $86.00 to $82.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Citigroup lowered shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Oppenheimer upgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $90.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. Finally, Leerink Partnrs reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.94.

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About Edwards Lifesciences

(Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases.

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Financial & Tax Architects LLC raised its holdings in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 32,303 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 1,350 shares during the quarter. Chevron makes up approximately 1.7% of Financial & Tax Architects LLCs holdings, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Financial & Tax Architects LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $5,447,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dechtman Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chevron in the 2nd quarter worth $648,000. Tsfg LLC raised its holdings in shares of Chevron by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 3,473 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $586,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chevron by 13.1% in the 2nd quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,255,000 after purchasing an additional 1,661 shares in the last quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA grew its holdings in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 9,477 shares during the period. Finally, Kooman & Associates increased 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 purchasing an additional 158 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Chevron Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $149.16 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $281.58 billion, a PE ratio of 11.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $146.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $156.22. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Chevron Co. has a 12-month low of $140.72 and a 12-month high of $187.81.

Chevron Announces Dividend

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.70 by ($0.65). The company had revenue of $54.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $51.41 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 12.11%. Chevrons revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.56 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Chevron Co. will post 13.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were given a $1.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.05%. Chevrons payout ratio is 44.84%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. BNP Paribas raised shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $190.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 14th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com started coverage on Chevron in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Chevron from $203.00 to $201.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $186.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CVX

Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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Golden State Equity Partners trimmed its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,210 shares of the companys stock after selling 96 shares during the quarter. Golden State Equity Partners holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,187,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cassia Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% in the third quarter. Cassia Capital Partners LLC now owns 951 shares of the companys stock valued at $511,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the third quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 621 shares of the companys stock valued at $334,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. Benchmark Financial Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake 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 last quarter. Investment Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Douglas Lane & Associates LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% in the third quarter. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC now owns 3,428 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,841,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Eli Lilly and Company

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 transaction 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 approximately $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the 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 transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the 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 transaction, the chief accounting officer now 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 Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $582.92 on Friday. 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 $553.37 billion, a PE ratio of 105.60, a PEG ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 0.33. The business has a 50 day moving average of $585.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $540.91. 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 results 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 during 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%. As a group, analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The firm 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 dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.89%. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 81.88%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

LLY has been the topic of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 price target on the stock. TheStreet lowered Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Bank of America boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $583.24.

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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.

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Handelsbanken Fonder AB cut its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 4.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 53,612 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 2,349 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder ABs holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $9,599,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BR. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2.1% during the second quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 2,945 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $488,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.7% during the second quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 9,137 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,513,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 56.4% during the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 183 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Legacy Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.9% during the second quarter. Legacy Advisors LLC now owns 8,037 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,331,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the period. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 5.5% during the second quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 1,459 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $242,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the period. 89.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, President Christopher John Perry sold 2,722 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.01, for a total transaction of $544,427.22. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 58,831 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,766,788.31. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, President Christopher John Perry sold 2,722 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.01, for a total transaction of $544,427.22. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 58,831 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,766,788.31. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, VP Laura Matlin sold 4,090 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $189.49, for a total transaction of $775,014.10. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 6,481 shares in the company, valued at $1,228,084.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 42,909 shares of company stock valued at $8,003,375. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Performance

NYSE:BR opened at $205.75 on Friday. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 12-month low of $132.43 and a 12-month high of $207.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.21 billion, a PE ratio of 36.55 and a beta of 0.99. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $186.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $179.05.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The business services provider reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.15. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.81% and a return on equity of 42.48%. The firm had revenue of $1.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.37 billion. Research analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.80 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.56%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio is 56.84%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on BR shares. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com raised shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $226.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $190.00 to $212.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Broadridge Financial Solutions has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $185.57.

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Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

Further Reading

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Lake Street Financial LLC reduced its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 8.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 16,438 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 1,438 shares during the period. Lake Street Financial LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $956,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Westshore Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.3% in the first quarter. Westshore Wealth LLC now owns 3,658 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $254,000 after buying an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Stolper Co lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Stolper Co now owns 26,050 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,666,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. Brown Shipley& Co Ltd boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Brown Shipley& Co Ltd now owns 9,161 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 164 shares during the last quarter. Cherry Creek Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cherry Creek Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 28,274 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,808,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.0% in the second quarter. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. now owns 17,472 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,117,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $51.31 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $51.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $57.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The company has a market capitalization of $104.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.02, a P/E/G ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.34. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $48.25 and a 1-year high of $75.18.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The business had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.99 EPS. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.53 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This is an increase from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is 57.87%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback plan on Thursday, December 7th that allows the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the biopharmaceutical company to purchase up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently commented on BMY shares. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. TheStreet cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $55.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $56.00 to $50.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $84.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, October 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.88.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Bristol-Myers Squibb

Insider Transactions at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In related news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,115,412.16. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,115,412.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner bought 3,071 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $48.86 per share, with a total value of $150,049.06. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders acquired 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Further Reading

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Looking to ring in the new year with some shopping? Well you are in luck.

Unlike Christmas, many malls and retailers plan to stay open on Jan. 1.

For the first day of 2024, here is all the information on store closings and hours in Delaware.

Is the Christiana Mall open on New Year's Day?

The full parking lot is featured on Black Friday at the Christiana Mall in Christiana, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

The Christiana Mall with be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1, according to their website.

Is the Dover Mall open on New Year's Day?

The Dover Mall will be open on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to their website.

Is Boscov's open on New Year's Day?

In April 2020, Boscov's and virtually the rest of the Concord Mall was closed down during the coronavirus crisis. The mall is getting new tenants including Rasa Sayang Malaysian restaurant.

Most Boscov's stores are open on New Year's Day, with the Concord Mall location open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1. Locations in Delaware can be found at https://locations.boscovs.com/de.html.

Is the Concord Mall open on New Year's Day?

The Concord Mall will be open on New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Is Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach open on New Year's Day?

About 30 shoppers waited to enter Under Armour, at Tanger Outlets Bayside in Rehoboth Beach, around 9:30 a.m. on Black Friday.

The Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on New Years, according to their website.

Is Walmart open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Jan. 1, the company told USA TODAY.

Is Target open on New Year's Day?

Target stores will be open their regular hours on New Year's Day, however store hours vary by location. You can find your local store's specific hours here.

Are Costco or Sam's Club open on New Year's Day?

Both Costco and Sam's Club warehouses will be closed on Jan. 1, 2024.

Are Home Depot, Lowe's or Ace Hardware open on New Year's Day?

Home Depot stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 1, while Lowe's stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ace Hardware stores are individually owned and operated, so hours vary by location, however most stores will be closed on New Year's Day.

Are TJ Maxx, Marshall's and HomeGoods open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all three stores will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Story continues

Are JCPenney or Macy's open on New Year's Day?

Yes, JCPenney stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. while Macy's stores will be open their regular hours.

Are Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic open on New Year's Day?

All locations for Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic vary by location. Customers are encouraged to contact their local store for specific hours of operation.

Is Kohl's open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Kohl's stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Is Barnes & Noble open on New Year's Day?

Barnes & Noble bookstores will be open their regular hours on New Year's Day.

Will Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop be open on New Year's Day?

Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Some store hours may vary by location, so checking with the specific store is always the best policy.

Will pet stores, like PetSmart and Petco, be open on New Year's Day?

Yes, both stores will be open on Jan. 1.

Petco stores will open at 10 a.m. and close at their regular time, according to the company. Store hours may vary by location.

PetSmart stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stores open on New Year's Day

All stores listed below will be open on Jan. 1. Hours are listed for the companies that provided them.

Burlington

Five Below: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Victoria's Secret

IKEA

REI: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Belk: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

H&M

Office Depot and OfficeMax: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Staples

Sephora

Ulta

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What Delaware stores are open on New Year's Day?
Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigt increased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Free Report) by 63.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,440 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,900 shares during the quarter. Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigts holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $515,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 11.4% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,181 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,081,000 after purchasing an additional 941 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. grew its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 34.7% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,738 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $204,000 after acquiring an additional 448 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 18.2% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,223 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $144,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. raised its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 53.5% in the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 7,182 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $846,000 after acquiring an additional 2,503 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 3.1% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 655,567 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $77,173,000 after purchasing an additional 19,798 shares in the last quarter. 79.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Edwards Lifesciences Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE EW opened at $76.25 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.45, a current ratio of 3.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a twelve month low of $60.57 and a twelve month high of $94.87. The companys fifty day moving average is $69.26 and its 200-day moving average is $76.53. The stock has a market cap of $46.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.59, a P/E/G ratio of 4.60 and a beta of 1.01.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.59. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 24.54% and a net margin of 24.59%. The firm had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.48 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.61 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.51 EPS for the current year.

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Mizuho lowered their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Leerink Partnrs restated a market perform rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $87.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $83.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $81.94.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on EW

Insider Activity at Edwards Lifesciences

In other Edwards Lifesciences news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total value of $454,598.30. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,206,079.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total transaction of $454,598.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,206,079.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Catherine M. Szyman sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.68, for a total value of $363,400.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 34,814 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,530,281.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 178,793 shares of company stock worth $12,609,215. 1.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Edwards Lifesciences Profile

(Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases.

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Mountain Pacific Investment Advisers Inc. ID raised its position in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 22.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,745 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 869 shares during the quarter. Mountain Pacific Investment Advisers Inc. IDs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $488,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MRK. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 102,675.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,860,147,936 shares of the companys stock worth $214,642,470,000 after purchasing an additional 1,858,338,022 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 103,159.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 39,327,490 shares of the companys stock worth $4,363,385,000 after acquiring an additional 39,289,404 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Merck & Co., Inc. in the 4th quarter worth about $2,736,293,000. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in Merck & Co., Inc. in the 2nd quarter worth about $740,061,000. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 2,671.4% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 5,099,334 shares of the companys stock worth $418,400,000 after acquiring an additional 4,915,334 shares in the last quarter. 74.59% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Merck & Co., Inc. news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $4,602,729.69. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 111,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,738,572.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,862,394.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Merck & Co., Inc. Price Performance

Shares of MRK opened at $109.02 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $276.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.22 and a beta of 0.34. Merck & Co., Inc. has a twelve month low of $96.36 and a twelve month high of $119.65. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The company has a 50 day moving average of $104.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of $106.42.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.30 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 18.26%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.85 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.83%. This is a boost from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 171.11%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MRK has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. UBS Group upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $117.00 to $122.00 in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. TheStreet upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Monday, November 27th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.14.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Merck & Co., Inc.

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.

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Signet Investment Advisory Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 102,067 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,260 shares during the quarter. Pfizer accounts for 2.3% of Signet Investment Advisory Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Signet Investment Advisory Group Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $3,386,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter worth approximately $10,304,000. Fulton Bank N.A. grew its holdings in Pfizer by 4.7% during the 3rd quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 176,239 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $5,846,000 after acquiring an additional 7,991 shares in the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,072,000. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 2nd quarter valued at $220,000. Finally, Atlas Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 2nd quarter worth $273,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Scott Gottlieb purchased 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $26.47 per share, for a total transaction of $79,410.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $238,230. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock.

Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of Pfizer stock opened at $28.79 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $162.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer Inc. has a 52-week low of $25.76 and a 52-week high of $51.60. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $29.43 and its 200-day simple moving average is $33.29. 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 released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by $0.15. The company 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%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 25th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.84%. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 89.62%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently commented on PFE. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Monday, December 18th. UBS Group cut their target price on Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $38.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $39.00 to $37.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $40.35.

Get Our Latest Report on PFE

Pfizer Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Tesco PLC (LON:TSCO  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 217.53 ($2.76) and last traded at GBX 289 ($3.67), with a volume of 7184021 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 289.20 ($3.67).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on TSCO. Barclays upped their target price on Tesco from GBX 325 ($4.13) to GBX 335 ($4.26) and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Tesco from GBX 250 ($3.18) to GBX 240 ($3.05) and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 5th.

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Read Our Latest Report on Tesco

Tesco Stock Up 0.5 %

Tesco Cuts Dividend

The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 129.69. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 281 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 267.33. The stock has a market cap of 20.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,452.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.58.

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were paid a GBX 3.85 ($0.05) dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a yield of 1.48%. Tescos dividend payout ratio is 5,500.00%.

About Tesco

(Get Free Report)

Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It offers grocery products through its stores, as well as online. The company is also involved in the food and drink wholesaling activities.

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Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC lowered its position in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Free Report) by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 5,331 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 276 shares during the period. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLCs holdings in Unum Group were worth $262,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Unum Group by 3.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 23,681,485 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $746,204,000 after acquiring an additional 836,407 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Unum Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $426,463,000. State Street Corp grew its position in Unum Group by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,106,074 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $241,749,000 after buying an additional 166,022 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in Unum Group by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,680,940 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $223,281,000 after buying an additional 140,523 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in Unum Group by 39.0% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,481,641 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $136,167,000 after buying an additional 977,334 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.37% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Unum Group

In other news, EVP Puneet Bhasin sold 8,188 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.39, for a total value of $347,089.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 54,318 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,302,540.02. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.94% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

UNM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Unum Group from $54.00 to $53.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Unum Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of Unum Group from $59.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Unum Group from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $54.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Unum Group

Unum Group Price Performance

UNM stock opened at $45.22 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Unum Group has a one year low of $36.27 and a one year high of $52.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.82 billion, a PE ratio of 7.31, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.98. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $44.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $47.09.

Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.94 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.92 by $0.02. Unum Group had a net margin of 10.07% and a return on equity of 15.54%. The company had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.11 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.51 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Unum Group will post 7.73 earnings per share for the current year.

Unum Group declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, October 31st that permits the company to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the financial services provider to buy up to 5.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Unum Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 27th were paid a dividend of $0.365 per share. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.23%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 26th. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 23.59%.

Unum Group Profile

(Free Report)

Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products.

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Simplicity Solutions LLC increased its stake in shares of VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA:GDXJ  Free Report) by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 59,681 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 3,951 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLC owned 0.06% of VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF worth $1,924,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its holdings in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 5.1% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 113,324 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,041,000 after acquiring an additional 5,548 shares during the last quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC raised its holdings in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC now owns 9,774 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $349,000 after acquiring an additional 359 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 484,992 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $17,295,000 after acquiring an additional 24,078 shares during the last quarter. Oxbow Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $267,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC raised its holdings in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 21.1% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 1,567,873 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $61,931,000 after acquiring an additional 272,830 shares during the last quarter.

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VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF Trading Down 0.8 %

GDXJ stock opened at $37.91 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $4.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.96 and a beta of 1.06. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF has a 12 month low of $30.46 and a 12 month high of $43.89. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $36.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $35.45.

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF Company Profile

Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (the Fund) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners Index (the Index). The Index provides exposure to a global universe of publicly traded small- and medium-capitalization companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold and/or silver mining, hold real property that has the potential to produce at least 50% of the Companys revenue from gold or silver mining when developed, or primarily invest in gold or silver.

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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 firm, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $89.58.

Several research analysts have issued reports on WEC shares. KeyCorp cut their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $102.00 to $94.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Guggenheim cut their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $94.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH started coverage on WEC Energy Group in a research report on Monday, September 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $85.00 price objective for the company. Mizuho cut their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $88.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $91.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on WEC Energy Group

WEC Energy Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE WEC opened at $84.17 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.42. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $82.67 and a 200 day moving average price of $85.05. WEC Energy Group has a 1-year low of $75.47 and a 1-year high of $99.26. The company has a market cap of $26.55 billion, a PE ratio of 19.44, a P/E/G ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 0.43.

WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.09. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 11.48% and a net margin of 14.80%. The firm had revenue of $1.96 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.03 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.96 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast 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 given a dividend of $0.835 per share. This represents a $3.34 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.97%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. This is a boost from WEC Energy Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 72.06%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 600 shares of WEC Energy Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.46, for a total transaction of $50,076.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 20,933 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,747,068.18. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of WEC Energy Group

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WEC. Quilter Plc purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $234,348,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. First Manhattan Co. grew 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 buying an additional 153 shares during the period. Finally, Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA purchased 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.

About WEC Energy Group

(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.

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Whether you need to do your weekly grocery shopping or just need to grab some things to nurse your hangover, consumers will have plenty of shopping options on New Year's Day.

While wholesalers like Costco and Sam's Club will be closed on Jan. 1, other major grocery chains, like Walmart and Kroger, will be open regular hours. Other chains, like Trader Joe's and Aldi, will also be closed on New Year's Day.

Some companies' store hours vary by location, so it is always best to check with your local store for their specific holiday hours before leaving home.

Here's everything you need to know about which grocery stores will be open and closed on New Year's Day 2024 and their hours.

Is Walmart open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Jan. 1, the company told USA TODAY.

Are Costco or Sam's Club open on New Year's Day?

No. Both Costco and Sam's Club warehouses will be closed on Jan. 1, 2024.

Is BJ's Wholesale Club open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all BJ's clubs will be open on New Year's Day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the website.

Is Target open on New Year's Day?

Most Target stores will be open their regular hours on New Year's Day, however store hours vary by location. You can find your local store's specific hours here.

Shoppers browse the aisles at the grand opening of Delaware's first Wegmans at the Barley Mill Plaza in Greenville, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022.

Is Food Lion open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all Food Lion stores will be open on New Year's Day, most from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Find your local store here.

Is Acme open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Acme Markets are open New Year's Day, most from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but check your local store here. Most stores close New Year's Eve at 8 p.m.

Is ShopRite open on New Year's Day?

Yes, ShopRite grocery stores are open New Year's Day, most from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but check your local store here.

Are Super G and IGA open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Super G and IGA markets are open New Year's Day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Most stores close New Year's Eve at 8 p.m. Check your local store here.

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Is Giant open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all Giant supermarkets are open New Year's Day, most from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and some until 11 p.m. On New Year's Eve, some stores close at 9 p.m. Check your local store here.

Is Aldi open on New Year's Day?

No. All Aldi stores will be closed on Jan. 1, according to the company's website, and stores close New Year's Eve at 7 p.m.

Is Lidl open on New Year's Day?

No. All Lidl stores will be closed on New Year's Day, the company told USA TODAY.

Is Wegmans open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Wegmans is open New Year's Day from 6 a.m. to midnight, but the Wilmington-area store in Greenville closes New Year's Eve at 8 p.m.

Is Redner's open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Redner's Markets are open New Year's Day, most from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most stores close New Year's Eve at 9 p.m. Check your local store here.

Is Trader Joe's open on New Year's Day?

No. All Trader Joe's stores will be closed on Jan. 1, according to the company's website.

Is Whole Foods open on New Year's Day?

Whole Foods stores will be open limited hours on New Year's Day. You can find your local store and its specific hours here.

Is Kroger open on New Year's Day?

All stores in the Kroger family of companies will be open on New Year's Day.

The Kroger family of stores includes: Bakers, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Frys, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Marianos, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pickn Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, Smiths Food and Drug.

Is Publix open on New Year's Day?

Yes, however store hours vary on New Year's Day. You can find your local Publix store and its specific hours here.

Is Meijer open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Meijer stores will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 1, the company told USA TODAY.

Are CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid open on New Year's Day?

Many CVS stores will be open regular hours over the holidays, however some stores may be closed or have reduced hours. Check with your local pharmacy for their specific holiday hours. You can find your local CVS pharmacy using the company's store locator.

Walgreens and Rite Aid stores will be open their regular hours on Jan. 1.

What's open New Year's Day 2024? See hours for Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Macy's, more

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Most supermarkets are open New Year's Day. See your store's hours
The year 2023 has been traumatic, chaotic and tragic. It is a year that may not likely be hurriedly forgotten in our memories. This is because the year started on a hard note with naira scarcity, and also ending on a harder note with mindless killings.

I write this in lieu of the Plateau massacre. Perhaps it is no longer news that some yet-to-be identified gunmen unleashed brutal attacks on communities in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local government areas of Plateau State. At the last count, 195 innocent villagers were gruesomely killed barely few hours to sacred Christmas celebration. I reliably learnt that more than 1, 290 houses were burnt down during the coordinated banditry attacks. Lives were lost. Properties were destroyed. Many were severely injured. Over 10,000 persons have been displaced. Older people were dehumanized. The younger ones were traumatized. This is sad tale to tell at end of the year.

While the incident is deeply painful to bear, it is even more worrisome that a week after these unwarranted attacks, our gallant security agencies are yet to make any arrest. No one has been apprehended. It has just become a normal trend. After terrorist attacks, what we get from government and its security agencies are statements condemning the attacks, and sometimes high-powered ceremonial visits to the ravaged communities just as we've seen during this administration. Until another attack is unleashed, we may not hear anything again. That is sad. More sad when victims of Kaduna military airstrikes are still mourning their loved ones.

Besides Plateau attacks, there is growing insecurity in different parts of the country. Just recently a RCCG Pastor along with three others was killed as bandits attacked Abuja, Niger communities. This was even as the attackers abducted 39 residents. A breakdown revealed that 13 people were abducted in Garam town in Niger state, while 18 residents were kidnapped in Kuduru town Abuja. In Azu community in Niger State, bandits invaded, killed three persons and abducted eight others. Anambra, Zamfara and Katsina States have also been a centre of horrific killing of innocent people by armed men. Killings and kidnappings are now on the high scale. As a matter of fact, reports showed that no fewer than 6,645 HUMAN LIVES were lost to violence and various forms of insecurity across the country in 2023. This bloodbath is too much. Nigeria is not at war!

The above is a clear picture that the insecurity in the country is getting worse. But, something drastic must be done to stop these ugly tragedies. Even though we have seen reactions and threats from the security agencies, yet they need to seriously walk the talk. Even as this writer is aware of the gallant efforts of our troops to get rid of these callous non-state actors, it is expedite to charge them to put more efforts. Also, the government must nip the senseless incessant killings in the bud. It is a constitutional responsibility that the government owes its citizenry. If the country cannot be made like heaven, it should at least be a haven for us to live without fear. In my probably next column, I would write on how the government can tackle the prolonged insecurity.

Meanwhile, as the traumatic 2023 bids us goodbye, may the 2024 bring comfort, joy and peace to us. On behalf of my family, I wish us all peaceful and prosperous new year.

 2023. Damilare Adeleye is a social commentator and journalist.
The main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on Nigerians to resist what it called fascism and anti-democratic tendencies it said are being exhibited by President Bola Tinubu-led government.

The PDP, in its new year message, expressed worries at the leadership style of the president which it said is pauperising Nigerians, destroying democracy and institutionalising corruption.

According to Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, Nigerians must rise against the president and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2024.

While congratulating Nigerians for seeing the New Year, the opposition party tasked everyone to pray for the nation and brace up to use every legitimate means to resist all fascist tendencies and defend the nations constitutional democracy from totalitarianism.

The party said the new year offers Nigerians the opportunity to re-invent and assert themselves as a free people under democratic order; set aside every ethnic, religious and political partitioning and join their voices with it in resisting anti-democratic forces seeking to undermine the constitution and the laws, emasculate institutions of democracy and foist a fascist regime on our nation.

It called on Nigerians to say no to anti-democratic actions and policies of the Tinubu-led APC administration which are so far tilted towards the institutionalisation of corruption, crippling of democracy institutions and sabotaging of national productivity which the PDP had earlier alerted is consistent with APCs scheme to weaponize poverty and suppress Nigerians to surrender to totalitarianism.

It argued that, Such assault on democracy institutions including the emasculation of the National Assembly to prevent it from playing its constitutional role of holding the Executive accountable; the compromising of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the appointment of card-carrying APC members as Resident Electoral Commissioners and alleged attempts to also compromise the Judiciary and anti-corruption agencies are all pointers to emerging totalitarianism.

The party stressed that exhibition of fascist tendencies in the rendition of Tinubus campaign tune amidst proceedings in the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly and recent unconstitutional interference by President Tinubu on political developments on the issues in the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to subsisting Order of Court and clear interpretation of constitutional provision by the Supreme Court further confirm a move towards authoritarianism.

Nigerians and indeed the civil society must speak out against the recklessness and lack of transparency of the APC administration that led to the collapse of the naira; the skewing of the 2024 budget in favour of luxury appetite of the presidency and APC leaders without concrete policies and programmes to revive the economy, create jobs and address the comatose manufacturing and productive sectors.

The former ruling party noted that it is distressing that due to the counter-productive actions and policies of the Tinubu-led APC administration, including the failure to address the comatose infrastructure, major multinational giants that have established in the country for decades including GlaxoSmithKline, Procter & Gamble among others are now leaving in droves with attendant massive loss of jobs and businesses.

The hardship, infrastructural stagnation and uncertainty occasioned by the insensitive and anti-people economic policies of the Tinubu-led APC government have led to serious social dislocation of life and family with negative consequences on our national life, the party said.

The party further argued that it is not the way to go while reassuring that it is determined to lead the charge and using every legitimate means available to protect our nations democracy and constitutional order.

The APC administration must know that the sovereignty and resources of this nation belong to all its people and cannot be appropriated by any individual or group.

Our party again tasks the National Assembly to be on the side of the people by immediately reviewing and adjusting the 2024 budget by cutting all provisions for luxury items and channelling such funds to sectors that have direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.

The party also charges leaders at all levels to use the new year to redouble their efforts in serving and seeking the good of the citizens.

The PDP called on the international community to assist in the sustenance and support for democracy in Nigeria given the huge humanitarian crisis with potential negative consequences on the stability of West Africa, Africa and indeed the world should democracy fail in Nigeria.
the intricate tapestry of Nigeria's challenges, a thorough exploration unveils the interwoven complexities of corruption, militancy, and a leadership crisis. This narrative draws upon insights from a psychologist, Major General Edward Buba's military concerns, and the moral guidance of Bishop Matthew Kukah, transcending surface observations to delve into the essence of Nigeria's socio-psychological fabric and urging a holistic transformation.

This psychologists analysis attempts to uncover the inner undercurrents fueling societal unrest, where threatening and agitating groups like Boko Haram, Yoruba Nation, and IPOB are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues. While the call for leaders to comprehend these dynamics is imperative, it's crucial to emphasize that supporting these threatening groups is not advocated; rather, they are viewed as symptoms of a disturbed society.

Military representative Major General Edward Buba, in his role as Director of Defence Media Operation (DMO), acknowledges major threats but prompts a critical examination of root causes. The military's role extends beyond immediate challenges to understanding the broader landscape that breeds these issues, calling for a nuanced approach beyond military might to address societal factors contributing to unrest.

Bishop Matthew Kukah's moral guidance warns of eroding trust in the government's ability to secure its citizens. His call to reset Nigeria's security architecture transcends religious boundaries, resonating as a collective plea for action and emphasizing the need for a values-driven approach aligned with the nation's moral and spiritual fabric.

Officer Buba's voice adds a specific dimension, acknowledging major threats such as armed banditry and secessionist agitations. This underscores the urgency for leaders to not only understand but also address these challenges at their roots.

As Nigeria confronts these realities, the collective plea emerges: the nation stands at a critical juncture demanding more than surface-level solutions.

In a glaring paradox, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, a beacon of hope for the poor and vulnerable, stands accused of corruption. This ministry, entrusted with the welfare of the people, now finds itself entangled in allegations that underscore a stark contradiction in its mission. I mention this to bring attention to political, law enforcement, and military figures, as well as the broader Nigerian presidency, regarding underlying issues beneath some of the painful threats and insecurities. Such malevolent acts, known to many Nigerians and others, reveal disturbing issues within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, an institution meant to be a beacon of hope for the poor and vulnerable.

Let us delve a bit further to illustrate the disturbing acts within the nation's institutions. The recent arrest and revelations surrounding James Okwete, a contractor linked to the alleged diversion of N37bn COVID-19 School Feeding funds, expose a stark contradiction within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele's alleged operation of 593 illegal accounts in the US, UK, and China, coupled with the illegal lodging of billions in foreign currencies without proper authorization, adds another layer to the crisis. The investigator's report indicates misuse of funds, illegal issuance of currency, and questionable legal fees, revealing a depth of financial misconduct.

This revelation not only stains Nigeria's reputation but also highlights broader governmental corruption issues, shaking the foundations of public trust in institutions. When a ministry meant to uplift the disadvantaged is tainted by corruption, it undermines belief in the government's commitment to citizens' well-being.

The nexus between armed banditry, secessionist agitations, and the broader leadership crisis is evidenta systemic malaise within the country's leadership structure. The Ministry, tasked with disaster relief and social development, faces corruption allegations, betraying its mandate. Simultaneously, alleged financial misconduct involving a former CBN Governor adds another layer to the crisis, revealing a systemic failure. This multifaceted challenge demands a comprehensive response. Addressing armed banditry and secessionist agitations requires tackling the root causethe leadership crisis. The Ministry's alleged mismanagement of funds and Emefiele's questionable financial activities exemplify the erosion of ethical governance, contributing to socio-economic and political challenges.

To address Nigeria's challenges effectively, we must recognize their interconnected nature. Armed banditry and secessionist agitations are symptoms of a deeper crisis, demanding a holistic and sustained effort. Transformative measures, addressing systemic leadership failure, promoting ethical governance, and rebuilding public trust, are crucial for lasting stability.

A society embracing the rule of law, justice, and reduced ethnic and religious divides experiences fewer threats. Commitment to reducing leadership corruption fosters an environment conducive to peace. Pillars like the rule of law, justice, unity, and ethical leadership are fundamental to stability.

Fostering a stronger national identity by reducing ethnic and religious divides is crucial to diminishing the likelihood of agitating groups. The psychologist's analysis and the bishop's guidance converge, urging Nigerian leaders, including military and police, to transcend superficial responses. The call emphasizes understanding the intricate dynamics fostering discontent among the populace.

Unmasking the pervasive grip of corruption, the erosion of trust, and the betrayal of societal foundations, addressing leadership corruption becomes paramount. Corruption's insidious influence undermines the social contract, fracturing the relationship between government and citizens. Championing transparency, accountability, and ethical governance emerges as the antidote, paving the way for a sustainable peace.

These revelations crystallize into a resounding call for systemic transformation. The psychologist's insights into societal dynamics, Major General Buba's military concerns, Bishop Kukah's moral guidance, and the glaring corruption within critical ministries and financial institutions underscore the urgency for a comprehensive approach.

To navigate Nigeria's labyrinthine challenges, we must recognize these governmental malaises as symptoms of a deeper leadership crisis. Shallow solutions and narrow focus on immediate threats fall short. A holistic strategy, addressing the root causes, fortifying ethical governance, and rebuilding public trust, is indispensable for authentic transformation and stability.

In conclusion, unequivocally rejecting support for threatening groups, we acknowledge their symptomatic nature in a distressed society. Nigeria, shadowed by global recognition for corruption and compromised justice, stands at a crossroads. This critical juncture demands a paradigm shift, emphasizing holistic measures that address root causes, fostering unity, transparency, and accountability.

As Nigeria stands on the precipice of change, the imperative is clearsuperficial fixes won't suffice. True transformation necessitates a comprehensive understanding of interconnected factors: socio-psychological intricacies, the pivotal role of the military and police, moral guidance, and the integrity of government institutions. Embracing this all-encompassing perspective, Nigeria can embark on a journey toward enduring stability, resilience, and a future that transcends current challenges.
This Elite B-School's Part-Time MBAs Got A 16% Starting Salary Bump In 2023

Michigan Ross part-time MBAs reported a 16% increase in median starting salary in 2023

From Ann Arbor, Michigan: The Michigan Ross Weekend MBA Program is a premier path to career advancement, according to the newly released employment report data. Among reporting students, 92% indicated that upon graduation, they received promotions or changed job functions. As a result, the median salary for the Class of 2023 jumped from $140,000 to 162,500, a 16% increase. The median signing bonus was steady at $30,000.

Ford Motor Co., McKinsey & Co., IBM, Boston Consulting Group, and PwC rank as the top five companies for Michigan Ross WMBA Class of 2023 graduates. Consulting and manufacturing made up the greatest percentage of jobs (30.5% each), while technology (15.9%) ranked third.

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This Elite B-School's Part-Time MBAs Got A 16% Starting Salary Bump In 2023

Penn donor alleges funds meant for Wharton were misused

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: A University of Pennsylvania alumnus who donated around $168,000 to aid financially burdened business students is alleging that the school instead gave some of those scholarships to student athletes, according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday.

Attorneys for the plaintiff, Saul B. Rosenthal, alleged that Penns Trustees violated an agreement with the New York-based alumnus, who has given his alma mater a total $168,000 since 2012. The funds were reserved for scholarships that benefited economically disadvantaged students in the Wharton School, according to the complaint.

Rosenthal is a Wharton graduate and is president of Connecticut-based Oxford Square Capital Corp., where he also serves on the board.

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Austrian B-school severs ties with Harvard in solidarity with the Jewish student community

From Vienna, Austria: 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.

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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.

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Duke sued by former student who says he was sexually assaulted by a faculty member

From Durham, North Carolina: A former doctoral student at Duke University has sued the university, alleging it failed to promptly investigate the students claim that he was sexually assaulted by a faculty member and that the university retaliated against him for his claim. The student, identified in the federal lawsuit as John Doe, was enrolled in a five-year PhD program at the Duke Fuqua School of Business beginning in 2021.

The lawsuit claims Professor X  an unnamed faculty member at the university who served as an adviser to Doe and supervised Does graduate research  groomed Doe and initiated unwanted sexual contact with Doe and committed multiple acts of touching and attempted digital penetration that constitute sexual assault under North Carolina law in June of that year.

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DONT MISS INDIANA KELLEY IS THE LATEST TOP U.S. B-SCHOOL TO LAUNCH A MASTER IN MANAGEMENT

The post This Elite B-Schools Part-Time MBAs Got A 16% Starting Salary Bump In 2023 appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Alarm sounded over syphilis infections

BANGKOK: Health officials are looking to tighten preventive and control measures after finding higher rates of syphilis and gonorrhoea among young people, says Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.

health

By Bangkok Post

Sunday 31 December 2023 12:15 PM

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew chairs a meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee on Dec 27. Photo: Royal Thai Government

The syphilis infection rate increased from 11 per 100,000 people in 2018 to 18.6 per 100,000 people in 2022, with young people accounting for much of the increase, he said after chairing a recent meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee, reports the Bangkok Post.

The congenital syphilis infection rate rose from 25.1 per 100,000 newborn babies to 98.2 per 100,000 during the same period.

Alarmed by the increasing number of infections, the ministry will mount campaigns to work with the private sector and civil groups to provide access to treatment for those infected with syphilis, gonorrhoea and congenital syphilis, he said.

The ministry aims to reduce the infection rate to 1 per 100,000 people by 2030 in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to end the spread of dangerous sexually transmitted diseases in the next seven years.

The ministry also approved two draft regulations to increase its capacity to control the spread of communicable diseases from foreign visitors. It would include reports on the date, time and location of vehicles arriving at immigration checkpoints by air, land and sea.

Dr Cholnan also said the ministry would continue to focus next year on offering Covid-19 vaccines to the so called 608 risk groups  people aged over 60 and those who have one or more of eight underlying illnesses  to reduce the chance of them becoming seriously ill.

He added that the ministry would also continue to provide advice on the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases including monkeypox and HIV/Aids and insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever, the Zika virus and chikungunya.

Authorities are also responding to the increase in whooping cough (pertussis) infections in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. The ministry will provide more whooping cough vaccines for children aged between 2 months and 7 years, as well as pregnant women.
Governor inspects New Year checkpoints

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat joined Udomphon Kan, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket) in visiting major checkpoints across the island as a show of support for the officials on duty over the New Year holidays.

tourismtransport

By The Phuket News

Sunday 31 December 2023 09:33 AM

Governor Sophon and Mr Udomphon visited the main checkpoints operated by Wichit Police Station, Chalong Police Station, Karon Police Station, Phuket City Police Station, Patong Police Station and Kathu Police Station.

The emphasis of the visits was on working with caution for the safety of workers and the public, said an official report of the tour.

Every checkpoint has integrated forces including police officers, local government departments and public health officials, the report said.

I would like to emphasise to officials in all departments to work with caution for the safety of workers, citizens and tourists, Governor Sophon said.

This is because there are more people and tourists using the road than usual. If violations and non-compliance with traffic regulations and discipline are found, detection will be carried out. and strictly proceed according to the legal process, he added.

Traffic in Phuket during the mornings so far has been smooth, but has increased heavily late into the afternoons while people travel to various areas to enjoy the holidays, the report noted.

The road over Patong Hill and from Rawai to Promthep Cape have been particularly busy.

Motorists are urged to consider traffic delays if they intend to use main roads to popular areas during the peak pre-sunset period.
Russian charged for slashing mothers throat moved to court detention

PHUKET: The 18-year-old Russian man arrested for slashing his mothers throat in Phuket on Friday (Dec 29) has been moved to Phuket Provincial Court for detention.

violencecrimeRussianpolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Sunday 31 December 2023 10:56 AM

Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Aleksandr Nikolaev was transferred from Thalang Police Station to Phuket Provincial Court this morning (Dec 31).

His mother, Elena Nikolaeva, survived her throat being cut with the knife in the attack on Friday. She is reported to be in serious condition, but no further details of her condition have been released.

After holding Nikolaev for 48 hours, police were required to hand him over to the court for further detention.

While bringing him from his police cell to the transport vehicle, Nikolaev appeared to be weary.

Nikolaev at this stage has been charged with attempted murder.

He is believed to be mentally ill and is receiving psychiatric help.

A Russian translator has been provided, but at last report he had so far refused to speak with officers further about the incident.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, BAE Systems fair value estimate is UK12.35

Current share price of UK11.11 suggests BAE Systems is potentially trading close to its fair value

Our fair value estimate is 4.2% higher than BAE Systems' analyst price target of UK11.85

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of BAE Systems plc (LON:BA.) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for BAE Systems

The Calculation

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.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) UK1.72b UK1.89b UK1.99b UK2.00b UK2.01b UK2.03b UK2.05b UK2.07b UK2.10b UK2.13b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x8 Analyst x8 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Est @ 0.63% Est @ 0.90% Est @ 1.08% Est @ 1.21% Est @ 1.31% Est @ 1.37% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.5% UK1.6k UK1.7k UK1.6k UK1.6k UK1.5k UK1.4k UK1.3k UK1.3k UK1.2k UK1.1k

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = UK14b

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The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.5%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.5%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK2.1b (1 + 1.5%)  (6.5% 1.5%) = UK43b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK43b ( 1 + 6.5%)10= UK23b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is UK37b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK11.1, the company appears about fair value at a 10% 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.

LSE:BA. Discounted Cash Flow December 31st 2023

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at BAE Systems as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.842. 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 BAE Systems

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Aerospace & Defense market.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the British market.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the British market.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For BAE Systems, we've compiled three essential elements you should further research:

Financial Health: Does BA. have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does BA.'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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the LSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks 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.


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The seizure of huge quantities of snake venom and arrest of four persons from Asansol yesterday has unearthed a new corridor of inter-state snake venom smuggling racket, feels forest officials.

For the first time crystal format snake venom samples have been seized. So far both the divisional forest department and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in Kolkata have raided and seized wild parrots, chameleons, turtles etc, either from inter-state express trains and buses in various towns of south Bengal. But the latest seizure has created a stir.

Acting on a specific tip-off, officials of state Wildlife Crime Control Bureau intercepted a vehicle in the national highway near Kulti and seized liquid and crystal snake venom. The international market price of the seized snake venoms are worth over a few crores, officials said.

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Both Purulia and Durgapur divisional forest office assisted the wildlife crime control bureau officials in the joint combing operations. Bidyut Ghosh, Ashok Kaibartya, both residents of Chinakuri area under Kulti police station area, have been arrested.
Metropolitan Institution (Main) for Girls at Sankar Ghosh Lane is all set to open its doors for English medium students from the new 2024 academic session. The heritage school, which has from Class V to X, will continue with its Bengali medium as well. Metropolitan Institution Main was set up by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in 1864 and the girls section started a few years later. The school got its recognition in 1949 from Calcutta University.

The school, adjacent to Vidyasagar College, also has plans to start Classes XI and XII soon and be a Higher Secondary school soon. Bipasha Banerjee, headmistress, Metropolitan Institution Main for Girls, said, The school was founded in 1864.The girls section was started much later as during that time not many girls came forward for education.

But Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar wanted girls to get educated. While falling enrollment is a common peril for many of the Bengali-medium schools, residents in the locality had been pressing the school management to start its English medium classes as well. This, they said, would help them send their wards to enrol here.

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The process for starting English medium started in January 2020 and the permission arrived in 2023. We are also in the process of getting the permission for Classes 11 and Class 12. We have moved the papers to the HS council, said the headmistress.

The institution with its four-story building also has many classes where the new students can be accommodated, informed teachers of the school. Maximum teachers in our school are from English medium background and are adept in teaching in both the mediums. The board and government allowed us after checking our infrastructure.

There are also sufficient classrooms, said Miss Banerjee. The school has already started with its admission process for the new session in English and the response has been very good, said the teachers.

The school has a rich history with its association with Swami Vivekananda and Vidyasagar. Narendranath Dutta (later Swami Vivekananda) not only studied in the school but also taught at the institute. In 1864, the society was in turmoil as child marriage child marriage was common occurrence.

Vidyasagar had proposed that womens education needs to be strengthened. He wanted girls to get Western education. Teachers feel blessed to be part of a school which has such a legacy and there is great respect for Vidyasagars ideals.

They are committed and devoted to teaching the great social reformer, said the headmistress. The school also lays great emphasis on yoga and meditation. It also teaches martial arts as a self-defence mechanism. Girls also are taught spoken English, handicrafts, recitation classes apart from the syllabus.
The Mamata Banerjee government announced a special health scheme for its employees by giving cashless benefits of Rs 2 lakh for treatment of each employee. A state government employee will have to pay the extra amount of treatment exceeding the amount specified by the government under the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS).

The state finance department issued a notice on this on 28 December. However, the special health scheme for the state government employees and pensioners will be implemented only in the SSKM Hospitals Woodburn Ward so far. Employees and pensioners who are under the WBHS will get the benefits of the special health scheme. As per the notification, the special health scheme will remain effective till 2027.

The Woodburn Ward has 35 cabins with three types of beds. The daily charge for a single occupancy large cabin is Rs 4,000, Rs 2,500 for a single occupancy small cabin. For a double occupancy large cabin it charges Rs 2,000 in the ward.

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The SSKM hospital shall supply all medicines for treatment for beneficiaries in the Woodburn Ward and not direct the patient or their relatives to purchase any medicines separately during ongoing indoor treatment. In case of non-availability of high-value drugs at the store of the hospital, the patient/ relatives of the patient may supply drugs to the hospital as per proper requisition and approval of the concerned doctor.

The hospital authority has to acknowledge such arrangements of drugs and to record the same in hospital documents (Form-D4) so that beneficiaries can get reimbursements of it under the WBHS.

Benefits of WBHS

 The health scheme for its employees by giving cashless benefits of Rs 2 lakh for treatment of each employee.

 A state government employee will have to pay the extra amount of treatment exceeding the amount specified by the government under the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS).

 The special health scheme for the state government employees and pensioners will be implemented only in the SSKM Hospitals Woodburn Ward so far. As per the notification, the special health scheme will remain effective till 2027.
Consumers looking for a great meal to kick off their 2024 are in luck, as they should have plenty of fast food and sit-down dining options this New Year's Day.

While Texas Roadhouse will be closed, plenty of other places, like McDonald's, Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster and Buffalo Wild Wings will be open.

Coffee shops such as Starbucks and Dunkin' will also be open, so consumers looking for a cup of joe to start their day are also in luck.

Some companies will operate under limited hours, so it is always best to reach out to your local restaurant to inquire about their holiday status.

Here's what you need to know about restaurants and fast food chains on New Year's Day 2024, including whether they'll be open and their hours.

Stores open New Year's Day 2024: See hours for Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Macy's, more

Is McDonald's open on New Year's Day?

McDonald's store hours vary by location. You can check hours for your local restaurant here.

Is Chick-fil-A open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Chick-fil-A restaurants will be open on Jan. 1, however some may have limited operating hours, according to the company's website. Chick-fil-A recommends checking the specific hours of operation of your local restaurant using the Chick-fil-A app or on their website.

Is Starbucks open on New Year's Day?

Starbucks store hours vary by location. You can find hours for a specific store using the Starbucks app or here.

Is Dunkin' open on New Year's Day?

Dunkin' store hours vary by location, so customers can check the hours for their local Dunkin' using the Dunkin' app or their online store locator.

Is Waffle House open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all Waffle House locations will be open on New Year's Day.

Is Cracker Barrel open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Cracker Barrel restaurants will be open their regular business hours on Jan. 1.

Is Taco Bell open on New Year's Day?

Hours vary by location, but you can check your local Taco Bell's hours here.

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Is Burger King open on New Year's Day?

According to the company, holiday hours vary by location, so it is best to check with your local restaurant for its specific hours. You can find the closest restaurant to you using Burger King's store locator.

Is Wendy's open on New Year's Day?

Wendy's says many of its locations will be open for the holiday, but check the chain's location finder to make sure your location is open.

Is Krispy Kreme open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Krispy Kreme locations will be open their regular business hours on New Year's Day.

Is Buffalo Wild Wings open on New Year's Day?

Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants will be open their regular hours on Jan. 1.

Is Hooters open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Hooters locations will be open on Jan. 1.

Is Texas Roadhouse open on New Year's Day?

No, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will be closed on New Year's Day, the company told USA TODAY.

Are Applebee's and Chili's open on New Year's Day?

Applebee's restaurants nationwide will be open on Jan. 1, although hours may be reduced. Contact your local restaurant for their specific operating hours.

Chili's restaurants will also be open on New Year's Day.

Is Fogo de Chao open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Fogo de Chao restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Restaurants open on New Year's Day

The following restaurants will be open on New Year's Day. Hours are listed for companies that provided them.

Outback Steakhouse

KFC

Popeyes

PF Chang's: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Red Lobster

Red Robin

Golden Corral

Zaxby's: Some restaurants may close as early as 6 p.m.

Whataburger

Maggiano's

Cooper's Hawk: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Domino's Pizza: Hours vary by location

Firehouse Subs: Hours vary by location

White Castle

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia Restaurants open New Year's Day: Starbucks, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A
Appointments for Professors of Practice (PoPs) have started in universities across the country as Central Universities (CUs) started adopting the PoP scheme in various domains.

So far, professionals under the Professor of Practice scheme have been appointed in 32 higher educational institutions including central universities across the country.

UGC had asked to appoint the Professors of Practice during the meeting of the Vice-Chancellors of all 45 Central Universities across the country.

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Professors of Practice are not the people who are teachers by profession, or have they done a PhD. Rather, they, on the basis of their professional experience, will be hired to teach students in colleges. This Professor of Practice will teach students the subject in which he has proven expertise.

Till now, 11200 experts have sent online applications for Professor of Practice posts in a total of 332 universities across the country.

Till now, most of the appointments, that have been made, are experts from computer science, marketing advance, engineering, hotel management and other fields.

However, under this scheme, professionals coming from different work areas should have at least 15 years of experience.

Under the PoP scheme, a portal was launched where professionals with expertise from various fields including science, law, environment, industry, engineering, industry, media, climate, music, arts, etc. can register themselves.

UGC has written a letter to all higher educational institutions regarding the rules for the appointment of Professor of Practice. In the letter, Vice-Chancellors of Universities and Principals of Colleges were requested to make necessary changes in their laws, ordinances, rules and regulations to appoint Professors of Practice in their institutions.

UGC says that the universities are also sharing the action taken in this matter on their activity monitoring portal. Along with this, higher educational institutions have also made changes in their rules for appointment.

In this scheme, the appointment of Professor of Practice is for a fixed period. The initial tenure is up to one year. However, extension can be given depending on the quality of service.

The UGC says that the position of Professor of Practice provides a unique opportunity to educational institutions to bring diverse skills to complement the efforts of the faculty member. Such positions attract people with exemplary experience from industry and other professions to teach students in colleges.

The UGC says it is continuously working with universities to encourage the appointment of experts as Professors of Practice.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday claimed that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has totally failed Delhi in 2023 and corruption has become the identity of his government.

In a press release issued to the media, Sachdeva said, From 2015 to 2022, we have heard Arvind Kejriwal say that the day Delhiites give me power in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) I will transform Delhi into the best city but a year later Delhi stands out as the worst metropolitan city of India. Delhiites gave majority to AAP in the MCD trusting Kejriwal but shockingly a year after Kejriwal in power in both Delhi government and MCD, the city is in a dismal state.

Recalling Kejriwals promise to clear the three landfill sites in a year, he said, Today a new mountain of garbage has come up at Ghazipur landfill site while they have turned parts of Sanjay Van at Mehrauli into a new garbage dumping site. Sanitation across Delhi is at its worst today. Garbage dumps can be seen at roadsides across the city, he said.

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On the rising pollution level in the national capital, the BJP leader said, Due to dust pollution is so bad that on 31 December the AQI level has been recorded between 390 and 422 at different observation centres. The dust Pollution is a local factor and badly maintained PWD and MCD roads are responsible for it.

On the education front, Sachdeva said Delhis schools, both the ones run by the Delhi government and those run by the MCD are in a poor state not only due to lack of teachers but also lack of arrangements to teach science and commerce at senior secondary level.

On the health sector, he said, Condition of Delhi government, MCD hospitals and clinics is pathetic with patients getting dates from 12 to 18 months for basic tests and operations. Shockingly, the last month of the year has exposed that government hospitals give fake and below medical standard medicines.

(Former) Delhi ministers and an MP are in jail without bail, the year 2023 has gone down in history as a year with corruption becoming the identity of the Kejriwal government shaming Delhiites, said Sachdeva.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an inter-state gang of criminals involved in ATM breaking with the arrest of its kingpin identified as Mohammad Jahid, the police said on Sunday.

According to the police, the gang was based in the Mewat region with its kingpin belonging to Haryanas Nuh, who had previous involvement in 15 criminal cases across Delhi and other states, including breaking of 14 ATMs in Delhi, MP, Haryana, and Assam.

The police have identified the remaining members of the gang, and efforts are being made to nab them, a police official said.

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Jahid is a habitual offender and was also declared Proclaimed Offender in two cases against him.

The police have cracked a case of ATM breaking in Delhi, a police official said.

Interestingly, Jahid was apprehended by the special cell team while he was said to be on his way to Guwahati, Assam to allegedly execute another ATM heist, while his associates awaited his arrival in the North Eastern state, the police said.

Police teams which were tracking the gang received an input about a gang members arrival at Palam, New Delhi, on December 25 evening, and consequently, a team laid a trap near Palam Airport, and ended up nabbing Jahid.

It was revealed during the probe that his associates had recently stolen Rs 7.5 lakh from an ATM in North East Delhis Welcome area, and a case was also lodged for the incident.

The police informed that the members of this gang used to identify unguarded ATMs in less-lit and isolated areas, and thereafter conduct a thorough reconnaissance of the area.

They would sprinkle black paint on the CCTV cameras after entering the ATM booths and would also wear face masks and monkey caps to conceal their identities.

To cut open the ATM machines, they would use gas cutters and then extract the cash trays out.

The gang used stolen SUVs like Creta, Scorpio and others affixed with fake registration plates, in commission of their crimes, the police said.
As residents of Delhi geared up to bid adieu to 2024 and welcome 2023 with celebrations and revelry security arrangements heightened across the national capital on the eve of New Year to ensure a smooth passage of the festivities.

Police pickets have been increased and additional police force has been deployed at locations where the New Year celebrations are expected as part of the arrangements, especially at the places where high footfall of people is expected.

The Delhi Police Special Cell conducted a mock drill at a prominent mall in South Delhis Saket prior to the festive atmosphere, to check security preparedness.

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The cops will be working in multiple shifts at various places across the city to ensure peaceful celebrations. Women police personnel will also be on duty to ensure security to the girls and women taking part in the celebrations.

According to the police, special teams have been deployed to keep a check on reckless and stunt driving. Those found involved in hooliganism or any such activities will be meted out with strict action as per law.

Strict vigil will be kept on the border points of the city, along with the deployment of traffic police teams to keep a check on the drink-and-drive incidents.

Police personnel in civil dress will also be present at the places of large gatherings to keep a check on the anti- social elements and to thwart any untoward incident.

Earlier, the police had announced traffic arrangements and diversions to be put in place to ensure that there are no traffic jams, and problems faced by the people heading out for the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Gurugram and Noida police are also geared up to ensure safe New Year-eve celebrations with additional arrangements already in place.

As, people from Delhi, Gurugram and Noida travel within the cities for celebrations, the police departments have made preparations accordingly at the party hubs to keep things under control and safe for the people.

Like in Delhi, restaurants, malls and other places in Gurugram and Noida, which have become popular amongst residents of the three cities to dine and celebrate the occasion, where high foot fall is expected.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reaffirmed the governments commitment to strengthening the domestic defence industry to realise self-reliance in this crucial domain.

Speaking at the 21st convocation ceremony of the Tezpur University in Assam, Singh outlined key steps initiated by the Ministry of Defence, notably the curbs on arms imports and the identification of 509 defence equipment items on the five positive indigenisation lists aimed at promoting local manufacturing.

Four positive indigenisation lists were issued for Defence Public Sector Undertakings, marking 4,666 items for indigenous production, he added.

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Highlighting the remarkable surge in defence production, surpassing the milestone of Rs 1 lakh crore, Singh said that Indias defence exports is currently soaring at Rs 1,521 crore.

The Union Minister emphasised a transformation in Indias approach, shifting from passivity to proactivity, nurturing a culture of confidence and action under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He also spotlighted the governments commitment to womens empowerment to ensure their inclusion across sectors, including the military.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Indias youth in national progress, Singh reiterated the countrys ambition to emerge as an economic and military force, relying on the capabilities of its talented young population. He underscored the governments support to the startup ecosystem and innovation, particularly in the Defence Industrial Sector, citing successful initiatives such as Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

Commending the burgeoning startup ecosystem in India, Singh said that the government has nurtured over one lakh startups to further its vision of an empowered, inventive, and self-reliant nation.
The Union Corporate Affairs Ministry has initiated action on the findings of the Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITISB) that the Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made illegal payments to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter and various political leaders.

The Ministry has issued a show-cause notice to the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) over the payments.

Notices have been issued before handing over the case to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). The Ministry has asked the CMRL and KSIDC to respond immediately, if there are any reasons why the SFIO should not start a probe into the case. The KSIDC has also been served notice as it owns 13.4% stake in CMRL.

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The Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITISB) had found that CMRL disbursed Rs 135 crore to politicians and others after 2016. It has also found that a total of Rs 1.72 crore was received by Veena Vijayan and her company Exalogic during 2017-20 from a mining company, the CMRL, without providing any service to it.

The Corporate Affairs Ministrys move came after CMRL shareholder Shone George approached the Kerala High Court seeking an order for a probe by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on the illegal payments, based on the findings of the ITISB. The 19 charges in Shones petition filed in the court have also been attached to the show-cause notice, it is learnt.

Shawn has raised the following key questions in his petition filed before the high court:

Does the Rs 135 crore passed on by the CMRL to the leaders come under the Prevention of Corruption Act? Why was the money not transferred under Section 80GGB of under the Prevention of Corruption Act? Why was the political leader given money directly? How did the CMRL, which reported a loss of 772.44 lakh as of March 31, 2016, register a profit after tax of Rs 7,336.82 lakh on March 31, 2023? Despite the Union government banning mining by the private sector in 2019 March, how did the CMRL manage to procure so much Ilmenite?

In this connection, the Kerala High Court on 8 December suo moto issued notices to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, and UDF leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala, P K Kunhalikutty, and V K Ibrahim Kunju, along with CMRL and others, on a petition challenging an order of the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Special Court dismissed a plea seeking for a vigilance investigation into the alleged illegal financial transactions between CMRL and the political leaders.

A single bench of Justice K Babu ordered impleading of the political leaders and issued them notice when the petition originally filed by late social activist Gireesh Babu of Kalamassery came up for hearing.

The court observed that if the notice is not issued to parties who are arrayed as accused, then it would go against the recent decision of the Supreme Court.
In a bid to involve people in crushing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the J&K Police on Sunday announced cash reward for those who provide information and intelligence on trans-border tunnels, drones, narcotics, terror activities and terrorists.

The police shared the phone numbers on X on which the information can be shared. Identity of the informer will be kept secret, the police announced.

The police announced cash rewards of Rs 5 lakh for those who provide information about trans-border tunnels being used by Pakistani agencies to push in trained terrorists, arms, ammunition and narcotics.

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It is worth mentioning that such tunnels have been detected along the international border in the Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts. Security forces were searching for such tunnels also across the LOC in Rajouri and Poonch districts where terrorists have disappeared after attacking troops and civilians.

It announced Rs 3 lakh reward for those who sight drones from across the border and provide information about the person receiving such drone deliveries at the international border or LOC and transporting these to the hinterland and Punjab.

Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits are these days flying arms, ammunition, drugs and Indian currency through drones for their contacts in Jammu and Kashmir. Several such consignments have been seized by the Army, BSF and police.

Rs 2 lakh reward each has been announced for people providing information about inter-state narcotics modules, people talking to Pakistan based terrorists and separatists in jails and persons talking to or communicating with terrorist handlers across the border or with their agents within J&K and branding citizens as informers.

The police also announced Rs 1 lakh cash reward for those providing information about people in masjids, madrassas, schools and colleges inciting and encouraging people to join terrorist ranks and pick up gun.

A cash reward ranging Rs 2 lakh to Rs 12.50 lakh has been announced for those giving specific information about the presence of terrorists, resulting in a successful operation leading to arrest or combat. The reward will be given depending on the terrorists category of A, B and C.
Flouting Congress high command directive to party leaders not to make any public statement on the participation of party leaders in the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, former KPCC president VM Sudheeran said on Sunday that the party should have rejected the invitation the ceremony at the moment it was received.

Speaking to media persons here, Sudheeran said, Now, without any delay, the Congress should reject the invitation to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple. If anybody in the Congress participates in the ceremony, it is equal to falling into the trap of PM Modi. If the invitation is not rejected, it will weaken the Congress and other secular parties.

Sudheeran further said he could not understand the meaning of the party leaders statement that a decision on participation in the ceremony would be taken in due course after discussions.

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Recalling that the Congress was defeated in all the states where the party had adopted soft Hindutva, he said, BJPs hard Hindutva cannot be dealt with soft Hindutva. Those who are having Hindutva feeling would go with hard Hindutva, not with soft Hindutva.

On the affairs of the party in the state, Sudheeran said factionalism has intensified in the partys Kerala unit and the current leadership, including KPCC chief K Sudhakaran and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan, has failed to deliver. Earlier, there were only two groups in the party. There are now five factions. If in the past it was enough to protect the interest of two groups, now is a situation where the interest of five groups has to be protected, he added.

Had there been no factional feud, Congress could have achieved an impressive win in the previous Assembly polls, he contended. Had the candidates been decided through consultations, the outcome of the last assembly elections would have been different, Sudheeran said.

The Congress state executive meeting on Saturday witnessed a heated exchange between Deepa Dasmunshi, the newly-appointed AICC general secretary in charge of the state, and V M Sudheeran, who maintained that a soft Hindutva stand wont be to the partys advantage.

Deepa Das Munshi was reportedly enraged when Sudheeran urged the Central leadership to take a tough stance on Hindutva. She maintained that its the prerogative of the AICC to take a call on whether the party should attend the consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya on January 22.

Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor said the party has neither a soft nor a hard stand against Hindutva.
On the last day of the year 2024, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President J P Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took part in welfare activities on Sunday. They visited an ashram for leprosy patients in the Barabirwa area of Lucknow to inquire about their well-being.

The BJP chief and the CM offered prayers at the temple and distributed blankets to leprosy patients and other needy individuals. They also interacted with local children, inquiring about their studies, and distributed chocolates and toys to them.

During the conversation, CM Yogi gathered information about whether leprosy patients are benefiting from government schemes. The patients also sang devotional songs on this occasion, praising the glory of Lord Shri Ram.

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Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Finance Minister of the State Suresh Khanna, Legislative Council members Mohsin Raja, Mahendra Singh, and others were present at the event.
Amid outrage over Karnataka minister Dasharathaiah Sudhakars remark that BJP is using the Ram temple inauguration for political gains like it used Pulwama attack in 2019, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday clarified that they are not against the Ayodhya temple.

We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either. We are in favour of Ram Mandir Siddaramaiah said.

His remarks came after Sudhakar termed the inauguration a stunt and added people wont be fooled again.

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The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we wont be fooled for the third time, the Karnataka minister said.

He also claimed to have donated money and bricks for the construction of the temple.

Several Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, CPI-M polit bureau member Brinda Karat and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Senas UBT faction have accused the BJP of politicising the religious event ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Reacting to the ongoing politics over the Ram temple consecration ceremony, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said that those who wont attend the grand event despite being invited, it is their misfortune.

This is negative energy. These are negative, atheist people. Those who oppose Ram should have no place in politics. The people of India wont like this negativity; this is not our culture. Our culture is to be happy when there is a festival in our enemys house as well. And this is everyones festival, Indias festival, the Congress leader said.

He further added, This should not happen in a democracy. You can oppose PM Modi, and criticise his decisions, but hating PM Modi is not a sign of democracy. Some people are ruining themselves by hating PM Modi. Some opposition leaders brought down their own elected government. This is complete destruction.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Orell Fussli is CHF122 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Orell Fussli's CHF75.20 share price signals that it might be 38% undervalued

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Orell Fussli AG (VTX:OFN) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Orell Fussli

The Method

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 discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (CHF, Millions) CHF13.5m CHF14.2m CHF15.5m CHF17.1m CHF13.9m CHF12.1m CHF10.9m CHF10.2m CHF9.78m CHF9.47m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -13.24% Est @ -9.25% Est @ -6.45% Est @ -4.49% Est @ -3.12% Present Value (CHF, Millions) Discounted @ 4.5% CHF12.9 CHF12.9 CHF13.6 CHF14.3 CHF11.1 CHF9.2 CHF8.0 CHF7.2 CHF6.6 CHF6.1

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CHF102m

Story continues

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. 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 (0.08%) 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 4.5%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = CHF9.5m (1 + 0.08%)  (4.5% 0.08%) = CHF213m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CHF213m ( 1 + 4.5%)10= CHF136m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is CHF238m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CHF75.2, the company appears quite undervalued at a 38% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

SWX:OFN Discounted Cash Flow December 31st 2023

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own 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 Orell Fussli 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 4.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.892. 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 Orell Fussli

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Swiss market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by earnings and cashflows.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Orell Fussli, we've compiled three important factors you should consider:

Risks: As an example, we've found 2 warning signs for Orell Fussli (1 is a bit unpleasant!) that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does OFN'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 High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Swiss 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 anti-corruption vigilance wing of the Odisha Police has logged an impressive 50 per cent conviction rate in corruption cases in 2023 while the rate of conviction in Disproportionate Asset (DA) cases stood at 66 per cent, said officials on Sunday.

Regarding prosecution, the vigilance ensured 124 convictions in 2023 at a 50 per cent conviction rate. Further, conviction in DA cases stood at 66 per cent. Of the 124 convictions, 21 were against Class-I officers, 14 against Class-II officers, 100 Class-III employees, two Class-IV employees, 14 other public servants, and 12 private persons, they added.

A total of 163 accused were convicted during the period in 2022 with 90 per cent convictions. The Odisha Vigilance ranked second in the country as per NCRB data. With 124 convictions in 2023, it has further improved its standard last year.

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The Odisha Vigilance has taken several steps to ensure prosecution. Trials in 21 vigilance courts are being closely monitored daily by the Vigilance Directorate. 21 PLOs (prosecution liaison officers), who are playing a major role in strengthening the prosecution, have been engaged this year.

Besides assisting the vigilance public prosecutors in the trials, they are tasked to ensure expeditious trial and monitoring evidence tendered by witnesses in the vigilance courts during the trial, the Vigilance Directorate said in a statement.

The vigilance has recently been sanctioned as an expert legal advisor in each of the eight divisions by the government. This measure will further enhance the quality of evidence gathered during the investigation and evidence tendered during the trial.

During the last two years, high priority has been attached to the completion of the investigation along with detection. Last year, the disposal rate was 122 per cent, the highest in a decade. In 2023, the Odisha Vigilance has further improved the disposal rate to 153 per cent with 406 cases disposed of after investigation.

In 2023, 406 cases were disposed of after investigation, of which, chargesheets have been filed in 359 cases against 849 persons including 77 Class I officers, 76 Class II officers, 329 Class III employees, 10 Class IV employees, 56 other public servants, and 301 private persons.

The percentage of chargesheets is 88 in the cases disposed of after investigation. In 2022, with the chargesheets filed in 321 cases, the vigilance stood third in the country as per NCRB data. In 2023 also, it has maintained the high standards last year.

In 2023, 35 public servants, including a Class-I officer, five Class-II officers, 28 Class-III employees, and another public servant, were dismissed from government service following their conviction in vigilance cases. In 2022, with 30 dismissals, the Odisha Vigilance ranked third in the country. With 35 dismissals, it expects to better its record in 2023 nationally, the statement concluded.
Odisha Vigilance has detected and registered the highest number of Disproportionate Asset cases in the country for the second successive year, said an official of the States anti-corruption bureau on Sunday.

Of the 265 prevention of corruption act cases registered in 2023, 85 were instituted for acquisition of disproportionate assets against 89 public servants and 42 private persons. The total disproportionate assets in all the 85 cases crossed over Rs 124 crore.

While 37 DA cases were registered against Class-I officers and 19 DA cases were registered against Class-II officers. The top two cash recoveries in DA searches in 2023 are respectively 2nd & 3rd highest in the history of Odisha Vigilance.

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This year too, we are hopeful of recording a similar performance. The detection of DA cases against Class-I Officers during the last 2 years has remained the highest in the last 5 years. 36 Spouses were also brought in the ambit of investigations as co-accused in DA cases, said the official.

In 2023, seven government officers (4 Class-II officers & 3 Class-III employees) were intercepted while carrying unaccounted cash of Rs 31.4590 lakh.

As many as 98 trap cases were instituted during the year against 109 public servants and 14 private persons for demand and acceptance of bribes amounting to Rs.28.27 Lakhs.

During the year, 82 misappropriation cases relating to misappropriation of public money were registered against 191 persons, including 162 public servants and 29 private persons.

The Vigilance booked and arrested 166 persons including 26 Class-I officers in 2023.

Among those arrested, include 26 Engineers of different departments, as many Revenue Officers, 15 Police Officers, 9 Forest Officers, 6 Integrated Child Development Scheme functionaries and three Doctors, informed the vigilance directorate in a statement.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he will visit Assams Tezpur district on Sunday.

Taking to social media platform X, the Defence Minister said that he would interact with the students of Tezpur University during their convocation.

Today, 31st December, I will be in Tezpur, Assam. Shall interact with the students of Tezpur University during their Convocation. Looking forward, Singh wrote on X.

Apart from the Defence Minister, the Corps Commander of Gajraj Corps and several civil and military dignitaries will attend the event.

As per the varsity, on the occasion of their 21st convocation ceremony, a total of 783 students would get a postgraduate (PG) degree, 428 an undergraduate (UG) degree, five PG Diploma and more than 100 researchers would be awarded PhD degrees, as well as 23 students of distance and online education mediums would also be awarded degrees.

Tezpur University is a central university located near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-state border. Apart from its academic routine, the university is also involved in training Indian Army personnel in the Chinese language.

In April of this year, the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters 4 Corps, (HQ 4 Corps signed the MoU on behalf of the Indian Army) to offer army personnel a basic course in Chinese language to develop the four essential language skills, viz., listening, speaking, reading and writing, of intermediate level.

The university is also considering starting the Department of Defence Studies and in this regard, the universitys academic council and board of management (highest executive body of the University) have already ratified the decision.

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There is another project that is in the pipeline. The university, in collaboration with defence forces, is planning to study geospatial research and strategic mapping in Indo-China border areas. We believe that Tezpur University has a role to play in improving Indias defence preparedness and deepening the relationship between the Indian Army and academia, said Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University.

The exercise shall give us enough data on people living in these border areas to academically counter any unfounded claims made by China, Prof Singh further elaborated.

A total of 1355 students will be conferred degrees and diplomas during the convocation.
Days after drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Arabian sea, the Indian Navy has noted a shift in maritime security incidents closer to the Indian Exclusive Economic zone.

The Navy said it has increased surveillance in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden to avert such attacks and hijacking attempts by pirates, it said in a statement on Sunday.

The Navy is closely working with the coast guards and have deployed destroyers and frigates to carry out maritime security operations.

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The last few weeks have seen increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and central/north Arabian Sea, the Navy said in the statement.

The statement comes days after a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto was hit by a drone attack in the Arabian sea. The vessel reportedly carrying crude oil was heading towards India. It was later escorted by the Coast Guard to Mumbai port.

The piracy incident on MV Ruen, approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast, and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar, indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ (exclusive economic zone), the navy said.

A few days before the attack on MV Chem Pluto, a Malta-flagged merchant vessel MV Ruen was hijacked by Somali pirates.

The Navy had received a distress call and swiftly diverted its maritime patrol aircraft and warship in the Arabian Sea to help the vessel.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar on Sunday rubbished Oppositions claim of politics over sending out invites for the mega Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22.

Kumar said that the inauguration of Ram temple in Ayodhya is entire countrys program and everyone is welcome there.

On being asked about Opposition leaders charge, the VHP president stated that if invitations have been sent to Opposition leaders, what is the issue in inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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I had gone personally to give an invitation to Mallikarjun Kharge, members of the VHP had gone to give an invitation to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Sonia Gandhi was invited by Nripendra Mishra If there was any politics why would the invitations be sent to leaders of the opposition parties, he asked.

Kumar further said that if Opposition leaders decide to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple, they will be welcomed with respect.

If they come we will welcome them with respect. It is the entire countrys program and everyone is welcome here, he added.

His remarks came after several Opposition leaders said they will not attend the consecration ceremony, accusing the BJP of using religion as a political weapon.

Our party will not attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram temple in AyodhyaWe respect the religious beliefs but they are connecting a religious programme with politicsThis is the politicization of a religious programme. This is not right, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has accused the ruling BJP of using Ram Temple consecration ceremony to distract public from their governance failures.

In a social media post, the Congress MP from Kerala said he sees religion as a personal attribute and not one for political use.

Was interrogated by the waiting press, wanting to know if I would be going to Ayodhya on January 22. I told them I hadnt been invited but I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis) use, he wrote on X.

He further added, I also pointed out that by making such a major news story of the event, which has been known about for some time already, the media was playing into the hands of those who want to milk political benefit from the Ram Mandir while distracting the public from their governance failures.

The BJP has dismissed their accusations, saying only those who will be called by Lord Ram will attend the ceremony.
Two days after the mass resignation of ministers involved in a fundraising scandal, on 13-14 December 2023, an event that caused Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas popularity rating to plummet below 20 per cent and cause political turmoil, the Japanese leader hosted a special Japan Aswan summit on 16-18 December, commemorating the 50th year of Japan-Asean Friendship and Cooperation.

Kishida was supported by Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa who had retained her job having taken over in September 2023. While Kishida hailed the next 50 years of Japan-Asean relations, Kamikawa highlighted womens role in conflict prevention at the Tokyo summit. Though the economic component in Japans ties with the Asean bloc has been constant, there is a security dimension, in particular maritime security, that has taken centre stage.

The Asean group is very different from, for example, the European Union which is more monolithic. As members of the group, they hold a diverse range of views on geopolitical matters and do not view Chinas belligerence from the same prism. Some members such as Cambodia and Myanmar (the latter was not invited to the summit because of the coup in February 2021) are perceived to be beholden to China for its economic support to these countries.

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This has not deterred the group in general from choosing a friendly approach towards Japan. In fact, Japan is the regions most trusted and familiar outside partner. Japan has won the hearts and minds of Southeast Asians through cultural exchanges, official development assistance, foreign direct investment and soft power. These aspects make the special Japan-Asean summit significant. Japan pledged to provide $170 million in financial assistance to Cambodia to improve rural healthcare and various development projects, while both countries pledged to consolidate their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The pledge came during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Kishida on 18 December held on the side-lines of the Commemorative Summit and the AZEC Summit. Japan and Cambodia upgraded their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership this year, on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Japanese FDI has played a significant role in the economic development of Asean member countries. Over the past decade, Japanese FDI in ASEAN countries totalled $198 billion, behind Americas $209 billion but beating Chinas $106 billion.

For Japan, the ASEAN market is very attractive. The regions overall GDP is expected to overtake Japans by around 2030. Asean is also part of the Global South, which is increasing its influence. Japanese cuisine has gained immense popularity in many Asean countries. For example, in 2022 there were more than 5,000 Japanese restaurants in Thailand alone. Interestingly, Japanese beef bowls are localised with Thai spices and seasoning. Similarly, like the highly popular Indian rice and curry dish on the Japanese plate, Thai chicken rice stores in Japan are making roaring business as demand for Thai food continues to grow.

The trend towards fusion dishes in Asian restaurants has added another dimension to the relationship. No wonder Kishida has put a special focus to make Japans ties with Asean broad-based and hopes that Asean can serve as a touchstone for building a relationship of trust between Japan and developing countries in other parts of the world. Since becoming Prime Minister Kishada has visited several Asean countries, the most recent trip being to Malaysia and the Philippines. In each of his visits, Kishida has tried to strengthen people-to-people connections, hereby honing the cultural component of the relationship with the region.

As mentioned, enhancing cooperation on the security aspect with likeminded countries has emerged as a new dimension in Japans foreign policy focus. This is in line with the security strategy adopted by Japan in December 2022. The main driver of this policy is to prevent China from unilaterally changing the status quo in the Indo-Pacific by force. Capacity building in the maritime domain is a priority in the changed situation. With this in mind, Japan offered a grant of $2.8 million to boost Malaysias maritime defence. Kishida also applauded the elevation of the Japan-Malaysia relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

A similar arrangement was reached recently with the Philippines. The country has placed an order for coastal surveillance radars, paid for with Japanese money. Since Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos became president of the Philippines in May 2023, its coast guard has conducted joint exercises with Japan and the US. Commemorating the special anniversary of the 50th year of Japan-ASEAN cooperation and friendship, Kishida resolved to build a partnership between Japan and ASEAN and co-create the future of the Indo-Pacific based on trust anchored in history and reflecting the vitality of the region and the importance of the relationship to its future security and prosperity.

Kishida observed that since he became Japans foreign minister and then Prime Minister, he has visited Asean countries 32 times and was impressed that Asean has become a global growth centre. Among the main points made by him was (1) trust built over the years has become the hallmark of the Japan-Asean partnership; (2) people-to-people and heart-to-heart connections; (3) Trusted Partners through many challenges such as the 1997 Asian currency crisis, the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the Covid-19 pandemic from 2019; (4) facing challenges together such as the Ukraine crisis, South China Sea, Myanmar and North Korean threat; (5) stability and prosperity of ASEAN; (6) Shared Principles, Asean support for the realization of a Free and Open IndoPacific or AOIP; and (7) Relationship and Young leaders.

The joint vision statement highlighted areas of future cooperation, such as maritime security and supply chains. The wording of the statement was rather vague in order not to upset China from whom some of the Asean members receive large amounts of financial assistance and are seen as holding a pro-China stance. In particular, while Cambodias cosiness with China is well known, Vietnam is seen as inbetweener. The fact that Vietnams PM Pham Minh Chinh arrived in Tokyo for the Summit just a few days after Chinas leader Xi Jinping was in Hanoi could not be overlooked in assessing Vietnams Japan policy.

(The writer is former Senior Fellow at Pradhanmantri Memorial Museum and Library (PMML), New Delhi. Earlier he was ICCR Chair Professor at Reitaku University, Japan, and Senior Fellow at the MP-IDSA, New Delhi)
In the tumultuous landscape of legal adjudication, the Supreme Courts persistent battle against mounting caseloads is noteworthy. The year 2023 saw a commendable surge in case disposals, a hopeful signal amid the daunting reality of an 80,000-case backlog. Yet, the question lingers. Will this record-breaking feat suffice in taming the relentless beast of pendency? A retrospective glance reveals the harrowing impact of the pandemic on the judiciarys efficiency.

The abrupt halt in 2020, coupled with subsequent experiments in online and hybrid models, led to an alarming spike in pending cases. The judiciary, grappling with the surge, faced a PIL in 2022 suggesting the doubling of judges strength to alleviate the burden. However, the court, citing systemic challenges, rejected the plea. Enter 2023, a year marked by a ray of optimism. Technological integration emerged as a steadfast ally in the judiciarys battle against backlog. E-filing systems received a facelift, promising faster processing, while automatic listing and 166 Special Bench sittings were introduced to expedite urgent cases. The numbers reflect this concerted effort ~ case disposals surged from 39,800 in 2022 to an impressive 52,220 by 24 December 2023. Yet, the narrative is nuanced. The laudable initiative to enhance accessibility paradoxically led to a surge in case filings, with 53,753 cases in 2023 compared to 36,565 the previous year. In other words, the backlog remained.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, cognisant of the widening access, expressed concern that it was reaching a point of dysfunctionality. This apparent contradiction raises a crucial question. Are the reforms inadvertently fuelling the cycle of backlogs? The statistical terrain offers a glimmer of hope. Unlike the sharp incline witnessed in previous years, the increase in pending cases from 2022 to 2023 was a modest 1,549. This becomes more striking considering the Courts decision to include miscellaneous applications, unregistered cases, and defective matters in its official pendency count from November 2022. The Court, in essence, managed to dispose of nearly as many cases as were filed during the year. Institutional reforms, however, are not swift remedies. They demand time, persistence, and stability to take root. The Chief Justices tenure offers a window for the institutionalisation of these changes, but the baton will pass to two Chief Justices in 2025, each with a brief six-month tenure.

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The responsibility then falls on their shoulders and those who succeed them to stay the course and ensure the sustainability of the initiated reforms. As the judiciary navigates this intricate path, it must strike a delicate balance between accessibility and efficiency. Technological advancements, while crucial, must not inadvertently foster a surge in litigation that outpaces the systems capacity to dispense justice. The courtroom is a dynamic arena where each innovation requires careful calibration to ensure it serves the cause of justice rather than adding to the burden. Ignoring for a moment the quality of justice, the numbers show that the Court still has a long, long way to go.
Covering the 1968 Vietnam war, Associated Press journalist Peter Arnett quoted an American major: It became necessary to destroy the town to save it and said he was talking about the decision by allied commanders to bomb and shell the town regardless of civilian casualties. The same quote could be applied to Israel bombing Gaza and more generally, the American attitude on the international order that she helped built in the last eight decades.

The current international order was built out of two world wars in an effort to reconstruct peace and avoid the ultimate third world war, after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The victorious powers at the end of the Second World War decided to divide the world between the American-led Free World and the Soviet-led Communist world. By 1991, the United States emerged as the unipolar power after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Instead of dissolving the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact crumbled, the old rivalry was rekindled when Russia felt that she was excluded from Europe and treated as the enemy. Shocked by the 9/11 attack in New York in 2001, the United States spent the next two decades fighting in the Middle East.

When Donald Trump emerged as President in 2016, neoconservatives in the American military industrial complex identified China as the existential rival, thus setting the stage for a multi-front confrontation for the unipolar power. By this time, the rise of China as the second largest economy in terms of GDP and largest trading partner meant that the unipolar order had begun to shift to a multipolar order. In this decade, this shift became evident with the rise of India, today the most populous country and the fastest growing economy in the world.

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From the long lens of history, the United States reached parity with the United Kingdom as the largest economy and industrial power in the world in terms of GDP as early as 1870. Britain was a small island economy that used her maritime power and divide and rule political acumen to master colonies comprising one quarter of mankind.

The United States is a continental giant guarded by two oceans with no credible neighbourhood threats. Once the European powers exhausted themselves fighting each other in two world wars, the United States emerged as the undisputed hegemon because she was guarded by two oceans. With superior industrial might and technology, America could fight two fronts with resources to spare.

In 1956, when President Eisenhower forced Britain and France to retreat from their occupation of the Suez Canal, the United States became the unchallenged guardian of the oil-rich Middle East. By aiding mujahideen fighters to kick the Soviets out of Afghanistan in 1989, America created the conditions for the collapse of the Soviet Union, exhausted by internal corruption and over-burdened by its wasteful military expenditure.

The Cold War was never an equal contest, with the US having three times the Soviet GDP in 1950, increasing to near seven times of the former Soviet Union by 2003. This winter, as Ukraine faces a Russian assault and Israel fighting not just the Palestinians but also Houthis and Hezbollah, the United States is now confronting four fronts at the same time  Eastern Europe, Middle East, Taiwan Straits and internally fractious politics, united only by bipartisan anger against China. In his masterly treatise, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, Yale historian Paul Kennedy saw by 1986 that the United States faced the twin problems of Number One in relative decline: first, the longevity of remaining top dog and second, whether she can retain the economic and technological bases of her power. In short, America must address her strategic overextension or over-reach in which resources cannot match the burden of staying as top dog.

America cannot fight forever wars with a military expenditure that is equal to her annual interest burden on her ballooning debt. In the latest issue of Foreign Affairs, the premier international relations magazine, CNN commentator Fareed Zakaria weighed the options of the Self-Doubting Superpower, that America shouldnt give up on the world it made. Hoover fellow Philip Zelikow gave a realistic review of how American statecraft has atrophied, particularly in respect of industrial capacity. Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman gave the first honest American self-review of how The American Way of Economic War was made by overusing its most powerful tool, the US dollar.

Harvard Professor Gordon Hansen reviewed American trade policy by concluding If Washington continues down the path of trade unilateralism, it will destabilize the global alliances and institutions that it spent seven decades building. The Ukraine war unveiled all the weaknesses of the neoliberal foundations of free trade, finance, supply chains and international relations, that no country can determine its own fate independent of its history, geography and demography.

The West (United States and Europe) is already over-stretched in defending its allies in Ukraine and Israel in terms of funding and supply of arms and munition. In supporting Israel in its near genocidal destruction of Gaza, the United States has lost all moral credibility with the Global South. If the West wavers in aid to Ukraine, which is currently financially and militarily on life support, then the Rest would know that relying on Western promises can be fatal. In the last three years, President Joe Biden has abandoned Afghanistan, taken on Russia and now faces an impossible task in bringing Israel to heel on cessation of war.

Next year, he faces Trump at the polls. By putting America First, the two Presidents are dismantling the world order that America built because they have weaponized every single foundation of the existing order. The power game is always for the Number One to lose, not necessarily for rivals to take. So far, we dont even know whether Number One knows what the plot is really all about.

(The writer, a former Central banker, writes on global affairs from an Asian perspective.)
The grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya is set to open to the public on January 22. This temple was constructed after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, fulfilling the BJPs Mandir wohi Banayenge pledge. The site is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and holds significant spiritual value for Hindus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will consecrate Ram Lallas idol.

The government has invited around 6,000 dignitaries from around the nation for the event. The inauguration of the Ram Temple holds great importance in the BJPs campaign for the 2024 elections. The Modi government has fulfilled two of its promises. They have constructed the Ram Temple and revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Implementing a uniform civil code is the third core issue that needs to be addressed. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement laid the foundation for the current dominance of the BJP. The campaign was led by BJP leaders Lal Krishna Advani in 1989 and Dr Murli Manohar Joshi in 1992, and made todays temple possible.

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Advani has openly admitted that the movement aimed to gain the support of Hindus for political purposes. The Vishva Hindu Parishad, a front organization of the Sangh, played a leading role in the Ayodhya agitation. The Sangh considers constructing the Ram temple a crucial step towards establishing Hindu Rashtra. The Supreme Court, in 2019, in its verdict, said that the disputed Babri Masjid site belonged to Hindu groups. In just four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modis team completed the construction of a temple at the site. The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board was offered five acres of land in Dhannipur village, Ayodhya, where they could build a mosque.

In 1992, Ayodhya gained international attention when a mob of Hindus demolished the Babri mosque located in the disputed site. The incident led to widespread riots across the country, resulting in many deaths. The BJP claimed that the mosque was built on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple
Riding on the local manufacturing growth, mobile phone exports from the country have surpassed $9 billion (more than Rs 75,000 crore) from April to November in the current fiscal year, industry data showed on Sunday.

This stupendous growth is compared to $6.2 billion (Over Rs 50,000 crore) during the same period last year, according to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA).

Led by Apple, India is set to cross $15 billion (over Rs 1,24,000 crore) in mobile phone exports in the current fiscal year, posting a growth of 35 per cent over the last fiscal year.

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The country is now the second-biggest manufacturing hub for mobile phones due to heavy investment from original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers and companies dealing in components and parts.

The mobile phone export juggernaut continues, riding on the tremendous growth in mobile phone exports, which have crossed Rs. 75,000 crore during April-November of the current fiscal year. Overall electronics exports have also grown by 28 per cent to Rs. 1,46,584 crore, said the industrys apex body.

During FY2022-23, out of $23.6 billion of electronics exports, the share of mobile phones accounted for $11.1 billion. Whereas, out of the projected $26 billion in electronics exports, mobile phones are expected to reach $15 billion in FY23-24.

This year, the mobile phone exports are anticipated to account for about 58 per cent of the overall electronics exports in FY23-24, compared to around 47 per cent in the previous fiscal year, the ICEA informed.

Apple is aiming to manufacture more than 50 million iPhones in India per year, as it aims to shift some of the production out from China. The tech giant aims to achieve the target within the next two to three years, with additional tens of millions of units planned after that, according to reports.

From Apple to Foxconn, the companies are aiming to leverage domestic capabilities to achieve supply chain diversification and scale up production by manufacturing in the country.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for KION GROUP is 76.49 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of 38.67 suggests KION GROUP is potentially 49% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 76% higher than KION GROUP's analyst price target of 43.40

How far off is KION GROUP AG (ETR:KGX) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for KION GROUP

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, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 670.1m 688.4m 712.0m 798.0m 830.9m 855.9m 875.2m 890.2m 902.1m 911.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x11 Analyst x10 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Est @ 4.12% Est @ 3.02% Est @ 2.25% Est @ 1.71% Est @ 1.34% Est @ 1.07% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 8.7% 617 583 555 572 548 520 489 458 427 397

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 5.2b

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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 (0.5%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.7%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 912m (1 + 0.5%)  (8.7% 0.5%) = 11b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 11b ( 1 + 8.7%)10= 4.9b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 10b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 38.7, the company appears quite undervalued at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

XTRA:KGX Discounted Cash Flow December 31st 2023

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at KION GROUP 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 8.7%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.641. 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 KION GROUP

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the German market.

Next Steps:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching 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. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For KION GROUP, we've put together three further items you should further research:

Risks: You should be aware of the 1 warning sign for KION GROUP we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does KGX's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Barack Obamas former adviser David Axelrod expressed very strong reservations on booting Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot, saying it could tear the nation apart.

Reacting to the news that Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows blocked Trump from the states ballot because she alleged Trump violated the 14th Amendment through his actions on January 6, Axelrod told a media network : I have very, very strong reservations about all of this.

Axelrod said: I do think it would rip the country apart if he were actually prevented from running because tens of millions of people want to vote for him.

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He also suggested that Trump has only gained popularity since the various indictments against him, which include federal charges of mishandling classified documents. He has pleaded not guilty to all 91 felony charges.

Trump was also blocked from Colorados 2024 ballot earlier this month, and combined with the Maine decision; Axelrod predicted Trump would only become more popular.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican Presidential hopeful, said the courts decisions, especially Maine, made Trump a martyr before the voters.

What you thought might be kryptonite for him has turned out to be battery packs, and this is a big one for him, Axelrod said.

I think if youre going to beat Donald Trump, youre going to probably have to do it at the polls.

Axelrod issued the warning a month after he advised President Joe Biden to ramp up his campaign strategy.

Biden reportedly became irritated, and as a result, Axelrod said he would live with the fact that the President is unhappy with me.

Again, my feeling is: either get out or get going, Axelrod said, suggesting it may be wise for President Biden to consider dropping out of the race, largely due to his age. Biden is the oldest sitting President at 81. If he wins, he will be 86 at the end of his second term. Bidens Democratic challengers are Representative Dean Phillips, author Marianne Williamson and YouTube news anchor Cenk Uygur.
Former US President Donald Trump doesnt score well on the likeability factor for Presidency among most Democrats and a section of the Republicans, but most of them agree on the eligibility factor that the brazen politician should not be struck off the ballot due to his alleged involvement in the January 6 insurrection on Capitol in 2021, but given a chance at the hustings.

Not even all of Donald Trumps political foes are on board with efforts to kick the former President off the ballot because of his involvement with the January 6 insurrection, media reports said.

Most Democrats and some Republicans dont want Donald Trump to be President again. But many in that group still think the indicted former President should be allowed to try, US News and World Report said in analysis of political and peoples reaction since the courts diverse rulings on the matter  Colorado and Maine for striking him off the ballot and Michigan and Minnesota against.

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Maine on Thursday became the second state to rule on Trumps eligibility factor for the 2024 presidency to be on the ballot, because of a Civil War-era provision of the Constitution, called the 14th amendment specified former public officials, who engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the US are ineligible to hold office again.

As with Colorado  where a state court last week said Trump was ineligible to appear on the ballot there  the decision by the Maine Secretary of State will be on hold while the cases go through the courts. But the Michigan courts did not even admit the pleas of the anti-Trump camp, saying it was for the voters to decide and not the courts.

Not all Democrats  or even Republicans trailing Trump in primary polls  are celebrating.

I voted to impeach Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 insurrection. I do not believe he should be re-elected as President of the US, Democratic Representative Jared Golden said in a statement after his home state of Maine said Trump was not eligible to be on the ballot there.

However, we are a nation of laws, therefore, until he is actually found guilty of the crime of insurrection, he should be allowed on the ballot, Golden added.

His Congressional colleague from Maine, Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree, disagreed, writing on social media, The text of the Fourteenth Amendment is clear. No person who engaged in an insurrection against the government can ever again serve in elected office.

Californias Democratic Secretary of State, Shirley Weber, certified Trump on the Golden States ballot for the March 5 primary, hours after her Maine counterpart, Shenna Bellows, said Trump was not eligible to be on the ballot there on the same primary day.

Webers decision runs counter to an open letter by the states Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis, to boot Trump from the ballot.

California must stand on the right side of history, Kounalakis said in her missive. But Webers move is in sync with what California Governor Gavin Newsom  himself a rising star in Democratic politics  says it is the best way to deal with Trump.

There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy, Newsom said in an earlier statement.

But, in California, we defeat candidates at the polls.

Trumps presidential primary foes, too, slammed efforts to remove him from the ballot  even though that might be the only path to victory for those well behind the former President in primary polls.

The idea that one bureaucrat in an executive position can simply unilaterally disqualify someone from office, that turns on its head every notion of constitutional due process that this country has always abided by for over 200 years, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told Fox News on Thursday night.

It opens up Pandoras box, he added in remarks similar to those of his fellow primary competitors.

The issue is complicated on both legal and political grounds. The provision, a section of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, does not require that a candidate be convicted of participating in an insurrection or rebellion. Nor does it specify who decides  meaning, critics say, that it is open to partisan abuse.

The Trump campaign, for example, has cast all efforts to keep the candidate off the ballot as purely political.

We are witnessing, in real-time, the attempted theft of an election and the disenfranchisement of the American voter, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement after Maines ruling on Thursday.

But the politics are complicated, too, for those who dont want Trump to be President again. Keeping Trump off the ballot could make it impossible for him to get re-elected. But it also could make voters feel as though they were denied their right to choose their President through a democratic election  not to mention set a precedent for removing other candidates in other races, the World report observed.

That Trump is ineligible is far from a slam dunk, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, wrote in a lengthy explanation of the issue this week.

And theres the very real value of ensuring that, in our democracy, voters and political parties have the choice and freedom to vote for or nominate their preferred candidate  and that ballot access is not used as a political tool for disqualification, she added.

Michigans Supreme Court earlier this week ruled that Trump should appear on the primary ballot there on February 27  but left open the possibility that a new legal challenge could keep him off the general election ballot there.

Minnesotas High Court also rejected an effort to remove Trump from the primary ballot there. But while Colorados Supreme Court said Trump had indeed participated in an insurrection effort, Michigan and Minnesota courts skirted that issue, basing their rulings on technical issues of who has the authority to choose a party nominee.

A group called Free Speech for People, representing some Oregon voters, has filed a lawsuit challenging Trumps eligibility there, citing the insurrection clause.

It is the US Supreme Court that will give the final ruling on Trumps eligibility factor when it hears Trumps legal teams challenging the Colorado court and Maines Secretary of State rulings on the issue. The Colorado case, notably, was brought by six Republican and Independent voters.
Retired US Army General Barry McCaffrey has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively hoping that former President Donald Trump wins the 2024 Presidential election as Putin felt Trumps persecution was politically motivated reflecting the rottenness of the American political system.

Trump, the frontrunner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, has long been praised by Putin (even suspected of trying to interfere in the 2016 campaign to influence voters) and the former President has often quoted the Russian leader on the campaign trail.

The Russian President himself faces the electorate in his country facing a crisis of confidence fighting ill health besides the armys resistance to prolong the war with Ukraine.

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Putin is rumoured in the Kremlin to be suffering from cancer and that he is operating incognito from a far-off mansion in the outskirts of Moscow and some say he is in Georgia.

At a rally in Durham, New Hampshire, earlier this month, former President Trump quoted Putin, who reportedly criticised the numerous criminal charges that Trump is currently facing, denied by the former President and pleaded not guilty to.

Even Vladimir Putin says that Bidens, and this is a quote, politically motivated persecution of his political rival is very good for Russia because it shows the rottenness of the American political system, which cannot pretend to teach others about democracy, Trump quotes Putin.

Putin made the comment during an Economic Forum in eastern Russia as late as September this year. Putin did not name Biden in the original quote which was added by Trump, Newsweek reported in its latest issue, putting Trump on the cover with the caption Trump, the year that was.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Trump and Putin has been criticised since the former Presidents 2016 run when questions of Russias alleged election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign arose, media reports said.

I have never understood this whole relationship between Trump and Putin. Putin is a thug, a murderer; hes gotten the Russian Federation into terrible trouble economically, politically. He stamped out free speech. So, why Trump seems to be in league with this desperado is hard to understand, McCaffrey said, during his interview appearance on MSNBC.

Yes, Putin and for that matter other criminal enterprises like the North Koreans are actively hoping to have Trump back in office, where in my personal opinion, he would be devastatingly bad for US national security, the retired General said.

Some media reports suggested that arch foes of US such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia were in cahoots to disrupt or influence the 2024 elections using social media to spread false information or propaganda against the Biden administration and eulogise Trump.

McCaffrey, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, was in the US Army for 32 years and later served as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Bill Clinton. Newsweek reached out to McCaffrey via X direct message, Trumps campaign via email and the Russian government via online form.

Following Trumps 2016 win against his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, the Department of Justice (DOJ) probed possible Russian interference. Special counsel Robert Mueller led the investigation and in March 2019, his findings were made public in what is infamously known as the Mueller report.

Although the investigation established that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome, and that the campaign expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts, the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities, the report said.

Russia has denied allegations of election inference and Trump has called the Mueller report a complete and total exoneration.

On the question of whether Trump obstructed justice, the report said, The Presidents efforts to influence the investigation were mostly unsuccessful, but that is largely because the persons who surrounded the President declined to carry out orders or accede to his requests.

While this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him, according to the report.

In March 2021, a declassified US intelligence report alleged Russia also tried to help Trump in the 2020 election, but found no evidence of foreign voter fraud.

Putin authorised influence operations aimed at denigrating President Bidens candidacy and the Democratic Party, supporting Trump, undermining public confidence in the electoral process and exacerbating socio-political divisions in the US, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence report said.

The Kremlin denied allegations that it interfered in the 2020 election, which Trump ultimately lost to Biden. The former President also denied being given help from any country in the election.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy. Light snow likely this afternoon. High 24F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Snow showers this evening. Breaks in the overcast later. Low 13F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%.
While accepting from the Rashtrapati the outstanding parliamentarian award for 2006, I publicly pledged never again to participate in the disruption of parliamentary proceedings. Through approximately my first decade in the Lok Sabha (1991-2001, with some interruptions) I had served in a house where debate was the norm and disruption the exception. In the period of Atal Bihari Vajpayees premiership (1999-2004), when the Congress was in opposition, dignity, decorum and discussion began giving way to frequent disruption of proceedings. Our then chief whip, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, was the guiding light for such unparliamentary behaviour but he was backed to the hilt by opposition MPs. Entering the well of the house, carrying placards into Parliament to catch TVs eye, and demonstrating at the foot of Mahatma Gandhis statue gradually displaced sober debate as the preferred mode of protesting governments policies, thought and action. This brought no public opprobrium on the Congress as we succeeded in winning the 2004 general elections and becoming the ruling party for all of a decade (2004-2014).

The lesson the BJP, in opposition during that decade, seems to have learned is that demonstration, and not discussion, is the way back to power. During the decade of UPA rule, the BJP outclassed the previous Congress record of expressing dissent through demonstration. Both Somnath Chatterjee, presiding over the lower house, and Hamid Ansari, presiding over the upper house, begged, scolded, and reprimanded parliamentarians for boorish behaviour designed to close down proceedings.

Illustration: Bhaskaran

With both halves of the house eschewing debate in favour of disruption, India, that is Bharat, has rapidly descended to the nadir now reached. Is there a way out? I commend the suggestion proposed by Chakshu Roy of PRS Legislative Research in a newspaper: instead of the days agenda being set by the government for the entire week, bar the two-and-a-half hours set aside on Friday afternoons for private members business, specific days of the sitting be reserved for opposition business. I would add that the house then sit for at least 180 days in the year to give both sides adequate space and opportunity to voice their concerns. That might, just might, render Parliament less dysfunctional.

Notwithstanding such a systemic response to the current establishment view of treating disruptions as a disciplinary problem that has led to the suspension of virtually all opposition MPs, it seems to me that the fundamental problem remains of few MPs being given adequate time to express their views whereas demonstrations give all concerned MPs the opportunity to participate in the proceedings on an equal footing. Also, while a good speech requires careful preparation, disruption requires no preparation at all! How does one tackle that psychological issue? Only by restoring dignity to parliamentary proceedings.

In the earliest Lok Sabhas and Rajya Sabhas, coinciding with Jawaharlal Nehrus premiership, parliamentary proceedings went smoothly, with the press carefully reporting summaries of the main arguments made, so that notorious disrupters like Mani Ram Bagri were decried. This was essentially because Nehru made a point of frequently attending Parliament, particularly when he and his government were under attack.

Indeed, on my first visit to Parliament in 1960, I watched bewitched as Comrade Dange lit into Nehru for dismissing the communist government in Kerala. The house and the prime minister heard him out without any interruption. The current prime minister devalues Parliament by almost never being in the house and then leaning on presiding officers to be particularly harsh on the opposition and restrained on his own MPs. That is the current crux of the problem.

Aiyar is a former Union minister and social commentator.
You could blame the pandemic for the fashion pause it induced upon us, but there really cannot be an excuse for wearing sweatpants in public. For all the highs and lows 2023 has brought on, its most impressive achievement was putting some good, old-fashioned glamour back in our wardrobes.

The year began with Louis Vuittons newest global brand ambassador, our very own Deepika Padukone, presenting at the Academy Awards. Dressed in an off-shoulder velvet gown, her now-famous smoke-eyed makeup, and gently tousled hair, Padukone shone introducing a banger of a song that RRRs Naatu Naatu was. Despite looking like she could belong anywhere in the worldfrom South Asia to the Middle East to South AmericaPadukones confidence was buoyed courtesy her distinctly Indian accent. All the mamas rolling their Rs to please an American audience took notes, and then faded away into oblivion.

Almost in the same vein, all of the worlds leading fashion folk descended upon Mumbai in March for Diors first-ever fashion show in India. Dior opened its stores in India nearly two decades ago, but finally decided to present to a live Indian audience. All of this under the aegis of its new creative head, the brilliant Maria Grazia Chiuri, who not only is a feminist in her practical manner of dressing women but also in empowering female artisans who she believes make the backbone of couture. Dior, and Chiuri, were in India with over 200 international journalists, to say thank you to India for her amazing embroidery work. This was a historical moment indeed.

Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt with their daughter Raha | AFP

Sabyasachis new store in Mumbai is nothing if not Indias homegrown luxury flexing its muscle. The four storey, nearly 40,000 square foot flagship is set in a massive, 100-year-old, neoclassical building in Mumbais oldest district. It rubs shoulders with Christian Louboutin and Hermes on one side, and the countrys biggest Zara boutique on the other. The uber glamorous opening, hosted by the Kolkata designers new investor Kumar Mangalam Birla, saw a fleet of Mumbais elite crowd as well as a smattering of movie stars attend. But the real jaw-drop was the occasion itselfthe gorgeous, gargantuan, grand edifice.

Former movie star Zeenat Aman, now 72, made her Instagram debut in January 2023 and what a needle she moved. More than anyone else before her, Aman 2.0 heralded a new era of agelessness and timelessness. She made it to two magazine covers already, one in India and one in Saudi Arabia. But her real clout came from the fact that Aman has finally convinced the country at large that a mature, thinking woman with silver hair is possibly the sexiest girl alive.

Indian kings have always worn jewels, but soon enough the shirt-and-trouser wearing man distorted ideas of masculinity and shed his baubles. Sure, North Indian grooms will wear a brooch on their turbans sometimes, or will add on their mothers string of emerald or rubies, but mens jewellery has barely moved beyond the wedding ring and the odd link bracelet. Until the wickedest of them all, Bobby Deols character in Animal, made his entry on an Iranian love song. The viral reels show the bronzed, bearded and boozed up Deol dancing in snug blue trousers, an unbuttoned white shirt and a long jadau pendant dangling off his bad, bad chest. After the boyfriend jacket, the girlfriend necklace is now a thing.

Little Miss Raha Kapoors first appearance has us going aww. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatts year-old daughter finally made her first public appearance this week, showing off her mothers cheeks and her light-eyed Kapoor lineage. Our hearts melted seeing the mother and daughter in matching red shoes. Christmas had christmassed, and it will be a happy and haute new year.
When you buy shares in a company, it's worth keeping in mind the possibility that it could fail, and you could lose your money. But when you pick a company that is really flourishing, you can make more than 100%. For example, the Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM) share price has soared 183% in the last half decade. Most would be very happy with that. It's also good to see the share price up 23% over the last quarter. But this move may well have been assisted by the reasonably buoyant market (up 12% in 90 days).

So let's investigate and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

See our latest analysis for Martin Marietta Materials

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Over half a decade, Martin Marietta Materials managed to grow its earnings per share at 8.3% a year. This EPS growth is lower than the 23% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that market participants hold the company in higher regard, these days. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth.

You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

We know that Martin Marietta Materials has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? This free report showing analyst revenue forecasts should help you figure out if the EPS growth can be sustained.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Martin Marietta Materials, it has a TSR of 194% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

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A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Martin Marietta Materials shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 49% over one year. Of course, that includes the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 24% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Martin Marietta Materials you should know about.

But note: Martin Marietta Materials may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American 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.
On the evening of November 4, 1606, King James Is guards searched the cellars of his parliament house, and arrested Guy Fawkes who was hiding with a lantern, matches, touchwood and barrels of gunpowder that would have blown up the building, the king and the lords at parliaments opening the following day. No blood was shedblue, red, noble or menial.

India, too, has had its gunpowder day. On December 13, 2001, five men blasted into our Parliament house with machine guns in their hands and murder on their minds. Spraying bullets and blood all around, they raced towards the chambers with an intent to kill the ministers and members, before they were gunned down.

England remembers the event that took place five centuries ago though no lives were lost. To this day, they have a Guy Fawkes Day on which they burst crackers and children sing a rhyme:

Illustration: Bhaskaran

Remember, remember, the 5th of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason

Why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

Though nearer in time and bloodier, Indias gunpowder day has been clouded out from our collective memory. Nothing else explains the farce that took place on its 22nd anniversary. Two crackpots, with little resources at their command for plotting perdition, walked unchallenged into the parliamentary galleries with smoke canisters in their shoes, and jumped into the chamber, while two others created a distraction with a Punch-and-Judy show in the town square outside.

All the four johnnies were caught with ease, but the ease with which they had walked into the house and created mayhem raised several eyebrows. How did they walk in unchallenged? How did a ruling party member sign their passes? How secure is the new Parliament house? Who sent them? What will the state and its sleuths do to get to the bottom of the plot? Is there a fabled foreign hand which we discover behind virtually every country bomb blast in the country?

Parliament sought answers, for two reasons. One, sitting in the houses were the peoples representatives who had been sent there to ask questions. Two, it was their lives that had been at stake in the whole farce.

No replies came from the regime. Instead, statements were made elsewhere disregarding a convention that such statements are not to be made outside when the houses are in session. As agitated members, feeling insulted after being nearly injured, created pandemonium, there took place what may go down in parliamentary history as a regulated re-enactment of Prides Purge. Prides Purge, if you dont know, was a notorious event in the English parliament in 1648 when Thomas Pride got removed members who were opposed to his cause.

Honble speaker sir, and chairman, sir! Lets not follow the purgatorial path of Pride. When the walls of the temple of democracy are breached, the pujaris and the archakas inside, and the billion believers outside, have a right to know.

King James and Atal Bihari Vajpayee recognised that right. The address by the king the next day ensured the survival of the regime in England; the assurance by Ataljis home minister L.K. Advani triggered a national mobilisation to combat the evil of terror, politically and militarily.

In both cases, the rule of law prevailed; democracy survived; and peoples will triumphed.

prasannan@theweek.in
BJP MP Pratap Simha on Sunday alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is out to finish his family only to 'politically rehabilitate' his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

He claimed that the Chief Minister is targeting him to pave the way for his son to win the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Siddaramaiah dismissed the allegations, saying that only those who violate rules are arrested and not the innocent.

Pratap Simha was reacting to his brother Vikram Simha's arrest in connection with the felling of a large number of trees in a farm in Hassan to grow ginger. Vikram was arrested on Saturday evening and taken to the hospital for a medical check-up today.

"My brother's name was not there in the FIR earlier. He wasn't even absconding. Yet, he was arrested," the Mysuru-Kodagu BJP MP told reporters here.

Simha further claimed that the CM will not stop with the arrest.

"For your (Siddaramaiah) son's political future, you will make all the efforts to trample Pratap Simha. You will defame me and drag my family into this. You are trying to frame my brother," the MP alleged.

Simha charged that the Chief Minister is trying to rehabilitate his son Yathindra, who gave up the Varuna seat to enable his father contest the Assembly elections from the constituency in May this year.

"For his son's future, Siddaramaiah is out to finish my family. Please arrest my elderly mother and sister also but I want to tell you that the people of Mysuru-Kodagu are with me," the MP said.

Speaking to reporters here, the Chief Minister rejected the charges.

"Whoever violates rules will be arrested. Why will someone be arrested without any reason," Siddaramaiah sought to know.

He said no innocent person will be harmed in his tenure.

Rejecting Simha's allegations, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said action would follow when trees worth crores of rupees are felled illegally.

State Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara too denied Simha's charges, saying those who violated law have to face the consequences.
Vikram Simha, the brother of BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha seat Pratap Simha, was arrested by the Forest Department on Saturday for his alleged involvement in a case wherein 126 scheduled trees protected under the Forest Act were felled without permission and their logs smuggled. The woods were smuggled from Hassan districts Maragondanahalli village.

Pratap Simha was recently caught in controversy after it emerged that he was the one who procured the pass for one of the accused in the Parliament breach case. The MP, a journalist-turned-politician, had maintained his innocence in that incident, stating that the people would people will decide if he was a patriot or a traitor.



A statement from the Forest Department said that Vikram Simha was arrested on Saturday by the Organised Crime Squad of the Central Crime Branch which handed him over to the forest department. "The suspect Vikram Simha came for his statement before the Investigation Officer (IO) but subsequently avoided his presence before the officer. Since his presence was essential, the IO found it necessary to secure his presence. Available documentary evidence also hinted at his involvement in the above-mentioned crime," it read.



Though Vikram Simha fled Hassan district to Bengaluru, a plainclothes team of Forest personnel kept a close eye on him. "Surveillance through electronic means indicated his departure from Hassan to Bengaluru. A group of officials subsequently arrived in Bengaluru and sought cooperation from the Police Commissioner of the city to assist in tracing the accused," the statement added.



The incident came to light on December 16 when Belur tahsildar Mamata alerted the Forest Department of the tree felling, according to the Deccan Herald. It was alleged that 126 trees were axed on land in Nandagodanahalli in Hassans Belur taluk. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against two individuals named Jayamma and Rakesh Shetty initially. Officials also seized one power chainsaw, a tractor and a trailer.



Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre told reporters that the 126 axed trees included those between 50 and 60 years old. "No one is bigger than the law," Khandre told reporters in Bidar. "I dont wish to name anyone. However, one Vikram Simha had an agreement to grow ginger on the said land. Hence, the officials deemed it necessary to detain and question him and he has been arrested."



Pratap Simha MP reacted to the arrest by sharing a copy of the FIR, stating that his brother Vikram was a farmer living away from public life and was not named in the FIR connected to the tree-felling case. Vikram too claimed the allegations were politically motivated. "I have not cut down any tree, it has nothing to do with me. But I had contracted that land for one year from July 24 to grow ginger."


A week after the drone attack on cargo vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy said it was enhancing maritime surveillance efforts and augmenting force levels in the central and north Arabian Sea.

This comes in the wake of increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.



While Task Groups, comprising destroyers and frigates, have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident, aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced for total maritime domain awareness. "Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, the Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard," the statement by Indian Navy said.



It also said that the piracy incident on MV Ruen, approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast, and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar, indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ.



Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen came under piracy attack on December 14 in the Central Arabian Sea, which involved the boarding of the vessel by six unidentified individuals. On the other hand, MV Chem Pluto was hit by a drone fired from Iranian coast last week.



Another vessel MV Sai Baba, a Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker with 25 Indian crew members, also came under a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday but no one was injured,



"The overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region," the statement added.



Following the attack on Chem Pluto, the Indian Navy commenced focused maritime security operations in the region. "The presence of Indian Navy warships and air surveillance in the region has been enhanced. Actions are being progressed in coordination with national maritime agencies towards ensuring safety of merchant marine in the region," it said.

Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar has also issued directions to keep a close lookout for any suspicious activity in the Arabian Sea. He further directed to carry out thorough checks on the suspicious boats to ensure the safety of our merchant vessels and mariners, said the Indian Navy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday asked the Mumbai civic commissioner to illuminate temples and buildings here with decorative lights and "celebrate Diwali" on January 22, the day of consecration of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and more than 6,000 people are expected to attend the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya in UP.

Speaking at a cleanliness drive in Mumbai, CM Shinde said, "The Ram temple will be inaugurated on January 22. I want to ask the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner to celebrate Diwali across Mumbai city. Let there be lots of decorative lighting on all the temples and buildings in Mumbai."

"All parts of Maharashtra should celebrate on January 22 with Diwali-like enthusiasm," the CM told reporters while responding to a question. The chief minister said the Ram temple was a dream of (Shiv Sena founder) late Balasaheb Thackeray and several devotees of Lord Ram.

"Modiji made the dream (of building the Ram temple) into a reality. What PM Modi speaks, he ensures to make it a reality. Be it the Railways or airports, he implements his promises. Everyone accepts Modi's guarantees," Shinde said. He thanked PM Modi for turning into reality the dream of crores of Indians and Balasaheb Thackeray's wish of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Shinde said the only guarantee that works in the country at present is PM Modi's guarantee. The results of the recent assembly elections in three states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) have proved it, he added.

Asked if the Ram temple inauguration was being used for political gains, Shinde said, "The Ram temple is a matter of people's faith, thus it cannot be a political issue. Those who were known for working from home, will sit permanently at home. They will get a strong message from voters, he said indirectly referring to his predecessor former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Such people should think properly before making any comment over the Ram temple, Shinde said.

On Sunday, deep cleaning initiatives were undertaken at 10 places in Mumbai as part of the government's ongoing drive to bring down the air pollution in the state capital and make it clean.
A young Dalit woman was allegedly thrown into a hot cauldron of a jaggery-making unit for protesting against molestation in the Budaun district, police said on Sunday.

The 18-year-old woman, who sustained serious burn injuries, is undergoing treatment at the GTB Hospital in Delhi, police said, adding that three accused, including the cauldron owner, have been arrested.

Inspector in-charge of the Binauli police station M P Singh said that the woman, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, worked at Pramod's cauldron in a village.

Lodging a complaint at the Binauli police station on Saturday, the woman's brother said that on Wednesday, she was working at the cauldron when Pramod, Raju and Sandeep allegedly molested and misbehaved with his sister. When she protested, the accused allegedly threw her into the hot cauldron with the intention of killing her, and also hurled "casteist words" towards her. After this, the three accused fled.

Singh said that on the complaint of her brother, police have registered a case against accused Pramod, Raju and Sandeep under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC and under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and arrested all three accused.

He said that further action is being taken in the matter.
Bidding farewell to 2023, countries around the world is gearing to welcome the next year. As the countdown begins, fireworks, and celebrations mark the entry of another new year as the clock strikes midnight on December 31. Kiribati, is the first country to welcome New Year 2024.

Kiribati, an island country in Oceania, made up of atolls had three time zones. The 33 atolls that make up Kiribati, occupy nearly 4,000km in the equatorial Pacific from east to west and more than 2,000km from north to south.

New Zealand is second country to welcome the New Year. New Zealands two main islandsNorth Island and South Island- are both in the same time zone.

The next country to welcome New Year 2024 will be Australia east coast (13:00 GMT), followed by Japan and South Korea (15:00 GMT). India and Sri Lanka (18:30 GMT) is up next followed by 25 countries including UK (00:00 GMT).

However, the latecomers to the party will the uninhabited Howland and Baker Island belonging to the United States. These remote specks of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean ring in the New Year at 12:00 pm GMT.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to launch three additional military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and introduce modern attack drones in 2024, as he called for overwhelming war readiness to cope with US-led confrontational moves, state media reported Sunday.

Kim's comments, made during a key ruling Workers' Party meeting to set state goals for next year, suggest he'll intensify a run of weapons tests ahead of the US presidential elections in November. Observers say Kim believes a boosted nuclear capability would give him another chance to launch high-stakes summit diplomacy with the US to win sanctions relief if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House.



During the five-day meeting that ended Saturday, Kim said anti-North Korea moves by the United States and its followers have been unprecedented this year, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. Kim cited the expansion of US-South Korean military exercises and the temporary deployment of powerful US military assets such as bombers and a nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea - steps the allies have taken in response to the North's weapons testing spree since last year.



The grave situation requires us to accelerate works to acquire overwhelming war response capabilities and thorough and perfect military readiness to suppress any types of provocations by the enemies at a stroke, Kim said, according to KCNA.

Kim set forth plans to launch three more military spy satellites next year in addition to the country's first reconnaissance satellite launched in November.



He underscored the need to establish a reliable foundation to build more nuclear weapons, an apparent reference to facilities to produce fissile materials like weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium.



Kim also ordered authorities to enhance submarine capabilities and develop various types of modern unmanned combat equipment such as armed drones, according to KCNA.



Pyongyang might be waiting out the US presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.



The Kim regime has closed the political door on denuclearization negotiations but could offer rhetorical restraint and a testing freeze in exchange for sanctions relief, Easley said.



Although North Korea has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons, it might try to extract payment for acting like a so-called responsible nuclear power.



Kim has been focusing on modernizing his nuclear arsenal since his diplomacy with Trump, then the US president, broke down in 2019 due to wrangling over how much sanctions relief the North could be given for a partial surrender of its nuclear program. Experts say Kim likely thinks that Trump, if elected for a second term, could make concessions as the US is preoccupied with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas fighting.



Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University in South Korea, said if President Joe Biden is reelected, North Korea won't get what it wants. But he predicted a Trump win could revive summit diplomacy between the two countries, saying Trump will likely say during his campaign that he can convince North Korea to suspend intimidating weapons tests.



He said Kim's vow to ramp up production of plutonium and uranium is meant to add to his negotiating cards in potential diplomacy with the Americans.



Nam said North Korea will also test-launch more intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the continental US this year. North Korea will act to the fullest extent under its timetable for provocation until the US election day, Nam said.



During his speech at the party meeting, Kim used bellicose, derisive rhetoric against South Korea, calling it a half-paralyzed, deformed US colony with Yankee culture. He said South Korea must not be considered as a partner for reconciliation or unification. He ordered the military to use all available capabilities including nuclear to conquer South Korea in the event of a potential conflict.



Some analysts have speculated that limited armed clashes between the Koreas along their tense land and sea border could happen in the coming year. South Korea's spy agency said last week that North Korea will likely launch military provocations and cyberattacks ahead of South Korean parliamentary elections in April and the US presidential election in November.



Kim also maintained that North Korea must solidify cooperation with anti-imperialist, independent countries that he said oppose US-led Western hegemony.



Kim didn't mention those countries by name. But North Korea has been seeking to beef up its cooperation with Russia and China, which have repeatedly blocked the US and others' attempts to toughen UN sanctions on the North over its banned missile tests. The US and South Korea accuse North Korea of supplying conventional arms like artillery and ammunition to Russia in return for high-tech Russian technologies to boost its own military programs.



Meanwhile, Kim said during the meeting that North Korea made eye-opening" achievements on economic projects this year by fulfilling or exceeding set quotas in major areas such as farming, housing construction and fisheries. The claim cannot be independently confirmed, and Nam, the professor, said the self-praise appears aimed at burnishing Kim's image as a leader who cares about public livelihoods as well as military issues.


Russian on Saturday launched air attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Kherson and Kharkiv in the hours leading into New Year's Eve, Ukrainian officials said. This came after Moscow vowed to punish Ukraine for its shelliing of border city of Belgorod, which killed 21 people.

Russia launched six rocket attacks on the city, the head of Kharkiv's regional administration said, adding that at least two children and a foreign national were among those injured.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram: "All relevant emergency services are already on the site. Information about potential casualties is being clarified."

In Kherson, one person had been killed during the Russian shelling of a residential building. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that 10 Iranian-made Shahed drones had been shot down across the Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv regions.

Russia has claimed that at least 21 people, including three children, were killed and 110 others wounded in a Ukrainian attack on the Russian border city of Belgorod. The attack came a day after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest air attack on Kyiv since the war began.

Blaming Ukraine for the attacks, Russian authorities said Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the attacks and the crime will not go unpunished. "The Kyiv regime is trying to divert attention from the defeats on the front lines and to provoke us into taking similar actions," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Moscow accused Ukraine of using multiple forms of weaponry, including Ukrainian Olkha and Czech-made Vampire rockets, to launch the attacks on Belgorod. It added that it has asked the Czech representative to attend the urgent meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York. The UNSC meeting was held on Saturday at Russia's request.

Russias ambassador Vasily Nebenzya claimed at the UN that the attack "a deliberate act of terrorism planned against civilians". Ukraine responded to Nebenzya's accusation with its representative to the US, Serhii Dvornyk, telling the UNSC that "the only way to stop human suffering is to stop the war itself."

Though Ukraine has not publicly commented on the incident, a Ukrainian security source responded to the accusations, stating that only military infrastructure had been targeted in Belgorod. The unnamed source told BBC News that over 70 drones had been launched against Russian targets as a "response to Russia's terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians".

They also blamed the "incompetent work of Russian air defence" for civilian casualties - saying this was what caused falling fragments.

On Friday, Russia carried out an 18-hour aerial bombardment across Ukraine killing at least 41 civilians. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said Saturday that the toll in the capital Kyiv rose to at least 16 after the bodies of more civilians were recovered from the rubble of a warehouse.

"The attack on the capital city on December 29 was the largest in terms of civilian casualties since the start of the full-scale invasion. Rescuers are working and will continue to clear the rubble until tomorrow," Klitschko said. "January 1 will be declared a Day of Mourning in Kyiv."
The US military said Sunday it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired toward a container ship by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same ship, but US forces opened fire, killing several of the armed crews, the US Central Command said. No one was injured on the ship.

The Singapore-flagged MAERSK HANZGHOU reported they had already been hit by a missile Saturday night while transiting the Southern Red Sea and requested assistance, CENTCOM said in a statement. The USS GRAVELY and USS LABOON responded to the call for help, and the Denmark-owned vessel was reportedly seaworthy and no injuries were noted, the statement added.

This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19, CENTCOM said.

In another statement, CENTCOM said the same ship issued an additional distress call about a second attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats. The attackers fired small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANZGHOU, getting to within 20 meters (about 65 feet) of the vessel, and attempted to it, CENTCOM said.

A contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, the central command said. U.S. helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and GRAVELY responded to the distress call and while issuing verbal warnings to the attackers, the small boat crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.

The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four boats, killing the crews while the fourth boat fled the area, CENTCOM said, and no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment was reported.

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. They say their attacks aim to end Israel's air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip following the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct.7.

On Saturday, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East said Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Since the Pentagon announced Operation Prosperity Guardian to counter the attacks just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have travelled through the Red Sea region, and none has been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said in an Associated Press interview.
Statistically speaking, long term investing is a profitable endeavour. But along the way some stocks are going to perform badly. For example, after five long years the Oxley Holdings Limited (SGX:5UX) share price is a whole 65% lower. That is extremely sub-optimal, to say the least. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 30% in the last year.

Since shareholders are down over the longer term, lets look at the underlying fundamentals over the that time and see if they've been consistent with returns.

View our latest analysis for Oxley Holdings

Given that Oxley Holdings didn't make a profit in the last twelve months, we'll focus on revenue growth to form a quick view of its business development. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. Some companies are willing to postpone profitability to grow revenue faster, but in that case one does expect good top-line growth.

Over half a decade Oxley Holdings reduced its trailing twelve month revenue by 0.4% for each year. While far from catastrophic that is not good. With neither profit nor revenue growth, the loss of 10% per year doesn't really surprise us. We don't think anyone is rushing to buy this stock. Ultimately, it may be worth watching - should revenue pick up, the share price might follow.

You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

SGX:5UX Earnings and Revenue Growth December 31st 2023

We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Oxley Holdings' earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About The Total Shareholder Return (TSR)?

We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Oxley Holdings' total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. Arguably the TSR is a more complete return calculation because it accounts for the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested), along with the hypothetical value of any discounted capital that have been offered to shareholders. Dividends have been really beneficial for Oxley Holdings shareholders, and that cash payout explains why its total shareholder loss of 59%, over the last 5 years, isn't as bad as the share price return.

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A Different Perspective

Investors in Oxley Holdings had a tough year, with a total loss of 30%, against a market gain of about 2.1%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 10% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Even so, be aware that Oxley Holdings is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about...

Oxley Holdings 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 Singaporean 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.
In a bid to ease the impact of mass tourism, Venice is set to ban loudspeakers and tourist groups more than 25 people. The ban will come into effect from June 2024.

The Italian city in a statement said that the use of loudspeakers have been banned as they can "generate confusion and disturbances," it added.

Venice is one of the most visited places by tourists in Europe.

According to Elisabetta Pesce, official in charge of security, the latest policies are "aimed at improving the management of groups organised in the historic centre."

Venice, a city with just 7.6 sq km in size, has been struggling to address the issues related to tourism. According to statistics, the city had hosted almost 13 million tourists in 2019. The numbers are likely to go up in the coming years raising huge concerns for the authorities. Also, UNESCO has said that the city should be added to list of world heritage sites in danger.

In September, Venice approved the trial of a $5.35 entry fee for daily visitors, in an attempt to address the issues related to it.

However, other hotspots including Florence, Rome, and Athens have implemented tourist restrictions to reduce damage to its historic monuments. Athens in Greece capped visitor numbers at Acropolis to 20,000 a day, to reduce damage to the ancient temple complex. While Rome introduced fines and also banned the "love padlocks" from being attached to bridges.
MAN MATHA NATH Podder's Nautica sneakers betray his Big Apple street cred. He is quite well offin New York, he lives in a condo, not an apartment. I would rather stay here, says Podder, who came back to Bangladesh just to vote.

In Gopalganj, we are mad for Sheikh Hasina, he asserts. Podder was a schoolteacher and the Awami League upazila chairman for years. He remembers 1971, the fight for freedom, and the devastation of the death of Sheikh Mujib three and a half years later.

For Podder, this election is personal. We remember the times when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was in power, he says. Khaleda Zia tortured Hindus; our women were raped, our houses burnt and our land seized. Especially in Gopalganj 3, a constituency with the largest presence of Hindus, a vote for Hasina is also a vote against this threat.

We wrapped our goddess in black and forgot our prayers, says Bimal Krishna Biswas, upazila parishad member. Now the area is dotted with temples. This year, Hasina donated 3.25 lakh takas from her personal fund to the Kotalipara puja pandals. This was in addition to 650 tonnes of rice. At one of the temples in the area, Gita classes have started. More than a hundred people come to listen, says Biswas.

Bangladesh has around 1.3 crore Hindus, about 8 per cent of the population. We always believe that everyone in the country, irrespective of religion and caste, will enjoy equal rights, she said at the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka during the Durga puja. We all are the children of this soil. We will live in this land enjoying our rights.

Nestled in the heart of the Bengal countryside, the picturesque Tungipara is a landscape straight out of a paintinga palette of greens and yellows with an expanse of blue sky mirrored in the ponds. Boats idle, tied to trees in the fields. This is where the Mujib story began; where he was born and buried. It is fitting then that it is here that the Padma Multipurpose Bridgeall 6.15 gleaming kilometres of itmakes dreams come true. Gopalganj may have had the benefit of being connected by rail during Hasina's 15-year tenure, but the impact of the bridge has made the distance evaporate.

It used to take 10 to 12 hours to reach Dhaka, says Biswas. It is now just two hours. This has opened a host of opportunities for traders and farmers who can now sell their vegetables in the capital city. If Dhaka has transformed during Hasina's rule, in Gopalganj she has ensured that development is at its doorstep. This year alone 43 projects costing 300 crore taka were inaugurated.

The Sheikh Mujib Memorialcrowded even on a Mondayis but serene. The coffin in which his bullet-ridden body arrived is up for display. A shrine to the Bangabandhu, it preserves his pastthe pen he wrote with, the bed he slept in, his spectaclesbut very much represents the present and the future. The battle for Bangladesh, one that the Awami League is determined to preserve, is contrary to the BNP's agenda. The reason this area was neglected during the BNP's time was this was where Mujib was born, says Podder. They wanted to destroy everything.

For Hasina, this is home. And it is her fortress. She doesnt need to even come to campaign, says Sheikh Abdul Basar, president of Tungipara upazila. She has always given us more than expected.
Interview/ Muhammad Hasan Mahmud, minister of information, Bangladesh

Holidays are a luxury for Muhammad Hasan Mahmud, minister of information, Bangladesh. It is a Saturday morning, and Mahmud has his diary full as he gears up for the parliamentary elections. He is fighting once again from his constituency, Chittagong-7. Mahmud, who also serves as the joint secretary of the ruling Awami League, spoke to THE WEEK about the key issues in the elections and the growth in India-Bangladesh ties. Excerpts:

Q/ What are the issues the elections are being fought on?

A/ We believe that the people will vote for the Awami League. The BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) understood this, which is why it is boycotting the elections. People will vote in favour of development, in favour of prosperity, and what has been done under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Q/ The BNP alleges that the polls are not free and fair.

A/ The elections will be completely free, fair and transparent. The participation of a particular party is not important. It is more important that there is participation of the voters. The BNP alliance boycotted the city corporation elections, still more than 50 per cent of the voters cast their votes. In the upcoming elections, in each constituency, there are on an average seven candidates. This election will see heavy participation of people.

The Election Commission has changed almost all senior officials, including some district commissioners, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police. Ministers are also given notice by the Commission for violating election rules. It is determined to hold free, fair and transparent elections.

Q/ The US says that it will no longer issue visas to anyone who goes against Bangladesh's democratic credentials. The issue came up even at the recent 2+2 dialogue with India.

A/ I hope that the US will impose visa sanctions on those who oppose free, fair and transparent electionson BNP leaders, who are openly declaring that they will resist the election, thereby hindering the democratic process. They are asking their supporters to burn vehicles and people. This is not a democratic action, this is anti-state and anti-people. I hope America would impose visa sanctions on BNP leaders.

Q/ Under Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina, India-Bangladesh ties are scaling new heights. What next in bilateral relations?

A/ We have excellent relationship all along with India. It has scaled new heights under the leadership of Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi. We cooperate on multiple fronts. Just 14 years ago, if anybody would speak about transit, people in our country would consider that to be anti-state. Now transit is a reality. People have understood transit is beneficial for the country and the region. Just 15 years ago, it was unthinkable that electricity would be produced in India and would be supplied to Bangladesh. But this is the reality now. Bangladesh has also offered India the use of Chittagong and Mongla ports.
Ahmedabad, Dec 31 (PTI) Police have acted on a high court directive and registered a case against the chairman and managing director of Cadila Pharmaceuticals for alleged rape, assault and intentional insult on a complaint by a Bulgarian woman, who had joined the company as a flight attendant, an official said on Sunday.



The police have said that they can only investigate the matter and submit a report to the high court for now.

The CMD of the Ahmedabad-based pharma company was booked on Sunday under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) HM Kansagra said here.

The case was registered against the companys CMD and one of his company employees at the Sola police station of the city after the Gujarat High Court in its order on December 22 directed the police to do the same, Kansagra said.

Following the direction of the honourable Gujarat High Court, we have registered an offence against CMD of Cadila Pharma Rajiv Modi and one more person identified as Johnson Matthew on the basis of a complaint filed by the victim, the police official said.

The court had directed police investigation into the matter under CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) following which an FIR (first information report) was registered, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lavina Sinha said.

An FIR was registered on the basis of an inquiry registered under section 156 (3) of CrPC on the direction of the court. We will carry out an investigation and submit a report to the court. We cannot take action on it, we can only investigate and report back to the court, she said.

In its order dated December 22, the HC had directed the chief judicial magistrate to pass an order of investigation by a competent police official into the complaint.

The investigation should be carried out under the supervision of a senior IPS officer nominated by the Deputy Inspector General (Law and Order) and completed within two months, the high court had said in its order.

The Bulgarian woman had approached the HC for directions for the registration of an FIR against Rajiv Modi on charges of rape, assault, criminal intimidation and human trafficking, among others, and action against police officials for not registering a case on her complaint.

In her plea before the court, she said that despite approaching the police with a complaint, they failed to initiate an investigation and register an FIR. When she approached a magistrate court with a private complaint against the accused persons, it dismissed the same, she said.

The complainant said in her plea that she came to India on November 24, 2022, for a job as a flight attendant and joined the pharma firm. Her job profile was changed and she was made a butler-personal attendant and appointed to travel and remain with the CMD of the firm.

During the course of her job, she was subjected to sexual harassment, and when she did not surrender to the illicit demands of the accused, she was removed from her job on April 3, 2023, she alleged.

The petitioner wrote to the Bulgarian embassy and Foreign Regional Registration Offices in this regard. She alleged that she was pressured to withdraw her complaint and forced to file an affidavit in Mahila police station stating that she had settled the dispute with her employer against which she received a demand draft of Rs 24 lakh from the employer.

She then addressed a second complaint to the police commissioner, and filed a private complaint before the magistrate court which passed an order dismissing the complaint.

The high court observed that the magistrate was duty-bound to send the complaint for police investigation under Section 156(3) of the CrPC as the offences were cognisable.
Ahmedabad, Dec 31 (PTI) Gujarat's industry-friendly policies have played a key role in attracting investments across sectors and underscore the state government's commitment to drive India's economic growth, officials said.



Like the previous nine Vibrant Gujarat Global Summits held over the last two decades, the 10th edition of the summit, to be organised in Gandhinagar between January 10 and 12, 2024, will serve as a platform to showcase the state's commitment to promote business-friendly policies, they said.



The state aims to support the Centre's vision of 'Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat' through 'Atmanirbhar Gujarat,' and measures announced to attract businesses are aimed towards the same, the officials said.



They credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for economic development behind the state's progressive policies.



"The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has played a key role in attracting an impressive USD 55 billion in foreign investments over the past two decades. It has contributed to more than 33 per cent of India's exports in 2022-23, the highest in the country," the government said in a statement.

"Proactive measures and investor-friendly policies underscore Gujarat's commitment to becoming a global hub for investments," it said.



In 2022, the 'Aatmanirbhar Gujarat' scheme was unveiled, projected as a testament to the state's commitment to self-reliance.

It was a response to PM Modi's call for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' by 2047, the year India will celebrate 100 years of its independence.



Launched on October 5, 2022, the 'Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Industries' will be instrumental in providing special assistance needed by industries to enable them to become a part of global supply chains, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said.



"The scheme will prove to be an important initiative to support the small and big industries of Gujarat," Patel said.



The Industrial Policy of 2022 further solidifies Gujarat's position as an attractive investment destination.

As part of the scheme, the state government aims to provide financial support to promote MSMEs and other sectors by way of capital subsidy, interest subsidy, power charges exemption etc, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rahul Gupta said.

Unlike the earlier policies, this time a lot of emphasis has been given on emerging sectors, he said.

"When I talk about the emerging sectors, I mean the entire ecosystem surrounding green hydrogen manufacturing, the ecosystem surrounding electric vehicle manufacturing, drone-related manufacturing, aviation-related manufacturing, space-related manufacturing," Gupta said.



Further elaborating on the state's new industrial policy, Swapnil Anil, the executive director and head of advisory services at Colliers India, said that through this, Gujarat has allocated approximately 34.7 per cent of incentives and benefits specifically for the manufacturing sector.



"This percentage is exclusively designated for manufacturing, which boasts of the lowest average set up cost among all states. As a result, Gujarat has attracted investments exceeding Rs 30,000 crore in 2023 from domestic and foreign manufacturers," he said in a statement.

These investments will strengthen the state's industrial footprints, Anil said.



The state's business-friendly environment and supportive policies together with factors such as well-developed ports, robust connectivity, stable governance, among others contribute to keeping Gujarat at the forefront in this competitive landscape, he added.



Gujarat's commitment to creating cutting-edge industries is also reflected in the Aerospace and Defence Policy of 2016, with Prime Minister Modi highlighting the strategic importance of the sector in national development.



"The two pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat would be the defence and aerospace sector. Our aim is that by 2025, defence manufacturing scale would surpass USD 25 billion," Modi had said.



Gujarat's progressive policies also extend to renewable energy, with the prime minister's vision for a sustainable future reflected in the state's commitment to harness solar energy.



The Gujarat government has installed renewable capacity of 21 gigawatts, with around 11 GW added during the last four years alone, government data shows.



Over the past few years, Gujarat has positioned itself as a hub for innovation and technology, officials said.

Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' is evident in the Student Startup and Innovation Policy 2022-27, Gujarat IT and ITES Policy 2022-27, Gujarat Electronics Policy 2022-28, and Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27, they said.



Beyond industry and technology, Gujarat's Tourism Policy 2021-25, Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022-27 and Heritage Tourism Policy 2020-25 also showcase the state's rich cultural heritage to the world, the officials added.
Washington, Dec 31 (AP) China will ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States, the country's latest effort to attract foreign travellers since reopening its borders earlier this year.

Starting January 1, American tourists will no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China, according to a notice posted online Friday by the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

The simplified application process is intended to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, the notice said.

The move comes as China has struggled to rejuvenate its tourism sector after three years of strict pandemic measures, which included mandatory quarantines for all arrivals. While those restrictions were lifted earlier this year, international travellers have been slow to return.

In the first half of this year, China recorded 8.4 million entries and exits by foreigners, down from 977 million for all of 2019, the last year before the pandemic, according to immigration statistics.

In another bid to boost tourism, China announced last month that it would allow visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for up to 15 days.

The one-year trial program signalled China's high-level opening up to the outside world, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.

But China's efforts to entice American tourists may face other headwinds. International flights between the two countries, which are set by a bilateral agreement, remain well below pandemic levels, though they have slowly increased in recent months.

Over the summer, amid deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington, the US recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China, citing the risk of wrongful detentions and exit bans.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law, the advisory said. (AP) RPA
Dhaka, Dec 31 (PTI) Bangladesh has deployed more than 1.89 lakh policemen to ensure law and order ahead of the January 7 general election being boycotted by the main opposition BNP, media reports said on Sunday.

Presently, the country's police force has around 2.13 lakh personnel, including civil staff, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

A total of 1,89,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide, who will be on election duty with magistrates on the voting day, besides patrolling and working in the strike teams, Deputy Inspector General (operation) at Police Headquarters, Anowar Hossain was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

According to the bdnews24 news portal, 1,74,000 police personnel will be on duty without any leave, while the remaining 15,000 policemen will be engaged in routine work.

Additional policemen and plainclothesmen have been deployed to the areas vulnerable to violence or irregularities, Hossain told the news portal.

Since October 29, the ailing former premier Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has held intermittent nationwide strikes and transport blockades.

The BNP is boycotting the general elections after the government rejected its demand for an interim non-party neutral government to organise the voting.

According to a media tally, 11 people died, 386 vehicles were torched, and four trains were derailed from tracks in the past two months in political violence.

Police arrested thousands of opposition activists and figures, including de-facto BNP leader and party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, over charges of violence.

The BNP is carrying out an anti-election street campaign, calling for intermittent strikes and transport blockades, saying no election under the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be fair or neutral.

It has also called for civil disobedience against the ruling Awami Party-led dispensation, urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills to press its demand for a non-party interim government for election oversight by amending the countrys Constitution.

The BNP had boycotted the 2014 election but took part in the 2018 polls, which party leaders later said was a mistake, alleging that the voting was marred with widespread rigging and intimidation.

On Friday, Bangladesh deployed 1,151 platoons of paramilitary border guards across the country to ensure that the general election is held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel will work in tandem with the police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and armed forces for 13 days surrounding the January 7 polls.

The US and other major Western countries called for dialogue between the ruling Awami League and particularly with the BNP to ensure an inclusive and credible election, which, however, saw no headway due to reluctance from both sides.

With the BNP boycotting the election and no other credible opposition party against it, Hasina's Awami League is likely to gain an upper hand and will likely form the government for the fourth consecutive term.
Karachi, Dec 31 (PTI) Five terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province, the army said on Sunday.

During the conduct of an intelligence-based operation on the night of December 30-31, five terrorists "were sent to hell" following intense clashes between troops and the militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

The terrorists hideout was also busted and a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was recovered, it said, adding that a sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate other terrorists in the area.

"The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan," the statement added.

Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terror attacks in recent months, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

A day earlier, the army said five terrorists were killed during an operation in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwas North Waziristan District.

Earlier this month, as many as 25 soldiers were killed in two separate incidents on a single day, including a terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan, claiming the lives of 23 soldiers.

That was the militarys highest single-day death toll from terrorist attacks reported this year.

According to statistics issued by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country witnessed the highest number of suicide attacks since 2014 during this year, with nearly half of them targeting the security forces.

As many as 48 per cent of deaths and 58pc of injuries were inflicted upon security forces personnel.
Vatican City, Dec 31 (AP) Tributes were paid on Sunday on the first anniversary of the death of Pope Benedict XVI, with Pope Francis praising his love and wisdom and Benedict's private secretary expressing hope he might one day be declared a saint.

Benedict, the first pope to retire in six centuries, died last December 31 at the age of 95 in the Vatican monastery where he spent 10 years as a pope emeritus. He is buried in the grottoes underneath St. Peter's Basilica.

Speaking at the end of his weekly noon blessing, Francis said the faithful feel so much love, so much gratitude, so much admiration for Benedict. He praised the love and wisdom with which Benedict guided the church and asked for a round of applause from the pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Earlier in the day, Benedict's longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, celebrated a special Mass in the basilica and then participated in an anniversary event to reflect on Benedict's legacy.

Speaking on the sidelines, Gaenswein acknowledged some of the polemics that surrounded Benedict's decade-long retirement alongside Francis in the Vatican, but said they would be forgotten in favour of the substance of his ministry and his final words: Lord, I love you.

History, Gaenswein said, would judge Benedict as a great theologian, a very simple person and a man of deep faith.

Francis frequently praised Benedict's decision to retire as courageous and said he, too, might follow in his footsteps. But now that Benedict has died, Francis has reaffirmed the papacy is generally a job for life, and a consensus has emerged that the unprecedented reality of having two popes living side by side in the Vatican created problems that must be addressed before any future pope decides to step down.

Benedict, a noted conservative theologian who spent a quarter-century as the Vatican's doctrine chief, remained a point of reference for conservatives and traditionalists, who have only increased their criticism of Francis in the year since he died. Francis, for his part, has appeared now to feel more free to impose his progressive vision of a reformed church now he is no longer under Benedict's shadow.

Gaenswein, whom Francis exiled to his native Germany soon after the death, recalled that Benedict had only expected to live a few months, maybe a year, after his 2013 resignation. Despite his longer-than-expected retirement, Benedict stayed true to his pledge to pray for the church and for his successor, he said.

I pray that he will be a saint," Gaenswein said. I wish he would be a saint, and I'm convinced he will be a saint.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also praised Benedict as a great man of history and a giant of reason, faith and the positive synthesis between the two.

In a statement, she said his spiritual and intellectual legacy would live on even among nonbelievers because of its profound civic value and ability to speak to people's minds and hearts. (AP) PY

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Christiansted (US), Dec 31 (AP) Yemen's Houthi rebels show no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East says, even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Since Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have traveled through the Red Sea region, and none had been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said in an Associated Press interview, although the US military said that one ship reported being struck by a missile late Saturday.

Cooper said earlier that day that additional countries are expected to sign on to the mission. Denmark was the latest, announcing Friday it plans to send a frigate to the mission that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced during a visit to Bahrain, where the Navy's 5th Fleet is based, saying that this is an international challenge that demands collective action.

The Iran-backed Houthis, who say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza, fired on the same container ship in two separate incidents over the weekend, drawing a US military response.

The narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and then the Suez Canal. The crucial trade route links markets in Asia and Europe.

The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have damaged vessels, led multiple shipping companies to order their vessels to hold in place and not enter the strait until the security situation improved. Some major shippers were sending their ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, adding time and costs to the journeys.

Currently there are five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, said Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet. Since the operation started, the ships have shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles, he said.

The US military said on Saturday it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired toward a Maersk container ship in the Red Sea after the ship reported it had been hit by a missile. Two Navy destroyers responded to the call for help, and the Denmark-owned vessel was reportedly seaworthy and no injuries were noted, according to a statement from US Central Command.

Hours later, four Houthi boats fired at the same ship and tried to board, Central Command said. US forces on two helicopters responded to the distress call and were also fired upon before they sank three of the Houthi vessels and killed the crews, Central Command said. The fourth boat fled the area. No damage to US personnel or equipment was reported.

There have been about two dozen attacks on international shipping by the Houthis since October 19.

Austin discussed the situation with the Dutch defense minister, Kajsa Ollongren, and they condemned the attacks as unacceptable and profoundly destabilizing to international order and global commerce, the Pentagon said Saturday.

The US has said that more than 20 nations are participating in the security mission, but a number of those nations have not acknowledged it publicly.

I expect in the coming weeks we're going to get additional countries," Cooper said, noting Denmark's recent announcement.

Cooper said the coalition is in direct communication with commercial ships to provide guidance on maneuvering and the best practices to avoid being attacked, and working closely with the shipping industry to coordinate security.

An international task force had been set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the region. But Cooper said Operation Prosperity Guardian has more ships and a persistent presence to assist vessels.

Since the operation started, the Houthis have stepped up their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, Cooper said. We are cleareyed that the Houthi reckless attacks will likely continue," he said.

The Houthis seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a grinding war against a Saudi-led coalition that sought to restore the government. The militants have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthi threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. That has escalated to apparently any vessel, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries such as Norway and Liberia being attacked or drawing missile fire.

The shipping company Maersk had announced earlier that it had decided to re-route its ships that have been paused for days outside the strait and Red Sea, and send them around Africa instead.

Maersk announced December 25 that it was going to resume sending ships through the strait, citing the operation. Cooper said another shipping company had also resumed using the route.

"Commerce is definitely flowing," Cooper said. (AP) PY

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stocknshares / iStock.com

Planning for the future can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to where your money should go. You want to ensure your loved ones will be taken care of long after youre gone, but knowing which steps to take can feel like a slippery slope. Still, its not something you should hesitate on, experts say.

Discover: 6 Ways To Build Wealth Slowly but Efficiently

Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

Ive seen too many families torn apart after the death of a loved one because they didnt have a proper plan in place for their assets and wealth, said Andrew Pickett, lead trial attorney and founder at Andrew Pickett Law. Almost every time, the cause of this is a lack of understanding about ensuring that their assets are passed on according to their wishes.

Here are some ways to make sure your wealth actually goes where you want.

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Create a Will

There are several ways to make sure your money and other assets go to your chosen beneficiaries after you die, Pickett said.

The most crucial step is ensuring that you have a valid will that clearly states your intentions, he explained. A will is a legally binding document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after you pass away.

Without a will, he said, the court will distribute your assets according to state law, which may not align with your true wishes.

He added, Its also important to regularly review and update your will as your life circumstances change, such as getting married, divorced or having children.

Carter Seuthe, finance expert and CEO of Credit Summit, said his top advice for ensuring your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries would be to draft a will with the help of a qualified estate lawyer.

This can offer some peace of mind especially in more complicated situations, he said, and allows you to clearly outline where you would like your assets to go.

Taxes on Generational Wealth Just Changed: Heres What You Should Know

Set Up a Trust

Another way to ensure that your assets are passed on according to your wishes is by setting up a trust.

Story continues

As Pickett explained, A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee manages the assets to benefit the beneficiaries.

By setting up a trust, he said, you have more control over how and when your beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. This is especially beneficial if you have minor children or heirs with special needs.

John J. Kostic, finance expert and CFP at Beacon Wealth Team, said a trust performs a similar function as a will except that the activities of the trust are private (not public record like a will) and do not have to be certified by a court in a process known as probate.

Choose a Trustworthy Trustee

In the case when the children are minors or not trusted to be fiscally responsible, an irrevocable trust may be the answer, said Asher Rogovy, chief investment officer of Magnifina. However, he said there are some very important mistakes to avoid when establishing a trust.

Its imperative that the trusts grantor select a very responsible trustee, he warned. Trustees can have a lot of discretion with how the trust is managed, and mismanagement can squander hard-earned generational wealth.

He added that its equally critical that the trustee selects a competent investment manager with a reasonable fee.

Include Clauses

According to Travis Christiansen, attorney and owner of Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions, you also can include a clause in your will stating that if any of the heirs fight the distribution they lose their inheritance.

This may help to cut down on disputes, he said. Many accounts with various financial institutions, such as mutual fund account life insurance and annuities, have options where you can select the beneficiary and, in some cases, determine ahead of time the timeframe for the money to be paid over.

As an example, he said, you could instruct a life insurance company to pay the death benefit out over a 10-year period for an annuity. You can have every asset listed in a will with clear instructions on its distribution.

Along with clear legal documentation, Christiansen added, you can create a video and/or audio recording explaining your wishes so any dispute is easily quashed.

Some people chose to give letters they have written during their life to their heirs after their death explaining the distribution, he noted. Some people also chose to inform their heirs before they die so everyone knows how everything will be distributed.

Use Life Insurance for Estate Planning

According to Julia Kelly, managing partner of Rigits, one uncommon yet highly effective way to pass on wealth is the utilization of a life insurance policy.

By designating specific beneficiaries in the policy, she said, individuals can bypass probate and ensure prompt distribution of funds directly to their loved ones upon death.

She said some even opt for irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), which offer additional protection and control over the policy proceeds while potentially reducing estate taxes.

Put Your Home in a Trust

As a Realtor, I see too many people lose generational wealth because they didnt set up their assets correctly, said Sammy Lyon, associate broker at Dow Capital. The No. 1 thing you can do is put your home in a trust.

According to Lyon, even if you have a will, you need a trust to avoid probate, which will suck the remaining assets with court fees and a long, drawn-out legal process that is public record.

With a trust, everything can be handled privately, he said, and, though you have the upfront cost of creating it, you save the back-end cost of statutory probate fees  not to mention any family fighting. The probate sales on the market should have stayed in the family, not sold for cheap.

Regularly Review Documents

Jake Hill, finance expert and CEO of DebtHammer, said the easiest way to ensure that your money and other assets are handled as desired is to keep your estate planning documentation up to date.

For example, regularly reviewing your will for any errors or necessary updates ensures your wishes are properly documented.

Hill said, The same is true for beneficiary designation forms, which are often overlooked.

He pointed out that this type of form is especially important for investment accounts or life insurance policies and should be reviewed at least annually.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Passing Generational Wealth: 7 Ways To Make Sure Your Assets Go Where You Want
Lahore, Dec 31 (PTI) Pakistan's former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that no government can be formed at the centre without the support of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) as the country goes to the general elections on February 8.

Let me tell you one thing, no government can be formed (in Islamabad) without the support of the PPP, Gilani said while addressing a press conference in Multan.

The PPP (led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari) is the only ideological party in Pakistan. Its sacrifices for human rights, upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, women empowerment, and minority rights are in front of everyone. You have seen that no other family has rendered more sacrifices in the subcontinent than the Bhutto family, he was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

Responding to a question, the senior PPP leader said that it was the Election Commission of Pakistans responsibility to hold free and fair polls.

I feel there should be a level playing field for all (parties) in the elections and no one should be given a preference, he said, in an apparent reference to former premier Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Commenting on the many objections the ECP raised on candidates nomination papers, Gilani said: Our party has given its stance, even Bilawal Bhutto sahib has. He also spoke of a level playing field. [] The returning officer has raised objections on some nomination papers. Now we have to see what their legal team is working on.

During his interaction with the media, Gilani was also asked about the rejection of the nomination papers of PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Beirut, Dec 31 (AP) The US military said on Sunday that its forces opened fire on Houthi rebels after they attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea, killing several of them in an escalation of the maritime conflict linked to the war in Gaza.

In a series of statements, the US Central Command said the crew of the USS Gravely destroyer first shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired at the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou late Saturday, after the vessel reported getting hit by a missile earlier that evening as it sailed through the Southern Red Sea.

Four small boats then attacked the same cargo ship with small arms fire early Sunday and rebels tried to board the vessel, the US Navy said.

Next, the USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier responded to the Maersk Hangzhou's distress call and issued verbal warnings to the attackers, who responded by firing on the helicopters.

The US Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defence, sinking three of the four boats and killing the people on board while the fourth boat fled the area, the US Central Command said. No damage to US personnel or equipment was reported.

There was no immediate comment from the Houthis.

The events surrounding the Maersk Hangzhou represented the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19, the Central Command said. It was the first time the US Navy said its personnel had killed Houthi fighters since the Red Sea attacks started.

For over a month, Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. They say their attacks aim to end the Israeli air-and-ground offensive in the Gaza Strip that was triggered by the Palestinian militant group Hamas' October 7 attack in southern Israel.

However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as the attacks continue.

The Denmark-based shipping giant Maersk, owner of Maersk Hangzhou, said Sunday it would suspend shipping through the Red Sea again after the two attacks on its freighter.

In light of the (most recent) incident  and to give time to investigate the details of the incident and assess the security situation further  it has been decided that all transits through the area will be postponed for the next 48 hours, Maersk was quoted as saying by the Danish public broadcaster DR.

On Saturday, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East said Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Earlier this month, Washington announced the establishment of a new international coalition to protect vessels traveling through the waterway. The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain are also part of the new maritime security mission.

Since the Pentagon announced Operation Prosperity Guardian to counter the attacks just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have travelled through the Red Sea region, and none had been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper told The Associated Press in an interview on Saturday. (AP) PY

PY
Islamabad, Dec 31 (PTI) A senior Afghan Taliban leader is expected to arrive in Islamabad early next month, while a leading Pakistani cleric is set to visit Kabul in a fresh bid to reduce bilateral tensions over the outlawed terror group TTP, media reports said on Sunday.

Pakistan has consistently called for Afghanistan's Taliban government to take decisive action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and related militant groups operating from Afghan soil, including extraditing leaders responsible for attacks in Pakistan.

The Taliban government, however, has been hesitant to comply because of historical alliances and ideological ties.

The visits are part of efforts to reduce tensions between Kabul and Islamabad concerning the outlawed TTP, which intensified attacks against the security forces in Pakistan in the wake of the Taliban taking over Afghanistan more than two years ago.

Mullah Sherin Akhund, a senior Afghan Taliban figure and governor of Kandahar province, is expected in Islamabad early next month.

The interactions of Sherin will include meetings with intelligence and Foreign Office officials in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a Pakistani politician who is the president of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islama Fazl (JUI-F), will interact with senior Taliban leaders in Kabul.

Mullah Sherin has played various roles in the groups military and political spheres, the Dawn newspaper reported.

His close ties to the senior leadership and involvement in significant Taliban activities make him a prominent and influential member of the Afghan rulers leadership structure.

He has previously engaged with Pakistan and is known to have liaised with the TTP on behalf of the Taliban administration. The exact date of his visit is not yet known.

Fazl is set to travel to Kabul on January 3 with a delegation of religious scholars, a source told The Express Tribune newspaper.

In a telephonic conversation, the source told the newspaper that the Ministry of Interior and the Foreign Office finalised the arrangements for various meetings, focusing primarily on addressing the TTP issue and resolving tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

The strategy reportedly involves leveraging religious influence to meet Islamabad's demands.

It is anticipated that the religious scholars, under the leadership of Fazl, will engage in private discussions with representatives of the TTP.

The aim is to formulate the framework for dialogue and gather perspectives on a range of topics, the source added.

His delegation will comprise religious scholars from diverse regions, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Karachi.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have developed differences over the treatment of TTP, with the former blaming the interim Afghan government for not cooperating to eliminate the threat of militancy emanating from its soil.

The Dawn newspaper reported that during a conversation with Senator Mushahid Hussain in Tehran, Taliban Foreign Minister Mullah Muttaqi highlighted the lack of high-level communication between Islamabad and Kabul, leading to mutual allegations and a blame game.

The Talibans return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 initially appeared promising for managing the TTP issue.

The Afghan Taliban facilitated meetings between the Pakistani military and the TTP, resulting in a ceasefire agreement and Pakistan releasing senior leaders of the outlawed group.

However, the ceasefire was short-lived due to ongoing skirmishes and the TTPs unilateral termination of the agreement.
Nagpur, Dec 31 (PTI) A 40-year-old woman bludgeoned her husband to death and surrendered herself before the police in Maharashtras Nagpur district, an official said on Sunday.



Accused Aruna Patil told the police that she was fed up with her husbands drinking habits.

The woman, a resident of Awandhi village within the limits of New Kamptee police station, said her husband Anand Bhaduji Patil often demanded money from her for alcohol.

The couple had a heated argument on Saturday night after Anand asked for money to buy liquor. When denied, he abused Aruna and went off to sleep.

Aruna then smashed Anands head with a stone, killing him. She surrendered herself before the police on Sunday morning, the official said.
Mumbai, Dec 31 (PTI) Elaborate arrangements are in place to ensure New Year celebrations in Mumbai pass off peacefully, a top police official said on Sunday.

Satyanarayan Chowdhary, Joint Commissioner (Law and Order), said 11,000 police personnel, 2000 officers, 22 deputy commissioners of police and 45 assistant commissioners of police have been deployed for the purpose.

He said some 20 platoons of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), 15 platoons of Law and Order Reserve, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, Quick Response Team (QRT) are in place to deal with emergencies and maintain peace.

Around 5,000 CCTV cameras will keep an eye on celebrations, including at heavily patronised sites like Gateway of India, Marine Drive, beaches etc, with live footage being monitored from the main and regional control rooms, the official said.

Police will be patrolling every area of the city, he added.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pravin Padwal said people are urged not to drink and drive.

"They must follow all traffic norms while celebrating. They must wear seat belts and adhere to the rule of helmets for rider and pillion. Some roads will be closed, while some will have diversions. Some places have been designated as no-parking zones, including Marine Lines, Worli Seaface, Juhu beach, so as to ensure smooth flow of traffic," he said.

More than 1,200 traffic policemen and 150 officers will be on the field to monitor New Year celebrations, Padwal informed.
Kolkata, Dec 31 (PTI) Raids, cash hauls, arrest of a cabinet minister and questioning of senior Trinamool Congress Abhishek Banerjee marked the central agencies' probe into several scams in West Bengal this year.

However, the probes by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into alleged coal pilferage, cattle smuggling and school jobs scams in the state lost steam as both agencies struggled to conclude the investigations into cases, some of which were over two years old.

Their investigations brought to the fore names of several prominent leaders of the ruling TMC, as well as businessmen and bureaucrats with alleged links to dormant shell companies used to siphon money collected during the scams.

Simultaneous investigations were carried out by both the federal agencies into municipal jobs scam following a Calcutta High Court order.

In May, the CBI questioned TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in connection with alleged irregularities in the school teacher recruitment, and within 19 days, the ED summoned him in the same scam.

Banerjee, considered the second-in-command in the party after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had asserted that the CBI questioning in May yielded a "big zero" and called it a "waste of time".

In June, Banerjee's wife Rujira was stopped by ED sleuths at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata when she was about to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates along with her two children. The probe agency summoned her and she appeared before its sleuths on June 8.

The ED in September also summoned Abhishek Banerjee's parents Amit and Lata for questioning in connection with the school jobs scam.

The agency, which had questioned the two-time TMC MP from Diamond Harbour in 2021 and 2022 in connection with the coal pilferage scam, grilled him again in connection with school jobs scam in September, before summoning him for another time in November.

After the festivities in the state in October and November, both the probe agencies upped the ante and started conducting simultaneous raids at residences of TMC MLAs and councillors as well as chartered accountants with alleged links to the schools jobs and municipal recruitment scams.

The ED, during its investigation into the multi-crore ration distribution scam, unearthed a large sum of money and arrested state Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in October.

Mallick's arrest also opened the lid on the operation of several shell companies in the state.

He was the second West Bengal minister, after Partha Chatterjee, to have been arrested in connection with alleged involvement in corruption in recent years.

The ED had in 2022 arrested the then Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee and his friend Arpita Mukherjee in connection with the school jobs scam.

ED sleuths, while probing irregularities in recruitments to various municipalities, arrested real-estate developer Ayan Sil in March.

The central agency claimed that Rs 200 crore had been collected from candidates for illegal appointments to civic bodies such as Kanchrapara, New Barrackpore, Kamarhati, Titagarh, Baranagar, Halisahar, South Dum Dum, Dum Dum and Taki.

The ED also arrested TMC MLA Manik Bhattacharya, and Kuntal Ghosh and Santanu Bhattacharya, who allegedly had close links with the ruling party, in connection with the school jobs scam.

It has filed at least five chargesheets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) under various scams.

In October, the CBI conducted searches at the residences of Kolkata Mayor and state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, a prominent figure in the TMC, and party MLA Madan Mitra as part of its investigation into the recruitment in civic bodies.

However, despite all their efforts in probing the scams by conducting raids and making arrests, both the agencies grappled to reach to any conclusion in any of their investigations despite some of their probes being nearly two years old.

In November 2020, the CBI had registered a case against six people for their alleged involvement in illegal mining and pilferage of coal from railway siding and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) leasehold areas.

Incidentally, following a Supreme Court order on the speedy disposal of the cases related to alleged irregularities in recruitments in secondary schools, the Supreme Court has directed the CBI to submit its final investigation report by January 9, 2024.

Talking to PTI on condition of anonymity, a senior CBI officer said the agency was "very much on the track" in its investigations and "would soon nab the brains behind the scams".

"We are quite sure that all these scams are interlinked and senior TMC leaders, government officials and police officers and involved in these. Investigating all these scams have been quite challenging," the CBI officer said.

According to an ED official, probing these scams was taking so much time because all these irregularities were "multi-layered" involving people from various strata of the society.

"All the scams seem to be inter-linked. The scams were multi-layered and some influential people in the state were involved. In a word, one can say that these scams are jumbled-up. Hopefully, things will start picking up pace in the coming year," the senior official of the central agency said.
New Delhi, Dec 31 (PTI) Three battalions of the BSF comprising more than 3,000 personnel will move across the border from Odisha to Chhattisgarh and an equal number of ITBP units will further move into the Naxal stronghold of Abujhmad as part of a strategy to intensify anti-Maoist operations in their last bastions, official sources said.

The new operational blueprint is part of a plan under which Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made a declaration that India was "on the verge of" eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

"The last strike against LWE by forces such as the BSF, the CRPF and the ITBP is in the process. We are determined to end Naxalism in the country," Shah said on December 1 in Hazaribag, Jharkhand while addressing BSF troops on their 59th raising day.

These forces are called as central armed police force (CAPFs).

Sources in the security establishment told PTI that the Border Security Force (BSF) has been directed to create six new COBs or company operating bases in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district by initially moving one of its battalion based in Odisha's Malkangiri, just across the inter-state border.

A BSF battalion has a strength of over 1,000 personnel.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which currently has about eight battalions located in Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon and Kondagaon districts of Chhattisgarh, has been asked to move one unit further inside the core area of Abujhmad.

This is an about 4,000 sq km forest area in Narayanpur district and considered a stronghold of armed Naxal cadres.

The uncharted Abhujmad or 'madh' forests are host to a population of about 35,000 people, mainly tribals, residing in around 237 villages. The area, at present, has no permanent central or state police base and armed Maoist cadres are stated to be operating, training and moving here from across the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in south Bastar region of the state.

The Bastar region comprising districts like Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur up to Narayanpur and Kondagaon and Kanker district further north is the last bastion and corridor where Maoists have some strength and can spring surprises against the security forces and the administration.

The security forces are building their new strength and infrastructure here to demolish the Maoist network and hold the area so that development works can be initiated by the state government, a senior officer said.

He said two more BSF and ITBP battalions each will be later moved to further dominate the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border along south Bastar.

A second security officer said the Naxals are using the Bastar corridor of Chhattisgarh to move back and forth into Odisha districts like Malkangiri, Koraput and Kandhmal and hence the central forces have been tasked to create more COBs or forward operating bases along the border of these two states.

While there are around 800-900 active cadres in Chhattisgarh's Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee leadership of the Naxals, the CPI(Maoist) strength in Odisha under the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division is depleted with only 242 active cadre, the second officer said.

Out of the 242, only 13 are from Odisha while the rest of the senior and middle-rung leadership of the Maoists hail from Chhattisgarh. Hence, the operations in Chhattisgarh are to be intensified as part of an operation that could be code named 'Kagar' (edge) during a meeting of various agencies to be held in January, he said.

Home minister Shah said on the BSF raising day that in the last 10 years, incidents of Naxal violence have gone down by 52 per cent, deaths in these incidents declined by 70 per cent and the number of affected districts have come down from 96 to 45. The number of "LWE-hit police stations have come down from 495 to 176", he had said.

Shah said the Modi government was "on the verge of" eliminating the LWE violence in various states.

He also counted the recent operations undertaken by security forces in the hills and forests of 'Burapahar' and 'Chakarbandha' in Jharkhand that freed vast tracts of areas from the clutches of Maoists.
New Delhi, Dec 31 (PTI) Fresh from the setbacks in the assembly elections of Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the Congress is bracing for a make-or-break 2024, the year of the 18th Lok Sabha election.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopes to equal Jawaharlal Nehru's record of returning to the PMO thrice in a row, the new year is also being seen by many as one of the toughest periods for the Congress in its 138-year journey.

It will also mark 40 years since Congress scaled its electoral peak in 1984 winning a record 414 Lok Sabha seats. With just 48 seats in the Lower House of Parliament now, the party has experienced a steady decline in the last 10 years.

In 2024, as Congress hopes to arrest this slide, it will face multiple challenges, the topmost being finalizing seat-sharing deals with constituents of the anti-BJP INDIA bloc which is yet to make any electoral impact.

The Congress will begin these negotiations on a weak footing, having lost the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to the BJP. The defeats have upset the Congress' calculations as it was hoping to sustain the momentum gained by the victories in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 and in Karnataka in 2023.

The losses are most likely to prove demoralizing for the party cadre just ahead of the 2024 general elections as the Hindi belt states play a major role in determining the outcome. In 2019, the BJP had won 141 seats -- 71 per cent of those contested -- in the Hindi heartland.

A poll analyst feels that the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are significant for the Congress considering that it has lost two general elections badly. It is a "make or break situation for the party now," the analyst said.

The Congress is now in power on its own in just three states -- Himachal Pradesh Karnataka and Telangana. While Himachal Pradesh is the only north Indian state the party now rules it has just four Lok Sabha seats. However, in the southern states, the party appears to be consolidating.

After being virtually wiped off the Hindi belt, the Congress would need to devise new plans to capture voters' imagination. The BJP has pitched "Modi ki guarantee" and the PM's "four castes -- women, youth, poor and farmers" to counter the Congress' freebies and caste census plans, respectively.

With caste census, sops, and anti-Adani campaign yet to generate any mass appeal, the party has gone back to announce a second edition of Bharat Jodo Yatra by Rahul Gandhi hoping to reconnect with the people.

The hybrid (by bus and by foot) Bharat Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Maharashtra will begin on January 14 and cover 14 states.

It will be flagged off by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from Imphal and will pass through Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, traversing 6,200 km through 85 districts.

The march is being seen as politically significant in the wake of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which are likely to be held in April-May. The announcement of the polls may coincide with the last leg of the Yatra.

Kharge recently said that when everyone gets united, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to do anything. "The more you try to crush us, the more we will rise. We are fighting unitedly to save the country and democracy," he had said.

Asserting that it is ready for polls, the Congress held its "Hain Taiyaar Hum" mega rally in Nagpur to mark its foundation day. The party has also been holding consultations with state leaders for the past several days on Lok Sabha poll preparedness and is leaving nothing to chance.

Though upbeat about reversing its fortunes, the Congress remains acutely conscious of the challenges ahead.

The first roadblock to successful seat-sharing talks within the INDIA bloc has come from within the party as its Punjab and Delhi units openly warned against any Lok Sabha truck with AAP.

With the internal dynamics unclear, it remains to be seen how Congress, the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc will strengthen the alliance and forge seat-wise understanding between professed rivals -- the TMC and CPI(M) in Bengal; the Left and itself in Kerala, and with the AAP in Punjab and Delhi.

Already the smaller parties of the INDIA alliance are advising the Congress to be prepared to sacrifice more than it is ready to.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party has been openly voicing its concerns with what he calls "Congress' arrogance as evidenced in lack of understanding with the SP in Madhya Pradesh."

The TMC and AAP have meanwhile thrown a spanner in the wheels of the bloc by proposing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the coalition's PM face knowing well that the grand old party is in favour of collective leadership with rank and file behind Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

With leadership issues, a common minimum agenda and seat sharing yet to be resolved, the INDIA bloc currently looks scattered while the BJP continues to set the narrative, the latest being putting opposition parties in a spot by inviting all their top leaders for the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The move has divided the opposition, with Congress undecided on attending the event.

On the other hand, the BJP has launched "Modi ki guarantee" as its 2024 poll plank daring the opposition to open its cards on the leadership issue so that the narrative that emerges is "Modi versus who." The Congress for its part says it will enter the Lok Sabha polls with the plank "we not me", and will project a collective leadership.

Whether the Congress' recipe of a leaderless anti-BJP coalition can match the Modi juggernaut remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the Congress hopes to work on an alternative positive agenda for the 2024 elections and unite secular forces against the BJP.

The party's guiding principle as it enters the new year is contained in its Raipur Plenary Political Resolution which reads, "Unity of secular and socialist forces will be the hallmark of the future of the Congress party."
New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) Days after a blast near the Israeli embassy here, the Delhi Police has registered an FIR against "unknown" people and quizzed about half a dozen suspects, officials said on Saturday.

According to an official, it has been decided to hand over the case to the Special Cell, the anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police, to "dig out the deeper conspiracy".

While the suspects were questioned on Saturday, the FIR was registered on Friday night under Section 3 (punishment for causing an explosion) of the Explosive Substances Act and Section 427 (mischief causing damage) of the Indian Penal Code at the Tughlak Road Police Station based on a complaint lodged by a police officer, an official said.

The blast occurred on Tuesday evening in the area between the boundary walls of a house on plot number 4 -- Nanda's House -- and the Central Hindi Training Institute on plot number 2A on Prithviraj Road. The area has bushes, plants and trees and no CCTV camera.

It is behind the Israeli embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, running parallel to Prithviraj Road.

No one was injured in the blast.

Police had found an "abusive" letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador near the blast site.

According to sources, the one-page letter written in English is suspected to be related to an organisation called Sir Allah Resistance and mentions words like "Zionists", "Palestine" and "Gaza".

On Friday, police told PTI that they were planning to register an FIR as they had found "crucial evidence" pointing to a conspiracy to threaten the Israeli envoy.

Delhi Police officials have scanned footage obtained from multiple CCTV cameras installed around the blast site and spotted a suspect who had come from Jamia Nagar in an autorickshaw.

Police have also questioned 10 autorickshaw drivers, including the one who brought the suspect to the spot before the blast took place.

The officials said police had recovered a broken dial of a watch and some steel bearings from the blast site but it was too early to say if they were used in the explosion.

Investigating officials are awaiting reports from the National Security Guard's (NSG) laboratory, where samples collected from the spot have been sent to ascertain the components used in the explosion.

Police have recorded the statements of a dozen people who claimed to have heard the loud noise of the blast.

The statements reveal that the witnesses spotted a vehicle which broke down near the blast site.
Chandigarh, Dec 31 (PTI) Underprivileged children in Bathinda are being given remedial lessons close to their localities at 'Bamboo Schools' before they are shifted to regular schools for formal education under a new initiative of the district administration.

Officials said the administration's District Education Society opened two such schools last month for children with no formal learning or those who had dropped out of schools and added that two more are in the pipeline. The schools are makeshift rooms made of bamboo.

Bathinda's Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray said that a survey of urban slums in the city was conducted and nearly 1,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds, mostly from migrant families, were identified to not have no formal learning or were school dropouts.

The Bamboo Schools will act as a bridge or remedial schools that provide necessary informal classroom learning to prepare underprivileged children, including school dropouts, to be integrated into mainstream schools.

"It is a bridge system as these children cannot adjust to regular schools straightaway. So we start teaching them in their localities, motivate them and involve them to take part in activities. It is a familiarisation process and later formal education in regular schools will be given to them after about one year," he said.

Parray said the idea about such schools for underprivileged children came when he was posted in Patiala earlier.

He said over there they had conducted a survey and had come across many models which could be applied.

After being posted in Bathinda, the idea to take up the project in a formal manner was started.

"We felt that if these children have to be adjusted in a regular school setting then, first of all, they will have to be engaged within their own community and provided exposure to basic schooling closer to the place where they live otherwise they won't be able to adjust," he said.

He said for the Bathinda project, they are using NGOs for mobilisation while teachers and interns are being engaged by the district administration.

"Currently, we are running two schools and we are planning to start two more in Bathinda at different locations," he said.

The children enrolled are mostly small children, but some are older ones and many among them are dropouts, he said.

The children have the liberty to attend classes at any time between 10 am and 4 pm. Children are provided with books, notebooks and stationery items at the school, officials said.
Mouldings past criticism of the media led many to question why he would want to buy the freesheet - John Houlihan

For many journalists at City AM, the survival of the London freesheet was nothing short of a miracle.

After the pandemic damaged its core commuter readership, the business-orientated newspaper was on the verge of collapse.

Its finances were so stretched that it would have been unable to pay staff and suppliers over the summer. Bosses even removed water coolers from the offices in a desperate attempt to save cash.

Weve been through several different near-death experiences over the last three years, admits one senior source.

However, a surprise swoop in July saw City AM rescued from administration by Matt Moulding, the protein shakes tycoon behind e-commerce firm THG.

Moulding paid 1.5m for City AM, saying it was important the paper remained in British hands - Chris Batson / Alamy

The move raised eyebrows given Mouldings record of criticising the British media and the City of London. Yet five months after taking the helm, the entrepreneur has put the struggling freesheet back on track.

Moulding, the 51-year-old founder of THG, is unafraid of speaking his mind. In a series of barbed LinkedIn posts over the past 18 months, the tycoon has blamed London investors, analysts and media for his companys lacklustre performance on the stock market.

The Manchester-based boss has even called out individual journalists by name and taken to using the hashtag #londonmafia.

Unsurprisingly, this hostile attitude raised questions over Mouldings motivations in snapping up City AM, a traditional newspaper with the express aim of trumpeting the City.

The entrepreneur has described the 1.5m takeover as ridiculously cheap, adding that it was important the paper remained in British ownership.

He has also emphasised the commercial opportunities for his online retail business, which owns a raft of beauty and nutrition brands, to reach the papers affluent audience. Myprotein, one of THGs biggest brands, now sponsors City AMs newsletter.

I think fundamentally he sees an opportunity to build a media brand from what has been a scrappy underdog for 18 years, punching above its weight, says the source.

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I think the working theory is that if you invest in it and give it a bit more heft then the results will be pretty impressive.

But others are more sceptical about Mouldings approach. As one member of staff puts it: I see it as a little vanity project to Matt Moulding that THG is trying to justify.

Some say the newspaper venture is little more than a vanity project for THG - Ryan Edy

More importantly, there are concerns that THGs commercial interests could impact the newspapers output.

This was brought to the fore in September when City AM breathlessly reported improved cashflow in THGs half-year results but failed to mention the widening loss and 20pc share price plunge that led most other write-ups.

Lawson Muncaster, who co-founded the paper in 2005, dismisses any concerns.

Ive been in this business now for 18 years and City AMs editorial integrity is probably less affected now than it was under my remit, he says.

Ive not had one editorial conversation with Matt Moulding apart from that we both believe in the business as a pro-UK one.

A spokesman for THG said: THG is committed to editorial independence and only wants to ensure City AM achieves stable and profitable growth. Were backing the brand and its journalism.

Regardless of Mouldings motivations, there is no doubt that the Instagram-loving tycoon has pushed through change at the newspaper.

THG has made 10 editorial hires in its first months, including two news editors. It has also updated the companys ageing IT systems.

However, the sudden influx of cash and new staff has not been without its troubles as traffic numbers are understood to have fallen sharply shortly in the months immediately after the takeover.

Bosses put this down to changes in Google and Facebook algorithms that have also hammered other publishers including Reach and Future.

Insiders also talk of chaotic scenes as the paper adjusted to its newfound resources and editorial hierarchies. Graphs were subsequently sent around stipulating the exact pecking order to resolve the confusion.

More broadly, staff report a more corporate atmosphere in the newspapers offices, with senior THG executives frequently in attendance.

Reporters were also horrified to discover that THGs expenses policy did not cover alcohol  something that has since been amended.

Concerns that THGs commercial interests could impact City AMs output are dismissed by the papers co-founder Lawson Muncaster - CHRIS BATSON /ALAMY

Still, staff at City AM will likely have to rein in their excesses after years of profligate spending in the newspapers heyday.

Administration documents revealed the business veered into administration with 2.4m in debts earlier this year, including more than 200,000 owed to upmarket hotels and restaurants.

Among the largest creditors was Boisdale, a Scottish-themed fine dining restaurant near Victoria Station that is popular among the companys top brass. Such spending is likely to end under Mouldings watch and in recent weeks, this newfound discipline has begun to bear fruit.

The company says it enjoyed double-digit traffic growth at the end of the year, with 1.9 million unique visitors in November.

THGs digital nous also enabled it to launch an app within six weeks, accelerating a long-overdue digital overhaul. The app has so far been downloaded around 8,000 times.

We share [City AMs] belief in British business, and we are happy to turbocharge its digital engines with investment and tech knowledge, the company said.

More recently, THG has pushed City AMs video output as the outlet looks to build audiences on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. TikTok, no doubt, will follow in due course.

The newspaper also recently hired its first Manchester-based reporter, suggesting it may shift its focus away from the Square Mile to British business more widely.

These expansion plans mean changes are on the horizon. City AM is likely to move into larger offices soon, potentially alongside THG. It may also set up regional hubs, although insiders stressed the newspaper would remain in London.

Executives are also considering a freemium model that would put a small amount of premium content or specialist areas such as cryptocurrency placed behind a paywall.

This overhaul, which would follow similar moves by GB News and MailOnline, reflects the need to reduce reliance on dwindling advertising revenues and drive subscriptions instead.

Bosses are said to be taking inspiration from the partial paywall structure adopted by The Independent, with which THG already has a commercial partnership. The company is also looking to expand its events business.

So after its close run-in with failure, the 18-year-old newspaper is entering a new era.

Earlier this month, reporters mingled with THG staff at a gold and sparkles Christmas party in Shoreditch.

It was a far cry from the Boisdale bashes of old and, for many journalists, a symbol of the new era. Probably for the best, says one.

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.
Poonch/Jammu, Dec 31 (PTI) PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Sunday demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh, a government job and a residential plot for the families of three civilians who were found dead a day after being picked by the security forces following a terrorist ambush on two Army vehicles.

Mufti alleged that despite visits by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande no action has been taken to deliver justice to the victims.

"I urge the Lieutenant Governor to ask the defence minister to provide a compensation of Rs 50 lakh, a government job, and a roadside plot to the next of kin of the slain civilians. Injured individuals should be given Rs 5 lakh compensation," Mufti told reporters.

She demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

The three civilians picked up by the Army for questioning after the terrorist ambushed two Army vehicles on December 21 in Poonch were found dead Friday last week.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced monetary compensation and jobs to the families. 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.

Mufti questioned the ongoing inquiry. "We have seen the fate of probe reports in past incidents. Following the inquiry report of three youths killed by the Army in Rajouri, the officers admitted to fake killings but were let off. What probe will you do in this?" she questioned.

Mufti pointed out that an FIR was lodged against unknown persons in the latest case. "People are identifying police and army personnel, so how can they be unknown? If you don't punish the culprits, you are promoting the criminalisation of the system. How can justice be served?" she alleged.

Mufti also said she was disallowed from meeting the affected families and the injured people, despite attempts.

"I tried to visit them. I was put under house arrest. Later, I was told you can go, as BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina and NC leadership were allowed to the area. But they prevented me from going there. They wanted to hide atrocities committed on them. I wanted to visit hospital to meet the injured. Then I wanted to visit Bangie from where these people were picked up. I was prevented from moving forward on the pretext of search operation," she said.

She stressed the need for empathetic engagement with the affected families and open dialogue to effectively resolve grievances.
New Delhi, Dec 31 (PTI) "We were waiting for Anjali to return home so that we could begin the new year by offering prayers at Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, recalled Rekha, the mother of the 20-year-old woman who was hit by a car which dragged her for several kilometres last New Years eve.

Little did we know that we would get a call from police that night about her death, she said.

Anjali Singh was hit by a car while she was on a scooter and was dragged from Sultanpuri to Kanjhawala, killing her on the spot. Rekha and her family lost their loving daughter and sole breadwinner.

Speaking to PTI over phone, Rekha, a resident of northwest Delhi's Mangolpuri said that at first she could not believe that her daughter was killed in a road accident and she immediately turned on the TV to know if it was indeed true.

"I remember that I was continuously getting phone calls from all our relatives to know what actually had happened. I was totally speechless," she said. Anjali was one of Rekhas four children.

"We all miss her so much. At the start of the new year, my sister used to take us to a place of worship. Her death has left a void that nobody can fill, said Varun, Anjalis 12-year-old brother.

Anjalis post-mortem report revealed the causes of death were shock and haemorrhage resulting from ante-mortem (before death) injuries to the head, spine, left femur, and lower limbs. Over 40 injuries were found on her body.

"I still remember those images of her death, which still haunts me and will haunt every single family member, Rekha said.

I want to tell those who go out to party and celebrate New Year that they must be very careful as people forget how to drive after having drinks," she added.

Anjalis income of around Rs 25,000 per month was a big support for the family, said Rekha, who is currently unemployed. She hopes the government would help her with a job.

"A portion of the money we had received through help after Anjalis death was used for my treatment while some portion has been kept as fixed deposits in the name of three children," Rekha told PTI.

Anjali's family members donated her belongings at Ganga Ghat near Badaun, where they performed her last rites.

Delhi Police filed an 800-page chargesheet against seven accused, Amit Khanna, Krishan, Mithun, and Manoj Mittal  who were charged with murder, and Deepak Khanna, Ankush Khanna and Ashutosh Bharadwaj  who were charged under other offences. A total of 117 witnesses were examined in the case, a senior police officer said.

According to the police, all seven accused have been booked for criminal conspiracy (under Section 120-B of the IPC), destruction of evidence (Section 201) and harbouring offender (Section 212).

Ashutosh and Amit have also been booked under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The police had initially booked the accused for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and rash driving. Murder charges were invoked three weeks after the incident took place.

The men inside the car claimed they didnt hear anybody scream because loud music was playing inside the car. However, the police found intention and added sections of murder.
New Delhi, Dec 31 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party's national executive meeting will be held virtually on Sunday, party sources said.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate to appear before it for questioning on January 3 in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

"The meeting will be held virtually," the sources said.

Kejriwal returned to Delhi from a Vipassana meditation session on Saturday.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (PTI) Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended New Year greetings to the people of the state on Sunday.

In his message, Governor Khan expressed his delight in wishing the people of Kerala as well as Keralites worldwide a very happy and prosperous New Year. "I sincerely hope that the year 2024 reinforces our unity and brings us happiness, security, and harmony in both ideas and actions for the progress and prosperity of our state," he said.



Chief Minister Vijayan said that New Year celebrations should serve as declarations of harmony, secularism, love, brotherhood, and friendship.



"As the world welcomes the New Year, let us share our hopes for a better tomorrow filled with peace, happiness, and equality," he said.

Noting that the New Year is being celebrated at a time when reactionary forces are actively trying to divide people by propagating sectarianism, the chief minister took the opportunity to say, "We must resist and defeat these malicious attempts with a sense of unity rooted in high humanity. Hate propaganda can only be countered by joining forces to shape a better society."

Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer and Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan also extended their greetings to the people on the occasion.
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (PTI) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said the Congress high command has summoned him to Delhi to discuss the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"I have been summoned to Delhi. Mostly, they have called me to discuss the parliament elections," Siddaramaiah told reporters.



To a query on the appointments of boards and corporations chairperson, the chief minister said the government is finalising the list.



"Earlier we thought of appointing MLAs first but now there is a demand to pick party workers as well. So, we are making a list," he added.
Jaipur, Dec 31 (PTI) Two unidentified burglars cut an ATM of the State Bank of India here with a gas cutter and fled with Rs 29 lakh, police said on Sunday.

Kotwali SHO Vikrant Sharma said that two unidentfied burglars cut the ATM installed on the Bajaj Road on Saturday night.

Sharma said that on the basis of a complaint lodged by the bank on Sunday, a case has been registered and investigation is on.

He said that the burglars had also cut the wire connections of the ATM and sprayed black colour on the CCTV cameras installed inside and outside the ATM.

The SHO said that efforts are being made to identify the burglars from the surrounding CCTV footages.




A Minnesota woman has sued her dentist after receiving four root canals, eight dental crowns and 20 fillings in a single visit that she says led to her disfigurement.

Kathleen Wilson filed the lawsuit last week in Hennepin County District Court, accusing Dr. Kevin Molldrem of Molldrem Family Dentistry in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, of providing negligent treatment in July 2020 that caused significant injuries to Wilson, along with providing an unsafe dosage of anesthesia and falsifying medical records to cover it up, the Star Tribune reported.

Molldrem and his attorney, Nathaniel Weimer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press on Thursday.

According to the Star Tribune, Wilsons legal team retained Dr. Avrum Goldstein, a dentist in Florida, to provide an expert opinion and review Wilsons medical records from Molldrem and subsequent providers. Goldsteins Nov. 14 report identified various duty-of-care breaches.

Goldstein said in the report that Molldrem made the right diagnosis, but he provided poor-quality treatment.

Wilson had decay on virtually every tooth in her mouth, something that is quite rare, Goldstein wrote. Molldrems attempt to restore all Wilsons teeth in one visit did nothing to address her susceptibility to disease or the potential of losing teeth, he said.

Katie required a slow, thoughtful, careful and measured response to her disease. Trying to fill every hole in every tooth in her mouth in one visit is not only the antithesis of what was indicated, it is not humanely possible to achieve in an effective or constructive manner, Goldstein said, adding that it is inconceivable to address 28 teeth in 5 12 hours.

One challenge of a long appointment is maintaining adequate anesthesia, Goldstein said. The maximum dosage is 490 mg  but Molldrem administered 960 mg to Wilson.

Wilsons records show that Molldrem said he administered eight tubes of dental anesthetic, known as carpules. But Goldstein found the first dose alone was eight carpules, and he administered 15 carpules throughout the visit.

Wilson went to a different dental office for an evaluation showing recurrent decay and other damage. For several months in 2022 she was treated at the University of Minnesota Dental School for repair and replacement of many of her restorations in an attempt to stabilize her mouth, Goldstein said.

If all of Wilsons teeth end up having to be removed and replaced with implants, Goldstein said all of the work that was done and all of the expense associated with it will have been for nothing.

Beyond medical costs, Wilson said she suffered pain, embarrassment, disfigurement and distress. She is asking for at least $50,000 in damages.

(AP)




The world population grew by 75 million people over the past year and on New Years Day it will stand at more than 8 billion people, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday.

The worldwide growth rate in the past year was just under 1%. At the start of 2024, 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, according to the Census Bureau figures.

The growth rate for the United States in the past year was 0.53%, about half the worldwide figure. The U.S. added 1.7 million people and will have a population on New Years Day of 335.8 million people.

If the current pace continues through the end of the decade, the 2020s could be the slowest-growing decade in U.S. history, yielding a growth rate of less than 4% over the 10-year-period from 2020 to 2030, said William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution.

The slowest-growing decade currently was in the aftermath of the Great Depression in the 1930s, when the growth rate was 7.3%.

Of course growth may tick up a bit as we leave the pandemic years. But it would still be difficult to get to 7.3%, Frey said.

At the start of 2024, the United States is expected to experience one birth every nine seconds and one death every 9.5 seconds. However, immigration will keep the population from dropping. Net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 28.3 seconds. This combination of births, deaths and net international migration will increase the U.S. population by one person every 24.2 seconds.

(AP)




Maines Democratic secretary of state on Thursday removed former President Donald Trump from the states presidential primary ballot under the Constitutions insurrection clause, becoming the first election official to take action unilaterally in a decision that has potential Electoral College consequences.

While Maine has just four electoral votes, its one of two states to split them. Trump won one of Maines electors in 2020, so having him off the ballot there should he emerge as the Republican general election candidate could have outsized implications in a race that is expected to be narrowly decided.

The decision by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows follows a December ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that booted Trump from the ballot there under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Colorado is a Democratic-leaning state that is not expected to be competitive for Republicans in November.

Bellows found that Trump could no longer run for his prior job because his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol violated Section 3, which bans from office those who engaged in insurrection. Bellows made the ruling after some state residents, including a bipartisan group of former lawmakers, challenged Trumps position on the ballot.

Her decision came one day after Trumps lawyers asked her to disqualify herself over tweets that they said showed bias. She called the U.S. Capitol attack an insurrection and bemoaned that Trump wasnt convicted by the U.S. Senate after being impeached by the U.S. House.

Bellows wont have the final word on Trumps political career. Her decision can be appealed to Maines courts. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to make a final decision on whether Trump can still run for president early next year.

Activists have asked state election officials across the country to remove Trump from their states primary ballots under Section 3. Until Bellows ruling, all of them rejected the request, often saying they were waiting for courts to give direction on how to interpret the clause, which has been used only a handful of times since the years following the Civil War.

Maine law mandated that Bellows hold a public hearing over the issue, which she did in December. A lawyer and former executive director of the Maine chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Bellows allowed each side to submit additional arguments after the Colorado Supreme Courts historic Dec. 19 decision that Section 3 barred Trump from the ballot.

Trumps campaign has said it will appeal that courts 4-3 ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on Section 3. Whatever the high court decides will apply to every state, including Maine.

The Maine decision shows the potential perils to Trump if the issue is decided on a state-by-state basis. He lost Colorado by 13 percentage points in 2020 and does not need it to win the presidency. But Maine divides its electoral votes by congressional districts, and Trump has twice won the states second congressional district.

If hes not on the ballot there, he would start his 2024 campaign down one Electoral College vote.

The secretary of states office said its not aware of the office previously striking a presidential candidate from the ballot, but other candidates for lower offices have been removed that way.

(AP)




An associate of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to nine years in prison on Friday, the latest move in a relentless Kremlin crackdown on dissent.

Ksenia Fadeyeva, a regional legislator who headed a local branch of Navalnys organization in the Siberian city of Tomsk, was convicted on charges of organizing an extremist group. Her lawyers said they would appeal the verdict, arguing that Fadeyeva had ended her involvement with Navalnys organization before the authorities labeled it extremist in 2021.

Navalnys spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, hailed Fadeyeva as honest and brave, saying on X that those who fabricated the criminal case against her will eventually face punishment.

Navalny, the most prominent foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism. Earlier this month, he went missing for several weeks until his lawyers announced Monday that he has been moved from a prison in central Russia to a remote Arctic prison colony known for its harsh conditions.

Navalny has been behind bars in Russia since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Before his arrest, he campaigned against official corruption and organized major anti-Kremlin protests.

A Moscow court outlawed Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and about 40 regional offices as extremist in June 2021, shutting down his political network and forcing many of his close associates and team members to leave Russia. Those who stayed have faced prosecution.

Fadeyevas case is the latest in a string of convictions of regional activists linked to Navalnys work.

Lilia Chanysheva, who headed Navalnys headquarters in the central Russian city of Ufa, was sentenced to 7 years in prison on similar charges in June, and Vadim Ostanin, who previously headed Navalnys office in the southern Siberian city of Barnaul, was handed a 9-year sentence in July on charges of organizing an extremist community.

And in October, authorities detained three lawyers representing Navalny in what his associates described as part of Kremlin efforts to completely isolate him.

Navalny associate Leonid Volkov has said that he prodded Fadeyeva to leave Russia amid the crackdown, but she refused, citing her obligations to voters. She has been in custody since her arrest in November.

(AP)
Looking for a great meal to kick off 2024? You're in luck, as there should be plenty of fast food and sit-down dining options open this New Year's Day.

While Texas Roadhouse will be closed, McDonald's, Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster and Buffalo Wild Wings are among the many chains that will be open. Coffee shops such as Starbucks and Dunkin' also will be open.

Some companies will operate under limited hours, so it is always best to reach out to your local restaurant to inquire about its holiday status.

Here's what you need to know about restaurants and fast food chains on New Year's Day 2024.

Is McDonald's open on New Year's Day?

The McDonald's at 3215 Adventureland Dr. in Altoona.

McDonald's store hours vary by location. You can check hours for your local restaurant here.

Is Chick-fil-A open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Chick-fil-A restaurants will be open on Jan. 1. But hours across the Des Moines metro will vary, with some closing as early as 4 p.m. and others staying open until 8 p.m. Check the company's website for your location or use the Chick-fil-A app.

Is Starbucks open on New Year's Day?

Starbucks store hours vary by location. You can find hours for a specific store using the Starbucks app or the company's website.

Is Dunkin' open on New Year's Day?

Dunkin' store hours vary by location, so customers can check the hours for their local Dunkin' using the Dunkin' app or the online store locator.

Is Cracker Barrel open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Cracker Barrel restaurants will be open their regular business hours on Jan. 1.

Is Taco Bell open on New Year's Day?

Hours vary by location, but you can check your local Taco Bell's hours here.

Is Burger King open on New Year's Day?

According to the company, holiday hours vary by location, so it is best to check with your local restaurant for its specific hours. You can find the closest restaurant to you using Burger King's store locator.

Story continues

Is Wendy's open on New Year's Day?

Wendy's says many of its locations will be open for the holiday, but check the chain's location finder to make sure your location is open.

Is Krispy Kreme open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Krispy Kreme will be open during its regular business hours on New Year's Day.

Is Buffalo Wild Wings open on New Year's Day?

Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants will be open their regular hours on Jan. 1.

Is Texas Roadhouse open on New Year's Day?

No, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will be closed on New Year's Day, the company told USA TODAY.

Are Applebee's and Chili's open on New Year's Day?

Applebee's restaurants nationwide will be open on Jan. 1, although hours may be reduced. Contact your local restaurant for its specific operating hours.

Chili's restaurants will also be open on New Year's Day.

Other restaurants open on New Year's Day

The following restaurants also will be open on New Year's Day. Hours are listed for companies that provided them.

Outback Steakhouse

KFC

Popeyes

PF Chang's: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Red Lobster

Red Robin

Golden Corral

Cooper's Hawk: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Domino's Pizza: Hours vary by location

Firehouse Subs: Hours vary by location

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Restaurants open New Year's Day: Starbucks, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A




The U.S. militarys X-37B space plane blasted off Thursday on another secretive mission thats expected to last at least a couple of years.

Like previous missions, the reusable plane resembling a mini space shuttle carried classified experiments. Theres no one on board.

The space plane took off aboard SpaceXs Falcon Heavy rocket from NASAs Kennedy Space Center at night, more than two weeks late because of technical issues.

It marked the seventh flight of an X-37B, which has logged more than 10 years in orbit since its debut in 2010.

The last flight, the longest one yet, lasted 2 1/2 years before ending on a runway at Kennedy a year ago.

Space Force officials would not say how long this orbital test vehicle would remain aloft or whats on board other than a NASA experiment to gauge the effects of radiation on materials.

Built by Boeing, the X-37B resembles NASAs retired space shuttles. But theyre just one-fourth the size at 29 feet (9 meters) long. No astronauts are needed; the X-37B has an autonomous landing system.

They take off vertically like rockets but land horizontally like planes, and are designed to orbit between 150 miles and 500 miles (240 kilometers and 800 kilometers) high. There are two X-37Bs based in a former shuttle hangar at Kennedy.

(AP)




The New York federal judge scheduled to preside over the bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez rejected on Thursday a defense request to delay the start of jury selection from May to July.

Judge Sidney H. Steins order leaves in place a May 5 trial date in Manhattan for the New Jersey Democrat, who faces trial along with his wife and three New Jersey businessmen.

All have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they engaged in a bribery conspiracy that enriched the senator and his wife with cash, gold bars and a luxury car. Menendez, his wife and one of the businessmen also have pleaded not guilty to a charge that they conspired to illegally use the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government.

Lawyers for Menendez claimed earlier this month that they need extra time to prepare for trial, in part because theyve been given over 6.7 million documents that they must sift through and because the complexity of the case requires resolving questions of law that may take extra time to decide.

Prosecutors opposed the request on the grounds that they had warned defense lawyers when the trial date was set in the fall that the evidence they would turn over would be voluminous and that nothing has changed since then.

In his order, Stein agreed with prosecutors, saying that the evidence turned over by prosecutors to defense lawyers was consistent with the amount of material the government had projected would be involved in the trial.

After his September arrest, the senator gave up his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He has resisted calls for him to resign from his Senate seat.

Menendezs lawyers declined in an email to comment on Steins order Thursday.

(AP)




Taiwans presidential candidates expressed desire for peaceful relations with Beijing, which has described Jan. 13 elections on the self-ruled island as a choice between war and peace and stepped up harassment of the territory that China claims as its own.

William Lai, the front-runner and currently Taiwans vice president from the ruling Democratic Peoples Party, said in a televised debate Saturday that he was open to communicating with the government in Beijing, which has refused to talk to him or President Tsai Ing-wen.

Beijing favors the candidate from the more China-friendly Nationalist, or Kuomintang, Party, and has accused Lai and Tsai of being separatists who are trying to provoke a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to regard the island of 23 million with its high-tech economy as Chinese territory and has been steadily increasing its threat to achieve that goal by military force if necessary.

Tensions with China have featured strongly in the presidential campaign.

China has also stepped up military pressure on the island by sending military jets and ships near it almost daily. Taiwans Defense Ministry this month also reported Chinese balloons, which could be used for spying, flying in its vicinity.

Differences over Taiwan are a major flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. U.S. relations with the island are governed by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which makes it American policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent any unilateral change of status by Beijing.

Lai - who tops most opinion polls - promised to help strengthen Taiwans defense and economy if elected.

As long as there is equality and dignity on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwans door will always be open, he said during the debate. I am willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation with China to enhance the well-being of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The international community has realized the threat China poses to Taiwan and the international community, Lai said. In fact, everyone is already preparing to respond. We should  unite and cooperate to ensure peace.

Hou Yu-ih, the Kuomintang candidate, also said he sought peaceful relations with Beijing.

The Kuomintang previously endorsed unification with China but has shifted its stance in recent years as Taiwans electorate is increasingly identifying as Taiwanese - as opposed to Chinese - and wants to maintain the status quo in relations with Beijing.

Hou said he opposed Taiwans independence but also a potential unification under Chinas one country, two systems framework, which Beijing has used to govern Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to China in 1997. Hou said he sought democracy and freedom for Taiwan.

The third candidate, Ko Wen-je, from the smaller Taiwan Peoples Party, referenced a quote by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding U.S.-China relations, saying that Taiwan and China will cooperate if they can cooperate, compete if theres a need to compete, and confront each other if they must confront each other.

The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same race and have the same history, language, religion and culture, but at this stage, we have a different political system and way of life, Ko said, adding that Taiwan needs self-reliance, and both sides of the Taiwan Strait need peace.

We have to make it clear to the Chinese government that my bottom line is that Taiwan must maintain its current democratic and free political system and way of life, Ko said. Only if these conditions are met can we have dialogue.

(AP)




Russia will not provide any explanations about an unidentified object that briefly entered Polands airspace until it receives evidence that shows the object was a Russian missile, Russias top diplomat in Poland said Saturday.

Polands defense forces said an unknown object traveled 40 kilometers (24 miles) into the countrys airspace Friday from the direction of Ukraine before leaving minutes later and vanishing off radars. The head of the Polish armed forces, Gen. Wiesaw Kukua, said everything indicates it was a Russian missile.

Polands Foreign Ministry demanded explanations from Moscow. Russias charge daffaires in Warsaw, Andrei Ordash, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti on Saturday that Polands claims were unsubstantiated.

We will not give any explanations until we are presented with concrete evidence, because these accusations are unsubstantiated, Ordash told RIA Novosti.

Some 500 Polish Territorial Defense troops combed an area between the city of Zamosc and the border with Ukraine for any traces of the object Saturday, but officials said nothing suspicious was found.

Polands border with Ukraine is also the European Union and NATOs border with Ukraine.

(AP)




Shelling in the center of the Russian border city of Belgorod killed 14 people, including two children, and wounded 108 others Saturday, Russias Emergency Situations Ministry said.

Russian officials accused Kyiv of carrying out the attack, which took place the day after an 18-hour aerial bombardment across Ukraine killed at least 39 civilians.

Images of Belgorod on social media showed burning cars and plumes of black smoke rising among damaged buildings as air raid sirens sounded. One strike hit close to a public ice rink in the very heart of the city, which lies 25 miles (40km) north of the Ukrainian border and 415 miles (670km) south of Moscow. While previous attacks have hit the city, they have rarely taken place in daylight and have claimed fewer lives. Speaking on social media Saturday, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov described the consequences of the strike as the worst the city had faced since Moscow began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago.

Russias Defense Ministry said it identified the ammunition used in the strike as Czech-made Vampire rockets and Olkha missiles fitted with cluster-munition warheads. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was unable to verify its claims.

This crime will not go unpunished, the ministry said in a statement on social media.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the situation, and that the countrys health minister, Mikhail Murashko, was ordered to join a delegation of medical personnel and rescue workers traveling to Belgorod from Moscow.

Russian diplomats also called for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council in connection with the strike. Speaking to Russias state news agency, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Britain and the United States were guilty of encouraging Kyiv to carry out what she described as a terrorist attack. She also placed blame on EU countries who had supplied Ukraine with weapons.

Silence in response to the unbridled barbarity of Ukraines Nazis and their puppeteers and accomplices from civilized democracies will be akin to complicity in their bloody deeds, the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier Saturday, Moscow officials reported shooting down 32 Ukrainian drones over the countrys Moscow, Bryansk, Oryol, and Kursk regions.

They also reported that cross-border shelling had killed two other people in Russia. A man died and four other people were wounded when a missile struck a private home in the Belgorod region late Friday evening and a 9-year-old was killed in a separate incident in the Bryansk region.

Cities across western Russia have come under regular attack from drones since May, with Russian officials blaming Kyiv. Ukrainian officials never acknowledge responsibility for attacks on Russian territory or the Crimean Peninsula. However, larger aerial strikes against Russia have previously followed heavy assaults on Ukrainian cities.

Russian drone strikes against Ukraine continued Saturday, with the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reporting that 10 Iranian-made Shahed drones had been shot down across the Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv regions.

Local officials reported that three people had been killed by Russian missiles: a 55-year-old man in the Kherson region, a 43-year-old man in Stepnohirsk, a town in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, and a 32-year-old in the Chernihiv region.

On Friday, Moscows forces launched 122 missiles and dozens of drones across Ukraine, an onslaught described by one air force official as the biggest aerial barrage of the war.

As well as the 39 deaths, at least 160 people were wounded and an unknown number were buried under rubble in the assault, which damaged a maternity hospital, apartment blocks, and schools.

Western officials and analysts recently warned that Russia limited its cruise missile strikes for months in an apparent effort to build up stockpiles for massive strikes during the winter, hoping to break the Ukrainians spirit.

Fighting along the front line is largely bogged down by winter weather after Ukraines summer counteroffensive failed to make a significant breakthrough along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) line of contact.

Russias ongoing aerial attacks have also sparked concern for Ukraines neighbors.

Polands defense forces said Friday that an unknown object had entered the countrys airspace before vanishing off radars, and that all indications pointed to it being a Russian missile.

Speaking to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Russias charge daffaires in Poland, Andrei Ordash, said Saturday that Moscow would not comment on the event until Warsaw had given the Kremlin evidence of an airspace violation.

We will not give any explanations until we are presented with concrete evidence because these accusations are unsubstantiated, he said.

(AP)




Three overnight airstrikes on eastern Syria near a strategic border crossing with Iraq killed six Iran-backed militants Saturday, two members of Iraqi militia groups told The Associated Press.

The strikes on the border region of Boukamal came hours after an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militants known as the Islamic Resistance claimed an attack on a U.S. military base in northern Iraqs city of Irbil.

The group has conducted over a hundred attacks on U.S. positions in Iraq and eastern Syria since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7.

Four of the militants killed were from Lebanons powerful Hezbollah group, while the other two were Syrian, the militia group members said. Another two were injured, they added. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not cleared to speak with journalists.

Meanwhile, an activist collective that covers news in the area, Deir Ezzor 24, said the airstrikes hit two militant posts and a weapons warehouse that it says was recently stocked with rocket launchers and munitions.

Britain-backed opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that in addition to the weapons warehouse, the strikes targeted a militants convoy that had arrived in Syria from Iraq and a location where a militia affiliated with Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was training.

The monitoring group reported that the strikes killed nine people  three Syrians and six people from other nationalities.

A U.S. official said the United States did not carry out the strikes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.

Washington has confirmed previous strikes on Iran-backed militia positions following the surge of attacks over the past two months.

President Joe Biden last week ordered the U.S. military to carry out strikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi groups following a rocket attack that wounded three U.S. troops.

The spike in tension has put Baghdad in a delicate situation. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has tried to ease the strain between the militant groups that helped him reach power and the U.S. where Iraqs foreign reserves are housed.

The Boukamal region in Deir el-Zour, Syria, located along the Iraqi border, has been a strategic area for Iran-backed militants since it was taken back from the extremist Islamic State group in 2019. U.S. coalition forces conducted strikes targeting convoys there before the recent spike in tensions.

Later, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes over areas south of the city of Aleppo caused damage, but no casualties were reported. Pro-government radio station Sham FM said the strikes were near Aleppos airport but did not damage it.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said just one of six Israeli missiles landed near the airport and that the rest landed in areas where Iran-backed militants and weapons warehouses were present. It said the strikes killed or wounded seven people, without giving further details.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years.

It does not usually acknowledge such airstrikes. When it has, however, it said it was targeting Iran-backed groups there that supported Syrian President Bashar Assads government.

(AP)




The Iowa frenzy is typically in full force by now.

With less than three weeks until the Iowa caucuses formally usher in the presidential nomination process, White House hopefuls are usually in a heated competition. They fan out across the state and pack as many events into a single day as is humanly possible  all in a bid to appeal to undecided voters and lock down support that could lift them to victory in Iowa and keep them in the race for months to come.

But as the campaign intensifies ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses, the normal frenzy is subdued. While the schedule is filling up, former President Donald Trump is such a commanding force in the party that some voters worry the contest that normally transforms Iowa into the center of the political world may turn out to be something of a snooze.

Its kind of frustrating, said Jenna Maifeld, a 19-year-old student at the University of Iowa who is eager to participate in her first caucus but is disappointed with the campaign cycles lack of competition. I feel like a lot of peoples voices arent being heard.

Theres still time for the dynamics of the race to shift. And Trumps rivals are hardly ceding the state to him, working to convince voters that his victory isnt inevitable. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has effectively centered his campaign on Iowa, pumping it with advertising and crafting a robust travel schedule of events and media availabilities. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is also campaigning throughout Iowa, stepping up criticism of Trump while laying the groundwork for a potentially stronger showing in New Hampshire, where the Jan. 23 primary includes more independent voters.

The question is whether any of those efforts will notably erode Trumps standing, a prospect some voters find unlikely at this point.

A lot of candidates are hoping that one of these spears in his back will finally take him down, but I doubt it, said Nick Peters, a 31-year-old from Prairie City who is also among the Iowa Republicans frustrated by Trumps dominance.

Trump enters the final stretch before the caucuses facing a host of challenges. Hes the subject of 91 criminal charges related to everything from his handling of classified information to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The Colorado Supreme Court and Maines top election official have recently declared Trump ineligible to appear on their states ballots, decisions the former president is likely to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

And Trump is embroiled in controversy over his harsh rhetoric toward immigrants, repeatedly using language that extremism experts say echoes writings from Adolf Hitler about the purity of Aryan blood, which underpinned Nazi Germanys systematic murder of millions of Jews and other undesirables before and during World War II.

For now, however, Trumps baggage appears to be doing little to deter a majority of Republican voters. In fact, Trump has sought to turn his vulnerabilities into something of an advantage, arguing that hes been indicted on behalf of his supporters. Hes also aimed to turn around concerns that he poses a threat to democracy by accusing President Joe Biden of harnessing the power of government against a political rival. Theres no evidence that Biden or the White House had any influence on the Justice Departments decision to criminally charge Trump.

Its Trumps impenetrable base of support that has left many feeling resigned to seeing his name on the ballot in November.

If democracy is working fairly and if the country wants him, then its going to be him, said Dylan Kooiman, a 21-year-old student at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, who said it would be hard for him to support Trump given his legal battles. It doesnt always fall the way everyone wants it.

Iowans are historically proud of the role they play at the beginning of the presidential election calendar every four years. Voters are accustomed to intimate exchanges with candidates, who pay visits to living rooms, neighborhood centers and county fairgrounds in an effort to connect and persuade.

The pride Iowans take in their role in shaping the presidential contest is also matched with a perennial anxiety that their status may not last forever. The final period ahead of the 2020 caucuses, which focused on Democrats, was unusually muted because many candidates, who were also senators, had to be in Washington to participate in Trumps first impeachment trial. A bungled effort to report results contributed to Democrats removing Iowa from their leadoff spot, replacing it instead with South Carolina.

Republicans have kept Iowa in the opening position in the 2024 campaign. But like so many traditions, Trump has abandoned some long held Iowa political practices, particularly when it comes to retail campaigning. Hes largely traded living rooms for rallies, prompting some criticism that hes taking Iowa for granted.

Trump is stepping up his efforts in the closing weeks to prove that hes willing to work for a win thats so commanding that his rivals will have to give up. He is, for example, taking the rare step of holding four campaign events over two days in early January, appearing in rural western Iowa, in industrial eastern Iowa along the Mississippi River and stops in between.

If hes successful, he may be on a path to a race that few Americans appear eager to embrace. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults, or 28%, say they would be dissatisfied with both Trump and Biden becoming their parties respective nominees, a recent AP-NORC poll showed.

Independents (43%) are more likely than Democrats (28%) or Republicans (20%) to express their displeasure with both men gaining party nominations.

Rick Hyndman may be one of the thousands of Iowans who wants to support Trump again, but he also thinks Trump needs to speak more to the middle.

In line to attend a Trump rally in Coralville, the 70-year-old local retiree was noncommittal, waiting to hear some signals from the former president that he could appeal to independents to ensure his electability in the general election. Hyndman thinks he could, by focusing on the issues and avoiding putting other people down.

Despite that concern, Hyndman thinks neither DeSantis nor Haley can beat him.

I dont see anybody stepping up, he said. Weve been waiting.

(AP)




China will ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States, the countrys latest effort to attract foreign travelers since reopening its borders earlier this year.

Starting Jan. 1, American tourists will no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China, according to a notice posted online Friday by the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

The simplified application process is intended to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, the notice said.

The move comes as China has struggled to rejuvenate its tourism sector after three years of strict pandemic measures, which included mandatory quarantines for all arrivals. While those restrictions were lifted earlier this year, international travelers have been slow to return.

In the first half of this year, China recorded 8.4 million entries and exits by foreigners, down from 977 million for all of 2019, the last year before the pandemic, according to immigration statistics.

In another bid to boost tourism, China announced last month that it would allow visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for up to 15 days.

The one-year trial program signaled Chinas high-level opening up to the outside world, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.

But Chinas efforts to entice American tourists may face other headwinds. International flights between the two countries, which are set by a bilateral agreement, remain well below pandemic levels, though they have slowly increased in recent months.

Over the summer, amid deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington, the U.S. recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China, citing the risk of wrongful detentions and exit bans.

The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law, the advisory said.

(AP)




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(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Israels Foreign Ministry on Friday excoriated South Africa for requesting that the International Court of Justice investigate Israel for the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel rejects with disgust the blood libel spread by South Africa in its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Foreign Ministry responded. South Africas claim lacks both a factual and a legal basis and constitutes a despicable and contemptuous exploitation of the Court. South Africa is cooperating with a terrorist organization that is calling for the destruction of the State of Israel.

The Hamas terrorist organization  which is committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and sought to commit genocide on 7 October  is responsible for the suffering of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by using them as human shields and stealing humanitarian aid from them. Israel is committed to international law and acts in accordance with it, and directs its military efforts solely against the Hamas terrorist organization and the other terrorist organizations cooperating with Hamas.

Israel has made it clear that the residents of the Gaza Strip are not the enemy, and is making every effort to limit harm to civilians and to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. We call on the International Court of Justice and the international community to completely reject South Africas baseless claims.

South Africa launched a case Friday at the United Nations top court accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and asking the court to order Israel to halt its attacks  the first such challenge made at the court over the current war.

South Africas submission to the International Court of Justice alleges that acts and omissions by Israel  are genocidal in character as they are committed with the intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnic group.

South Africa asked The Hague-based court to issue an interim order for Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in Gaza. A hearing into that request is likely in the coming days or weeks. The case, if it goes ahead, will take years, but an interim order could be issued within weeks.

South Africa can bring the case under the Genocide Convention because both it and Israel are signatories to it.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem & AP)
If you're hosting a New Year's Eve gathering and need some last-minute essentials, or need to hit the mall for a new outfit, you're in luck this year, as most retail and grocery stores will be open on Dec. 31.

While some stores, like Walmart and Kroger, will be open their regular hours, others will be open limited hours. It is always best to check with your local store before leaving home, as store hours can vary by location.

Most fast food chains and sit-down restaurants will also be open on Dec. 31, so if you get hungry while you're out running errands, you'll have plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Here's what you need to know about which retail and grocery stores are open on New Year's Eve and their hours.

Restaurants open on New Year's Eve: What restaurants are open New Year's Eve 2023? Details on Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, more

Walmart New Year's Eve hours

Walmart stores will be open their regular hours on Dec. 31, the company told USA TODAY. Their stores are usually open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Target New Year's Eve hours

Target stores will be open on New Year's Eve, however most locations will close by 9 p.m.

New Year's Eve around Shore: New Year's Eve: Muskrat, horseshoe and even a goat will drop, and here's where to see them

Sam's Club New Year's Eve hours

Sam's Club locations will be open until 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve this year.

Aldi New Year's Eve hours

Aldi stores will be open limited hours on Dec. 31. You can find your local store and its specific hours here.

Polar plunges: Shake off 2023, dive into 2024 at Ocean City, Chincoteague New Year's swims: All to know

Home Depot, Lowe's and Ace Hardware New Year's Eve hours

Home Depot stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve, the company told USA TODAY.

Lowe's stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. while Ace Hardware stores will be open their regular business hours.

Story continues

TJ Maxx, Marshall's and HomeGoods New Year's Eve hours

All three stores will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.

First Day Hikes: Celebrate New Year and exercise with First Day Hikes all around Maryland

Kohl's New Year's Eve hours

All Kohl's stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Barnes & Noble New Year's Eve hours

Barnes & Noble bookstores will be open their regular hours on New Year's Eve.

Retail store hours on New Year's Eve

The following retail stores will be open on New Year's Eve, in addition to Walmart and Target, which are listed above. Hours are listed for companies that provided them.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Year's Eve 2023 store hours: Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Aldi




IDF soldiers raided a school in the Al Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip and arrested dozens of Hamas terrorists.

The terrorists were hiding in a school serving as a shelter with civilians and used them as human shields while opening fire at IDF forces.

The IDF said it received intelligence information about the school on Thursday. The terrorists took advantage of the presence of civilians in the school area to fire RPGs and fire at the forces while hiding behind women and children. We raided the school and separated the civilians from the terrorists, whom we took for further investigation. We returned the civilians to their protected space.

During the raid, terrorists opened fire on the IDF forces, who returned fire. Several terrorist squads were eliminated.

Since the beginning of the operation in the camp, soldiers located four rocket launchers and nine tunnel shafts.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said during his weekly press conference on Motzei Shabbos that the war in Gaza will last many more months and will not stop until all of the operations goals are achieved  eradicating Hamas and bringing the hostages home.

Were deepening our operations against Hamas, Netanyahu said. Weve eliminated 8,000 terrorists so far.

The prime minister also revealed that hes pushing back against international pressure to halt the war before its goals are achieved.

Netanyahu then spoke about Iran, including a jibe at former prime minister Naftali Bennett for revealing that he ordered two strikes against Iran during his term. We act against Iran everywhere, at all times. I wont go into details, he said.

Later, during the question and answer period after his remarks, Netanyahu slammed Bennett, saying: This is a severe lack of responsibility. This isnt done and he doesnt have the authority to do so. Only a sitting prime minister [has the authority] and even I would do sparingly.

The prime minister also addressed the threat to Israels north: If Hezbollah expands its attacks, it and Iran will suffer blows they never dreamed of.

We will fight by all means until we have restored security for the residents of the north.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Hadassah Medical Center revealed that the perpetrator of a stabbing attack near Jerusalem on Thursday evening had been employed within the medical facility  working for an external contracting company responsible for providing cleaning services to the medical center.

During the stabbing attack at the Mizmoria Checkpoint south of Jerusalem, a young woman sustained serious injuries, while a young man was moderately wounded. Both victims were members of the security forces who were on duty at the checkpoint.

Both were transported to Shaarei Tzedek Hospital for treatment of their wounds. The terrorist was shot and killed by one of the victims.

The terrorist, identified as a 23-year-old resident of the Arab neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber, held an Israeli identity card, though it wasnt immediately known that he worked in a hospital.

The Medical Centers management was shocked, and it fiercely condemns the despicable terror attack, Hadassah said in a statement.

Hadassahs management has also instructed the contracting company to thoroughly scrutinize all its employees to ensure that only suitable individuals are assigned to work at the hospital.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




The US Central Command on Sunday said that its military helicopters opened fire on four Houthi boats, sinking three of them with no survivors.

The fourth boat fled the scene.

The US military helicopters were dispatched to the area after Houthis opened fire on a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned container ship and tried to board it. The Houthis also opened fire at a US Navy helicopter that flew to the ships aid.

The container ship Maersk Hangzhou issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours, reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats, the statement from CENTCOM said, explaining that the small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired at the ship and attempted to board it.

U.S. helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired at U.S. helicopters. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.

Maersk confirmed the report, saying that its ship was attacked as it was passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea. It later announced that it is suspending all sailing in the Red Sea for 48 hours.

On Motzei Shabbos, a U.S. warship shot down two ballistic missiles fired at the Maersk Hangzhou from Yemen. The ship was earlier shot by a missile but there were no injuries and the ship remained seaworthy.

This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19, CENTCOM stated.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Two security guards were injured in a stabbing attack outside Mishor Adumim in the West Bank on Sunday evening, Israeli security officials said.

Magen David Adom said that both victims suffered minor injuries and were transported by medics to a hospital for further treatment. The terrorist was shot and killed by security forces.

United Hatzalah volunteer paramedic Uzi Sellouk, who was one of the first responders at the scene, said: When I arrived at the scene I found two people who had sustained light injuries. Together with other first responders I treated them at the scene and stabilized their condition before they were transported to the hospital via ambulance.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

Ms F.M. writes: I read your article about the dodgy art seller Marks Art and felt like saying: 'Hallelujah, finally someone understands!'

My father, aged 88, has been dealing with them since 2018.

Dad was caught in the awful position of trying to recover his initial investment by throwing good money after bad.

Tony Hetherington replies: Your father parted with tens of thousands of pounds for artwork, following high pressure telephone calls from salesmen who convinced him that he would make a profit.

But when he tried to turn the art back into cash, he was told he needed to spend more money first, to make his collection more attractive to a buyer.

The real thing: Banksy's The Flower Thrower in the West Bank

A number of purchases were made with credit cards, and I am in touch now with two of the card issuers to press a refund claim, either under Section 75, the consumer law that makes them jointly responsible alongside the retailer, or under chargeback rules.

However, two works that your father bought for a total of over 15,000 stood out like a sore thumb. They were said to be by a woman calling herself 'Mrs Banksy Dot'.

Her work is in the same style as the Banksy street art that has been appearing on buildings for years, and the prospects for investors were underlined by reports published on the websites of BBC Wales and The Telegraph.

Those reports were given to your father to convince him to buy. But they are forgeries. And very badly written forgeries at that.

The 'BBC report' describes the discovery of what it claims to be a Mrs Banksy Dot work: 'It appeared on the side of a private home in an area of Southampton, England, known for its lively nightlife and drinking culture.'

The writer adds that he is using his contacts in the art world to buy one of her works 'whilst she remains under the radar', explaining that, 'Her next collection is certain to become a collector's item in only the most discerning collections.'

What a load of hogwash! Why would the BBC need to tell anyone that Southampton is in England? In fact, those words were written over a decade ago by a foreign commentator describing an actual Banksy.

'The Telegraph' story is just as bad, and the writing is even worse: 'Mrs Banksy Dot burst onto the art scene with a splurge of street art and was hailed the name Mrs Banksy Dot at a very young age of twenty-five.' The report goes on to quote from the 'BBC story'  one forgery quoting from another.

A BBC spokesperson told me: 'I can confirm that this story did not originate from BBC Wales News.'

And The Telegraph made clear the report appearing under its name is similarly a fake.

I asked Mark Smith to comment on his company's use of forged news articles to convince your father to invest.

He replied: 'The articles you've mentioned was send to us by the artist they're related too [sic].' But this is like saying that if a car is advertised as doing 80 miles to the gallon instead of 30, then that is fine as long as an anonymous person somewhere in the world said it was 80, not 30.

I told Mark Smith your father had bought the art as a result of the forged stories. The sales were fraudulent, even if Smith did not know the stories were fake.

He has now told me: 'I understand the view you have and support it wholeheartedly.' Your father has been refunded 15,520.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU

Payback: Paul Seakens

A crook who was exposed by The Mail on Sunday as the central figure in a multi-million pound fraud has been forced to repay more than 1 million to over 200 victims of his investment scam.

Paul Seakens, 62, was at the centre of a spider's web of more than 70 scam investment firms that marketed carbon credits.

Investors received certificates which were said to be in demand by industries as they allowed them to release a set amount of carbon into the atmosphere.

But the carbon credits investors were given were of a different type, used voluntarily by people wanting to pay for schemes such as tree planting to offset their own car and flight emissions.

There was no way to turn those credits back into cash.

I warned ten years ago carbon credits were being marketed with seriously false claims, including that the then Chancellor George Osborne had said that investors would show a profit within months.

And I named Seakens as the key character in the scams, even though he was authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which also gave the green light to his company Carbon Neutral Investments.

Later in 2013, a police investigation began, and in 2016 the Government's Insolvency Service won a High Court order to close down Seakens' company and 18 others linked to it. Six of the company directors identified by the Insolvency Service were approved by the FCA to work in the financial sector.

In 2021, Seakens was convicted of fraud. The MoS's 2013 report was part of the prosecution evidence at his trial.

Victims lost an estimated 36 million, with Seakens himself said to have sent more than 3 million offshore. Almost a year after his trial  and nine years after the 2013 alarm was sounded  the FCA banned Seakens from the finance world, ruling he 'lacks the necessary honesty'.

Seakens is now serving 13 years in jail. Following his trial, the Crown Prosecution Service took him back to court, where he was told that if he did not pay back 1,037,948 that investigators had traced, he would serve an extra seven years.

CPS officials have now revealed that he has coughed up the cash, which has been distributed to 222 of his victims.

Prosecutor Portia Ragnauth said: 'He will continue to be monitored in case any new assets can be identified that would allow us to apply to the court to increase the value of his confiscation order.'

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
Magic: Clockwise from top, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Timothee Chalamet as a Willy Wonka and Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Film and TV companies are understood to be in the final stages of hammering out a deal with the Government over a tax on new studios that many fear could wreck the booming industry.

The UK has increasingly become a competitor to Hollywood in recent years and the 6.3 billion sector is championed by Ministers as a major success story.

Blockbusters including Barbie, Wonka and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny have all been filmed in Britain.

One of the reasons production companies have flocked here is because of generous tax breaks.

But new studios  defined as those that were not up and running by last spring  are facing astronomical rises in business rates that companies were not expecting. TV and film groups including Pinewood Studios, Sky and Warner Bros Discovery have all lashed out at the hike.

Business rates are taxes that are based on the amount a property could be rented out for if it was on the open market.

Sky, which is owned by US company Comcast, is among the groups affected as it has spent years planning new state-of-the-art studios with sound stages which were not open before the cut-off.

In a submission to a public consultation on the film industry opened by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sky said setting up new sites or expanding existing ones could become 'financially unviable' unless rates are re-evaluated.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), responsible for business rates, says the explosion in streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon has heaped demand on studios, making them more valuable.

Studios that were operating before the deadline will see a maximum rate rise of 30 per cent. But rates for those opening since last spring will jump by an average of 300 per cent under the new valuations, according to reports. One studio will reportedly see rates rocket by 650 per cent.

Film and TV groups had not budgeted for the increases and many have said they may think twice about investing in the UK in future  raising concerns that the development of new sites could collapse.

The industry, represented by the British Film Commission, has been locked in talks with the VOA and was asked to provide more information earlier this year.

They are hoping to pin down a decision in the New Year, a source told The Mail on Sunday.

A Sky spokesman said: 'The UK has done lots of the right things to help creative industries thrive, but if it wants to win in a global game, it's time for Jeremy Hunt to call 'Action!' on studio business rates.'

Independent studios are likely to struggle much more than those owned by multinational companies.

Superna Sethi, of Twickenham Film Studios, where Bohemian Rhapsody was filmed, has previously described the valuations as throwing 'a grenade' at the film industry. She said it could mean the 'death knell for a number of the UK's most historic independent film studios'.

A spokesman for the VOA said: 'We are working closely with representatives of the industry to assess whether there are grounds for any change to rateable values.

'Every effort is being made by all parties to resolve the situation as soon as possible.'
Bosses at Britain's biggest companies will earn more by Thursday morning than the average worker is paid in a year, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Our 'Fat Cat Files' show that a typical chief executive of a FTSE 100 company is now paid 4 million  well over 100 times a full-time UK employee's average salary of just under 35,000.

But some earn much more and can have even bigger pay gaps with workers. The news comes despite salaries rising at their fastest rate on record amid a cost of living squeeze fuelled by soaring food and energy prices, which are only now abating.

And it follows calls from business groups that executives should be paid even more if the UK is to compete as a global financial centre.

The calculations are based on the median pay figures for bosses and ordinary workers.

Fat cats: A typical chief executive of a FTSE 100 company is now paid 4 million  well over 100 times a full-time UK employee's average salary of just under 35,000

Among the biggest Footsie earners last year was Albert Manifold, the chief executive of construction group and Tarmac-owner CRH, which made headlines earlier this year by shifting its stock market listing from London to New York.

In 2022, Manifold was paid 10.4 million  259 times more than the average CRH worker.

That meant that CRH had the largest pay gulf of any blue-chip company.

But this could get even bigger as US-based executives earn far more than their counterparts in Britain.

The analysis of Footsie company accounts  which excludes three investment trusts where boardroom pay is much lower  chimes with a recent report from the High Pay Centre think-tank.

It found that the pay gap between chief executives in the broader FTSE 350 index and their workers widened to 57 times, up from 56 times in the previous year.

In the first year of the pandemic, the disparity fell as bosses gave up rewards to show solidarity, according to Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre.

But pay gaps have returned to pre-Covid levels in the last two years, he said. Companies listed in London with more than 250 staff must disclose the pay ratio between the CEO and employees.

The High Pay Centre found those with the lowest paid workers were retailers JD Sports, WH Smith and pub chain Mitchells & Butlers.

Julia Hoggett, head of the London Stock Exchange, has called for a 'constructive discussion' about pay amid fears that talented bosses could be tempted to ditch UK companies for the US, where potential rewards are higher still.

Simmering shareholder anger at the largesse shown to some executives occasionally boils over.

One of the biggest revolts came last month at Unilever when the owners of Ben & Jerry's ice cream were forced to freeze chief executive Hein Schumacher's salary for the next two years after investors voted against the company's pay report.

Also in the doghouse is education publisher Pearson, where nearly half of its investors refused to back its pay policy. Cevian, its largest shareholder, recently called on Pearson to move its main listing to New York to improve shareholder value.

Pearson and Unilever are among a swathe of quoted companies on a Government list of shame over excessive pay. Firms where more than a fifth of shareholders protest are placed on the register, which is compiled by the Investment Association.

The list was introduced in 2017 due to concerns that corporate greed was damaging confidence in capital markets.
High flyer: Rolls-Royce boss Tufan Erginbilgic

This time last year, Tufan Erginbilgic was on the brink of taking the reins at Britain's flagship engineer, Rolls-Royce.

While most of us might spend the day before starting a new job doing some last-minute swotting up, Erginbilgic had already spent four months doing his homework to figure out why the group was in such dire straits.

Despite the long months of preparation, he cancelled his Christmas holiday to finalise a 'game plan' for reviving the FTSE 100 engine maker.

In his first-ever UK newspaper interview, Erginbilgic reveals that throughout his research, one theme had become apparent.

He says: 'A banker told me he would summarise what my investors think with one word.' That word was 'frustration'.

Erginbilgic was quick to pass on this message to staff and the City  without mincing his words. Within weeks of his January 1 start date, he had described the 117-year-old company as a 'burning platform' and claimed it was underperforming 'every key competitor out there'.

He added: 'Every investment we make, we destroy value.'

Erginbilgic says his bleak assessment was justified by the vast reams of statistics which he asked an external organisation to compile.

'I used that data rather than being just a new person who showed up and made lots of assertions,' he says.

This is not his first rodeo, as he developed a fierce reputation for turning around two underperforming businesses at his former employer BP.

His nickname in the City is Tufan 'Turbofan' because of the impressive speed at which he works.

He knows the ins and outs of a restructuring very well by now. 'I have seen this movie three times,' he says. 'It is almost identical after a while.'

His early harsh words for those at Rolls were part of the first step of his own four-pronged approach to overhauling a business.

Described as 'holding up a mirror' to a company, this first stage involves collecting masses of data and then presenting it back to staff.

The other parts include establishing a clear, granular strategy and doing it all with pace and intensity.

In practical terms, he has reshuffled the leadership team and helicoptered in some of his most trusted former BP colleagues.

Erginbilgic, a Turkish-British citizen, insists that delivering the stark feedback at the start of his tenure was necessary to galvanise his 42,000-strong workforce and bring in a 'mindset change'.

He says: 'It's important because then people understand where they are, but they also understand there is a possibility of a bright future.

'And that injects momentum and energy into the organisation. It gives it purpose.'

But it is the City that has most obviously responded well to his no-nonsense management style.

In the space of just one year, Rolls has tripled in value to 25 billion, making it the biggest riser on the Footsie in 2023. Erginbilgic has laid out a mind-boggling blueprint that includes quadrupling profits by 2027 and increasing its currently tiny margins to be more in line with the company's peers in the US.

Erginbilgic, 64, was a left-field choice to lead Rolls, which has long been seen as a prestigious but ailing company struggling to keep profits up and debts down while trapped in a loop of constant restructurings.

Despite working in the defence and energy industries, Rolls was crippled by pandemic travel restrictions as the biggest chunk of its earnings come from making and servicing airliner engines, meaning much of its revenue is dependent on the number of flying hours.

Many had thought a new boss would be plucked directly from the aerospace and defence sector.

Erginbilgic had spent two decades at BP, where his last job involved leading the downstream division that includes petrol forecourts. He built up a solid reputation for being able to revive any ailing business. He believes this allowed him to clinch the job at Rolls despite his perceived lack of experience in the firm's core industry.

He left BP in 2020 when he was passed over for the energy giant's top job, which went to Bernard Looney, who stepped down in September after failing to tell the board about the extent of his relationships with colleagues.

It was said to have been a two-horse race that Erginbilgic was bitterly disappointed to lose.

After BP he went to a lucrative partner role at private equity group Global Infrastructure Partners. It would have been easy for him to stay there. As he tactfully puts it, pay is 'different' in private equity and he was doing well at the firm.

When Erginbilgic's friends heard he was going to accept the Rolls job, some joked he needed to take an IQ test because he was already a great success in private equity.

His base salary at Rolls is 1.25 million and he is being given two payments of 3.75 million to compensate him for the vast earnings he has lost by moving to a publicly listed firm.

The stonking rise in Rolls' share price shows investors endorse the details of his master plan, which includes cutting 2,500 jobs and offloading superfluous parts of the business such as an electric flying taxi project, which is now for sale.

Is there a chance that the City has been buoyed by Erginbilgic's confidence and strong words alone? Could this stellar reception actually just be a honeymoon period? He says: 'We delivered the best-on-record profit and cash while flying hours are only 86 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

'So I think it's not just words that investors are reacting to. Frankly, it's delivery.'

Erginbilgic says he has managed to turn Rolls into 'one engineering company'  rather than an umbrella leadership overseeing several siloed businesses.

Many of the firm's top employees were disproportionately going to the cash cow engines business. 'You will struggle to resource some programmes if you are losing talent in the civil aerospace division,' he says. 'Now you have one engineering organisation, you can actually deploy them.'

Rolls specialises in making engines for larger planes after ditching the much bigger market for narrowbody aircraft. However, Erginbilgic has said he would consider working with a partner to re-enter this part of the industry.

The other parts of Rolls' business will be some of the most critical to its future growth. Its work leading a consortium to design mini nuclear power stations has received the most attention. These plants  called small modular reactors (SMRs)  could help to solve Britain's energy crisis as they are much easier to construct than the hugely expensive plants such as Hinkley Point C.

They could also form an important export industry as a number of countries are already lining up to buy them.

Rolls has put 50 million into the venture, which is now a business which it majority owns, while the Government has contributed 210 million.

Earlier this year, Ministers made a puzzling move by opening a public bidding process for the SMR contract, potentially allowing the deal to go to another company.

Rolls is the frontrunner and Erginbilgic believes it can win, saying it will be an 'enormously surprising outcome' if it loses.

'They should pick whoever they want on merit,' he says. 'This process needs to be fair. But what does that mean when I am ahead of everybody else? That needs to be recognised rather than supporting everyone else to catch up.

'We are in phase two [of developing SMRs]. Show me one other company like that. You can hardly show any company in phase one. If they slow down the process further for others to catch up, is that fairness or unfairness?'

After all the hard work this year, Erginbilgic finally managed to take some time off this Christmas. 'This is not to say we don't have a lot to do next year,' he says. 'But I think the business is in a much better shape.' Time will tell.
Pasta master: Alessandro Savelli was rejected by TV's Dragons' Den

Posh pasta maker Pasta Evangelists is planning to open a slew of new sites in the UK and abroad in 2024.

The group sells fresh pasta recipe kits and takeaways. It also runs a pasta 'academy' in London where it offers cooking classes.

The company is planning to open more than a dozen new shops in 2024, including at least one in Paris  its first move overseas.

The firm was founded in 2016 by former investment banker Alessandro Savelli, who was rejected by TV's Dragons' Den.

Savelli sold a majority stake in the company to the world's largest pasta producer, Barilla, in 2021.

Pasta Evangelists is the biggest pasta company in the UK with an annual turnover of about 35 million. It has 350 staff.
Key Insights

The considerable ownership by individual investors in Sovereign Metals indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy

The top 25 shareholders own 42% of the company

Insider ownership in Sovereign Metals is 12%

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 58% to be precise, is individual investors. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

And public companies on the other hand have a 16% ownership in the company.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Sovereign Metals, beginning with the chart below.

View our latest analysis for Sovereign Metals

ASX:SVM Ownership Breakdown December 31st 2023

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Sovereign Metals?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

We can see that Sovereign Metals does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. 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. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Sovereign Metals' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

ASX:SVM Earnings and Revenue Growth December 31st 2023

Hedge funds don't have many shares in Sovereign Metals. Rio Tinto Group is currently the company's largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 7.8% and 2.9% of the stock. Julian Stephens, who is the third-largest shareholder, also happens to hold the title of Member of the Board of Directors.

Story continues

Our studies suggest that the top 25 shareholders collectively control less than half of the company's shares, meaning that the company's shares are widely disseminated and there is no dominant shareholder.

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. There is a little analyst coverage of the stock, but not much. So there is room for it to gain more coverage.

Insider Ownership Of Sovereign Metals

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

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 a reasonable proportion of Sovereign Metals Limited. Insiders own AU$32m worth of shares in the AU$259m company. This may suggest that the founders still own a lot of shares. You can click here to see if they have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public -- including retail investors -- own 58% of Sovereign Metals. With this amount of ownership, retail investors can collectively play a role in decisions that affect shareholder returns, such as dividend policies and the appointment of directors. They can also exercise the power to vote on acquisitions or mergers that may not improve profitability.

Private Company Ownership

We can see that Private Companies own 3.5%, of the shares on issue. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Public Company Ownership

It appears to us that public companies own 16% of Sovereign Metals. We can't be certain but it is quite possible this is a strategic stake. The businesses may be similar, or work together.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Sovereign Metals (at least 1 which shouldn't be ignored) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Oilfield services group Petrofac is the most shorted company on the London Stock Exchange despite bagging a crucial 1.1 billion contract.

Hedge funds  which will make money if the company's share price falls  have shorted almost 10 per cent of Petrofac's stock.

The company was trading at record lows earlier this month after warning that it was in financial trouble and was exploring options  including selling off assets  to bolster its books.

Heading for a fall?: Hedge funds have shorted almost 10 per cent of Petrofac's stock

It managed to secure a guarantee that will unlock an advance payment for a major contract with a Dutch customer, which sent its share price soaring.

The group has said it expects to post a smaller loss in the current financial year.

However, hedge funds appear to be sceptical about its longer-term prospects and have continued to make bets against the company.
Oak Family Advisors LLC raised its stake in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 20.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,657 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the period. Oak Family Advisors LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $678,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in LMT. Lee Financial Co grew its position in Lockheed Martin by 367.6% in the 1st quarter. Lee Financial Co now owns 477 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $210,000 after purchasing an additional 375 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 240.0% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 4,124 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,821,000 after buying an additional 2,911 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 56.8% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 23,153 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $9,995,000 after acquiring an additional 8,389 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in Lockheed Martin by 18.4% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 28,807 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $12,716,000 after acquiring an additional 4,472 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 20.4% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 107,366 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $47,391,000 after purchasing an additional 18,201 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.26% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on LMT shares. StockNews.com began coverage on Lockheed Martin in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $555.00 to $540.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $495.00 to $481.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a hold rating and a $435.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Lockheed Martin has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $484.07.

Lockheed Martin Stock Performance

NYSE:LMT traded up $2.01 on Friday, reaching $453.24. 832,537 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,063,940. The firm has a market cap of $112.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $447.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $444.93. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 52 week low of $393.77 and a 52 week high of $508.10.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $16.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.73 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 75.46%. Lockheed Martins revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.87 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.19 earnings per share for the current year.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a dividend of $3.15 per share. This represents a $12.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. This is a positive change from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. Lockheed Martins payout ratio is presently 46.04%.

Lockheed Martin Company Profile

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.

Further Reading

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HCR Wealth Advisors decreased its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 14.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 5,942 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 972 shares during the quarter. Thermo Fisher Scientific comprises approximately 0.7% of HCR Wealth Advisors portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. HCR Wealth Advisors holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $3,007,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 681,679 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $392,899,000 after purchasing an additional 24,376 shares in the last quarter. American Trust raised its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 13.2% in the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 6,743 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,886,000 after acquiring an additional 784 shares in the last quarter. Sterling Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,074,000. Montchanin Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.1% during the second quarter. Montchanin Asset Management LLC now owns 4,550 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,374,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alta Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 5.1% during the second quarter. Alta Capital Management LLC now owns 88,286 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $46,064,000 after purchasing an additional 4,307 shares during the last quarter. 87.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on TMO. KeyCorp downgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Barclays dropped their target price on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $625.00 to $585.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. TheStreet raised shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Citigroup raised their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $530.00 to $575.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Monday, December 18th. They set a buy rating and a $610.00 price objective for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $597.53.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $454.41, for a total value of $4,544,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 131,175 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $59,607,231.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Down 0.4 %

Thermo Fisher Scientific stock opened at $530.79 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $483.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $510.42. The company has a market cap of $205.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.79, a P/E/G ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 0.83. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 52-week low of $415.60 and a 52-week high of $609.85.

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, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.61 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $10.57 billion for 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 firms revenue was down 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $5.08 EPS. Analysts predict that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.52 EPS for the current year.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is presently 9.17%.

Thermo Fisher Scientific announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Tuesday, November 14th that permits the company to repurchase $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the medical research company to purchase up to 2.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

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Plimoth Trust Co. LLC grew its position in shares of McDonalds Co. (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 19,593 shares of the fast-food giants stock after purchasing an additional 1,291 shares during the quarter. McDonalds comprises approximately 1.6% of Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position. Plimoth Trust Co. LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $5,162,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN boosted its position in shares of McDonalds by 160.0% during the 2nd quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 117 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Retirement Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Worth Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of McDonalds by 277.5% during the 2nd quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC now owns 151 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in McDonalds during the 4th quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in McDonalds during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.60% of the companys stock.

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McDonalds Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of MCD stock traded up $0.67 during trading on Friday, hitting $296.51. The company had a trading volume of 2,227,806 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,851,350. The stocks 50-day moving average is $278.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $280.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $215.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.70. McDonalds Co. has a 52 week low of $245.73 and a 52 week high of $299.35.

McDonalds Increases Dividend

McDonalds ( NYSE:MCD Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 30th. The fast-food giant reported $3.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.00 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $6.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.56 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 33.31% and a negative return on equity of 157.19%. McDonaldss revenue for the quarter was up 14.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.68 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that McDonalds Co. will post 11.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st were given a $1.67 dividend. This represents a $6.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.25%. This is a boost from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.52. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is 58.80%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other McDonalds news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 4,487 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $256.61, for a total value of $1,151,409.07. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 9,534 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,446,519.74. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other McDonalds news, EVP Heidi B. Capozzi sold 688 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.00, for a total value of $180,256.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 19,331 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,064,722. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 4,487 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $256.61, for a total value of $1,151,409.07. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 9,534 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,446,519.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 14,245 shares of company stock worth $3,925,912. Insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MCD has been the topic of a number of research reports. DZ Bank raised McDonalds from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $300.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $315.00 price target on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on McDonalds from $280.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. HSBC started coverage on McDonalds in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. They set a buy rating and a $317.00 price objective for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on McDonalds from $270.00 to $278.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, McDonalds has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $316.60.

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McDonalds Profile

(Free Report)

McDonald's Corporation operates and franchises McDonald's restaurants in the United States and internationally. The company's restaurants offer hamburgers and cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches and nuggets, fries, salads, shakes, frozen desserts, sundaes, soft serve cones, bakery items, soft drinks, coffee, and beverages and other beverages, as well as breakfast menu, including muffins, Sausages, biscuit and bagel sandwiches, oatmeal, hash browns, breakfast burritos and hotcakes.

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Modus Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX  Free Report) by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 29,479 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 168 shares during the quarter. Blackstone accounts for 1.4% of Modus Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th largest position. Modus Advisors LLCs holdings in Blackstone were worth $3,158,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Old North State Trust LLC increased its stake in Blackstone by 7.3% in the first quarter. Old North State Trust LLC now owns 5,966 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $524,000 after acquiring an additional 405 shares during the period. Mirador Capital Partners LP boosted its stake in Blackstone by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Mirador Capital Partners LP now owns 87,646 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $9,390,000 after buying an additional 1,862 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its holdings in shares of Blackstone by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 201,913 shares of the asset managers stock worth $18,772,000 after purchasing an additional 10,297 shares during the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co boosted its position in Blackstone by 7.0% in the third quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 121,358 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $13,002,000 after buying an additional 7,907 shares in the last quarter. Finally, O ROURKE & COMPANY Inc raised its stake in shares of Blackstone by 0.9% in the first quarter. O ROURKE & COMPANY Inc now owns 61,725 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $5,422,000 after acquiring an additional 569 shares during the last quarter. 63.35% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Blackstone

In other news, CAO David Payne sold 5,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $128.21, for a total transaction of $705,155.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 47,781 shares in the company, valued at $6,126,002.01. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Joseph Baratta sold 74,565 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.32, for a total transaction of $8,002,315.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 985,883 shares of the companys stock, valued at $105,804,963.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO David Payne sold 5,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $128.21, for a total value of $705,155.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 47,781 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,126,002.01. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 109,965 shares of company stock worth $11,469,932. 1.00% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Blackstone Stock Down 1.7 %

NYSE BX traded down $2.21 during trading on Friday, hitting $130.92. The stock had a trading volume of 2,049,211 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,040,639. The company has a market capitalization of $93.02 billion, a PE ratio of 55.00, a P/E/G ratio of 5.35 and a beta of 1.50. Blackstone Inc. has a 12 month low of $73.07 and a 12 month high of $133.53. The companys 50-day moving average price is $110.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $104.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84.

Blackstone (NYSE:BX  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The asset manager reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $2.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.60 billion. Blackstone had a net margin of 21.29% and a return on equity of 16.76%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 140.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.06 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Blackstone Inc. will post 3.86 EPS for the current year.

Blackstone Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 30th were given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is a positive change from Blackstones previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 27th. Blackstones dividend payout ratio is 134.45%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently issued reports on BX shares. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of Blackstone from $117.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Blackstone from $114.00 to $121.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $150.00 price objective on shares of Blackstone in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on Blackstone from $97.00 to $94.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, HSBC began coverage on shares of Blackstone in a research note on Friday, October 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $113.00 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $112.41.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Blackstone

About Blackstone

(Free Report)

Blackstone Inc is an alternative asset management firm specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage companies. It also provide capital markets services.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE:BHLB  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Thursday.

Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Seaport Res Ptn reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Berkshire Hills Bancorp from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.50.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Berkshire Hills Bancorp

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Stock Down 1.7 %

BHLB opened at $24.83 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.70 and a beta of 0.93. Berkshire Hills Bancorp has a 1-year low of $18.07 and a 1-year high of $31.52. The business has a 50 day moving average of $22.00 and a 200-day moving average of $21.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE:BHLB  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 20th. The savings and loans company reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $109.78 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $109.30 million. Berkshire Hills Bancorp had a return on equity of 10.45% and a net margin of 16.54%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Berkshire Hills Bancorp will post 2.18 earnings per share for the current year.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 16th were paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 15th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.90%. Berkshire Hills Bancorps dividend payout ratio is currently 31.03%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Mary Anne Callahan acquired 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $20.60 per share, for a total transaction of $41,200.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $206,000. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.83% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Berkshire Hills Bancorp

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the first quarter valued at $552,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the first quarter valued at $35,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the first quarter valued at $57,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the first quarter valued at $57,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 304.1% in the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,538 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $63,000 after buying an additional 1,910 shares in the last quarter. 82.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Berkshire Hills Bancorp

(Get Free Report)

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Berkshire Bank that provides various banking products and services. It offers various deposit accounts, including demand deposit, interest-bearing checking, regular savings, money market savings, time certificates of deposit, and retirement deposit accounts; and loans, such as commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, consumer, and residential mortgage loans.

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Pinterest (NYSE:PINS  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Wedbush from $32.00 to $35.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Wedbush currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

Several other research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Pinterest from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of Pinterest from $37.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Pinterest from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $32.00 to $41.00 in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Roth Mkm raised their target price on shares of Pinterest from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, New Street Research began coverage on shares of Pinterest in a research report on Monday, November 27th. They issued a buy rating and a $48.00 price target for the company. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen 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 target price of $34.97.

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Pinterest Trading Down 0.6 %

NYSE:PINS opened at $37.04 on Wednesday. Pinterest has a twelve month low of $20.60 and a twelve month high of $38.24. The company has a 50-day moving average of $32.81 and a 200-day moving average of $29.10. The firm has a market cap of $24.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -115.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.70 and a beta of 1.01.

Pinterest (NYSE:PINS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 30th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.03) by $0.06. Pinterest had a negative net margin of 7.43% and a negative return on equity of 1.98%. The company had revenue of $763.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $743.34 million. On average, research analysts forecast that Pinterest will post 0.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Christine Deputy sold 22,459 shares of Pinterest stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.27, for a total value of $837,046.93. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 222,881 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,306,774.87. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Christine Deputy sold 22,459 shares of Pinterest stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.27, for a total value of $837,046.93. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 222,881 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,306,774.87. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Gokul Rajaram sold 1,934 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.95, for a total transaction of $73,395.30. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 39,382 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,494,546.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 119,932 shares of company stock valued at $3,597,965 over the last 90 days. 6.85% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pinterest

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Pinterest by 1.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 50,128,803 shares of the companys stock worth $1,233,670,000 after buying an additional 958,619 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in Pinterest by 1.6% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 34,476,228 shares of the companys stock worth $942,580,000 after buying an additional 545,900 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in Pinterest by 28.2% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 25,743,947 shares of the companys stock worth $702,039,000 after buying an additional 5,670,073 shares in the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. boosted its stake in Pinterest by 22.7% during the first quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 18,300,308 shares of the companys stock worth $499,049,000 after buying an additional 3,385,379 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in Pinterest by 2.0% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,143,900 shares of the companys stock worth $298,861,000 after buying an additional 235,403 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.63% of the companys stock.

About Pinterest

(Get Free Report)

Pinterest, Inc operates as a visual discovery engine in the United States and internationally. The company's engine allows people to find ideas, such as recipes, home and style inspiration, and others; provides video, product, and idea pins; and offers organizing and planning tools. It shows organic recommendations and advertising engine based on pinners tastes and preferences; and enables pinners with shoppable product pins, which include price, color, and size that redirect to retailer websites.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of FTAI Aviation (NYSE:FTAI  Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Wednesday morning.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on FTAI. Citigroup lifted their price target on FTAI Aviation from $28.18 to $40.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Compass Point boosted their price target on FTAI Aviation from $36.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. TheStreet raised FTAI Aviation from a d rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of FTAI Aviation from $38.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $39.06.

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FTAI Aviation Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of FTAI opened at $46.40 on Wednesday. FTAI Aviation has a 52 week low of $16.75 and a 52 week high of $47.93. The firm has a market cap of $4.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.35 and a beta of 1.82. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $41.77 and a 200-day moving average of $36.53.

FTAI Aviation (NYSE:FTAI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The financial services provider reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $291.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $307.05 million. FTAI Aviation had a net margin of 13.44% and a return on equity of 218.04%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that FTAI Aviation will post 1.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

FTAI Aviation Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 28th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 14th were paid a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 13th. FTAI Aviations dividend payout ratio is 99.17%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its position in FTAI Aviation by 37.4% during the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 848 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares in the last quarter. Tucker Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of FTAI Aviation in the second quarter worth $51,000. Operose Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of FTAI Aviation during the third quarter worth $75,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC acquired a new stake in FTAI Aviation during the second quarter valued at $73,000. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in FTAI Aviation during the second quarter valued at $83,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.95% of the companys stock.

FTAI Aviation Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

FTAI Aviation Ltd. owns and acquires infrastructure and related equipment for the transportation of goods and people worldwide. It operates through two segments, Aviation Leasing and Aerospace Products. The Aviation Leasing segment owns and manages aviation assets, including aircraft and aircraft engines, which it leases and sells to customers.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of USANA Health Sciences (NYSE:USNA  Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday.

Separately, DA Davidson dropped their price target on shares of USANA Health Sciences from $62.00 to $53.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on USNA

USANA Health Sciences Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE USNA opened at $53.60 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $1.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.35, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.81. USANA Health Sciences has a 52-week low of $44.01 and a 52-week high of $69.60. The businesss 50 day moving average is $48.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.01.

USANA Health Sciences (NYSE:USNA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $0.59 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.64 by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $213.37 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $212.24 million. USANA Health Sciences had a return on equity of 13.08% and a net margin of 6.45%. Analysts anticipate that USANA Health Sciences will post 2.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On USANA Health Sciences

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of USNA. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in shares of USANA Health Sciences during the second quarter worth $27,000. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in USANA Health Sciences by 64.3% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 621 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 243 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in USANA Health Sciences in the second quarter valued at $47,000. FMR LLC boosted its stake in USANA Health Sciences by 71.6% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,057 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 441 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in USANA Health Sciences in the second quarter valued at $69,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.62% of the companys stock.

USANA Health Sciences Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

USANA Health Sciences, Inc develops, manufactures, and sells science-based nutritional, personal care, and skincare products. The company offers USANA nutritional products that comprise essentials/CellSentials, such as vitamin and mineral supplements that provide a foundation of total body nutrition for various age groups; optimizers comprising targeted supplements that are designed to meet cardiovascular, skeletal/structural, and digestive health needs; and foods that include meal replacement shakes, snack bars, and other related products.

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Shares of Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Reduce by the four brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have given a hold rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $52.67.

A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $49.00 to $52.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. TheStreet upgraded Bank of Hawaii from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Bank of Hawaii to a sell rating in a report on Monday, December 18th.

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Bank of Hawaii Price Performance

BOH opened at $72.46 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Bank of Hawaii has a 12 month low of $30.83 and a 12 month high of $81.73. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $53.48. The stock has a market cap of $2.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 1.11.

Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 23rd. The bank reported $1.17 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.20. Bank of Hawaii had a net margin of 21.32% and a return on equity of 17.30%. The business had revenue of $262.28 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $159.75 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.28 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Bank of Hawaii will post 4.26 EPS for the current year.

Bank of Hawaii Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.86%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 29th. Bank of Hawaiis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 56.80%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bank of Hawaii

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BOH. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 101.2% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,094,213 shares of the banks stock valued at $127,574,000 after acquiring an additional 1,556,146 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 38.3% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,222,846 shares of the banks stock valued at $215,338,000 after acquiring an additional 1,445,598 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 28.6% in the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,652,216 shares of the banks stock valued at $131,789,000 after acquiring an additional 590,492 shares in the last quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC bought a new position in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the 3rd quarter valued at about $20,170,000. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,912,000. Institutional investors own 82.46% of the companys stock.

Bank of Hawaii Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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Consumers looking to kick off 2024 with a shopping spree are in luck, as they will have options aplenty on Jan. 1.

While most national retailers shut their doors on Christmas, that will not be the case on New Year's Day, as companies such as Walmart, Target and TJ Maxx, among others, will be open.

Some companies will be open with limited hours, however, so it is always best to check with your local store for their specific holiday hours before leaving your home.

Here's everything you need to know about which stores will be open and closed on New Year's Day 2024.

Bank, post office info for New Year's: Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2023?

Is Walmart open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Jan. 1, the company told USA TODAY.

Is Target open on New Year's Day?

Target stores will be open their regular hours on New Year's Day, however store hours vary by location. You can find your local store's specific hours here.

Are Costco or Sam's Club open on New Year's Day?

Both Costco and Sam's Club warehouses will be closed on Jan. 1, 2024.

Are Home Depot, Lowe's or Ace Hardware open on New Year's Day?

Home Depot stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 1, while Lowe's stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ace Hardware stores are individually owned and operated, so hours vary by location, however most stores will be closed on New Year's Day.

Are TJ Maxx, Marshall's and HomeGoods open on New Year's Day?

Yes, all three stores will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Are JCPenney or Macy's open on New Year's Day?

Yes, JCPenney stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. while Macy's stores will be open their regular hours.

Are Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic open on New Year's Day?

All locations for Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic vary by location. Customers are encouraged to contact their local store for specific hours of operation.

Story continues

Is Kohl's open on New Year's Day?

Yes, Kohl's stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Is Barnes & Noble open on New Year's Day?

Barnes & Noble bookstores will be open their regular hours on New Year's Day.

Will Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop be open on New Year's Day?

Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Some store hours may vary by location, so contact your local store for their specific hours.

Will pet stores, like PetSmart and Petco, be open on New Year's Day?

Yes, both stores will be open on Jan. 1.

Petco stores will open at 10 a.m. and close at their regular time, according to the company. Store hours may vary by location.

PetSmart stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stores open on New Year's Day

All stores listed below will be open on Jan. 1. Hours are listed for the companies that provided them.

Burlington

Five Below: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Victoria's Secret

IKEA

REI: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Belk: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

H&M

Office Depot and OfficeMax: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Staples

Sephora

Ulta

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Year's Day 2024 stores open, hours: Walmart, Target, Home Depot
Shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Hold by the eleven research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $98.82.

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $104.00 to $101.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. KeyCorp increased their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $96.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $104.00 to $103.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $96.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Duke Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Duke Energy

Duke Energy Stock Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of DUK. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Duke Energy by 100,433.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,846,616 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $808,123,000 after acquiring an additional 7,838,811 shares in the last quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in Duke Energy by 9,639.5% during the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,538,183 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,676,000 after acquiring an additional 3,501,855 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in Duke Energy by 21.3% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 8,188,381 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $734,825,000 after acquiring an additional 1,435,725 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Duke Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $125,668,000. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC raised its stake in Duke Energy by 8,722.3% during the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 1,127,837 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $112,784,000 after acquiring an additional 1,115,053 shares in the last quarter. 63.68% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Duke Energy stock opened at $97.04 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $92.05 and a 200-day simple moving average of $91.27. Duke Energy has a 1-year low of $83.06 and a 1-year high of $106.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $74.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 61.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 0.45.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.92 by $0.02. Duke Energy had a net margin of 4.47% and a return on equity of 8.24%. The business had revenue of $7.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.78 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Duke Energy will post 5.59 EPS for the current year.

Duke Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a $1.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.23%. Duke Energys payout ratio is 261.15%.

About Duke Energy

(Get 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.

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WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the ten research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $89.58.

WEC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America cut WEC Energy Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $102.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com cut WEC Energy Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH assumed coverage on WEC Energy Group in a research note on Monday, September 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $85.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada assumed coverage on WEC Energy Group in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a sector perform rating and a $95.00 target price for the company. Finally, UBS Group decreased their target price on 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.

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Insider Activity

Institutional Investors Weigh In On WEC Energy Group

In other news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.46, for a total transaction of $50,076.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 20,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,747,068.18. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Northwest Bank & Trust Co purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. First Manhattan Co. raised its stake in shares of WEC Energy Group by 102.0% during the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 303 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Center for Financial Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of WEC Energy Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $33,000. 75.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

WEC Energy Group Trading Up 0.1 %

NYSE:WEC opened at $84.17 on Friday. WEC Energy Group has a 1 year low of $75.47 and a 1 year high of $99.26. The stock has a market cap of $26.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.44, a PEG ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 0.43. The business has a fifty day moving average of $82.67 and a 200-day moving average of $85.05. 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 (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.09. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 11.48% and a net margin of 14.80%. The company had revenue of $1.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.03 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.96 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that WEC Energy Group will post 4.62 earnings per share for the current year.

WEC Energy Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.835 per share. This represents a $3.34 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.97%. This is an increase from WEC Energy Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 72.06%.

About WEC Energy Group

(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.

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Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirteen ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, ten have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $139.27.

Several research firms recently weighed in on PLD. Raymond James cut their price objective on Prologis from $145.00 to $130.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $120.00 price objective on shares of Prologis in a report on Monday, November 27th. TheStreet downgraded Prologis from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Prologis from $132.00 to $125.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on Prologis from $159.00 to $153.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th.

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Prologis Trading Down 1.4 %

Shares of PLD stock opened at $133.30 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $115.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $118.34. The company has a market cap of $123.17 billion, a PE ratio of 41.14, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 1.04. Prologis has a fifty-two week low of $96.64 and a fifty-two week high of $137.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.43.

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 analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. Prologis had a return on equity of 5.21% and a net margin of 38.24%. The companys revenue was up 53.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.73 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Prologis will post 5.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Prologis Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 18th were given a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 15th. Prologiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 107.41%.

Insider Transactions at Prologis

In other news, Director James B. Connor sold 103,331 shares of Prologis stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.20, for a total value of $13,763,689.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 21,419 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,853,010.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Prologis in the 4th quarter valued at about $980,759,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in Prologis by 69,785.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 7,903,391 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $969,193,000 after purchasing an additional 7,892,082 shares in the last quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Prologis by 12,581.9% during the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,760,504 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,168,000 after purchasing an additional 5,715,081 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in Prologis by 48.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 14,577,827 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,643,359,000 after purchasing an additional 4,729,040 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in Prologis during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $333,749,000. 90.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.

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Shares of Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI  Get Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) have been given a consensus rating of Buy by the four research firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $72.33.

RCI has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Rogers Communications from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, September 15th. Desjardins raised shares of Rogers Communications from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Rogers Communications from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th.

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Rogers Communications Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of RCI opened at $46.81 on Friday. Rogers Communications has a 1-year low of $36.55 and a 1-year high of $50.16. The company has a 50-day moving average of $42.82 and a 200 day moving average of $42.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.63, a PEG ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.77, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.85.

Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI  Get Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.95 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.16. Rogers Communications had a net margin of 5.64% and a return on equity of 21.47%. The company had revenue of $3.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.74 billion. On average, research analysts expect that Rogers Communications will post 3.21 EPS for the current year.

Rogers Communications Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a $0.36 dividend. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.08%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Rogers Communicationss payout ratio is currently 99.32%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of RCI. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Rogers Communications in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,219,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in Rogers Communications by 29.8% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 28,915 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $1,637,000 after purchasing an additional 6,634 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its position in Rogers Communications by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 7,289 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $413,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Rogers Communications during the 1st quarter worth approximately $237,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its position in Rogers Communications by 16.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,281,771 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $186,241,000 after purchasing an additional 455,522 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 44.25% of the companys stock.

About Rogers Communications

(Get Free Report

Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in North America. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device financing, device protection, global voice and data roaming, wireless home phone, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device shipping services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands.

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WPP plc (NYSE:WPP  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the six brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $46.00.

WPP has been the subject of several analyst reports. Bank of America reduced their price objective on WPP to $46.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded WPP from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. BNP Paribas downgraded WPP from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. StockNews.com downgraded WPP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded WPP from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On WPP

WPP Trading Down 0.4 %

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of WPP. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of WPP by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 27,982 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,832,000 after acquiring an additional 963 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in shares of WPP by 67.6% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 14,658 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $960,000 after acquiring an additional 5,913 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in shares of WPP by 12.4% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 6,060 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $397,000 after acquiring an additional 668 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. lifted its position in shares of WPP by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 3,811 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $250,000 after acquiring an additional 340 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mariner LLC lifted its position in shares of WPP by 12.3% during the 1st quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 17,421 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,140,000 after acquiring an additional 1,909 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 4.34% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE WPP opened at $47.57 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $45.08 and a 200-day simple moving average of $47.90. WPP has a 12-month low of $41.13 and a 12-month high of $64.07.

About WPP

(Get Free Report

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies.

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Onex Co. (OTCMKTS:ONEXF  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Friday, December 29th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 10th will be given a dividend of 0.0727 per share on Wednesday, January 31st. This represents a dividend yield of 0.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 9th.

Onex Trading Down 1.0 %

ONEXF stock opened at $70.16 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $5.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 1.51. Onex has a 12-month low of $43.80 and a 12-month high of $70.87. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $64.11 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.52.

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Onex (OTCMKTS:ONEXF  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 10th. The company reported $3.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $350.00 million for the quarter. Onex had a return on equity of 9.60% and a net margin of 47.28%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Scotiabank upped their price target on Onex from C$100.00 to C$110.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on Onex from C$103.00 to C$102.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Onex

About Onex

(Get Free Report)

Onex Corporation is a private equity firm specializing in acquisitions and platform acquisitions. The firm makes investments in buyouts, large- middle market, large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap market and distressed companies. It also invests in recapitalization, growth capital, corporate carve-outs of subsidiaries and mission-critical supply divisions from multinational corporations, operational restructurings of undervalued businesses, and builds up.

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:JMHLY  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,200 shares, an increase of 140.0% from the November 30th total of 500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 90,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Jardine Matheson Stock Up 1.4 %

JMHLY opened at $41.19 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $40.18 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Jardine Matheson has a one year low of $38.28 and a one year high of $54.48.

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Jardine Matheson Company Profile

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transportation businesses in China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and internationally.

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Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. reduced its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 52,181 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 694 shares during the period. Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $2,132,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Studio Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the first quarter worth $28,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 288.0% in the second quarter. Financial Connections Group Inc. now owns 741 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the third quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Central Bank & Trust Co. raised its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 444.8% in the 3rd quarter. Central Bank & Trust Co. now owns 899 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 734 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 72.47% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $41.22 per share, for a total transaction of $144,270.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,244 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,937.68. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

NYSE WFC opened at $49.22 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. Wells Fargo & Company has a twelve month low of $35.25 and a twelve month high of $50.77. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $44.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.06. The firm has a market cap of $178.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.18.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.15. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 11.18% and a net margin of 17.06%. The company had revenue of $20.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.30 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were issued a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.84%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 30.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have weighed in on WFC. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $44.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Wells Fargo & Company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.56.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WFC

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Cavalier Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,297 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the period. Cavalier Investments LLCs holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $1,589,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GWW. Clear Street Markets LLC bought a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN raised its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 400.0% in the 2nd quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 35 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. Retirement Group LLC raised its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 2,450.0% in the 4th quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 51 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger in the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger during the first quarter worth $30,000. Institutional investors own 71.24% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 2,478 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $788.68, for a total transaction of $1,954,349.04. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 90,145 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $71,095,558.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Laurie R. Thomson sold 250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $801.50, for a total transaction of $200,375.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 911 shares in the company, valued at approximately $730,166.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 2,478 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $788.68, for a total value of $1,954,349.04. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 90,145 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $71,095,558.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 6,167 shares of company stock valued at $4,685,312. Insiders own 9.90% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on GWW shares. StockNews.com lowered W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $825.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $759.00.

Get Our Latest Report on W.W. Grainger

W.W. Grainger Stock Up 0.2 %

NYSE GWW traded up $1.59 on Friday, reaching $828.69. The stock had a trading volume of 153,690 shares, compared to its average volume of 214,175. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $789.05 and a 200 day moving average price of $747.84. The company has a current ratio of 2.85, a quick ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 1 year low of $534.01 and a 1 year high of $841.00. The company has a market capitalization of $41.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.11.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The industrial products company reported $9.43 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.85 by $0.58. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 58.02% and a net margin of 11.16%. The firm had revenue of $4.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.22 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $8.27 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 36.37 EPS for the current fiscal year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 13th were issued a dividend of $1.86 per share. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.90%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is 20.75%.

W.W. Grainger Company Profile

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services in the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety and security supplies, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance supplies, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Cavalier Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Free Report) by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 11,889 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 419 shares during the period. Cavalier Investments LLCs holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $758,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in IR. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 12.0% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 15,601 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $786,000 after buying an additional 1,675 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 47.6% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 9,880 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $497,000 after buying an additional 3,185 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new position in Ingersoll Rand in the first quarter valued at $327,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 62.2% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 28,937 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,457,000 after buying an additional 11,096 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 1.7% during the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 57,771 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,909,000 after purchasing an additional 988 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.54% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on IR shares. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $73.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $73.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $76.00 to $74.00 in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Three equities 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.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $73.50.

Ingersoll Rand Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of Ingersoll Rand stock traded down $0.44 on Friday, reaching $77.34. The company had a trading volume of 1,618,105 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,009,588. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a 52-week low of $51.84 and a 52-week high of $78.16. The firms 50 day moving average price is $69.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $67.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a current ratio of 2.26. The firm has a market cap of $31.31 billion, a PE ratio of 41.36, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.49.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.09. Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 11.47% and a return on equity of 11.82%. The company had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.69 billion. Sell-side analysts predict that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 2.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Ingersoll Rand Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 20th were given a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.10%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 17th. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio is presently 4.28%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ingersoll Rand

In other news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 9,532 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.22, for a total value of $631,209.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 58,263 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,858,175.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 9,532 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.22, for a total value of $631,209.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 58,263 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,858,175.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total transaction of $934,570.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,253,957.07. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.83% of the companys stock.

Ingersoll Rand Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle, and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies.

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(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine has exported 13 million tons of products through a shipping corridor in the Black Sea it established after Russia pulled out of a deal guaranteeing safe movement of vessels.

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Ports accepted 430 vessels for loading since the channel was created in August, Ukraines infrastructure minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday.

Kyiv established the corridor to allow the shipping of critical commodities, especially grains, from its deep-sea ports after Moscow in July pulled out the United Nations-backed Black Sea grain deal that had guaranteed safe passage for crops.

Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine, called the continued movement of cargo a significant achievement as Ukraine continues to feed the world.

Read more: Putin Risks Losing Vital Naval Hub as Ukraine Strikes in Crimea

Ukraines ability to ship via the Black Sea comes as Russia has moved its Naval fleet there from Crimea to Novorossiysk in response to repeated attacks on vessels - the most recent coming on Dec. 26.

Supplies of British Storm Shadow and French Scalp cruise missiles have helped Ukraine tip the balance in its favor, Bloomberg reported last week, enabling it to evade air defenses to conduct accurate strikes on Russian targets.

Russias fleet is no longer able to operate in the western part of the Black Sea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Oct. 24, calling it a historic achievement for his country.

(Updates with US comment in fourth paragraph.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Commonwealth Equity Services LLC decreased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF  Free Report) by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,066,498 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 20,442 shares during the period. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF makes up approximately 1.1% of Commonwealth Equity Services LLCs holdings, making the stock its 9th largest position. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC owned approximately 0.81% of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF worth $549,668,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P lifted its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 34.1% in the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 26,203 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $7,275,000 after purchasing an additional 6,665 shares during the period. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at about $42,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 11.6% in the first quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 6,211 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,724,000 after purchasing an additional 644 shares during the period. West Michigan Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.7% in the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 7,595 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,109,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at about $33,422,000.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:IWF traded down $1.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $303.17. The stock had a trading volume of 1,188,964 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,394,159. The firm has a market capitalization of $77.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $209.27 and a twelve month high of $305.35. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $287.06 and a 200 day simple moving average of $279.00.

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth.

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LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA acquired a new position in shares of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,316 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $113,000.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Roundview Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Consolidated Edison in the 1st quarter worth $680,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 22.6% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,030,616 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $97,579,000 after buying an additional 190,138 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 54.4% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 18,204 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,693,000 after buying an additional 6,412 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 19,489 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,845,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the period. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Consolidated Edison in the 1st quarter worth $214,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.53% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on ED shares. Mizuho cut their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $95.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $71.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Barclays cut their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $84.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Argus cut their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $104.00 to $93.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $88.08.

Consolidated Edison Price Performance

ED traded up $0.32 during trading on Friday, reaching $90.97. The stock had a trading volume of 1,305,500 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,822,557. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.08 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a 1-year low of $80.46 and a 1-year high of $100.92. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $90.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $90.34.

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.82 billion. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.16% and a net margin of 15.57%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Consolidated Edison Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.81 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.56%. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.00%.

About Consolidated Edison

(Free Report)

Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan.

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LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA raised its stake in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSEARCA:EWU  Free Report) by 15.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,837 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,474 shares during the period. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SAs holdings in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF were worth $343,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 5.4% in the 3rd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,187 shares of the companys stock worth $291,000 after purchasing an additional 469 shares during the last quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 8,652 shares of the companys stock valued at $274,000 after buying an additional 526 shares during the last quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 8,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $278,000 after buying an additional 902 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 13.5% during the 3rd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 476,297 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,070,000 after buying an additional 56,821 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Caprock Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $450,000.

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iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:EWU remained flat at $33.05 during trading on Friday. 1,717,921 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,002,250. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF has a twelve month low of $30.00 and a twelve month high of $34.04. The companys 50 day moving average is $32.04 and its 200 day moving average is $32.10. The stock has a market cap of $2.85 billion, a PE ratio of 13.02 and a beta of 0.83.

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI United Kingdom index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of British companies. It covers the top 85% of British companies by market cap. EWU was launched on Mar 12, 1996 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. (OTCMKTS:USNZY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 87,300 shares, a drop of 23.4% from the November 30th total of 113,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 73,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days.

Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Stock Performance

USNZY remained flat at $1.95 during midday trading on Friday. 155 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 71,638. The companys 50 day moving average price is $1.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $1.47. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais has a 52-week low of $1.10 and a 52-week high of $2.01.

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Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Company Profile

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Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA manufactures and markets flat steel products in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Mining and Logistics, Steel Metallurgy, and Steel Transformation. It extracts and process iron ore, such as pellet and sinter feed and, granulated iron ore; provides storage, handling, and road cargo transportation services; and operates highway and railway cargo terminals.

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Sheets Smith Wealth Management trimmed its position in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV  Free Report) by 1.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 33,802 shares of the companys stock after selling 605 shares during the period. Sheets Smith Wealth Managements holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF were worth $1,987,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Missouri Trust & Investment Co increased its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 112.1% during the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 507 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 268 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Spotlight Asset Group Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $41,000.

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Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Stock Performance

SPLV traded up $0.11 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $62.66. 1,565,439 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,300,780. The companys fifty day moving average price is $60.73 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.15. The company has a market cap of $9.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.07 and a beta of 0.69. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF has a one year low of $57.17 and a one year high of $65.29.

Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Profile

The Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Low Volatility index. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of the 100 least-volatile stocks in the S&P 500. SPLV was launched on May 5, 2011 and is managed by Invesco.

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Innova Wealth Partners lessened its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ  Free Report) by 41.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 26,108 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 18,504 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Japan ETF accounts for approximately 1.4% of Innova Wealth Partners investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Innova Wealth Partners holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $1,574,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Signaturefd LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $64,000. Harbour Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 6.1% in the second quarter. Harbour Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,715 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $231,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,324,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $208,000. Finally, Channel Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 26.6% in the second quarter. Channel Wealth LLC now owns 25,202 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,560,000 after buying an additional 5,299 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Japan ETF Price Performance

EWJ traded up $0.10 during trading on Friday, hitting $64.14. 7,236,637 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,063,251. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a twelve month low of $53.27 and a twelve month high of $64.28. The company has a market cap of $13.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.76 and a beta of 0.68. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $61.75 and a 200 day moving average price of $61.54.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index).

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Sheets Smith Wealth Management lifted its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 5.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,631 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 277 shares during the quarter. Sheets Smith Wealth Managements holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $3,896,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GWW. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of W.W. Grainger during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $258,792,000. Stifel Financial Corp boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 536.8% in the 2nd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 447,603 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $352,994,000 after purchasing an additional 377,309 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,372,006 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,447,721,000 after purchasing an additional 294,558 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 21.2% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,035,669 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $713,379,000 after purchasing an additional 181,236 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 1,568.4% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 165,035 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $85,122,000 after purchasing an additional 155,143 shares during the period. 71.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 2,478 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $788.68, for a total value of $1,954,349.04. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 90,145 shares in the company, valued at $71,095,558.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, VP Laurie R. Thomson sold 250 shares of W.W. Grainger stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $801.50, for a total transaction of $200,375.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 911 shares in the company, valued at $730,166.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 2,478 shares of W.W. Grainger stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $788.68, for a total value of $1,954,349.04. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 90,145 shares of the companys stock, valued at $71,095,558.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 6,167 shares of company stock worth $4,685,312 over the last three months. 9.90% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. StockNews.com downgraded W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $825.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $759.00.

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W.W. Grainger Price Performance

Shares of NYSE GWW traded up $1.59 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $828.69. 153,690 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 214,175. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 2.85 and a quick ratio of 1.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.13 billion, a PE ratio of 23.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.11. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a one year low of $534.01 and a one year high of $841.00. The companys 50 day moving average is $789.05 and its 200 day moving average is $747.84.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The industrial products company reported $9.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.85 by $0.58. The company had revenue of $4.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.22 billion. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 58.02% and a net margin of 11.16%. W.W. Graingers revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $8.27 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 36.37 earnings per share for the current year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th were given a $1.86 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.90%. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is presently 20.75%.

W.W. Grainger Profile

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services in the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety and security supplies, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance supplies, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Moreno Evelyn V acquired a new position in shares of Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor acquired 15,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $779,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of UL. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Unilever during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in Unilever by 204.6% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 667 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 448 shares during the period. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Unilever in the 1st quarter valued at about $38,000. Missouri Trust & Investment Co increased its holdings in shares of Unilever by 987.0% in the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 1,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 908 shares during the period. Finally, Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Unilever in the 4th quarter valued at about $58,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.94% of the companys stock.

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Unilever Price Performance

Unilever stock remained flat at $48.48 during mid-day trading on Friday. 1,719,240 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,325,286. Unilever PLC has a 52-week low of $46.16 and a 52-week high of $55.99. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $47.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $49.85.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on UL shares. Bank of America started coverage on Unilever in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. They issued an underperform rating on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Unilever from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Unilever from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Barclays raised shares of Unilever from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Unilever from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Unilever

About Unilever

(Free Report)

Unilever PLC operates as a fast-moving consumer goods company. It operates through Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream segments. The Beauty & Wellbeing segment engages in the sale of hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling; skin care products including face, hand, and body moisturizer; and prestige beauty and health & wellbeing products, which includes the vitamins, minerals, and supplements.

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Moreno Evelyn V grew its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 100.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,675 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,850 shares during the period. Moreno Evelyn Vs holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $422,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 750.0% during the 4th quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 340 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 1st quarter worth approximately $39,000. 67.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance

NYSE CP traded down $0.23 on Friday, hitting $79.06. 2,522,807 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,207,116. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $73.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $76.59. The company has a market cap of $73.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 1-year low of $68.92 and a 1-year high of $85.40.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend

Canadian Pacific Kansas City ( NYSE:CP Get Free Report ) (TSE:CP) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The transportation company reported $0.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.01. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 37.10% and a return on equity of 8.45%. The business had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.49 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 2.81 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.1384 per share. This represents a $0.55 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.70%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is 16.52%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on CP. StockNews.com lowered shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Stephens decreased their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $79.00 to $78.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Susquehanna lowered their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $93.00 to $90.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $121.00 to $116.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $95.83.

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About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

(Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and the United States. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; and merchandise freight, such as energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals and consumer, automotive, and forest products.

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Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund reduced its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report) by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 68,646 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 4,200 shares during the period. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Funds holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $17,747,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BDX. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 4,900.0% in the 2nd quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 100 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $37,000. 86.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Up 0.3 %

BDX traded up $0.80 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $243.83. 851,869 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,722,556. The firm has a market capitalization of $70.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.96 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 firms 50 day moving average price is $242.07 and its 200-day moving average price is $258.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend

Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $3.42. The company had revenue of $5.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.02 billion. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 13.91% and a net margin of 7.66%. The firms revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.75 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th were given a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.56%. This is a positive change from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 7th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys payout ratio is presently 76.61%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on BDX shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James reduced their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $304.00 to $269.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $282.00 to $260.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $279.57.

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Insider Activity at Becton, Dickinson and Company

In related news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total value of $514,141.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $982,496.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Becton, Dickinson and Company

(Free Report)

Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional.

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HPWD to conduct annual well water level measurements starting Jan. 2

High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 (HPWD) staff members will begin annual water level measurements on Jan. 2, 2024. These annual observations are one of the most essential services HPWD provides.

These annual measurements are made in a network of approximately 1,400 privately owned wells, according to a news release. These observation wells are spaced at a density of approximately one well per nine square miles throughout the 16-county HPWD service area. Quite a few of the observation wells have been part of this annual program for many years and have a long history of data collection. These observation sites have a blue sticker placed near the wellhead, showing the year of measurement and the current water level.

"We want to let the public know that our staff will be visiting observation well sites from early January until the completion of this work effort, normally mid-March. They will be driving white pickup trucks that are clearly identified as High Plains Water District vehicles," said Field Technician Supervisor Billy Barron.

Measurements are beginning in Castro, Deaf Smith, and Parmer Counties. When these counties are completed, the preliminary data should be available on the district website (hpwd.org). All final results are also published on the HPWD interactive map at map.hpwd.org.

"Since 2013, the interactive map has been a highly-utilized method of obtaining depth-to-water and saturated thickness information," said HPWD General Manager Jason Coleman.

Created in 1951 by residents and the Texas Legislature, the High Plains Water District works to conserve, preserve, protect, and prevent waste of underground water in aquifers within its 16-county service area. HPWD is the first groundwater conservation district created in Texas.

Xcel Energy logo

Xcel Energy expands 2023 giving, supports communities and nonprofits with $11 million, 40,000 volunteer hours

MINNEAPOLIS  Xcel Energy employees, contractors and retirees, supported by the companys Foundation, provided over $11 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours in 2023 tosupport charitable organizations and causes, according to a company news release.

Story continues

Throughout the year, Xcel Energy staff embraced opportunities to donate their time and act on a shared commitment to making a difference in their communities, volunteering more than 40,000 hours.

The Foundation expanded its giving impact this year by investing $4.4 million in grant funding to 409 non-profit organizations across its eight-state service area; 46% of the funds supported organizations advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). These grant recipients align with the Foundations three primary focus areas:

STEM career pathways: Nearly one million students will receive hands on STEM learning, including approximately 506,000 female students.

Community Vitality: 7,000 individuals will gain employment, generating over $226 million in wages.

Environmental Sustainability: 59,000 trees will be planted, offsetting 41,000 tons of carbon emissions.

In Texas and New Mexico, Xcel Energy said the Foundation granted $460,000 to 54 local nonprofits that align with the focus areas. As a result, 1,300 individuals will gain employment, generating $34 million in wages, along with many other positive community impacts from the work of the nonprofits.

Employees in Texas and New Mexico also gave their time to causes that matter to them throughout the year. During Day of Service, 150 employees and contractors volunteered 345 hours, assembling 500 care packages and supporting a range of nonprofits in their work. The companys 2023 Day of Service culminated in nearly 2,500 volunteers who volunteered over 7,200 hours at 110 nonprofit projects. The Power Your Purpose Giving Campaign raised $2.2 million to support over 1,300 organizations. Including the Foundation match, the campaign raised a total of $4.1 million.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Business Seen: Amarillo area news and developments for Dec. 31, 2023
Financial Guidance Group Inc. acquired a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XONE  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 13,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $679,000. BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF accounts for about 0.5% of Financial Guidance Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 27th largest position. Financial Guidance Group Inc. owned 0.13% of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of XONE. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $105,000. Warren Street Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $204,000. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated bought a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $255,000. WealthPLAN Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 46.3% during the 2nd quarter. WealthPLAN Partners LLC now owns 5,583 shares of the companys stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 1,768 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wallace Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $289,000.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA XONE traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $49.78. 101,949 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 179,863. BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 52 week low of $49.24 and a 52 week high of $52.43. The companys 50 day moving average price is $49.75 and its 200 day moving average price is $49.70.

BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Profile

The Bondbloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XONE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of one year. XONE was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

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Connolly Sarah T. trimmed its position in shares of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS  Free Report) by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,120 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 65 shares during the period. Connolly Sarah T.s holdings in FactSet Research Systems were worth $490,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of FDS. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 82.9% during the second quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 64 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. purchased a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its position in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 94.9% during the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 76 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 37 shares during the period. Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the second quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the second quarter valued at about $32,000. 89.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $436.00 to $447.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and issued a $480.00 price objective (up previously from $471.00) on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a report on Friday, December 8th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $436.00 to $469.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $464.00 price target on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $450.00 to $460.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $441.56.

Insider Transactions at FactSet Research Systems

In other news, CTO Katherine M. Stepp sold 1,014 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $469.25, for a total value of $475,819.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief technology officer now directly owns 687 shares of the companys stock, valued at $322,374.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CTO Katherine M. Stepp sold 1,014 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $469.25, for a total transaction of $475,819.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer now directly owns 687 shares of the companys stock, valued at $322,374.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Laurie Siegel sold 1,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $475.84, for a total transaction of $713,760.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 595 shares of the companys stock, valued at $283,124.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 23,338 shares of company stock valued at $10,482,743 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

FactSet Research Systems Stock Performance

FDS traded up $0.26 during trading on Friday, hitting $477.05. The companys stock had a trading volume of 148,783 shares, compared to its average volume of 293,954. The company has a quick ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. FactSet Research Systems Inc. has a one year low of $377.89 and a one year high of $478.60. The firm has a market cap of $18.13 billion, a PE ratio of 38.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.81. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $451.85 and its 200-day simple moving average is $435.30.

FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 19th. The business services provider reported $4.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.10 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $542.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $540.34 million. FactSet Research Systems had a net margin of 22.60% and a return on equity of 34.47%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.99 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that FactSet Research Systems Inc. will post 15.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

FactSet Research Systems Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th were paid a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.82%. FactSet Research Systemss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.72%.

FactSet Research Systems Company Profile

(Free Report)

FactSet Research Systems Inc, a financial data company, provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of research, analytics and trading, content and technology solutions, and wealth.

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Sowa Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA:HDV  Free Report) by 85.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 89,860 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 41,462 shares during the quarter. iShares Core High Dividend ETF makes up 6.7% of Sowa Financial Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest position. Sowa Financial Group Inc. owned about 0.09% of iShares Core High Dividend ETF worth $8,886,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 174,576 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $17,595,000 after acquiring an additional 12,596 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $6,134,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 192.8% during the 1st quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 25,048 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,522,000 after acquiring an additional 16,492 shares during the last quarter. RFG Advisory LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 118,998 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $11,994,000 after acquiring an additional 1,145 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Independent Wealth Network Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 32.1% during the 2nd quarter. Independent Wealth Network Inc. now owns 12,599 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,270,000 after acquiring an additional 3,059 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Core High Dividend ETF Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of HDV traded down $0.12 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $101.99. 475,278 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 633,279. The stock has a market cap of $10.53 billion, a PE ratio of 16.13 and a beta of 0.81. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $98.89 and its 200-day simple moving average is $100.39. iShares Core High Dividend ETF has a 12 month low of $93.46 and a 12 month high of $107.06.

iShares Core High Dividend ETF Profile

The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus index. The fund tracks a dividend-weighted index of 75 high-yielding US equities, screened for high earnings potential and dividend sustainability. HDV was launched on Mar 29, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Sowa Financial Group Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWS  Free Report) by 1.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,559 shares of the companys stock after selling 143 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF comprises about 1.0% of Sowa Financial Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest position. Sowa Financial Group Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF were worth $1,310,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF in the first quarter valued at $26,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Ambassador Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. increased its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF by 128.9% in the 2nd quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 293 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 165 shares during the period. Finally, Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $37,000.

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iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF Stock Down 0.7 %

IWS stock traded down $0.79 during trading on Friday, hitting $116.29. The company had a trading volume of 297,485 shares, compared to its average volume of 419,272. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.62 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF has a 52-week low of $97.40 and a 52-week high of $117.18. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $107.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.39.

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell Midcap Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell Midcap Value Index (the Value Index). The Value Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market.

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Armor Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ  Free Report) by 43.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,655 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the quarter. Armor Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF were worth $125,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. lifted its position in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 120.3% during the first quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 3,790 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $411,000 after buying an additional 2,070 shares in the last quarter. MAS Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. MAS Advisors LLC now owns 88,453 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,704,000 after acquiring an additional 1,333 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 17.9% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 4,268 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $463,000 after acquiring an additional 648 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 250,514 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $27,148,000 after acquiring an additional 16,158 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 20.0% in the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 1,500 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $163,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the period.

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Vanguard Real Estate ETF Trading Down 1.2 %

Vanguard Real Estate ETF stock traded down $1.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $88.36. 5,331,557 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,202,889. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.40 and a beta of 0.91. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $80.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $81.11. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a fifty-two week low of $70.61 and a fifty-two week high of $94.53.

Vanguard Real Estate ETF Company Profile

Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund.

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Trellis Advisors LLC raised its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 5.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 132,982 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 7,171 shares during the period. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF comprises about 2.4% of Trellis Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest position. Trellis Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $5,214,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 108,287.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 296,468,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $11,556,324,000 after acquiring an additional 296,194,508 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 80,014,266 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,232,576,000 after acquiring an additional 4,112,351 shares during the period. Betterment LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 72,563,778 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,931,577,000 after acquiring an additional 787,088 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 55,415,031 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,556,296,000 after acquiring an additional 1,508,810 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 8.4% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 45,951,617 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,791,194,000 after acquiring an additional 3,566,685 shares during the period.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of VWO stock traded up $0.11 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $41.10. 10,314,134 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,048,685. The firm has a market cap of $73.57 billion, a PE ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 1 year low of $37.46 and a 1 year high of $43.22. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $39.93 and a 200 day moving average of $40.33.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund lowered its position in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 2.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 41,361 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 1,100 shares during the quarter. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Funds holdings in BlackRock were worth $26,739,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BLK. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Archer Investment Corp bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.01% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 15,385 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $652.03, for a total transaction of $10,031,481.55. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 435,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at $283,802,577.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.96% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

BLK has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Friday, December 15th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of BlackRock in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price target on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $771.54.

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BlackRock Stock Performance

Shares of BlackRock stock traded down $2.61 during trading on Friday, reaching $811.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 318,557 shares, compared to its average volume of 700,431. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $719.67 and its 200-day moving average price is $698.48. BlackRock, Inc. has a one year low of $596.18 and a one year high of $819.00. The firm has a market cap of $120.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a current ratio of 3.72.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.34 by $2.57. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.65% and a net margin of 30.66%. The company had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.52 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $9.55 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.84 earnings per share for the current year.

BlackRock Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 7th were issued a dividend of $5.00 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $20.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.46%. BlackRocks payout ratio is 56.10%.

BlackRock Company Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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ST Germain D J Co. Inc. cut its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 25.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 87,480 shares of the companys stock after selling 29,424 shares during the quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc.s holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $7,955,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Copeland Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 282 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.3% during the second quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Lee Financial Co purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 6.41% of the companys stock.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE NVO traded down $0.02 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $103.45. 2,055,981 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,577,804. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $100.05 and a 200 day moving average of $70.88. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1 year low of $65.05 and a 1 year high of $105.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $464.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.40.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

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, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $8.58 billion for the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 35.20% and a return on equity of 86.53%. On average, analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 2.62 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on NVO shares. StockNews.com upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Monday, December 18th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Argus initiated coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Monday, October 2nd. They issued a buy rating and a $110.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $115.00.

View Our Latest Research Report on NVO

About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases.

Further Reading

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Moreno Evelyn V acquired a new stake in Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 1,365 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $231,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ECL. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP acquired a new position in Ecolab in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in Ecolab in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new position in Ecolab in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in Ecolab in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, Raleigh Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Ecolab in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. 73.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have commented on the company. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on Ecolab from $170.00 to $195.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Citigroup lowered their price target on Ecolab from $207.00 to $187.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Ecolab from $187.00 to $193.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Mizuho restated a neutral rating and issued a $194.00 price target on shares of Ecolab in a report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $213.00 price target on shares of Ecolab in a report on Thursday, December 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ecolab has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $195.67.

Ecolab Stock Down 0.3 %

Ecolab stock traded down $0.52 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $198.35. 703,683 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,067,926. The companys fifty day moving average price is $184.44 and its 200-day moving average price is $181.11. The company has a market cap of $56.56 billion, a PE ratio of 46.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.92. Ecolab Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $143.91 and a fifty-two week high of $201.62.

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.54 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.02. Ecolab had a return on equity of 18.81% and a net margin of 8.18%. The firm had revenue of $3.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.99 billion. On average, research analysts predict that Ecolab Inc. will post 5.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ecolab Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 19th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This is a positive change from Ecolabs previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 18th. Ecolabs dividend payout ratio is currently 52.90%.

Insider Activity at Ecolab

In related news, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $189.63, for a total transaction of $1,137,780.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,717 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,842,634.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, Director David Maclennan acquired 800 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $191.53 per share, for a total transaction of $153,224.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 16,070 shares in the company, valued at $3,077,887.10. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $189.63, for a total value of $1,137,780.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,717 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,842,634.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

Ecolab Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries.

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Connolly Sarah T. reduced its position in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 29.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 46,210 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 19,475 shares during the period. Connolly Sarah T.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $1,265,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Roundview Capital LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 1.5% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 135,764 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,596,000 after buying an additional 2,013 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P increased its position in Bank of America by 150.3% during the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 1,985 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $82,000 after buying an additional 1,192 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 4.2% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 405,098 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $16,698,000 after buying an additional 16,319 shares in the last quarter. First Western Trust Bank purchased a new position in Bank of America during the first quarter worth $586,000. Finally, Pearl River Capital LLC purchased a new position in Bank of America during the first quarter worth $534,000. 68.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BAC has been the topic of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Bank of America from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Bank of America from $31.00 to $28.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. HSBC initiated coverage on Bank of America in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $35.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on Bank of America in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.58.

Insider Activity at Bank of America

In related news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank bought 5,398 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 27th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $10.56 per share, with a total value of $57,002.88. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 5,398 shares of the companys stock, valued at $57,002.88. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.27% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Bank of America Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE BAC traded down $0.21 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $33.67. 28,060,739 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 41,786,660. Bank of America Co. has a 52-week low of $24.96 and a 52-week high of $37.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $266.46 billion, a PE ratio of 9.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.83. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $29.95 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $29.31.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.13 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. Bank of Americas quarterly revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.81 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Bank of America Co. will post 3.41 EPS for the current year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 26.89%.

Bank of America Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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Two local Young Marines units were among 28 Young Marines units throughout the United States who traveled to Hawaii to participate in remembrance ceremonies of the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The Young Marines is a national youth organization for boys and girls from age 8 through high school graduation.

The Quantico Young Marines and the Lance Cpl. Caleb John Powers Young Marines joined hundreds of Young Marines to perform a number of community service activities while in Oahu, Hawaii. They met, greeted and escorted World War II veterans at various events. The two units also participated in community service work on the Malama Puuloa Community Project at Kapapapuhi Point Park; a wreath laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, The Punchbowl, in memory of all the brave men and women who are interred at the site; and the Klipper Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

A significant honor for all the Young Marine units was to lead the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, on Dec. 7, in Honolulu. Young Marines performed a color guard and carried the banners of the 12 capital ships that were attacked. They also assisted with many of the floats in the parade. The parade honors the heroes and survivors of Pearl Harbor and World War II; pays tribute to veterans, active-duty military members and military families; celebrates freedom and keeps in remembrance the heinous events of Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941.

Because of the pandemic the last couple of years, we didnt have the usual Young Marines participation in all of the remembrance events, so it is doubly meaningful that so many Young Marines are again present here this year, said retired Marine Col. William P. Davis, national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. It is an honor and lasting memory for each Young Marine to participate in the anniversary, meet and listen to veterans tell their stories, and memorialize veterans who are no longer with us.

All Young Marines units raised funds at the local level to supplement the costs of traveling to Hawaii. These youth members used their creativity and applied the programs core valuesleadership, teamwork and self-disciplineto implement unique and effective fundraising efforts to attend this educational and patriotic event.
Bid Co. Limited (OTCMKTS:BPPPF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 53,800 shares, a drop of 18.4% from the November 30th total of 65,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 538.0 days.

BID Price Performance

Shares of BPPPF stock remained flat at $22.35 on Friday. BID has a fifty-two week low of $21.98 and a fifty-two week high of $22.35. The firms 50-day moving average is $22.02 and its 200-day moving average is $22.32.

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About BID

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Bid Corporation Limited provides foodservice solutions in Australasia, the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally. The company distributes fresh ingredients, including fish, seafood, meat, produce, dairy products, and ambient goods for the hospitality, institutional, catering, and retail sectors.

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Baxter Bros Inc. raised its holdings in American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 79,529 shares of the payment services companys stock after buying an additional 1,906 shares during the quarter. American Express makes up approximately 1.8% of Baxter Bros Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Baxter Bros Inc.s holdings in American Express were worth $11,865,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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 shares of 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 purchasing an additional 13,720,460 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of American Express by 87,430.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 12,697,168 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $2,211,847,000 after purchasing an additional 12,682,662 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at about $911,554,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in shares of American Express by 139.1% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 6,869,384 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $1,133,106,000 after purchasing an additional 3,996,083 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Swiss National Bank acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at about $397,678,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.08% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, Vice Chairman Douglas E. Buckminster sold 11,344 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 directly owns 88,376 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,040,295.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, Vice Chairman Douglas E. Buckminster sold 11,344 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 directly owns 88,376 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,040,295.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total value of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,149,991.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently weighed in on AXP. Monness Crespi & Hardt began coverage on American Express in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Piper Sandler Companies raised American Express to a neutral rating and set a $151.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on American Express from $186.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on American Express from $194.00 to $188.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Piper Sandler raised American Express from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $150.00 to $151.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, American Express presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $171.78.

View Our Latest Stock Report on AXP

American Express Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE AXP traded down $0.46 during trading on Friday, reaching $187.34. The stock had a trading volume of 1,914,960 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,257,600. American Express has a one year low of $140.91 and a one year high of $188.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a current ratio of 1.60. The stock has a market cap of $136.53 billion, a PE ratio of 17.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.23. The firms 50 day moving average price is $165.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $163.27.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by $0.34. American Express had a return on equity of 30.60% and a net margin of 13.61%. The business had revenue of $15.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.36 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.47 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that American Express will post 11.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.28%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.51%.

American Express Profile

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services.

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Connolly Sarah T. reduced its position in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 24,811 shares of the companys stock after selling 330 shares during the quarter. Novartis makes up about 1.7% of Connolly Sarah T.s holdings, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Connolly Sarah T.s holdings in Novartis were worth $2,527,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Moreno Evelyn V lifted its holdings in Novartis by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter. Moreno Evelyn V now owns 78,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,998,000 after purchasing an additional 3,757 shares in the last quarter. Armor Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Novartis by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Armor Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,788 shares of the companys stock worth $793,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. PDS Planning Inc grew its position in Novartis by 9.9% in the third quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 7,426 shares of the companys stock valued at $756,000 after acquiring an additional 672 shares in the last quarter. Brookstone Capital Management grew its position in Novartis by 1.3% in the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 11,987 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,134,000 after acquiring an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ascent Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in Novartis by 7.3% in the third quarter. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 15,814 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,611,000 after acquiring an additional 1,080 shares in the last quarter. 7.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Novartis from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Novartis in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, HSBC cut Novartis from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $85.00.

Novartis Stock Performance

Shares of NVS traded up $1.00 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $100.97. 960,276 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,513,959. The firm has a market capitalization of $214.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Novartis AG has a twelve month low of $79.98 and a twelve month high of $105.61. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $96.35 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $99.14.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.74 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.70 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $11.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.05 billion. Novartis had a return on equity of 28.27% and a net margin of 15.35%. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.58 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Novartis AG will post 6.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Novartis Profile

(Free Report)

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

Further Reading

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Moreno Evelyn V raised its stake in Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM  Free Report) by 6.3% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 47,489 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,806 shares during the period. Waste Management accounts for 1.6% of Moreno Evelyn Vs portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest position. Moreno Evelyn Vs holdings in Waste Management were worth $7,239,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Spirit of America Management Corp NY acquired a new position in Waste Management in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Waste Management in the second quarter valued at about $28,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new position in shares of Waste Management during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new stake in Waste Management in the first quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Beacon Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Waste Management by 179.4% in the 2nd quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 190 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.34% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently commented on WM shares. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Waste Management in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of Waste Management from $179.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Waste Management in a report on Monday, November 27th. They set an equal weight rating and a $175.00 price objective on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of Waste Management from $160.00 to $163.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, HSBC assumed coverage on Waste Management in a report on Friday, September 15th. They set a buy rating and a $192.00 price objective for the company. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $179.93.

Waste Management Trading Up 0.5 %

WM traded up $0.96 during trading on Friday, hitting $179.10. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,256,428 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,447,168. Waste Management, Inc. has a twelve month low of $148.31 and a twelve month high of $179.80. The stock has a market cap of $72.14 billion, a PE ratio of 31.70, a PEG ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.70. The firms 50 day moving average price is $171.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $165.04. 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 (NYSE:WM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The business services provider reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $5.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.27 billion. Waste Management had a return on equity of 34.14% and a net margin of 11.47%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.56 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Waste Management, Inc. will post 5.98 earnings per share for the current year.

Waste Management Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.56%. Waste Managements payout ratio is 49.56%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 9,550 shares of Waste Management stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $177.00, for a total value of $1,690,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 162,388 shares in the company, valued at $28,742,676. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 9,550 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $177.00, for a total value of $1,690,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 162,388 shares in the company, valued at $28,742,676. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, VP Michael J. Watson sold 14,288 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.44, for a total transaction of $2,435,246.72. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 41,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,060,988.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 43,598 shares of company stock valued at $7,517,269 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

About Waste Management

(Free Report)

Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity.

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First Day Hikes have become a tradition for many people nationwide and it is the perfect opportunity to get some exercise, explore the great outdoors and connect with nature all while enjoying the parks unique beauty this season, according to a release from Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation.

Parking is free at all Virginia State Park locations on Jan. 1, and visitors will receive a celebratory First Day Hike sticker, while supplies last, for the annual New Years tradition of getting active.

For those who prefer to partake in a solo adventure or want to join in on fun ranger-led hikes and activities, the parks have it covered with numerous ways to help elevate experiences, according to the release. Most parks will offer more than one guided hike or program on Jan. 1.

At Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, northern Fauquier County, join rangers at 10 a.m. at the Log Cabin in the Historic Area to explore the parks great natural wonders.

Hike participants will take in long-range rolling mountain views of Crooked Run Valley, known for its gorgeous countryside. The approximate length of the hike is four miles on moderate trails.

At 1 p.m. in Sky Meadows, take a hike into the past with rangers at the Log Cabin for an easy walk along the Valley trails. Participants will explore old roadbeds and evidence of previous farming families through the former Skye Farm, named after the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The approximate length is two miles.

Caledon State Park in King George County will host a Christmas Opossum Scavenger Hunt at 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center. At Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County, there will be an Orienteering Hike at 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center.

Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County is offering a Lovers Leap Hike at 3 p.m. at the Visitor Center, while at Smith Mountain Lake in Roanoke there will be fishing and geocaching from dawn to dusk.

York River State Park in James City County will offer Wildlife Watch Hikes at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Amphitheater. At Bear Creek Lake State Park, participate in the Cumberland Plunge at 2 p.m. in the beach area. Finally, at Staunton River in Halifax County, Junior Ranger or Ranger Quest self-guided programs will be available Jan. 1.

Check out the full list of First Day Hikes at virginiastateparks.gov/firstdayhikes.

Americas State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the programs history, according to the release.
[December 31, 2023] CGTN: How Chinese modernization brings new opportunities to world Tweet

BEIJING, Dec. 31, 2023 /CNW/ -- The modernization of China has been an evolving pursuit of the Chinese people over generations. In 2023, the country embarked on its first full year of implementing the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), charting the course for the next stage of China's modernization path. "Chinese Modernization, Global Opportunities," a special interactive page launched by CGTN, details China's domestic development and international contribution in 2023 through visual effects and in-depth stories. Strong focus on Chinese modernization In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping made 14 domestic inspections, issuing detailed plans and instructions during each visit and urging unremitting efforts to advance Chinese modernization attuned to local characteristics. Development was the most frequently mentioned keyword during Xi's inspection tours, suggesting a strong focus on the goal of advancing Chinese modernization. Xi emphasized the need for the areas he visited to fully implement the new development concept and the importance of focusing on promoting high-quality development and constructing a new development pattern. Besides development, innovation, technology, modernization, ecology, culture, people, economy, high-quality and security are the other top words and phrases Xi used during his visits, according to an analysis by CGTN. Guided by the objectives set out i its development blueprint, China, in 2023, continued to be a leading growth engine for the world economy. The International Monetary Fund forecast that China's economy would grow by 5.4 percent in 2023, aligning with the globally projected pace.



Sharing development dividends with the world In 2023, China promoted global prosperity, stability and peace by sharing the development dividends it gained through modernization with the world.

As President Xi said in his 2024 New Year address, "We will work closely with the international community for the common good of humanity, build a community with a shared future for mankind and make the world a better place for all." At the first China-Central Asia Summit, China and the five Central Asian countries signed seven bilateral and multilateral documents and over 100 cooperation agreements in various fields. The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October, the most significant celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), yielded 458 outcomes, with cooperation agreements worth $97.2 billion concluded. During their "frank and fruitful" talks in Moscow, President Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, drew up a blueprint for the growth of bilateral ties. The highly anticipated Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco played a key role in reshaping relations between the world's two largest economies. Contributing to the rise of the Global South in 2023, China supported the expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. It also initiated a series of plans to help Africa realize modernization and signed BRI cooperation documents with all 22 Arab nations and the League of Arab States. In March, mediated by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies. China proved with words and deeds that it has always been and continues to be a supporter of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-12-31/How-Chinese-modernization-brings-new-opportunities-to-world-1pZoMDZdlSg/p.html View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-how-chinese-modernization-brings-new-opportunities-to-world-302024122.html SOURCE CGTN

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Here's the problem with strictly keeping track of homicides . . . The number overlooks all of the shootings and acts of violence that DON'T make the news.

Accordingly . . . As the new year moves closer . . . We take a moment to realize that the local cycle of violence NEVER stops to mark any occasion and increasingly impacts younger people.



Here's a reminder that the NEXTGEN will have to confront this crisis that KCMO hasn't come close to solving . . . Check-it:



"The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department responded to a reported shooting in the 300 block of North Bellaire Avenue at 3:26 a.m. on Saturday."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Early morning shooting sends juvenile to hospital. Roughly six hours after yesterday evening's homicide in the 5200 block of Lyon Avenue, an early morning shooting sends a [...]

Victim suffers serious injuries in early morning shooting in Kansas City, Missouri One victim has been hospitalized after a shooting early Saturday morning in Kansas City, Missouri.

Developing . . .
We don't believe in year-end reviews here at TKC but here's what we noticed as local journalists go to desperate lengths to justify their employment at the outset of the A.I. age . . .

Other than helping to promote Kansas City racial tension after a youngster was shot in the Northland. Cowtown newspaper reporting didn't really resonate this year.

This fact of life is evidenced by consistently low-turnout elections wherein newspaper reporting didn't impact the outcome one way or another and social media activism conned the last remaining voters willing to participate in local elections.

And this begs the question . . .

IS THE KANSAS CITY STAR STILL RELEVANT TO LOCAL POLITICS?!?

Our progressive friends seem to take their lead from the "public" local news cartel funded by corporate sponsorship, elite donors & viewers like you.

Local TV news is still the best way to get cheap publicity.

And even a suburban blog might have more influence than the newspaper . . . Social media groups often/also serve as a sometimes worthwhile resource and or a monumental waste of time.



Meanwhile . . .

It's hard to argue that the newspaper still sets the agenda . . . Of course, they claim otherwise:



"In 2023, Star reporters, visual journalists and editors balanced a variety of stories that entertained and informed people throughout the Kansas City region."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
For her safety, he earned a bit of advice . . . And it wasn't ever likely that she was going to party with Taylor Swift . . . Check-it:



"Gypsy Rose Blanchard was told by her parole officer that she and her family had to get out of Missouri. There's no official word on the decision for her exit, but local law enforcement officials spoke to the state corrections unit and notified them they wanted her to leave to avoid any security issues due to her popularity.



"She won't be at Sunday's Chiefs game. We're told Gypsy is bummed about this development, as she and her hubby had plans to attend for a while now -- with tickets in hand dating back months and even some Chiefs merch ready to go that she got for Christmas. With that said, our sources say she gets it and is grateful to be freed."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Has Been Ordered to Leave the State of Missouri by Her Parole Officer Blanchard was hoping to meet Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game on Sunday.

Gypsy Rose Won't Meet Taylor Swift at Chiefs Game, Booted From State Gypsy Rose Blanchard won't be meeting Taylor Swift on Sunday after all, despite her plans to attend the Chiefs game.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard denied 'dream' of meeting Taylor Swift at Chiefs game after prison release Gypsy Rose Blanchard was denied her "dream" of meeting Taylor Swift at this upcoming Sunday's Kansas Ciy Chiefs game following her prison release.

Developing . . .
This is likely our last news link compilation of 2023 and so, as always, we're inspired by angel Candice to once again quickly review pop culture, community news and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Eternal Struggle Starts Again

KC gym ringing in 2024 with challenge to help people reach fitness goals 2024 is right around the corner and the trainers at Orange Theory Fitness are helping the community reach their goals with an eight week transformation challenge.

Golden Ghetto Reading List Exposed

These are the Johnson County Library's most checked-out books of 2023 Romance novels and romance-fantasy titles topped the check-out charts in Kansas' most populous county. Among kid readers, authors Mo Willems and Jeff Kinney cleaned up.

Rock Chalk Discounts Debut

'Any relief is good': New year, new food sales tax cut for Kansas consumers The legislation gradually lowers the state sales tax on groceries over a three-year period. Starting Jan. 1, the rate drops from 4% to 2%.

Show-Me Vaporware Aftermath

Hyperloop Dies, and With It the Dreams of 2 Missouri Governors And so ends Missouri's latest adventure in science fiction

Celebrate Cable TV Legacy

KC native Ryan Kent joins 'Gold Rush' Jillian and Shane chat with Ryan Kent about his time on the show.

Angel Shares Peek At Perfection

Candice Swanepoel shows off her incredible figure in strappy one-piece IT'S strappy days as supermodel Candice Swanepoel poses in a lingerie photoshoot. The South African, 35, looked like she's bound to be having fun in the skimpy one-piece from Bondage Teddy, a colle...

Rating White House

'Missed the mark': Americans give President Biden final report card for 2023 as approval rating remains dismal Americans in several cities across the United States graded President Biden's performance and offered suggestions for him to focus on in 2024.

Less Than Best From MAGA

Donald Trump sends early New Year's message to Joe Biden "As the New Year fast approaches, I would like to wish an early New Year's salutation to crooked Joe Biden," the former president said.

Image Isn't Everything, It's The Only Thing

2023's Best Political Fashion Moments American politicians had a wild - yet sometimes stylish - year.

Americans Fight In Red Sea

US Navy helicopters destroy Houthi boats in Red Sea after attempted hijack The US military says it was responding to a second attack on the same vessel near Yemen in 24 hours.

Eastern Europe Exchanges Heat Up

Ukraine war: Russia hits back after Kyiv attack on border city The latest attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv come after two days of major aerial assaults by both sides.

No Coming Back For Far East???

A year after China ended its harsh COVID policies, it's struggling to rebound A year ago, China lifted its draconian COVID restrictions. Many expected the country to bounce back quickly. That hasn't happened.

True Believers Debate

Let's Argue: The Chiefs will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl Our Mark Gunnels takes on all your hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions.

Freezing End To 2023

FIRST WARN FORECAST: Chilly and breezy conditions today and tonight with a few flurries Happy New Year's Eve! We are starting out pretty chilly outside with winds from the northwest around 15 mph making it feel degrees below what the actual temperature is.

Back in '93 this song didn't really stand out but right now Sting - If I Ever Lose My Faith In You seems even more relevant, serves as the Sunday the song of the day as this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Moldova expects to receive 300 million euros from the European Union in 2024, Azernews reports, citing the chairman of the Parliamentary Commission on Economy, Budget and Finance Radu Marian.

The EU summit on December 14 decided to launch negotiations on future EU membership with Ukraine and Moldova.

"Obviously, we will negotiate. In 2024, we expect an inflow of about 300 million euros. Part of it should go to finance the deficit, given that there are funds, many of them are free (grants)," Marian said.

According to him, these funds are allocated to Moldova as a candidate country. He believes that the money will be used to finance energy efficiency projects, as well as to invest in schools.

"In 2027, we may have even more funds. We are currently negotiating with the European Union to get access to more funds much earlier," Marian added.
Need help losing weight or handling depression? How about a pill that lowers cholesterol and treats erectile dysfunction?

Online subscription services for care have grown far beyond their roots dealing mainly with hair loss, acne or birth control. Companies including Hims & Hers, Ro and Lemonaid Health now provide quick access to specialists and regular prescription deliveries for a growing list of health issues.

Hims recently launched a weight-loss program starting at $79 a month without insurance. Lemonaid began treating seasonal affective disorder last winter for $95 a month. Ro still provides birth control, but it also connects patients trying to have children with regular deliveries of ovulation tests or prenatal vitamins.

This Netflix-like approach promises help for two common difficulties in the U.S.: access to health care and prescription refills. But it also stirs concern about care quality.

This isnt medicine. This is selling drugs to consumers, said Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman, who studies pharmaceutical marketing at Georgetown.

The online providers say they screen their patients carefully and send customers elsewhere if they cant help them. They also think theyve tapped a care approach that patients crave.

The growth weve seen on our platform is a testament to how people are looking to get the care they need, Hims spokeswoman Khobi Brooklyn said.

The publicly traded Hims has topped 1.4 million subscribers this year. It expects to pull in at least $1.2 billion in annual sales by 2025.

That pales compared to the $300 billion-plus in annual revenue generated by health care giants like CVS Health. But Hims' 2025 projection is more than eight times what the company brought in at the start of the decade.

Subscription-based health care has been around for years, particularly in primary care, where patients can pay monthly fees to gain better access to doctors. The e-commerce giant Amazon recently entered that niche with a subscription plan that gives some customers access to virtual and in-person care.

Online versions of subscription-based care started growing after the COVID-19 pandemic made Americans more comfortable with telemedicine. That has led to a surge of investor money flowing to companies providing this care, said Dr. Ateev Mehrotra, a Harvard researcher who studies consumer health care.

Many condition-specific plans offer patients regular visits with a health care provider and then recurring prescriptions for a monthly fee.

That simplicity can be attractive, Mehrotra noted.

You can just get the care you need and move on with life just as you pay for Netflix or whatever, he said.

Hims debuted weight loss earlier this month after starting a heart health program last summer that includes the combination pill treatments.

Its rival Ro added weight loss last year to a lineup that also includes treatment plans for eczema, excessive sweating and short eyelashes, among other issues.

Lemonaid offers treatment plans for insomnia and high blood pressure. It also touts cholesterol management for $223 a year without insurance. That includes provider visits, lab work and prescriptions for generic medicines.

These companies still push sexual health help, especially on social media. But broader growth remains a priority.

Hims says in a regulatory filing that it sees significant future opportunities in menopause, post-traumatic stress disorder and diabetes.

Ro CEO Zach Reitano noted in an interview earlier this year that his company's obesity treatments are upstream to other chronic diseases. He said patients who want help losing weight also care about improving their overall health.

Reitano said he thought one of the health care systems biggest problems was that it is not built around what patients want.

Subscriptions, whether for medicine or meal kits, offer predictable costs and may seem like good deals at first. But customer enthusiasm can fade, and companies may feel pressure to find new business, said Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer at Publicis Groupe.

The approach also comes with reputational baggage.

RobRoy Chalmers turned to Hims for help with erectile dysfunction. But the Seattle artist decided to cancel his subscription and cut costs after a few months.

He kept receiving bills after he thought he stopped the subscription. He said he emailed and called customer service. He didnt get a response until he criticized Hims on social media.

The amount of effort I needed to go through for them to make good was too much, he said. This is every subscription-based company in my mind.

Fugh-Berman worries mainly about care quality. She noted that talk therapy can be as effective as prescriptions for some conditions.

She also noted that a diagnosis can change over time. Patients on regular medications must be monitored in case the drug causes problems like higher blood pressure.

Lemonaid Health does that, according to Dr. Matthew Walvick, the company's top medical official. He said Lemonaid routinely follows up with patients to monitor for side effects and update their medical history.

Brooklyn said Hims & Hers provides access to safe care for many issues but shouldnt replace a primary care doctor. She added that every part of the health care system should be focused on improving access.

The traditional health care system in the U.S. has always been slow to adapt to our changing societys needs, she said.

7 ways doctors and nurses are using AI 7 ways doctors and nurses are using AI Less time note-taking, more time with patients Health records that talk to your doctor Automating administrative tasks Algorithmic diagnoses Harnessing machine learning and synthetic data to predict and improve care Lowering the cost of drug discovery with generative AI Improving clinical trials
Most Ukrainian drones launched by Ukraine over Russia on the night of December 29 to 30 hit their targets.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said this in its Russian offensive campaign assessment, Ukrinform reports.

"The discrepancy between these Russian and Ukrainian figures may suggest that Ukrainian forces struck many of their intended targets, as Ukrainian security sources suggested to Western and Ukrainian media," ISW analysts said.

Ukrainian security sources told Western and Ukrainian media that Ukrainian forces launched more than 70 drones on the night of December 29 to 30 at Russian military infrastructure and defense industrial facilities near Moscow, Belgorod, Tula, Tver, and Bryansk cities. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Russian forces intercepted 32 Ukrainian drones in Bryansk, Orel, Kursk, and Moscow regions.

Russian propaganda media claimed earlier that casualties were allegedly reported in Belgorod on Saturday, December 30, as a result of a "massive attack." In this regard, Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Photo: armyinform.com.ua
Three missile carriers with 24 Kalibr-type cruise missiles on board have joined Russias naval group in the Black Sea.

The relevant statement was made by Ukraines Southern Defense Forces on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Three surface missile carriers  two frigates and one small-size missile ship  have entered combat duty in the Black Sea. A total of 24 Kalibr-type missiles are ready to be launched, the report states.

The Southern Defense Forces warned that the threat of Russian missile strikes is extremely high and urged Ukrainians to pay attention to air raid sirens.

A reminder that, on the afternoon of December 31, 2023, nine Russian warships were remaining in the Black Sea, but no missile carriers were spotted among them.
As of December 31, Ukraines unified power system sees no electricity shortage. Four thermal power plant units remain in reserve. Electricity exports to Moldova is scheduled for the night hours.

Thats according to the Ministry of Energy, Ukrinform reports.

"There are four TPP units in reserve mode, which can be put into operation if necessary. The power system is well balanced. The situation is under control. Power outage schedules are not being introduced," the department said.

In Donetsk region, the ministry says, energy repair specialists have partially restored the damaged thermal power plant, which had earlier been subjected to massive shelling.

The 110 kV overhead line was damaged by a Russian attack on a thermal power plant located in the relevant proximity to the front line. The energy repair team came under fire but no casualties were reported.

In Chernihiv region, 10 kV overhead power lines were damaged by enemy shelling, which left 3,800 consumers in nine settlements without electricity.

Some 11,600 MWh of electricity is set to be imported while export transmission has been scheduled for the night hours.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, eight Ukrainian regions experienced issues with power and gas supplies due to ongoing hostilities and technical disruptions.

Photo: Maria Kovalchuk
WASHINGTON  Theres been no shortage of tough news for Chinas economy as some of the worlds biggest brands consider or take action to shift manufacturing to friendlier shores at a time of unease about security controls, protectionism and wobbly relations between Beijing and Washington.

Count Adidas, Apple and Samsung among those looking elsewhere.

But as a tumultuous 2023 for the Chinese economy comes to a close, there has been at least one bright spot for Beijing when it comes to foreign investment: American fast-food chains have decided a market of 1.4 billion people is simply too delicious to pass up.

KFC Chinas parent company opened its 10,000th restaurant in China in December and aims to have stores within reach of half of Chinas population by 2026. McDonalds is planning to open 3,500 new stores in China over the next four years. And Starbucks invested $220 million in a manufacturing and distribution facility in eastern China, its biggest project outside the U.S.

This is surely not what Chinese President Xi Jinping had in mind as he made the case to American CEOs about the upside of Chinas super-large market last month while he was in San Francisco for a summit of world leaders. The investments in fast food and other consumer goods, while Washington is curbing exports of computer chips and other advanced technology, dont fit into Chinas own blueprint for modernizing its economy.

As you try to interpret the signals from McDonalds and Starbucks" and other chains, says Phil Levy, chief economist at the supply chain management firm Flexport, note what the industries are: These are not high-tech burgers.

And while some U.S. companies are increasing investments in the worlds second-largest economy, overall foreign investment began falling this year. In the July-September quarter, net foreign direct investment in China sank to a deficit of $11.8 billion, the first quarterly deficit since Beijing began publishing the data in 1998.

As tensions simmer between China and its Western trading partners, many multinational companies are shifting investments to other places, such as Southeast Asia or India, or repatriating their earnings. That has sapped China of a key engine when its economy has yet to fully recover from the disruptions of the pandemic and a property industry crisis that has been a drag on growth.

Beijing puts some of the blame on U.S. government policies.

Commerce Ministry spokesperson Shu Jueting said recently, The U.S. side has repeatedly politicized economic, trade and technology issues and overstretched the concept of security, abused export control measures, and restricted trade and investment in China by its own enterprises, which is forcing enterprises to give up opportunities in the Chinese market and opportunities for win-win cooperation."

A survey released in September by the U.S.-China Business Council, which represents American companies in China, suggested that the uncertainty has taken a toll: 43% of its members said Chinas business environment had deteriorated in the past year, and 83% said they were less optimistic about China than they had been three years ago. Twenty-one percent said they were investing fewer resources in China, versus just 10% who were investing more.

Surveys of European and Japanese companies have shown similar results.

While Chinas market is gigantic, it's ailing. Unemployment among young Chinese rose to over 20% by June, the last time the government released that data. Housing prices are falling and the stock market is down nearly 15% since the summer. Thats left many Chinese feeling nervous about spending.

Still, bullishness for China as other industries try to de-risk and detangle from Beijing may be a profit-increasing strategy for the fast-food industry.

We believe there is no better time to simplify our structure, given the tremendous opportunity to capture increased demand and further benefit from our fastest-growing markets long-term potential, McDonalds CEO Chris Kempczinski said as the Chicago-based company announced in November it was increasing its minority 20% ownership of its McDonalds licensed stores in China, Macau and Hong Kong to 48%.

Burgers and lattes dont raise the sorts of friction that more high-tech industries have in the complicated U.S.-China relationship. Those strains have persisted under the presidency of Joe Biden, who took office vowing to do more to counter Chinas expanding military clout and its menacing of neighbors, to improve the countrys treatment of Uyghur and other ethnic minorities, and to crack down on intellectual property theft.

Relations hit a low point in February when Biden ordered a Chinese spy balloon that traversed the continental United States to be shot down. Beijing, which claims self-governed Taiwan as its own territory, also protested a stopover in the U.S. by the island's president, Tsai Ing-wen, earlier this year. China answered fresh U.S. controls on exports of advanced computer chips and the technology to make them with limits of its own on exports of vital commodities like graphite, gallium and germanium, all metals used in making semiconductors, solar panels, missiles and radar.

The relationship appears to be stabilizing somewhat as 2023 winds down, highlighted by last month's Biden and Xi meeting outside San Francisco. But since then, Bidens top advisers have said there are no plans to shift the strategy of tightening regulations and blocking U.S.-based high-tech investments in China, citing the need to safeguard national security.

Timeline: Chinese leader Xi Jinping's rise and rule China's Xi Jinping expands power and promotes allies Early years Regional leader National leader
UNODC in the Islamic Republic of Iran Organized a Study Visit for Professionals from Iran in Tashkent  Uzbekistan



The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran organized a specialized three-day study visit to the Regional Customs Canine Centre of Uzbekistan, for law enforcement experts and officers from the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ), Anti-Narcotics Police (ANP), and Customs Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iranian, from 4 to 6 December 2023, in Tashkent  Uzbekistan.

UNODC Iran has been actively present in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1999 and considers Iran as one of the strategic partners for drug control and crime prevention in the region and has been supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran by providing technical assistance and training for years ever since its establishment.

The comprehensive curriculum of this study visit encompassed various activities and topics, inter alia session on Construction and structure of an optimal canine centre, management of an optimal canine centre; staffing of an optimal canine centre; breeding, health, treatment, food etc. for drug detecting dogs.

In addition to the classes and lectures, the participants of this study visit were also informed of practical information required for management of a kennel and specific methods used for training and handling of working dogs.

In addition to various lectures and specialized seminars and classes envisaged under the curriculum of this training, practical trainings and visits to various sections and departments of this Regional Centre were foreseen for the members of the delegation, which significantly enriched the courses, and complemented the theoretical section.

Amongst the visits to various wards and departments of this centre, the members of delegation visited the veterinary ward and had the opportunity to directly ask their questions from the specialized medical staff. The head of the medical centre provided the delegation with pertinent information and answered questions regarding structure, staffing, equipment and other technical aspects of management of veterinary ward.

This study visit was very well received by the participants and in case of availability of budget, similar activities will be organized with cooperation of this center in the future.

The last day of the event was allocated to provision of a summary, and questions and answers with presence of all senior lecturers, instructors and officials of the centre, which was very well received by the members of the delegation and in which the instructors and members of the Iranian delegation took the opportunity to share information and ideas. There was also a demonstration of operational activities of the drug detecting dogs which again was very fruitful and interesting.

In a message, the UNODC Iran Country Representative, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in fighting the menace of drugs and while expressing his gratitude to the officials of Regional Customs Canine Centre of Uzbekistan and UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) for supporting organization of this activity, hoped that in future activities with similar nature would continue upon provision of support by donors.

At graduation ceremony, the certificates of the participants from the Islamic Republic of Iran were handed over by Colonel Farrukh, the Head of the Regional Center, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. At the end of the training and pursuant to the official ceremony at the Regional Customs Canine Centre of Uzbekistan, memorial trees were planted to symbolize enduring fellowship among partners in Iran and Uzbekistan and continuous cooperation in the future.

***

For additional information please contact

Amir Hossein Vaziri (Mr.), Programme Associate.

UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran Tel.: +98 21 88 87 83- 77,

emails: Amirhossein.vaziri@un.org
(@FahadShabbir)

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Dec, 2023) Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz, inaugurated the new Emergency Block at Jinnah Hospital, comprising 150 beds, on the last day of the year 2023.

The CM visited the new emergency and reviewed provision of latest medical facilities. Mohsin Naqvi also inaugurated the medical and surgical emergency after their upgradation. He inspected the ICU and appreciated the steps being taken for the provision of latest beds.

The CM lauded the treatment facilities being provided in the new emergency, adding that state of the art emergency block consists of 150 beds. Excellent treatment facilities have been provided to the patients in the new emergency.

CM commended Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz, Secretary Health, Secretary C&W, administration of Jinnah Hospital and the whole team. He congratulated the whole team on working day and night for the completion of this project.

Mohsin Naqvi inspected the new air condition plant. It was informed during the briefing that for the first time anti-bacterial paint was used so as to make the emergency block infection-free. For the first time, infection-free tiles have been installed in the operation theatres of the emergency block.

Later talking to media men, the CM apprised that five big hospitals of Punjab after their upgradation will be opened in next four to five days. Emergency of Children Hospital Multan, Nishtar-II, PIC Lahore and Mayo Hospital are being functional.

DG Khan Cardiology Hospital was an old project which has approximately being completed after carrying out day and night hard work. Indus Hospital is being donated to the Punjab government in order to make it a cancer hospital. The Indus Hospital being donated to the Punjab government and it would cost around Rs 60 to 70 billion.

Mohsin Naqvi said that hopefully, the matters regarding the cancer hospital are in the last stages and will be settled soon. He appreciated the nobel gesture of Indus Hospital management for handing over a big hospital to the Punjab government. "We want to run the arrangements of the cancer hospital in collaboration with the Indus Hospital. Indus Hospital is going to become the first complete cancer hospital of Punjab which will carry a great burden of patients. Excellent and complete free treatment will be provided in the cancer hospital.

So far, no cancer hospital is under the management of the Punjab government.

CM said that Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz, Health Department, administration of Jinnah Hospital, his team and other all concerned persons deserve congratulations.

Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz holds a deep liking for the Jinnah Hospital as he selflessly devoted many years of his life for the Jinnah Hospital. Gohar Ejaz also provides free food in the big hospitals of Punjab and is also nicely running the dialysis centre and Allah Almighty will reward him for his nobel deeds. He informed that further mega projects after their completion will be opened in coming few days.

The emergency of PIC has been upgraded. One emergency is being run by the friends of PIC and 'we request them to upgrade it as well. The whole team worked day and night for the upgradation of hospitals. My team is seen to the working in the field even late at night 2 am. The whole credit goes to the team. We are handing over every big hospital after its upgradation to the new coming government in the year 2024.'

Hopefully, the coming government will work even better than us. 104 big roads, 100 hospitals, express way, main highways and dozens of other projects will be completed by 31st January.

Mohsin Naqvi stated that there is no shortage of the medicines in the emergency. If any complaint is registered then stern action is taken forthwith. We are upgrading and making infection-free all the operation threats.

Saving the life of a patient by making all possible efforts is mandatory on us. The plight of operation theatres was highly deplorable and their upgradation was highly essential.

On this occasion, Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz congratulated CM Mohsin Naqvi of the new year. Gohar Ejaz lauded that the whole team of Jinnah Hospital, Provincial Health Minister and others have completed the upgradation of the new emergency block comprising 150 beds within three months. "I assure the CM Mohsin Naqvi that complete cooperation with the Punjab government will continue with the same spirit."

Provincial Ministers Dr. Javed Akram, Amir Mir, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Mian Ahsan of Indus Hospital, Anwar Ghani, Fawad Mukhtar, Secretary Health, Secretary C&W, Commissioner Lahore Division, CCPO, MS Jinnah Hospital, Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College and concerned officials were also present.
Copenhagen, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2024) Queen Margrethe of Denmark announced during her traditional New Year's Eve televised address Sunday that she would abdicate on January 14, making way for her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Citing her age and health issues, she made the announcement during her traditional New Year's Eve speech broadcast on Danish television.

"In two weeks time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years," she said.

That length of time would take its time on anyone, she added. "One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past...

"On 14th January 2024 -- 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father -- I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik."
NEW ORLEANS  At 19 months old, Elijah Jack, born with no femur bone in one leg and a short femur in the other, is unable to walk on his own like most toddlers his age. Another 19-month-old, Freya Baudoin, born prematurely at 28 weeks and delayed in her mobility, has finally taken her first step.

Special needs children like these often take longer than most to become independently mobile, which can be a hardship for parents and others who care for them. Elijah is often carried because of his limb difference and clubfeet, meaning that instead of being straight, his feet are twisted inward and his toes point downward.

As a result, getting around on his own is a challenge.

That was until this past spring. Elijah was one of the first recipients of a specially designed rolling chair built by a team of biomedical engineering students at Tulane University. Today, Elijah has mastered getting around on wheels  turning, stopping and steering all on his own.

He loves his chair, said Crystal Jack, Elijahs mom. So, I get a lot of things done because I know in his chair, he's safe. He know how to go around the house with it and everything, so I get a lot of things done now."

Before the chair, Jack said her son was able to scoot on the floor to get where he needed to go but the chair offers a whole new level of independence.

"Like I said we come a long way, but Im blessed to have him, Jack said, smiling warmly as he moved back and forth around the living room of her mothers home in Ventress, Louisiana.

The Tulane students partnered with the nonprofit MakeGood in 2022 to design and produce the chairs to help toddlers (roughly ages 1-4) build independence and strength, and for some, prepare for a real wheelchair. While it remains difficult to access precise numbers for total wheelchair use among children, there were about 2.8 million wheelchair users in the U.S. in 2002, of whom 121,000 were under 15 years of age, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

MakeGood is the New Orleans area coordinator for TOM Global, an Israeli nonprofit that combines modern design and digital manufacturing to fulfill neglected needs of people with disabilities and limitations. TOM stands for Tikkun Olam, which is Hebrew for repairing the world.

The students partnered with the nonprofits as part of a service-learning project  a graduation requirement at Tulane. But many say they had no idea when the project started the depth of impact their chairs would make in the lives of children in the community.

Dylan Lucia, a graduate student at Tulane from the San Diego, California area, said he chose the field of biomedical engineering to help people, and this project has manifested that.

The chairs are particularly helpful for families whose children will eventually need wheelchairs. Noam Platt, director of MakeGood, said insurance companies typically dont cover the cost of a wheelchair for a child unless there is sufficient evidence that the child can use it effectively.

These devices are used to create that evidence that their quality of life will be improved so they can get maybe a more durable assistive technology, Platt said.

Freya's chair was one of five made throughout several weekends early this fall at Tulanes Scot Ackerman MakerSpace, an enormous workshop with laser cutters, 3D printers and drilling and sewing equipment.

Students applied padding and safety straps to the chairs, and some required modifications to accommodate the needs of the children receiving them. For instance, Freyas chair needed a wider strap to help secure her torso, and another patient needed a space behind the chair big enough to hold his breathing vent. Freyas chair also had a bar added to the back, so that she could push it like a stroller. She took her first steps in early December after working with her physical therapist and her chair.

There's no word on how long Freya will have to use the chair but her mother said it has been more than a blessing.

At first, we thought the muscle tone in her ankles wasn't strong enough for her to walk at all, but the neurologists recently told us everything is looking good and she should be walking on her own or with limited assistance soon, said her mom, Heather Hampton, of Metairie, Louisiana.

Elijah has had his chair since the end of March. It was made in the first batch of about 10 chairs delivered to pediatric patients for use in occupational and physical therapy sessions.

"His chair shows him that, like, I could be up like other children. You know, he dont let his (being) disabled get in the way," said Jack, who added Elijah will likely need some type of mobility assistance for the rest of his life.

Platt said there have been two rounds, so far, of chair building and 15 chairs have been given away. But, he said they're aiming for at least 10 to 15 more by spring 2024.

Platt said the chairs cost less than $200 each to make, and even though these chairs were donated to patients at no cost, the price is still much lower than most pediatric wheelchairs on the market and electric-powered wheelchairs can run into the thousands.

For the students that I work with, I tell them this is just the beginning," Platt said. "Im trying to open their eyes to kind of a lifelong passion that theyll have to solving these problems because once you see the problems, you see the scope of the problems and you cant really ignore them.
Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Dec, 2023) Kyiv said Sunday it had destroyed 21 of 49 drones fired by Russia overnight, adding that six guided missiles had also targeted the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

The fresh Russian strikes came a day after an unprecedented attack on the city of Belgorod, and as the two sides took turns accusing each other of pummelling civilian areas of their shared frontier region over the weekend.

The Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement on Telegram Sunday that the overnight drones were particularly targeted at "the front line of defence, as well as at civilian, military and infrastructure facilities in the front-line territories".

It did not say whether the six missiles had hit their targets.

Oleg Sinegubov, the head of Kharkiv city's military administration, said there had been 28 civilians wounded in the attack on the city.

The injured included two teenagers and a foreign citizen, he said.

The strike follows the deadliest attack on civilians in Russia since the start of the conflict in February 2022.
All About America explores American culture, politics, trends, history, ideals and places of interest.



Frederick Opie grew up in the northeastern United States, but every New Years Day his family consumed a Southern food staple  black-eyed peas and rice. We call it Hoppin John. It was just a given that you're going to have that, and I grew up in the Hudson Valley in New York, says Opie, a professor of history at Babson University in Wellesley, Massachusetts. I never grew up in the South at all, but both my grandparents did, and that was the tradition that they brought with them. New Years Day meal traditions center around foods that are believed to bring good luck. For many in the southern U.S., that means beans and rice, collard greens, and sometimes cornbread, its bright yellow color representing gold.

Some scholars believe these dishes came from enslaved Black people and spread to everyone in the South. The rice and beans, they represent bringing prosperity into the house for the new year, says Opie. Rice, in many societies, says to people prosperity, not only in terms of money, but also children. Many of us have got our roots in agricultural society, so having many children is a sign of prosperity, but also the greens represent dollars. Some Americans have adopted a European tradition that calls for eating 12 grapes  one for each month of the year  at the stroke of midnight. You have to eat them all within the first minute of the new year. So, theres this idea of storing up on luck very quickly, says Megan Elias, director of food studies programs at Boston University. It's a little difficult to do, having tried it. But it's fun, right? So, all of these things are supposed to make you feel happy, are supposed to make you feel like there's something special going on.

Americans celebrate different New Years Days. For example, there are very distinct foods related to the Chinese or Asian New Year. Round things are seen to be lucky, so dumplings. Citrus is thought of as popular. Long noodles for a long life, so lo mein noodles. There are rice cakes, sweet rice balls, anything that's round is symbolic, says Amy Bentley, a food historian at New York University. There's also a Persian new year and Jewish new year and those follow different days, according to different calendars. And they each have their signature New Year's foods. Traditions like New Years foods offer important social, cultural, historical and religious benefits, according to Bentley. They serve a useful purpose to bind us together as a culture, to help us understand where we've come from, Bentley says. Family occasions, social occasions, holidays, these get-togethers are very important to maintain societal ties, familial ties, to provide a break from the mundane.
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."

Medical care scarce

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.

Infection leads to amputation

On November 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.

Death after treatment delayed

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 come to grips with how the loss of a limb has changed their lives. Nawal Jaber, 54, had both legs amputated after she was injured on November 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."
China has expelled nine military officials from its parliament, including four generals of the army's strategic missile unit, in a sweeping reshuffle following the appointment of a new defense minister.

The decision, announced late Friday by the state news agency Xinhua, came after a meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party.

No explanation was given for the officials' removal.

Their removal is one of a series of high-level restructuring moves in the military establishment since defense minister Li Shangfu was abruptly sacked in October following months of speculation about his whereabouts.

Appointed in March, Li disappeared from public view in August before being formally dismissed in October.

On Friday, Beijing appointed Dong Jun as the new defense minister, ending a monthslong vacancy in the strategic post.

Recent months have also seen an overhaul in the leadership of China's secretive Rocket Force, the army unit that oversees Beijing's nuclear arsenal, following media reports of a corruption probe involving its former chief.

The nine officials fired Friday from the National People's Congress sat in parliament as non-elected representatives.

Their dismissal "suggests that those officers are being probed and confirms some of the rumors circulating on the topic," says U.S.-based SinoInsider, a firm specializing in Chinese politics.
Looking ahead to 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address Saturday that Ukraine is "preparing to produce more weapons next year."

"We are working with our partners on solutions needed by every Ukrainian soldier, our entire nation, our state," he said.

On the last day of the year, Ukraines air force said it shot down 21 of 49 Russian drones.

Ukraine was also fighting back a Russian drone attack Saturday in Kyiv.

Two Russian missiles hit central Kharkiv on Saturday, injuring at least 21 people, Ukrainian officials said, in the latest in a recent series of back-and-forth air assaults.

Russia's attacks on Kharkiv came after Ukrainian airstrikes earlier Saturday hit the Russian city of Belgorod, which sits just over the border with Ukraine.

"As a result of the night attack of Russian drones on Kharkiv, buildings in the city center were damaged. These are not military facilities, but cafes, residential buildings and offices," Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov posted on Telegram. "On the eve of the New Year, Russians want to intimidate our city, but we are not scared."

Russia's Defense Ministry said at least 21 people, including three children, were killed and at least 110 injured in Saturday's Ukrainian strikes on Belgorod, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Russia requested a meeting Saturday of the U.N. Security Council on what it called Ukraine's indiscriminate attacks on Belgorod and alleged Ukraine had used cluster bombs. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was unable to verify its claims.

"This crime will not go unpunished," Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on social media.

Security Council meets

The United Nations Security Council met Friday at the request of Ukraine and three dozen other U.N. member states. Security Council members condemned Russia's barrage.

Drone attacks on cities in western Russia have been common since May. Russian officials blame Ukraine, but officials in Kyiv rarely claim responsibility for any of the attacks.

"The terrorist attack in Belgorod will be the subject of proceedings in the U.N. Security Council. Russia has requested a meeting of the Security Council," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, according to the state-run RIA news agency.

No official comment was immediately available from Kyiv, but the Ukrainian news outlet RBC-Ukraine quoted unnamed sources as saying Ukrainian forces hit military targets in Belgorod in retaliation to the massive Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities Friday.

On Saturday, Russia said it downed 32 Ukrainian drones. In Moscow, officials said air defenses shot down drones over Moscow, Bryansk, Oryol and Kursk regions. In a statement, the Defense Ministry reported a number of casualties, including a child.

On Friday, Russia launched its biggest air assault since February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Russia killed at least 41 civilians, wounded at least 160, and left an unknown number buried in the rubble across Ukraine in a barrage that included 158 missile and drone attacks.

Russian missile and drone strikes continued Saturday. Missiles hit in Kharkiv and in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Chernihiv regions, killing three people. Ukraine reported shooting down Iranian-made Shahed drones in the Kherson, Khmelnytskyi and Mykolaiv regions.

After the massive bombardment Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fighting for its life."

"We will respond to Russian terrorists for every strike. Terror never gains in playing against people," Zelenskyy said.

The British Defense Ministry said Saturday in its daily intelligence update on Ukraine that the daily number of Russian casualties in Ukraine, dead and wounded, has risen by almost 300% per day, compared with last year. The increase in the number of casualties was reported to the British ministry by Ukraine.

The increase, the British ministry said, can be attributed to "the degradation of Russia's forces and its transition to a lower quality, high quantity mass army since the 'partial mobilization' of reservists in September 2022."

It would likely take Russia five to 10 years to rebuild its highly trained military units, the report said.

If casualties continue at the same rate, the British ministry said, Russia will have more than half a million personnel killed and wounded by 2025, after three years of war.

In comparison, the Soviet Union suffered 70,000 casualties in the nine-year Soviet Afghan War, the British ministry said.

Russia's top diplomat in Poland says Moscow won't provide any explanations about an unidentified object that briefly entered Poland's airspace until there is proof that the alleged object was a Russian missile.

An unknown object traveled 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) into the country's airspace from the direction of Ukraine before leaving minutes later and vanishing off radars, Poland's defense forces said Friday. The head of the Polish armed forces, General Wiesaw Kukua, said "everything indicates" it was a Russian missile.

Poland's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's charge d'affaires in Warsaw, Andrei Ordash, and demanded an explanation. Russia called Poland's claims "unsubstantiated."

"We will not give any explanations until we are presented with concrete evidence, because these accusations are unsubstantiated," Ordash told RIA Novosti.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
At least four suspected jihadi attacks in Burkina Faso have killed dozens of soldiers and civilians in a week, security and local sources told AFP on Sunday.

They said the attacks have targeted military contingents since last Sunday, leaving "dozens dead" mostly in the restive north of the country.

One local source said, "a large group of heavily armed terrorists attacked the military base at Nouna" in the northwest Saturday, with the clash leaving "several victims," both military and civilian.

A security source contacted by AFP confirmed an attack that was repelled and added that "another almost simultaneous attack targeted another northern detachment" but had likewise been beaten back.

The sources said two other attacks on military bases took place on December 24.

"A large-scale attack targeted the Solle detachment. Several casualties were recorded... but the bravery and response (of troops) made it possible to repel the attackers," a security source told AFP, adding the jihadis had been targeted by airstrikes as they retreated.

That attack has been claimed by the GSIM jihadi alliance linked to al-Qaida. The group claimed it killed around 60 soldiers.

Also on December 24, according to a security source, a gendarmerie base was hit at Gorgadji in the northern Sahel region by a sizeable group of fighters who arrived on motorcycles.

The military government that took power in Burkina Faso following a September 2022 coup rarely comments on tolls from suspected jihadi attacks.

However, state television reported that "more than 30 terrorists were killed," adding that the army had destroyed three jihadi bases discovered in the northwest.

In a televised New Year's address Sunday, Captain Ibrahim Traore, head of Burkina's military rulers, said that in 2024 "we are going to continue our efforts to take back control of [the] territory and step up the fight" against the insurgents.

Burkina has been caught for several years in a spiral of jihadi violence perpetrated by groups affiliated with the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, which were already hitting neighboring Mali and Niger.

Traore also announced the creation of a new "rapid interaction brigade" in the fight against the jihadis, which since 2015 has seen more than 17,000 soldiers and civilians killed.

On Saturday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it was concerned about "a deterioration of the security situation in Burkina Faso," while also urging the "immediate release" of political and civil society leaders detained in recent weeks.
Israel launched new bombing strikes on Hamas militants Sunday, with hospital officials saying at least 35 people were killed in Gaza City and no signs that the fighting will end soon as the calendar turns to 2024.

Israeli forces targeted the central part of the Gaza Strip, the narrow Palestinian territory along the Mediterranean Sea, while also carrying out operations in Khan Younis, Gazas second largest city in the south toward the border with Egypt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted Saturday that the Jewish states offensive, sparked by the shock October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, will last for many more months despite increasing international calls for a cease-fire.

Watch related video by Arash Arabasadi:

The Hamas-run health ministry said 18 bodies had been recovered in the overnight bombing of Gaza City with many more believed buried under the rubble.

After the explosion we arrived at the scene of the strike and saw martyrs everywhere," one local man told Agence France-Presse after a building was hit. "Children are still missing, we can't find them."



The Israeli army said it killed about a dozen enemy fighters in multiple ground battles, air and tank strikes and said it had located more Hamas tunnels, and explosives planted in a kindergarten.

As the conflict neared the three-month mark, about 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The U.N. has warned of the increased risk of hunger and disease as desperate families shelter in makeshift tents against the winter cold.

Netanyahu said at his Saturday news conference the border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt should be under Israel's control to ensure the demilitarization of the area.

If Israel takes control of the border zone, it would be a de facto reversal of its 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and place the enclave under Israeli control again after years of control by Hamas.

"The Philadelphi Corridor  or to put it more correctly, the southern stoppage point (of Gaza)  must be in our hands. It must be shut. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarization that we seek," Netanyahu said.

He said that about 8,000 militants have been killed in Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian territory. Since the war began in October, 21,672 Palestinians have been killed and more than 56,000 wounded, Gazas Hamas-run health ministry said Saturday. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.

Israel began its military campaign to erase Hamas control of Gaza after the October attack when Israel said about 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken hostage, with 129 believed still held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military says 170 of its military personnel have been killed so far in the fighting.

"Step by step we are depriving Hamas of their capabilities, Netanyahu said. We will also eliminate the leaders."

He vowed to bring all the hostages back.

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the government secure their release.

600,000 vaccines delivered

While the fighting rages on, UNICEF said it has delivered at least 600,000 doses of vaccines to Gaza. Nearly 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have missed their routine vaccinations, including polio and measles, since the start of the fighting, according to the agency.

UNICEF said it is working with the World Health Organization and UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, to reach the children who have missed their shots.

Israels widening attacks in central and southern Gaza have pushed tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking shelter into Rafah, where the population has more than tripled to 850,000, according to U.N. figures.

We don't have water. We dont have enough food, Nour Daher, a displaced woman, told The Associated Press Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldnt bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk.

Juliette Touma, a UNRWA spokesperson, said people are using any empty space to build shacks or sleep in cars or in the open.

Most available water is polluted. The sanitation system has broken down, and working toilets are a rarity.

Almost the entire population of Gaza is dependent on international aid, including for food, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said Friday. Lazzarini said the aid operation faces severe restrictions from Israeli authorities. Trucks face long delays at the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt and the newly reopened Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel, he said.

Israel has told residents of central Gaza to head south, but even there, people are not safe, he said.

Israeli forces have flattened much of the Gaza enclave going after Hamas militants and destroying the tunnel systems allegedly used by the group.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A woman who recently was freed from captivity in the Gaza Strip says she was groped by her Palestinian kidnapper and lived in constant fear throughout the weeks she was held hostage.

Mia Schem, a 21-year-old dual citizen of Israel and France, was attending a music festival in southern Israel when Hamas militants burst across the border and raided the event site on October 7. More than 300 people were killed and dozens taken hostage.

She was released on November 30 during a weeklong cease-fire.

In an interview broadcast Friday on Israel's Channel 13 TV, Schem said she was captured after she got out her friend's burning car. She said her captor began touching her upper body inappropriately and only stopped when she screamed and he noticed that she had been shot in the arm and badly wounded.

"I started screaming, going crazy," she said. "There were burnt vehicles, bodies."

No showers, medication

While in captivity, she was held in a house with a family and watched around the clock by the father, Schem said. She said his constant staring made her uncomfortable and fearful that he might try to harm her. The man's wife did not like her and sometimes denied her food for days at a time, she said.

Israeli authorities have said that sexual violence was part of the Hamas rampage into southern Israel, and they accused the international community of playing down or ignoring the pain of the victims.

The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of sexual violence, but Schem spoke out publicly about her experience.

Schem made international headlines when Hamas released a video of her in captivity days after she was taken hostage. In the video, she lay in bed as someone bandaged her right arm, and she says she wants to go home. At the time, it was the first sign of life from the hostages.

Schem said she barely slept during her time as a hostage because she was so terrified, and that she also did not shower or receive any medications. She said her captor's children occasionally came in to look at her "like I'm some animal in a petting zoo."

One piece of pita a day

Schem said she was taken from the home into a tunnel and held with other hostages during her final days in captivity.

During this time, she said she knew she would soon be released. Schem said she was kept with six or seven people in a small room and received only one piece of pita bread a day. She said she feels guilty because of the other hostages she left behind.

Schem broke down during the interview, saying she has not come to terms with her return as she processes the ordeal.

"I can't get it out of my head," she said.
North Korea vowed to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong Un said U.S. policy is making war inevitable, state media reported Sunday.

Kim lashed out at Washington in lengthy remarks at the end of five days of ruling party meetings that set economic, military and foreign policy goals for the coming year.

"Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean Peninsula," he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

He ordered the military to prepare to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea," including with nuclear bombs, if necessary, in response to any attack.

Kim's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States.

Experts predict North Korea will maintain a campaign of military pressure to try to increase any leverage around the U.S. presidential elections in November, which could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who traded in both threats and historic diplomacy with Kim.

"Pyongyang might be waiting out the U.S. presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden says it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more banned missile tests. The U.S. also increased drills and deployed more military assets such as nuclear-armed submarines and large aircraft carriers near the Korean Peninsula.

Kim said he could not overlook the return of such weapons, which he said had completely transformed South Korea into a "forward military base and nuclear arsenal" of the United States.

"If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces ... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept," Kim said.

Kim said he has no choice but to press forward with his nuclear ambitions and forge deeper relations with other countries that oppose the United States. North Korea has deep ties with both China and Russia.

South Koreans will also go to the polls in April for a parliamentary election that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned Thursday that "there is a high possibility that North Korea could unexpectedly conduct military provocations or stage a cyberattack in 2024, when fluid political situations are expected with the elections."

Pyongyang has now ruled out the possibility of unifying with South Korea, and the country must fundamentally change its principle and direction toward South Korea, Kim said.

"North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war," he said, calling the South a colonized state completely dependent on the United States for national defense and security.

Kim also promised to nurture the economy, including metals, chemicals, power, machinery and railway transportation, while modernizing wheat facilities to boost production.

One key policy goal is to invest in science and technological research at schools, he said.

In the past year, North Korea says it successfully launched its first military spy satellite and test fired new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles seen as having the range to deliver a nuclear warhead to anywhere in the United States.

A new reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex appears to be operating for the first time, the U.N. nuclear watchdog and independent experts said this month, which would mean an additional potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

North Korea has not tested a nuclear weapon since 2017 but in recent years has taken steps to resume operations at its testing site.

Kim said 2024 would see further military development, including strengthening the nuclear and missile forces, building unmanned drones, expanding the submarine fleet and developing electronic warfare capabilities.

The fleet of spy satellites would represent the first such capability for the North.

That successful launch was preceded by two failed attempts last year when its new Chollima-1 rocket crashed into the sea.

The move raised regional tensions and sparked fresh sanctions from the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea. Pyongyang has yet to release any imagery from the new satellite, leaving analysts and foreign governments to debate its capabilities.

The apparent success also came after Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to help North Korea build satellites. South Korean officials said Russian aid likely made a difference in the success of the mission, though experts said it was unclear how much help Moscow could have provided.
Mexico and Venezuela announced Saturday that they have restarted repatriation flights of Venezuelans migrants in Mexico, the latest move by countries in the region to take on a flood of people traveling north to the United States.

The move comes as authorities say at least 10,000 migrants a day have been arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, many of them asylum-seekers. It also comes as a migrant caravan of thousands of people from across the region  largely Venezuelans  has trekked through southern Mexico this week.

The repatriation flights are part of an agreement made between regional leaders during a summit in Mexico in October that aimed to seek solutions for migration levels that show few signs of slowing down.

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Relations said the two countries began repatriations with a flight on Friday and a second on Saturday in an effort to "strengthen their cooperation on migration issues." The statement also said the two countries plan to implement social and work programs for those repatriated to Venezuela.

"Mexico and Venezuela reiterate their commitment to address the structural causes that fuel irregular migration in the region, and to achieve a humanitarian management of such flows," the statement read.

Mexico's government said it previously carried out a similar repatriation flight January 20 with 110 people.

As migration has soared in recent years, the U.S. government has pressured Latin American nations to control the movement of migrants north, but many transit countries have struggled to deal with the quantities of people.

This week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other Biden administration officials were in Mexico City to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador about the high levels of migrants landing on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Lopez Obrador said he also spoke about the issue in a phone call with President Joe Biden on December 20.

"He asked  Joe Biden asked to speak with me  he was worried about the situation on the border because of the unprecedented number of migrants arriving at the border," Mexico's leader said. "He called me, saying we had to look for a solution together."

Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help, but in exchange he wants the U.S. to send more development aid to migrants' home countries and to reduce or eliminate sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela.

Mexico's president and other critics of American foreign policy have cited the sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela as one of the root causes of high migration.
KHERSON, Ukraine  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.

We were ready to cross. And then the dam blew up, Skif said. 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.

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 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. He made contact with Ukrainian intelligence and said he had 11 comrades who felt similarly. The group surrendered together and Skif took custody.

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.

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 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.

Upward of 20,000 Ukrainian amputees face trauma on a scale unseen since WWI
Eleven people were killed in weekend attacks by suspected jihadists on two villages near Niger's border with Burkina Faso, Niger's defense ministry said on Sunday.

"The terrorists on several motorcycles broke into the villages of Amara and Loudji," some 30 kilometers [19 miles] southeast of Bankilare, "where they attacked peaceful citizens, killing 11," a ministry statement said.

The killings came as Nigerien defense and security forces on Friday carried out "multiple air-land offensives," which the ministry said had "reduced to nothing" the militants' communication channels.

It added that one soldier was killed and five wounded Friday when their patrol vehicle drove over a mine at Ouro Gueladjo, 70 kilometers outside the capital Niamey.

Niger has since July been governed by a military regime following a coup.

On December 17, coup leader military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani said the country was "progressively normalizing" the security situation, crediting "multiple successes" by the army in quelling unrest.

Military and local sources say the past few weeks have seen relative calm in the region bordering Burkina Faso and Mali  likewise ruled by military leaders  which had previously been prone to repeated jihadist attack.

Six soldiers were killed in the zone in an October clash with jihadists near the border with Burkina Faso.

The same month saw 29 soldiers killed in an attack in western Niger in what was the deadliest attack since the coup.
More than 4,360 people, including combatants and civilians, were killed in Syrias civil war in 2023, in the thirteenth year since fighting began, a war monitor said on Sunday.

The figure was an increase on 2022, when 3,825 people were killed.

That was the lowest annual death toll since the conflict began in 2011 with the government's brutal crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This year's count included 1,889 civilians, 241 of them women and 307 children, according to the United Kingdom-based Observatory, which has a network of sources inside Syria.

Syrian government forces accounted for almost 900 of the dead this year, with other fighters including from the Kurdish-led and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, pro-Iran groups, Islamist factions, Islamic State group jihadists and foreign combatants accounting for the rest.

Over the years, the country's conflict spiraled dramatically. It pulled in foreign armies, militias and jihadists, killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions and ravaged the country's infrastructure and industry.

With Iranian and Russian support, Damascus has clawed back much of the territory it lost earlier in the conflict, although large parts of the country's north remain outside government control.

Front lines have mostly quietened in recent years and annual death tolls dropped to lower levels.

Nevertheless, violence persists. The Observatory reported that several people including a fighter and a child were killed on Saturday in government bombardment of "residential areas and a market" the city of Idlib.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, controls swathes of Idlib province and parts of neighboring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces -- the last major bastion of armed opposition in Syria.

A ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey was declared in Idlib after a Syrian government offensive in March 2020, but it has been repeatedly violated.

Also on Saturday, 25 pro-Iran fighters were killed in air strikes in eastern Syria "likely" carried out by Israel, the Observatory said, raising an earlier toll of 23.

The dead included five Syrians, six Iraqi fighters, four from Lebanon's Hezbollah group and 10 other non-Syrian combatants, the Observatory said.

Israel, which has launched hundreds of strikes on Syrian territory since the war began, rarely comments on individual attacks but has repeatedly said it will not allow its arch foe Iran to expand its presence in the country.

Israel has intensified its strikes in Syria since its war with Hamas began on October 7.
The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States dates back to December 31, 1862, when many Black Americans gathered in churches and other venues, waiting for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation and thus free those still enslaved in the Confederacy.

It's still being observed each New Year's Eve, at many multiracial and predominantly Black churches across the country.

What is the historical background of Watch Night services?

As the Civil War raged on, Lincoln issued a preliminary decree on September 22, 1862, declaring that enslaved people in the rebellious Confederate states were legally free. However, this decree  the Emancipation Proclamation  would not take effect until the stroke of midnight heralding the new year.

Those gathering on the first Watch Night included many African Americans who were still legally enslaved as they assembled, sometimes in secrecy.

"At the time, enslaved Black people could find little respite from ever-present surveillance, even in practicing their faith," according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. "White enslavers feared that religion, which was often used to quell slave resistance, could incite the exact opposite if practiced without observance."

How have Watch Night traditions evolved?

Over its 160-year history, Watch Night has evolved into an annual New Year's Eve tradition  it not only commemorates freedom from slavery, but also celebrates the importance of faith, community and perseverance.

This description from the African American museum offers some details:

"Many congregants across the nation bow in prayer minutes before the midnight hour as they sing out Watchman, watchman, please tell me the hour of the night.' In return the minister replies It is three minutes to midnight'; 'it is one minute before the new year'; and 'it is now midnight, freedom has come.'"

The museum notes that the Watch Night worship services were traditionally followed by a "fortuitous meal" on New Year's Day, often featuring a dish called Hoppin' John.

"Traditionally, Hoppin' John consists of black-eyed peas, rice, red peppers, and salt pork, and it is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it," the museum says. "Some other common dishes include candied yams, cornbread, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese."
Russian airstrikes hit the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv Sunday, injuring at least 28 people and damaging residential buildings, hotels, a kindergarten and administrative buildings.



In the central Ukrainian region of Kirovohrad, another Russian attack Sunday damaged power lines and a non-residential building, the region's governor reported.

"The Kirovohrad region is again under enemy fire," Andriy Raikovych wrote on the Telegram messaging app, adding that air defenses had been engaged.

On the last day of the year, Ukraines air force said it shot down 21 of 49 Russian drones.



In a statement, Russia said it struck the former Kharkiv Palace Hotel and the headquarters of the Ukrainian Security Service for the Kharkiv region, in retaliation for Ukraines airstrikes on the Russian city of Belgorod Saturday.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, wrote on Telegram that the number of dead in the area has risen to 24 people with 108 injured and scores of apartment buildings damaged.

Russia requested a meeting Saturday of the U.N. Security Council on what it called Ukraine's indiscriminate attacks on Belgorod, and alleged Ukraine had used cluster bombs. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was not able to verify its claims.

We unequivocally condemn all attacks on cities, town and villages, in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, said Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary-general in the U.N. Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must end now, he said Saturday.

The Security Council also met Friday at the request of Ukraine and three dozen other U.N. member states. Council members condemned Russias barrage on Kharkiv civilians and infrastructure.

On Friday, Russia launched its biggest air assault since February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Russia killed at least 41 civilians, wounded at least 160 and left an unknown number buried in the rubble across Ukraine in a barrage that included 158 missile and drone attacks.

After Russias massive bombardment on Ukraine Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fighting for its life."

Putin New Year address

In a prerecorded New Years address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Russias united society, and stressed that Russia will never back down in its war on Ukraine.

Putins video address, under four minutes long, was significantly shorter than the New Year's speech he gave last year, according to state news agency RIA Novosti.

The first to see it were residents of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Chukotka region in Russias Far East, some nine hours ahead of Moscow.

What united us and unites us is the fate of the Fatherland, a deep understanding of the highest significance of the historical stage through which Russia is passing, the president said while praising Russian citizens solidarity, mercy and fortitude.

He also lauded Russias armed forces involved in what the Kremlin has coined its special military operation in Ukraine.

We are proud of you; you are heroes. You feel the support of the entire people, Putin said.

Zelenskyy address

In his video address Sunday, Ukraines Zelenskyy said he awarded nearly 700 warriors and medics for service to their country.

He also thanked everyone who works tirelessly on Ukraines defense.

Everyone who uses the new year to complete another fundraiser for the guys on the front line. I thank everyone who works and will work at our defense enterprises seven days a week. And everyone who will continue to communicate with Ukraine's partners on January 1, tomorrow, without wasting time, so that next year our country will have as many capabilities as possible to fight the Russian evil, he said.

President Zelenskyy said Saturday that Ukraine is "preparing to produce more weapons next year."

Russian casualties in Ukraine



The British defense ministry said Saturday in its daily intelligence update on Ukraine that the daily number of Russian casualties in Ukraine, dead and wounded, has risen by almost 300% per day, compared with 2022. The increase in the number of casualties was reported to the British ministry by Ukraine.

The increase, the British ministry said, can be attributed to "the degradation of Russia's forces and its transition to a lower quality, high quantity mass army since the 'partial mobilization' of reservists in September 2022."

It would likely take Russia five to 10 years to rebuild its highly trained military units, the report said.

If casualties continue at the same rate, the British ministry said, Russia will have more than half a million personnel killed and wounded by 2025, after three years of war.

In comparison, the Soviet Union suffered 70,000 casualties in the nine-year Soviet Afghan War, the ministry said.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Tributes were paid Sunday on the first anniversary of the death of Pope Benedict XVI, with Pope Francis praising his love and wisdom and Benedict's private secretary expressing hope he might one day be declared a saint.

Benedict, the first pope to retire in six centuries, died last Dec. 31 at the age of 95 in the Vatican monastery where he spent 10 years as a pope emeritus. He is buried in the grottoes underneath St. Peters Basilica.

Speaking at the end of his weekly noon blessing, Francis said the faithful feel so much love, so much gratitude, so much admiration for Benedict. He praised the love and wisdom with which Benedict guided the church and asked for a round of applause from the pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peters Square.

Earlier in the day, Benedict's longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, celebrated a special Mass in the basilica and then participated in an anniversary event to reflect on Benedicts legacy.

Speaking on the sidelines, Gaenswein acknowledged some of the polemics that surrounded Benedict's decade-long retirement alongside Francis in the Vatican but said they would be forgotten in favor of the substance of his ministry and his final words: Lord, I love you.

History, Gaenswein said, would judge Benedict as a great theologian, a very simple person and a man of deep faith.

Francis frequently praised Benedicts decision to retire as courageous and said he, too, might follow in his footsteps. But now that Benedict has died, Francis has reaffirmed the papacy is generally a job for life, and a consensus has emerged that the unprecedented reality of having two popes living side by side in the Vatican created problems that must be addressed before any future pope decides to step down.

Benedict, a noted conservative theologian who spent a quarter-century as the Vatican's doctrine chief, remained a point of reference for conservatives and traditionalists, who have only increased their criticism of Francis in the year since he died. Francis, for his part, has appeared now to feel freer to impose his progressive vision of a reformed church now he is no longer under Benedict's shadow.

Gaenswein, whom Francis exiled to his native Germany soon after the death, recalled that Benedict had only expected to live a few months, maybe a year, after his 2013 resignation. Despite his longer-than-expected retirement, Benedict stayed true to his pledge to pray for the church and for his successor, he said.

I pray that he will be a saint," Gaenswein said. I wish he would be a saint, and Im convinced he will be a saint.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also praised Benedict as a great man of history and a giant of reason, faith and the positive synthesis between the two. In a statement, she said his spiritual and intellectual legacy would live on even among nonbelievers because of its profound civic value and ability to speak to people's minds and hearts.
Airstrikes in eastern Syria, "likely" carried out by Israel, killed at least 23 pro-Iran fighters Saturday, a war monitor said, reporting four more dead in the country's north.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, "23 pro-Iranian fighters," including five Syrians, four from Lebanon's Hezbollah group, six Iraqis and eight Iranians, were killed in at least nine pre-dawn airstrikes near the Iraqi border.

It said the raids were "likely carried out by Israel," after earlier indicating they were "likely American.

A U.S. military official, requesting anonymity, said the "U.S. did not conduct any defensive strikes overnight."

The Observatory said the strikes targeted military positions in Albu Kamal and its surroundings in Deir el-Zour province, adding that a weapons shipment from Iraq and an ammunition warehouse were also hit.

Israel rarely comments on individual strikes targeting Syria, but it has repeatedly said it will not allow arch foe Iran, which backs President Bashar al-Assad's government, to expand its presence there.

Also Saturday, the Observatory said that "Israeli missiles targeted warehouses and bases of pro-Iran groups" near airport in the main northern city of Aleppo, killing four foreign fighters.

Syrian state media, citing a military source, said that at around 5:20 p.m. (1420 GMT), "the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack... targeting a number of points south of the city of Aleppo.

During more than a decade of civil war in Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces including Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

But it has intensified attacks since its war with Hamas began on October 7.

Hezbollah announced Saturday the death of four of its fighters, without saying when or where they were killed.

There have been regular cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, in southern Lebanon.

Early Saturday in southern Syria's Quneitra province, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, "Israeli ground bombardment" killed two fighters from a Hezbollah-linked group, the Britain-based Observatory said.

The Israeli army said that it carried out multiple strikes in Syria after two rockets fired from the country hit areas under its control.

The Middle East has also seen a surge in attacks on U.S. forces, which Washington blames on pro-Tehran groups.

The majority have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose formation of Iran-linked armed groups which oppose U.S. support for Israel.

The Observatory reported attacks on two U.S. bases in Deir el-Zour province late Saturday. It said the rocket and drone assault was carried out by Iran-backed groups.
Militant attacks across Pakistan killed around 500 civilians and a similar number of security forces in 2023, the highest number of fatalities the country has experienced in six years, according to a new report released Sunday.



Northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Baluchistan provinces bordering Afghanistan accounted for most of the terror attacks and the resulting casualties, the report by the Islamabad-based independent Center for Research and Security Studies, or CRSS, said.



It noted that 2023 was the deadliest year for Pakistani police and military forces in a decade, collectively losing more than 500 personnel in terrorist bombings and ambushes.



Anti-state groups, such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, or TJP, separate Baloch insurgents, and a regional affiliate of Islamic State, known as the Islamic State Khorasan, often claim or are blamed for the violence.



The Pakistani military has reported the deaths of at least 265 officers and soldiers in nationwide militant attacks and counterinsurgency operations in 2023. In December, militants raided an army base in a northwestern district and killed at least 23 soldiers in the deadliest attack in the countrys recent history.



Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police said in its annual report this week that militant attacks claimed the lives of its 185 personnel. Police in Baluchistan also suffered fatalities, but provincial authorities have formally not released any details.



Pakistan says TTP and other fugitive militants have increasingly and freely carried cross-border terrorist attacks from sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Islamist Taliban seized power in the neighboring country in August 2021.



Officials in Islamabad allege that Afghan fighters linked to the ruling Taliban in Kabul have also facilitated and participated in TTP-led assaults on Pakistani security forces and civilians.

The military said in a statement Sunday that one of its soldiers was killed when terrorists from inside Afghanistan opened fire on a Pakistani border post. The pre-dawn shooting occurred in the volatile North Waziristan border district.



Pakistan renewed its demand for the Taliban government to ensure effective border management on their side of the shared 2,600-kilometer frontier between the two countries. The statement said that Kabul is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.



The United Nations has also documented in its recent reports the presence of thousands of TTP fighters on Afghan soil.



Afghan Taliban officials reject charges they are sheltering or allowing the use of their territory for staging attacks against Pakistan or any other country.



Commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, the TTP, a globally designated terrorist group, is a close ally of the ruling Taliban in Kabul, and the two jointly waged insurgent attacks against the United States-led Western forces until they withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021.
The leader of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sunday visited Djibouti, which is leading regional efforts to broker a cease-fire after more than eight months of war.

The Horn of Africa nation is the latest stop on Mohamed Hamdan Daglo's first trip abroad since fighting erupted between the RSF and the Sudanese army in mid-April.

His regional tour  which has also taken him to Ethiopia and Uganda  comes as diplomats scramble to broker a meeting between Daglo and his rival, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The warring generals have not met face-to-face since the outbreak of the conflict that has killed more than 12,000 people by some conservative estimates, and forced millions to flee.

Daglo said on X, formerly Twitter, that he discussed with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh the latest developments in the war.

"I outlined our unwavering commitment to ending the conflict and working toward a substantive solution that finally halts the historic suffering of our resilient Sudanese people.

"I emphasized our readiness to participate in negotiations aimed at achieving a swift, just, and comprehensive peace in Sudan."

In another post on X, Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the visit was part of his country's efforts, as head of regional grouping IGAD, to try to forge a ceasefire in Sudan.

"Next week, as chair of IGAD, Djibouti will also prepare the ground for Sudanese dialogue and will host a critical meeting," Youssouf had said on X on Saturday, without giving further details.

Daglo on Thursday met in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, after holding talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni the day before.

IGAD, a bloc representing eight countries in the East Africa region, has been trying to bring Burhan and Daglo together since the war erupted.

On Wednesday, Djibouti's foreign ministry said a meeting between the rivals planned for December 28 had been "postponed to early January for technical reasons."

The UN Security Council earlier this month voiced alarm at the growing violence in Sudan and the spread of fighting to areas previously considered a haven for those displaced by the conflict.

By the end of November, at least 12,190 people had been killed, according to a conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project.

The United Nations says more than seven million people have been internally displaced by the war, while another 1.5 million have fled into neighboring countries.

Both sides have been accused of war crimes.
Ukraine has exported about 13 million tons of merchandise on some 400 ships since setting up a protected maritime corridor in August to fend off Russian threats, a government minister said Saturday.

While Ukraine had few military achievements on land in 2023, on the Black Sea it has pushed Russia's much larger navy away from its coasts, allowing the resumption of grain exports.

Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said he was "grateful" to Ukraine's international partners "for ensuring the operation of the corridor in conditions of military aggression."

The corridor was created in August to link Ukraine's ports to the Bosphorus Straits, several weeks after Moscow refused to agree on a new accord to allow cereal exports through the contested Black Sea.

The now-defunct accord had allowed Ukraine to export nearly 33 million tons of cereals and other foodstuffs over a year.

The sea route is particularly important now because several land border crossings have been blocked in recent months by Polish truckers unhappy with Ukrainian competition.

Russia had threatened to target ships arriving and leaving Ukrainian ports and has attacked port and grain storage facilities.

A Panamanian-flagged grain carrier headed to a Ukrainian port hit a mine this week, wounding two sailors.

On Saturday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saluted his country's maritime success, claiming that his forces had "reconquered the sea" this year.
A federal appeals court on Saturday cleared the way for a California law that bans the carrying of guns in most public places. The law can take effect at the start of 2024 because the panel put on hold a judge's ruling declaring the measure unconstitutional.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended a December 20 injunction issued by a judge who concluded the Democratic-led state's law violated the right of citizens to keep and bear arms under the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

The three-judge panel issued an administrative stay that put the injunction on hold until a different 9th Circuit panel can consider whether to issue an even longer pause while the litigation plays out.

The measure, which was set to take effect January 1 after being signed into law in September by Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, was enacted after a landmark ruling in June 2022 by the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court that expanded gun rights nationwide.

The Supreme Court in that case struck down New York's strict gun permit regime and declared for the first time that the right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment protects a person's right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense.

The ruling, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v Bruen, also set out a new test to assess the constitutionality of gun laws by holding they must be "consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation."

California, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States, was among a group of states with laws similar to New York. After the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, California moved to revamp its firearms regulations.

Under California's new law, people could not carry concealed guns in 26 categories of "sensitive places" including hospitals, playgrounds, stadiums, zoos and places of worship, regardless of whether they had permits to carry concealed weapons.

The law, Senate Bill 2, also barred people from having concealed guns at privately owned commercial establishments that are open to the public, unless the business's operator posts a sign allowing license holders to carry guns on their property.

A group of concealed carry permit holders and gun rights groups including the Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America and the California Rifle & Pistol Association sued, arguing the new law was unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush, on December 20 agreed and blocked the law pending the outcome of the case.

The law "turns nearly every public place in California into a 'sensitive place,' effectively abolishing the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding and exceptionally qualified citizens to be armed and to defend themselves in public," Carney wrote.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta quickly asked the 9th Circuit to put that injunction on hold pending an appeal, saying that leaving the law blocked would mean that "tens of millions of Californians will face a heightened risk of gun violence."

Similar laws adopted by other states have faced litigation as well. A federal appeals court on December 8 ruled that New York state could bar gun owners from carrying weapons in many "sensitive locations" including parks, zoos, bars and theaters.
Embezzlement of Oregon weekly newspaper's funds forces it to lay off entire staff and halt print

An Oregon weekly newspaper has had to lay off its entire staff and halt print because its funds were embezzled
A U.S. destroyer shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Yemen on Saturday as it responded to a call for help from a container ship that was hit in a separate strike, the U.S. military said.

The missiles were launched from territory controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the U.S. Central Command said in a social media post, describing it as the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19.

The Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital Red Sea shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is battling militant group Hamas.

CENTCOM said the USS Gravely and USS Laboon, both destroyers, responded to a request for assistance from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned and operated container ship that reported being struck by a missile while transiting the Red Sea.

While responding, the Gravely shot down the missiles, which were fired "toward the ships," it said.

The attacks by the Yemeni rebels are endangering a transit route that carries up to 12% of global trade, prompting the United States to set up a multinational naval task force earlier this month to protect Red Sea shipping.

The latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict began when the Palestinian militant group carried out a cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7.

Israel said about 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken in the terror attack, about 129 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military says 170 of its military personnel have been killed so far in the fighting.

Following the attack, the United States rushed military aid to Israel, which has carried out a relentless campaign in Gaza that has killed more than 21,600 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

Those deaths have sparked widespread anger in the Middle East and provided an impetus for attacks by armed groups across the region that are opposed to Israel.

U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have repeatedly come under fire from drone and rocket attacks that Washington says are being carried out by Iran-backed armed groups.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Venezuela said Saturday it will keep nearly 6,000 troops deployed until a British military vessel sent to neighboring Guyana leaves the waters off the coast of the two South American nations.

In a video posted to X, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino appeared surrounded by military officers in front of a map of Venezuela and Guyana, a former British colony.

Padrino said the forces are "safeguarding our national sovereignty."

"Armed forces have been deployed not just in the east of the country, but across the entire territory," he said. "They will be there until this British imperialist boat leaves the disputed waters between Venezuela and Guyana."

The Defense Ministry confirmed to The Associated Press that the video was made at a military base in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.

The video comes after weeks of tensions between the two countries over Venezuela's renewed claim to a region in Guyana known as Essequibo, a sparsely populated stretch of land roughly the size of Florida that is rich in oil and minerals. Operations generate some $1 billion a year for the impoverished country of nearly 800,000 people that saw its economy expand by nearly 60% in the first half of this year.

Venezuela has long argued it was cheated out of the territory when Europeans and the U.S. set the border. Guayana, which has controlled the zone for decades, says the original agreement was legally binding and the dispute should be decided by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands.

The century-old dispute was recently reignited with the discovery of oil in Guyana and has escalated since Venezuela reported that its citizens voted in a December 3 referendum to claim Essequibo, which makes up two-thirds of its smaller neighbor.

Critics of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro say the socialist leader is using the tensions to distract from internal turmoil and stoke nationalism before presidential elections next year.

In recent weeks, the leaders of Guyana and Venezuela promised in a tense meeting that neither side would use threats or force against the other. But they failed to reach agreement on how to address the bitter dispute.

Tensions increased with Friday's arrival in Guyana of the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent, which officials said had been taking part in an operation combatting drug smuggling in the Caribbean near the coast of Guyana. Most recently used to intercept pirates and drug smugglers off Africa, the ship is equipped with cannons and a landing pad for helicopters and drones and can carry about 50 marines.

Maduro said the ship's deployment violates the shaky agreement between Venezuela and Guyana, calling its presence a threat to his country. In response, Maduro ordered Venezuela's military  including air and naval forces  to conduct exercises near the disputed area.

"We believe in diplomacy, in dialogue and in peace, but no one is going to threaten Venezuela," Maduro said. "This is an unacceptable threat to any sovereign country in Latin America."

Guyana's government rejected Maduro's claims, with officials saying that the visit was a planned activity aimed at improving the nation's defense capabilities and that the ship's visit would continue as scheduled.

During talks earlier in December, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali said his nation reserved its right to work with partners to ensure the defense of his country. Guyana has a military of 3,000 soldiers, 200 sailors and four small patrol boats known as Barracudas, while Venezuela has about 235,000 active military personnel in its army, air force, navy and national guard.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a New Years address that China would surely be reunified with the self-ruled territory of Taiwan, renewing Beijings threat to militarily take over the island but setting no timetable for gaining control.

Xis remarks came just ahead of Taiwans January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections that China has described as a choice between war and peace.

William Lai, who currently serves as vice president from the ruling Democratic People's Party, is the presidential front-runner, but China considers him a "separatist" and has accused him and Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen of trying to provoke a Chinese attack on the island.

Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to regard the island as Chinese territory and has long coveted Taiwans technology-heavy economy even as the island governs itself. China has regularly sent fighter jets on flights in airspace close to the island and warships near Taiwanese waters.

Under its one-China policy, the United States recognizes that China claims Taiwan as its own but has continued to ship weapons to Taiwan. The U.S. describes its policy as strategic ambiguity, although President Joe Biden has periodically said the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. White House officials later have said there is no change in U.S. policy.

Xis New Years remarks were open to interpretation as to Beijings intentions.

"China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose," Xi said in his annual address, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

On Saturday, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, called Lai a "destroyer of peace" following a televised debate earlier that day in which Lai defended Taiwan's right to rule itself as a democracy.

Chen said Lai's remarks at the debate were "full of confrontational thinking," adding that the vice president is "the instigator of a potential dangerous war in the Taiwan Strait."

Lai had said during the debate that Taiwan is not subordinate to China and that he was open to talks with Beijing "as long as there is equality and dignity on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."

Lai does not describe himself as seeking independence from Beijing because he already considers Taiwan an independent country.

Lai's election rivals include Hou Yu-ih from the China-friendly Kuomintang party, and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People's Party.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press.
Israel launched new bombing strikes on Hamas militants Sunday, with hospital officials saying at least 35 people were killed in Gaza City and no signs that the fighting will end soon as the calendar turns to 2024.

Israeli forces targeted the central part of the Gaza Strip, the narrow Palestinian territory along the Mediterranean Sea, while also carrying out operations in Khan Younis, Gazas second largest city in the south toward the border with Egypt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted Saturday that the Jewish states offensive, sparked by the shock October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, will last for many more months despite increasing international calls for a cease-fire.

The Hamas-run health ministry said 18 bodies had been recovered in the overnight bombing of Gaza City with many more believed buried under the rubble.

After the explosion we arrived at the scene of the strike and saw martyrs everywhere," one local man told Agence France-Presse after a building was hit. "Children are still missing, we can't find them."



The Israeli army said it killed about a dozen enemy fighters in multiple ground battles, air and tank strikes and said it had located more Hamas tunnels, and explosives planted in a kindergarten.

As the conflict neared the three-month mark, about 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The U.N. has warned of the increased risk of hunger and disease as desperate families shelter in makeshift tents against the winter cold.

Netanyahu said at his Saturday news conference the border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt should be under Israel's control to ensure the demilitarization of the area.

If Israel takes control of the border zone, it would be a de facto reversal of its 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and place the enclave under Israeli control again after years of control by Hamas.

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"The Philadelphi Corridor  or to put it more correctly, the southern stoppage point (of Gaza)  must be in our hands. It must be shut. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarization that we seek," Netanyahu said.

He said that about 8,000 militants have been killed in Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian territory. Since the war began in October, 21,672 Palestinians have been killed and more than 56,000 wounded, Gazas Hamas-run health ministry said Saturday. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.

Israel began its military campaign to erase Hamas control of Gaza after the October attack when Israel said about 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken hostage, with 129 believed still held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military says 170 of its military personnel have been killed so far in the fighting.

"Step by step we are depriving Hamas of their capabilities, Netanyahu said. We will also eliminate the leaders."

He vowed to bring all the hostages back.

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the government secure their release.

600,000 vaccines delivered

While the fighting rages on, UNICEF said it has delivered at least 600,000 doses of vaccines to Gaza. Nearly 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have missed their routine vaccinations, including polio and measles, since the start of the fighting, according to the agency.

UNICEF said it is working with the World Health Organization and UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, to reach the children who have missed their shots.

Israels widening attacks in central and southern Gaza have pushed tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking shelter into Rafah, where the population has more than tripled to 850,000, according to U.N. figures.

We don't have water. We dont have enough food, Nour Daher, a displaced woman, told The Associated Press Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldnt bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk.

Juliette Touma, a UNRWA spokesperson, said people are using any empty space to build shacks or sleep in cars or in the open.

Most available water is polluted. The sanitation system has broken down, and working toilets are a rarity.

Almost the entire population of Gaza is dependent on international aid, including for food, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said Friday. Lazzarini said the aid operation faces severe restrictions from Israeli authorities. Trucks face long delays at the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt and the newly reopened Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel, he said.

Israel has told residents of central Gaza to head south, but even there, people are not safe, he said.

Israeli forces have flattened much of the Gaza enclave going after Hamas militants and destroying the tunnel systems allegedly used by the group.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
The one waged by Israel in Gaza is called by the Washington Post "one of the most destructive wars of this century." This war - implemented by Israel with the full support of the U.S. NATO and the EU - has so far left more than 20,000 Palestinians dead and 55,000 seriously wounded, most of whom will not survive as Israeli forces systematically destroy Gazas hospitals. Women and children account for 70 percent of the dead. About 2 million people, corresponding to 85% of the population, are displaced. Increasing at the same time are Israeli raids in the West Bank. Against this background, PM Netanyahu enunciates, in an article in the Wall Street Journal, as the first "prerequisite for peace" the need that "Hamas must be destroyed." He stresses that "in destroying Hamas, Israel will continue to act in full compliance with international law."

Netanyhau forgets the official statement he made in 2019: Anyone who wants to obstruct the creation of a Palestinian State must support Hamas and transfer money to Hamas. This is part of our strategy: to isolate the Palestinians in Gaza from the Palestinians in the West Bank. For years, in agreement with Israel, Qatar has sent hundreds of millions of dollars in cash to Gaza each month to support the Hamas government. A 40-page document, code-named by Israeli intelligence "Wall of Jericho," shows that Israel knew for more than a year, in detail, the plan for the attack carried out by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. It served Israels leaders to justify one of the most destructive wars of this century, the purpose of which was clear from the beginning: to wipe out the territories of the Palestinian State, massacring and deporting its entire population. This was confirmed today by Paula Betancur of the UN High Commission for Human Rights: The Israeli military operation in Gaza aims to deport the civilian population en masse.

The Israeli war to permanently wipe out the Palestinian State is part of the U.S.-NATO-EU strategy to maintain by war the control of a strategic region, the Middle East, in which the West is losing ground in the face of advancing political-economic projects, such as that of the BRICS, that are changing world assets.

Video in Italian
Photo: Warner Bros./YouTube

When an actor passes, the public tends to remember them in one or two key roles. Or even scenes. For Andre Braugher, queer fans posted the scene of Captain Holt thanking Rosa Diaz for coming out and making the world a better, more interesting place. Piper Laurie was tributed with her turn as Mrs. White in Carrie. But for Tom Wilkinson, the citizens of the internet have one image burned indelibly in their brains: Wilkinson carrying an absurd number of baguettes in Michael Clayton. Its simply the most bread thats ever been in one place at one time in the history of the world, Merritt Wever said of the loaf haul in July of this year. Its remarkable.

One baguette sticking out of a grocery bag is so cliche that it has its own TV Tropes page. But Arthur, Wilkinsons manic litigator, has like 17 of those bad boys in the scene where hes confronted by George Clooneys Clayton. The bounty of bread indicates Arthurs less-than-optimal mental state, although we would have gotten that from Wilkinsons performance anyway. The man was unparalleled when it came to suffusing even the smallest roles (the blink-and-hes-dead Mr. Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility). Which is why its fitting his career is being represented by a single image. On social media, fans showed their grief with a touch of absurdity. Also carbs.

Pour one out (a giant bag of baguettes) for the king!!! pic.twitter.com/64Wi03fEVQ  dave horwitz (@Dave_Horwitz) December 30, 2023

Going into 2024 with this energy pic.twitter.com/ha3Y5Cp9qz  Desi (@DesiJed) December 30, 2023

Michael Clayton: Arthur, you have to stop. You smoke too tough. Your bag too different. Your bread is too bad. theyll kill you



Arthur: pic.twitter.com/5wLxDkVTzy  John Bickerstaff  (@Bitterstaff) December 30, 2023

Buying a grocery bag full of warm baguettes in honor of his all-time performance in Michael Clayton https://t.co/ryol0WHJCM  Jeff Gonick (@jgonick) December 30, 2023

Incredible actor but in Michael Clayton hes particularly amazing. A captivating, manic performance with monologues that grab you by the shoulders and pull you in. Having a baguette in his honor today. https://t.co/ahjgRco1F5 pic.twitter.com/aTVl33NLhx  Zach Shevich (zshevich.bsky) (@ZShevich) December 30, 2023
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BELGRADE, Serbia  Thousands of people rallied in Serbias capital on Saturday, chanting Thieves! and accusing the populist authorities of President Aleksandar Vucic of orchestrating a fraud during a recent general election. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The big rally in central Belgrade capped nearly two weeks of street protests against reported widespread irregularities during the Dec. 17 parliamentary and local ballot that were also noted by international election observers.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party was declared the election winner but the main opposition alliance, Serbia Against Violence, has claimed the election was stolen, particularly in the vote for the Belgrade city authorities.

Serbia Against Violence has led daily protests since Dec. 17 demanding that the vote be annulled and rerun. Tensions have soared following violent incidents and arrests of opposition supporters at a protest last weekend.

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The crowd at the rally on Saturday roared in approval at the appearance of Marinika Tepic, a leading opposition politician who has been on a hunger strike since the ballot. Tepics health reportedly has been jeopardized and she was expected to be hospitalized after appearing at the rally.

These elections must be rerun, a frail-looking Tepic told the crowd, waving feebly from the stage and saying she doesnt have the strength to make a longer speech.

Another opposition politician, Radomir Lazovic, urged the international community not to stay silent and set up a commission to look into the irregularities and pressure authorities to hold a new election thats free and fair.

After the speeches, participants marched by the headquarters of the state electoral commission toward Serbias Constitutional Court that will ultimately rule on electoral complaints.

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A protester from Belgrade, Rajko Dimitrijevic, said he came to the rally because he felt humiliation and the doctoring of the peoples will.

Ivana Grobic, also from Belgrade, said she had always joined protests because I want a better life, I want the institutions of this country to do their job.

It was not immediately clear if or when opposition protests would resume. The rally on Saturday was organized by an independent civic initiative, ProGlas, or pro-vote, that had campaigned for high turnout ahead of the ballot.

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Ruling party leader Milos Vucevic said the small number of demonstrators at the rally on Saturday showed that people dont want them (the opposition.)

The opposition has urged an international probe of the vote after representatives of several global watchdogs reported multiple irregularities, including cases of vote-buying and ballot box stuffing.

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Local election monitors also alleged that voters from across Serbia and neighboring countries were registered and bused in to cast ballots in Belgrade.

Vucic and his party have rejected the reports as fabricated.

Saturdays gathering symbolically was organized at a central area in Belgrade that in the early 1990s was the scene of demonstrations against strongman Slobodan Milosevics warmongering and undemocratic policies.

Critics nowadays say that Vucic, who was an ultranationalist ally of Milosevic in the 1990s, has reinstated that autocracy in Serbia since coming to power in 2012, by taking full control over the media and all state institutions.

Vucic has said the elections were fair and his party won. He accused the opposition of inciting violence at protests with the aim of overthrowing the government under instructions from abroad, which opposition leaders have denied.

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On Sunday evening, protesters tried to enter Belgrade city hall, breaking windows, before riot police pushed them back using tear gas, pepper spray and batons. Police detained at least 38 people.

Serbia is formally seeking membership in the European Union, but the Balkan nation has maintained close ties with Moscow and has refused to join Western sanctions imposed on Russia over the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russian officials have extended full support to Vucic in the crackdown against the protesters and backed his claims that the vote was free and fair.
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 A clear, still morning rushed past as pilot Richard Champion de Crespigny lifted the nose of the A380 from the runway at Singapores Changi Airport. Bound for Sydney, the passengers barely had time to get comfortable when two bangs sounded. The plane began to shudder. A turbine disk had exploded from one of the engines, breaking into shrapnel that ripped hundreds of holes in the Qantas aircraft. Shock ran through de Crespigny. Then the captains decades of training kicked in. It could have easily gone the wrong way and the aircraft crashed, he says of the 2010 crisis. Simply following procedure would get the five pilots in the cockpit only so far. It could even risk putting the 469 people on board in greater danger. The crew had to think independently of the systems, and follow de Crespignys lead. There are so many ways to make decisions, and on QF32 we used all of them, he says. Making decisions is somewhere between art and science. Flying a plane with engine failure might be one extreme, but we all make life-changing decisions sometimes. A handful of them carry more weight than others: What career should I pursue? Should I stay or leave a relationship? Where should I live? Should I have kids? When do I retire? When we get stuck, emotions, values, plans and consequences roll around like metal balls in a handheld maze, each a balancing act to navigate. So, is there a better way to make big decisions? When should we rely on intuition? And what is the role of regret? Credit: Artwork by Monique Westermann, Getty How do you decide on matters of life and death? The cockpit shook, alarms blared and large warning lights flashed red. While panic would overwhelm most of us, de Crespigny didnt hesitate. He stopped the aircraft from climbing, knowing it was high enough to clear any mountains, and overrode the autopilot.

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Pilots are taught that the first 30 seconds of a crisis can be the difference between life and death, de Crespigny says. All I did was make sure the aircraft was flying and that we were safe. In those critical first few seconds, its important to create time, he says. Dont get drawn into making any rash decisions. Panic is a subconscious response that pilots train to overcome. Practising being out of your comfort zone is really good for protecting you from the fear response, he says. Loading The plane was momentarily safe but the damage was severe; one engine was destroyed and another three were degraded. All but one of the 22 flight systems had problems, including the brakes and landing gear. The pilots put the plane in a holding pattern while they ran computer checklists that helped them stabilise the damage and prepare for an emergency landing in Singapore. Pilot Richard Champion de Crespigny is a seasoned decision-maker in life  including when he safely landed a severely damaged A380. One theory of how we think, popularised by Nobel prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman  including in his 2011 book Thinking, Fast and Slow  breaks our minds into two systems. The first strains over slow, deliberate decisions. The other uses mental shortcuts from prior experience. De Crespigny needed both to survive this crisis. When youre flying an aircraft, the 35 years of flying experience that I had gave me all these basic skills to operate subconsciously, he says. It makes decision-making fairly quick  or youve at least thought through the processes. Keep calm, dont rush, create time, never presume or assume, and face only the danger in front.

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Still, he and his team thought hard before following many of the aircrafts checklists; they ignored a direction to transfer fuel from one wing to another, for example, given there were holes in the fuel tank. If we had followed those checklists we probably wouldnt have gotten back. Nearly two hours after the explosion, a magic silence came over the flight deck as de Crespigny dropped the plane towards the runway, he recalls in his book QF32. The plane was overweight, too fast and with limited runway length available. A stall warning sounded metres from the ground. The plane used nearly all four kilometres of tarmac to come to a halt. After wed stopped, I had a moment of pleasure thinking the crisis was over, but it wasnt, it was like a bushfire when the wind changes direction, he tells us. In fact, the decision-making was only entering another phase. Fuel was pouring out of one wing near the planes hot brakes. One of the engines would not shut off. A complex question arose: should they evacuate via emergency slides that would, among other risks, injure the elderly or put passengers in danger of igniting jet fuel if they walked through it? We decided to keep the passengers on board, de Crespigny says, believing it was safer to wait for stairs for them to exit, adding, passengers could have died if forced to evacuate. I would say 60 per cent of pilots would say we made the wrong decision not to evacuate, he says. But he kept returning to his training: Keep calm, dont rush, create time, never presume or assume, and face only the danger in front. Credit: Artwork by Monique Westermann, Getty Are there techniques for making big life decisions? November 11, 1838 was the day of days! Charles Darwin wrote in his journal. The excitement wasnt a breakthrough in his theories of evolution but a successful marriage proposal to his cousin, Emma Wedgwood. It would be a union of four decades; the remainder of Darwins life. Months earlier, though, he had been weighing marriage against his scientific career. The most common big decisions people make involve their relationships, family, career, education, finances and home, says University of Technology Sydney associate professor Adrian Camilleri. He has asked 658 people about their biggest decisions, finding these moments were often rare, uncertain, required contemplation, involved personal morals or values, affected multiple people and had long-term consequences. The more of those elements that are part of a decision, the bigger it is, he says.

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Darwin used a rudimentary tool to ponder marriage. He ruled his page down the centre and scribbled a pros and cons list. The upsides were children, companionship, love and play, all of which were good for ones health. But there were downsides, such as less conversation of clever men at clubs, more expense and anxiety of children, and perhaps quarrelling. The pros had it. Darwin jotted his conclusion at the bottom of the page: Marry. Several experts told us pros and cons lists were useful if the alternative was that you wouldnt spend time thinking through a decision. In some ways, pros and cons remain state of the art, because the art hasnt advanced much, says Steven Johnson, who researched long-term decision-making in his book Farsighted. This got more and more scandalous to me as I researched and wrote the book; no one had ever told me how to make a decision. Still, a pros and cons list can reduce big decisions into either/or choices too early. Relationship concerns framed as stay or go are one example, says Dr Rowan Burckhardt, director of the Sydney Couples Counselling Centre. He finds people who are no longer in love rarely find therapy beneficial. But for others working through conflicts or differences, it can open up options. You think that youre facing two roads in front of you: one is separation and one is just putting up with this forever. But in fact, there is a third path  you just dont even see it. Johnson adds another approach: If you dont predict well, then you cant decide well. Some businesses like to call it a pre-mortem  a way of foreseeing nightmare scenarios in advance of a decision. But Johnson thinks of it more as a form of storytelling that can plot positive or surprising outcomes too. The other important thing is having a diversity of storytellers, he says, to offer their perspectives. People just make better, more farsighted decisions when they make them in heterogeneous groups. Before making a critical decision about a checklist on QF32, de Crespigny consulted each member of his team from the lowest-ranked pilot up, to make sure he hadnt overlooked anything. If you start at the bottom, everyone is going to have their say, he explains. You dont get any groupthink, and you certainly dont get peer pressure from someone being reticent to speak up. He suggests using this technique at home, asking the youngest childs opinion before their siblings. With any big decision, says Ben Newell, a professor of behavioural science at UNSW, gathering as much information as possible is preferable before drilling down to what you value most. It sounds like a trite thing to say, but its true: if you can get the evidence as much in front of you, that will help you distinguish between the choices, he says. When you identify your values, it makes it easier for you to make a decision.

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De Crespigny believes hes pretty good at making everyday decisions: When the wife says, What would you like for dinner? I say, What are the options? When we pose a question to our children the first thing they say is, What are the options? So Im particularly pleased that it has rubbed off on them. Newell then suggests prioritising the most important aspect of the choice. When buying a house, for example, is your budget the thing thats driving you, is it being in an area thats not going to be prone to floods? With the options and scenarios on the table, Johnson says, the question becomes about what you value most. [Perhaps] having kids is much more important than conversations with clever men in clubs; theyre both meaningful, but one is way more important, he says of Darwins choice. De Crespigny stays aware of his personal values when deciding too: When you identify your values, it makes it easier for you to make a decision. There are plenty of decisions de Crespigny has agonised over too. As a pilot, he was unable to take as many risks in life as he might have liked, to protect his health and the financial wellbeing of his family. But his piloting career ended unexpectedly because of COVID, and his children have now finished school. So, after refusing for many years to ride the Cresta toboggan run in Switzerland, it was time. You go headfirst at 80 miles an hour with your head two inches from the ice, he says. Your risk appetite changes during life. When the moment comes, for obvious reasons, no single approach to a decision can tell you exactly which way to go. But the experts we spoke with said people were generally happier with their decision when they used a method and spent the time they needed to make it. Having some kind of structure is the most important thing, Johnson says. Credit: Artwork by Monique Westermann, Getty Images Can going with your gut or sleeping on it help?

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Two young children have died after they were found floating in Perths Swan River on New Years Eve.

The boy and girl, aged four and six, were seen in the water at Burswood near Perth Stadium about 5.25pm on Sunday.

Police said two children were pulled from the Swan River but could not be revived. Credit: Nine News

They were pulled from the river by members of the public, but were unresponsive by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, WA Police said.

Both children were given CPR and taken to Perth Childrens Hospital but could not be revived.
Treating vape addiction will be a new phenomenon for the medical industry as it braces for the first stage of the federal governments world-leading reforms to limit usage of the device to people with a prescription.

From New Years Day, the importation of all disposable vapes with or without nicotine will be banned as part of a crackdown to stop a thriving black market that imports millions of flavoured disposable vapes from China.

From New Years Day, the importation of all disposable vapes with or without nicotine will be banned. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Parallel to the governments ban on disposable vapes, all doctors and nurses will have the power to prescribe vapes as a method to help patients recover from addiction.

Originally, only doctors with additional training and certification were able to prescribe vapes which was widely seen as ineffectual because only 5 per cent of practitioners took up the option.
London: Denmarks queen has unexpectedly announced that she plans to abdicate within weeks, paving the way for her eldest son, Frederik, to become king.

Queen Margrethe II said during her traditional New Years Eve speech that she would formally step down on January 14  52 years to the day of her ascension to the throne in 1972.

Danish Crown Princess Mary, Crown Prince Frederik and Queen Margrethe. Credit: AP

Crown Prince Frederik, who married Australian-born Princess Mary almost 20 years ago, will succeed his mother, becoming King Frederik X. Mary will take the title of queen.

Unlike British royal tradition, there will be no formal crowning ceremony for 55-year-old Frederik. Instead, his ascension will be announced from Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen on the day.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico's government has restarted repatriation flights of Venezuelans, it said on Saturday, two days after officials agreed to work more closely with their U.S. counterparts to tackle record migration at their shared border.

Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Mexico to hold high-level talks on migration and other issues.

The talks came after the U.S. government temporarily shuttered some border crossings to redeploy agents toward enforcement.

In a statement, the Mexican foreign ministry said on Saturday "it was agreed to restart the coordinated mechanism of repatriation flights for Venezuelans." It said two flights had departed Mexico on Friday and Saturday.

"Both countries are working on the implementation of social programs in Venezuela that will benefit, among others, repatriated people by linking them with productive projects and paid internships in workplaces," the statement said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on social media that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had also repatriated Venezuelans this week.

"The U.S. continues to remove those who have no legal basis to remain back to their countries of origin, including Venezuela," he wrote on X.

"We also continue to work with our partners, including Mexico, to expand lawful pathways and coordinate enforcement measures against those who do not use them."

The Venezuelan transport ministry confirmed on social media that 207 nationals had landed on Saturday morning in Maiquetia, near the capital Caracas, from Mexico "as part of the migration agreements established by both nations."

Venezuelan migrants often leave from Colombia and cross the border with Panama, including the dangerous Darien Gap, on their route north, hoping to pass through Central America and Mexico to reach the U.S. border.

(Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher in Mexico City and Mayela Armas in Caracas; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Lisa Shumaker)
Kenneth Fox

A 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged with the assault of a man whose body was found in a rented house on the Tipperary-Limerick border early on Wednesday morning.

Tomasz Rozpeda was charged at special sitting of Nenagh District Court today with assault causing harm to Maciej Nowak (32) at Ballycrana, Kilcross, Co Tipperary between December 26th and December 27th, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath noted that Mr Rozpeda was reserving his position in relation to bail, and she granted the Garda application, remanding him in custody to appear in person again at Nenagh District Court next Wednesday while she also granted him free legal aid after he submitted a statement of means.

A native of Poland, Mr Rozpeda, who was dressed in a grey tracksuit top and bottoms and sneakers, was assisted by a Polish interpreter throughout. He did not speak during the hearing which lasted less than five minutes before Judge MacGrath.

The charge follows an investigation by gardai into the circumstances of the death of fellow Polish national, construction worker Maciej Novak.

He was found unresponsive at his rented home at Ballycrana near Kilcross at about 4am on Wednesday by gardai when they called to the property.

Mr Nowak, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on St Stephens Day, was pronounced dead at the scene by a local doctor and his body was later removed to University Hospital Waterford for a postmortem examination which gardai say has informed their investigation.
About a 30-minute drive south of Philadelphia, five miles west of the Delaware River, lies the community of Sewell. Located in the township of Mantua Township, Sewell is a quaint town, a stop-off just off the beaten track between Philadelphia and Atlantic City with a population just short of 3,500 people. It's a typical American town - full of the usual people and businesses and not exactly swollen with tourists.

The place was named after a man by the name of William Joyce Sewell, a decorated American Civil War veteran who went on to have a distinguished career as a politician during the latter half of the 19th century. His post-war career in politics even brought him all the way to the Capitol in Washington DC where he served as a US senator for the state of New Jersey.

Sewell was born in Castlebar in 1835, emigrating to Chicago with his family as a teenager just as Ireland grappled with the Great Famine. A few years after he sailed across the Atlantic to a better life, he moved further south and settled in New Jersey where he would ultimately spend most of his life. By then though, tensions were beginning to become fraught across the United States due to some very diverging opinions on slavery. The North and the South, as has been well documented in the history books, had very different views on the subject of race. And those tensions escalated upon the election of Abraham Lincoln to the office of president. President Lincoln's staunch opposition to slavery across the country led southern states to form the Confederacy in February 1861. Two months later, and only a year after the election of President Lincoln, the American Civil War broke out.

Sewell hadn't been living in Camden, New Jersey for long when he decided to join the Union Army. And despite not having a decorated military career, he was immediately made captain. But while he may not have had much experience in combat, the Irish-American quickly settled into the role and cultivated a reputation as a very capable leader among his peers. He first rose to prominence at the Battle of Chancellorsville where he led a number of prominent offensives, capturing over 1,000 Confederacy prisoners in the process. While the Union Army was eventually outwitted by some astute decision-making on the battlefield by General Robert E Lee, who split his army in two to take on an army twice the size, Sewell was able to retreat with his reputation still intact. He was also wounded in the battle and would later be awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his efforts to the Union cause.

Despite his injuries, Sewell returned to the battlefield in time for the Battle of Gettysburg less than two months later and was likely present when President Lincoln gave his historic 272-word Gettysburg Address speech ahead of a Union victory against General Lee's forces. Once again, Sewell refused to shy away from combat and was wounded in battle. He was eventually stood down as the Union Army inflicted revenge on their southern counterparts who were beginning to make headway into their territory. Sewell didn't fight in battle again. But by the time he stepped away from combat, he had already cultivated such an esteemed reputation that he would eventually be promoted to Brigadier General.

When he was finally awarded his Medal of Honor in 1896, his citation read: "Assuming command of a brigade, he rallied around his colors [sic] a mass of men from other regiments and fought these troops with great brilliancy through several hours of desperate conflict, remaining in command though wounded and inspiring them by his presence and the gallantry of his personal example."

That reputation stood with him throughout his life as he became a hugely admired member of the community in New Jersey. His post-war career began in the railroad business, where he rose to hold powerful roles within a number of companies in the industry. Those roles set the foundations for a political career that began in his home state and eventually ended in Washington DC. He was first elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 1872. And after serving as it's president from 1876 to 1880, he was elected to the United States Senate in 1881. He failed in his attempt to be re-elected in 1886 though, perhaps not too dissimilar to his actions on the battlefield, he persisted with politics and once again became a US senator in 1895. He continued to serve in this role up until his death in late December 1901.

However, Sewell wasn't the only man with strong Mayo roots who was involved in the American Civil War.

Little is known about William Montague Browne's early life in Mayo, but he is believed to have travelled to the United States in 1852 where he became editor of the New York Journal of Commerce, a title which is still in existence today. He remained in that role for the best part of a decade before moving to Washington DC where he continued to ply his trade in journalism, becoming editor of the Washington Constitution. But Browne was a man who wore more than one hat.

He became a close friend of President James Buchanan during his time in the city, also becoming known as one of his closest and trusted advisors. President Buchanan was quite conservative despite coming from the North and thereby believed in preserving the rights of individual states to legislate as they saw fit. While he is understood to have personally opposed the concept of slavery, he believed states had the right to decide whether or not slavery was abolished. Needless to say, he went to great lengths to appease slaveholders from the southern states.

Those sympathies were shared by Browne, who regularly argued the case of the southern cause in the Washington Constitution. As American society became fractured towards the tail-end of the 1850s and into the 1860s, Browne became more and more involved with those who argued fervently for the preservation of slavery. By the time the Confederacy was formed in 1861, Browne was rubbing shoulders with some of the leading names on that side of the divide. He no longer simply had the ears of those in the corridors of power - he was becoming a permanent figure in them.

As war broke out, Browne eventually ascended to the rank of Brigadier General of the Confederate Army. On his way to that position, he served as the Confederacy's acting Secretary of State for a period of 11 days in 1862, as well as being aide-de-camp for President Jefferson Davis. He was never too far away from crucial decision-making as the Confederacy planned their next move against the Union.

But despite some incursions into Union territory, the Union eventually emerged victorious and the Confederacy disbanded in 1866.

Following the war, Browne returned to civilian life, as was the case with many other prominent veterans. And life appeared to be heading along a prosperous path for the Mayo native. Although he was admitted to the bar in Georgia, he ultimately returned to journalism and began editing the Southern Banner, which had been a strong advocate for secession before and during the war. Such was his versatility, Browne then became a Professor of History and Political Science at the University of Georgia.

Yet despite clearly being a man of great intellect and numerous talents, he died in relative poverty.

His situation was illustrated in a letter he wrote to Varina Davis, the wife of the Confederacy president who was imprisoned following the war. With her husband incarcerated, Browne had reached out to offer comfort, while also admitting that he hadn't the funds to come visit her in person as he had hoped.

"Locomotion is impossible," he wrote. "My poverty and not my will keep me at once from going to see you."

He added: "My house and a few acres of poor land are all I have left. You know how, contrary to the advice of wise friends, I gave all I had to the govt [sic]. I never tried to get it back, but lost all when all was lost."

Sewell, on the other hand, experienced a vastly different life following his efforts in the war.

When he died in late 1901, he was declared an American hero in his hometown of Camden. According to a report on the front page of the Matawan Journal, his funeral was an "imposing affair" with members of the military and US Congress, along with the governor, governor-elect and other public officials all attending to pay their respects to the deceased. Business in Camden was also suspended as a mark of respect to the veteran.

While one Mayo man faded into history, the legacy of the other continues to be felt today with a New Jersey town named in his honour.

Winston Churchill was searingly accurate - history is indeed written by the victors.
An inspection carried out by the Mental Health Commission found a number of areas of non-compliance in a unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar.

St Annes Unit is a 12-bed single storey building and located on the wider campus of the Sacred Heart Hospital. There were five residents in the unit at the time of inspection.

The unit had a 73% compliance rate but a number of areas of concern were highlighted.

The fire doors did not close correctly, and the front door was locked at times throughout the inspection. A magnetic lock and lock and key mechanism was in place for the front door, which was a main fire exit. There was an insufficient number of fire extinguishers, and this was rectified at the time of the inspection.

Hazards were not minimised, running hot water was extremely hot in all bathroom areas and this was not documented on the approved centres maintenance log.

Resident records were found not to be kept in a manner to ensure completeness, accuracy, and ease of retrieval. In one clinical file, in one admission document belonging to one resident, two resident names and two identity stickers were highlighted  which meant it was unclear which of the two residents the admission document belonged too.

A high standard of hygiene was not maintained in regards to the storing and disposing of food. Cooked food was stored in the oven on top of an unclean cooking utensil.

Not all staff disciplines were trained in fire safety, basic life support, management of violence and aggression.

The number and skill mix of staffing were not sufficient to meet resident needs. There was insufficient staff working at night which did not match the agreed night nurse staffing levels.

The approved centre was not kept in a good state of repair inside due to bleach stains on two doors, plaster damage in a bedroom and bathroom, cracked paint and heat damage to a wall in the kitchen.

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) published five inspection reports on approved inpatient mental health centres (including St Annes) that show serious non-compliances with regard to regulations on premises and staffing, and issues with regard to access to physical healthcare.

The reports released also focused on the Acute Mental Health Unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH), Cork City ); St Catherine's Ward at St Finbarrs Hospital in Cork City; Haywood Lodge, Haywood Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; and St Bridgets Ward and St Marie Gorettis Ward at the Cluain Lir Care Centre, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, said he was disappointed to note the poor results around premises, which continues to be an issue of concern. Not one of these five centres was compliant with the regulation on premises, with some areas nowhere close to the standard that we would deem acceptable, he said.
I hope you like the recreation of a Christmas scene of Pearse Street in 1923, gracing the Western Star magazine cover and reprinted with this article. The line of the buildings and the skyline stretching to the post office have mostly stayed the same. Only the costumes and means of transport betray its vintage.

However, suppose a stranger were to travel south and stand on the peak of Nephin or the Partry Mountains on a clear day and gaze out across the patchwork quilt of fields, bogs and lakes that make up County Mayo. In that case, it's easy for them to imagine that life here has changed little over the past century. The small towns and villages, connected by narrow winding roads, appear untouched by time. Many natives continue to work the land and fish the sea as their ancestors did. This vista is the romantic Ireland of postcards and flowery prose, a throwback to an older, more straightforward way of life.

But we natives know that beneath the surface, you'll find a county that has undergone profound and often painful upheavals in the last 100 years. Though the population has fluctuated, Mayo has been reshaped by the forces of economics, politics, technology and social change. It's a story of conflict and loss, of exodus and renewal. The one constant has been the unyielding land itself, sculpted over aeons into a landscape of untamed and haunting beauty.

In the tumultuous years after independence, Mayo became a byword for remoteness and stagnation. The disparaging moniker 'Culchie', reputedly derived from 'Kiltimagh', denoted a rural and culturally deprived arrival to the sophistication of larger urban centres. Mayo was the archetypal forgotten 'backwater'  remote, conservative and stubbornly resistant to progress. By the 1950s, the county had the highest rates of emigration and lowest per capita income in the country. For many, the only route out of grinding rural poverty was a boat to Liverpool or New York. Several small islands off the coast were abandoned as the Government resettled residents on the mainland.

This stunning image of a snow-capped Nephin was captured by local photographer Caroline Hopkins. Caroline's images can be viewed and purchased at the website, www.shopinireland.com, just search under 'Caroline Hopkins Photography'. You can also find her on Facebook at 'Hopkins Media'.

The causes of emigration were complex but rooted mainly in the county's geographical isolation and over-reliance on farming. Land redistribution post-independence never translated into extensive farm holdings, so farms remained small and family-orientated. Fishing also declined when the new State failed to provide subsidies or protection from foreign trawlers.

For all our lofty rhetoric about a Gaelic revival, the Irish language made few inroads in this English-speaking part of the West. Those pockets of the Gaeltacht that remain are today threatened with obsoletion, and no amount of Gaelic tuition seems capable of arresting that downward trajectory.

By the 1960s, from the progressive heights of Dublin 4, Mayo had become shorthand for all that was wrong with conservative, inward-looking, post-independence Ireland. In his famous 'diary' chronicling Irish life, the irreverent English journalist H.E. Bates described it as a "sad, grey place" trapped in the past  "no gaiety, no fun, no joy at all". He painted a misguided picture of dour, repressed people leading joyless, circumscribed lives under the deadening weight of the unchanging tradition. The portrayal is deeply at odds with the happiness and peace that characterised my 1960s childhood and the contented adults who populated that Ballina universe.

But the winds of change that swept across Ireland in the late 20th century could not pass Mayo by indefinitely. A combination of rising education levels, social mobility and migration from - and to - Dublin slowly began to erode its insularity. By the 1980s, the previously unexamined conservatism was waning as a new pluralism affected long-held practices and once cherished conservatism. The Church lost its status as an unimpeachable moral authority amid abuse scandals.

Mayo has not entirely shed its reputation as a bastion of traditional values but has liberalised socially and culturally over the last few decades. One sign of this shift was the vote to legalise same-sex marriage in 2015, indicating changed attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights even in rural areas. The influence of the Church has unquestionably declined, though Mayo remains Ireland's most Catholic county, with over 90% of the population still identifying as Roman Catholic. We haven't entirely thrown out the ecclesiastical baby with the muddied bath water.

Emigration is no longer seen as the only route out for young people, thanks to increased employment and educational opportunities. Multinational companies have brought precious jobs to former economic blackspots. Nostalgia for a simpler past persists in parts of Mayo, but there is also intense pride in its reinvention as a more progressive, outward-looking place.

Tourism has replaced agriculture and fishing as the main driver of economic growth. The raw, overcast beauty of Mayo's landscape has become its prime asset rather than a barrier to modernisation. Areas like Westport and Ballina have been reimagined from the poor cousin of Killarney into cosmopolitan tourist destinations, tapping into the rise of staycations, outdoor pursuits, food tourism, and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Of course, the glossy brochures telling tourists to 'Escape the ordinary!' conceal as much as they reveal about the reality of life for many here. Mayo is still one of the most disadvantaged parts of Ireland, with significant pockets of unemployment, poverty and depopulation. It would be wrong to portray it as transformed beyond recognition. But there are signs everywhere of a place awakening slowly from its uneven 20th-century slumber.

Towns like Westport (pictured) and Ballina have been reimagined from the poor cousin of Killarney into cosmopolitan tourist destinations. Picture: Michael McLaughlin

The changes can be seen in the influx of outsiders, lamented by some but undoubtedly bringing new blood and fresh perspectives. Eastern Europeans now work in our factories and family-run businesses. You're as likely to hear Polish and Arabic as English spoken on Ballina's streets. The blow-ins include artists and entrepreneurs drawn by the landscape and slower pace of life as much as the cheaper cost of living.

Cast your eye along the shoreline, and you'll see the vast wind turbines producing renewable energy harnessing the ever-present Atlantic winds. These altered vistas are a world away from the subsistence farming of old. Look at the primary schools where pupils learn their ABCs through Gaeilge, reflecting the partial revival of Irish, which is much more visible than 50 years ago. Listen to the accents of the people drinking in the pubs of Ballinrobe and Ballina - that blend of rolled Rs and flat vowels so characteristic of the West of Ireland but increasingly infiltrated by Dublin visitors and foreign inflections.

The forces reshaping Mayo and shaking its inhabitants from their cultural homogeneity are essentially the same that have transformed rural life across Europe in recent decades  increased mobility, education, secularisation, relative prosperity, inward migration and technological change.

Some natives feel threatened and unsettled by the pace of change, foreboding a gradual dissolution of Mayo's distinctive character, something to be mourned rather than celebrated. But we can preserve our unique character, our 'Mayoness'. These detractors lament the loss of an unchanging way of life, of comforting, familiar culture and intergenerational community spirit, forgetting the terrible historical bleed of emigration that reduced whole townlands to dereliction. But for the more forward-looking denizens of Mayo, the opening up of horizons closed for so long is cause for optimism about our future as part of a more progressive Ireland while retaining a quiet pride in the old ways. Assimilation, not discrimination, should be our guiding principle.

Ballina enjoyed a huge boost in 2023 when US President Joe Biden visited the town. Picture: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

So, I will take another look from those mountain peaks as the shadows lengthen and evening approaches. The golden light that bathes the patchwork fields etched over centuries by stooped figures with spades or steering shiny tractors remains unchanged. A thin wreath of peat smoke still rises from many a chimney. The low rays glance off whitewashed cottages juxtaposed with architect-designed new builds, clustered around villages suddenly revitalised by newcomers seeking a better life balance. In the velvet blue haze from the Moy estuary, Bartra Island floats like a sleeping sea turtle, unworried by the passage of time.

We can project our dreams and ideals onto this landscape  see it as an embodiment of unchanging Irish tradition or a backward relic of the past awaiting modernisation. But the reality is more complex. Global currents now reshape County Mayo, but its essential character can endure and adapt. Our evolving story challenges lazy stereotypes of Ireland's West as either an unchanging rural idyll or a benighted backwater. One hundred years on from independence, this is our moment. Our county and its natural treasures are the envy of more challenged counties under siege due to a lack of planning and available spaces. We can boast sweeping vistas and virgin soils, and we have the opportunity to plan appropriately.

Like the charming light over Nephin at sunset, Mayo is a constant and ever-changing place. Our lives and outlooks are shifting gradually like the ocean tides that pulse through Killala Bay. Beneath the surface, the currents are slow-moving and deep. To understand Mayo is to embrace those seeming contradictions - change and continuity, loss and renewal. Its true character lies in that uneasy balance of past and present. As the Celtic dawn of 1916 stretches into evening, the history and identity of Mayo need not recede into myth and mystery. Instead, we can look ahead, strengthen our enviable cultural identity and embrace the enriching stream of change. It has always been so; for centuries, our county has been home to natives and foreigners, and nothing of value needs to change beyond recognition.
Ambers One Million Stars Ireland project is an inclusive community arts project that connects communities through the craft of weaving stars. Each eight-point star woven represents light, hope and solidarity against domestic violence, promoting the projects eight points of healthy love within relationships. Launched in Kilkenny in 2019, there are now star-weaving communities in 18 counties across Ireland and collectively 100,000 stars have been woven.

The Mayo Volunteer Centre contacted the Ballinglen Arts Foundation earlier in the year to see if they could collaborate and hold star weaving workshops at the Ballinglen Museum of Art. So, in October, the Ballinglen Arts Foundation opened its museum doors to the newly established Star Weavers of Ballina and Ballycastle. The Star Weavers are all from communities new to Mayo and were very keen to volunteer and get involved. The Volunteer Centres aim was to try to bring these new communities together with local people and build new relationships.

Over tea, coffee, and biscuits, the group gathered bi-weekly to weave the stars and got to know one another for the duration of the project. Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end, and the workshops have now come to a natural conclusion. However, it was decided that to celebrate the achievement of the group and to further promote Ambers One Million Stars Ireland project, the Star Weavers of Ballina and Ballycastle would curate an installation in the Ballinglen Gallery using the woven stars that they have made during the workshops.

Some 400 stars have been woven and new friendships have been made, but most importantly awareness has been raised for this worthy and important cause. The Mayo Volunteer Centre and the Ballinglen Arts Foundation would like to extend a massive 'thank you' to the Star Weavers for their enthusiasm and dedication throughout this project. They have created something truly beautiful. A big 'thank you' too to the Mayo Womens Support Services for attending one of the sessions and explaining all about the project to the volunteers and teaching star-making.

The hope is that this installation will help to spread the message of love and a future free from violence and abuse for all. The installation will be available to view in The Ballinglen Gallery, Main Street, Ballycastle, F26 X5N3 until the end of January.

Ambers One Million Stars Ireland project is part of the global One Billion Stars project, founded in Australia in 2012 by artist Maryann Talia Pau. The project was brought to Ireland by art therapist Siobhan McQuillan and Amber Women's Refuge. To find out more, please visit: https://onemillionstarsireland.ie.
By Cynthia Kim, Josh Smith and Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea vowed to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong Un said U.S. policy is making war inevitable, state media reported on Sunday.

Kim lashed out at Washington in lengthy remarks wrapping up five days of ruling party meetings that set economic, military and foreign policy goals for the coming year.

"Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula," he said, according to state news agency KCNA.

He ordered the military to prepare to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea," including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack.

Kim's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States.

Experts predict North Korea will maintain a campaign of military pressure for leverage around the U.S. presidential elections in November, which could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who traded in both threats and historic diplomacy with Kim.

"Pyongyang might be waiting out the U.S. presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

President Joe Biden's administration says it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more missile tests banned under United Nations' sanctions.

South Korea's defence ministry condemned Pyongyang's plans to press ahead with its nuclear ambitions.

"If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons against us,

we will retaliate overwhelmingly by utilizing the dramatically

strengthened extended deterrence of the ROK-U.S. alliance and the three-axis system, and the Kim Jong-Un regime will face its end," the defense ministry said in a statement.

Seoul's Unification Ministry said in a statement analyzing the KCNA report that "further provocation is always possible to highlight North Korea's presence ahead of the U.S. presidential election".

"(North Korea) could maintain its hard line stance against the U.S. and anti-American, anti-imperialist solidarity, and also seek opportunities to turn the situation around at the same time."

WAR A 'REALISTIC REALITY'

The U.S. has also increased drills and deployed more military assets, including nuclear-armed submarines and large aircraft carriers, near the Korean peninsula.

Kim said the return of such weapons had completely transformed South Korea into a "forward military base and nuclear arsenal" of the United States.

"If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept," Kim said.

Kim said he has no choice but to press forward with his nuclear ambitions and forge deeper relations with other countries that oppose the United States. North Korea has deep ties with both China and Russia.

"North Korea is preparing for further escalation of tension with Washington and Seoul, for at least a year or more, and its hard line policies are likely to be accompanied by efforts for dialogue as well ahead of the U.S. election," Yang Uk, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said.

"Kim is building on his success of the spy satellite to do three more because he knows satellite capabilities are powerful targeting tool for better nuclear command and control."

South Korea holds a parliamentary election in April that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

Pyongyang has now ruled out the possibility of unifying with South Korea, and the country must fundamentally change its principle and direction toward South Korea, Kim said.

"North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war," he said, calling the South a colonised state completely dependent on the United States for national defence and security.

Both Yoon's ruling party and the opposition democratic party slammed the Sunday report and urged North Korea to return to dialogue for peace talks.

"If North Korea repeats hostile acts, we will respond strongly using all means and methods ... If the Kim Jong-un regime misjudges the situation and makes a wrong decision, the Republic of Korea will definitely correct it based on its overwhelming power," the ruling People Power Party said in a commentary.

Kim also promised to develop the economy, including the metals, chemicals, power, machinery and railway sectors, while modernising wheat facilities to boost production.

One key policy goal is to invest in science and technological research at schools, he said.

(Reporting by Cynthia Kim, Josh Smith and Jack Kim; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Neil Fullick, Kim Coghill and Frances Kerry)
HAMBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) say the man who allegedly stabbed a trooper while they served a warrant at his residence Saturday is in custody and charged with two counts of assault.

Police say two troopers from PSP-Hamburg were dispatched to the 200 block of Bachmoll Road at 8:42 a.m. to serve a psychiatric placement warrant for Bradley Odenath, 27, of Pine Hill, N.J.

Police said that during their interaction with Odenath, one of the troopers was stabbed numerous times in the leg.

The trooper was treated for non-life threatening injuries at Lehigh Valley Hospital and has been released, according to police.

Odenath was taken into custody and transported to Penn State-Saint Josephs Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. He was and later moved to Berks County Central Processing for arraignment, police said.

Odenath is charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, and harassment.

He is being held at Berks County Prison, with bail set at $100,000.
Allentown Police said three shootings happened Friday night into Saturday morning.

A 44-year-old woman and a one-year-old boy were killed. Six others were injured.

"We're heartbroken by the loss in our neighborhoods. The loss of life by the violence that's been done to the neighborhood, to people, to the victims, to the family of the victims, to our entire community," said Mayor Matt Tuerk.

Mayor Tuerk said the way the community gets through this is by working together.

"This is a community-wide, it's a city-wide effort to reduce violence and to be a little kinder to everybody," said Mayor Tuerk.

Mayor Tuerk said the city is heavily invested in its police and "21st century policing."

He tells us one of the pillars of 21st century policing is reducing crime through community engagement.

"So, our police are involved in our community. We work with neighborhood groups like Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley and others to resolve the underlying issues that contribute to violence, that's the plan, that's what we do," said Mayor Tuerk.

"Another piece of policing in the 21st century is making sure that we're caring and supporting for our officers and today, last night our first responders, our police officers, our firefighters, our EMTs had an incredibly bad experience and we're going to need to care for them as we move forward," said Mayor Tuerk.

Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley said it has been out in all three areas where police said shootings occurred last night, talking with community members about resources available.

Promise Neighborhoods says it will hold a press conference Sunday afternoon to address the shootings featuring Tuerk, Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca and parents of people previously killed by gun violence.

The group's Executive Director, Dr. Hasshan Batts, will speak at the press conference.
BETHLEHEM, Pa.  Don't try to use Bethlehem's Walnut Street Garage after Wednesday.

The 770-space structure that looms over downtown will close Jan. 3, and the Bethlehem Parking Authority wants vehicles out after 3 p.m. that afternoon. Already, many spaces in the 47-year-old deck are blocked off.

The size of the next parking deck remains undecided. Bethlehem's Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) will discuss two options for a new building Wednesday night as the garage's hours tick down.

The lack of a definite plan from the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) was one of the complaints raised in October before City Council voted to approve the demolition of the deck.

"We all know we shouldn't tear it down until you know what's coming next," Bruce Haines, managing partner of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, told Council at the October meeting.

The authority has posted parking options for shoppers, residents and businesses on its website.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday  just two hours after the BPA wants all cars out of the garage  HARB will consider plans for Walnut Street.

Both envision a garage that is taller than the big brick box there now, but smaller in footprint. Both plans include retail space and potential residential development on the west edge of the property, the side nearest to Main Street.

Some neighbors and downtown businesses have complained at public meetings about plans to replace the garage. Some are concerned about the effects of demolition on their properties, others about downtown disruption and some have questioned why fewer spaces will be available in a new garage.

One plan shows 590 spaces, or 180 fewer than were available in the current deck. That structure was built in 1976 and BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom has said it is "past its useful life."

The deck is almost into its 48th year, and while there are many older buildings nearby, the structure carries heavy loads and is exposed to rain, snow, ice and chemicals.

"By their very nature, parking decks are continually exposed to the elements and experience routine wear and tear," according to the website of Structural Innovations, an engineering company based in Charlotte, N.C.

If the BPA sticks to its timeline, demolition will begin in early 2024, and the new deck will be available by late 2025. That would disrupt parking during the 2024 holiday-shopping season in the Christmas City.

HARB will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Town Hall. The meeting agenda and a link to its webcast are available on Bethlehem's website.

HARB is an advisory body that makes recommendations to City Council.
M. SMITHFIELD TWP., Pa.  Pennsylvania State Police say a Monroe County man faces charges after he allegedly fired into an occupied vehicle.

According to police, the shooting occurred around 10:44 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Mount Nebo Road and Lakeside Drive in Middle Smithfield Township.

According to a police investigation, Ryan Dane Martin discharged six rounds from a 9 mm handgun into an occupied vehicle, but no one was injured. Martin was taken into custody without incident, police said.

According to police, Martin has been charged with two counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and other related offenses.
WALKER TWP., Pa.  Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) say a commercial building in Walker Township, Schuylkill County, is a total loss after flames tore through it on Saturday morning.

According to PSP, fire crews were dispatched to Leiby's Dairy around 3:39 a.m. for a report of the fire  which was reported by a newspaper delivery person on their morning route.

According to police, water to battle the flames needed to be transported via truck to the scene from a nearby pond. The building collapsed before crews could completely extinguish the fire, police said.

Police said the building is a "complete loss," with preliminary damage estimated at more than $1 million. No firefighters or civilians were injured, as the company was not operating at the time of the fire.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Corey Heimbach said it is impossible to find a cause of the fire due to the extent of the damage and the use of heavy equipment to put the fire out.

He said the fire started in the rear of the building.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP)  Denmarks Queen Margrethe II announced Sunday that she plans to abdicate after 52 years and hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

The queen, who is Europe's longest-reigning living monarch, announced during her New Year's speech that she would step down on Jan. 14th, which is the anniversary of her own accession to the throne at age 31 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.

Margrethe, 83, said the back surgery she underwent in early 2023 led to thoughts about the future and when to pass on the responsibilities of the crown to her son. I have decided that now is the right time, she said in her speech.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen paid tribute to her in a statement, offering a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark Frederiksens statement read, and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation.

The 6-foot-tall (1.82-meters-tall), chain-smoking Margrethe has been one of the most popular public figures in Denmark, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial. She often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and for her talents as a linguist and designer.

A keen skier, she was a member of a Danish womens air force unit as a princess, taking part in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. Margrethe remained tough even as she grew older. In 2011, at age 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan wearing a military jumpsuit.

As monarch, she crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, the two semi-independent territories which are part of the Danish Realm, and was met everywhere by cheering crowds.

Denmark has Europes oldest ruling monarchy, which traces its line back to the Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958. Although Magrethe is head of state, the Danish Constitution strictly ruled out her involvement in party politics.

Yet the queen was clearly well-versed in law and knew the contents of the legislation she was called upon to sign.

She received training in French and English from her earliest years, as well as Swedish from her mother. In addition to archaeology, she studied philosophy, political science and economics at universities in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Cambridge along with the London School of Economics and the Sorbonne in Paris.

Ever since his birth on May 26, 1968, Frederik Andre Henrik Christian has been the heir to the Danish throne.

He is the oldest son of Queen Margrethe and her late French-born husband, Prince Henrik, who died February 2018. Frederik, 55, has a younger brother, Prince Joachim.

Since the age of 18, he has served as regent whenever his mother was outside the kingdom and carried out official duties, shaking hands with thousands and receiving foreign dignitaries.

The queens announcement made up only a few sentences at the end of her wide-ranging New Years speech which reflected on the turbulence and upheaval in the world amid the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the climate crisis.

But she also thanked her nation's people for the warmth and hospitality I meet with everywhere in Denmark.

While lavishing accolades on the queen, the prime minister also looked to the future.

In the new year, Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed king. Crown Princess Mary will become queen. The kingdom will have a new regent and a new royal couple," he said in his statement. "We can look forward to all of this in the knowledge that they are ready for the responsibility and the task.
Baxter Bros Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 3,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $209,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of CARR. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 98,174.3% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,790,574,025 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,009,435,000 after purchasing an additional 1,788,752,009 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its position in shares of Carrier Global by 7.9% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 83,180,216 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,134,884,000 after buying an additional 6,104,447 shares during the period. Capital World Investors boosted its position in shares of Carrier Global by 11.0% during the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 80,757,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,014,427,000 after buying an additional 7,996,941 shares during the period. Capital International Investors boosted its position in shares of Carrier Global by 38.0% during the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 78,136,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,884,094,000 after buying an additional 21,529,209 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Carrier Global by 3.9% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 60,825,164 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,023,619,000 after buying an additional 2,282,320 shares during the period. 91.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

CARR has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Oppenheimer decreased their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $60.00 to $58.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Mizuho downgraded shares of Carrier Global from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $63.00 to $61.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Citigroup upped their target price on Carrier Global from $52.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Carrier Global from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $53.00 target price for the company. in a report on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $59.00 target price on shares of Carrier Global in a report on Monday, December 4th. 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Carrier Global currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $58.40.

Insider Transactions at Carrier Global

In other news, VP Ajay Agrawal sold 16,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.99, for a total transaction of $956,835.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 89,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,214,460.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock.

Carrier Global Stock Performance

CARR traded down $0.19 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $57.45. 1,501,775 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,760,903. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $52.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $53.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. Carrier Global Co. has a 1-year low of $40.28 and a 1-year high of $60.04.

Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.89 billion. Carrier Global had a return on equity of 26.60% and a net margin of 5.43%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.70 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Carrier Global Co. will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Carrier Global Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.19 per share. This is a positive change from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.32%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is presently 53.90%.

Carrier Global Company Profile

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies worldwide. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security. The HVAC segment provides products, controls, services, and solutions to meet the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of residential and commercial customers.

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Scissortail Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDR  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 68,291 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,587,000. iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF makes up approximately 1.2% of Scissortail Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Scissortail Wealth Management LLC owned approximately 0.10% of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bartlett & Co. LLC acquired a new position in iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $56,000. Riverview Trust Co purchased a new stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $131,000. PSI Advisors LLC increased its holdings in iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF by 215.8% during the 3rd quarter. PSI Advisors LLC now owns 6,000 shares of the companys stock worth $140,000 after purchasing an additional 4,100 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New Hampshire increased its holdings in iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF by 29.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 8,755 shares of the companys stock worth $205,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $246,000.

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iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF Price Performance

IBDR stock traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $23.90. 699,258 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 418,942. iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF has a 12-month low of $23.12 and a 12-month high of $23.91. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $23.56 and a 200-day moving average price of $23.45.

iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF Profile

The iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF (IBDR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a Bloomberg index of USD-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds maturing between Dec 31, 2025 and Jan 1, 2027. IBDR was launched on Sep 13, 2016 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Reduce from the four brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have issued a hold rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $52.67.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on BOH shares. TheStreet upgraded shares of Bank of Hawaii from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Bank of Hawaii from $49.00 to $52.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Bank of Hawaii to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th.

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View Our Latest Report on Bank of Hawaii

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bank of Hawaii

Bank of Hawaii Trading Down 2.0 %

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Handelsbanken Fonder AB increased its stake in Bank of Hawaii by 47.5% during the second quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 9,937 shares of the banks stock worth $410,000 after acquiring an additional 3,200 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 96.2% in the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 20,800 shares of the banks stock worth $858,000 after buying an additional 10,200 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the second quarter worth about $695,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 5.5% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 515,837 shares of the banks stock worth $21,268,000 after buying an additional 26,888 shares during the period. Finally, Huntington National Bank boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 31.3% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 1,817 shares of the banks stock worth $75,000 after buying an additional 433 shares during the period. 82.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

NYSE:BOH opened at $72.46 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $2.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.70, a PEG ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $60.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $53.48. Bank of Hawaii has a 12-month low of $30.83 and a 12-month high of $81.73.

Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The bank reported $1.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $262.28 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $159.75 million. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 17.30% and a net margin of 21.32%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.28 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Bank of Hawaii will post 4.26 EPS for the current year.

Bank of Hawaii Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th were paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.86%. Bank of Hawaiis dividend payout ratio is presently 56.80%.

Bank of Hawaii Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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Baxter Bros Inc. decreased its stake in Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI  Free Report) (TSE:CNR) by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,475 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 1,300 shares during the period. Baxter Bros Inc.s holdings in Canadian National Railway were worth $1,026,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. BCK Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in Canadian National Railway during the first quarter worth approximately $2,575,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Canadian National Railway by 26.2% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 931,027 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $124,888,000 after purchasing an additional 193,116 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in Canadian National Railway by 3.1% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 762,341 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $102,260,000 after purchasing an additional 22,984 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL grew its stake in Canadian National Railway by 1.4% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 60,441 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $8,107,000 after purchasing an additional 807 shares during the period. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its stake in Canadian National Railway by 18.9% in the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 33,602 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $4,511,000 after acquiring an additional 5,349 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.60% of the companys stock.

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Canadian National Railway Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CNI traded up $0.53 during trading on Friday, reaching $125.63. 712,170 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 906,188. Canadian National Railway has a 52-week low of $103.96 and a 52-week high of $126.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.56. The company has a 50-day moving average of $115.31 and a 200-day moving average of $114.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $81.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 0.92.

Canadian National Railway Cuts Dividend

Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNR) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The transportation company reported $1.26 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.03). Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 29.08% and a return on equity of 23.53%. The firm had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.01 billion. Analysts forecast that Canadian National Railway will post 5.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 7th were paid a dividend of $0.5811 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.85%. Canadian National Railways payout ratio is 42.41%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on CNI shares. Susquehanna boosted their price objective on Canadian National Railway from $112.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Raymond James upgraded Canadian National Railway from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Canadian National Railway from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $125.00 to $121.00 in a report on Monday, November 27th. National Bank Financial cut their target price on Canadian National Railway from C$171.00 to C$168.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, CIBC cut their target price on Canadian National Railway from C$175.00 to C$173.00 and set an outperformer rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $143.21.

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Canadian National Railway Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in rail and related transportation business. The company offers rail services, which include equipment, custom brokage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services including temperature controlled cargo, port partnership, transloading and distribution, logistic parks, customs brokerage, trucking, and moving grains in containers.

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Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund lowered its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 484,406 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 13,700 shares during the quarter. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Funds holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $28,115,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Dakota Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter worth about $332,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 111.5% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,052 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $150,000 after buying an additional 1,082 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 53.2% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 165,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,075,000 after buying an additional 57,444 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter worth about $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $24,725,000 after buying an additional 68,018 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $56.00 to $50.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $60.00 price target (down from $70.00) on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, October 20th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. Daiwa Capital Markets cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $68.00 to $54.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $84.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, October 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $62.88.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

NYSE:BMY traded up $0.09 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $51.31. 11,305,815 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 15,205,872. The stock has a market capitalization of $104.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.02, a P/E/G ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.34. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $48.25 and a twelve month high of $75.18. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $51.14 and a 200 day moving average of $57.62. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.24. The firm had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.96 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 18.44% and a return on equity of 51.59%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.99 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.53 EPS for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This is a boost from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 57.87%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Thursday, December 7th that permits the company to buyback $3.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the biopharmaceutical company to buy up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Activity

In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 3,071 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of $48.86 per share, for a total transaction of $150,049.06. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 3,071 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of $48.86 per share, for a total transaction of $150,049.06. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Theodore R. Samuels II acquired 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $49.81 per share, with a total value of $423,385.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,768,255. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders acquired 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Cigna Investments Inc. New trimmed its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 11.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 18,495 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 2,474 shares during the period. Cigna Investments Inc. News holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,791,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 97,996.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,101,555,797 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $229,111,613,000 after buying an additional 2,099,413,455 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 137,153,545 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $14,952,480,000 after buying an additional 1,584,552 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 77,225,258 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,419,032,000 after buying an additional 820,369 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 74,817,109 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,156,561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,362,889 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital International Investors lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 59,178,607 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $6,451,127,000 after purchasing an additional 2,747,652 shares in the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total value of $4,702,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $632,515,969.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $110.07. 3,550,304 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,673,015. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $89.67 and a 12-month high of $115.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $191.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.44, a PEG ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $101.72 and a 200-day simple moving average of $102.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.74 and a quick ratio of 1.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.15% and a net margin of 12.92%. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.82 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.15 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be given a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.00%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 69.39%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ABT has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Raymond James cut their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 19th. TheStreet upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Thursday, December 21st. UBS Group cut their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.80.

View Our Latest Analysis on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Connolly Sarah T. lessened its position in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 4.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,848 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 625 shares during the period. Salesforce accounts for about 1.7% of Connolly Sarah T.s portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. Connolly Sarah T.s holdings in Salesforce were worth $2,605,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Salesforce by 463.1% in the 2nd quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,283 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $694,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares in the last quarter. Pointe Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Salesforce by 370.0% in the second quarter. Pointe Capital Management LLC now owns 1,551 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $328,000 after buying an additional 1,221 shares during the period. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Salesforce by 2.9% in the third quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,633 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $534,000 after buying an additional 74 shares during the period. Forza Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Salesforce in the second quarter valued at about $202,000. Finally, Bank of Hawaii increased its stake in shares of Salesforce by 89.2% in the second quarter. Bank of Hawaii now owns 5,282 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $1,116,000 after buying an additional 2,490 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.52% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Srinivas Tallapragada sold 10,000 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.58, for a total transaction of $2,015,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 58,376 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,767,434.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Srinivas Tallapragada sold 10,000 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.58, for a total value of $2,015,800.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 58,376 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,767,434.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Marc Benioff sold 265,000 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $266.15, for a total transaction of $70,529,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 14,206,166 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,780,971,080.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 1,131,297 shares of company stock valued at $271,598,291. Company insiders own 3.70% of the companys stock.

Salesforce Price Performance

Shares of CRM stock traded down $2.44 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $263.14. 3,706,552 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,015,612. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $233.36 and a 200 day moving average of $220.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Salesforce, Inc. has a 52-week low of $130.36 and a 52-week high of $268.36. The company has a market cap of $254.72 billion, a PE ratio of 100.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.24.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 29th. The CRM provider reported $2.11 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $8.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.71 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 7.63% and a return on equity of 9.19%. Salesforces quarterly revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.73 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 6.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Bank of America increased their price target on Salesforce from $280.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Morgan Stanley raised Salesforce from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the company from $290.00 to $350.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Wells Fargo & Company cut Salesforce from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $280.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Salesforce from $240.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on Salesforce from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating, twenty-six have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $259.61.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CRM

About Salesforce

(Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and relationship intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer service and support at scale.

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Copeland Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ  Free Report) by 15.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,752,865 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 363,098 shares during the quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC owned approximately 1.96% of Utz Brands worth $36,971,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in UTZ. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its stake in shares of Utz Brands by 696.3% in the first quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 1,047,313 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,248,000 after buying an additional 915,784 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Utz Brands by 14.3% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,868,901 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,655,000 after buying an additional 610,455 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in shares of Utz Brands by 597.5% in the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 549,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,591,000 after buying an additional 470,551 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in shares of Utz Brands by 687.3% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 476,075 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,841,000 after buying an additional 415,606 shares during the period. Finally, DF Dent & Co. Inc. increased its stake in shares of Utz Brands by 13.8% in the first quarter. DF Dent & Co. Inc. now owns 3,239,752 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,359,000 after buying an additional 392,955 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 49.01% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on UTZ shares. Barclays lowered their price objective on Utz Brands from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Utz Brands in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. They set a buy rating and a $15.00 target price for the company. Mizuho began coverage on shares of Utz Brands in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. They set a buy rating and a $19.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Utz Brands from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Finally, Stephens raised shares of Utz Brands from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and decreased their target price for the company from $18.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $16.64.

Utz Brands Stock Performance

Shares of Utz Brands stock remained flat at $16.24 on Friday. The companys stock had a trading volume of 617,086 shares, compared to its average volume of 754,086. The firm has a market cap of $2.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 77.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 0.86. Utz Brands, Inc. has a 52-week low of $11.17 and a 52-week high of $19.10. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $13.53 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.52. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64.

Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.01. Utz Brands had a return on equity of 5.92% and a net margin of 1.22%. The company had revenue of $371.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $370.80 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.16 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Utz Brands, Inc. will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Utz Brands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 4th. Investors of record on Monday, December 18th will be issued a $0.057 dividend. This represents a $0.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 15th. Utz Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 109.52%.

Utz Brands Profile

(Free Report)

Utz Brands, Inc operates as a snack food manufacturing company. It offers a range of salty snacks, including potato chips, kettle chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, pork skins, pub/party mixes, salsa and queso, ready-to-eat popcorn, veggies, and other snacks under the Utz, Zapp's, ON THE BORDER, Golden Flake, Good Health, Boulder Canyon, Hawaiian, TGI Fridays, TORTIYAHS!, and other brand names.

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Copeland Capital Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE:STVN  Free Report) by 5.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 1,760,818 shares of the companys stock after selling 92,708 shares during the quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.60% of Stevanato Group worth $52,332,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of Stevanato Group by 11.4% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 46,717 shares of the companys stock valued at $940,000 after purchasing an additional 4,798 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Stevanato Group by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 263,364 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,299,000 after purchasing an additional 9,125 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its position in Stevanato Group by 3.4% during the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 6,366,679 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,097,000 after buying an additional 210,007 shares during the period. UBS Group AG increased its stake in shares of Stevanato Group by 79.9% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,799 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 799 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in Stevanato Group by 21.2% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 992,326 shares of the companys stock worth $19,966,000 after buying an additional 173,332 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 10.90% of the companys stock.

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Stevanato Group Stock Performance

STVN traded down 0.38 ($0.42) during midday trading on Friday, hitting 27.29 ($29.99). 106,300 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 278,131. The companys 50 day simple moving average is 27.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is 30.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.20 and a beta of 0.71. Stevanato Group S.p.A. has a 1-year low of 17.31 ($19.02) and a 1-year high of 36.30 ($39.89).

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Stevanato Group ( NYSE:STVN Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported 0.16 ($0.18) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of 0.16 ($0.18). The business had revenue of 295.39 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of 305.22 million. Stevanato Group had a net margin of 14.05% and a return on equity of 14.87%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Stevanato Group S.p.A. will post 0.61 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research firms have weighed in on STVN. Stephens assumed coverage on Stevanato Group in a report on Monday, September 25th. They issued an overweight rating and a $33.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Stevanato Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $39.00 to $29.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. CJS Securities started coverage on shares of Stevanato Group in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. They issued an outperform rating and a $36.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Stevanato Group from $34.00 to $30.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of 32.67 ($35.90).

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Stevanato Group Profile

(Free Report)

Stevanato Group S.p.A. engages in the design, production, and distribution of products and processes to provide integrated solutions for biopharma and healthcare. The company operates in two segments, Biopharmaceutical and Diagnostic Solutions; and Engineering. Its principal products include containment solutions, drug delivery systems, medical devices, diagnostic, analytical services, visual inspection machines, assembling and packaging machines, and glass forming machines.

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Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund lifted its position in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 112,059 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,500 shares during the period. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Funds holdings in Waste Management were worth $17,082,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Waste Management by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,858 shares of the business services providers stock worth $669,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the period. American National Bank grew its position in shares of Waste Management by 1,459.9% during the 2nd quarter. American National Bank now owns 2,137 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $371,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Waste Management by 51.0% during the 2nd quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 43,400 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $7,526,000 after acquiring an additional 14,664 shares during the period. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its position in shares of Waste Management by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 55,488 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $9,623,000 after acquiring an additional 1,055 shares during the period. Finally, Sawgrass Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Waste Management during the 2nd quarter valued at $208,000. Institutional investors own 78.34% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Waste Management in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. UBS Group upgraded shares of Waste Management from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $170.00 to $190.00 in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. HSBC began coverage on shares of Waste Management in a research note on Friday, September 15th. They set a buy rating and a $192.00 target price on the stock. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Waste Management in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. Finally, Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of Waste Management from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $179.93.

Insider Activity at Waste Management

In related news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 4,167 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $172.00, for a total value of $716,724.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 177,321 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,499,212. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 9,550 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $177.00, for a total transaction of $1,690,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 162,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,742,676. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 4,167 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $172.00, for a total transaction of $716,724.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 177,321 shares in the company, valued at $30,499,212. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 43,598 shares of company stock valued at $7,517,269. Insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

Waste Management Price Performance

WM stock traded up $0.96 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $179.10. The company had a trading volume of 1,256,428 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,447,168. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17. Waste Management, Inc. has a 12-month low of $148.31 and a 12-month high of $179.80. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $171.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $165.04. The company has a market capitalization of $72.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.70.

Waste Management (NYSE:WM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The business services provider reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 firm had revenue of $5.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.27 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.56 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Waste Management, Inc. will post 5.98 earnings per share for the current year.

Waste Management Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. Waste Managements payout ratio is 49.56%.

Waste Management Profile

(Free Report)

Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity.

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Global Wealth Strategies & Associates lifted its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 36,849 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 1,913 shares during the quarter. iShares National Muni Bond ETF accounts for approximately 1.8% of Global Wealth Strategies & Associates holdings, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $3,778,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Register Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, First Manhattan Co. acquired a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of MUB opened at $108.41 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $105.35 and a 200-day moving average of $105.19. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $100.78 and a 52 week high of $108.82.

iShares National Muni Bond ETF Profile

iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

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Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) and Corebridge Financial (NYSE:CRBG  Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk and dividends.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Manulife Financial and Corebridge Financials top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Manulife Financial $13.19 billion 3.03 $5.53 billion $2.00 11.05 Corebridge Financial $18.02 billion 0.76 $8.15 billion $2.89 7.49

Corebridge Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Manulife Financial. Corebridge Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Manulife Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Profitability

45.0% of Manulife Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 34.2% of Corebridge Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.0% of Manulife Financial shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Corebridge Financial shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares Manulife Financial and Corebridge Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Manulife Financial 10.79% 15.07% 0.78% Corebridge Financial 8.95% 24.19% 0.70%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Manulife Financial and Corebridge Financial, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Manulife Financial 0 1 2 0 2.67 Corebridge Financial 0 4 5 0 2.56

Manulife Financial presently has a consensus target price of $26.83, indicating a potential upside of 21.42%. Corebridge Financial has a consensus target price of $23.50, indicating a potential upside of 8.49%. Given Manulife Financials stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Manulife Financial is more favorable than Corebridge Financial.

Dividends

Manulife Financial pays an annual dividend of $1.05 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.8%. Corebridge Financial pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. Manulife Financial pays out 52.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Corebridge Financial pays out 31.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years.

Risk & Volatility

Manulife Financial has a beta of 1.1, indicating that its stock price is 10% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Corebridge Financial has a beta of 0.87, indicating that its stock price is 13% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Manulife Financial beats Corebridge Financial on 9 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Manulife Financial

(Get Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks. The Insurance and Annuity Products segment provides deposit and credit products; and individual life insurance, individual and group long-term care insurance, and guaranteed and partially guaranteed annuity products through multiple distribution channels, including insurance agents, brokers, banks, financial planners, and direct marketing. The Corporate and Other segment is involved in property and casualty reinsurance businesses; and run-off reinsurance operations, including variable annuities, and accident and health. The company also manages timberland and agricultural portfolios; and engages in insurance agency, investment counseling and dealer, portfolio and mutual fund management, property and casualty insurance, and mutual fund dealer businesses. Manulife Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1887 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

About Corebridge Financial

(Get Free Report)

Corebridge Financial, Inc. provides retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. It operates through Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Life Insurance, and Institutional Markets segments. The Individual Retirement segment provides fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, variable annuities and retail mutual funds. The Group Retirement segment offers record-keeping services, plan administration and compliance services, and financial planning and advisory solutions to employer-defined contribution plans and their participants, as well as proprietary and non-proprietary annuities, advisory services, and brokerage products. The Life Insurance segment offers term life and universal life insurance in the United States, as well as issues individual life, whole life, and group life insurance in the United Kingdom; and distributes medical insurance in Ireland. The Institutional Markets segment provides stable value wraps, structured settlement and pension risk transfer annuities, corporate and bank owned life insurance, private placement variable universal life and annuities products, and guaranteed investment contracts. The company was formerly known as SAFG Retirement Services, Inc. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Corebridge Financial, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc.

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2023 sees U.S. politics awash with chaos

17:48, December 29, 2023 By Chen Zi ( People's Daily Online

Cartoon by Ma Hongliang

In 2023, American politics was thrown into a maelstrom of chaos and division. The ongoing fight between Democrats and Republicans is fierce, while internal disputes within each party surface periodically.

With ceaseless disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over the federal budget for the new fiscal year, the U.S. federal government was once again on the verge of a shutdown.

Due to deep divisions within the Republican Party, the U.S. House Speaker was ousted. The election of a new speaker failed repeatedly, leading the House into deadlock.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump faced a total of 91 charges across four criminal cases; Democratic Senator Bob Menendez and his wife were charged with accepting bribes; and President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, was indicted on charges related to guns and taxes.

The escalating chaos in U.S. politics underscores the increasingly evident political polarization fueled by bipartisan confrontations.

Related:

Gun violence remains intractable problem in US

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Laman Ismayilova

A library of the Organization of Turkic States and the presentation of a 100-volume series of books entitled "Pearls of Turkic Literature" has taken place in Istanbul, Turkiye. The event was attended by representatives of the organization's member countries, Azernews reports.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, writer Khairiddin Sultanov spoke about ongoing projects to popularize and preserve the literary heritage of the Turkic peoples.

A 100-volume series of books, consisting of works by classics and modern writers of the Turkic world, as well as Azerbaijani writers and poets, was included in the OTG library fund, and was also donated to the Turkish Presidential Library and university libraries.

The event participants expressed gratitude to the OTS Chairman, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for publishing this collection of valuable works.

Founded in 2009, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as an intergovernmental organization, OTS is committed to the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states, as well as the maintenance of international peace, security and development of good-neighbourly and friendly relations.

Its four founding member states are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye. During the 7th Summit held in Baku in October 2019, Uzbekistan joined as a full member. Hungary received observer status at the Organization during its 6th Summit in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic in September 2018. In the 8th Summit held in November 2021, Turkmenistan and in November 2022, Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus joined as Observer Members to the Organization.
(Reuters) -Russia on Sunday said it attacked military facilities in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight, including a hotel housing military commanders and "foreign mercenaries", in response to Ukraine's strikes on Belgorod the previous day.

Kharkiv officials had said that at least six missiles hit Ukraine's second city, injuring at least 28 people and damaging residential buildings, hotels and medical facilities, followed by waves of drone attacks on housing blocks.

Russia's statement said its attack hit the former Kharkiv Palace hotel and the headquarters of the Ukrainian Security Service for the Kharkiv region.

It said military and intelligence officers involved in Ukraine's attack on Belgorod had been among those killed, along with "foreign mercenaries and militants" preparing to carry out cross-border raids.

Ukraine military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov told local media that no military objects had been targeted in Russia's attack on Kharkiv and that no one from his agency was harmed.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region adjoining northern Ukraine, said the death toll from Saturday's Ukrainian rocket attack on the regional capital had risen to 24.

In a posting on Telegram he said there were also 108 wounded and that 37 apartment buildings had been damaged.

There was no official comment from Kyiv in the hours after the attack on Belgorod and Reuters was unable to independently verify the Russian reports.

Like other Russian border zones, Belgorod has suffered shelling and drone attacks all year, which authorities have blamed on Ukraine, though none have previously been on such a scale.

Both sides deny targeting civilians in a war that Russia launched against its neighbour in February 2022. The United Nations says that more than 10,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and nearly 60 people inside Russia.

Ukrainian news outlet RBC-Ukraine on Saturday quoted unidentified sources as saying that Ukrainian forces had directed fire at military targets in Belgorod in response to the massive Russian bombardment of cities and infrastructure across Ukraine the previous day.

Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that Ukraine had fired its missiles from the Kharkiv region across the border.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Moscow bureauWriting by Kevin LiffeyEditing by David Goodman)
Sheets Smith Wealth Management reduced its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 41,880 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 249 shares during the period. Sheets Smith Wealth Managements holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $4,294,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of MUB. Register Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, First Manhattan Co. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of MUB stock traded down $0.08 on Friday, hitting $108.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,543,436 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,559,791. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $100.78 and a fifty-two week high of $108.82. The firms fifty day moving average price is $105.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $105.19.

iShares National Muni Bond ETF Company Profile

iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report).

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Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 34.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 981 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 522 shares during the quarter. Lowe Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $37,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EEM. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 1st quarter worth $146,000. AMI Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,268 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $509,000 after purchasing an additional 605 shares during the period. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 62.5% during the first quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 65,005 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,935,000 after acquiring an additional 25,000 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 14.5% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 8,965 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $405,000 after acquiring an additional 1,135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 9.3% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 892,269 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $40,286,000 after purchasing an additional 76,229 shares in the last quarter. 76.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance

Shares of EEM stock opened at $40.21 on Friday. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a fifty-two week low of $36.38 and a fifty-two week high of $42.53. The stocks fifty day moving average is $38.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.20.

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index).

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Mcdaniel Terry & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 0.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 291,131 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,383 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing accounts for 2.6% of Mcdaniel Terry & Co.s holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Mcdaniel Terry & Co.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $25,299,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 30.0% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 1,381,845 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $144,071,000 after acquiring an additional 318,570 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 29.2% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 597 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 40.1% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 12,700 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,324,000 after acquiring an additional 3,638 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 17.3% during the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 2,350 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $245,000 after acquiring an additional 346 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ergoteles LLC grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 138.6% during the 1st quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 45,497 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $4,744,000 after acquiring an additional 26,426 shares in the last quarter. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on TSM shares. Susquehanna decreased their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com raised Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Barclays began coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $105.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, October 20th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $116.67.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing stock traded down $0.70 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $104.00. 4,409,641 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,444,094. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $97.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $95.81. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a fifty-two week low of $73.65 and a fifty-two week high of $110.69. The stock has a market cap of $539.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.71, a P/E/G ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 2.15 and a quick ratio of 1.88.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.13. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 28.28% and a net margin of 41.42%. The business had revenue of $17.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.90 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.79 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 11th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.5415 per share. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 18th. This represents a $2.17 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.08%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 27.16%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors.

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Moreno Evelyn V bought a new position in shares of HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund bought 7,454 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $440,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of HDFC Bank by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,109,911 shares of the banks stock worth $77,361,000 after buying an additional 85,539 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Group LLC boosted its stake in HDFC Bank by 14.0% in the 3rd quarter. Manning & Napier Group LLC now owns 733,596 shares of the banks stock valued at $43,290,000 after purchasing an additional 90,357 shares during the period. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in HDFC Bank by 7,387.1% in the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 1,292,350 shares of the banks stock valued at $90,073,000 after purchasing an additional 1,275,089 shares during the period. William Blair Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in HDFC Bank by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 2,773,257 shares of the banks stock valued at $193,311,000 after purchasing an additional 91,936 shares during the period. Finally, New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC boosted its stake in HDFC Bank by 89.8% in the 2nd quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 305,292 shares of the banks stock valued at $21,279,000 after purchasing an additional 144,474 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 17.24% of the companys stock.

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HDFC Bank Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:HDB traded down $0.11 during trading on Friday, reaching $67.11. 796,472 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,260,627. The companys 50 day moving average is $61.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.23. HDFC Bank Limited has a 52 week low of $55.95 and a 52 week high of $71.76. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $124.82 billion, a PE ratio of 20.65, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.77.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The bank reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.35. HDFC Bank had a net margin of 19.47% and a return on equity of 16.81%. The company had revenue of $8.02 billion during the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that HDFC Bank Limited will post 2.77 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of research firms have issued reports on HDB. TheStreet downgraded shares of HDFC Bank from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of HDFC Bank in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of HDFC Bank from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on HDB

HDFC Bank Profile

(Free Report)

HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits.

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Moreno Evelyn V lifted its position in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 5.8% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 35,023 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 1,917 shares during the period. Moreno Evelyn Vs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $5,720,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. FWL Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. RFP Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.12% of the companys stock.

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Travelers Companies Trading Up 0.6 %

NYSE:TRV traded up $1.16 on Friday, hitting $190.49. 1,048,455 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,349,391. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $176.28 and a 200-day moving average of $170.54. The stock has a market cap of $43.51 billion, a PE ratio of 20.62, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a current ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $157.33 and a fifty-two week high of $194.51.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The insurance provider reported $1.95 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.93 by ($0.98). The firm had revenue of $10.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.42 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 5.45%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.20 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 11.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th were paid a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 7th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 43.29%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total value of $643,135.86. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,202,786.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 270 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $178.00, for a total value of $48,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 255,178 shares in the company, valued at approximately $45,421,684. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total value of $643,135.86. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,202,786.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TRV has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $183.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Travelers Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. They issued a hold rating and a $186.00 target price on the stock. HSBC initiated coverage on Travelers Companies in a research note on Thursday. They issued a hold rating and a $203.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $181.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $193.71.

View Our Latest Report on Travelers Companies

Travelers Companies Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Nixon Peabody Trust Co. lifted its holdings in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,901 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the quarter. Nixon Peabody Trust Co.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $1,229,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of BLK. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in BlackRock during the second quarter worth about $26,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Archer Investment Corp purchased a new position in BlackRock in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. 77.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BLK has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on BlackRock from $836.00 to $897.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Bank of America cut their price target on BlackRock from $921.00 to $868.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $781.00 to $754.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of BlackRock in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $771.54.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 15,385 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $652.03, for a total transaction of $10,031,481.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 435,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $283,802,577.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

BlackRock Price Performance

Shares of BlackRock stock traded down $2.61 during trading on Friday, hitting $811.80. The stock had a trading volume of 318,557 shares, compared to its average volume of 700,431. The firm has a market cap of $120.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.77, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.33. BlackRock, Inc. has a 12 month low of $596.18 and a 12 month high of $819.00. The businesss 50-day moving average is $719.67 and its 200 day moving average is $698.48. The company has a current ratio of 3.72, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.34 by $2.57. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.65% and a net margin of 30.66%. The business had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.52 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.55 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.84 earnings per share for the current year.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th were given a dividend of $5.00 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $20.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.46%. BlackRocks payout ratio is presently 56.10%.

BlackRock Company Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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Nixon Peabody Trust Co. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 2,157 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $209,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 97,996.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,101,555,797 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $229,111,613,000 after acquiring an additional 2,099,413,455 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 137,153,545 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $14,952,480,000 after purchasing an additional 1,584,552 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.1% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 77,225,258 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,419,032,000 after purchasing an additional 820,369 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 74,817,109 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,156,561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,362,889 shares during the period. Finally, Capital International Investors increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 59,178,607 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,451,127,000 after buying an additional 2,747,652 shares during the period. 73.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories

In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total transaction of $1,620,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at $7,022,916. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total transaction of $4,702,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $632,515,969.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

Shares of ABT traded down $0.33 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $110.07. 3,550,304 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,673,015. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $101.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $102.96. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $89.67 and a 52-week high of $115.83. The company has a market cap of $191.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.44, a PEG ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.70.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.82 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The companys revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.15 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.00%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 69.39%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ABT has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, TheStreet upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.80.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABT

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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NSK (OTCMKTS:NPSKY  Get Free Report) and GUD (OTCMKTS:GUDHF  Get Free Report) are both industrial products companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares NSK and GUDs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NSK 1.79% 2.98% 1.53% GUD N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for NSK and GUD, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NSK 0 0 2 0 3.00 GUD 0 0 0 0 N/A

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares NSK and GUDs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NSK $6.94 billion 0.39 $136.25 million $0.45 23.21 GUD N/A N/A N/A C$0.42 14.55

NSK has higher revenue and earnings than GUD. GUD is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than NSK, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dividends

NSK pays an annual dividend of $0.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. GUD pays an annual dividend of C$0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.9%. NSK pays out 53.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. GUD pays out 85.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

16.5% of GUD shares are held by institutional investors. 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.

Summary

NSK beats GUD on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About NSK

(Get Free Report)

NSK Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells industrial machinery bearings, automotive products, and precision machinery and parts worldwide. Its products include ball bearings; roller bearings; bearing units; super precision bearings; bearings for steel industry, mining and construction, papermaking machines, and pumps and compressors; and bearings for special environments, including sanitary, corrosive, vacuum, cleanroom, high-temperature, non-magnetic requirement, and dust-contaminated environments. The company also provides automotive products, which comprise chassis products, such as electric power steerings, steering column and intermediate shafts, brake systems, and hub unit bearings; power train products comprising engine parts and electrical accessories, automatic and manual transmission, products for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, half toroidal CVT POWERTOROS units, and differential gear and propeller shafts. In addition, it offers precision machine components, including ball screws, linear guides, monocarriers, XY tables, and spindles; and accessories, including ball screw support bearings, air bearings, and clean grease, as well as support units for heavy and light loads, machine tools, and small equipment. Further, the company provides megatorque motors and maintenance services. It serves agriculture, automotive, cement, food processing machinery, industrial motor, gearbox, injection molding machine, machine tool, medical device, mining and construction, motorcycle, office equipment, palm oil, papermaking machinery, pump and compressor, railway, semiconductor, steel, sugar, and wind turbine industries. NSK Ltd. was incorporated in 1916 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

About GUD

(Get Free Report)

GUD Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, distributes, and sells automotive products in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, France, and the United States. It operates through Automotive, Auto Pacific Group (APG), and Davey segments. The Automotive segment offers automotive and heavy-duty filters for cars, trucks, and agricultural and mining equipment; automotive electrical and lighting products; and fuel pumps and associated products and accessories for the automotive after-market. The APG segment manufactures and markets towing, trailering, functional accessories, and associated products for the automotive aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer customers. The Davey segment provides pumps and pressure systems for household and farm water; water transfer pumps; swimming pool products; spa bath controllers; and pumps and water purification equipment. The company was incorporated in 1958 and is based in Altona North, Australia.

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Armor Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in QuantumScape Co. (NYSE:QS  Free Report) by 10.6% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 44,740 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,303 shares during the period. Armor Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in QuantumScape were worth $299,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in QuantumScape during the 4th quarter valued at about $13,516,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of QuantumScape by 11.9% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 20,555,744 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,874,000 after purchasing an additional 2,178,359 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of QuantumScape by 9.7% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 13,035,638 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,155,000 after purchasing an additional 1,148,137 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC lifted its position in QuantumScape by 25.6% during the second quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 2,344,431 shares of the companys stock worth $18,732,000 after buying an additional 477,222 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Holocene Advisors LP acquired a new position in QuantumScape during the second quarter worth $3,468,000. 27.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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QuantumScape Trading Down 3.2 %

NYSE:QS traded down $0.23 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $6.95. 5,742,133 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,859,965. QuantumScape Co. has a twelve month low of $4.99 and a twelve month high of $13.86. The business has a 50-day moving average of $6.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $7.22. The company has a market capitalization of $3.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.09 and a beta of 5.00. The company has a quick ratio of 24.57, a current ratio of 24.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03.

Insider Activity

QuantumScape ( NYSE:QS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported ($0.23) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.21) by ($0.02). On average, equities analysts predict that QuantumScape Co. will post -0.96 EPS for the current year.

In other QuantumScape news, insider Michael O. Mccarthy III sold 43,476 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.77, for a total value of $250,856.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 829,798 shares in the company, valued at $4,787,934.46. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other QuantumScape news, Director Jeffrey B. Straubel sold 69,309 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.51, for a total value of $451,201.59. Following the sale, the director now owns 292,644 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,905,112.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Michael O. Mccarthy III sold 43,476 shares of QuantumScape stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.77, for a total value of $250,856.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 829,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,787,934.46. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 427,645 shares of company stock valued at $2,841,361. 10.18% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently commented on QS. HSBC began coverage on QuantumScape in a report on Monday, December 4th. They set a reduce rating and a $4.70 price target on the stock. Truist Financial boosted their target price on shares of QuantumScape from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. William Blair assumed coverage on shares of QuantumScape in a research report on Monday, December 18th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on QuantumScape from $6.00 to $5.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, Evercore ISI assumed coverage on QuantumScape in a research note on Monday, September 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $10.00 target price for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $5.96.

Read Our Latest Report on QuantumScape

QuantumScape Profile

(Free Report)

QuantumScape Corporation, a development stage company, focuses on the development and commercialization of solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles and other applications. QuantumScape Corporation was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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Rosenbaum Jay D. lowered its position in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Free Report) by 4.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,270 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 162 shares during the period. Rockwell Automation comprises about 1.6% of Rosenbaum Jay D.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Rosenbaum Jay D.s holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $935,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC boosted its position in Rockwell Automation by 62.9% during the 2nd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 101 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the period. Delta Asset Management LLC TN purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation during the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation in the 2nd quarter worth about $41,000. Finally, First Manhattan Co. lifted its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 150.0% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 125 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.84% of the companys stock.

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Rockwell Automation Stock Down 0.0 %

NYSE:ROK traded down $0.14 on Friday, reaching $310.48. 326,007 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 711,755. The company has a market capitalization of $35.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.96, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 12 month low of $252.19 and a 12 month high of $348.52. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $278.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $297.25.

Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend

Rockwell Automation ( NYSE:ROK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $3.64 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.49 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $2.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.44 billion. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 15.32% and a return on equity of 40.19%. Equities analysts predict that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.82 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th were paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. This is a positive change from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.18. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 10th. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 41.81%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ROK has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $287.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $270.00 to $265.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Stephens reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $350.00 target price on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Rockwell Automation from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $280.00 to $357.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $303.60.

Read Our Latest Report on Rockwell Automation

Insider Buying and Selling at Rockwell Automation

In other news, CEO Blake D. Moret sold 6,644 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.68, for a total value of $1,858,193.92. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 73,715 shares in the company, valued at $20,616,611.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Isaac Woods sold 113 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.43, for a total value of $32,253.59. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 827 shares of the companys stock, valued at $236,050.61. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Blake D. Moret sold 6,644 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $279.68, for a total transaction of $1,858,193.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 73,715 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,616,611.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 10,899 shares of company stock worth $3,036,683. 0.68% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Rockwell Automation

(Free Report)

Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services.

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(Reuters) -New Zealanders were among the first in the world to celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a fireworks display in Auckland on Monday. The fireworks illuminated the cloudy night sky and were accompanied by a laser light and animation show.

Here's how some other places and people around the world were bidding farewell to 2023 and welcoming the New Year.

SYDNEY - Sydney hailed 2024 with a dazzling fireworks display featuring silver and gold pyrotechnics to mark the 50th anniversary of its famous Opera House.

GAZA - People in Gaza had little hope that 2024 will bring much relief after 12 weeks of Israel's war to eliminate Hamas. In Rafah on Gaza's border with Egypt, which has become the biggest focal point for Palestinians fleeing other parts of the enclave, people were more preoccupied on Sunday with trying to find shelter, food and water than with thinking about the New Year.

"In 2024 I wish to go back to the wreckage of my home, pitch a tent and live there," said Abu Abdullah al-Agha, a middle- aged Palestinian man whose house in Khan Younis was destroyed and who lost a young niece and nephew in an Israeli air strike.

QUEEN MARGRETHE - Denmark's Queen Margrethe II used her annual New Year's speech on Sunday to announce she will abdicate on Jan. 14 after 52 years on the throne and will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik.

VLADIMIR PUTIN - Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an election in March, made only passing reference in his New Year address on Sunday to his war in Ukraine, hailing his soldiers as heroes but mostly emphasising unity and shared determination.

XI JINPING - China's President Xi Jinping, speaking on Sunday in a televised speech to mark the New Year, said the country will consolidate and enhance the positive trend of its economic recovery in 2024, and sustain long-term economic development with deeper reforms.

KIM JONG UN - North Korea vowed to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong Un said U.S. policy is making war inevitable, state media reported on Sunday.

POPE FRANCIS - At his Sunday prayers at the Vatican, Pope Francis said: "I wish everyone a peaceful end of the year, and please do not forget to pray for me".

FRANCE - French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address ahead of New Year celebrations that 2024 would be "the year of our French pride" marked by the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games and the re-opening of Notre-Dame cathedral after a devastating fire.

GERMANY - Police on Sunday detained three further suspects in an alleged Islamist plot to attack Germany's famed Cologne Cathedral on New Year's Eve.

The alleged attackers had planned to use a car to attack the 800-year-old Gothic cathedral, Cologne police said.

(Compiled by the global news desk; editing by David Holmes and Jason Neely)
Sheets Smith Wealth Management boosted its holdings in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM  Free Report) by 9.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 11,750 shares of the specialty retailers stock after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Sheets Smith Wealth Managements holdings in Williams-Sonoma were worth $1,826,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Williams-Sonoma in the 2nd quarter worth about $3,662,000. SFE Investment Counsel raised its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. SFE Investment Counsel now owns 32,903 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $4,117,000 after purchasing an additional 2,331 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 26.2% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 30,954 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $3,766,000 after purchasing an additional 6,424 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,142,272 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $142,944,000 after purchasing an additional 35,315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG raised its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 28.2% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 308,130 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $37,487,000 after purchasing an additional 67,716 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.76% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have weighed in on WSM. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Williams-Sonoma from an underperform rating to a hold rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $116.00 to $144.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $125.00 to $155.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Wedbush raised their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $154.31.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Williams-Sonoma news, CEO Marta Benson sold 5,374 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.86, for a total transaction of $961,193.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 48,864 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,739,815.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Williams-Sonoma news, CEO Marta Benson sold 5,374 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.86, for a total transaction of $961,193.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 48,864 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,739,815.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Karalyn Smith sold 1,945 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.85, for a total transaction of $349,808.25. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,240 shares in the company, valued at $1,302,114. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 27,319 shares of company stock valued at $4,400,492 in the last ninety days. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Williams-Sonoma Stock Performance

Shares of Williams-Sonoma stock traded down $1.53 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $201.78. 488,087 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 798,955. The stock has a market cap of $12.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.00, a PEG ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.60. The firms fifty day moving average price is $178.44 and its 200-day moving average price is $152.79. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a 12 month low of $109.44 and a 12 month high of $209.27.

Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The specialty retailer reported $3.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.34 by $0.32. Williams-Sonoma had a net margin of 11.99% and a return on equity of 59.65%. The company had revenue of $1.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.95 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will post 14.49 earnings per share for the current year.

Williams-Sonoma Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.78%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 18th. Williams-Sonomas payout ratio is 24.98%.

Williams-Sonoma Profile

(Free Report)

Williams-Sonoma, Inc operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Textainer Group (NYSE:TGH  Free Report) in a report released on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the transportation companys stock.

Separately, B. Riley downgraded Textainer Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price target for the company from $55.00 to $50.00 in a report on Monday, October 23rd.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Textainer Group

Textainer Group Trading Down 0.1 %

TGH stock opened at $49.20 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $2.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.10 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.78. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $49.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $42.76. Textainer Group has a 52 week low of $30.22 and a 52 week high of $49.60.

Textainer Group (NYSE:TGH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The transportation company reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $192.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $190.75 million. Textainer Group had a return on equity of 13.70% and a net margin of 29.57%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Textainer Group will post 4.46 EPS for the current year.

Textainer Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.44%. Textainer Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 24.64%.

Institutional Trading of Textainer Group

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of Textainer Group by 4.0% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,661,020 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $117,555,000 after acquiring an additional 139,904 shares in the last quarter. Donald Smith & CO. Inc. grew its stake in shares of Textainer Group by 0.5% during the second quarter. Donald Smith & CO. Inc. now owns 2,842,478 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $111,937,000 after acquiring an additional 13,262 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Textainer Group by 0.5% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,130,093 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $83,883,000 after acquiring an additional 9,772 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Textainer Group by 8.4% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,229,197 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $46,796,000 after acquiring an additional 95,635 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its stake in shares of Textainer Group by 1.2% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 873,120 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $32,524,000 after acquiring an additional 10,507 shares in the last quarter. 44.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Textainer Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Textainer Group Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, engages in the purchase, ownership, management, leasing, and disposal of a fleet of intermodal containers worldwide. It operates through three segments: Container Ownership, Container Management, and Container Resale. The company's containers include standard and specialized dry freight, and refrigerated containers, as well as other special-purpose containers, which include tank, 45', pallet-wide, and other types of containers.

Further Reading

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WPP plc (NYSE:WPP  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the six brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $46.00.

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Bank of America lowered their target price on WPP to $46.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered WPP from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. BNP Paribas lowered WPP from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. StockNews.com lowered WPP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered WPP from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th.

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WPP Trading Down 0.4 %

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Shares of NYSE:WPP opened at $47.57 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $47.90. WPP has a one year low of $41.13 and a one year high of $64.07.

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in WPP. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in WPP by 51.9% in the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,471 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $147,000 after purchasing an additional 844 shares during the period. Capricorn Fund Managers Ltd lifted its stake in shares of WPP by 29.7% during the second quarter. Capricorn Fund Managers Ltd now owns 10,658 shares of the business services providers stock worth $557,000 after purchasing an additional 2,440 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of WPP by 17.6% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 103,940 shares of the business services providers stock worth $5,434,000 after purchasing an additional 15,519 shares in the last quarter. Genus Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of WPP during the second quarter worth about $539,000. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of WPP by 11.2% during the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 13,464 shares of the business services providers stock worth $704,000 after purchasing an additional 1,361 shares in the last quarter. 4.34% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About WPP

(Get Free Report

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies.

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YHB Investment Advisors Inc. decreased its holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Free Report) by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 86,826 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,755 shares during the quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated were worth $6,568,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Mcdaniel Terry & Co. boosted its stake in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 1.6% in the third quarter. Mcdaniel Terry & Co. now owns 234,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,763,000 after purchasing an additional 3,759 shares during the period. Wendell David Associates Inc. boosted its stake in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 0.4% in the third quarter. Wendell David Associates Inc. now owns 163,362 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,357,000 after purchasing an additional 572 shares during the period. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 293.4% in the third quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 6,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $476,000 after acquiring an additional 4,694 shares in the last quarter. Fenimore Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 30.7% in the third quarter. Fenimore Asset Management Inc. now owns 148,120 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,204,000 after acquiring an additional 34,805 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Personal Financial Services raised its holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 8.5% in the third quarter. First Personal Financial Services now owns 112,748 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,528,000 after acquiring an additional 8,791 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.15% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently weighed in on MKC shares. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $82.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $100.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. TheStreet cut shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. They issued a market perform rating and a $87.00 target price on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $78.20.

Insider Activity

In other news, VP Jeffery D. Schwartz sold 2,000 shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.37, for a total value of $128,740.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 55,174 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,551,550.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 19.00% of the companys stock.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Stock Up 0.3 %

MKC stock traded up $0.19 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $68.42. 1,170,812 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,444,468. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.67. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a 1-year low of $59.13 and a 1-year high of $94.39. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $66.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $76.17. The company has a market cap of $18.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.35 and a beta of 0.67.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 3rd. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.65. McCormick & Company, Incorporated had a net margin of 9.80% and a return on equity of 14.15%. The company had revenue of $1.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.70 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.69 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that McCormick & Company, Incorporated will post 2.65 earnings per share for the current year.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.46%. This is a boost from McCormick & Company, Incorporateds previous quarterly dividend of $0.39. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. McCormick & Company, Incorporateds payout ratio is presently 70.00%.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Company Profile

(Free Report)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions. The Consumer segment offers spices, herbs, and seasonings, as well as condiments and sauces, and desserts.

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YHB Investment Advisors Inc. reduced its holdings in United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI  Free Report) by 0.8% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 24,348 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 184 shares during the period. United Rentals comprises approximately 1.0% of YHB Investment Advisors Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. YHB Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in United Rentals were worth $10,824,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in URI. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in United Rentals by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 665 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $296,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co increased its stake in United Rentals by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co now owns 1,471 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $654,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia increased its stake in United Rentals by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 4,426 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,971,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Arlington Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of United Rentals by 46.4% in the second quarter. Arlington Partners LLC now owns 82 shares of the construction companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares during the period. Finally, Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of United Rentals by 1.7% in the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,539 shares of the construction companys stock worth $685,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares during the period. 89.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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United Rentals Price Performance

URI traded down $5.27 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $573.42. 300,481 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 714,785. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36. The company has a market capitalization of $38.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.63, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.82. United Rentals, Inc. has a 52-week low of $325.15 and a 52-week high of $585.50. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $485.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $461.02.

United Rentals Announces Dividend

United Rentals ( NYSE:URI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The construction company reported $11.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $11.32 by $0.41. The business had revenue of $3.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.69 billion. United Rentals had a net margin of 17.15% and a return on equity of 37.00%. The companys revenue was up 23.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $9.27 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that United Rentals, Inc. will post 41.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 8th were issued a dividend of $1.48 per share. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 7th. United Rentalss payout ratio is 17.16%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on URI shares. UBS Group lowered shares of United Rentals from a buy rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $504.00 to $525.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. KeyCorp lowered shares of United Rentals from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of United Rentals from $494.00 to $591.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of United Rentals from $490.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of United Rentals in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $474.08.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on United Rentals

About United Rentals

(Free Report)

United Rentals, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company. It operates in two segments, General Rentals and Specialty. The General Rentals segment rents general construction and industrial equipment includes backhoes, skid-steer loaders, forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and material handling equipment; aerial work platforms, such as boom and scissor lifts; and general tools and light equipment comprising pressure washers, water pumps, and power tools for construction and industrial companies, manufacturers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and government entities.

Further Reading

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YHB Investment Advisors Inc. lowered its stake in General Electric (NYSE:GE  Free Report) by 10.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 46,432 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 5,429 shares during the quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in General Electric were worth $5,133,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Steward Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in General Electric during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. raised its stake in General Electric by 808.1% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 336 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 299 shares during the period. Motco raised its stake in General Electric by 143.0% during the 2nd quarter. Motco now owns 294 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the period. Financial Freedom LLC bought a new stake in General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in General Electric during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 74.83% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on General Electric in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $141.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on General Electric in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. TheStreet cut General Electric from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded General Electric from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the company from $115.00 to $144.00 in a report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on General Electric from $131.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $130.43.

General Electric Trading Down 0.5 %

General Electric stock traded down $0.69 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $127.63. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,544,414 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,121,470. The company has a 50 day moving average of $118.38 and a 200-day moving average of $113.65. The stock has a market cap of $138.91 billion, a PE ratio of 14.39, a P/E/G ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.17. General Electric has a one year low of $64.30 and a one year high of $129.20.

General Electric (NYSE:GE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The conglomerate reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $17.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.46 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 11.10% and a net margin of 14.38%. General Electrics quarterly revenue was up 19.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.35 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 2.65 EPS for the current year.

General Electric Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 28th will be given a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 27th. General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 3.61%.

General Electric Company Profile

(Free Report)

General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers.

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Tim Vukan, from Hamburg, Germany, is an expert in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the founder of Wushan TCM, an online education platform that presents TCM courses in three languages (English, German and Chinese). He is also a fan of tai chi.

When asked about China's reform and opening up, Vukan says, "During the past 45 years, China has gone through complex changes, with strong economic modernization and social reform, toward an opening up and a greater influence with the whole world. The policy has made China achieve strong economic growth."

Vukan, who has been living in China for about 18 years, says it is especially interesting to see how his career has been influenced by China's reform and opening up.

"Looking back to the year 2005, when I started my Chinese medicine studies at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang Province), I would not have thought that today I would have the honor to teach in front of Chinese undergraduate students who are learning the theories and practical applications I also learned during the years of receiving my education. I can now see it as a journey, beginning with the first steps I made into the Chinese language, which also opened up my understanding about Chinese culture and philosophies," he says.

Vukan says learning the Chinese language has always been a tool that has helped him connect with Chinese, and to gain a better understanding of the various fascinating facets of their culture.

"Just like every Chinese person is trying to build up their dreams, this vision also became my reality when I started my studies in Chinese medicine. It took a lot of effort to follow the classes, which were held in Chinese. But, at the end of the day, it gave me a feeling of deep satisfaction," Vukan recalls.

"My teachers, and the doctors I followed in the clinic, treated me with respect, and they shared with me their deep knowledge about this fascinating ancient medicine. Likewise, in the West, people often contacted me to seek help, and to learn about the yang sheng (health maintenance) cultivation methods I learned during my time in China," he adds.

Vukan believes China has reached a greater influence globally, and people elsewhere in the world have become more aware of its rich cultural aspects.

He believes China's reform and opening up has connected Chinese with people in the West, and, therefore, foreigners have become part of China's great development.



Vukan has witnessed the rapid development and increased internationalization of Hangzhou, which he considers his second hometown.

"Like many cities in China, Hangzhou over the years has become a very modern metropolitan city. I still remember when the first Starbucks cafe was built in Binjiang District. It became our place to go, after our studies, to meet some friends, regain some energy and share our experiences while living abroad. I also often walked along the West Lake where each time young Chinese would send some greetings to me, and express their wishes to have some short English conversations with me," Vukan says.

"This has changed so much that many international brands and companies have become a stable part of Hangzhou's development, and English, as a second language, has become natural for many young Chinese workers and employees. Hangzhou has reached the state where international business cooperation supports the current development, and helps lead the country to a brighter future," he adds.

Vukan says, in general, the quality of life in bigger cities, like Hangzhou, has increased a lot, and the cities have modern shopping malls and international brands, not to forget the development of traditional arts, like tea and herbal medicine, which are sold with a modern approach to balance the health needs of modern Chinese.

Vukan is impressed by the rapid development of science and technology, which have brought new changes to people's lives in China. "Nowadays, digital solutions are a strong part of our lives. Ordering food, paying in a supermarket, calling for a taxi, or booking our next medical consultation, all can be performed with a mobile-app solution, to provide a better, faster, and more efficient way to serve the people," he says.

Vukan believes an increasing number of foreigners is interested in TCM, compared with a decade ago. "TCM is an indispensable part of my life. I will continue to promote greater understanding of TCM culture in the world, and I will help TCM benefit more people," he says.

Photos Supplied by Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly December 2023 issue)
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. &&
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said she has received dozens of death threats since the filing of the lawsuit to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 ballot.

Griswold shared the link to an interview she gave before Christmas on X, formerly known as Twitter, in which she briefly discussed that she was concerned about Trump supporters and her worry that they could be prone to violence. Then on Saturday, her caption to the article changed her tune and brushed off any attempt to intimidate her.

WHY 14TH AMENDMENT EFFORT TO OUST TRUMP COULD BACKFIRE ON DEMOCRATS

"Within three weeks of the lawsuit being filed, I received 64 death threats," Griswold wrote. "I stopped counting after that. I will not be intimidated. Democracy and peace will triumph over tyranny and violence."

Griswold was not the one who filed the suit against Trump that eventually went to the state Supreme Court, but she was present during hearings. The original claim that Trump violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, but Colorado was the first to bar the former president from the 2024 ballot. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows followed earlier this week.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

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Earlier this month, FBI officials said they were looking into threats made against the four justices in the Colorado Supreme Court that ruled against Trump. In Maine, Bellows' home was swatted during the holiday weekend.

Meanwhile, Trump has maintained a massive lead in the polls for the GOP presidential nomination despite also facing various indictments against him, which include federal charges of mishandling classified documents. He has pleaded not guilty to all 91 felony charges against him.

Original Location: Colorado secretary of state says she's not intimidated by death threats

Washington Examiner Videos
Nearly three months into the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of close to 30,000 Palestinians, overwhelmingly women and children, masses of people throughout the world continue to protest the ongoing slaughter and the governments responsible for it.



In the face of police violence, right-wing persecution and Zionist threats, millions of people of every background and ethnicity have taken part in the largest anti-war protests in a generation, demanding an immediate ceasefire and freedom for the imprisoned Palestinian people.



Refuting the vile lie advanced by capitalist politicians and governments complicit in the genocide that opposition to mass murder and the apartheid state of Israel is antisemitic, hundreds of thousands of Jewish people have not only taken part in the anti-war protests but in many cases have led them.



At a November 4 ceasefire protest in Los Angeles, California, reporters with the World Socialist Web Site conducted interviews with dozens of demonstrators, including Jane, who described herself as an anti-Zionist Jew.



In her interview, Jane spoke powerfully in defense of the Palestinian people and against a two-state solution, instead calling for one state for all of its people. Janes interview went viral on social media, amassing over 700,000 views on X/Twitter and TikTok alone in less than a month.

Last week, Jane was kind enough to speak with the WSWS again on her political awakening and what she sees as the way forward. Her interview has been lightly edited for length, content and clarity.

Israel was above all. It was our savior.

Jane:

The synagogue that I went to was founded by my grandfather, and in that synagogue there were always flags of Israel. I come from a very Zionist background. It was very important. I remember my grandmother always talking about Israel, Israel.



Israel was above all. It was our savior. It was what all of us should aspire to represent. And it wasnt just the synagogue, it wasnt just the community, it wasnt just my family, it was every aspect of my life.



I went to a school that was a Zionist school. We sang the Hatikvah, which is the Israeli national anthem, every single day. There were flags of Israel all over our school. There was Theodor Herzls photograph portrait in every classroom.



And it was interesting when I looked more into the first letters that Theodor Herzl and [Vladimir] Jabotinsky had written. There were certain things that stood out to me, like colonial. They said it was a colonial project.

Lord Balfour supposedly gave us the right or put in writing the right for the Jews to have a homeland in Palestinewhich was not his territory to give away anyway. But then I found out that in 1905, years earlier than the 1917 Balfour Declaration, he was a signatory of the Aliens Act, which did not allow Jews to migrate to Great Britain.



So here you have an antisemite giving the Zionists the right to a land thats not theirs. And I guess it shouldnt shock us that you have the Christian Zionists, which there are more of than Jewish Zionists, backing up Israel. So it shouldnt shock us that these Christian Zionists are, if you look into what it is that they believe, what they ascribe to, theyre the ones that are antisemitic.



Israel welcomes them with open arms. Antisemites. So when [someone] tells me that Israel represents Judaismsorry, it doesnt, it just doesnt.



None of this stuff was ever addressed to us in school or in our synagogue and temple, or in any of our community clubs or activities. And that just made me very suspect, most especially since the things that resonated most with me in regards to Judaism were the social justice aspects, Btzelem Elohim, you know, that we are created in the image of God.



I remember my Moreh, my teacher, explaining to me very clearly, his words were, We have a spark of God in us. I remember things like Tzedek, justice, Pikuach nefesh, the importance, the value of every life. Gemilut hasadim, the acts of loving kindness. These were all things that spoke vastly to me. They connected with me.



And everything I saw and learned about Israel was in opposition to this. So there was a chasm, and I had to figure out what do I do. Do I maintain the Jewish values, human values, that were taught to me, that spoke to me, that resonated with me? Or do I give my unconditional support to a state that doesnt espouse those same values?

We were indoctrinated to believe that, you know, Israel was David, and all the Arabs were the Goliath. I questioned so many things about that. It didnt feel right, there was a disconnect. The minute I started questioning, I was told that I couldnt be part of this community.

Israel and apartheid South Africa

It was in the early 1980s, when apartheid South Africa was still alive and well.



There was a group that I became a member of ... [at] one of the meetings I was actually asked by one of the people there who was black, he asked, How do you feel about Israel?



My last name is Jewish. I went to a Jewish school. It wasnt too difficult to put two and two together. When he asked me that, I felt like he was stabbing me in the back. My reaction was, What do you mean about Israel? What are you talking about? This is a country that ensures the safety of Jews. You know how much weve been persecuted. Thats where our safety lies. What are you talking about? Its the Arabs.



Back then, thats all they were called, the Arabs. I was never taught about Palestinians. It was the Arabs that are trying to annihilate us, as what happened in Europe ... the pogroms and the Holocaust. My defenses went full through the roof.



So it took some time, but when he asked me again, Do you know about Zionism? Do you know that Zionism started as a Christian movement? I was, like, wait a minute, they never taught me that. He asked me, Well, what about Einstein? I said, What do you mean? Hes a Jew. Hes our crown jewel. Hes the one that everyone talks about. At least back in those days.



And he actually showed me an article, an editorial that was published in the New York Times from December 1948, with [Einstein] describing how he felt about the fascism in Israel ... how he felt about the Deir Yassin massacre, which I had heard nothing about. And then I see at the end that he wasnt the only one that signed this. These were all the thought leaders of that time, all the people that we were taught to admire as exemplary Jewsthey had signed this letter.

Israeli military forces receiving a briefing at Deir Yassin [Photo: Beit Gidi Exhibits]

And that time, that was the first piercing of the veil of my indoctrination. It didnt come off from one minute to another, but its what I remember as that first pierce, the first opening for me to think, Wait a minute, this does not reconcile at all with what Ive been taught. So what else have I been lied to about?



The first time that I was in Israel was for my brothers bar mitzvah. I was 15 and a half years old. I got to meet a lot of my fathers family there, and I was only exposed to what I believe most Jews are exposed to when you go there, which is, I guess, whats called Israel proper.



You dont really get to see any Palestinians. I didnt get to see much of them except from far away, from at a distance. It was just barely less than a year later when I was first exposed to what was going on there.



But it didnt register with me the first time I was there. Im being very frank. I didnt notice it. I was just so happy to get to meet relatives. I was grateful to be at the Wailing Wall. I was grateful to be able to see what everyone spoke of. And for whatever reason, I did feel a connection. I did. The indoctrination had worked, at least until then.



I did go a second time with some friends from high school, and I was already a little bit more alert. The veil of my indoctrination had already started, as I said, to open.



And I didnt have the same connection. I didnt have the same feeling. I got to see things that were a bit more disturbing. I got to hear things that were more disturbing. But that was not the seminal trip for me.

Going to the occupied West Bank in 2017

In Israel, like in America, the disparities between the rich and the poor are quite noticeable. If you just touch the surface, you will see that the wealthy have one lifeand by the way, the majority of the ruling class is Ashkenazi, which is what my grandparents, my parents and myself are described as.



And then you have the Mizrahi Jews, who get treated differently, who arent represented in the same way. I guess, just look at the US. Really, just look at the US, and youve got a pretty good picture of what its like.



In 2017, there were certain places that I wanted to go: East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Al-Khalil, Ramallah, Tulkarem, Nablus, and I wanted to go to Bethlehem. I also wanted to cross the border from Jordan, the way that most Palestinians have to cross it.



And I have to tell you, its not a great experience from the moment you get there. No matter how much I thought I knew, the first time, East Jerusalem was daunting, but it was nothing like when you went to the occupied territories.



I remember the checkpoints, reading these huge red signs that say, Danger, dont go. Dont go past this point. We cant secure your safety. In the back of my mind I knew that meant the people I needed to be afraid of were the Israelis. It wasnt the Palestinians. I had met many kind Palestinians, with such generosity.

It was so shocking to me. The checkpoints where you have these 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds, teenagers with these huge machine guns, and they could stop you at any minute. Actually, they do stop you. It doesnt matter that you have an American passport.

Israeli soldiers at the Maccabim checkpoint in the West Bank, near the Israeli settlement of Beit Horon, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. [AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean]

And these are not always the same checkpoints, by the way. They could just bring them up like that ... they move them around all the time. And they make you get out of your vehicle. You have to show your passport a million times or whatever documentation you have.



It was an American, 18- or 19-year-old at one of the checkpoints to whom I gave my American passport, and she actually threw it back at me and called me an Arab lover. That tells you how indoctrinated you have to be...

She had a perfect English, an American accent. I have a passport. It has my name. It says where I was born. And she took it upon herself to make certain to insult me and throw my passport back at me.

When I thought about it, she meant it as a derogatory remark, and I actually took it toI love all people. Isnt that what Judaism is about? Standing with the oppressed?

Dont you have Marek Edelman, a man that all of us should admire, right? He was the only surviving commander [of] the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto. And he came out and said, Our duty is always to be with the oppressed, never with the oppressor.



It was heartbreaking to me when we were in Al-Khalil, and one of our tour guides says, I have to stop here. I cant walk further than this.



I was shocked. What do you mean you cant walk? No, those are sterile streets. Palestinians are not allowed on those streets.



I felt so ashamed. You cant come back after experiencing that and be the same. You cant.

We went through the streets. Underneath, its the Palestinians. On top are the settlers, who talk to you in a completely American accentactually, a New York, New Jersey accentand theres wire above. And the reason the wire is there is because these settlers throw trash. I had trash thrown at me. I had diapers thrown at me. I had people explain that sometimes they throw urine.



I dont know what Judaism they profess, but I can tell you that that is not the Judaism that I know. Its not. Its not the Judaism that any of us should aspire to be a part of.

Israel now is unmasked



I thought the movie [Israelism] was wonderful. I believe that it really touched on a lot of the things that I experienced during this journey. The younger generation is saying, Not in my name. They are saying no. And I love that. I respect them for that.

Israelism [Photo: Israelism]

I love the way that more of the younger generation is choosing to take on this battle. Not an easy battle to take on. The experience that I had during the 80s is not the same experience that this generation is having now. More and more of us are getting to know Palestinians, are getting to know Arabs. Were exposed. We get to see them. We get to meet them. In the 80s there wasnt the internet. There wasnt social media.



Some of these kids, I hear them. Theyve been kicked out of their homes by their parents because of the position that they take. I mean, can you imagine what indoctrination it takes for you to be able to tell your child, Go, get out of my home, because you dont support an ethnocratic state?



We dont have to listen to traditional media. We have social media. The younger generation, they have no trust and no faith in the media, in the government. So they look for alternative sources of information. And thats fabulous that they have that possibility. And I think that thats exactly what has the Zionists so afraid. It has them running scared because of the fact that the younger generationits very difficult to keep these things from them.



You can continue trying to indoctrinate them, but theyre going to find out. I mean, the likelihood of someone in my generation finding out back then was much smaller than for this generation to find out now.



Israel now is unmasked. Think about this. Every year, every election, Israel has gone further and further and further to the right. I mean the elements right now that are overtly fascist, I think its shocking to everyone.



I find this appalling, that people in government can come out and talk about nuking, can talk about taking away peoples food, water, electricity. Talk about flattening Gaza. I mean, these are things that you didnt hear in the past. Those were things that were only said in quiet. Now theyre just out for the world to see.



So of course, of course, people are going to say no.

The ruling class will do anything, whatever it takes, to maintain control

The ruling class, which is 0.0001 percent, they will do anything, whatever it takes, to maintain control. They control their media, they own the narrative on everything. Who else can make you do something that is completely contrary to your interests?



And I just ask myself, how much is enough? I mean, how much more do you need? ... And how do people sleep at night? Can you imagine knowing that all you needed to do was to maybe make a little bit less profit, but not enslave people, but not bring these horrors of what happens in so many places.



Because this is not just whats happening right now in Gaza.  This is just a symptom of what is wrong with our system. ... Israel is an outpost, an outpost for imperial hegemony in the Middle East.



I know that theres so many different issues. You know, AIPAC and the lobby and the media. We talk so much about Russia meddling in our elections. However, here we have a foreign entity that has everything to do with our elections, and were okay with that?



But if you look at it, it all boils down pretty much to one thing. And that one thing is control, power.



Israel is an appendage, just like the media is. I personally dont listen to the media ... because I see, I know, Ive witnessed that they are just mouthpieces. Thats it.



The minute you stand up, then you are taken out. Look what is happening now at the universities.



Didnt Biden say, 30 years ago when he was the senator, that if Israel didnt exist we would have to create her? I mean, that tells you right there where he stands.

Its the utility of it. And they know it. They use it to the max... Its the tail that wags the dog, right? At our expense, because it is not the ruling classs children that go to be killed, or to kill, or to maim, or come back with PTSD, or all the horrors of what we do around the world. Its not them, so they dont care.

Our liberation is joined. Its that simple



Antisemitism is hatred of Jews because they are Jewish. And, sadly, it exists. Obviously, weve seen that it exists. I myself have not experienced that tragedy. My grandparents did. I did not.



When people ask me if I have ever experienced antisemitism, Im honest with them, and Ive told them personally I have not. Im grateful for that. The only racism that I have experienced is being the wrong type of Jew, is being an anti-Zionist Jew. And that racism comes from within the Jewish community.

So in regards to Zionism, which is a political movement, its a nationalist movement. It is not the same thing as Judaism at. So anti-Zionism cannot be the same thing as antisemitism.



And one further thing that just strikes me as strange and scary, actually, is the fact that here I am, an American anti-Zionist Jew, and according to the government, according to resolutions that just passed, Im considered antisemitic.

I just find that very disheartening. And it lacks a moral fiber, right? Here I am an American, I can criticize the US, I can criticize the government of the US without having slander thrown at me. But I cant criticize a foreign entity? That shows you how close Zionism is to the imperialism of the US. I dont think the American government represents me either.

It is interesting, the minute that you question anything that Israel does or Israelis do, youre automatically told youre not a Jew. And Im sorry to tell you, I am a Jew, whether any of you like it or not.



I espouse Jewish values and I will continue to espouse them forever. What I am not is a Zionist. Zionism is a national movement that has nothing to do withI actually feel it has usurped Judaism. Im not the only one that feels that way.



My values are to say, Not in my name. To continue saying not in my name, to continue saying no. I cant stand behind inequality. I cant stand behind oppression.



Our liberation is joined. Its that simple. We cannot be free if were oppressing other people. We just cant.

Protesters carry signs at Los Angeles demonstration that read, "Not in our name," "Never again is now," and "Stop the genocide. End the Occupation."

Living conditions are untenable. Theyre not sustainable. We talk about globalization... What happens in the Middle East, it absolutely has ramifications for here. What happens everywhere has ramifications.



All of these struggles are connected. Now, obviously, theres going to need to be a lot of international involvement; theres going to have to be a lot of unlearning, as I had to unlearn everything that I was indoctrinated into.




Democratic mayors in Chicago and Denver are blaming Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) for the "chaos" surrounding the influx of immigrants to their cities, calling for "better coordination" to address the issue.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said in a Sunday interview with CBS News's Face the Nation that local governments are feeling the pressure of the crisis at the southern border as Abbott continues to bus thousands of migrants to cities across the United States.

WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES KAMALA HARRIS'S AGENDA FOR NATIONWIDE TOUR IN 2024

"What we have is clearly, clearly an international and federal crisis that local governments are being asked to subsidize and this is unsustainable. None of our local economies are positioned to be able to carry on such a mission," Johnson said.

"Unfortunately, the governor of Texas, Governor Abbott, is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos. And last night, and several nights before, a number of buses continue to arrive in the city of Chicago, throughout the country, without any coordination," the Chicago mayor added.

More than 14,000 migrants are living in 27 city shelters in Chicago, with over 26,000 immigrants having arrived in the Windy City since August 2022. In Denver, over 35,000 immigrants have arrived within the last year.

The buses "that are being dropped off across this country in the middle of the night, leaving people with no real support at all, no coordination with the local municipalities  that type of chaos is certainly dividing our country, and we need better coordination between all levels of government to be able to respond to this mission," Johnson said.

Johnston, the Denver mayor, said he is pushing for a system that is humanitarian for both the "new folks that are arriving" and city residents and employees.

"What we don't want is people arriving at two o'clock in the morning at a city and county building with women and children outside in 10-degree weather and no support," Johnston said.

"We understand the flow is coming. We just want it to be coordinated and in a humanitarian way which we think makes it effective for the city and for those newcomers," the Denver mayor added when asked about Denver looking to impose bus restrictions similar to those in Chicago and New York City.

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Both Johnson and Johnston said they have communicated to the White House about what their cities need to handle the influx of migrants, with the Denver mayor stating that he thinks this is a "solvable problem."

"We need federal dollars to help support our work here in the cities. We also need federal dollars for more support at the border, the ability to adjudicate asylum claims more quickly so they can be done in 90 days and not in four to six years  that makes a massive difference," Johnston said.

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Johnston added that having the resources to expedite work authorization so cities can put migrants to work, "which is what they want," would be a better option for cities now bearing the brunt of the influx.

Cities need "a coordinated entry plan where it's not just the governor of Texas deciding what cities to send people to, but it's actually the way we've welcomed asylees in this country for years," the Denver mayor said.

Original Location: Democratic mayors blame Greg Abbott for immigration 'chaos' in cities

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Google has come to an agreement to settle a $5 billion privacy lawsuit that alleges it spied on people who used the "incognito mode" option in Google Chrome.

The lawsuit was filed three years ago and claimed the company told its users that it wasn't tracking whatever they were doing on the internet while in incognito mode. However, the lawsuit argued that Google's analytics, cookies, and apps tracked their activity even when they set the browser to private.

The terms of the settlement were not made public, but the original complaint included a payout between $100 and $1,000 per plaintiff, which the lawsuit stated could be in the millions. If Google lost the case, the company could have been a costly battle in the billions.

The settlement was reached on Thursday, but it still has to be approved by a federal judge. The plaintiffs' lawyers said they will be presenting the court with a final settlement agreement in the case by Feb. 24.

Google recently announced new protection for user location data. Other tech giants such as Amazon, Meta, and Google owner Alphabet have all recently faced lawsuits from federal regulators alleging violations of various privacy laws.

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The Emmy-winning actor tells PEOPLE about one of the benefits to getting married again

Michael Tran/FilmMagic Lisa Joyner and Jon Cryer in Hollywood, California in June 2018.

It sometimes takes a second chance at love to get things right  at least that was the case for Jon Cryer.

The Emmy-winning actor, who currently stars in the NBC sitcom Extended Family, tells PEOPLE that the moment he said "I do" to Lisa Joyner in Mexico in 2007 was the luckiest day of his life.

The key to a good marriage is 100 percent a sense of humor, because whenever there are hard things in a marriage  and there are  laughing about it makes the most wonderful difference, Cryer shares. It's about having somebody in your corner no matter what, and I feel so lucky to be that guy for my wife. She has been there for me every time that has been tough for me.



Related: Jon Cryer's Wife Jokes that the Man Who Found His Wedding Ring 'May Have Saved a Marriage'

Frazer Harrison/Getty Lisa Joyner and Jon Cryer in Beverly Hills, California in May 2018.

Dad to 4-year-old daughter Daisy with Joyner, Cryer also shares son Charlie, 23, with ex-wife Sarah Trigger. And though his first marriage ended in 2004, the actor still believes his previous relationships gave him invaluable lessons that helped him become the partner he is today.

The great thing about second marriages is you know what your flaws are. They have been brought to relief, and so you hopefully have gotten some comfort with them, he explains. When you're much more comfortable with yourself, you can actually love somebody a lot better, and I think my earlier relationships were always just trying to be somebody who I thought I had to be instead of just being who I am.

Related: Jon Cryer Hopes Extended Family Sends an 'Inspiring Message' That Divorcees Can Also Be Friends (Exclusive)

Cryer, 58, and Joyner, 56, haven't been shy about sharing their adventures together as a couple. For Cryers 57th birthday in April 2022, the pair celebrated the milestone in Paris and posted a sweet selfie on X (formerly Twitter) with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

"Happy Birthday @MrJonCryer you are an international treasure," she wrote alongside a picture of herself and her husband with Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower in the background. "Love you hubby!"

In October 2020, the Two and Half Men alum also shared an epic saga of losing his wedding bandwhile walking in the rain along the ocean in Vancouver. Luckily, it was eventually found with the help of a metal detector, and Chris Turner from The Ring Finders.

"Chris you not only found a ring. You may have saved a marriage. That ring meant so much. It has so many memories behind it. Now Jon go get it resized!" Joyner later told PEOPLE of the incident.



Joyner said that her husband "sheepishly" called her from the park as he was searching for the lost band after he was unsuccessful in finding it during his first attempt.

"I was sad, but I didn't want to make him feel any worse because I knew how bad he felt," she said then.

Related: Jon Cryer on His 'Aspirational' Pretty in Pink Character: 'He's the Guy I Wish I Was' (Exclusive)

Allen Berezovsky/WireImage Lisa Joyner and Jon Cryer in Los Angeles, California in June 2016.

But the fact that Cryer put so much effort into finding the wedding band made Joyner "love him even more."



"I was really happy. I was mostly happy for him because I knew he was really sad about it," she explained. "It was meant to be. We're not meant to lose that ring. We've been through too much with each other. I felt so relieved."

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Extended Family airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streams the following day on Peacock.



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Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone has opened up about how using she/they pronouns is connected to the performers Indigenous background and partly a way of decolonizing gender.

In a new interview with People, Gladstone  who was raised on the Blackfeet Nation reservation in Montana by a father of Blackfeet and Nimiipuu heritage and a white mother  says that in most Native languages, most Indigenous languages, Blackfeet included, there are no gendered pronouns. There is no he/she, theres only they.

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And within the Blackfeet community specifically, Gladstone says, we dont have gendered pronouns, but our gender is implied in our name.

Even thats not binary, Gladstone adds, explaining how a grandfather had a Blackfeet name that meant Iron Woman.

He had a name that had a womans name in it, Gladstone says. Id never met my grandfather. I wouldnt say that he was nonbinary in gender, but he was given a womans name because he kind of carried himself, I guess, the way that women who have that name do.

Gladstone adds, And there were lots of women historically and still now who are given mens names. They fulfill more of a mans role in society as far as being provider, warrior, those sort of things.

Speaking about personal pronoun preferences, Gladstone says, my pronoun use is partly a way of decolonizing gender for myself.

Beyond that, Gladstone says the she/they pronouns is a way of the performer embracing that when Im in a group of ladies, I know that Im a little bit different. When Im in a group of men, I dont feel like a man. I dont feel [masculine] at all. I feel probably more feminine when Im around other men.

In ceremony, a lot of times where you sit in the circle is a gendered thing, Gladstone says. I happen to sit in circles that are very embracing of all of our people. And Ive seen people change where they sit in the circle based upon how theyre feeling that day.

Gladstone also recalls realizing early on that they might be preferable to gendered pronouns.

I remember being 9 years old and just being a little disheartened, seeing how often a lot of my boy cousins were misgendered because they wore their hair long, Gladstone says. It happens to a lot of kids, I think, especially Native boys leaving a community where long hair is celebrated [and then] just kind of getting teased for it. So I remember back then being like, everybody should just be they.

Gladstone also speaks about gendered awards categories, which have received more attention in recent years as groups like the Gotham Awards, MTV Movie & TV Awards, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Independent Spirit Awards have opted for gender-neutral categories; Gladstone is set to serve as honorary chair of the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards ceremony.

I think its really cool that were seeing performer and were seeing everybody brought in together. I do feel that historically having gendered categories has helped from keeping women actors from a lot of erasure because I think historically people just tend to honor male performances more, Gladstone says. I know a lot of actresses who are very proud of the word actress or are very proud of being an actress. I dont know, maybe its just an overly semantic thing where Im like, if theres not a director-ess, then there shouldnt be actresses. Theres no producer-ess, theres no cinematographer-ess.

Gladstone has been receiving awards buzz for playing Mollie Burkhart, the Osage wife of a white man, Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) in Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon, based on David Granns 2017 nonfiction book about a series of murders of Osage people in Oklahoma in the 1920s.

Gladstone is nominated for Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards for best actress and has been named best actress by the National Board of Review and New York Film Critics Circle.

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Greene was a staple in Las Vegas and a regular on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Stand-up comedian Shecky Greene at New York City's Pierre Hotel in 2014

Shecky Greene, a legend in the Las Vegas stand-up comedy scene, has died at the age of 97, his wife of 41 years, Marie Musso Greene, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal and his manager Howard Rapp confirmed for PEOPLE.

Known for his several appearances and guest-hosting gigs on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Greene's work also extended to film and other television projects, including movies such as History of the World, Part I and programs like Combat! and Laverne & Shirley.

Greene's widow told the Review-Journal that her husband died of natural causes on Sunday morning, noting that he "always made humor out of whatever he could."

"He was a brilliant Comedian. He lead off for 7 years and came back for his first show at Kutchers Hotel and worked in many large venues again, Rapp said of Greene in a statement to PEOPLE. He loved entertaining again. I spoked to him last week and we had a fun talk and he finished with a song that included my name."

Rapp concluded, "Many people will miss this TALENT."

Related: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour Star Tom Smothers Dead at 86

Paul W. Bailey/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Shecky Greene sits with Johnny Carson on Oct. 21, 1975

Greene, perhaps best known for his stand-up and as a pioneering lounge act, worked alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra during his extensive career. Frequently appearing on talk and game shows from the 1950s through 1970s, he notably guested on The Tonight Show extensively throughout Carson's run. Per Variety, he was a guest on more than 60 episodes of the program.

During his decades in Vegas, Greene's headline shows would often highlight his improvisational skills, with his sets "tailored to his audience," according to his website's biography.

Born Fred Sheldon Greenfield in 1926, Greene began his career in Milwaukee by way of Chicago, and later left for Miami when Martha Raye asked him to play her club, his biography reads. Eventually, he landed in Las Vegas, where his lengthy list of accomplishments included introducing Elvis Presley to his first Vegas crowd as Greene's opening act in the 1950s.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Greene began his six decades in Vegas when he opened for Dorothy Shay in 1954, and later celebrated his final ticketed performances in the city in 2011.

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Among the many notable stories about Greene's life used for material, perhaps his most famous include him driving his car into the the fountain in front of Caesars Palace and Sinatra saving his life when five men were beating him, per The New York Times.

On television, Greene starred as Pvt. Braddock in ABC's Combat! for eight episodes, and later made appearances in The Fall Guy and The A-Team in the '80s. His film work includes appearances in 1971's The Love Machine, 1976's Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood and Mel Brooks' 1981 hit History of the World: Part I, in which he played Marcus Vindictus.



Writer Alison Martino, a family friend of Greene's, remembered the comedian on X (formerly Twitter) as "one of the most brilliant comics ever."

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If 2023 were defined by a shoe trend, it would arguably be the ballet flat. In a year filled with feminine aesthetics, the balletcore fashion movements key show resurfaced with a wave of new styles  and a wave of new fashion moments.

From the streets of New York City to the front rows of Paris Fashion Week, ballet flats took center stage this year. Stars including Katie Holmes, Alexa Chung, Olivia Ponton and more stepped out in variations on the lightweight shoe, ranging from practical to dramatic. Indeed, whether they featured shiny silver uppers, ballerina-worthy satins or any size of Mary Jane straps, ballet flats added a dash of elegant, preppy and whimsical flair to the international fashion set.

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Below, discover the moments that marked ballet flats major comeback in 2023.

Alexa Chung, Loewes Fall 2023 Fashion Show

Alexa Chung slipped on a pair of black leather slingback flats  complete with gold chain toe accents  for Loewes fall 2023 fashion show in February. During the Paris Fashion Week affair, Chung complemented the chic set with a trench-style dress and silver chainmail Paco Rabanne handbag.

Alexa Chung attends Loewes fall 2023 fashion show in Paris, France during Paris Fashion Week on March 3, 2023. Jacopo Raule/Getty Images

Katie Holmes, Chanel Tribeca Festival Womens Lunch

In June, Katie Holmes stepped out in black cap-toed Chanel flats for the brands annual Tribeca Film Festival luncheon to celebrate the Through Her Lens program. Holmes chic shoes added a versatile base to the rest of her Chanel outfit: a white top and printed blue jeans, paired with a large black knit cardigan and crystal drop earrings.

Katie Holmes attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival Womens Lunch to celebrate the Through Her Lens Program at Odeon in New York City on June 9, 2023. Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Olivia Ponton, Tory Burchs Spring 2024 Fashion Show

During New York Fashion Week, model Olivia Ponton arrived to Tory Burchs spring 2024 runway show in a pair of black Mary Jane-style flats  complete with pointed toes and thin upper straps. The style added a preppy finish to Pontons ensemble for the occasion, also by Burch: a sheer-paneled black top and pleated miniskirt, accented with a quilted leather shoulder bag.

Olivia Ponton attends Tory Burchs spring 2024 fashion show in New York City during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 11, 2023. Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Tory Burch

Susanna Lau, Supriya Leles Spring 2024 Fashion Show

For Supriya Leles spring 2024 show at London Fashion Week, influencer Susanna Lau  also known as Susie Bubble  posed in a pair of black satin Miu Miu flats. Her Mary Jane style, complete with printed elastic straps, added a whimsical finish to her outfit for the occasion: a ruffled red dress, collared jacket and white knee socks, paired with a black leather iteration of Guccis popular Horsebit Chain shoulder bag.

Susanna Lau attends Supriya Leles spring 2024 fashion show at the Barbican Centre in London, England during London Fashion Week on Sept. 18, 2023. Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Ever Anderson, Miu Mius Spring 2024 Fashion Show

Ever Anderson arrived to Miu Mius spring 2024 runway show at Paris Fashion Week in a pair of the brands signature ballet flats, featuring a tonal pink leather base with thick buckled straps. The edgy pair added an eclectic base to the Peter Pan & Wendy stars gray minidress and floral crystal-embellished jacket for the occasion, which were complemented by the brands round white leather Matelasse handbag.

Ever Anderson attends Miu Mius spring 2024 fashion show at Palais dIena in Paris, France during Paris Fashion Week on Oct. 3, 2023. Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Miu Miu

About the Author:

Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Flats, ballet flats, balletcore, ballerina flats, womens shoes, shoe trends, 2023 trends, Alexa Chung, Imogen Poots, Olivia Ponton, celebrity style, celebrity red carpet, metallic flats, shiny flats, black flats, satin flats, white flats, Chanel, Tory Burch, Miu Miu, Mary Janes, Mary Jane flats, Fashion Week, New York, Paris, Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, fashion show, front row, PFW, NYFW

2023s Elegant Ballet Flat Fashion Moments: Katie Holmes, Olivia Ponton & More

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Launch Gallery: The Most Elegant Ballet Flat Moments of 2023

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A nonprofit organization dedicated to saving Americans abroad whose lives are at risk is currently preparing for the possibility they may conduct rescue missions in Taiwan and mainland China ahead of a possible conflict.

China views the island of Taiwan as a rogue province and has threatened to take it by force, and while the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan's independence, it also does not want to see any unilateral shift in the status quo. Beijing's military modernization and nuclear expansion, plus its more aggressive posture toward Taiwan, have raised concerns that China could try to take Taiwan militarily in the coming years.

WHITE HOUSE DECLINES TO VETO BAN ON APPLE WATCHES AS DEADLINE EXPIRES

Project Dynamo is a nonprofit organization made up of former U.S. military and intelligence officials who came together in August 2021 to rescue Americans who were unable to leave Afghanistan before the military withdrew at the end of the month and were essentially left behind. Since then, they have continued their effort to rescue Americans that the U.S. military was not planning on saving at that time in countries across the world.

"I think the answer is maybe, or it depends," Bryan Stern, a combat veteran and the founder of Project Dynamo, told the Washington Examiner when asked if they'd carry out rescue missions in mainland China as well as Taiwan. "I think it remains to be seen if Americans are stuck and we can get them out from wherever they are...."

He added, "There's a lot more Americans in China than there are in Taiwan, even though there's plenty in Taiwan. If you're an American in China [when the war starts], it's also going to be a crummy day. You know what I mean? It's not just about Taiwan. Mainland China is pretty rough, too. The way we're kind of conceptualizing it is what do we do for Americans that are in mainland China, where the Americans won't be the most popular team in town on that day."

Project Dynamo has coined the mission name "Marco Polo" for potential rescues in Taiwan and China. They have rescued more than 6,000 people from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Israel, Gaza, Maui after the wildfires, and Florida after Hurricane Ian in the less than three years they've operated.

The group operates entirely on a donation basis and does not receive any government funding. The group does not want to interfere with any U.S. military or intelligence mission, so it asks the government if it can proceed with an operation beforehand, and in every case, Stern said, the administration gave the group the green light.

President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in October in what was billed as a chance to simmer the growing tension between the two adversaries. The leaders agreed to restart military-to-military communications after Beijing cut them off in August of last year in response to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) visit to Taiwan. Gen. Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met virtually with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, last week, ending that freeze about two months after the leaders' meeting.

"[Xi told Biden] that Beijing will reunify Taiwan with mainland China but that the timing has not yet been decided," NBC News reported, citing three sources familiar with the conversation. "Chinese officials also asked in advance of the summit that Biden make a public statement after the meeting saying that the United States supports China's goal of peaceful unification with Taiwan and does not support Taiwanese independence."

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Biden did not follow through with the request.

Xi said at last year's Chinese Communist Party Congress that they would attack Taiwan if the island nation of roughly 24 million people declares independence with foreign support.

Biden has said multiple times during his administration that the U.S. military would defend Taiwan if China invaded, which would represent a shift in U.S. policy, but the White House has walked back his comments each time.

Original Location: Group that rescues Americans from hot spots preparing for possible Taiwan operation

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Bob Pardo, who made his mark in Air Force history for using an unorthodox maneuver, Pardos Push, to save the lives of his wingmen during a bombing mission during the Vietnam War, has died at 89.

Pardo, who died Dec. 5, is remembered as a war hero who championed the Air Force maneuver, Pardo's Push, which saved him and his teammates during a daring mission in 1967.

His bravery earned him the Silver Star, which is awarded for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force," according to the Air Force.

COLORADO WORLD WAR II VETERAN TO CELEBRATE 100TH BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH: 'PLEASED TO SERVE MY COUNTRY'

On March 10, 1967, Pardo and weapons officer 1st Lt. Steve Wayne were on a bombing run against an enemy steel mill north of Hanoi in North Vietnam territory in an F-4C Phantom.

Lt. Col. John "Bob" Pardo died in early December. He was awarded a Silver Star for his service during the Vietnam War.

The pair were flying alongside Capt. Earl Aman and 1st Lt. Robert Houghton.

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During the mission, ground fire damaged both Pardos and Amans aircraft, and both quickly lost fuel.

Without enough fuel to return to base, Pardo had to react quickly.

"I knew if I didnt do anything, they would have to eject over North Vietnam into enemy territory, and that would have resulted in their capture for sure," Pardo told the Veterans in Blue, an Air Force public affairs agency.

"At that time, if you were captured by civilians, you were probably going to be murdered on the spot."

Hellenic Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jets fly during a military parade to mark National "Oxi" (No) Day in Thessaloniki Oct. 28, 2023, commemorating Greece's refusal to accept the ultimatum given by fascist Italy in 1940 during World War II.

Pardo, acting quickly, positioned the plane to push the nose of the aircraft against the second plane's tailhook, a retractable hook on the underside of the plane used to assist in landing.

Veterans in Blue said Pardo successfully decreased the rate of descent of the second jet by 1,500 feet per minute, making it back over the border to South Vietnam.

TIKTOK STAR AND WWII VETERAN 'PAPA JAKE' TURNS 100, WANTS FUTURE GENERATIONS TO KNOW HIS STORIES

According to the Air Force, all four airmen were able to eject and lived to tell the tale.

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Pardo was reprimanded for his actions due to the damage caused to his plane by the maneuver.

However, he was later decorated for his quick thinking and heroic actions.

A right rearview of an F-4G Phantom II Wild Weasel aircraft banking to the right over a range.

Pardo was born in 1934 in Herne, Texas, and began his career in the Air Force at the age of 19 to become a fighter pilot.

After flight school, he flew the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War and logged 132 flying missions.

"Being an Air Force veteran means a lot to me, especially having the honor of serving in combat," he told Veterans in Blue. "It doesnt give me any extra privileges, but I can guarantee you, it makes me feel better about who I am."

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Original article source: Bob Pardo, Vietnam War pilot famous for Pardos Push maneuver, dead at 89
Another homeowners association is making life difficult for its residents with some mind-boggling rules.

One condo owner in Palm Beach, Florida, took to an anti-HOA subreddit about their HOAs ridiculous rules. The poster said they actually moved out of the condo because of the HOA and now rent it out instead.

One of these rules is that no service or repairs is allowed to be conducted after 4 p.m. on weekdays and is completely not allowed on weekends, they said, going on to explain that their tenants air conditioner broke on a Friday.

They had a service repairman come in and tell them that the entire unit needs to be replaced, the post continued. I paid for it and the building manager told the service provider that he needed to stop working because it was after four and that he cannot return back until Monday.

Then they asked the community for some advice. [What] if one of my tenants overheated in the apartment and had to get rushed to the hospital?

This is not the first time that an HOA has clashed with its homeowners due to puzzling policies. As temperatures continue to rise across the globe, such instances will become more dire  extreme heat is a growing concern, with heat exhaustion and heat stroke its possible consequences.

Lately, a slew of cases of HOAs preventing people from making money-saving and/or eco-friendly updates to their homes have popped up.

For instance, one California residents HOA denied their application  possibly illegally  to install solar panels. Meanwhile, an electric vehicle owner told the Reddit community that their HOA barred them from installing a charging station on their side of a shared garage. Yet another HOA in Florida tried to fine homeowners for their hurricane-proof roof.

If you are experiencing challenges with your HOA, its not the end of the line. There are a number of things you can do to work with your HOA to change the established rules. These include writing the board and teaming up with your neighbors to create a unified front.

Needless to say, the Reddit community thought these policies were bologna.

This seems to be an extraordinarily stupid and short-sighted rule, one person remarked.

Another commented, With it being Florida heat, thats a health issue.

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Soup is an important part of Italian cuisine, although many people are only familiar with one or two of the incredibly numerous soups Italians make. Soup is eaten as a first course, either as an alternative to pasta or with pasta in it. Soup is also a common choice for dinner since Italians traditionally enjoy their heavier meal of the day for lunch. Minestra verde is a type of Italian vegetable soup that features dark green leafy vegetables, which gives it its name -- minestra means soup in Italian, and verde means green. People in various regions of Italy make this soup in slightly different ways, but all the versions are vegetable-heavy and green.

Recipe developer Michelle Bottalico has created a recipe for minestra verde that is not only nutritious but delicious and flavor-packed too. The ingredient list features four different leafy greens, which are nutritional powerhouses, and includes seven other vegetables as well. This is a satisfying and flavorful soup that also happens to be completely plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The soup is served with pastina that is boiled separately and then mixed in at the end. Pastina isn't a specific shape of pasta but any kind of very tiny pasta shape. In the U.S. you will commonly find it in the shape of tiny stars. This recipe uses orzo pasta, but you can use any pastina you wish. This vibrant green soup may just become a delicious addition to your soup repertoire.

Read more: The 20 Best Olive Oils For Cooking

Gather Your Italian Green Soup Ingredients

green soup ingredients on table - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

For this recipe, you will need 4 kinds of leafy greens: parsley, kale, turnip greens, and spinach. Grab some extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, a leek, and an onion. The other vegetables you'll use are celery, carrots, a potato, frozen peas (make sure to thaw them ahead of time), and zucchini. This recipe calls for pastina, but not a specific kind  you can choose any kind of very tiny pasta shape. Lastly, grated pecorino cheese and toasted Italian bread are recommended for serving with the soup.

Step 1: Heat The Oil

oil heating in saucepan - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Heat the oil in a large stockpot on medium heat.

Step 2: Saute The Vegetables

vegetables sauteing in saucepan - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Place the leek, onion, celery, carrots, potato, peas, and zucchini in the pot and saute them in the oil, stirring occasionally so they don't stick, for 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Cook The Greens

leafy greens cooking in saucepan - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Add the parsley, kale, turnip greens, and spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to wilt. You may need to add them a little at a time depending on the size of your pot.

Step 4: Pour In The Water

green soup simmering on stove - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Pour in 2 quarts of water to just cover the vegetables.

Step 5: Season And Bring To A Boil

vegetable soup boiling on stove - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Add salt and pepper and raise the heat to high to bring the water to a boil.

Step 6: Let The Soup Simmer

vegetable soup simmering on stove - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 1 hour. Remove from the heat.

Step 7: Blend The Soup

blended green soup in saucepan - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Blend the soup with an immersion blender or blend it in batches in a blender and return it to the pot.

Step 8: Cook The Pastina

boiling pasta water in pot - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Towards the end of soup-cooking time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pastina to al dente according to the package directions.

Step 9: Add The Pastina To The Soup

green blended soup in pot - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Drain the pastina and add it to the soup pot. Mix well.

Step 10: Serve The Italian Green Soup

vegetable soup served on table - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Serve the Italian green soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and grated pecorino cheese.

Can I Substitute The Leafy Greens In Italian Green Soup?

assorted leafy greens in bowls - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

You can make substitutions to the kind or number of leafy greens used in this soup. Dark leafy green vegetables are incredibly nutritious -- chock full of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals. The important thing is that you include them, even if you mix them up a little. We used parsley, kale, turnip greens, and spinach in this recipe, a combination that makes for a delicious and flavorful soup, but other kinds of vegetables will work.

Use what's available if you can't find the combination listed or you prefer the flavors of other greens. The kale found in Italy is called lacinato kale, Tuscan kale, or dinosaur kale, but if you can't find that, curly kale or any of the other 13 types of kale will be fine. If you want to ensure the soup remains vibrantly green, you might want to avoid purple or red varieties, though their color tends to fade as they cook. Examples of other kinds of greens that can be used are beet greens, Swiss chard, green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, chicory leaves, and escarole. If you can't find four different kinds of greens, you can use one kind, but make sure to use the total quantity of all the greens put together that's called for in the recipe.

How Can I Blend Italian Green Soup?

green soup served on table - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Minestra verde, or Italian green soup, is a blended soup. You start by cooking roughly chopped vegetables, and there's no need to fuss over chopping them beautifully or finely since everything will be blended in the end. There are a few ways you can blend the soup once it's finished cooking. A simple way is to use an immersion blender if you have one. This stick blender is inserted directly into the soup pot, which saves you from having to clean a separate blending device and allows you to blend large quantities at once. To avoid splatters and ensure even blending, make sure to keep the blades beneath the surface of the soup as you blend. Start with a slower speed, and move the blender around the pot till you achieve the desired consistency.

Another method is to transfer the soup to a regular blender and then return it to the pot. You may have to do this in batches unless you're making a smaller portion of the soup. Alternatively, you can use a food mill. This is a device with a rotating blade that you can pass the soup through to puree it. The result will be a slightly more rustic texture than the soup processed in a blender or with an immersion blender. Either is fine as it's a matter of personal preference.

Italian Green Soup (Minestra Verde) With Pastina Recipe

green soup served on table - Michelle Bottalico/Tasting Table

Prep Time: 5mCook Time: 1h 20mYield: 8 ServingsIngredients

 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1 leek, roughly chopped

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

1 large potato, peeled and roughly chopped

1  cup frozen peas, thawed

1 medium zucchini, roughly chopped

 bunch parsley, roughly chopped

1 packed cup roughly chopped kale

1 packed cup roughly chopped turnip greens

5 ounces roughly chopped spinach or whole baby spinach

4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

10 ounces pastina such as orzo or another very small pasta shape

Optional Ingredients

Grated pecorino cheese for serving

Toasted Italian bread for serving

Directions

Heat the oil in a large stockpot on medium heat. Place the leek, onion, celery, carrots, potato, peas, and zucchini in the pot and saute them in the oil, stirring occasionally so they don't stick, for 5-6 minutes. Add the parsley, kale, turnip greens, and spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to wilt. You may need to add them a little at a time depending on the size of your pot. Pour in 2 quarts of water to just cover the vegetables. Add salt and pepper and raise the heat to high to bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 1 hour. Remove from the heat. Blend the soup with an immersion blender or blend it in batches in a blender and return it to the pot. Towards the end of soup-cooking time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pastina to al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pastina and add it to the soup pot. Mix well. Serve the Italian green soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and grated pecorino cheese.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Nearly two years after an Australian research team made the claim that a Rhode Island shipwreck was Captain Cooks HMS Endeavour, the team says they have more evidence to back up their assertion.

A Rhode Island-based research group originally said it was too premature to call the shipwreck Cooks vessel.

New findings regarding the pump well and bow further point to this ship in fact being HMS Endeavour.

Residents of New England and those with British ties are once again in a scuffle. This time, the debate continues over whether a shipwreck found off the coast of Rhode Island is really the HMS Endeavouror Lord Sandwhich, as it was eventually renameda retrofitted coal ship made famous by Captain James Cook during his 1760s explorations.

The ship in question had been known as RI 2394 since it was discovered, and is one of five shipwrecks found just north of Goat Island in Newport Harbor that were deliberately sunk by the British during the American War of Independence. Archaeologists have studied the ship for decades, and in February of 2022, the Australian National Maritime Museum declared RI 2394 to be the HMS Endeavour. That announcement didnt go over well with the Rhode Island Maritime Archeology Project, who quickly questioned the announcement.

Now, nearly two years later, the Australian group is back in the public eye and claiming that further evidence from the ships pump well and bow offers additional reasons to believe that RI 2394 is indeed Cooks HMS Endeavour.

Archaeology is an interesting process, Kieran Hosty, Australian archeologist, said on the groups website, we call on the preponderance of evidence where weve got a whole series of things that tie into Endeavour. And so far, weve found lots of things that tick the boxes for it to be the Endeavour and nothing on the list which says its not.

Work has been ongoing at the site since the late 90s. The team says that samples taken from the ship show that the timbers are British, the size is within millimeters of the Endeavours, and the length of the keel (from the end of the bow to the bilge pump) is within inches of survey measurements taken of Cooks vessel taken by the British Royal Navy.

The two new pieces of evidence tie to that survey, which shows the position of the pump-shaft stump and pump-well partitions and lays out how they aligned perfectly with the shipwreck, according to The Guardian. And the scarph joint in the keel timber was also a match to the historical survey.

The stem scarph is identical to what we know from the plans of Endeavour, Australian marine archeologist James Hunter said on the groups website. Its also a very unique feature. Weve gone through a whole bunch of ships plans, lots of 18th century plans, and we cant find anything else like it.

Another anecdotal reason that experts continue to believe that this shipwreck is in fact the Endeavour is that the archaeological team found coal in the bottom inside of the hull, likely left over from when it was a cargo ship. I think its just rattled down from when it was a collier and got stuck in the bilge, Hunter told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hunter and Hosty say that they will continue to put together a paper on the study and have it peer-reviewed before publishing, but for now, theres a lot of confidence that Endeavour has been finally found.

While the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project hasnt commented on the recent Australian announcement, the groups executive director put out a scathing statement in 2022 that called the announcement a breach of contract between the two parties, which had been working together.

Even though the shipwreck site is consistent with what might be expected of the Endeavour, there has been no indisputable data found to prove the site is that iconic vessel, and there are many unanswered questions that could overturn such an identification.

Daryl Karp, the Australian National Maritime Museum chief executive, told the Sydney Morning Herald that along with the new findings, theres been no evidence against the idea that this is the Endeavour.

Cook is famous for charting lands previously unknown to the British, including New Zealand, Australia, Newfoundland, and Hawaii. His was the first European ship to reach the eastern coast of Australia and sailed around all New Zealand. His coal ship was then used in the War of Independence, one of five British vessels scuttled in 1778 by the cutting of holes in their hulls, which is why it makes sense that the craft would have ended up in Rhode Island.

We will never find anything on this site that screams Endeavour, Hosty said on the website. We will never find a sign saying, Cook was here. We will never see a ships bell with Endeavour crossed out and Lord Sandwich inscribed on it.

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Photo credit: Caity Krone

As a folk musician, Mon Rovia has never been much of a planner. He didnt plan on pursuing music as a career; he never imagined going on tour, nor does he map out the lyrics in his music thats going viral on TikTok. When inspiration strikes, he scribbles in a notebook and the rest flows from there. I hate sitting and trying to make up a song. Its better if its just fluid and it just comes to me, he says via Zoom from his home in Chattanooga.

Among the furthest from his to-do list was finding himself in a genre he calls Afro Appalachian. A bridge between his worlds, he and his music manager use the term for marketing purposes Mon Rovia is from Africa and lives in Tennessee. It just made sense.

But since 2020, when he began pursuing a musical career, fans applauded him for giving credence to the historical contributions Black people have made to the music traditions of Appalachia, a region stereotyped by poverty and whiteness. Commonly referred to as the Affrilachian community, African Americans there are often overlooked in discussion about the area. Mon Rovia is the first to admit he all but tripped into the category, but the praise has him newly invested in the history of the place he calls home. I just wrote songs and sang this way, he says about his gravelly voice and confessional lyrics. Hed draw on the gentle, unfussy melodies that spoke to him most. And then it became, I guess, folk. Despite his informality, Appalachian anthropologists, including Dr. Fred J. Hay, whos researched the regions music, write that not only is much of Appalachian folk music and its instruments Black in origin but sectors of it are derived from the traditions of West Africa, where Mon Rovia was born. Seems there was always a place for him here.

Photo credit: Caity Krone

Mon Rovia, born Janjay, was adopted by Christian missionaries at seven years old during the Second Liberian Civil War. His familys relocation that followed  from Monrovia, Liberia, to Florida in 2001, to Montana, then to the Bahamas, all to the exclusive soundtrack of Christian music  muddled his musical tastes. Hes not the guy who can sing along to a 2008 banger when it comes on. In fact, most hits are lost on him. A lot of people make fun of me for it, he says, shrugging.

Mon Rovias exposure to popular music came at 13 when his foster brothers introduced him to Fleet Foxes, Radical Face, and Vampire Weekend. He was especially taken by Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenigs grasp of metaphor.

Though less jaunty than Vampire Weekends sound, Mon Rovias nostalgic and ethereal instrumentals tend to back impressionistic lyrics too. I wouldnt say my songs are very happy, says Mon Rovia. He often sings about hurt while voicing hope for a better future, which requires him to reflect on his past. Its painful, but hes been committed to vulnerability in his music since 2020 when his mental health took a dive. I was having a huge meltdown, he says about that year. I felt like I wasted a lot of time in the U.S. and didnt give anything back to my people. He couldnt reconcile his privilege and the survivors guilt hes carried since his adoption, sparing him the turmoil in Liberia. Investing in music felt selfish, so he decided to quit.

He sent three final songs to a friend, Eric Cromartie, whom he knew from university in Chattanooga, and planned to focus on a typical career path. I heard those songs and said, No, youre not, these are incredible, lets get to work, Cromartie writes over email. It was in that moment our journey began.

And work they did. Mon Rovia settled in Chattanooga, chose a stage name that honors his birthplace, released two EPs and his debut album; Cromartie sold him on the star-making powers of TikTok (where he first used the term Afro Appalachian). In a matter of months, Mon Rovia was catapulted to the realm of viral sensations dominating the FYP.

He started by duetting other musicians. People would go on there and they would write melodies and I would just write lyrics over their instrumentals, he says. His music was finally raw, examining the pain attached to self-discovery, healing, and war  songs that drove his following from 10,000 at the start of his year to nearly 300,000 by its end. In one TikTok, which caught the eye of two Mega House Music managers, he sings along to the whirring of a sewing machine. Theyre now co-representing him with Cromartie from Los Angeles. In August, Bella Hadid filmed herself on a mental health walk in which his song Watch The World Spin Without You plays in the background. It was liked 1.9 million times. And in February, hes headed on a 31-city tour to open for Josiah and the Bonnevilles with whom he connected on the app.

These days, his videos are gaining traction for how they make viewers feel. pov you just found a song that sounds like waking up from a dream, itll say on screen, behind the words is Mon Rovia, gazing into the camera, strumming a ukulele to his latest single. Or sometimes hes making tea. Viewers will stop scrolling for the folk music they say is reminiscent of falling leaves on a crisp day and theyll stay awhile for his narrative lyrics familiar to anyone plagued with self-doubt. Appalachian natives, meanwhile, are grateful to him for putting bygone music with papered-over history on the map. Were with you, and Thank you for putting us out there, they say.

Theyre referencing the often-disregarded role Africa has played in shaping the musical traditions of Appalachia. I'm currently still trying to learn the actual history of the Black people that lived in these places and somehow were forgotten in time, Mon Rovia says. Hes familiarizing himself with the history of the banjo, derived from the African gourd instrument, the typical folk rhythms borrowed from African cadences heard during enslavement, and the infusion of gospel and blues, reminiscent of African spirituals. Like folk, a host of other genres and artists regularly dip from the well that is African music: Beyonce, Paul Simon, and even Vampire Weekend credit two African-pop cassettes for inspiring their sound.

Photo credit: Caity Krone

I dont know if youve heard Liberian music, Mon Rovia ponders. They change a lot of different melodies as they sing, so I tend to do that a lot in verses. He starts humming a tune which abruptly shifts to a different one and back again. Though he hasnt yet read up on it, hes describing a West African practice Dr. Fred J. Hay, professor of Appalachian Studies, writes was adopted by Appalachian folk music and documented in folk scholarship in 1917. Without knowing it, Mon Rovias repeating history, merging the textures of his heritage with the sounds of the American South.

Mon Rovia isnt much of a musical planner. When he writes songs, he dials into something within, a process he calls downloading from the source, and song springs out. If it were ever possible to reach back in time and connect with ancestors, Mon Rovia honoring the folk traditions extracted from West Africa is a sign it could be. Maybe its something lost in time and translation that still lives in me somewhere, he says. I can just hear what this needs to sound like.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

Want more great Culture stories from Teen Vogue? Check these out:
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu punctured former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies presidential aspirations earlier this month when he endorsed his GOP opponent, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, over his friend and fellow Trump detractor.

On Sunday, Sununu twisted the knife  effectively calling Christies campaign terminal.

Chris Christie is a friend. But his race is at an absolute dead end, Sununu said Sunday during an interview on CNNs State of the Union.

Christie has staked his campaign on his performance in New Hampshire, relentlessly campaigning across the key early voting state with an anti-Donald Trump message aimed at attracting those in the state  particularly independents  who are fed up with the former president. But Christie is still only polling third in the field, several points behind Haley and more than 30 points behind Trump, the current frontrunner in the state according to a FiveThirtyEight average.

Chris is only talking about Trump. That's it, he's kind of a one-man show, Sununu said Sunday. And I know he says he wants to stay in the race to speak the truth about Trump, but that translating to votes in a primary is a very different thing and he's hit a ceiling. And right now, he probably wouldnt even get any delegates in the state of New Hampshire.

The events of the last few days fully solidifies the point that Christie has been making for six months. That the truth matters and if you can't answer the easy questions, you can't fix the big problems, a spokesperson for Christies campaign said in a statement to POLITICO in response to Sununu's comments Sunday.

Christie's reference to "easy questions" comes after Haley stumbled over a question about the cause of the Civil War, neglecting to mention slavery, during town hall in New Hampshire on Wednesday night. The moment grabbed headlines, though Haley clarified the remarks during a radio interview Thursday morning  and on Thursday, some voters appeared unfazed by the slip.

Though Sununu stopped short of calling outright for Christie to drop out of the race, he predicted that Christie would make the right decision eventually.

Chris Christie isn't going to make up 30 points in the next few weeks, Sununu said. And the only person that does want Christie to stay in the race, Sununu said, is Trump.
University presidents are often the highest-paid individuals at the school where they work.

Presidents contracts generally include a base salary and benefits available to university employees, like medical insurance, vacation and sick leave, and contributions to a retirement plan. Some university presidents also receive allowances to pay for things like cars, athletics tickets, club memberships and professional society memberships, and some universities provide on-campus housing for presidents.

Contracts and salaries were obtained by the Herald-Leader through the Open Records Act. Information about individual schools, like enrollment, comes from the universitys websites, fact books and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education data center.

Here is the pay and contract information about the nine presidents of Kentucky public colleges and universities, starting with the highest salary.

Eli Capilouto

University of Kentucky

Eli Capilouto, the president of the University of Kentucky, is the highest paid university president in the state. His most recent contract extension was approved in December 2021. He has been the president since 2011.

Base salary: $1.04 million, increased annually by the same percentage as other UK employees.

Other benefits: Annual retention payment ($125,000 in 2022 and $325,000 in 2023); Capiloutos contract term is automatically extended by one year annually if he is still serving as president on July 1 of that year.

Contract term: Through June 30, 2027.

Other things to note: After serving as president, Capilouto has the opportunity to serve in a Special University Representative position, which will be determined by the board of trustees chair and Capilouto, for up to two years. If he chooses to do so, he will be paid an annual salary of half the base salary at the time he steps down as president.

University enrollment: 33,885 (fall 2023)

Kim Schatzel is the president of the University of Louisville.

University of Louisville

Kim Schatzel has been the president of the University of Louisville since February of this year.

Base salary: $925,000

Contract term: Through January 2028.

Other things to note: Schatzel will be eligible for a raise in March 2025. If she serves as president for at least five years, Schatzel can take a one year leave at her current base salary. She will then be able to assume faculty duties at UofL, with a salary and benefits equal to the average of the three highest-paid, full-time professors in the department she chooses to work in.

University enrollment: 23,043 (fall 2022)

Timothy Caboni is the president of Western Kentucky University.

Western Kentucky University

Timothy Caboni has been the president of Western Kentucky University since 2017. His most recent contract extension was signed in March 2021.

Base salary: $450,000, increased annually by the same percentage as other WKU employees.

Other benefits: Caboni receives a retention and performance bonus annually equal to 10% of his base salary. The bonus will be awarded for his progress in several areas, including executing the universitys strategic plan, fundraising, and improving student retention and graduation rates.

Contract term: Through June 30, 2025

University enrollment: 16,495 (fall 2022)

Cady Short-Thompson is the president of Northern Kentucky University.

Northern Kentucky University

Cady Short-Thompson is the newest university president in the state, taking the helm of Northern Kentucky University in October.

Base salary: $400,000

Other benefits: Annual performance bonus of up to $100,000, as determined by the board of regents.

Contract term: Through October 1, 2027

University enrollment: 14,985 (fall 2023)

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles speaks during the Fancy Farm picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023.

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

Ryan Quarles will start as president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on Jan. 1. Quarles is the outgoing Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. His employment contract was signed in October of this year.

Base salary: $380,000

Contract term: Through June 30, 2027

University enrollment: 101,127 students across 16 schools (fall 2022)

David McFaddin is the president of Eastern Kentucky University.

Eastern Kentucky University

David McFaddin has been president of Eastern Kentucky University since 2020, and previously was the interim president of the university in 2019. In January, his contract was extended for the second time.

Base salary: $375,000

Contract term: Through December 31, 2026

Other things to note: McFaddins contract includes an incentive for increasing enrollment at EKU. If enrollment passes 14,000 students, his base pay is adjusted by $37 per student over 14,000.

University enrollment: 15,008 (fall 2023)

Robert Jackson is the president of Murray State University.

Murray State University

Robert Jackson has been president of Murray State University since 2019, and previously served as the interim president of the university in 2018.

Base salary: $325,000

Contract term: Through June 30, 2026

Other things to note: If Jackson steps down as president, he will be eligible to continue working as a tenured professor in the College of Business, with a salary of no less than $100,000, to be determined by the dean.

University enrollment: 9,489 (fall 2022)

Jay Morgan

Morehead State University

Jay Morgan has been the president of Morehead State University since 2017.

Base salary: $325,000, increased annually by the same percentage as other Morehead employees.

Contract term: Through June 30, 2024

Other things to note: If Morgan steps down as present, he will be eligible for a 6 month paid sabbatical. He will also be eligible to join the faculty as a full-time, tenured employee with a salary of no less than $100,000, to be determined by the dean and board chair. Also included in his contract is the ability for Morgan and his immediate family to eat, expense free, at any university dining facility.

University enrollment: 8,810 (2022-23 school year)

Koffi Akakpo is the president of Kentucky State University.

Kentucky State University

Koffi Akakpo has been president of Kentucky State University since July. Previously, he was the president of Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington.

Base salary: $325,000

Other benefits: Akakpo is eligible for an annual performance bonus, with the maximum amount being 20% of his base salary. He is also a tenured professor of education at KSU, and paid $162,500 for that role.

Contract term: Through June 30, 2026

Other things to note: If KSU enters into financial exigency or requires budget cuts, Akakpos base salary can be decreased.

University enrollment: 1,726 (fall 2022)
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Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said Sunday that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should "absolutely" recuse himself from the court's decisions on former President Donald Trump's ballot access cases in Maine and Colorado, which cited the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause.

"Anybody looking at this in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say if your wife was involved in the big lie  in claiming that Donald Trump had actually won the presidential election, had been agitating for that, and been participating in the events leading up to Jan. 6  that you shouldn't be participating," the congressman said on CNN's State of the Union.

JOE BIDEN SAYS BIGGEST' NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION IS TO RETURN TO TROPICAL VACATION SPOT

For Raskin, "The question is, what do we do if he doesn't recuse himself?"

Last week, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows determined that Trump is not eligible for the state's ballot due to his engagement in an insurrection, in reference to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. This followed the Colorado Supreme Court's prior decision earlier this month, similarly ruling that the 14th Amendment rendered Trump ineligible for the state's ballot.

The Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the matter as states are divided over whether the 14th Amendment bars Trump from their respective ballots. With five conservatives on the court  three of whom were appointed by Trump  and Thomas, whose wife worked to assist in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, justices are facing pressure to recuse themselves ahead of the potential decision.

Asked whether a decision from the court allowing states to bar Trump would only help him, Raskin said, "Donald Trump can strike the pose of the martyr in any given context."

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What matters isn't how a potential ruling makes Trump look, Raskin argued. Instead, the court is required to act in accordance with the Constitution.

"I don't think we can run scared from Donald Trump. We've got to enforce our constitution," he said. "And that certainly was the design of the framers, and that's what they would have us do."

Original Location: Jamie Raskin says Clarence Thomas should 'absolutely' recuse in Trump Supreme Court case

Washington Examiner Videos
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Un satmarean prins conducand sub influenta alcoolului in Baia Mare

Sarasau  Ieri, 10 ianuarie, politistii au fost sesizati de catre politistii de frontiera, cu privire la faptul ca, la ora 03:40 au oprit in trafic un autoturism condus prin comuna Rona de Sus, de catre un barbat de 34 de ani din Bocicoiu Mare si care emana [citeste mai departe]
Cadavru gasit pe un camp din Sibiu. Barbatul ar fi fost ucis de un animal salbatic

Un barbat a fost omorat de un animal salbatic pe un camp din apropierea localitatii Alma, cadavrul fiind preluat de cei de la Serviciul de Medicina Legala din Sibiu care urmeaza sa precizeze ce fel de animal l-a ucis pe acest om, [citeste mai departe]
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused the Biden administration of "aiding and abetting cartels" with the open southern border, which the Lone Star state is trying to secure from illegal immigration.

Paxton's statement against the current administration comes after the United States Department of Justice threatened to sue the state of Texas if, by Jan. 3, 2024, it does not assure it will not enforce a law allowing state officials to arrest people they suspect are in the country illegally, which the attorney general said was "hard to believe." Paxton stated that Texas is doing the Biden administration's job in securing the border yet could possibly face legal pushback.

SINEMA'S ROLE AS BIPARTISAN DEAL-MAKER TESTED IN BORDER TALKS: 'SHE IS AT THE EPICENTER'

"And instead, we've got the Biden administration, as I said, aiding and abetting the cartels, encouraging the cartels to make billions of dollars and to bring as many people here as fast as possible and as soon as possible," Paxton said in an appearance on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo. "That's what the Biden administration is doing. They're not just not doing their job; they're actually encouraging the opposite."

The attorney general also discussed recent complaints made by mayors of major cities in the United States, including Chicago and New York City, who have accused Texas of busing migrants to these cities. Paxton claimed that it is "a little ironic" that these cities are only getting a fraction of the "hundreds of thousands" of migrants that border states are getting.

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The threat of a lawsuit was reported after Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton wrote a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) notifying the Texas governor that the U.S. "will pursue all appropriate legal remedies to ensure that Texas does not interfere with the functions of the federal government," should Texas proceed with enforcing its law allowing state officials to arrest suspected illegals.

The law, which was signed by Abbott earlier this month, is set to go into effect in March and outlines that those found to be in the U.S. illegally may be given the choice to leave the country or accept misdemeanor charges. The law is part of Abbott's latest advancement of Operation Lone Star, which he began in 2021 to combat illegal immigration flowing into and through Texas.

Original Location: Ken Paxton says Biden administration is 'aiding and abetting cartels' in lack of border security

Washington Examiner Videos
New Delhi: In 2023, India made significant strides in the education sector by inviting foreign universities to establish campuses in the country. This initiative included the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with higher education institutes from countries such as Australia and the USA.

One notable development occurred in Gujarat's GIFT City, which welcomed two Australian university campuses. This move is expected to foster enhanced academic, research, and skill collaborations between India and Australia. Notably, India's global education outreach took a major step forward in 2023 with the signing of an MoU to establish the first IIT campus in Tanzania.

These initiatives, including student exchange programs, the establishment of foreign universities, and the signing of MoUs, are reshaping the landscape of educational programs. Zee News English engaged in discussions with Gunasekaran D, Registrar of GITAM University, and Dr. Maneesha V Ramesh, Provost of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to delve deeper into this transformative impact.

Gunasekaran D, Registrar, GITAM University which signed MoUs with Universite de Technologie de Troyes (UTT), France for a semester exchange program focusing on engineering students and Hongbang International University in Vietnam to foster cooperation in organizing visits and short courses, particularly in the field of Medicine said, "International collaborations are vital for universities to thrive in a globalized world. They contribute to academic excellence, cultural diversity, research advancements, and the development of well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the 21st century."

Dr. Maneesha V Ramesh, Provost of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, which signed 35 new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in 2023 with leading universities around the globe, said collaborations between countries for educational and cultural purposes elevate the academic environment and ethos of the university.

"They cultivate a dynamic and diverse learning atmosphere, enabling the exchange of knowledge, driving forward research progress, and nurturing a global mindset among both students and faculty," she added.
New Delhi: A pre-New Year Eve rave party with drugs and liquor was busted by the Thane Police in a private plot on Ghodbunder Road near the Kasarvadavali Police Station on Sunday morning, news agency IANS reported. At least 100 youths from Thane and nearby areas were detained and sent for medical examination and legal procedures. The police, acting on a tip-off, raided the party venue around 4 am and seized large amounts of liquor, drugs, narcotics and other illegal substances. The party was in full swing with loud music, singing and dancing, but the police could not ascertain whether the organisers had charged any entry fees.

The event organiser, who is said to be a local from Thane, had invited the party-goers through social media and shared the location maps with them. The party spot was close to the police establishments, raising questions about the polices alertness and efficiency.

A local social activist, Dr. Binu Varghese, expressed his concern over the incident and said that it was shocking that such a party was held in the home town of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also the guardian minister of Thane district.

The raid was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivraj Patil, along with his team from the local police and Crime Branch Units 2 and 5. The police have increased their vigilance and security measures in the district and other cities like Mumbai and Pune, ahead of the New Year Eve celebrations.
New Delhi: As the Lok Sabha elections are approaching, the opposition alliance is facing a dilemma over seat sharing. Amid this, a crucial meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is scheduled to take place in Delhi on Sunday. The meeting of the National Executive and the National Council will be conducted through video conferencing. The meeting has been convened after Kejriwal returned from Vipassana in Delhi.

The meeting is very important as it comes in the backdrop of the third notice issued to Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Sources said that Kejriwal may have to appear before the ED on January 3 in the Delhi Excise Policy case. However, AAP has claimed that the EDs summons is politically motivated. It is worth mentioning that CM Kejriwal was also summoned by the CBI in the same case in April 2023. What is the fate of the INDIA alliance in Delhi-Punjab?

AAP Vs Congress Face Off

The Lok Sabha elections are approaching, but the opposition alliance is still in a quandary over seat sharing. Amid this, a crucial meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is scheduled to take place in Delhi on Sunday. The meeting of the National Executive and the National Council will be conducted through video conferencing. The meeting has been convened after Kejriwal returned from Vipassana in Delhi. The meeting is very important as it comes in the backdrop of the third notice issued to Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Sources said that Kejriwal may have to appear before the ED on January 3 in the Delhi Excise Policy case. However, AAP has claimed that the EDs summons is politically motivated. It is worth mentioning that CM Kejriwal was also summoned by the CBI in the same case in April 2023.

Politics is a game of changing alliances. In the last five years, parties with divergent ideologies have forged partnerships for power, from Jammu and Kashmir to Maharashtra and Bihar. Despite the emergence of the India Block by the opposition, it is hard to say whether the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party will be able to join hands in the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi and Punjab, forgetting their past differences. Because there are continuous reports that the AAP is preparing to go solo in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, instead of allying with the Congress.

However, it has a lukewarm attitude in Delhi. In the midst of such speculations and conjectures, the question arises that there are some gaps between the AAP and the Congress in Delhi and Punjab. It seems difficult to melt the ice of resentment in the relations. In such a situation, will there be any way out? Which will result in a seat-sharing formula for all seven seats in Delhi and 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab. Today, about 300 members can participate in this meeting of AAP. Meanwhile, it is also being speculated that there could be a discussion on the elections for the three Rajya Sabha seats in Delhi.

What Is AAPs Stand In Punjab?

According to sources in AAP, many party leaders in Punjab are not willing to tie up with the Congress. But an alliance is possible in Delhi. Many AAP leaders have conveyed their views to the top leadership that it would be better to contest the Lok Sabha elections alone in Punjab. Some time ago, Kejriwal himself had said in a public meeting in Punjab that no one would vote for them (Congress) again.

He even urged the people of Punjab to win more than 110 seats out of 117 for AAP in the next assembly elections. Kejriwal had also said recently that there are 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and one in Chandigarh. The people of Punjab are happy with the AAP government, so he hoped that the people of Punjab would return their love with interest by putting all 13 seats in AAPs kitty.

Why Can AAP Agree In Delhi?

AAP has contested two Lok Sabha elections alone in Delhi. Here, despite having a massive majority government and the Congress-BJP being wiped out, AAPs account did not open. Therefore, there was also a discussion that AAP wanted to give two of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi to the Congress. However, both Congress and AAP have not given any official statement. But it is believed that there could be a consensus on four and three seats in Delhi. That is, AAP can contest on four seats and Congress (INC) can form an alliance and contest on three seats.
New Delhi: As the national capital gears up to ring in the New Year, the Delhi police has made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the celebrations go off smoothly. Over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in two shifts across the city to maintain law and order situation, officials said on Sunday.

Special pickets to keep a vigil eye and check on vehicles, including drunk and driving, will be installed on Sunday evening, a senior police official said.

Authorities have also identified 10 to 12 vulnerable locations in the city where special arrangements have been made. These locations include Ansal Plaza, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, Palika Bazar, Gandhi Nagar Market, Pacific Mall, Rani Bagh Market, Chhatarpur, Majnu Ka Tila, Hauz Khas Village market, Guru Hanuman Marg, Aero City, Mukherjee Nagar and the Kalkaji temple area.

Fire Safety Measures

Meanwhile, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has stationed fire tenders at key locations that are likely to witness high-octane celebrations and high footfalls, they added.

In a post on X, DFS chief Atul Garg said, DFS has made elaborate arrangements for the safety of Citizens of Delhi on the eve of New year and in addition to fire stations are in alert mode fire tenders will be placed at following locations to meet any emergency if arises (sic). Happy new year to all.

Our priority is to maintain a joyful atmosphere while prioritising the safety of all people, Garg told PTI earlier.

Social Media Appeal

Delhi Police once again stole the social media spotlight on Sunday, weaving a cautionary tale for New Years Eve with a dash of Bollywood flair. Using the platform X, the police department creatively urged citizens to revel responsibly in the transition to 2024.

The advisory took a cinematic turn as it implored, New Years eve par Mast Mein Rehne Ka, lekin Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, agar Animal bankar Bawaal ya Nonstop Dhamaal machaaya toh kahin aisa na ho ki 2024 la pehla din The Great Indian Family ke bajayee Indian Police Force ke saath manaana pade. The witty play on Bollywood movie titles served as a humorous yet poignant reminder to avoid chaos during the celebrations.

The post also read, SAM BAHADURi isi mein hai ki safety ko BHAGWAN BHAROSE mat rakho after all, aap bhi KISI KA BHAI, KISI KI JAAN ho!

Delhi Police, Fire Services ready for New Years Eve; ask citizens to celebrate safely

Delhi gears up for safe and smooth New Years Eve celebrations

How Delhi Police, Fire Services are preparing for New Years Eve; urge citizens to avoid chaos

Delhi Police, Fire Services make elaborate arrangements for New Years Eve; appeal to citizens to be responsible
New Delhi: The Delhi Police has launched a terror probe into the blast that occurred near the Israeli embassy on Tuesday evening, officials said on Saturday. The police has registered an FIR against unknown people under the Explosive Substances Act and the Indian Penal Code at the Tughlak Road Police Station, based on a complaint filed by a police officer, an official said. The police has also handed over the case to the Special Cell, the anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police, to uncover the deeper conspiracy behind the blast, the official added.

The blast took place in a secluded area behind the Israeli embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, which runs parallel to Prithviraj Road. The area, which has no CCTV camera, is between the boundary walls of a house on plot number 4  Nandas House  and the Central Hindi Training Institute on plot number 2A. No one was injured in the blast.

The police has recovered an abusive letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador from near the blast site. Sources said the one-page letter written in English is suspected to be linked to an organisation called Sir Allah Resistance and mentions words like Zionists, Palestine and Gaza.

On Friday, the police told PTI that they were planning to register an FIR as they had found crucial evidence indicating a conspiracy to threaten the Israeli envoy.

The police has also scanned footage from multiple CCTV cameras installed around the blast site and identified a suspect who had arrived from Jamia Nagar in an autorickshaw. The police has questioned 10 autorickshaw drivers, including the one who dropped the suspect at the spot before the blast.

The police has also collected a broken dial of a watch and some steel bearings from the blast site but it is not clear if they were used in the explosion. The police is waiting for reports from the National Security Guards (NSG) laboratory, where samples from the spot have been sent to determine the components used in the explosion.

The police has recorded the statements of a dozen people who claimed to have heard the loud noise of the blast. The statements reveal that the witnesses saw a vehicle that broke down near the blast site.
Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 31-12-2023 Live: The Kerala lottery "AKSHAYA AK-632" Result, on behalf of the Kerala government, will be announced today, December 31, 2023, at Gorky Bhavan Near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala State Lotteries department, which releases the lottery in 12 series (subject to change), will draw the result. Each week, 108 lakh tickets are made available for purchase, and the series may vary. The first-place winner stands to receive a substantial 70 Lakh Rupees as the bumper prize. For those eagerly awaiting today's draw, the AKSHAYA AK-632 outcome for December 31, 2023, can be checked on this website. Stay tuned to ensure you don't miss the live results of Kerala Lottery AKSHAYA AK-632.

Kerala Lottery Result 31-12-2023 Dec: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-632 LOTTERY

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: AN 450400

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: AN 366759

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AN 926217 AO 342323 AP 526338 AR 188568 AS 128203 AT 408734 AU 100187 AV 640580 AW 382446 AX 259851 AY 192094 AZ 933541

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AO 450400 AP 450400 AR 450400 AS 450400 AT 450400 AU 450400 AV 450400 AW 450400 AX 450400 AY 450400 AZ 450400

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0233 0665 2413 2421 2520 3183 3555 4305 5352 6601 7036 7052 7524 8344 8516 8553 9559 9616

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0041 0214 0266 0825 4563 7146 7156

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0646 1253 1263 2465 2674 3108 3310 4061 4410 5120 6446 6491 6723 6996 7122 7214 7296 7488 7732 7803 7804 8993 9529 9653 9788 9837

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0000 0039 0138 0147 0169 0864 0896 0931 1079 1383 1442 1570 1773 1806 2153 2326 2507 2523 2549 2554 2925 3297 3483 3522 3557 3700 3707 3882 4010 4113 4155 4243 4245 4547 4552 4604 4632 4785 5350 5403 5488 5638 6068 6313 6554 6914 6995 7031 7206 7278 7298 7337 7485 7514 7740 7795 7869 8038 8185 8231 8868 8974 9224 9307 9314 9490 9562 9595 9713 9894 9962 9989

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0059 0061 0117 0216 0423 0469 0593 0595 0794 0898 0961 1049 1129 1150 1177 1225 1267 1441 1456 1505 1769 1835 1849 1954 1964 2143 2214 2437 2460 2565 2581 2736 2744 2974 2986 2999 3063 3242 3252 3423 3501 3560 3645 3667 3734 4073 4107 4174 4189 4194 4249 4270 4295 4304 4349 4541 4771 4870 4873 4886 4890 5051 5109 5217 5249 5277 5285 5425 5426 5440 5453 5457 5719 5784 5798 5869 5890 5950 6121 6222 6279 6321 6422 6443 6482 6573 6648 6766 6906 6993 7023 7024 7049 7078 7079 7135 7195 7198 7218 7219 7396 7475 7694 7750 7846 7910 7967 8103 8193 8280 8337 8666 8697 8899 8903 9042 9202 9475 9477 9515 9730 9863 9919

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 31-12-2023 December TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-632 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 2,000

6th Prize: Rs. 1,000

7th Prize: Rs. 500

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.)
For the first time in the last many decades of Jammu and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held at Srinagars Lal Chowk area. The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir had organized a musical event at Srinagars Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower area). Hundreds of people gathered at the clock tower to participate in the New Year celebrations.

The locals as well as the tourists visiting Kashmir Valley attended the function and were extremely excited about the celebrations at the very famous clock tower in Srinagar. The locals from various parts of Srinagar city attended these New Year celebrations and were extremely excited to be a part of it.

Watch The Ground Report

A local girl said, "I am extremely excited to be here today. I heard about these celebrations being held at the clock tower in Srinagar and I asked my father to take me here so that I can be a witness to it. Lal Chowk has never seen these scenes before and being a part of the celebrations makes me feel lucky. I am also liking the lighting and decorations that have been done across Srinagar city, especially at Lal Chowk, which has completely changed now after being converted into a smart city."

The tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley were also surprised to see celebrations being held at Srinagars Clock Tower area. Tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are completely sold out and all the hotels and guest houses are fully booked. The tourist footfall has been increasing in the valley and the administration hopes that 2024 will create new records.

We wanted to be in Kashmir on New Year. We wanted to experience the charm and now we are seeing the celebrations being held at the Lal Chowk. We are super excited. We have already been to Gulmarg Pahalgam and Sonamarg and we are planning to go to some other places as well. We are enjoying our trip to Kashmir Valley and ask others to come to Kashmir once as well," said a tourist Ramesh Singh.

The Department of Tourism has organised many celebratory functions on the eve of New Years across the Kashmir Valley. The key resorts in Gulmarg will have performers coming from across India To celebrate New Year.
Amit the dual threat from China and Pakistan and now with the drones targetting ships in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Air Force is working to enhance its capabilities. The IAF is now working to extend the service life of its Russian-origin combat aircraft Sukhoi-30 MKI by over 20 years. India inducted the Sukhoi-30 MKI about two decades ago. The Indian Air Force has around 272 jets operating in its fleet and Su-30 MKI are going to be the mainstay of the force for at least the next 15-20 years.

Indian Air Force is also working to equip the combat aircraft with modern technologies including indigenous advanced radars, avionics and weapon systems. It is working to upgrade its fleet of Sukohi-30 MKI fighters with indigenous weapon systems and radar named Virupaaksha.

"Virupaaksha radar is being developed indigenously, keeping in view the requirements of IAF in different sectors and would be the most advanced one among all the Sukohi-30 variants being flown around the globe," reported ANI citing defence sources.

The Indian Air Force has been working on a mission mode to indigenize the equipment in its inventory and looking to buy equipment from Indian firms worth over Rs three lakh crore in the near future. The Su-30MKI is a multi-role air dominance fighter that can carry a versatile array of weapons including the Astra Mk-1 long-range air-to-air missile, Brahmos Air Launched missile, and an array of bombs, among others.

The Air Force has already flight-tested the Air-to-Air missile, ASTRA, from Sukhoi-20 MKI. The IAF also successfully test-fired Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile from Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft. The IAF has already got 36 Rafale fighter jets in its fleet but that remains a meager number given the threats that India faces. Indian Air Force is also in the process to acquire 97 Tejas light combat jets to boost its defence capabilities amid the looming retirement of MiG-21, MiG-23 fleet.
New Delhi: Setting couple goals for ever, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif continue to serve couple goals. The couple often treats fans to delightful pictures on social media. Now, at the Mumbai airport, the couple is all set to embark on a vacation to kickstart the year 2024. The couple looked glamourous in a chic avatar. However, the destination location is unknown at the moment.

Katrina looked gorgeous in a white top paired with black jeans. She complemented the outfit with a long coat. On the other hand, Vicky showcased his fashionable side in a black t-shirt and jeans along with a light gray jacket and shoes. Walking hand-in-hand, the couple sported dark sunglasses. The duo seemed joyous and greeted paparazzi with smiles. Lovebirds even posed happily before making their way inside the building.

Recently, Vicky took the internet by a storm with heartwarming pictures from their Christmas celebration. The couple's celebration was a delightful affair with friends and family.

Vicky and Katrina's Christmas celebration was a delightful affair surrounded by friends and family. 'Sam Bahadur' captioned, "Christmas is when you are here." The pictures showed everyone, from Vicky's parents, Katrina's mom to actor Angad Bedi were in attendance. Vicky and Katrina twinned in white, while Angad and Neha opted to wear the same printed night suits.

Sharing the pictures, Neha Dhupia wrote on Instagram, "Our very merry bunch for life." In one of the images, Vicky is seen planting a kiss on his mother's cheek, who wore a red salwar suit for Christmas.

Recently, Vicky also shared an adorable picture of Katrina and him posing during the Christmas bash. A video from the couple's bash also went viral on the internet in which Vicky, Angad and Sunny can be seen adding some Punjabi touch to their Christmas celebrations.

They were seen confidently pulling off bhangra steps at Vicky-Katrina's Christmas party.
New Delhi: In the tech world, anticipation is building as rumors circulate about Apple's groundbreaking releases in 2024. Brace yourselves for a wave of innovation as the iPhone 16 series, a revamped MacBook Air with the M3 chip, an iPad Pro with an OLED display, and a redesigned Apple Watch X are all expected to hit the market.

iPhone 16 Series

Scheduled for a September 2024 launch, the iPhone 16 series is poised to build on the success of its predecessor. Leaks suggest a sleek new chassis design, with Pro models potentially featuring a dedicated "capture" button for quick camera access. An extended Action button across the lineup aims to simplify navigation through apps. (Also Read: Pankaj Patel's Inspirational Journey: From Cadila Laboratories To Owner Of Rs 52,400 Crore Empire)

Speculations hint at buttons adopting haptic technology, enhanced zoom capabilities for Pro models, and even the debut of an "iPhone 16 Ultra." The series is expected to boast a larger battery, a new chipset, higher refresh rate displays, and an upgraded camera. Fast charging support remains uncertain, but Apple may surprise us, given the recent strides in Android phones. (Also Read: Premium Smartphones Launched In 2023: Check)

MacBook Air With M3 Chip

Apple plans to introduce a new MacBook Air in 2024, equipped with the advanced M3 chip. This move is aimed at dispelling the notion that the MacBook Air is only suited for light tasks.

The M3 chip promises a significant performance boost, providing users with a faster and more efficient experience, especially in tasks like video editing.

iPad Pro 2024

In a long-awaited move, Apple is set to bring OLED display technology to its iPad Pro lineup in 2024. The iPad Pro is expected to be powered by the all-new Apple Silicon M3 chip.

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests an early launch in the second quarter of 2024, marking a milestone as the first iPad with an OLED display.

Apple Watch X Revamp

Leaked information points to a redesigned Apple Watch X hitting the shelves next year. With a thinner profile and a magnetic band attachment system, the new design is sure to catch the eye of tech enthusiasts.

Rumored health features include sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring for hypertension, adding a layer of wellness to the revamped Apple Watch X.

AppleGPT

In a surprising move towards the world of generative AI, Apple is reportedly developing an in-house ChatGPT-like service named AppleGPT. Initially designed for internal use, this tool is said to aid employees in testing features, summarizing text, and providing answers based on stored data.

If leaks are accurate, AppleGPT might make its public debut in 2024, offering a new dimension to Apple's suite of services.
The home of Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was swatted on Friday night while she was away with her family for the holiday weekend, the secretary confirmed via social media on Saturday.

Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident, which reportedly occurred after a man called the Augusta Regional Communication Center to report that he had broken into the state official's house. However, when Maine State Police responded to the home, no one was at the residence.

TRUMP CAN APPEAR ON CALIFORNIA BALLOTS AS DEMOCRATIC OFFICIAL BREAKS WITH COLORADO AND MAINE

Swatting calls are considered fake emergency calls that are intended to bring a large number of law enforcement to a particular address to scare the homeowners. Friday's incident comes after Bellow decided on Thursday to keep former President Donald Trump off the Maine Republican primary ballot, which she claims has led to an increase in threats against her.

"This behavior is unacceptable," Bellows said in a Facebook post Saturday. "The non-stop threatening communications the people who work for me endured all day yesterday is unacceptable. It's designed to scare not only me but also others into silence, to send a message. I am so grateful to have such an amazing team of employees at the Department of Secretary of State."

An investigation into who placed the call is underway, according to local news outlet WGME, but Bellows said her personal address has also been posted online.

Bellows said other people have been posting fake and "dehumanizing" images of her on social media, along with fake text messages. The state official warned that the dehumanizing actions could lead to more legitimate threats against her, her employees, and family members.

"These dehumanizing images and threatening communications directed at me and people I love are dangerous," Bellows said. "We should be able to agree to disagree on important issues without threats and violence."

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Bellows ruled on Thursday that Trump had violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment and, therefore, was ineligible to be president. The third section bans those who previously swore to uphold the United States Constitution but have since participated in an insurrection or rebellion from holding federal, state, or nationally elected office.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Maine is now the second state to keep Trump off the ballot after the Colorado Supreme Court made the same decision last week. Trump's campaign said the former president will appeal both decisions, and the topic is expected to be taken to the United States Supreme Court.

The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Maine State Police for comment.

Original Location: Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows's house swatted after Trump ballot decision

Washington Examiner Videos
New Delhi: If you've been eyeing the latest Apple Watch but are hesitant about breaking the bank, now might be the perfect moment to make your move. The Apple Watch Series 8, a flagship model released in 2022 alongside the iPhone 14 and the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra, has seen a significant price drop on Flipkart.

The spotlight is on the 41mm Midnight color variant of the Apple Watch Series 8, and the best part is that you don't need any special cards or offers to snag this deal. (Also Read: Bank To Remain Closed On January 1, 2024? Check List Of Bank Holidays)

The current listing on Flipkart puts the price at Rs 24,999  a substantial markdown from its original tag. No credit card or additional offers are required to make this purchase, making it accessible to a broader audience. (Also Read: Stock Market Holidays 2024: NSE, BSE To Remain Close On...; Check Full List Here)

However, for those looking to sweeten the deal further, Flipkart has an additional offer in place. By using the Flipkart Axis Bank credit card during the purchase, buyers can enjoy an extra cashback of Rs 1,250. This brings the net effective price down to Rs 23,749, making it an even more attractive proposition.

It's important to note that this offer is specifically for the 41mm model of the Apple Watch Series 8. If you have your eyes set on the larger 45mm version, be prepared to shell out a bit more.

But for those content with the 41mm size, the Series 8 emerges as a solid option, especially considering that the Series 9 brought only minor changes.
New Delhi: On this New Year's Eve as we bid farewell to 2023, Google joins the celebration with a lively animated doodle. The doodle celebrates New Year's Eve prompting reflection on the past year and excitement for 2024. The Google Search website's New Year's Eve doodle features confetti and a disco ball.

''3 2 1 Happy New Year! This Doodle brings some sparkle and shine to start the New Year right! As the clock nears closer and closer to midnight, people around the world are planning their New Year's resolutions and wishing for success, love, joy, and everything in between,'' shared Google, counting down the new year.(Also Read: Man Creates Heartfelt Christmas Gift For Mother Using AI To Recreate Late Father's Voice)

As per the Gregorian Calendar, December 31 marks the final day of the year. In various countries, New Year's Eve is also referred as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day.

New Year's Eve is a moment to set aside the past and embrace new beginnings. It provides a perfect chance to look back and focus on the learnings. Globally, people celebrate New Year's Eve by enjoying it with friends and families. Some individuals choose to make resolutions committing to personal changes for a better life in the upcoming year.

On New Year's Eve, people celebrate with fireworks and parties. Billions of people around the world eagerly wait for midnight. This happens more than 24 times worldwide due to different time zones marking the beginning of New Year's Day.

A Google Doodle is a fun design on the search page used for special events. Google creates these creative doodles to celebrate important occasions, achievements, and notable people.
New Delhi: LG Electronics is set to introduce a new smart home assistant at the upcoming CES 2024. This advanced assistant, designed as a robot with wheels and legs, employs artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance home management.

Functioning as a mobile helper, the smart home assistant can autonomously navigate your home, engaging in conversations and displaying emotions through its leg movements. (Also Read: Premium Smartphones Launched In 2023: Check)

Its intelligence extends to understanding spoken language, recognizing images, and comprehending contextual meanings, allowing it to communicate in a manner resembling human interaction. (Also Read: Bank To Remain Closed On January 1, 2024? Check List Of Bank Holidays)

Serving as a central hub for smart home control, the assistant can seamlessly connect and manage various smart appliances and devices. Powered by a robust system from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., it boasts facial and user recognition capabilities through its camera and sensors, ensuring home safety and monitoring environmental factors like temperature and air quality.

A notable feature is its ability to oversee pets and enhance home security. When homeowners are away, the assistant can check for open windows, turn off unused appliances, and even keep an eye on pets. Through remote monitoring, it provides updates on pet activities and alerts users to any unusual events.

In terms of energy efficiency, the assistant actively contributes by identifying and turning off unused devices. Upon the homeowner's return, it can create a welcoming atmosphere, gauge the individual's mood, and perform tasks like playing music or providing relevant information, such as weather updates or reminders.

LG envisions this smart home assistant simplifying daily life by efficiently managing household tasks. Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company, expresses the company's aim to establish a prominent presence in the market for smart home devices.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will launch three additional military spy satellites, build more nuclear weapons and introduce modern unmanned combat equipment in 2024, as he called for "overwhelming" war readiness to cope with U.S.-led confrontational moves, state media reported Sunday.

Kim's comments, made during a key ruling Workers' Party meeting to set state goals for next year, suggest he'll continue a run of weapons tests to increase his leverage in future diplomacy ahead of the U.S. presidential elections in November next year. Observers say Kim could eventually offer to halt North Korea's testing activities and take other limited denuclearization steps in return for sanctions relief but he has no intentions of fully abandoning his advancing nuclear arsenal.

GOOGLE SETTLES $5 BILLION LAWSUIT OVER TRACKING PEOPLE WHILE IN 'INCOGNITO MODE'

During the five-day meeting that ended Saturday, Kim said moves by the United States and its followers against North Korea have been unprecedented this year, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

"The grave situation requires us to accelerate works to acquire overwhelming war response capabilities and thorough and perfect military readiness to suppress any types of provocations by the enemies at a stroke," Kim said, according to KCNA.

Kim set forth plans to fire three more military spy satellites next year in addition to the country's first reconnaissance satellite launched in November. He also ordered authorities to press ahead with work to manufacture more nuclear weapons and develop various types of modern unmanned combat equipment such as armed drones and powerful electronic warfare devices, KCNA said.

Kim has been focusing on modernizing his nuclear and missile arsenals since his high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with then-President Donald Trump broke down in 2019 due to wrangling over international sanctions on the North. Since last year, Kim's military has test-fired more than 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the mainland U.S. and South Korea, in violation of U.N. bans.

The United States and South Korea responded by expanding their military exercises and deploying U.S. strategic assets such as bombers, aircraft carriers and a nuclear-armored submarine. North Korea calls the moves U.S-.led invasion rehearsals.

South Korea's spy agency said last week that North Korea will likely launch military provocations and cyberattacks ahead of South Korean parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. presidential election in November.

"Pyongyang might be waiting out the U.S. presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

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"The Kim regime has closed the political door on denuclearization negotiations but could offer rhetorical restraint and a testing freeze in exchange for sanctions relief," Easley said. "Although North Korea has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons, it might try to extract payment for acting like a so-called responsible nuclear power."

In the face of deepening confrontations with the U.S. and its partners, North Korea has sought to beef up its cooperation with Russia and China, which have repeatedly blocked the U.S. and others' attempts to toughen U.N. sanctions on the North over its banned missile tests. The U.S. and South Korea accuse North Korea of supplying conventional arms like artillery and ammunition to Russia in return for high-tech Russian technologies to boost its own military programs.

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Julianne Smith, U.S. permanent representative to NATO, said earlier this month the U.S. assessed that the suspected Russian technologies North Korea seeks are related to fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials of that kind. Smith said U.S. intelligence indicates that North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions.

South Korean officials said Russian support likely enabled North Korea to put its spy satellite into orbit for the first time on Nov. 21. Many foreign experts are skeptical about the satellite's ability to take militarily meaningful high-resolution images. But South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said in November that Russia could help North Korea produce higher-resolution satellite photos.

Original Location: North Korea's Kim says he'll launch three more spy satellites and build more nuclear weapons in 2024

Washington Examiner Videos
Historically high levels of illegal immigration have made border security a major issue heading into the 2024 election season.

For Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), the Arizona Democrat-turned-independent, this moment also represents an opportunity to build her image as a bipartisan deal-maker who can get things done in a divided Congress months ahead of a critical deadline in which she must decide whether she will run for reelection as an Independent in a battleground state.

The senior Arizona senator is part of a working group, including Sens. James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), who are crafting an agreement on border security measures that could unlock GOP support for aid to Ukraine and Israel. The group of negotiators was unable to come to a compromise ahead of the new year, breaking for holiday recess without a deal in hand, despite staying in session for an additional week in December.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) pledged "swift action" on the legislation in January. Congress has not passed major legislation on immigration in 30 years, and that task will become even more difficult once lawmakers return on Jan. 8, as they juggle a handful of other priorities during yet another shutdown fight. Lawmakers have less than two weeks to pass four government funding bills and then another eight before the deadline on Feb. 8.

Lankford, the lead Republican negotiator, said Sinema has been a crucial part of the team, as she represents a state on the front lines of trying to manage a major influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"She's very knowledgeable, very engaged. She's passionate about this, and right now, she is at the epicenter of the biggest part of the border crossings that are actually happening," Lankford said to reporters right before senators left Washington for the holidays. "She doesn't bring the hypothetical; she brings here's what happened last night in Lukeville, Arizona, and here's what's happening in my town."

"So for everyone else, this is theory, but for her, it's very real," Lankford added.

Sinema has organized several bipartisan and bicameral trips to the border throughout the year. Lankford and Murphy joined her on a trip at the beginning of this year, and they have been collaborating ever since on changes to immigration laws.

"Senator Sinema is a daughter of the border. She grew up down there; she has seen first-hand the impacts of the federal government's failure to address this issue," said John LaBombard, a former aide to Sinema. "If she is able to make more headway than she has already done, which is she has already done a lot of this to make Arizonans lives better on a substantive policy platform, the politics will follow."

The most recent discussions are continuing remotely even though lawmakers are not physically in the nation's capital and have focused on establishing a new expulsion authority at the border and changing rules related to asylum. They said they intend to keep working until a framework is officially established. Lawmakers are closer to reaching a deal but are still working through several large issues, according to those familiar with the negotiations.

Negotiations hit a breaking point earlier this month after Republicans demanded aggressive steps be taken to decrease the flow of immigration, such as scaling back the federal government's power to allow certain categories of immigrants to remain in the country temporarily for humanitarian reasons. While many Democrats said they opposed making radical changes to legal immigration in the country.

"We are closer than ever before to an agreement," Murphy said to reporters last week, detailing his plan to take off a day and a half for Christmas before getting back to the talks.

Sinema has spent the last couple of years working across the aisle to cut deals with Republicans, playing a central role, primarily as a result of Democrats' narrow control of the Senate.

She and Sens. Murphy, John Cornyn (R-TX), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) struck a major deal on gun legislation last summer after mass shootings at a Texas elementary school and a New York grocery store. She worked with Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) as the architect of a major semiconductor law that passed in July 2022. In August 2021, Sinema and former Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) reached a deal on a $550 billion infrastructure package funding the nation's roads, public transit, water, and broadband. She also helped enact a law protecting same-sex marriage, adding religious freedom provisions.

Sinema, who served three terms in the House and as a state legislator before her Senate election, was a social worker before her public service, an experience LaBombard said she taps into during negotiations on Capitol Hill.

"She comes to the table with a very clear-eyed, pragmatic idea. Of actually listening to all the sides, getting an accurate assessment of where they are, and where they might be able to get to, and then very clearly negotiating and identifying the steps needed to get them there," he said.

The 47-year-old lawmaker, elected to the Senate in 2018, has proven to be a thorn in the Democrats' side, even before officially switching her party affiliation last year. She and retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) kept Washington in suspense over the last two years as they repeatedly withheld votes for Biden administration priorities.

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She and Manchin killed an attempt by other Senate Democrats to temporarily waive the "filibuster" rule, obstructing Democrats' push for significant voting rights reforms. She also forced the Biden administration to abandon their original Build Back Better Agenda, which included plans to close a tax loophole that benefits wealthy hedge fund managers and high-income earners.

Even before officially leaving the Democratic Party last year, her actions emboldened her left-leaning critics at home and on Capitol Hill. The Arizona Democratic Party voted to censure Sinema in January 2022 over her opposition to changing the filibuster.

Sinema still has not officially decided whether she will run for reelection, but if she should decide to pursue an Independent bid, she would likely face Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a progressive Democrat who announced his bid in January, and Kari Lake, a polarizing conservative who lost the gubernatorial election last year.

In a state that is 34% Republican, 34% independent, and 30% Democratic, according to Arizona data, some believe Sinema's deal-making credentials could be a major advantage in an upcoming election.

"She's working on issues that are electable  whether that be infrastructure, economic development, immigration, and I think that could translate into essentially votes," said Cesar Chavez, a former Democratic state lawmaker, and Sinema ally.

What exactly a Sinema third-party run for Senate looks like is still unclear. Technically, she still has five months to announce a decision. She must gather the necessary signatures to qualify to appear on the Arizona ballot for the November election by April 6, 2024.

"As someone who has worked very closely with the senator, I would advise her to run. Arizona elected her for a reason," Chavez added. "It's not because necessarily the waters are blue, or they're no longer red, but it's an electorate that is fed up with partisan politics, partisan rhetoric and they want solutions."

"I think for someone who has brought so many solutions to the state of Arizona, that person would continue to be both reliable and apt to win reelection," he said.

However, her path to a second term could be an uphill battle. Recent polling has shown her consistently in last place in a three-way race between Gallego and Lake. A recent poll from Noble Predictive Insights shows Gallego leading the hypothetical three-way Senate race with 39% support, followed by Lake with 33%, and Sinema in last place, with 29% support. The polling also suggested Sinema could siphon away twice as many Republican voters as Democrats.

The Arizona Independent is also up against the party machines that activate come a presidential election year.

"If you're Sinema, you're not on either ticket. You're not endorsing Biden. You're not endorsing Trump. They're not endorsing you," said Roy Herrera, a prominent Arizona election attorney who supports Gallego in an interview over the summer.

"For Sinema to win, she'd have to get a big chunk of Republicans theoretically. With Trump historically getting over 90% of the Republican vote in Arizona, what I struggle with is thinking about who is going to be the Trump-Sinema voter, because there has to be those people in order for her to win," he added.

Garrett Ventry, senior adviser to Kari Lake, questioned the Arizona senator's interest in border security  less than a year before the 2024 election.

"She has been in Congress for over a decade. She repeatedly voted against President Trump's border wall. She supported sanctuary cities when she was a member of the House," Ventry said in a phone interview with the Washington Examiner. "So this again, is someone who has not been serious about securing the border ever."

Sinema declined an interview request with the Washington Examiner. When she was asked by reporters on Capitol Hill last week if her reelection bid would hinge on a successful border deal, she quipped: "Dumb question."

Original Location: Sinemas reputation as bipartisan deal-maker tested at border: 'She is at the epicenter'

Washington Examiner Videos
The Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef has signed seven memoranda of understanding with Tunisian Interim Minister of Economy and Planning Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia.

The MoUs, signed on the sidelines of the 11th session of the Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee in Tunis, aim at enhancing Saudi-Tunisian cooperation in various fields, a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report said.

Two of the MoUs are about agricultural scientific research and environment protection between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, as well as the Ministry of Environment.

Industrial cooperation

Another MoU is on industrial cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Tunisian Ministry of Industry and Energy. Alkhorayef and Nemsia also signed an MoU related to tourism between the two countries.

Another MoU relates to labour and another one on climate and meteorology was signed between the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology and its counterpart of Tunisia.

Saudi non-oil exports to Tunisia during the third quarter of 2023 amounted to SR513.42 million ($140 million), with chemicals, polymers, packaging, and building materials being the most products the kingdom has exported to Tunisia, while the volume of Saudi non-oil imports from Tunisia reached SR206.59 million, topped by food products and textiles, heavy machinery and electronics.

The Saudi Industrial Development Funds contribution to financing joint projects in Tunisia amounted to SR3.8 million, the value of the contribution to financing one project.--TradeArabia News Service
Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) predicted former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will make "a quick calculation" and drop out of the 2024 presidential race to coalesce support for a Donald Trump alternative.

"He knows his voters who want to see Trump defeated are all coming over to Nikki Haley," Sununu said on CNN's State of the Union. "In fact, the only person who wants Chris Christie to stay in the race is Donald Trump  think about the irony of that."

THE POLITICAL SEX SCANDALS THAT ROCKED WASHINGTON IN 2023

The governor explained that Christie is a friend but added, "his race is at an absolute dead end."

According to Sununu, the former New Jersey governor has hit his ceiling and isn't going to garner enough votes in any state, even New Hampshire, on which he has focused his campaign.

"If Chris is true to his message about defeating Trump, he'll understand that the voters are coming [to Nikki Haley]; I think he's going to make the right decision eventually," Sununu continued.

He also suggested Christie will "make a quick calculation" to exit the 2024 primary race, given his bleak outlook. If he doesn't suspend his campaign ahead of the nominating contests, Sununu warned that he could hurt former Haley's margin in what promises to be a tough competition against Trump.

Sununu recently issued his endorsement for Haley, the former U.N. ambassador.

"I think he's a smart guy. ... He doesn't want to go forward, upsetting all the anti-Trump people too because he overstayed his welcome and put his ego first," he said.

Sununu further predicted Christie will ultimately endorse Haley, but reiterated it's his decision to make.

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In a statement to the Washington Examiner, a spokesperson for Christie said, "The events of the last few days fully solidifies the point that Christie has been making for six months. That the truth matters, and if you can't answer the easy questions, you can't fix the big problems."

His campaign further pointed to an ad released last week, in which Christie addresses those who say he should drop out. In the ad, he reiterates that he is the only candidate willing to call out Trump.

In a December poll from the Saint Anselm College Survey Center, Trump still had an edge in New Hampshire with 44%, but Haley had risen to 30%, coming within 14 points of the former president. Christie only registered 12%, which is a high for his campaign but still not enough to put him in a competitive position against either Haley or Trump.

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Regarding national and other early state surveys, Christie is in single-digit support.

The first nominating contest will take place on Jan. 15 in Iowa, followed by the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23.

Original Location: Sununu urges Christie not to let 'ego' get in the way of Nikki Haley New Hampshire win

Washington Examiner Videos
2023 was an eventful one for sex scandals on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Here are some of the biggest political sex scandals of the past year.

TWELVE DAYS OF WEX-MAS: WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR THE SUPREME COURT IN 2024?

Senate and House sex tapes

Explicit video footage was published in mid-December that showed two men engaging in sexual intercourse on the dais of a Senate hearing room. The Daily Caller, which obtained the pornographic material, reported that the footage was filmed by a congressional staffer inside the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room in the Hart Senate Office Building, which is known for high-profile confirmation hearings for Supreme Court justices.

Although the outlet did not name the staffer in question, Aidan Maese-Czeropski's name was subsequently widely shared on social media. Maese-Czeropski was a legislative aide in Sen. Ben Cardin's (D-MD) office before the video came out, which resulted in his termination.

Maese-Czeropski, 24, has not confirmed that he was one of the two men in the pornographic video, instead taking to social media to largely absolve himself of responsibility for the video and threaten legal action. The post, published to his LinkedIn, has since been deleted along with Maese-Czeropski's account.

The U.S. Capitol Police has told the Washington Examiner that it is investigating the matter, which Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) predicted would end in some manner of criminal charges.

"I think there's gonna be an investigation, and I think there will probably be a criminal prosecution is my best guess," Kennedy said.

For his part, Cardin has said that he is cooperating with Capitol Police's investigation.

Just days later, a report emerged alleging that Capitol Police investigated an unrelated sex tape incident on the House side last year.

Semafor reported that a senior staffer for Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was allegedly filmed engaging in a sex act in what appeared to be a Capitol office. The staffer, who was unnamed, told the outlet he was informed of the investigation in June 2022 and told by Newhouse directly in July that it has ended with "no evidence to the allegation."

A spokesperson for Newhouse declined to confirm the staffer's name to the Washington Examiner but said there was an investigation last year and that no "conclusive evidence" was found.

Lauren Boebert's Beetlejuice date gone awry

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) sparked controversy in mid-September after being caught on surveillance footage causing a disturbance during a performance of the musical Beetlejuice at a Denver theater.

Before footage of the incident was released, Boebert acknowledged she was kicked out of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts but rejected the notion she was disruptive. She later apologized for her actions after video showed the newly divorced congresswoman vaping and touching her male companion intimately as others looked on.

The footage also showed Boebert recording and taking photos of the performance, which is strictly prohibited at most theaters.

"The past few days have been difficult and humbling, and I'm truly sorry," Boebert said in a statement after the footage came out. "While none of my actions or words as a private citizen that night were intended to be malicious or meant to cause harm, the reality is they did and I regret that."

Boebert also apologized for the misleading claims her campaign made in the immediate aftermath of the incident. (The team had denied the vaping accusations by saying there was a misunderstanding due to heavy fog machines and other patrons using similar electronic cigarettes.)

Boebert has since said she canceled all future dates with the man she attended the performance with. She also said she learned to "check party affiliations" of potential partners, referring to reports that her date was a Democrat.

"All in all, it was mostly a lovely time, and I've taken responsibility for my actions," Boebert said in a video. "I'd love to know how the musical ended, and I encourage people to go and see it, but yeah, it was a great time back in the district, seeing voters."

George Santos's OnlyFans purchases

One of the most shocking revelations in the House Ethics Committee's report on then-New York GOP Rep. George Santos was that he spent thousands of dollars in campaign contributions on OnlyFans.

The committee found that Santos, with a company he co-owned, fooled donors into believing they were giving money to an independent expenditure group to support his campaign when it was going toward Santos's own personal gain.

RedStone Strategies was formed in November 2021 and only had two authorized users, Santos's single-member LLC, Devolder Organization, and Jayson Benoit & Associates, Inc. Despite Santos being connected to the company, RedStone was "described as an independent expenditure political committee formed exclusively' to aid Representative Santos' congressional campaign," the report says.

Over the campaign, at least $200,000 was transferred from RedStone's bank accounts to Santos's personal bank accounts, the report says.

On Oct. 21, 2022, a contributor sent $25,000 to RedStone, which then transferred the same amount into Santos's personal account. Then, on Oct. 26, 2022, the other contributor sent a $25,000 wire to RedStone, which turned around and sent $25,000 to another account owned by Santos, the report found.

Once he had amassed the $50,000, Santos used the money to, in part, make smaller purchases at OnlyFans, a site that is often used for pornography and where the people sell content directly to the user.

Earlier this year, Santos claimed on Fox Business that he "just discovered what OnlyFans was about three weeks ago" and that he was "oblivious to the whole concept."

After news of the OnlyFans payments began to circulate on social media, a model on the website claimed that Santos was a subscriber.

"This guy was subbed to me HAHAHAHA," porn star Leila Lewis wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to a tweet about the payments.

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Lewis alleged that she had "rated his d***," though she was unable to provide screenshots of their interactions because Santos had "deleted his account."

Matt Gaetz's looming ethics complaint

Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-FL) feud with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) dominated headlines in 2023, culminating in the latter's historic ouster in October.

McCarthy has argued that Gaetz's efforts to take him down were based on personal grievances over his failure to shut down an ethics inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of campaign funds by the Florida lawmaker. Gaetz has denied those claims.

He has also denied the claims being investigated by the Ethics Committee, an investigation that was launched in April 2021 before Republicans and McCarthy took control of the House. The committee is probing allegations of sexual misconduct, including on Capitol grounds, and misuse of campaign funds.

Gaetz was also the subject of a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department that ended in February of this year without any charges being filed.

The ethics inquiry, meanwhile, has been going on for over two years.

McCarthy has frequently criticized Gaetz since his October ouster and repeatedly referenced the ethics investigation. In November, he warned that Gaetz could end up having the same fate as Santos.

Florida Republican Party chairman's rape allegation

Former Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler was suspended from his post in December amid a police investigation into him and his wife Bridget for sexual battery.

Bridget Ziegler, the co-founder of the conservative parental rights group Moms For Liberty, and her husband have close ties with the leaders of the state's Republican Party, with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) appointing her to sit on the tourism district that governs the Walt Disney World as he feuded with the company.

The two faced calls to resign from their respective posts after a woman accused the Zieglers of rape and sexual assault during an October 2023 threesome. After the woman told the Sarasota Police Department she was raped during the threesome, the couple admitted to being involved in a sexual relationship with her but denied that it was nonconsensual.

Despite their claims of innocence, Mr. Ziegler was reportedly recorded in a telephone call with the woman apologizing for the alleged assault and offering her financial compensation to resolve the issue.

The Florida GOP gathered for an emergency meeting earlier this month to vote to suspend Ziegler after he refused calls by DeSantis and Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) to resign.

The full state party will gather in early January to remove Ziegler should he not resign.

In the meantime, Ziegler has continued to claim that the police investigation will not produce any charges.

Virginia Democrat candidate's sex cam scandal

The final months of Susanna Gibson's race against Republican David Owen in the Virginia state Senate race for the 57th District became the subject of national attention after sexually explicit videos of her emerged.

Gibson lost to Owen in November, two months after the videos were leaked. The Virginia Democrat has maintained since then that "very few people actually seemed to care" about the videos and denied they were the reason for her loss.

Initial reports stated she performed sex acts for money, but Gibson has pushed back against the claims, stating that she was unaware that the videos would be disseminated.

When asked what she drew from the fact that the race was close  she lost by less than 1,000 votes  Gibson said, "That voters didn't care."

"I took more time off than originally intended, and I knocked, on average, 100 doors a day for two months," Gibson said. "You have conversations with voters and you can kind of tell who knew and who didn't know, and who knew and didn't care. Very few people actually seemed to care, very few. I can count them on less than two hands."

In the weeks leading up to the election, Republicans wanted to remind voters of the sex videos. Mailers containing screenshots of the videos were sent to Virginians, with the envelopes warning that explicit materials were contained inside and that minors should not open the envelope.

"The Republican Party in Virginia never would have sent those mailers if they didn't know I was going to win or certainly could win," Gibson said.

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"After the initial shock wore off, I think it had little to do with the race," the Democrat added.

Rachel Schilke, Eden Villalovas, Jack Birle, Cami Mondeaux, and Reese Gorman contributed to this report.

Original Location: The political sex scandals that rocked Washington in 2023

Washington Examiner Videos
The United States military destroyed Houthi "small boats" on Sunday morning that attempted to hijack a merchant vessel in the Southern Red Sea.

The vessel, called the Maersk Hangzhou, issued its second distress call in less than 24 hours at 6:30 a.m. Sanaa time to report that it was under attack by four "Iranian-backed" Houthi boats. The Houthi boats fired small arms weapons at the vessel, got within 20 meters of the ship, and attempted to board, U.S. Central Command said in a post to X.

2024 SENATE RETIREMENT WATCH: BERNIE SANDERS AND KYRSTEN SINEMA

U.S. Navy helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely responded to the distress call, and "in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms."

The Navy returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four boats. The fourth boat escaped, and there was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment, Central Command confirmed.

The first distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou came at 8:30 p.m. Sanaa time on Saturday, reporting that they were struck by a missile while transiting in the Southern Red Sea. The USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded, finding no injuries and declaring the vessel seaworthy.

"While responding, the USS GRAVELY shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships," Central Command said in a post on X on Saturday night.

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Central Command said Saturday night's incident was the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19. Maersk was one of several major shipping companies to temporarily reroute its vessels to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, two areas off the coast of Yemen, due to the Houthis.

The Houthis launched these attacks in response to Israel's war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks that left roughly 1,200 people dead. U.S. officials have said Iran has provided the Houthis with the critical intelligence needed for them to carry out the attacks.

Original Location: US Navy helicopters sink Iranian-backed Houthi boats after attempted Red Sea hijacking

Washington Examiner Videos
Newport and Camel cigarettes are stacked on a shelf inside a tobacco store on July 11, 2014, in New York.
Floyd Trujillo ran for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate from Colorado in 2014 and was the first Coloradan of Hispanic heritage to seek a statewide seat as a Republican. He served as Colorados Hispanic co-chair for the Trump presidential campaign in 2016. Trujillo grew up in Commerce City, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a retired, 40-year veteran of the oil and gas industry. He traces his ancestry to 1613 in Taos, New Mexico, during Spanish colonial rule.
Hundreds gathered at DCF Guns in Colorado Springs on Saturday to support former President Donald Trumps reelection, just days after an appeal by the Colorado Republican Party to reinstate Trumps place on the state's GOP primary ballot.

On Dec. 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 decision that Trump is constitutionally disqualified from the presidential primary ballot because he had engaged in insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. On Wednesday, the state Republican Party appealed the court's decision.

Car horns, patriotic banter and camaraderie flooded the parking lot and surrounding areas as attendees continued to arrive into the afternoon.

Were here to back Trump. Im here to support Trump on so many different levels, said Tommy, who wished to not disclose his last name. Tommy has been involved in Trumps campaign since 2015 and led one convoy from Denver to Colorado Springs on Saturday.

Multiple convoys traveled from Denver and Fort Collins to Colorado Springs led by Weld County Councilman Trent Leisy, a candidate for Colorados 4th Congressional District in the upcoming election, among others in support of Trump's reelection.

I want to clarify one thing: Rightful President Trump has my full endorsement. President Trump is and has always been the clear leader of the Republican Party. I am calling on all other candidates running for Colorados 4th Congressional District to join me and publicly fight for and defend President Trump, Leisy said in an announcement on Dec. 20 following the court's decision to remove Trump from the ballot.

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Im supporting President Trump. I believe his election was stolen from us, from him. Hes not a perfect man, hes made mistakes, we all make mistakes, but his truth is that he loves this country, and I love this country, said attendee Robert Abeyta, who believes the 2020 election was stolen from Trump due to voter fraud.

We have to protect our elections. Our vote counts, as long as its legal and done with integrity, we need to have our elections done in the way I just laid it out. We want a fair election, and everybody's vote needs to count or else were going to have evil consequences.

Attendee Abby Adams said she showed up to Saturdays rally to ensure she, and her community, have the right to vote for Trump in the next presidential election.

For us, its just the standard (that) the court does not have the right to take our vote away from us, whether it's Trump or whether it's anybody else for that matter. That's not their choice to say who we're allowed to and who we're not allowed to vote for. If we dont stand up for it now, whats the next election going to look like?

Im here to put America first.

According to previous reporting by The Gazette, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to take the case, either after the Colorado GOP's appeal or Trump's appeal.
The statue of Abraham Lincoln is seen at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
The Supreme Court will decide whether former President Donald Trump can be kept off the 2024 presidential ballot because of his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss that culminated in the U.S. Capitol attack. The justices Friday agreed to take Trumps appeal of a Colorado case, with arguments to be held on Feb. 8. Voters will soon begin casting presidential primary ballots across the country. The court will be considering for the first time the meaning and reach of a provision of the post-Civil War 14th Amendment barring some people who engaged in insurrection from holding public office. A Colorado court ruled Trump should not be on the Republican primary ballot, and he appealed.
Dubai International (DXB) has become the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (Ibcces), reported Wam.

The achievement highlights Dubai Airports' unwavering commitment to elevating the travel experience and making it easier for persons with disabilities while supporting Dubai's pursuit of becoming a Certified Autism Destination, it stated.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said: "It's a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive travel experience for all our guests  including those with hidden disabilities  has been recognised.

In line with UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 for the Emirate to be the world's leading disability-friendly city, we're dedicated to promoting the inclusion of all guests and creating an airport environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported," he added.

Essa bin Hadher, General Manager at Dubai College of Tourism, said: "Dubai International Airport is the first touchpoint in the traveller journey; therefore, this achievement is a huge step towards our accessible goals.

At Dubai College of Tourism, we provide accessible training to stakeholders across the tourism ecosystem via our Dubai Way training platform designed to provide individuals in tourist-facing roles with the knowledge and skills to ensure the best customer service to People of Determination."

DXB received the certification following a thorough on-site assessment of all three terminals conducted by Ibcces. During the assessment, Ibcces experienced the tailored services introduced by the Sunflower Lanyard Programme.

The programme discreetly identifies and assists People of Determination (POD) guests and grants access to prioritised routes for check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding, which can be availed when wearing a sunflower lanyard.

Specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors and employees wearing a sunflower pin are readily available to assist POD travellers throughout their airport journey.

Complementing this and introduced as part of its 'We all meet the world differently' initiative, launched in 2022, a bespoke hidden disability service training and awareness programme was curated and delivered to 33,000 airport staff across DXB service providers to enhance their knowledge and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities.

Additionally, a travel planner was introduced to provide a step-by-step visual guide for passengers with hidden disabilities, to help them navigate the airport before their journey. Complimentary two-hour parking, specialised assistance at customs and immigration, dedicated taxis, and wheelchair services are all integral to DXB's POD service offering.

Myron Pincomb, Ibcces Board Chairman, said: "This certification reflects the airport operator's dedication to exceptional service and aligns with Dubai's vision for a more accessible city."

"Through our partnership, we empower airport staff with skills and tools to create a more welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers, contributing to an enhanced travel experience for all," he added.
Welcome to 285 West I Street! This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house is now available for sale. Situated on a large .23 acre lot, this property offers plenty of space and potential. Built in 1900, this two-story house retains its original character while boasting several modern updates. The kitchen has been recently updated with a butcher block counter, gas range, and stainless steel appliances, making it a chef's dream. The updated windows and metal roof, installed in 2018, ensure both energy efficiency and durability. Inside, you'll find original wide plank fir floors that were refinished in 2012, adding warmth and charm to the living spaces. The installation of PEX plumbing in 2020 provides peace of mind for future maintenance.In addition to the main house, there is a spacious 26x56 two-story shop on the property. Complete with two bathrooms, this versatile space offers endless possibilities for hobbies, storage, or even a home office.Convenience is key with an attached single car garage, providing sheltered parking for your vehicle.Located in a desirable neighborhood, this property offers both tranquility and accessibility. With its close proximity to schools, parks, and shopping centers, everything you need is just a short distance away.Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your home. Schedule a showing today and envision the possibilities that await you at 285 West I Street!

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Former President Donald J. Trump will appear at a "Commit to Caucus" campaign rally at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the North Iowa Events Center, 3700 Fourth St. S.W., in Mason City. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The event is free, but tickets are required. They can be ordered at www.donaldjtrump.com.

His visit is meant to solidify support for the 45th president ahead of the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses.

Trump has been imploring Iowa audiences to deliver a blowout in next months Republican caucuses.

The margin of victory is very important, its just very important, Trump told about 1,000 people attending a recent Coralville rally aimed at organizing campaign volunteers. Its time for the Republican Party to unite, to come together and focus our energy and resources on beating Crooked Joe Biden and taking back our country. Very simple.

As the campaign intensifies ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses, the normal frenzy is subdued. While the schedule is filling up, Trump is such a commanding force in the party that some voters worry the contest that normally transforms Iowa into the center of the political world may turn out to be something of a snooze.

Its kind of frustrating, said Jenna Maifeld, a 19-year-old student at the University of Iowa who is eager to participate in her first caucus but is disappointed with the campaign cycle's lack of competition. I feel like a lot of peoples voices arent being heard.

There's still time for the dynamics of the race to shift. And Trump's rivals are hardly ceding the state to him, working to convince voters that his victory isn't inevitable. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has effectively centered his campaign on Iowa, pumping it with advertising and crafting a robust travel schedule of events and media availabilities. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is also campaigning throughout Iowa, stepping up criticism of Trump while laying the groundwork for a potentially stronger showing in New Hampshire, where the Jan. 23 primary includes more independent voters.

The question is whether any of those efforts will notably erode Trump's standing, a prospect some voters find unlikely at this point.

A lot of candidates are hoping that one of these spears in his back will finally take him down, but I doubt it, said Nick Peters, a 31-year-old from Prairie City who is also among the Iowa Republicans frustrated by Trump's dominance.

Trump enters the final stretch before the caucuses facing a host of challenges. He's the subject of 91 criminal charges related to everything from his handling of classified information to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The Colorado Supreme Court and Maines top election official have recently declared Trump ineligible to appear on their states' ballots, decisions the former president is likely to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

And Trump is embroiled in controversy over his harsh rhetoric toward immigrants, repeatedly using language that extremism experts say echoes writings from Adolf Hitler about the purity of Aryan blood, which underpinned Nazi Germanys systematic murder of millions of Jews and other undesirables before and during World War II.

For now, however, Trump's baggage appears to be doing little to deter a majority of Republican voters. In fact, Trump has sought to turn his vulnerabilities into something of an advantage, arguing that he's been indicted on behalf of his supporters. He's also aimed to turn around concerns that he poses a threat to democracy by accusing President Joe Biden of harnessing the power of government against a political rival. There's no evidence that Biden or the White House had any influence on the Justice Department's decision to criminally charge Trump.

It's Trump's impenetrable base of support that has left many feeling resigned to seeing his name on the ballot in November.

If democracy is working fairly and if the country wants him, then its going to be him, said Dylan Kooiman, a 21-year-old student at Dordt University in Sioux Center who said it would be hard for him to support Trump given his legal battles. It doesnt always fall the way everyone wants it.

Iowans are historically proud of the role they play at the beginning of the presidential election calendar every four years. Voters are accustomed to intimate exchanges with candidates, who pay visits to living rooms, neighborhood centers and county fairgrounds in an effort to connect and persuade.

The pride Iowans take in their role in shaping the presidential contest is also matched with a perennial anxiety that their status may not last forever. The final period ahead of the 2020 caucuses, which focused on Democrats, was unusually muted because many candidates, who were also senators, had to be in Washington to participate in Trump's first impeachment trial. A bungled effort to report results contributed to Democrats removing Iowa from their leadoff spot, replacing it instead with South Carolina.

Republicans have kept Iowa in the opening position in the 2024 campaign. But like so many traditions, Trump has abandoned some long held Iowa political practices, particularly when it comes to retail campaigning. He's largely traded living rooms for rallies, prompting some criticism that he's taking Iowa for granted.

Trump is stepping up his efforts in the closing weeks to prove that he's willing to work for a win that's so commanding that his rivals will have to give up. He is, for example, taking the rare step of holding four campaign events over two days in early January, appearing in rural western Iowa, in industrial eastern Iowa along the Mississippi River and stops in between.

If he's successful, he may be on a path to a race that few Americans appear eager to embrace. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults, or 28%, say they would be dissatisfied with both Trump and Biden becoming their parties' respective nominees, a recent AP-NORC poll showed.

Independents (43%) are more likely than Democrats (28%) or Republicans (20%) to express their displeasure with both men gaining party nominations.

Rick Hyndman may be one of the thousands of Iowans who wants to support Trump again, but he also thinks Trump needs to speak more to the middle.

In line to attend a Trump rally in Coralville, the 70-year-old local retiree was noncommittal, waiting to hear some signals from the former president that he could appeal to independents to ensure his electability in the general election. Hyndman thinks he could, by focusing on the issues and avoiding putting other people down.

Despite that concern, Hyndman thinks neither DeSantis nor Haley can beat him.

I dont see anybody stepping up, he said. Weve been waiting.
Explanation

Scientists seeking evidence that there is a significant similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in some kinds of spatial reasoning tested a group of people on various kinds of spatial reasoning tasks before and after three years of music lessons. Participants' overall scores improved only slightly. Therefore, the study failed to provide strong evidence to support the scientists' hypothesis.

the study failed to provide strong evidence to support the scientists' hypothesis

The argument uses the following premises to support the conclusion:

Scientists ... tested a group of people on various kinds of spatial reasoning tasks before and after three years of music lessons.



Participants' overall scores improved only slightly.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

(A) Another study obtained similar results with different kinds of spatial reasoning tasks.

(B) The musical training given to the participants was not specifically designed to develop complex spatial skills.

(C) On some of the kinds of tasks presented, no improvement was found, but on certain others, the improvement of all participants was marked.

(D) Among those participants who had music instruction once every two weeks, ratings on the spatial reasoning tasks were comparable to those received by participants who had instruction each week.

(E) There was no significant difference in the development of spatial reasoning skills between those participants who made the most progress in their musical studies and those who made the least.

Correct Answer

Show Spoiler C



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The conclusion of the argument is the following:We see that the author has reasoned that, since the study participants' overall spatial reasoning scores improved only slightly after three years of music lessons, it can be concluded that the study did not provide evidence that there is a significant similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in some kinds of spatial reasoning.A key detail to notice is that the argument is supported by evidence involving "overall" scores. While attempting to "prethink" an answer is likely a waste of time, it still could be helpful to notice this detail since we could reason that, even though the "overall" scores don't support the hypothesis, the study still did somehow provide some evidence that there is a similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in some kinds of spatial reasoning.The correct answer will cast doubt on or weaken the support for the conclusion.This choice doesn't have any effect on the argument.After all, the conclusion is simply that the specific study mentioned in the passage did not provide evidence to support the hypothesis.So, information about the results of another study has no bearing on the conclusion since the conclusion is about only the results of the study mentioned in the passage.Remember, we aren't trying to show that the hypothesis itself is correct or incorrect. The argument is solely about what the results of the study mentioned in the passage show.Eliminate.This choice is a little tricky to eliminate. After all, we might reason that, if the musical training given to the participants was not specifically designed to develop complex spatial skills, then perhaps if the musical training given to the participants had been specifically designed to develop complex spatial skills, the study would have shown that there is a similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in some kinds of spatial reasoning.So, we might select this choice if we didn't keep the conclusion clear in our minds.The key thing to notice is that this choice does not cast doubt on the conclusion of this particular argument. That conclusion is simply that the study did not provide strong evidence to support the scientists' hypothesis.The conclusion is not that the hypothesis is incorrect. That's a different conclusion.Regardless of what type of training was given or what might have happened if a different type of training had been given, it still follows from the evidence that the study, AS IT WAS DONE, failed to provide evidence to support the hypothesis. Maybe it could have provided evidence if it had been done in a different way, but it wasn't. So, it didn't.Thus, this choice has no effect on the strength of the support for the conclusion.Eliminate.Notice that the reasoning of the argument is that, because the "overall" scores "improved only slightly, the study provided no evidence to support the hypothesis.So, what if what this choice says is true? What if we broke down the data that went into the calculation of the "overall" scores and found that, on some of the kinds of tasks presented, the improvement of all participants was marked. In that case, we would have reason to believe that the musical training did cause the participants to become stronger in at least some kinds of spatial reasoning.Of course, in that case, the study would have provided evidence that there is a significant similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in "some kinds" of spatial reasoning.So, this choice is reason to believe the conclusion that the study failed to provide such evidence is incorrect. In other words, it weakens the case for the conclusion.Keep.If anything, this choice strengthens the support for the conclusion. After all, it shows that not only did the participants' overall scores not serve to support the hypothesis but also even a comparison of scores of participants who received instruction more and less often provided no evidence of any effect of musical instruction.After all, if receiving instruction more often, and thus likely developing more musical skill, didn't make a difference, then we have even more reason to believe that there is not a similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in some kinds of spatial reasoning.Eliminate.If anything, this choice strengthens the support for the conclusion. After all, it shows that not only did the participants' overall scores not serve to support the hypothesis but also even a comparison of scores of participants who made the most progress in their musical studies and those of the participants who made the least provided no evidence of any effect of musical instruction.After all, if making more progress in developing musical skill didn't make a difference, then we have even more reason to believe that there is not a similarity between the perceptual and cognitive skills developed through musical training and those used in some kinds of spatial reasoning.Eliminate._________________
SIP New year message by Prime Minister Luc Frieden

Translation of Prime Minister Luc Frieden's New Year speech

Dear fellow citizens,

As we reach the end of the year, I would like to share a few brief thoughts with you. When I look at the world of 2023, I see many unsettling and awful events: Ukraine, the Middle East, conflicts in the Caucasus and the Balkans, military coups in the Sahel. It appears that many issues which could be resolved through dialogue are instead being settled with force. This is a sad and deplorable situation, and it is our duty to advocate for peace and diplomacy.

It is therefore all the more reassuring to see what's happening in Europe. Since its creation, Europe has been created as an alternative to war. Despite the inevitable disagreements and debates that arise, we gather around one table. This approach is one that we must - and that I wish to - continue to strengthen in 2024. In Luxembourg, which is an essential part of this Europe, our institutions functioned well throughout 2023. This year's legislative elections allowed citizens to express their opinions and to elect their representatives to the Parliament. These elections led to the formation of a new government. Yet, the effective functioning of our democracy, the fairness of the electoral process, and the acceptance of the results by all parties are not taken for granted everywhere in the world. We can all be proud of that. After the elections and the formation of the new government, I was entrusted with the role of Prime Minister. This is a great honor and a huge responsibility. I am eager to work with enthusiasm and a positive outlook, striving to guarantee the welfare of the citizens and our country for the years to come.

But in a democracy, you cannot act alone. This is why I work closely with all ministers, members of Parliament and each one of you. If we want our country to do well, we must all work together and move in the same direction.

For 2024, I would like our country to remain united as a nation, and I wish for solidarity and respect for each other. Fortunately, we live in a pluralistic democracy with a variety of parties and therefore diverse opinions. We don't have to agree on everything. The very fact that we are able to debate is enriching. However, I would like us to listen to each other. As Prime Minister or Staatsminister, as the Luxembourgers like to say, I am determined to listen, also to those who did not vote for me or have a different opinion. This is the strength of Luxembourg's democracy and of our system. This also includes our social partners, civil society, and anyone willing to provide constructive input to the debate.

Our aim for 2024 is to build a country that is economically attractive and socially equitable, to help create quality jobs, to reduce poverty as much as possible and to give everyone in this country a fair chance to take part in the general prosperity and to be happy. However, happiness depends not only on material possessions but also on the way we care for one another, especially in moments of illness, loneliness, or when in need of support. That is all part of my vision for Luxembourg.

And, needless to say, this includes a responsible attitude to nature, the environment and the climate. This is essential not only for ourselves, but above all for our children and grandchildren. We must ensure that nature and a healthy environment are preserved for the future of our society.

I also want Luxembourg to be a resolutely pro-European country in 2024. A country that is aware of what is happening in the rest of the world. We have a responsibility here too. We cannot remain indifferent to violations of fundamental principles in Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere. We must also support these countries, as their situation has direct and indirect repercussions on us.

And finally, I would like to say to all those who live and work here and who do not have the Luxembourgish nationality or do not speak our language, that you too are part of this great Luxembourgish community and of this project for the future that I want to shape together with you for our country. We are grateful for your contributions, and even if you were not able to participate in the 2023 legislative elections, I will listen to you and take note of what you have to say. Your suggestions will be taken into account in the project we are drawing up for the future of Luxembourg.

On behalf of our Government and myself, I would like to express my warmest New Year wishes to our Head of State, the Grand Duke, and the entire Grand Ducal family. To all of you, whether here in Luxembourg or abroad, I wish you good health, joy, and happiness in the upcoming year.
GREENSBORO  Tributes have poured in for Greensboro Police Sgt. Philip Dale Nix, the officer fatally shot Saturday at the Sheetz convenience store at 3202 Sandy Ridge Road.

"He was one of the best police officers you'd ever want to meet," said former Police Chief Tim Bellamy, when reached Sunday. Bellamy worked with Nix when Nix was a detective in the fraud unit.

"He was just a good person personally and professionally," Bellamy said.

Nix, a UNCG graduate who has worked for the department for more than two decades, most recently served as the supervisor for the department's Family Victims Unit, which operated out of the Family Justice Center.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan said Greensboro had lost someone who contributed to the fabric of the community and helped people when they needed it the most.

"One of the things that really hit me is that Sgt. Nix was a victim's advocate and there are so many people in this city better off because of him," Vaughan said. "When the city realizes what's been taken away they are going to be very angry."

Nix comes from a public service family and his connection to the Greensboro Fire Department was profound, with a family legacy deeply rooted within the ranks, according to the agency.

His father is retired Capt. Eddie Nix, and his brother, Dan Nix, is a current firefighter with the fire department. His uncle is retired Assistant Chief Skip Nix. And there are others, Fire Chief Jim Robinson said in a written statement.

I want to express our deepest sympathy and gratitude for Sergeant Nix's dedicated service," Robinson said. "His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of public safety, and his memory will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson described Nix Saturday as "a loving husband, father and son."

We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer, Thompson said.

Police have announced the arrests of three suspects: Jamere Justice Foster, 18, Zquriah LePearce Blackwell, 18, and John Walter Morrison, 28.

The officer had seen a crime taking place inside the store and approached the suspects when he was shot around 4 p.m., Police Chief John Thompson said at a news conference Saturday.

Foster is charged with first-degree murder, misdemeanor larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and is held with no bond allowed. A warrant accuses him of stealing 10 cases of beer valued at $232.90.

Blackwell is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and is being held under a $500,000 bond. According to a warrant, she told Foster that, "they needed to get out of there because he just killed a cop."

The warrant says that Blackwell then accompanied Foster to sell the beer and purchase narcotics, then talked with Foster about disposing of the firearm used in the homicide along with the registration plate on the suspects' vehicle.

Morrison is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, misdemeanor larceny, and misdemeanor conspiracy to commit larceny and is being held without bond.

Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues, according to a police release.

In a Blue Alert issued by authorities Saturday evening, police said they were looking for two people in a Black Chevrolet Equinox that was believed to be traveling west on Interstate 40. The alert was canceled just before 8 p.m.

The Greensboro Police Department later thanked the Winston-Salem Police Department for assisting in making the arrests.

A second off-duty police officer and a Guilford County paramedic were at the scene of the shooting at Sheetz and immediately rendered aid to Nix, Thompson said as he choked up Saturday evening. The sergeant was taken to a local hospital, where he died.

Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers sent condolences to the family and the police department team on behalf of his agency.

"Losing a team member or an officer or deputy is never easy," said Rogers, who lost a bailiff who tested positive for COVID in 2020 and later died.

Rogers said officers are "never really off duty."

"Our goal is to always make sure we serve and protect," Rogers said. "Even though he was not in uniform, he was still serving and protecting this great city and county."

Law enforcement officers are an essential piece to the community, Rogers said.

"So the term 'off-duty' is almost a myth," Rogers said. "We are never off-duty and we never know when we have to intervene. Our hearts go out to the family and Chief Thompson and his team."

Tributes have also poured onto the Greensboro Police Department's Facebook:

"Thank you sergeant for your 22 years of service to protect and serve."  signed Susan Dunn

"This absolutely breaks my heart for all of you and all his family."  signed Kristen Migliaro Riggins

"What a hero to still be trying to protect his city even off duty."  signed Gina Marie.

"Always keep our first responders in our prayers that they come home , keep safe out there in the unpredictable world."  signed Atkins Medley Joy

"My heart goes out to his family because that's one call or knock on the door that no family ever wants to receive."  signed Tia SJ

Gov. Roy Cooper said in a Twitter post Saturday that he had spoken with Thompson.

"Our prayers are with the Greensboro police and family and loved ones," Cooper said. "Every effort must be made to apprehend those responsible and bring justice in this tragic situation."

At the news conference Saturday, Vaughan described the fallen police sergeant as a hero.

The officers death demonstrates the dedication of Greensboro police officers whether they are on duty or off duty to protect Greensboro residents, Vaughan said.

The family of the fallen officer needs some time to process what happened, Vaughan said. As a department and a city, we need some time to process what happened.

The police sergeants death is the Greensboros 72nd homicide so far in 2023, said Patrick DeSota, a police spokesman.
First Day Hikes, those treks in nature meant to start the year off right, will be at state parks across the state on Jan. 1.

Three state parks in the region  Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain and Stone Mountain  will be among the parks involved in what has become a growing tradition in North Carolina and around the country.

Pilot Mountain will have a First Day Bingo, a self-guided hike that invites hikers to fill out a bingo card based on what they find on the trail. Cards can be picked up at the visitors center.

Hanging Rock will have three hikes  one on the Hanging Rock trail, another on the Moores Wall loop and another for kids ages 3-12 (and their families) around the lake.

Stone Mountain will have a guided hike on a portion of the Stone Mountain loop trail that will total about 3.5 miles.

In all, there will be 50 staff-led hikes to showcase the state, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

This year, the state park system is offering some unique events including a 50-year anniversary party at Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County that will feature a hike, food, music and historical demonstrations.

At Mayo River State Park in Rockingham County, park staff will celebrate the grand opening of the Fox Trail at the Mayo Mountain Access.

Crowders Mountain State Park has teamed with Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina to lead a First Day Hike traversing three parks in two states along the Ridgeline Trail.

A few parks are unable to offer guided hikes for 2024 but will still be open for visitors to hike on their own.

First Day Hikes started in Massachusetts in 1992 and slowly spread throughout the country.

I am thrilled to see the continued growth and success of the First Day Hikes program, said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors and a former head of North Carolinas park system. This initiative has become a cherished tradition, providing individuals and families with the opportunity to embrace the outdoors, and kick off the year with a commitment to health and well-being.

On Jan. 1, 2019, a record 3,859 people joined 57 guided hikes throughout the park system.

People participating in First Day Hikes are encouraged to dress for the terrain and weather and bring their own water and snacks. Most of the hikes are geared toward beginning hikers.
DECATUR  For African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois Inc. Executive Director Evelyn Hood, the annual Kwanzaa celebration put on by the museum comes down to one thing.

Its telling about our history, Hood said.

The museum hosted Saturdays event, on the fifth day of Kwanzaa, at the Decatur Township offices. Though past years have usually featured speakers, this years presentation provided a unique twist.

Attendees were treated to a performance of Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story, a live-action play based on the book about seven brothers who must learn to work together and featuring the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is an annual Pan-African and African American holiday that takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The holidays name is derived from a word that translates to First Fruits, which were the ancient harvest festivals held in southern Africa.

On each day of Kwanzaa, celebrants light a candle on their seven-branched candleholder, known as a kinara, that represents the days principle.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

The seven principles really tell us about the beginning  our culture in the beginning, Hood said. And then it tells us how to get along, how to be independent, do business and make our communities better than what they were.

Youth participating in the play ranged from elementary school to high school in age. Most traveled from Peoria.

Ashira Wright of Peoria Central High School then performed a praise dance.

After that, Decatur Township Clerk Ada Owens, the master of ceremonies, asked if it was the first time folks had attended a Kwanzaa celebration. Many, especially the children, raised their hands.

If youre not careful, youll learn something, Owens said, then proceeded to explain the symbols of Kwanzaa before the lighting of the kinara.

Hood said the event is meant to be educational.

Some of them probably had no idea what Kwanzaas all about... So if you teach them at a young age, then therefore they will have that and, later on, they can celebrate Kwanzaa themselves, Hood said. And it will mean something to them of keeping our culture and learning how to get along with each other.

20 celebrations this holiday season besides Christmas 20 celebrations this holiday season besides Christmas Kwanzaa Hanukkah Lunar New Year St. Lucia's Day Dia de los Muertos Chung Yeung Festival Lohri St. Nicholas Day Mardi Gras Bon Om Touk Dia de Candelaria Lantern Festival Waitangi Day Guy Fawkes Day Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Diwali Las Posadas Omisoka Boxing Day Day of Tradition
Nasma Luxury Stays, a division of Al Tamimi Investments and a specialist in vacation rentals, has announced the launch of its innovative design unit poised to reshape the world of interior design in the UAE.

The launch of Nasma Design extends the brand's legacy, inviting property owners to embark on a transformative design journey, said the company in a statement.

This transformative initiative reflects a significant expansion for Nasma Luxury Stays, extending its unparalleled design expertise beyond its own properties.

Nasma Design is dedicated to crafting captivating and transformative spaces, catering to both the hospitality and residential sectors, providing property owners with the opportunity to infuse their homes with exquisite design and refined luxury.

On the new unit, General Manager Cristina Butcaru said: "We are thrilled to introduce Nasma Design as an extension of our commitment to innovation and excellence. Throughout our journey in hospitality, we have strived to provide unparalleled experiences."

"With Nasma Design, we now extend this promise to property owners, whether they seek to enhance the allure of their rental homes or imbue their personal residences with sophistication. This venture embodies our vision to redefine the boundaries of design for a diverse audience," he stated.

Boasting over 20 years of experience in working for leading retail brands, Nasma Design unit is led by Nataliya Yordanova, Operations & Design Manager at Nasma Luxury Stays.

Nataliya will be at the helm of this visionary endeavor, drawing from her extensive experience and a discerning eye for design.

According to Butcaru, Nasma Design is poised to set new benchmarks for elegance, functionality, and aesthetic delight.

Beyond conventional design boundaries, Nasma Design casts a wide net to cater to diverse clientele, he stated.

"The design unit extends its artistic prowess not only to property owners seeking to enhance the allure of their rental homes but also to those who wish to infuse their personal residences with opulence and timeless beauty," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
DECATUR  For the young, and young at heart, there is nothing like getting a leap on the new year and celebrating while you are still awake enough to enjoy it.

The Childrens Museum of Illinois got the party started at noon Sunday with its raucous "Happy Noon Year" event that dawned 12 hours early so kids aged from 2 to early teens could party and not infringe on their bedtimes.

And party they did: Dozens and dozens of them were flying around the inside of the building like festive atoms, bouncing between craft and snack stations and the museums many activities and exhibits.

The highlight was multiple balloon drops on the stroke of midday to the tune of Prince singing that everyone was going to party like it was 1999 (adults appeared to be in charge of the music selections).

One batch of balloons stubbornly refused to drop from its netted corral in the ceiling, which increased the anticipatory fun as everyone waited for museum staff to liberate it. When the balloons did fall, the sound of kids coming into contact and popping the balloons provided a welcoming staccato ovation for the oncoming year of 2024.

Rikki Parker, the museums enthusiastic executive director, looked like she was having more fun than the kids. Today is one of our favorite days of the year, she said.

Its just a really fun way to be able to celebrate with your kids a little bit early so you can still have your fun in the evening. Its just a wonderful, wonderful event; its been going on here for about a decade and its by far our most popular event. We love it.

Parents clearly love it, too. Blake and Kelly West from Forsyth were watching their 3-year-old son Joseph get all hands-on with a squirting, running, cascading and dribbling water feature, one of the newer attractions at the museum.

This is our third year coming out here with him, said Blake West, 39.

We started coming out here back during COVID because it was something he could actually do to get out of the house and play, and hes always had a lot of fun here. So we figured, Why not keep bringing him until he stops having fun?'

There was no sign of the flow of joy drying up Sunday afternoon, and Josephs mom said the museum has much to recommend it any time of the year: My son loves to run and play and I know hes safe, said Kelly West, 39. And I also know he will take a little nap on the way home.

Meanwhile, over at one of the crafting tables, all was frenetic activity as a whole clan of Evans family grandchildren  Maddy, 6, Everett, 7, Ally, 9, Jordan, 7, and 4-year-old Micah  got busy with glue, glitter and other cool stuff to make party hats.

Their grandparents Ron and Ginger Evans were hosting them in Decatur for the weekend so the respective parents involved could have a nice break and see in the new year in their own way.

Asked about his own celebration plans, granddad said it was simple: We will be with them, he explained, pointing to his brood of little partiers.

Later, when they are all tucked up safely in their guest beds, Ron Evans was asked whether he will be sharing a glass of bubbly with the grandmother.

Absolutely, said the man who has seen in 67 new years himself. And maybe more than one.

Close 1992: Diane Mitchell reads the story "Over in the Meadow" during the Wednesday's Child program at the Children's Museum of Illinois. Listening intently are Jourdan Nicole, 4, and Daniel Finney, 4. Nine-year-old Brooklyn Watson visited the Childrens Museum of Illinois with her family and was tempted to look inside a giant, seven-foot tall eyeball placed in the center of the second floor. The new Z.O. & O. Express Train route takes riders past the Children's Museum of Illinois. Visitors can enjoy the longer track experience starting Friday. "Peek Inside," the newest exhibit at the Children's Museum of Illinois, is expected to open in the next few days on the museum's second floor. The key is for the people to understand eye conditions, said Dr. John Lee, shown inside the new exhibit at the Children's Museum of Illinois. If they find diseases early, they eye can be treated or saved. Lee designed the large eye and its educational focus. Jack Joggerst, 5, has fun on Tuesday in the Super Service Center at one of the interactive sections on the first floor at the Children's Museum of Illinois. Jack was there with his sister, Claire Joggerst. Both are from Missouri but visiting family in Decatur. Bryant Wallace, 4, gets excited after creating a big bubble on Saturday at The Childrens Museum of Illinois for the 28th annual Duck Derby. More photos and a video at www.herald-review.com. Progress of the Scovill Zoo train expansion project is shown near The Childrens Museum of Illinois Thursday. Ava Wetzel, 3, collects some ducks after one of the heats on Saturday at the Childrens Museum of Illinois for the 28th annual Duck Derby. Wetzel is from Decatur. More photos and a video at herald-review.com. Lea Sullivan, 4, dances with Jasmine during the Fairy Tale Ball on Friday at the Children's Museum of Illinois in Decatur. The event featured live animals, games, food and drink, princesses including Tinker Bell, Elsa, Jasmine, Saturday will feature Tinker Bell, Ariel, Moana. Saturday's hours are from 6pm-8pm. More photos at www.herald-review.com Herald & Review/Lisa Morrison Eilley Hughes gets a little help creating her magic wand during craft time at the Children's Museum of Illinois. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Vivian Reising,4, dances with her mother Paige Reising in the museum dance area during Happy Noon Year event Tuesday at the Childrens Museum of Illinois. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Top to bottom, twin sisters Maddie Smith, 8, Mia Smith, 8, and younger sister Isabella Smith,4, of San Marcos, California, play in confetti during the Happy Noon Year event Tuesday at the Childrens Museum of Illinois. The sisters were attending the event while visiting with family in the area. Top to bottom, twin sisters Maddie Smith, 8, Mia Smith, 8, and younger sister Isabella Smith,4, of San Marcos, Calif., play in confetti during the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois. The sisters were attending the event while visiting with family in the area. PHOTOS: 18 photos of the Children's Museum of Illinois 1992: Diane Mitchell reads the story "Over in the Meadow" during the Wednesday's Child program at the Children's Museum of Illinois. Listening intently are Jourdan Nicole, 4, and Daniel Finney, 4. Nine-year-old Brooklyn Watson visited the Childrens Museum of Illinois with her family and was tempted to look inside a giant, seven-foot tall eyeball placed in the center of the second floor. The new Z.O. & O. Express Train route takes riders past the Children's Museum of Illinois. Visitors can enjoy the longer track experience starting Friday. "Peek Inside," the newest exhibit at the Children's Museum of Illinois, is expected to open in the next few days on the museum's second floor. The key is for the people to understand eye conditions, said Dr. John Lee, shown inside the new exhibit at the Children's Museum of Illinois. If they find diseases early, they eye can be treated or saved. Lee designed the large eye and its educational focus. Jack Joggerst, 5, has fun on Tuesday in the Super Service Center at one of the interactive sections on the first floor at the Children's Museum of Illinois. Jack was there with his sister, Claire Joggerst. Both are from Missouri but visiting family in Decatur. Bryant Wallace, 4, gets excited after creating a big bubble on Saturday at The Childrens Museum of Illinois for the 28th annual Duck Derby. More photos and a video at www.herald-review.com. Progress of the Scovill Zoo train expansion project is shown near The Childrens Museum of Illinois Thursday. Ava Wetzel, 3, collects some ducks after one of the heats on Saturday at the Childrens Museum of Illinois for the 28th annual Duck Derby. Wetzel is from Decatur. More photos and a video at herald-review.com. Lea Sullivan, 4, dances with Jasmine during the Fairy Tale Ball on Friday at the Children's Museum of Illinois in Decatur. The event featured live animals, games, food and drink, princesses including Tinker Bell, Elsa, Jasmine, Saturday will feature Tinker Bell, Ariel, Moana. Saturday's hours are from 6pm-8pm. More photos at www.herald-review.com Herald & Review/Lisa Morrison Eilley Hughes gets a little help creating her magic wand during craft time at the Children's Museum of Illinois. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Vivian Reising,4, dances with her mother Paige Reising in the museum dance area during Happy Noon Year event Tuesday at the Childrens Museum of Illinois. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois Tuesday December 31, 2013 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Top to bottom, twin sisters Maddie Smith, 8, Mia Smith, 8, and younger sister Isabella Smith,4, of San Marcos, California, play in confetti during the Happy Noon Year event Tuesday at the Childrens Museum of Illinois. The sisters were attending the event while visiting with family in the area. Top to bottom, twin sisters Maddie Smith, 8, Mia Smith, 8, and younger sister Isabella Smith,4, of San Marcos, Calif., play in confetti during the Happy Noon Year event at the Childrens Museum of Illinois. The sisters were attending the event while visiting with family in the area.
That Friday started with crises, as do so many days for the mental health workers who keep some of Virginias most vulnerable people in their homes, instead of in overcrowded state mental hospitals.

One of the 77 people the Richmond Behavioral Health Authoritys Assertive Community Treatment team supports had been kicked out of her assisted living facility.

The home had sent her to a hospital emergency room on what the team considered to be a spurious complaint that she had tried to hurt herself, since she smokes her cigarettes to the nub and regularly burns her fingers. Now, the home was saying it would not take her back.

They cant do that, its against the law, Amber Spivey, the ACT team leader, told the team. She asked one of the social workers on the team to call in Adult Protective Services and officials at the Department of Social Services who license adult homes.

I dont want her on the street, Spivey said. But lets try to find her another place; if they dont want her, what kind of care is she going to get?

Waiting lists

The 14-strong ACT team of nurses, licensed clinical social workers and a psychiatrist is among the hundreds of people in Virginias overwhelmed public behavioral health system who are trying to cope with a continuing challenge: a network of state mental hospitals that has been operating at or above capacity for years.

The state hospitals problem is something no other hospital faces.

Virginia state mental health hospitals cannot control their front or back doors, said Nelson Smith, a former Green Beret team leader who now serves as Virginia commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

Virginias nine state mental hospitals admit roughly 5,000 people a year, but the hospitals do not have a say in who they admit.

And for hundreds of people a year, getting out is not as simple as getting a treatment teams decision that they are clinically ready to go home.

Think of it like, if you had a stroke and now youre ready to leave the hospital, but you need a little bit of help to move around. You cant do it on your own, Smith said.

The departments stepped-up effort to help state hospital patients find a place in their communities has cut the so-called extraordinary barriers list of people who are ready to go but are still stuck in a hospital.

The list had peaked at 245 people in 2019, but now ranges around 160. The amount of time that people stay on the list is down, too: The median length of stay now is 77 days, compared with 161 days a decade ago.

And what I have said is: I want to get that down to single digits, Smith said.

Getting out

His last stay in a state mental hospital lasted two years, and for several months he was on the extraordinary barriers list, said Ian. A Northern Virginian in his 30s, he now lives in one of the specialized group homes that have played a central role in cutting the barriers list. (He, like many people trying to manage with mental illness, fears what would happen to him if others know his full name; the others the Richmond Times-Dispatch spoke to for this story said the same.)

Its bad, its really bad having to wait that long when you are ready, he said.

But he did not let it discourage him.

I kept working; I kept listening to my doctor, he said. I wanted to get better.

He had been on the street for about a year before a special justice sent him to Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute after finding that Ians mental illness put him or others at risk of serious harm. Before life on the street, he had run away from the group home he had been staying in after an earlier, three-year stay at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute.

I cant really say what got me in there, he said. Ian has schizoaffective disorder, which when not treated includes such symptoms as hallucinations, delusions and depression.

Now, in one of the 16 bedrooms at the Gateway Homes group in Chesterfield County, he has a safe place to live and a range of supports. They include time with a therapist, visits with a psychiatrist and psychosocial programs  his favorites are anger management classes and a class modeled on a 12-step program for people dealing with mental illness and recovery from addiction.

He has friends now among other residents. I can say: Ive been there, I can help. I can ask: Im feeling this, do you know what to do? 

Ians hoping to move to a nearby apartment, where he will still have access to Gateways programs. Beyond that, hes not sure.

But Im ready.

Hospital changes

In addition to group homes like the one Ian lives in, one big change that has brought down the numbers on the extraordinary barriers list is to start looking at the nine hospitals as a system, said Smith, the commissioner.

It sounds like a new bureaucracy, but Smith said it means setting measurable, systemwide standards for patient treatment and hospital operations.

You can look and see if youre out of line with others, he said. We can start asking what the problem is  is email not being answered or paperwork sitting on someones desk?

Setting a trigger for a follow-up call when a request for a community service has been hanging, for instance, has speeded the process of moving people from hospital to community, he said.

Smith has been working with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, which oversees guardianship and conservator programs for adults who cannot always look after themselves, to see if better coordination and faster-track court hearings can overcome another important hurdle.

But perhaps the most important change is not something that can be counted.

We do ask questions differently, said Suzanne Mayo, the departments senior director of patient continuation services.

It used to be: Whats in the system for you?; now it is: What do you want and need?

Hospitalization

Being in a hospital does things for you  and not always good things.

You can see it in the tense, nervous stance of one East End Richmond man who Spivey sees every day to make sure he takes his medications.

He gulps his bottled water in that quick, urgent way people in institutions get, from fear their food or water will be snatched if they do not move quickly enough.

It took Richmonds ACT team awhile to settle him: He does not like to be around people. His paranoia was not helped by living for years in Central State Hospital with other ill people, people who sometimes acted out in ways that would scare anyone.

The team tried adult homes and proposed an apartment with a roommate.

He left after an hour, Spivey said. And was back to the hospital.

Transformation

Theyve made transitioning just transformational, said James, a resident who moved from Central State to the same Chesterfield group home where Ian lives, and from there to a nearby apartment a few months ago.

He still participates in the homes programs  hes especially keen on the fitness class  and sees a Gateway Homes therapist twice a week, and the nonprofit supportive living agencys psychiatrist every three months.

Making sure I keep the issues away, he said.

James plunged into a deep depression when his father and then his mother died. As the fear and blackness grew ever more overwhelming, he lashed out at one point, breaking a window near his home in Chesterfield.

That brought jail. In jail, even more frightened, even more depressed, he no longer saw much point in living. He says the scars on his right wrist are from his suicide attempt there.

That brought medication, and a court order directing Central State Hospital to restore him to competency. It is the kind of court order that has flooded state hospitals with new patients in recent years and one of the big reasons Smith says the facilities cannot control their front doors.

He bounced back and forth from jail to the hospital for about four months during this process; at the end of it, a judge found him not guilty by reason of insanity of trespassing and breaking a window  charges that usually draw no more than 30 days in jail  and ordered him to Central State.

He stayed at Central State for an additional four to five months.

I was scared all the time, he said.

During that time, he says another patient attacked him, choking him so severely that James said his voice box was damaged  his voice these days is low and hoarse.

I used to sing, but I cant sing anymore, he said.

But with medication and counseling at the hospital  and a strong will to get healthy again  he bounced back quickly.

His treatment team felt he could skip several of the usual progressive steps of greater and greater freedom. Typically, patients progress from easier movement through the hospital, to escorted day trips to the community, to overnight or 48-hour stays away from the hospital.

But he still had to wait to get out.

It was gut-wrenching, he said. I just prayed every day that the waiting would end; I pray every day. He even prays for the patient who attacked him.

I just didnt feel safe at Central State, he said. Here, I do. I feel confident I can live in the community. I dont feel afraid.

At the hospital door

Magistrates are empowered to issue Temporary Detention Orders to hold people, against their will, for up to 72 hours for evaluation and treatment for mental illness. It is up to mental health workers at the local or regional Community Services Board to find a bed.

If theres no other alternative, a state hospital has to take them.

For the Richmond ACT team, part of that Fridays challenge was that a general hospital in Spotsylvania Countythe nearest bed it could find earlier in the week for one Richmond man under a TDO  was about to release him, even though the group home that agreed to take him said his place would not be ready until that Monday.

Didnt they even check? Spivey asked. She added making a call to the hospital, or maybe even several, to the list of work to cut through bureaucracy that she and the team would fit in between their prime mission of keeping severely ill people stable, and helping them get better  if possible.

Also on the Friday list: What do to about the discharge from a Northern Neck hospital of another Richmonder under a TDO. In addition, there was the worry about medicine ordered but not yet delivered for another man due to be discharged later that day from a general hospital in the city.

Then there was the mystery of another Richmonder on the teams list.

He had been in a general hospital in the city for medical treatment, but acting up  the way he tended to when he got ahold of alcohol or drugs  none of which he had had access to. The hospital wanted him out, out, out.

What do they mean, hes on medical respite? Spivey asked his caseworker. Hes usually the politest, nicest man, when its out of his system. ... We need to figure out whats going on with him if hes acting out like this and theyre going to put him out.

The front door

As of last month, the Department of Behavioral Health has opened all 360 state hospital beds it had to close in 2021 because it did not have enough staff to safely care for that many more patients.

Even so, several state mental hospitals are still overcrowded. Three of the largest have been running at more than 100% of capacity for three years. One, Central State, is still at 100% of capacity, while Western State Hospital in Staunton is at 99%, and Eastern State Hospital in James City County is at 98%. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says hospitals should not operate at more than 85% of capacity in order to be able to handle emergency needs for care.

Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, where Ian was hospitalized, and Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Danville are at 100%, even with additional beds.

More than half of the patients in all of the state hospitals are there because of some kind of criminal charge, and most of these are people ordered to the hospital when a judge determines that they are not competent to stand trial  that is, that they are unable to assist in their own defense.

These orders have tripled in the past 15 years. These patients average length of stay, as short-staffed hospitals try to cope with the flood, has climbed from 54 days to 76 days, ending when the judge decides the defendant is ready to be tried. Sometimes, these cases involve such minor misdemeanors as trespassing or disorderly conduct, when a typical jail sentence is around 30 days.

One of Spiveys clients, who she met that Friday at his favorite spot for panhandling, spent months bouncing back and forth from jail to Central State to have his competency restored, as district court judges hearing two different charges of trespassing issued successive competency restoration orders.

It was bad, man. It was bad, he said. I got no money.

He lost his disability benefits while in the hospital  unaware he had to keep up with the paperwork. He said thats why he panhandles.

Another front-door problem: Over fiscal year 2022 and 2023, law enforcement officers dropped off 1,432 people at state hospitals before the hospital staff could accept them for admission. Officers dropped off some 450 even after a January ruling from the Office of the Attorney General that the practice was illegal.

In one case, a hospital staffer told the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the state legislatures watchdog agency, that one person who was dropped off that way was close to death. The hospital had to turn around within 15 minutes to send that person to a general hospital for the urgent medical care required.

Sometimes, magistrates send people to state hospitals for behavior that looks like mental illness but is really a matter of a disorder like dementia or a developmental disability, like autism. Neither can be addressed by any treatment a mental hospital offers.

People like Ian, who land in the mental hospital against their will and without a criminal charge, arrive there when a special justice finds that their mental illness means they are a risk of seriously hurting themselves or others or cannot provide for their basic human needs. The special justices initial order is for 30 days, often followed by another commitment for up to 180 days  far longer than private hospitals like to care for patients.

For people, like James, who land in a mental hospital after a criminal charge, getting out requires a judges agreement with the persons treatment team that he or she no longer needs the intensive service a hospital provides.

Back door

Getting out of the hospital means trying to be sure the patient will be safe and have the help he or she needs to prevent the kind of crisis that results in hospitalizations.

The biggest need is housing, Smith said.

But that can be hard to find; not every landlord is willing.

There are bureaucratic hoops to jump through to line up the money for rent, since many on the extraordinary barriers list are indigent. Support services need to be arranged  perhaps the kind of daily check-ins that Spivey and her colleagues do, or help finding a job, or access to counseling, a psychiatrist and medication.

For mental health workers like Spivey, its not always crisis, paperwork chases and sad daily stories.

Spivey got some good news shortly after pulling up outside the Richmond apartment where one of her clients had finally settled a year after the woman left Central State.

The good news resolved Spiveys worries about where to find medication the ACT team had ordered, but that had not yet arrived, for a man who was about to be discharged from Richmond Community Hospital. The hospital, which had the medication in hand, had agreed he could stay over the weekend.

With a sigh of relief, then, Spivey joined the teams psychiatrist, Dr. Shane Carillo, at her other clients door. There, the news wasnt as good.

Carillo was worried because when he had visited the week before, the woman had scattered her medications all over the kitchen counter.

You really need to take this as directed, he said.

The dizziness the woman complained of could be because she was not taking her blood pressure medicine the way she should, he added  even as he asked himself if what she was describing was simply another delusion.

He wondered, too, when she talked about some scratches she got in a fight  but her description of the other person with whom she supposedly fought kept changing.

Was it just her clothes? Carillo asked about the scratches.

No, the woman said. Sometimes, the woman she said she fought with was taller, sometimes shorter. Her description of the other womans face kept changing.

When was the last time you had a drink? Carillo gently asked.

Then: And cocaine?

She hung her head.

When you do that, the voices will get louder, he said. You know that ... have you thought about group (a group therapy program)?

Sometimes, he told the woman: We need to be able to talk to someone, to have a network.

From the Archives: Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Central State Hospital
" " These British medieval pilgrim badges featured the bust of Thomas Becket. Ashmolean Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

In the Middle Ages, religious pilgrimages were all the rage in Europe. In spite of plagues and famines that ravaged the population in the 13th and 14th centuries, tens of thousands of people would walk for months to end up at the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in northwest Spain each year to pay their respects, receive absolution or pray for healing at the tomb of the apostle James. There were many more holy sites of varying popularity  the Seven Pilgrimage Churches of Rome and the Holy Land route (Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth) were the big time, but the church also encouraged pilgrimages to smaller shrines, like the tomb of Thomas Becket in the English county of Kent, the destination of the ragtag band of pilgrims depicted in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales."

No matter the distance, it was an accomplishment, hoofing it over hundreds or thousands of miles to arrive at a holy site, so naturally medieval pilgrims would want a souvenir to prove they had made the trek, to signal they belonged to a specific religious community and to serve as a sort of protective talisman.

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" " A medieval British or French lead and tin alloy pilgrim badge featuring St. Leonard, 15th century (size: 2 3/16 x 1 3/16 inches (5.6 x 3 centimeters). Sepia Times/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

As a result, an industry emerged to satisfy the pilgrims: Badges made out of a tin-lead alloy that they could pin to their hat or cloak were mass-produced and became wildly popular. Most of these badges depicted what you're probably imagining: saints being martyred, angels, animals with religious significance, pilgrims emerging victorious and spiritually cleansed from the pilgrimage site, etc. But some of them were a little more ... secular.

Take, for instance, the badge depicting a giant vulva with arms and legs and a hat, holding a staff adorned with an erect phallus. Or the three phalluses manning a sailboat, or the winged, crowned phallus wearing a bell around its "neck" or the vulva on horseback, hunting with a bow and arrow. Honestly, there are so many different sexual motifs, and they're so bizarre and fascinating that it's easy to just ogle them without questioning why they were made in the first place.

But most scholars studying medieval pilgrimage badges have a surprising theory for the purpose of such bawdy images: These badges were specifically made to ward off plague. The Black Death, which killed 25 million Europeans during this period, was terrifying in part because this was long before the germ theory of disease revolutionized the way we kept diseases from spreading. Nobody really knew how everyone was getting the plague  it was just as feasible that bad air or an imbalance in somebody's humours was the culprit as it was that sick people were passing it along to their friends just by looking at them. It was probably this last one  the sickly looks  that the lewd badges were trying to fend off.

Although it's impossible to say exactly what the medieval pilgrims were thinking with these ridiculous and obscene pins, many scholars suggest that they were almost certainly not intended to be erotic. At the time, a virulent illness and an evil spirit were considered extremely close relatives, if not one and the same. Protective talismans like the Evil Eye have been used since ancient times to ward off the unwelcome and ill-intentioned stares of others, and images of genitalia have similarly been thought to have potent protective powers in cultures all over the world.

Regardless of whether medieval pilgrims were correct or not about the method of disease transmission, the image of a lion with a giant phallus in its jaws pinned to somebody's lapel would probably make you look away from that person pretty quickly.

Now That's Interesting "Apotropaic" is a word describing the ability of an image to turn away bad spirits.
Rather than conform to the societal and style norms of the era, Walker eschewed skirts and corsets and preferred "bloomer" pants. But her independent ideas weren't confined to fashion (although later media reports couldn't seem to stop obsessing about her wardrobe).

Despite the fact that women were discouraged from entering the traditionally male medical field, Walker knew she wanted to be a doctor and enrolled at Syracuse Medical College (now Upstate Medical University), graduating in 1855 with a Doctor of Medicine degree (she was only the second woman to ever graduate from the school after Elizabeth Blackwell). Walker soon started a private practice in Columbus, Ohio, before returning to New York where she married fellow physician Albert Miller. A few years later, the Civil War erupted.

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Soon after the war broke out in 1861, Walker tried to join the Union's efforts as a surgeon in Washington, D.C., but was turned away because of her sex. She wasn't deterred, taking an unpaid position as the only female volunteer surgeon in the U.S. Patent Office Hospital. She found time in 1862 to earn a degree from the New York Hygeio-Therapeutic College and when she returned to volunteering, she worked on the battlefield in tent hospitals in Warrenton and Fredericksburg, Virginia. The following fall, Walker was appointed assistant surgeon in the Army of the Cumberland in Tennessee.

In April 1864, Walker was captured as a spy by Confederate troops after she'd crossed battle lines to help a Confederate doctor with surgery. "Mary was imprisoned at Richmond's Castle Thunder, which was a prison primarily for Richmond's own  unruly civilians, prostitutes, Unionists and deserters," Kelly R. Hancock, public programs manager at the American Civil War Museum, writes via email. "Since Mary Walker was a woman and Castle Thunder had one of its warehouses designated for women prisoners, Mary was kept there for four months from April 21 to Aug. 12, when she was released in a prisoner of war exchange."

According to Hancock, Richmond's prisons were anything but pleasant. "They were crowded, poorly ventilated and disease ridden," she says. "In a city, in which their own citizens were having trouble putting food on the table, prisons received scant rations."

" " In April 1864, Walker was captured as a spy by Confederate troops and was imprisoned at Richmond's Castle Thunder (seen here), a prison for unruly civilians, prostitutes, Unionists and deserters. Library of Congress
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

On January 1st , your test will arrive. I say test because there is a high degree of probability that between now and then, you will tell your spouse, child, or perhaps a friend about your New Years resolutions. The question is when January arrives, are you going to abandon them like you abandoned the ones you made last year, and the year before that??

I know how you feel. Ive made a lot of New Years resolutions that I failed to keep, too. In fact, Im probably the last person on the face of this earth to whom you should look for help. I couldnt even quit smoking until the 1001st try. And even that was a hollow victory for me. The weight I gained that followed has plagued me for the last 43 years.

No, I cant help you to lose weight or stop smoking. But I know someone who can ... Jesus.

You probably havent thought about turning to Christ for help with the little things. After all, our New Years resolutions normally arent a life-and-death matter. So why should we worry God with such trivial pursuits  right?

Ill tell you why. God cares as much about the small things as he does about the most serious request that we could possibly leave with him! He makes no distinction between the two. In fact, theres a story in the Bible that illustrates my point.

In II Kings, God  through the Prophet Elisha  made an ax head float that had sunk to the bottom of the Jordan River. It fell into the water while they were cutting down a tree for their camp. Much like many of our problems, it seemed insignificant in the whole scheme of things. But the man who lost it cried out for help because it didnt belong to him. He had borrowed it from a friend. (II Kings 6:1-7)

Interestingly, that story is located right between the healing of a Syrian General and the deliverance of Israels Army. It sticks out like a sore thumb! It demonstrates Gods care and provision for those of us who are also willing to trust him with the small things that frequently turn our lives upside down.

So, if your New Years resolutions are important to you, then they are also important to God.

Thats a revelation for me, too. My New Years resolution to lose weight may not look all that important when its lined up against all the other shortcomings in my life. But its important to me. I find it comforting to know that God cares as much about it as I do.

Paul proudly proclaims in his letter to the Church at Phillipi, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13) That verse  just like the story about the floating ax head  also carries a promise onto which we all can hold.

I dont know about you, but Im going to hold onto that promise real hard over the next few months because his Word is clear: If I wont let go, then he wont let go either.

How about you? You can stand on His promises, too, and claim victory in 2024!
A Nebraska State Penitentiary staff member was seriously injured Saturday in an assault by an inmate, corrections officials said in a news release.

An inmate leaving the shower punched the staff member on the side of the head, knocking the staff member to the ground and causing a fractured cheekbone, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in the release. The inmate was removed from the area, and the staff member had to be treated at a Lincoln hospital.

The department did not identify the inmate or the injured staffer.

The Department of Correctional Services has begun a disciplinary process, and an investigation has been opened, the news release said. Findings will go to the county attorney, who will determine if the inmate will be prosecuted.

The Journal Star's most memorable photos of 2023
When Nebraska state senators meet on Wednesday for the first day of the 2024 legislative session, it will be the earliest start allowed under the state constitution.

Article III Section 10 of the Nebraska Constitution tells the nations only unicameral lawmaking body that it shall convene all regular legislative sessions at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January.

Once senators are seated and the pomp and circumstance of the first day is over, the Legislature will find plenty of work waiting in the 60-day session, which is tentatively scheduled to end April 18.

A total of 110 bills were advanced this past session to general file  the first round of deliberation  but were never brought up for discussion, meaning lawmakers can take them up as soon as Speaker John Arch schedules them.

Fourteen bills are sitting on select file, or the second of the three rounds of debate, according to a worksheet maintained by the Clerk of the Legislature.

And over the course of the first 10 working days ending Jan. 17, senators will introduce new bills, potentially putting hundreds of additional proposals into the legislative machinery.

Arch, who will enter his second year as the officer who sets the agenda and guides the process, shared a color-coded calendar with senators at the Legislative Council in early December that illustrated how there is a lot of work to do and not much time to do it.

What I attempted to do at the council was emphasize how fast we run out of time, he said in a phone interview. That was really the message I tried to present.

Senators will gavel in the first five days for bill introductions and adjourn around lunch time, as has been the practice in previous legislative sessions, before a debate over the legislative rules is slated to begin on Jan. 10, or Day 6 of the session.

Arch, along with Clerk Brandon Metzler, have 21 proposed rules they plan to bring forward, which they say will offer technical corrections to existing rules, codify precedents in order to provide greater clarity to senators, and improve the overall process of the session.

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, the chair of the Rules Committee, has also circulated nine proposed rules changes ahead of the session he said he plans to introduce in order to reform how the Legislature operates.

Among Erdmans proposals are changes to how cloture motions could be offered, requiring a voice vote for committee chairs, closing executive sessions to members of the media, and removing requirements that the Redistricting Committee have leaders who are members of opposing political parties.

Other senators can also offer rules changes  a hearing for the proposals has not yet been set  but Arch said he plans to have the permanent rules in place by Day 12, avoiding a repeat of the 2017 session in which the rules debate took up more than one-third of the days senators were on the floor.

We wont go beyond Jan. 19 for the rules, he said. We will move on at that point.

After the rules are in place, the Legislature will kick into high gear for seven weeks, with floor debate scheduled in the morning and committee hearings taking up afternoons and evenings.

At the Legislative Council, Arch said the first bills that will come up for debate will be good governance measures, issues he considers non-controversial that should attract broad consensus in order to get the legislative machinery moving.

Those include bills reforming how the state procures goods and services, defining massage therapy as a health service, enacting greater privacy protections for genetic information and creating more stringent fraud controls for Medicaid.

The speaker said he then hopes to move through senators priority bills, as well as the legislative priorities set by committees, and the roughly two dozen other bills he, through his position as leader of the Legislature, deems important.

The amount of work for senators to get through will only continue to grow, Arch said.

"We had 90 days in the last session to hear 108 priority bills, and we have 60 days for 108 priority bills this year," he said. "My thinking is the priority bills need to begin debate soon if we have any chance of getting through that in the 60-day session."

The deadline for senators to request Arch designate one of their bills as a speaker priority is Feb. 14, or Day 28 on the legislative calendar. Senators must tag their own priority bills the next day, Day 29, or Feb. 15, in order to get it on the agenda.

After committee hearings end on Feb. 29, the Legislature will move into all-day floor debate starting March 4. Budget bills will have priority scheduling for debate starting March 12, or Day 41, and must be passed and sent to Gov. Jim Pillens desk by March 26, which is Day 50.

From there, the Legislature has eight more days of possible floor debate before recessing ahead of Day 60, in which senators will meet to consider any veto overrides before adjourning sine die.

Arch said his focus remains on improving the process of the Legislature this year after a tumultuous 2023 session marked by weeks of filibusters, legislative packages containing in some cases 30-plus bills, and a rancor felt both inside the chamber and across the state.

My goal for every session, and this being no different, is good debate which leads to a good product, he said. We want to make sure we have good language in our bills, a good product coming out of committee, and a process that supports good decision-making.

Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2024
1. Yes. More than 70% of the downtown buildings are occupied; the area is thriving now.

2. Yes. With the new E-Center , a brewery and the county annex moving in, its on the rise.

3. No. There may be a lot of new businesses, but foot traffic is still slow on most days.

4. No. Its improving, but the issues of crime and homelessness are still major obstacles.

5. Unsure. The area seems to be rebounding, but its hard to say if the trend will continue.

Vote

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Turkey Continues to Attack Our People: Syrian Bishop

Bishop Maurice Amsih, the Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of al-Jazira and Euphrates. The Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of al-Jazira and Euphrates considered the attacks of the Turkish occupation state on North and East Syria a violation of all religious and humanitarian conventions and standards, and human rights standards. He said about the recent escalation: "The Turkish occupier continues to strike our people."

Since December 23, the Turkish occupation state has escalated its attacks on North and East Syria, coinciding with the people of the region's Christmas celebrations, resulting in the martyrdom of 10 civilians, the injury of dozens, and major material losses to citizens' property, installations, and vital facilities.

Regarding the Turkish bombing that the region witnessed, the bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of Jazira and Euphrates, Mar Maurice Amsih, said, "This year is different from previous years because of the ongoing wars around the world that target peoples of all sects. These wars are devoid of humanity and in violation of international charters and regulations and all rights aimed at protecting humanity.

"Turkish attacks target all components without distinction"

He added, "The Turkish occupier continues to strike our people with all its components, and its strikes on North and East Syria throughout its geography randomly targeted workshops, factories, economic institutions, and hospitals, to destroy the infrastructure and sources of life in the region, and its attacks do not differentiate between one component and another, as they target everyone."

"Turkey does not know humanity"

The bishop considered the Turkish escalation, the targeting of citizens' livelihoods and the area's service facilities, and the martyrdom of the people of the region, a new tragedy added to the tragedies of the Syrians. "Turkey did not stop its brutal attacks, especially those attacks that escalated on the day of the birth of Jesus Christ. The tragedy of the people of Syria is great, and Turkey does not know humanity."

"The return of the occupied territories and the establishment of peace"

The Bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of al-Jazira and Euphrates, Mar Maurice Amsih, directed his prayers for the Syrian people and those displaced from their areas due to the Turkish occupation, and offered deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs. "We hope in the coming year to bring security and peace throughout Syria and to live in comfort and bliss. We also wish for the return of the occupied areas and ask for patience and solace for the families of the martyrs of the Turkish bombing and a speedy recovery for the wounded."
As 2023 comes to a close, we take a look back at the top stories and developments in higher education. They include a major high court decision on college admissions, the return of international students at U.S. colleges, the closure of small colleges and study programs, and an Ivy League president stepping down under pressure.

Affirmative Action decision

In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that universities could no longer consider the race of a student when making admissions decisions.

The announcement effectively ended the idea of Affirmative Action, which had been in place in higher education and the workforce for over 50 years.

In making its decision, the court looked at cases involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: students must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual  not on the basis of race.

He noted that many who make choices about which students will be permitted to attend universities have given too much importance to the color of a persons skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice, he continued.

A group called Students for Fair Admissions brought the case through the U.S. court system over a number of years. The group believed that many Asian and white students were not getting a fair chance to attend the most selective colleges and universities in the U.S. because some places were being held for Black students.

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke in favor of racially diverse colleges and universities after the decision came out.

Many universities said they will change the writing requirements of their applications in order to learn of the life experiences of applicants. The first group of students affected by the new rules will be applying to college in early 2024.

The next step for activists who want to change the way colleges choose students? Legacy admissions. A group based in Boston took legal action against Harvard University, saying it should no longer give preference to students whose parents attended Harvard or give money to the school.

Indian students boost numbers

More and more young people from India are now attending college in the United States. As a result, the number of international students studying in the U.S. has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

While students from China are still the largest group, the number of Chinese international students in the U.S. is dropping. But the 269,000 Indian students made up that difference.

Costas Chassapis works at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. Chassapis told VOA Learning English that many university leaders in the U.S. are ecstatic about the increase in Indian students. But he said the increase will not last forever.

The increase is partly due to new rules put in place by Joe Bidens administration. They permit students who complete study programs in STEM  science, technology, engineering and math  to stay in the U.S. for extra work experience.

American students question college

As international students return to the United States, many American young people are expressing concern about the value of a college degree.

The number of American college-age students seeking higher education started falling before the COVID-19 pandemic. Todays young people find that they have work possibilities that pay well even without a college degree. Some say the cost of attending college is simply too high.

West Virginia is the only state in America with a population that is lower today than it was in 1950. The states public university, West Virginia University (WVU), feels the effects of the population loss. Today, its main campus has about 25,000 students. That number is 10 percent lower than it was in 2015. WVU is facing a $45 million budget deficit.

Last summer, WVU announced plans to cut some study programs. The school will end some language studies, music instruction and writing programs. In addition, 100 educators will likely lose their jobs.

Lisa Di Bartolomeo is one of the language professors concerned about her students. She said: The best and the brightest students don't see a future for themselves in West Virginia.

But at least WVU remains open. Some small colleges and universities closed or made plans to close in 2023.

One of those schools was Alliance University in New York City. Heather Garcia studied and worked there. She said the university tried to remain open, but its financial problems were too large. She said she is sad to see the school close.

Bryan Alexander is a researcher who looks at the future of higher education. He said small American colleges first try to reduce their costs. When they can no longer cut their costs, they must close. He said many people in higher education are concerned about the number of small schools that have closed in recent years.

I think, within higher ed, the alarm has already been sounded, Alexander said. Presidents, Deans, Provoststhis is the stuff that keeps them up at night.

Ivy League president leaves job under pressure

Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania stepped down from her job in early December.

Magill, along with Harvard President Claudine Gay and Sally Kornbluth of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology appeared in front of Congress on December 5. Lawmakers asked the presidents if they felt calls for violence against Jewish people should be against school rules.

The Republican-led congressional committee chose the three leaders because their schools "have been at the center of the rise in antisemitic protests, a committee spokesperson said in a statement. The protests are related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

None of the three school leaders directly spoke against calls for violence against Jewish people. Instead, they said some speech, even deeply hateful speech, is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

On December 9, Magill resigned from her position under pressure from influential donors and alumni.

Gay and Kornbluth received support and criticism. But both were permitted to keep their jobs.

One group of professors at Harvard said colleges and universities should not be influenced by political pressure.

A top legal expert from Harvard, Laurence Tribe, said universities should not be bullied into micromanaging their policies.

Im Bryan Lynn.

And I'm Faith Pirlo.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English with additional reporting from the Associated Press.

Quiz - Affirmative Action Decision Tops Higher Education News in 2023 Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

majority n. more than one half of a group

tolerate v. to accept, permit or allow

ecstatic adj. very excited or happy

legacy n. how someone will be remembered, a person with ties to the past

estimate v. to make a guess about something based on experience or understanding about a topic

ecstatic adj. very excited or happy

alumni n. the people who graduated from a school or university

bully v. to frighten, hurt, or threaten (a smaller or weaker person) : to act like a bully toward (someone)

micromanage v. to try to control all parts of something usually in a way that is not wanted

We want to hear from you. What do you think the big stories in higher education will be for next year?
VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents.

Today we are talking about Barack Obama.

He first took office in 2009 and was re-elected in 2012. Because his presidency is so recent, this program will not try to offer a historical perspective.

But one part of his legacy is already clear. Obama is the United States first African-American president. His father was a black man from Kenya; his mother was a white American from the Midwestern state of Kansas.

For many Americans, Obamas presidency was an important symbol in a country that permitted black people to be enslaved.

And, even after the U.S. Constitution officially banned slavery in 1865, African-Americans have been extremely under-represented in the U.S. government.

By 2009, only five African-Americans had ever served in the U.S. Senate  and Obama was one of them.

Even many people who did not vote for Obama said his election to the countrys highest office made them proud or hopeful. A public opinion survey immediately after Election Day found that two-thirds of Americans believed that the countrys racial conflicts could be resolved.

Early life

Obamas parents met as students at the University of Hawaii. His father had won a scholarship to study economics. His mother went on to earn a degree in math there, as well as a graduate degree.

The two married and had a son, whom they named after his father: Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.

But the couple soon separated. The older Barack Obama returned to Kenya, where he later died in a car accident.

Baracks mother went on to marry another man. He was from Indonesia. The family moved to Jakarta, and the couple had a daughter named Maya.

When Barack was 10, his mother sent him back to Hawaii to live with her parents. She wanted him to get a good education. Barack finished high school in Hawaii, then went on to Occidental College in Los Angeles.

After two years, he transferred to Columbia University in New York. There, he completed a degree in political science.

But Obama said the best education he received was in one of his first jobs. He worked as a community organizer in Chicago. He helped people who lived in public housing put pressure on the city government to improve their conditions.

Obama later said the work showed him how important it was to understand the legal process. So he entered Harvard Law School.

Over the next years, Obama worked as a lawyer, wrote a book about his experience as a person of mixed race, and married Michelle Robinson, a woman he worked with at a law firm.

She and Barack Obama settled in Chicago and had two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

When he was in his mid-30s, Obama began his political career. He was elected three times to the Illinois state senate. After 10 years there, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate in a landslide victory.

That same year, Obama attended the Democratic National Convention  the meeting where the party officially nominates a presidential candidate. Obama was not one of the candidates. But the Democrats asked him to make an important speech.

In it, Obama famously talked about how his life story was an American story. He said he was confident the U.S. could overcome its divisions and achieve unity.

Theres not a liberal America and a conservative America, he said. Theres not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America. Theres a United States of America.

Only four years later, Obama would be elected its 44th president.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

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Listening Quiz

See how well you understand the story by taking this listening quiz. Play each video, then choose the best answer.

Quiz - America's Presidents: Barack Obama Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

____________________________________________

Words in This Story

perspective - n. a way of thinking about and understanding something

firm - n. a business organization

liberal - adj. believing that government should be active in supporting social and political change

conservative - adj. believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society
Wisconsin authorities saved an abducted 11-year-old girl and arrested three people in Iowa County overnight.

On Saturday, the Iowa County Communications Center was notified that a vehicle at Kwik Trip in Barneveld was involved in an Indiana Silver Alert for an abduction of an 11-year-old female in that state, and the people in the vehicle might be armed, Sheriff Michael Peterson said in a statement.

While the Iowa County Sheriffs Office was heading to Barneveld, authorities were told that the vehicle was driving on Highway 18/151 in the town of Dodgeville and Dodgeville police were dispatched to assist Iowa County deputies and found the vehicle heading south on Highway 151, Peterson said.

Dodgeville police and the Iowa County Sheriffs Office stopped the vehicle, removed the 11-year-old girl and arrested three people from South Dakota  a 27-year-old from Edgemont, and a 24-year-old and a 23-year-old from Rapid City, all on warrants for kidnapping of a minor out of Wells County, Indiana, Peterson said.

The three are scheduled to face extradition hearings in Iowa County Circuit Court on Tuesday at 3 p.m.

The time of the incident was not in the statement and Iowa County authorities didnt immediately respond to a message seeking the time.

No other details were released due to the ongoing investigation, Peterson said.

Highway 151 was closed for about 20 minutes during the incident.
Air strikes in eastern Syria, likely carried out by Israel, killed at least 23 pro-Iran fighters Saturday, a war monitor said, reporting four more dead in the countrys north.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 23 pro-Iranian fighters, including five Syrians, four from Lebanons Hezbollah group, six Iraqis and eight Iranians, were killed in at least nine pre-dawn air strikes near the Iraqi border.

It said the raids were likely carried out by Israel, after earlier indicating they were likely American.

A US military official, requesting anonymity, said the US did not conduct any defensive strikes overnight.

The Observatory said the strikes targeted military positions in Albu Kamal and its surroundings in Deir Ezzor province, adding that a weapons shipment from Iraq and an ammunition warehouse were also hit.

Israel rarely comments on individual strikes targeting Syria, but it has repeatedly said it will not allow arch foe Iran, which backs President Bashar al-Assads government, to expand its presence there.

Also Saturday, the Observatory said that Israeli missiles targeted warehouses and bases of pro-Iran groups near airport in the main northern city of Aleppo, killing four foreign fighters.

Syrian state media, citing a military source, said that at around 5:20 pm (1420 GMT), the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack targeting a number of points south of the city of Aleppo.

During more than a decade of civil war in Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces including Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

But it has intensified attacks since its war with Hamas began on October 7.

Hezbollah announced on Saturday the death of four of its fighters, without saying when or where they were killed.

There have been regular cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, in southern Lebanon.

Early on Saturday in southern Syrias Quneitra province, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli ground bombardment killed two fighters from a Hezbollah-linked group, the Britain-based Observatory said.

The Israeli army said that it carried out multiple strikes in Syria after two rockets fired from the country hit areas under its control.

The Middle East has also seen a surge in attacks on US forces, which Washington blames on pro-Tehran groups.

The majority have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose formation of Iran-linked armed groups which oppose US support for Israel.

The Observatory reported attacks on two US bases in Deir Ezzor province late Saturday. It said the rocket and drone assault was carried out by Iran-backed groups.
Senator Robinhood Padilla vowed he will not allow anyone to sneak amendments to political provisions of the Constitution if the Charter change (Cha-cha) pushes through.

Should lawmakers take up amendments to economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, Padilla gave assurance the political provisions would not be touched.

Padilla said he had separately filed proposed measures for economic and political amendments amid talks about the Cha-cha.

I promise you, I will not allow anyone to sneak political agenda into efforts to lift the economic restrictions, he said.

Padilla said he wished for more meaningful discussions of the Cha-cha for the New Year even as he vowed to block attempts to introduce self-serving interests in amending the Charter.

Padilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself indicated the need to revisit the economic provisions of the Charter.

He said the direction the President wanted to take was to revisit the economic restrictions in the Constitution.

I hope that when we lawmakers return to the plenary in 2024, we can face this issue, Padilla said.

He also looked forward to more discussions on the legalization of medical cannabis and divorce, and a civilized approach to addressing the growing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

Padilla likewise reiterated his wish for Filipinos to be more discerning about the 2025 elections, and select candidates who are open to amending the Constitution. He said this is the only way to effect true change.

Change will begin with the people, who must start by electing candidates who may not be famous but believe in Charter change, he said.

Meanwhile, Padilla sought as well a civilized approach to the Philippines West Philippine Sea row with China  which he said is a major trading partner of the Philippines.

We have to feed our people (but) if China will really invade us, dying for the country is the most beautiful thing in this entire life, he said.

So we need to be business-minded, but if China invaded us, we are willing to die for our country, he stressed.

Padilla also expressed hopes that there would be meaningful discussions as well on his other advocacies, including the legalization of medical marijuana, and the legalization of divorce to protect the family.

He is hopeful as well for the swift passage of the Eddie Garcia Act in the Senate, which he said may need at least one more consultation in 2024 to take up the rights of the producers.
Foreign ministers of Southeast Asian nations on Saturday expressed their concern over growing tensions in the South China Sea, which they said could threaten regional peace.

We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region, top diplomats of the ASEANs member-nations said in a statement.

The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued the statement after China and the Philippines traded accusations in recent months over a series of maritime run-ins, and as Manila said it needed to change its approach because diplomatic efforts have not worked.

China, on the other hand, has described the accusations as purely false hype, and warned that it will not turn a blind eye to repeated provocations and harassment by the Philippines.

ASEAN foreign ministers affirmed the need for parties involved to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes.

We reiterate the importance of peaceful dialogue that contributes constructively to the promotion of regional stability and cooperation in the maritime domain, the statement said.

ASEAN and China have worked towards creating a code of conduct in the South China Sea, a plan dating back to 2002. However, progress has been slow despite a commitment by all parties to advance and speed up the process.

Talks on the components of the code have yet to start amid concerns over Chinas willingness to commit to a binding set of rules consistent with international law.

China has insisted on its massive claims over most of the South China Sea through a nine-dash-line that loops as far as 1,500 km south of its mainland, cutting into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The dispute between the Philippines and China has heightened over the issue of the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

In February, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of directing a military-grade laser at its troops living aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, an aging warship that Manila deliberately grounded on the disputed Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in 1999.

On Aug. 5, the Philippines accused CCG of blocking and firing a water cannon against a supply boat transporting food for troops on Ayungin Shoal (known in China as Renai Reef).

In September, the Philippines accused CCG of installing a floating barrier near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), and removed the barrier.

On Oct. 15, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said a Chinese navy ship shadowed and attempted to cut off a Philippine Navy vessel conducting a resupply mission near Pag-asa Island.

From Oct. 22-24, the Philippines accused CCG vessels of intentionally colliding with its vessels routinely supplying forces stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

From Dec. 9 to 10, the Philippines accused China of firing water cannons at its boats, including one carrying AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and ramming others, causing serious engine damage.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro on Sunday slammed the continued tirades of China against the Philippines.

China is again spewing lies to counter the international backlash it is now under due to the exposure of its aggressive and dangerous actions in the West Philippine Sea, she said.

Based on reports, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense issued separate statements to assert Beijings undisputable claim to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which are well within the Philippines 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone, she noted.

Yet again, China is using its delusional claims to Ayungin Shoal and Panatag Shoal, when no country in the world recognizes its claim to these areas, which are well within the exclusive economic zone of the Philipines. No stretch of the imagination can change that, she said.

The issue of the South China Sea is also not a mere bilateral issue because the area is a main shipping lane for many countries. There are also numerous claimants on the different part of the South China Sea like Taiwan (Republic of China), Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. These already debunk Chinas supposed undisputable claim. Now add to this the 2016 arbitral ruling and Chinas claim goes straight to the trash bin, she said.

She also questioned Chinas assertion that its maritime and naval forces have been professional and responsible in their conduct.
President Marcos called on Filipinos to embody Dr. Jose Rizals values and profound love for the nation as he led the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the national heros martyrdom at Luneta Park in Manila on Saturday.

I enjoin all of you to keep emulating the timeless values we can learn from his life and works. I also call on everyone to let the genuine love for the country propel us to have a deep and personal sense of ownership for our land and our future, Mr. Marcos said.

May the ideals and spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal live on as we fully realize the Philippines that he and his contemporaries fought hard for, he added.

Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, said Rizals legacy continues to be a guiding light for all Filipinos.

Our national hero was a visionary, a man of immense courage and intellect who believed in the power of knowledge to ignite change. His relentless pursuit of education and enlightenment set the stage for his pivotal role in our nations history, said Duterte, who is also the current Education Secretary.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise urged Filipinos not to let the sacrifices of the national hero go in vain.

Lets continue his fight. Let us be united in love and in defense of our country and our fellow Filipinos, Zubiri said.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said Rizals deep insights and steadfast dedication to freedom laid the cornerstone of our national identity.

In commemorating his life and works, let us remember that Rizal was more than a historical figure; he was a symbol of hope and the epitome of what it means to love ones country. His bravery in opposing colonial tyranny and his profound affection for the Philippines remain as vital inspirations to us all, he said.

In an era where our sovereignty and national identity face new challenges, we must live by Rizals ideals. I call upon each of us to embrace Rizals spirit in our everyday actions. May his courage inspire us to confront our challenges with dignity and integrity. May his wisdom guide our decisions towards the betterment of our beloved country, Romualdez added.
A 4-year-old boy from Central Luzon lost all five fingers on his right hand and injured his neck when he lit up an illegal Dart Bomb at home, the Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday.

The agency also expressed concerns that such deadly, illegal fireworks are able to find their way into the hands of young children.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa called on the police to crack down further on those selling illegal fireworks that can destroy the futures of Filipino children.

As of 6 a.m. of Dec. 30, there were eight new cases, with victims aged 4 to 37, all of them males.

Six of these new cases occurred at home and in the streets, while two were at designated fireworks areas. Five or 63 percent of the new cases were caused by illegal fireworks.

Sundays total brought to 115 the fireworks-related injuries, with about four out of every 10 cases coming from Metro Manila.

Cases were also reported in Central Luzon (13), Ilocos Region (13), Soccksargen (9), Calabarzon (six), Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas (five each). The Davao Region reported only one case.

The fireworks that caused the most injuries were boga, 5-star, kwitis, piccolo, luces, pla-pla, whistle bomb, and other unlabeled (including the Dart Bomb) or imported fireworks. Illegal fireworks are to blame for about six out of every 10 cases.

On the eve of the New Year, Senator Nancy Binay urged Filipinos to keep safety at the forefront of their celebration.

Binay particularly called on gun owners, especially military and police personnel, to be more responsible and avoid indiscriminately firing their guns during the holiday season.

This, as the Philippine National Police recently said that at least seven incidents of illegal discharge of firearms have been reported, with one person wounded as a result, since Dec. 16.

Binay said it is essential to be conscious of safety in such situations, and called on the Filipino public to employ more creative ways to usher in the New Year instead of resorting to firing guns, or lighting fireworks and firecrackers.

Five of the seven offenderstwo police officers, two members of the Philippine Army, and a civilianhave so far been arrested and had their guns confiscated, while the two others remain unidentified.

She urged the Philippine National Police and local government units to strictly enforce Republic Act 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Binay also urged local authorities to strictly monitor vendors selling illegal firecrackers to protect the public.

The National Capital Region Police Office, meanwhile, said it has intensified efforts to ensure a safe celebration of the New Year.

We call on our fellow citizens to exercise caution and comply with laws governing the use of fireworks and firecrackers. Let us not forget that the best way to welcome the coming year is to ensure that we, our loved ones, and those around us are safe, the NCRPO said.

NCRPO is actively patrolling and monitoring the yuletide season to deter the occurrence of crimes and respond promptly to any emergencies. As we encourage NCR residents to adhere to guidelines, we also call upon all gun owners to be responsible and avoid negligence, and indiscriminate firing to safeguard innocent lives thus season.
President Marcos enjoined Filipinos to embody the spirit of solidarity and contribute to development as he joined the nation in welcoming the new year.

Every new beginning is a time for reflection on past accomplishments, to move forward with the lessons learned, and to reinforce the unity forged as a people, the President said.

As a nation, we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year and embrace a new dawn of opportunity and hope that heralds another fresh start for all, he said in a message released Sunday.

As we welcome 2024 with great optimism, I call upon every Filipino from every corner of the world to contribute to the future of our beloved motherland. Let us embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, knowing that each of us is a catalyst for our countrys meaningful social transformation.

President Marcos also committed to strengthen bonds and chart a new roadmap for tomorrow.

Let the dream of a revitalized Philippines a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)guide our every endeavor as we bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity for all, Marcos said.

VP: Honest service

Vice President Sara Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday committed to continue doing honest service in the incoming year.

In her New Years message, Duterte said she wants to welcome 2024 with a positive and progressive outlook for a better future.

2023 was a colorful year for our country and the whole world. There were many stories of success, hallenges, and hope, but we remained strong and steadfast as Filipinos, she said in Filipino.

Thats why our vision for the future remains clear-that we will continue to deliver honest service. We will continue to fuel our desire for the peace and comfort of every Filipino family. We will never surrender to any trial that comes our way.

Speaker: Remarkable achievements

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez pointed to the achievements of Congress as the nation heads into the new year.

The achievements we have realized together are indeed remarkable. The commitment and hard work of each of you, as members of our community, have been pivotal in the passage of critical bills, measures, and resolutions addressing the varied needs of our nation. From economic reforms to social initiatives, these efforts have been about improving the lives of every Filipino, he added.

I wish every Filipino a Happy New Year. May this year bring us closer to realizing our national aspirations. Lets continue to uphold the spirit of unity and service in the days to come, he said.

Chief Justice: Renewed hope

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said that the Supreme Court will welcome 2024 humbled and with renewed hope.

Gesmundo noted that while New Year celebrations are usually associated with second chances, it is in fact about continuity.

We build on the past, learn from mistakes, and live with the consequences of past actions. For the past cannot be erased; it is part of who we are: the good and the bad, the right and the wrong, the successes and the failures, the Chief Justice said.

He further likened the transition of one year to the next to a chapter in a voluminous book that is still being written.

In this new chapter we embrace change, take on new challenges, and welcome growth, Gesmundo said.

He added that 2024 marks the third year of the judiciarys technology-driven reforms as part of its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI), which he said was a success.
Despite intermittent rains in the afternoon and early evening, Filipinos trooped to New Year countdown parties in Metro Manila and major cities across the country on Sunday.

People of all ages welcomed new beginnings with laughter, music, and the shared excitement of saying goodbye to the old year with grand parties and countdowns.

It was a night of glitz, music, and electric energy as GMA Network revived the Kapuso Countdown at the SM Mall of Asia.

After a COVID-induced hiatus, a dazzling lineup of GMA stars, featuring Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Sanya Lopez, Ken Chan, Rita Daniela, Andrea Torres, and Michelle Marquez Dee, regaled viewers.

The Sparkle Queen Bees  Rabiya Mateo, Lexi Gonzales, and Faith Da Silva  amplified the sparkle with their captivating performances.

NYE at the 5th, a collaboration between Globe, Bonifacio Global City, and Taguigs local government, promised a pulsating K-Pop performance from Red Velvets Seulgi, Wendy, and Irene, plus a festive Globe photobooth for capturing joyful moments, exciting arcade games with cool prizes, and exclusive deals from 0917 Lifestyle.

The pinnacle of New Years Eve celebrations at Newport World Resorts came with The Grand Countdown to 2024, as Filipino music royalty Sharon Cuneta and Ogie Olcasid starred at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

This came after dazzling performances by special guests like Jona, Arthur Nery, and Katrina Velarde. Pre-show performances by Jehramae Trangia, Michael Keith, and CJ Villavicencio, hosted by Billy Crawford, set the perfect festive mood.

Makati Avenue, meanwhile, transformed into a vibrant playground of nostalgia and future-forward fun with the Nostalgia Meets the Future New Years Eve Countdown tonight.

Filipinos relived the magic of 1999, the first-ever grand NYE bash in the country, featuring beloved stars like Asias Songbird, Regine Velasquez, who performed alongside the P-Pop phenomenon SB19, Sponge Cola, Al James, and musical theater powerhouses led by Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon.

The free, open-air extravaganza transcended generations with immersive 3D visuals, a dazzling pyrotechnics show, and infectious beats spun by DJs Brian Cua and Mike Lavet.

Others dived into a world of festive magic at City of Dreams Manila, as they danced under the stars at CenterPlays countdown party, where live music and delicious bites fuel the revelry.

Eastwood Mall in Quezon City didnt hold back with its equally stacked list of musical and celebrity performers.

The Metaverse Mayhem featured stars such as Morissette, KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, Silent Sanctuary, Sunkissed Lola, Armi Millare, Player Two, and 1st.One. The event will be hosted by Janeena Chan and Tito Mikee Reyes from 6pm onward.

Quezon City also has something big up its sleeve with celebrity guests such as Vice Ganda as well as Drag Race Philippines queens Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating Katkat, Arizona Brandy, and Bernie in attendance at the citys countdown celebration at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Musical performances from Mayonnaise, Cueshe, Autotelic, Imago, and Orange & Lemons also delighted merrymakers as they welcomed the new year.
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

People keep diaries for all sorts of reasonsto record events, work through difficult situations, or manage stress and trauma. The ongoing COVID inquiry shows diaries also have important political and historic significance. The UK's former chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance's diaries have been a key source of evidence, exposing the chaos within government at the time.

In my Ph.D. research, I've been exploring the COVID diaries of ordinary people, as well as diaries kept during the Great Plague of London in 1665-66. Though centuries apart, these diaries are full of insight into how people react to crises, and have surprising similarities.

From the first lockdown in March 2020, media outlets, archive centers and researchers encouraged people to record their pandemic experiences. Even BBC children's entertainer Mr. Tumble urged young viewers to start a diary.

This has resulted in a large number of COVID diaries being made available in archive collections around the UK, plus many more online in the form of blogs or social media. I've been looking specifically at 13 COVID diaries donated to the Borthwick Institute for Archives and the East Riding Archives, both in Yorkshire. Most were originally private documents, offering a more spontaneous, honest and intimate portrayal of pandemic experiences than their online counterparts.

Diaries written during the Great Plague are not so numerous. Of the few available, the most valuable is that of naval administrator Samuel Pepys (1633-1703), whose exceptionally detailed and candid journals form by far the most comprehensive firsthand account of plague-stricken London.

I have been reading Pepys's diaries alongside the modern COVID diaries and have been struck by the common themes in how people navigated their pandemic experiences.

Recording statistics

Throughout the COVID pandemic, statistics of cases and deaths were everywhere and were key to how we judged the impact of the virus. As diarist JF wrote on June 5, 2020, "It was time to watch the coronavirus update, and I was shocked to find that over 40,000 people have now died from the disease in this country, and it's not over yet!"

Relatively accurate information was also widely circulated in 17th-century London via the "bills of mortality"weekly lists of deaths according to cause and location. Pepys wrote on September 7, 1665: "Sent for the Weekely Bill and find 8252 dead in all, and of them, 6978 of the plaguewhich is a most dreadful Numberand shows reason to fear that the plague hath got that hold that it will yet continue among us."

All of the modern and historical diaries I have looked at include these statisticssome sparingly, others with meticulous regularity.

The blame game

As cases rose, restrictions were enforced, and the effects of plague and COVID loomed large in the lives of our diarists, narratives shifted to confusion and blame. Pepys was largely sympathetic to the government's handling of the plague and, in February 1666, criticized those who flouted the rules and endangered others:

"In the height of it, how bold people there were to go in sport to one another's burials. And in spite to well people, would breathe in the faces  of well people going by."

COVID diarists reacted to those who didn't follow guidelines in a very similar way, as DR wrote in March 2020:

"Not everyone is playing it very well, though, with panic-buying, one last night at the pub and a mass exodus to the coast. Stupid and selfish in equal measure."

The response and actions of the UK government and individual members of parliament also afforded much attention. An anonymous diarist wrote in May 2020:

"People are being allowed out more, but the illness is still out there & there's no treatment or vaccine yet  There are fewer deaths because of social distancing. If they let everyone get on with the 'new normal,' surely more people will get sick?"

Staying positive

A more optimistic theme to emerge in the diaries was the ability to find positivity amid the chaos. Pepys and modern diarists were thankful for the blessings of health, family and security. They praised those who went the extra mile to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on those around them, despite the risk to their own health. An entry from New Year's Eve in 1665 reads:

"My whole family hath been well all this while, and all my friends I know of, saving my aunt Bell, who is dead, and some children of my cozen Sarah's, of the plague  yet, to our great joy, the town fills apace, and shops begin to open again. Pray God continue the plague's decrease!"

DW's diary from April 2020 expressed appreciation for time out in nature, as well as sympathy for others living in more difficult situations:

"It was lovely walking through the wood. The air was filled with birdsong. It made me realize how lucky I am to live in a village where I can walk from my front door into fields and woods along defined paths. It must be awful to live ten floors up in a high-rise block with two children and not be allowed out except for once per day."

Comparing COVID with historical events such as plague, the Spanish flu epidemic and the second world war was a core element of the pandemic narrative, and for a good reason. History connects.

It is easy to look around us and see the vast differences between the world we live in now and that which Pepys traversed almost 400 years ago.

But by exploring the innermost thoughts of people with an element of shared experience, we see that fundamental aspects of the human condition endure. When faced with uncertainty and upheaval, our instincts are to record, find answers, and reclaim joy.

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:

When hospitals support trauma survivors' mental health during and after treatment, patients are less likely to return in crisis, researchers report.

There's no uniform guidance on how to offer mental health services to these patients, noted lead study author Laura Prater.

Fewer hospital readmissions are a good sign that people's mental health needs are being met at home.

"Being in the emergency department is traumatic in its own right, plus returning to the scene where you first received care following an injury or assault is not ideal," Prater said. "Managing trauma and the mental health fallout from that trauma is best done at home, where you're in a safe location."

Prater is now an assistant professor of health services management and policy at Ohio State University's College of Public Health. She completed the study while at the University of Washington.

Her team studied five years of data on patients who experienced traumatic incidents such as motor vehicle crashes, shootings and domestic violence.

The first-of-its-kind analysis included 171 patients who were seen at a University of Washington trauma center. They were randomly chosen to receive standard care or a comprehensive mental health intervention.

The intervention had three parts: having trauma survivors describe their personal concerns; coordinating hospital care and providing enhanced mental health treatment; and round-the-clock access to support after patients left the hospital.

Three to six months after the initial trauma, 16% of those in the intervention group were back in the hospital, compared to 27% of others. At 12 to 15 months, 17% of the intervention group had returned to the hospital, compared to 31% of those in standard care.

"Being able to manage PTSD and other mental health concerns early on and receive regular follow-up support can prevent adverse long-term health problems and increase a survivor's ability to live a productive, meaningful life," Prater said in an Ohio State news release.

Prater said round-the-clock access to support via phone or text message seemed crucial in reducing readmissions.

"The immediate text message or phone call response to questions and concerns is potentially the most meaningful element of intervention, from the perspective of the survivors," she said, adding that response to MyChart or other messaging systems can be delayed.

"That is problematic if someone is feeling overwhelmed," Prater noted. "Having an immediate connection helped patients and their families to feel like they weren't in it alone."

As to the cost of adding in mental health services, cutting patients' repeat use of emergency care will likely offset that expense, Prater's team said.

"The bottom line is we need to do a better job in helping people who are in vulnerable health situations navigate the fragmented health care system," Prater said.

More information: Best practices for treating trauma are detailed at the American College of Surgeons.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
As of mid-December, 33 people in Missoula who were formerly homeless now have apartments of their own at Blue Heron Place, one of the largest permanent supportive housing initiatives in the city.

The 30-unit building on Mullan Road marks a transformative point in Missoulas path to address its affordable housing crisis, a situation that peaked in the summer of 2023 when then-mayor Jordan Hess declared an official state of emergency regarding homelessness and sheltering.

Blue Heron is part of the Trinity Apartments, a multi-site affordable housing complex in Missoula that brought over 200 new income-restricted apartments to market in 2023.

The project, which took years of work to plan and complete, was a joint effort between the city, the county, the nonprofit Homeword, the Missoula Housing Authority, Partnership Health Center, the Poverello Center homeless shelter and other partners.

Blue Heron is the piece of the project that's housing people who need extra support in their quest to stay housed.

For the people who now live there, its the first time they have a place to call home that isnt a tent or a bunk in a crowded shelter in a very long time.

One resident, who asked that his name not be used, said this is his first winter in a decade he hasnt been living either in a homeless shelter or outdoors.

I finally have somewhere where I can just turn on a light, instead of digging for my flashlight, he explained. I have somewhere to put my clothes. I can just take out the garbage and turn on the water and turn on the heat. Its great.

One of the other benefits is that people who are trying to get sober and stay away from drugs can do so at Blue Heron, he said. That's because it's possible to get away from other people who might be bad influences.

Another resident, who also said he was homeless for about a decade, was similarly pleased with the new apartment.

Its the first time I can actually get a good nights sleep, he said.

Blue Heron Place was designed to support Missoulas long-term unhoused community. The 30 apartments come with rental assistance vouchers, meaning the residents pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent and the Missoula Housing Authority pays the rest. If they have no income, they're still able to stay there.

The complex opened in September and it was full by mid-December, according to Eileen Lamble, a community health worker at Partnership Health Center in Missoula. Lamble is one of the staff members from Partnership who works at the desk at Blue Heron during the day and helps out with any issues that arise. The goal, she noted, is to try to help the residents have stability in their lives so they don't end up out on the streets again.

So (Partnership) has six staff here, Lamble explained. We have two tenancy support specialists. They support overall housing retention. Im a community health worker, also working with housing retention. We have a nurse on staff and we have a community outreach specialist and a manager.

Lamble said everyone who lives there has a different background, but they were all homeless at one point.

At night, the place is staffed by workers for the Poverello Center.

Beckett Redinger, the communications coordinator for the Pov, said there are often bingo nights and group meals in the buildings community room. There is an on-site laundry, a bike-storage room and outdoor decks with views of the mountains and rivers.

Many former guests of the Poverello Center and clients of the Povs Homeless Outreach Team are getting housed at Blue Heron, according to Stephanie Dolan, the director of development at the Poverello Center.

It's often the first time that some of these folks have a place to call home in many years, Dolan said. They are getting needed support and building stability. I feel like it's such a win for Missoula.

Dolan noted that although there are still people who are unable to afford homes in Missoula, progress is being made.

So many of the efforts the community is undertaking (are) starting to bear fruit: Building of affordable and supportive housing, the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, collaborations between organizations around case management and housing navigation, the funding of the Johnson Street Shelter through the next year, she said. All of these projects working together are helping move the needle in homelessness in our community. It takes time but these wins are something to celebrate.
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Russia and Armenia continued to increase the existing potential of bilateral cooperation in the passing year. This is noted in the New Year congratulatory message by Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin.

The Russian diplomat noted that in 2023, cultural, scientific, and educational ties between Armenia and Russia received a new impetus, which shows the preservation of the deep cultural and spiritual commonality of the two peoples.

"Bilateral trade and economic relations have dynamically developed and expanded. Russia has remained the [Armenian] republic's main trade partner and investor in the Armenian economy. Cooperation [between the two countries] in the domain of Eurasian integration processes has deepened. Cooperation in the format of the Eurasian Economic Union has progressed successfully," Kopyrkin said.

The diplomat is convinced that the active participation of Armenia and Russia in joint integration projects contributes to both the general development and the strengthening of the sovereignty of the two countries in today's very complex and alarming world.

"Also, the ending year became one of the gloomiest pages in the history of modern Armenia. More than 100 thousand [Armenian] people of Karabakh were forced to leave their homeland, leaving behind [their] homes and their usual way of life. It is not possible to fully imagine, to feel the pain and bewilderment of people who became victims of these tragic events. The Russians accepted that pain as their own. From the very first days [of the aforesaid], Russia has provided assistance to the forcibly displacedboth through public and private organizations, as well as at the state level," added the Russian ambassador to Armenia.

He emphasized that, at the same time, Russia, relying on the complex of the tripartite agreements, continued the line of resolutely assisting in the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus. According to the Russian envoy, Moscow has proactively and steadfastly assisted in the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"That hard work, despite all the difficulties, will certainly continue. Today, in the period of historic changes in the world structure, centuries-old, real brotherly ties between the Russian and Armenian peoples are in demand more than ever. This is our shared heritage, without the preservation of which it would be much more difficult for our countries to ensure their dignified and solid place in the new world order. It is very important that close interpersonal contacts are an integral part of our relations," Sergey Kopyrkin said.

In the end, the Russian ambassador congratulated the Armenian people on the occasion of the New Year, and wished peace, solidarity, and prosperity in the coming year.
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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a congratulatory message on New Year and Armenian Christmas. The address states as follows:

Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

2023 is melting before our eyes, and 2024 will enter our homes in minutes like an eager teenager.

We are closing 2023 with high economic growth and first of all I want to thank the people who worked in 2023, were creative in their work, created added value and paid the taxes stipulated by the law.

Its first of all thanks to those people that we got the opportunity to double the salaries of military personnel and teachers, and today there are teachers and private military personnel in our country with a salary of 450 to 500 thousand AMD.

It is thanks to the people who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by law that we were able to take care of the basic needs of our brothers and sisters who became refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

It is thanks to the people who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by law that we were able to bring the minimum pensions into line with the minimum food basket for the first time in the history of the Third Republic.

It is thanks to the people who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by the law that for the third year in a row, from January 1, the salary of researchers will increase.

It is thanks to people who are creative in their work, bring new ideas, and are not afraid of the responsibility of realizing those ideas, that since 2018, 190 thousand jobs have been created in Armenia.

People who work, are creative in their work and pay the taxes stipulated by law deserve words of praise and gratitude, and I hope that the eagerness brought by 2024 will give them new charge, new strength, new ideas.

Dear people, dear compatriots,

As the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, I address you with a New Year message for the 6th time. And the retrospect of our joint journey evokes feelings of pain, regret, but also pride. We have talked and talk much about pain and regret, but on this New Year's Eve, I want to bow and express my pride for each of you, that with unbearable burdens on our shoulders, we were able and are able to lead our state, the Republic of Armenia, through the extremely complicated path of strengthening independence and sovereignty.

When I think about the path we have passed, I understand that this history is beyond the understandings of wrong and right decisions, and we are moving through the only possible path, even though extremely vicious, that will allow us to inherit a state for our generations.

We have passed most of this path, but we are not safe from new trials and difficulties ahead and we need not to shake, not to waver in our determination to have an independent state and to inherit that state to our generations.

I also want to apologize to each and every one of you, to all citizens of the Republic of Armenia, to all our brothers and sisters who became refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh for the pain you have suffered in recent years.

I apologize not because I have committed any crime before you or I have forgotten any responsibility or obligation before you even for a moment, but because I know your feelings and I have the same feeling.

But this feeling cannot in any way undermine my duty as the head of the state, which means that all my decisions and actions must be based on the state interest of the Republic of Armenia. This is the reason why I consider it a priority to find formulas for the normalization and deepening of relations with our neighbors in our region, and I will continue to resolutely follow that path for the sake of the state, for the sake of the future, for the sake of generations.

It is the duty of the head of the state to tirelessly and constantly repeat that we need to understand many things more and more fully, we need to look at and review many things in order to irreversibly understand that the motherland is the state.

Motherland is the state. If you love your homeland, strengthen your state.

Motherland is the state. If you love your motherland, pay your taxes.

Motherland is the state. If you love your motherland, improve your education.

Motherland is the state. If you love your motherland, build your and your country's well-being, get rich and make others rich with work.

This is the state interest of the Republic of Armenia. It should be a guide for all of us, and I am sure that the year 2024, that eager teenager, will become a symbol of the state and state understanding for us.

Dear people, dear compatriots,

Fill the glasses and raise a toast for the Republic of Armenia.

Glory to the martyrs and long live the Republic of Armenia.

Long live the Republic of Armenia!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
16:41

The Centre on Sunday rejected as 'baseless' Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government for not including the state's tableau in the Republic Day parade 2024 and his allegations of discrimination.



The Aam Aadmi Party leader recently attacked the central government for allegedly discriminating against Punjab and said that both Punjab and Delhi were excluded from the list of states whose tableaux have been selected for the parade on January 26.



In its response, the Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying tableaux proposals from states and Union territories and central ministries or departments are evaluated by an 'expert committee' comprising eminent persons in the fields of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture and choreography among others.



'The tableau proposal of Punjab was considered in first three rounds of meeting of the Expert Committee. After the third round of meeting, the tableau of Punjab could not be taken forward by the Expert Committee for further consideration for not aligning to the broader themes of this year's tableau,' it said.



The defence ministry also said that states and UTs not selected for the Republic Day parade 2024 were being invited to showcase their tableaux in Bharat Parv at the Red Fort from January 23-31 in accordance with an MoU signed with the states and UTs.



However, Mann categorically stated that Punjab would not showcase its tableaux in Bharat Parv.



In a post in Punjabi on 'X', Mann said the state's tableau, which was to showcase the sacrifices made by freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Lala Lajpat Rai, will not be sent to 'rejected categories'.



The defence ministry further said that due to the time allotted for tableaux in the overall duration of the parade, shortlisting is done by the expert committee to ensure the participation of the best ones.



For the Republic Day parade 2024, 30 states and UTs had shown willingness to participate, including Punjab and West Bengal, it said.



'Out of these 30 States/UTs, like every year, only 15-16 States/UTs will be finally selected to present their tableaux in the Republic Day Parade 2024,' the statement added.



The statement further stated that as per the MoU Punjab and Delhi have signed with the government of India, states have agreed to display their tableau in the Republic Day parade in one of the three years starting from January 26, 2024.



'Hence their criticism of not being selected this year (2024) is not objective and unfounded,' it said.



The ministry added that the tableau of Punjab was shortlisted for the Republic Day Parade from 2017 to 2022, six times in the last eight years.



'As states have to be treated equally, it is essential that states should be given the opportunity to display their tableaus as per a formula. Government of India is preparing a three-year programme covering all states/UTs which will be shared with all the States/UTs. Hence, the criticism by these states is baseless,' it asserted.



The defence ministry also referred to West Bengal in the statement.



'The tableau proposal of West Bengal was considered in first two rounds of meeting of the Expert Committee. After the second round of meeting, the tableau of West Bengal could not be taken forward by the Expert Committee for further consideration for not aligning to the broader themes of this year's tableau,' it said.



The statement added that West Bengal's tableau was shortlisted in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 -- five times in the last eight years. -- PTI


Mira Rajput is geared up to celebrate the New Year with fun and enjoyment. She is currently holidaying in Bhutan and she shared some awe-inspiring holiday photos. Mira posted a slew of pictures of herself on her Instagram account on, as she enjoyed the tranquil vistas of the mountains in Bhutan. Mira looked brilliant and beaming in the photos, as she smiled for the camera against the backdrop of the hills. She wore no makeup, and sported a completely natural look. Along with her pictures, she wrote in the caption, "Taking off to 2024. Better & Brighter, Be - yourself, real & happy! So while we leave behind the baggage that slows us down, let's never forget to check-in the one package we should load in kilos.. fun! Have fun guys. Life is too short to be serious..Happy New Year" https://www.instagram.com/p/C1gMVvmoL7G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Previously, Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput Kapoor were spotted at the Mumbai airport. Both posed for the paps and looked happy as they twinned in shades of grey. Their kids were also along with them but they did not pose for the shutterbugs. Earlier, also she shared pictures of the fun moments with her husband, Shahid Kapoor and her near and dear ones. Mira took to her Instagram handle and posted a series of pictures with Shahid and her close ones. The photo album started with a lovely selfie she took with her friend Priya Tulshan and some other people. Next up is a group shot with her husband, Shahid and other happy people in the room. A selfie with her mother-in-law, Neelima Azeem and brother-in-law, actor Ishaan Khatter, came next. Additionally, she posted some enticing pictures of delicious cuisine that she had throughout December. Along with the pictures, she wrote in the caption, "Decembering.. basically food, family and food with family" Shahid and Mira got married on July 7, 2015, in an intimate wedding in Delhi. The duo had an arranged marriage. They are doting parents to daughter Misha and son Zain. Misha was born in 2016 while Shahid-Mira welcomed Zain in 2018. (ANI)
Actor Richa Chadha criticised online travel company MakeMyTrip and airline Air India for their poor services, reflecting a wider call for improved service and ethical practices in the travel industry. This comes after Chadha posted an update about how her problem has been rectified, hours after criticising their services. Taking to X, she wrote, "Within hours of this tweet, I received the entire refund! For 2 weeks my assistant had followed up, to no avail. @makemytrip said the refund hadn't come through from @airindia, hence the delay. I received one call from Air India's SOCIAL MEDIA team, not their customer service. I guess, they're bothered by appearances, not poor service. Customers, plz always use your voice, big companies don't care about you per se, they care about their image." The actor also questioned whether their services would have been prompt for a general passenger. "And MMT and Air India, I appreciate all the help, thanks. Do ask yourselves - would you have been so prompt if it wasn't a celebrity? If your answer is yes, PLZ READ THE COMMENTS UNDER THE TWEET : you will find ordinary customers with unsolved queries. Solve them. You have your work cut out for you, and trust me, this is the kind of positive PR money can't buy. Happy new year everyone," she mentioned. https://twitter.com/RichaChadha/status/1741364512585130092 On Saturday, in her long post, Richa criticised online travel companies MakeMyTrip and Air India for their services. She stated that her flight was cancelled without notice and that she was unable to obtain a refund through the travel company's website. She wrote, "SCAM ALERT! @makemytrip @airindia...Perhaps the best way for substandard airlines to make a quick buck is to cancel flights without intimation, or change timings so you miss your connections! With the collusion of so-called convenient flight booking portals like @makemytrip ." She called the customer services "Thakela" and "scamsters." "Thakela customer service at MakeMyTrip will ensure there's no option for you to claim a refund, try it! If they owe you money, your booking id will "not exist"! Rude customer care chicks at Air India will ensure your business class fare is pocketed, won't even apologise for nging timings last minute or being arrogant! Do yourself a favour, avoid these 2 SCAMSTERS in 2024! I hope your companies endure more losses than you have in all of your collective histories, saste cheats!..#BlacklistAirIndia #BanMakemytrip," she added. https://twitter.com/RichaChadha/status/1741018970910826793 After her post, MakeMyTrip responded, "Hi, regret for any inconvenience caused. We request you to kindly share your booking ID via DM so that we can resolve your concern at earliest.----Diksha https://twitter.com/messages/compose?recipient_id=67537455 - - Diksha" https://twitter.com/makemytripcare/status/1741019821863764256 Earlier, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has alleged misuse of Indian travellers' data by online travel company MakeMyTrip and expressed concern over data security and uneven competition in the travel and tourism sector. The CAIT urged the government to examine the business modules of such companies and ensure necessary action if required. Raising a big question mark on some big companies having Chinese investments operating in India's travel and tourism sector, it said this had disrupted the domestic involvement in this sector and by collecting huge data of travellers through transactions, the possibilities of misuse or transfer of data and creation of an uneven level playing field are apprehended. On the work front, Richa was seen in 'Fukrey 3'. She and Ali Fazal are all set to come up with 'Girls will be Girls', a film made under their production banner. Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film is a compelling story set in a boarding school in a small Himalayan hill town in northern India and follows the journey of Mira, a 16-year-old girl whose rebellious awakening is intertwined with her mother's unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences. The cast includes multi-award-winning Malayalam film actress Kani Kusruti, and Jitin Gulati alongside debutants Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron in lead roles. (ANI)
"The meeting was cordial," a release from the Raj Bhavan said.

According to the release, the Tamil Nadu Governor had invited CM Stalin for a meeting to "discuss affairs of the State Government."

"During the meeting, the Tamil Nadu Governor and Chief Minister exchanged courtesies and discussed and exchanged their views on a range of issues concerning the state. The Governor reiterated his total commitment to the good of the people of Tamil Nadu. He also assured his continuing support to the state government within the bounds of the Indian Constitution," the release said.

Governor RN Ravi underscored the need and advantage of periodic meetings with the Chief Minister to the larger interest of the state, it added.

CM Stalin was accompanied by Ministers -- Durai Murugan, Thangam Thennarasu, S Regupathy, and Raja Kannappan. Chief Secretary, Secretaries to the Chief Minister, and Public Secretary were also present. (ANI)
About a week after relaxing the liquor consumption norms for the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) area in Gandhinagar, the state government issued a set of rules on Saturday to be implemented for hotels, clubs, or restaurants desiring to serve liquor and for their customers. Any unit situated in GIFT City, desiring to obtain an FL-III licence shall apply to the Superintendent of Prohibition and Excise, Gandhinagar in Form "A". After due verification, the Superintendent of Prohibition and Excise shall send the proposal with his recommendation, through the Director to the GIFT Facilitation Committee for an appropriate decision. After approval by the Committee, the Superintendent of Prohibition and Excise shall issue the licence in Form FL-III, the government said in a Gazette notification on Saturday. The licensee shall serve liquor for consumption in the approved "Wine and Dine" facility area only. To get a liquor licence for the "wine and dine" facility, one will have to pay Rs 1 lakh per annum and a Rs 2 lakh security deposit. "The licence can be issued for a period of one to five years initially. Subsequently, it can be renewed for up to five years at a time. The fees for the F.L.-III licence shall be Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh) only per annum and the security deposit shall be Rs 2,00,000/- (Rupees two lakh) only," the notification read. "The licensee/Liquor Access Permit/ Temporary Permit holder shall comply with the provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949," it added. These permits will be issued to those who have attained 21 years of age. The rules further state that Recommending Officers will have to prepare a list of employees desiring to get LAP and send the list to the Authorised Officer. The recommending officer shall prepare a list of employees desiring to obtain the Liquor Access Permit and shall send the same to the Authorized Officer. "The Authorized Officer, shall send the approved list to Authorized Person(s); Superintendent of Prohibition & Excise and Recommending Officer. The Authorized Officer shall issue Liquor Access Permit cards on the basis of the approved list of employees and send the same to Recommending Officer," it said. Similarly, for visitors, the Recommending Officer shall prepare a list of visitor(s) desiring to obtain temporary permit. One Liquor Access Permit holder of the concerned company, organisation, or unit shall be required to accompany such visitor(s) in the wine and dine area, it said. The Liquor Access Permit shall be issued for two years and can be renewed for two years at a time. The fees for the permit shall be Rs 1000 per annum. Meanwhile, if the permit holder ceases to be an employee of the company, organisation, or unit at GIFT City, the permit shall stand cancelled, it added. Gujarat has been a dry state since its formulation in 1960. GIFT City is a world-class business district in Gujarat built to cater to global and domestic business enterprises. Earlier on December 22, the Gujarat government allowed the sale and consumption of alcohol in some form in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) area. A Liquor Access Permit will be given to all the employees or owners working in GIFT City through which they will be able to consume liquor in hotels, restaurants, and clubs offering "Wine and Dine", the official order of the state government said. A day after the announcement, Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel said that the decision by the state government to allow the consumption of liquor in hotels, restaurants and clubs offering "Wine and Dine" in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) has been taken to connect people coming for business socially. "People from the country and the world come here for business. It becomes essential to match with their lifestyle... To connect with them socially, this decision has been taken..." the minister told ANI. He further said, "When the PM laid the foundation of the GIFT city in Gujarat, he had a lot of ideas and he wanted Gujarat to emerge as the economic capital... The GIFT city also expanded a lot. Because of the expansion, a lot of various sectors are developing in the GIFT city." (ANI)
Also on Sunday, the last Mangala Aarti of the year was held at the Anandeshwar Shiv Temple in Kanpur.

The devotees prayed for peace and prosperity for all in the coming year.

It is said that morning prayer in Benaras and evening prayer in Awadh holds great significance. The last morning aarti of this year was performed at Ganga Ghat of Varanasi on Sunday.

Through this aarti, 2023 was bid farewell and wishes for the auspicious arrival of the new year were conveyed.

This aarti, which takes place daily, was special as the devotees bade farewell to the outgoing year and wished for a fruitful and fulfilling 2024.

In the ancient city, which is dotted with temples, the morning starts with Ganga Aarti, temple visit, Ghanta Gharial, prayer recitation, 'havan' worship and Ganga bath, and ends with Ganga Aarti and 'Bholenath darshan' in the evening.

This routine continues throughout the year in Varanasi. According to devotees, the last day of the year is special as they thank deities for the outgoing year passing off peacefully with the blessings of Goddess Ganga.

Devotees prayed that the coming year also passes off in peace and ensures prosperity for all.

In Thiruvananthapuram, devotees thronged Pazhavangadi temple to offer prayers on the last day of the year.

Devotees also arrived in large numbers at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra on the last day of the year.

In Punjab, devotees offered prayers at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In Chennai, devotees visited Murugan Temple in Vadapalani to offer prayers.

Tourists thronged Agni Theertham beach to witness the last sunrise of 2023 in Rameswaram. (ANI)
According to Indian Railways, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express is delayed by almost 7 hours while Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express and Azamgarh-Delhi Kaifiyat Express are delayed by 5 hours.

About five trains are delayed by 4 hours including Saharsa-New Delhi Vaishali Express, Allahabad-New Delhi Prayagraj Express and Rajendranagar-New Delhi Sampoorn Kranti.

The Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani is running late by 1.45 hours while the Padmavat Express is running late by almost 3 hours.

As per the Railways, the Pune-Nizamudin Duronto is running late by 2 hours while Bhopal-Nizamuddin Express is running late by 6 hours and Durg-Nizamuddin S Kranti is running late by 3.50 hours.

Also, the Chennai-New Delhi GT express is running late by almost 6 hours, the Railways said.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast dense to very dense fog at most places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, at many places over Uttar Pradesh, at a few places over Uttarakhand, at isolated places over the northern parts of Rajasthan and dense fog at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and the lower division of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.

IMD has said that the mercury would plunge further in the first week of January 2024, with temperature hovering between 10 and 7 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung Observatory in the national capital. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT faction) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday lashed out at the BJP amid the hoopla around the Ram Temple opening in Ayodhya next month, saying that it will seek votes in the name of Lord Ram ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Raut said, "The PMO and government should shift base to Ayodhya. They will ask for votes only in Ram's name because they have done nothing else." Raut added that Shiv Sena members put their blood and toil into the Ram Mandir movement. "Balasaheb Thackrey and thousands of Shiv Saniks contributed to it," he said. "Even we are devotees of Ram. In fact, we are the biggest devotees of Ram and our party has sacrificed a lot for the Ram temple. They have taken our country back by 5000 years," he added. Raut claimed that the BJP was trying to diminish the stature of Lord Ram, adding that the Prime Minister's Office should be shifted to Ayodhya. "The PMO should be shifted to Ayodhya. One doesn't need the BJP to lead the celebrations of Lord Ram. (National Conference chief) Dr Farooq Abdullah says Ram belongs to everyone. Those trying to appropriate Lord Ram are diminishing his image and stature," Raut said. Earlier, on December 28, Raut said his party workers would not attend the Ayodhya Ram Mandir opening ceremony. Though many of them have received a formal invitation to attend the grand consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, several top Opposition leaders are in a bind on whether they will eventually keep their tryst with Ayodhya. With less than a month left for the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, PM Modi arrived in the temple town on Saturday, headlining a host of events and urging the devotees of Lord Ram to refrain from visiting the city on the day of consecration as it would add to the security and logistical nightmare. Preparations are underway in full swing for the event, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. According to the temple trust, the consecration ceremony will be held over seven days starting January 16. The trust has decided to enthrone the idol of Lord Ram at the sanctum sanctorum between noon and 12.45 pm on January 22. Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a Vedic priest, is scheduled to perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony on the day. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 108th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' holds importance in various aspects and whatever PM Modi explained in this episode will be followed. Speaking to ANI, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said, "We all wait for PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat. Today it was the 108th episode and PM Modi also explained its importance. Today's 108th Episode is very significant, 108 number is a sacred and holy number. In many temples, there are 108 stairs and bells to mark the number as it is holy and pious. He also said that we should remain mentally and physically fit. We heard Mann Ki Baat today and whatever PM Modi has said, we will follow it." On his plans to attend the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple on January 22, Chief Minister Saha said, "Yes we have to attend the event. We will go there as per his instructions, the whole of Tripura is excited about it." Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation in the year's last episode of the Mann Ki Baat programme earlier today. He stated that when India turns developed, the youth will benefit the most but the youth will benefit more, when they are fit. "Nowadays we see how much talk there is about lifestyle-related diseases, it is a matter of great concern for all of us, especially the youth. For this 'Mann Ki Baat', I had requested all of you to send inputs related to Fit India. The response you people have given has filled me with enthusiasm. A large number of Startups have also sent me their suggestions on NaMo App; they have discussed many of their unique efforts," PM Modi said. Also, Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy lauded the PM's efforts and said that he is the only Prime Minister in the world who talks to people of his country every month. Reddy further asserted that the programme has nothing to do with politics and highlighted the citizen engagement undertaken through the programme. "PM Modi is the only Prime Minister in the world who talks to millions of people in his country every month," he said. (ANI)
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that in the 108 editions of the radio program, PM Modi has continuously talked about uniting the country and the countrymen. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "In the 108 editions of the Mann Ki Baat program, Prime Minister Modi has continuously talked about uniting the country and the countrymen. At the same time, PM Modi has also worked to bring forward and encourage many people who were doing some spiritual practice or research for years and who were not recognised." He further said that PM Modi has a special bond with the people of Uttarakhand. "On many occasions, he has said that he has a relationship of action and emotion with the Devbhoomi," he added. Earlier in the day, top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders across the country tuned in at 11 am on Sunday to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's last 'Mann ki Baat' episode this year. While BJP National President JP Nadda listened to PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow, Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi was seen listening to the radio address in Delhi. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal listened to the Mann Ki Baat address in Assam's Dibrugarh. Newly appointed Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma tuned into the program from Jaipur. Uttarakhand CM Dhami and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy were also seen listening to their leader's radio programme. In his last Mann ki Baat address of this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a total of 108 episodes were aired, which has seen several examples of public participation. "In these 108 episodes, we have seen numerous examples of public participation and have got inspiration from them. After reaching this stage, we have to resolve to grow afresh with new energy and at a faster pace and it is such a pleasant coincidence that tomorrow's sunrise would be 2024's first sunrise. We would have entered 2024," the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi said that we need to maintain the same spirit of a developed India and momentum in the upcoming year. "India is brimming with self-confidence, imbued with the spirit of a developed India; the spirit of self-reliance. We have to maintain the same spirit and momentum in 2024 as well," PM Modi said. PM Modi shared that he gets messages congratulating him for India's lunar mission even to this date. (ANI)
Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi about when he will be listening to the common man, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suggested the Prime Minister that if he wants to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, then he should fulfil his promises that he made during the previous election rally. "When will you listen to the common man? Everyone will get Rs 15 lakhs, 2 crore jobs will be generated each year, all black money will be under government control, and the common man is tired of listening to all these lies. Along with Mann Ki Baat, there is also a Dil Ki Baat that if Modi needs to pass in the next elections, this heap of lies will be served to the public," a Congress MP reacted to PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. Addressing countrymen during the 108th episode of his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday pointed out how innovative technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), has brought about convenience in different sectors of society. Recalling the Kashi-Tamil Sangmam event in Uttar Pradesh, where the indigenous AI-powered Bhashini app ensured proper translation of his words from Hindi to Tamil with ease, he said that the people who participated in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam were elated by this experiment. "A few days ago, there was an experiment in Kashi that I would certainly like to share with Mann Ki Baat listeners. You must be aware that thousands of people have reached Kashi from Tamil Nadu to take part in Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. There, for the first time, I used 'Bhashini' the Artificial intelligence (AI) tool to communicate with them from a public platform. I was addressing in Hindi from the Dais but thanks to the AI tool Bhashini, the people of Tamil Nadu who were present there were listening to my address in Tamil, translated in real-time," PM Modi said at the 108th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. The PM further said that technology is a new beginning and expressed hope that it will help his voice reach the masses more easily. This was done through 'Bhashini' for those in the audience who understood Tamil. 'Bhashini' is an AI-led language translation system that enables people to speak in their own language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages. The popular programme on All India Radio, Prime Minister Mann Ki Baat, was started on October 3, 2014 and is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am. The 30-minute programme completed its 100 episodes on April 30, 2023. The Mann Ki Baat programme is a platform where the Prime Minister communicates directly with the people of the country. Through this programme, the Prime Minister informs and inspires the people of the country on various topics. Mann ki Baat has impacted all sections of society, who have been inspired to contribute towards fulfilling the great goals he has set for the nation. (ANI)
All the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" schemes as well as all the flagship schemes of the Government of India are nearing 100 per cent saturation in district Udhampur, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said. After a review meeting with officers of the District Administration and other senior officers of the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), Singh said, "All the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" schemes as well as all the flagship schemes of the Government of India are nearing 100 per cent saturation in district Udhampur". During the meeting, he also took a brief review of projects under PMGSY, PWD (R&B), RDD and Urban department. The Union Minister also appreciated the performance of the PMGSY and RDD departments in the district for their top performance in the PMGSY road connectivity and expenditure and works completion under the Area Development Plan. He also held interaction with BDCs, DDCs, Ex-Councillors of MC Udhampur, PRIs and prominent citizens. During the interaction, various issues and demands were projected, upon which the Union Minister issued instructions to the concerned officers of the District for early resolution and redressal. Thereafter, the Minister also visited the Devika Ghat. During the visit, Jitendra Singh directed officers of the PWD and Municipal Council Udhampur to ensure a dedicated feeder for uninterrupted power supply, besides maintaining cleanliness and beautification of the Ghat area. Chief Engineer UEED apprised the Minister that a comprehensive plan for addressing the issues of dredging and allied works can be covered under AMRUT 2.0 by the I&FC department. He further advised the district administration and I&FC to follow up on the matter with the concerned quarters for early sanction of the project. In a separate meeting with the officers of the district administration, he also held a detailed review of the important projects being executed by the PMGSY, PWD (R&B)/NABARD, RDD, Urban Local Bodies, besides Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme in the District. During the meeting, the concerned officers of the district apprised the Minister about the current status of the various roads and other development projects. (ANI)
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the splendour of 'Ramnagari' is being restored. Temples and mathas are undergoing renovation, and ponds from the Ramayana period are being adorned. Notably, the Yogi government is transforming the building formerly known as 'Afeem Kothi' into Saket Sadan, turning it into a significant tourist attraction. "On one side, the magnificent temple of Lord Rama is taking shape, and on the other side, Ayodhya's culture and civilization are being highlighted. Ayodhya is not only becoming a spiritual hub but also emerging as a prominent tourist destination on the global map," as per a press release from the Chief Minister's office. The Yogi government initiated efforts to develop Afeem Kothi into Saket Sadan a few months ago. Built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, it was once called 'Dilkusha Mahal'. After the transfer of power, the British handed it over to the Narcotics Department, and since then, it has been known as 'Afeem Kothi'. As part of Ayodhya's redevelopment, the once-dilkusha Mahal/Afeem Kothi is undergoing a revival as 'Saket Sadan.' "Notably, Saket Sadan is situated in Dhara Road locality on Chaudah Kosi Parikrama Marg. This place is being developed as a tourist destination, providing it with a heritage look. Its restoration work aims to preserve its antiquity. The responsibility for its redevelopment has been entrusted to the Uttar Pradesh Project Corporation Limited," the release stated. Regional Tourism Officer RP Yadav said that the restoration work of the Saket Sadan building is being done using only quick lime and brick dust. Efforts are being made to restore the building to its original form. The arrangement of facade lights and the revitalization of the park are also being undertaken. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 1682.87 lakh, with approximately 60 per cent of the work already completed. The deadline for completing this project, which began on June 6, 2023, is March 2024. (ANI)
In an era dominated by social media, Chief Minister Saha underscored its significance as a powerful tool for expression and connectivity.

He commended the efforts of BJP functionaries in leveraging social media platforms to showcase Prime Minister Modi's developmental work to the public.

Addressing the gathering at Muktdhara Theater in Agartala, CM Saha emphasized the responsibility that comes with using social media, cautioning against the dissemination of misinformation.

"We are moving forward in using social media effectively, and it becomes evident when the central leadership takes note. However, proficiency in this field is crucial," he stated.

As the nation approaches the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Chief Minister Saha urged social media volunteers to play a leading role, working diligently to promote the government's initiatives. Reflecting on the evolution of human civilization, he noted the transition from the stone age to the metal age and, presently, to the age of social media.

"Social media is working as a powerful tool in digital media, and our volunteers are doing commendable work to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development projects," CM Saha added.

He advised volunteers to work with specific goals and treat content creation and expression on social media as an art.

While acknowledging the initial challenges in content creation, CM Manik Saha stressed that regular practice would lead to proficiency. He highlighted the role of social media in creating awareness about various government initiatives and projects.

Distinguished guests at the meeting included State President of Bharatiya Janata Party Rajeev Bhattacharya, State Social Media In-charge of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Shri Kapil Parmar, General Secretary, and State Social Media charge Amit Rakshit, among other top leaders.

The meeting served as a platform to reinforce the importance of responsible and effective use of social media, recognizing the integral role played by BJP's social media volunteers in shaping public opinion and promoting the government's development agenda. (ANI)
Robert Purchas, from left, Martha Fitts and Earl Kribben at the Twelfth Night Ball at the Germania Club in Chicago in January 1931. (Chicago American)

The location of the Twelfth Night bash was once Chicagos equivalent of a state secret. Invitees had to leave a phone number where they could be reached at dinnertime on a date in early January and be given the address. Absent that provision, a social climber might slip in unnoticed  it was a masked ball, where revelers arrived in costume.

Being noted in a society column for attending a Twelfth Night ball was the ultimate upper-class merit badge. It was impossible to campaign for one. Invitations were issued anonymously by The Committee.

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No one knows who the bidders are, and even the bidden can only guess about who their fellow participants will be, although they well know that many of the same old faces will be hidden behind the masks, observed Thalia, the pen name of the Tribunes society columnist, in 1953.

When one half of a married couple was getting properly attired for a Twelfth Night bash, a senior member of society would entertain the uninvited spouse  bereaved for the day, as it were.

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It is stated on excellent authority that the bridge game which the widows and widowers will play this afternoon will take place at the residence of Mrs. Potter Palmer, the Tribune reported in 1909.

Those who were absent were not missed, said both men and women in attendance, one a wife whose husband was wandering who knows where in the great city.

Thalia cautioned that this didnt mean Mrs. Palmer was a member of the committee of seven, which on good authority is said to be in reality a committee of one and his assistant. These are Billy Gamble and his friend and roommate Billy McClure.

The Chicago Tribune wrote about the Twelfth Night Ball held in 1920, showing a picture featuring the creator of the ball, Billy Gamble, left, dressed as a baker on Jan. 7, 1920. (Chicago Tribune)

Gamble, described by the Tribune in 1949 as the most popular bachelor in Chicago society of 30 and 40 years ago, was credited with starting the ball. Born and raised in Louisville, he came to Chicago, where he found the Christmas season bashes hosted by the Bachelors and Benedicts society deathly stuffy.

In 1905, he created a Widow and Widowers Ball, subsequently known as Butchers, Bakers, and Candle Stick Makers Ball, then becoming Twelfth Night in 1920, scheduled roughly 12 days after Christmas and dedicated to having fun. The guest list for those initial soirees included maids described as milk, parlor, or upstairs.

Musicians wore white hats. Guests were costumed, and the bash took its final name.

Mrs. Robert G. Mead, left, and Mr. and Mrs. Harlan B. Eldred at the Twelfth Night Ball held at the Germania Club in Chicago in January 1931. (Chicago American)

Part of the fun of Twelfth Night parties is their air of mystery, and part of the mystery is getting dressed up in one of those fancy costumes guaranteed to release pent personalities, Thalia observed in 1950.

Gamble became the adopted court jester of the posh Gold Coast neighborhood. In 1916, that almost saved his day job.

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He had been appointed secretary of the citys Fire Department by Mayor Carter Harrison. The two were related. He had an office in City Hall and was paid $3,000 a year.

In 1915, William Hale Thompson was elected mayor, and went on a budget-cutting spree, his own boodling notwithstanding. Gambles relaxed work style made him vulnerable. One of the reasons Mr. Gamble lost out, the citys comptroller said, was because he has been coming and going at his own leisure.

The city decided the work he supposedly performed could be done by a clerk paid $1,320 a year. Among Gambles friends on the Gold Coast, that calculation seemed coldhearted.

North side friends of Mr. Gamble last night began a campaign on Mr. Gambles behalf, the Tribune reported. Many were not even aware he had a city hall position, but they all took up the slogan: Lets do something for Billy.

Betty Scriven and Phil Nesbitt at the Twelfth Night Ball at the Germania Club in January 1931. (Chicago American)

This is one time Gamble lost out on the gamble, Mayor Thompson said.

Gamble countered by offering to work for free. If this had happened fifteen years ago, it might have been a good thing for me, he said, but now I would like to have someplace to go besides out.

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An alderman made an unsuccessful effort to restore Gambles salary. But while bounced from the city payroll, his role as party-maker to the blue bloods remained intact, and he mounted his last Twelfth Night ball in 1921, the same year he died.

One of the most attractive costumes was worn by Miss Annette Washburne who impersonated fire. Her draped frock of flame color crepe georgette was topped by a becoming wig of smoke blue and she carried a wispy scarf of black tulle, The Tribune reported. Mephistopheles was on hand early in the person of Harold Bradley.

Mrs. Ogden T. McClurg, the former Gertrude Florence Schwarz, at the Twelfth Night Ball held in the Ridotto Room at the Stevens Hotel in January 1929. (Chicago Tribune)

Six months after that ball, Gamble died suddenly in his home at 1210 N. State St.

Many of Billy Gambles friends will turn and gaze into the night into which he has suddenly gone and will recall the many qualities and acts which made him one of the most original personalities in the large social circle which was his, wrote another anonymous Tribune society chronicler, Mme. X, after his Aug. 23, 1921, passing.

On Twelfth Nights for all the years that are left to his friends, they will recall the Butchers and Bakers and Candle Stick Makers Balls which for many years have been one of the winters most enjoyable functions.

Missing nary a beat, the hush-hush committee perpetuated Gambles work. Through the 1920s, Twelfth Night galas continued to be fit for the over-the-top shenanigans of the Jazz Age.

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For Gambles finale at the Chicago Lincoln Club: The large ballroom and the overflow room were decorated in spring blossoms and hedges of southern smilax, numbers of apple-green balloons nestled against the ceilings and batches of them were tied to the chandeliers, from which depended myriad of snowy apple blossoms.

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan G. and Catharine Osborne, left, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. and Virginia Bartholomay Jr. at the Twelfth Night Ball in Chicago in January 1926. (Chicago Tribune)

Russian Ladies in glittering boots and cloth of silver tunics rubbed elbows with bandits in fierce whiskers and black eyes and Weary Willies tripped the light fantastic with crowned princesses.

There were gay troubadours with mustaches slightly askew, and Spanish ladies smoking Turkish cigarettes.

The decade closed with an equally fanciful Twelfth Night ball with an 18th century Venetian theme. Thalia noted the usual array of elaborate costumes, although one partygoer had his own standards. A wife, on questioning her husband on what he planned to wear was greeted with an explosive: I dont care so long as the pants are comfortable.

Niblack Thorne and his bride, Virginia Thorne, at the Twelfth Night Ball at the Germania Club in Chicago in January 1931. (Chicago American)

Vintage Chicago Tribune Weekly The Vintage Tribune newsletter is a deep dive into the Chicago Tribune's archives featuring photos and stories about the people, places and events that shape the city's past, present and future. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

The ball game changed 10 months after that years Twelfth Night, when the stock market crashed.

Old man Depression has been teaching us that simpler parties can be more fun than elaborate affairs, " the Tribune reported on the eve of the 1932 Twelfth Night.

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There will be no decorations in the Germania ballroom tonight save the red and green Christmas festoons, which were hung before the holidays. The rule for costumes is wear what you please so everyone will have a chance to express their ingenuity without much necessary expense.

Lois Thompson, from left, Ralph N. Gardner, John R. Thompson Jr. and Ruth Gardner at the Twelfth Night Ball in Chicago in 1932. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Eventually the American economy rebounded, and so did Chicagos Twelfth Night balls. But Thalia, Mme. X and their successors would nostalgically compare the latter-day galas to those of yore.

No matter how glamorous this years Twelfth Night, it will not erase from the memory of the old guard the famous Twelfth Nights of the past, Thalia wrote in 1956. Old-timers still burble about the Jungle Ball for which the Sherman Hotels ballroom was turned into a veritable jungle, and guests came as creatures in fable as well as fact  unicorns, mastodons, and all sorts of monkeys (and everyone acted like one).

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com.
On New Year's eve, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukvinder Singh Sukhu thanked all the tourists coming to the state. "I want to thank all the tourists for coming here. After the disaster, Himachal Pradesh is moving on the path of increasing tourism in the state...All the tourist spots and hotels are full..." Sukhu told ANI. Earlier in the day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, took a stroll on the historic Mall Road of Shimla, extending warm greetings to the public and tourists. The Chief Minister also visited the Winter Carnival at the Ridge and enjoyed the cultural programme. On the occasion, he said that the government was promoting tourism activities in the state in a big way and organised the Winter Carnival at Shimla for the first time. He wished the people a Happy New Year and said that the clean environment, lush green valleys and dense forests of the state attract tourists from far and wide. He also thanked the people for their invaluable support during the recent natural calamity the state had faced and said that with the collaborative efforts of the people and the state government, Himachal was now ready to welcome the tourists. The Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla, Surender Chauhan honoured the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues on the occasion. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Cabinet Minister Yadvindra Goma, MLAs Harish Janartha and Kewal Singh Pathania were also present on the occasion, amongst others. Meanwhile, after witnessing an influx of tourists during Christmas, a large number of tourists are thronging Manali to ring in the New Year. In view of the increased tourist influx, Himachal Tourism as well as all the hotels have made all kinds of preparations for the New Year celebration in Manali. The tourists danced with the locals and the tourists had a lot of fun on the beat of drums on the famous Mall Road of Manali to ring in the New Year. Luvna Khan, a tourist who came to Manali from Mumbai, said, "I have reached Manali to celebrate the New Year. A large number of people have arrived here in order to celebrate the New Year. The culture of Himachal is very beautiful; it is nice to see the people here, the food and the mountains and rivers here." Another tourist, Ritu, who came from Chandigarh to celebrate the New Year in Manali, shared her experience. "We have reached Kullu Manali in Himachal to celebrate the New Year. I am enjoying the culture of Himachal and the food here, including the special 'Siddu'. We also enjoyed the dance of women in traditional costumes," Ritu said. (ANI)
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Jitendra Singh on Sunday carried out an on-site review of the River Devika Rejuvenation Project here and inspected the finishing touches in progress on the completion of Rs 190 cr centrally funded Project which is the first of its kind river project in North India and was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. Jitendra Singh's visit to the project was to see the last-minute finishing touches before it is dedicated to the nation, most likely by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future, read a press statement from Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. Built on the lines of 'Namami Gange', the Project was launched by the Prime Minister in February 2019. Speaking on the occasion, Jitendra Singh said there had been a long pending demand for renovation, rejuvenation and beautification, but none of the earlier governments paid any heed. He said it was only after 2014 that this first-of-its-kind river rejuvenation project was undertaken in North India on the lines of Namami Ganga. During the over one-hour review, the Chief Engineer, UEED, engineers from the PWD and Irrigation Department, officials from the district administration and public representatives were among those present at the site. The Minister directed officers of the PWD (R&B) and Municipal Council Udhampur to ensure a dedicated feeder for uninterrupted power supply, besides maintaining cleanliness and beautification of the Ghat area. Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the year 2023 has been historic for India on many fronts. It was in this year that India landed on the Moon and attained the Presidency of the G20, the Minister mentioned. The world is now ready to be led by India, he asserted. Jitendra Singh was speaking to reporters after listening to the latest edition of the Prime Minister's monthly address to the nation 'Mann Ki Baat' at Saint Thomas' Church here. He described the Mann Ki Baat programme as one of the many legacies of Prime Minister Modi in the last ten years. He said PM Modi has been sharing his ideas on many pressing issues and highlighting other matters through his monthly broadcast on Akashvani to lead the nation in addressing them. Jitendra Singh urged everyone to play their part in realising PM Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. In this regard, Singh laid emphasis on maintaining personal fitness as stressed by the Prime Minister in today's Mann Ki Baat. The Minister stated that fit and bodily sound citizens can channel their energies to make India a developed nation. Jitendra Singh said the basis for making "Viksit Bharat" has been laid in the outgoing year. Now, the youth have to work on solidifying that base during the upcoming 25-year journey in the run-up to the target year of 2047. The Minister said India is all set to emerge as the fourth-largest economy next year. Exuding confidence, Dr Singh said that during Prime Minister Modi's 3rd term in office, India would reach the milestone of becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world. Jitendra Singh said the role of Jammu and Kashmir would be of great significance as India achieves such a feat. Dr Singh said many innovations and the best practices adopted by J&K in areas like agriculture and horticulture are now being replicated in other northern States like Uttarakhand. (ANI)
The Afghanistan Journalists Center stated that in 2023 it had documented 168 instances of journalists' rights being violated in Afghanistan, and it raised alarm about these crimes, TOLOnews reported. According to the study, there were 61 reported incidents of journalist arrests, 78 cases of threats, and one death and 19 injuries among journalists. The Afghanistan Journalists Centre said that "in 2023, the recorded cases of violation of the rights of journalists and the media show a significant decrease compared to the 260 events recorded in 2022, but there is no change in terms of quality and structure," TOLOnews reported. This occurs concurrently with an appeal from media professionals and journalists for the interim administration to move decisively to resolve the current issues that the media personnel continue to face in the country under the Taliban regime. "All of the activities belonging to the media and journalists should be pursued through the commission of media violation and this commission should be incentivized and any media and journalist who commit a violation, should be investigated through this commission," said Rasul Shahzad, a journalist. "The government should increase access to information. The economy of the media organizations should be empowered and supported," another journalist, Mustafa Sharyar said, according to TOLOnews. However, refuting the claims, the Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said that no media has come under pressure and that it is "freely active". "Some of the cases that happened in 2023 were because of violations. Sometimes, the journalists have been arrested on criminal activities or legal cases for a temporary time. The detention has not been permanent," TOLOnews quoted him as saying. It has become extremely tedious for journalists and media outlets in Afghanistan to report under the Taliban due to strict regulations as journalists are restricted to cover security issues, such as explosions and suicide attacks. The Taliban when it came to power in August 2021, promised that media would be free and independent to operate across the country. New rules were, however, imposed a month later that strictly monitor and censor journalists and the media. The short-lived media freedom was gone after the initial weeks of the Taliban rule. Media freedom in Afghanistan has gone from bad to worse and journalists are suffering from low morale under the ruling regime. Many reporters have been arrested, persecuted and threatened with death for reporting sensitive issues that are not to the likes of Taliban authorities across the country, reported Khaama Press. Female Afghan journalists suffer from double pressure for being a journalist and a woman. The restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women including barring them from attending university, working with government or non-governmental aid organizations, and appearing in public places, have also affected female journalists. (ANI)
He was an actor best remembered for his supporting roles in the suspense films "Michael Clayton" and "In the Bedroom."

With over 130 film and television credits throughout his almost 50-year career, Wilkinson is a two-time Oscar nominee and a winner of a BAFTA, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe.

The British actor, who is well-known for his wide range of roles in comedies, dramas, and action movies, had an award-winning role for his performance in the UK smash comedy and musical "The Full Monty." 26 years later, he returned to the character in a Disney+ programme earlier this year, The Hill reported.

He was frequently chosen to play American political personalities.

He was nominated for an Emmy in "The Kennedys" for his portrayal of President John F. Kennedy's father and won one for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the miniseries "John Adams," The Hill reported.

In 2014's "Selma," he also made an appearance as President Lyndon Johnson.

The films "Batman Begins," "The Patriot," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "The Gathering Storm," "Black Knight," "Valkyrie," "The Lone Ranger and Denial," and others were among Wilkinson's other credits. (ANI)
At least 18 people, including two children, have lost their lives as a result of Ukrainian shelling on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday, CNN reported, citing Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations. This attack came after Moscow launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine. A "massive" attack on downtown Belgorod was the cause of the casualties. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), stated on Saturday that his country has asked for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in response to the incident, according to CNN. "This crime will not go unpunished," the Defence Ministry of Russia said in a statement following the shelling. "The Kyiv regime... is trying to divert attention from the defeats on the front lines and to provoke us into taking similar actions," it said, according to CNN. The bombardment on Saturday follows Russia's largest airstrike against Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion, which was carried out overnight on Thursday and into Friday and resulted in at least 40 deaths and over 150 injuries. For more than a year, Ukrainian forces have been attacking Russian areas close to the border virtually every day. While occasionally civilians have been killed, this would be one of the bloodiest incidents so far. (ANI)
While speaking to a media outlet, the minister said that the approval or rejection of nomination papers, which was a constitutional process, had nothing to do with the caretaker administration.

He said that the caretaker administration was determined to help the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) provide the electoral watchdog with administrative and financial resources.

"Only the Election Commission has authority to decide on election-related matters," the minister said, according to ARY News.

In addition to the PKR 10 billion that was previously provided to organise elections, Solangi stated that an additional PKR 17.4 billion has been released to the Pakistani Election Commission.

He responded to a query by saying that the constitutional bodies had been operating within their bounds.

He stated that the PTI was a legally recognised political party and that all political parties received fair coverage on national media in accordance with their editorial policies, ARY News reported.

The much-awaited general elections will take place on February 8, 2024, with the national poll organising authority finally issuing the schedule following the Supreme Court's order. (ANI)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is planning to launch three additional spy satellites next year, Yonhap news agency reported, citing Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The announcement comes after the successful launch of the country's first military reconnaissance satellite last month. North Korean leader set forth the goal as he wrapped up five days of the plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Saturday, as reported by KCNA. "Based on the experience of successfully launching and operating the first spy satellite in 2023 in the space development sector, the task of launching three more spy satellites in 2024 was unveiled and all-out measures to spur the development of space science technology were discussed," the report said. Recently, North Korea successfully put a military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit on November 21 after two failed attempts in May and August. However, there are suspicions that North Korea might have received technical support from Russia in return for its arms supplies for use in Moscow's war in Ukraine, reported Yonhap news agency. "We need to swiftly respond to a possible nuclear crisis and mobilize all physical means, including nuclear force, in a bid to accelerate preparations for the great event of putting the entire territory of South Korea under our control," Kim said. He further boosted the country's nuclear arsenal as the top policy priority for next year and ordered the Navy to enhance its military capabilities, Yonhap news agency reported citing KCNA. Kim called for developing powerful unmanned armed aerial vehicles and means for electronic warfare in a bid to accomplish its key defence projects. Highlighting the inter-Korean ties, Kim stated that he will no longer consider South Korea a counterpart for reconciliation and unification, adding that Seoul has declared the North as a main enemy. The Workers' Party has also concluded that unification with South Korea is not possible, Kim was quoted as saying, Yonhap news agency reported. Calling for a "fundamental change" in dealing with South Korea, the North's leader said that inter-Korean relations have become those of "two hostile countries" or "countries engaged in the state of combat." Reportedly, relations between South and North Korea remained sharply strained this year as the latter focused on advancing its nuclear and missile programs, including the launch of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korea's leader vowed an "offensive and ultra-powerful" stance against the US in 2024, denouncing Washington's deployment of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula and its military drills with Seoul. "If the US and the South pursue military confrontations with us, we will not hesitate to take critical action against them with our nuclear deterrence," Kim said. Earlier in September, North Korea amended the constitution to enshrine the policy of strengthening its nuclear force, according to Yonhap news agency. Moreover last year, the country enacted a new nuclear law authorizing the preemptive use of nuclear arms, calling its status as a nuclear state "irreversible." At last year's party plenary meeting, Kim called South Korea an 'undoubted enemy' and called for an 'exponential' increase in the country's nuclear arsenal and the development of tactical nuclear weapons. (ANI)
The Pakistan security forces have conducted around 18,736 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in 2023, which led to the killing of 566 terrorists and the arrest of 5161 terrorists in order to maintain peace and security in the country, reported ARY News. As per the data issued today, effective security measures have been taken by the forces against terrorists this year. These effective anti-terrorism measures were taken for the sake of national defence and security during the ongoing unrest in the country, according to ARY News. Moreover, highlighting the current disputes with Afghanistan, the data indicated that the traces and evidence of recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan were linked to terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Due to the effective operations, Gulzar Imam Shambe and Sarfaraz Bengalzai, the most important commanders of the Baloch National Army (BNA) left terrorism and rejoined the national mainstream. However, 15,063 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Balochistan and 109 terrorists were killed. Some 1,942 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) wherein 447 terrorists were killed. According to ARY News, as many as 190 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Punjab, 14 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 1,987 in Sindh while 10 terrorists were killed. More than 1,000 people, including more than 260 officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attacks. Pakistan forces have working to make the country a cradle of peace, from which there is a bright hope that the coming time will be one of peace and stability. "Pakistan forces will continue the war against terrorism with the full support of the people until the end of the last terrorist," a statement noted. (ANI)
Veteran politician and senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan claimed that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif might once again leave the country before the upcoming general elections and track the results from overseas, The Express Tribune reported. Ahsan made the remark during an interview with a private news channel on Friday. Noting that the PML-N leader "is abroad anyways", he added that the possibility of Nawaz's absence during the crucial electoral period cannot be ruled out. Ahsan claimed further that JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman could potentially withdraw from the race, The Express Tribune reported. He described him as drumming the beats of retreat rather than victory, signalling a step back from active participation. "Two drums that are beaten -- either of victory or retreat -- Fazl seems to be beating the drum of a retreat," he said. Earlier, he labelled Nawaz as a 'ladla' (privileged) and accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the interim government of orchestrating efforts to secure a two-thirds majority for Nawaz Sharif in the upcoming elections, The Express Tribune reported. Nawaz was on a four-year self-imposed exile and returned to Pakistan on October 21. On his return to his homeland, he expressed disinterest in seeking retribution and emphasised embarking on a new path towards progress. Highlighting the ongoing confrontations between the PTI and the ECP, Ahsan criticised the electoral body's persistence in pursuing the matter further. He questioned the ECP's role and suggested that it should focus on conducting elections rather than engaging in disputes, as reported by The Express Tribune. Ahsan, while referring to the ECP decision challenging the Peshawar High Court's (PHC) ruling reinstating PTI's election symbol, criticised the ECP's bias against the party. "Is the ECP conducting elections or contesting them?" he asked. He also claimed the commission's reluctance in complying with the PHC's directives, including the publication of PTI's intra-party elections certificate on the ECP's official website and the restoration of the party's election symbol. He also weighed in on the repercussions of contesting judgements saying it would lead to a chain reaction of legal challenges, The Express Tribune reported. Questioning the legitimacy of such action, he said, "If the high court reverses the decision of the district court, should the district judge go to the Supreme Court to ask why the high court has given a decision against his decision?" (ANI)
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking USD 135.6 million from the donor community for 2024 to meet the critical humanitarian needs of over 5.5 million people in Pakistan, as reported by Dawn. The humanitarian aid will help benefit over 5.5 million people, including 3.4 million children in Pakistan. The 2024 funding requirement takes into account the protracted and ongoing nutrition emergency following the 2022 floods, as well as the ongoing response to support Afghan populations in Pakistan, according to the latest UNICEF report. Moreover, the funding will help 1.3 million people gain access to safe water and sanitation, provide essential health and nutrition services for 5 million people and enable 18,000 children to access formal or non-formal education, Dawn reported. According to the report, with the help of full funding, UNICEF will be able to reach 15 per cent of children in need of life-saving, humanitarian support in Pakistan. The funding supports interventions for health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, social and behaviour change, access to education and protection, as well as preparedness. This includes contingency supplies for disasters and to respond to potential regional crises and population movement. Meanwhile, out of the total funding request, USD 35 million will support the Afghan refugee response, including the provision of essential health and nutrition services, and access to education and protection for children, as reported by Dawn. Notably, UNICEF seeks multi-year and flexible funding, in alignment with Grand Bargain commitments, for the multifaceted humanitarian needs faced by children and families in Pakistan. The 'Grand Bargain' is a unique agreement between some of the largest donors and humanitarian organisations to get more means into the hands of people in need and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian action. However, without adequate and timely funding, UNICEF and its partners will not be able to address children's needs for health services, nutrition support, prevention of school drop-out and protection from violence, exploitation and abuse, according to Dawn. According to UNICEF, Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, making it one of the world's most disaster-prone countries. Moreover, the impacts of climate change are intensifying, leading to frequent floods and extreme weather events that are converging with other challenges to create a difficult humanitarian situation, especially for the most vulnerable people. Earlier in 2022, catastrophic floods swept through the country, affecting 33 million people, out of which, half of them were children. There were more than 1,100 fatalities. A year later, many of the hardest-hit districts still have limited access to essential services, Dawn reported. Following this, the loss of infrastructure to the floods has aggravated pre-existing inequities, placing the most vulnerable children at an even greater risk of hunger and disease outbreaks. Despite extensive humanitarian response efforts to address the impacts of the flooding, ongoing support remains crucial in the most vulnerable flood-affected districts. (ANI)
Yuledy Mendez poses with her nephew Derick Alexander Cubillan and brother Pedro Mendez while Dericks mother, Yolexi Cubillan, takes a photo on Christmas Eve in front of the tree in their home in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, on Dec. 24, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Unbeknown to the children of the Mendez family, Christmas for their mother, Esperanza, was a game of counting  counting hours, counting bills.

The Mendezes, who settled in Chicago after enduring the strenuous journey from their home in Maracaibo, Venezuela, had spent previous Christmases surrounded by family and visiting neighbors and loved ones. Theyd shared plates of food and gathered around chairs and tables in the street. Kids ran around and lit fireworks in the tropical, muggy air.

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But this year, the hours passed slowly, a reminder of the strange emptiness in their new wintry surroundings, their relatives far away, the absence of hallacas, or traditional Christmas Venezuelan tamales.

Well see if you behaved this year, Esperanza Mendez, 47, teased her two youngest children.

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Since arriving in Chicago on July 15, she has struggled to figure out where to look for housekeeping work and worried about having enough money to fill their Christmas table with food.

The family is among the nearly 8 million people fleeing violent crimes and shortages of food and supplies under Venezuelas far-left president, Nicolas Maduro. They face the brunt of social upheaval in their country of origin, stemming from a political war that goes back decades.

Of the more than 27,000 people who have migrated to Chicago in the past year, over 7,000 are children. Most of the migrants come from Venezuela.

We walked and walked, Esperanza said in Spanish, looking at her 9-year-old boy, Pedro, and 11-year-old daughter, Yuledy, and recounting her familys journey to the United States. We drank a lot of water from the rivers. It was horrible. Horrible.

Since following the Mendez family in July on their trip from El Paso to Chicago, the Tribune has been present for many of their major familial milestones in the city, including the birth of a baby boy over Labor Day weekend and their struggle to find basic necessities like housing, food and health care.

Fabian Mendez stands next to girlfriend Yolexi Cubillan while holding their newborn, Derick Alexander Cubillan, at the University of Chicago Medical Center on Sept. 3, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

The family lives on the second floor of a home in Englewood with a few other relatives. They have a new pit bull dog, which they got after their part-chihuahua puppy  who traveled with them all the way from Venezuela  escaped out the back door of their apartment and never returned.

The kids have registered at the nearby elementary school, but cant communicate with their fellow classmates and teachers who mostly speak English. Theyve been targeted by other students in fights. Gunshots ring out on the street corners near their home. They have struggled with attendance.

As Christmas and the New Year approached, more than five months after arriving in the sanctuary city of Chicago, the children were still adjusting to their new reality.

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There is nothing for them

On a recent morning, Esperanza gently brushed Pedros hair before school. Light streamed through the sheer curtains in the dark living room of the tidy two-story walk-up. She put one hand on his forehead to stabilize his head. He looked up at her.

Pedro, wearing a small gray backpack, flopped over on the armrest of their soft brown couch.

His sister, Yuledy, gathered her things as she also got ready for school: a pink folder to match her pink jacket. She said all the girls at school had been given matching pink coats.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary, where the children are enrolled, is 91.4% low-income and has a 51.3% chronic truancy rate, according to Illinois State Board of Education data. Of the 116 students who attend, 104 are Black and 12 are Hispanic.

A few weeks ago, the two Mendez kids had gotten into a fistfight after school. Terrified, Esperanza had made them stay home from school for weeks afterward. They spent the days lying in a room on a bare mattress playing video games.

Now they were back. That morning, Yuledy refused the bread her mom offered her, another instance of the girl refusing to eat. A worried Esperanza had recently brought her daughter to a clinic, where they recommended she see a specialist to check her weight.

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Esperanza Mendez braids her daughter Yuledys hair before walking her and her brother, Pedro, to Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in the Englewood neighborhood on Dec. 14, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Esperanza braided Yuledys long black hair, and the three of them walked the two blocks to the blacktop where children were gathering. They got in line  Yuledy for fifth grade and Pedro for fourth  and a man ushered them inside.

There is one Spanish-speaking teacher at the childrens school.

There is a boy that helps translate, but he barely comes, Yuledy said.

Aside from family, schools are the most meaningful place to rebuild a sense of normalcy and identity after going through a major displacement like Pedro and Yuledy have, according to Daysi Diaz-Strong, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who studies education and immigration.

She said children who witness atrocities and death on their journey to the United States learn quickly the world isnt safe.

And when they enroll in school, schools can either create experiences that further that thinking or can counteract that experience and provide a sense of safety, she said.

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Yuledy and Pedro like going to school to have something to do during their days, they said, despite the classes being in a language they dont understand, the frequent fights that break out and having few close friends.

Outside their home, sirens are their new normal. Ambulances and blue police lights fill their street.

In this neighborhood, our kids are basically imprisoned because of safety concerns. We hear gunshots constantly. They dont play on bikes in the street. There is nothing for them, Esperanza said.

Yuledy Mendez walks behind another student while entering Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood on Dec. 14, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

We dont look like them

The city of Chicago is struggling to provide food and medical services to thousands of migrants staying at 27 temporary shelters around the city, and there are more families outside the shelter system  like the Mendezes  who also need assistance.

According to city data, there were 5,000 migrant children in city-run shelters this Christmas. Several thousand more have settled in houses or apartments in Chicago, or have moved elsewhere.

The Chicago Public Schools system is federally required to support the enrollment and education of students who are homeless or in temporary living situations. This includes children like Pedro and Yuledy and who are doubled up, sharing a house with others due to economic hardship or a similar reason.

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There were 19,295 students in temporary living situations enrolled at the end of November  a 51% increase from last November and more than ever recorded at this time of year, according to data provided by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Chicago schools are feeling the strain in the need for more bilingual resources and support.

Patricia Nix-Hodes, director of the coalitions Law Project, attributes this increase in part to the thousands of migrant children who have arrived over the past year  staying in makeshift shelters, in police station lobbies or doubled up.

That increase is very dramatic, Nix-Hodes said. And theres a lot of very critical life or death needs that families have  housing, health care, food and warm clothing. Its all of those things.

As Esperanza walked to pick up Pedro and Yuledy at the end of the day, she remarked on the need for psychological services at the elementary school.

Kids here can be violent. They dont have self-control. I think it stems from bad home life and aggressive behavior from their parents at home, she said. And then they dont receive the help they need at school.

Sounds of children playing echoed across the street to the corner where she stood, waiting. Yuledy came out the back door of the building and skipped across the crosswalk. She hugged her mom.

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Pedro came running up next, his face covered in crumbs. It was the day before winter break and he told his mom there had been a big party in his class.

What happened? asked Esperanza.

We ate little cookies, Mommy. Candies and Takis, he said quickly, running his words together in excitement.

Pedro Mendez tells his mother, Esperanza Mendez, about a party at school where they had cookies and Takis chips on Dec. 21, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Pedro recounted his entire day to Esperanza as they walked back to their house. He had gotten his hair buzzed four days ago and swung his hips as he walked, as if trying to mimic the stride of his 20-year-old brother, Fabian.

Esperanza said that he didnt like the haircut at all, and missed the hair that used to swoop across his forehead. Yuledy walked quietly ahead of them.

When they got home, Esperanza dished out a bowl of chicken noodle soup and called Yuledy to the kitchen table.

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Eat everything, you hear? Everything. Come todo, oiste. Todo, she said, sitting next to her daughter and watching until she had downed all the broth.

Esperanza asked how her day had been.

They dont want to accept us. Because we dont look like them, Yuledy said. It could be because we speak a different language. Cats and dogs fight because they dont speak the same language.

They have this spirit of happiness

It can sometimes feel like the walls of the apartment are closing in on her, Esperanza confides.

She doesnt feel like she can leave. The hallway along the steep stairs smells like cigarette smoke. Family members come and go.

Esperanza has carefully planted flowers in three plastic pots by the upstairs door, and lined the top of the wooden shelves in the kitchen with cans of diced tomatoes, beans and pink salmon. Shes placed an artificial house plant next to their small TV across from the couch.

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She wants to leave her neighborhood for one with more Spanish speakers. But with her partner Hugos day-labor painting job and her inability to find work, they dont have enough money for the move.

Yuledy Mendez, Derick Alexander Cubillan and Pedro Mendez get ready for Dericks mother, Yolexi Cubillan, to take Christmas photos in front of the tree on Dec. 24, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

In early December, the family bought an artificial tree from Walmart and decorated it with red, gold and green ornaments. They pooled their money to make a pasticho, a creamy and meaty Venezuelan lasagna, a nod to the strong Italian influence on their countrys cuisine.

The bills for Christmas stacked up: $100 for the tree, $37 for the pasticho. More for the ponche crema, or Venezuelan eggnog. And for Christmas Eve beer and whiskey.

We dont have the money for the Christmas meal like we would have wanted, said Esperanza.

But we drink like we do, her partner Hugo joked.

There wasnt enough money to make the traditional Christmas hallaca: the thin layer of corn dough stuffed with a stew of beef, pork, chicken, raisins and olives, wrapped and baked in fragrant banana leaves. There wasnt enough money for all the gifts the children asked for.

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Yuledy and Pedro left notes in their artificial tree for the Espiritu de Navidad or Christmas Spirit, detailing what they wanted.

They have this spirit of happiness for life that seems to stay forever, said Esperanza, looking at the folded papers tucked up and away with amusement.

As is customary in Venezuela, the crinkled letters disappeared on Dec. 21. The children kept their fingers crossed.

When Im coming home

Christmas Eve arrived, finally, after weeks of waiting. And Yuledy, to her mothers surprise, cried.

Esperanza describes Yuledys character as strong and says that her daughter helps lift her up when shes down.

But Pedro  who is both Yuledys best friend and her greatest annoyance  said something especially irritating. She went to the room she shares with him and slammed the door.

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Im tired of this life. I want to be with my friends, she said to her mom.

Normally the more stoic of the two kids, something inside her broke. Yuledy cried for hours.

Her best friend in Venezuela was a boy named Leonardo, whom they called Leito or little Leonardo.

Ive been his best friend for four years. He always asks where I am, and when Im coming home, she said.

She played video games with him using her moms phone. She spoke through the phone. But the messaging feature broke, and she could no longer hear his voice.

How can I talk to him? Its not working, she said, holding it up to her mom.

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Isolated, scared, adjusting  nothing in America was like she had thought it would be. She was lonely. Shed left behind her friends, her grandma, everything she knew and loved. Shed crossed seven countries, without months of school, without a place to sleep, without knowing where she was going.

Traumatic experiences affect every child differently, said Tareq Yaqub, a child and adolescent psychologist at Lurie Childrens Hospital. He said he looks for behavioral or milestone regression  sleep disturbance, anger or bed-wetting  when identifying those who might need additional treatment.

Theres a lot of complexity in trying to determine what the best steps are, and this is why some of these evaluations of migrant children who have experienced such traumas really take a long amount of time. They can take hours, he said.

Ideally the city would have the capacity to see every child individually, he said, but there are not enough case managers and therapists.

Esperanza Mendez sits with daughter Yuledy on Christmas Eve in their Englewood home. Esperanza had worried about how much money the family would have to spend on presents for the children this year after buying a Christmas tree and food for the holidays. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Esperanza wonders at times how much her children are processing of the journey and their new life, and how much they need to process. Without being able to leave their house, their small rooms in Englewood are where they relive their time walking to get to the United States.

I see them see everything, but they quickly get distracted, Esperanza said.

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Migrant parents often have a wide range of unmet mental health needs that can adversely affect the mental health of their children.

Children will struggle in the absence of parents or caregivers who can model how to cope, how to be responsive, and how to solve problems, said Aimee Hilado, a professor, clinician and an expert on immigrant trauma at the University of Chicagos Crown Family School of Social Work.

We are here. We need to accept it

We have ourselves. They have their dad. They have me, Esperanza said later in the evening, looking at her children who wore matching red Christmas pajamas and lounged on the couch.

The day was harder on Esperanza than she had anticipated. She said she spent a lot of the morning in her room remembering what she was doing last year at this time.

The feeling of missing home always lingers, but near Christmas, it felt more acute. She cried thinking about her eldest son, who died suddenly and tragically in an accident in Venezuela when he was 19 years old.

I remember him every day, but (now), its more painful, she said.

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The children often go to their rooms when they hear their mother speak about the familys hardships.

Familiar Christmas Eve pasticho smells wafted through the apartment  layers of potato, meat, pasta and hard-boiled egg. Fabians girlfriend, Yolexi, emerged from their room holding her 3-month-old baby named Derick, dressed in a plaid shirt with a fur collar.

His first Christmas clothes! He looks just like a little doll, said Yuledy, holding up the baby.

Esperanza Mendez watches Yolexi Cubillan as she takes a photo of her baby, Derick, in his Christmas clothes on Dec. 24, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

The children gathered in front of the tree for a photo. Yuledy scrunched her face up.

Shes the Grinch! Yolexi said, laughing.

Yolexi put the baby down in a carrier on the coffee table, next to a stack of Marvel books and a bowl of colorful crayons.

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The door to the apartment burst open and the childrens father, Hugo, came in with a couple of friends. He sat down on the couch.

On Christmas morning, a group of men from Honduras sat on the porch below the family, drinking whiskey and Modelos. A broken ceramic dish on the rail held their ashed cigarette butts. Empty beer cans littered the steps.

Theyd spent the entire night drinking, Esperanza said.

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Pedro and Yuledy slept in, opened their few presents, and then sat on the couch and played video games.

It was a happy Christmas, said Pedro.

Esperanza groggily ate leftover pasticho from a tupperware in the kitchen. The childrens voices in the room took over the silence in the house.

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She set out some casserole for them to heat up, and said she intended to make them a hallaca later in the week. She counted in her head what money she had left to spend on ingredients.

We are here. We need to accept it. Estamos aqui. Tenemos que aceptarlo, she said, in her sweet, raspy voice.

She left the children with their older brother and went out of her house into the damp Christmas day to try to find more money.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
In a recent move, Donald Trump's campaign team unveiled a new moniker for fellow Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, labelling her "Nikki New Taxes," Fox News reported. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticised Haley's record, accusing her of having a 'troublesome' stance on taxes. In a statement titled 'KISS OF DEATH: Nikki New Taxes', Cheung lambasted the former South Carolina governor, alleging a "total disdain for the working class" and a willingness to "sell out to lobbyist parasites," as reported by Fox News. "The truth is finally coming out about Nikki Haley's troublesome record, showing her total disdain for the working class and a willingness to sell out to lobbyist parasites," the letter read. "She pushed for a WHOPPING 60 per cent increase in the state gas tax in South Carolina after promising voters she would never do so." Despite serving as the US ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, Haley and the former President have had public disagreements. In a recent ABC interview, 'This Week', Haley criticised the media's obsession with Trump, emphasising that normal people are concerned about affordability, loss of freedoms, and the size of the government. "The normal people care about the fact that they can't afford things. They feel like their freedoms are being taken away. They think the government is too big. I know you all want to talk about every single word he says and every single tweet he does," she said. While acknowledging disagreements with Trump, Haley noted a "good working relationship" with him. "Anti-Trumpers want me to hate him, pro-Trumpers want me to love him, but this is where I stand. There are things I agree with the president on...I don't agree with the fact that, yes, we had a good economy while he was there, but he put us USD 8 trillion in debt that our kids are never going to forgive us for," she added. On Trump's economic policies, she raised concerns about accumulating debt during his presidency and his approach to national security. "I don't agree with how he handles national security," Haley stated, pointing out gaps in addressing the fentanyl flow and its impact on American lives. "He focused on trade with China, but he did nothing about the fentanyl flow. He did nothing about the fact that fentanyl has killed so many of our Americans," Fox News quoted Haley as saying. (ANI)
Baloch activist Fazila Baloch has said that it is "heartbreaking" to see the sister of Balaach Baloch getting emotional as she remembers her brother, who fell victim to a "staged encounter" by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Turbat. She shared a video that showed Balaach Baloch's sister crying as she remembered her brother. In the video, the woman cried, said "You killed my Balaach" and asked "What was my Balaach's crime." The video showed Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch hugging and consoling Baloch's sister as she cried inconsolably for her brother. While sharing the video on X, Fazila Baloch stated, "Heartbreaking .. "I just saw him, he was in the crowd." Overwhelmed with grief, sister of Balaach Baloch, who fell victim to a staged encounter by the CTD in Turbat, Balochistan couldn't hold back her tears." https://twitter.com/IFazilaBaloch/status/1741171485622866182?s=20 Notably, the long march started in Turbat after the extra judicial killing of Balach Baloch with other three in a fake encounter of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). The authorities handed over the bodies to the families. However, Balaach's family did not accept the body and took the body to Shaheed Fida Chowk where protests are held, The Friday Times reported. Balaach's family requested that the city police to accept their FIR. However, the police refused to register the FIR. Then, the protestors increased and they took the protest to different areas of Turbat to let the residents join the protest, The Friday Times reported. However, this protest changed into a long march demanding end to Baloch genocide. Under Baloch Yakjahti Committee - Kech, the protestors announced a long march against the Baloch genocide. However, as soon as they reached Islamabad, police personnel launched a crackdown against the protesters and dismantled their camps set up outside the National Press Club. In the crackdown, most of the protesters were arrested by the police, which sparked anger nationwide, The Friday Times reported. The government defending its move to launch a crackdown, declared it a necessary measure to avoid a "catastrophe.". Furthermore, the police crackdown against Baloch marchers was strongly condemned by human rights organisations, politicians, and analysts, Geo News reported. On December 29, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has warned that if anything happens to them, the "state" will be responsible. BYC, which is a prominent organiser of the protest march said that the protest against Baloch genocide and enforced disappearances has reached 35 days and the mother and sister of Shaheed Balaach have joined the sit-in camp in Islamabad. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), BYC stated, "On the 35th day of the movement against Baloch genocide and enforced disappearances, it continues in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad. The mother and sister of Shaheed Balaach have joined the sit-in camp. Continuously, Islamabad police and the state are harassing peaceful protesters". "We clarify that if anything happens to the protesters, the state will be responsible. Our sit-in camp will continue until our demands are met," it added. (ANI)
This comes after Kazakhstan decided to remove the Taliban from the list of terrorist groups.

Russia's special representative for Afghanistan recently made these remarks in an interview with Russian NCA radio.

In the interview, Kabulov emphasised that the Taliban has not changed and that Russia is not negotiating the removal of the Taliban from the list of banned groups.

The special representative of the President of Russia for Afghanistan has articulated Russia's stance on the Taliban administration at a time when Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry unexpectedly removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist groups.

The Khaama Press reported that the ministry's announcement was published on Friday, stating that Kazakhstan's decision to remove the Taliban from the terrorist groups' list was in accordance with a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry stated, "The Republic of Kazakhstan periodically reviews its national list of banned terrorist organisations to update it. As part of this process, it was decided to remove the Taliban group in accordance with the practices of the United Nations."

However, Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy, commented, "This is the sovereign right of Kazakhstan. We understand and respect this decision. However, we continue to view the Taliban movement as it was, with no current changes." (ANI)
Tensions continued to rise between the United States and China in 2023, despite the meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in November and high-level visits by Biden administration officials to China. Some of the issues that have contributed to the tensions include the visit of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last year and labour practices in Xinjiang. The US believes China uses forced labour in the Xinjiang region. The two nations tried to ease differences on trade and the Taiwan and Ukraine-Russia war as both Washington and Beijing engaged in tit-for-tat actions. In October this year, the US Commerce Department unveiled new rules that further tighten a sweeping set of export controls first introduced in October 2022, CNN reported. In a statement, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the updated rules "will increase effectiveness of our controls and further shut off pathways to evade our restrictions." Raimondo stated, "We will keep working to protect our national security by restricting access to critical technologies, vigilantly enforcing our rules, while minimising any unintended impact on trade flows." This year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scheduled to visit Beijing in February to hold talks with the Chinese leadership. However, Blinken's highly anticipated visit to Beijing was postponed after a Chinese balloon appeared over the US. US military fighter jets shot down the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean off the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said, CNN reported. Austin announced that Biden had approved the downing of the balloon. The Chinese balloon was first spotted in the sky over Montana and travelled across the middle of the country following weather patterns before it exited the continental United States. In his statement, Lloyd Austin said American fighter aircraft "successfully brought down the high-altitude surveillance balloon launched by and belonging to the People's Republic of China (PRC) over the water off the coast of South Carolina in US airspace." He said Biden gave his authorization "as soon as the mission could be accomplished without undue risk to American lives under the balloon's path." China expressed its "strong dissatisfaction and protest" against the shooting down of its balloon. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the US was "overreacting" and "seriously violating international practice," according to a CNN report. China said the vessel was a weather balloon thrown off course. In the statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "The Chinese side has repeatedly informed the US side after verification that the airship is for civilian use and entered the US due to force majeure--it was completely an accident." Following the downing of the Chinese balloon, China refused to hold talks with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlighting the lack of communication channels between the two nations. According to the Pentagon, the US Defence Department submitted a request for a call between Austin and China's then-Minister of National Defence, Wei Fenghe, after the US fighter jets shot down the balloon. The Pentagon said that China rejected the request of the US. In the statement, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said, "We believe in the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the United States and the [People's Republic of China] in order to responsibly manage the relationship." The Biden administration imposed restrictions on sales of some US technology to several Chinese aviation and technology companies, as part of its response to a Chinese spy balloon that appeared in US airspace, The New York Times reported. The US Commerce Department added five Chinese companies and one research institute to its so-called entity list, which will stop firms from selling them American parts and technologies without a special license. According to officials, the six entities had supported Chinese military programmes related to airships and balloons used for intelligence and reconnaissance, according to The New York Times report. In March, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York City despite Beijing's warning that her visit could lead to "serious confrontation" between China and the US. Taiwan faced "tremendous challenges," Tsai said from the city, where she made the first of two planned stopovers in the US on either side of an official visit to Central America, CNN reported. Tsai's visit to the US sparked sharp condemnation from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory despite never having controlled it. Speaking to reporters in Washington, China's charge d'affaires Xu Xueyuan said Tsai's US transit could lead to a "serious" confrontation in the US-China relationship and have a "severe impact" on their ties. Following Tsai's visit, China imposed sanctions on two US organisations that hosted the Taiwan President during her stopover in the US. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a ban on Washington-headquartered think tank Hudson Institute and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California from any cooperation, exchange or transaction with institutions and individuals in China. Furthermore, key leaders of the two organisations were also barred from travelling to China or cooperating with organisations or individuals there. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Hudson Institute and the Reagan Library have provided a platform and facilitated Tsai's separatist activities... which seriously undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," CNN reported. Notably, Tsai and then-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy held a meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.In June this year, Antony Blinken finally travelled to China and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Foreign Affairs Commission Office Wang Yi. During his visit to China, Blinken also met China's then-Foreign Minister, Qin Gang. US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken held "candid, substantive, and constructive talks" with Qin Gang in Beijing. During his visit to China, Blinken raised concerns regarding China's human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and individual cases of concern. He also spoke about China's "unfair and non-market economic practices." In a statement about Blinken's visit to China, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "The Secretary addressed the PRC's unfair and nonmarket economic practices and recent actions against US firms. He discussed US de-risking policies and the historic domestic investments the administration has made." Blinken raised concerns about PRC human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as individual cases of concern. He emphasised that the United States will always stand up for our values. Blinken stressed that it remains a priority for the US to resolve the cases of American citizens who are wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans in China, according to the statement released by US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller He underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reiterated there has been no change on US one-China policy. Notably, the ties between the US and China became strained after then-US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August, 2022. China expressed anger over her visit to Taiwan, as Beijing claims it as a part of its territory. In response to her visit, China began military drills in the air and waters around Taiwan. China blocked off military communications with US after Pelosi's travelled to Taiwan. After a year of meeting in Bali, US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November. The meeting between the two leaders was held after relations between the two nations deteriorated after the US shot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon in February. At the meeting, Biden and Xi reopened military-to-military communications. However, experts said the Biden-Xi meeting did not remove many of the tensions between China and the US.Rorry Daniels, managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, stressed that the meeting is not a "breakthrough" in resolving the strategic mistrust. Rorry Daniels, managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said, "This meeting is not a breakthrough in resolving the strategic mistrust that characterises this relationship. But it is an important step forward in getting the relationship on a manageable track," The Hill reported. During the meeting, Biden emphasised that the United States and China are in competition and added that the US will continue to invest in the sources of American strength at home and align with allies and partners around the world, according to the readout of the meeting between Biden and Xi Jinping. He stressed that the US will always stand up for its interests, its values, and its allies and partners. Biden also raised concerns regarding China's human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. He stressed that the US' one China policy has not changed and has been consistent across decades and administrations." He reiterated that the United States opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side, that we expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, and that the world has an interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," read White House statement. "He called for restraint in the PRC's use of military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait. President Biden also raised continued concerns about the PRC's unfair trade policies, non-market economic practices, and punitive actions against US firms, which harm American workers and families," it added. David Ochmanek, a senior international and defence researcher at the RAND Corporation, said the resumption of military channels was a good sign and could help to resolve tensions, but it does not solve the broader issue. "If they don't change, then this doesn't necessarily have much meaning," The Hill quoted David Ochmanek as saying. Ochmanek said, "Reopening the channels doesn't, in and of itself, reduce the possibility of mishaps, accidents, escalating tensions and things like that, [but] it does offer a relief valve if something risky happens." After a year that sparked tensions between the US and China over the Chinese balloon and Taiwan, 2024 could bring new turbulence as presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Taiwan and US in 2024. It remains to be seen how China reacts to the elections in Taiwan and how the US will respond to them. (ANI)
Member of Pakistan's Senate, Tahir Bizenjo, has criticised the Pakistani Parliament's failure to address the ongoing issue of forced disappearances in Balochistan, The Balochistan Post reported. In a statement, National Party member highlighted the procedural disruptions in the upper house, which have hindered meaningful debate on this crucial human rights issue. He said that a quorum issue was raised during the latest session of Parliament to avoid discussion on the sensitive issue, according to The Balochistan Post report. He stated, "This is the House of Federation, where we should be able to discuss such important issues," and emphasised that the avoidance of this issue compromises the Parliament's integrity and purpose. Emphasising the seriousness of the situation in Balochistan, he talked about the suffering faced by families impacted by the disappearance of their loved ones. He spoke about the agony of mothers and sisters of missing Baloch individuals and stressed that this issue reflects a harsh reality that requires attention and resolution, not neglect, The Balochistan Post reported. Tahir Bizenjo called on the Pakistani government to engage in constructive negotiations with the leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to seek a resolution. He warned against the potential escalation of tensions and unrest in Balochistan if the situation is not addressed and highlighted the risk of ongoing sit-ins and demonstrations evolving into widespread chaos. On December 29, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent organiser of the Baloch protest march in Islamabad, has given a seven-day ultimatum to the Pakistan government for the fulfilment of their demands, including the "elimination of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings." Mahrang Baloch, the face of the movement, outlined a series of demands during a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday. Mahrang called for a detailed investigation into rights violations in Balochistan, proposing the involvement of a UN Working Group. The demands included signing an agreement, under the Working Group's auspices, for the elimination of "enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings". She also demanded the release of all victims of enforced disappearances, restrictions on the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the elimination of "state-sponsored death squads". Mahrang Baloch urged Pakistan's Ministry of Interior to "confess" the alleged deaths of disappeared persons in fake encounters, accompanied by an acknowledgement letter and a press conference naming all victims. She also called for the withdrawal of fake cases against peaceful protesters. "If the state does not hold sincere negotiations on the above demands and does not show seriousness and if the treatment of the past week with protesters continues, then after seven days, the movement will express its disappointment with all state institutions against state policies of genocide and treating Balochistan like a colony and put its case before the Baloch people," she said. The Baloch activist also emphasised that the state must demonstrate seriousness in ending human rights violations and illegal measures in Balochistan to prove its commitment to resolving the "Baloch genocide." She alleged that the state tried to suppress the Baloch sit-in by using police and administration in the federal capital. While addressing the press conference, Baloch said, "The decision will be in the court of the Baloch people if the state is not ready to change its colonial mindset." She alleged that the Pakistan state is treating protesters "like enemies," and harassing the protestors during the night. She also criticised a few elements from the journalistic community, alleging that "state personnel in the garb of journalism" attempted to create a false narrative. "The whole of Balochistan is in the grip of state violence and barbarism currently and every day there seems to be an increase in this. When the state treats peaceful protesters like this in front of the global media, then you can understand what the state's behaviour is without the presence of the media or the internet," she also said. The BYC's press conference took place after hundreds of participants in the long march were detained by the Islamabad police. The action of Islamabad police was condemned by human rights organisations, politicians, and the Islamabad High Court (IHC). (ANI)
Pakistan's political outfit, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's convoy, came under attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan, Geo News reported on Sunday. The veteran politician's convoy was fired upon from multiple sides at Yarik interchange, the party's spokesperson, Mufti Abrar confirmed Geo News on Sunday. JUI-F chief was travelling through DI Khan when his convoy came under attack near the toll plaza. In response to a query regarding Fazl's safety, he assured that the veteran politician was safe. Speaking to Geo News, Fazl's brother denied the attack on veteran politician. saying that the JUI-F chief was at home when the incident happened. "Maulana's car stopped for refuelling near the Yarik interchange [when the incident happened," he added. The alleged attack comes in the backdrop of repeated security concerns raised by Fazl who, on multiple occasions, has cast doubts over the staging of polls due to the "unstable" security situation in some parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Geo News reported. "There is no police in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and Lakki Marwat. Can the polls be staged in this situation of unrest?" The senior politician wondered while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on December 5. Earlier this week, Fazl had warned that it would hold Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja responsible if the party's workers came under attack during electioneering. Fazl's remarks came after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the caretaker government to ensure timely elections, warning against any delay in the polls slated for February 8, 2024. Condemning the attack on the JUI-F chief, party leader Hafiz Hamdullah termed the incident as a nefarious move to prevent the party from taking part in the electoral process. "We have been saying how elections can be held in such [law and order] situation," Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said maintaining that the incident raises questions on the caretaker government's ability to provide security. Reacting to the incident, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack on Fazl's convoy and expressed relief over the politico's safety. Meanwhile, the secretary interior, taking notice of the incident, has sought report from the relevant officials on the matter. It is pertinent to know that the party has suffered major losses due to being in the crosshairs of banned outfits over the years. In September, senior JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah was injured in a blast -- that wounded 10 others -- in Balochistan's Mastung area. Meanwhile, in July at least 40 JUI-F workers were killed in a suicide blast that targeted the party's workers' convention in Bajaur's Khar. Pakistan has witnessed an alarming surge in terror incidents in the outgoing year, reaching the highest level since 2014. Geo News reported citing the data gathered by Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), KP has bore the brunt of these attacks, reporting 23 instances that resulted in 254 fatalities and 512 injuries. The province, along with newly merged districts (NMD), experienced 13 suicide attacks, leading to 85 deaths and 206 injuries. With such a worrying law and order situation, the Election Commission of Pakistan has sought the help of the Pakistan Army, due to a shortfall of 270,000 police personnel, to ensure the law and order situation during the upcoming general elections. In its letter to the Ministry of Interior, the ECP called for the services of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) to be "requisitioned in static mode". (ANI)
(FOX40.COM)  A 10-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly shooting another 10-year-old with his fathers gun in Sacramento.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sacramento County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) deputies responded to a call of a shooting on the 4700 block of Greenholme Drive. Upon arrival, deputies said they found an unresponsive juvenile in the middle of the parking lot who was bleeding from his head and neck. Officials said he was shot.

Reports of shots fired in Sacramento County neighborhood, sheriffs office says

Initial reports from witnesses stated that the victim was 13-14 years old, however, he was identified by medical personnel to be 10 years old. Deputies reportedly began life-saving efforts, including CPR, until Sacramento Metro Fire Department arrived on the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Witnesses told deputies the people responsible for the shooting ran into a nearby apartment. Deputies said they called out all individuals from that apartment and detained everyone inside, including a man, his 10-year-old son, and another juvenile.

Sacramento man shoots wife, claims accident

Deputies said the detained 10-year-old allegedly went to his fathers vehicle to get him cigarettes. He then took a gun from inside the vehicle and bragged that his father had a gun. He then proceeded to shoot the victim once and ran into a nearby apartment.

Officials said the gun was found in a nearby trashcan, where deputies suspect the father tried to dispose of it. Detectives confirmed that the father was legally prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. The recovered firearm was also reported stolen in 2017, according to law enforcement.

SCSO arrested the 10-year-old boy under suspicion of murder and transported him to the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility. The father was arrested and transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail under suspicion of several felony firearm-related charges, child endangerment, and accessory after the fact. Davis is being held on $500,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 3, 2024.

The family of the victim created a GoFundme to help with funeral expenses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Family entertainment acts have been around forever. Before the Osmonds and the Jackson 5, audiences were thrilled by the Andrews Sisters. Locally, the Adams Quintette entertained around town in the 1910s and '20s. But none of Sioux Falls early family acts quite achieved the notoriety of the Little Brown Kiddies, the children of Charles and Ethel Brown.

In late 1925, Albert Buster Brown and his sister, Lila, performed Christmas carols at the North End Sunday School on Bennett Street, just east of Minnesota Avenue. Church Superintendent John Mitchell encouraged Ethel to take Buster and Lila to the Jewel theater for an upcoming talent contest. Ethel was unsure, but went forward at the urging of her mother, Mamie Waddell. The Little Brown Kiddies won, and they won successive contests after that, too, their mother playing piano for each.

In December 1926, Buster and Lila performed on KSOOs amateur hour, singing and telling jokes. They were a hit, and would eventually have their own show on KSOO twice a week during the 1930s.

The image is an undated photo, but includes Al (Buster), Lila Lee, Arlene, Donna, and Juletta. Seems Donna dressed in a top hat.

In 1928, Ethel booked the Kiddies for shows in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The tour was in August, and would conclude before the start of school in September. By then Lila and Buster were joined by 2-year-old Arlene. The Browns had another child, Donna, around this time. Like Arlene, Donna was brought to rehearsals at an early age, and picked up the numbers before she could stand. The Little Brown Kiddies were a hit wherever they played.

By 1936, there were nine children in the Kiddies, and they all sang, danced, and told jokes. As ever, their mother kept them moving from school to the radio station, to the stage. The kids picked up on the machinations of show business, and on the occasion that Ethel couldnt be there in time, could re-arrange the routine until she arrived to play the piano.

The Little Brown Kiddies stopped touring in the early 1940s. By that time there were 10 of them, having added Juletta, Billie Jean, Bernadette, Bobby, Marilyn, and Jo Bernie over the years. Buster, hardly little anymore, enlisted in the Navy to serve during World War II. Lila and Arlene entertained at the Arkota and other clubs for several years as the Brownettes.

In 1950, Ethel died of an apparent heart attack while visiting relatives in Grand Island, Nebraska. The children went along in their lives, taking different turns and avenues.

Lila married Steve Christy and moved away for a while, but returned by 1952 to open Tanglefoot Dance Studio, which she ran for years. Sisters Donna and Billie Jean both took vocations with the Presentation Sisters. Buster returned from the Navy to a career at John Morrell. Arlene married Leonard Thoms, eventually opening the Dexter House, which provided transitional housing for veterans and the unemployed.

Whatever the Brown siblings did in their lives, they took with them the spirit of music and dance that was hard-wired into them from an early age. Those who remembered them did so fondly.

Radio personality Ray Loftesness said in 1987, Anybody my age remembers the Brown Kiddies. They just wouldnt quit. They were the smash of the town. Mama Brown just knew her kids would please the public, and they did.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: How these 10 siblings became Sioux Falls celebrities: Looking Back
Tri-Cities area police are concerned after two wrong-way crashes during Christmas weekend and 11 people booked for drunk driving.

The Washington State Patrol reported being slammed with DUI collisions and calls during the last long weekend, Trooper Sarah Clasen told the Tri-City Herald. And officials were worried that there might be another spike during this New Years weekend.

WSP is gearing up to face what may be a lot more drivers making dangerous choices but Clasen said they cant do it alone.

We need the publics assistance, she said. Its a completely preventable offense. ... Its not worth risking it.

She urged people to consider the repercussions if they drive drunk. She often hears people concerned about the ramifications of getting arrested for DUI, but the consequences could be much worse, she said.

The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission reports that 32% of fatal crashes in Washington between 2017 and 2021 involved intoxicated drivers and thats a leading factor in fatal crashes.

Police agencies across the state have been dealing with a four-year trend of a higher than normal number of serious injury crashes. Benton and Franklin counties are no different.

Department of Transportation crash statistics show the same concerning trend that started in 2020.

On average, serious crashes in Benton County have jumped 78%.

Theyve gone from 36 a year on average between 2014-19 to 64 annually since then, according to state records analyzed by the Herald.

The increase is only slightly less dramatic in Franklin County. The annual average rose by 71%, increasing from 21 accidents with injuries each year to 36 a year in the same period.

The trend has only continued for in the last year with Benton County seeing 64 serious injury crashes so far in 2023, and Franklin County had 32, according to the Department of Transportation.

These are crashes that caused serious injuries but not deaths, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Wrong-way crashes

The Tri-Cities saw two wrong-way crashes during the holiday weekend, both on Christmas Eve.

The first happened when Esteban Franscisco Diego, 26, of Hermiston, Ore., reporteldy drove onto Highway 395 heading south in the northbound lanes.

Troopers still arent certain how he got going the wrong way on the divided highway, but it was just minutes after other drivers started calling 911 about the wrong-way driver with no headlines but he hit another car head-on, Clasen told the Herald.

His Honda Accord hit a Mazda CX-5 just north of the cable bridge. The other driver was Angelica M. Garcia, 37, of Kennewick.

She was taken by ambulance to Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, and Diego was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. Both were wearing their seat belts.

Both drivers were cited for DUI. Diego also faces charges for driving the wrong direction and without headlights.

About an hour and a half later, Maria Jimenez, 33, drove the wrong way onto Interstate 82 either somewhere near Highway 14 or at the Oregon border.

As she headed north in a 2002 Saturn, narrowly avoiding being hit by a semi truck heading toward Oregon about 2:35 a.m., say officials.

She went six miles before she hitting a 2013 Volkswagen Passat head-on. No one was hurt in the crash.

Jimenez allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of 0.124%.
Chapels throughout Las Vegas are expected to perform close to 2,000 weddings this New Year's Eve for couples drawn by the repeating 1-2-3 pattern of the date. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Cindy Adams knew two things about her wedding: She and her fiance, Anthony Asta, wanted to get married in Las Vegas, and she wanted to tie the knot on a date Asta could easily remember for their future anniversaries.

They decided on a New Years Eve wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. The ceremony is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on 12/31/23  a repeating 1-2-3 pattern.

We didnt realize it was 123-123, Adams, 49, said. Asta likes order, so the date seemed fitting.

It just felt right for us, Adams said.

Adams and Asta are among the nearly 1,500 couples expected to get married on Sunday in Las Vegas, the wedding capital of the world, known for its year-end sendoffs, performances, fireworks and brightly lighted strip packed with partygoers.

And while saying I do on New Years Eve is already a Vegas pastime, this year is what many industry insiders call a specialty or magical date  an occurrence nearly as rare as a sighting of Halleys Comet  because the numbers align into a perfect pattern or sequence: 12/31/23, or 123-123.

It means an increase in nuptial demands that requires beefed-up staffing at venues, additional limousines, a pop-up Clark County Marriage License Bureau and extra Elvis Presley impersonators.

To top it off, the date occurs on a weekend.

Its a grand slam, said Lynn Marie Goya, the clerk for Clark County, which includes Las Vegas.

Read more: Wu-Tang Clan becomes first hip-hop act to land Las Vegas residency

Each New Years Eve, around 500 couples exchange vows and rings in Vegas. But this year, her agency prepared for nearly four times that, Goya said, noting that magical dates often draw more couples than nonmagical dates.

There is a precedent: Las Vegas set a record for weddings on July 7, 2007, or 7/07/07, known as the Lucky 7s day, when 4,492 couples tied the knot.

Nov. 11, 2011, or 11/11/11, was the second-most-popular wedding date, when 3,125 couples were married. Last year, Feb. 2, or 2/22/22, there were 2,331 weddings, making it the sixth-most-popular day on record.

To prepare for the wedding rush and the soon-to-be newlyweds flying in for their nuptials, the county clerk has a pop-up marriage license office at Harry Reid International Airport open through Dec. 31. Chapels across Vegas are booked, she said.

Read more: The best places to eat in Las Vegas right now

Melody Willis Williams, the president of Vegas Weddings, which operates eight venues, including the famous Little White Chapel, said they are expecting at least 150 weddings across just three of their chapels, plus couples who come through the drive-through chapel. This New Years Eve is a once-in-a-lifetime date that Willis Williams and other industry professionals train for.

Weve been planning since engagement season last year, Willis Williams said, referring to the busy time from Thanksgiving to Valentines Day.

To accommodate the rush, her operation is increasing the on-site staff to 100 employees throughout the day on New Years Eve, bringing in more than 2,000 roses and planning to run weddings back to back from 9 a.m. to midnight.

Beyond the practicality and novelty of the date, numerologist Felicia Bender finds a deeper significance. Numerologists reduce numbers to one digit, she explained, and each numeral carries energy and data.

She said the 31st should be looked at as a single numeral  4  the sum of 3 and 1. In numerology, 4 represents foundation, structure and responsibility.

It is a very grounded day, Bender added.

The date also contains so-called angel numbers  a numerical sequence or pattern that essentially sends a message, she said. The 1-2-3 pattern symbolizes old cycles closing and expedited forward motion and growth, she said.

Its starting on a high level that is exponential, like 10 times better than before, and the repetition of the pattern  123, 123  adds extra energy, Bender said

For some couples, Sundays numerical arrangement became a sign and aligned with their spiritual beliefs.

Read more: Sample in a Sphere? Phish is the latest music act set to take over Las Vegas orb

Kosha Shah and Kevin Singh are eloping to Vegas for a New Years Eve wedding at the Little White Wedding Chapel. Shah, 36, and Singh, 37, met in October and wanted to be wed before 2023 was over. They picked Vegas for its New Years Eve pageantry and parties.

When Singh showed Shah the email from the chapel confirming their nuptials, Shah, who described herself as spiritual and said she believes in angel numbers, recognized the 123-123 pattern.

Every time I ask for a sign that I am on the right track  123 is always a number that pops up, she said. This is what tells me that this is the right connection. This is the person I have been waiting for.

Katia Mazariego and Hugo Moran also knew they wanted to get married on New Years Eve, but without the hassle of planning a big celebration.

New Years Eve is a party itself in Vegas, said Mazariego, 26.

They started seeing videos on social media about the 123 pattern and are taking it as a sign that their wedding will be iconic in every way.

Mazariego and Moran, who have a 2-year-old, both finalized divorces with their previous spouses about four months ago.

Were closing those books and starting our own book, Mazariego said.

After Adams and Asta say I do, they plan to go to a park in Vegas, where Adams will spread her mothers ashes and drink a glass of champagne. They want to have photographs taken in front of the fountain at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino and glide down the Grand Canal in a gondola at the Venetian Resort.

And at some point, they plan to buy a lottery ticket and pick 1s, 2s and 3s as their lucky numbers.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Xi addresses 2024 New Year gathering of China's top political advisory body

Xinhua) 15:05, December 31, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at the New Year gathering organized by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday addressed a gathering organized by the country's top political advisory body to ring in the year of 2024.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivered an important speech at the gathering of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing.

Other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the gathering.

They were joined by leading officials of the central committees of non-CPC parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, representatives of personages without party affiliation, leading officials of central Party and government departments, and representatives from various ethnic groups and sectors of society in Beijing.

Advancing the great cause of building China into a stronger country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization is the central task of the Party and the country on the new journey in the new era, Xi stressed.

Xi called for consolidating and developing the broadest patriotic united front, stressing the need to pool strength through unity, forge great achievements through hard work, and jointly write a magnificent chapter on Chinese modernization.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the CMC, Xi extended New Year greetings to non-CPC parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, personages without party affiliation, Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and the friends from around the world who support the development of China's modernization.

The year 2023 marks the first year of the full implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi noted.

Over the past year, we have remained committed to the underlying principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, transitioned COVID-19 management to that of a class-B infectious disease, resolutely overcame internal and external difficulties, pushed for economic recovery, and fulfilled the main objectives for economic and social development, said Xi.

We have created new opportunities and won the strategic initiative while overcoming crises, fighting difficulties and responding to changes, which has greatly enhanced our confidence and strength, he said.

Xi pointed out that 2023 saw the CPPCC conscientiously implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and make new contributions to advancing the cause of the Party and the country.

Over the past year, the CPPCC played its due role as a specialized consultative body and carried out in-depth research, consultation and deliberation, and oversight with a focus on the central task, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that the year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and is a crucial year in fulfilling the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development.

He urged efforts to consolidate and enhance the momentum of economic recovery and growth, improve people's well-being, maintain social stability, and make solid and steady progress in advancing the Chinese modernization.

Xi noted that 2024 also marks the CPPCC's 75th anniversary. He called on the advisory body to carry forward its fine traditions, be active in offering suggestions and building consensus, and improve itself so as to open up new horizons for CPPCC work in the new era.

The gathering was presided over by Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Wang stressed that efforts should be made to study and grasp the guiding principles of Xi's speech. He called on members of the CPPCC National Committee to pool their wisdom and strength in deepening reform, advancing development, and facilitating progress in people's well-being.

Wang also called on them to remain confident, break new ground and forge ahead, make new contributions to the cause of the Party and the country, and strive for the advancement of Chinese modernization.

Leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend the New Year gathering organized by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. The leaders also watched a performance at the gathering. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at the New Year gathering organized by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Shawn Jones, shown at Cook County Jail on Dec. 21, has been awaiting trial on murder charges for 12 years. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Shawn Jones has spent 12 years jailed without a trial  a pure hell that he hopes will end soon with a new judge who has been pushing to give Jones his day in court.

Elsewhere in the massive Cook County court system, Donna Wuchter is losing hope the courts will ever hold a trial for the man accused of killing her friend. She has been waiting for 11 years and counting, enduring a cycle of delays she sums up with one word: craziness.

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The two cases help sum up the situation in the notoriously slow Cook County courts since the Tribune published its Stalled Justice investigation in April: hints of progress but enormous challenges remaining.

The series chronicled how Cook murder cases were taking longer than ever to conclude, and longer than in any other major court system that could be studied. Reporters uncovered multiple chokepoints that were stalling cases long before the pandemic, in a system overseen by judges who allowed cases to languish and court leaders who ignored repeated recommendations for fixes.

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Since then, the Tribune has found some signs of improvement. Attorneys say evidence is being shared faster with the help of new technology, more staff members and stricter rules, while judges are questioning delays more aggressively and setting more deadlines to complete pretrial tasks.

But those changes have come in a court system still steeped in bureaucracy, with a history of halfhearted reforms. Researchers have blamed a culture that too often rationalizes delays instead of tackling them, creating a level of dysfunction that Sheriff Tom Dart has said helps fuel the unending violence in our communities.

One person who could push serious reform, county Chief Judge Timothy Evans, has downplayed the Tribune series findings. In defending the system hes overseen for two decades, Evans has argued the court has already improved since the worst pandemic-induced delays and that rushing cases could lead to injustice.

Still, Evans this fall pushed judges to better log the reasons for case delays, and his office issued a statement this month saying it has beefed up judicial staffing, technology, research and oversight to ensure every individual impacted by a crime  especially those impacted by murder  experiences a fair and timely administration of justice.

Left lingering in Evans court system are more than 1,000 pending murder cases, hundreds of which predate the pandemic. Among the oldest are the case of the man accused of killing Wuchters friend and the charges against Jones.

Some signs of progress

According to the most recent jail roster, Jones is one of 12 people who have been in custody for more than a decade with pending cases.

Topping the list is Augustin Toscano, accused of being part of a drug and robbery crew blamed for more than a dozen slayings from 2009 to 2011. A judge wants to set a trial date next year. So far, Toscano has been jailed without a trial for 12 years and nine months.

Next is Gene Lewis. He entered jail at age 32, accused of helping kill two men during a Harvey robbery, court records show. Lewis is now 45, with no trial date in sight, as arguments drag on over whats fair to use as evidence.

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Jones is the third-longest held in the jail, awaiting trial on charges he killed two men on the South Side in separate incidents. His cases have also been tied up for years, in part by questions over what evidence can be presented at trial.

The Tribune interviewed Jones as part of its reporting on court delays nearly two years ago, in January 2022. Hed just passed the decade mark in jail and said he was eager to go to trial.

You just dont know how it feels to just walk in a courtroom, and hoping youre going to start trial one day. And you go in and its just a continuance, or an excuse of why its a continuance, he said.

Shawn Jones and his lawyer say a new judge seems to be picking up the pace on Jones' two cases after years of delays. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

In August, he switched from a public defender to a private attorney, David Drwencke, who called the slow progress of Jones two cases mind-blowing. But the new judge overseeing the cases is picking up the pace, Drwencke said.

And that judge isnt the only one. Attorneys told the Tribune they are seeing a broader push since the spring to move cases forward.

A Tribune review found judges have been issuing case management orders more often in cases filed since the spring. Those orders, recommended by experts for decades, set goals for when tasks should be completed.

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Even in older cases lacking those types of orders, attorneys say judges are more aggressively questioning them about delays.

There was some sunlight put on this and some public pressure, and the Illinois Supreme Court, I think, was embarrassed at what was going on in Cook County, Drwencke said.

That has put additional pressure on attorneys.

To get up to speed on Jones charges, Drwencke said he has at least 100 hours worth of evidence to review but expects to meet a February deadline to submit a key filing so the trial can start sometime this spring.

His client said hes optimistic hell finally get a trial after waiting in jail since Barack Obama was campaigning for a second term as president.

Now I feel a little bit more at ease because my judge is really trying to get things wrapped up, Jones said from jail in a video interview with him and his attorney.

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Hints of such efforts can be seen in the latest data on the jail population, which show a dip in the number of people held at least five years with pending felony cases, from 233 a year ago to 223 in mid-December.

The median time to complete murder cases also has dropped slightly since last year, prosecutors data show. For the cases completed from January through August 2023, the most recent information available, at least half took four years and five months to complete, down from four years and eight months for murder cases finished in 2022.

Another way to look at it is how often cases meet time goals set by the county. By that measure, the courts have gotten slightly better.

Cook County wants to finish murder cases within two years of defendants formally being read the charges at arraignments. Last year, just 1 in 10 cases met that mark. Now, its 1 in 9.

The statement from Evans office said its own analysis of internal court data found that all pending cases in the system  not just murders but all felony and misdemeanor charges  had been reduced significantly since the height of the pandemic, from nearly 41,000 in August 2021 to under 28,000 in late November.

Still, even the rosiest look at the data shows that an enormous backlog remains, in a system that reporters previously documented can get jammed at every turn.

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New procedures, ongoing problems

The mound of evidence given to Drwencke for Jones cases was gathered as part of a formal process called discovery, in which prosecutors must give defense attorneys copies of evidence collected from police, hospitals, cellphone companies and others.

Its a process that court rules say should take months, yet it often ends up taking years. But several recent changes could speed up that process.

The Cook County seal outside the Leighton Criminal Court Building. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

In May, the states attorneys office unveiled a new, long-planned data system meant to smooth the exchange of evidence. The office said its also added 11 more paralegals since the spring to do more of the time-consuming back-office work that previously had burdened prosecutors, allowing them to focus on trying cases.

That will also help with us turning over discovery and making sure that we are meeting deadlines for those case management orders, said Risa Lanier, second in command at the Cook County states attorneys office.

Another change that could limit delays comes, indirectly, from the historic overhaul of the bail system that went into effect in mid-September. Now, if prosecutors want a judge to jail a defendant until trial, they must swiftly give the defense any evidence they want to present in that early-stage hearing.

I think that will speed the cases up exponentially, said Julie Koehler, who heads the public defenders homicide task force. Its what should have been going on all along.

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Still, these changes leave other problems unaddressed, such as the protracted arguments over what evidence is fair to show a jury.

Case management orders, with their specific deadlines, can help speed up that process. But attorneys noted the orders alone cant magically fix the logjams created when interrelated bureaucracies fail to work together to get things done.

And although more judges are issuing the orders, the Tribune found that many still arent, particularly in suburban courthouses that can get just as backlogged, if not more, than the main courthouse in Little Village.

Beyond that, there is no data yet to show how much, if at all, any particular reform has limited specific types of delays.

Court leaders this fall launched a long-promised effort to log the reasons for case delays in court dockets, but the Tribune found many dockets still lack proper entries. Judges and clerks say theyre still ironing out how to make the process work.

This is a significant change and a new system for entering this information, and both judges and clerks are adapting to the use of codes for the reasons for continuances, according to a statement issued by the chief judges office.

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Meanwhile, what the court sees as significant progress can be of little consolation to people like Wuchter.

Still right where we started

After Gena Chiodo went missing in fall of 2012, Wuchter and other friends spent many days combing the woods in hopes of locating her. Eventually, hunters found the body of the Calumet City woman across the state line in Indiana, about 25 miles to the south.

In the 11 years since, the friends have often gathered in courtroom pews, waiting to see what would happen to the man accused of Chiodos murder: her live-in boyfriend, Donol Clark.

The body of Gena Chiodo, who lived in Calumet City, was found in 2012 in a thicket of trees at the end of this drive in Lowell, Indiana. The man accused of killing her has yet to be tried for murder. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Early in the case, at Clarks bond hearing, prosecutors laid out a slew of evidence they said police had gathered even before Chiodos body was discovered, from blood spattered throughout the couples home to a bloody negligee, a bloody shower curtain and a bathroom smelling of bleach.

Then the pace of the case slowed dramatically at the Markham courthouse. The Tribunes investigation found the south suburban courthouse to be the slowest of any that handles murder cases in Cook County; the median time to finish murder cases there had climbed by 2022 to nearly seven years.

Every month or two, Chiodos friends would pack Clarks latest court hearing in matching purple T-shirts bearing Chiodos name. They watched as brief hearings took only the tiniest steps forward, with issue after issue bogging down the case. Weeks turned into months and months into years, as their hopes for swift justice receded.

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It was, Hopefully next year, or, you know, It should happen soon, and it never came to pass. Something else would happen, Wuchter recalled.

The case almost went to trial about five years ago, but then the pathologist who did Chiodos autopsy got fired for incompetence, spurring years of arguments over what a jury could be told about that while attorneys waited to see if state regulators would discipline the pathologist. (They didnt.)

Then-Calumet City police Chief Edward Gilmore announces murder charges against Donol Clark in the killing of Clark's girlfriend, Gena Chiodo, in 2012. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Friends and family of Gena Chiodo wait to attend an October 2012 hearing at the Markham courthouse for Donol Clark, charged with murder in Chiodo's death. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)

It was close to going to trial this year too.

In June 2023, Clark  now 53, and with graying temples  sat at a table in a gray jumpsuit, while Wuchter and Chiodos other friends sat on courthouse benches to hear something that hadnt occurred in the cases 90-plus previous hearings: A judge set a trial date.

The trial was supposed to take place in the fall, but then came another delay. The day of the trial, the lead prosecutor told the judge that her new colleague on the case just had hip surgery and needed more time to prepare.

And a crime scene investigator was on paternity leave.

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And prosecutors were still trying to get the original pathologist to testify.

And prosecutors were filing a new motion to argue over evidence.

Clarks attorneys responded in court that they were ready for trial. They questioned why prosecutors waited so long to file a new argument over the evidence and said the motion could have been filed years ago.

Still, the trial was postponed.

Donna Wuchter sits with pictures of her slain friend Gena Chiodo this month at her home in Munster, Indiana. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

At a hearing the next month, Circuit Judge Carl Boyd gave the defense another month to file a written response to prosecutors latest arguments. At a hearing in late November, Boyd told both sides to come back in two months  on Jan. 22  to formally argue in court over the arguments submitted on paper.

Neither the prosecution nor defense would comment on the case for this story. For now, no new trial date has been set.

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Boyd has told attorneys he was very interested in completing the case expeditiously. His clerk has begun inputting the formal reasons for delays, as part of the new process to better track them.

None of it impresses Wuchter.

Were still right where we started, it seems like. Its just  nothing, she said, adding that Chiodos other friends also feel the frustration. All you can tell people is: Hang in there and dont quit.

jmahr@chicagotribune.com
Police on Sunday appealed to the public to help find the killer of 16-year-old Devonte Franklin, who was fatally stabbed while riding an MBTA bus in Dorchester on New Years Eve in 2008.

15 years ago today 16y/o Devonte Franklin was murdered on an #MBTA bus in Dorchester, MBTA Transit Police said in a social media post.

The suspect remains at large, police said.

We know someone could help the TPD identify his killer, police said. PLEASE do the right thing for Devonte. Contact us w/any info 617-222-1050.

15 years ago today 16y/o Devonte Franklin was murdered on an #MBTA bus in Dorchester. The SP responsible remains at large. We know someone could help the TPD identify his killer. PLEASE do the right thing for Devonte. Contact us w/any info 617-222-1050. U can remain anonymous. TY pic.twitter.com/EOfKhdQFD2  MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) December 31, 2023

On Dec. 31, 2008, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Devonte was stabbed multiple times while riding on an MBTA Route 28 bus in the vicinity of Blue Hill Avenue and Harvard Street in Dorchester, according to Transit Police.

Tragically Devonte did not survive this horrendous and senseless attack, Transit Police said in an earlier statement. Its an understatement to say Devontes murder was devastating to his family, friends and all those who knew him.

Anyone with information is urged to call Boston Police or the MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1050. Police said people who come forward with information may remain anonymous.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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A Florida teenager traveling alone was meant to fly to his mother in Ohio on a Frontier Airlines flight, but instead ended up on a flight to Puerto Rico.

The 16-year-old passenger was scheduled to fly from Tampa to Cleveland on December 22, but mistakenly boarded a different flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Frontier Director of Corporate Communications Jennifer de la Cruz said in a statement to CNN.

The Ohio and Puerto Rico flights departed from the same gate, with the flight to Puerto Rico taking off first, according to de la Cruz.

Frontier has extended its sincere apologies to the family for the error, de la Cruz said.

The mix-up comes after a similar recent incident involving an unaccompanied 6-year-old, who got on the wrong Spirit Airlines flight and ended up in Orlando instead of Ft. Myers.

It was the first solo flight for the teenager, Logan, who suffers from flight anxiety, the teens father Ryan Lose told CNN in a phone interview Saturday.

The father said he and his current wife Krista talked the teen through how to go to the gate.

But when Logan got to the gate in Tampa at around 8 p.m., passengers were already boarding, Lose said.

He went up there and asked the lady if the flight was boarding, and they said, yes, and they also checked his bag to make sure it fit, Lose said. But Logan said they never scanned his ticket. Logan said they just glanced at it and said, Yes, youre on the right flight, and then he boarded.

If they had scanned his boarding pass, they wouldve known my son was on the wrong plane, Lose said.

CNN reached out to Frontier about Loses assertion Saturday night but has not yet received a response.

Lose said they realized something was amiss when Logans mother called around 8:30 p.m. to let him know their son had boarded, and they realized he got on a plane too early.

Thats when my 9-year-old son looked up the flight status and realized that a flight to Puerto Rico had just taken off from the same gate Logans Ohio flight was taking off from, Lose said.

Lose told CNN they tried calling Logan to warn him he was on the wrong plane, but his phone went straight to voicemail.

Lose said they contacted Frontier Airlines around 8:40 p.m. to let them know what was happening and his son was on the wrong flight.

The father said around 10:15 p.m., Frontier called and informed him Logan was indeed on the flight to Puerto Rico and they would let the pilot know to keep an eye out for him.

De la Cruz said in the airline statement Logan was immediately flown back to Tampa on the same aircraft and accommodated on a flight to Cleveland the following day.

Lose said Logan made it back to Tampa around 3:30 a.m., and left on a flight to Cleveland at 7:45 a.m.

This whole ordeal has been stressful for everyone, Lose told CNN.

Frontier said in the statement they do not have an unaccompanied minor program to provide escorts to minors. However, they allow children over the age of 15 to fly alone.

While there are no Department of Transportation regulations around travel for unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific procedures to protect the children during travel, according to the US Department of Transportation. However, most airlines will allow a child to fly alone on domestic flights at age 15 without any unaccompanied minor procedures, the agency said.

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DENTON, Texas - Police arrested an 18-year-old for intoxication manslaughter after a crash on I-35 in Denton early Saturday morning.

The wreck happened just after 3:15 a.m., when police said an officer saw a Dodge Charger driving southbound on I-35 with no headlights and swerving into multiple lanes.

When the officer turned on emergency lights to stop the Charger, police said the driver, later identified as Jonathan Vargas, sped up and reached speeds of more than 100 mph.

About 30 seconds later, police said Vargas crashed into the back of a sedan, pushing it off the interstate and onto the service road near Wind River Lane.

The officer went to the sedan and tried to save the rear passenger, but they were later pronounced dead.

Family members identified the victim as Douglas Gonzalez. He was sleeping in the backseat of the car when the crash happened.

The driver and front passenger in the sedan were taken to a hospital and later released.

Police said Vargas Charger flipped on the interstate, and he had minor injuries.

Following an investigation, police arrested Vargas for intoxication manslaughter and evading arrest/detention with vehicle causes serious bodily injury or death.

Vargas is being held in the City of Denton Jail. His bond has not yet been set.

"It just all happened so quick," Alvaro Romero recalled.

Romero, his wife, and his brother-in-law, Gonzalez, were inside the sedan when the Charger crashed into them.

Romero and his wife were in the two front seats and Gonzalez was in the backseat.

"He was sleeping in the back right behind her on the drivers side. His head was right where the whole accident happened," Romero said.

Gonzalez's family said he was a good person and everyone loved him. They hope his death brings awareness to the fact that no one should drink and drive.

"Young kids they think theyre Supermans, they be driving over 100 miles per hour and theyre hurting good people," Romero said. "Douglas was a great guy, I mean, like I said, I have no words for what type of person he was, he was just an amazing person."

The two recently went to El Salvador, where Gonzalez is from, to watch his favorite soccer team.

The next time Romero travels there, it will be to bury his best friend.

"He took away a father, a son, a husband, a friend, a brother, he put a big hole in our heart, a big hole," Romero added.

He wants Gonzalezs death to be a reminder not drink and drive.

"All I can say is if you do something, you have to stick to the consequence. He probably thought he could get away from the police and it all happened so quick. He took a big part from our family," he said.
An 18-year-old man drowned while duck hunting near the border of Georgia and North Carolina.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, Clay County, North Carolina 911 dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a drowning in a remote section of Lake Chatuge.

The area is inaccessible by automobile and offshore from government land just north of the Georgia state line.

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A Clay County Sheriffs Office sergeant and a volunteer took a boat to the location of the drowning.

At about 11:20 a.m., Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan and another volunteer also arrived by boat.

They learned the victim, Trenton Daniel Johnson, 18, from Ellijay, was duck hunting with Carson Bentley, also from Ellijay.

Bentley told deputies that after downing a duck, he and Johnson were in the boat and he began to start the boat motor.

At that time, Bentley looked up and saw Johnson topple head-first into the water.

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Bentley said he jumped into the water and tried to get a life jacket on Johnson, but was unable to do so.

The sheriff and sergeant could see Johnsons boots suspended about four feet below the surface of the water and they retrieved his body.

Johnson drowned in water that was between 10 and 12 feet deep and about 40 to 50 feet away from the shoreline.

The Clay County Sheriffs Office urges anyone boating to always wear a life jacket, especially this time of the year when cold water makes swimming more difficult.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Rescue workers have found the bodies of two more people under rubble in Ukraines capital, bringing the number of fatalities caused by the Russian strike on Kyiv on 29 December to 19.

Source: Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram; State Emergency Service in Kyiv on Facebook

Quote: "Two more killed. 19 in total!"

Details: The State Emergency Service specified that the bodies were retrieved from the rubble in Kyivs Shevchenkivskyi District.

Quote: "1,400 cubic metres of destroyed building structures have been moved and removed; 1,756 cubic metres since the beginning of work. Search and rescue operations continue around the clock."

91 rescue workers, 34 fire-and-rescue appliances and a canine unit from the State Emergency Service are involved in this work.

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Russia launched an attack at the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, injuring a nine-year-old girl and a 70-year-old woman, the regional prosecutor reported.

The girl was hospitalized and may have suffered a concussion, according to the prosecutor.

Russia launched seven rockets at the city, likely from Tornado-S multiple rocket launchers, Vadym Filashkin, governor of Donetsk Oblast, reported on Telegram following the attack.

The attack also caused a power outage in certain areas of the central and northern parts of the city. At least sixteen houses, a gas pipeline, infrastructure, an office building, and cars and an ambulance were damaged.

Pokrovsk lies some 40 kilometers from the eastern front line, close to the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Read also: Exploring Ukraines most important battles of 2023

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In 2023, Connecticut was one of 11 states that saw attempts to censor more than 100 books in public and school libraries, according to preliminary data from the American Library Association.

The ALA said that the number of challenged books jumped 20% compared to the 2022 reporting period, a record-breaking year for attempted bans in the U.S. According to the group, the bulk of the challenges targeted books written by or about a person of color or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

After a year that saw censorship attempts in towns and schools across the state, librarians in Connecticut are sounding the alarm on a trend that they say puts marginalized groups, and democracy, at risk. None of the challenges was successful.

It isnt a secret that libraries across the country are facing an unprecedented number of challenges to library materials and services, Sarah McCusker, president of the Connecticut Library Association, said at a banned book panel discussion held by concerned librarians and legislators at the state Capitol this month.

While we here in Connecticut may feel sometimes that this is a problem that largely happens elsewhere, thats not true, McCusker added. More than 100 titles were challenged during the first eight months of 2023. This puts us in the company of Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida and Texas.

There was no forewarning

McCusker and other librarians emphasized that news coverage this year represented just the tip of the iceberg and that the 2023 data only reflects challenges that were reported.

Samantha Lee, a privacy advocate for the Library Freedom Project and the co-chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee for the Connecticut Library Association, said the total instances of challenges were estimated at about 50 over the last two years. (Some challenges included more than one book.)

Prior to the deluge, Lee told the Courant that the Intellectual Freedom Committee would typically receive a phone call once every three months with one-off privacy or book challenge questions.

That all shifted at the end of 2021, when Lee said she started to see the national trend start to play out in Connecticut.

Once the challenges started, the tenor changed, Lee said.

Lee described how some patrons began to bypass established channels to question book selections with librarians and instead opted for heated social media campaigns.

They would just get people angry online, ferment all this discontent and then storm either school board meetings or library board meetings, Lee said. We were suddenly seeing people use awful names and call library workers groomers or pornographers. It was really jarring because it came out of nowhere. There was no forewarning.

Lee said the criticism in some towns escalated to threats of violence against librarians. She said that librarians would find their addresses, vehicle makes and models, or their childrens school name posted online, with suggestions that people follow them or mail a package.

It was obviously deeply upsetting, because theyre just doing their jobs, theyre providing books to the public. Theyre providing a place for kids to explore their curiosity and find books that they would love to read and explore new ideas and learn. And that messaging had gotten corrupted and turned into, oh, these are dangerous people because theyre peddling dangerous ideas to our kids, Lee said.

While Lee said that no book challenge succeeded in censoring a title from a Connecticut library, the same can not be said for other parts of the country.

The American Library Association said censorship occured in 220 school districts and 208 public libraries between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31 of 2023. Additionally, Legislation of Concern for Libraries passed in 14 state houses this year, according to EveryLibrary.

Political acceptability

Analysts credit the national acceleration of book challenges to the rise of parents rights groups, such as Moms for Liberty, a rapidly expanding grassroots movement of the far right that was labeled as an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group disputes this characterization.

The chapters of the group have disseminated guidance on book bans, and issued content ratings based on racial commentary, gender identity, and sexual themes in books. Members of the group have also led censorship campaigns across the country.

An analysis from PEN America found that 81% of the school districts that banned a book during the 2022-2023 school year were in or adjacent to a county with a Moms for Liberty chapter or similar parents rights groups.

In October the Hartford County chapter of Moms for Liberty held a Symposium on parental rights in Avon. The event drew protestors who rallied in support of the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. Many of the signs focussed on book challenges and included messages such as Read books, dont ban them, and Let freedom read.

Ahead of the symposium, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz described Moms For Liberty as the group behind the book bans that are occurring all over the country and all over Connecticut.

In a statement to the Courant, the Hartford County chapter of Moms for Liberty disputed their involvement with book challenges in the state. The chapter confirmed that members of the group have brought challenges to local school libraries, but they said these individuals acted on their own and not at the chapters direction.

They also argued that censoring a title within a library is not tantamount to a book ban, because the books are still available for purchase.

We have never asked any library in Connecticut, or in our county especially, to ban a book, the Moms for Liberty Hartford County chapter said. All we are saying is the book should be age appropriate.

On social media, the chapter has spoken in opposition to specific titles, which the group labeled as pornographic books marketed to minors. These books, Gender Queer, This Book Is Gay, Flamer, and Lets Talk About It, include discussions of sex and LGBTQ+ inclusive themes and, according to Lee, are among the most challenged titles in Connecticut.

In the statement to the Courant, the chapter denied accusations that Moms for Liberty is racist, transphobic, homophobic or extremist.

The chapter told the Courant they respect the rights of adults to make decisions; in posts and reposts on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the chapter shared material discussing Trans terrorism, the Trans Mind-Virus, and Trans Propaganda.

The chapter told the Courant that they oppose gender-affirming health care for minors. They spoke against the added burden of gender pronouns and said children should not make choices about sexuality or gender identity until they are adults.

The chapter said the group is not advocating for the removal of controversial titles from libraries, but they would like to see more oversight and parent involvement. The chapter also suggested keeping some material behind the librarians desk and issuing parental consent forms.

Connecticut Association of School Librarians President Jenny Lussier said libraries already respect family boundaries while maintaining access for other patrons.

If a family comes to me and says, You know what, my kids are not ready for this, then I will absolutely respect that. But do I want one family to say what all kids have access to? Definitely not, Lussier said.

Lee added that titles containing sexual themes are not on display in sections for young readers.

These books are not located in the childrens department for them to stumble upon, but they are located in places where the people who need those books will find them easily. And quite frankly, our teens and our young adults need to have information on how to have healthy relationships and engage in activities that are safe, Lee said.

Lee said that as more and more attempted book bans gain media attention, it changes the Overton window of political acceptability.

When you start attacking those books, it becomes acceptable to then attack those ideas. And once you attack those ideas, its not a leap to then attack those people and attack those communities and then turn them into others again. And once weve decided that they are others, its really easy to then legislate hate and reinforce that systemic prejudice, Lee said. Thats what I dont want to see.

As no book challenge in Connecticut has resulted in a library ban thus far, Lee and Lussier said they are somewhat optimistic heading into 2024.

Lussier and Lee emphasized what they said is the importance of staffing libraries with full-time, certified media specialists as well as maintaining clear reconsideration and collection development policies.

They said such policies provide channels for community members to question books while safeguarding against censorship and First Amendment infringement.

We really, encourage all of our members, (to) be ready, have all your documents ready, have all of the procedures and policies.  Make sure that your administrators know (the rules) so that when something does happen, you are fully prepared, Lussier said.

In the face of challenges, other libraries took stronger measures, like the Ferguson Library in Stamford, which became the first in the state to declare itself a Book Sanctuary.

Lussier said that even just five years ago, she could not have imagined the heartbreaking and frustrating situation that Connecticut libraries face today. But, she said rising legislative interest in safeguarding book access makes her extremely hopeful for the future.

Both Lussier and Lee said that in these moments, its important to remember the librarys mission, and what the institution means for democracy.

The library is a place for all the books and all the different ideas to live and be available for the community, Lee said. I think there are plenty of people who are paying attention and who know their history, who understand their First Amendment rights  I think they will continue to advocate for books and for libraries.

I hope that our past wins will continue to keep growing, that people understand that libraries are for everyone, that intellectual freedom is important (and) that we are celebrating free speech in libraries every day, all day long.
From the slew of criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden to an explosive Senate sex tape, 2023 was not short of political drama as the presidential race ramped up ahead of an election year.

Here is a look back at the political scandals that rocked the country in 2023:

A leaked sex tape showing a congressional staffer having sex with another man in a Senate hearing room rocked Capitol Hill in the days leading up to Christmas.

The situation unfolded on Dec. 15, when the Daily Caller published the video with the blurred-out faces of two men engaging in sex in Hart Senate Office Building room 216, a location where several high-profile hearings have taken place in recent years, including Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

SENATE HEARING ROOM SEX TAPE CONTROVERSY EXPLAINED

Posts on social media claimed the alleged staffer worked for the office of Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md. Less than a day after the story broke, Cardin's office announced that a legislative aide had been dismissed but did not address reports linking a member of his staff to the sex tape.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland, speaks during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing in Washington, DC, on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

"I was angry. I was disappointed," Cardin told Fox News on Dec. 18 when speaking about the scandal. "Its a breach of trust."

Trump, Hunter Biden, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and now-former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., have all faced their own indictments this year.

From left: Former President Donald Trump, Hunter Biden, former Rep. George Santos, and Sen. Bob Menendez.

Trump was indicted in four separate cases, two on federal charges and two on state charges in New York and Georgia, and he has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Hunter Biden was also indicted this month in California on nine tax charges  three felonies and six misdemeanors  over $1.4 million in taxes he allegedly owed between 2016 and 2019. He previously pleaded not guilty in October to federal gun charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware in connection with Special Counsel David Weiss years-long investigation.

Menendez, along with his wife Nadine and three New Jersey businessmen, were also charged in a federal bribery scheme on Sept. 23.

Menendez allegedly acted as an agent for the Egyptian government during his time as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez stepped down from the post when the first indictment was unsealed on Sept. 23, but he remains on the committee and has refused to resign from the Senate. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Congress expelled Santos in a House floor vote on Dec. 1 after he was indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, falsification of records, credit card fraud, and other charges.

He is accused of using campaign funds on a number of luxury goods and treatments such as Botox, pleading not guilty to all charges.

Since the Oct. 7 massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists in Israel, Jewish students nationwide have experienced a surge in incidents like vandalism, arson and harassment.

During a congressional hearing on antisemitism on Dec. 5, the presidents of Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Pennsylvania refused to say whether calls for genocide violated university rules of conduct.

Pro-Palestine protest on Cal State Long Beach campus, left, USC pro-Israel rally, right.

Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania leaders walked back their statements after widespread public outrage from the political right and left. UPenn President Liz Magill and Board of Trustees Chair Scott Bok resigned amid the backlash.

Democrat Sen. Jacky Rosen sent a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on Dec. 13, urging him to take a "comprehensive review" of university harassment policies amid rising antisemitism on college campuses and what she called a "failure" of leadership at those institutions to protect Jewish students.

Republicans have also proposed legislation to defund public universities that do not condemn antisemitism on campus in the wake of Hamas attacks.

The Wall Street Journal recently warned that antisemitism exposed on college campuses across the country is just one sign of the "deeper rot" caused by anti-American and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion "DEI" policies at these universities.

Fox News Andrew Mark Miller, Chad Pergram, Adam Sabes, Chris Pandolfo, Kristine Parks, Brooke Singman, Liz Elkind and Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.





Original article source: 2023 in political scandals: A Senate sex tape and indictments galore
FORMER (AND PERHAPS FUTURE) PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has been saying some strange things lately.

I am your retribution , he told the annual CPAC conference back in March. In a Veterans Day speech , Trump told a New Hampshire audience We pledge to you that we will root out the communists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. In a recent exchange with Fox News host Sean Hannity  after Hannity bent over backwards to get Trump to say he had no plans to be a dictator  Trump said that he only wanted to be a dictator on the first day of his new administration. It has been widely reported that Trump and his allies are planning to invoke the Insurrection Act, allowing the president to deploy troops to crush protests.

Since 2015 there has been much debate about whether or not Trump is a fascist. That debate is now over. Trump probably does not understand enough history or political theory to realize that he is a fascist. But instinctively he has found his way there. His language of retribution, of vermin, and of wanting to be a dictator, is a precise and highly alarming echo of the rhetoric of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in the early 20th century.

If he is elected president again, there will be no H.R. McMasters, no John Kellys, no Gen. Mark Milleys, restraining him from doing his worst. His administration will be packed with fanatical loyalists.

Americans have not seen a potential chief executive or a potential administration like this before. But other countries have. Historical parallels can help us understand better the kind of politics Trump is proposing, and the kinds of things we can expect to happen.

photo illustration of a torn piece of the U.S. Constitution

PERHAPS YOU ARE THINKING: This is a bit hysterical. Americans arent going to vote for dictatorship.

Perhaps not. But Germans in the 1930s didnt think they were voting for a dictatorship, or another world war, or genocide.

One thing the historical record shows us is that fascists get more extreme with time (and we have already seen this with Trump). Anywhere they have come to power, they have done so through an electoral system in which they have had to persuade a significant segment of the voters to support them, usually in alliance with conventional conservatives. For this reason, they play a complicated game with their messaging.

Both Mussolini and Hitler told voters exactly who they really were. When asked by a liberal reporter about his program, Mussolini replied that his program was to break the bones of democrats like the reporter. Before he came to power, Hitler liked to say that when he came to power, heads will roll in the sand.

When challenged on these words, the fascists typically backtracked  a bit. When a supreme court judge asked Hitler to explain what he meant by heads will roll in the sand, Hitler passed it off as metaphorical. He said he would abide by Germanys constitution and had no plans for a coup detat. But like Trump, he couldnt quite leave it there. I may assure you, he said, that when his movement had won its legal struggle there would be retribution, and heads [would] also roll.

When the Nazis needed to win free elections, they talked about other things  things that most voters cared deeply about. The Great Depression had hit Germany harder than any other country so the Nazis talked about work and bread. Most Germans felt their country had been victimized by a globalizing economy so Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels wrote that we want to build a wall around Germany, and Hitler complained about German companies sending jobs, such as shipbuilding, to China. Most Germans felt humiliated and angered by defeat in World War I, the terms of the peace treaty, and foreign occupation so the Nazis promised national assertion and national honor. In fully free elections in 1932, this messaging attracted just over a third of the electorate  more than any other party, but well short of a majority in Germanys complicated parliament.

The Nazis made no secret of their antisemitism, even if they spoke about it more in code the closer they got to power. And in the last semi-free German election, in February and March of 1933, their talk about dictatorship was strikingly similar to Trumps now. The leading Nazis made blunt speeches promising that whatever happened, this would be the last election. We are not willing to leave the field voluntarily, Hitlers interior minister told an election rally. Goebbels told a Berlin audience that Germanys Communists should not believe that everything will remain as it is today.

The talk of dictatorship was meant for the Nazi base. So was talk of what would happen to enemies after the Nazis won. In almost exactly Trumps words, the Nazis promised they would exterminate the noxious Communist brood root and branch just as one kills off rats or bugs. The base loved it. But such talk did not frighten away other voters who jumped on the Nazi bandwagon. In March 1933, the Nazis secured 43% of the popular vote.

The Nazis were right about one thing. That was the last free German election at a national level for the next 16 years.

Photo illustration of a torn piece of the U.S. Constitution

THIS HISTORY HELPS US UNDERSTAND why Trumps talk of dictatorship and retribution shouldnt be brushed off as hyperbole. These messages could work because many Americans want a dictatorship. Perhaps even a third of the electorate, just like in Germany in 1933.

The journalist Tim Alberta recently said on the PBS NewsHour that many white Christian evangelicals believe that they are now losing status in ways that they have never seen before ... There is a sense of impending doom ... that the government is coming for them, that Christianity is in the cross hairs, and that we need to fight back. As a Christian and the son of a pastor, Alberta knows the movement he is talking about, and has just published a book on the subject . When Trump pitches himself as a strongman, he says, as a would-be authoritarian, what these people hear is, desperate times call for desperate measures. White evangelicals would gladly embrace a lurch toward authoritarianism if it meant preserving what they see as a Christian America, rather than lose in a liberal democratic fashion. Trumps supporters hear his talk of dictatorship and say Good! Its about time.

Many Trump supporters and surrogates provide lurid examples of what Alberta is talking about. A year ago, Gavin Wax, the leader of New Yorks Young Republicans, used exactly the language of Goebbels when he proclaimed  We want total war ! He came back to the idea recently. Once President Trump is back in office, he said at a recent gathering to great applause, we wont be playing nice anymore. It will be time for retribution.

Underneath this fanaticism lurk many of the same factors that fueled the Nazis nearly a century ago  a similar sense of economic dispossession and loss of status, brought on by long-term socioeconomic and demographic trends.

Trumps base is largely made up of working-class white people. The percentage of whites in America is declining, while income inequality has increased and upward social mobility has fallen sharply since the 1980s.

One result is that working-class people, both whites and people of color, struggle with financial stress, lack of healthcare, poor physical environments and limited career prospects. This has contributed to an unprecedented political divide based on educational level: people with college degrees, including whites, now vote heavily Democratic, people without them vote heavily Republican.

These elements provide the fuel for Trumps movement and supporters  a pervasive feeling of humiliation and victimization. Nelson Mandela once said , There is nobody more dangerous than one who has been humiliated. The history of fascism bears him out. The historian Robert Paxton wrote that fascists were marked by their obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood, for which the solution was purity and internal cleansing and outward expansion pursued with violence and no ethical or legal restraints.

In the 1920s and 1930s, fascism rose in countries that had been humiliated by military defeat and its aftermath. Its militias were young men with limited job prospects and limited futures in devastated economies. They thought their enemies were criminals, traitors or a different race, or all three. They used violence to purify their societies of Jews and November Criminals (the Nazi term for politicians who signed the Armistice and brought Germany full democracy in 1918).

Trump has gone all in on the purity theme lately too. He recently told a rally in New Hampshire that immigrants from Africa, Asia and South America are  poisoning the blood of our country . This talk resonates with white people who fear becoming a minority, with Christians dismayed by living in an ever less Christian country, with working people who feel relegated to the lower rungs of the status hierarchy. For them, Trumps fascism means vindication and restoration of the country as they imagine it should be.

(Los Angeles Times illustration; Photo by AP Photo/Ben Gray)

IS AMERICA DOOMED TO GO THE WAY of Hitlers Germany or Mussolinis Italy?

Many commentators seem to think so. Robert Kagan of the Washington Post attracted much attention recently with an opinion article arguing that we are months away from a dictatorship, and that there will be little opposition to it when it comes. Liz Cheney has been sounding much the same warning. Determined to prove Kagan right, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) has demanded that Kagan be investigated for inciting insurrection .

The junior senator from Ohio, a Yale-trained lawyer, provides evidence that there will be virtually no opposition to a Trump dictatorship from anyone within the Republican Party, which is split between those who lack the courage and moral principle to oppose authoritarianism, and those, like Vance, who enthusiastically welcome it.

But America is a big, diverse country. Over two centuries of representative politics (and at least about 60 years of being a full-on democracy) have implanted ideas of popular participation very deeply in the American mind. Despite Trump and his supporters, America has strong antibodies against authoritarianism in its national bloodstream.

Lets take a basic cultural point: Social science data regularly show that in almost all areas of life Americans are the most individualistic people in the world. European and Asian authoritarians have the benefit of people more willing to accept orders from their governments. Sometimes, as with the COVID-19 pandemic, this ingrained American individualism is a problem . But faced with an authoritarian government, it is a plus.

Look at what has happened in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health Organization. The authoritarian response to Dobbs in red states has run up against a wall of noncompliance. There were more abortions in the U.S. in the year following Dobbs than in the year before. The shredding of womens rights by a Republican-packed Supreme Court turned out to be a boon to Democratic election prospects and causes in 2022 and 2023, even in red states such as Kansas and Ohio. Americans will simply not comply with orders they dont like.

The civil rights movement provides another example. The Jim Crow South was a zone of authoritarian, one-party states, with the rule of a small minority enforced by violence and corrupt election practices. Its main goal was to preserve racial segregation, but in some states measures such as poll taxes kept more white than Black people from voting. But this system was eventually overthrown by an internal resistance movement.

In the civil rights movement, even the ways in which Americans are less individualistic than international norms  in their commitments to churches, to causes and to voluntary organizations  proved to aid resistance to authoritarianism. There is reason to expect the same trends on a national level if Trump is elected president again.

There are other factors which will also limit Trumps authoritarian efforts. Trump has proven himself to be a spectacularly incompetent and undisciplined executive. He lacks the cunning and determined purpose of effective dictators. In a new administration he will surround himself with clowns on the order of Michael Flynn or Rudolph W. Giuliani. Even if Trump and his allies try to dismantle much of the federal government, theyll create chaos and weaken the governments capacity to enforce the presidents will. State governments, at least in blue states, will be effective centers of resistance.

It is very unlikely that by the end of this decade the United States will look like Viktor Orbans Hungary or Vladimir Putins Russia, let alone like Hitlers Germany.

But freedom from a Trump dictatorship will not come without a struggle, and not without suffering, especially for the most vulnerable: the working poor, people of color, migrants and refugees, women who need abortions. In the coming November election, it would be far better to inflict a ballot-box defeat on Trump and his ilk, one decisive enough to push the Republican Party toward its own internal denazification. That, more than anything else, will save us from fascism.

Benjamin Carter Hett is a professor of history at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, CUNY, and the author of The Death of Democracy and The Nazi Menace: Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and the Road to War.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The new year dawns with the West being drawn in the direction that every diplomatic sinew has been straining to avoid  direct conflict with either Russia or Iran, or both. The relentless Russian air and missile attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine seem designed to demoralise its people just as the West is cooling in its support almost two years after the invasion.

However, the Ukrainians are now seemingly taking the fight into Russia, shelling the frontier city of Belgorod, with the loss of at least 20 lives. This was the first serious attack on Russian territory and drew a ferocious response from the Kremlin. Moscows request for a UN security council meeting to discuss the strike when their forces are pounding civilian targets in Ukraine on a daily basis is an insult to any concept of international law.

But whatever the justification for a cross-border incursion, the West has been desperate to avoid such an eventuality, especially if the weapons used were supplied by Nato. It marks an expansion of the conflict in a direction not easily controlled.

On this day two years ago, Western leaders and analysts were trying to discern whether Russia really was going to invade, having massed troops on the border with Ukraine. Many thought it was a bluff, but we now know that Russian president Vladimir Putin was deadly serious and on the verge of a miscalculation of historic proportions. He believed Ukraine would swiftly succumb to overwhelming force, Russian troops would occupy Kyiv and install a puppet regime, and the Wests impotence would be exposed for the world to see.

That it did not turn out that way owes a great deal to the extraordinary courage of the Ukrainian people. It was also made possible by considerable military and financial aid from Nato as the war rapidly turned into a proxy conflict between Russia and the West.

But early assumptions that the economic squeeze on Russia would strangle its economy and force Putin out of the Kremlin proved wide of the mark. He has tapped into a deep well of Russian victimhood to sustain support for his so-called special military operation.

As the Wests promise to back Ukraine for as long as it takes begins to fray at the edges, Putin will sense that his earlier calculation of waning interest abroad is beginning to show dividends. Sanctions have not brought Russia to its knees nor triggered a coup. Will 2024 see Nato back away further, especially in a US election year?

Matters are complicated by the spreading war in the Middle East. The West has been desperate to see this confined to an Israeli-Hamas fight, but the longer it goes on, with untold suffering in Gaza, the greater the likelihood that it will spread.

This is also a proxy conflict: the main protagonist is Iran, which sponsors and funds terror groups throughout the region, from Hamas in Gaza, to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthi militia in Yemen. The latter have been threatening shipping in the Red Sea heading for the Suez Canal with drones and hijackings. Three Houthi boats attempting to intercept a container ship were sunk by the US navy in a legitimate act under international law against piracy in a vital shipping lane.

Western leaders must now contemplate a direct assault on Houthi positions inside Yemen to destroy its command and control structure, though this is something Saudi Arabia has been trying to do unsuccessfully for years.

The real command and control is in Tehran, which not only bankrolls these groups but continues to develop its nuclear programme in a flagrant breach of non-proliferation agreements. The country it threatens most directly is Israel, which the ayatollahs have long threatened to wipe off the map.

So far, Iran has stayed at one remove from the mayhem it is causing. The next stage may be to unleash Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is far better armed than Hamas  with thousands of rockets aimed at Israel, and battle-hardened militias.

The diplomatic and military conundrum at the start of this year, therefore, is whether it will be possible to continue taking a stand against Russia and Iran without triggering a direct conflict with either or both. As a nuclear power, Russia will persist in making dark threats about the consequences of Western involvement, while Iran will continue its nuclear programme until it has the bomb as well.

Moreover, the threats to world trade pose a challenge to China, whose goods are being held up by Iranian-backed action. Beijing should use its influence on both Moscow and Tehran to stop their adventurism. It cannot be in Chinas interest to see it continue.

Russia and Iran are working together to undermine the West because democracies are vulnerable to public opinion and they sense that a year of elections will see its resolve weaken. The world is potentially facing its most critical year since the end of the Cold War and arguably since 1945. The autocrats must be faced down or the outlook is bleak indeed.

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PLOVER  One person was killed and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Saturday night on Interstate 39 in Portage County.

The crash happened about 5:30 p.m. Saturday on Interstate 39 at Birch Drive in the town of Plover. A 2006 Honda Accord was traveling north on Interstate 39 when it lost control, entered the median and traveled into the southbound lanes of Interstate 39, according to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol. A 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan was traveling south on Interstate 39 and crashed into the Accord as it entered the southbound lanes.

The driver of the Accord, a 25-year-old woman from Wisconsin Dells, was transported by ambulance to Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the Grand Caravan, a 73-year-old man from Friendship, was not injured in the crash. A passenger in the Grand Caravan, a 68-year-old woman from Friendship, was transported by ambulance to Marshfield Medical Center-River Region Stevens Point Campus with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is conducting the crash investigation. The southbound lanes of Interstate 39 were closed for about two hours while the crash was investigated and the scene was cleared.

More local news: Marshfield Clinic Health System to suspend surgical services at Stevens Point campus

Local education news: What voters need to know about a $14M Stevens Point School District referendum set for the April ballot

Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Wisconsin Dells woman killed Saturday in I-39 crash in Portage County
Emergency workers have recovered 23 bodies of people killed in a Russian missile attack on 29 December from under the rubble in Kyiv.

Source: Ukraine's State Emergency Service

Quote: "Emergency workers have pulled 23 people killed in a Russian missile attack on 29 December out of the rubble in Kyiv's Shevchenkivskyi district as of 12:30. Eight people were rescued.

The National Police reported that 35 people were injured. Search and rescue operations are ongoing."

More details: Ihor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration, reported that a 61-year-old resident of Smila, who was injured in a missile attack on 29 December, had died in hospital.

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WHITMORE LAKE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT)  Four people were killed and two others injured in a massive house explosion Saturday afternoon in the community of Northfield Township near Detroit, authorities said.

Northfield Township Police and Michigan State Police responded to a report of an explosion at a single-family home in a rural area of the Whitmore Lake neighborhood at around 4 p.m. Saturday. Northfield Township is located about 45 miles west of Detroit.

The explosion happened on Winters Lane and could be heard in Jackson, according to Northfield Township police Lt. Dave Powell. Debris was also found on the other side of US-23.

No nearby homes were damaged, Powell said.

On Tuesday, Jan. 2, authorities identified the homeowner as 72-year-old Richard Pruden.

Pruden's daughter, Hope Bragg, 51, as well as her husband, Don Bragg, 53, their son, Kenneth Bragg, 22, and daughter, Elizabeth Bragg, 19, died in the explosion.

Police say Pruden is in critical condition. The family's youngest child, 16-year-old Stephen Bragg, is in stable condition.

Authorities say the Bragg family were visiting from Arkansas for the holidays.

/ Credit: Luke Laster

A video posted to social media by Nate Mark captured parts of the explosion.

Explosion in Whitmore Lake, Michigan pic.twitter.com/0c9WfCUoOs  Nate Mark (@NateMark456313) December 30, 2023

Police say a preliminary investigation indicates that the cause of the blast was a fuel explosion. No foul play is suspected.

"The investigation is still ongoing. I can say preliminarily, and it's subject to change pending further analysis of the evidence and interviews, that we have an undetermined fuel-air explosion. We do not expect foul play at this time," said Northfield Township Lt. Dave Powell.

Natural gas company DTE Energy responded to ensure the scene was safe, as did local fire and hazmat crews.

Power was also shut off to the area, Powell said.

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Here is a look at several highly anticipated cases in Sarasota and Manatee counties that are expected to head to trial or will have major updates to pay attention to in 2024.

It's important to note that while some of these cases are scheduled for trial, those trial dates are not set in stone and could change depending on court proceedings ahead of the trials, if settlements are proposed, or if it's revealed more time is needed for preparation.

Petito v. Laundrie: Trial set for May 2024

Gabby Petito's parents, Joseph Petito, left, and Nichole Schmidt, center, with their attorney, Patrick Reilly, right, listen to arguments by an attorney for Brian Laundrie's parents, Matthew Luka, as Luka seeks to have a negligence lawsuit dismissed in court in Sarasota County, Florida on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Petito and Schmidt claim in their lawsuit that the Laundrie's acted maliciously by not telling them where their daughter was and if she was alive.

Gabby Petito's family may finally have the answers they're looking for in May 2024 when their negligence lawsuit against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, Brian Laundrie's parents, and their New York-based attorney goes to trial.

Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, Gabby Petito's parents, first filed their lawsuit in March 2022 about six months after their daughter's body was found near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on Sept. 19, 2021. The lawsuit claims that the Laundries knew about the whereabouts of their son, Brian Laundrie, following Petitos death and may have been trying to get him out of the country before his death.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie were on a cross-country trip when Gabby was reported missing by her family on Sept. 11, 2021. Her death was ruled a homicide due to strangulation.

Brian Laundrie was the lone person of interest in the investigation after he returned home without contacting her family. He later disappeared into a nature reserve in Florida, and his body was found on Oct. 20, 2021, after he died by suicide.

In late November, Gabby Petito's parents filed a third amended complaint against the Laundries and Steven Bertolino, the family's attorney who represented them while the search for Gabby Petito took place in 2021.

In the new filing, attorneys for the Petito family claim that Brian Laundrie called his parents and told them Gabby was "gone" almost two weeks before her family reported her missing, all the while sending her family texts from her phone in an attempt to cover up that Gabby Petito was dead. The complaint also states that the Laundries retained Bertolino on Sept. 2, 2021, after speaking with him several days prior in which they informed him that Gabby was "gone."

As of now, the trial is expected to take place in mid-to-late May.

Ashley Benefield: Waiting on appellate decision of whether case will proceed

Ashley Benefield is accused of killing her estranged husband, Doug Benefield, and is attempting to have the case dismissed under Florida's Stand Your Ground law. The two-day hearing on the justifiable use of force immunity defense concluded Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, Florida.

While it is unclear if a former ballerina's criminal case will proceed to trial in 2024 as she awaits to hear about her appeal to overturn a circuit court judge's decision to not grant her 'Stand Your Ground' immunity claim, her case could still have significant updates.

An attorney for Ashley Benefield, 31, who was arrested and charged with murder in the second degree with a firearm in November 2020, filed the petition in October asking the court to find that Ashley Benefield is either entitled to immunity from prosecution or quash the trial court's order related to the immunity claim.

Ashley Benefield was arrested a little over a month after investigators responded to a call from a neighbor who said Ashley Benefield had told him she'd been attacked by her husband, Doug Benefield, and that she had shot him, according to an affidavit.

During a hearing in July, assistant state attorneys Suzanne O'Donnell and Rebecca Freel, and Ashley Benefield's defense attorney, Neil Taylor, argued whether or not Ashley Benefield's actions the night she fired a gun at Doug Benefield were self-defense.

If the appellate court rules in favor of Benefield, the case could either be dismissed or there could be another hearing for the immunity claim. If the appellate court doesn't rule in Benefield's favor, the case could proceed to a trial. As of Dec. 11, a response to the petition for writ of prohibition was filed on Nov. 16 and no further actions have been taken.

Keep reading: Judge denies former Florida ballerina's Stand Your Ground claim in husband's fatal shooting

Previous reporting: Former Florida ballerina evokes 'Stand Your Ground' in 2020 homicide of estranged husband

'Take Care of Maya' case continues beyond trial as defense files motions for new trials

Maya Kowalski was wearing her mothers, earrings and purse Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 as the jury ended it's second day of deliberations. The Kowalski family is suing Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for false imprisonment, negligent infliction of emotional distress, medical negligence, battery, and other claims more than a year after the family matriarch, Beata Kowalski, took her life following allegations she was abusing her daughter, Maya Kowalski.

While the Kowalski family finally had their day in court and were awarded by a six-person jury $261 million in compensatory and punitive damages following a two-month-long trial, their case isn't over yet.

As of Dec. 6, the defense for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital has filed at least two motions related to a new trial, the first based on an allegation of juror misconduct and the second related to directive verdicts.

The defense for the hospital also indicated after the trial that they would be appealing the verdict "based on the clear and prejudicial errors throughout the trial and deliberate conduct by plaintiff's counsel that misled the jury."

In a 122-page document filed before Thanksgiving, the defense for the hospital asked the court to grant an interview with Juror No. 1, the foreperson, to open an investigation into allegations of jury misconduct and grant a new trial on that basis.

The motion claims that the foreperson deliberately ignored Sarasota Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll's instructions to not discuss the case with any person during the trial, to not consider any evidence outside of what was presented in court, and not to form any opinions about the case before deliberations.

The Kowalski family sued Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in 2018 for $220 million more than a year after wife and mother, Beata Kowalski, took her life after child abuse allegations arose against her, and a Florida Department of Children and Families investigation led to then 10-year-old Maya Kowalski being separated from her family.

A criminal investigation is also underway after Maya Kowalski filed a complaint with the St. Petersburg Police Dept., alleging she was sexually abused while staying at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in October 2016.

Gabriela Szymanowska covers the legal system for the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Report for America. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America. Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 2024 cases: Petito v. Laundrie; Ashley Benefield; 'Take Care of Maya'
A four-alarm fire Saturday night at a hotel near Bojangles Coliseum was likely caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials  although an electrical failure was not completely eliminated, the Charlotte Fire Department said in a post on X Sunday morning.

A fire that erupted around 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Golden Green Hotel at 3024 E. Independence Blvd. was controlled in 80 minutes and contained to one room, the fire department said. Two people were rescued, and six people were treated by Medic; one was transported for minor injuries.

STRUCTURE FIRE UPDATE: 3000 block E Independence Blvd. Through a joint effort of @charlottefire @RedCross and the property management, living arrangements were made for displaced residents at two area hotels with transportation provided by @CATSRideTransit pic.twitter.com/zxRonOzPW3  Charlotte Fire Dept (@CharlotteFD) December 31, 2023

The estimated property and content loss is about $250,000, the fire department said.

The Red Cross is assisting the Charlotte Fire Department and property management to make living arrangements at two area hotels for displaced residents.

STRUCTURE FIRE UPDATE: 3000 block E Independence Blvd. 8PM fire went 4th alarm. Incident was controlled in 80 minutes (8:57PM). Firefighters rescued two victims. @MecklenburgEMS evaluated six patients. One patient transported with minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/KBSpxa6z0t  Charlotte Fire Dept (@CharlotteFD) December 31, 2023
Four people are dead and two are in critical condition in Michigan after a home was destroyed Saturday in an explosion, authorities say.

A wide swath of ground surrounding the home's hollowed-out basement was covered with splintered wood debris Saturday, aerial footage shows. The charred husk of a car could also be seen near where the outside walls of the home once stood in Whitmore Lake, a rural community about 12 miles north of Ann Arbor.

The deadly incident occurred around 4 p.m. Saturday when the sounds of the explosion were heard nine miles away, police said. Debris from the blast spread to a nearby highway, leading a resident to report the blast to authorities.

This image from video shows the remains of a house scattered after an explosion in Northfield Township, Mich., on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. Several were killed and injured.

Three people who died were found at the scene of the explosion. Of the three others who were hospitalized, one died and two were in critical condition at a hospital, according to an update Sunday from Northfield Township police.

Police have not named the four people killed and two injured in the blast.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, police said.

Michigan State police also responded to the incident, and fire and hazardous materials crews were also expected to secure the scene.

Neighboring homes were not damaged, Northfield Township Police Lt. David Powell said Saturday.

Contributing: Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Whitmore Lake Michigan house explosion kills 4, injures 2 victims
On 31 December, 42 combat clashes with Russian forces took place at the front during the day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 31 December

Quote: "During the day there were 42 combat clashes. In total, the enemy launched 12 missile strikes and 58 air strikes, some of which involved Shahed 136/131-type attack drones, and carried out 48 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on our troops positions and on settlements."

Details: Russian invaders launched attacks on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Mariinka, Shakhtarsk and Zaporizhzhia fronts.

In addition, Russian forces attempted to knock out Ukrainian units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River, making nine failed assault actions on these positions in the course of the day.

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Oscar-nominated actor Tom Wilkinson, who passed away suddenly Saturday at the age of 75, according to an announcement by his family, had a long 50-year career in Hollywood with both television and film credits to his name.

The English actor starred in more than 130 roles on the big and small screens and was recognized several times for his work.

Here are five things to know about him and his influence.

His best-known trio of roles

Tom Wilkinson arrives at the Denial premiere on day 4 of the Toronto International Film Festival at the Princess of Wales Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, file)

Wilkinson is best known for several supporting film roles.

He was nominated and received the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Gerald in Peter Cattaneos 1997 comedy-musical, The Full Monty. Wilkinson played a former foreman in the film about a man who, desperate for money after losing his job and learning that his wife wants to sue him for missing child support payments, creates his own male strip-tease act with his friend and recruits others, including Wilkinsons character.

Four years later, Wilkinson was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Actor category for his role as Matt Fowler, a doctor, in Todd Fields 2001 thriller-drama In the Bedroom.

Then in 2007, he was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Tony Gilroys acclaimed thriller Michael Clayton.

A long and expansive career

British actor Tom Wilkinson, a cast member in the film Belle, poses for a portrait on day 5 of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on Monday, Sept. 9, 2013 in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Chances are, Wilkinson has been a movie you have seen, also starring in films like:

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Batman Begins (2005)

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

On the small screen, Wilkinson won a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Benjamin Franklin in HBOs 2008 limited series, John Adams.

He was also nominated for Emmys for his roles in Normal (2003), Recount (2008) and The Kennedys (2011).

An order of chivalry from his country

Penelope Wilton and Tom Wilkinson attend Fox Searchlights Premiere of Belle at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 8th, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Fox Searchlight/AP Images)

Wilkinson was honored by his country and appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, public service outside the civil service and work with charitable and welfare organizations.

Wilkinson was given the honor in 2005, which was first established in 1917 by King George V. Sir Ridley Scott, famed director of Blade Runner and Alien, is among those set to receive the honor in 2024.

His interest in acting from childhood

Actors Tom Wilkinson, from left, Andrew Scott and Timothy Spall pose for photographers upon arrival at the Denial screening in central London, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)

In a 2005 interview with NPR, Wilkinson said he always thought he would become a farmer, like his father and the generations in his family before him.

But when his family lost their farm, a boon of creativity was spawned from an identity crisis.

I think in a certain sense, rootlessness, in that sense, is quite good for an actor, he said in the interview. Its not necessarily going to make an actor, but it means they are much more wide-ranging in the things that they will allow themselves to be influenced by, that theyre perhaps not as set in their cultural ways as perhaps they could be if they had that thing which we crudely call a strong sense of themselves.

Marrying an actor and starting a family

Diana Hardcastle,left, and Tom Wilkinson poses with the award for best actor in a miniseries or motion picture made for television for Recount as they arrive at the HBO Golden Globes after-party on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

In 1988, Wilkinson married actress Diana Hardcastle, who is known for her roles in television.

She appeared in episodes of Midsomer Murders, Inspector Lynley and Taggart, along with roles in the series First Among Equals and Fortunes of War.

Wilkinson and Hardcastle played husband and wife a number of times, including as Joe and Rose Kennedy in the miniseries, The Kennedys, in Good People and as brother-in-law and sister-in-law in the series Belgravia.

They had two children together.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Year after year, unfailingly, the most consistent lethal threat to the California Condor Recovery Program is lead poisoning.

And again in 2023, mortality resulting from these enormous birds eating carcasses downed by lead ammunition has caught up with four of the eight condors that died this year, according to Ventana Wildlife Society.

Big Sur condors Wassak (#968), Poseidon (#697) and Wilbur (#696), along with #700 from Pinnacles, all perished from lead poisoning.

A landslide buried Pinnacles #1082; Big Gulp (#711) died from trauma; (#663) Juniperos passing is yet to be determined; and Pinnacles (#602) death is awaiting the necropsy report.

Missing but feared dead are two more condors: Traveler (#171) has been unaccounted for since Oct. 5; and Madrone (#1100) has not been heard from since June 23.

Those negative data notwithstanding, 100 condors are now flying free in the Central California skies.

Its cool to see the triple digits again, said VWS senior wildlife biologist Joe Burnett during Novembers monthly Zoom Condor Chat.

The last time we hit triple digits was right before the Dolan Fire in 2020, he said. That fire took the lives of 12 condors and burned 125,000 acres.

Dolan Fire arsonist Ivan Gomez, 31, was found guilty of 16 felony counts, including cruelty to animals, and is serving 24 years in state prison.

So while eight (and perhaps 10) condors  North Americas largest land bird that can soar to 10,000 feet and fly 200 miles in a single day  perished in 2023, VWS revitalized the flock by releasing 10 juveniles from the rugged mountains above San Simeon  six captive raised birds on Nov. 28 and four on Dec. 12.

Moreover, four condor chicks were fledged in 2023: two from the Big Sur Coast, Kodama (#646) and Miracle (#538); and a pair from Pinnacles, Tiny (#236) and Phoebe (#569).

Recent lead poisoning deaths

Thirty-two California condors have died due to lead poisoning since 2018, according to VWS.

While only three birds died of lead poisoning in 2022, seven died from lead poisoning in 2019; eight died in 2020; 10 died in 2021, and four in 2023.

The goal of the California Condor Recovery Program is to have 150 of the birds in the air.

VWS executive director Kelly Sorenson said in an interview, If lead poisoning wasnt such a huge problem, condors would have been expected to reach (150) by 2025.

But given the same trends as the past five years, It will take 20 years to increase the population to 150 condors, he added.

Sorenson went on: The fact remains, condors can only be self-sustaining when lead poisoning is significantly reduced.

When the ban on the use of lead ammunition  for hunters taking wildlife with a firearm  went into law in California on July 1, 2019, there was hope for a reduction in lead-poisoning deaths.

But Sorenson pointed out that hunters, sportsmen and ranchers are not always able to find non-lead, copper ammunition in their local stores.

Hence, since the most commonly used caliber for bullets, .22 caliber, is the least likely to be found in gun shops, its easy to see why lead poisoning continues to plague condors, the VWS executive director explained.

For information on how to get lead-free ammunition through VWS: visit vws.org/ammunition.html.
Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukraines Air Force has shot down 85% of the Russian missiles and UAVs launched on this country since February 2022, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk has announced.

Source: Oleshchuk on Telegram

Details: Since 24 February 2022, the Defence Forces have destroyed 1,709 missiles of various types. These include:

Kh-101/555/55s: 1,360 launched by Russia, 1,045 destroyed by Ukraines air defence

Kalibrs: 834 launched, 397 destroyed

Iskander-Ks: 154 fired, 62 destroyed

Shahed-136/131 assault UAVs: 3,940 launched, 3,095 destroyed

In the course of the war, the Air Force has carried out over 16,000 sorties: 7,600 to inflict fire damage and another 8,600 for fighter aircraft cover.

Quote: "The percentage of air attack weapons (cruise missiles and UAVs) that are downed is currently around 85%!...

Several brilliant operations were carried out (in 2023) to destroy Russian aircraft that had been terrorising Ukrainians with guided bombs and other means of destruction."

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A Rogers Park woman faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly defacing multiple buildings, including a North Side Jewish elementary school with antisemitic graffiti and Nazi symbols.

Mariana Lynch, 30, was arrested just before 1 p.m. Thursday in the 1200 block of West Touhy Avenue after area residents called police to report someone tagging businesses, according to Chicago police. Within an hour, she allegedly defaced multiple businesses, an apartment building and park property on the North Side, authorities said.

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Arresting officers recognized Lynch from a bulletin for a similar defacement that took place the day before at Yeshiva Ohr Boruch Jewish Academy in the West Ridge neighborhood, according to her arrest report.

Officers said Lynch used a black Sharpie permanent marker to draw swastikas, never again, and other messages consistent with antisemitic ideologies, according to the report.

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Just before her arrest, Lynch allegedly told police she said that she was personally persecuted by the Jews and has to get attention and admitted responsibility for the multiple taggings. The report states that Lynch takes medication for mental illness.

She was later charged with hate crime, damage to government property and criminal defacement to other property, police said. In all, she racked up six felonies and four misdemeanor counts for the alleged defacement.

At a Saturday detention hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Judge William Fahy granted pretrial release to Lynch, who had no prior criminal record. The judge did order her to surrender her firearms owners identification card and barred her from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapons, according to court records. She was also barred from the sites of her alleged vandalism.

Lynchs arrest follows tensions sparked by the war in Gaza, after the terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Your New Years celebrations might look a lot different if it werent for the 21st Amendment. This December marks 90 years since the constitutional amendment was ratified, ending Prohibition  the countrys ban on alcohol.

In Michigan, it was a New Years Eve celebration that marked the end of it all.

After a dry decade, many Michiganders were fed up with Prohibition and pushed to legalize alcohol once again. It forced lawmakers at the federal and state levels to work together and work quickly to implement a regulation system.

It all eventually led to Dec. 5, 1933, when Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment and officially end Prohibition and Dec. 30, 1933, when Michigans first liquor stores opened for business.

BANNING BOOZE

The Prohibition Era technically spans 1920 through 1933 but its roots go back decades. The push to ban alcohol stems from the Temperance movement, Christian organizations that urged people to abstain or at least moderate their drinking. The first groups popped up in New York in the early 1800s and had swept across much of the United States by the 1830s. That influence crept into governments at virtually every level, eventually building up enough supporters to pass legislation in many counties and states to ban alcohol.

Hundreds of people march down Manhattan calling for an end to prohibition. (AP file)

People enjoy legal drinking at a New York City restaurant on Dec. 5, 1933, hours after the 21st Amendment was ratified, ending prohibition. (AP file)

People prepare to enjoy legal drinking as they gather on Dec. 5, 1933, in New York City, hours after the 21st Amendment was ratified. (AP file)

Two employees prep beer barrels to be tapped after low-alcohol beer was legalized in March of 1933. (AP file)

A salesman at Bloomingdales department store in New York sells the stores first bottle of legal liquor following the repeal of prohibition on Dec. 5, 1933. (AP file) Photo)

Dorothy Wentworth, right, and a friend share a legal cocktail on Dec. 5, 1933, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. (AP file)

Evangelist Billy Sunday was one of the movements leaders, preaching that the countrys social ills would be fixed by simply banning alcohol. He famously said in a recorded speech, I will fight the saloon from Hawaii to Hoboken. Plenty of people believed him and his claims that cities could close their jails and use them as corn cribs if alcohol was banned.

Personal papers from President Woodrow Wilson show how the conversations shifted in the White House, documenting letters and telegrams that he received arguing for and against Prohibition.

There is a great difference between temperance and hysterical prohibition, one letter said. Doctors from all over Boston and greater Boston are prescribing liquors of all kinds to head off the terrible Influenza epidemic.

Stanley Ketchel: How The Michigan Assassin found himself on the wrong end of a rifle

Wilson vetoed Congress bill for Prohibition, writing, In all matters having to do with the personal habits and customs of large numbers of our people, we must be certain that the established processes of legal change are followed. In no other way can the salutary object sought to be accomplished by great reforms of this character be made satisfactory and permanent.

The House and Senate disagreed and responded with enough votes to override the veto and pass the bill into law.

The process moved even faster in Michigan. According to Michigans Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which now oversees the states Liquor Control Commission, most of the state was dry by 1911, with several counties enacting their own alcohol bans. In 1916, voters approved a statewide ban that would ban the manufacture, sale, keeping for sale, giving away, bartering or furnishing of alcohol.

Michigans ban took effect in May of 1918, months before Congress ratified the 18th Amendment on Jan. 16, 1919, and nearly two years before Prohibition officially became the law of the land on Jan. 17, 1920.

ON SECOND THOUGHT

President Herbert Hoover, who held the office from 1929 to January of 1933, called Prohibition a noble experiment, but historians say it immediately became clear that legal bans on alcohol only generated more problems.

Prohibition gave rise to several illegal industries. Instead of simply deterring people from drinking or providing some form of regulation or oversight, it drove everything underground. Smuggling, bootlegging and speakeasies became a major source of income and were quickly monopolized by organized crime families.

Before things got better, they got worse. While the 18th Amendment did not prohibit possession or consumption of alcohol, states were allowed to enact tougher laws. The Michigan Legislature beefed up its efforts in 1927, making any liquor violation a felony offense. A Lansing woman soon became the face of the new law and became a turning point for the argument about alcohol.

Pigeon Hill: Another piece of West Michigan lost to time

One year after that new law, Etta Mae Miller, a 48-year-old mother of 10 was arrested for allegedly selling two pints of homemade moonshine. The charges were her fourth offense, meaning she was automatically sentenced to life in prison.

Millers case made headlines across the country and pushed the debate forward, with the negative aspects of Prohibition now seemingly outweighing the positives. Her sentence was eventually commuted by Gov. Fred Green in 1930.

In this April 27, 1933 file photo, Michigan Gov. William Comstock signs the Public Act 64 of 1933, which legalized the sale of low-alcohol beer and wine in Michigan and created the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. (Courtesy LARA/The Detroit Free Press)

A special edition of The Detroit Free Press includes photos of Michigan Gov. William Comstock pouring and sipping a beer on April 30, 1933. Before prohibition was repealed, beer with low levels of alcohol were approved for sale. (Courtesy LARA/The Detroit Free Press)

By 1932, the debate had passed its tipping point. The noble experiment had failed. There were thousands of speakeasies and blind pigs across Michigan alone, and spikes in violent crime could be traced directly to Prohibition. According to historian Christopher Klein, an estimated $300 million was spent by the federal government enforcing Prohibition laws and an estimated $11 billion in tax revenue was lost by banning alcohol instead of regulating it.

It was apparent that the ban could not be realistically enforced. In November of that year, voters returned to the polls to repeal the amendment to the Michigan Constitution they had passed years earlier and establish a control commission to regulate alcohol if a federal ban was ever lifted.

PBB: How a simple shipping error poisoned most of Michigan

It was a sign of things to come. In March 1933, Congress passed the Cullen-Harrison Act, which amended federal law to legalize the sale of beer and wine as long as the alcohol content was below 3.2%. And in April, when the formal process for repealing Prohibition first started, representatives from Michigan  one of the first states to adopt Prohibition  became the first state to repeal it by ratifying the 21st Amendment.

No amendment is officially adopted until it is approved by three-fourths of the states in the union. Many states rushed to put together conventions and ratify the amendment. On Dec. 5, 1933, Ohio and Pennsylvania became No. 34 and No. 35, and at 3:32 p.m. local time, Utah became state No. 36, enshrining the 21st Amendment into the U.S. Constitution.

People and businesses in 18 states were ready. Shortly after Utahs announcement, Under Secretary of State William Phillips signed the final documents and liquor started flowing legally there.

William Comstock served one term as Michigans Governor, from Jan. 1, 1933- to Jan. 1, 1935. (Courtesy National Governors Association)

Delivery Truck engines purred as they left liquor warehouses. Thousands of champagne corks popped, and hundreds of thousands of glasses clinked to toast drinkers regained freedom, Klein wrote. By late night, licensed establishments were packed as jazz bands played and drinkers rightfully sang Happy Days Are Here Again.

The happy days were still a few weeks away for Michigan. Despite the November 1932 vote, the state still had laws on the books that needed to be addressed. The Legislature was able to act quickly, and the newly formed Liquor Control Commission got to work getting stores open and regulating how to allow liquor to be sold easily.

Seven liquor stores were ready to open by Dec. 30, when Michigans liquor laws took effect: three in Detroit and one each in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Jackson and Saginaw. Many hotels and restaurants were also granted two-day licenses to allow them to purchase liquor from outside providers  with a 40% tax  to get stocked up for the New Years holiday.

Gov. William Comstock commemorated the new laws by purchasing the states first legal bottle of whiskey  Old Taylor Bourbon  from a store in Detroit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
An adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has criticized Israeli plans for longer-term checks on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahus proposal, "of Israel regaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, as well as the creation of buffer zones and new security arrangements are clear evidence of a decision to re-establish complete occupation," Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a post on X.

This undermines "agreements with Egypt and terminates all pacts with the PLO," he added.

He was commenting on Netanyahu's statements, made on Saturday evening, that after the Gaza war, Israel should also control the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, some 14 kilometres long.

This is the only way to ensure the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, according to Netanyahu.

Al-Sheikh wrote of the need for "a unified Palestinian and Arab decision to confront consequences of this aggressive war and Netanyahus attempts to dictate new realities resulting from this war."

Discussion continues as the war rages on over the future of Gaza.

Hamas won the 2006 parliamentary elections against Abbas' more moderate Fatah, then violently seized sole control of the Gaza Strip a year later.

Israel withdrew from the area in 2005 and evacuated more than 20 Israeli settlements.

Since Hamas took power, there have de facto been two separate Palestinian governments, one in Gaza and one in Ramallah.
Editor's note: Abilene Reporter News has asked the community to nominate people as Everyday Heroes. Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting those nominees.

Ever since Becky Almanza was a little girl, she found herself in the kitchen. Her passion for cooking led her on a path to ministry and service in the community of Abilene.

Almanza is an active member of Abilenes Highland Church of Christ serving as the director of the Highland Food Pantry. In this position she organizes various programs and finds opportunities to help every person struggling to keep food on the table.

Additionally, she collaborates with the Abilene Big Country Hunger Coalition to ensure Abilene ISD students have hot and nutritious meals to eat during holiday and summer breaks.

Depending on the time of year, Almanza said the programs she coordinates feeds 300 to 500 people daily.

Living a life feeding others. Director of Highland Food Pantry Becky Almanza works continuously to coordinate and organize programs to feed the Abilene community.

Instilling a passion for food and feeding others

Growing up in a traditional Hispanic family with 12 siblings, Almanza knew her way around the kitchen. At 13 years old, she remembers making tortillas for her family. Those experiences strengthened her love of cooking and feeding people.

With so many people to feed, Almanza experienced hunger in her household. Her father, a retired minister for the Church of Christ, was adamant on providing for the family and refused benefits available for large families like food stamps and Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

A lot of times I remember just being hungry, Almanza said. My mom was resourceful with how she cooked food and fed us.

Meals of beans and Spanish rice with small portions of proteins was the norm. Almanza remembers watching her mother cut a whole chicken into 16 to 18 pieces so every family member had protein on their plate.

At school, Almanza and her siblings helped in the kitchen before school to "earn" their meals for the day.

I have a vague memory of being at elementary school and going into the kitchen early  earlier than all the other kids arriving at school  and my brothers and I folded and rolled up the silverware and napkins that we would use for lunch. I think it was my dad who said, Even though my kids are getting free reduced lunch, I want them to work for it, Almanza said.

Feeding students and relationships

After graduating high school, Almanza attended college at University of Texas in Arlington. Because of her involvement in the church during her younger years, she joined a Christian faith-based social group that would serve luncheons twice a month as an outreach to students.

Almanza found a mentor in the group directors wife and attributes a lot of her knowledge in feeding large crowds to her.

Almanza took a break from college because of family circumstances but continued to feed others through her self-owned catering business. She remained involved in the church and felt a calling for ministry but did not consider pursuing it as a career.

I knew ministry was a calling for me, but I guess back then, women didnt do that. I grew up in an age where you could do it personally. I could do Sunday school or Bible class teaching, and I could teach other women in our denomination. But we just didn't do that, Almanza said.

During that same time, she met her husband, Joe. His background with the Texas prison system made Almanzas parents disapprove of their relationship initially, but in her heart, she knew he was determined to change his life for the better.

They married and moved to Abilene in 2004 to begin their ministry at Highland Church of Christ.

Fulfilling the lifelong calling

Almanzas husband joined the Highland staff and had several responsibilities in his position, including the churchs food pantry. He enlisted Almanza to help with the food pantry and administrative tasks.

Ive always had a passion for ministry, and the opportunity came that he needed somebody. So Highland hired me to be able to help him. Well always be a pair, she said.

Her years of service to the soup kitchen and food pantry made an easy and natural transition into full-time leadership as director of Highland Food Pantry.

Almanzas memories from her childhood drive her to serve the community of Abilene through Highlands various programs.

My most favorite thing to do is to organize programs, she said. We provide comfort spiritually and physically through food.

In her position, she coordinates the Highland Food Pantry, Free Meals Program for Abilene ISD and Freedom and Grace Fellowship  the weekly soup kitchens through Highland.

In the kitchen of Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Becky Almanza outlines daily volunteer duties to keep everyone organized and ready to serve the community.

Part of her job requires communication and organization with local agencies like Love & Care Ministries, Food Bank of West Central Texas and AmeriCorps.

In 2023, Almanza organized all the food and volunteers to serve breakfast, lunch and snacks to participants and dental service providers at the Texas Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic.

We take examples of feeding people from the Bible, Almanza stated. Jesus fed thousands of people so we started ministries by feeding people.

An unconventional college experience

Almanza shared that during their first years in Abilene, her niece wanted her family to adopt her child to be raised in a Christian home. At the time, the couples two children were grown, and they were unsure if they could care for a newborn.

Faced with the probability of the child going into Child Protective Services, Almanza and her husband took in her nieces baby in 2007.

We ended up falling in love with him, and we adopted him a couple of years later, she said. We started all over because our older children were 16 years older!

On top of starting all over, Almanza wanted to go back to college once she realized her true purpose for service. She attended Cisco College and graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2011 with a bachelors degree in child and family services.

After that experience, Almanza said she did not want to go back to school, but with years of work with a nonprofit organization under her belt, she wanted a degree to showcase her abilities and knowledge.

She participated in an online masters degree program through ACU alongside her eldest daughter and graduated in 2018.

Differences made, lives changed

Almanza was nominated by two friends within her parish, Gail Donaghey and Sue Thomesen.

Becky is a behind-the-scenes hero who organizes, arranges funding, finds volunteers, and feeds Abilene on so many occasions. As a minister of Highland Church of Christ, she has the opportunity to see the basic need for food in our community. There are so many heroic things I could say about my friend Becky and what a huge blessing she is to Abilene, Donaghey wrote in her nomination message.

Almanza's natural ability to cook and feed people comes across as "magic," according to a compliment from Almanzas daughter.

One time my daughter said, 'When you're in the kitchen, it just seems like it just turns into magic. What do you mean? I asked her. Well, you just do everything and then you know, sit down it's magically there. That was one of the biggest compliments I've ever gotten, she said.

Throughout her years with the food pantry and at Highland Church of Christ, Almanza has learned many lessons along the way.

My husband taught me what it means to be a servant to others, being humble and leading by example. To me that is true leadership, she said. We are always looking for ways to better feed people.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: 'A behind-the-scenes hero' feeding Abilene one meal at a time
The ACLU will represent the National Rifle Association in its suit against New York Department of Financial Services' former superintendent, Maria Vullo. It was an unusual enough pairing that the ACLU had to explain it.

We dont support the NRAs mission or its viewpoints, the ACLU in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. But we both know that government officials cant punish organizations because they disapprove of their views.

Many have commended the ACLU for this principled stand, but we shouldnt praise the civil liberties champion for being free-speech maximalists just yet. The organizations recent record on First Amendment rights is less than stellar, especially when it comes to the issue of transgender people in prison.

In Chandler v. California, a lawsuit filed by four incarcerated women, the plaintiffs argued that under the Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act  the law allowing any prisoner to be housed in a facility that matches their gender identity, not their biological sex  having to call transgender women "women" or use she/her pronouns is compelled" political speech.

Precedent is on the plaintiffs side. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals held that requiring Shawnee State University professor Nicholas Meriwether to call a student by her preferred pronouns violated his First Amendment rights. Shawnee State and the professor have settled.

In Chandler v. California, a lawsuit filed by four incarcerated women, the plaintiffs argued that under a law allowing any prisoner to be housed in a facility that matches their gender identity not their biological sex, having to call transgender women "women" or use she/her pronouns is compelled" political speech.

The ACLU didnt take a position in the professor's case, but it has in the Chandler case. The ACLU of Northern California and the ACLU of Southern California applied to intervene in the suit, essentially becoming parties to the case.

The court granted their motion in August so these two ACLU chapters are allowed, even obligated, to answer the allegation that requiring preferred pronoun use is forced speech. Neither organization has filed any pleadings since being permitted to join Chandler.

Freedom of Information Act helps citizens exercise rights

The organization's recent positions on the First Amendment rights of individuals seeking information about transgender inmates have been suspect.

The First Amendment is multifaceted: The government cant force speech, but it also cant prevent citizens from speaking or seeking information. Because the Freedom of Information Act makes government records accessible to the public, it helps citizens exercise their First Amendment freedoms.

More speech is the answer. Not less: Harvard president botched her testimony on antisemitism. Firing her would've made it worse.

But thats exactly what the ACLU has been doing: Assisting the government in silencing the voices of citizens.

When the Tacoma News Tribune, radio station KIRO 97.3 FM and one private party separately requested certain information about people in Washington state custody who identify as transgender  including numbers of people transferred to womens prisons and whether they had been disciplined  the ACLU of Washington Foundation and the Disability Rights Washington group filed suit to stop the dissemination of the records.

The ACLU of Washington went so far as to sue the private citizen to stop her from asking for the documents.

A federal judge granted the ACLU of Washingtons request, holding that transgender inmates would be irreparably harmed if their identities were released. But that wasnt enough.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

Stance on transgender issues inconsistent with ACLU values

During the 2022 legislative session, a bill that not only blocked access to any records on transgender inmates but also prevented any information being released about Prison Rape Elimination Act investigations passed the Washington Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. The ACLU of Washington Foundation got away with its hypocrisy by not making any specific statement in support of the law but accepting its passage as a settlement of its claims against the state of Washington.

Considering that the ACLUs National Prison Project works to make sure prisoners are safe, the ACLUs support of this law puts the Washington affiliate at odds with its parent organization.

The ACLU has faced accusations of being a front. Jennifer Thomas, activist and leader of a summer rally against the civil rights group, said: The American Civil Liberties Union is the legal agent of the gender industry.

Its a heavy charge, but when its basic principles are so clearly and nobly on display in representing the NRA, their absence becomes even more notable on other issues.

Violent crime is down: Yet Americans 'describe the crime problem in the U.S. as either extremely or very serious'

To be clear, each chapter of the ACLU acts autonomously, so one chapters stance may differ from another. Indeed, the New York Civil Liberties Union publicly disagreed with the national headquarters' decision to represent the NRA.

But the ACLUs decision to represent the NRA is based on a policy of consistency. And the organizations stance on transgender issues is anything but consistent with its purported values.

Chandra Bozelko is a 2023 Harry Frank Guggenheim Criminal Justice Reporting Fellow at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ACLU sends mixed signals on NRA, trans issues and civil liberties
Hospitals and insurers are racing to find new artificial intelligence tools to give them an edge in billing and processing their part of the $4 trillion in medical expenses Americans accrue each year.

As one of the largest parts of the U.S. economy undergoes perhaps its biggest transition in decades, billions of dollars are at stake  not only for health care providers and insurers, but also for the government, which handles millions of Medicare and Medicaid claims every year.

For providers, the dream is an AI tool that can quickly and aggressively code procedures and file claims. Insurers  and the government agencies that pay for health care  want comparable technology to scrub those bills.

Everyone's trying to maximize revenue while toeing the line on, effectively, fraud, said Nick Stepro, chief product and technology officer at Arcadia, a company that works with health care organizations on both sides of the divide looking to build the technology.

Its true, he believes, that advanced AI will bring a host of positive impacts to the health system  but perhaps not before it further inflames the feuds over bills between your health plan and your medical provider.

Now, all of a sudden, you have this massive superpower that is generative AI, he said. That's going to let people move really, really, really quickly in this space  and sort of create an arms race.

Getting there first isnt only about winning the billing wars: Both providers and insurers hope to reap efficiencies if they can downsize their huge administrative workforces, reduce liability or speed up their paperwork processing.

For policymakers, AI is adding a wrinkle to Washingtons perpetual fretting over the high cost of health care.

Some in Congress and President Joe Biden want to streamline the prior-authorization process insurers require before they approve some treatments. Washingtons also taking another look at how surprise billing is handled  a 2020 law has thus far failed to stem the disputes between providers and insurers over care patients received unwittingly from out-of-network doctors.

Nearly everyone in health policy is trying to figure out how to stretch a beleaguered workforce facing growing demand for care.

But Congress has barely begun to grapple with how AI could affect these issues. And the administration is just beginning to work out its approach to regulating the technology  even as the ground is shifting for hospitals, doctors and insurers vying for a tech edge.

We need to have an AI strategy

Business is booming for Punit Soni, CEO of the health AI company Suki.

We are seeing that every health system across the country is saying: We need to have an AI strategy, he said.

Sonis company aims for the trifecta his provider clients want  happier clinicians, more patients and more money  by assisting doctors in taking notes and coding the care delivered. Buyers of the companys tools are sometimes seeing revenue rise over 20 percent, he said  and seeing denials fall by nearly the same amount.

When we meet health systems, we give them a buffet, and we say: Here's a bunch of things we can impact that matter to you, he said. All three are really serious [return-on-investment] objectives.

For hospitals amid a money crunch, Sonis promises are soothing.

According to credit rating firm Fitch Ratings, they lack cash and face ongoing struggles to staff their facilities. Theyre also bracing for a 3.4 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors in January, unless Congress acts to avert it. Doctors describe the pending cut as an existential threat to their practices.



The health industry could see more defaults in 2024 compared with earlier years, a recent Moodys analysis found.

More than 20 health, tech and policy leaders interviewed for this story  as well as presenters at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference on AI earlier this month in San Diego  underscored that interest in how artificial intelligence will affect the industrys bottom line is front-of-mind. Even AI that benefits patient care and betters administrative systems has to be paid for, they said.

Some health systems told POLITICO they want to reap savings by coding their bills more accurately and, therefore, reducing their liability.

Others highlight the benefits of reducing the labor needed to complete administrative tasks. And nearly all providers are keenly interested in making their staff happier by reducing burnout.

Health system executives said they want to see tangible progress on their AI investments every 90 days, and theyre partnering with tech companies and even other health groups to produce results faster.

Theres another reason for hospitals and doctors practices to proceed swiftly and deliberately: The insurers that pay their bills have long sought ways to better scrutinize the charges, and AI is just the latest tool, said Anders Gilberg, senior vice president of government affairs at the Medical Group Management Association, a doctors group.

He said doctors often fear overcoding because of the stiff penalties that can come with it. But he also acknowledged another way they may think about it.

One could say, all is fair and love and war  the payers are using it, the providers should too.

The perfect storm coming

Some of the biggest health insurers  including Humana and UnitedHealth  face lawsuits claiming they are using AI to deny care.

The plaintiffs in the suits, filed this fall, argue the companies rejected doctors orders more often after embracing AI tools to monitor care.

A spokesperson for naviHealth's nH Predict tool, cited in the UnitedHealth and Humana suits, said the plaintiffs misunderstand the role of the technology  that its used to evaluate what care may be needed, not to decide whether to approve it.

Humana and UnitedHealth declined to comment on the pending litigation. Each of the companies said it wants to implement the tech in ways that both promote patient wellbeing and increase efficiency.

More broadly, insurers say they are making major investments in AI, both to cut their own administrative costs and to weed out fraud in the bills they receive.

It feels like the perfect storm coming of the technology really becoming a more significant asset to the company if deployed correctly, said Craig Richardville, chief information officer of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, which does business as both a provider and payer.

The government, meanwhile, is caught in the middle. Every year, it incurs $60 billion in fraudulent Medicare bills, according to government estimates. Medicaid fraud costs the states and federal government tens of billions more.

The government already creates many of the rules that govern health care billing and is using AI to combat fraud, according to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, an alliance of government agencies and private insurers.

A spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a statement that CMS continually assesses opportunities to safely and responsibly leverage new, innovative strategies and technologies, including AI, to more effectively accomplish its mission.

At the same time, the agency has to answer to patients skeptical of strict anti-fraud measures that can result in denied care. Starting Jan. 1, CMS will begin requiring the private insurers who run Medicare plans to ensure theyre making medical necessity determinations based on the circumstances of the specific individual, as opposed to using an algorithm or software, according to congressional testimony.

It's going to add gasoline

When insurers and providers cant agree on a bill, its often patients caught in the middle  or stuck on hold waiting to talk to a customer service representative.

If AI helps insurers deny care, or amps up the fights between medical providers and health plans over bills, will patients have to mediate?

The 2020 legislation Congress passed to help patients who receive surprise medical bills from providers outside of their networks underscores the policy thicket.

A mediation process set up by the Department of Health and Human Services to sort out the bills has received more than 20 times as many claims from providers as the government anticipated, and 60 percent remain unresolved, according to a recent tally. This month, the administration said it was reworking its process.

Still, both providers and insurers say they expect the AI takeover of the billing process to help patients more than it hurts them.

Do I think people will use it as a hammer? said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center, which runs Tampa General Hospital, of the technology. I mean, I think they probably will  on both sides.

But Couris said the health industry is mostly just desperate for AI products that fix the complicated billing systems that so frustrate patients.

Even so, policymakers charged with making sure that happens are just beginning to evaluate their role.

Some House Democrats, including Reps. Judy Chu of California and Jerry Nadler of New York, have opened an inquiry into whether private plans in Medicare are too quick to use AI to deny care, while others, from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), are holding hearings and forums on how the tech will change the way doctors treat patients  and bill for that treatment.

Mostly, Congress is just beginning to talk about legislation. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced a bill last month that would task the Commerce Department with conferring with other agencies to begin the process of setting some guardrails.

Biden issued an executive order in October that set some reporting deadlines for agencies to assess what should be done. HHS issued transparency rules for health AI earlier this month, but its focus was technology used in clinical decision-making, not billing.

Meanwhile, nearly every aspect of the health care industry is trying to gain an advantage with major stakes: AIs role in billing could impact the sustainability of Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers, as well as hospitals, clinics and providers of all kinds.

Stepro of Arcadia, whos helping both providers and insurers build the tools they hope will help them thrive, senses the urgency.

It's going to add gasoline to a lot of existing tension in how money flows in health care, he said.

Chelsea Cirruzzo contributed to this report.
Since artificial intelligence (AI) took our lives by storm earlier this year, the technology has been branded a double-edged sword, capable of opening new horizons and giving us creative and at times comedic tools.

But it has also been a disrupter, as many worry it could potentially displace millions from their jobs and further fuel the dissemination of misinformation.

The political sphere is among the many facets of society that are highly susceptible to the influence of AI. With the European elections around the corner, could the new technology stand to wreak havoc?

Euroscepticism and the 2024 elections

The European Parliament elections, slated for June 6-9, 2024, will be the first to be shaped by AI technology. They come at a particularly important time in the global democratic calendar, as roughly half of the world's population will be casting their ballot next year.

Europeans will be heading to the polls as the world's delicate geopolitical stability hangs in the balance.

War rages at our doorsteps: Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which started in February 2022, still rattles on, while Israel still fights Gaza. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a cost-of-living crisis, leaving countless families across the continent struggling to make ends meet. And, unsurprisingly, most people are not exactly content with the current state of affairs.

Lawmakers vote on the Artificial Intelligence act Wednesday, 14 June 2023 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. - Jean-Francois Badias/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.

The last few years have already seen upheavals underway as populist politics proliferate and Eurosceptic movements, bolstered by a string of crises in the 2010s and early 2020s, exert a strong presence.

Analysts have found that Europe's current predicament makes it the perfect powder keg for a populist hurricane come next spring.

"The actual context  marked by growing inequality and raging culture wars  provides fertile ground for Eurosceptic forces, which can now either continue or return to blame EU elites for a dire state of affairs," Andrea Pirro, a political science professor at the University of Bologna, told Euronews Next.

Euroscepticism, a controversial term born within the British media milieu of the 1980s, has been adopted by political scientists to describe movements that oppose or object to many aspects of the European project and the process of integration more generally.

While some experts have questioned its existence as a distinct movement - noting the term's loaded use as a way to blindly categorise any critic of the EU - they have mostly identified a tangible growth of anti-European sentiment following the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992, spiking in the 2000s and 2010s following the financial crisis and Syrian Civil War, and culminating with the UK's decision to leave the bloc following the 2016 Brexit referendum.

EU critical sentiments have tended to be most heavily espoused by non-governing populist parties, that are rapidly increasing their voter base and occasionally even winning elections.

Indeed, while the moderate centre-right European People's Party, followed by the centre-leftist Socialists & Democrats, still lead the polls, a Politico survey analysis showed that right-wing populists will likely increase their share of seats in the next elections.

Given the current forecasts, Euroscepticism is likely to remain a potent force come June 2024.

"Euroscepticism across Europe will see a rebirth next year as we get closer to the European elections," said Marius Ghincea, a political science researcher at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence.

"In particular, we should expect significant gains across the continent, across Eastern and Western European countries."

Europe's yearslong efforts to draw up AI guardrails have been bogged down by the recent emergence of generative AI systems like OpenAIs ChatGPT, which have dazzled the world - Matt Rourke/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.

Could AI change the course of the European elections?

"Is it true that you have many body doubles?" a student asked Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised interview earlier this month, according to Reuters.

Except, the words came straight from Putin's own mouth - at least, an AI-generated version of him.

AI technology has increasingly blurred the lines between fact and fiction, creating quasi-realistic (or often, outright believable) imagery. Among these are "deep fakes", images and videos created in the likeness of another individual.

Deepfakes have often been used for comedic or satirical purposes, such as when British broadcaster Channel 4 sparked controversy in 2020 by creating a fake Christmas message showing Queen Elizabeth II dancing and taking shots at other Royal Family members.

Generative AI technology can also create images depicting public figures in a variety of farcical scenarios. Among its most prominent victims was the Holy Father himself, with fake images of Pope Francis donning Balenciaga puffers or taking to the turntables at a rave party doing the rounds online.

Such AI-generated pictures can be the source of harmless humour, but within a tense political context, the risk for decidedly harmful ramifications is severe.

One EU cybersecurity agency, ENISA, has already called for vigilance, noting the recent rise of AI tools, including 'chatbots' such as ChatGPT, and 2,580 related cybersecurity incidents from July 2022 to June 2023.

"Trust in the EU electoral process will critically depend on our capacity to rely on cybersecure infrastructures and on the integrity and availability of information," said Juhan Lepassaar, ENISA's executive director, in an official statement.

"Now, it is up to us to ensure we take the necessary actions to achieve this sensitive yet essential goal for our democracies."

The OpenAI logo is seen displayed on a mobile phone with an image on a computer monitor generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Friday, 8 December 2023. - Michael Dwyer/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.

Over the past decade, anti-EU populist parties have often relied heavily on the use of social media to attract support, and researchers feel AI could become the latest tool at their disposal.

"Eurosceptic parties have traditionally carried out smear campaigns against EU elites and Europhile opponents," said Pirro.

"AI will inevitably facilitate the creation of such content, making them look more real as technology progresses."

In the UK, for instance, the pro-Brexit Leave campaign relied heavily on social media to criticise the EU. Investigations subsequently found that various misleading or inaccurate statements, or "fake news", were widely disseminated online and that automated bots on platforms such as Twitter (now known as X) increased in the lead-up to the referendum.

Whether Eurosceptic forces will be able to harness AI to their advantage, nevertheless, remains to be seen.

"AI is a tool that can be used either for or against populist objectives across Europe," Ghincea said.

"If it will foment Euroscepticism or not across Europe depends on how effective and fast mainstream and radical parties deploy it for achieving their own objectives."

UK PM Boris Johnson addresses his supporters prior to boarding his General Election campaign trail bus in Manchester, England, Friday, 15 November2019. - Frank Augstein/Copyright 2019 The AP. All rights reserved

'Politicised technology' facing regulation

The general public may not be braced to face the full force of AI, but the EU has certainly been thinking about it.

Deemed a "global first" in the campaign to regulate AI at a legislative level, the European Parliament and EU Council managed to strike a provisional deal called the Artificial Intelligence Act earlier this month, following years of discussions, which was given the green light by the parliament on 14 December.

Among the many aspects that the act aims to cover is the threat posed by certain "unacceptable" and "high" risk tools, which will either be banned or assessed before being released to the public.

But it's been subject to mixed reaction, with criticism from the tech sector. Its fate remains uncertain as three of the EU's most powerful players - Germany, France, and Italy - have expressed their discontent.

Marinus Ossewaarde, an associate sociology professor at the University of Twente in the Netherlands said that AI could affect democratic decision-making over the next few years, especially if governments fail to regulate it.

"AI is a thoroughly politicised technology. Almost all governments in this world today have their AI strategies. AI is not some sort of neutral tool but it is a political force backed by billions of euros," he told Euronews Next.

"If the metaverse will be left in the hands of big tech oligarchs (as has previously been decided with social media platforms) to serve corporate purposes, then this has the massive potential to kill off democratic life," he warned.

But if it is regulated to revitalise democratic life, it could become "a democratising force".
The movement of Russian drones was observed in Kyiv Oblast. The air defence was operating.

Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Movement of enemy UAVs was spotted! Air defence forces are operating in the oblast.

Do not take pictures or film the work of our defenders."

Background: At 23:33, an air-raid siren sounded in Kyiv Oblast.

The Air Force reported that the siren was due to a change in the trajectory of Russian UAVs.

Later, the Air Force reported a threat of attack UAVs for Bila Tserkva.

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Patriot air defense systems have already shot down 15 Russian Kinzhal missiles since they were first used in May, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television on Dec. 31.

"On May 4, the first 'unparalleled' Kinzhal missile was successfully intercepted. The count started from that moment," Ihnat said.

Ukraine's Air Force admitted in early May that it shot down a Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal ballistic missile for the first time since the start of the war.

In April, Ukraine received its first two Patriot systems from the U.S. and Germany. The Patriot system is viewed as one of the world's best air defense systems and enables Ukraine to shoot down ballistic missiles, lowering the risk of infrastructure damage and civilian casualties during Russian attacks.

However, Ihnat stressed that Ukraine is in need of more competent air defense systems to protect the country efficiently.

"A few batteries are not enough," he added.

In October, Germany pledged to deliver another Patriot system to aid Ukraine against an anticipated rise in Russian attacks during the winter months.

Read also: Patriot air defense faces its toughest challenge ever in Ukraine

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Russia has launched around 3,800 kamikaze drones at Ukraine since September 2022, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television on Dec. 31.

The use of kamikaze drones was incorporated by Russia into its arsenal back in September 2022, along with the use of ballistic and cruise missiles, the latter of which are more expensive to produce.

The aim has been to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

While Ukraine's air defense successfully took out most of those drones, air defense remains a significant issue going into 2024, according to Ihnat.

"About 3,000 of those drones were destroyed by the Defense Forces. That is something to think about. We still need more systems to counteract strike drones," he said.

Read also: How Russia uses Iranian drones to try to overwhelm Ukraines air defense

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An air-raid warning has been issued throughout Ukraine due to MiG-31 fighter jets taking off. Explosions have rocked the cities of Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih.

Source: alert map; Ukrainian Air Force; Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster

Quote from Air Force: "Several MiG-31Ks of the Russian Aerospace Forces have taken off from the Mozdok airfield. Do not ignore the air raid alert".

Details: At 13:30, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a Russian missile over Kirovohrad Oblast

Updated: Suspilne reported the sounds of explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih.

At 13:44, the Air Force reported that missile launches from the air were detected. A missile was heading towards the city of Kropyvnytskyi. Media reported about the repeated sounds of explosions in the city.

At 13:54, Andrii Raikovych, Head of Kirovohrad Oblast Military Administration, reported that the air defence was responding: "Friends - calm down. We don't comment much. The defenders of the sky are working".

At around 14:15, the all-clear was given in most oblasts. The Air Force reported that the threat of the Russian MiG-31K attack had been cancelled.

Background:

On the morning of 31 December, an air-raid warning was issued in all oblasts of Ukraine due to takeoff of several MiG-31K fighter jets in Russia.

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My team is losing, battered and bruising./ I see the high-fives between the bad guys. Taylor Swifts Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince song is a critique of Americas domestic politics, but it could well be our theme song on the world stage today too, as many at home and abroad talk of Americas decline.

Some pundits and experts speak of a multipolar world in which many global powers hold sway. Others assert weve shifted to a world of two competing superpowers, with America countered by a rising China.

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The one thing they seem to agree on is that the American century is over, with the United States no longer dictating the path of world events. This comes against a backdrop of a more violent world, with 2022 and 2023 seeing more conflict than any other years since the end of the Cold War, according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. All of this threatens American, and global, security.

However, as Swift, a global megastar, has demonstrated, a setback need not precipitate a downfall. If anyone knows how to land an epic comeback, its her. She might not be an authority in foreign policy, but she understands relationships, and at its core, thats what international affairs is all about.

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While talent has been an essential factor to her success, that alone wouldnt generate the kind of loyalty Swift inspires and the kind of influence she wields the world over. What separates her from her peers is authenticity, credibility and honesty. In a world where lesser pop stars feign perfection, Swift exposes her flaws and holds herself accountable for them. A savvy influencer, she knows this is what her audience wants: music that tells her real story.

[ Steve Chapman: How Taylor Swift restored my faith in humanity ]

This is what makes her the worlds biggest superstar today. If America wants to be the worlds biggest superstar state, it ought to lean into those values too.

To start, it takes some humility and recognition of the role we played in our own decline. We are the Castles Crumbling that Swift sings of. Once, I was the great hope for a dynasty./ Crowds would hang on my words, and they trusted me./ Their faith was strong, but I pushed it too far./  And here I sit alone, behind walls of regret/ Falling down like promises that I never kept.

Many countries today wont follow our lead because of the promises we havent kept. Take the climate crisis, in which the United States urges developing countries to give up fossil fuels, even as our own government expands oil and gas drilling and still subsidizes the fossil fuel industry. We need to lead by our example, not our demands.

[ Letters: Bring an end to the billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies in the US ]

Our credibility also suffers when we dont hold others to account. Our partners face no consequences for thumbing their noses at us, and the resulting impunity means that those we support directly harm our interests.

Consider Saudi Arabia, where America has bet that, if we provide military hardware and support, Saudis will help us by keeping oil prices in check. For this, we repeatedly turned a blind eye to the kingdoms horrific human rights record. But Saudi Arabia has used OPEC to slash oil production repeatedly anyway, in cahoots with Russia just when we needed increased pressure on Moscow. This bet hasnt paid off.

Swifts Saudi Arabia was Kanye West, now known as Ye, who bullied and embarrassed her. At first, Swift thought she needed to make amends, even though he was the one acting badly. That only fueled his bad behavior (as impunity always does). His offenses became a liability, so she learned from this and walked away.

There I was giving you a second chance./ But you stabbed me in the back while shaking my hand/ And therein lies the issue, friends dont try to trick you, Swift sings in This Is Why We Cant Have Nice Things. With partners like these, who needs enemies?

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With Israel, our long-standing relationship blinded us to the extreme direction its government has taken in recent years and blocked us from decisive action to change its approach to Gaza. The United States still acts like this is the Israel it partnered with in the 1990s for a path to Middle East peace. Helping Israel today means recognizing our partner has changed. Instead of unconditional love, we need tough love to press Israel to change course.

We should know All Too Well that its Benjamin Netanyahus Israel now. While President Joe Biden gives him a bear hug, he breaks (us) like a promise, rebuffing U.S. advice even as he asks for more military hardware  and gets it. But Band-aids dont fix bullet holes. With Netanyahu, weve got Bad Blood.

Did you think wed be fine?/ Still got scars on my back from your knife/ So dont think its in the past./ These kind of wounds, they last and they last.

President Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport on Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Evan Vucci/AP)

When it comes to adversaries, Swift leans into hard work and uses the rules to her advantage  another good lesson for a stronger foreign policy. Swift was crushed when her old record label was sold to mega-manager Scooter Braun (an ally of her old foe Ye), giving him the rights to her master recordings up to 2018. By then, Swift knew well enough to negotiate to own her music rights going forward. To recover control of her prior work, though, Swift rerecorded a decades worth of her old songs, a massive lift that paid off, giving her copyright over all the new versions  which are obviously preferred by her hundreds of millions of fans.

I imagine this would be her approach to competition with China too. She knows it doesnt pay to be a bully (ask Ye). Instead of boogeyman-ing the adversary with unilateral tariffs and trade restrictions, a Swiftie approach would work with allies and within the international order to hold China to account for violating fair trade practices, stealing intellectual property and engaging in economic espionage.

This contrasts with some recent recommendations from the U.S. House Select Committee on the competition between the U.S. and China to be more aggressive with China in ways that could themselves risk violating international law. A better approach would be to invest more at home to make American businesses more competitive, while using international law to pressure China. Calling for the enforcement of international law is more credible when youre abiding by it too, anyway.

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Swift would surely support how Biden values allies. One of Bidens biggest foreign policy successes has been rebuilding our partnership with NATO and using that to build a strong multilateral response to Russias war in Ukraine.

Swift puts a premium on allies too. She has had many romantic partners over the years and even wrote songs about most of them. Despite breakups under public scrutiny, she has managed to keep most of her exes onside even after the romance ends. One even starred in one of her recent music videos. The same honesty and authenticity that rally her fans are the secret sauce to Swifts success with exes, too, and that broad support only makes her stronger.

Friendship bracelets for world leaders created by global Swiftie Sara Martire. (Sara Martire)

It takes a skilled diplomat to know which disappointments are worth ending relationships and which merely merit changing them. That doesnt mean she trusts easily again, though. As Swift says in End Game: I bury hatchets, but I keep maps of where I put em.

If the United States wants to rebuild its superstar status, it needs to build a broader support base too. Our traditional allies are with us, but that isnt enough to tackle climate change, manage pandemics or expand peace in an increasingly fractured world.

Americas coalition of support for Ukraine was significant but hasnt expanded since the early days of the war, with many important players  including China, India and South Africa  still refusing to condemn Russias aggression. Fifteen African countries abstained from the United Nations vote demanding Russia leave Ukrainian territory.

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Across the Global South, many American partners dont understand why they should support Washingtons priority, when Washington offers little to address theirs. Conflict plagues many African states, from the Sahel to Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and debt is undermining development across much of the rest. These crises affect far more people than Gaza and Ukraine but receive a fraction of international attention. If America wants more reliable partners, it needs to be a better partner to others as well. This means engaging with them as partners rather than just pawns in a great power game.

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Its me, hi, Im the problem, its me, Swift declares in Anti-Hero. Ill stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror. The world today is facing unprecedented challenges. To help resolve them, the United States needs to face up to its own weaknesses first.

While we claim to be the indispensable nation representing democracy, human rights and accountability, that often isnt how we act. The America the world sees doesnt always look like the America we sing songs about.

America the Flawed? Such a song might not be a catchy anthem, but Swift has shown us that being real and honest has more pull than pretending to be perfect.

If we could tell our story of redemption, putting in the hard work at home and having flaws but overcoming them, perhaps we could build a worldwide fan base capable of addressing the global challenges we all face.

Elizabeth Shackelford is a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. She was previously a U.S. diplomat and is the author of The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
An air-raid warning has been issued throughout Ukraine after a MiG-31K fighter capable of carrying an aeroballistic Kinzhal missile took off in Russia.

Source: air-raid warning map; Ukraines Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "Attention! Danger of missile attacks throughout Ukraine. A MG-31K of the Russian Aerospace Forces is recorded as having taken off from the Mozdok airfield.

Do not ignore the air-raid warning!"

Details: This is the second warning issued on 31 December due to MiGs taking off. In addition, the danger of kamikaze drone attacks persists in a number of Ukrainian regions, and air defence has been activated.

Update: At 21:31, the all-clear was given.

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Russian authorities have announced that the death toll in the city of Belgorod from the 30 December attack which they claim was carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces has risen to 24, with over 40 buildings damaged.

Source: Viacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, on Telegram; Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies TASS and RBC

Details: A missile warning siren sounded again in Belgorod on the morning of 31 December, but the all-clear was given later.

Gladkov claimed that the death toll among civilians killed in Belgorod, supposedly due to the 30 December Ukrainian attack, had risen to 24 as of 08:30 Moscow time.

Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda's source reported that the Ukrainian Defence Forces had been targeting Russian military facilities but that unprofessional actions by Russian air defence caused wreckage to fall in the city centre.

TASS claimed that 44 buildings were damaged in the "missile attack", including 33 homes, three shopping centres and four administrative and social facilities, and 50 cars were damaged or destroyed.

All public celebrations in the border Buturlinovsky district of Voronezh Oblast were cancelled due to the bombardment of Belgorod.

Russia's Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit urged residents of his oblast to stay at home and spend time with their families and friends during the New Year festivities and called for "moderation and restraint in the coming holidays" in response to the grief in the neighbouring oblast.

Background:

On 30 December, explosions rocked Belgorod, Russia, and debris fell in the city centre after Russian air defence was activated. A source in the security services told Ukrainska Pravda that the Defence Forces had targeted Russian military facilities in Belgorod Oblast, but due to "unprofessional actions by air defence" and "planned provocations", the debris fell in the city centre.

Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have assessed that Ukrainian drones launched over 30 December likely hit many of their intended targets in Russia, as evidenced by a difference in numbers: the Ukrainians announced more than 70 drones launched, the Russians said 32 had been intercepted.

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Chloe Macdermott took her own life in 2021 after joining an internet forum, an inquest heard.

Amazon should clamp down on the sale of suicide drugs, a coroner has said, after a woman ordered toxic substances to kill herself in an online pact.

Chloe Macdermott took her own life in 2021 after joining an internet forum that encouraged suicide, an inquest heard.

On the night of her death, the 43-year-old made an agreement to carry out the act with fellow members - one of whom was also British - using an unnamed product ordered on Amazon from the United States.

Now, Paul Rogers, assistant coroner for Inner West London, has written to Amazon and Google raising concerns that such suicide websites and lethal products are readily available.

In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, Mr Rogers also highlighted how the unnamed website used by Mrs Macdermott had no age restriction in place to prevent access to children, or vulnerable teenagers.

He flagged how there was no prominent signposting offering help for vulnerable people contemplating taking their own life.

Mr Rogers also questioned how Mrs Macdermott was able to purchase, and later ingest, a noxious product - the exact details of which are redacted in his report - from Amazon.

He raised concerns over the availability of such products on the internet and how they could be purchased from the United States for individual use - without effective border and/or custom controls.

The inquest heard that Mrs Macdermott had been struggling with her mental health

The inquest in May heard that Mrs Macdermott had been struggling with her mental health for some years prior to her death.

She had become increasingly suicidal and used the internet to research ways to end her life.

On or about 21st May 2021 she formed an association with two other persons with whom she planned to end her life, Mr Rogers said. She had purchased [REDACTED], using Amazon US.

On 22nd May 2021, whilst her husband was away from home, she contacted the persons she had discussed committing suicide with and an agreement was made to act that night.

Chloe and one other person in a different part of the UK ingested [REDACTED], around midnight between 22nd and 23rd May 2021.

Chloe died in the early hours of 23rd May 2021 from the effects of [REDACTED] toxicity on her bed in her home.

The coroner concluded Mrs Macdermott died by suicide.

As well as writing to the vice presidents of Google and Amazon, he sent his report to James Cleverley, the Home Secretary, Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, and Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary.

Mr Rogers said: [Online forums] encourage suicide, assist it by provision of information about suicide methods, counsel suicide by providing information about it and thereby potentially facilitate the commission of a criminal offence in the United Kingdom.

He said the forum contained posts made by users containing details of methods of suicide without any effective administration to remove such harmful content.

Of the substance, Mrs Macdermott used to kill herself, he said he was concerned about its availability through the internet and its delivery to individual users in the UK with a non-commercial or agricultural use as well as the ability for UK users to purchase [REDACTED], through Amazon in the United States and to take delivery in the United Kingdom without effective border and/or custom controls.

He added: Chloe was able to purchase the product used over the internet and have it delivered to her home in the UK. Enquiries showed the product was purchased using Amazon in the United States.

Writing to them, he said: In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.

The Telegraph has approached Amazon and Google for comment.

At the inquest, her mother, Patricia Hawkes, welcomed the coroners report and the fact that he shared her sense or horror that Chloe was able to access a website that encouraged suicide.

Her mother told the hearing that as a child she could be sensitive and at university she had made enduring friendships, and was known for her wicked laugh.

She was brought up in West London, married Rod Macdermott in 2017 - described to the inquest as the love of her life. She designed and made handcrafted jewellery, after earlier setting up a company that helped older people understand and work with computers and technology.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday the U.S. is "full" in saying a solution is desperately needed for the surge of migrants at the Southern border.

"When you come to our border, we say: I'm sorry, we're full," the South Carolina Republican said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

The surge of migrants arriving at the southern border and claiming asylum has left a record number of them in legal limbo as they wait for their cases to be resolved.

Graham said the best solution is to ship large numbers of migrants back to where they came, something he said would discourage others from attempting to enter the country: "1.7 million people are ready to be deported. Lets deport them before we let new people in.

He also said President Joe Biden should utilize the Title 42 authority that was used during the Covid years to expedite the removal of undocumented immigrants. "It's not complicated," Graham said, twice in a row.

Title 42 authority came from a World War II-era public health law. It allowed for the expulsion of migrants as a matter of public safety, a way to temporarily override legal protections for those seeking asylum. The policy ended in May.

"This is a predictable outcome of bad policy choices made right after Biden became president," Graham said of the current situation.

Efforts in Washington in recent weeks to approve supplemental aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan have floundered because of an inability of Democrats and Republicans to agree on ways to change the immigration system. Graham, a staunch supporter of international aid for America's allies, said doing something about immigration remains the priority.

"I cannot come back to South Carolina, and talk about giving aid to Ukraine and Israel if the border is still broken," Graham said.

Following Graham on the CBS show, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston both also saw surging immigration as a crisis, but directed their ire toward Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican who has been shipping migrants to their cities and others governed by Democrats without coordinating basic logistics with officials in their communities.

"What we have attempted to do is to create structure and some coordination around this humanitarian crisis," Johnson said of the situation in Chicago, adding that Abbott "is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos."

Denver's mayor concurred.

"What we don't want is people arriving at 2 in the morning at a city and county building with women and children outside in 10-degree weather and no support," Johnston told host Margaret Brennan. "And so, we want buses here to do what every other bus does, which is land at a bus station and a bus stop at hours when we can have staff there to receive them and to direct them toward services."

He added: "We just want it to be coordinated, and in a humanitarian way."

During his interview, Graham made it clear that he believes that former President Donald Trump, if returned to the White House, would go all-in on the type of measures he supports.

"When Trump gets to be president, if he does, if you're here illegally you're going to be deported," he told Brennan. "There's going to be mass deportation under Donald Trump."

Graham's statement about the United States being "full" echoed a tweet from Trump in April 2019 that drew a lot of attention at the time.

"Mexico must apprehend all illegals," Trump tweeted, "and not let them make the long march up to the United States, or we will have no other choice than to Close the Border and/or institute Tariffs. Our Country is FULL!"
American bully XL dogs in England and Wales must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public now that a new law has come into effect.

Breeding, selling or abandoning them is also illegal as of New Year's Eve.

Owners who want to keep their bully XL have until midnight on 31 January to apply to do so before an outright ban comes into effect.

The curbs follow a number of attacks, but campaigners insist banning the breed is not the answer.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said the government had met a pledge to take "quick and decisive action" following a series of attacks, with one man dying after being attacked by an American bully XL this year.

The breed has been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

To get a Certificate of Exemption, allowing owners to keep their bully XLs, they need to get insurance, neuter their dog, and pay a fee of 92.40.

The guidance is similar to that issued for the four breeds which have already been banned - the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro.

But the RSPCA warned of a "huge risk" that rescue centres and vets will be unable to cope with a likely surge in demand.

Speaking for the charity, Samantha Gaines told the PA news agency: "What is really concerning is because the ban has come in at such a pace that there may be owners who are not ready for this, being able to ensure their dog is happy wearing a muzzle.

"There is some fear that people for whatever reason may have left it a bit late."

She added: "Breed is not a good or reliable predictor of aggressive behaviour."

Dr Gaines suggested that existing laws should be used more effectively to target people who exploit and irresponsibly breed the animals.

Many other animal charities have opposed a ban.

The Dog Control Coalition - which includes Battersea, Blue Cross, the Dogs Trust, BVA, the Scottish SPCA, the Kennel Club and Hope Rescue - say breed-specific bans have been proven to be ineffective.

The United Kennel Club in the US has said that an American bully XL "makes an excellent family dog".

"Despite its powerful appearance, their demeanour is gentle and friendly," it said, but also noted that "dog aggression is characteristic of this breed".

The new guidance does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland.

If Scottish ministers agree, then the ban will be applied in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland a ban on an American bully XL would require a separate change to legislation, either by a sitting Assembly and Executive or through an intervention by the Northern Ireland Secretary.
GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN)  After a mysterious boom shook parts of Central Texas on Tuesday morning, another boom has rattled areas around Georgetown.

Several KXAN viewers heard the blast in east Georgetown around 11:40 p.m. Saturday. One viewer who lives in the Saddle Creek neighborhood said the sound vibrated the floors and windows in their home.

PREVIOUS: Mysterious boom shakes homes in parts of Central Texas, KXAN viewers say

Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida said he heard the boom Saturday night, too. Around the same time, he said the Williamson County Sheriffs Office responded to a water main explosionwhich could be connected to the boom heard.

Tchida said GPD received multiple calls about the boom, but the cause of the booms remains unclear.

No earthquakes were reported in Central Texas in the last 24 hours, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

On Tuesday, many people reached out to KXAN about a loud boom heard around 11:30 a.m. in the Hutto, Georgetown and Round Rock areas. Local police departments did not know the source of the Tuesday boom.

This story came from a ReportIt story tip. Send your own story ideas to Reportit@kxan.com or through KXANs contact page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A US appeals court Saturday paved the way for a California law banning the concealed carry of firearms in sensitive places to go into effect January 1, despite a federal judges ruling that it is repugnant to the Second Amendment.

The law  Senate Bill 2  had been blocked last week by an injunction from District Judge Cormac Carney, but a three-judge panel filed an order Saturday temporarily blocking that injunction, clearing the path for the law to take effect.

The court issued an administrative stay, meaning the appeals judges did not consider the merits of the case, but delayed the judges order to give the court more time to consider the arguments of both sides. In granting an administrative stay, we do not intend to constrain the merits panels consideration of the merits of these appeals in any way, the judges wrote.

The law, among a series of gun control measures signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, applies to those with licenses to carry a concealed weapon. When he signed the gun laws in September, Newsom cited shootings across the country that left more than 100 people dead in the 72 hours prior to the signing.

Under the new law, people would not be allowed to carry concealed firearms in a variety of California locations, including places of worship, public libraries, amusement parks, zoos and sporting events. The California Rifle and Pistol Association and Gun Owners of America, among other plaintiffs, challenged the legislation. Judge Carney had agreed with the plaintiffs the new law is too broad, saying in his injunction order it turns nearly every public place in California into a sensitive place.

Carney called the span of the new law sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.

In a statement following Carneys ruling, the governor said the locations where concealed carry would be banned under the new law are spaces which should be safe for all.

This ruling outrageously calls Californias data-backed gun safety efforts repugnant, Newsom previously told CNN. What is repugnant is this ruling, which greenlights the proliferation of guns in our hospitals, libraries, and childrens playgrounds  spaces, which should be safe for all.

In a statement, C.D. Michel, lead attorney for plaintiffs, said, This is an administrative motions panel preliminary ruling. We will immediately ask the merits panel to reverse this and keep the law as it has been for decades.

CNN reached out to the California Attorney Generals Office for comment.

CNNs Zoe Sottile, Nouran Salahieh, Cindy Von Quednow and Josh Campbell contributed to this report.

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Arizona has a new guidebook for running elections, the first in four years, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes announced Saturday.

Fontes issued the Elections Procedures Manual, often called the "bible" of election administration, after receiving approvals from both the governor and the attorney general, as required by law.

"The result of this collaborative process is an updated manual that should give voters confidence that local and county election officials have what they need to protect the integrity of our elections, Fontes said in a statement.

The manual, which runs more than 300 pages long, will be in place for the next two-year election cycle, including the 2024 presidential election.

Building on state and federal law, it outlines procedures for everything from voter registration to early voting to the upcoming March 19 presidential preference election.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes attends a Bipartisan Elections Task Force meeting in Phoenix on October 24, 2023.

Fontes' office, in cooperation with the 15 county recorders and tribal election officials, compiled the manual over the past year and then opened it for public input.

The result of this collaborative process is an updated manual that should give voters confidence that local and county election officials have what they need to protect the integrity of our elections, Fontes said in a statement.

The version authorized on Saturday reflects changes made after the public comment period.

Most notably, it includes provisions of a 2022 law that requires tighter scrutiny of people who register to vote using the federal voter registration form if those individuals don't submit documents proving their eligibility.

Federal law allows people to register by attesting that they are U.S. citizens, but Republican state lawmakers last year added new requirements.

The law is being contested in U.S. District Court, the manual notes.

Both Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes praised the work put into the manual, which each approved earlier on Saturday.

Hobbs, who previously served as secretary of state, said she's confident the manual will "ensure our elections achieve the maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, uniformity and efficiency."

Others aren't so certain.

Republican lawmakers have threatened lawsuits, but Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale and chairman of the House Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee said he couldn't comment on whether those will materialize until he's had time to comb through the manual.

State Rep. Alexander Kolodin responds to questions from Rio Verde Foothills residents during a town hall at Reigning Grace Ranch on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.

However, Kolodin added, he said his "fear" is that many of his committee's suggestions never made the cut.

This is the first new manual in four years, although state law requires a new manual every odd-numbered year.

A 2021 version produced by then-Secretary of State Hobbs faltered when former Attorney General Mark Brnovich demanded numerous changes to the document. While Hobbs agreed with some of them, she rejected others. The standoff effectively sidelined the updated manual, leaving a 2019 manual as the guidance for the 2022 elections.

Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on Threads as well as on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @maryjpitzl.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes issues new election guidebook
In the early 1990s, there was a liquor store on 24th Street and Broadway Road called Rainbow that became a hub for crime and illicit drug sales in south Phoenix. Celina Meadows grew up a couple of streets from the area and always knew that danger could always be just around the corner.

The infamous liquor store and surrounding buildings were torn down in 1999, and Meadows felt that could be an opportunity for change.

But that change never came to fruition.

The lot sat vacant for more than 20 years as crime and drug use continued to tarnish the area. The liquor store was gone, but the problems were still the same. Meadows witnessed this in real-time, later realizing how much of a missed opportunity it was.

"Just knocking down the building, it was almost treated like a physical displacement," Meadows said. "There was a lot of aftermath and symptoms and effects that physical location left without being there. ... Like, if we had a trauma recovery center there as opposed to an empty field for 20-plus years, that's a whole generation right there. I could only imagine the healing that would have been able to bring to so many different families."

This situation inspired Meadows to not let an opportunity like that slip away. She now works as a statewide manager for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, seeking to help survivors who suffer from trauma and inspiring them to advocate for change in legislation so others don't have to go through what they did.

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice statewide manager Celina Meadows poses for a portrait at Encanto Park on Dec. 23, 2023, in Phoenix.

Meadows said she has lived through trauma herself, from growing up in south Phoenix to experiencing domestic violence  a situation that left herself severely injured and led to her witnessing her child near death.

She and her children escaped that situation more than seven years ago. She is now in a safe place, but many others have not escaped and have many barriers to hurdle before they can be safe.

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, a nonprofit organization led by crime survivors, has been running for about a decade. It has eight chapters in eight states, with Arizona joining in 2020. The organization has 180,000 members, with 3,000 in Arizona. Meadows said she aims to bring more awareness to them so that they can help crime victims get the help they need.

The group has already made substantial changes in Arizona legislation. It helped pass a bill that allowed for trauma recovery centers to be built. Another bill they advocated for created Arizona's first record-sealing process and allocated over $10 million to fund victim's compensation programs and $7 million to build trauma recovery centers.

Meadows said she wants to raise awareness of the nonprofit so more can find the resources they need while healing and bringing real change to the system.

Arizona's Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice statewide manager Celina Meadows speaks to the group about disrupting trauma cycles at the Survivors Speak Healing Vigil on April 29, 2023, in Phoenix.

Learning healing techniques early

Meadows not only grew up near crime, she experienced it firsthand. She said she experienced multiple family tragedies that were caused by gun violence in her area. Instead of crime being a shocking event, it became normal.

"Living in the community, I remember it being normal for us to just sleep on the floor on Friday, Thursday, Sunday because that was just what we do to avoid potentially getting by a bullet because we knew we were going to have drive-bys," Meadows said.

"It was a sense of normalcy, and it's a sense of normalcy that is very unhealthy that no one should have to live. ... The PTSD that comes along with it, that's long-lasting," she said. "I remember my younger sister, anything that sounded like a gunshot, automatically, her body just hit the ground."

Despite living in this environment, Meadows had a support system that helped her persevere. Her father was a mental health counselor for more than 20 years and her mother worked in a crisis nursery where they would help children who were in Child Protective Services custody.

"My dad was a musician and an artist in addition to a mental counselor, so (he and my mother) were very trauma-informed before it was popular," Meadows said. "It definitely felt like my parents were before their time in a way. I always had the opportunity of self-expression in a way that I was given tools early on that I didn't know had such a huge effect in healing spaces."

Arizona's Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice statewide manager Celina Meadows speaks to the group about her experiences at the Survivors Speak Healing Vigil on April 29, 2023, in Phoenix. Celina tells the group, "Healing is not a destination. It becomes a lifestyle."

Meadows created art with pencil, paint and clay and was also a part of a symphony and marching band. Having that ability to express herself and her hobbies gave her a feeling of freedom, joy and safety, she said.

Her parents, being well-versed in mental health, also helped their children stay active in the community. Meadows got her first job helping the community at 14 when she worked for the Greater Phoenix Urban League.

Meadows said that working in the community while also having the support and knowledge of her parents helped her be able to learn healing techniques to lessen the effects of PTSD and trauma. Despite learning healing skills at an early age that many aren't aware of as adults, she said she still found it hard to fully understand what getting help means.

"I was given tools early on that I didn't know had such a huge effect in healing spaces," Meadows said. "It's so disorienting even when you know what to look for. I can't even imagine those who don't even know that they need the type of help that they need or don't even know that they need help because it's normalized sometimes."

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice statewide manager Celina Meadows poses for a portrait at Encanto Park on Dec. 23, 2023, in Phoenix.

Escaping domestic violence

Much later in her life, Meadows said she again went through a tumultuous time  this time having to escape domestic violence.

Meadows was married for 12 years to someone with whom she had three kids. He began inflicting harm on her, her kids and her animals to get what he wanted.

Meadows described domestic violence as a slow boil, something that builds up over time before escalating.

Escaping from that was not a simple and risk-free process, something Meadows learned the hard way. She said she and her kids tried to leave multiple times, but each attempt failed because her husband found out before they could escape.

Meadows said her husband nearly beat her to death multiple times, but she realized the real danger she was in when her husband seriously hurt her son in a public setting and no one came to help.

"And that was a realization, too, that I was in a lot more danger than I, even up to this point, thought I was," Meadows said. "It wasn't about necessarily me getting out, it was about me getting my kids out."

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice statewide manager Celina Meadows poses for a portrait at Encanto Park on Dec. 23, 2023, in Phoenix.

This prompted Meadows to organize an escape attempt that could not fail. She said she waited about four months for a spot in a domestic violence shelter. About seven years ago, she and her children left and went on to live in three different shelters over two years before settling in a home where she felt safe.

She said this experience made her recognize how critical it is for more resources to be readily available for survivors.

"It was so disorienting," Meadows said. "The spaces that I was able to reach out to, a lot of them were at capacity, especially in the spaces of my children receiving the trauma therapy that they need."

She said she saw so many people seeking help during her stays at the shelters.

"It really opened my eyes to the need for more resources," Meadows said.

Even when Meadows and her children were physically out of danger, the fear and trauma did not immediately go away, she said.

"I always tell people this is why there's no such thing as just getting out," Meadows said. "If you're not emotionally out, you're not out."

Just as Rainbow was torn down when she was a kid, the same problems in the area persisted because nothing was done to truly help. Meadows said she made sure there was a real change in her and her kids' lives.

She said she got her children the treatment they needed, but it was something she had to fund and orchestrate herself. She also created different healing steps for each child, catered to their individual experiences.

Not everyone has the same road to recovery, Meadows said.

"I had to informally create (a system) for the children because there wasn't anything out there like that, especially in Arizona," Meadows said. "I was able to create a recovery process in a way that I can feel like they were able to exercise their empathy again. I had to make certain that they weren't going to take any learned behavior that they've seen happen and that I can trust that in any state of stress or heightened emotion that they would be able to make decisions based outside of trauma."

During this time of healing, Meadows said she taught her children techniques she had learned in her childhood, like practicing meditation, art and music. These were practices she fell back on herself and she wanted to pass them on.

"I do feel like (those techniques) fed into the success of me being able to continue and persevere and get back up and have the determination that I needed," Meadows said. "I wanted to provide (what I learned) in my childhood to my children. I wanted them to be able to experience what safety feels like."

Helping other victims in their healing process

Now, as a manager for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, Meadows continues to pass on those lessons to others going through similar experiences, so they don't have to face the same obstacles that she did.

"Being able to make certain that I'm bringing those opportunities to people that I had and then also the experiences that were not conducive to the healing process (which makes me) able to alleviate those hurdles and barriers for those experiencing them or would experience them," Meadows said.

Like she has for most of her life, Meadows focuses on the community aspect of her job. The group's goal is to help people heal through advocacy, and she emphasizes the healing. She aims to have close, in-person relationships with those she is working with rather than a remote, disconnected one.

Meadows has hosted multiple trainings and policy retreats on how to prepare victims trying to make a change when they feel ready for it. At these retreats, she has members write bills and laws based on their experiences. Often, people are writing the same things.

"We realize that these are not isolated incidents, a lot of these are just, unfortunately, things that are symptoms of a system that needs to help more survivor voices," Meadows said.

The group's Arizona chapter has already helped pass multiple bills and allocate millions of dollars for trauma recovery centers and victim's compensation. Meadows said she hopes the chapter can continue to grow to fill the gaps in the system and alleviate the trauma and PTSD many face.

"Our motto is, 'when survivors speak, change happens,' and that's the truth," Meadows said. "I feel like survivorship is the biggest, loneliest club in a way. The sad truth is you're not alone."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Celina Meadows seeks to help Arizona survivors heal
The clock struck midnight on New Year's, and Ivette Jorge and her family were getting ready to run around their neighborhood with empty luggage in hand.

While her neighbors stared and thought she was ditching the New Year's party, Jorge was manifesting travel wishes and the hope for a good year with traditions and rituals that enabled the holiday as a predictor for the year to come.

"Whenever we do it here (in Arizona), we are the only ones, but in Miami, the whole neighborhood would be outside running with their suitcase," said Jorge

Arizona's Hispanic population far and wide celebrated the coming year often in ordinal ritualistic behavior, like the Spanish-rooted tradition of eating 12 grapes at the strike of midnight, a tradition still actively celebrated by Jorge, a Cuban-American who moved to Arizona from Miami 11 years ago.

Jorge said New Years was kind of like a fresh start for her and her family, who have carried on their cultural traditions since moving to Arizona.

Jorge recalled bringing the grape tradition to a New Years Eve wedding, bringing the newlyweds skewers of a pre-portioned amount of 12 grapes, to which the eater was to dedicate a wish for the coming year.

My mom says youre supposed to eat them all before the first minute (of midnight), said Jorge.

Jorges family also implements water in two of their New Year traditions, first cleansing the doorway of the home at the stroke of midnight with a bucket of water, a tradition Jorge learned from her mother, who always had a bucket filled and ready to go before the clock hit midnight.

Jorge and her family also spent New Years Day traveling to a body of salt or freshwater and participating in the same idea of cleansing the year to come.

In the spirit of manifesting, Jorge says certain colors of underwear are believed to bring a wish for the New Year.

To my understanding, white is for peace, blue is for good health, yellow is for prosperity, green is for money, I think red is for romance or passion," Jorge said. "Youre not supposed to wear black.

"Technically, if you go commando, you're just rolling the dice, Jorge added, laughing.

Participants could, in theory, stack underwear colors for multiple wishes.

"Let me tell these you, these Latin people, they're optimistic," said Jorge, speaking of the people of her culture she shared the traditions with.

As a transplant from Miami, Jorge felt difficulty finding a community around her that celebrated the same traditions, providing her a place to carry on traditions that otherwise might not be shared.

It gives you a sense of identity and a sense of belonging with a greater community, said Jorge.

Even if that community was just among her immediate family, Jorge kept the traditions active every New Year, reminding those in her family who didnt live in Arizona to participate.

Food and tradition unite small towns like Globe

The population of the eastern Arizona mining town of Globe, which was the hometown of Arizona State University Chicano studies professor Christine Marin.

The tight community of Globe had kept its residents united, usually with food throughout the holiday season and until New Years.

After a busy Christmas season of making tamales, Globes Mexican community was ready to enjoy menudo that would be served on New Years as a regular tradition.

Menudo is a classic Mexican comfort food.

The Mexican soup was ready for consumption after what might have been a celebratory night with plenty of alcohol, which gave menudo the association as a hangover cure.

We would have tamales for Christmas, make our menudo during the Christmas holiday then have the menudo ready for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Then, in January, we'd always have menudo throughout, said Marin.

Marin would continue the holiday tradition by sharing menudo with her faculty members near the New Year.

Another tradition the community would celebrate was that of the firstborn baby of the year, effectively called the New Years Baby.

After certifying the first birth of the year, the local hospital would provide a prize, which was usually followed by the baby's family being lavished with homemade food from the community.

The family would be recognized with an article in the newspaper and would be given a prize and money awarded. There would be a lot of publicity that would honor this family, said Marin of the local hospital in Globe that honored the tradition.

Marin, much like Jorge, felt the holidays offered the importance of community and traditions only enabled that as a way to stay connected.

Irish community finds a place to call home in Arizona

For the Irish community in Phoenix, finding a place to welcome in the New Year wasn't much of a challenge with local pubs that gathered a diverse community on the holiday, according to Ciara Archer, the operations director of the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library who shared traditions celebrated by those of Irish heritage.

The Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

People in Dublin, Ireland, would go outside at midnight to greet neighbors and wish each other well in the first minutes of the New Year. They would be accompanied by bells ringing from individuals, churches and cathedrals, she said.

Some would cross arms, link hands and sing the popular New Year chant of Auld Lang Syng.

Archer also shared a traditional Irish ritual where at 11:55 p.m. on Dec. 31, all the men in the house exit the home. At midnight, they return to bring good luck for the New Year.

Michelle McNamara, the Irish owner of Mountain View Pub in Cave Creek, opened the restaurant to share the same Irish recipes she learned from her family, like shepherd's pie and fish and chips.

McNamara was excited to spend her New Years Eve alongside what she described as a melting pot of local and seasonal residents who enjoyed traditional Irish food.

"The patrons become your life; it's a real melting pot of people enjoying the Midwest flair," said McNamara.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Arizonans ring in the New Year and honor culture
A religious leader stands at the end of a pier near Chicago's Oakwood Beach in Bronzeville before the 13th annual sunrise Mass for Nonviolence and Peace on Aug. 26, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

New Years Eve provides those fortunate enough to have lived to see this day an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed. It does not take a faith leader to realize that 2023 was a year marked by two devastating wars, more rancorous division in America, and continued violence and deep insecurity here in Chicago. It also does not take a person of faith to be heartbroken about the lack of peace on Earth.

It does seem that our world is full of peace lovers  but not peacemakers.

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Peace lovers are those who cherish peace and wish for its presence in the wider world. Challenged by the difficulties of bringing peace into relationships, cities or the world, peace lovers do whatever they are able to do in order to protect their sanity, assuage their fears and maintain security for themselves and their loved ones. The fortunate among the peace lovers are buttressed by privilege and economic security against a world of violence and war.

Peacemakers are a smaller category of those who love peace. For those who make peace cannot remain silent when they see injustice. In order to make peace, you need to raise your voice.

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Christian Scriptures teach, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. The Book of Deuteronomy provides the impetus for these peacemakers in its injunction, Justice, justice, shall you pursue. Those who make peace push against every system that causes pain and suffering for Gods children.

It is risky to be a peacemaker, but we religious leaders believe it is a moral obligation.

It is risky to be a peacemaker because it requires taking action in the face of injustice. Power needs to hear the voices of those who will not be silenced. Those who wield power unjustly need to know that there are those who are not afraid. Peace lovers, sometimes cowed into complacency, need to hear something that will bring them out of their safe place and into the ring to help fight against the laws, policies and systems that hurt people and keep people in bondage.

Peacemakers are what the Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews calls us to be when he teaches that the world needs prophets of the resistance, not chaplains to the empire. Peacemakers need to raise their voices to pierce the silence.

Silence creates a path for people to accept a twisted vision of what justice is. In 1954, as the Brown v. Board of Education decision dismantled the lie of separate but equal, civil rights leader Howard Thurman said the loudest silence of all came from President Dwight Eisenhower, who refused to speak up on racial equity. In 1963, while jailed in Birmingham, Alabama, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a letter decrying the silence of the moderate who stays silent and prefers the absence of tension (negative peace) to the presence of justice (a positive peace). Silence and the absence of tension are not the hallmarks of peace. Justice is.

[ Jonathan Eig: We have lost sight of MLKs radical vision and dulled his image to our detriment ]

In 2023, we celebrated 60 years since the March on Washington; if six decades ago King shared his famous dream, today we must recognize how far we are from it. We have witnessed unprecedented acts on American democracy. We have seen a continued crusade to deprive people of the sacred franchise of the vote. We have seen state governments limit the rights of women, ban books, curtail protections of gender identity and restrict teaching the truth about American history. We are afraid, and often it is those in power who are creating the fear that cows us.

That fear even strikes at the heart of the pulpit, where clergy are afraid to address these issues, afraid either to lose significant institutional income by afflicting the comfortable or losing their positions by shining a spotlight on the injustices that make the comfortable feel afflicted. Being a peacemaker, speaking out against injustice, can carry real consequences.

But the Book of Ecclesiastes says there is a time for every purpose under the heavens: a time to be silent and a time to speak. Whenever there is injustice, it is time to speak up and speak out. In our world so lacking peace, we know this is the time to speak. For those of us who believe in justice, who believe peace is possible, silence is not really an option.

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Silence is not really an option while the winds of hate gust at gale force, while the blood of our murdered children cries out from every morning paper, while our siblings sleep in orange tents and our new arrivals on police station floors. Silence is not really an option while a good education often still depends on a ZIP code, while a white man with 91 indictments can run for president, while a brown or Black brother waiting on a marijuana case cannot get a job. Silence is not really an option when there is a waitlist for Illinois abortion clinics and gender care centers are overflowing because we now need to serve so many people in need from neighboring states.

Silence is not really an option in a world where peace is so hard to find.

And we should be clear about speaking out. Yes, its important to raise the voice of justice on social media feeds and in our inner circles. But its even more important to speak out by voting, centering the needs of the people, meeting with elected officials and having a clear ask that changes the status quo.

Peace on earth and goodwill to all humanity is not just a seasonal saying; it comes from the heart of Christian Scripture. Fortunately, there are few in our world who disagree with this sentiment.

And, with good fortune in this coming year, all of us who love peace will be moved to make peace. To end the violence here in Chicago. To bring justice to America. To see peace throughout our world. In 2024, may all of us use the power of our voice, and partner together in the work of our hearts and hands, to become peacemakers.

Chicago faith leaders Rabbi Seth Limmer and the Revs. Otis Moss III, Ciera Bates-Chamberlain and Michael Pfleger joined the Tribunes opinion section last summer for a series of columns on potential solutions to Chicagos chronic gun violence problem. The column continues on an occasional basis.

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Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
An armed, off-duty Maryland police officer sent two suspected carjackers fleeing when he fired his weapon as they forced his family out of a vehicle near a large shopping mall outside of Washington, D.C., police say.

"Continue to remain diligent. Be aware of your surroundings," Prince George Assistant Chief Vernon Hale III said during a press conference last week. "As you can see, if this can happen to an off-duty officer, it can certainly happen to a family. So, we want to make sure that everybody remains diligent, take care of one another, and keep your eyes open."

Hale said an unidentified off-duty police officer with the department was assisting two of his family members as they got into their personal vehicle at about 5 p.m. Thursday in Oxon Hill when they were approached by at least two suspects, Fox 5 DC reported. The family was in a parking lot that serves office buildings, including dental and medical offices, and is located across the street from the Tanger Outlets National Harbor shopping center.

The off-duty cop and his family were forced from the vehicle, Hale said, calling the incident an "apparent carjacking."

LICENSED GUN OWNER TURNS TABLES ON WOULD-BE CARJACKERS AMID SOARING CHICAGO VIOLENCE

The off-duty officer fired his weapon, causing the suspects to flee in the vehicle. The family members were not injured during the incident and police do not believe any shots hit the suspected carjackers.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The officer was able to get his family safely out of the vehicle, discharge his weapon and the suspects escaped including his personal vehicle," Hale said.

DC MAYOR REFUSES TO WATCH VIRAL VIDEO OF KIDS DEBATING WHICH CRIMES THEY'D 'RATHER' COMMIT: 'WASTING MY TIME'

The officer used his department-issued firearm during the incident, police later said.

Police issued a "be on the lookout" for a black GMC Acadia shortly after the incident, according to NBC Washington.

Police on Friday located one of the suspects, who was identified as Washington, D.C., resident Anthony Stewart, 19. He was found in D.C., arrested and will be extradited to Maryland. He is facing charges of carjacking, robbery, theft, and additional charges, police said.

The second suspect is still at large, according to police.

DC PRE-TEEN ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTS TO CARJACK ARMED, OFF-DUTY-FEDERAL OFFICER, 13-YEAR-OLD KILLED IN GUNFIRE

The carjacking is just one of hundreds this year that have plagued areas of Maryland, as well as Washington, D.C. There have been 500 carjackings as of last week in jurisdictions overseen by Prince George's County Police, which is an 18% spike over data from last year, WJLA reported.

CONSERVATIVES SOUND ALARM ON DC CRIME CRISIS AFTER HOUSE DEM CARJACKED: 'SOFT ON CRIME POLICIES'

In nearby D.C., which is located roughly 11 miles from the site of Thursdays carjacking incident, such crimes have more than doubled over figures from last year. The outlet found there were 952 carjackings in the city as of last week, compared to 475 during the same time period in 2022.

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Crime in the city has even affected political leaders and their families, including in October when Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar was carjacked by three armed attackers near the U.S. Capitol.

The Prince Georges County Police Department was still investigating the carjacking Thursday and calling on members of the public to come forward with any tips on the second suspect's identity The off-duty officer was placed on administrative leave until the investigation is concluded.





Original article source: Armed off-duty cop sends suspected carjackers fleeing as crime spirals near nation's capital
Participants carry a huge Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Kottbusser Tor in the neighborhood of Kreuzberg during the New Year's Eve. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Around 2,000 people gathered at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin's Neukolln district, police said on Sunday.

The rally initially started with around 200 participants at the district's Hermannplatz, a busy square. However, there was a large influx of people, so that the initially expected number of 1,000 participants was exceeded.

The demonstration was accompanied by a massive police presence. The situation appeared calm in the afternoon and the police did not report any particular incidents.

Palestinian flags could also be seen at the demonstration under the slogan "No New Year's Eve - Solidarity with Palestine."

The organizers used megaphones to call on people to remain calm. The neighbouring Sonnenallee street is considered a potential hotspot on New Year's Eve, where fireworks are banned in some areas.

Since the terrorist attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, there have been constant demonstrations in Berlin in connection with the Gaza war. There have also been riots in the past.

On New Year's Eve, the police banned a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration in Neukolln entitled "No Celebration During Genocide."

Police cars stand under the Linden trees, while beams of light from the rehearsals in front of the Brandenburg Gate shine above during an event marking the New Year's Eve. Annette Riedl/dpa

Participants walk during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Kottbusser Tor in the neighborhood of Kreuzberg during the New Year's Eve. Michael Kappeler/dpa
An Atlanta man is behind bars after investigators determined he is linked to a string of burglaries.

Bibb County sheriff officials said on Thursday, just after 2 a.m., deputies received reports of a burglary alarm going off at Macon Wings on Northside Drive.

When deputies arrived, they discovered that the business had been broken into.

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With the help of surveillance footage, authorities were able to identify 53-year-old James Darrell Essick of Atlanta. He was taken into custody that day.

According to the investigation, deputies learned that Essick was linked to eight commercial burglaries in the north Macon Area that happened within a week.

Essick has been linked to burglaries at Jersey Mikes Subs on Dec. 23, Tropical Smoothie on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, Hype Wings on Dec. 27, Macon Wings, Fired Green Tomatoes, Wagers Bar & Grill, Jimmy Johns and Sherwin Williams on Dec. 28. He is also a person of interest in the attempted burglary at B. Monroe Salon.

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According to investigators, Essick is also wanted in Fulton and Cobb County.

Essick was charged with eight counts of felony second-degree burglary, criminal attempt to commit a felony, and theft by taking.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriffs Office at 478-751-7500.

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ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A violent night occurred in Allentown as a baby boy and a woman were killed, while a 66-year-old man was hospitalized after a shooting and five other people were also shot in unrelated incidents.

Allentown police were called to the 100 block of Chestnut Street Friday evening, just after 8:30, for a shooting, according to authorities.

A 1-year-old baby boy, his 44-year-old grandmother and a 66-year-old man were all found suffering with gunshot wounds when police arrived.

The woman and her grandson did not survive their injuries. They have been identified as Ada Ortiz and Sebastian Serrano.

The man was hospitalized, and is expected to recover. Police do not have anyone in custody.

A short time later, around 9 p.m., police responded to a shooting on the 300 block of Ridge Avenue, where a man and a woman were both found shot. They were both hospitalized and are expected to recover, officials said. A 23-year-old man, Demitirus Bashir Campbell, was taken into custody and charged with attempted homicide, among other related charges, as police search for a second suspect in that shooting.

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Early Saturday morning, about 2:30, on the 1600 block of Hanover Avenue, a man was found shot, authorities said. He was taken to a local hospital and expected to survive. Two other men walked into local hospitals to be treated for gunshot wounds from that same shooting. No one is in custody in that shooting.

Officials indicated none of the shootings are related.

Investigators ask anyone with information regarding the homicide on Chestnut Street to immediately contact the Allentown Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 610-437-7721. Additionally, anonymous text tips may be sent through the Tip411 line or through the Allentown Police Department Facebook page, here, or the Allentown Police Department website, here.
Dozens of states are taking sides in the court fight over California's effort to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Late last month, a coalition of 19 U.S. states and the District of Columbia came together to support Californias ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.

In a brief filed in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, where a challenge to Californias law is being considered, the coalition argued that Californias ban is wholly consistent with the 2nd Amendment and should be upheld as lawful.

Late Thursday, 25 other states responded with their own brief arguing just the opposite. They said Californias ammunition ban was a threat to the 2nd Amendment and to individual gun owners right to self-defense, and should be overturned as unconstitutional.

The dueling legal briefs showcased in clear terms something most Americans already understand from years of robust gun debates and an endless barrage of mass shootings: This is a nation deeply divided on gun policy.

Read more: 9th Circuit stays ruling against California ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines

This is a reflection of where the country is, said Adam Winkler, a UCLA law professor who focuses on 2nd Amendment law. It really highlights a political divide.

The briefs also showed how differently the attorneys general and other legal leaders in red and blue states are interpreting the sweeping new limits the U.S. Supreme Court placed on gun laws nationwide last year, Winkler said  with liberal leaders perceiving ample wiggle room for state gun restrictions to survive, and their conservative counterparts seeing far less.

The case involving Californias high-capacity magazine ban is hardly the only one where this divide is playing out. Gun laws are being challenged in courts all across the country following the Supreme Courts decision last year in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs. Bruen, and states are constantly weighing which of those cases to weigh in on.

In Bruen, the high court rejected a long-standing pillar of 2nd Amendment law that held that governments may enforce certain firearms restrictions if they have a compelling government interest in doing so. Instead, the justices decided, most restrictions on firearms are legitimate only if they are deeply rooted in American history or analogous to some other historical rule.

The ruling prompted a mountain of legal challenges to gun laws across the country, including in California.

As a result, Californias bans on high-capacity magazines and assault-style weapons were both overturned as unconstitutional in recent months by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez in San Diego.

The state has appealed both rulings, and the 9th Circuit appellate court has halted them from taking effect as it considers the appeals.

When a law is challenged in court, outside parties with a vested interest in the outcome of the decision sometimes file their own briefs in support of or in opposition to the law in question.

That is what happened with the two state coalitions in the case on Californias high-capacity magazine ban  because the appellate courts decision could have implications for gun laws in other states, too.

Read more: Federal judge again overturns California ban on high-capacity gun magazines

The filing in support of Californias ban was joined by Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state and Wisconsin.

Those states argued that they have the ability under the Constitution to impose restrictions on particularly dangerous weapons and accessories, while leaving citizens other options for self-defense; that high-capacity ammunition magazines are not commonly used arms under the 2nd Amendment; and that Californias law is consistent with a long historical tradition in this country of regulating particularly dangerous weapons and accessories.

We work every day to promote our residents health, welfare, and security, including by taking steps to curb the threats of mass shootings and other forms of gun violence that harm our residents and inhibit their exercise of constitutionally protected freedoms, the states said, arguing that such efforts are within their rights under the Constitution.

Massachusetts Atty. Gen. Andrea Joy Campbell, one of the leaders of the coalition supporting Californias ban, said in a statement that such measures save lives and protect the public from gun violence.

The filing in opposition to Californias ammunition ban was joined by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Those states argued that Californias ban threatened the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and that it clearly ran afoul of the Bruen decision, in part because such bans are not a part of the nations history and tradition of firearm regulations. They said such magazines are commonly possessed and used for self-defense and are clearly arms under the scope of the 2nd Amendment.

Montana Atty. Gen. Austin Knudsen, one of the leaders of that coalition, said in a statement that Judge Benitez had properly concluded that Californias law unconstitutionally restricts the fundamental right to keep and bear common firearm magazines typically possessed for lawful purposes, and that his decision overturning the law should be upheld by the appellate court.

When the 9th Circuit will rule in the case is unknown. Its decision could be appealed again to the Supreme Court.

UCLAs Winkler said the California case is a symbol of where we are in the gun debate right now  namely of how incredibly unsettled gun law is following the Bruen rulling.

Bruen has upended things, but it leaves many questions up for grabs  and the high-capacity magazine ban is one of them, he said.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms office, when asked about the other states weighing in against Californias high-capacity magazine ban this week, referred back to his statement denouncing Benitezs ruling in September that overturned the law.

This is politics, Newsom said at the time, pure and simple.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Geert Wilders, Marine Le Pen, Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orban will lead their hard-Right parties to victory in next years European parliament elections, polls have predicted.

Their parties are expected to be the largest in the Netherlands, France, Italy and Hungary after the EU-wide vote in June, which is seen as a battle to end Brussels overreach into national sovereignty.

Nationalist parties from Poland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Slovakia and Cyprus are also expected to return the most, or equal most, MEPs to Brussels and Strasbourg.

More than a third of all MEPs are predicted to be at the very least critical of the EU in a European parliament that has long been dominated by pro-EU groups  up from around 25 per cent a decade ago, excluding the UK.

Within that group, hard-Right parties firmly opposed to Brussels and often anti-migration, are predicted to compose up to 25 per cent of MEPs, compared with just 11 per cent a decade ago.

Nigel Farage led Ukip and the Brexit Party to victories in European parliament elections in 2014, a breakthrough year for Eurosceptic parties, and 2019.

Ukip and the Brexit Party were ahead of their time. The populist surge that we are going to see in the European elections next spring will mark the beginning of the end of the EU in its current centralised form, said Mr Farage.

Gosh, I could have led a big group!, he joked, referring to the pan-EU alliances formed by like-minded parties in the parliament.

Mr Orban, Hungarys hard-line prime minister, chose Judit Varga, his former minister of justice, to take the fight to Brussels after clashing with the EU over the rule of law and migration.

Ms Varga said she would fight the campaign to show European voters that there was an alternative, and to battle for a conservative majority in the parliament next year.

The voice of the sovereignist voters cannot be ignored, she told The Telegraph. Change is needed in Brussels, it is time to talk about reality and the peoples everyday life instead of listening to the lies and the denial of truth from the Brussels bureaucrats.

She added: If we do not make a change in June, in 50 years we will not recognise the Europe we know today.

They will flood the continent with a mass of migrants, they will betray the national minorities, the Christian roots of the founding fathers and erase the culture of consensus/unanimity.

After Mr Wilders won an unexpected Dutch general election victory in November, Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister of Italy said a new Europe is possible. He leads a pan-EU alliance of hard-Right parties in the European parliament

Soft or virulently Eurosceptic parties will be the largest, or joint largest, in 10 of the 27 EU member states, according to national polling analysed by Europe Elects.

Half of all MEPs returned from France, Italy, Cyprus and Hungary are expected to be from a Eurosceptic party.

There will still be a large majority of pro-EU MEPs. However, the increase in hard-Right MEPs could have a real impact on EU legislation, especially if they vote with the influential and establishment centre-Right.

MEPs have the power to amend bills in negotiations with EU governments across the majority of European laws.

The hard-Right parties are likely to join one of two Eurosceptic groups. If they band together to form political groups, they qualify for more EU funding and speaking time in the parliament.

The expected winners include Polands Law and Justice, which was ousted by the pro-EU Donald Tusk after eight years in power following elections in October. While it was the single largest party, it did not have enough support for a majority, but is set to win the European elections.

Belgiums Vlaams Belang, which is kept from national power by a coalition of establishment parties, is set to win in the EUs own backyard.

So is the Sweden Democrats, which is propping up a Right-wing coalition in Stockholm, which has adopted anti-migrant policies in return for its support.

The other expected winners include Ms Le Pens National Rally, Ms Melonis Brothers of Italy, Mr Orbans Fidesz and Mr Wilders Freedom Party.

Mr Wilders is still attempting to form a coalition government but Ms Meloni and Mr Orban are already prime ministers, which grants them access to European Council summits.

Heads of state and government in the council give political direction to the European Commission and will decide on the next leaders of the major Brussels institutions after the June election.

Slovakias Robert Fico, a pro-Russian Left-wing Eurosceptic nationalist, bolstered the hard-Right in the influential council after winning elections earlier this year.

Hard-Right parties are predicted to make big gains in a number of national elections across Europe next year.

There are elections in Austria, Lithuania, Croatia, Romania, Portugal and Belgium in 2024.

In 2023, the average proportion of hard-Right MPs in national parliaments hit its highest level since 2010 at around 14.3 per cent. Based on current polling, this will be exceeded in 2024.

In Austria, the hard-Right Freedom Party has been leading the polls for months. A five-poll average currently has the pro-Russian party at 31 per cent.

In Belgium, Vlaams Belang is currently expected to see its seats increase by five to a record 24, making it the largest in the chamber for deputies, even if it is unlikely to be part of a future coalition.

In Portugal, Chega is currently polling at more than twice its vote share in the previous election at 16.4 per cent. It is expected to remain the third-largest party but narrow the gap on establishment parties.

The Alliance for the Union of Romanians is polling at 18 per cent  twice its 2020 vote share.

Clearly the result of the recent Dutch elections should be a warning for the EU, said Elizabeth Kuiper, associate director at the European Policy Centre think tank in Brussels.

If more populist parties gain momentum there is a risk that EU countries will become more inward-looking, and positions will shift due to changes in government.

Clearly the mobilisation of voters expressing political discontent needs to be addressed at the EU level in the years to come.

She added that Brussels would have to prove it could solve social problems, including a fair transition to net zero, to prevent more populist victories.

Populist parties will present themselves as the saviours of the welfare state and turn their back on the EU, said Ms Kuiper.

Josep Borrell, the EUs foreign affairs chief, has warned that the European elections are as dangerous as the next US presidential election when Donald Trump could return to the White House.

Parties that can play on fear in human beings and offer bad responses to good questions can attract the support from the European population, Mr Borrell, a Spanish socialist and former European Parliament president, said earlier this month

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Bellevue Rare Coins in Tacoma is expressing urgent concern over the Tacoma Police Departments handling of a recent burglary.

KIRO 7 covered the robbery a week ago.

A week has elapsed since the initial report, and the absence of clear progress is alarming, said a spokesperson.

Staff says they have reached out to the police but have not heard back from the detective assigned to the case.

We are aware that law enforcement officers work under challenging conditions and that not all processes are within public view, stated Eric Hoolahan, CEO of Bellevue Rare Coins. However, the current pace of investigation does not inspire the confidence we strive to uphold for our customers and the broader community.

The business is still offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.




By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican marked the first anniversary on Sunday of the death of Pope Benedict XVI, with one of his closest aides saying he never would have approved a recent declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples.

Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, who was the Church's doctrinal chief under Benedict, and Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, who was Benedict's private secretary, both German, were two headliners at an event marking the anniversary and organised by the conservative U.S.-based Catholic television network EWTN.

"It never would have happened (under Benedict) because it was so ambiguous," Mueller said on the sidelines of the event when asked by Reuters about the landmark declaration issued on Dec. 18.

While the December declaration says such blessings cannot resemble the sacrament of matrimony between a man and a woman and cannot be part of rituals or liturgies, some advocates of more inclusion of LGBT people saw it as a possible precursor of same-sex marriage in the Church.

"There is no homosexual matrimony. It does not exist, it cannot exist, despite ideologies we have (today)," said Mueller, whom Francis removed as head of the Vatican's doctrinal department after Benedict resigned in 2013.

Francis briefly noted the anniversary in his Sunday blessing to crowds in St. Peter's Square, saying Benedict had "served the Church with love and wisdom" and that he "We feel so much affection, so much gratitude, so much admiration for him".

Francis then asked the crowd for a round of applause for Benedict, who was the first pope in 700 years to step down instead of rule for life.

Mueller said that while his personal relationship with Francis is "very good" he does not hesitate to disagree with him in public on doctrinal issues because "we are not in the Soviet Union where only one leader has a say".

Mueller said "the best thing we can do for the pope is always to be close to the Catholic truth and faith and not to be here as adulators".

Earlier in St. Peter's Basilica, Gaenswein, Benedict's secretary, said a memorial Mass for Benedict. Gaenswein's voice broke twice with emotion while reading his homily.

Benedict's shock resignation divided the Church, with many saying he should not have stepped down.

His 10 years living in the Vatican as "pope emeritus" widened the conservative-progressive divide, with some diehard traditionalists not recognising Francis as leader.

"I think many polemics will be forgotten," Gaenswein said on the sidelines of the television event. "What remains is the substance, and (as for) the substance of his papacy, history will judge".

Gaenswein, who Francis dispatched back to Germany after Benedict died, said that when Benedict decided to resign, the former pope was convinced he had at most a year left to live.

"I pray he will be a saint. I wish he will be a saint. And I am convinced he will be a saint," he said.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Jason Neely)
Benjamin Kiplagat competed in three Olympic Games for Uganda

Benjamin Kiplagat, who has represented Uganda at three Olympic Games, has been found dead in Kenya, with local reports saying he had been stabbed.

Kiplagat, 34, reached the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympics in the 3,000m steeplechase.

He was reportedly found in a car with stab wounds to his chest and neck, near the Kenyan town of Eldoret, known as a top training centre for athletes.

Kenyan police say they have launched an investigation into his death.

World Athletics said it was "shocked and saddened" by news of Kiplagat's death.

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Under my authorship, this will be my last column for The Times. Heartfelt thanks are extended to its editors and staff for providing the platform for nearly nine years of writing 330 columns, Ask Attorney Bernie and Opinion Columns. Hopefully, each of these literary genres has been informative and challenging to my readers.

Mindful that Repetitio est Mater Studiorum, when translated from the Latin, Repetition is the mother of all studies, I dare to repeat what I have previously written about an influencer, what I want to be remembered as the author of my many columns.

Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith and perhaps the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change.

Just because Im in the race, doesnt mean that Im fully ready. Just because Im shaking, doesnt mean Im not steady.

And so you do. Together working. Together, beginning, over and over and over and over until youre no longer beginning. Youre winning.

Any influencer is well instructed by the poignant admonitions of Jon Meacham, Vanderbilt, Tennessee historian: History tells us that we are at our best when we act out of generosity, not greed  when we lend a hand, not when we clench our fists. And, yes, when we forgive, not when we harden our hearts, and close our souls.

According to Meacham, To forgive is to start anew. To forgive is to rise above, where God is. To forgive is to build, not to tear down. He continues: But let us be clear. In this life of the nation [including Beaver County], forgiveness is not about forgetting. Americans [including Beaver Countians] make this mistake all the time.

To remember is a sacred act  among the most sacred that you and I can undertake.

Forgetting is arguably a sin as consequential hardness of heart. For it is only in remembrance that we can know what wrongs are right  what perils we must avoid  what injustices we must ameliorate.

May I add: Just because, I forgive you, doesnt mean that I trust you. Just because it felt right then, doesnt mean it wont feel wrong.

Cassidy Hutchison is a quintessential example of an influencer. In her 20s, she was a former special assistant to President Donald Trump and his chief of staff Mark Meadows. She received national attention after being a key witness in the hearings led by the U.S. Select Committee to investigate the Jan. 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Hutchinsons life took a dramatic turn on Jan. 6, 2021, when at 24, she found herself in one of the most extraordinary and unprecedented calamities in modern history.

Hutchinson was faced with a choice between loyalty to the Trump administration or loyalty to the country by revealing what she saw and heard in the attempt to overthrow a democratic election. She bravely came forward to become the pivotal witness in the House Jan. 6th investigations, as her testimony transfixed and stunned the nation.

I still consider myself a Republican. But I denounce the tribalism that produced the outlandish conspiracy theories and violence that some party leaders not only failed to condemn but even excused in the pursuit of power," she said.

The inscription Hutchinson included in her high-school yearbook photograph was a Thomas Paine quote from President Ronald Reagans farewell speech at the 1968 Republican Convention: The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Reagan ended: And my fellow citizens, while our triumph is not yet complete, the road has been glorious indeed.

And to my readers, for the last time: While my triumph is not yet complete, the road has been glorious indeed: Hopefully, a true influencer.

Bernard Rabik, a Hopewell Township attorney, has been a columnist for The Times since 2014.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Rabik: Wants to be remembered as an influencer
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, left, dances with Alice Smith and plays the tambourine as the Chicago Windy City Ramblers perform at a Kwanzaa celebration at the Conrad Worrill Track & Field Stadium on Dec. 26, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

On Mayor Brandon Johnsons first full day in office, he visited ground zero of the crisis that would come to define his next seven months.

Striding into the 12th District Chicago police station on the Near West Side in May, the new chief executive clasped his hands before his waist as he surveyed a lobby floor cluttered with sleeping bags and families of bleary-eyed migrants.

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How do you like Chicago so far? Johnson asked a woman and boy, with political ally and local Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, translating in Spanish.

As an aide implored TV news crews to step back, the mayor continued: As a city, were going to do everything we can to make this place, your opportunities, more comfortable.

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[ Mayor Brandon Johnson offers empathy but no immediate solutions as he visits migrant shelters ]

Now heading into a new year, many Chicagoans are judging the mayors performance so far based on how they think he has handled that early promise of clearing out the police stations and humanely resettling asylum-seekers, many of whom arrive impoverished from Venezuela.

The singular issue has threatened to eclipse Johnsons broader agenda, though he points to recent City Council wins on labor requirements and more as evidence hes living up to his leftist bona fides.

Johnson is the most progressive mayor now leading a major American city, and his victory was seen as an electoral mandate for his prescription of bold investments for the working class while leading with compassion.

But the desperation of the migrant crisis that awaited him in May rose to unfathomable heights this fall, testing the limits of the mayors mantra that Chicago has enough for everyone as thousands of migrants slept on police station floors, at the citys airports and on sidewalks.

Nelys Cedeno, 48, a migrant from Venezuela, prepares a shake after spending the night in a tent located in a parking lot across the street from the Austin District (15th) Chicago police station on Oct. 31, 2023. Most of the migrants who slept inside the police station were mothers and children while others slept in tents near the entrance or across the street in a parking lot. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Indeed, just last week Johnsons team moved to free up $95 million in COVID-19 stimulus funds to cover the ongoing costs of housing and helping feed asylum-seekers. And the mayor has acknowledged the $150 million allocated in the city budget for next years migrant services will surely fall short without help from the state and federal governments.

In an interview, mayoral senior adviser Jason Lee acknowledged the challenges but said the administration has proved it can balance those dynamics while advancing one of the more progressive agendas in recent municipal history.

Lee highlighted Johnsons oft-stated goal to run the city in a collaborative way that doesnt push some groups ahead while leaving others behind.

The mayor has a vision for transforming the city and doing it in an inclusive way where someone winning doesnt mean someone else losing, and that remains the goal, Lee said. I think weve been able to strike the right balance of some real impactful policy that doesnt polarize.

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[ What to know about Chicagos migrant crisis ]

But Chicago is a notoriously divided city, with a long history of ethnic groups asserting their own power at the expense of the clout wielded by others. And all the way from Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott fanned the flames further when he sent the first bus of asylum-seekers to Chicago in August 2022 as a rebuke of liberal cities that support open borders.

Since then, more than 26,400 migrants have come to Chicago, with some critics upset the city hasnt done more to accommodate them and others angry at what they say is a policy that puts the new arrivals ahead of the need to address decades of disinvestment in struggling neighborhoods.

Aldermen and other political leaders who spoke with the Tribune largely split along ideological lines over how they would assess the new administration.

Johnsons strongest allies said he is being judged unfairly due to the chasm between the political establishment and the grassroots and labor coalition where Johnson rose up as a Chicago Teachers Union organizer. Others warned that Johnson isnt prepared to handle the decisions Chicagos mayor faces, and said the past seven months are a harbinger of more struggles.

People protesting against the possible construction of a winterized tent camp for migrants on a vacant lot at 38th Street and California Avenue march to the Archer Avenue office of Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, on Nov. 10, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Pressure on migrant response

Johnson has weathered criticism he lacks a robust plan on how to grapple with the logistics and exorbitant costs of the migrants, and that his administration has not been transparent, as promised. And he has been publicly second-guessed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other officials, further underscoring perceived problems with the citys approach.

But Lee said beliefs that the city has not formed a robust migrant response plan are based on misconceptions of what is a plan when it comes to a dynamic situation like Chicagos.

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[ Asylum-seekers cleared from once-crowded Chicago police station as city begins to enact new policies ]

The administration has highlighted that the citys shelter system swelled under Johnson to 27 citywide sites and that he inherited costly contracts from predecessor Lori Lightfoot but has since negotiated rates down. By mid-December, Johnsons team also heralded that migrants werent sleeping at police stations anymore.

That feat came on the heels of the citys botched proposal to house about 2,000 migrants at a tent encampment in Brighton Park, which rankled local Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, and others who complained the city was not communicating with them and that the former industrial land could be contaminated.

Those concerns came to a head when Johnsons team announced the site was safe for temporary living, only for Pritzker to counter days later that his administration found the city contractors environmental assessment was heavily flawed and possibly missed harmful amounts of contaminants. In a striking rebuke, Pritzker refused to use state money to pay for the encampment, effectively shelving the idea.

The governor would shrug off the discord two days later, instead blaming reporters for trying to stoke that conversation of differences. Johnson, meanwhile, avoided holding a press availability until the next week.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, left, and Mayor Brandon Johnson attend a Labor Day reception organized by the Chicago Federation of Labor at McCormick Place on Aug. 30, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Restricting media access is a natural reaction when everybody is underwater, but it is hurting the mayor, veteran Chicago political strategist Delmarie Cobb said.

The administration needs to be more transparent. That is one of the hallmarks of being a progressive, Cobb said. Then you get in there, you get hit with 50 things at once  and the things that you said you were going to do in terms of communicate, and transparency and all of that, suddenly youre so inundated, I believe, that people begin to retreat.

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[ Gov. J.B. Pritzker wont proceed with Brighton Park migrant camp, citing serious environmental concerns ]

Lee, however, described the Brighton Park situation as the result of different perspectives with the state.

We made every good faith effort to get that site ready to go. We followed a remediation program that we still stand by, Lee said. We never made any claims about permanent residential use, because thats not what the site was ever intended for.

Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, said Johnsons most egregious stumbles over the migrant response boil down to that lack of transparency. He said the administration has dodged questions on matters ranging from fiscal management, including city payments to Favorite Healthcare Staffing  a national employment firm hired to run migrant shelters  to concerns about a shelter in Waguespacks North Side ward.

Its just getting to the point where people are feeling that they are holding themselves above accountability, and above transparency, and this whole rhetoric of for the people is just a one giant charade, Waguespack said. I have never seen so many missteps, mistakes and just this dishonest lack of transparency.

Building a Cabinet, and a story

The Johnson administration has struggled with critical personnel hires, making it harder to run city government and put his policy goals into effect. Johnson didnt hire a corporation counsel, the citys top lawyer, until after nearly a month in office. He didnt choose a new leader for Intergovernmental Affairs until late November  and relied on a Lightfoot holdover who was not part of his inner circle to hold the position working with aldermen and other officials to forward his agenda.

Mayor Brandon Johnson visits the City Hall press room holiday party following a City Council meeting on Dec. 13, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

The mayor fired Allison Arwady as public health commissioner but did not replace her with a noninterim commissioner for months.

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More than six months after Johnson took office, he does not have a communications director, which means the administration often struggles to project or deliver a coherent message about its plans. The lack of staffing has put an increased burden on the people Johnson relies on, and critics argue the administration has too few key figures making decisions.

[ Mayor Brandon Johnson fires health Commissioner Allison Arwady day after health board asks him to keep her in her post ]

Eric Adelstein, a political strategist based in Chicago, said Johnson conveyed a clear message on the campaign trail. Adelstein is less sure what story Johnson wants to tell as mayor.

The problem for many mayors is that perception becomes reality, and I think right now, whether its fair or unfair, the perception is that things are moving very slowly, Adelstein said. When you dont articulate a compelling vision of the future of where you want to go, it creates a certain level of uncertainty.

Kennedy Bartley, executive director of the United Working Families political organization, which backed Johnsons mayoral candidacy, said that expectations are higher for Johnson because he is not a status quo mayor.

Bartley noted that a decade after previous mayors closed city mental health clinics, Johnsons recently passed $16.77 billion budget calls for adding two mental health clinic pilots, yet some people ask her if thats enough.

Weve been fighting against them closing, and now were in a conversation about them opening, but the rubric is different, Bartley said. Its a welcome challenge, but it is a challenge nonetheless.

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Bartley said she too has unfulfilled demands not yet addressed, such as canceling the citys contract with gunfire detection company ShotSpotter and divesting from the Chicago Police Department budget. But that requires organizers like her to fight to make the idea more politically possible for Johnson, she said.

What we used to judge administrations on, it was the status quo, to work to keep Realtors and cops happy, Bartley said. Now we have a mayor that we judge based on his stated values.

Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, center, attends a rally in support of nationwide striking auto workers at the UAW Local 551 union hall, 13550 S. Torrence Ave., on Sept. 21, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Progressive values

A chuckle tumbled out of CTU President Stacy Davis Gates as she remembered her view of the fifth floor of City Hall under Lightfoot. Not only was I not invited, I was barred, she said, referencing how security stopped her from getting off the elevator outside the mayors suite of offices during the 2019 teacher strike.

One election later, the scene couldnt be more different.

Following Johnsons inauguration, Davis Gates returned to the fifth floor, with an invite to the signing of his executive order establishing a deputy mayor of labor relations. This time, security focused on guarding Johnson rather than hassling Davis Gates.

What surrounded me were people who struggled to be heard over time for generations, smiling with the mayor of Chicago, Davis Gates said about the room of labor organizers. I remember the smiles. I remember the elation. The energy was unparalleled.

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Months later, Davis Gates points to the cascading wins from the City Council this fall: abolishing subminimum wage for service workers; establishing one of the most expansive paid leave requirements in the nation; passing a referendum question asking voters whether to raise taxes on certain real estate sales to combat homelessness; and putting a host of investments into addressing the root causes of violence in his budget.

I aint seeing no losses, Davis Gates said.

But another seasoned figure of the left, Ald. Jeanette Taylor, 20th, carries a far less rosy outlook, she revealed in a December episode of The Ben Joravsky Show podcast.

Taylor pointed to allegations by aldermen that Johnsons now-former floor leader, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, bullied and threatened them in an effort to block unfavorable legislation as evidence that progressives arent prepared to lead.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa, 35th, celebrates with Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the Bring Chicago Home coalition during a press conference after a Chicago City Council committee advanced an ordinance that would ask voters about raising the real estate transfer tax to combat homelessness, Oct. 31, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

The November incident, which led to the council deadlocking in a censure vote against Ramirez-Rosa and Johnson casting the tiebreaker to bail him out, suggests some progressives have become more concerned with power than organizing.

We cannot say that we are the movement people, we are the left, and we do the same exact thing that the right is doing, Taylor said.

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We should not be on the fifth floor, and Im speaking my whole heart, Taylor said. We were not ready, because we havent been in government long enough to know how government really runs.  And we look real stupid right now.

[ Mayor Brandon Johnson saves City Council ally from official rebuke for bullying, threats ]

Reached for comment, Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, did not react to Taylors remarks because, he said, as a rule, I try to not engage in a back-and-forth with people who are part of our progressive movement in the media. I will say that Ive always sought to push along a progressive agenda.  I made mistakes. I have taken responsibility for those mistakes.

But for a truly democratic movement, Davis Gates said, infighting is exactly how grassroots movements grow stronger.

Progressives disagree on everything, actually. Thats kind of a feature of our movement, Davis Gates said. Brothers and sisters and siblings, we fight all the time, and sometimes you see it in the front yard, right, and sometimes its at the kitchen table.

New era of City Council

Johnson took office as the City Council continues to change.

The body is more racially diverse and more liberal than during prior generations. But it also has more risk of becoming mired in disagreement than past rubber-stamp bodies. The councils bloc of independent aldermen grew under Emanuel, and that trend accelerated during the Lightfoot years.

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Our ideological divide is so wide  probably as widest that Ive ever seen in my tenure and probably in the councils history, said veteran Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, Johnsons hand-picked Budget Committee chair. We got everybody from almost Blue Dog Democrats to ultraprogressive, socialist, all under the same party banner. So I think thats where the tension primarily comes from.

Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, agreed, saying that makeup speaks to the legitimate differences of opinion regarding policy.

Nobody really has a solid 26-vote majority, so everything has to be sort of cobbled together, and you do see unlikely alliances that form around a single issue, Hopkins said.

To that end, the mayors early olive branch extension of some leadership appointments to supporters of his runoff opponent, Paul Vallas, and subsequent efforts to forge relationships could pay off when a more painful piece of legislation could use support outside his base.

Mayor Brandon Johnson rests his hands on a desk during a City Council meeting at City Hall on Dec. 13, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

But Johnsons demeanor has not veered much from his first council meetings, either. He continues standing for the duration of the session and keeping a cool head in the face of flare-ups.

And his penchant for the occasional joke or line of flattery remains strong. After a recent council meeting adjourned, the mayor presented a CD of an apparent old rap mixtape produced by his vice mayor, Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, as someone played the audio softly from the chamber speakers to tease him.

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[ Chicago City Council approves Mayor Brandon Johnsons first budget ]

The mayors budget soared through in a 41-8 vote this fall. That easy win signals he can successfully reach across the aisle and build strong majorities for his major initiatives. But it also reflects the fact the spending plan lacked any painful choices, for better or worse.

Closing a projected $538 million budget gap next year entailed Johnson taking a record sum from tax increment financing funds  a tactic previous mayors have used that has been controversial because it is a one-time fix.

They took the path of least resistance this year, but some of that will certainly come at the expense of next year, which is interesting, Hopkins, who voted yes for the budget, said. Theres only so many TIFs you can sweep with a broom, and that dries up too. So some of the one-off tricks that were used to balance this budget wont be available.

And there are rumbles of broader philosophical concerns.

Brad Tietz, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerces vice president for government relations and strategy, said the business community is miffed over how the regular cadence of weekly or biweekly calls from previous administrations has stopped. He also said the administration does not appear to share a focus on the business community and for economic development that other mayors had.

Theres something missing between the business community and the administration, Tietz said, adding that previous mayors struck a balance between jobs and worker protections. What were seeing now is an administration beholden to an activist and labor base.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson during a Q&A following the announcement of a mobilization of Chicagos faith and philanthropic communities to help provide housing and resources for new arrivals, as Venezuelan migrant Euvelis Rengel looks on, during a news conference at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church on Nov. 28, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Johnson, for his part, has dealt with the naysayers with his same laid-back, if not idealistic, message from the start.

At a recent holiday party for supporters of the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago, Johnson nodded to the concerns with a quip suggesting he plans to be the citys longest-serving mayor.

Johnson told the audience hes only been in office for six months and needed their patience because he has 23 and a half years to go. He later echoed the sentiment at a holiday party with aldermen, declaring: I look forward to the next 23 years and five months as mayor!

The Tribunes Gregory Royal Pratt, A.D. Quig and Dan Petrella contributed.

ayin@chicagotribune.com
From the Dispatch Weekly on The Dispatch

Hello, and happy New Years Eve. I dont know about you, but if I still wrote checks, Id just now be remembering to date them with 2023 instead of 2022. It was just that whirlwind of a year. To be honest, we havent had anything resembling a normal year since we launched The Dispatch back in 2019. (Remember, correlation does not imply causation!)

No, the fates keep finding new ways to engender historic levels of chaos: There were no pandemics or impeachments or insurrections this year, but we did see a former president charged with a felony (91 felonies, actually) for the first time in American history, not one but two House speakership elections, Hamas launch the worst pogrom against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and the war in Ukraine continuing to grind on.

There is no tidy way that is fairnor any fair way that is tidyfor me to crank out a list of our best work of the year. There was a lot of it, and Id definitely forget something. But in compiling this look back on 2023, I tried to select some of our best big-picture analyses on the most important events. Thanks for reading, and heres to a great 2024.

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Congressional Drama

Rep. Kevin McCarthy really wanted the speakers gavel, but Republicans secured only a slim majority in the 2022 midterms, so he needed the support of just about everyone in the GOP conference to secure it. Rep. Matt Gaetz and a small group of Republicans seized the opportunity to demand concessions, notably more power for rank-and-file members on the House floor and a one-member threshold to begin proceedings to depose McCarthy if he does become speaker, as we noted in a piece after the 11th vote. After 15 votes on the House floor, during which time McCarthy supporter Rep. Mike Rogers nearly came to blows with Gaetz, the California Republican finally became speaker.

The humiliation of that speakership vote was nothing, however, compared to what McCarthy would endure nine months later. That one-member threshold concession came back to haunt him, as Gaetz invoked it after McCarthy made a deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown. Unfortunately, Gaetz had a plan to get rid of McCarthy, but he didnt have anyone to replace him. That led to another bout of drama. McCarthy was voted out, resulting in Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan both seeking the jobbut neither could garner enough support. Eventually, we ended up with a little-known congressman, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, as speaker. Michael Warren provided some background on Johnson for those in need of a catchup: He is known internally for promoting conservative policies on abortion and same-sex marriage, yet is regarded highly even by his more socially moderate colleagues as a trustworthy person.

The year that began with the House floor looking like the setting for an over-the-top reality show ended with McCarthy exiting the stage all together. He officially retired at the end of the year, but sat with David Drucker for an exit interview before he left. David looked back at McCarthys journey from California state representative to the speakers office, asked McCarthy about Trumpisms influence on the Republican conference, and got into the fight McCarthy had with the Gaetz bloc. There is a group inside the Freedom Caucus that would argue against Mothers Day, McCarthy told him. They just want to fight. They dont care about policy, they just care about fighting.

Israel-Hamas War

War between Israel and Hamas is not newor uncommonbut such conflicts tend to last weeks, or maybe even just days. Since we woke up to the news on October 7, however, we knew this round of fighting would be differentand not just because of the horrific nature of Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians and the large number of hostages who were swept away into Gaza. The fight between a small country of 10 million people and the Iranian-backed terrorist outfit that governs the 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip has had global implications. And it has revealed a strain of antisemitism around the world that is both broad and deep.

Fortuitously, Charlotte had recently moved to Tel Aviv, and shes provided some great on-the-ground reporting in recent months. She explained how Qatar has positioned itself as a player on the international stage by maintaining relationships with both Western nations and terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollahand noted that Qatars intentions in mediating the hostage exchanges in November may not be entirely altruistic. Her pieces about civilian groups stepping up to provide assistance and about the struggles of Israelis displaced within their own country put a face on the human toll of the war.

Weve also covered numerous policy and diplomacy angles. Paul D. Miller suggested that, when Israel finally eradicates Hamas, Gaza should be handed over to the United Nations. Jonathan Ruhe looked at how Iran is challenging the U.S. throughout the Middle East at the same time that Hamas is waging war against Israel, and advised the Biden administration to undo Americas history of hollow threats against the Islamic Republic.

And then theres the antisemitism. Id write and then theres the rise in antisemitism, but I dont know that the war has inspired new levels of Jew hatred so much as it has revealed something thats been there all along. Kevin touched on this, pointing out that many of the arguments made against Zionism really just boil down to antisemitism. Many of the protests on college campuses and in major cities around the world have gone beyond support for the Palestinians to feature outright support for Hamasand a number of antisemitic tropes. And when House Republicans called the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT to testify how they were handling antisemitism on their campuses, it  did not go well. Penns president has since resigned, and pressure is rising on Harvard President Claudine Gay to do the same. Jonah argued the presidents attitude was unsurprising, really, given how progressive academics have been promoting critical race theory and breaking the world down into oppressors vs. the oppressed.

While Hamas started the war and one can blame the terrorists for all the collateral damage, understanding the Palestinian perspective is also important. British Palestinian writer John Aziz looked at polling that shows Hamas is popular among Gazans, and tried to make sense of whybravado, fear of Hamas, antisemitism? Or is it some blend of all the above, combined with the incoherent wailing of a desperate, traumatized people? he asked. And he argued that, to have peace, Palestinians must abandon Hamas and work toward negotiations.

Donald Trumps Legal Woes

Where to begin? The former president has been indicted four times this year, and hes facing a total of 91 felony charges. Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg made history when he charged Trump for falsifying documents in relation to his hush money payments to Stormy Daniels in 2016. Trump enters 2024 facing federal charges for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and trying to overturn the 2020 election, and state charges in Georgia for trying to do the same in the state.

We realized we had an opportunity to cover this unprecedented mashup of jurisprudence and politics by combining the talents of Sarah, who is not only a lawyer but has worked on campaigns and in the Justice Department, and Michael Warren, an experienced political reporter. Enter The Collision. Check out the complete archives, but for a few excellent examples of their work, see how they ranked the four cases against Trump pondered what would happen if Trump wins the presidency and a state-level case such as the one in Georgia is ongoing.

You can count the number of staff editorials weve published in the past four years on one handwe try to save those for the really big/bad stuffbut we used the occasion of the classified documents charges against Trump to publish an editorial warning Republicans that continuing to defend Trump is a bad ideaboth morally and politicallyand calling on those who express concerns about him privately but support him publicly to drop the act.

Most recently, Trump has faced efforts to kick him off the ballot in several states, with petitioners arguing that hes ineligible under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars from office any officer who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and then engages in insurrection. Its a thorny legal question, and David and Sarah welcomed William Baudeone of the authors of a law review article weighing the issueonto Advisory Opinions to discuss the case. And dont miss Sarah and Davids emergency podcast from after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Trump ineligible to be on the ballot there (pending a whole bunch of litigation).

The 2024 Primary

One of the more confounding aspects of the 2024 Republican presidential primary is not just that Donald Trump is the overwhelming frontrunner, but that every bit of bad news for him legally seems to be great news for him in terms of polling and fundraising. David Deucker notes that this has a lot to do with the fact that a lot of Republicans have problems with the Republican Party: That Trump is a former president, the titular leader of the GOP, and therefore the epitome of the Republican establishment, is immaterial, he writes. The Republican base still views him as a political outsider who uniquely speaks to the beef they have with their party and Washington.

We entered the year waiting for Ron DeSantis to announce his campaign and see if maybe his strategy of running as Trump, but competent might pay off. We watched as a bevy of other candidates entered the racefrom Nikki Haley, to Tim Scott, to Mike Pence, to people who never had a chance like former Rep. Will Hurd, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and wealthy North Dakota Gov. Doug Bergum. Warren had a great piece profiling Scott that could probably also apply to most of the traditional conservatives running: Tim Scotts a Good Guy. But Is That Enough? (For Scott, it wasnt.)

As early as April, David Drucker highlighted one problem that would plague DeSantis throughout the campaignhe might be an effective governor, but hes not so great at campaigning. Nick has written about the primary extensively, particularly DeSantis struggles. He writes every day and its hard to play favorites, so Ill let you pick.

We launched The Dispatch Politics newsletter this year, and Andrew, Drucker and Mike Warren have been filing from early primary states and other key battlegrounds across the country. In a recent issue, they looked at why Sen. Josh Hawley, who is plenty popular in his own state and doesnt need to be in Trumps good graces, nevertheless endorsed the former presidentand what it all says about Trumpism and the state of the GOP.

If you find all of this as bizarre and mystifying as we do, and if you could use a laugh, may I recommend going back and reviewing this weird but delightful piece in which Kevin imagined himself as the moderator of the first primary debate.

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Best of the Rest

Im leaving out a tonthe war in Ukraine has unfortunately, but understandably, been forced to share global attention as Israel fights Hamas and the election heats up. But you should check out Kevins report from the war-torn country, where he visited Kyiv and Irpin. More than a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Patrick Brown looked at how the pro-life movement is struggling and tried to figure out what happened. Speaking of the Supreme Court, Adam White looked back on the term that ended in June and what the courts decisions said about issues it would likely confront over the next few years.

Read more at The Dispatch

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New York's Times Square may get much of the attention with its ball drop on New Year's Eve, but there's some pretty unique action elsewhere.

For sure, Times Square deserves its spotlight because travelers from near and far converge at the "crossroads of the world" to see the nearly 6-ton sphere drop at One Times Square. This year's ball has more than 32,000 LED modules capable of creating more than 16 million colors.

Even though the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball eclipses all other events  it's the centerpiece of several New Year's Eve TV broadcasts  other cities have some of their own beloved, and weird, traditions.

The New Year's song explained: Here's why we sing 'Auld Lang Syne' at the stroke of midnight.

New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square origin explained

Florida: Miami's Big Orange returns

A 2,000-pound neon sign of a smiling, sunglass-wearing orange will make its first New Year's Eve appearance in four years on Sunday night, city officials confirmed. A part of the year-end festivities at Miami's Bayfront Park for decades, Big Orange had been shelved due to COVID and last year's flu epidemic. Last year, a digital version was projected on the side of the Intercontinental Hotel, but this year the 35-foot LED sign will once again climb to the top of the Hotel at midnight, CBS News reported.

Bayfront New Year's Eve: Miami to ring in 2024 with live music, fireworks and return of Big Orange https://t.co/XShiYf7YO4 via @CBSMiami  Dr. Arturo Sandoval (@sandovalarturo1) December 28, 2023

Florida: Beach ball drop in Panama City Beach

Also in Florida, in Panama City Beach, you can watch an 800-pound beach ball drop from Celebration Tower  a drop the city boasts is 10 feet taller than the pole that the ball in Manhattan sits on.,

Pennsylvania: Saying goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 with a giant Peep, big bologna, Hershey's kiss and a wrench

Artifacts will be dropping all over the state of Pennsylvania. Attendees at the PeepsFest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, get to see a giant 400-pound Peeps chick drop just after dusk on Sunday. During the two-day event, which began Saturday, they also get a sneak peek at the upcoming Easter Peeps lineup. The candies are made by Just Born Quality Confections in the city.

The new Peeps Chick make its debut at the 8th annual PeepsFest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Dec. 31, 2016

Less than 70 miles west, in Lebanon, Penn., a more than 250-pound bologna, made by the city's Seltzer's Smokehouse Meats, will be attached to a disco ball and be on display in downtown starting at 3 p.m., then dropped at midnight.

And in nearby Hershey, Penn., home of Hershey's Chocolate, a 300-pound aluminum replica of the company's beloved chocolate kisses is raised at midnight as a finale a night-long celebration.

Mechanicsburg, Penn. drops a massive wrench as a nod to its heritage, including mechanics who settled in the area to covered wagons making the westward migration.

North Carolina: A giant acorn takes center stage in Raleigh on New Year's Eve

In Raleigh, North Carolina, which is known as the "city of the oaks," a 10-foot-tall, 1, 250-lb. copper and steel acorn gets dropped at the First Night festivities  a tradition that's been carried on for more than two decades.

Idaho: What's dropped in the state on New Year's Eve? A potato, of course

In Boise, Idaho, an annual celebration on New Year's Eve includes the dropping of a a 17-foot-long glowing potato from a crane.

A huge potato will be dropped in Boise, Idaho on New Year's Eve.

Michigan: Traverse City puts a cherry on top of the year-end

Traverse City, Mich., which is known for its production of tart cherries, drops a giant 600-pound cherry in its downtown for the 14th year.

New Mexico: A spicy New Year's eve drop in Las Cruces

Downtown Las Cruces is hosting its 10th annual event in which a 19-foot chrome chile pepper laden with 2,400 LED lights gets lowered at midnight. Those lights allow the pepper to change colors  red, green or Christas (a mix of red and green  as it's lowered.

Hundreds gather at the "Chile drop" in Downtown Las Cruces as part of the New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2019.

Alabama: A MoonPie drops in Mobile

There's a daylong festival in Mardi Gras Park in Mobile, Alabama, with events for kids, performers including Big Daddy Kane and at midnight a giant MoonPie is dropped. Part of the city's tradition has included tossing MoonPies at Mardi Gras parades, according to Southern Living.

Maryland: A massive crab drops

On New Year's Eve in Easton, on the eastern shore of Maryland, a massive crab gets dropped. The crustacean's first appearance came in 2005.

Contributing: Jay Cannon, Daniel Larlham Jr., Leah Romero, Lianna Norman of the USA TODAY Network.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weird New Year's Eve drops across US include wrench, bologna, MoonPie
Former President Donald Trump campaigns at Waterloo Convention Center in Waterloo, Iowa, on Dec. 19, 2023. (Rachel Mummey/The New York Times)

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to appeal to Christian voters in recent weeks by accusing the Biden administration of criminalizing Americans for their faith.

On multiple occasions this month, Trump has claimed that President Joe Biden has persecuted Catholics in particular. Biden is Catholic.

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I dont know what it is with Catholics, Trump said during a rally in Coralville, Iowa. They are going violently and viciously after Catholics.

Trump repeated similar comments days later at another rally, in Waterloo, Iowa, and in a video posted before Christmas he said that Americans of faith are being persecuted like nothing this nation has ever seen before.

The message fits into a larger theme for Trump, who  facing criminal charges in relation to his bid to stay in office after losing the 2020 election and criticism for praising strongmen  has tried to paint Biden and Democrats as being the real threat to democracy.

Heres a closer look at his claims.

WHAT WAS SAID

Under Crooked Joe Biden, Christians and Americans of faith are being persecuted like nothing this nation has ever seen before. Catholics in particular are being targeted, and evangelicals are surely on the watchlist as well.  In a video on Truth Social this month

False. Experts say they are unaware of any data to support the idea that Catholics in the United States are being persecuted by the government for their faith  let alone at record levels.

In terms of the evidence, I find it to be pretty hard to kind of support the idea that theres a concerted, marked increase in a particular kind of Christian targeting, said Jason Bruner, a religious studies professor at Arizona State University and historian who studies Christian persecution.

Instead, Bruner said, its most likely that Trump is extrapolating from cases  say, churches that faced penalties for congregating during the COVID pandemic or anti-abortion activists who have been charged with crimes  to suggest a systemic issue.

Theres a long history of discrimination against Catholics in the United States, from the framing way through the 1970s, said Frank Ravitch, a professor of law and religion at Michigan State University. And if anything, its probably better now in terms of nondiscrimination than it ever, probably, ever has been.

Trumps claims, Ravitch said, show such an incredible blindness to the history of anti-Catholicism in the U.S.

Advocates who track Christians fleeing persecution around the world note that the Biden administration has been gradually increasing the number of refugees admitted into the United States after the number dropped precipitously during the Trump era. At the end of fiscal year 2023, the country recorded about 31,000 Christian refugee arrivals  about half of all refugees and the highest number recorded since fiscal year 2016. (Not all were necessarily fleeing persecution on religious grounds.)

Were encouraged by that trajectory, said Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, a Christian humanitarian organization that has pushed the Biden administration to establish policies welcoming those facing faith-based discrimination.

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for the sources behind his claims.

WHAT WAS SAID

Over the past three years, the Biden administration has sent SWAT teams to arrest pro-life activists.  In a video on Truth Social this month

This is misleading. The Justice Department has initiated an increasing number of criminal prosecutions under a law that makes it a violation to interfere with reproductive health care by blocking entrances, using threats or damaging property. In at least one case, a defendants family claimed he was arrested by a SWAT team, but the FBI said that was not the case.

The law is called the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and was enacted in 1994. Federal prosecutors have used it to initiate 24 criminal cases, involving 55 defendants, since January 2021, according to the Justice Department.

While a majority of those cases have involved acts at facilities that provided abortion services, prosecutors have also used it to charge several individuals who supported abortion access and targeted Florida centers that offered pregnancy counseling and abortion alternatives.

Moreover, Trump omits that such arrests are not for pro-life activism but for specific actions, including violence, that prosecutors argue were attempts at blocking access to or interfering with reproductive health care services.

In one case, federal attorneys charged a man accused of using a slingshot to fire metal ball bearings at a Chicago-area Planned Parenthood clinic. In another, prosecutors said a New York man used locks and glue to prevent the opening of a clinics gate. And three men were accused of firebombing a clinic in California; one recently pleaded guilty.

Trumps claims about the use of SWAT teams may be a reference to the 2022 arrest of a Catholic activist in Pennsylvania. The defendant, Mark Houck, was charged with shoving a volunteer at a Planned Parenthood center in Philadelphia in 2021. Houcks defense maintained that he was responding to abusive comments made toward his 12-year-old son by the volunteer. He was acquitted this year.

Republican lawmakers have criticized Houcks arrest by armed agents, but the FBI has rejected the claim that it used a SWAT team and said its tactics were consistent with standard practices.

There are inaccurate claims being made regarding the arrest of Mark Houck, the FBI said in a statement. No SWAT team or SWAT operators were involved. FBI agents knocked on Mr. Houcks front door, identified themselves as FBI agents and asked him to exit the residence. He did so and was taken into custody without incident pursuant to an indictment.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, when asked about the circumstances of Houcks arrest, has said such decisions are made at the local level, by the career agents on the ground, who have the closest visibility to the circumstances.

WHAT WAS SAID

The FBI has been caught profiling devout Catholics as possible domestic terrorists and planning to send undercover spies into Catholic churches, just like in the old days of the Soviet Union.  In a video on Truth Social this month

This needs context. Trump was likely referring to a leaked January memo prepared by the FBIs field office in Richmond, Virginia, that warned of the potential for extremism for adherents of a radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology. Republicans have criticized the memo for months.

But the memo was withdrawn and the nations top law enforcement officials have repeatedly denounced it.

The memo warned of potential threats before the 2024 election and suggested gathering information and developing sources within churches to help identify suspicious activity. It also distinguished between those radicalized and not radicalized, saying radical-traditionalist Catholics were a small minority.

Some researchers believe there is some merit to those concerns, even if the memo was flawed. Ravitch, the Michigan State University professor, said he believed agents erred in focusing on Catholicism. What theyre really talking about is an extremely radical brand of Christian nationals, he said, emphasizing that they are a small subset and not representative of the Roman Catholic Church or evangelicals.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said during a September congressional hearing that he was appalled by the memo and that Catholics are not extremists. He called suggestions that the government was targeting Americans based on their faith outrageous, referencing the fact that his own family fled Europe to escape antisemitism before the Holocaust.

And this month during a Senate hearing, Wray said of the document: That particular intelligence product is something that, as soon I saw it, I was aghast. I had it withdrawn.

In a statement this week, the FBI reiterated, Any characterization that the FBI is targeting Catholics is false.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
The Hernandez family, from Cuba, await be processed at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge as they present themselves after receiving an appointment via the CPB One on Dec. 14, 2023.

EL PASO, Texas  The Hernandez family from Cuba huddled together, bundled in winter coats, for a pre-dawn appointment to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

A perk awaited them on the U.S. side of the international bridge, if they were accepted: a fast-track to legal work authorization.

As Senate Republicans push for hardline border measures in negotiations with the White House, the Biden administration is quietly working to improve its signature "legal pathway" to solve a problem that has confounded Democrat-led cities receiving tens of thousands of migrants: getting fast work permits for those who cross lawfully.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently set up a pre-registration program  pioneered in Brownsville, Texas, and replicated in El Paso and San Ysidro, California  to more quickly process work permits for migrants who present at the border using the CBP One app appointment system, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"It's a game changer," said Kari Lenander, executive director of Border Servant Corps, the nonprofit hosting USCIS in its El Paso migrant logistics center.

"Weve seen grown men cry when they realize they can't work legally," Lenander said. Now, "everyone who leaves CBP One is eligible for the initial registration. It seems like an incentive for people to come through CBP One," rather than cross illegally between ports of entry.

Accelerating work permits 'a great idea'

Two women working for a USCIS contractor entered migrants' biographical information into a computer and snapped halo-lit, digital photos on a Thursday in mid-December at the storefront located steps from the Paso Del Norte international bridge. The pre-registration is designed to speed along migrants' applications for employment authorization.

The Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of USCIS, announced in September it would accelerate processing of work permits for migrants paroled into the country after their CBP One appointment.

Democrat-led cities including New York and Chicago were clamoring for help supporting the tens of thousands of migrants arriving, often bused in from the Texas border by Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star. New York Mayor Eric Adams urged the federal government to facilitate access to work permits as his city struggled to aid more than 126,000 asylum seekers and other migrants who had few resources, needed shelter and had no authorization to find work.

"Let them work! Give them the opportunity to contribute to our society," Adams said in September. "We're saying we must expedite work visas. It's just common sense. Thousands of jobs are available to be filled."

Two months later, USCIS has made steady progress, the agency told USA TODAY. The median processing time for CBP One-associated work permits is approximately 30 days. Previously, migrants reported waiting four or more months from the date they applied.

The agency is also providing on-the-ground work permit registrations in New York City, Chicago, Boston and Denver  resulting in nearly 5,000 work permits, USCIS said. It's a fraction of the 1,450 individuals per day, nearly 45,000 a month, who are processed via CBP One appointments at ports of entry from California to Texas.

Adam Isacson, who studies border security for the Washington Office on Latin America, called the program "a great idea."

"It sounds like a response to Eric Adams," he said, and another incentive for migrants to choose a lawful pathway. "All of the legal pathways that have increased order are worthwhile, and CBP One is one of them. Anything that discourages people from crossing the river."

'The way to cross legally'

Unlike tens of thousands of other migrants attempting to cross between ports of entry, Milai and Arnaldo Hernandez from Cuba made an appointment on the CBP One app.

They signed up while traveling through Mexico in October, then hunkered down in Aguascalientes, a city north of Mexico City, for two months with their twin 5-year-old daughters. The day before their Dec. 14 appointment, they traveled to Ciudad Juarez at the border across from El Paso.

A Customs and Border Protection officer checks for the names of the Hernandez family at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge as they present themselves after receiving an appointment via the CPB One on Dec. 14, 2023.

They chose that route, instead of crossing between ports, because "it's the way to cross legally," Milai Hernandez said.

The opportunity to quickly get temporary work permits appears meant to offset the drawback of waiting in Mexico, encouraging migrants to sit tight rather than rush to the border.

"They would like people to understand that (employment authorization) can be a very big help and encourage them not to cross illegally," said Ruben Garcia, executive director of El Paso's Annunciation House shelter network, to which the Border Servant Corps belongs.

"USCIS said, 'What if we opened a satellite office where we could begin the process?' Theyll take your photograph and your bio information so when you get to where you are going  to your cousin in Detroit, for example  and you go to USCIS, they already have you on file."

Those who register on site for the permits are receiving the cards, plastic and irreplicable like a driver's license, in as few as four weeks.

The new USCIS process in El Paso and Brownsville aims to educate migrants about work authorization as soon as they set foot in the U.S.

"CBP One always had the possibility that people could apply right away for work authorization," Lenander said. "But they didnt have folks on the ground; the process wasnt literally, physically right there."

Swollen backlog, setback at the border

Roughly 100 other migrants waited their turn to hand their passports to CBP officers at the top of the Paso Del Norte bridge, where an American flag waved overhead.

CBP debuted the appointment scheduling function in January 2023, and the migrants on the bridge that morning were among the more than 324,000 individuals CBP says have successfully made appointments on the app through October.

Immigrant advocates criticized CBP One in the program's early days, after tech and other glitches made scheduling difficult or impossible for some. Some advocates say CBP One still isn't accessible for the most vulnerable migrants, who may not have access to a cellphone, stable Wi-Fi or a safe place to wait in Mexico.

"The administration has done a heroic job in increasing protections at ports of entry, but its still not enough," said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council. "There are people who arent aware and waiting three months isnt a viable strategy when the conditions in northern Mexico are so dangerous."

Republicans have criticized the program for ballooning the backlog in the immigration court system. Many of the migrants presenting at ports of entry are exiting with notices to appear in immigration court in cities nationwide, with dates sometimes four years into the future.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said the long lead time for court appointments "has created a huge incentive for false asylum claims to be made," given that migrants know they'll be able to work for years before having to substantiate their claim. Gonzales' congressional district includes part of El Paso and more than 800 miles of U.S.-Mexico border.

Were seeing migrants receive court dates of years down the line, our immigration courts are beyond backed up," Gonzales said. "Ive seen dates issued as far our as 2031, thats unacceptable."

Customs and Border Protection officers check a list at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge as they process migrants who had received an appointment via the CPB One on Dec. 14, 2023.

Back on the bridge in El Paso, the morning sky reflected pink-orange in the Rio Grande canal below. Border residents  workers and students with U.S. citizenship or a visa  rushed through their morning commute, walking from Juarez to school or a job in El Paso.

Two CBP officers called the Hernandez family to step forward. Milai Hernandez handed over their passports.

There was a problem, the CBP official said. Their daughters' two last names  many people in Latin America use the mother's and the father's  were reversed and didn't correspond perfectly to their documents. The officer turned the family away.

They gathered their luggage and shuffled the girls south down the bridge, back toward the Mexican side  clearly upset but taking the setback in stride. They'd just have to apply for another appointment, they said.

"You know Cuba is in a dictatorship," Milai Hernandez said.

Her husband added, "All we want is freedom."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden fast-tracks work authorization for migrants who cross legally
Big Ben pictured behind out of focus flowers in London in 2017

They are the UK's most famous chimes, and one of the most recognisable sounds around the world.

Exactly a century ago, Big Ben's bongs were broadcast live to the country for the first time, as part of a New Year's Eve radio programme on the BBC.

It began a tradition where the chimes were regularly heard on air, and they ultimately became a sound synonymous with the BBC.

New microphones were recently installed as part of a major restoration project.

It's a seamless operation, getting the sounds from Big Ben to the homes of BBC Radio 4 listeners.

But it hasn't always been so easy.

On 31 December 1923, BBC engineer AG Dryland had to climb onto a rooftop opposite the Houses of Parliament in order to record the chimes, as he wasn't allowed in the clock tower.

He took with him a microphone, and transmitted the sound live.

Big Ben had been chiming since 1859, but this was the first time that its distinctive "bong" was heard outside of its immediate vicinity in Westminster.

That very first broadcast picked up lots of traffic noise because it was recorded from a distance.

But it paved the way for regular broadcasting of the chimes, which continues to this day.

Hearing the bells has mattered hugely to generations of people over the years.

The sound of Big Ben has also heralded news of significant events, like the outbreak of World War Two.

"It has become a symbol of freedom," said Parliamentary Estates historian Mark Collins.

"The people who were hearing it during World War Two realised that there was one country which was still free. Thereafter, it was part of the meaning and the symbol of freedom."

The bongs are now an integral part of BBC Radio 4's daily news bulletins, with the sound heard twice a day, at the start of the 18:00 and midnight news bulletins.

On Sundays, the sounds are heard three times over the day.

The bells are also broadcast live on special occasions, such as Armistice Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

But there have been some notable exceptions, when the bells have been off air.

During World War Two, unbeknown to the public, the bongs were at times replaced by recorded ones for security reasons.

There have also been some freak events, such as in 1976, when the chiming mechanism broke due to metal fatigue, and had to be replaced by pips on Radio 4.

In 2017, the bongs were replaced by a recording again. That was due to a major restoration work taking place on the world-famous Elizabeth Tower, which houses the clock, Big Ben, and the four smaller quarter bells.

The Elizabeth Tower was shrouded in scaffolding for years as restoration work took place.

The work - the biggest repair and conservation project in the building's history - meant the exterior was covered in scaffolding and the bell itself was silenced.

Costs ballooned to 80m and the project took a year longer than expected.

"It was important in order that we could restore the building for future generations," says Charlotte Claughton, senior project leader at the House of Commons.

"There was stonework crumbling, also the great clock hadn't had a major overhaul in over 30 years at that point."

Ms Claughton said the infrastructure was updated during the works, including bringing in new lighting and microphones.

The work has now been completed, and in November, live bongs once again returned to Radio 4's news bulletins.

Ahead of New Year's Eve, extra microphones are brought in to help broadcast the countdown at midnight.

And with people across the country waiting for the sound of 12 chimes signalling the start of 2024, it's a big day for Big Ben's clock mechanics like Andrew Strangeway,

"We'll be here on the day, making sure the clock is running precisely to time," Mr Strangeway said.

"We'll be taking time checks throughout the day and making small adjustments to the pendulum, just to make sure that midnight happens exactly when everyone is expecting it to."

For more on the 100 year anniversary of Big Ben's bongs on the radio, go to History of the BBC and BBC Oral History Collection.

And you can hear a special programme with the Radio 4 continuity announcers - 'But First, This"- on BBC Radio 4 from 23:00 GMT on 31 December.
DECATUR COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  An investigation is underway after a person was found dead in a pond in Decatur County earlier this week.

According to the Decatur County Sheriffs Office, a member of the Parsons Police Department got a call on Wednesday, Dec. 27 about a truck driver spotting what appeared to be a body floating in a small pond around the 2100 block of Highway 641 North.

Mother arrested in connection with child death case in Putnam County

After going to the location, the Parsons officer asked for additional law enforcement personnel to help with the investigation, officials said.

Decatur County deputies said they arrived at the scene, determined the body was that of an unidentified male, contacted the district attorney, and requested assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

Authorities searching for Kentucky teen last seen in Nashville

According to authorities, TBI agents came out to the scene shortly afterward and helped with the case. Then, the body was reportedly sent to Nashville for autopsy.

No additional details have been released about this death investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
For the adventurers and dreamers of the world, there are no limits. Wiley Hardeman Post was born on his parents cotton farm near Canton in November 1898. He was born on a farm with no electricity in a time when airplanes were still just a dream, but within a few years, he would become one of the most famous pilots in the world.

Like many farm families of the time, the Post Family often struggled and moved often. When he was three, the family left Van Zandt County and moved to a farm near Abilene. In 1907, the family moved to Oklahoma.

Posts education was limited, and Post was never a very good student. He never attended high school, which was not unusual for the time period. He saw his first airplane when he and his family attended a county fair in Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1913. He immediately fell in love with aviation. Post soon enrolled at the Sweeney Automobile and Aviation School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he learned to fly. After a few months of study, he returned to Oklahoma, but he was unable to make a living as a pilot, and his dream of aviation had to wait. He worked various jobs in construction and in the oil fields for the next few years.

Ken Bridges

In 1918, during World War I, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained as a pilot and radio technician. However, the war ended before he saw active service and was discharged.

Post returned to the oilfields, and in 1924, joined an air show called Burrell Tibbs and His Topnotch Texas Flyers. He thrilled audiences as a parachutist, at a time when jumping from an airplane was still very new, and as a pilot. The pay, however, was unsteady, and he had to return to working the oil fields. In 1926, an oil rig accident in Oklahoma injured his left eye, and he later lost all vision in that eye after an infection set in. He won a workers compensation award of $1,700 (or about $25,800 in 2021 dollars) and bought his first airplane. He made a steady living flying a passenger at a time from one location to the next. It was during this time that he met Will Rogers, a popular comedian, movie star, and performer. In 1930, Post became the personal pilot to two prominent Oklahoma oilmen and bought his next plane, a Lockheed Vega he named Winnie Mae after his daughter.

He gained national fame when he won the National Air Race Derby in this plane in August 1930. He flew from Los Angeles to Chicago in a record nine hours and eight minutes. The next year, he took on his next big challenge: to become the first to fly around the world in a fixed-wing aircraft. Joined by his navigator, Harold Gatty of Australia, he left Long Island, New York, in the Winnie Mae in July 1931, and with stops along the way, they flew more than 15,400 miles in eight days, 15 hours. Afterward, they were given a ticker-tape parade in New York City and published a book on the flight called "Around the World in Eight Days." In 1932, he was honored by Congress with the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his exploits.

He took it a step further in July 1933 to embark on a solo flight around the world. He modified his plane with experimental autopilot and radio directional finders and flew east from New York City. His trip was even faster this time. With stops, he completed his trip in seven days, 18 hours.

Post was inspired to fly higher and further than ever. Working with engineer Russell S. Colley, he developed one of the first pressure suits for high-altitude flights. Using what he jokingly called his Man From Mars suit, he reached an altitude of 40,000 feet in this pressure suit in September 1934. In another flight shortly afterward, he reached an altitude of 50,000 feet, well into the stratosphere. He noticed on these high-altitude flights eastward that his ground speed was often faster than his air speed. In doing so, he was the first pilot to confirm the proposed existence of what was later called the jet stream, which is still an important part of timing air flights and predicting the weather.

By 1935, he was trying to develop passenger and air mail routes from the Pacific Coast to Russia. At the time, he was building his own aircraft from parts scavenged from other aircraft. His friend Will Rogers asked to fly with him when they left in August 1935. Rogers wrote about the trip for his newspaper column, and the two celebrities created a stir with each stop in Washington and Alaska. On August 15, they left Fairbanks for Point Barrow on the Arctic Ocean. Along the way, they became lost in the vast and unmarked territory. They landed near a lagoon to ask for directions. The plane crashed shortly after its next takeoff, and both men were killed. The cause of the crash was never fully established.

After his death, several airports were named after him. Wiley Post Airport is a municipal airport in Oklahoma City. Barrow, Alaska (now Utqiagvik), and Renton, Washington, both have airports named in honor of both Post and Will Rogers. In 1936, the Smithsonian bought his airplane Winnie Mae, which is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. His insights into the jet stream and pressure suits are still an important part of aviation today.

Ken Bridges is a writer, historian and native Texan. He holds a doctorate from the University of North Texas. Bridges can be reached by email at drkenbridges@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Bridges: Pilot Wiley Post joined Will Rogers in aviation infamy
NEW YORK  Four family members were found dead inside a home in Rockland County early Saturday, in what authorities said appeared to be a murder-suicide involving a sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department.

Officers with the Clarkstown Police initially arrived to perform a welfare check at 10 Clydesdale Ct. in New City, N.Y., just past midnight Saturday morning.

Upon arrival, officers made entry to the residence  and discovered four deceased persons, the department said in a statement Saturday afternoon.

The deceased were all identified as members of the Morgan family  Watson Morgan, 49/M, Ornela Morgan 43/F, and their two sons, ages 10 and 12, the department confirmed. All four were found to have gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities added that Watson Morgan, a Bronxville Police Department sergeant, is believed to have killed his wife and two children, prior to killing himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Morgans bio on the Bronxville PD website said he began his career with the New York Police Department in 2001 before joining the Bronxville force in 2007. He was promoted to detective in 2014 and then to sergeant in 2016.

The 10-year-old who died had attended Laurel Plains Elementary School in Clarkstown, while his brother had attended Felix Festa Middle School, reports Westchester News 12.

Clarkstown Central School District sent a letter to parents, calling the incident a tragic loss.

The coming days and weeks will be a difficult time for our school community as we struggle to understand the loss of precious lives, the letter read.

The investigation is ongoing, according to police.
The latest Annual Homelessness Assessment Report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that 653,100 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January, a 12% increase since last year. California counted 181,399 homeless people, the most of any state.

These numbers are devastating but expected.

Years of research, including efforts from UC San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, show homelessness rates are tied to the disconnect between income and housing costs for the lowest-income households. California has only 24 units of housing available and affordable for every 100 extremely low-income households.

At the pandemics outset in 2020, fears that homelessness would increase dramatically due to economic disruptions led to the federal government releasing unprecedented levels of emergency funding. These included rental assistance, stimulus payments, unemployment assistance and enhanced tax credits for families. Combined with eviction moratoria, these fended off major surges.

But, by early 2023, these expired while incomes for low-income households remained flat, rents and other essential costs rose. The floodgates opened, leaving the country with historic levels of homelessness.

The visible crisis in our streets is distressing. The public questions why, in the face of enormous local and state investments, homelessness continues to increase.

Between 2018-2021, California invested $9.6 billion in programs to expand affordable housing and invest in programs to serve those experiencing homelessness. The Homekey program has allocated almost $2 billion to create nearly 7,000 homes since 2021. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Clara County utilize local tax measures to fund affordable housing and homeless services.

Why is this not enough?

Much of this is one-time funding, which doesnt provide ongoing support to maintain extremely low-income individuals in housing. Traditionally, ongoing support for housing has come from the federal government.

But during the 1980s, federal investments for affordable housing dropped 75% and never recovered. The majority of federally funded rental support comes through housing vouchers, for people to use in the private market.

But demand outstrips supply, and only 1 in 4 households who qualify receive them. In October, the San Francisco Housing Authority opened the waitlist for the first time in nearly a decade and about 60,000 households signed up for a lottery to win one of 6,500 spots on the waitlist.

This has forced local governments to use general funds to cover rental subsidies long after individuals have exited homelessness.

There have been bright spots, however. During the pandemic, the infusion of federal funding forestalled a catastrophic rise in homelessness. Over the past decade, homelessness among veterans has decreased by more than half, due in large part to dedicated federal funding.

Houston has been praised for its success at reducing homelessness by two-thirds. One reason for has been its ability to use infusions of federal dollars  including COVID-19 funds  to house its homeless population.

To be sure, increasing federal funding alone will not solve the countrys homelessness crisis. The most successful efforts have required extraordinary coordination between funding agencies, decision-making bodies and service providers.

Another key element is zoning reform. Local officials control zoning, which plays a huge role in the creation of sufficient housing. The state has made strides in recent years, but without dramatic increases in housing supply, subsidies alone wont solve the problem.

Increased federal funding is necessary, but not sufficient. Yet without it, it will be difficult to end homelessness.

This crisis is solvable. Ensuring that people have housing that they can afford  through higher income, lower rents and dedicated rental assistance, as well as access to appropriate services  is essential.

With 653,100 people languishing in streets and shelters every night this country, this is the time for policymakers in Congress to do their part by allocating the funds needed so all Americans have a place to call home.

Dr. Margot Kushel is a professor of medicine at UCSF and director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. She is a public voices fellow through the OpEd Project.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California will keep struggling with homelessness until federal leaders step up
(BCN)  Two new laws taking effect Jan. 1 could affect safety on Californias roads.

Cameras at intersections across California already flag drivers who run red lights. Under one law, six cities can begin a pilot program to catch and fine speeding drivers with cameras, with hopes to curb the number of traffic deaths.

Las Vegas Countdown to 2024: How to watch the New Years Eve extravaganza

Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco have the authority to launch speed camera pilot programs that will last five years or until Jan. 1, 2032 (whichever date is sooner). After a 60-day introductory period of issuing only warnings to violators, fines will start at $50 for drivers who go at least 11 mph over the speed limit  though amounts can be reduced depending on income.

Money from the fines will go toward covering the cost of the programs, as well as traffic calming measures, such as raised crosswalks and speed tables that slow down drivers. Cities must also submit reports about their programs, detailing any improvements to street safety and impacts on communities.

Local officials and groups that advocate for traffic safety such as Walk San Francisco have praised the measure, citing research that speed cameras are effective at reducing the number of traffic accidents and fatalities. In a statement, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said that data also shows that traffic violence overwhelmingly impacts Black residents, elders, and youth and the law will help us save lives.

Cameras capture license plate numbers, not faces of drivers, but critics of the law, which include Electronic Frontier Foundation, ACLU California Action and Human Rights Watch, cite concerns about over surveillance, privacy and data security.

Freedom for lowrider cruising

And on Jan. 1, California will end its statewide ban on cruising, when drivers show off classic, typically customized lowrider cars, by leisurely riding on city streets. The new law follows the lifting of cruising limits in cities including San Jose, Sacramento and Modesto.

Community remembers Oakland PD officer killed in line of duty

Cruising bans have long been criticized by enthusiasts, and more recently Democratic lawmakers, as discriminatory against Latino communities. The activity is deeply-rooted in car culture, and is a way of expressing our love for art, said Democratic Assemblymember David Alvarez of Chula Vista upon introducing the original bill in February.

By lifting the ban, the state acknowledges the artistic and social merits of cruising. The law will also undo a ban on modifying vehicles to a certain low height. One member of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission said in a statement: Low and slow, is not a crime.

But law enforcement groups, the cities of Beverly Hills and Pico Rivera and the California Contract Cities Association argue that cruising is a threat to public safety. In its opposition statement, the association said that cruising can be deadly to pedestrians and lead to street takeovers that are extremely dangerous.

Copyright  2023 Bay City News, Inc.

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When Lu Ann Matejcak, of Homer Glen, was first approached to be on the Will County Farm Bureau Board, her first reaction was to laugh.

Im like, I dont think so, Matejcak said. I dont think Im a really good fit. Im not a yes person, thats just not who I am. I dont go with the flow if I dont agree with it. If I think its a good idea and I think it would benefit everyone then yeah, but otherwise no.

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Lu Ann Matejcak (Lu Ann Matejcak)

But Matejcak, 66, was persuaded and in 2019 joined the board. Now shes been elected to serve on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board.

As a state board member, Matejcak said she represents Will, Cook, DuPage, Kendall and Grundy counties. The board discusses issues farmers face, such as pipelines and solar panel projects, offers community programs and advocates for legislation that pertains to agriculture.

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All groups evolve and change to meet the needs of their members, Matejcak said. Im looking forward to see where we are going and what we want to do.

Steve Matejcak, her husband, said shell bring a lot of transparency to the board and advocate for the counties she represents.

Whatever their needs are she will definitely take back to the board. The counties need to have their needs heard, he said.

Matejcak, who grew up in Orland Park and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in 1976, said her family farms about 300 acres in Homer Glen. Her husband and brother-in-law grow corn and beans, Matejcak said, while she, her husband and children are responsible for livestock, which consists of chickens, calves and cows.

It wasnt until she met her husband, more than 40 years ago, that she became a farmer, Matejcak said. Now, its hard to pick just one thing she enjoys about farming.

You just have to realize when you say youre doing it, youre doing it. You are their caretaker, theyre not your caretaker. Its a 365 day job when you have live stock of any kind, Matejcak said. You never quit learning. Theres always something you can learn.

As their two children, Stephanie and Shane, were growing up, Matejcak said they joined 4-H and showed sheep, pigs and cattle, which meant all those animals were cared for on the family farm. At one point, her son was taking care of 44 pigs, she said.

Now, as adults, Matejcak said her children still come help with the livestock.

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Even though they are married and they dont live close, they still come and help when we need help, Matejcak said.

During a typical day farming, Matejcak said she starts in the barn feeding the livestock. She also checks on the fence, which is electric, to make sure its hot and the cows cant get out, she said.

They grind their own feed for the livestock, Matejcak said, which requires mixing their corn with supplements and dividing that into feed rations.

After checking on the livestock, Matejcak said she helps in the fields. During the winter months, when there are no crops, Matejcak said she helps with projects, such as rebuilding or updating equipment.

Lu Anns my left arm, her husband said. She helps wherever she can.

Lu Ann Matejcak and her family have a 300-acre farm in Homer Glen. Her husband and brother-in-law grow corn and beans, while she, her husband and children are responsible for livestock. (Lu Ann Matejcak)

Over the years, more women have taken agriculture jobs and are leading family farms, Matejcak said.

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Its exciting to see. Women, in my perspective, have always been a part of the farm whether it be behind the scenes making the meals to feed the people that are there or whether it be helping in the milking parlor or raising the chickens, Matejcak said. Women are an integral part of the farm at some level.

According to the farm bureau, in 2017 Illinois had the poorest representation of farming women, which Matejcak said was not surprising because other states have better farming conditions, such as better dirt and weather.

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Matejcak said her family farm decreased from about 900 acres to the 300 acres in the past 30 years as they sold land to make way for new housing. Homer Glen has shifted from being a rural community to more of a suburban town, Matejcak said, which has changed the farming experience.

Around here, 30 some years ago, we were the middle of nowhere. You didnt have a problem taking your equipment down the road and nobody got mad at you because there was maybe three cars behind you and two of them were who you were farming with. Now, I dont care what time of the day you go, youll have 20 or 30 people behind you who are all mad at you, Matejcak said.

Matejcak said there are more urban farmers in Cook County, which means they grow specialty crops or have green houses, because the towns tend to have more buildings.

In Will County, the farming style varies because there are different types of dirt that can grow various ground crops, Matejcak said. For example, the area closer to Kankakee has sandier soil while Homer Glen has black dirt, she said.

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In the next several decades, Matejcak said there will still be farms in Will County.

To the extent that they are, thats difficult to tell. Matejcak said. Who thought 30 years ago that this area would be the way that it was. Everybody used to ask, where do you live? and Id say, the middle of nowhere. Well, now everybodys found the middle of nowhere.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com
As the year 2023 draws to a close and 2024 is almost here  yes, really  the shock of the impending sale of a Canandaigua favorite, Young Lion Brewing Co., still has not worn off.

It may take an IPA or three to get used to the idea that the Other Half Brewing Co. is taking over the Young Lion brewing operation and tasting room on Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua, once the sale is finalized in 2024, that is.

Thats not a slight against the Other Half; the beer produced by the Brooklyn-based brewer, which a few years ago took over the former Nedloh location in East Bloomfield, is top-notch.

It's more of a thumb's-up to Young Lion co-owner Jennifer Newman, who is held in high esteem in Canandaigua by fellow craft brewers and customers.

True, craft beer making is a business. But Newman, who was named the Minority or Woman Owned Business of the Year by the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, and staff seemingly had fun on the job while helping others have fun during its too-short six-year run. Collaboration was more than a buzzword; it was standard operating procedure.

Of course, a women-owned brewery was going to participate in a project that brought other women in the craft beer industry together to brew a beer. This year, they came up with Raise Up, a tangerine cream ale that sales of which helped the Willow Domestic Violence Center and Women Raising Women organizations. Young Lion helped instigate coordinated keg-tree lighting events among Canandaigua craft brewers, the second event of which was held Dec. 2.

One Easter season, Young Lion produced an ale made with Peeps candy. Remember when the bear was sighted frequently around the city and town of Canandaigua? Young Lion produced the Honey Bear IPA in homage.

The Other Half is welcomed, but Young Lion will be missed.

Of course, the Canandaigua and Finger Lakes food and drink scene saw other changes and momentous occasions in 2023.

A tip of the wings to Canandaigua's Bird Cage

Everyone is embracing the Bird Cage, including top Hotel Canandaigua brass Stan Olevnik, Kim Boyce and Paul Walters. Pose for a keepsake selfie in a bird cage at the Bird Cage.

As a frustrated Canandaigua community waited years and years for the Hotel Canandaigua on Canandaigua Lake to open, the shell of the building became known by a variety of names. The "bird cage" moniker stuck.

Finally, this year, the hotel on Canandaigua Lake opened. And the hotel owners leaned into the nickname, dubbing the tiki bar with an awesome view of the lake the Bird Cage.

The wait was worth it, as the Bird Cage is now part of a lakeside food and drink scene that is taking, well, flight.

Downtown Canandaigua arrivals

Main Street, Canandaigua saw a few new faces in 2023.

It took some time, persistence and the noun it's named for, but Resilience Bakery is now officially open on Main Street in Canandaigua.

Paul and Anne Piorkowski opened their Resilience Bakery at 86 S. Main St. in September.

Chris Ventura and Wendy Loveless reopened Il Posto Italian Bistro at 127 S. Main St. in September.

And although MighTea Boba has been open for six years in Canandaigua, Carol and Trevor Grover opened the bubble tea and ice cream shops new storefront at 116 S. Main St. in May.

More coffee in Canandaigua and more beer, please

Emily Macomber and her parents, Heidi and Joe, serve up coffee and other drinks at the new, Next Door Coffee in Canandaigua.

Emily Macomber, along with her parents Joe and Heidi Macomber, opened Next Door Coffee at 1880 Rochester Road (Route 332), Canandaigua, in August.

Robert Payne, his brother-in-law, Richard Rennie, and business partners Tim Sauerbier and Steve Crowley opened Rebel Sailor Brewing Co. and Kitchen in March at 1715 state Route 21 in Shortsville.

Ken and Lisa Greenwoods Watershed Brewing Co. opened in July at 3542 E. Lake Road, Geneva.

Jobs well done

Frank Pontera is selling the Niagara Restaurant, a Canandaigua mainstay that he's run for 42 years.

Garrette Gray, who came here from Florida, was welcomed as new executive chef at the Lake House on Canandaigua.

It seemed like everyone had something kind to say about Frank Pontera as he sold the Niagara Restaurant in Canandaigua after 42 years.

Mike Darling and family in June celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Crafty Ales & Lagers in Phelps. Slainte!

Nearly 18 months after a devastating fire, Hollerhorn Distilling owners Karl and Melissa Neubauer reopened the popular Finger Lakes destination business at 8443 Spirit Run, Naples, in October.

A fond farewell

New Hall Diner owner Tamarie Cataldo is saddened by the impending closure of the diner, looking forward to taking a break and considers its five-year run a "humongous success."

One of the sadder food stories of the year came when the New Hall Diner closed. Owner Tamarie Cataldos quirky little small-town eatery will be remembered as a place of acceptance, good times and good food for years to come.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Canandaigua NY 2023 food and drink scene: Young Lion Brewing sale, more
Editors Note: Jack Becker is the editor of Caprock Chronicles and is a Librarian Emeritus from Texas Tech University. He can be reached at jack.becker@ttu.edu. Todays article is the last of a three-part series about Pinkie Roden by frequent contributor Chuck Lanehart, Lubbock attorney and award-winning history writer.

Pinkie Roden, despite his status as a bootlegger, jailbird and whiskey salesman, was a philanthropist and tireless promoter of good causes in West Texas.

Lubbocks Gov. Preston Smith signed the bill which created Odessas University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Pinkie Roden was called The Father of UTPB.

In Odessa, his home and business offices were located on the southside, populated primarily by the minority community. His charitable donations assisted countless youth projects and programs supporting underprivileged Black residents, including the Boys Club, day care centers and churches.

Pinkie, who grew up poor in small-town Texas, always seemed to take the side of the underdog. The blue-collar town of Odessa, just a few miles west of the glittering wealth of rival Midland, was certainly the underdog. When the two neighboring cities competed for the establishment of a coveted state university, Pinkie naturally supported his adoptive home of Odessa.

The University of Texas owned valuable mineral rights in the Permian Basin, and the university benefited greatly when wells struck oil beginning in the 1920s. By the late 1950s, there was a push to create a branch campus in the vicinity of Midland and Odessa as a sort of reward for the Permian Basin providing its great natural resources to benefit the Austin institution. It was to be called the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB).

Pinkie Roden promoted a bond issue to transform Odessas Medical Center Hospital into a state-of-the-art referral center for the Permian Basin area.

In the early 1960s, Pinkie hired a powerful Austin lobbyist to assist in the legislative efforts to establish UTPB in Odessa. The lobbyist, Bob Bullock, proved to be a valuable advocate for the cause, and Bullock went on to serve as assistant to Governor Preston Smith, Secretary of State, Comptroller and Lieutenant Governor.

Pinkies UTPB legislation made some progress through the 1960s, but never made it past Gov. John Connallys desk. Midland County had supported Connallys early runs for governor; Ector County had not. Midland promoters convinced Connally to veto a bill that would have given Odessa the new college.

But by 1969, new Texas Gov. Preston Smith was in office, and Smith had enjoyed a greater margin of victory in Ector County than even in his home county of Lubbock, thanks in large part to Pinkie. One day, Smith addressed a crowd of about 60 people representing rival UTPB promoters from Midland and Odessa. He recognized only one person in the crowd, Pinkie Roden.

Pinkie Roden was a political force behind the establishment of O.H. Ivey Reservoir in West Texas.

The UTPB bill was finally signed into law in 1969 and the college opened in Odesa in 1972. Pinkie was christened the Father of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

In the early 1970s, friends in Lubbock told Pinkie Texas Tech University was considering establishing a regional teaching hospital in the Permian Basin to support the new Tech Medical School. He formed a coalition of like-minded Ector County residents to push through a bond election to update Odessas Medical Center Hospital. The facility was transformed into a state-of-the-art referral center for the Permian Basin area. In 1979  with Pinkie as a catalyst  Tech chose Odessa for their teaching hospital over Midland, Big Spring and Andrews.

Water has always been a challenge in arid West Texas. In 1965, an engineer named O.H. Ivie recommended creating a new reservoir by damming the confluence of the Colorado and Concho Rivers in Coleman County. Thirsty residents of West Texas loved the idea, but developers in the Texas Hill Country coveted the water flow into the complex of lakes west of Austin.

Pinkie Roden and his second wife, Jane, at their Madera Springs Ranch, 1970s.

Pinkie rolled up his sleeves and went to work. In a 25-year effort, he pulled strings to place friendly faces in the right places in Texas political posts, including the Texas Water Commission. The Lower Colorado River Authority sued to stop the project, and the case dragged on for years until it was finally resolved in favor of West Texas. In April of 1990, the dam was completed, and the 19,000 surface-acre O.H. Ivie Reservoir began to fill. Few knew Pinkie was the political force behind the project.

At its peak, Pinkies Inc. was Texas' largest chain of retail liquor stores. The company expanded to 26 locations in ten cities with sales in the nation's top ten during 1970s. Pinkie created the Bon Vivant credit card and founded Acme Company, which provided tax consultation, management and accounting services. He also owned Odessas only full-service hotel, Inn of the Golden West, between 1966 and 1977.

Chuck Lanehart

Beginning in the 1970s, Pinkie often retreated to his ranch, Madera Springs, in the remote Davis Mountains of far West Texas, where he married his second wife, Jane, 28 years his junior. He adopted her child by a previous marriage. (His first marriage produced no children.) He ran cattle and horses on his ranch and enjoyed racing his horses in New Mexico and elsewhere. Pinkie died of cancer at his home on Feb. 27, 1989, age 77.

Today, Pinkies Inc. operates 16 wine and spirits retail stores with locations throughout West Texas, employing more than 145 people in stores in Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo and Sweetwater.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Caprock Chronicles: Pinkie Roden: The Benevolent Bootlegger of West Texas, Part Three
Apps that remotely track and control cars are being weaponized by abusive partners. Car manufacturers have been slow to respond. (Jeff Ostberg/The New York Times)

After almost 10 years of marriage, Christine Dowdall wanted out. Her husband was no longer the charming man she had fallen in love with. He had become narcissistic, abusive and unfaithful, she said. After one of their fights turned violent in September 2022, Dowdall, a real estate agent, fled their home in Covington, Louisiana, driving her Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan to her daughters house near Shreveport, five hours away. She filed a domestic abuse report with police two days later.

Her husband, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, didnt want to let her go. He called her repeatedly, she said, first pleading with her to return, and then threatening her. She stopped responding to him, she said, even though he texted and called her hundreds of times.

Dowdall, 59, started occasionally seeing a strange new message on the display in her Mercedes, about a location-based service called mbrace. The second time it happened, she took a photograph and searched for the name online.

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I realized, oh, my God, thats him tracking me, Dowdall said.

Mbrace was part of Mercedes me  a suite of connected services for the car, accessible via a smartphone app. Dowdall had only ever used the Mercedes Me app to make auto loan payments. She hadnt realized that the service could also be used to track the cars location. One night, when she visited a male friends home, her husband sent the man a message with a thumbs-up emoji. A nearby camera captured his car driving in the area, according to the detective who worked on her case.

Dowdall called Mercedes customer service repeatedly to try to remove her husbands digital access to the car, but the loan and title were in his name, a decision the couple had made because he had a better credit score than hers. Even though she was making the payments, had a restraining order against her husband and had been granted sole use of the car during divorce proceedings, Mercedes representatives told her that her husband was the customer so he would be able to keep his access. There was no button she could press to take away the apps connection to the vehicle.

This is not the first time that Ive heard something like this, one of the representatives told Dowdall.

A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz said the company did not comment on individual customer matters.

A car, to its driver, can feel like a sanctuary. A place to sing favorite songs off-key, to cry, to vent or to drive somewhere no one knows youre going.

But in truth, there are few places in our lives less private.

Modern cars have been called smartphones with wheels because they are internet-connected and have myriad methods of data collection, from cameras and seat weight sensors to records of how hard you brake and corner. Most drivers dont realize how much information their cars are collecting and who has access to it, said Jen Caltrider, a privacy researcher at Mozilla who reviewed the privacy policies of more than 25 car brands and found surprising disclosures, such as Nissan saying it might collect information about sexual activity.

People think their car is private, Caltrider said. With a computer, you know where the camera is and you can put tape over it. Once youve bought a car and you find it is bad at privacy, what are you supposed to do?

Privacy advocates are concerned by how car companies are using and sharing consumers data  with insurance companies, for example  and drivers inability to turn the data collection off. Californias privacy regulator is investigating the auto industry.

For car owners, the upside of this data-palooza has come in the form of smartphone apps that allow them to check a cars location when, say, they forget where it is parked; to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely; and to turn it on or off. Some apps can even remotely set the cars climate controls, make the horn honk or turn on its lights. After setting up the app, the cars owner can grant access to a limited number of other drivers.

Domestic violence experts say that these convenience features are being weaponized in abusive relationships, and that carmakers have not been willing to assist victims. This is particularly complicated when the victim is a co-owner of the car or not named on the title.

Detective Kelly Downey of the Bossier Parish Sheriffs Office, who investigated Dowdalls husband for stalking, also reached out to Mercedes more than a dozen times to no avail, she said. She had previously dealt with another case of harassment via a connected car app  a woman whose husband would turn on her Lexus while it sat in the garage in the middle of the night. In that case, too, Downey was unable to get the car company to turn off the husbands access; the victim sold her car.

Automobile manufacturers have to create a way for us to stop it, Downey said. Technology may be our godsend, but its also very scary because it could hurt you.

Mercedes also failed to respond to a search warrant, Downey said. She instead found evidence that the husband was using the Mercedes Me app by obtaining records of his internet activity.

Unable to get help from Mercedes, Dowdall took her car to an independent mechanic this year and paid $400 to disable the remote tracking. This also disabled the cars navigation system and its SOS button, a tool to get help in an emergency.

I didnt care. I just didnt want him to know where I was, said Dowdall, whose husband died by suicide last month. Car manufacturers should give the ability to turn this tracking off.

Eva Galperin, an expert on tech-enabled domestic abuse at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said that she has seen another case of an abuser using a car app to track a victims movements, and that the victim didnt realize it because she isnt the one who has set it up.

As far as I know, there are not any guides for how to lock your partner out of your car after you break up, Galperin said.

Controlling partners have tracked their victims cars in the past using GPS devices and Apple AirTags, Galperin said, but connected car apps offer new opportunities for harassment.

A San Francisco man used his remote access to the Tesla Model X SUV he and his wife owned to harass her after they separated, according to a lawsuit she filed anonymously in San Francisco Superior Court in 2020. (Reuters previously reported on the case.)

According to a legal complaint against her husband and Tesla, the cars lights and horns were activated in a parking garage. On hot days, she would arrive at her car and discover the heat was running so that it was uncomfortably hot, while on cold days, she would find that the air conditioner had been activated from afar. Her husband, she said in court documents, used the location-finding feature on the Tesla to identify her new residence, which she had hoped to keep secret from him.

The woman, who obtained a restraining order against her husband, contacted Tesla numerous times to get her husbands access to the car revoked  she included some of the emails in legal filings  but was not successful.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. In legal filings, Tesla denied responsibility for the harassment; questioned whether it had occurred, based on the husbands denials; and raised questions about the womans reliability. (Some of what she claimed her husband had done, such as turning on songs with disturbing lyrics while she was driving, could not be done via the Tesla app.)

Virtually every major automobile manufacturer offers a mobile app with similar functions for their customers, Teslas lawyers wrote in a legal filing. It is illogical and impractical to expect Tesla to monitor every vehicle owners mobile app for misuse.

A judge dismissed Tesla from the case, stating that it would be onerous to expect car manufacturers to determine which claims of app abuse were legitimate.

Katie Ray-Jones, the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, said abusive partners used a wide variety of internet-connected devices  from laptops to smart home products  to track and harass their victims. Technology that keep tabs on a persons movements is of particular concern to domestic violence shelters, she said, because they try to keep the shelter location confidential.

As a preventive measure, Ray-Jones encourages people in relationships to have equal access to technologies used to control their homes and belongings.

If theres an app that is controlling your automobile, you both need to have access to that, she said.

Adam Dodge, a former family law attorney turned digital safety trainer, called car app stalking a blind spot for victims and automakers.

Most victims Ive talked to are wholly unaware that the car they rely on is app-connected in the first place, he said. They cant address threats they dont know are there.

As a possible solution to the problem, he and other domestic violence experts pointed to the Safe Connections Act, a recent federal law that allows victims of domestic abuse to easily sever their phone from accounts shared with their abusers. A similar law should extend to cars, Dodge said, allowing people with protective orders from a court to easily cut off an abusers digital access to their car.

Having access to a car for a victim is a lifeline, he said. No victim should have to make the choice between being stalked by the car or having no car. But thats the crossroads many of them find themselves at.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Murder, child abuse and government fraud cases are scheduled for trial next year in Carlsbad and Eddy County.

Cases move through the court system after charges are filed, with many defendants pleading innocent and facing jury trials in Fifth Judicial District Court.

Thats when prosecutors present their evidence, hoping for a verdict from the 12-person juries, and defense attorneys look to exonerate their clients or create doubt among jurors.

Heres a look at the top cases to follow in 2024 in the Carlsbad Current-Argus.

Kelli Smith  child abuse resulting in death

Kelli Smith is the grandmother of Brent Sullivan, 12, who died of a fentanyl overdose in September 2021.

Smith was set to face a jury in November, but the prosecution and defense failed to select an impartial jury from the Eddy County juror pool, citing previous local news coverage of the case.

Kelli Smith listens to motions during her child abuse trial Nov. 6, 2023 in Eddy County District Court.

Smith's case was moved to Fifth Judicial District Court in Chaves County, and another jury trial was scheduled for Aug. 12, 2024 in Roswell.

More: Child abuse trial of Brent Sullivan's grandmother Kelli Smith moving to a different county

Sullivan's body was found in a shed on Smiths property and she and his mother Alexis Murray Smith were both charged with child abuse resulting in death and child abuse not resulting in death.

Police said Smith and Murray Smith, both admitted fentanyl users and suspected traffickers, supplied the drug Sullivan overdosed on and created a dangerous environment for him and multiple siblings in the months before his death.

Murray Smith was convicted via trial in September, and later sentenced to 14 years in prison.

More: Alexis Murray Smith gets 14 year sentence for son Brent Sullivan's fatal fentanyl overdose

Manuel Sanchez and Bret Roark  first-degree murder, tampering with evidence

Manuel Sanchez and Brett Roark were accused of murdering Brian Runnels in 2014 and burying his body in a remote area of Eddy County near a property where the two men worked.

Sanchez faced a jury trial in October, but the jury could not reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared by District Judge Jane Shuler Gray. Prosecutors said they would re-try the case, and a motion hearing was scheduled for Jan. 4.

Meanwhile, Roark was scheduled for a jury trial on Feb. 16, 2024.

Manuel Sanchez awaits the verdict in his murder trial, Oct. 23, 2023 in Fifth Judicial District Court.

More: Jury fails to reach verdict in Manuel Sanchez murder case in Carlsbad District Court

Runnels was missing for six years before investigators, acting on a confession from Roark, found his skeletal remains and brought charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence against Roark and Sanchez.

Roark told police Sanchez shot Runnels and the two of them drove the body out into the desert and buried him.

More: 'Manny walks in and shoots Brian,' says man testifying in Manuel Sanchez murder trial

Alexee Trevizo  first-degree murder, tampering with evidence

Police said teenager Alexee Trevizo gave birth in January to a son in a bathroom at Artesia General Hospital, then put the baby in a trashcan where he suffocated.

District Judge David Finger released Trevizo from custody May 16 so she could attend her high school graduation and scheduled a jury trial for Aug. 26, 2024.

More: Artesia mother Alexee Trevizo accused of killing newborn released by court ahead of trial

Trevizo was charged with a count each of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence and arrested May 10.

In August, a representative of her deceased son given the name Alex Ray Fierro, sued the hospital, alleging negligence by hospital staff in treating Trevizo on the night of the incident.

That case was still pending in Fifth Judicial District Court.

The incident drew statewide attention, amid calls from Democrats for more reproductive health access in New Mexico and criticism of the parties supposed support of abortion from Republicans.

More: Lawsuit blames Artesia hospital for baby's death as mother is charged with murder

Wesley Hooper  13 counts of making a false voucher, four counts of fraud and two counts of identity theft

When he served as Eddy County Community Services Director police alleged Wesley Hooper committed multiple felonies by fraudulently receiving travel reimbursements, misusing fuel cards and using at least two of his employees personal information to do so.

He faced a jury trial March 1, 2024 in Carlsbad before Fifth Judicial District Judge David Finger.

The Eddy County Sheriffs Office charged Hooper with the crimes in July after the alleged fraud was discovered in a March financial audit, and months after he resigned from his post at the County.

Wesley Hooper, Eddy County community services director, listens during a community meeting on the City of Carlsbad's Comprehensive Plan.

Court records show investigators believed Hooper used two county fuel cards to buy gas for a county vehicle, while also receiving travel reimbursements for use of his personal vehicle which he didnt use.

Eddy County employees are allowed to either use a county vehicle and its assigned gas card or drive their own vehicles and apply for reimbursement when traveling.

PIN numbers of two county employees reporting to Hooper at the time were allegedly used by Hooper, read a criminal complaint.

The workers told police they had not traveled out of the county during the time of the transaction.

Records show Hooper said he was using a county vehicle because his personal vehicle had mechanical issues, but a county inquiry revealed he was still submitting mileage reimbursements for travel in a personal vehicle.

This resulted in a dual payment, the complaint read, a violation of the countys travel policy.

Michael Jimenez  first-degree murder

Michael Jimenez will face a jury in 2024, more than six years after Danny Mendes of Roswell was found beaten to death March 5, 2017 in a rural area of Eddy County.

He was scheduled for the trial March 25, 2024 in Eddy County District Court.

Police alleged Jimenez used a hammer to kill Mendes, after another man Ryan Morgan struck the victim in the back of the head.

More: Artesia man acquitted of March murder charge

The two men along with a woman Shabriel Lopez drove Mendes out to an area near the junction of Haystacks and Four Dinkus roads on the night of the alleged murder, police said.

An argument ensued between Mendes and Morgan who hit Mendes first with the hammer, read a criminal complaint, before Jimenez finished him off.

Charges against Jimenez were initially dropped after Morgan and Lopez recanted statements placing Jimenez at the scene.

More: Man arrested in Artesia murder investigation

Morgan later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, and Lopez was convicted of tampering with evidence for removing and hiding the hammer used in the attack.

The murder charge against Jimenez was renewed after Chantiqua Fuller, in prison since August 2017, told investigators she used methamphetamine with Jimenez and he confessed to his role in the incident to her.

About four years later Jimenez was re-arrested and charged with murder in May 2021, and the trial was delayed multiple times since by attempts by the defense to see the charge dismissed.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Here are 5 criminal trials to watch in Carlsbad and Eddy Count in 2024
Russian forces attacked downtown Kharkiv on Dec. 30, injuring 26 people, the regional prosecutor's office reported. Among those injured are two boys, aged 14 and 16, and a foreign journalist. Previous reporting stated that only 20 civilians were injured.

The city was reportedly attacked with at least six missiles, one of which struck a residential building, causing a fire.

Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reports that at least 11 women and 10 men are injured, but the injuries are not life-threatening.

According to the Kharkiv police, 12 apartment buildings, 13 private homes, hospitals, civilian vehicles, a gas pipeline, and a kindergarten were damaged. Several shops and public spaces were also reportedly damaged as a result of the attack.

The attack comes a day after Russia unleashed the largest air attack on Ukraine.

An emergency serviceman and a policeman are helping an injured following a Russian missile attack on downtown Kharkiv that injured at least 16 people on Dec. 30, 2023. (Interior Ministry/Telegram)

Solely civilian infrastructure was attacked, Syniehubov said, adding that emergency services are on the scene.

The attack also damaged the Kharkiv Palace, a five-star hotel in the city's center, injuring a woman and a foreign journalist.

Kharkiv's regional prosecutor's office published a video during the early hours of Dec. 31 showing the aftermath of the attack.

Shops and other civilian infrastructure were damaged as a result of Russia's evening attack on Kharkiv. (Oleh Syniehubov/Telegram)

Several hours before the Kharkiv attack, Russian authorities claimed a Ukrainian attack on Russia's Belgorod Oblast, including the regional capital.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry claimed that 14 people were killed, including two children. Some 108 people, including 15 children, were allegedly injured. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. Kyiv generally does not comment on reports of attacks and explosions on Russian soil.

Read also: Hit the Kremlin: Kyivans dont hold back after Russias mass attack kills 9, wounds 30 in the capital

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Planning on seeing the Crown drop at midnight or celebrating the beginning of 2024 around Uptown?

CATS is offering free rides for passengers on New Years Eve to keep residents safe on the streets.

Riding buses and the CityLYNX Gold and LYNX Blue lines will come at no cost from 5 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday.

RELATED: New Years Eve parties, celebrations in Charlotte to ring in 2024

CATS partnered with the Miller Lites Free Rides program to provide this service to Charlotte.

We are thrilled to usher in 2024 by offering a New Years Eve Free Rides program right here in Charlotte. As we look ahead to the promise that the new year brings, we also celebrate this program in the Queen City, said Larina Green, CATS Marketing Manager. As we strive to enhance the community experience, this initiative not only provides free rides but symbolizes our commitment to fostering a safer and more joyous celebration for every Charlottean.

READ RELATED: Multiple CATS guards under fire, after being caught on video dragging a man from the BlueLine

In addition to Charlotte, the program offers fare-free rides on New Years Eve to residents in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Milwaukee, Phoenix and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

CATS is also operating on a regular Sunday schedule on Monday, New Years Day.

(WATCH: Local leaders to hold meeting in hopes of bringing changes to CATS safety)
The Oxford Cheese Company confirmed that the giant has been returned to his former glory - BNPS

A cheese company accused of castrating the Cerne Abbas Giant has reinstated the figures manhood following a row.

In June, the Oxford Cheese Company was criticised for featuring the giant on its Cerne Abbas Man vintage cheddar  minus the figures oversized phallus.

But customers who have recently purchased the Dorset-inspired product have spotted the giants manhood once again featured on the cheeses packaging.

Ivan Kirby, an Oxfordshire resident, purchased the cheese from a shop in Yarnton, near Oxford, after being amused by the change in packaging.

He said that the change was a victory for common sense.

He added: I think its splendid that theyve seen sense and truly made their vintage cheddar full strength.

At 180ft, the giant is Britains largest, and possibly best-known, chalk hill figure.

Various theories abound about the club-wielding giant and his mysteriously large appendage.

Many believe that the carving is an ancient fertility symbol, while others say it depicts the Greco-Roman hero Hercules.

In June, the cheesemaker was criticised when the giant appeared minus his genitals - BNPS

Vic Irvine, the head brewer at Cerne Abbas Brewery, previously accused the cheesemakers of emasculating the giant.

I think the cheese manufacturers are terrible rotters for taking our giant and taking his penis off him, he said earlier this year.

Mr Irvine said that he was pleased to see the giants phallus back on the packaging but hit out at the company for using the image without making cheese in the village of Cerne Abbas.

He said: Its obviously nice to see our giant restored to his former glory after being emasculated so disrespectfully.

However the original cheddar wasnt even made in the Somerset parish with the famous gorge and then for the mystery substance to be marketed by a cheesemonger of Oxford smacks of desperation.

We are proud of our Dorset heritage and we can see the giant from our brewery and more importantly he can see us.

We love our village and we love our giant.

We brew beer with barley grown in the Cerne Valley and harvest our own hops that we grow up the side of the brewery in September as we firmly believe that local is best.

A spokesman for the Oxford Cheese Company confirmed that the giants manhood had now been returned to the cover of the cheese.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A view of the Aller and meadows flooded by high water. Lars Penning/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit the flood-hit areas in the northern state of Lower Saxony today, local officials said on Sunday morning.

Scholz is set to travel to the town of Verden, some 94 kilometres north-west of Hanover, in the morning, the Lower Saxony state chancellery said.

He will be accompanied by state premier Stephan Weil and state Interior Minister Daniela Behrens.

For days, thousands of emergency forces have been battling the fallout from heavy rainfall in several parts of Germany. Areas in the states of Lower Saxony, southern Saxony-Anhalt on the border with Thuringia and North Rhine-Westphalia are particularly affected by flooding.

After the rainfall had recently eased slightly, meteorologists are expecting more rain over the next few days, leading to fears that river levels could rise again.

The authorities are particularly concerned about softened dykes.

An emergency response vehicle drives through a flooded street in Lilienthal after the Wuemme River burst its banks. Residents can only reach their homes by boat. Markus Hibbeler/dpa

The clubhouse of the Lilienthal Shooting Club is flooded after the Wuemme River burst its banks. Residents can only reach their homes by boat. Markus Hibbeler/dpa
An emergency response vehicle drives through a flooded street in Lilienthal after the Wuemme River burst its banks. Residents can only reach their homes by boat. Markus Hibbeler/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit the flood-hit areas in the country's northern state of Lower Saxony today, local officials said on Sunday morning.

Scholz is set to travel to the town of Verden, some 90 kilometres north-west of Hanover, in the morning, the Lower Saxony state chancellery said.

He will be accompanied by state premier Stephan Weil and state Interior Minister Daniela Behrens.

For days, thousands of emergency forces have been battling the fallout from heavy rainfall in several parts of Germany. Areas in the states of Lower Saxony, southern Saxony-Anhalt on the border with Thuringia and North Rhine-Westphalia are particularly affected by flooding.

After the rainfall had recently eased slightly, meteorologists are expecting more rain over the next few days, leading to fears that river levels could rise again.

The authorities are particularly concerned about softened dykes.

Scholz will first participate in a flyover of the particularly affected areas in northern Lower Saxony, before the group will be briefed on the situation in Verden on the Aller river at around 11 am (1000 GMT), according to the chancellery.

Scholz is then expected to speak to citizens affected by the floods, before he is set to thank members of the emergency forces, who are likely to spend New Year's Eve fighting against the water.

After a series of floods in Germany in recent years, chancellors in the past have also travelled to areas hit by disaster in a sign of support to those battling the waters.

In 2021, for example, then chancellor Angela Merkel went to the Ahr Valley in western Germany, which was devastated by flash flooding. She offered support to those affected by the deadly waters in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine Westphalia.

The clubhouse of the Lilienthal Shooting Club is flooded after the Wuemme River burst its banks. Residents can only reach their homes by boat. Markus Hibbeler/dpa

Two joggers on the Helme dyke near Moenchpfiffel-Nikolausrieth. The flood situation on the Helme and at the Kelbra reservoir remains tense. Heiko Rebsch/dpa
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) gives a press statement during his visit to the flooded area at the confluence of the Weser and Aller rivers. Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a sightseeing flight in an air force helicopter to gain an impression of the flooding situation in the north of Lower Saxony. Philipp Schulze/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was visiting the flood-hit areas in the country's northern state of Lower Saxony on Sunday after storms caused disaster in several states.

Scholz travelled to the town of Verden, some 90 kilometres north-west of the state capital Hanover, in the morning, accompanied by Lower Saxon Premier Stephan Weil and state Interior Minister Daniela Behrens.

Scholz took a flyover of the particularly affected areas in northern Lower Saxony. His group was then to be briefed on the situation in Verden on the Aller river.

Scholz then paid tribute to members of the emergency services in Verden, who are likely to spend New Year's Eve fighting against the water.

"The weather and nature are challenging us," he said. "That's why it's important that we stick together in the state. This is also being done everywhere by the responsible organizations, the police, the fire brigade, the technical relief organization, and the German Armed Forces have also provided their support."

Many volunteers are also doing everything they can to minimize the consequences and protect people and homes, he added.

"I can see that the willingness goes far beyond those who are now working professionally or volunteering in aid organizations. Local citizens are also helping out and asking what they can do," said Scholz.

"That is important. I believe that this shows that solidarity exists in our country and that there is a willingness to stick together."

He promised the federal government would do everything possible to help the affected states and municipalities.

He was also expected to speak with those affected by the flooding.

For days, thousands of members of the emergency services have been battling the fallout from heavy rainfall in several parts of Germany. Areas in the states of Lower Saxony, southern Saxony-Anhalt on the border with Thuringia and North Rhine Westphalia were particularly affected by flooding.

The situation in Lower Saxony remains tense, said Premier Weil. "We can see that the pressure of the water masses is still enormous in the northern parts of Lower Saxony," he said in Verden. He welcomed the fact that safety systems have held up so far. "But we know very well that the longer the pressure of the water remains on the dykes, the greater the risk that these dykes could still break."

So far, the country has got off lightly, said Weil. He knew of no fatalities and only one injury to firefighters. He also welcomed the fact that relatively few people have had to be evacuated. "I feel sorry for every single one of them. But measured against the risk that we have already seen in the last few days, a number of well under 2,000 evacuated people, many of whom are now back home, is manageable."

He also praised the community effort, noting there are far more than 100,000 active volunteers across the country and around 6 million to 10 million sandbags have already been filled and placed.

Asked about possible compensation for regions affected, Weil said that currently the focus is on the acute crisis. "After that, we will certainly deal with the other questions of what damage has been caused and what possibilities there are for assistance."

After the rainfall had recently eased slightly, meteorologists are expecting more rain over the next few days, leading to fears that river levels could rise again.

The authorities are particularly concerned about softened dykes.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also plans to visit the flood-stricken area on Monday.

Faeser is to meet Interior Minister Behrens on Monday afternoon in the Oldenburg area with emergency services from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and the police.

Leaders in the past have also travelled to stricken areas. In 2021, for example, then-chancellor Angela Merkel went to the Ahr Valley in western Germany, which was devastated by flash flooding. She offered support to those affected by the deadly waters in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine Westphalia.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C), Stephan Weil (L), Minister President of Lower Saxony, and Daniela Behrens, Minister of the Interior of Lower Saxony, make a press statement during their visit to the flooded area at the confluence of the Weser and Aller rivers. Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a sightseeing flight in an air force helicopter to gain an impression of the flood situation in the north of Lower Saxony. Philipp Schulze/dpa
Outgoing Hobart mayor Brian Snedecor smiles during a ceremony to rename the Third Street bridge in his honor on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Former Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor has gotten emotional a lot this last year, but there was a moment during the Dec. 27th inauguration of Hobarts new administration where he really thought he was going to lose it.

When former Hobart City Judge William Longer was set to swear in his wife, longtime Hobart Clerk-Treasurer Deb Longer, she asked Snedecor to hold the Bible on which she would take her oath. Having been through as much as the two have over Snedecors 16 years in the top spot, it may have been for him the best moment in a long line of what he feels has been a successful tenure.

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Were like brother and sister at this point, Snedecor said, tearing up at the memory. I cant think of a bigger or better honor.

Clerk-treasurer Deborah Longer, accompanied by outgoing mayor Brian Snedecor, is sworn in by city judge William Longer during a ceremony on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Snedecor spent the majority of Thursday afternoon cleaning out his City Hall office. His assistant, Emily DeSoris, was training her replacement, Emma Johnson, and the three joked about how confusing itd been when Snedecor would call out, Hey, Em! but that at least new Mayor Josh Huddlestun wouldnt have as much confusion.

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He remembered the day he walked in the office his first day and took great pains to make sure Huddlestun knows where everything is, even if Huddlestuns last eight years as a councilman have given him a good idea of the job. In 2008, Snedecor said he was basically flying blind.

But if that seemed like a disadvantage, he didnt necessarily view it that way, even when his first big challenge came within seven months of taking office  the 2008 flood. He repeated a story that he told the Post-Tribune during the citys dedication of what he feels is his crowning achievement, the Third Avenue Bridge.

Lake George flows under the newly-renamed Mayor Brian K. Snedecor 3rd Street Bridge on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

I was standing on a part of the bridge, and my wife called up to me and said, Get off there! Youre going to drown! and I just stared at all the damage and thought to myself, I dont care! he said. All of Dekalb and Dead Mans Curve  gone. It basically shut down the city from east to west. It was crazy.

Snedecor said it was a Sunday night, and he called in Clerk-Treasurer Longer and the council to tell them to expect major flooding. They spent many hours strategizing with the various city departments, and soon, everything fell into place, he said.

We came out of that really showing how to get back to normal quickly even with having a major lake (that flooded), he said. Now, we have this bridge with improved accessibility for pontoons and kayaks, and Im proud to have assisted in that.

Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor, far right, Hobart Parks Superintendent Kelly Goodpaster, third from right, and others snip the ribbon on a new playground Aug. 31 at Robinson Lake Park. (Carole Carlson/Post-Tribune)

There were other shining moments, like St. Mary Medical Center building a $40 million wing and a new Hobart High School  where his daughter was among its first graduating class  that make him proud. Moving the Police Department, City Court, the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and the Maria Reiner Senior Center over to a repurposed Hobart Middle School, 705 E. 4th St., in 2011, which cost $8.5 million when all was said and done was exciting, too, though Destination Park, the new $876,000 playground at 8th and Wisconsin, might be his favorite of all.

The other night, I was coming home, and even though it was cold (and) dark, there were still kids playing out there, he said. This was a big moment in our city.

For all the good things that made the job great, there were many sleepless nights for Snedecor and the administration, he said, the biggest being the Southlake Mall property tax reassessment. The state came through and helped make the repayment manageable for the city, but even if the state doesnt fix the loophole that allowed the situation in the first place, Snedecor believes retail is still a good option for Hobart.

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Hobart mayor Brian Snedecor presents a bouquet to former Mayor Linda Buzinec during a ceremony to rename the Hobart clock tower in honor of Buzinec on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Theres a role for retail here, he said. Retail giants are still competitive; you can go to Kohls now and return Amazon purchases. Who wouldve thought of that? Then you see other big-box stores, like Macys, coming back with smaller stores. And I know (Southlake) has its challenges, but theyve repurposed some of their square footage. Theyve put in a huge barber shop, so men can go get their hair cut while their wives shop. Also, look at Albanese (Candy)  in my 16 years, I cant think of a year that they havent done some sort of expansion, so thats almost a city in itself.

I think retail can withstand change with new strategies.

Where retail slows, warehouses could fill in the gaps, but the notorious Becknell project of six warehouses at 61st and Colorado wont be one of them. The LaGrange, Illinois developer pulled their option on the 156 acres last month, Snedecor said, though the land still holds the rezoning for someone else to propose a similar development.

Lake Station resident Karen Curtis instructs Hobart resident Brian Snedecor during a game of bocce ball at the Maria Reiner Senior Center in Hobart on Monday, February 14, 2022. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)

Going through the process, however, was another example of how people can unite with a common voice and affect change, he said.

Snedecor said he believes the way people want to hang their hats is coming full circle; where they once wanted to move away from a downtown area, they now want to come back, and Hobart, with its Riverfront designation, has revamped its downtown into a bustling place to be in the summer, he said. He acknowledged it took some pain to get there.

To some degree, a lot of our downtown projects were done out of necessity to fix longtime problems, like 50- to 100-year-old pipes and sewer lines that were wooden, all the stuff that was out-of-sight, out-of-mind, he said. I know the businesses were frustrated, but if you look at the overall accomplishments, you see a healthy downtown and a healthy community.

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Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor inspects a new life ring and rope on Aug. 31 installed by Hobart Firefighters Local 1641 at Robinson Lake Park. (Carole Carlson/Post-Tribune) (Carole Carlson/Post-Tribune)

Of the many lessons Snedecor learned in his 16 years, he said realizing that Silence is golden was the hardest one to internalize, yet the most useful. He took a lot of criticism for switching to the Republican Party midterm  a move he said had everything to do with national politics, not local  and there were other times where it just felt like too much, but he feels like he got it right.

I found out, and my wife would remind me all the time, that if people werent complaining, they were happy with the direction we were going. She called it the Silent Majority, he said. I used to let the keyboard warriors on social media really get to me, but there were always the same people, and they were the loudest. As long as I stayed the course, we focused on the right things and didnt get derailed.

Having a great council helped in that regard.

They were always so easy to work with. It was amazing, he said proudly. The Council might vote for something I didnt agree with, but I always knew it was well-thought-out, and we always listened to each other. My motto was, You can walk through my door and cuss me out if you had to, but when you leave my office, we have to agree, and there were many times where I changed my position.

As for his post-politics life, Snedecor is considering several consulting opportunities.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz walks along a flooded area. Scholz took a sightseeing flight in an air force helicopter to gain an impression of the flooding situation in the north of Lower Saxony. Arne von Brill/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the flood-hit areas in the country's northern state of Lower Saxony on Sunday after storms caused chaos in several regions.

Scholz travelled to the town of Verden, some 90 kilometres north-west of the state capital Hanover, accompanied by Lower Saxon Premier Stephan Weil and state Interior Minister Daniela Behrens.

Scholz took a flyover of the particularly affected areas in northern Lower Saxony. His group was then briefed on the situation in Verden on the Aller river.

Scholz paid tribute to members of the emergency services in Verden, who are likely to spend New Year's Eve fighting against the water.

"The weather and nature are challenging us," he said. "That's why it's important that we stick together in the state. This is also being done everywhere by the responsible organizations, the police, the fire brigade, the technical relief organization, and the German Armed Forces have also provided their support."

Many volunteers are also doing everything they can to minimize the consequences and protect people and homes, Scholz added.

"I can see that the willingness goes far beyond those who are now working professionally or volunteering in aid organizations. Local citizens are also helping out and asking what they can do," he said.

He promised the federal government would do everything possible to help the affected states and municipalities.

For days, thousands of members of the emergency services have been battling the fallout from heavy rainfall in several parts of Germany. Areas in Lower Saxony, southern Saxony-Anhalt on the border with Thuringia and North Rhine Westphalia were particularly hard hit.

The situation in Lower Saxony remains tense, Premier Weil said. "We can see that the pressure of the water is still enormous in the northern parts of Lower Saxony," he remarked in Verden.

He welcomed the fact that safety systems have held up so far.

"But we know very well that the longer the pressure of the water remains on the dykes, the greater the risk that these dykes could still break."

So far, Germany has got off lightly, Weil said. He knew of no fatalities and only one injury to firefighters. He also welcomed the fact that relatively few people have had to be evacuated.

He also praised the community effort, noting there are more than 100,000 active volunteers across the country and around 6 million to 10 million sandbags have already been filled and placed.

Asked about possible compensation for areas affected, Weil said that the focus is on the acute crisis. "After that, we will certainly deal with the other questions of what damage has been caused and what possibilities there are for assistance."

After the rainfall had recently eased slightly, meteorologists are expecting more rain over the next few days, leading to fears that river levels could rise again. However, only showers are forecast for the immediate future and should cause no further damage.

The authorities are particularly concerned about softened dykes.

In Oldenburg in Lower Saxony, around 600 more people have been told to prepare for a possible evacuation, according to the city council.

Dykes by one road are under heavy strain and a breach cannot be ruled out at this point, the city announced on Sunday. Should this occur, the fire brigade will make loudspeaker announcements to inform people of the evacuation order.

Those affected should only take essentials and important documents with them. A school have been provided as temporary accommodation.

There were problems in the city of Celle in Lower Saxony, where a driver deliberately drove into a road that was closed due to flooding. The council said a mobile water barrier was now unusable.

In Meppen near the Dutch border, the recent high water levels are continuing to fall slightly, the city said. However, to avoid risks, citizens were asked to refrain from setting off New Year's fireworks.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser plans to visit the state on Monday.

Faeser plans to meet state Interior Minister Behrens in the Oldenburg area along with emergency services. They are expected to monitor how a Federal Police helicopter transports large sand bags to reinforce the dykes.

In 2021, then-chancellor Angela Merkel went to the Ahr Valley in western Germany, where over 300 people died in flash flooding.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) walks through the city center with emergency services during his visit to the flooded area at the confluence of the Weser and Aller rivers. Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a sightseeing flight in an air force helicopter to gain an impression of the flooding situation in the north of Lower Saxony. Philipp Schulze/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and Stephan Weil (C), Minister President of Lower Saxony, inspect a flooded road during their visit to the flooded area at the confluence of the Weser and Aller rivers. Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a sightseeing flight in an air force helicopter to gain an impression of the flooding situation in the north of Lower Saxony. Philipp Schulze/dpa
The Democratic mayors of Chicago and Denver gave a joint interview Sunday in which they acknowledged the crisis on the southern border but placed much of the blame on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for creating more chaos in his approach to migration.

In an interview on CBS Newss Face the Nation, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston stressed their frustration with the surprise arrivals of buses and airplanes in theirs and other cities.

Johnston said he has not considered turning away buses  as some other cities mayors have  but asked that city officials be notified that the buses were coming before they arrived and that the buses arrive during regular working hours and at regular bus stops.

All we want is a system that is humanitarian for both the new folks that are arriving and for our cities and our city employees. And so, we understand there will be an inflow, we have already had 35,000 migrants arrive to Denver, weve successfully helped them integrate into the country here, Johnston said. What we dont want is people arriving at 2:00 in the morning at a city and county building with women and children outside in 10-degree weather and no support.

We want buses here to do what every other bus does, which is land at a bus station and a bus stop at hours when we can have staff there to receive them and to direct them towards services, he continued. And so we understand the flow is coming. We just want it to be coordinated, and in a humanitarian way, which we think makes it effective for the city and for those newcomers. That means things like arriving 8:00 to 5:00, Monday to Friday, with notice.

More coverage from The Hill

Johnston further said that his city has work authorization, so it is happy to accept asylees, pointing to the successful integration of Ukrainians and Afghans who fled their countries.

When people arrive, we actually have work authorization, when they get to a place like Denver, so we can put them to work, which is what they want. And we have a coordinated entry plan where its not just the governor of Texas deciding what cities to send people to, but its actually the way weve welcomed asylees in this country for years, he said. When we had asylees from Afghanistan or Ukraine, we had federal support, we had coordinated entry, we had work authorization and those efforts worked quite smoothly. America knows how to do this. We think we can do it here.

Both mayors sidestepped opportunities to criticize the Biden administration, acknowledging the benefit of federal dollars but also largely referring to the White House as partners in addressing the problem.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump during an event at the South Texas International Airport Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump during an event at the South Texas International Airport Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

When asked whether he got everything he needed from the White House, Johnson said he looked to Congress for action before blaming Abbott.

Well look, I think theres no secret here that we need comprehensive immigration reform. This comprehensive immigration reform would certainly transform this situation. In fact, it solves this crisis, he said. What we have said repeatedly is that we need Congress to act to provide the resources that are needed in order to carry out this mission

He continued: But what we cant have is a governor in the state of Texas, acting the way he is acting and quite frankly, the rogue buses that are being dropped off across this country in the middle of the night, leaving people with no real support at all, no coordination with the local municipalities.

That type of chaos, he said, its certainly dividing our country, and we need better coordination between all levels of government to be able to respond to this mission.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) said Sunday that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) was sowing seeds of chaos by sending buses of migrants to Chicago without prior warning and called for greater coordination between state and local officials.

In an interview on CBS Newss Face the Nation, Johnson confirmed the city of Chicago had seen the arrival of several buses of migrants in the past several nights  and that yesterday, the City had even received an unexpected flight arriving in the city.

The governor of Texas, Governor Abbott, is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos. And last night, and several nights before, a number of buses continued to arrive in the city of Chicago, throughout the country without any coordination, Johnson said. And now hes taken on this very dangerous task of placing individuals on airplanes and flying them into our various cities.

This is certainly a matter of, not just of our national security, but its the type of chaos that this governor is committed to administering, Johnson added.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, addresses the crowd before President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Old Post Office in Chicago. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Johnson accused Abbott of being afraid and mad at the migrant situation at the southern border and acknowledged the difficulty Abbott faces. The problem, Johnson said, is the lack of coordination between Abbott and the officials running the cities to which he is sending the migrants. Johnson said that only creates more chaos.

What we have said repeatedly is that we need Congress to act to provide the resources that are needed in order to carry out this mission, Johnson said. But what we cant have is a governor in the state of Texas, acting the way he is acting and quite frankly, the rogue buses that are being dropped off across this country in the middle of the night, leaving people with no real support at all, no coordination with the local municipalities.

That type of chaos, he continued, its certainly dividing our country, and we need better coordination between all levels of government to be able to respond to this mission.

Chicago mayor slams Texas Gov. Abbott as reckless after migrant bus arrivals

Johnson called for structure and coordination around the busing tactic.

What were simply saying, what Ive done over a month ago, we provided an ordinance that would ultimately provide some structure and some coordination around when buses should arrive, Johnson said. Should not be dropping people off in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere without the type of support thats needed.

Abbotts office did not immediately reply to a request for a response.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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

BEIJING (Reuters) -China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, President Xi Jinping said in his New Year's address on Sunday, striking a stronger tone than he did last year with less than two weeks to go before the Chinese-claimed island elects a new leader.

The Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are happening at a time of fraught relations between Beijing and Taipei. China has been ramping up military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over democratically governed Taiwan.

China considers Taiwan to be its "sacred territory" and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control, though Xi made no mention of military threats in his speech carried on state television.

"The reunification of the motherland is a historical inevitability," Xi said, though the official English translation of his remarks published by the Xinhua news agency used a more simple phrase: "China will surely be reunified".

"Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he added. The official English translation wrote "all Chinese" rather than "compatriots".

Last year, Xi said only that people on either side of the strait are "members of one and the same family" and that he hoped people on both sides will work together to "jointly foster lasting prosperity of the Chinese nation".

China has taken particular exception to current Vice President Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Party (DPP) and leading in opinion polls by varying margins, saying he is a dangerous separatist.

Responding late on Saturday to Lai's comments at a live televised presidential debate earlier in the day, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai had "exposed his true face as a stubborn 'worker for Taiwan independence' and destroyer of peace across the Taiwan Strait".

"His words were full of confrontational thinking," spokesperson Chen Binhua said in a statement.

Since 2016 - when President Tsai Ing-wen took office - the DPP-led government has promoted separatism and is the "criminal mastermind" in obstructing exchanges across the strait and damaging the interests of Taiwan's people, Chen said.

"As the leading figure of the DPP authorities and current DPP chairman, Lai Ching-te cannot escape his responsibility for this," he added.

Tsai and Lai have repeatedly offered talks with China, but have been rebuffed.

The DPP says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, as does Lai's main opponent in the election, Hou Yu-ih from Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT).

The KMT traditionally favours close ties with China but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Hou has also denounced Lai as an independence supporter.

The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists who founded the People's Republic of China. The Republic of China remains Taiwan's formal name.

Lai said on Saturday that the Republic of China and People's Republic of China "are not subordinate to each other", wording he and Tsai have used previously which has also riled Beijing.

(Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Kim Coghill and Andrew Heavens)
Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the country's resilient economy in his New Year's address (Pedro Pardo)

President Xi Jinping said Sunday the Chinese economy had grown "more resilient and dynamic" in 2023, despite financial figures continuing to disappoint as the post-Covid recovery stalls.

He also promised in a bullish New Year's address to the nation that China would "surely be reunified" -- a reference to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own and has pledged to seize.

Xi has endured a challenging 2023 at the helm of the world's second-largest economy, with his administration struggling to sustain an economic rebound since rapidly dumping its onerous zero-Covid policy a year ago.

But Xi said on state broadcaster CCTV the economy had "weathered the storm" and become "more resilient and dynamic than before", hailing the promotion of "high-quality development" and emerging industries such as electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar panels.

He said next year "we must... consolidate and enhance the positive trend of economic recovery, and achieve long-term economic stability".

Yet he also acknowledged some hardship, saying "some companies are facing operating pressure (and) some people are encountering difficulties in employment and living conditions".

"All of these things concern me greatly," he said.

"Our goal is both ambitious and yet very simple. In the end, it is to help people live better lives."

Record youth unemployment and a persistent debt crisis in the crucial property sector have hemmed in China's growth this year.

Official figures released on Sunday showed a decline in nationwide factory activity deepened in December, the third straight month of contraction.

Analysts have said Beijing may struggle to achieve its stated annual growth target of around five percent, the lowest such ambition in years.

- 'Reunification' -

Xi briefly mentioned Taiwan, weeks before the democratic island heads to the polls on January 13.

Beijing has escalated its pressure campaign against Taiwan this year and tensions are high, with independence-leaning candidate Lai Ching-te leading opinion polls.

Xi declared in his Sunday speech "the motherland will surely be reunified".

"Compatriots on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose to share in the glory of national rejuvenation," he said.

Xi has said China would never rule out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Taipei officials have repeatedly raised concerns about election interference and misinformation, claims dismissed by Beijing as "hype".

- Greetings to Putin -

Xi sent new year greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Sunday in which he hailed strengthening ties with Moscow in 2023, according to an official foreign ministry readout.

The two longtime allies have drawn closer in recent years even as Western countries have turned their backs on Russia over its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Xi said "the material and public opinion foundation of our relationship has become stronger", according to CCTV.

"In the face of changes unseen in a century and a turbulent regional and international situation, China-Russia relations have maintained healthy and stable development and moved steadily in the right direction," Xi said.

"Under our joint leadership, political mutual trust between the two sides has further deepened, strategic coordination has drawn closer, and mutually beneficial cooperation has continued to achieve new results," he was quoted as saying.

mjw-oho/reb/pbt
China's Xi Jinping says Taiwan will 'surely be reunified' in year-end address

Chinese leader Xi Jinping promised the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China during his year-end address on Sunday.

Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, and Taiwanese voters are set to participate in the island's elections on Jan. 13. Xi has repeatedly affirmed China's stance that Taiwan is a part of China and that it must be reunified, by force if necessary.

"All Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi said in Sunday's address.

"The motherland will surely be reunified," he added.

CHINAS XI SEIZES TOTAL POWER, THREATENS INTERNATIONAL ORDER WITH ECONOMIC STRENGTH, MILITARY

Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews the honor guard during a welcome ceremony at The Great Hall of the People on Nov. 22, 2023, in Beijing.

The speech was the second time in a matter of days that Xi addressed the Taiwan issue. Xi also vowed to reunify Taiwan on Tuesday during a symposium in Beijing commemorating the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong, the founding father of Communist China.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

CHINA'S XI JINPING UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED TO SERVE 3RD TERM AS PRESIDENT

"The complete reunification of the motherland is an irresistible trend," Xi said at the event, adding that China would "resolutely prevent anyone from splitting" the two sides.

A view of the Taipei 101 outside the Presidential Office Building, Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan is set to hold its elections on Jan. 13, and the leading presidential candidate leans toward independence for the island.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, residents are preparing to head for the polls. Current opinion polls show residents favoring independence-leaning candidate Lai Ching-te.

CHINA HAD A BUSY 2023 IN RACE TO USURP US AS DOMINANT WORLD POWER

China has bristled at any international indication of Taiwan's independence. Xi's military conducted weeks of live-fire exercises around the Island in 2022 after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., traveled there.

Nancy Pelosi's 2022 visit to Taiwan set off a slew of Chinese responses.

Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949, when democratic forces fled there after losing a civil war against the Chinese Communist Party.





Original article source: China's Xi Jinping says Taiwan will 'surely be reunified' in year-end address
As the mother of three teenagers, I often find myself trying to persuade them of things that previous generations took for granted. Most recently, Ive been attempting to convince my 17-year-old son of the value of attending church on Sunday morning. Hed much rather be on a cross-country trail because, as he puts it, Running is my church, Mom.

My sons skepticism toward organized worship is pretty normal among his peers. Gen Z is widely known to be the least religious generation, with nearly half claiming to have no religious affiliation in a recent survey and only about 1 in 5 reporting weekly church attendance. And while parents can count on the state to enforce school attendance, were on our own when it comes to church.

My son is generally a respectful, good kid, so Im inclined to take him seriously. When he asks me why he has to go church, I believe its an honest question. But like any parent, I also recognize his adolescent bent toward social rebellion. So I tell him that, in the year of our Lord 2024, attending Sunday morning church is a form of resistance.

For most of the modern Wests history, going to church hasnt exactly been revolutionary. Which church you attended might have mattered, but church itself was part of a well-ordered life. To this day, attendance remains highest among those who enjoy social and financial stability. Even so, it is declining across the board, and Sunday morning is increasingly used to catch up on all the things we missed during the week: hearty breakfasts, grocery shopping, home-improvement projects, visiting friends, and maybe even a run. In fact, one of my sons main objections to attending church is that it takes time away from other activities while adding another event to his already busy schedule. Why would I make him do yet one more thing?

But, as I remind him, one or two hours on Sunday morning isnt the problem. It only feels like a problem because of the 50 or 60 hours he spends on school and homework every week in addition to 10 or 15 hours on extracurricular activities.

No, church isnt the problem. But it might be part of the solution.

My son has yet to discover what minority religious groups have long known: Regular worship services carve out space in a hostile world. In fact, church as an act of resistance is key to understanding the story of the black church in America. Long before the civil rights era, Sunday morning church provided a haven where the oppressed could worship freely. Even the practice of wearing ones Sunday Best was a way to fight a culture of dehumanization. Low-paying service jobs might require uniforms throughout the week, but on Sunday morning, maids and mechanics could dress like kings and queens.

In a similar way, blue laws protected commercial workers by restricting retail sales and recreational activity on Sunday. So great was the benefit of such laws that the Supreme Court upheld them in McGowan v. Maryland (1961) despite the fact that they were originally linked to religious observance. Not only did the court find that they didnt violate the establishment clause, they also viewed them as protecting workers by providing a uniform day of rest for all citizens.

No, attending church is not just another activity. Its a form of resistance in a culture that knows no bounds. It is a dam against the churning waters of productivity that would otherwise swallow up every available ounce of time, energy, and emotion. Because as much as regular church attendance carves out temporal space, it also provides worshipers a moment of stillness. It gives us a chance to be  bored.

Our contemporary fear of missing out has resulted in us treating our time as billable. Every hour, every minute, every second must count for something. Everything we do must move us toward what poet-philosopher Wendell Berry calls the objective. In such a culture, the very suggestion of sitting quietly and being bored for an hour is anathema. Worse still is the relinquishing of individual actionallowing ourselves to be captured by the rhythms and routines of worship. To sit when it is time to sit. To stand when it is time to stand. To kneel when it is time to kneel. To read the responsive reading. To pray and sing together.

It is precisely the monotony and sheer inefficiency of the worship that makes it worthwhile. Go to church because it isnt productive. Go to church because you dont understand everything. Go to church because you will be bored. And in this way, maybe you will find a moment of rest. Maybe instead of always needing to act, you can be acted upon.

One of the core beliefs of Christianity is that God works for us because we cannot do what we need for ourselves. We cannot ascend to God, so God comes down to us. We cannot obtain the objective, so God extends His grace. In this way, attending a service that doesnt get us any closer to our own earthly goals might be the best way to capture what faith offers contemporary society. Because here in this hollowed out, protecteddare I say, sacredspace, the demands cease and all that is required is that we participate. Grace comes despite us. We just have to partake.

Not all churches operate this way, of course. Too many have simply baptized the impulses of the surrounding culture, centering production, efficiency, and constant movement. In such cases, regular attendance is only a starting point. The goal is to get involved, and more often than not this is code for committing to a flurry of activitymultiple meetings a week, service projects, classes and studies. But ironically, this approach leaves little space for the very practices that set religion apart from more secular endeavorspractices like prayer, introspection, silence, and sabbath. As New York City pastor John Starke notes in The Possibility of Prayer, Life with God calls for unhurried time that is driven not by accomplishments or tasks but by love and communion.  God gives everything as a gift to those of us who are still and vulnerable enough to receive it.

Churches, therefore, must remember and reclaim the unique role they play as outposts of grace in an increasingly demanding world. They must guard Sunday morning as a place of refuge, wonder, and presence. A place where we might experience the miraculous because weve finally stopped long enough to open ourselves to it.

Recently, our familys schedule was such that my son got his wish, and Sunday morning found him running a trail instead of sitting in church. But when I picked him up afterwards, he was noticeably irritatedfar from the calm, satisfied young man I thought Id find. Apparently, the trails are full of people on a Sunday morning, Mom.

It was hard to tell whether my son was more upset by having to share the course, or by discovering that he wasnt quite the nonconformist he imagined. Nor are most of us, when it comes down to it. Were all caught in a whirlpool of busyness and productivity, desperately trying to prove ourselves. Few of us have the wisdom or strength to escape it. But as the calendar turns and we consider the lives we want to live in 2024, let me invite you to join me and my begrudging son in the pew. Perhaps this is the year you carve out a space for a weekly dose of wonder, beauty, and grace. Perhaps this is the year you become more comfortable with sitting still and doing nothing. Or, if nothing else, perhaps this is the year you attend church as a simple, calculated (if not adolescent) way of sticking it to the man.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Supreme court justice Clarence Thomas must recuse himself from ruling on Donald Trumps eligibility for the 2024 presidential election, a prominent Democrat said Sunday, warning that the leading Republican candidate is seeking to become a political martyr as he pursues a second presidency.

Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin was speaking ahead of the nations highest court stepping in to adjudicate recent state rulings in Maine and Colorado that struck the former president from the general election primaries under the US constitutions 14th amendment insurrection clause.

Thomas, whose wife, Ginni, a hard right conservative, was a vocal proponent of Trumps big lie that his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden was fraudulent, should stand down ahead of the supreme court hearing the case, Raskin argued. Trumps legal challenges could begin as early as Tuesday.

Raskin led the push for Trumps second impeachment following the deadly January 6 riot that the ex-presidents supporters staged at the US Capitol.

Anybody looking at this in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say if your wife was involved in the big lie in claiming that Donald Trump had actually won the presidential election, had been agitating for that and participating in the events leading up to January 6, that you shouldnt be participating, Raskin told CNNs State of the Union.

He absolutely should recuse himself. The question is, what do we do if he doesnt recuse himself?

Raskin also cautioned that Trump, the runaway favorite in the Republican primary, would inevitably try to overturn the 2024 election if he were to lose again.

If hes allowed to stay on the ballot, despite his clear incitement of an insurrection and attempt to overturn the results in the 2020 election, and if he loses to Joe Biden as he almost certainly would  he will feel himself a martyr and he will try to overturn the election result again, said Raskin, who also served on the special House committee which investigated the January 6 attack.

So I dont think we can run scared from Donald Trump. Weve got to enforce our constitution.

Allies of Trump, and almost all of his primary challengers, have argued that the separate decisions in Maine and Colorado to disbar him were politically motivated. On Thursday, in an interview on Fox News, Floridas governor Ron DeSantis said the action in Maine opens Pandoras box.

Even Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor who has accused Trump of intolerance towards everyone, was critical of the decision. It makes him a martyr, he told CNN last week. Hes very good at playing, poor me, poor me, hes very good at complaining. But stuff like this should be decided by the voters of the US, it should not be decided by the courts.

New Hampshires Republican governor, Chris Sununu, was another jumping to Trumps defense on Sunday, telling State of the Union that he believed the insurrection argument used by Maines secretary of state Shenna Bellows and Colorados supreme court to remove the former president were bogus.

If there was any validity about keeping Trump off the ballot, youd see 48 other states trying to do the same thing, said Sununu, who has endorsed Haley for the Republican nomination.

I think it is very politically motivated by the Maine secretary of state, Trump should be on the ballot [and] everybody just hopes that the supreme court gets involved and overturns what Maine and Colorado are trying to do.

Sununu also claimed, boldly, that Haley will defeat Trump in New Hampshires 23 January primary. An opinion poll just before Christmas placed the former South Carolina governor just four points behind Trump in the state.

Chris Christie isnt going to make up 30 points in the next three weeks. Nikki Haley can make up five or 10 points and give Trump that defeat that no one thought was possible, and I think thats very likely to happen, he said.

He did, however, concede that Haleys failure to identify slavery as a cause of the civil war, which forced her into some furious back-pedaling in recent days, was a mistake.

If you have to clarify an answer, you know, Gee, I guess I should have answered that differently, lets go clear it up, so yeah, sure it was a mistake, he said.
2023 was a year of milestones and challenges in global public health.

In May, I declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. This marked a turning point for the world following three years of crisis, pain and loss for people everywhere.

I am glad to see that life has returned to normal.

The World Health Organization also announced that the mpox outbreak no longer represented a global health emergency. And we approved new vaccines for malaria, dengue and meningitis, diseases that threaten millions around the world, mainly the most vulnerable.

Azerbaijan, Belize and Tajikistan were declared malaria free, and a range of neglected tropical diseases were eliminated in multiple countries, including sleeping sickness in Ghana; trachoma in Benin, Mali and Iraq; and lymphatic filariasis in Bangladesh and Laos.

The path to eradicating another vaccine-preventable disease  polio  has reached its last mile.

Thirty more countries introduced the HPV vaccine as the world advances toward eliminating cervical cancer.

The need to address the health impacts of the climate crisis were elevated to the highest political levels, with governments, scientists and advocates putting health, for the first time, prominently on the COP28 agenda, and issuing a global declaration on climate and health.

Climate change punishes refugees: Climate change talks can't keep ignoring refugees. What to do before COP29.

Heads of State at the United Nations General Assembly committed to advance universal health coverage, end tuberculosis and protect the world from future pandemics.

Each of these achievements, and many more, demonstrated the power of science, solutions and solidarity to protect and promote health.

Without peace, there is no health

But 2023 has also been a year of immense and avoidable suffering and threats to health.

The barbaric attacks by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7 left more than 1,200 people dead and over 200 taken hostage. Reports of gender-based violence and mistreatment of hostages are deplorable.

This was followed by the unleashing of a devastating attack on Gaza, which has killed more than 20,000 people  mainly women and children  and injured over 50,000.

As of Dec. 22, 2023, only nine of 36 health facilities in the Gaza Strip were partially functional, with only four offering the most basic of services in the north.

At the same time, hospitals and health workers have been repeatedly attacked, while relief efforts are not coming close to meeting the needs of people. As of Dec. 22, only nine of 36 health facilities in Gaza were partially functional, with only four offering the most basic of services in the north.

For this reason, we call again for an immediate cease-fire.

War and armed hostilities, sadly, have plagued too many other locations around the world, including Ethiopia, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine, to name but a few.

I saw firsthand the suffering of war-weary people in northwestern Syria who, like communities I also visited in neighboring Turkey, were devastated by the terrible earthquake in February.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, center, visits northwestern Syria on March 1, 2023, after devastating earthquakes that hit northern Syria and southern Turkey in February.

Without peace, there is no health, and without health there can be no peace.

Insecurity, poverty and lack of access to clean water and hygiene fanned the spread of infectious diseases in many countries. The resurgence of cholera is especially concerning, with a record number of 40-plus outbreaks around the world.

And in terms of emergency preparedness and response, gaps remain in the worlds readiness to prevent the next pandemic.

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2024 offers an opportunity on Pandemic Accord

Nevertheless, 2024 offers a unique opportunity to address these gaps.

Governments are negotiating the first ever global agreement to protect communities, countries and the world from the threat posed by pandemics. The Pandemic Accord is being designed to bridge the gaps in global collaboration, cooperation and equity.

The accord, and plans to strengthen the International Health Regulations, represent monumental actions by governments to create a safer and healthier world.

For an AIDS-free generation: 20 years ago, George W. Bush launched AIDS relief and saved lives. US needs to lead again.

And as WHO closes out our 75th year as the worlds health organization, I extend by my sincere gratitude to health workers, partners and WHO colleagues on our shared journey to achieve "Health for All."

Lastly, during this holiday season, I am sure that everyone will join me in hoping that the new year will bring peace, health and prosperity for all people around the world.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the director-general of the World Health Organization.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2023 ended COVID health emergency but began multiple wars. And 2024?
This article was originally published in The Conversation.

When the Supreme Court outlawed the use of race in college admissions in June 2023, it forced colleges and universities to rethink how to maintain and increase diversity in their student bodies. Its a topic that political science professor Lauren Foley had been exploring in her new book, On the Basis of Race: How Higher Education Navigates Affirmative Action Policies. Below, Foley expounds on what she sees as the future of diversity in higher education now that college admission officials can no longer consider race.

Is racial diversity in higher education about to suffer?

Yes, the likelihood of admission for racial minority students will suffer as a result of the nationwide affirmative action ban in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. We know this from research done in states with existing affirmative action bans. Courts and ballot initiatives have banned affirmative action state by state in the last three decades. These states include California in 1996, Washington in 1998, Michigan in 2006, Nebraska in 2008 and Arizona in 2010. In 1996, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit in Hopwood v. Texas banned affirmative action across its jurisdiction: Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now.

Regardless of how selective a public university may be, the enrollment of racial minorities at those schools declines if they are located in states that ban affirmative action.

The largest effects are felt at the most selective flagship universities, like University of California Berkeley, UCLA and the University of Michigan. All of these schools self-reported dramatic declines in representation, particularly among Black, Hispanic and Native students. According to this data, underrepresented groups declined by 12% across the University of California system. At the University of Michigan, Black and Native undergraduate enrollment fell by 44% and 90%, respectively, in the years following the affirmative action ban.

Affirmative action was a precise tool in that it allowed universities to pay specific attention to specific populations of applicants. Without this tool, universities are left with blunt policy solutions and struggle to maintain and increase student racial diversity.

What lessons does your book offer for colleges and universities?

A ban on the method is not a ban on the goal.

Nationally, universities can no longer practice affirmative action as a way to maintain racial diversity among their students. This does not mean, however, that universities will abandon their commitments to racial diversity.

Even in states that already had bans on affirmative action before the Supreme Court banned the practice, universities reiterated their commitments to racial diversity. They also reaffirmed that they would both comply with the ban and find ways to prioritize diversity.

Still, I believe affirmative action bans could have a chilling effect on the willingness of some universities to explicitly mention race in their discussions and policies regarding diversity and inclusion. Bans on affirmative action discourage university administrators from using race as a criteria in admissions, even when they are otherwise allowed to do so. This research demonstrates how universities that are less selective have adopted broader statements about diversity and student recruitment that do not explicitly mention race.

How are colleges responding?

When colleges use race-neutral strategies to increase racial diversity, they dont get the same results that they did with race-conscious affirmative action. There simply are no policy tools that work as well as affirmative action at producing racial diversity.

Nevertheless, universities will now seek out race-neutral methods to maintain or increase racial diversity on campus.

One example is holistic admissions. This involves assessment of an applicants academic achievements using multiple factors. These factors include socioeconomic hardship, educational disadvantages or other forms of adversity. Computer software can aid universities in making demographic factors like the educational backgrounds of parents, the number of students on free or reduced lunch at the schools an applicant attended and the familys socioeconomic status part of the admissions review.

Other states have tried legislative solutions, such as guaranteeing enrollment at state universities to graduating high school seniors in the top percent of their class.

Following the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ruling, some colleges and universities have pursued creative solutions to comply with the Supreme Court decision. For example, at Sarah Lawrence College, the admissions application cites language from the decision when it asks students to comment on the role race has played in their lives.

The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.



The Conversation
Shanghai has handled 100 China-Europe freight trains as of Saturday this year, said Shanghai Customs.

By Saturday, the freight trains had carried goods of over 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) totaling 3.38 billion yuan (476 million U.S. dollars) and weighing 91,400 tonnes, according to the customs.

The latest China-Europe freight train departed from Shanghai on Friday, carrying a total of 50 containers of cargo, such as solar tracker components. It will leave from the Horgos Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and finally arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital.

Shanghai launched its first China-Europe freight train in September 2021. Currently, the train service connects Shanghai with over 80 overseas cities and stations, marking itself as an important logistics channel for Shanghai to connect Eurasia, and injecting new momentum into jointly building the Belt and Road.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) suggested in a Sunday interview he would not back state-imposed restrictions on childrens social media use, saying that responsibility, instead, should lie with the parents.

I think the responsibility belongs with parents, not the government, Polis said when asked in an interview on NBC Newss Meet the Press whether he would be open to more restrictions on social media in his state.

I have a 12-year-old and a nine-year-old. We dont allow them on social media yet. Well be having the conversation with our 12-year-old son soon, and in an appropriate way, allowing him to access that, Polis said. But I think really, fundamentally, the state cant be the parents for kids.

The interview, given jointly with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R), was part of an NBC special called Americas Mental Health Crisis. As respective chair and vice chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), Cox and Polis have launched a Disagree Better campaign, giving interviews and talks that stress the importance of civic unity and healthy debate.

Cox, unlike Polis, has taken a more aggressive approach in his state to combat the negative effects of social media. In the interview, he stressed the toxic consequences of social media and compared the states approach to dealing with the social media companies to the approach to dealing with the tobacco companies.

I certainly agree with the diagnosis that Governor Cox did, and I have some sympathy for that approach. But I do think at the end of the day, the government cant parent kids. Its really up to the responsibility of parents to step up. And I think its, in many ways, an educational effort for outreach to parents, Polis said.

Many parents dont understand the full threat of different social media for their kids. And I think more parents need to step up and take on that responsibility, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Columbus man is charged with murder after a shooting in West Virginia left one woman dead and an infant injured.

According to NBC4 sister station WOWK in Huntington, West Virginia, the shooting happened just before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in a home in Charleston, West Virginia.

One person found shot inside apartment in King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood

Dominick Curtis Gray, 38, is charged in Kanawha County Magistrate Court with first-degree murder and malicious wounding.

WOWK reports that officers found the victim, Beverly Hensley, 34, of Charleston, shot multiple times inside the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Hensleys 9-month-old daughter had injuries to her chest and left thumb. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Gray is currently being held in South Central Regional Jail. Online records for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation do not show any bond information for Gray.

The Charleston police department is continuing to investigate the shooting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Former President Trump speaks at a rally in Waterloo, Iowa, on Dec. 19. (Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press)

My New Years resolution 12 months ago was to write fewer columns about Donald Trump. That well-intended goal met the same end as most New Year's resolutions; I soon fell off the wagon and wrote more columns about Trump in 2023 than I had the prior year.

Like it or not, the former president is the dominant political figure of our time.

He has remade the Republican Party in his image and is almost certain to win its presidential nomination even if hes convicted in any of the four criminal prosecutions hes fighting.

He stands an even chance of winning a second term in the White House, a victory that would allow him to put his stamp on American government until 2029.

And hes promising big things. He says that if hes elected, hell prosecute his opponents (I say, go down and indict them), send the National Guard into crime-ridden cities such as Chicago (worse than Afghanistan), and bar U.S. entry to people who dont like our religion.

Read more: Kicking Trump off the ballot won't be easy. Here's why

In his first term, Trump battered the guardrails of our political system but didnt succeed in destroying them. If he wins a second term, hell likely be more effective, free of restraining influences in his Cabinet and surrounded by true believers who yearn to turn his promises into law.

This year-end column is my annual exercise in humility  a report on what I got wrong this year and what I got right.

Thats why it begins with a confession: I was wrong when I thought Trumps legal troubles  and other Republicans  would get in the way of his march to the GOP nomination.

I was wrong when I talked up the prospects of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom I described as the most potent challenger to Trump and the rising star of the conservative firmament.

To many GOP donors and voters, he [looks] like a potential fusion candidate  militant enough to appeal to Trump fans, but conventional enough for Republicans tired of the former presidents chaotic style, I wrote. As Republican pollster Whit Ayres said: Hes Trump without the craziness.

But once voters got a look at DeSantis, he turned out to just be a less charismatic version of Trump.

Still, I persisted in the forlorn hope that the GOP race might turn into a free-for-all.

This race may be more open than it looks," I ventured in April.

Wrong again!

Readers often wonder whether reporters are biased. We are in at least one respect: In election years, we root for drama, not orderly coronations.

I stumbled when I wrote about President Biden, too.

In July, I wrote that Biden was betting that the economy would soon turn up and that voters would give him credit. The president and I were both premature about the economy's upturn  and so far, were wrong about the voters.

I did get a few things right. In May, I predicted that a Biden-Trump rematch would mostly be about which candidate you dislike more, and that the state of the economy would likely determine the outcome. It didnt take a genius to figure that out.

The journalism lesson here is an old one: Punditry is often unreliable, especially in primary campaigns.

The glorious thing about primaries is how unpredictable they can be. Well-bankrolled favorites often crumble once the campaign begins. Just ask former GOP hopefuls Phil Gramm (1996), Rudolph W. Giuliani (2008) and Jeb Bush (2016).

Theres also a more important lesson we should carry into 2024.

As Jay Rosen, a journalism scholar at New York University, has been saying, the most important question in this campaign is not the odds, but the stakes  not who has what chances of winning, but the consequences for American democracy.

That doesnt mean ignoring the horse race; readers still want to know whos ahead and why. It means putting the substantive questions first: What would these candidates do in the White House?

A contest between Biden and Trump isnt a conventional race between a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican. Its a choice between an 81-year-old institutionalist and a 77-year-old norm-breaker who says hed like to suspend the Constitution and rule as an autocrat.

Making the stakes clear requires taking Trumps hair-raising promises seriously. It also requires pressing Biden on what he would do in a second term  a question he has largely ducked, content to run simply as the anti-Trump.

So theres my resolution for 2024: to make sure every reader has the clearest view possible of the choice this fall  not only the odds, but the stakes.

And yes, that will mean reading more Trump stories written by me  even more than in 2023.

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

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
When I decided to return to The Star in July, I knew I would be coming at an exciting time for Kansas City.

The Chiefs had won another Super Bowl. The city hosted the NFL draft and was selected to do the same for the 2026 World Cup. Taylor Swift brought her history-making Eras Tour to Arrowhead, and Beyonce would do the same with her Renaissance Tour in the months to come.

But what made me want to help lead The Star was the organization itself  not all the buzz about the city. I could see myself fitting in with this talented and dedicated team of journalists who are so versatile they can deliver smart Chiefs and Swift coverage and in-depth projects on fentanyl deaths and government failures.

In 2023, Star reporters, visual journalists and editors balanced a variety of stories that entertained and informed people throughout the Kansas City region. The stories below (and their impact) are just some of the examples. We look to bring you  our readers  many more stories that matter to you in 2024.

Ralph Yarl, front, the Staley High School teen shot in the head in April after ringing the wrong doorbell, and family members participated in the 1.5K walk at the Going the Distance for Brain Injury Annual run, Memorial Day, May 29, 2023 at Loose Park.

RALPH YARL

When 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot in the head and arm after mistakenly going to the wrong house to pick up his brothers in April, the attack renewed national conversations about racism and gun rights.

The Star covered the shooting intently, including reporting on the outrage that followed it, as people in Kansas City and around the U.S. demanded the white man who shot Yarl, who is Black, be charged. Our reporters also explored what many residents described as a history of racism in the predominantly white Northland area where the shooting occurred. The stories helped the community confront uncomfortable issues it needed to address to try to heal.

The impact: The Star and other news outlets coverage of the shooting and residents calls for an arrest put pressure on police and prosecutors to charge the gunman, Andrew Lester, with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.

Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody can be seen on the Marion County Records surveillance footage during a raid on the newspaper that was widely condemned.

MARION NEWSPAPER RAID

An August police raid on a local newspaper in Marion, Kansas, prompted First Amendment concerns across the country. And within days of the story breaking, The Star reported on how the police chief who led the search, Gideon Cody, had left his previous job as a Kansas City police captain facing possible discipline and demotion. He was under internal review for allegedly making insulting and sexist comments to a female officer.

Other accountability stories followed, with The Star and the Wichita Eagle collaborating and publishing dozens of news and opinion pieces. Among other developments, our teams wrote about the stressful last moments of 98-year-old Marion County Record co-owner Joan Meyers life. Police had stormed and searched her home in addition to the paper. She died of a heart attack the next day.

The impact: The news coverage and criticism of the raid by The Star and others put pressure on authorities. The prosecutor in Marion County withdrew the search warrant executed in the raid, and all electronic devices seized by police were ordered returned to the Marion County Record. Cody resigned as police chief.

Its been more than two years since Claudia Astudillo Aguirre lost custody of her child. Garden City Police searched her familys car without their consent, resulting in criminal charges that were later dropped. But shes still grappling with the fallout from the search after the loss of precious years with her infant son, who remains in the foster care system.

BROKEN GOVERNMENT

On the heels of the Marion newspaper raid coverage, The Star embarked on a series called Broken Government in which reporters exposed how government at all levels in Missouri and Kansas doesnt work for residents and taxpayers. The first story was an investigation into how small local governments having a lack of strong financial safeguards makes them susceptible to fraud.

The series also explored the little amount of vetting that Kansas towns do when hiring police officers, and it went deep on why Kansas officials have done nothing about the state running out of water despite knowing about the issue for years.

The impact: Residents who read the series have been reaching out to The Star about their own experiences with government failures. This is leading to more stories that hold officials and politicians accountable.

A rendering from stadium design firm Populous shows a concept of what a new downtown Kansas City Royals stadium located in the East Village might look like.

REALITY CHECK

In the last few months of 2023, The Star started a local accountability series called Reality Check, which set out to hold those in power to account and shine a light on their decisions.

The stories included ones about the financing of a new Kansas City Royals stadium, a Kansas City haunted hotel operating without a license, and the handling of a sexting video sent by a Shawnee city manager.

The impact: Theres a rethinking underway about where the Royals stadium should go, the haunted hotel was shut down by the fire marshal, and the city manager in the sexting situation was fired.

Gabrielle Anderson of Blue Springs, Missouri, is grief-stricken over the death of her firstborn son, Zach Anderson, 17, who died in January of fentanyl poisoning. She often spends time in his room to feel close to him.

DEADLY DOSE

Deadly Dose was an investigation into the toll fentanyl has taken on the Kansas City area. The first story in October was about the littlest victims among us.

The second, published in November, was a broader examination of the trail of destruction the crisis has left behind, including detailed profiles of some of those who lost their lives.

A third story, also in November, looked into why so few of the deaths had been fully investigated by police and resulting in charges by prosecutors. Many families told The Star they dont believe the deaths of their loved ones are taken as seriously as others when it comes to investigations, despite the fact that in some communities there are more fentanyl deaths than homicides and traffic fatalities.

The impact: Within days of the profiles running, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced new efforts to address the fentanyl crisis, including hiring overdose investigators, requiring overdoses to be reported within one calendar day, and creating an overdose fatality review board.

The Star partnered with several community health organizations, and gave away pocket-sized fentanyl information guides and boxes of naloxone, the life-saving, over-the-counter medicine often referred to by its brand name Narcan that can reverse opioid-related overdoses.

RACISM IN KANSAS CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Star followed up in 2023 on the steps that city officials promised to take in response to the news organizations earlier investigation of racism in the Kansas City Fire Department. Our reporters found Black and female firefighters are ostracized, put in danger, shut out of the most desirable posts and passed over for promotions.

The impact: A Kansas City Council report was ordered after The Star investigation. It confirmed our reporters findings, which led to city leaders and activists renewing their calls for reform.

Family and friends of Kansas Citys Oscar E. Cabral circulated flyers after he went missing in March 2023. His body was found near Swope Park on March 23.

MISSING PERSONS CASES

Star journalists reported on how Kansas City police failed to alert the public to the disappearance of 18-year-old Oscar Cabral, who was found dead in March off a road near wooded trails inside Swope Park. His body was discovered about two weeks after 13-year-old Jayden Robker was found dead in a pond near his Northland neighborhood. Police did not notify the public for help in Cabrals case and were slow to do so in the younger teens.

The Stars reporting showed how the cases fit into the broader context of what Black community leaders were saying about the incidents: They didnt think police were doing enough to investigate missing persons cases, especially those involving people of color.

The impact: In the wake of the Stars coverage and concerns raised by community leaders, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves announced in April that the department was restarting a missing persons unit that had been disbanded by the previous police chief.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  If you were in the Nashville area on Aug. 21, 2017, you will certainly never forget the sky turning totally dark in the middle of the afternoon.

FORECAST: Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky Weather

Coming on April 8, 2024, another total solar eclipse will occur across parts of the eastern half of the United States, running from Texas to northern New England.

(Courtesy: GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

(Courtesy: NASA)

Closer to home, it will be running from areas cities like Little Rock, Arkansas, to Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Carbondale, Illinois, and Evansville and Indianapolis, Indiana.

(Courtesy: GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

Indeed, these are areas that can be reached within about a four-hour drive from Nashville.

Over 1 million visitors expected in Arkansas for 2024 total solar eclipse

However, even if you are staying home in Middle Tennessee or Southern Kentucky, we will be experiencing a near-total eclipse, with 90-95% of the suns surface blocked by the moon!

(Courtesy: GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

The sky wont go completely dark, but we should notice quite a change in light.

Why do you need glasses to prevent permanent eye damage during eclipse?

Of course, you will need those eclipse glasses to view it to keep from damaging your eyes.

Learn more by going to GreatAmericanEclipse.com

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Two people were killed, and three families were affected after a fire burned multiple homes in Washington County. On Saturday, the community came together to show their support for the people in need.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> 2 people killed, 3 homes damaged in Donora fire

On Saturday, the community came together to show their support for the people in need.

For Will Medina, owner of RollRWay in Donora, the compelling feeling to help three families devastated by a fatal fire on Christmas Eve is simple.

The easiest way to explain it is there is no why, he said. You come together during these times, you know? I couldnt imagine losing everything, losing life on Christmas Eve. Its devastating to think about being in their shoes. So you just come together as a community. Theres no why.

This community paid $8 to lace up rollerskates to help three families in need, including Nathaniel Honabargers. Honabarger lost his mother, Tracey and father, Clifford Honabarger, in the fire.

I dont like asking for help but to see them just donating to all three families it brings a tear to my eye, he said.

RollRWay started taking donations for the three families just days after the fire. Their party room is now transformed with piles of clothing, home goods and supplies. Even more, donations were being dropped off throughout Saturdays benefit.

I came in just to give some extra money, said Donora resident Terry Perrotta. I just cant imagine losing both your wife and a friend. I cant imagine it.

This community said they felt compelled to step in and help, and its what this small town is all about.

Donora is a good town, said Perrotta. We might not have a whole lot, but people help each other.

Medina said all the money raised at the door of the benefit skate will go directly to the families. He said that throughout the week, they also collected monetary donations and raised about $1,100 in cash and gift cards so far. RollRWay will be open on New Years Eve and New Years Day for those who wish to drop off additional donations.

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Ramon Cisneros becomes Concordia University Texas' first music education graduate on Dec. 9. He also is one of 45 Texas students to receive the Collegiate Music Educator Award from the Texas Music Educators Association.

Mr. C! Mr. C! Liberty Middle School students called in the hallway when they saw Ramon Cisneros, a Concordia University Texas student who was teaching his first class. To the children, Cisneros was not just a college student; he was their teacher.

Cisneros became Concordia University Texas' first music education graduate in December. In the fall, he had begun teaching band to a class of sixth grade students as part of his work to gain professional experience.

During a Zoom call from his classroom on the last day of class at the middle school, he told the American-Statesman it was a sad day for him.

Students here at the middle school saying goodbye to me, and we're just exchanging our last day together, he said.

When Cisneros arrived at the school five months earlier, students were barely taking the plastic off their saxophones. Some had never played. He had taught private piano lessons before, but never a full class.

The task was challenging, he said, but also rewarding. He was surprised by how well he connected with the students, and he said the fulfillment from sharing his passion was gratifying.

I saw them (from) barely touching that instrument to playing in a concert about a week ago, he said. Thats pretty cool.

"Even if it's a simple song, you were the one that gave them that ability to do that. Once you see it, it's kind of like your own reward in a way."

Ramon Cisneros' family and his wifes family  many of them educators  came to the graduation to celebrate him.

In recognition of his passion and work, Cisneros, along with 44 other Texas students, received the Collegiate Music Educator Award from the Texas Music Educators Association.

Award recipients represent the finest and most dedicated future music educators in Texas, Robert Floyd, the executive director of the association, told the Statesman in a statement. It is truly an honor to be nominated by ones college or university.

Whitney Crowley, the Concordia music department chair and Cisneros mentor, nominated him for the award. She said he pioneered the music education major for the university, all while teaching middle school students.

He's able to take what he loves and pass that on to students, Crowley said. He's gone above and beyond, in addition to being our very first (music education graduate), in being an amazing role model for all these younger musicians that are going to follow him.

Cisneros grew up in Brownsville. At 4 years old, he would play songs on his toy piano. When he heard Beethoven for the first time, his love for music solidified.

"The beautiful classical music just kind of touched my soul when I was a kid," he said.

Ramon Cisneros holds up drumsticks as a youngster. At 4 years old, he would play songs on his toy piano. When he heard Beethoven for the first time, his love for music solidified.

Cisneros transferred to Concordia University Texas from Austin Community College. He initially was hesitant to pursue a music degree and instead tried different fields.

There's always a choice that you have to make when you get out of high school," he said. "It's like, OK, do you want money, or do you want to pursue the thing that you really want to pursue?

He couldnt get music out of his mind. His wife, another Concordia graduate, introduced him to the school, and he transferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pursuing education with music became his compromise, his goal.

"I always loved that there was always a room available with a piano or an open room where I was able to just practice" at Concordia, he said.

At his commencement ceremony, Concordia's president asked him to stand up to be recognized as the school's first music graduate. His family and his wifes family  many of them educators  came to the graduation to celebrate him.

Concordia University Texas on Dec. 9 had its first music education graduate when Ramon "Ray" Cisneros received his degree.

With his degree in hand, he plans to substitute teach until full-time positions open for the next school year. He said his dream career is to be a professor in music technology, composition and audio engineering.

He said his advice for students is to follow their passions.

Trust yourself; trust your instincts; something is going to happen, he said. Youre always going to find a way.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Concordia University Texas celebrates first music education graduate
By Ange Kasongo

KINSHASA (Reuters) -Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has been re-elected for a second term after getting more than 73% of the vote in a Dec. 20 poll, the country's election commission CENI said on Sunday.

The declaration of the result follows days of opposition complaints about the way the election was conducted.

Logistical setbacks, an election day over-run, and an opaque vote count have fuelled a dispute that threatens to further destabilise a country roughly the size of Western Europe which is the world's top producer of cobalt and other prized industrial commodities.

Announcing the results in the capital Kinshasa, Denis Kadima, head of CENI, said Tshisekedi had obtained more than 13 million out of over 18 million valid votes, adding that turnout was more than 43%.

Cheers erupted from Tshisekedi's supporters present at the declaration after Kadima announced that Tshisekedi was provisionally elected.

Speaking to hundreds who gathered at his campaign headquarters after the announcement, Tshisekedi, flanked by his wife and mother, thanked supporters and promised to speed up programmes during his second term to tackle inequalities.

"You believed in my commitment not to spare any effort so that our country will retake its rightful place, and so that the Congolese people will recover their pride and dignity in belonging to this country," he said.

"You believed in my fight against inequalities that have for a long time characterized our society," he said.

Rival political parties, candidates and those mandated by them have two days to challenge the outcome of the election at the Constitutional Court. The court then has seven days to rule on the case and proclaim the final result.

Opposition frontrunner Moise Katumbi, who came second with 18%, has already ruled out mounting a legal challenge to the results, citing an alleged lack of independence of state institutions.

Other opposition candidates have not clarified whether they will challenge the results.

Earlier on Sunday a group of nine opposition presidential candidates, including Katumbi, and six leaders of political parties asked supporters to take to the streets to protest after the release of the provisional results.

JOINT DECLARATION

"We categorically reject the sham election ... and its results," the main opposition candidates said in a joint declaration. They demanded fresh elections be held with a new electoral body on a date to be agreed by all.

"We call on our people to take to the streets en masse after the proclamation of the electoral fraud," they said.

While Tshisekedi's supporters celebrated his win in the streets of the capital, there was calm in other cities with little signs of protest on New Year's Eve.

The government of Congo had previously rejected calls for a rerun of the elections.

Since election day, some of Tshisekedi's main challengers, including former oil executive Martin Fayulu, have been calling for a re-run of the contest and of legislative elections, accusing CENI of allowing the vote to be tipped in the president's favour.

CENI and the government have dismissed these allegations and also warnings from independent observer groups that the unscheduled extension of voting and other incidents on election day, and during the tabulation of votes, may have compromised the credibility and legal footing of the poll.

The United States continues to "closely follow" the electoral progress in Congo, a State Department official said on Sunday while noting that any election disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with Congolese electoral law.

(Reporting by Ange Kasongo and Sonia Rolley; Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Alessandra Prentice and Bate Felix; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Alexander Winning, David Holmes and Mark Porter)
As 2024 dawns, we mark an anniversary that is especially difficult to stomach for many in Miamis historic Cuban-exile community: The 65th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

It is, incredibly, the longest existing political revolution in the modern world, followed by the American, French, and Russian revolts, which were replaced by true democracies. Not Cubas, which turned out to be secretly Marxist-Leninist inspired.

If it were a human, the revolution might be ambling into retirement. However, Cubas authoritarian government clings to the hollow glory of the revolution, even though it did little but condemn the island to isolationism, constant economic shortages and repression, sending 1 million Cubans into exile.

With the revolution, Cuba has never enjoyed times of plenty. Still, it has managed to keep its people believing that they must sacrifice for the good of the revolution, those who dont are considered traitors  impressive psychological warfare on its populace.

Once vibrant

The Cuban Revolution sought to crush Cubas vibrant economy to make Cubans controllable, and it did. This destructive process has turned Cuba into a land of poverty and need, a country unable to feed itself, Orlando Gutierrez Boronat, spokesperson for the Cuban Democratic Directorate and a member of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, told the Editorial Board.

Ironically, the original promise of the evolution was to end poverty on the island by equalizing wealth. Now, most everyone is poor, all the buildings are decrepit and few have plenty. International figures show 88% of Cubans live at the poverty level, a jump of 13% from the previous figures.

The Cuban Revolution is the greatest fraud ever committed against the Cuban people. It is an enduring crime, Gutierrez Boronat said. Hes right.

So could the revolution celebrate another birthday? We hope not., thought it has shown staying power.

Most of the bearded, fatigue-wearing rebels that rolled into Havana from the countryside in the first days of 1959 are dead.

Alive from the original group are rebels Raul Castro, 92, and Ramiro Valdes, 91, who were part of the group that led strongman Fulgencio Batista and his men to leave the palace and jump on private planes to go into exile on New Years Eve, 1958.

Six decades later, can the Cuban government keep the idea and promise it continues to sell to the Cuban people afloat?

Speaking out

Deep cracks are showing. Young Cubans seem less enamored of an event that happened long before they were born and are more outspoken about their unhappiness with the country than their parents ever were. They want a better life, and Miami remains a beacon of light.

Are there cracks in the system? Definitely, the cracks are generated by the resistance of the Cuban people, on the island and in exile, Gutierrez Boronat added.

And Cubans are still fleeing, as they have since the revolutions inception. In the past two years alone, 425,000 Cubans have migrated to the United States, more than during any previous exodus. Thats sobering, and telling.

Capitalism, a dirty word on the island, is creeping in with permission from the government. Cuban entrepreneurs are being allowed to purchase food and goods from the outside world and resell them to Cubans for profit they can keep.

Another failure of the revolution is that politically, the revolution did not spread, as the rebels had hoped, to destroy the imperialist Yankees Fidel Castro hated so much.

The Cuban Revolution is a beacon of light for all of Latin America, said Ernesto Che Guevara, an Argentine who became an architect of the revolution along with Castro. Guevara was wrong then, and wrong now.

Not until recently have Latin American countries democratically elected left-leaning presidents  so many years after Cubas example.

One thing the revolution did as the 1950s were ending was tragically and dramatically alter the course of life for 11 million Cubans, separate families, execute Cubans considered enemies  not to mention impact U.S. politics, the city of Miami and the entire hemisphere itself.

For those in exile, we mark the anniversary with heavy hearts about lives irrevocably interrupted by a revolution they never believed would last this long.
The Czech Republic is refusing to attend an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting that was called by Russia, arguing Moscow was responsible for the nearly two-year war in Ukraine.

We refuse to be summoned anywhere by Russia. Czechia will not serve the lie-poisoned propaganda of the aggressor, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky wrote in a post on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

When Russia wants to discuss the withdrawal of its occupying troops at the Security Council, we will be happy to come, he wrote, referring to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russias first deputy permanent representative to the U.N., had announced in a social media post Saturday that Russia would be calling an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting after the Russian city of Belgorod was attacked by Ukraine.

More International coverage from The Hill

Local officials reported 21 people were killed in the shelling of the city on Saturday, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

This crime will not go unpunished, the Russias Defense Ministry said in a statement, according to the AP.

Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has stepped up in recent days with Russia launching the largest aerial attack on Ukraine in the war late last week.

The Russian Defense Ministry accused Kyiv of launching the attack on Belgorod and said that Czech-made Vampire rockets and Olkha missiles were used to carry it out  a claim that the AP said it could not verify. The wire service also noted that this was one of the deadliest attacks on Russian soil since the start of the war in Ukraine.

We also insist on the presence of Czech PR to the UN to explain why this countrys ammunition is being used for killing civilians in Belgorod, Polyanskiy wrote on X.

The AP reported that another 110 people were injured in the strike on Belgorod, which came just one day after Russia launched 122 missiles at Ukraine and killed at least 41 people. Ukraine, which is in its 22nd month of battling Russian aggressors, said that Russias attack last week was the most massive aerial attack since the war broke out.

Czechia and other countries in Eastern Europe were under control of the former Soviet Union for decades following the end of World War II.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DA identifies man found dead in closet after blaze tore through Braintree home

Authorities have identified a man who was found dead in a closet after a fire tore through his Braintree home early Saturday morning.

Firefighters responding to a call from a passerby who stated that there is a fire burning at 29 Hobart Avenue around 4 a.m. were greeted by heavy flames and smoke, according to the Braintree Mayors Office.

Braintree Deputy Fire Chief James OToole said crews attempted to battle the blaze from inside the home, but extreme heat and falling debris initially forced firefighters back. The fire spread rapidly and it took crews nearly an hour to bring it under control.

After the flames were knocked down, firefighters searched the home and found 85-year-old John Sullivan dead in a closet covered in clothing, the Norfolk District Attorneys Office said.

The victim was the homeowner and no other residents were in the home at the time of the fire, the mayors office wrote in a statement.

A preliminary investigation revealed that there were no working smoke detectors in the home, according to Braintree Fire Chief James OBrien.

On behalf of the Braintree Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims family and loved ones, OBrien said. I also want to point out that we found no working smoke alarms at the scene. Please, take a moment today to be sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Dont start the new year without them.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Dave Chappelle has released a new Netflix special, The Dreamer, which is full of jokes about the trans community and disabled people.

I love punching down! he tells the audience, in a one-hour show that landed on the streaming service today (31 December).

Its his seventh special for Netflix and comes two years after his last one, the highly controversial release The Closer.

That programme was criticised for its relentless jokes about the trans community, and Chappelle revisits the topic in his new show.

He tells jokes about trans women in prison, and about trans people pretending to be somebody they are not.

His set also targets disabled people. Tonight, Im doing all handicap jokes, he announces. One sketch is about paraplegic former North Carolina Republican representative Madison Cawthorn, who famously claimed he was invited to Washington sex parties.

The Dreamer was shot in Chappelles hometown of Washington, DC at the Lincoln Theatre.

His last special, The Closer, led to fierce criticism of Chappelle and of Netflix for airing the programme.

Dave Chappelle in The Closer (Netflix)

Civil rights advocacy group the National Black Justice Coalition called on Netflix to remove the special from their catalogue.

With 2021 on track to be the deadliest year on record for transgender people in the United States  the majority of whom are Black transgender people  Netflix should know better, said the National Black Justice Coalitions executive director, David Johns.

Perpetuating transphobia perpetuates violence. Netflix should immediately pull The Closer from its platform and directly apologise to the transgender community.

The Closer actually resulted in a walkout among some Netflix employees who demanded the company remove the content.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended the specials, saying to his staff: Several of you have also asked where we draw the line on hate. We dont allow titles on Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we dont believe The Closer crosses that line.

I recognise, however, that distinguishing between commentary and harm is hard, especially with stand-up comedy which exists to push boundaries. Some people find the art of stand-up to be mean-spirited but our members enjoy it, and its an important part of our content offering.

Chappelle has seemingly profited from the controversy. In 2023, he sold more tickets than any other comedy headliner, grossing $62m (48.6m) across 31 gigs.
A woman who was injured in a Russian missile attack on the town of Smila in Cherkasy Oblast has died in hospital.

Source: Ihor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Tragic announcement. A Russian missile has claimed the life of a 61-year-old resident of Smila, Nadiia Ivanivna Holub. Doctors have been fighting to save her life since Friday, when the enemy hit the city."

Background:

On 29 December, the Russian military launched a missile attack on a residential sector in Smila, Cherkasy Oblast.

Nine people were reported injured, and 51 houses were damaged.

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The death toll in Kyiv of Russia's Dec. 29 mass missile strike has risen to 19, as rescuers found two more bodies under rubble, Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, reported on Dec. 31.

The authorities quoted Popko as saying that rescuers continue to identify the victims of Russia's deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital.

On Dec. 29, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Lviv, far from the battlefield, killing over 40 people and wounding at least 160 people countrywide.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko earlier reported that 31 civilians in Kyiv were injured, 17 of whom were hospitalized.

Of the 158 Russian missiles and drones launched at the country, Ukrainian air defense downed 114, according to the Air Force.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russias largest air attack on Ukraine kills 30, injures over 160

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
At least 23 people were killed by Russia's Dec. 29 mass strike on Kyiv, the State Emergency Service reported on Dec. 31.

"As of 12:30 p.m., in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv, rescuers retrieved 23 people who died during a Russian missile attack on Dec. 29 from under the rubble. 8 people were saved," the Emergency Service wrote.

The report comes shortly after the local authorities had just revised the death toll to 19, adding that the rescuers were continuing to identify the bodies of the dead.

Earlier on Dec. 29, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Lviv, far from the battlefield, killing over 40 people and wounding over 160 people countrywide.

Kyiv, usually well protected by modern Western air defense systems, suffered its deadliest attack since the beginning of the war.

Citing the National Police, the Emergency Service said that 35 were wounded in the capital.

Of the 158 Russian missiles and drones launched at the country, Ukrainian air defense downed 114, according to the Air Force.

Read also: Hit the Kremlin: Kyivans dont hold back after Russias mass attack kills 9, wounds 30 in the capital

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Smoke rises from buildings after an Israeli air strike on the city of Khan Younes. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The death toll in Gaza rose further on Sunday as the Israel Defense Forces continued to attack targets across the Strip, while people in the sealed-off coastal area have long run out of places to hide.

The IDF said fighter jets flew renewed attacks on "terrorists" near Gaza City in the north, with ground troops helping to eliminate them.

Troops discovered and destroyed explosive devices in a kindergarten, according to the report.

Suspected Palestinian fighters were also killed in the south of Gaza and further tunnel shafts were uncovered, according to the IDF.

In the city of Khan Younis, the Israeli army also reportedly stormed the headquarters of Hamas, the Palestinian extremist organization that took control of Gaza by force in 2007 and is listed as a terrorist organization by Israel, the EU and the US.

Hamas' intelligence headquarters was also located there, an Israeli official said on Saturday evening.

IDF forces are currently intensifying their campaign to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. After initially focusing on the north including Gaza City, the aerial and ground operation is now zooming in on the centre and south of the coastal area.

In the past, the IDF had repeatedly told Gazans to flee to the south to escape the fighting, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering there.

In the north, Israel's army says it is in the process of taking full control of the area. According to the Israeli army spokesman, the operation is currently focused on the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza City, the Tufah district.

The latest Gaza war was triggered by Hamas and other groups' brutal terrorist attacks against Israel when they rampaged through Israeli border towns on October 7, killing over 1,200 people.

Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip has now killed more than 21,800 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza. The figures cannot be confirmed, but the UN and other observers point out that the authority's figures have been credible in the past.

More than 56,450 people have been injured, it said in a statement on Sunday. Some 150 people were killed within 24 hours, the statement added, making no distinction between civilians and fighters.

Some 70% of those killed are said to be women and minors, though the figures could not be independently verified.

Of those injured, more than 5,300 seriously injured and sick people are urgently awaiting evacuation.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is organizing transport abroad for the affected people together with the World Health Organization (WHO), OCHA said after reporting the figure on Sunday, citing the Gaza health authorities.

In the north of the Gaza Strip, it has been possible to restore limited services in some health facilities including the Al-Ahli Arab and Al-Awda hospitals and some medical practices, OCHA said, again citing local authorities.

Here too, the authorities are working with the WHO and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to reopen more facilities. In some cases, this is being done at the risk of employees' lives, as many areas are still under constant Israeli fire, the UN agency said.

Last Wednesday, the WHO said only 13 of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip were still able to operate, albeit with restrictions, with four of them in the north.

Many lack anaesthetics and painkillers, antibiotics, food and water and also qualified specialists.

The supply of relief goods remains difficult, with only a few lorries managing to cross the borders amid the bombardment and sealing off of the Gaza Strip.

There were also renewed exchanges of fire on Israel's border with Lebanon on Sunday.

The Israeli army said fighter jets had attacked "terror infrastructure and military facilities" belonging to the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.

In Ramja, a town near the border, Hezbollah was operating by hiding behind the civilian population, the IDF said.

On the Israeli side of the border, there was an air raid in the town of Zarit on Sunday morning and Hezbollah also claimed an attack on an Israeli target further west.

The IDF said anti-tank missiles had already been fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory on Saturday and Israel's military then attacked Hezbollah observation posts, as the missiles were fired from one of the posts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday evening that Israel was dealing "hard blows" to Hezbollah, eliminating terrorists and destroying enemy capabilities.

He added that Israel's government approved operational plans for the continuation of the fighting, saying if Hezbollah expands the war, it would take blows it never dreamed of, and so would Iran.

"We will take all steps until we have restored security for the inhabitants of the north."

There have been repeated confrontations between Israel's army and Hezbollah in the border region since October 7 and far more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and at least nine Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Civilians on both sides have also been killed, in the most serious escalation since the second Lebanon war in 2006, fuelling fears of a larger war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Smoke rises from buildings after an Israeli air strike on the city of Khan Younes. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
A Palestinian child can be seen as a delegation of American and European doctors performs complex surgeries at the European Hospital. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The death toll in Gaza rose further on Sunday as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued to attack targets across the Gaza Strip, with people in the sealed-off coastal area having long run out of places to hide.

The IDF said fighter jets flew renewed attacks on "terrorists" near Gaza City in the north, with ground troops helping to eliminate them.

Troops discovered and destroyed explosive devices in a kindergarten, according to the report.

Suspected Palestinian fighters were also killed in the south of Gaza and further tunnel shafts were uncovered, according to the IDF.

In the city of Khan Younis, the Israeli army also reportedly stormed the headquarters of Hamas, the Palestinian extremist organization that took control of Gaza by force in 2007 and is listed as a terrorist organization by Israel, the European Union and the United States.

Hamas' intelligence headquarters was also located there, an Israeli official said.

IDF forces are currently intensifying their campaign to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. After initially focusing on the north including Gaza City, the aerial and ground operation is now zooming in on the centre and south of the coastal area.

In the past, the IDF had told Gazans to flee to the south to escape the fighting, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering there.

In the north, Israel's army says it is in the process of taking full control of the area. According to the Israeli army spokesman, the operation is currently focused on the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza City, the Tuffah district.

The latest Gaza war was triggered by Hamas and other groups' brutal terrorist attacks on Israel when they rampaged through Israeli border towns on October 7, killing over 1,200 people.

Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip has now killed more than 21,800 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza. The figures cannot be confirmed, but the UN and other observers point out that the authority's figures have been credible in the past.

More than 56,450 people have been injured, it said in a statement. Some 150 people were killed within 24 hours, the statement added, making no distinction between civilians and fighters.

Some 70% of those killed are said to be women and minors, though the figures could not be independently verified.

Of those injured, more than 5,300 seriously injured and sick people are urgently awaiting evacuation.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is organizing transport abroad for the affected people together with the World Health Organization (WHO), OCHA said after reporting the figure, citing the Gaza health authorities.

In the north of the Gaza Strip, it has been possible to restore limited services in some health facilities including the al-Ahli Arab and al-Awda hospitals and some medical practices, OCHA said.

Last Wednesday, the WHO said only 13 of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip were still able to operate, albeit with restrictions. Many lack anaesthetics, painkillers, antibiotics, food, water and specialists.

The supply of relief goods remains difficult, with only a few lorries managing to enter amid the bombardment and sealing off of the Strip.

Meanwhile an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who controls the West Bank while Hamas rules Gaza, has criticized Israeli plans for longer-term checks on the border between Gaza and Egypt.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahus proposal, "of Israel regaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, as well as the creation of buffer zones and new security arrangements are clear evidence of a decision to re-establish complete occupation," Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said on X.

This undermines "agreements with Egypt and terminates all pacts with the PLO," he added.

He was commenting on Netanyahu's statements, made on Saturday, that after the Gaza war, Israel should also control the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egyptian border, which is 14 kilometres long.

There were also renewed exchanges of fire on Israel's border with Lebanon on Sunday.

The Israeli army said jets attacked "terror infrastructure and military facilities" belonging to Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.

In Ramyah, a town near the border, Hezbollah was operating by hiding behind the civilian population, the IDF said.

On the Israeli side of the border, there was an air raid on the town of Zarit and Hezbollah claimed an attack on another Israeli target.

The IDF said anti-tank missiles had already been fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory on Saturday and Israel's military then attacked Hezbollah observation posts.

Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel was dealing "hard blows" to Hezbollah, eliminating terrorists and destroying enemy capabilities.

He added that Israel's government approved operational plans for the continuation of the fighting, saying if Hezbollah expands the war, it would take blows it never dreamed of, and so would Iran.

There have been repeated confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in the border region since October 7 and more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and at least nine Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Civilians on both sides have also been killed, in the most serious escalation since the second Lebanon war in 2006, fuelling fears of a larger war between Israel, Hezbollah and Hamas.
There are many reasons to feel hopeless when it comes to the prospect of Israeli-Palestinian peace.

The sheer scale of death and devastation, first wrought by Hamas massacre and then by Israels intensive military assault on the Gaza Strip, has hardened opinions on both sides, fomenting grief, anger and desire for vengeance with no clear end point.

Still, senior figures closely involved with past attempts to resolve this most intractable of impasses have told NBC News that, in this moment of tragedy, there may be opportunity  and even hope.

Its a big crisis  and crises create opportunities, said Yossi Beilin, a veteran Israeli politician and peace negotiator whose backchannel discussions led to the Oslo Accords. This was a series of landmark agreements between the Palestinians and Israelis in the 1990s that mapped out a route to peace but ultimately failed on their promise.

Palestinians inspect the damage at the Al-Maghazi refugee camp after an Israeli strike (Mahmud Hams / AFP - Getty Images)

While Beilin doesnt kid himself about the scale of the challenge for those who seek a negotiated peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, he and others say one crucial thing has changed. To an extent not seen in decades, the eyes of the world are focused on Israel and the Palestinian territories  a patch of land barely larger than Massachusetts. And, whatever their political inclinations, few believe that the previously tolerated status quo can be allowed to continue.

The world had given up on us, Beilin said. But Oct. 7 changed everything.

Before that day, the issue of Israel and the Palestinians was languishing in a stalemate: Israelis felt unsafe from attacks by rockets and lone-wolf Palestinian militants. Gazans were trapped by a 16-year Israeli land, air and sea blockade that crippled the economy and crushed their hopes for the future. And Palestinians in the occupied West Bank were left to fend off Israeli settlers encroaching on their land, in tense altercations that regularly flared up into violent clashes.

But with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assembling the most far-right government in the Jewish states history, and Hamas, a banned terror group in the U.S. and Europe, controlling Gaza, the prospect of compromise and moderation had scarcely felt farther away.

People said the status quo is sustainable, and the issue of Palestinian-Israeli peace can be indefinitely put on the back burner, said Omar Dajani, legal adviser to the Palestinian negotiating team at the Camp David summit of 2000. All of that has been  for good and bad  blown out of the water by all thats happened since Oct. 7.

As gruesome as the war has been, it has spurred Western leaders to once again start talking about a two-state solution. This goal, widely considered moribund for at least a decade, is generally accepted to mean a single Palestinian state covering Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

A two-state solution is the only way to guarantee the long-term security of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people, President Joe Biden posted on X on Nov. 28 in one of his now often-repeated calls for such an outcome. He went further, saying this was essential to make sure Israelis and Palestinians alike can live in equal measures of freedom and dignity, adding: We will not give up on working toward this goal.

While the leader of Israels most important and closest ally advocated for a two-state solution to help Israel and the Palestinians emerge from decades of bloodshed, some senior Israeli officials have been increasingly vocal in their opposition to such plans. Israels ambassador to the United Kingdom told NBC News British partner, Sky News, that her country would not accept an independent Palestinian state when the war with Hamas ends.

Absolutely no, she said when asked about the possibility.

Netanyahu has struck a similar note.

I destroyed the Oslo agreements. I thought they were a terrible mistake and I still think that, he said during a press conference Dec. 16. I am proud of the fact that I prevented the emergence of a Palestinian state.

Jan Egeland, who was the lead diplomat for the Oslo Accords during his tenure as deputy foreign minister of Norway, says that a key ingredient that allowed those talks to move forward 30 years ago, was leadership. The Palestine Liberation Organization  then a feared terrorist group threatening Israel by hijacking planes  approached Norway seeking a way out of the stalemate.

Jan Egeland in Oslo (Petter Berntsen / AFP via Getty Images file )

A new Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres had just stepped into power in 1992. They signaled that they were interested in exploring the PLOs overtures, and began the secret talks that led to the Oslo Accords. Then-President Bill Clinton presided over the signing of the accords, and the U.S. invested time and resources to implement the peace process.

The problem today is that we have nothing near the same leadership on both sides as we had at that time, Egeland said. Israels ruling coalition includes what he describes as the most extremist government in Israels history. Its filled with racists and extremists.

These are people who do not belong in any government in any civilized nation, he added.

On the other hand, Hamas has the killings of the seventh of October on their conscience and so much other things, he said, referring to decades of rocket attacks and suicide bombings on Israeli civilian targets.

I dont think Netanyahu will be at the table. I dont think Hamas will be at the table, Egeland said.

Any attempt at a peace process will depend on the international community, he said, steered by the U.S., the European Union and Arab nations.

The U.S. has sat on the fence now for so many years without playing the leadership role that they should, Egeland said. They must come down from the fence and lead a real peace process like the U.S. did in the 1990s.

For now, the Biden White House has plenty of critics in pro-Palestinian circles for employing an ostensibly bold rhetoric while still giving Israel more than $3 billion a year, supplying weapons and munitions and offering diplomatic support.

That the agreements in Oslo failed to lead to peace, according to Egeland, had to do with wider resistance to the process. The enemies to peace were so strong, he said, with extremists on both sides, including the far-right Israeli who assassinated Rabin in 1995 over his role in the talks.

An Israeli army self-propelled artillery howitzer fires rounds from a position near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel (Jack Guez / AFP - Getty Images)

Today, opinion on the ground is increasingly polarized.

Poll after poll suggests that Jewish Israelis overwhelmingly support the war  87% in the latest survey by the Israel Democracy Institute think tank earlier this month. And NBC News journalists interviewing hundreds of Israelis since the war began have been told, even by those mourning Palestinian casualties, that destroying or at least defanging Hamas is essential for their own national security.

Some 1,200 people were killed and almost 240 kidnapped in that Hamas assault. Since then, almost 22,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing Israeli bombardment and invasion, according to local health officials backed up by officials in the U.S. and the United Nations.

Meanwhile, a poll conducted in the West Bank and Gaza during the 7-day truce in November, and released Dec. 13 by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, a respected polling institute based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, found that most Palestinians supported Hamas Oct. 7 attack. Just over 72% of Palestinians believe Hamas attack was correct given the Israeli response. The polls 1,231 respondents were interviewed face to face in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Many Palestinians feel that the prisoner gave back to the Israelis what the Israelis have been giving to them, Hanan Ashrawi, a veteran Palestinian politician, said in an interview with NBC News last month. I personally do not condone any violence against civilians, but I also believe that what the Palestinians have been going through has been totally disregarded by the rest of the world, she said, referring to what she and other pro-Palestinian voices see as decades of mistreatment by Israel, enabled by its international backers.

The victim has to lie down and die quietly, otherwise they will be called a terrorist, Ashrawi said.

Support for Hamas has tripled in the West Bank and increased slightly in Gaza. Despite this, the majority of Palestinians still do not support Hamas as a political party. In Gaza, which Hamas rules, support for the group stands at 42%, a slight uptick from 38% three months ago. Support for a two-state solution has risen slightly, from 32% before the war, to 34%  within the polls margin of error.

Many Palestinians interviewed by NBC News say they dont believe Israels official war goals of toppling Hamas and freeing the hostages, and think the war is instead a cover to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza. A fear that is not unfounded  expelling Palestinians from their land has long been an extremist position in Israel that has gained more mainstream prominence during this war.

While some see the hardening opinions as signs that a two-state solution may be beyond reach, others, such as Beilin, disagree.

It is recommended not to read polls during war; people are full of hate, he said, adding that if Israeli and Palestinian leaders come back in two years time with a peace treaty, there will be huge majorities to support them.

Yossi Beilin (Tsafrir Abayov / AP file )

Beilin, Dajani and other current and former Israeli and Palestinian officials interviewed by NBC News over the past two months have sketched out one possible path to peace: oust Hamas from power, hand Gaza to an international coalition perhaps led by neighboring Arab powers, rebuild Gazas infrastructure and democracy, and have a revitalized Palestinian Authority govern a unified Palestinian state covering Gaza and the West Bank.

That plan is something which is worth considering, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said in an interview with NBC News in late October. I cannot promise you that its practical. Its up to the minds of the different players. But it deserves being checked out, he said.

There are countless unanswered questions: How to reassure Palestinians and Israelis that they are safe; what to do with Israeli West Bank settlements deemed illegal under international law; how to enable the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza when it barely has a handle on the West Bank; and how to handle the millennia-old quandary of Jerusalem, a city dotted with holy sites  and strife  for Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Theres definitely room for hope, so long as we bear in mind that hope and optimism are different things, Dajani said.

For Egeland, its not so much hope but horror that could force the hand of the international community to act. He says the atrocities of Oct. 7 and the bloodletting that followed in Gaza have convinced the international community that the occupation cannot continue like this, the siege cannot continue as it has been, the warfare cannot continue.

I dont think the world will let the Israelis and Palestinians kill each other every second year in this crossroads of civilizations, which is Israel and Palestine, forever, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The number of victims killed in a house explosion in Northfield Township has climbed to four, with two other people still hospitalized, according to the Northfield Township Police Department.

Township police initially reported they found three people dead at the scene on Saturday afternoon with another three taken to an area hospital. In a news release Sunday, police confirmed that the death toll is now four and two people remain hospitalized. Police have not released the names of those killed and injured.

Update: Arkansas family identified as victims in explosion near Whitmore Lake

An aerial photo provided by the Northfield Township Police Department on Sunday shows the devastation from a house explosion that killed four people and critically injured two others.

The explosion occurred around 4 p.m. Saturday at a residence on Winter Lane, a private, dead-end road that parallels U.S. 23 on the west side of the highway, just west of Whitmore Lake, and about a dozen miles north of Ann Arbor.

When police and fire personnel arrived at the scene, they found that the single-family home had been leveled by the explosion, leaving only the basement behind, with a debris field covering approximately two acres of the property.

Neighbors and other witnesses reported seeing debris launched in the air, where it later fell into their yards and on both sides of U.S.-23, but no other homes were damaged in the explosion.

As police and fire personnel arrived they learned there had been six people inside the home and they began a search of the area while fire personnel worked on extinguishing the remaining fire.

Police said they found three deceased individuals as well as three critically injured individuals, who were transported to an area hospital for treatment. One of the victims later died, while the two other survivors remain hospitalized.

Township Police Lt. Dave Powell told Fox 2 News on Saturday that the explosion was heard by Washtenaw County Sheriff's deputies nine miles away.

Trevor Alicea, 38 of Whitmore Lake, serves as general manager at Polly Market in Whitmore Lake, a little more than three miles from the scene.

Alicea told the Free Press she heard the explosion while working Saturday afternoon and ran outside, thinking there was an incident near the store.

"Super loud boom, it shook the whole store," Alicea said. "And when I heard it, I initially thought that someone might have ran into the side of the building with their car."

The shelves of bottled alcohol along the wall inside lightly rattled from the explosion impact, Alicea said.

"I was really surprised, even our employees were like 'What was that? Did you hear that?' And I'm like, 'Yeah I heard it, what's going on?'" Alicea said.

Staff later learned the incident was a nearby home explosion, as incoming customers shared the news.

"News travels fast in a small town so naturally a little while later a lot of customers were coming in telling us what happened," Alicea said.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown. Police said the investigation into the cause of the explosion will continue for several days.

The road was closed off by police on Sunday and police asked people to stay away from the scene.

"We want to advise the public that this is an active investigation and Winters Lane is a private road, only open to the residents and their guests," the news release said.

Explosion in Whitmore Lake, Michigan pic.twitter.com/0c9WfCUoOs  Nate Mark (@NateMark456313) December 30, 2023

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 4 dead, 2 injured after Northfield Township house explosion Saturday
Xi meets Chinese diplomatic envoys to foreign countries

Xinhua) 15:09, December 31, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with Chinese diplomatic envoys to foreign countries, who are in Beijing to attend this year's work conference for overseas envoys, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, was also present. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Chinese diplomatic envoys who are in Beijing to attend this year's work conference for overseas envoys.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an important speech during the meeting.

Xi commended the significant achievements of China's diplomatic work in the new era. He asked the envoys to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, the spirit of the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, and the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially the Thought on Diplomacy.

Xi urged the envoys to correctly understand the international environment and historical mission of China's diplomatic work in the new era and new journey, hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and constantly open up new prospects for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, was present at the meeting.

In his speech, Xi said over the past few years, the spread of COVID-19 and the escalating oppression and containment of China by external forces have posed special challenges to China's diplomatic work, bringing special tests to the envoys.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi greeted and thanked the envoys and all diplomatic personnel for their hard work.

Xi stressed the need to adhere to the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, carry forward the valuable experience of China's diplomacy in the new era, enhance cohesion, exert combat effectiveness, overcome all difficulties and obstacles, and win new and greater victories.

The just-held Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs analyzed the current international situation and external environment for the period to come and made clear the goals and directions, guiding principles, strategic arrangements, and basic tasks of China's external work, Xi said, calling on the envoys to earnestly implement the decisions and arrangements of the conference and make new achievements with a more energetic spirit.

Firstly, Xi urged the envoys to stay true to the founding mission and be loyal to the Party.

Xi stressed that the envoys must enrich their minds with the CPC's innovative theories, sharpen their eyes to distinguish right from wrong, and always keep to the correct political direction.

The envoys must have a deep understanding of where the supreme interests of the CPC and the country lie and understand and implement the foreign work principles and policies of the CPC Central Committee well, Xi noted.

Over 1.4 billion Chinese people are strong supporters of China's diplomatic work. The envoys should take "diplomacy for the people" as their commitment and pass on the warmth of the CPC Central Committee to every overseas Chinese citizen, Xi said.

Secondly, Xi emphasized that the envoys should strengthen their sense of responsibility and be pioneers in their endeavors.

It is necessary to strengthen diplomatic capacity building and be firm in taking practical and pragmatic measures, to be alert and clear-sighted, and to make more practical moves around serving the overall situation and solving problems, Xi said.

The envoys must be good at making friends widely and deeply, and winning people's hearts should be done at different levels. The envoys should also use international language and methods to tell China's stories well, connect China with other countries, and let the world understand China in the new era better, he said.

Thirdly, Xi pointed out that the envoys should be brave enough to defend national interests.

It is necessary to enhance confidence, maintain a clear strategy, maintain bottom-line thinking, and resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, he said.

The envoys must strengthen strategic planning and make good use of the magic weapon of the united front, Xi said, adding that they also need to make good use of multilateral mechanisms and rules to gain understanding and support from the international community.

Fourthly, Xi noted that the envoys should adhere to self-revolution and promote full and rigorous Party self-governance.

The envoys should take strict steps to improve Party conduct and enforce Party discipline, put discipline and rules ahead, and build a diplomatic iron army loyal to the Party, brave in taking responsibility, daring to fight and good at fighting, and strict in discipline, Xi said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the conference and delivered a speech.

He urged the envoys to thoroughly study and understand Xi's important speech and the spirit of the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, deeply understand the great theoretical innovation and far-reaching significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, take Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy as a guide, overcome difficulties, forge ahead, and constantly open up new prospects for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with Chinese diplomatic envoys to foreign countries, who are in Beijing to attend this year's work conference for overseas envoys, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, was also present. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with Chinese diplomatic envoys to foreign countries, who are in Beijing to attend this year's work conference for overseas envoys, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, was also present. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech during the meeting with Chinese diplomatic envoys to foreign countries, who are in Beijing to attend this year's work conference for overseas envoys, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, was also present. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attends this year's work conference for overseas envoys and delivers a speech in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian forces are holding their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast, but there have been no changes on this front line.

Source: ISW

Details: As of 30 December, Ukrainian forces hold positions on the eastern (left) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast, but there have been no changes on the contact line in this area.

Russian and Ukrainian sources reported that positional fighting continued on the eastern bank, including near the village of Krynky.

Units of the Russian 810th Marine Brigade (Black Sea Fleet) are reportedly operating on the eastern bank.

Ukrainian military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets said that Russia's Dnepr Grouping of Forces had recently withdrawn units of the 205th Motorised Rifle Brigade (49th Combined Arms Army, Southern Military District of the Russian Federation) from the contact line for recuperation.

The report adds that ISW has previously observed units of the Russian 205th Motorised Rifle Brigade operating on the eastern bank in August.

Background: In autumn and early winter, the Defence Forces advanced on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast, fighting with the Russians.

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Queen Margrethe II gives a New Year's speech and announces her abdication from Christian IX's Palace, Amalienborg Castle, in Copenhagen, Sunday, Dec. 31 2023. (Keld Navntoft/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP)  Denmarks Queen Margrethe II announced Sunday that she plans to abdicate after 52 years and hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

The queen, who is Europe's longest-reigning living monarch, announced during her New Year's speech that she would step down on Jan. 14th, which is the anniversary of her own accession to the throne at age 31 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.

Margrethe, 83, said the back surgery she underwent in early 2023 led to thoughts about the future and when to pass on the responsibilities of the crown to her son. I have decided that now is the right time, she said in her speech.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen paid tribute to her in a statement, offering a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark Frederiksens statement read, and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation.

The 6-foot-tall (1.82-meters-tall), chain-smoking Margrethe has been one of the most popular public figures in Denmark, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial. She often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and for her talents as a linguist and designer.

A keen skier, she was a member of a Danish womens air force unit as a princess, taking part in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. Margrethe remained tough even as she grew older. In 2011, at age 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan wearing a military jumpsuit.

As monarch, she crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, the two semi-independent territories which are part of the Danish Realm, and was met everywhere by cheering crowds.

Denmark has Europes oldest ruling monarchy, which traces its line back to the Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958. Although Magrethe is head of state, the Danish Constitution strictly ruled out her involvement in party politics.

Yet the queen was clearly well-versed in law and knew the contents of the legislation she was called upon to sign.

She received training in French and English from her earliest years, as well as Swedish from her mother. In addition to archaeology, she studied philosophy, political science and economics at universities in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Cambridge along with the London School of Economics and the Sorbonne in Paris.

Ever since his birth on May 26, 1968, Frederik Andre Henrik Christian has been the heir to the Danish throne.

He is the oldest son of Queen Margrethe and her late French-born husband, Prince Henrik, who died February 2018. Frederik, 55, has a younger brother, Prince Joachim.

Since the age of 18, he has served as regent whenever his mother was outside the kingdom and carried out official duties, shaking hands with thousands and receiving foreign dignitaries.

The queens announcement made up only a few sentences at the end of her wide-ranging New Years speech which reflected on the turbulence and upheaval in the world amid the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the climate crisis.

But she also thanked her nation's people for the warmth and hospitality I meet with everywhere in Denmark.

While lavishing accolades on the queen, the prime minister also looked to the future.

In the new year, Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed king. Crown Princess Mary will become queen. The kingdom will have a new regent and a new royal couple," he said in his statement. "We can look forward to all of this in the knowledge that they are ready for the responsibility and the task.
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, Europe's longest-serving monarch, will abdicate on Jan. 14 after 52 years on the throne and will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik, she announced on Sunday.

The 83-year-old queen, who ascended the throne in 1972, made the surprise announcement on live TV during her traditional New Year's Eve speech, which is viewed by many in the country of 5.9 million people.

Referring to a successful back operation she underwent in February, she said, "The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation".

"I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024  52 years after I succeeded my beloved father  I will step down as queen of Denmark," she said.

"I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik," she said.

The queen became the longest-serving monarch in Europe following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. In July, she became the longest-sitting monarch in Denmark's history.

In Denmark, formal power resides with the elected parliament and its government. The monarch is expected to stay above partisan politics, representing the nation with traditional duties ranging from state visits to national day celebrations.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen thanked the queen for her life-long dedication to duty.

"It is still difficult to understand that the time has now come for a change of throne," Frederiksen said in a statement, adding that many Danes had never known another monarch.

"Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation," she said.

Born in 1940 to Denmark's former monarch King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid, Margrethe has throughout her life enjoyed broad support from Danes, who are fond of her tactful and yet creative personality.

She is also known for her love of archaeology and has taken part in several excavations.

She became heir to her father in 1953 at the age of 31, after a constitutional amendment allowed women to inherit the throne.

In 1967, she married French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who served as her royal consort until his death in 2018.

The couple's two sons are Crown Prince Frederik, who will become King Frederik X, and Prince Joachim. Frederik married Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, an Australian, in 2004.

(Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-PedersenEditing by Frances Kerry)
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced she is abdicating after 52 years on the throne.

She said in a New Year's Eve announcement that her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik will succeed her.

She said the decision was prompted in February 2023 after she underwent back surgery.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced she will abdicate the throne after 52 years.

The Danish royal made the surprise revelation during her annual New Year's Eve speech on Sunday. Margrethe became queen in 1972 at the age of 31 after her father, King Frederik IX, died of complications from pneumonia.

Queen Margrethe II and members of the Danish royal family in April 2018. Luca V. Teuchmann/Getty Images

"I have decided that now is the right time. On 14th January, 2024  52 years after I succeeded my beloved father  I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik," Margrethe said.

During her speech, Margrethe said she underwent "extensive" back surgery in February that prompted her to think about the future.

"Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future  whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation," she said.

Margrethe became Europe's longest-seving living monarch after Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022.

Representatives for The Queen of Denmark's Household did not immediately respond to Business Insider's comment request made outside of regular business hours on Sunday.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The Danish royal family's recent drama has played out in public

Margrethe's announcement comes after the Danish royal family's drama began playing out in front of the public.

She said in September 2022 that descendants of her youngest son, Prince Joachim, would no longer have Danish royal titles starting in 2023. Instead, they could only use their titles as count and countess of Monpezat. The decision directly impacted Joachim's four children: Count Nikolai, now 24; Count Felix, 21; Count Henrik, 14; and Countess Athena, 11.

"With her decision, Her Majesty The Queen wishes to create the framework for the four grandchildren to be able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and duties that a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark as an institution involves," a statement said.

Prince Joachim of Denmark and his family. Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

The children of Crown Prince Frederik retained their royal titles, which appeared to cause tension between the family. Joachim spoke out after his mother's announcement, telling Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet that his children were "mistreated" and that Margrethe only gave him five days' notice of her decision.

Margrethe issued a public apology in October 2022.

"I have made my decision as Queen, mother, and grandmother. But, as a mother and grandmother, I have underestimated the extent to which much my younger son and his family feel affected. That makes a big impression, and for that I am sorry," a press statement read.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has returned to Louisiana following her release from a Missouri prison Thursday after serving eight years for her role in her abusive mothers murder.

While it was rumored that Blanchard planned to attend the Chiefs game on New Years Eve after her release from Chillicothe Correctional Center, she posted a TikTok Sunday morning, confirming that she was home in Louisiana, where her husband and his family live.

She also posted a selfie to Instagram earlier in the day, sporting a New Orleans Saints jersey.

In the video, Blanchard also thanked her supporters on social media, many of whom had rooted for her after learning that her mother Clauddine Dee Dee Blanchard had reportedly medically abused her for years before she was killed.

TMZ reported Gypsy Rose wanted to attend the Chiefs game in hopes of meeting Taylor Swift, who has become a regular at Arrowhead Stadium since she and tight-end Travis Kelce made their relationship public.

She reportedly told TMZ that Swifts music, specifically her single Eyes Open, helped her cope with trauma from her childhood. Gypsy Rose also reportedly told the outlet that she would use commissary money in prison to purchase all of Swifts albums.

Growing up, Gypsy Roses mom allegedly lied to doctors, friends, family and her daughter, saying her daughter had muscular dystrophy and leukemia, among other illnesses. Dee Dee forced Gypsy Rose to use a wheelchair, eat through a feeding tube and endure painful and unnecessary surgeries, including the removal of her salivary glands.

The ruse had financial rewards for Dee Dee Blanchard. She and Gypsy Rose met Miranda Lambert, were sent on paid trips to Disney World and received an accessible home near Springfield through Habitat for Humanity.

As her mothers abuse escalated and became more physical, Gypsy Rose plotted with her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn to kill Dee Dee. In June 2015, he entered their home and stabbed Dee Dee 17 times, while Gypsy Rose hid in the bathroom, covering her ears.

The couple fled to Godejohns home in Big Bend, Wisconsin, but were arrested in a police raid that month.

Godejohn continues to serve a life sentence after he was convicted of first-degree murder.

Since then, Gypsy Rose met and married Ryan Anderson, a Louisiana teacher, while she was in prison. She shared a photo of the pair kissing after her release.
The discovery of human bones between Wichita Falls and Iowa Park Saturday has raised far more questions than answers at least for the moment.

The remains, in a field off U.S. Highway 287 near Peterson Road, were found by a passerby who notified the Wichita County Sheriffs Office early in the morning.

WCSO investigators, game wardens and DPS troopers converged on the scene, using tracking dogs and a drone to scour the area for clues.

When the Sheriffs Office held a press conference in the afternoon, little was known other than human bones had been found. At the time, no clothing or possessions had been found. Identity, sex, age, cause of death  all were unknown.

WCSO Deputy Melvin Joyner said it appeared the remains had been there a long time and were being sent to an anthropology laboratory in Denton in an effort to establish an identity.

Law enforcement converged on an area between Wichita Falls and Iowa Park Saturday where human remains were found.

Joyner said investigators would revisit missing persons cases in the area, but he had no new information Tuesday.

Because nothing remained but bones, Joyner said he was not hopeful of quick answers about who the person was or how that person died.

The remains were near a busy highway, so the person could have come from anywhere and may have died under many possible circumstances  illness, accident, homicide or suicide.

The World Population Review reports more than 20,000 missing person cases in the U.S. are unresolved, and more than 14,000 bodies remain unidentified.

Texas alone had 2,585 open missing person cases on record as of September 2023, and the bones found in Wichita County will be added to 1,990 sets of unidentified remains.

Some people choose to go missing, and most are eventually accounted for. Only a small number of missing person reports in Wichita County have stayed on the books over the years as cold cases.

Gregory Keith Mann Jr. has been missing 26 years. Wichita Falls police said they suspected foul play in his disappearance.

Gregory Keith Mann Jr., 20, was last seen May 10, 1997, near his home in Fountaingate Apartments on Tower Drive. He reportedly intended to meet an unidentified person that night. He worked at Ron Roberts Ford and was driving a red 1996 Ford Mustang from his job.

The car was later found in a parking lot on McNiel Avenue. He was engaged to be married, and no possessions were missing when he vanished. Wichita Falls police said they believed Mann was the victim of foul play.

Little is known about Jolee Baker, who vanished from Wichita Falls in 1995.

Jolee Baker was 25 years old when she was last seen alive late on Aug. 6, 1995. Very little is known about the woman or the circumstances of her disappearance.

She was 5 feet, 5 inches and 100 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Baker was disabled and had a heart-shaped tattoo with the word Tony on her abdomen.

She had been jailed for minor offenses in Wichita County and may have lived for a while in Odessa and Ector County.

Andy Sims

Andreas Scott "Andy" Sims, an 11-year-old fifth grader at Jefferson Elementary School, vanished from his home in the 4600 block of Stanford Street on Dec. 9, 1961.

Sims and his brother had been watching TV when Sims said he wanted to go outside. His mother reported him missing after she arrived home from work at a medical clinic.

The boy wore glasses and suffered from the effects of an accident earlier in his life. Despite widespread searches, and the dragging of nearby Lake Wichita, Sims was never found. His is the oldest active cold case in Wichita County.

Anyone with knowledge about any missing persons is asked to contact Wichita Falls Crimestoppers at 940-322-9888 or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

More: Ex-Allred Prison guards indicted in federal sweep

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Discovery of bones stirs memories of missing persons in Wichita County
An internally displaced young Palestinian girl, living in temporary shelter, walks around with a bucket of water following night-time rainstorms. Mohammed Talatene/dpa

The threat of disease is intensifying in temporary shelters in the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of people fleeing Israeli bombardment are living in cramped conditions, according to the UN emergency relief organization OCHA.

Health services in the area have long been overstretched, and fresh waves of displacement ordered by Israeli forces have made their task even more difficult, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Saturday.

Respiratory infections and diarrhoea are among the most severe diseases in emergency shelters, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on social media platform X on Friday.

Some 180,000 people are already suffering from respiratory infections, while more than 136,000 children under the age of five currently have diarrhoea, which can cause a life-threatening loss of water and vital minerals at this age if not treated.

There are also more than 55,000 cases of lice and scabies.

According to OCHA, the UN Children's Fund delivered 600,000 vaccine doses to the Gaza Strip on Friday. The aim is for young children to receive their routine immunizations next year despite the war. This includes immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

Israel's military announced a four-hour tactical pause in fighting in a refugee camp in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip on Saturday.

Military activities there would be temporarily suspended for humanitarian reasons, an army spokesman announced in Arabic on X. The pause is so that the population can obtain supplies, he wrote.

Israel's military had previously called on residents of the embattled city of Khan Younis in the south of the coastal area to seek safety in Rafah near the Egyptian border.

Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip has now killed 21,672 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza. The figures cannot be confirmed, but the UN and other observers point out that the authority's figures have been credible in the past.

While the Israeli army had previously stated that it was in the process of taking operational control of the area in the north, it is now focussing on the south and central Gaza Strip.

Progress in the north was continuing though, according to IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari late on Saturday.

"In the northern Gaza Strip, we are focusing efforts in the area of Darj Tufah, Hamas's last significant stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip," Hagari said.

In Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip's south-east, Hagari said the IDF on Saturday "raided the Hamas headquarters in the heart of the city, including the organization's intelligence command center."

The information could not be independently verified.

Israel suspects that Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar is currently hiding in the underground tunnels under Khan Younis. The Hamas stronghold is currently a focal point of Israel's ground offensive.

The army also "eliminated three terrorist cells," Hagari said.

"The southern region of Lebanon will not return to what it used to be. Throughout the day, several launches from Lebanon to Israel were identified, with many of Hezbollah's launches falling in Lebanese territory," he said, adding that 80% of Hezbollah's rockets on Friday fell in Lebanese territory. The information could not be independently verified.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war following the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, there have been repeated confrontations between the IDF and Hezbollah in the Israeli-Lebanese border region, with deaths and injuries on both sides. It is the most serious escalation since the second Lebanon war in 2006.

The Gaza war was triggered by Hamas and other groups' brutal terrorist attacks against Israel when they rampaged through Israeli border towns on October 7, killing 1,200 people.
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in action against Chinese tennis player Zhizen Zhang during their group stage match of the 2024 United Cup at RAC Arena. Richard Wainwright/AAP/dpa

World number one Novak Djokovic celebrated the start of the new year with victory at the United Cup in Perth, Australia on Sunday as Serbia defeated China 2-1.

Djokovic led Serbia to a 1-0 lead against China with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Zhang Zhizhen. The Chinese side equalized as Zheng Qinwen defeated Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2, but Serbia won the matchup with a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory in the doubles.

Djokovic and his team-mates made the countdown to 2024 on court and celebrated the start of the new year together.

Since it is only three or four minutes [until midnight], how about we celebrate the new year together? Djokovic asked the crowd.

Stay a few minutes, we have a DJ who is going to play some music and we can do a countdown in a few minutes and celebrate together, he said.

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in action against Chinese tennis player Zhizen Zhang during their group stage match of the 2024 United Cup at RAC Arena. Richard Wainwright/AAP/dpa

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic speaks at a press conference during the 2024 United Cup at RAC Arena in Perth. Richard Wainwright/AAP/dpa
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, revelers across the globe will sing "Auld Lang Syne," a song about "old acquaintance be forgot" and, well, other lyrics people may not recall from the New Year's song.

The song's origins date back to an 18th-century Scottish ballad, with Auld Lang Syne eventually becoming a New Year's celebration staple. Experts explained the song's lyrics, origin and staying power.

What does "auld lang syne" mean?

Roughly translated, the phrase means "old long since," or "for old time's sake." The song title is actually in Scots language, which is similar to English, according to Scotland's national tourist board.

"'Auld Lang Syne' can be literally translated as 'Old Long Since,' but the literal English does not give a sense of what it means to a user of Scots, where it refers to a shared past underpinning the current relationships of a family, community or professional/social association," Professor Murray Pittock, a literary historian with the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow, told CBS News. "As such it is more evocative, nostalgic and communally unifying than any simple English equivalent."

What are the song's origins?

Today's song comes from a publication by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The poet was trying to preserve Scottish language and culture after Scotland and England formed the United Kingdom, according to Scotland's national tourist board. So he traveled the country and collected old Scots poetry and songs, including "Auld Lang Syne."

Corrine Bowen, of Bonhams auctioneers views the Robert Burns manuscript and lyrics to Auld Lang Syne on Aug. 11, 2009 in Edinburgh, Scotland. / Credit: Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images

"Burns said in one of the letters on view that he listened to an old man singing the song and that it had never been in print or in manuscript until he wrote it down from that old man singing," Christine Nelson, who once curated an exhibition on the song at the Morgan Library in Manhattan, told CBS News in 2012.

The song Burns wrote down can be traced back to "Auld Kyndness Forgot," which was preserved in a manuscript from 1568, Pittock said.

Historians believe that Burns substantially re-wrote the words.

"He didn't make any secret of the fact that he was doing what he called 'mending' these old songs," Nelson said in her 2012 interview. "So that they could be, you know, given to the public for posterity."

His words were first published in 1796, according to the Library of Congress. Burns also sent a slightly revised version to a publisher in 1793, but that version was not published until 1799  three years after Burns' death. The best known set of words for Auld Lang Syne are the ones published in 1799.

Why do we sing the song every New Year's Eve?

While the song has Scottish roots, its popularity in the U.S. is owed to a Canadian.

Bandleader Guy Lombardo popularized it after he and his Royal Canadian Big Band played it on a New Year's Eve broadcast in 1929. In 1965, Lombardo told "LIFE" magazine that he came from a part of western Ontario home to a large Scottish population. In that area, it was traditional for bands to end every dance with "Auld Lang Syne."

And undated photo of Guy Lombardo. / Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

"The main reason why Lombardo became identified as the Ghost of New Years Past, of New Years Present and of New Years Yet to Come, he says, 'is because Auld Lang Syne is our theme song  and was long before anyone ever heard us on the radio,'" "LIFE" Magazine reported.

After Lombardo's 1929 broadcast, "Auld Lang Syne" went on to become part of popular culture, playing in "Forrest Gump," "Sex and the City" and "When Harry Met Sally."

Harry and Sally even have a conversation about the song, trying to figure out its meaning.

"My whole life, I don't know what this song means," Harry, played by actor and comedian Billy Crystal, says in the 1989 movie. "I mean, 'should old acquaintance be forgot?' Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances or does it mean that if we happen to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot 'em?"

"Well, maybe it just means that we should remember that we forgot them or something," Meg Ryan's character Sally responds. "Anyway, it's about old friends."

The U.S. Embassy in Italy maybe explained it best in a blog post: "The lyrics of 'Auld Lang Syne' pose the question: How do we best remember the memories, friends and experiences of years before? The answer, Burns tells us, is to 'share a cup of kindness yet' as we journey into the new year."

Anderson Cooper on freeing yourself from the burden of grief

"Hail and farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2023

Sen. Lindsey Graham says "we'll get the money for Ukraine" if White House negotiates on border
Former No 10 adviser Dominic Cummings says he met Rishi Sunak twice in the past year to discuss political strategy and how to defeat Labour.

Writing on his blog, Boris Johnson's right-hand man turned arch-critic said the current prime minister had asked him to "secretly" work on strategy.

But he said his conditions for doing a deal had not been met.

Downing Street said there had been a broad discussion of politics and campaigning but no job was offered.

Mr Cummings' relationship with former prime minister Mr Johnson ended in acrimony, but according to a Sunday Times report he met the current incumbent last December and then again in July.

The former Vote Leave strategist said Mr Sunak had wanted him to work on politics and communications behind the scenes ahead of the general election, with a promise of a return to No 10 if the Conservatives - who are lagging behind Labour in the polls - won.

Mr Cummings said he had wanted more urgent action on what he saw as critical issues - from overhauling defence procurement to protecting against future pandemics - and believed the government itself needed to be reformed.

But his conditions, he said, were not met.

"The PM decided against the deal I proposed. He wanted instead that I work secretly on politics and communication in return for a promise that I could come to No10 and sort out my priorities after the election," he wrote.

"I declined."

Mr Cummings said he did not speak to Mr Sunak again until July, when he was asked to speak to the prime minister but described their conversation as "essentially a repeat".

He said the pair "clearly disagreed on what he'd been doing and what he wanted to do" and his view was Mr Sunak's approach to government was "doomed".

Mr Cummings said the prime minister thought "my open involvement in government... would drive the MPs and media mad and cause him serious political problems".

He added that the idea of working on the next election "makes me feel sick" and that he did not want his old job back, only the ability "to ensure action on critical issues".

During his Tory leadership campaign in 2022 Mr Sunak said Mr Cummings would have "absolutely nothing to do with any government that I am privileged to lead".

Labour said Mr Sunak was "admitting he's out of ideas and too weak to come up with his own".

Shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth said: "After promising to restore integrity to Downing Street, he's secretly begging Mr Barnard Castle to run Downing Street again."

Mr Cummings infamously travelled to Barnard Castle during lockdown in the Covid pandemic and claimed he had been trying to test his vision.

Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said Mr Sunak's failure to declare his meetings with Mr Cummings appeared to be "a clear breach of the Ministerial Code".

"People are fed up with this never-ending Conservative Party soap opera while they struggle to see a GP and mortgages and rents go through the roof," she said.
 Flash

This screen capture from a video released by Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations on Dec. 30, 2023 shows rescuers working at the site of Ukrainian shelling attacks in Russian border city of Belgorod. The Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod has caused 21 deaths, including three children, and damage in 30 apartment buildings, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said Sunday. [Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations/Handout via Xinhua]

The Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod has caused 21 deaths, including three children, and damage in 30 apartment buildings, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said Sunday.

"The number of dead has increased to 21 people, of whom three are children. 110 people were injured with varying degrees of severity, including 17 children. To date, various damages have been identified in 30 apartment buildings, 344 apartments, three private households, several businesses and social facilities," Gladkov wrote on social media.

According to a report from the Russian Defense Ministry, Belgorod and the region were shelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday and Saturday. The last one was carried out by two rockets with cluster munitions and from a multiple launch rocket system to the city center.

The ministry said that the air defense systems intercepted rockets and most shells on Saturday and destroyed 13 rockets over the territory of the Belgorod region on Friday night.

Meanwhile, citing an unnamed source in Ukraine's security services, Ukrainian local media reported that the Ukrainian forces struck Russian military facilities in the Belgorod region.

The joint activities of Ukraine's defense forces continue as a "consequence of the Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and the killing of civilians," the source said.

On Friday, Russia launched massive air attack on Ukraine, killing 30 people and injuring 160 others, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Donald Trump has accused Joe Biden of trying to rig the 2024 presidential election by allowing illegal migrants to vote.

In a new years message, the former president suggested that Mr Bidens reluctance to increase security on the southern US border was an attempt to increase his vote share in Novembers election.

As the new year fast approaches, I would like to wish an early new years salutation to crooked Joe Biden and his group of radical Left misfits and thugs on their never-ending attempt to destroy our nation through lawfare, invasion and rigging elections, he wrote on Saturday.

They are now scrambling to sign up as many of those millions of people they are illegally allowing into [our] country in order that they will be ready to vote in the presidential elections of 2024.

Federal law bans non-citizens, including illegal migrants, from voting in elections.

Electoral fraud accusations

The message suggests Mr Trump plans to continue accusations of electoral fraud in his campaign this year, following similar claims over the 2020 election result that are now the subject of a criminal trial in Georgia.

Mr Trump and his associates have been indicted with racketeering charges in the state over their attempts to overturn Mr Bidens victory and make false claims over the validity of the result.

A separate trial, set to begin this year in Washington DC, will examine accusations that Mr Trump attempted to defraud the American people by interfering with the election result.

Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed that his re-election bid has been the target of politically-motivated attacks in the courts, including the latest attempts to strike him from the ballot in at least two states.

His opponents argue that under an obscure amendment to the US constitution, he is unable to run for office because he has been involved in insurrection against the United States.

The cases have been condemned by his major rivals, while the Obama strategist David Axelrod has warned that Mr Trump must be beaten at the ballot box or risk widespread civil unrest.

Rip the country apart

I do think it would rip the country apart if he were actually prevented from running because tens of millions of people want to vote for him, Mr Axelrod told CNN.

I think if youre going to beat Donald Trump, youre going to probably have to do it at the polls.

The issue of border security has become a major feature of Republican candidates early campaigns, while GOP congressmen have held up Mr Bidens Ukraine spending plans with demands that more is done to repel illegal migrants.

On Sunday, the state of Texas defied an executive order from Eric Adams, the New York City mayor, and sent a bus of 50 migrants to the city to arrive shortly before midnight.

Polls show that Mr Biden performs poorly on the issue of immigration with the American public at large.

In October, the president agreed to continue the construction of a border wall begun by Mr Trump in response to record migration figures in Texas.

US and Mexican officials have pledged to reduce the number of migrants travelling to the border from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti.

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Policy proposals laid out by his 2024 campaign paint a vivid picture of Donald Trumps plans - Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty

As Donald Trump stood before a crowd earlier in December, he joked about the increasingly frenzied speculation over his plans for a second term in power.

With Joe Biden warning that his Republican rival posed a threat to democracy and media outlets running editorials sounding the alarm over his potential return to the Oval Office, Mr Trump chose to lean into the doom-mongering.

I said, I want to be a dictator for one day, he told his supporters.

The Republican frontrunner may have been speaking in jest, but his rhetoric and campaign proposals suggest the 77-year-old does intend to test the power of the presidency beyond any historical precedent.

The policy proposals laid out by his 2024 campaign, and comments from allies of the former president, have painted a vivid picture of his plans.

It includes mass deportations, more executions for convicted criminals, and a dramatic shake-up of US foreign policy.

At the heart of Mr Trumps plans is a top-to-bottom overhaul of the US government, starting with invoking executive powers to replace thousands of career civil servants with political appointees. New hires would have to pass thorough a vetting of their political ideology, as well as a civil service test of Mr Trumps own creation.

Mr Trump plans to turn his attention to the US-Mexico border - John Moore/Getty

Aides suggest he would seek to revoke the independence of numerous government agencies and dismantle a whole tranche of government infrastructure that he has dubbed the deep state. The Department of Education would be totally abolished, and higher education institutions would be required to defend American tradition and Western civilisation.

Mr Trumps executive authority would be tested most at the Department of Justice (DoJ), where he intends to tear up its post-Watergate tradition of political independence.

He has suggested he could use the DoJ to go after Mr Bidens entire family and any other political enemies, arguing his own criminal charges have opened up a very big and dangerous Pandoras box.

At the same time, Mr Trump would nominate arch loyalists to lead the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies.

Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official, has even suggested the Republican frontrunner could retaliate, criminally or civilly, against journalists. The Trump campaign distanced itself from the comments, although Mr Patel has been primed for a prominent role in a second Trump administration.

Mr Trumps hard-line immigration stance is a central plank of his campaign. Stephen Miller, his former White House immigration tsar, is spearheading plans for a crackdown. It would begin with resuming construction of Mr Trumps flagship wall on the US-Mexico border, deploying troops to wage war on Mexican cartels and launching the biggest deportation effort in US history.

Mr Trump intends to revive his travel ban for several Muslim-majority countries and implement ideological screenings for immigrants from other countries.

While some of these efforts were blocked in court during his first term, he would face a considerably more conservative Supreme Court in his second. This could be critical to his effort to end birthright citizenship  automatically granted to children born in the US under the constitution.

Mr Trump has claimed he could end Russias war in Ukraine in 24 hours by brokering a deal with Vladimir Putin - Serhii Mykhalchuk/Getty

A second Trump term could rapidly expand the protectionist policies he began in his first presidency by implementing a 10 per cent tariff on all imported goods.

Nations that impose tariffs on US imports would face higher retaliatory tariffs. Meanwhile, trade links with Beijing would be dramatically curtailed by phasing out Chinese electric, steel and pharmaceutical goods.

Chinese companies would also face aggressive new restrictions on their access to critical US infrastructure. Mr Trumps supporters argue it would eliminate the US trade deficit. Critics say it could cause global economic instability, as well as hurting US households.

Mr Trumps hard-line approach to crime includes appointing prosecutors to investigate elected, liberal district attorneys who he believes are not doing enough to fight crime in blue states.

His tough-on-crime approach extends to human traffickers and drug dealers, for whom he has threatened the death penalty, as well as suggesting that shop looters could be shot on sight.

Mr Trump has also vowed to ban the sprawling homeless encampments that have become a hallmark of some of the largest cities and relocating some onto open large parcels of inexpensive land.

Foreign dignitaries and analysts in Washingtons diplomatic circuit are bracing for a more emboldened Mr Trump should he win power in November.

Nato options

It is his promise of fundamentally re-evaluating Nato that has left the USs closest allies fearful he could withdraw from the trans-Atlantic alliance.

One northern European diplomat in the US capital said they had outlined a doomsday scenario in their diplomatic cables home. When [the Trump administration] got into the Oval Office in 2017, they didnt have any idea what the hell to do with it. But this wont happen again, the diplomat said.

Less drastic options are still causing allies some panic. Robert OBrien, a former national security adviser who remains in regular contact with Mr Trump, said he could impose trade tariffs on Nato members who fail to meet the 2 per cent commitment on defence spending.

But as many as eight European diplomats privately say they doubt Mr Trump would honour some of the alliances defence commitments himself, such as Article Five.

It is Ukraine that has rattled allies the most, with Mr Trump at the forefront of Republican scepticism over the financial burden of the war. He has suggested on the campaign trail that he could demand that Europe reimburse Washington for the ammunition used so far in the conflict.

Mr Trump has claimed he could end Russias war in Ukraine in 24 hours by brokering a deal with Vladimir Putin. He has declined to elaborate, but foreign policy analysts believe any agreement could include considerable territorial gains for Moscow.

Harry Kazianis, a national security expert who has previously advised Republican presidential campaigns, dismissed the idea of a 24-hour deal. He said the only deal Mr Trump could hope to impose would be a frozen conflict like the Korean War, with neither side really admitting the lines are frozen where they are.

He believes that Mr Trumps threats to halt funding to Ukraine would be unlikely to materialise, amid political pressure from fellow Republicans. He would understand the damage that hed be doing to his presidency, said Mr Kazianis.

Mr Trump was a staunch supporter of Israel in his presidency, moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and brokering accords between Israel and its regional neighbours.

He has reiterated his support for the country in its war with Hamas, but he has also been critical of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Kazianis, senior director of national security affairs at the Center for the National Interest, believes Mr Trump would impose fewer limits than the Biden administration on Israeli demands, offering increased deliveries of F-35s and other fighter aircraft.

Where Mr Trump could vary significantly from Mr Biden is in retaliatory action to strikes by Iranian proxies on US troops in Syria and Iraq.

I think youd see Trump have a much more hawkish position on that, said Mr Kazianis, warning it could lead to greater escalation of conflict in the region. He added: You might see Trump get tempted to actually attack targets in Iran.

Mr Kazianis said that Mr Trumps actions on the global stage could be more impactful in a second term. American presidents love to go abroad, and they love to try to get that big win, he said. Almost every US president has done it in a second term.

According to Mr Kazianis, it is Mr Trumps approach to North Korea where this could be most impactful. He said: What he could try to do is essentially neutralise North Korea in a way that makes it easier for him to take on China. So I think thats the sleeper foreign policy.

Many of Mr Trumps plans remain a mystery. After all, the 77-year-old considers his reputation for unpredictability one of his most potent political tools.

But critics and supporters are in agreement that should Mr Trump beat Mr Biden in November, he will be vastly better prepared to enact his will by wielding more unfettered power  at home, and on the world stage.

When he came to power in 2017, Mr Trump promised to be a voice for his grassroots base. In the intervening years his Maga movement has metamorphosed into a more angry, and more powerful, political machine. This time around, Mr Trump is promising his supporters retribution.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A blood donation center is asking for donations ahead of National Blood Donor Month.

Blood Assurance in Rome said it is in critical need of donations of all blood types.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As of Friday morning, the nonprofit said it especially needs O-positive and O-negative.

Platelet donations are also needed, according to the nonprofit.

TRENDING STORIES:

December and January are always detrimental for community blood centers due to holiday travel, frigid weather, and illnesses, such as the flu, Blood Assurance CEO J.B. Gaskins said.

To donate, you can sign up here.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Photos showing a dramatic sunset after a storm were among our most popular content this week in Dorset.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

Dog rescued after Christmas Day cliff fall

A dog had to be rescued after falling 25m (80ft) over a cliff edge on Christmas Day.

HM Coastguard was called to Pinhay Bay in Lyme Regis and carried out the rescue with the support of the RNLI.

The dog was recovered using a rope and was reunited with its owner.

Twenty-seven garages broken into in one night

Burglars broke into 27 garages in two neighbouring streets on Wednesday night.

Eighteen garages were targeted in Keyes Close, Poole, and nine in Downey Close, Bournemouth, Dorset Police said.

Police were looking for three young people who were seen in the area wearing dark clothing and riding a brightly coloured bicycle.

Photos capture dramatic sunset after Storm Gerrit

People in Dorset were treated to a spectacular sunset after a day of heavy rain and strong winds.

Homes were damaged and trees came down across the UK on Wednesday as Storm Gerrit battered the country.

But by 16:00 GMT, the sky began to clear and people took to social media to share stunning images of the bright orange sky.

Diversity 'inspired' by young fan who faced cancer

Dance troupe Diversity described being "touched and inspired" by the story of one of their young fans who has faced treatment for a rare cancer.

They sent nine-year-old Keeley a personal message after hearing she won a Cancer Research UK award in recognition of her bravery.

Keeley, from Gillingham in Dorset, was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer rhabdomyosarcoma near her eye in 2017 and is now recovering from treatment.

The islanders making Portland a better place

A community group has released a list of people who have gone above and beyond to make their island a better place in 2023.

Advent Angels is run by Island Community Action (ICA) and invites residents on Portland to nominate people who have helped others.

A total of 24 people were recognised - one for each day of advent.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi was the favourite for the vote (JOHN WESSELS)

DR Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has won a second term in office with a landslide victory, according to provisional results announced Sunday, in a vote opposition leaders have dismissed as a "sham".

Provisional results from the single-round presidential ballot, declared by the country's electoral commission Ceni, showed that Tshisekedi had won 73 percent of the vote.

Flanked by his wife Denise and his mother, the president appeared on a balcony at his campaign headquarters in the capital Kinshasa to address supporters after the release of the results.

"I have been re-elected president of all Congolese," Tshisekedi, who was dressed in a white shirt and cap, told cheering supporters. "It's in this spirit of openness that I will exercise this second mandate".

Moise Katumbi -- a wealthy businessman, football club owner and former provincial governor -- was the election runner-up with about 18 percent.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court is expected to confirm the provisional results on January 10.

Tshisekedi, 60, first came to power in January 2019 after a disputed election that many observers said he had in fact lost.

Martin Fayulu -- who says he was robbed of the last presidential election in 2018 -- also contested this year's poll but in the end won about five percent of the votes.

The 20 remaining candidates, including Denis Mukwege, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work with female victims of wartime sexual violence, were either under, or hovering around, one percent.

Nine opposition candidates -- Mukwege, Fayulu and Katumbi -- on Sunday signed a declaration rejecting what they termed a "sham" election and called for a re-run.

Fayulu, addressing reporters in the capital Kinshasa the same day, said the results "are a masquerade. This must not be accepted".

Tresor Kibangula, a political analyst at the Ebuteli research institute who spoke to AFP before the full provisional results were released, said Tshisekedi's vote tally "is way beyond all expectations".

"His dynamic campaign worked" but his scores in some regions "raise questions about the impact of the irregularities that were observed".

- 'Numerous irregularities' -

Some 44 million people out of the 100 million inhabitants of the huge country were registered to vote on December 20 for president, as well as for national and regional lawmakers and municipal councillors.

Initially scheduled for December 20, voting was officially extended by a day to account for problems, and continued for days afterwards in remote areas, according to observers.

One Catholic-Protestant observation mission said it "documented numerous cases of irregularities susceptible to have affected the integrity of the vote".

About 15 embassies have called for "restraint" in the poor but mineral-rich country where post-election tensions have been common.

Authorities say they have taken steps to prevent unrest, especially in the mining areas of the southeast that are Katumbi's stronghold.

They also stress that any electoral disputes must be presented to the Constitutional Court.

But opposition leaders say they have no confidence in the court or Ceni, which they argue is subservient to the government.

bur-at/eml/acc
A driver accused of running down a 60-year-old woman whom she accused of package theft faces a murder charge after the woman died of her injuries, California police said.

Dene Blakely of San Pablo was arraigned Friday, Dec. 29, on amended charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon, San Pablo police said in a news release.

Police said Blakely confronted the other woman, who was walking in her neighborhood, at about 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Blakely said she recognized the woman as someone who had earlier stolen a package from her porch, police said.

As the argument escalated, Blakely hit the woman with her vehicle, sending her to a hospital in critical condition, police said. Officers arrested Blakely.

The 60-year-old died of her injuries Dec. 23, leading to the amended charges for Blakely, who remains in police custody.

Police ask anyone with information to call 510-215-3150.

San Pablo is about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco.

Shark kills 39-year-old surfer off Maui, Hawaii officials say. Beaches closed

Woman beaten with sledgehammer while collecting recyclables dies, California cops say

Dad tracks down and shoots man accused of attacking daughter, Illinois police say
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A commercial helicopter pilot safely landed Saturday afternoon moments after colliding with a drone less than 200 feet in the air, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO).

The collision happened around 2 p.m. above the Daytona Beach Flea Market off Tomoka Farms Road, VSO said.

Source: Volusia Sheriff's Office

According to VSO, the drone pilot was flying at an altitude of 180 feet and recording video for a construction company in the area at the time of the crash.

"He was looking down at his tablet when he heard a loud impact, then noticed his drone was no longer in the air," VSO said in a Facebook post.

The helicopter pilot  part of Leading Edge Helicopter Tours, a tour company -- told VSO that he spotted the drone hovering through his windshield "but was unable to avoid it." He was able to land safely.

The helicopter's rotor blade was damaged, which was estimated to cost at least $60,000, VSO said. It was not immediately clear if the helicopter company was on an active tour at the time of the collision, nor if anyone else was aboard the aircraft besides the pilot.

FOX 35 has reached out to VSO for clarification.

Both the FAA and NTSB were notified of the collision, VSO said.

The FAA provided the following statement:

"A drone collided with a Robinson R44 helicopter near the Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida around 3 p.m. local time Saturday, December 30. The helicopter then returned to the airport and landed safely. Three people were on board. The FAA notified the Volusia County Sherriffs Office and will investigate."

It was also not immediately apparent if any possible charges or citations could be filed as a result of the collision.

"Drone/UAS operators, if you arent already aware of the Know Before You Fly campaign, please check it out and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations intended to prevent these types of incidents," VSO said.
Will you be in Shadowland, Texas, to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 ? How about watching the lunar disk cross the solar disk from Moon Beach, New York, or glimpsing the sun's halo from Corona, Missouri?

You could visit thousands of locations to experience totality in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, but make sure you are within the path of totality. Only then will you experience darkness in the middle of the day and be able to see the sun's corona with your own eyes, at all other times precautions must be taken. About 115 miles wide, it will stretch 10,000 miles across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans via North America, making land at Mazatlan, Mexico and departing from Newfoundland, Canada.

Related: April 2024 total solar eclipse viewing events: Parties, festivals and more

Related stories:

 Solar maximum: Why April's total Solar Eclipse will bring unique views of the sun's corona

 Total solar eclipse April 2024: 8 top tips for planning your trip

 '99% totality' does not exist! Why you need to get to the path for April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse

In between, it will cross parts of 15 U.S. states  and dozens of eclipse-themed place names. "I found a database of every single place name in North America, and I just searched through this database for eclipse-related place names," Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer and historian at GreatAmericanEclipse.com , told Space.com. "These were the best ones that I found." Some have a history associated with historic solar eclipses; others are by pure chance.

REMEMBER to NEVER look at the sun directly. To safely view this solar eclipse you must use solar filters at all times. Only during the exact moment of totality, when the sun's disk is 100% blocked by the moon can you look with the naked eye. This is possible only within the path of totality, and only for a few minutes depending on your location within the path. At all other times, precautions must be taken. Observers will need to wear certified solar eclipse glasses , and cameras, telescopes and binoculars must have solar filters placed in front of their lenses. For more information on solar viewing safety check out our how to observe the sun safely guide .

Here are the highlights  and a complete list of all the eclipse-themed locations you could experience totality from on April 8, 2024:

Eclipse Island, Newfoundland

Town of Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador

"The best one is Eclipse Island in Newfoundland," said Zeiler. "It got that name because Captain James Cook observed an eclipse from that island."

An annular solar eclipse  known as a "ring of fire"  occurred on August 5, 1766 , though if Cook did see it from Eclipse Island, near Burgeo, then he would have observed it from very close to the central path as an 84% partial solar eclipse.

He recorded the exact times of the beginning and end of the eclipse to help calculate his longitude . At the time, Cook was mapping the coast of Newfoundland and the entrance to the Saint Lawrence River aboard HMS Grenville. Although potentially a fun place to watch the eclipse, this day has been cloudy 78% of the time since 2000, according to Timeanddate .

Related: Where is the best place to see the April 2024 total solar eclipse?

Shadowland and Sun Valley, Texas

Northern Texas has two eclipse-related place names very close to each other in Red River County, close to the border with Oklahoma. Sun Valley has a population of 69 and is seven miles east of Paris, Texas, where a red cowboy hat sits on top of a 60-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Slightly closer to the centerline of the path of totality is Shadowland, five miles west of Bogata, though it's a name on the map rather than an actual place, with no evidence of any buildings. Don't confuse it with Shadowland Cabin , a luxury log cabin in Wimberley, Texas, already booked up for the eclipse.

Eclipse-related place names in the path of totality:

Villa Corona, Durango, Mexico

Local time and duration of totality: 12:09 p.m. MST; 4 minutes, 18 seconds

Corona del Valle, Durango, Mexico

Local time and duration of totality: 12:13 p.m. CST; 3 minutes, 33 seconds

El Sol, Coahuila, Mexico

Local time and duration of totality: 12:19 p.m. CST; 1 minute, 51 seconds

Ejido Mota de Corona, Coahuila, Mexico

Local time and duration of totality: 12:24 p.m. CST; 3 minutes, 25 seconds

Luna, Texas

Local time and duration of totality: 1:40 p.m. CDT; 1 minute, 23 seconds

Shadowland, Texas

Local time and duration of totality: 1:44 p.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 20 seconds

Sun Valley, Texas

Local time and duration of totality: 1:44 p.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 6 seconds

Moon, Oklahoma

Local time and duration of totality: 1:45 p.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 16 seconds

Sun Terrace Cove, Arkansas

Local time and duration of totality: 1:52 p.m. CDT; 2 minutes, 47 seconds

Luna, Missouri

Local time and duration of totality: 1:54 p.m. CDT; 1 minute, 54 seconds

Corona, Missouri

Local time and duration of totality: 1:54 p.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 2 seconds

Sun Valley, Ohio

Local time and duration of totality: 3:10 p.m. EDT; 2 minutes, 27 seconds

Luna Pier, Michigan

Local time and duration of totality: 3:13 p.m. EDT; 6 seconds

Moon Beach, Sterling, New York

Local time and duration of totality: 3:21 p.m. EDT; 3 minutes, 29 seconds

Moon Island, Maine

Local time and duration of totality: 3:32 p.m. EDT; 1 minute, 55 seconds

Half Moon Pit, New Brunswick

Local time and duration of totality: 4:32 p.m. ADT; 3 minutes, 19 seconds

Eclipse Island, Newfoundland, Canada

Local time and duration of totality: 5:11 p.m. NDT; 2 minutes, 16 seconds

Places called 'Eclipse' in the U.S. outside the path of totality:

Away from the path of totality, there are just as many eclipse-related names, of course, with two called Eclipse, one close to Norfolk, Virginia (79% partial solar eclipse) and the other near Houston, Texas (94% partial solar eclipse).
DALLAS - Longtime Dallas congressional representative Eddie Bernice Johnson has passed away at the age of 89.

She was known for dedication in public office and commitment to her constituents and the American people.

Johnson was a trailblazer in Texas politics, becoming the first Black woman elected to public office in Dallas in 1972 when she won a seat in the Texas House.

Johnson also was the first woman to lead the Texas House Labor Committee, becoming the first woman in state history to lead a major House committee.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson ca. 7 April 2005. (Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

She was also the first Black woman to serve as a regional director for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, after she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977.

Johnson won a seat in the Texas Senate in 1986, where she served until she was elected to represent Texas' 30th Congressional District, which includes much of the Dallas-area, in the U.S. House from 1993 to January 2023.

She was the first registered nurse to serve in Congress.

She was dedicated to advancing issues like healthcare, STEAM, transportation, and education.

Her contributions have left a mark on the nation and paved the way for future generations.

In 2021, Johnson announced her decision not to run for another term. She endorsed her eventual replacement, Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Congresswoman Crockett said she will continue to live out Johnsons legacy throughout her career.

"She always made it clear, that this was a real and a hard-working job. She felt like I was the best suited for this particular time, and all I can do is pray that I can live up to exactly what she saw in me and continue to push forward in this very tumultuous times, honoring her legacy of being that woman of many first that was always keeping her eye and the ball on the people," Crockett said.

"I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away," Johnson's son, Kirk Johnson, wrote in a Facebook post. "She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant. While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy."

Dallas mayor Eric Johnson released a statement about Johnson's passing on social media on Sunday.

"Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at the passing of this legendary American," he said in part.

I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at  Mayor Eric L. Johnson (@Johnson4Dallas) December 31, 2023

Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement on Monday, calling Johnson "a visionary, a pioneer and a fighter."

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a visionary, a pioneer, and a fighter. Doug and I are thinking of her family, her community, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and all of those whose lives she impacted.



Read my full statement on her passing: pic.twitter.com/qOWlHGWHhi  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 1, 2024

Her family says funeral services are pending.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story said Johnson was 88 years old at the time of her death.
Its not hard to understand. The Orange County School District doesnt want to play Gov. Ron DeSantis game of book-ban chicken. Not when it means that teachers or librarians could find themselves stripped of their professional certification or hauled off in handcuffs for offending the sensibilities of a handful of self-righteous activists.

So district administrators made the safe sacrifice, one thats been echoed in other counties: Get rid of books that were likely to spark a challenge, regardless of their often-unquestioned literary merit. Orange Countys 673-book list  which the Sentinel published in full earlier this month  was clearly influenced by books that have been challenged in other communities. They include books for very young readers as well as books that are age-appropriate and worthy of study by high-school-age students. Some of them may eventually be allowed back on library shelves and in teachers classrooms. Many will not, until Florida breaks the grip of anti-freedom activists who have taken it upon themselves to dictate what books should be made available, or withheld, from other peoples children.

Let that day come soon. Unfortunately, decisions like Orange Countys only prolong it. That puts local school officials in the wrong.

Orange school district pulls 673 books from teachers classroom shelves

Not just about books

Floridas current war on intellectual freedom isnt just anti-book, though you can see flames of literary bonfires glinting the eyes of its shock troops, the deceptively named Moms for Liberty. Its anti-teacher and pro-fear, a smugly sadistic game that forces districts to predict which books are most likely to provoke the banners collective ire and scramble to get them off classroom shelves.

The laws these districts are struggling to follow are designed to spawn precisely this reaction: Deliberately vague on the parameters that should be used to judge books, but harshly explicit on the penalties for letting a wrong book slip through the cracks and fitted with a hair trigger that allows any zealot, anywhere, to challenge any book. Its no wonder districts overreact. In their shoes, we might do the same  though wed expect, and deserve, the censure of more courageous souls such as Jen Cousins and Stephana Ferrell, co-founders of the Central Florida-based Freedom to Read Project.

In the long view, these activists and groups are absolutely correct. These bans will persist, even get worse, until someone carries out the punitive threats. That will spark the court battles that should shut down this cruel game of cat and mouse.

But nobody wants to be the mouse.

Dont blame DeSantis!

That leaves pro-ban forces free to self-righteously disclaim any responsibility for the meritorious titles that end up on those lists.

In fact, thats what they often lead with: Ron DeSantis hasnt banned any books! they proclaim. Thats true and deceptive at the same time, because nobody is claiming that DeSantis has named any titles he personally objects to. In fact, we doubt the governor could identify the elements making the 673 books pulled in Orange County, or the hundreds of others stripped from shelves across Florida, objectionable. Some of them have been challenged for brief descriptions of sexual encounters of thought (including passages selected for the lip-smackingly lascivious pornothons staged by Moms for Liberty activists at school board meetings across the state).

Others, particularly those targeted last year, appear to have been picked because they outside the Euro-centric, heterosexual, cisgender fantasyland deemed classical, to include characters and cultures that many of the Moms for Liberty types castigate as woke. Both words are being sadly misinterpreted.

Florida sex scandal shakes Moms for Liberty, as groups influence wanes

This spell wont be broken until districts start pushing back. No matter how sympathetic local leaders motives are, they should not continue to bend the knee. Their teachers, their librarians, are adults. Let them take whatever risks they are willing to take. But be prepared, if school district employees are singled out for punishment, to fight like wildcats in their defense.

Ultimately, this battle isnt about teachers. And its certainly not about books. Its about students, and their right to see firsthand that freedom is worth some risks. That the adults in their lives believe that, and are willing to put their own well-being on the line.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com
 Flash

The Israeli ground troops, backed by aircraft, have killed dozens of "terrorists" during operations in Gaza City over the past day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday morning.

In a statement, the IDF said the air forces, directed by ground troops, struck more than 15 armed militants in Gaza City within three hours. Additionally, fierce battles were going on, and more Hamas militants were killed.

In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, the Israeli troops dismantled two Hamas military compounds, where they located numerous weapons, explosive devices, guns, military equipment, and communication devices before the strike, the statement added.

As the Israeli army intensified its military campaign in Gaza, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas politburo member, denied on Saturday Israeli media reports of talks unfolded on a new hostage deal in exchange for another temporary ceasefire in the enclave.

Hamdan told Al Jazeera that Hamas had informed mediators that a permanent ceasefire is the militant group's major priority and that there is currently "no talk of releasing hostages before the fighting stops."

Meanwhile, at least 165 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours, said the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Saturday.

It raised the death toll of Palestinians to 21,672 since the conflict broke out on Oct. 7, the ministry added.
Sam Brinton, the embattled nonbinary former Biden administration official, ended 2023 free despite facing multiple charges related to alleged airport baggage thefts in multiple states.

Brinton made headlines in mid-2022 after being appointed to lead nuclear waste policy at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy as a nonbinary gender-fluid person.

Brinton avoided jail in two criminal cases, while a third criminal case and a related lawsuit remain ongoing. In December 2022, the DOE announced Brinton had departed the agency but declined to comment on the reason.

"When people are appointed to critical positions with important national security responsibilities, Americans must be confident they can be trusted," Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, told Fox News Digital at the time.

NONBINARY EX-BIDEN OFFICIAL SAM BRINTON ARRESTED FOR YET ANOTHER BAGGAGE THEFT

Sam Brinton made headlines in mid-2022 after being appointed to lead nuclear waste policy at the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy as a nonbinary gender-fluid person.

"The department must launch a thorough investigation into the vetting process," he added. "They have to respond to legitimate oversight inquiries. Its in our national security interest."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

However, the DOE has repeatedly failed to share additional information about Brinton's apparent firing, and it is unclear if the agency has conducted any internal inquiry into the matter over the last 12 months.

In October 2022, police charged Brinton with stealing a traveler's baggage worth a total of $2,325 from the luggage carousel at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport after flying in from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., Sept. 16 of that year.

FEMALE FASHION DESIGNER ALLEGES SAM BRINTON WORE HER CLOTHING THAT DISAPPEARED FROM AIRPORT IN 2018

And in early December 2022, Las Vegas prosecutors charged Brinton with grand larceny of an item valued between $1,200 and $5,000. Police accused Brinton of stealing a suitcase with a total estimated worth of $3,670 July 6, 2022, at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The bag contained jewelry valued at $1,700, clothing worth $850 and makeup valued at $500.

Las Vegas Police booked nonbinary former nuclear official Sam Brinton at a Clark County, Nevada, detention center last year.

Brinton was on an official taxpayer-funded trip to the Nevada National Security Site in Las Vegas at the time of the alleged Las Vegas theft.

Then, in February 2023, following reports of those two cases, a female Tanzanian fashion designer based in Houston told Fox News Digital that some articles of clothing Brinton had been photographed wearing were in her luggage that she reported missing in Washington, D.C., in 2018.

SAM BRINTON, NONBINARY BIDEN OFFICIAL, STOLE JEWELRY WORTH $1,700 IN SECOND LUGGAGE THEFT: POLICE

"I saw the images. Those were my custom designs, which were lost in that bag in 2018," she told Fox News Digital in an interview. "He wore my clothes, which was stolen."

Months later, in May, Brinton was arrested by Maryland and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police officers related to Khamsin's allegations. Khamsin's lawyer later confirmed to Fox News Digital that police who executed a search warrant at Brinton's home discovered Khamsin's missing clothes and returned them to the designer.

Sam Brinton speaks onstage during a Trevor Project event June 11, 2018, in New York City.

Proceedings in that case have been delayed multiple times, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 2024, according to court filings reviewed by Fox News Digital. Khamsin also filed a lawsuit against Brinton.

Brinton was able to escape jail time from the charges filed in both Minneapolis and Las Vegas.

In April, Brinton agreed to enter an adult diversion program during a remote Hennepin County, Minnesota, hearing. Under the adult diversion program, Brinton will be required to have a mental health evaluation, write a letter of apology to the victim, return any stolen property and complete three days of community service.

That same month, Brinton was ordered to pay $3,671 to a victim and $500 in additional fees, including a criminal fine, in the alleged Las Vegas theft. Clark County Judge Ann Zimmerman then handed Brinton a 180-day suspended jail sentence , a sentence that doesn't need to be served, and ordered Brinton to "stay out of trouble."





Original article source: Embattled former Biden official accused in multiple airport thefts ends 2023 free
With the end of 2023 comes the end of an endeavor  or rather Endeavour  as the retired NASA space shuttle goes off public view for the next few years.



The California Science Center in Los Angeles has exhibited OV-105, better known as the orbiter Endeavour, since Oct. 30, 2012. The 11-year exhibition, which was housed in the center's specially-built Samuel Oschin Pavilion, offered unmatched access to the spacecraft, as the public could not only walk around Endeavour, but also under it, as the vehicle was displayed in the horizontal atop raised mounts.



Now, the science center is preparing to take Endeavour vertical  standing it up with a pair of solid rocket boosters and an external tank like it was last seen on the launch pad. The new 20-story-tall display will be the highlight inside the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is under construction adjacent to the main science center building in L.A.'s Exposition Park.



Though the work to stack Endeavour is expected to be completed in early 2024, the building and its exhibits will not be ready for public visitors for a few more years to come, during which there will be no public access to the space shuttle.

Artist rendering of the space shuttle Endeavour inside the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, now under construction in Los Angeles.

The last visitors to see Endeavour on exhibit will be those who leave the science center when it closes on Sunday (Dec. 31) at 5 p.m. PST.



"You could be very intimate with Endeavour by being able to walk under her," Dennis Jenkins, the project manager for the California Science Center's space shuttle display, said in an interview with collectSPACE.com. "I'm going to miss how Endeavour is right now."



"That said, how she's going to be when we reopen in a couple of years will be fantastic. So we are trading an extremely interesting exhibit for an even more interesting exhibit," he said.

Related: NASA's Space shuttles - Where are they now?



The science center did count every person who came to see Endeavour, but during the time that the pavilion has been open, nearly 20 million people came to the center and a majority saw the space shuttle as part of their visit. In addition to families and school groups touring the pavilion, Endeavour became the backdrop for the annual Yuri's Night world space party and the centerpiece for a number of Hollywood premieres (including the 2013 Blu-ray and DVD release of "Star Trek Into Darkness" with director J.J. Abrams and the Leonard Nimoy in attendance, as well as the the television series "Extant" with Halle Berry).



The pavilion even made into a couple of movies itself. Luke Wilson appeared opposite Endeavour in the 2014 short film "Satellite Beach," directed by his brother Andrew Wilson. And the space shuttle was taken out of retirement as part of the plot of Roland Emmerich's 2022 action movie "Moonfall."



Other visitors included a number of Endeavour's former crew members, who came to see their previous ride into space.



"I got an email just recently from an astronaut saying that he and his family had come to see Endeavour one last time before it went off exhibit," Jeffrey Rudolph, president and chief executive officer of the California Science Center, said in an interview with collectSPACE.

Related: Space shuttle Endeavour - 6 surprising facts

Visitors who came to see space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion at the California Science Center (seen here at its 2012 opening) could walk under the orbiter.

Regardless of who they were, most visitors shared the same reaction when first seeing the black and white orbiter sitting just beyond their arm's reach.



"I especially liked watching the kids, but everybody had the same awe and mouths dropping open when they first walked in and saw it. That's got to be the thing that will stick with me," said Rudolph.



While space shuttle Endeavor is off view, the California Science Center will have a temporary exhibit previewing the vertical display coming to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, including a few space shuttle artifacts.



The other two flown orbiters, Discovery and Atlantis, remain open on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia and NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, respectively. The prototype Enterprise is on exhibit at the Intrepid Museum in New York and the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft that flew Endeavour to Los Angeles is open for tours at Space Center Houston in Texas.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
Maarjo Mandmaa, the Chancellor of Estonias Ministry of Social Affairs, said that the state has allocated almost three-quarters of a million euros for psychological assistance and social integration of Ukrainian refugees.

Source: This was reported by Postimees, European Pravda writes

Quote: "We have allocated 700,000 for mental health care for military refugees and for the integration of refugee communities," said Mandmaa.

As the Chancellor said, the Ministry of Social Affairs, together with its subordinate executive institutions, has also helped Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression in Estonia in other ways: for example, Ukrainians who have been granted international protection have been offered temporary housing and comprehensive assistance in finding accommodation in Estonia.

"Over the course of two years, together with the Social Insurance Board, we provided short-term accommodation to 25,000 refugees. We also offered comprehensive assistance in finding a permanent place of residence in Estonia. In cooperation with the Health Insurance Fund, we created opportunities to treat those wounded in Ukraine on an equal footing with those insured in Estonia," Mandmaa listed. "In addition, we have also offered mental health and psychosocial support services to Ukrainian refugees.

Reminder:

Interior Minister of Estonia Lauri Laanemets has clarified his previous statements regarding the likelihood of extraditing men of conscription age to Ukraine.

Laanemets noted that his words that Estonia would help Ukraine find men of conscription age had been "slightly distorted".

"It is important to emphasise unequivocally: I, as the Minister of Internal Affairs, or the Estonian state, certainly have no goal to start driving Ukrainian men of conscription age who live here to the front," he wrote.

Last week, Lauri Laanemets said that Estonia is ready to help Ukraine mobilise its citizens if necessary if the two countries sign a relevant agreement.

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Passengers have had their New Years Eve plans thrown into disarray after hundreds of trains were cancelled across the country  and Eurostar chaos ran into a second day.

Flooding and staff shortages led to train services being scrapped or delayed, with warnings the disruption could get worse due to more severe weather.

It came as tens of thousands of Eurostar customers  whose trains had been cancelled on Saturday due to tunnel flooding  faced further mayhem as the company was unable to lay on any extra services, despite trains resuming on Sunday morning.

Although both tunnels were operational again, the travel chaos spilled over, with up to 36,000 backlogged customers battling to get a seat on one of the Sunday trains, many of which were already sold out.

Passengers waited on the concourse at the entrance to Eurostar in St Pancras International station on Saturday (PA Wire)

As the first Eurostar train left London St Pancras International shortly after 8am bound for Paris, some passengers were queuing at the station to try and book tickets.

Maes Bert and Lievens Nele, both 45, were in a large queue for tickets, hoping to get spaces on a train home to Brussels on Sunday so they can enjoy the new year countdown with their two daughters after their train on Saturday was cancelled.

Ms Bert said: Our tickets was cancelled yesterday so if you want a new ticket you have to queue here and hope you get one, and I hope we are getting home today, but its not sure there are tickets, so we have to wait and wait and wait, but its not going further, it takes a long time.

Maes Bert, 45 and her partner Lievens Nele, 45, from Brussels, who are hoping to get home to their daughter in time for New Year (PA)

He said they had been queuing for about half an hour, adding: Yesterday you can (re-)book your tickets but all was booked for today, but now they said there are coming more places for a train, so now we hope there is a place for two persons, and otherwise its tomorrow, but then we are not home for the holidays. Our two children are home.

French national Emilio Fernandez, 22, also returned to the station on Sunday with his parents, sister and four-year-old nephew Amani.

He said: We were supposed to leave late [on Saturday] but it was cancelled in the afternoon. We were very worried because first its important to come back to our country to celebrate New Years Eve there, so we are very worried still because we are not sure that we will be able to leave.

Northern Trains issued a Do Not Travel notice for 31 December on links from Manchester Victoria to Chester and Stalybridge, and from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester via Altrincham (Simon Calder)

Another family who travelled to Brussels for a surprise trip for their Canadian relative said they had been left in a state and stranded in the city because of flooding disruptions to Eurostar.

Luke Gibbs, 32, from Kenley, south London, travelled with his wife, Kyla, cousin Liam Eton and sister-in-law Brea Melanson, from Canada, and planned to arrive in London in time for New Years Eve celebrations on Sunday.

Mr Gibbs, a business development manager, paid 600 for a New Years Eve event in London Bridge, which is not refundable and now he cannot attend after his train from Brussels to St Pancras was cancelled. He described the communication with Eurostar as appalling.

I think the way [Eurostar] dealt with it is pretty appalling in terms of not trying to say this is how you rebook it, well help you out with expenses, Mr Gibbs said.

They just said, unfortunately, its cancelled, were sorry, get on with it, which is shocking really.

Meanwhile, across the domestic network, Northern Trains issued a Do Not Travel notice for 31 December on links from Manchester Victoria to Chester and Stalybridge, and from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester via Altrincham.

Passengers were also warned no trains will run on routes connecting Preston with Colne, Bolton with Clitheroe and Lancaster with Morecambe on the last day of the year.

The rail firm told passengers: We will be operating a reduced service across the northwest due to train crew unavailability.

Northern Trains staff who are based west of the Pennines do not have Sunday included in their working week, and so services on New Years Eve  as on any other Sunday  rely upon overtime.

Elsewhere, cancellations on long-distance and local trains were rife. LNER, which connects London Kings Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland, has cancelled or curtailed more than 20 intercity trains on New Years Eve.

On the Thameslink line through central London, connecting Bedford and Luton with Gatwick and Brighton, most trains were cancelled due to staff shortage.

The usual overnight services will not run at all in the early hours of new years day.

Flood water in York after the River Ouse burst its banks on Saturday (PA)

The Met Office has warned there could be further disruption caused by wind and rain sweeping across the UK.

Wind warnings are in place until midnight on Sunday, with some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport possible, the forecaster said.

A yellow rain warning has been issued for an area of the North West which includes Manchester, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool from 6pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday, with 30-40mm possible locally.

The highest recorded wind gusts so far on Sunday were 74mph on the Isle of Wight, 64mph at Mumbles near Swansea, and 62mph on the Isles of Scilly.
Former Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), who served in the House for three decades, has died at the age of 88, her family announced Sunday.

I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away. She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant, Kirk Johnson, her son, wrote in a Facebook post.

While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy. She will be deeply missed, he added.

Johnson was born in Waco, Texas, on Dec. 3, 1935. She later became a nurse before being voted into the Texas House in 1972, when she became the first Black woman from Dallas to be elected to public office. She was later elected to the Texas Senate in 1987 and served there until she decided to run for the U.S. House in 1992, where she won her race by a landslide.

She served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and was the first Black lawmaker and woman to serve as chair of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Tributes for the trailblazing lawmaker began to pour out on social media on Sunday.

A former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, the first registered nurse elected to Congress, the first Black woman elected to Congress from Dallas, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Congresswoman Johnson was a trailblazer who served her constituents and her country honorably in the U.S. Congress for 30 years, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) said in a statement.

Horsfords statement also detailed her accomplishments during her time in public service, including working to improve transportation for Texas residents.

Congresswoman Johnson was instrumental in delivering hundreds of millions of dollars towards revitalizing transportation in Texas  most notably for the Southern Gateway Project and the DART Rail System, for which Dallas DART and Amtrak rail center was renamed the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station in her honor, Horsford said.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who was endorsed by Johnson in 2022, said that the late lawmaker was a quiet storm in a statement.

The Chairwoman didnt take passing the torch on lightly, and likewise, Ive not taken it lightly that she entrusted me to honor her work and legacy. Every day that passes is a day that I dedicate to continuing her work and attempting to fill her shoes. The work has never been easy, but it has and always will be noble, Crockett said.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) also offered his condolences to Johnsons family and friends.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and I joined Congress the same year, but our friendship began two decades earlier. She was a treasured colleague, trusted confident, and most importantly, a dear friend, Clyburn said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Exports through the Ukrainian temporary corridor totalled around 13 million tonnes as of the end of December, compared to 7 million tonnes at the beginning of this month.

Source: Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, on Twitter

Details: The official said 13 million tonnes of cargo have been exported through Ukrainian ports by 400 vessels to 24 different countries since August 2023.

Ukrainian ports received 430 vessels for loading.

Around 13 mln tons of products have been exported through #Ukrainian_corridor by 400 vessels to 24 countries since august 2023.



Despite systematic attacks on the port infrastructure, ports accepted 430 vessels for loading through #Ukrainian_corridor.



Its efficient result of pic.twitter.com/tWDpcHFSgb  Oleksandr Kubrakov (@OlKubrakov) December 30, 2023

Earlier, Kubrakov said on 4 December 2023 that 7 million tonnes of cargo had been exported through Ukrainian ports by 200 ships since spring 2023, including 5 million tonnes of Ukrainian agricultural exports.

Background: Ukraine managed to resume the operation of the Greater Odesa [the three Greater Odesa ports are Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi  ed.] ports without the help of third parties, which was possible thanks to military conditions, mainly the attack on a Russian landing ship in August.

Ukraine opened registration for merchant ships and their owners for taking temporary routes to or from the Odesa ports after Russia unilaterally quit the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The first vessel which used the Ukrainian Black Sea corridor after Russia quit the grain deal arrived in Istanbul, Turkiye, on 18 August.

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A British skier and her 22-year-old son killed in an avalanche in France have been named.

The family of Kate Vokes, 54, and Archie Vokes say they are "beyond heartbroken" by the "tragic accident".

The pair, from Manchester, died when an avalanche swept through an off-piste area near the French ski resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains on Thursday.

They were close to Mont Blanc, near the Swiss border, when the avalanche hit at about 15:30 local time (14:30 GMT).

A statement from the family on Sunday read: "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of our beloved, wonderful Kate and Archie.

"Words cannot express how terrible we all feel nor the hole in our lives that has been left by this tragic accident.

"We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family."

Mr Vokes was a personal trainer at Form in Manchester, and in the previous year had achieved his level 1 ski instructor qualification in Canada.

Ms Vokes was chair of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, a director of their family-owned property company Bruntwood, deputy chair of the Royal Exchange Theatre and a trustee of charities Shared Health and Focused Care.

The Royal Exchange Theatre said staff were "absolutely devastated" by the news of Ms Vokes' death. In a tribute posted on Facebook, it described her as "remarkable" and "our dear friend, colleague and tireless supporter".

Also paying tribute on social media, the Shared Health Foundation said it was "shocked and saddened" by the "tragic news".

The Bonneville public prosecutor's office say that a manslaughter investigation had been opened by police in nearby Chamonix.

Mother and son were said to have been with a guide they had known for years and were part of a group of five people from the same family when the incident occurred.

Local authorities say the avalanche began at an altitude of around 2,300 metres (7,546 feet) and travelled around 400 metres. Officials added it may have been triggered by another party of skiers at a higher altitude.

The mother and son were found after around five hours of searching by 20 first responders and two helicopters, Bonneville prosecutor Karline Bouisset explained in a previous statement.

Contrary to previous reports, it is now thought the guide accompanying the family was not wearing an avalanche beacon. The devices are used to locate those in the snow.

Saint-Gervais mayor Jean-Marc Peillex said: "It's terrible what happened", the Associated Press reported.

"A family is decimated, and we are very sad in Saint-Gervais."

A Foreign Office spokesperson said previously: "We are supporting the family of two British people who died in France and are in contact with the local authorities."

Around 110 people are caught in avalanches every year in France, leading to about 30 deaths.
Bezalel Smotrich, then Israel's Minister of Transportation, speaks at a press conference on "Channel 12". Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich told Israel's Army Radio on 31 December that if Israel does the right thing, there will be an exodus of Palestinians "and we will live in the Gaza Strip." Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

A far-right Israeli minister is in favour of Israeli resettlement of the Gaza Strip after the war.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Israel's Army Radio on Sunday that if Israel does the right thing, there will be an exodus of Palestinians "and we will live in the Gaza Strip."

"We will not allow a situation in which two million people live there. If there are 100,000 to 200,000 Arabs living in Gaza, the discussion about the day after will be completely different," Smotrich was quoted in a post by the channel on X.

"They want to leave, they have been living in a ghetto and in suffering for 75 years," he added.

Fearing a mass exodus, both Egypt and Jordan have refused to accept refugees from the embattled Gaza Strip. They also fear that ultimately, this could lead to people being permanently expelled from Gaza.

Smotrich is seen as an advocate of the vision of "Greater Israel" and is also in favour of annexing the occupied West Bank.

Palestinians, on the other hand, claim the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Arab-dominated eastern part of Jerusalem as the territory of a future state of their own.

Israel conquered the territories in 1967.

In 2005, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip and evacuated more than 20 Israeli settlements. The United Nations still sees the Gaza Strip as territory occupied by Israel as it controls all but one border crossing.

Israel maintains that the occupation ended with the withdrawal in 2005.

Washington is clearly against Israel reoccupying the Gaza Strip and also opposes the forced expulsion of the 2.2 million Palestinians living in the narrow coastal strip.

The US is calling for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take control of the Gaza Strip after the war, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is against this. He wants the army to retain security control even after the war and is calling for Gaza to be demilitarized.

Since the breakout of the war, 21,822 people have been killed in the coastal area so far, according to the health authority in Gaza, which is controlled by Islamist Hamas.

The war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, carried out by terrorists from the Islamist Hamas and other groups in Israel on October 7.
Getting rid of the Christmas tree can be a laborious task for some at the end of a busy festive period.

But one businesswoman is offering a novel solution for people looking to dispose of their pine trees by giving them to her alpacas in Hampshire.

Farm owner Sue Sears, 55, made the appeal for donations on Facebook two days ago and has been inundated with responses from householders seeking somewhere to dump their trees now that Christmas is over.

She said the trees provide a nutritious source of food for the South American animals, while also saving landfill space.

Mrs Sears said: We have got around 84 alpacas at the moment.

We take the trees around the farm and give a couple in each field.

Its a way of disposing of a Christmas tree without taking up landfill or burning them.

Its also enriching for our animals.

The farm owner said goats and alpacas enjoy grazing on the unusual food - Simon Czapp/Solent News & Photo Agency/Solent News & Photo Agency

Mrs Sears runs Petlake Alpacas of the New Forest in Bartley, Hants, with her husband, Brian.

The farm owner said both goats and alpacas enjoy grazing on the unusual food.

She said the needles are healthy snacks for alpacas and goats, and by the time they have finished eating them they are often left with just a branch - which they later shred.

So far this year, Mrs Sears has received 20 trees, but they expect many more to be donated in the next few weeks.

Mrs Sears added: Im sure that everyone has got local farms to see if they are interested in taking the trees.

She said she got the idea after seeing how a friends goats enjoyed eating them.

Discussing how it came about, she said: I saw that one of my friends was doing it with her goats and I thought, I will see if they like our tree - which they did.

So, I said to our friends We will take your trees and I put a post out on Facebook.

She cannot accept trees that have been chemically treated, however.

If we suspect that they have had any chemical treatment we put them to each side, she said. Then the rest of them, we put a couple in each paddock for the animals to eat at their own leisure.

There are around 25,000 alpacas being kept in Britain. They are farmed mainly for their wool.

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MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The father of a man convicted of fatally shooting a 12-year-old boy in Minneapolis has pleaded guilty to his role in the crime.

Letterance Grady, 42, pleaded guilty on Friday to two counts of aiding an offender by being an accomplice after the fact and by harboring or concealing to avoid arrest for his role in the death of 12-year-old London Bean.

The 42-year-old father was accused of driving his son, then 18-year-old Jeremiah Grady, to and from the shooting scene in the Sumner-Glenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis on Sept. 8, 2021.

According to court records, Jeremiah arrived at a house on 8th Avenue North and Aldrich Avenue North and fired shots at Bean as the 12-year-old was involved in a fight with his younger brother, charges said.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Bean with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Family identified the boy killed in a shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday as 12-year-old London Michael Bean, a sixth grader. (Supplied)

Letterance initially denied his involvement, but prosecutors say he was captured on surveillance videos driving his son, and Jeremiah also claimed his father encouraged him to retaliate and told him to shoot from the car, charges allege.

Prosecutors charged Letterance with multiple felonies, including aiding and abetting second-degree murder, aiding and abetting attempted second-degree murder, aiding and abetting second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and aiding an offender.

Letterance's trial was scheduled to start on Jan. 2, 2024, but he submitted a change of plea just days before it was set to begin. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 5, and under the terms of the plea agreement, he could spend 10 years behind bars, according to court records.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah was sentenced in August to 367 months (30.5 years) for second-degree murder and 183 months (15.25 years) for attempted second-degree murder in the deadly shooting of Bean.

Bean family upset with guilty plea

Beans family said Monday, they felt blindsided by the plea agreement and were not happy with the consequences for Letterance Grady.

"I was crying to them and I told them (Hennepin County Attorneys Office) that it was not fair," said Crystal Hill, Londons mother. "Everything that they told me that they were fighting for, it ended up being a lie because they did not fight for my son as I expected them to."

Hill told FOX9s Paul Blume, she would have rather seen the case go to trial this week.

"I feel like he had more to play in the part," Hill said, adding that Letterance Grady should have been the adult in the situation.

"I cry all the time - holidays, birthdays. I cry all the time. I just feel like I let my son down," explained Hill. "I should have fought harder. So, I think that is the reason why I am still so emotional. I don't feel like my son got his justice."

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty responds

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told Blume directly, that she first pushed for tougher consequences for Letterance Grady, believing at the time, he may have been more culpable than his son.

But as the facts evolved, she became convinced that was not the case.

And while Moriarty believes the older Grady played a role in what happened, Jeremiah Grady is the one who ultimately acted on his own accord, to pull the trigger.
 Flash

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will boost relations between China and Portugal, said Fernanda Ilheu, president of the Friends of the New Silk Road Association (ANRS) in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Ilheu, who is also a professor at the University of Lisbon (ULisboa), said that this initiative should reach Portugal through scientific cooperation projects and commercial ventures, using both land and sea routes.

As a result, she said, there will be a consolidation of Chinese investments in Portugal. "There are many opportunities for China to continue investing. Cooperation ... will be fantastic for understanding China and Chinese technology," Ilheu said.

The president of the ANRS said that the Portuguese are already familiar with the efficient management of the Chinese companies which are present in Portugal, also recognizing the cooperation between Chinese and Portuguese management.

Portugal welcomes foreign investment, she said, especially when it comes to "updating our technology, modernizing our markets, and allowing companies to have sustainable economic development."

"Therefore, we always consider foreign investment as a positive issue. And ... we also consider Chinese investment a very positive issue," she said.

Despite current global instability, the expert said that this does not affect China's relations with Portugal. "Most people admire China and want to cooperate," Ilheu said.

Recalling the 18 years she lived in Macao, she compared the "peaceful culture" of Portugal with Chinese culture. "I always understood that the Chinese people prefer balance and harmony, not conflict," she said.

"In the field of Portuguese language teaching, there are about 60 universities in China with Portuguese studies, and we also have many schools in Portugal that teach Chinese. There is good collaboration in terms of cultural exchanges" Ilheu said.

"At the level of tourism, we are now beginning to see Chinese tourism coming back to Portugal," she added.

Ilheu also spoke highly of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing in October.

BRI is a stable and sustainable initiative to develop economic cooperation between Portugal, China, and Portuguese-speaking countries, Ilheu underlined.

"We should all cooperate for the development and sustainability of countries," she said.
When Sen. John Fetterman left Walter Reed Medical Center this spring after six weeks of treatment for depression, he figured his political career was over.

When it got released where I was and where it was going, it was, it was a big story. And so, I had assumed that that would be the end of my career, the Pennsylvania Democrat told host Kristen Welker during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press airing Sunday.

I really didn't know what would happen at that point, he told Welker.

Nine months later, Fetterman is still in Congress. And hes taken on the role as one of the Senates most colorful personalities  grabbing headlines most recently for sending his indicted colleague Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) a Cameo message from ousted former Rep. George Santos.

Instead of torpedoing his career, Fettermans openness about his mental health struggles has been lauded by medical professionals, other members of Congress and the public.

Its a risk that I wanted to take because I wanted to help people and know that I don't want them to suffer the way  or put any kinds of despair that I've been in. And if that conversation helps, then thats  I'm going to continue to do that, Fetterman said.

Fetterman checked into Walter Reed in February, but he first started to notice symptoms of his deepening depression when he entered the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race in 2021, he said Sunday. At that point, it was a "slow burn," but Fetterman knew his health was continuing to deteriorate.

In May 2022, Fetterman suffered a nearly fatal stroke that left him with lingering struggles with speech and auditory processing. The "watermark" moment, Fetterman said, was a debate with Republican candidate Mehmet Oz months later, during which he struggled to respond to moderators' questions, even while using a closed captioning device.

After the debate, Fetterman said, "I figured, from  from the White House down, every Democrat would be like, "Oh, my God. What is  what have you done?"

But he held on until the election, which would end up being the most expensive race in 2022, and defeated Oz.

The debate "was October 25th, and the election was, I think, November 8th, so I was able to kind of keep myself enough to keep my together. And then, after the election, that's when things actually accelerated and got worse. And, at that point, I wasn't able to leave bed," he said.

Months later, after he started having thoughts of self-harm, Fetterman checked in to the hospital to receive inpatient care or clinical depression. At first, he was reluctant to discuss those thoughts publicly, he told Welker.

"I thought, at the time, 'If I can be of most service or I can be helpful to people, it's like I have to be fully honest about it.' And that's what I decided to do."
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said being on social media worsened his mental health as he battled with clinical depression last year.

Fetterman said in an interview that aired Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press that social media was the accelerant that made his depression worse. He said he made the mistake of checking social media after the election in 2022, which raised questions on how being in Congress will change his and his familys lives.

And it wasnt the things said, because I assume that those were, but it was the volume. The volume. Just the like, Where is this coming from? Where can there be so much of this? And its like, Is this what be the rest of my life? Its like, Look what its done to me. And, more importantly, What has this done to my family?' he told NBCs Kristen Welker.

And you know my  my kids are afraid to go back, and they left social media behind and  and were stopped posting family pictures and things like that. Its  its just astonishing that so many people want to take the time to hop online and  and to say things to a stranger that never did anything to  to you, especially members of my family, he continued.

He said that now that his depression is in remission, he uses social media selectively and does not spend much time on it.

And I would just warn anybody that social media, Ive never noticed anyone to believe that their health  their mental health has been supported by spending any kind of time on social media. And if they do, Id love to meet that person, who that is, he said.

Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be treated for clinical depression in February and later returned to the Senate in April. Since then, he has been open about speaking up about his own mental health issues in an effort to help those who may be going through similar situations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A fire broke out on Saturday evening in an apartment unit on the ninth floor of a building in Silver Spring.

Two officers injured in incident involving knife in Southeast DC

The fire happened at The Arrive Silver Spring, an apartment complex at 8750 Georgia Ave.  the sidewalk below was cordoned off due to falling debris. The fire seemed to have involved an HVAC wall unit, Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, said.

The apartment unit was under renovation from a previous fire.

A few minutes after 6 p.m., Piringer said the fire was under control. The apartment was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. For the most part, residents were able to shelter in place.

As of 7:06 p.m., the fire had been put out. Piringer said that the fire did not spread beyond the unit in which it started.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Explosions were heard in the city of Kharkiv and fires broke out in the city centre during a Shahed drone attack on the night of 30-31 December.

Source: Suspilne Kharkiv; Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv; Kharkiv Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko, quoted by Suspilne; Dmytro Chubenko, spokesman for the Oblast Prosecutors Office

Quote: "A fire has broken out as a result of one of the explosions in the centre of Kharkiv, Suspilnes correspondent reports. The Air Force had previously reported that Russian drones were approaching the city."

Details: Suspilne reported at least four other explosions in the city.

Update: Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, later announced that the city was under attack from Shahed drones.

Quote: "There have already been several strikes in the city centre. All the relevant services are working. Information on casualties is being established."

Details: Local Telegram channels reported three fires starting at once in the centre of Kharkiv.

Update. Quote from Terekhov: "There have been hits on several residential buildings in the city centre. Fires have broken out. All the relevant services are already working at the scene. Information on casualties is being established."

Update. Quote from Tymoshko: "Several Russian drones were shot down over Kharkiv last night."

Details: Tymoshko said two drone hits had been recorded: one on a residential building and the other on a social infrastructure building.

As of 01:57, it is not known whether anyone is dead or injured.

Update at 3:04: Terekhov said the Russian drone attack damaged buildings in the city centre and water supply networks.

Quote: "Not even three hours have passed and Kharkiv has been attacked again, this time by Shahed UAVs. The damage caused is very serious. This is not a military facility, its a residential development and offices in the city centre."

Details: Chubenko said Kharkiv had recorded four hits by Russian drones on the night of 30-31 December.

Previously: The Russians struck the city of Kharkiv at least six times on the night of 29-30 December, damaging civil infrastructure and residential buildings. 26 people are known to have been injured, including two teenagers and a British journalist.

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The reach of generative artificial intelligence (AI) skyrocketed this year as tech companies raced to get ahead of each other while regulators and lawmakers looked to add guardrails.

As AI became more common and accessible  especially OpenAIs popular ChatGPT chatbot   it shaped society by posing new opportunities and risks for sectors ranging from education to Hollywood.

Here are five ways AI is rapidly changing our world.

ChatGPT kicks off tech race among companies

When OpenAI launched ChatGPT publicly in November 2022, it burst onto the scene. The chatbot reached 15.5 million visits in its first week and hit a peak of 1.8 billion visits in May, according to Similarweb data.

ChatGPTs success also kicked off a race among tech companies.

Just one day before Microsoft said it would incorporate ChatGPT into Bing search in February, Google announced the launch of Bard, its own AI chatbot. As the companies continue to race against each other to stay on the cutting edge, Google announced this month the launch of Gemini, an AI model intended to help Bard become more humanlike in communication and eventually bolster the companys search engine.

Google said will be incorporated into Bard, as well as its Pixel 8 Pro smartphone.

Other tech companies also jumped into the AI race. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced in July that its open-sourced large language model, Llama 2, would be released for commercial use and research.

Tesla, SpaceX and X owner Elon Musk also launched a ChatGPT rival under his xAI company in November. The company said the AI, called Grok, had a rebellious streak. The company also boasted Groks real-time access to info from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, as a massive advantage over other platforms.

Analysts at Wedbush said in a December memo they expect spending on AI to accelerate across the tech sector into 2024. The analysts said they view AI as the most transformative technology trend since the start of the Internet in 1995.

AI sends Congress scrambling

As companies sped ahead with AI advancements, Congress spent much of the second half of the year holding hearings and meeting with experts to understand the risks and benefits of the technology.

A Senate Judiciary subcommittee held a May hearing featuring testimony from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He pledged to work with government and the rest of the industry to minimize risks as the technology advances  warning that AI could cause significant harm to the world.

Altman returned to the Capitol in September along with other CEOs of leading AI companies, civil society leaders and other AI experts to meet with Senators in the first of a series of closed-door discussions as part of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) AI Insight Forums.

The first meeting included attendees such as Musk, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

After the inaugural meeting, the Senate held a series of other forums focused on different areas of AIs impact, including election concerns, intellectual property issues, and national security risks.

The bipartisan group of senators leading the effort with Schumer includes Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). While they have touted the bipartisan agreement on many issues posed, lawmakers have not yet advanced a regulatory framework to address AI.

Hollywood sets new standard for AI labor protections

The advanced capabilities of AI also raised concerns about how the technology will impact jobs.

AI could impact roughly 80 percent of the U.S. workforce, according to a March paper from researchers at OpenAI, OpenResearch and the University of Pennsylvania. The paper argued around 80 percent of the workforce could have at least 10 percent of their work affected by the implementation of large language models in their industry.

Hollywood writers and actors led the way this year in securing protections from AI through union contracts.

The agreement reached between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in October ended a 148-day strike and set in place AI protections that could set a precedent for other industries.

Part of the agreement included giving union members the right to choose to use AI, while prohibiting studios from forcing writers to use AI.

It also ensured that companies must disclose whether any materials given to a writer have been generated by AI or incorporated AI-generated material.

SAG-AFTRA released its own agreement with the studios in November that also included AI protections. The agreement requires the consent of a performer in order to create a digital replica. It also lays out how a performer will be compensated through the use of a replica, including time spent for creating the replica and how the replica is used.

AI raises election misinformation concerns

The rise of generative AI tools, especially audio and video technology that can appear to show people saying or doing things that did not occur, could fuel the spread of political misinformation heading into the 2024 elections.

Several campaigns, especially in the Republican presidential primary, have used AI in election content.

Those concerns have pushed Congress, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and tech companies to consider ways to mitigate the spread of false information.

Google and Meta have put in place policies to require election advertisers disclose the use of AI in political ads.

The FEC is considering a rule clarification that would also address the use of AI in campaigns, after a push by the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

AI shakes up education

The launch of ChatGPT and its immediate popularity led schools to be concerned about how students may use the tools to cheat on schoolwork.

The concerns led to an initial wave of bans on the technology. However, many have since reversed those bans in search of ways to incorporate the technology into education.

For example, the New York City school system revoked its ban on ChatGPT in May. Chancellor David Banks wrote an op-ed published by Chalkbeat explaining the decision and how the schools will work to integrate AI into curriculum.

Along with that change, though, came another concern associated with AI in education  whether it will widen the tech divide for rural and poor students.

AI may also change education as a way of alleviating concerns about teacher shortages, which have been an increasing concern since the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Detroit ushered in its first Black mayor in January 1974 with a boisterous inauguration that stretched over three days.

Today, the celebration is largely remembered for four much-debated words in Coleman Youngs first mayoral speech that he delivered 50 years ago Tuesday.

Hit 8 Mile Road! Young said, addressing criminals in Detroit.

The mayor, who died in 1997, long maintained he was ordering lawbreakers to get out of town. But many suburbanites reacted with anger. They interpreted Youngs words as an invitation for crooks to invade the suburbs.

The controversy has long overshadowed Youngs main message in the speech, an impassioned plea for regional unity. He reached out to all of southeast Michigan, offering an olive branch and requesting Detroiters and suburbanites work together for the good of the metro area. Many white people rejected his offer.

The speech took place during the 72-hour inaugural gala that featured Diana Ross and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; prayers; praise from CEOs, and a Soul Train-style dance line with roughly 1,000 people.

Mayor Coleman Young flashed his victory sign at the inaugural ball at Cobo Hall on Jan. 4, 1974.

Young spoke at an evening swearing-in at Ford Auditorium. Hours earlier, at a Cobo Hall morning prayer breakfast before 3,000 people, the Rev. Charles Butler introduced Young to the adoring throng by announcing, Behold the man!

Butler echoed the words used by Pontius Pilate in presenting Jesus Christ to a jeering crowd before his crucifixion. Pilates words are usually interpreted as mockery, but there was no doubt Young was seen as a savior among Black Detroiters.

He threw away the text

While the tenor of the revels for the new mayor was festive and triumphant, the tone of the breakfast speakers turned unusually harsh, mirroring residents anger over the citys struggle with violence. By the end of 1974, Detroit would record 714 homicides, the all-time record, and the Murder City nickname would become firmly attached. By inauguration day, Jan. 2, 1974, eight people already had been murdered in Detroit.

U.S. District Judge Damon Keith, a civil libertarian and prominent civil rights leader, reflected the frustration. He called on Young to crack down, to devise a means of ridding this city, root and branch, of the criminals who are committing murder, rapes and assaults on the people.

Keith told the breakfast gathering that he understood the sociological reasons people break the law, but said Detroits crime wave was essentially sparked by Black criminals preying on Black victims  aided and abetted by Black people who refuse to cooperate with police.

Michigan Supreme Court Judge John Swainson, left, and Judge Damon Keith, right, administer the oath of office to newly elected Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young during the 1974 inauguration ceremony.

In the evening inaugural ceremony at Ford Auditorium, Young addressed the crowd after he took the oath of office. His speech was short, just over 500 words. He threw away his text and spoke spontaneously. For most of the speech, he discussed the need for unity among Black and white, city and suburbs, rich and poor, even young and old. He denounced the regions polarization.

We can no longer afford the luxury of hatred and racial division, Young said. What is good for the Black people of this city is good for the white people of this city. What is good for the rich people in this city is good for the poor people in this city. What is good for those who live in the suburbs is good for those of us who live in the central city.

Echoing the sentiments of Judge Keith, Young concluded by putting criminals on notice.

It was treacherous ground: he needed to balance citizens demands to cut crime with his campaign pledge to integrate and reform the overwhelmingly white police department, long hated as an army of occupation in Black Detroit. Many members of the DPD despised Young, a feeling that was mutual. But Young needed the cops to combat crime.

As the crowd applauded and cheered, Young, his voice rising, launched into his salvo. He said:

I issue an open warning now, to all dope pushers, to all rip-off artists, to all muggers. Its time to leave Detroit. Hit 8 Mile Road!

The crowd of 2,000 stood, interrupting Young with prolonged applause. He continued:

And I dont give a damn if theyre Black or white, if they wear superfly suits or blue uniforms with silver badges. Hit the road!

Calls pour into city hall

To many supporters and others, Young clearly was engaging in the familiar American trope of playing the new sheriff, telling criminals to leave town, using hit 8 Mile Road as a figure of speech.

Large swaths of suburbia heard a different message. Many officials and residents took Young at face value. They believed the new mayor had urged rip-off artists to raid the suburbs.

In saying hit 8 Mile Road, Young evoked the boundary separating Detroit and suburban Oakland and Macomb counties. A half century ago, 8 Mile didnt carry the same symbolic weight as it would in later years when the street came to mark the border of a Black city and white suburbs.

Detroits population of about 1.3 million in 1974 was still roughly half white, and the neighborhoods closest to 8 Mile were virtually all white. Youngs use of the street name helped transform 8 Mile into a metaphor for a racial divide.

The speech was big news. The Detroit News reported Youngs audience howled with delight at his suggestion of chasing the criminals at least figuratively into the suburbs. The Free Press steered away from the 8-Mile angle but made it clear Young had ordered criminals to leave Detroit.

Mayor Coleman Young enters his office for the first time on Jan. 3, 1974 at the City-County building in downtown Detroit.

Complaints about Youngs warning inundated his city hall office. Mayoral aide William Cilluffo insisted the speech was about unity. We didnt literally mean we want to push crime over the border, he pleaded.

Three days after the speech, The News ran a front-page story headlined, Youngs tough-on-crime remark angers suburbs.

It reported Youngs statement was taken literally and seriously by hopping mad officials in several cities bordering 8 Mile.

He used some very arrogant language in his off-the-cuff remarks and I think he meant it, said East Detroit Mayor Walter Bezz. It might have sounded good to the people in Detroit, but it didnt sound good to the people in the suburbs.

Bad taste, said the Warren City Council president.

Deplorable, said an official from Hazel Park.

Other suburban politicians defended the new mayor.

Coleman Young is too smart to start off his term in office with a deliberate fight with the suburbs, said Oak Park Mayor David Shepherd.

Waging war on suburbia?

As for Young, he said repeatedly the hit 8 Mile Road line was a law-and-order statement and nothing else. I was just playing Dodge City, telling hoods to get out of town, he once told the Free Press.

The controversy never went away. However illogical it might have been to believe Young was urging criminals literally to cross 8 Mile Road and raise havoc  especially in a speech that emphasized regional unity  many suburbanites have used the line for years as a cudgel to rip Young as a suburbia-hating racist.

Over the decades, some people even have twisted Youngs words to say he had demanded that all white residents of Detroit hit 8 Mile Road.

He uttered those four words during his first minutes as mayor. But the cockeyed controversy was a signal of the quarrels to come with suburbanites over his 20 years in office, and the estrangement of the city from its suburbs, which are filled with former Detroiters.

Detroit Mayor Coleman Young served five terms as mayor of Detroit from 1974 to 1994. In this 1989 photo, he poses for atop the Riverfront Towers apartments overlooking downtown Detroit.

In his 1994 autobiography, Hard Stuff, Young wrote: To this day, a lot of folks in the suburbs believe Ive been waging war on them since the moment I moved into the mayors mansion, if not before.

He believed that many suburbanites perceived that upon his election as Detroits first African American mayor, the city became a Black enclave, that it split off as a sovereign nation virtually overnight.

Young added: I would much prefer that this not be the case.

Bill McGraw is editor of Free Press Flashback.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Mayor Coleman Young's 'Hit 8 Mile' comment 50 years old
A Florida man arrested by authorities is accused of trying to kidnap a child from a Lehigh Acres Walmart store on Friday.

Pablo Pintueles Hernandez was charged with false imprisonment of a child 13 years old and under, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Police say that Pintueles Hernandez grabbed a 4-year-old boy and pulled him away from his family before a relative quickly intervened.

"Deputies immediately reviewed the surveillance footage and confirmed an unknown man walked up to the child shopping with his family, grabbed his wrist, and forced him to go in his direction before a family member intervened and pulled the child back," the Lee County Sheriff's Office explained on Facebook, attaching the disturbing footage to its post.

BELOVED FLORIDA MAILMAN KILLED IN HIT-AND-RUN, POLICE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT

Disturbing footage reportedly shows Pablo Pintueles Hernandez attempting to kidnap a child in Walmart.

"Through investigative techniques, detectives learned Pintueles Hernandez did grab the childs wrist, pull him, and state lets go, restraining the childs movement and directing him to walk with him," police added.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Officers arrived at Pintueles Hernandez's residence around an hour after the attempted kidnapping occurred and promptly arrested him.

FLORIDA MAN SHOOTS, KILLS HALF-BROTHER WHO WAS LOOKING FOR LOST CELL PHONE ON CHRISTMAS

Authorities reviewed surveillance footage in order to identify suspect Pablo Pintueles Hernandez.

In a statement, Sheriff Carmine Marceno called the incident "incredibly disturbing."

"I never want anyone in Lee County to feel unsafe, especially going on a simple shopping trip," Marceno said. "My team will stop at NOTHING to ensure criminals like this face the consequences of their actions."





Original article source: Florida man arrested after he allegedly attempted to kidnap child from Walmart: police
The enemy is shifting the focus of its Shahed kamikaze drone attacks to the frontline areas, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said on national television on Dec. 31, commenting on the latest overnight Russian drone attack.

"Most of the 49 attack drones were aimed at the frontline area, he said.

That is, the defense line, where our soldiers are actually standing, as well as the frontline territories of Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhya oblasts.

Read also:

Twenty-one out of 49 Shahed kamikaze drones, launched from Russias Primorsk-Akhtarsk, Krasnodar Krai and Kursk Oblast, and the temporarily occupied Crimean Cape Chauda, were shot down overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Dec. 31.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Then Stuttgart player Sasa Kalajdzic in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg. Kalajdzic plans to return to the Bundesliga and join Eintracht Frankfurt, the Bild newspaper said on 31 December. Uli Deck/dpa

Former VfB Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic plans to return to the Bundesliga and join Eintracht Frankfurt, the Bild newspaper said on Sunday.

According to the report, other clubs are interested in the player but he has decided to transfer to Frankfurt.

Kalajdzic moved to Premier League side Wolves in 2022 after three years in Stuttgart. This season, he has made 11 appearances so far, mostly as a substitute, scoring two goals.

According to the report, it remains to be decided whether he will join Frankfurt on a loan or on a permanent transfer.
Former Texas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a trailblazing Black Democrat in who served in Congress for 30 years, has died at 88, her son said Sunday

I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away. She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant, her son, Kirk Johnson, wrote in a post on Facebook.

While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy. She will be deeply missed.

Johnson was born in Waco, Texas, on Dec. 3, 1935, and worked as a nurse before she was elected to the state legislature, becoming the first Black woman to represent Dallas in the state Senate since Reconstruction. According to the Almanac of American Politics: "She told the [Dallas] Morning News in 1987 that she first got interested in politics in the early 1960s, when she went to buy a new hat and was shocked to learn that blacks in the city weren't allowed to try on such headgear. She organized a boycott of the store."

She ascended to Congress in 1992, and later became the first Black woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

In 2021, Johnson announced that she would not seek reelection in 2022. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) won the race to fill Johnsons seat, with the congresswomans support.

Tributes to Johnson began to pour out Sunday from local politicians and her former congressional colleagues.

I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at the passing of this legendary American, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wrote on XSunday.

Today, the world has lost a trailblazer, and Texas has lost one of its most dedicated public servants and iconic leaders, Crockett said in a statement. Everyday that passes is a day that I dedicate to continuing her work and attempting to fill her shoes.

North Texas and our nation mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was a trailblazer, friend, and mentor to many, including myself, Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) posted.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's life was a demonstration of the importance of leadership with a purpose, the power of perseverance, and the impact of lifting others as we climb, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) wrote on X. I'll miss her dearly and am praying for her loved ones during this difficult time.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), who joined Congress the same year as Johnson, described her as, a treasured colleague, trusted confident, and most importantly, a dear friend.
Eddie Bernice Johnson, a trailblazer and civil rights leader who served almost three decades in Congress representing Dallas and North Texas had died at 88.

Johnsons son, Kirk Johnson, shared the news Sunday in a facebook post.

She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant,  the post read.

Johnson, the first Dallas Black person and third Texas woman elected to the U.S. House, won reelection 15 times before retiring last January.

Throughout her distinguished career, Congresswoman Johnson served with integrity and passion, earning the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the Texas Democratic Party said in a news release Sunday. In this time of grief, let us remember and honor the legacy of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, a champion for justice, equality, and the American people.

Born Dec. 3, 1935 in Waco, Mrs. Johnson attended Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Saint Marys College and worked as a nurse prior to her political career.

She was a champion of womens and minority rights during her tenure.

Everywhere you look, Texans can see the mark she made on our state  from improving the VA, to investing in transportation, to fighting for Texans civil rights, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a fellow Democrat from Texas, said in a statement. Eddie Bernice Johnson was a trailblazer, a leader, a friend and my mentor.

Dallas mayor Eric Johnson also released a statement on her passing.

I had hoped that, after a distinguished three-decade career in the United States Capitol, we would have more time with her back at home, the statement read. Personally and professionally, she touched countless lives, including mine. I am devastated and heartbroken by her passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.
Four people died and two people were injured in a Michigan house explosion on Saturday afternoon that rocked nearby residents.

The explosion  which occurred 10 miles outside of Ann Arbor in Michigans Northfield Township  completely destroyed the home, leaving only the foundation and debris, David Powell with the Northfield Township Police Department told ABC News. Six people were in the home  they have not yet been identified as police notify their families.

Nearby neighbour Scott McMillian compared the blast to something hed heard while serving in the military.

It sounded like something I remember from war, it was that loud, Mr McMillian told local outlet WXYZ. Even in war, I have never heard of anything of this level at this distance.

Police have not released any information about the cause of the explosion.

Mr McMillian told WXYZ debris from the explosion scattered across the neighbourhood, littering many residents yards.

It went off like a bomb. I dont know how to explain it, another nearby neighbor told local outlet Click On Detroit. It was the scariest thing Ive ever seen. I live about 100 yards from him and by the time I drove there, there was still stuff falling from the sky.

The Independent has contacted the Northfield Township Police Department for comment.
(KRON)  To promote safe travel, transportation companies are assisting residents to get home safely on New Years Eve.

Caltrain

Caltrain will provide free service for New Years starting at 8 p.m. until the last post-fireworks southbound train.

San Francisco to San Jose Diridon departing 1 a.m., 1:30 a.m., or when full. The final train departs from San Francisco 4th and King station at 2 a.m., making all stops.

Do NOT tap On Passengers should not tap on Clipper between 8 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.

For New Years Eve and New Years Day, Caltrain will operate a weekend schedule.

Open beverages are prohibited in the trains beginning at 9 p.m. on special event days and nights, according to Caltrain.

Caltrain will resume collecting fares when service begins at 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Valley Transportation Authority

The Valley Transportation Authority announces free light rail and bus lines from 8 p.m. New Years Eve until 5 a.m. on New Years Day.

According to the VTA, the company will continue the tradition of providing free bus (Route 500) and light rail service (Blue Line, Green Line, and Orange Line) in collaboration with other regional transit partners. VTA will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule with extended hours on Monday.

For January 1, 2024, there will be a few changes.

VTA offices will be closed and all services will operate on a Sunday Schedule. If your route does not normally operate on Sundays, it will not be in service.

ACE trains and shuttles will not be in service.

Dumbarton Express will not be in service.

Hwy 17 Express will operate weekend/holiday schedule.

San Franciso MUNI

The San Francisco MUNI is providing free rides on New Years Eve from 8 p.m. Sunday, December 31 to 5 a.m. Monday, January 1.

MUNI announces New Yorks Eve operations:

SF MUNI will operate on a Sunday schedule

There will be no real-time social media monitoring

Parking meters & nightly street sweeping will not be enforced.

AC Transit

AC is offering transit buses free of charge, including Transbay and Tempo lines, beginning at 8 p.m. on December 31 until 5 a.m. on January 1.

All AC Transit offices will be closed on January 1, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Fulton County Sheriffs Office confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that Saturday night, part of the jail was briefly on fire.

According to a Fulton County spokesperson, a detainee, Juan Edwards, set a jail cell on fire, prompting a quick response from jail staff and requiring more than a dozen detainees to be moved to a different housing location in the facility.

A detainee set a fire to a cell at the Rice Street Jail causing 15 detainees to safely be relocated to another housing zone, FCSO said in a statement.

The exact time the fire occurred was not yet available.

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Answering additional questions from Channel 2 Action News, FCSO said that jail staff extinguished the fire but they werent the only ones to respond.

AFRD did respond and checked out the cell to ensure the fire was completely out, adding that no one needed medical attention.

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat praised his staff for how they handled the situation as it unfolded.

I am proud of the women and men of the Fulton County Sheriffs Office for their dedication and ability to maintain order under challenging circumstances. The safety and security of the detainees in our care and custody is a top priority, Labat said in a statement.

The FCSO spokesperson confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that Edwards is being criminally charged with Arson 1st Degree and Interference with Government Property. Internally, he is charged with Contributing to an Unsafe Environment, Damage to Jail Property, Interfering with Security Operations, and Arson.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to Atlanta Fire Rescue for more information as well.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
ILLINOIS (AP)  Fuzzy dice finally will be free to dangle in Illinois.

Starting Monday, police there no longer will be allowed to pull over motorists solely because they have something hanging from the rearview mirror of the windshield. That means air fresheners, parking placards and, yes, even those dice are fair game to hang.

The revised Illinois windshield rule is one of hundreds of new laws taking effect with the new year in states across the U.S. While some may seem a bit pedestrian, others have real practical effects or touch on controversial issues such as restrictions on weapons and medical treatments for transgender people.

Though the original Illinois windshield law was meant to improve roadway safety, it came to be seen by some as an excuse for pulling over drivers. The new law still prohibits objects that obstruct a drivers view but forbids law enforcement officers from conducting stops or searches solely because of suspected violations.

With this new law, we are sending a powerful message that the state does not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination, said Democratic state Sen. Christopher Belt, one of the bills sponsors.

Another new Illinois law seeks to stifle a more modern form of distracted driving by prohibiting people from participating in video conferences or scanning social media while behind the wheel.

GUNS AND PORNOGRAPHY

Several states have new laws regulating guns and online activity.

A Minnesota law will allow authorities to ask courts for  extreme risk protection orders  to temporarily take guns from people deemed to be an imminent threat to others or themselves. Minnesota will be at least the 20th state with such a red-flag law.

Colorado will become one of a dozen states banning so-called ghost guns. The new law prohibits firearms that are assembled at home or 3D-printed without serial numbers, practices that have allowed owners to evade background checks.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block an Illinois law from taking effect Monday that bans high-powered semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. But a federal judge recently blocked a California law that would have banned carrying concealed guns in many public places.

Several state laws delve into acceptable online activities. A new Connecticut law requires online dating operators to adopt policies for handling harassment reports by or between users.

A North Carolina law will require pornographic website operators to confirm viewers are at least 18 years old by using a commercially available database. The law lets parents sue companies if their children were allowed to access the pornography. Another new Illinois law will allow lawsuits from victims of deepfake pornography, in which videos or images are manipulated without their consent.

LGBTQ+ ISSUES

Over the past few years, there has been a major push by conservatives to restrict access to gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors. Bans are on the books in 22 states, including some where judges have paused enforcement as they consider challenges to the policies.

New bans on access for minors to puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery, which is rare, are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 in Idaho, Louisiana and West Virginia. The West Virginia law contains an exception: Teens could still access treatment with parental consent and a diagnosis of severe gender dysphoria from two doctors.

While many Republican-led legislatures have imposed restrictions, many Democrat-dominated states have responded with transgender protections. A law taking effect Monday in Hawaii requires new marriage certificates to be issued to people who request to change how their sex is listed. The state also is replacing gender-specific terms in state law; mother is being replaced with birthing parent and father with non-birthing parent.

In Colorado, new buildings wholly or partly owned by government entities will be required to have on every floor where there are public restrooms at least one that does not specify the gender of the users.

The conservative push on LGBTQ+ policies also has come with efforts to keep certain books out of school or public libraries. An Indiana law taking effect makes it easier for parents and others to challenge books in school libraries. By contrast, a new Illinois law would block state funding for public libraries that ban or restrict books.

TAXES AND WAGES

The new year brings a variety of new laws on taxes and wages  perennial issues for state governments.

More than 20 states will raise minimum wages for workers, further widening the gap between state requirements and the federal minimum, which has been static at $7.25 an hour since July 2009. In several states, the new minimum wage will more than double that rate.

Marylands minimum wage will be set at $15 an hour. In New Jersey, it will be $15.13 an hour for most employees. In Connecticut, $15.69 per hour. In New York City, $16 an hour, though it will be $15 in most of the rest of the state. Californias statewide minimum wage also will rise to $16 per hour. And in Washington, the minimum rate will be $16.28.

Residents in some states will gain money by paying less in taxes, continuing a three-year trend in which nearly every state has reduced, rebated or suspended some type of broad-based tax.

In Kansas, the sales tax on groceries will drop from 4% to 2% in its next step toward eventual elimination, producing a savings of $208 annually for a family spending an average of $200 weekly on groceries.

About 1 million tax filers are expected to benefit from Connecticuts first income tax rate reduction since the mid-1990s. Lower-income workers and retirees also stand to benefit from expanded tax breaks.

Missouri also will reduce its income tax rate while expanding tax exemptions for Social Security benefits and military training pay. Businesses will be able to claim tax credits for hiring interns or apprentices.

Alabama will exempt overtime pay from the states income tax, though that lasts only until June 2025 unless renewed by lawmakers.

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Several states saw a polarizing legislative session last year as lawmakers tackled high-profile measures, some of which take effect this year.

While many Democratic- and Republican-led states passed measures to ease the effects of inflation as the economy remains a top concern for voters ahead of the 2024 election, states were split along party lines on marquee issues such as abortion rights and gender-affirming care for minors.

Here are some of the state and federal measures taking effect January 1.

Gender-affirming care

One of the marquee issues across state legislatures in 2023 was gender-affirming care for minors, with several Republican-led states moving to enact restrictions.

Gender-affirming care spans a range of evidence-based treatments and approaches that benefit transgender and nonbinary people. The types of care vary by the age and goals of the recipient, and are considered the standard of care by many mainstream medical associations.

A person holds a transgender pride flag and a flower during a Black Trans Liberation protest in New York, United States, May 31, 2023. - Amr Alfiky/Reuters

Among the states that moved to pass a ban on such treatments for minors are Idaho and Louisiana, and the bans take effect Monday.

Under the Idaho law, physicians or practitioners who provide puberty-blocking medication, gender-affirming surgeries or other treatments to minors could face a $5,000 fine and a felony charge.

In Louisiana, those under 18 are now barred from receiving gender-affirming surgeries, puberty-blocking medications and hormone treatments, and health care professionals who provide them could be punished with the revocation of their license for a minimum of two years.

On the other hand, Maryland was one of several Democratic-led states that passed protections for gender-affirming care for all ages. As of Monday, the state requires Medicaid to provide coverage for such care.

Abortion protections

While several near-total bans in Republican-led states took effect in 2023, many blue states passed laws protecting abortion rights, including two that took effect Monday.

A Washington state law attempts to make abortion procedures more accessible with changes to insurance coverage. Any health insurance plan issued or renewed starting January 1 will be prohibited from requiring cost sharing for abortions, which generally includes out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copays.

Meanwhile, a shield law took effect in California on Monday that will protect local health care providers from out-of-state litigation if they provide abortion services to patients in states with restrictive abortion laws. The protection also extends to those who provide gender-affirming care to out-of-state patients.

A Planned Parenthood billboard near the Oakland International Airport in October. - Jason Henry/The New York Times/Redux

Increased minimum wage

Nearly half of all US states will increase their minimum wage in 2024.

The hikes take effect in the following states on January 1: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and Washington, plus Washington, DC.

Some states, such as Nevada and Oregon, have increases set for July 1. Floridas minimum wage will go up on September 30.

With the increase, Washington will continue to have the highest minimum wage of all states at $16.28, up from $15.74. Meanwhile, Hawaii will see the largest increase in its minimum wage  from $12 to $14.

However, Washington, DC, will continue to have the highest minimum wage in the country at $17.05, up slightly from last summer, when it was raised to $17. Another wage hike in Washington, DC, is scheduled for July.

Student loans, 401(k) and financial aid

A sign calling for student loan debt relief is seen in front of the Supreme Court as the justices are scheduled to hear oral arguments in two cases involving President Joe Biden's bid to reinstate his plan to cancel billions of dollars in student debt in Washington, DC, in February. - Nathan Howard/Reuters

Student loan payments may affect how much people are able to save for retirement, but starting January 1, a new retirement law allows student loan payments to boost 401(k)s for some workers. Under the new law, Secure 2.0, employers can match their employees qualifying student loan payments with a contribution into the employees employer-sponsored retirement account.

The Department of Education also recently updated the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA. The form is used to determine financial aid eligibility for the 2024-2025 academic year, and the updated version, released Sunday, is shorter and easier to fill out. It is also expected that many low-income borrowers will be eligible for more financial assistance.

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A German interior minister has warned of life-threatening nonsense after kitesurfers were spotted in flooded areas.

Daniela Behrens, the state interior minister of Lower Saxony, told Spiegel magazine that unlike in familiar bodies of water, they have no idea what obstacles may appear in front of or below them.

She added that many of the disaster tourists in the area, among the worst for flooding, travel specifically to view the masses of water which can hinder rescue efforts.

Images show kitesurfers in flooded fields being pulled close to the tops of trees which are almost completely submerged in water.

More kitesurfers were reportedly seen in eastern Frisia, northwest of Lower Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.

In some areas, including the state of Saxony-Anhalt and the town of Goslar, sandbags were stolen from protective barriers and firefighters were threatened by frightened residents. Mansfeld-South Harz, a town in Saxony-Anhalt, declared a state of emergency.

Lower Saxony's State Premier Stephan Weil, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens address journalists in Verden on December 31 during a visit to the flood-stricken areas of Lower Saxony - HORNUNG/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES/AFP

A police cargo helicopter was deployed to deliver extra-large sandbags to reinforce dikes near the city of Oldenburg, where some 170,000 residents are preparing for a possible evacuation.

The army has also deployed five helicopters after the state requested help from the military.

Just hours before his new year message is due to be broadcast, Olaf Scholz, the chancellor, has appeared in the Aller valley to thank volunteers and survey flood-protection measures, saying it is important that we stick together in this country.

Meanwhile, volunteers at Lower Saxonys Serengeti Park had to bring meerkats and lemurs to safety after water levels rose dramatically, while larger animals like antelope and giraffe avoided evacuation after water pumps were deployed.

Local districts called on residents to cancel Germanys often-rowdy New Years Eve fireworks celebrations to reduce pressure on emergency services.

Even more rainfall is predicted by the German weather service, though Ms Behrens noted that we currently do not expect that the forecast rain will dramatically worsen the situation.

The Lower Saxony State Office for Water Management said that the flood peak had been reached.

Houses are submerged in water as city of Verden, in north-western Germany, is hit by a flood - FABIAN BIMMER/REUTERS/REUTERS

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Before the end-of-year pontifical mass in Cologne Cathedral with Cardinal Woelki, the area around the cathedral is heavily guarded by police with machine guns, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. German authorities say they have detained three more people in connection with a reported threat to Cologne Cathedral over the holiday period. (Thomas Banneyer/dpa via AP)

BERLIN (AP)  Three more people were detained Sunday in connection with a reported threat of an attack on the Cologne Cathedral over the holidays, German authorities said.

The detentions came only days after a 30-year-old Tajik man was detained in relation to an alleged plot to attack the world-famous cathedral by Islamic extremists in the western German city.

The suspects were detained in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne and Dueren in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and their apartments were also searched there. No details about their identities were released.

All of the detained suspects  including the Tajik who was arrested last week  allegedly belong to a larger network that included people across Germany and in other European countries, according to Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns, German news agency dpa reported.

The attack was supposed to have been carried out with a car loaded with explosives, local media reported.

Cologne police said in a Sunday news conference that the cathedral's underground parking garage had been searched and that explosives detection dogs had been deployed  but nothing was found. Since the early morning, the entrance and exit of the underground garage had also been checked for suspicious activity.

North Rhine-Westphalias Interior Minister Herbert Reul called the latest detentions a success, for which I would like to thank the investigators."

Islamic extremists have always been active, but they are currently more active than usual and the Catholic cathedral was a prime target for them, Reul said, according to dpa. The police always try to be a few steps ahead," he added.

Police had received information about a planned militant attack on Cologne Cathedral shortly before Christmas. The attack was to be carried out on New Year's Eve.

The citys world-famous cathedral has been under high protection for a week and the threat led to the closure of the house of worship for tourists since Christmas Eve.

Usually, more than 100,000 tourists visit the cathedral in the last week of the year. In recent days, only worshippers were allowed to enter the building for Mass, but they had to go through thorough security checks involving sniffer dogs.

On Sunday evening, around 1,000 police officers were on duty around the cathedral as revelers began celebrating the end of 2023.

Reul, the state interior minister, encouraged people to celebrate and not stay at home despite the attack threat.

Islamist terror is still a threat on German streets, he said. We have often suppressed that. And whenever there is a one-off event like this, we are all very electrified again.

However, it would be wrong to panic, said Reul. I say: Celebrate! Behave yourselves! Take care  and enjoy the transition into the new year.
Kai Wegner (2nd R), Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Iris Spranger (3rd R), Berlin Senator for the Interior and Sport, talk to firefighters at Fire Station 2500 in the Wedding district during the New Year's Eve. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa

Three more suspects were arrested on Sunday in connection with a planned terrorist attack on Cologne Cathedral as Germany readied for New Year's Eve celebrations, which police fear could turn violent in Berlin.

Shortly before Christmas, police received information about a planned Islamist plot against the cathedral, with the last night of 2023 seen as a possible target.

A Tajik was arrested on December 24 but further arrests were made in the same state of North Rhine Westphalia after police discovered he was part of a larger network. Flats were also searched.

The planned attack was to have been carried out with a car, Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns told a news conference on Sunday.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul spoke of a "success, for which [he] would like to thank the investigators."

Islamist extremists had always been active, he said, but were currently more active than usual. "The police always endeavour to be a few steps ahead."

Around 1,000 officers were on duty around the cathedral on Sunday as Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki celebrated an end-of-year Mass.

"I would like to thank our security forces ... whose presence means we can celebrate religious services whereby the fundamental right to practise religion freely remains guaranteed in our country," he said.

Authorities in Berlin have different worries and fear riots which marred last year's festivities.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner visited a police station in the Neukolln district, which has seen trouble on New Year's Eve in the past.

"Tonight is the night, if necessary, where the rule of law will try to assert itself. It will be a night of suppression," he told reporters, as fireworks could be heard in the background.

Around 4,500 police officers from the capital and other states are on duty in Berlin, with the big New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate already open amid strict security controls.

Around 500 people threw fireworks at each other near Alexanderplatz, a busy square in the centre of Berlin. The police dispersed the group at the landmark Neptune Fountain and checked for fireworks, the police announced on X.

"From a group of around 200 people who were at the Rathauspassagen [shopping centre], our forces were shot at with pyrotechnics," it continued, adding that arrests were being made.

Germany - especially Berlin - has a tradition of small groups sending up fireworks from the street, risking violence or injuries.

Police have banned fireworks in certain areas of the city, including parts of Neukolln, with force helicopters helping with patrols.

A police spokeswoman said the first few hours of New Year's Eve had been "relatively relaxed" and Neukolln was "very, very quiet."

As people began testing pyrotechnics in the run-up to midnight, a man in Berlin lost his hand after setting off a firework on Saturday.

The 40-year-old had ignited the rocket on the terrace of a bungalow, police said. It exploded in his hand immediately and he was taken to hospital. Further pyrotechnics were found on him and confiscated.

According to initial findings, the firework was a category F4 rocket, which is reserved for professional use.

Fireworks for New Year in Germany are only legally allowed to be publicly purchased during the last three days of the year, and only up to a certain grade.

Meanwhile a Berlin man who allegedly fired pyrotechnics from a gun on a balcony triggered a police special forces raid.

The 33-year-old was arrested on Saturday evening and officers searched his flat on the ninth floor of an apartment block, police said. A rifle, blank-firing weapon, eight airguns and corresponding ammunition as well as a knife were seized.

Germans seem so busy with fireworks that going to church on New Year's Eve or any other day seems increasingly a thing of the past, except in places such as Catholic Cologne.

According to the Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Batzing, the two major churches in Germany - mainstream Protestant and Catholic - are in dramatic decline.

"The loss of members is rapid, their social significance is dwindling," the Catholic bishop of Limburg was to say in his New Year's Eve sermon in Frankfurt.

The text of his speech, which was circulated in advance, read: "Our country is becoming more secular and the majority of the population is hardly approachable in religious terms."

Batzing referred to a study on church membership published this year, for which more than 5,000 people were surveyed.

"Only 48% of the population in our country now belong to one of the two major churches," summarized Batzing.

"The criticism of the church as an institution is confirmed, but at the same time the theory that people take their religion out of the churches and into the private sphere is refuted."

Kai Wegner (L), Governing Mayor of Berlin, talks to firefighters at Fire Station 2500 in the Wedding district during the New Year's Eve. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa

Police officers gather during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Kottbusser Tor in the neighborhood of Kreuzberg during the New Year's Eve. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Archbishop of Cologne, celebrates the end-of-year pontifical mass in Cologne Cathedral. Thomas Banneyer/dpa
France and Germany have ramped up security ahead of New Years Eve celebrations following warnings that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas had raised the risk of terror attacks.

Police in the German city of Cologne are bolstering their forces following a report that Islamist groups may be planning an attack on the citys famous cathedral on New Years Eve.

Officer Martin Lotz said at a press conference on thet officers carrying submachine guns and wearing protective vests would be deployed in the city.

The citys gothic cathedral announced it will only open for church services until further notice due to the current security situation, according to a statement it posted on social media.

Meanwhile, in Berlin, police are attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks through social media channels.

Dont attack us. Dont shoot at us with fireworks and rockets. Avoid penalties or several years in jail, Berlin police warned in a video released on X, formerly known as Twitter, in the lead up to New Years Eve.

Concerns are heightened after last years New Years Eve celebrations in Berlin turned into violent riots. Several were injured, including police officers and firefighters who said fireworks were deliberately aimed at them. The pyrotechnics also sparked street fires.

City authorities have established three firework-free zones in the citys district of Neukolln  an area which became a flashpoint for pro-Palestinian demonstrations in recent weeks.

According to German newspaper Die Zeit, Berlins governing mayor, Kai Wegner, said that police in the capital are better equipped this year than last year, and will use full force if necessary.

Wegner has also acknowledged that the security situation this year will be more tense due to the events that have unfolded since October 7.

Similarly Barbara Slowik, chief of Berlins police force, described an intense need to protect Jewish and Israeli people on New Years Eve.

Referring to the heightened tensions caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict, Slowik warned we are certainly assuming that these emotions will also be acted out on the streets, according to public broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Very high terrorist threat

Meanwhile France will deploy 90,000 officers as the country faces very high terrorist threat, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Friday.

I have asked for a very strong mobilisation of our police and gendarmes in a context of very high terrorist threat due to, of course, what is happening in Israel and Palestine, Darmanin told journalists.

The number of police mobilized is around the same as that for the New Years Eve last year, according to data from the French Interior Ministry.

Apart from terrorist threats, France traditionally sees a rise in minor offences, especially burning cars, as people celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

The French Interior Ministry hailed a decrease in number of cars burned on December 31, 2022, with 690 compared to 874 cars set on fire on December 31, 2021.

The beefed-up security comes after similar measures were put in place across several European countries ahead of Christmas Eve.

Countries including France, Germany and Austria increased security checks and protections for churches ahead of Christmas Eve Mass and celebrations.

Earlier in December, four alleged Hamas members suspected of plotting terror attacks on European soil were arrested by German and Dutch authorities.

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ST. LOUIS  As we look ahead to the new year, FOX 2s commitment to investigative journalism continues.

From taking on questionable government spending to looking at mapping daycare dangers, our investigators are here for you.

Above is a look at some of the high-profile stories covered this year FOX 2s Elliott Davis, Chris Hayes and Mike Colombo.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Got a sweet tooth? Need a belated holiday gift?

Lees Candies in Boise makes chocolates, truffles, fudge, caramels and nut clusters by hand in the back room of its Vista Avenue storefront.

The family-owned business, passed down through generations after getting its start in downtown Boise in 1947, sells over 100 types of candy, made with the same recipes and techniques the shop used 70 years ago.

In addition to caramels, truffles and fudge, Lees Candies also sells sour candies, mints and authentic Turkish Delight.

Its most popular product off the shelf is its greatest hits 1-pound assorted gift box, which has a little bit of the best of everything the shop makes, co-owner Katie Fernandez said. That includes its orange cream truffle, available in milk or dark chocolate (like most other treats at Lees); its Monte Carlo, packed with a soft caramel center and vanilla cream; and its Victoria cream, which has butter rum and pieces of walnut.

Those three are our most popular flavors, Fernandez said. Our peanut brittle, caramels and turtles, which we call slowpokes, are also super popular.

The shops caramel is made in a copper kettle in the back of the store. Chocolates are rolled by hand and the sugar-butter mixture that forms toffee is poured out on large stone tabletops, where its topped with chocolate and nuts and later, once cooled, broken apart.

Lees Candies employee Isaac Duff stirs caramel in a copper kettle in the stores backroom. Copper kettles are popular in commercial candy-making because copper transfers heat significantly faster than iron or stainless steel, spreading the heat more evenly across the surface of the pot.

Workers at the store make up to 5,000 pieces of candy a day leading up to the holiday season.

The busiest month for Lees Candies is December, where the stop makes about a third of its sales. Business picks up again around Valentines Day, Easter and Mothers Day, Fernandez told the Idaho Statesman.

Christmas is by far our busiest time of the year, Fernandez said. She co-owns the store with her father, Ken Fernandez.

The father-daughter duo bought the shop from the Nokleby family in 2020. Founder Lee Nokleby retired in 1983, passing the reins to his son Curtis Nokleby, who ran the store for decades before retiring himself and selling it to the Fernandezes.

Lees Candies moved to the Vista Village Shopping Center in 1972 from its previous location on Jefferson Street.

Dozens of customers stopped by on the Thursday morning before Christmas to buy gifts for loved ones. Several told a Statesman reporter theyd been going for years, and that the location is a top spot for high-quality chocolates.

Barbara Kennedy, of Boise, said shes been buying chocolates from the shop for over 35 years. She usually picks up gifts for birthdays, holidays or other special occasions.

They make their own products in store, so not only is it a local business, but the chocolates and everything are hand-dipped right here in town, Kennedy said. So its perfect for a special gift from Boise.

This holiday season, she ordered some of the stores bridge mix, which includes chocolate-coated nuts, raisins, brittles and caramels. A 1-pound box costs $31.50.

This assorted chocolates box includes an orange cream, peppermint cream, chocolate walnut supreme and coconut cream, among other truffles.

Judy Link also visited the store for some holiday gifts.

They happen to have just what I wanted this year, Link told the Statesman. And what might that be? Chocolate Santas, chocolate presents and chocolate balls for her son- and daughter-in-law. Link said she liked supporting the locally owned business.

Their candy is very good, she said.

Co-owner Fernandez, who was on a first-name basis with several customers, moved between the back and front of the store, helping customers order while orchestrating the candy-making in the backroom.

Lees Candies co-owner Katie Fernandez used to be a personal trainer. Now she makes and sells chocolates.

She helped Sean Mallea, in town for Christmas, place a gift order for a few of his family members. Mallea grew up in Boise but now lives in Eugene, Oregon. He recalled going to Lees Candies as a kid.

Ive been here many times, he said. Its great quality, which takes some of the guesswork out of it.

Mallea got almond brittle for his aunt, which he know(s) she likes.





He also ordered half a pound of caramels with walnuts for his mother and another half pound of pure caramels for his girlfriends mother.

Lees Candies employee Jacquie Williams packs assorted chocolates into a box in the stores backroom. The business offers subscriptions and same-day delivery.

Fernandez said the best part of the job is talking to customers whove supported the business long before she and her father took over.

A huge part of our customer base is those loyal customers that have been coming for years, she said. I dont think I ever work out front without hearing some story from somebody whose family has been coming for generations  customers who either used to go when they were little, or their mom or grandma used to do it and they carry on the tradition.

More Boise kids than ever will get Christmas gifts through Salvation Army this year

Is the Farmers Almanacs winter forecast accurate? Heres how it did in Boise last year
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Sunday criticized efforts to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot, saying that disqualifying him would allow him to play the victim card heading into the primaries.

During an interview on CNNs State of the Union, host Dana Bash asked Sununu, a Republican, about his reaction to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows recent ruling that Trump is constitutionally ineligible to appear on the states primary ballot next year over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Sununu, a vocal critic of Trumps since the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, decried the ruling as political in nature.

Look, if there was any validity about keeping Trump off a ballot, you would see 48 other states trying to do the same thing, Sununu said. Personally, I think this is very politically motivated by the Maine secretary of state  Trump should be on the ballot. Everybody understands that.

This is a politician who I think has political aspirations down the road and trying to make a little bit of a name for herself, he added. Everybody just hopes that the ... U.S. Supreme Court gets involved, overturns what Maine and Colorado are trying to do, make sure Trumps on the ballot in 50 states, and we move on.

Asked whether he agrees with some Republicans, such as GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie, who argue that removing Trump from the ballot would make him a martyr, Sununu replied, Of course.

This would only ... boost his opportunity to play that victim card down the road as we hit the primaries, he added. Its not helpful at all, and I just dont think its right.

In a separate interview on CNN, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a former member of the House Jan. 6 committee, also weighed in on the argument that efforts to remove Trump from the ballot would make him a martyr.

It may or may not. The question is, what does the Constitution say? Donald Trump can strike the pose of the martyr in any given context, he said. If hes allowed to stay on the ballot despite his clear incitement of an insurrection and attempt to overturn the results in the 2020 election, and he loses to Joe Biden, as he almost certainly would  Biden beat him by more than 7 million votes last time, and we just have millions of young new voters whove joined the rolls, and they cant stand Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

If he loses, he will feel himself a martyr there, and he will try to overturn the election result again, he added. So I dont think we can run scared from Donald Trump.

The Colorado Supreme Court this month issued a first-of-its-kind ruling that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution  which states that no one who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion after having sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution can hold office  prohibits Trump from holding office again due to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Trump is expected to appeal the ruling by the Colorado high court to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Courts in Michigan, Arizona and Minnesota have ruled against efforts to bar Trump from the 2024 ballot in those states.

Republican Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Receives Endorsement From New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu In Manchester (Sophie Park / Getty Images)

Sununu, who has endorsed Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, was also asked whether she made a mistake by declining to say that slavery was a cause of the Civil War during a New Hampshire town hall last week.

Haley said that it came down to the role of government. She later appeared to backpedal, saying in a radio interview on Good Morning New Hampshire that of course, the Civil War was about slavery and that her comments reflected what it means to us today.

Well, look, she cleared it up quickly, right? Obviously, if something needs to be cleared up a little bit, you wish you had said it a little differently the first time, but it was quickly cleared up, Sununu said. Its an absolute nonissue. She said, like you said, of course it was slavery.

I think she was talking more to the freedoms and liberties that we want for every American and the lessons that come out of that going forward. So, yes, I think she just kind of skipped right over the obvious, he added. And, yes, I guess the press and folks wanted to hear her come back to the obvious on slavery. She cleared it right up and everyones moving on.

Asked again whether Haleys initial comments were a mistake, Sununu agreed: I mean, yes. If you have to clear up an answer, you go, gee, I guess I should have answered that differently. Lets go clear it up, so, yes, sure.

Sununu also weighed in on the candidacy of Christie, whom he said he considers a friend, saying the former New Jersey governors race is at an absolute dead end.

This is a two-person race, right? Its between Trump and Nikki Haley. Everybody understands that, Sununu said, also noticeably leaving out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He knows his voters, who want to see Trump defeated, are all coming over to Nikki Haley. In fact, the only person that wants Chris Christie to stay in the race is Donald Trump, right? I mean, think about the irony of that.

Asked whether Christie should drop out of the race before the primaries, Sununu said, Theres no doubt that if Christie stays in the race, the risk is that he takes [Haleys] margin of the win, right?

And so I think Chris is going to make a quick calculation, he said. Hes really  obviously really upset all the pro-Trump people, right? I think hes a smart guy. He wants to have a voice in this party. He doesnt want to go forward upsetting all the anti-Trump people too because he kind of overstayed his welcome, put his ego first. So I just think hes going to make the right decision in the end.

In a statement Sunday afternoon, Christie spokesman Karl Rickett said, "The events of the last few days fully solidifies the point that Christie has been making for six months.

"That the truth matters," he added, "and if you cant answer the easy questions you cant fix the big problems."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now promising that if hes elected president in 2024, hell pardon Donald Trump if the former president, who is facing 91 felony charges in four indictments, has been convicted.

The Republican presidential candidate, during a stop Friday in Iowa, declared that he already said that long ago when questioned about whether hed pardon the Republican nominations front-runner.

I think weve got to move on as a country and, you know, like Ford did to Nixon, because the divisions are not in the countrys interest, said DeSantis, adding that he said that months ago when asked about pardoning the former president.

A DeSantis campaign spokesperson responded simply Correct when asked by NBC News on Saturday to clarify if the Florida governor was committing to granting Trump a presidential pardon.

In Iowa @RonDeSantis fully committed to pardoning former President Trump if he's convicted. After I pressed DeSantis for clarity, his response was he "said that months ago," but tonight was the clearest he's been yet. @NewsNationpic.twitter.com/j4JXitQgH4  Libbey Dean (@LibbeyDean_) December 30, 2023

DeSantis recent remarks about the former president arrive months after he was asked whether hed look at potentially pardoning Trump supporters convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and Trump himself, whose charges include attempting to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents taken from the White House when he left office.

On day one, I will have folks that will get together and look at all these cases, who are people, who are victims of weaponization or political targeting, and we will be aggressive at issuing pardons, he said in May on The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, a right-wing talk radio program.

I would say any example of disfavored treatment based on politics or weaponization would be included in that review, no matter how small or how big, he said on the radio show.

In July, he said on The Megyn Kelly Show that hes going to do whats right for the country, adding that he didnt think itd be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison.

It doesnt seem like it would be a good thing, he continued, citing a pardon decision he deemed a historicmistake.

And I look at, like, you know, Ford pardoned Nixon, took some heat for it, but at the end of the day, its like, do we want to move forward as a country? Gerald Ford, who had been been Nixons vice president, pardoned him after Nixon resigned in 1974 amid the Watergate investigation, elevating Ford to the presidency.

Other 2024 Republican candidates have also weighed in on the pardon question, including former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who sided with doing whats in the best interest of the country, and Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who vowed he would pardon Trump as a first act as president.

Related...
Fire erupted in the premises of an unidentified critical infrastructure site in Kyiv Oblast after a Russian drone attack, regional governor Ruslan Kravchenko reported on Dec. 31.

The fire broke out in an open area due to the falling debris from a drone shot down by air defense, but it was extinguished quickly, according to Kravchenko.

The governor added that there were no civilian casualties nor damage to residential buildings.

"Even on the eve of the New Year, the enemy (Russia) continues to carry out terrorist attacks," Kravchenko wrote on Facebook.

Russian forces launched 49 Shahed-136/131 drones overnight, mostly targeting civilian, military, and infrastructure infrastructure in front-line regions  such as Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, according to the Air Force.

Twenty-one drones were downed by air defense, it added.Russia launched drones from Russian-occupied Crimea, Krasnodar Krai in the lowermost part of Russia, and Russias Kursk Oblast, above Ukraines Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.

In addition to attack drones, Russian forces also struck Kharkiv with six S-300 missiles, with local authorities reporting 28 wounded.

Earlier on Dec. 29, Russian forces launched a mass drone and missile attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, killing over 40 people.

The capital suffered the deadliest attack since the full-scale war, with the local authorities reporting 19 killed.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russias largest air attack on Ukraine kills 30, injures over 160

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NEW ORLEANS  The South will have a soggy start to 2024 with a wet weather pattern setting up over the Gulf Coast states, bringing heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding for Texas early in the week and down to Central Florida by midweek.

A parade of low-pressure systems marching across the U.S. will bring a buffet of active weather from rain to snow across the country. In the South, a system moving over the Gulf states will bring heavy rain to drought-stricken areas needing moisture. However, a lot of rain in a short period will be hard for the dry soil to absorb and may lead to flash flooding.

CLIPPER SYSTEM TO SPREAD SNOW, WINTRY MIX FROM GREAT LAKES TO INTERIOR NORTHEAST THROUGH NEW YEAR'S DAY

Rain started on Tuesday across south Texas as the area of low pressure began to take shape.

Another wet day is forecast on Wednesday with another inch of rain forecast for South Texas, with higher amounts in isolated areas, including near Corpus Christi.

By Wednesday, the area of low pressure will continue its journey east and be located off the coast of New Orleans in Louisiana by early morning, the FOX Forecast Center said. With this shift, the flash flooding threat will extend over a greater area from Lake Charles, Louisiana, down to Tampa, Florida.

"The energy from the West Coast, that low, tracks into the northern Gulf of Mexico, and it kind of gets its second life," FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar said. "And this warm front is going to be drifted right along the I-10 corridor, shaking up those showers from Lake Charles to New Orleans all the way up through Birmingham, Alabama."

Heavy rain is forecast in Shreveport, Alexandria and Baton Rouge in Louisiana and Gulfport, Mississippi, on Wednesday, with forecast totals between 1-2 inches.

"It's going to be real soggy on the Gulf Coast, central Gulf Coast, as we go into the middle part of the week," Minar said.

On Thursday and Friday, rain will overspread most of Florida and southern Georgia, before moving off into the Atlantic Ocean.

SATELLITE IMAGES GIVE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE OF DISASTERS FROM SPACE IN 2023

The South is under various stages of drought, including exceptional drought in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. These areas are in need of moisture, including New Orleans, where the rainfall totals are 16 inches below normal.

"It is going to take a number of storms, not just one, to remove the drought that has unfortunately plagued this area," Minar said.





Original article source: Gulf Coast system raises flood threat from Texas to Florida through midweek
JERUSALEM  It's been a busy last few weeks for Israeli troops battling Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. In addition to uncovering large caches of munitions and complex tunnel networks snaking beneath hospitals, U.N. facilities and schools, soldiers have located the luxury residential complexes that until recently were home to some of Hamas most senior  and, apparently, most pampered  Hamas leaders.

"Its a neighborhood of homes belonging to Hamas leaders and very wealthy people," Col. Elad Tzuri, commander of the IDFs 7th Brigade, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview from the neighborhood in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, roughly 2 miles from the Mediterranean coast.

Khan Younis is the birthplace of many of Hamas' most senior commanders, including Yahya Sinwar, its top leader in the strip and the mastermind behind the Iranian-backed terror groups brutal Oct. 7 massacre against Israel; his brother, Mohammed Sinwar, who commands Hamas southern brigade; Mohammed Deif, head of the terror groups military wing; and Rafaa Salameh, Hamas Commander of Khan Younis Battalion.

Recently, the IDF put a collective $1 million bounty on the heads of the four men, declaring them its most wanted.

ISRAEL'S MOST WANTED: BUTCHER OF KHAN YOUNIS, OTHER HAMAS TERRORISTS NOW IN IDF'S SIGHTS

Tzuri, who reached the southern city with his troops days after the U.S.-Qatari-Egyptian mediated cease-fire with Hamas collapsed Dec. 1, told Fox News Digital, "In every house we entered, we found evidence of combat and weapons. There was not one house without RPGs, Kalashnikovs, rockets and entrances to tunnels."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The commander described the neighborhood, which also included vacation homes of other Hamas leaders, as "fancy."

"The leaders lived here in very nice homes," he said. "In the neighborhood where I am right now, we found the home of Gazas deputy prime minister. Its a big and fancy house. . They lived a fancy life here and were not ashamed of their wealth."

Sinwar's blown up mansion in Gaza.

Israeli media footage of journalists embedded with IDF troops this week showed that most of the neighborhood is now reduced to rubble, with deep craters caused by Israeli airstrikes. Tzuri told Fox News Digital there were tunnel shafts in nearly every location.

"It looks like all of Hamas money goes either to their leaders or to terror," he said.

Michael Nahum, chief operating officer of the Center for Peace Communications, a D.C.-based think tank, told Fox News Digital, "The more lavish homes in Khan Younis belonged to Hamas stalwarts and their families, many of whom are originally from there.

"The corruption of Hamas leadership class has been an open secret for years."

ISRAEL'S HUNT FOR HAMAS TERROR GROUP LEADER YAHYA SINWAR: DEAD MAN WALKING

He said Moaz Haniyeh, son of Hamas political bureau chairman Ismail Haniyeh, even had a nickname of Abu al-Aqarat  Father of Properties  for his extensive real estate holdings in Gaza made possible by his fathers influence. Haniyeh, who lives in Qatar, is said to be worth billions.

According to Nahum, Hamas leaders began building their power  and their wealth  almost as soon as they seized power over the Palestinian enclave in 2007, forcing out members of the rival Fatah political party in a violent coup.

Facing isolation as a U.S. and Israel-designated terror organization, Hamas began building a network of smuggling tunnels under its southern border with Egypt. By 2012, Nahum said, the group was transferring half a billion dollars in goods annually and exacting "import duties" in excess of 14.5%.

"As one smuggler put it, the choice was to pay Hamas or get shot in the legs," said Nahum, adding that, even with growing poverty and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, "Hamas imposed a range of taxes on its people to fund an opaque budget, even the purpose of which is secret."

A 2022 report by The Associated Press observed that Hamas "offers few services in exchange [for these taxes], and most aid and relief projects are covered by the international community."

In a recent interview, prominent Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk admitted to Russia Todays Arabic channel that the group, which effectively governs the Strip, was not responsible for civilians.

HAMAS BILLIONAIRES: LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND TERRORISTS

"Everybody knows that 75% of the people in the Gaza Strip are refugees," he said. "It is the responsibility of the United Nations to protect them and, according to the Geneva Convention, it is the responsibility of the occupation [Israel] to provide them with all the services as long as they are living under occupation."

"The paradox of Hamas leaders living lavish lives, while their people starve, is nothing new for Palestinians and the broader Arab world," Khaled Hassan, a political risk and intelligence analyst with over 13 years of experience working in the Middle East, told Fox News Digital.

"In a region of paradoxes, Hamas built tunnels into Sinai and carried out attacks in collaboration with Sinai-based terrorists."

The U.K.-based Hassan's areas of research include digital threats, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and disinformation, propaganda, radicalization and terrorism in the Arabic-speaking world.

"They targeted Egypts military, police and civilians, but nevertheless demanded that the Egyptian government not flood their smuggling tunnels. They also built luxurious vacation homes and demanded of their people to live on scraps," he said.

"Their leaders and middle-rank militants run a Mafia-like style of governance," Hassan added. "They force Palestinian women to marry their rapists, regularly seize property and businesses by force, as well as attack, mutilate and murder their Palestinian political opponents. Yet, they want you to believe that they hold the moral high ground.

"By eradicating Hamas, Israel is paving the path for a safer, more prosperous Middle East."

Throughout the past few weeks, the IDF has shared documentation and footage of its discoveries in Khan Younis and other locations throughout Gaza. In one home, belonging to a senior Hamas commander, soldiers found suitcases stuffed with the shekel equivalent of about $1.5 million in cash. In a hospital in northern Gaza, they found weapons concealed in NICU incubators. In yet another location, they found dolls wired with speakers cynically aimed at confusing and ambushing soldiers.

However, the biggest revelation in recent days has been the maze of tunnels snaking beneath major urban areas, equipped with elevators, electricity, ventilation and heavy iron blast doors. The tunnels, especially those located in central Gaza City, below Hamas headquarters, were found stocked with food, water and other products that would allow for prolonged stays below the ground.

The army also said it had found evidence the tunnel network was used by senior Hamas officials, including Haniyeh, Sinwar and Deif. In one video taken from Hamas own archives, Mohammed Sinwar is seen driving a car through an underground cavern.

As more of Hamas terror infrastructure is revealed, experts are estimating that billions of dollars were used by the group to procure weapons, including rockets still being fired daily against major population centers in Israel, and build the elaborate subterranean system, where Hamas leaders are still hiding 2 months into a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of Gazans.





Original article source: Hamas leaders lived like wealthy celebrities in Gaza terror reign prior to Oct. 7 massacre
Frank Proctor, 101, was carried down the stairs in his wheelchair on Boxing Day so that he could join family and friends

A story about a broken lift that left pensioners stuck over Christmas is among our most read this week in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

Formula 1 legend's daughter opens up about homelessness

The daughter of a Formula 1 legend has described how she went from jet setting to homelessness before turning her life around.

Christianne Ireland grew up following her father Innes Ireland around race tracks, spending her days with champions like Stirling Moss and Graham Hill.

In 2016 she found herself homeless and addicted to alcohol - but said volunteering at a small allotment saved her life.

Police dog saves man's life in New Forest

A police dog has been praised for saving a man's life during her first month on duty.

German shepherd Moxie joined Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary as a general purpose dog in October.

Within weeks on the job she tracked down a man who had left his home with the intention of ending his own life in the New Forest, the force said.

Broken lift leaves residents stuck over Christmas

Janet Horton, 91, has struggled to get down the stairs while the lift is out of action

Residents in a retirement block were stuck inside over Christmas after the only lift in their building broke down.

It meant many of those with mobility problems at Linden Court on Wessex Road, Southampton, had to change their festive plans.

Housing association Saxon Weald Homes wrote to residents to say the lift would be prioritised in January.

Cruise ship sinking 'clear as day' 60 years on

A former Royal Marine musician involved in the rescue effort of one of the worst UK cruise ship disasters has said it is "still as clear as day" 60 years on.

The TSMS Lakonia caught fire on its way from Southampton to Madeira on 22 December 1963, claiming the lives of 128 people.

John Ware, then aged 19, was on board aircraft carrier HMS Centaur as it steamed towards the stricken vessel.

BBC presenter takes part in panto

Pantomimes with big names, splashy costumes, and a welcome dose of family fun have been packing the stalls over Christmas.

And audiences have been flocking to Southampton's Mayflower Theatre for this year's festive offering - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Christopher Biggins and Diversity.

BBC South Today presenter David Allard went along along to immerse himself in the world of panto for the day.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
Jean luc Carrucciu and Allison Slovik opened Les Toiles on South County Road in December. The store specializes in fabrics, custom upholstery, clothing, accessories and home decor products.

A popular Hamptons fashion and home goods store with a loyal following has opened a second location in Palm Beach.

Les Toiles, the sister store of Les Toiles du Soleil on Park Place in East Hampton, opened at 361 S. County Road on Dec. 8  15 years to the day since the first Les Toiles du Soleil store opened in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, said Jean luc Carrucciu, the store's co-founder and operator.

More: Palm Beach Atelier opens for a second season at historic Paramount Building

"That was a sign," Carrucciu said. "We celebrated 15 years of our success opening the store in Palm Beach."

When that first store opened, it offered only the distinct, colorful fabric for which it is named, Les Toiles du Soleil, which is made in the South of France.

Since then, Carrucciu and his business and life partner, Allison Slovik, expanded the store's items to include home goods, clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes and other accessories and gift items.

Cotton totes are available at Les Toiles.

The first concept store became known for importing the unique Les Toiles du Soleil fabrics, which historically date back more than 150 years, Carrucciu said.

"This material was obsolete until 25 years ago," he said. "This younger couple, decorators from the South of France, decided to turn this very traditional material to a more contemporary look."

It first came onto Carrucciu's radar nearly 17 years ago. It arrived at the perfect moment in his life: "I really wanted to bring something different from what we would see in most of the home decor stores in the United States," he said, adding that he felt there was a lot of beige, gray and white  "very safe colors," he said.

He was visiting his ex-wife's family, who lives in the South of France close to the border with Spain. Every time he visited, he would go to same department store, where there was an entire floor of Les Toiles du Soleil.

He found out that the company had a store in Paris, a mill in the South of France and a presence in Tokyo. "I decided, we need to bring this to New York," he said. "We need to bring this material to the American market."

Soft dresses are available at Les Toiles.

Carrucciu met with the company's owner and toured the mill, with looms from the 1940s. "These are the only looms that are able to manufacture this fabric," he said. He knew this was the moment, and he began working toward opening the store in Chelsea.

After about five years, Carrucciu heard the siren song of the Hamptons, sung to him by some of his loyal shoppers who knew the store would find success in one of the region's small upscale beach communities.

Carrucciu travels to find artisans and new brands for the stores, and he usually spends all winter looking for the best textiles, jewelry and home goods.

The company label is seen on this cotton cosmetic bag, which was woven on a 1920s-era loom in the French Pyrenees.

He started looking at the possibility of opening a store in Palm Beach before the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, he couldn't find a suitable space. He restarted his search for the right spot on the island last year, working with broker Judge Moss of Sotheby's International Realty.

Starting in September 2022, Carrucciu and Slovik regularly traveled to Palm Beach to scope out potential locations. A year later, this past September, Carrucciu set a date to travel to the island to meet with Moss.

"I knew that he didn't have anything but I had a feeling that something would happen," Carrucciu said. "I decided, I'm going to go there and see Judge, and let's see what he has to offer."

The exterior of Les Toiles, which opened Dec. 8 on South County Road.

They went first to see a space on Royal Poinciana Way that was too large, Carrucciu said.

Another space wouldn't be available until April, and it was better suited for an office, he said.

While in the office space with another broker, Carrucciu said she looked suddenly at her phone: A small store had just hit the market on South County Road.

Carrucciu arrived, looked at the 500-square-foot space, looked at the windows facing South County Road  and knew it was the right spot.

"At that moment, I knew the store would be ready in a couple of months," he said. "That's what I came for. I understood why I had the feeling, why I had to come."

Les Toiles also features brightly colored espadrilles.

It was an unexpected turn for Carrucciu and Slovik, who rushed to contact their artisans and brands. While typically they would have to place an order eight to 10 months ahead for the next season, their key suppliers knew a Palm Beach store was on the horizon, and they were ready to produce, Carrucciu said.

"We are being supported by all of our designers," he said. "They were very thrilled to be represented in Palm Beach."

Many of them opened their studios just to create the collection now available at Les Toiles, Carrucciu said.

"It's not just the story of Les Toiles. It's also the story of a group of designers and entrepreneurs working together to make something happen," he said. "When you work with small artisans, they will make sure that they will support stores that are opening, even though they don't have the timeline. They work hard to make it happen."

These cotton tablecloths at Les Toiles also can be used as beach blankets.

In the nearly three weeks since opening, Carrucciu said the response from Les Toiles' supporters of the East Hampton store have visited and encouraged their friends to do so as well. "We had a very good welcoming from them," he said. "Many came. ... It's been a wonderful three weeks."

Asked if he envisioned a future Palm Beach store when he opened in Chelsea 15 years ago, Carrucciu said no. But he's loved the island since he came here on his first visit to the U.S. from France, at age 20, 33 years ago.

"I'm thrilled to be in East Hampton in the summer, and be here in Palm Beach, because I see there is a very big similarity of people wanting to see local stores that are privately owned," Carrucciu said.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Hamptons mainstay Les Toiles opens Palm Beach store
Sunday, Dec. 31

Olympia Symphony Orchestra presents More John Williams Movie Music: Celebrate New Years Eve with the Olympia Symphony, which will perform MORE John Williams Movie Music! including from the Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones movies. There will be two performances, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE., Olympia. Audience members are invited to dress as their favorite movie characters. Tickets range from $85 to $16. Following the 7 p.m. concert, the symphony will host a post-concert party  complete with door prizes, appetizers, noisemakers, dancing, and an Its Midnight Somewhere toast  in the Washington Centers Black Box. Tickets to the party are $45 and are sold separately from the concert; capacity is limited to 125 guests.

Hells Belles NYE Show: Hells Belles, the AC/DC tribute band, will perform a New Years Eve show at the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek Casino Resort. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Must by 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $26.

Monday, Jan. 1

Salish Sea Plunge: Kick off the New Year by joining others in the 10th Annual Squaxin Community Salish Sea Plunge. It will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Arcadia Boat Ramp, Southeast Lynch Road, Shelton. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and donations will be collected for the food bank.

Polar Bear Plunge: Join fellow enthusiasts for a chilling New Years ritual plunge into Long Lake in Lacey. Enjoy music starting at noon at Long Lake Park, 2790 Carpenter Road SE, then take the plunge at 1 p.m.  or stay warm and dry on shore and cheer on the swimmers. Free. All ages welcome. Information: 360-491-0857.

Offut Lake New Years Polar Plunge: You could start 2024 with a jump into the chilly waters of Teninos Offut Lake. The Lady of the Lake at Offut Lake Resort, 4005 120th Ave. SE, Tenino, is hosting the plunge at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1. The resort will be collecting donations for Bucoda Mayor and volunteer firefighter Rob Gordon, who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Therell be a lakeside bonfire, and the restaurant  open from 9 a.m. to noon  will serve biscuits and gravy, bloody marys and hot buttered rum.

Tuesday, Jan. 2

Banned Books Bingo: The Lacey Timberland Library invites you to join a fun and informative reading adventure. Play Banned Books Bingo Jan. 2 through March 31 to get better acquainted with banned titles, and make up your mind about their content. Bingo sheets will be at the Lacey Library, 500 College St. SE. Complete any horizontal, vertical or diagonal line to be entered into the prize drawing. Fill out the Prize Drawing Entry form and turn in your sheet at the library. Turn in a new sheet for each row you complete. You can participate even if the Lacey Library is not your regular library, but bingo sheets do need to be returned to the Lacey Library.

Wednesday, Jan. 3

Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentation: This presentation at 11 a.m. is an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Plans, Medicare Supplements and programs available to limited-income beneficiaries. To get a link, email jrich@southsoundseniors.org or call and leave a message at Senior Services SHIBA program at 360-586-6181 ext. 134. A registration link will be sent to you.

Saturday, Jan. 6

WET Science Center hosts Science of Snow: Get ready to dive deep into the science of snow, a fascinating world important for everything from Disney movies to avalanche protection. But be warned  youll never look at snow the same way again! Presentation at 11 a.m. and activities all day at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. SE, Olympia. Admission is free.

Would you like to have your event included in our weekly Whats Happening listing? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event. Please put Whats Happening in the subject line.
Harvard rabbi calls out Ivy League's 'history of antisemitism:' 'Time to admit it, confront it and overcome it

A visiting scholar at Harvards Divinity School has called out the prestigious university for its "history of antisemitism," encouraging the university to "admit it, confront it and overcome it."

"It is time to admit it, confront it and overcome it. One can criticize policies without calling for the end to the only homeland Jews have ever known," Rabbi David Wolpe wrote in an op-ed published Friday in the school paper, the Harvard Crimson.

Wolpe, who made headlines earlier in December after he stepped down from Harvards antisemitism advisory group, said that the outrage Jewish people generate is "oddly disproportionate."

"The energy and outrage Jews generate  making up 0.2 percent of the world population  is oddly disproportionate," Wolpe said. "Antisemitism is a wild, irrational eruption."

FBI INVESTIGATING RECORD NUMBER OF SWATTING INCIDENTS AGAINST JEWISH INSTITUTIONS, APPEARS TO BE COORDINATED

Rabbi David Wolpe attend the 2013 UCLA Neurosurgery Visionary Ball at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 24, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.

The scholar said that Israel is the only nation that is continually targeted for eradication.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Although many do so in ignorance, when people chant "from the river to the sea" the most natural interpretation of their calls is advocacy for territory without Israel, without Jews," Wolpe said.

"Israel is the only country in the world that is routinely and widely targeted for eradication," he said. "So is anti-Zionism synonymous with antisemitism?"

Harvard banners hang outside Memorial Church on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.

Harvard President Claudine Gay, who recently made headlines for refusing to say if genocide of Jews was against Harvard policy during a congressional hearing, has accused of multiple accounts of plagiarism in recent weeks.

Wolpe said that the Ivy League university has a "long and ignoble history" of antisemitsm.

The scholar pointed to recent history of Harvard President Claudine Gay's recent remarks that calls for the "genocide" of Jews would not necessarily be a violation of the universitys code of conduct.

RABBI QUITS HARVARD'S ANTISEMITISM TASK FORCE AFTER PRESIDENT'S PAINFUL TESTIMNY TO CONGRESS

"One can demand a Palestinian state without globalizing the intifada  the term for a protest that previously resulted in over 110 suicide bombings that targeted buses, cafes, and malls," Wolpe argued.

"If we cannot learn to argue civilly at Harvard, how can we have hope for the civility of other places in the world?" Wolpe wrote in the school's paper.

Rabbi David Wolpe speaks onstage during the Variety Hollywood antisemitism Summit at 1 Hotel West Hollywood on October 18, 2023, in West Hollywood, California.

Earlier this month, Wolpe resigned from his position at Harvards Antisemitism Advisory Group  citing an unacceptable campus climate.

"This has created a climate of intimidation," Wolpe told Bill Hemmer . "When students can't study, when they're afraid, when they don't want to go to their classroom, that's not anymore a question of free speech, not at university. If you want to express yourself in a paper, or you want to say something publicly at a rally, nobody thinks that that's illegitimate, but that isn't what's going on here."

"What is going on here is that a certain group is being systematically targeted over and over and over again: supporters of Israel and particularly Jews," he continued.





Original article source: Harvard rabbi calls out Ivy League's 'history of antisemitism:' 'Time to admit it, confront it and overcome it
Bentley Hendrix does latte art at Trellis Coffee Bar off Walton Way on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.

How popular is coffee? In September, the latest data report from the National Coffee Association suggested that more Americans drink coffee daily  63%  than any other beverage. Even water scored lower.

As coffee skyrockets worldwide from a common beverage to a cultural phenomenon, Augusta has not been spared. In no particular order, here are seven new coffeeshops that opened in the Augusta area in 2023 to help guide caffeine enthusiasts toward the perfectly brewed cup of java.

The Relic Coffee Co. takes its name from the thrill of discovery that owner Cesar Schettini hopes customers get after they find his new shop.

Relic Coffee Co.

1504 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta

Ecuador produces about 1% of the worlds coffee. It produces 100% of the coffee at Relic. Owner Cesar Schettini is the local ambassador for Ecuadorian coffee culture, which relies on the nations biodiversity and favorable growing conditions to produce coffee beans with varying levels of sweetness, aroma and acidity.

Drinks include the Jungla, a fizzy iced coffee sweetened with morada, a South American syrup made from fruits and dried purple corn.

Amanda Gulino (left) and Hannah Powell (right) have a cup of coffee at Trellis Coffee Bar off Walton Way on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.

Trellis Coffee Bar

1902 Walton Way, Augusta

Business partners Ross Nicholson and Brent Skelley also had been neighbors in Augustas Harrisburg neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their shared love of quality coffee and local coffeeshops helped hatch a business plan to create a location that serves custom beverages and creates a stronger sense of community.

Drinks include the TCB Delight, mixing espresso, milk, cinnamon, honey and vanilla; and the 1902, infused with lavender and garnished with rose petals.

Goat Kick Coffee Co.

935 Ronald Reagan Dr., Suite 101, Evans

The shops name comes from the mythical story of a 9th-century Ethiopian goatherder who noticed increased energy among animals in his flock that nibbled berries off a coffee bush. Goat Kick leases property at 106 N. Belair Rd. as a bean roastery, and in June 2022 was granted permission from Columbia County to place a new coffeeshop with a drive-thru near the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. The shop opened in March.

Drinks include the G.O.A.T.  a latte flavored with white mocha and hazelnut and topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and a caramel drizzle.

Shanna Lee of Harlem Java House prepares a latte flavored with pistachio syrup, the most recent syrup added to the dozens the coffeeshop already offers.

Harlem Java House

211-A N. Louisville St., Harlem

The shop isnt new, but the owners are. Sang and Shanna Lee bought the business earlier this year from Navy veteran Deborah Brawner with the promise of preserving its small-town vibe to complement the coffee. Harlem Java uses locally roasted beans and ground coffees from Augusta's Buona Caffe, one of the early architects of Augusta's rising coffee trend.

Drinks include coffee flights  similar to beer flights, where multiple smaller samples of beverages are served to customers who want to sample drinks instead of buying entire servings. If coffee isn't your choice, the Lees also serve hot-cocoa flights.

Bunker Cafe

284 Meridian Dr., Grovetown

The coffeehouse marks a new concept for Nine Line Apparel, a Savannah-based veteran-owned, pro-patriotic lifestyle brand that sells clothing and other retail products with an emphasis on supporting the military and first responders. The cafes slogan is Coffee & Freedom.

The menus hot, cold and blended drinks are made with Black Rifle Coffee, a veteran-owned roaster of premium, small-batch Colombian beans.

Manager Cassidy Eckles makes coffee at Rooted Coffeehouse in Evans, Ga., on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023.

Rooted Coffeehouse

7025 Evans Town Center Blvd., Suite 213, Evans

Mother-daughter team Heather Needles and Ali Kocher wanted to duplicate the tight-knit neighborly atmosphere of their hometown in central Illinois. The result was the first Rooted Coffeehouse, established in 2016 at Riverwood Town Center in Evans. The new Rooted, opened earlier this year, shared retail space with Alumni Cookie Dough before the latter business closed abruptly in November.

Drinks include the Fat Coffee, which mixes drip coffee with organic MCT oil, organic coconut butter, freshly made vanilla bean stevia syrup and organic coconut sugar. MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are fats found in coconut and palm oil. MCTs' reputed health benefits include increased energy and appetite control.

Ubora Coffee

116 N. Belair Rd., Evans

Just a few steps from Goat Kicks Evans roastery is Uboras second location, opened in September in a former Garys Hamburgers restaurant. The name is the Swahili word describing quality and excellence, which was the owners mission when they started their espresso bar downtown on Jones Street in 2018.

Drinks include the iced Vietnamese coffee, with four espresso shots and subtly sweetened with condensed milk.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Taste the difference: Augusta welcomed these new coffeehouses in 2023
Many wars are going on in the world but our attention, and support, is focused on the Russian attack on Ukraine, and the war between Hamas and Israel. The role of religion is integral to both conflicts.

Bob Dylan in his iconic 1964 song "With God on our Side" ended his litany of wars where the victors, in this case America, are asked, "If God's on our side, he'll stop the next war." This was written only a handful of months before President Johnson sent the first American troops into a deathtrap in Vietnam based on lies. For years a majority of the American public supported this war, which we eventually lost.

Henry Idema

Obviously, the supernatural power that believers call "God," or "Allah," or "Shiva" and once called "Zeus" did not stop the Vietnam War nor all the wars after that war, including the two I am focusing on.

Since no one has the mind of God, let's look at the religions created by humanity to worship the deity. The Russian Orthodox Church supports Putin and his aggression, sanctioning it with the promise of God's blessing to those who die for Russia. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church once the war started broke from the Russian church and supported the resistance to Russian aggression. This war is in part a religious war, similar to other wars of religion in Europe over the centuries.

In Gaza, we have Jews fighting Palestinian Christians and Muslims in a brutal slaughter that began with the slaughter of Jews. The TV images have been horrifying, beginning on Oct. 7. Religion against religion just as in Ukraine.

Netanyahu opposes a two-state solution and has vowed to carry on this war until Hamas is totally destroyed. Thus no end in sight there. Putin has vowed to put 600,000 more troops into his war and vowed not to end the conflict until he achieves victory, no matter how many tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have already died.

Both the United States and Israel voted against the United Nations resolution to impose a ceasefire to stop the killing, the only two nations to do so. There is no end in sight for this war if we put our hopes in the UN.

So at this time of the holiday season where both Christians and Jews celebrate in joy, love of friends and family, and hopes of peace, we are witnessing endless wars where religion stokes the flames of violence, while not demanding our leaders, "stop the killing."

America supplies more arms to wars than any other nation of the world, or near to it. This is a very profitable business. Being an arms dealer gives us leverage over all sides in these two wars, but I do not see us using this leverage to force a ceasefire or a solution in either war.

So what is to be done? Jesus said the truth will set us free. Part of being free is self-awareness. The three old white men who are the players in these wars, Biden, Putin and Netanyahu, and I will throw in here Trump who seeks to be president once again, all lack self-awareness. They are not popular in their own countries, although it is hard to read the Russian public with Putin's control of the media. Seventy-one percent of Americans do not want to see a Biden/Trump rematch. Don't these old men realize how unpopular they are? The Democrat and Republican parties do not seem to care and are basically lifting their middle finger to the American public.

Putin will continue his war no matter how many Russians are killed, and Netanyahu does not seem to care how many Palestinians or Jews die in this war. He is detested in his country, in part because it took eight hours before any soldiers reached the slaughter of Oct. 7. Moreover, his government neglected information on the exact blueprint of the attack plan by Hamas which an intelligence officer, a woman, figured out.

These old white men must give way for younger leadership in their countries. If they had any self-awareness, they would step down and if Trump had any self-awareness he would not run for president. New and younger leadership is the only hope I have to end wars and not start new ones. God won't do this for us.

 Henry Idema lives in Grand Haven. He can be reached at henryidema3@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Henry Idema: Two wars  where is God?
After more than 150 years, the historic Hahn Bakery in Middle Amana closed its doors for the last time Sunday, Dec. 31.

Tears of sadness and happiness have been wept inside Hahn Bakery at 2510 J St. during the past few days as longtime owner and renowned baker Doris Hahn decided to take a break after 55 years as owner.

Its unbelievable that Im retiring, Hahn said. The whole experience has been unbelievable.

Hahn said she and her husband, Jack, took over operations of the bakery from her husbands parents in 1968. Hahn, alongside her husband, learned the craft of baking for the first time,

Hahn went on to run the bakery with her husband, who passed away in the late 90s, she said.

The idea of retiring first came to Hahn about six months ago, she said.

When I said I was going to retire, people were in shock, Hahn said, laughing. Ive had company every day. The people just dont want me to quit, but I said I got to go and take some time for myself.

Since her husbands death, Hahn has dedicated herself to the bakery and the customers, she said.

Ive dedicated myself to the customers for the last 27 years, she said. Its been hard to tell them goodbye when theyre coming through, but its time for me to move on.

On Saturday, some customers who entered the storied bakery were crying, Hahn said.

Today was rough a day, she said. People were crying, but understand they want me to enjoy my life.

Although Hahn plans to enjoy retirement, she doesnt know exactly what shell do next.

I have no plans, said Hahn, who has already been offered three part-time jobs. Im just going to take one day at a time.

Although the bakery is set to see its last day on Sunday there might be a possibility to reopen soon, she said.

I wont do the baking, Hahn said. Ill probably reopen in a year or two. But first, I want to enjoy myself.

Jose Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hahn Bakery to close after 150 years as owner retires
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., at the beginning of an evening session after six failed votes to elect a speaker and convene the 118th Congress in Washington on Jan. 4, 2023. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press

The U.S. House of Representatives made plenty of headlines but not much legislative progress in its first session since Republicans regained control of Congress lower chamber.

The Houses record unproductivity in 2023 accompanied one of the narrowest margins in the countrys history, with GOP lawmakers outnumbering their Democratic counterparts 221 to 213 at the end of the year, representing a majority of just three votes in the body of 435 members.

With Republicans divided over top line spending numbers, how to avoid government shutdowns and whether to approve foreign aid, the slim red majority was devoted for weeks at a time to party infighting.

Republicans inability to work together in the face of divided government bodes poorly for early 2024 after the party, now under new leadership, shelved must-pass legislation for January and February.

Heres a look at what the House has, or hasnt, accomplished so far in the 118th Congress.

2023 by the numbers

The House of Representatives took 724 votes in 2023  mostly for bill amendments  the most in over a decade.

But only 34 of the 329 measures advanced by the House became law, the lowest number in almost 100 years, rating poorly even when compared to unproductive Congresses during the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, which both saw around 70 laws passed.

In a sign of protest against House leadership, some GOP lawmakers torpedoed four procedural votes to bring bills to the floor. This is the most rules to fail ever in a single year.

The House was in session 174 days this year, which is fairly normal.

All 435 seats were filled, and members present, during 89 days of the year.

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Congress doing its job  or not

Congress biggest accomplishment of 2023 may have been simply to avoid causing economic chaos.

During the spring, House Republicans leveraged the countrys impending default on its debt to negotiate decreased budget levels for 2024. Democrats framed the move as holding the economy hostage. Republicans complained about Democrats unwillingness to come to the table. And the most conservative members of the House decried the debt limit bill for not cutting enough spending and for attracting more Democratic support than Republican.

The subsequent appropriations process saw Republicans walk away from the amounts agreed to in the debt ceiling deal as they sought greater spending reductions in the 12 annual spending bills. But amid GOP disagreements over how to proceed through regular order, lawmakers failed to pass more than a handful of the measures, which were dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate anyway, necessitating last-minute temporary funding measures in September and November to keep the government open. With Republicans unable to agree on an alternative, both continuing resolutions were Democratic-supported extensions of 2023 funding levels, angering fiscal hawks.

The U.S. House did succeed in passing one major piece of legislation in 2023. The 3,000 page National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, was passed at record levels, allocating $886 billion to the Department of Defense, which included a 5.2% pay raise for service members, $14.7 billion to counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific and provisions ending the teaching of critical race theory in military academies. However, the bill left out other provisions banning taxpayer-funded abortion travel, military coverage of transgender medical care and warrantless searches of American communications.

Related

Punted to 2024

Legislative inaction in 2023 has set up a real headache for the House in the first parts of 2024.

In an unsuccessful attempt to appease the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., went along with a novel two-step continuing resolution to extend funding beyond the November deadline that was set in Septembers shutdown near-miss. Government funding is now set to expire in two tranches: one on Jan. 19 and the other on Feb. 2. So far, the House has passed seven of the 12 spending bills, while the Senate has only passed three. But even once the two chambers have each passed all dozen spending bills, they will need to be reconciled in a way that a majority in the House and Senate will support.

Also awaiting lawmakers when they return from the holidays is a massive supplemental aid package for the wars in Ukraine and Israel tied to border security funding. The combined package comes after a request from the Biden administration for $105 billion in military aid, including $60 billion to Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel and $14 billion for immigration enforcement at the southern border.

Ousters and expulsions

Intraparty quibbling, as well as personal wrongdoing, resulted in unprecedented drama among House members in 2023.

The House went through 19 rounds of voting in two separate House speaker races this year, which took up a total of 14 legislative days. The House was speaker-less for a total of nearly 22 days, the most since 1962.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., needed 15 ballots to secure the gavel in January  the most since the 36th Congress in 1859, and the first time in 100 years to need multiple ballots. Johnson was elected to the position after four rounds of voting, three of which were failed attempts by Rep. Jim Johnson, R-Ohio.

Related

Following McCarthys decision to move forward with a clean extension of government funding in September, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., filed a motion to vacate the speaker of the House. A handful of Republicans joined Gaetz, and all House Democrats, to boot McCarthy from the Houses top leadership position. This was the first time in U.S. history a speaker was ousted.

Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., was expelled in a 311-114 vote after an Ethics Committee report found he had had lied to donors and spent campaign funds on Botox treatments and extravagant trips with his husband, among other things, and exploited every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. Santos is the first House lawmaker to be expelled since 2002, and only the sixth ever.

Three members of the House  Reps. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y.  were censured. This is tied with 1870 for the most ever.

Related
Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers.

Home and Away's Rose Delaney is set to give Mali Hudson a major ultimatum in upcoming scenes for UK viewers.

Earlier this year, Mali's ex-girlfriend, and "promised wife" Zara Campbell turned up in Summer Bay in an attempt to win back her ex.

After Zara called Mali's mum, she convinced him to let Zara stay with him for as long as she wants, leaving Mali's current girlfriend Rose baffled.

Channel 5

Related: Home and Away's Kirby Aramoana makes desperate Lyrik plan in 2024 scenes

In upcoming scenes, yet another of Rose and Mali's dates will be interrupted when Zara crashes their evening and tells them that she feels bad for making things difficult between them.

The next day, Rose's brother Xander confronts Zara saying he knows what she's trying to do and that Mali and Rose deserve their own space.

Later, Rose tries to speak to Zara but is shut down. After deciding she's had enough of the Zara situation, Rose confronts Mali with an ultimatum  telling him it's either Zara or her.

Following the ultimatum, Mali confronts Zara and questions what she said to Rose that made her so upset. Mali then delivers a harsh message to Zara and tells her to stay away from Rose.

Channel 5

Related: Home and Away reveals aftermath of Irene Roberts' arrest in 2024 scenes

Sensing conflict, Xander tries to mediate between the warring parties and points out that Zara seems lonely, but Rose won't have it.

When Mali approaches Zara he tells her he has chosen Rose. Zara then reveals the real reason she turned up at Mali's  to justify abandoning her dream of studying law to her family, who she believes will be okay with it if she left her studies to find true love.

Being kind to his ex, Mali promises she can stay and explains the decision to an anxious Rose, saying he could stay at Rose's while Zara crashes at his place.

Home and Away returns in January 2024 on Channel 5 in the UK and Channel 7 in Australia. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.

Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage



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Unbeknown to the children of the Mendez family, Christmas for their mother, Esperanza, was a game of counting  counting hours, counting bills.

The Mendezes, who settled in Chicago after enduring the strenuous journey from their home in Maracaibo, Venezuela, had spent previous Christmases surrounded by family and visiting neighbors and loved ones. Theyd shared plates of food and gathered around chairs and tables in the street. Kids ran around and lit fireworks in the tropical, muggy air.

But this year, the hours passed slowly, a reminder of the strange emptiness in their new wintry surroundings, their relatives far away, the absence of hallacas, or traditional Christmas Venezuelan tamales.

Well see if you behaved this year, Esperanza Mendez, 47, teased her two youngest children.

Since arriving in Chicago on July 15, she has struggled to figure out where to look for housekeeping work and worried about having enough money to fill their Christmas table with food.

The family is among the nearly 8 million people fleeing violent crimes and shortages of food and supplies under Venezuelas far-left president, Nicolas Maduro. They face the brunt of social upheaval in their country of origin, stemming from a political war that goes back decades.

Of the more than 27,000 people who have migrated to Chicago in the past year, over 7,000 are children. Most of the migrants come from Venezuela.

We walked and walked, Esperanza said in Spanish, looking at her 9-year-old boy, Pedro, and 11-year-old daughter, Yuledy, and recounting her familys journey to the United States. We drank a lot of water from the rivers. It was horrible. Horrible.

Since following the Mendez family in July on their trip from El Paso to Chicago, the Tribune has been present for many of their major familial milestones in the city, including the birth of a baby boy over Labor Day weekend and their struggle to find basic necessities like housing, food and health care.

The family lives on the second floor of a home in Englewood with a few other relatives. They have a new pit bull dog, which they got after their part-chihuahua puppy  who traveled with them all the way from Venezuela  escaped out the back door of their apartment and never returned.

The kids have registered at the nearby elementary school, but cant communicate with their fellow classmates and teachers who mostly speak English. Theyve been targeted by other students in fights. Gunshots ring out on the street corners near their home. They have struggled with attendance.

As Christmas and the New Year approached, more than five months after arriving in the sanctuary city of Chicago, the children were still adjusting to their new reality.

There is nothing for them

On a recent morning, Esperanza gently brushed Pedros hair before school. Light streamed through the sheer curtains in the dark living room of the tidy two-story walk-up. She gently put one hand on his forehead to stabilize his head. He looked up at her.

Pedro, wearing a small gray backpack, flopped over on the armrest of their soft brown couch.

His sister, Yuledy, gathered her things as she also got ready for school: a pink folder to match her pink jacket. She said all the girls at school had been given matching pink coats.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary, where the children are enrolled, is 91.4% low-income and has a 51.3% chronic truancy rate, according to Illinois State Board of Education data. Of the 116 students who attend, 104 are Black and 12 are Hispanic.

A few weeks ago, the two Mendez kids had gotten into a fistfight after school. Terrified, Esperanza had made them stay home from school for weeks afterward. They spent the days lying in a room on a bare mattress playing video games.

Now they were back. That morning, Yuledy refused the bread her mom offered her, another instance of the girl refusing to eat. A worried Esperanza had recently brought her daughter to a clinic, where they recommended she see a specialist to check her weight.

Esperanza braided Yuledys long black hair, and the three of them walked the two blocks to the blacktop where children were gathering. They got in line  Yuledy for fifth grade and Pedro for fourth  and a man ushered them inside.

There is one Spanish-speaking teacher at the childrens school.

There is a boy that helps translate, but he barely comes, Yuledy said.

Aside from family, schools are the most meaningful place to rebuild a sense of normalcy and identity after going through a major displacement like Pedro and Yuledy have, according to Daysi Diaz-Strong, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who studies education and immigration.

She said children who witness atrocities and death on their journey to the United States learn quickly the world isnt safe.

And when they enroll in school, schools can either create experiences that further that thinking or can counteract that experience and provide a sense of safety, she said.

Yuledy and Pedro like going to school to have something to do during their days, they said, despite the classes being in a language they dont understand, the frequent fights that break out and having few close friends.

Outside their home, sirens are their new normal. Ambulances and blue police lights fill their street.

In this neighborhood, our kids are basically imprisoned because of safety concerns. We hear gunshots constantly. They dont play on bikes in the street. There is nothing for them, Esperanza said.

We dont look like them

The city of Chicago is struggling to provide food and medical services to thousands of migrants staying at 27 temporary shelters around the city, and there are more families outside the shelter system  like the Mendezes  who also need assistance.

According to city data, there were 5,000 migrant children in city-run shelters this Christmas. Several thousand more have settled in houses or apartments in Chicago, or have moved elsewhere.

The Chicago Public Schools system is federally required to support the enrollment and education of students who are homeless or in temporary living situations. This includes children like Pedro and Yuledy and who are doubled up, sharing a house with others due to economic hardship or a similar reason.

There were 19,295 students in temporary living situations enrolled at the end of November  a 51% increase from last November and more than ever recorded at this time of year, according to data provided by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Chicago schools are feeling the strain in the need for more bilingual resources and support.

Patricia Nix-Hodes, director of the coalitions Law Project, attributes this increase in part to the thousands of migrant children who have arrived over the past year  staying in makeshift shelters, in police station lobbies or doubled up.

That increase is very dramatic, Nix-Hodes said. And theres a lot of very critical life or death needs that families have  housing, health care, food and warm clothing. Its all of those things.

As Esperanza walked to pick up Pedro and Yuledy at the end of the day, she remarked on the need for psychological services at the elementary school.

Kids here can be violent. They dont have self-control. I think it stems from bad home life and aggressive behavior from their parents at home, she said. And then they dont receive the help they need at school.

Sounds of children playing echoed across the street to the corner where she stood, waiting. Yuledy came out the back door of the building and skipped across the crosswalk. She hugged her mom.

Pedro came running up next, his face covered in crumbs. It was the day before winter break and he told his mom there had been a big party in his class.

What happened? asked Esperanza.

We ate little cookies, Mommy. Candies and Takis, he said quickly, running his words together in excitement.

Pedro recounted his entire day to Esperanza as they walked back to their house. He had gotten his hair buzzed four days ago and swung his hips as he walked, as if trying to mimic the stride of his 20-year-old brother, Fabian.

Esperanza said that he didnt like the haircut at all, and missed the hair that used to swoop across his forehead. Yuledy walked quietly ahead of them.

When they got home, Esperanza dished out a bowl of chicken noodle soup and called Yuledy to the kitchen table.

Eat everything, you hear? Everything. Come todo, oiste. Todo, she said, sitting next to her daughter and watching until she had downed all the broth.

Esperanza asked how her day had been.

They dont want to accept us. Because we dont look like them, Yuledy said. It could be because we speak a different language. Cats and dogs fight because they dont speak the same language.

They have this spirit of happiness

It can sometimes feel like the walls of the apartment are closing in on her, Esperanza confides.

She doesnt feel like she can leave. The hallway along the steep stairs smells like cigarette smoke. Family members come and go.

Esperanza has carefully planted flowers in three plastic pots by the upstairs door, and lined the top of the wooden shelves in the kitchen with cans of diced tomatoes, beans and pink salmon. Shes placed an artificial house plant next to their small TV across from the couch.

She wants to leave her neighborhood for one with more Spanish speakers. But with her partner Hugos day-labor painting job and her inability to find work, they dont have enough money for the move.

In early December, the family bought an artificial tree from Walmart and decorated it with red, gold and green ornaments. They pooled their money to make a pasticho, a creamy and meaty Venezuelan lasagna, a nod to the strong Italian influence on their countrys cuisine.

The bills for Christmas stacked up: $100 for the tree, $37 for the pasticho. More for the ponche crema, or Venezuelan eggnog. And for Christmas Eve beer and whiskey.

We dont have the money for the Christmas meal like we would have wanted, said Esperanza.

But we drink like we do, her partner Hugo joked.

There wasnt enough money to make the traditional Christmas hallaca: the thin layer of corn dough stuffed with a stew of beef, pork, chicken, raisins and olives, wrapped and baked in fragrant banana leaves. There wasnt enough money for all the gifts the children asked for.

Yuledy and Pedro left notes in their artificial tree for the Espiritu de Navidad or Christmas Spirit, detailing what they wanted.

They have this spirit of happiness for life that seems to stay forever, said Esperanza, looking at the folded papers tucked up and away with amusement.

As is customary in Venezuela, the crinkled letters disappeared on Dec. 21. The children kept their fingers crossed.

When Im coming home

Christmas Eve arrived, finally, after weeks of waiting. And Yuledy, to her mothers surprise, cried.

Esperanza describes Yuledys character as strong and says that her daughter helps lift her up when shes down.

But Pedro  who is both Yuledys best friend and her greatest annoyance  said something especially irritating. She went to the room she shares with him and slammed the door.

Im tired of this life. I want to be with my friends, she said to her mom.

Normally the more stoic of the two kids, something inside her broke. Yuledy cried for hours.

Her best friend in Venezuela was a boy named Leonardo, whom they called Leito or little Leonardo.

Ive been his best friend for four years. He always asks where I am, and when Im coming home, she said.

She played video games with him using her moms phone. She spoke through the phone. But the messaging feature broke, and she could no longer hear his voice.

How can I talk to him? Its not working, she said, holding it up to her mom.

Isolated, scared, adjusting  nothing in America was like she had thought it would be. She was lonely. Shed left behind her friends, her grandma, everything she knew and loved. Shed crossed seven countries, without months of school, without a place to sleep, without knowing where she was going.

Traumatic experiences affect every child differently, said Tareq Yaqub, a child and adolescent psychologist at Lurie Childrens Hospital. He said he looks for behavioral or milestone regression  sleep disturbance, anger or bed-wetting  when identifying those who might need additional treatment.

Theres a lot of complexity in trying to determine what the best steps are, and this is why some of these evaluations of migrant children who have experienced such traumas really take a long amount of time. They can take hours, he said.

Ideally the city would have the capacity to see every child individually, he said, but there are not enough case managers and therapists.

Esperanza wonders at times how much her children are processing of the journey and their new life, and how much they need to process. Without being able to leave their house, their small rooms in Englewood are where they relive their time walking to get to the United States.

I see them see everything, but they quickly get distracted, Esperanza said.

Migrant parents often have a wide range of unmet mental health needs that can adversely affect the mental health of their children.

Children will struggle in the absence of parents or caregivers who can model how to cope, how to be responsive, and how to solve problems, said Aimee Hilado, a professor, clinician and an expert on immigrant trauma at the University of Chicagos Crown Family School of Social Work.

We are here. We need to accept it

We have ourselves. They have their dad. They have me, Esperanza said later in the evening, looking at her children who wore matching red Christmas pajamas and lounged on the couch.

The day was harder on Esperanza than she had anticipated. She said she spent a lot of the morning in her room remembering what she was doing last year at this time.

The feeling of missing home always lingers, but near Christmas, it felt more acute. She cried thinking about her eldest son, who died suddenly and tragically in an accident in Venezuela when he was 19 years old.

I remember him every day, but (now), its more painful, she said.

The children often go to their rooms when they hear their mother speak about the familys hardships.

Familiar Christmas Eve pasticho smells wafted through the apartment  layers of potato, meat, pasta and hard-boiled egg. Fabians girlfriend, Yolexi, emerged from their room holding her 3-month-old baby named Derick, dressed in a plaid shirt with a fur collar.

His first Christmas clothes! He looks just like a little doll, said Yuledy, holding up the baby.

The children gathered in front of the tree for a photo. Yuledy scrunched her face up.

Shes the Grinch! Yolexi said, laughing.

Yolexi put the baby down in a carrier on the coffee table, next to a stack of Marvel books and a bowl of colorful crayons.

The door to the apartment burst open and the childrens father, Hugo, came in with a couple of friends. He sat down on the couch.

On Christmas morning, a group of men from Honduras sat on the porch below the family, drinking whiskey and Modelos. A broken ceramic dish on the rail held their ashed cigarette butts. Empty beer cans littered the steps.

Theyd spent the entire night drinking, Esperanza said.

Pedro and Yuledy slept in, opened their few presents, and then sat on the couch and played video games.

It was a happy Christmas, said Pedro.

Esperanza groggily ate leftover pasticho from a tupperware in the kitchen. The childrens voices in the room took over the silence in the house.

She set out some casserole for them to heat up, and said she intended to make them a hallaca later in the week. She counted in her head what money she had left to spend on ingredients.

We are here. We need to accept it. Estamos aqui. Tenemos que aceptarlo, she said, in her sweet, raspy voice.

She left the children with their older brother and went out of her house into the damp Christmas day to try to find more money.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
Go by the standard IRS rate





To solve the issue of city vehicles taken outside Fort Worth: Why cant driving beyond city limits be computed and charged at the standard IRS rate for mileage? (Dec. 15, 13A, Fort Worths take-home car rules need work)

This would not apply to travel in the city. Start the program by giving employees a stipend covering 75% of the cost, but make it optional for future recruits.

- Daryl Knowles, Purdon

Think of what our kids lack

Thanks to the Fort Worth City Council for unanimously allocating much-needed money to improve the Worth Heights and Seminary neighborhoods. (Dec. 12, 1A, Fort Worth will spend $8M to fix up two south side areas) Yes, the Worth Heights community has been vocal about wanting a new branch library and will continue to be vocal until that plan comes to fruition. To say the La Gran Plaza shopping centers library doesnt meet the communitys needs is putting it mildly. What could be more important than childrens educational needs?

- Dora Gonzales, Arlington

Leave immigration to states

Its interesting to see the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union stating that the new Texas law allowing authorities to arrest illegal immigrants would harm Texans, in particular brown and Black communities. (Dec. 20, 6A, Groups sue over Texas law on illegal immigration) It seems to me that illegal immigration harms all Texans, regardless of race. Its going to crush this country.

We cant take care of everybody here now, much less continue to add people requiring federal resources we simply dont have. It would be nice if the federal government would uphold existing immigration laws or else get out of the way of states that have demonstrated they can do the job.

- Steve Himes, Fort Worth

After the events of Jan. 6, 2021, there have been calls for accountability for those who participated, as well as for those who may have helped instigate these occurrences. it. More than 1,100 people have been charged for their actions, and many invoked Donald Trump.

Can these individuals and Trump be disqualified from holding public office as it relates to Jan. 6? Yes. The Disqualification Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment explains that no person, shall hold any office, civil or military, that engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. government. That includes Trump.

- Les Smith, Grapevine

Nothing noble about suffering

According to Cynthia M. Allen, childbearing women must expect to suffer without recourse to medical assistance. (Dec. 19, 11A, Kate Cox, abortion and a culture that rejects suffering, brokenness) Is that true only of childbearing women, or should it be extended? Should none of us access the modern medical interventions that prolong life, reduce pain, prevent disease and enhance or preserve fertility because suffering must be expected?

I doubt Allen declines local anesthetics when she gets a filling. There is nothing noble about suffering, and I think Kate Cox, the woman in the abortion case in question, has suffered enough. Thank goodness medical care minimized it. Too bad she had to leave Texas to do that.

- Karen R. Gambrell, Fort Worth

Excellence is what matters

The Dec. 10 front-page story Foundational trust about the quality of teachers could have been an honest evaluation of competence and offered ways to improve. Instead, the Star-Telegram wrapped its arms around the progressive idea that skin color and ethnicity trump everything else. I am concerned about what this means for the future of our country. Without pursuing excellence, we are doomed.

- Michael Korenman, Fort Worth
Kimberly Jackson remembers the powerful calm that settled over her the first time she manipulated metal.

She was 18 and giving welding a try in Job Corps.

It was her auntie who had sent her there, to Kentucky  the same strong-willed, big-hearted woman who had pulled Kim out of a troubled home and raised her since she was 3.

For a while, Kim thrived under her aunts loving care. But by 16, Kim wanted to live with her own mom, who had long struggled with a drug habit. In that world, in New Jersey, Kims life went downhill, shed recall. She started using drugs too, and ran with a rough crowd.

Thats when her aunt rescued her again  and put her on the bus for Job Corps.

Shes the only one I know who will set me straight.

At first, in her training, Kim was tasked with sanding down cars. But she was far more fascinated with the work being done by the guys in fatigues.

When Kim tried on one of their helmets, it was the greatest sensation in the world. And then she started the torch, which felt even better.

All the turbulence and noise inside her seemed to come to a halt, replaced by a quiet calm.

Once I knew you could join two metals together, she said, trailing off, shaking her head at the wonder of it. Its amazing, Id never seen it being done.

After two years in the Job Corps, she moved to Bradenton to be with her aunt. For years she got good welding jobs at the shipyards or on railcars.

But through her 20s, she continued to be stalked by addiction.

Her aunt prodded her to get help. Kim had endured something traumatic as a child, her aunt told her. It was best she discover it herself.

You need to go to therapy and see what happened to you, her aunt would say.

By then Kim was a mother of two toddlers  a girl and a boy  and tried 12-step programs but backed away from counseling anytime it got too deep. She relapsed over and over until her aunt showed up on her doorstep again. This time she was there to rescue Kims kids. And Kim, beaten down by her addictions, let her  both ashamed and relieved for her children, given her state.

I love her, she said of her aunt. She raised me and for her to take in my kids  thats the biggest blessing there is.

By then her aunt had moved to Apopka and Kim would drive there to visit the kids, playing with them on the local bike trails. It broke her heart. She felt she failed them and feared what they must think of her. But she was happy to see them doing so well in the structure of her aunts home, raised with the help of her cousin and attending private schools  something they didnt have with her.

Back in Bradenton, her life remained a constant struggle with addiction into her 30s. She held down jobs, but on Fridays she would blow through much of her paycheck for weekend binges  leaving her bouncing between housing.

I was living pillar to post, she said.

In her mid-30s, she hit rock bottom. She was tired of waking up to a life in shambles. With the help of Metropolitan Ministries, she got completely clean and remained that way for more than two years.

I had to stay away from old contacts, she said.

She attended meetings and worked her jobs.

As always, welding was the one place she could slip into a zone of concentration and relax. It was a reprieve from the torment swirling inside.

My mind is always going a mile a minute, she said.

Then 18 years ago, when she was 36, she had another son. With him, she vowed not to make the same mistakes.

As he grew older, several times she tripped up, but each time she clawed her way back to sobriety.

Then four and a half years ago, she landed a job at Sarasotas Artistic Metal Works, which made spiral staircases and gates for million-dollar homes.

Her boss and tight-knit work crew became like a second family to her. They teased her for the loud and festive holiday music she played at her station and gave her rides home when she lost her license due to a DUI.

She could be having the worst day, but as soon as she crossed through those work doors, a smile graced her face.

Id just be happy.

But the decades of drug use had taken a toll on her health. Hospitalized with chronic pancreatitis and missing work, she fell behind on her rent.

The last thing she wanted was for her youngest son, by now a teen, to experience life on the streets.

She reached out to Step Up Suncoast, which turned to Season of Sharing to help her last year with a little more than $1,300 to catch up on back rent.

Help your neighbors in need: Support Season of Sharing

Since then, Kim saved to buy a mobile home. She and her youngest son moved in during the summer. There is a special added space for him so he feels like he has an apartment all his own.

She pays $650 in lot rent. Little by little, she plans to decorate.

I love it, she said.

Her housing and work both stable now, she is trying to find the same peace in her personal life.

Recently, when her mother died of a heart attack, Kim was comforted by a dream in which she visited and told Kim she loved her before driving off.

Kim, long at war with her mom, has come to realize the shame and pain she must have felt to watch her daughter go down the same path. Kim still carried her own pain, regarding her two oldest kids.

But when her older son graduated from the Army basic training, it was Kim  not her aunt, as she assumed it would be  who he chose to tap him out as part of the traditional release from formation at the ceremony when graduates are touched or embraced by a loved one.

Standing before the young man in his uniform  his face locked in stony composure  Kim could see the tears welling in his eyes.

I just hugged him, she said.

She is grateful to her aunt and cousin for the vibrant lives her oldest two children lead: her older son, 25, now a sergeant in the military, and her daughter, 27, a chef and cosmetologist.

Kim wont rest until her youngest son, now 18, graduates high school and also lands on solid ground.

Recently troubled by the crowd of friends around him, Kim talked to her boss at Artistic Metal Works, who agreed to take her youngest under his wing as an apprentice.

This month, Kim started showing her son the ropes  and he loved it. On his second day, he was up first, rousing her long before the start of their 7 a.m. shift:

Mom, wake up! We gotta get to work.

Kim, now 54, doesnt know whats next for her.

For the moment, she attends 12-step meetings online when she can and leans heavily on her faith in God.

Hes the reason Im still here.

Many days she feels tired, after the life that shes led, but she thinks theres a lot more God wants her to do. As many times as she has fallen, she has no plans of giving up.

Im a fighter.

How to help

Season of Sharing was created 22 years ago as a partnership between the Herald-Tribune and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to get emergency funds to individuals and families on the brink of homelessness in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. There are no administrative fees and no red tape  every dollar donated goes to families in need to help with rental assistance, utility bills, child care and other expenses.

You can donate to Season of Sharing by going to cfsarasota.org or calling 941-556-2399. You can also mail a check to Season of Sharing, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237.

This story comes from a partnership between the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Saundra Amrhein covers the Season of Sharing campaign, along with issues surrounding housing, utilities, child care and transportation in the area. She can be reached at samrhein@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Season of Sharing helps Bradenton welder amid a life of recovery
Six batches of infant formula got recalled in the United States market after Israels Ministry of Health found cronobacter contamination in formula made in a U.S. facility.

Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula powder can be fed to any child, but is designed mainly to be fed to babies with a cows milk allergy. Lot Nos. ZL3FHG; ZL3FMH; ZL3FPE; ZL3FQD; and ZL3FXJ in 12.6-ounce cans and, in 19.8-ounce cans, No. ZL3FRW. All have a use by date of Jan. 1, 2025. The UPC codes are No. 300871239418 or 300871239456.

The 19.8-ounce container of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic infant formula

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine), the recall notice states. Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements.

Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

The 19.8-ounce container of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic infant formula

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutritions FDA-posted recall alert says the recalled U.S. lots were made in June, distributed in June, July and August, and it is believed that much, if not all, of the products recalled in the United States have been consumed. There are no reports of illnesses or adverse events to date.

The FDA said routine testing at the Israeli border of Nutramigen formula from Mead Johnsons Zeeland, Michigan facility found cronobacter. While Israel double checked its results via whole genome sequencing, the FDA did its own testing at the Michigan facility as well as samples from the same batch tested in Israel.

All the FDAs testing came up negative for cronobacter, but Israel told the FDA on Thursday that it definitely found Cronobacter sakazakii. The FDA recommended Reckitt/Mead Johnson made a recall and the company agreed to yank 675,030 cans.

For questions or a refund, call Reckitt/Mead Johnson at 866-534-9986 or by emailing consumer.relations@rb.com. Any health problems should be taken to a medical professional.

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Power lines and commercial buildings were damaged in Kropyvnytskyi when Ukraine's central Kirovohrad Oblast came under Russian attack, Governor Andrii Raikovych reported on Dec. 31.

"Air defense responded," he wrote on his official Telegram channel.

According to preliminary information, there have been no casualties.

Explosions were reported by local media earlier in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih after a country-wide air raid alert was sounded.

Russia has stepped up its attacks against Ukraine in recent days. Russia launched a massive attack against Ukrainian cities on Dec. 29, killing over 40 people and wounding over 160. The death toll in Kyiv alone included 23 people.

Read also: Hit the Kremlin: Kyivans dont hold back after Russias mass attack kills 9, wounds 30 in the capital

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A hiker and rescuer, both injured, spent a stormy night below a Yolo County cliff before they could be airlifted to safety, California officials reported.

Rescuers from several fire agencies responded Friday, Dec. 29, to a report of an injured hiker along Highway 16 near Rumsey in the Capay Valley, the Golden Gate Division Air Operations unit of the California Highway Patrol said in a news release.

The hiker had fallen about 100 feet from a cliff, the Yolo County Sheriffs Office said.

Rescuers had to cross Cache Creek on a boat and climb a half-mile to the fallen hiker in darkness and heavy rain, officials said. One rescuer also fell and was injured.

Due to rain, darkness, and poor visibility, ground resources decided to wait until daylight to extract the injured climber, the release said.

CHP and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters also could not reach the hiker and rescuer because of poor visibility, officials said.

On Saturday morning, Dec. 30, a Coast Guard helicopter airlifted the hiker while a CHP helicopter airlifted the injured rescuer, officials said.

The hiker had critical injuries while the rescuers injuries were minor, officials said. The helicopters also airlifted the other rescuers to safety.

The Capay Valley is about 45 miles west of Sacramento.

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Man plunges 30 feet off cliff  then rescuers rush to save him, Maryland officials say
Cities, towns, villages, parishes, roads, streets - these are more than just dots on a globe, they're where we're from and a big part of who we are.

Before modernity redrew our maps - more urban sprawl, housing estates and roads everywhere - people identified primarily with townlands.

Some were big and some were small, but from Tullychurry to Ballywatticock, it was your townland that defined who you were.

Townlands are areas based on old Irish land divisions, many of which existed before the arrival of the English language.

And before the mid-20th Century, our ancestors in rural areas identified themselves by townland only.

What are townlands?

No wonder that the Ulster Historical Society has described them as a fundamental unit of Irish life.

But while a strong connection to townlands still exists in many tight-knit rural communities, their use is no longer as official as it once was.

One man, who is passionate about preserving them, started an ambitious lockdown project, which has grown into the Townland Atlas of Ulster.

In Andrew Kane's role as a research consultant with the Ulster Historical Foundation, he often helps those researching family history - and townlands are a primary building block for that work.

Why are townlands important in Ireland?

For anyone with a rural background, he said, "a townland name is the most important thing".

Putting together the atlas is painstaking work - Andrew went through all 16,250 townlands in the nine counties of Ulster and 78 baronies (subdivision of a county).

He decided to base the maps on material from the early 17th Century estate system around the time of the plantation.

"Though owners have changed, that kind of settlement is the basis of everyone's lives until the 1900s and the land purchase acts," he explained.

In his research, he has come across leases going back as far as the 12th Century, which mention townlands that "haven't changed much because the boundaries are based on natural features".

Andrew has illustrated it all by colouring the maps to show who the landlords were back then - the civil, Anglican and Catholic parish boundaries, and the estates.

It's a project close to Andrew's heart - his mother's family have been in the townland of Coolhill (Cul-Choill) Aghadowey, outside Coleraine in County Londonderry since the early 1600s.

"They reconnect you to your history," he said.

"A lot of people these days do not live in the townland their ancestors lived in but it still gives you a sense that you're part of something."

So what does your townland mean to you? We've spoken to four people about their connection to these areas.

Liam Killen - Clontaghnaglar, hamlet of Listooder; near Crossgar, County Down

Small business owner Liam's family has farmed the land in his townland for more than 100 years.

Despite a time living in England, the 39-year-old choose to come home to raise his family there.

"My other half and I had been living in Manchester and when we wanted to move our family home we were fortunate - we found a house five fields away from my parents," he said.

Growing up is Listooder is a huge part of Liam's identity.

"A lot of the people have all grown up together and not a lot of people move into the area - so it's very tight knit - everyone looks out for everyone else."

For him, it's important townland names are not forgotten.

"Often, they describe the typography or the history of the area - for example Listooder, Lios an tSudaire - means fort of the tanner. I'm assuming whomever lived at the ring-fort was a tanner, so it connects us to the past.

"There's no question that if there was a letter addressed to just my name and townland - I would get it".

Hugh and Lorraine Mannix - Drumcullion, Ballinamallard; County Fermanagh

The couple moved to the area in the 70s from Ballybofey, County Donegal, so are relative "blow-ins" - but Hugh, 87, and Lorraine, 78, love the area.

They live in Drumcullion (Droim Cuilinn - The Ridge of the Holly) and moved to a house built in the 1850s - the dower house of a bigger house, Crock-na-crieve - owned by the Archdale family.

"Neighbours and people here are lovely and were very good to us when we moved," said Lorraine.

Hugh said the fabric of the landscape shows evidence of ancient man, dating back to pre-Christian times.

He described how those who lived there would dig a hole, fill it with water and then heat stones to boil the water before putting a deer in it (a Fulacht fiadh)

"When I go to the field at the end of my house, in my mind's eye I can see these guys in deer skins cooking," he added.

Hugh found a quern-stone - an ancient tool for grinding grain to make flour - when the Drumcullion drain was cleaned out.

When they moved, they were warned to be careful as they would be the only Catholics in the area.

"I went to see Harry West, then Enniskillen MP, to ask him about it, and was told: 'You will be fine in Ballinamallard - they are decent people.' And he was right.

"We have met with nothing but kindness - our children went to school here - so any foreboding we had vanished."

Hugh and Lorraine's local council has also been doing its part in preserving heritage, encouraging townland use when sending Christmas cards.

Averil Morrow, Ballywilly, Kilmore; County Armagh

The retired teacher moved to the area when she married her husband, whose mother's family have lived there for generations.

"Ballywilly was called Ballywooley on old maps - from the Irish Baile an Mhullaigh - townland of the summit," she said.

Her family lives in the heartland of the Drumlin (smooth hills) country, where she described the landscape as being little hills, dotted with small rivers, meadows and orchards.

"You often see tractors moving about with bins of apples on trailers - a particular feature of the place," she added.

"Even the fields here have names here."

Before cars, Averil said, an area wasn't defined by the road, it was defined by the landscape - and that's the importance of townlands.

She is worried that some townland names might be lost: "It frustrates me when I see new developments going up with a generic name which doesn't recognise the townland on which they are being built."

However there are encouraging moves from the council to put townlands on road signs, which is "a great way to preserve them".

"Townlands are unique to Ireland so it's nice for us to celebrate them."

You can search Townland place names on placenamesni.org and on Townlands.ie.
Smoke rises from buildings after an Israeli air strike on the city of Khan Younes. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday continued to attack targets across the Gaza Strip, with people in the sealed-off coastal area having long run out of places to hide.

The IDF said fighter jets flew renewed attacks on terrorists near Gaza City in the north, with ground troops helping to eliminate them.

Troops discovered and destroyed explosive devices in a kindergarten, according to the report.

Fighters were also killed in the south of Gaza and further tunnel shafts were uncovered, according to the IDF.

In the city of Khan Younis, the Israeli army also reportedly stormed the headquarters of Hamas, the Palestinian extremist organization that took control of Gaza by force in 2007 and is listed as a terrorist organization by Israel, the EU and the US.

Hamas' intelligence headquarters was also located there, an Israeli official said on Saturday evening.

IDF forces are currently intensifying their campaign to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. After initially focusing on the north including Gaza City, the aerial and ground operation is now zooming in on the centre and south of the coastal area.

In the past, the IDF had repeatedly told Gazans to flee to the south to escape the fighting, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering there.

Smoke rises from buildings after an Israeli air strike on the city of Khan Younes. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Smoke rises from buildings after an Israeli air strike on the city of Khan Younes. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday continued to attack targets across the Gaza Strip, with people in the sealed-off coastal area having long run out of places to hide.

The IDF said fighter jets flew renewed attacks on terrorists near Gaza City in the north, with ground troops helping to eliminate them.

Troops discovered and destroyed explosive devices in a kindergarten, according to the report.

Fighters were also killed in the south of Gaza and further tunnel shafts were uncovered, according to the IDF.

In the city of Khan Younis, the Israeli army also reportedly stormed the headquarters of Hamas, the Palestinian extremist organization that took control of Gaza by force in 2007 and is listed as a terrorist organization by Israel, the EU and the US.

Hamas' intelligence headquarters was also located there, an Israeli official said on Saturday evening.

IDF forces are currently intensifying their campaign to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. After initially focusing on the north including Gaza City, the aerial and ground operation is now zooming in on the centre and south of the coastal area.

In the past, the IDF had repeatedly told Gazans to flee to the south to escape the fighting, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering there.

In the north, Israel's army says it is in the process of taking full control of the area. According to the Israeli army spokesman, the operation is currently focussed on the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza City, the Tufah district.

The latest Gaza war was triggered by Hamas and other groups' brutal terrorist attacks against Israel when they rampaged through Israeli border towns on October 7, killing some 1,200 people.

Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip has now killed more than 21,670 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza. The figures cannot be confirmed, but the UN and other observers point out that the authority's figures have been credible in the past.

Smoke rises from buildings after an Israeli air strike on the city of Khan Younes. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Houthi troopers stand guard in Yemen. The rebels have increased their attacks on shipping - OSAMAH YAHYA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Britain is considering air strikes on Houthi rebels as the Defence Secretary warns that the UK will not hesitate to take direct action over their attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

The UK is drawing up plans with the US for potential military strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen to counter their attacks on shipping which are causing chaos on world trade routes.

Writing in The Telegraph, Grant Shapps warns the Houthis that Britain is willing to act to deter threats.

The US and UK are preparing an unprecedented joint statement that could be issued as early as Monday giving the Houthis a final warning to stop their attacks.

The Telegraph understands that any attack would likely be led by the US. It would be a major escalation of the response to the Houthis and discussions are under way for other countries to join the US and the UK.

One option under consideration in the Ministry of Defence is to move HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 frigate operating in the Gulf region, to the Red Sea to support HMS Diamond.

In his article for The Telegraph, Mr Shapps highlights the fact that HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, shot down a Houthi attack drone in self-defence in the Red Sea earlier this month.

He says: As HMS Diamond illustrated earlier in the month, we are willing to take direct action, and we wont hesitate to take further action to deter threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.



The Houthis should be under no misunderstanding: We are committed to holding malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.

It comes after the US Navy destroyed three Houthi boats on Sunday, killing at least 10 rebels as they attempted to board a container ship in the Red Sea. US Navy helicopters from nearby warships opened fire on the small boats after they attacked the Maersk Hangzhou container ship.

Sources said the US-UK joint statement would be a verbal final warning to the Houthis. Talks were under way on Sunday evening for at least two other nations also to sign it.

It is thought unlikely that the statement will set out any specific military action. However, speaking ahead of it being issued, Mr Shapps said: If the Houthis continue to threaten lives and trade, we will be forced to take the necessary and appropriate action.

Those terrorists who are disrupting trade in the Red Sea are drinking in the last chance saloon. Diplomatic efforts have been made to find a resolution but with limited success.

Two senior US defence officials told The Telegraph that the Biden administration would not telegraph its military plans in advance, but they did not rule out the prospect of air strikes in the near future.

US forces have the inherent right to self defence, and if we do decide to take any action against the Houthis, then we will do so at a time and place of our choosing, said a US defence source.

After Sundays clash, Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, told his Iranian counterpart that the country shared responsibility for preventing attacks in the Red Sea given its support for the Houthis.

A Houthi spokesman issued a statement urging other countries not to join the US in their response to the attacks and warning of negative repercussions for those who did.

While it is thought any offensive strikes to counter the launches from Houthi strongholds would be led by the US, the UK has Typhoons stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, currently carrying out missions over Iraq and Syria.

HMS Lancaster, which is being considered for a move to the Red Sea, is equipped with the Sea Ceptor missile system, which can fire at three times the speed of sound and is designed to protect an area of 500 square miles  around the size of Greater Manchester.

Unlike the Sea Viper system installed on HMS Diamond, the Sea Ceptor can also fire at small, fast-moving craft such as speedboats, which have been used by Houthi rebels in the region to attack container ships in the Red Sea.

Defence sources said the redeployment of HMS Lancaster was not imminent but that the ship remained on standby in the region to assist with future operations if necessary.

Mr Biden has been considering military strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen since mid-December and has been urged to take more aggressive action.

The Houthi rebels, who are backed by the Iranian regime, began strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea in December in solidarity with Hamas and its war with Israel.

Attacks have escalated from three in November to 20 in the 30 days before Christmas, of which eight were on cargo ships that were either UK registered, had Britons in their crews or carried goods for the UK.

Major shipping firms such as BP and Maersk are diverting vessels away from the Red Sea to around the coast of Africa amid concerns that the crisis will drive up the price of goods and inflation.

The Houthis commanders have said they will not stop attacks on Western ships or direct missile strikes on Israeli ports, and will defend themselves against military strikes in Yemen.

The attacks have wreaked havoc on the international shipping industry, imposing delays on imports to Britain from Asia.

On Sunday, Maersk said that it had suspended all transits through the Red Sea for the next 48 hours to assess the security situation.

By convention, any military action would likely be put to a House of Commons vote unless the severity of attacks required strikes to be launched at short notice. MPs return from their Christmas break on Jan 8.

A UK Government spokesman said: The situation in the Red Sea is incredibly serious, and the Houthi attacks are unacceptable and destabilising. As you would expect, while planning is under way for a range of scenarios, no decisions have yet been made and we continue to pursue all diplomatic routes.

We call for the Iranian-backed Houthi to cease these illegal attacks and we are working with allies and partners to protect freedom of navigation.

06:11 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Israeli prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a man accused of impersonating a soldier to join the Gaza war, of stealing munitions and, according to media, of posing for a frontline picture with Benjamin Netanyahu.

The White House has said it is not seeking a wider conflict in the Middle East after US helicopters sank three Houthi boats in the Red Sea after coming under fire.

The IDF has released footage of the Oketz canine unit operating in the Gaza Strip.

The deputy leader of Lebanons Hezbollah has said that Israel was not in a position to impose its preferences over the militant groups presence in the border area while its war in Gaza rages, AFP has reported.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after the war and said its Palestinian population should be encouraged to emigrate.

Benjamin Netanyahu has told reporters that he will not resign from office after facing criticism for failing to anticipate the October 7 attacks.

Israelis, who still largely stand behind the wars goals, are showing signs they are losing patience, the Associated Press has reported.

A former Palestinian Authority minister has been killed in an Israeli strike on his home in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian news agency and Hamas health ministry said.

Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, Gaza hospital officials said, as the military targeted areas in several parts of the territory.

Israel is prepared to let ships deliver aid to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip immediately as part of a proposed sea corridor from Cyprus, the Israeli foreign minister said, naming four European countries as potential participants.

The Israeli government has approved the appointment of a new foreign minister to replace Eli Cohen, who will become energy minister as part of a pre-arranged ministerial rotation, a government statement said.

04:35 PM GMT

Israeli soldiers positioned by the border

Israeli soldiers clean their firearms as they sit by heavy shells and battle tanks - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

An Israeli soldier carries a heavy shell at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

04:32 PM GMT

Israeli indicted for impersonating soldier

Israeli prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a man accused of impersonating a soldier to join the Gaza war, of stealing munitions and, according to media, of posing for a frontline picture with Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the indictment served in Tel Aviv District Court, which has been reported by Reuters, defendant Roi Yifrah never served in the Israeli military but managed to make his way into the war zones by pretending to be a member of an elite Shin Bet combat unit.

This facilitated (Yifrahs) access to firearms, ammunition and military and police equipment, the indictment said, adding that a purloined haul found in Yifrahs home included an assault rifle, various kinds of bullets, smoke grenades and holsters.

Channel 12 TV aired a photograph of what it said was the 35-year-old, in full battle gear, posing with other soldiers alongside Netanyahu in a helicopter landing site.

The five counts against him, including aggravated fraud and larceny, could amount to a maximum prison sentence of 36 years. But Yifrahs lawyer argued that the defendant should be lauded.

My client is a medic who ... saved lives under fire, while risking his life and eliminating terrorists, the lawyer, Eitan Sabag, said, adding that the defendant, under the circumstances, is the State of Israel - not Roi Yifrah.

The Prime Ministers Office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

03:59 PM GMT

85 per cent of people in Gaza displaced

Eighty-five per cent of people in Gaza have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

"We have recorded 180 hits on @UNRWA facilities, some direct hits, & as a result at least 300 people sheltering in these facilities were killed"@JulietteTouma @BBCNews: 1.4 million people in#Gaza sheltering in @UNRWA facilities & many more in the vicinity, sleeping outside. pic.twitter.com/Hct4kc6nLp  UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 31, 2023

03:41 PM GMT

White House says it is not seeking wider conflict in the Middle East

The White House has said it is not seeking a wider conflict in the Middle East after US helicopters sank three Houthi boats in the Red Sea after coming under fire.

The helicopters sank the boats and killed those aboard, marking the first occasion since tensions broke out that the US has killed members of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group, according to CNN.

A National Security Council spokesperson later said that the US would continue acting in its own self defence.

We dont seek a conflict wider in the region and were not looking for a conflict with the Houthis. The best outcome here would be for the Houthis to stop these attacks, as we have made clear over and over again, the spokesperson, John Kirby, said on ABC News.

03:29 PM GMT

IDF using canine unit to scan buildings

The IDF has released footage of the Oketz canine unit operating in the Gaza Strip.

The military said the unit in a large number of cases has sent its dogs to scan buildings before troops raid the site.

The IDF releases new footage of the Oketz canine unit operating in the Gaza Strip.



The military says the unit in a large number of cases have sent its dogs to scan buildings before troops raid the site. The dogs have located threats, mapped out buildings, and discovered pic.twitter.com/2tgICwJAPb  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 31, 2023

03:11 PM GMT

Hezbollah says Israel 'not in a position' to impose Lebanon border 'options'

The deputy leader of Lebanons Hezbollah has said that Israel was not in a position to impose its preferences over the militant groups presence in the border area while its war in Gaza rages, AFP has reported.

The Israel-Lebanon border has been rocked by escalating exchanges of fire, mainly between the Israeli army and Iran-backed Hezbollah, since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, raising fears of a broader conflict.

The army has evacuated thousands of civilians from the border area, and Israel has been pushing for Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the frontier.

Hezbollah number two Naim Qassem said Israel was putting forward proposals and trying to show that it has options to help return displaced Israeli residents and push Hezbollah from the border area.

Israel is not in a position to impose its options, Qassem said in a speech, warning that Israel first must stop the Gaza war in order for the war in Lebanon to stop.

The persistent bombing of civilians in Lebanon means the response will be stronger and proportionate to the Israeli aggression, Qassem added.

Since the cross-border hostilities began, more than 160 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah combatants but including more than 20 civilians, three of them journalists, according to an AFP tally.

On the Israeli side, at least five civilians and nine soldiers have been killed, according to the military.

Hezbollah has claimed repeated attacks on Israeli troops and positions, saying its actions are in support of its ally Hamas, while Israel has been striking south Lebanon.

02:49 PM GMT

Israeli minister calls for return of settlers to Gaza

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after the war and said its Palestinian population should be encouraged to emigrate.

To have security we must control the territory, Smotrich told Israels Army Radio in response to a question about the prospect of re-establishing settlements in Gaza.

In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence.

The Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not officially suggested plans to evict Gazans or to send Jewish settlers back to the territory since the war broke out on October 7.

02:26 PM GMT

Netanyahu says he will not resign

Benjamin Netanyahu has told reporters that he will not resign from office after facing criticism for failing to anticipate the October 7 attacks.

Your question about the willingness to resign  that comes back again and again ... The only thing I intend to resign from is Hamas. Thats what Im going to resign from. Thats what Im dealing with and nothing else, Mr Netanyahu said.

02:15 PM GMT

Large demonstrations in Israel

Israelis, who still largely stand behind the wars goals, are showing signs they are losing patience, the Associated Press has reported.

On Saturday night, thousands took part in one of the largest demonstrations against Netanyahu since the war began. The country, which is sharply divided over the long-serving leader and a judicial overhaul plan he set in motion before the war, has remained mostly united since Oct 7.

It is true that the state of Israel has many enemies and threats, but unfortunately today Prime Minister Netanyahu and his continued rule is the most significant existential threat to our country and our society, protester Gal Tzur told AP.

A separate protest Saturday called for the release of the estimated 129 remaining hostages held by Hamas. Families of hostages and their supporters have demanded that the government prioritise over other war objectives, and have staged large protests every weekend.

01:41 PM GMT

Pictures from Dec 31

Palestinians search for bodies and survivors following an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis - MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A Palestinian boy visits the Shifa Hospital cemetery - Mohammed Hajjar/AP

A woman is evacuated from the rubble of her destroyed family house - MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

01:19 PM GMT

Israeli strike kills former Palestinian minister

A former Palestinian Authority minister has been killed in an Israeli strike on his home in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian news agency and Hamas health ministry said.

Youssef Salama, the 68-year-old former minister of religious affairs in the Palestinian Authority, was killed in a strike on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Wafa news agency and the ministry reported.

Considered close to Fatah, the party of Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas, Salama served as minister between February 2005 and March 2006.

He also served as a preacher at Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem.

There was no immediate comment on his killing from the Israeli army.

12:53 PM GMT

At least 35 killed on Sunday

Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, Gaza hospital officials said, as the military targeted areas in several parts of the territory.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central part of the tiny enclave, after Israel this week made that region the new focus of its war.

11:46 AM GMT

Toddler pulled alive from rubble

11:32 AM GMT

Israel ready to let ships bring aid to Gaza's shores

Israel is prepared to let ships deliver aid to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip immediately as part of a proposed sea corridor from Cyprus, the Israeli foreign minister said, naming four European countries as potential participants.

Under the arrangement first suggested by Nicosia in November, cargo would undergo security inspection in the Cypriot port of Larnaca before being ferried to the Gaza coast, 370 km (230 miles) away, rather than through neighbouring Egypt or Israel.

If the plan goes ahead, it would mark the first easing of an Israeli naval blockade imposed on Gaza in 2007 after militant Hamas Islamists seized control of the Palestinian enclave.

It can start immediately, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM when asked about the Mediterranean corridor.

He said Britain, France, Greece and the Netherlands were among countries with vessels able to land directly on the shores of Gaza, which lacks a deep-water port. There was no immediate response from London, Paris, Athens or Amsterdam.

11:15 AM GMT

Death toll in Gaza reaches 21,822, says health ministry

A total of 21,822 Palestinian people have been killed and 56,451 have been injured in Israeli strikes in Gaza since 7 October, the health ministry in Gaza said on Sunday.

The figures include 150 Palestinians killed and 286 injured in the past 24 hours, the ministry said.

11:01 AM GMT

Israeli government approves appointment of new foreign minister

The Israeli government has approved the appointment of a new foreign minister to replace Eli Cohen, who will become energy minister as part of a pre-arranged ministerial rotation, a government statement said.

The appointments are subject to Israeli parliamentary approval.

Cohen will continue to serve as a member of the security cabinet while Yisrael Katz will serve as foreign affairs minister, the statement said as Israel enters its 86th day of war.

The Israeli government also gave the green light for postponed municipal elections to take place in February, subject to parliamentary approval.

We usually do not hold elections in wartime but these elections have been determined in advance, a statement from the prime ministers office said. They have already been postponed once.

10:50 AM GMT

Israeli soldiers operating on Dec 31

Israeli soldiers arrest a man during a raid in the Askar refugee camp - JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip - ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES

10:40 AM GMT

Netanyahu defends Israel's unparalleled 'morality' in Gaza war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel displayed unparalleled morality in the Gaza war and rejected South Africas charge that it was committing genocidal acts in the Palestinian territory.

We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer, Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv.

10:34 AM GMT

Cameron: Iran shares responsibility for preventing Red Sea attacks

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he had made clear in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian that Iran shared responsibility for preventing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

I made clear that Iran shares responsibility for preventing these attacks, given their long-standing support to the Houthis, he said in a post on social media site X, adding that the attacks threaten innocent lives and the global economy.

10:26 AM GMT

Maersk pauses Red Sea sailings after Houthi attack on container ship

Maersk has paused sailing through the Red Sea for 48 hours after Houthi militants attacked one of the companys container vessels.

The attack was the latest by Houthi militants in Yemen, who have been targeting vessels in The Red Sea to show their support for Palestinian Islamist group Hamas fighting Israel in Gaza.

US Navy helicopters sank the boats used by the militants to attack the Maersk Hangzhou vessel, the US military said.

The crew aboard the Maersk ship reported a flash on deck on Dec 30, when the vessel was 55 nautical miles southwest of Al Hodeidah.

Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, responding to distress calls from Maersk Hangzhou, returned fire on the Houthi boats in self-defence and sank three of the vessels, with no survivors, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

The Maersk Hangzhou crew was safe and there was no indication of fire onboard the vessel. The ship continued its journey north to Port Suez.

10:21 AM GMT

Netanyahu vows to retake control of Gaza Strip's border with Egypt

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retake control of the Gaza Strips border with Egypt.

The Israeli Prime Minister said the Philadelphi Corridor buffer zone that runs along Gazas border with Egypt must be in Israeli hands.

It must be shut, Netanyahu said. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarisation that we seek.

Such a move by Israel would be a de facto reversal of its 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, placing the enclave under exclusive Israeli control after years being run by Hamas.

Netanyahus comments about the buffer zone came as Israeli military forces pressed ahead with an offensive that the prime minister reiterated will last for many more months.

The war is at its height, Netanyahu said.

10:05 AM GMT

Negotiations continue

International mediators  who last month brokered a one-week truce that saw more than 100 hostages released and some aid enter Gaza  are continuing in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.

US news outlet Axios and Israeli website Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told Israel that Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Friday to discuss an Egyptian plan proposing renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and ultimately an end to the war, sources close to Hamas said.

Islamic Jihad, another armed group fighting alongside Hamas, said on Saturday that Palestinian factions were in the process of evaluating the Egyptian proposal.

A response will come within days, the groups chief negotiator, Muhammad al-Hindi, said.

Asked about the negotiations on Saturday, Netanyahu said Hamas had been giving all kinds of ultimatums that we didnt accept.

We are seeing a certain shift (but) I dont want to create an expectation.

09:41 AM GMT

Senior Hamas member killed

Hamas media reported that Abdel-Fattah Maali, a senior member of the groups armed wing, was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza.

Abdel Fattah Ma'ali has been killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza

It said Maali, originally from the West Bank, was freed during a 2011 prisoner swap and expelled to Gaza.

The reports did not specify when he was killed.

09:31 AM GMT

Israel says progress made in destroying Hamas infrastructure

Residents and medics said Saturdays fighting was focused in al-Bureij, Nuseirat, Maghazi and Khan Younis in central and southern Gaza.

Israel said it made progress in destroying Hamas infrastructure, including a tunnel complex in the basement of one of the houses of the Hamas leader for Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, in Gaza City.

Troops also raided the Hamas military intelligence headquarters and an Islamic Jihad command centre in Khan Younis, and destroyed targets including a weapons foundry, a military statement said.

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Ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip

By Dan Williams

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel is prepared to let ships deliver aid to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip "immediately" as part of a proposed sea corridor from Cyprus, the Israeli foreign minister said on Sunday, naming four European countries as potential participants.

Under the arrangement first suggested by Nicosia in November, cargo would undergo security inspection in the Cypriot port of Larnaca before being ferried to the Gaza coast, 370 km (230 miles) away, rather than through neighbouring Egypt or Israel.

If the plan goes ahead, it would mark the first easing of an Israeli naval blockade imposed on Gaza in 2007 after militant Hamas Islamists seized control of the Palestinian enclave.

Israel has described the corridor as a means of ending its civilian ties to Gaza, where it has been waging an 12-week-old offensive in retaliation for a cross-border killing and kidnapping spree by Hamas gunmen.

With hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians displaced and facing severe shortages of basic essentials, the idea may also go some way toward meeting a U.N. Security Council resolution of Dec. 22 calling for expanded humanitarian relief mechanisms.

"It can start immediately," Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM when asked about the Mediterranean corridor.

He said Britain, France, Greece and the Netherlands were among countries with vessels able to land directly on the shores of Gaza, which lacks a deep-water port. He appeared to suggest he expected them to do that rather than offload aid in Israel.

"They requested of us that the equipment come via (the Israeli port of) Ashdod. The answer is no. It won't come via Ashdod. It won't come via Israel. We want disengagement, with security control. That's the goal of this process," Cohen said.

The Dutch Defence Ministry said it had received no request regarding the plan yet.

"One of our ships is in the region and we are ready to start at short notice," ministry spokesman Laurens Bos said. "But for now, this is not the case."

There was no immediate response from London, Paris or Athens.

Britain and Greece have previously expressed support for the Cypriot initiative, with Britain offering shallow-bottomed vessels to approach the Gaza coast, a senior Cypriot official told Reuters.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has also backed the Cypriot plan, which would involve Israeli security agents taking part in the Larnaca inspections.

"As of now there is a maritime blockade, and if such an (aid) ship comes from Larnaca, it will be with our approval," Cohen said. "It will of course be a secured corridor, as we have no intention of endangering a British or French ship coming in coordination with us."

Several European and Arab donor countries have been sending aid to Gaza through the nearby Egyptian coastal town of Al Arish. Israel has been involved in monitoring those shipments, in what some humanitarian relief agencies say creates lags.

Cairo tracks traffic across its Gaza border and has ruled out any influx of Palestinian refugees. On Saturday, Israel signalled it would seize control of the Gaza-Egypt border zone as part of its efforts to demilitarise the enclave.

(Additional reporting by Michele Kambas and Bart Meijer; Writing by Dan WilliamsEditing by Andrew Heavens and Frances Kerry)
The aftermath of an Israeli strike on Rafah  one of the few places in Gaza not under evacuation orders (Reuters)

When an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building just metres from southern Gazas Kuwaiti Hospital, the surrounding area  overcrowded with people who have fled other parts of Gaza  sank into chaos.

It wasnt a normal airstrike, says Awad Mohammed Ali Al-Zain, 22, who was sitting near the building when he was hit by shrapnel from the blast. It was terrifying, he says.

People in the streets outside the hospital dropped their belongings and ran for cover. Some crouched behind ambulances, others sprinted up the street. A father ran clutching his toddler. Young children burst into tears. A lone donkey that had been towing a cart of supplies turned itself halfway around in the middle of the road as its owners fled for cover  as a burst of further strikes hit the building just a few hundred metres behind it.

Scenes like this shock no one in Gaza any more. Many of the injured were taken into the hospital screaming in agony. Some were treated on the hospital floor. Others were crowded into prayer rooms as doctors moved from patient to patient.

Jamal Hams, the medical director of the Kuwaiti Hospital, tells The Independent conditions there have worsened dramatically in recent weeks. The hospital doesnt have the capacity to treat these patients properly, he says.

Sometimes we have very severe injuries that force us to push other patients out [of the ward] into the courtyard or into the prayer rooms to make space for them.

When our children are found with severe injuries to their heads or torso, when our children are brought into the hospital on the verge of death or permanent disability, this is what hurts the medical team the most, he adds. The innocent child sat in his home has nothing to do with this war, nor with politics, nor with security and nor with the military."

Israel is targeting the centre of Gaza as it continues to pursue Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the territory (AP)

The Kuwaiti Hospital is located in Rafah, close to the border with Egypt at the southern tip of Gaza. It is one of the few places in Gaza not under evacuation orders. Airstrikes pounded al-Maghazi and al-Bureij in the centre of Gaza on Sunday, forcing more residents to flee toward Rafah.

Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, in the wake of the cross-border attack on 7 October that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with another 240 people being taken hostage. Israels air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 21,800 people, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, with many more feared dead in the rubble, and has pushed around 85 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

Jamal Hams says infectious diseases are spreading rapidly through Rafah and that the medical team at Kuwaiti Hospital are dealing with large numbers of cases  as well as many patients with long-term illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

This is not a life, says Al-Zain of day-to-day conditions in Rafah. You cant take a bath, theres no food, theres no drink, theres nothing people want.

The World Health Organisation has reported climbing rates of disease across Gaza, including a fivefold increase in diarrhoea, as well as upper respiratory infections, meningitis, skin rashes, scabies, lice and chickenpox.

The war and lack of supplies has left 40 per cent of Gazans at risk of famine, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has said, with Israel having blocked almost all food, fuel and medicine from entering Gaza after the 7 October attack. It said on Sunday it was ready to let ships from some Western countries deliver aid directly to Gazas shores after security checks in Cyprus.

It can start immediately, foreign minister Eli Cohen told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM when asked about the Mediterranean corridor. He said Britain, France, Greece and the Netherlands were among countries with vessels able to land directly on the shores of Gaza, which lacks a deep-water port. He appeared to suggest he expected them to do that rather than offload aid in Israel.

Comments from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday suggest there will be no easing of the conflict soon. He said the war is at its height and Israel would have to retake control of Gazas border with Egypt  an area now full of civilians. Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh in the Israeli-occupied West Bank claimed via social media that Israel taking over the border was evidence of a decision to completely return the occupation.

Umm Mohammed, a displaced Palestinian woman sheltering by the border, told Reuters: We moved here from Khan Younis on the basis that Rafah was a safe place. There is no space in Rafah as it is overcrowded with displaced.

If they control the border, where will people go? she asked, saying this would be a disaster.
Roi Yifrah poses with Benjamin Netanyahu

An Israeli man has been charged with impersonating a soldier to join the Gaza war, where he was even pictured on the front lines with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli prosecutors charged Roi Yifrah with stealing munitions in an indictment that said he posed as a member of an elite Shin Bet unit, a combat soldier and a military sapper.

He wore a tactical uniform to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in battle on the southern front.

The top-rated Channel 12 TV aired a photograph of what it said was the 35-year-old, in full battle gear, posing with other soldiers alongside Mr Netanyahu at a helicopter landing site.

An Israeli official confirmed that Mr Yifrah had posed with Mr Netanyahu, but said the prime minister was never at risk due to several layers of security at the site.

The prime ministers Office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Lawyer says he should be praised

The ruse facilitated (Yifrahs) access to firearms, ammunition and military and police equipment, the indictment said, adding that a purloined haul found in Mr Yifrahs home included an assault rifle, various kinds of bullets, smoke grenades and holsters.

The five counts against him, including aggravated fraud and larceny, could amount to a maximum prison sentence of 36 years. But Mr Yifrahs lawyer argued that the defendant should be praised.

My client is a medic who saved lives under fire, while risking his life and eliminating terrorists, the lawyer, Eitan Sabag, told Channel 12, adding that the defendant, under the circumstances, is the State of Israel  not Roi Yifrah.

According to the indictment, Mr Yifrah stole a walkie-talkie, drone and various uniforms. He was arrested on Dec 17 with some of the weapons in his possession.

Four other suspects were interrogated over the case, including a police officer. They have been released to house arrest.

The indictment stated: Despite the state of emergency which Israel is enduring, the accused presented himself as a combat soldier, who holds positions in security entities and special units, in order to steal large amounts of weapons, ammunition and equipment, all while reducing the amounts of the above available to the IDF and police.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) -One of the senior figures in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition called on Sunday for Palestinian residents of Gaza to leave the besieged enclave, making way for Israelis who could "make the desert bloom".

The comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been excluded from the war cabinet and discussions of day-after arrangements in Gaza, appear to underscore fears in much of the Arab world that Israel wants to drive Palestinians out of land where they want to build a future state, repeating the mass dispossession of Palestinians when Israel was created in 1948.

"What needs to be done in the Gaza Strip is to encourage emigration," Smotrich told Army Radio. "If there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not 2 million Arabs, the entire discussion on the day after will be totally different."

He said if the 2.3 million population were no longer there "growing up on the aspiration to destroy the state of Israel", Gaza would be seen differently in Israel.

"Most of Israeli society will say 'why not, it's a nice place, let's make the desert bloom, it doesn't come at anyone's expense'."

Smotrich, whose hard-right Religious Zionism party draws support from Israel's settler community, has made similar comments in the past, setting himself at odds with Israel's most important ally, the United States.

But his views do not reflect the official government position that Gazans will be able to return to their homes after the war against the Islamist movement Hamas which controls Gaza, now nearing the start of its fourth month.

Smotrich's party, which helped Netanyahu secure the majority he needed to become prime minister for the sixth time almost exactly a year ago, has seen its approval ratings slump since the start of the conflict.

Opinion polls also indicate that most Israelis do not support the return of Israeli settlements to Gaza, after they were moved out in 2005 when the army withdrew.

Palestinians and leaders of Arab countries have accused Israel of seeking a new "Nakba" (catastrophe), the name given to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven from their homes in the wake of the 1948 war that accompanied the founding of the state of Israel.

Most ended up in neighbouring Arab states, and Arab leaders have said any latter-day move to displace Palestinians would be unacceptable.

In a speech on Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rejected any move to force Palestinians to leave their homes. "We will not allow displacement, whether from the Gaza Strip or the West Bank," he said.

Israel withdrew its military and settlers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, and Netanyahu has said it does not intend to maintain a permanent presence again, but that Israel would maintain security control for an indefinite period.

There has been little clarity, however, about Israel's longer-term intentions, and countries including the United States have said that Gaza should be governed by Palestinians.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Nick Macfie and Grant McCool)
Palestinians visit the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, hospital officials said, as fighting raged across the tiny enclave a day after Israels prime minister said the war will continue for many more months, resisting international calls for a cease-fire.

The military said Israeli forces were operating in Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and residents reported strikes in the central region, the latest focus of the nearly three-month air-and-ground war that has raised fears of a regional conflagration.

The U.S. military said its forces shot and killed several Iran-backed Houthi rebels when they tried to attack a cargo ship in the Red Sea, an escalation in a maritime conflict linked to the war. And an Israeli Cabinet minister suggested encouraging Gaza's population to emigrate, remarks that could worsen tensions with Egypt and other friendly Arab states.

Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities in Gaza, from where it launched its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people after breaking through Israel's extensive border defenses, shattering its sense of security. They also captured around 240 hostages, nearly half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire agreement in November.

Just after midnight on New Year's Day, Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in southern and central Israel. No injuries were reported.

Displaced Palestinians found little to celebrate on New Year's Eve in Muwasi, a makeshift camp in a mostly undeveloped area of southern Gaza's Mediterranean coast designated by Israel as a safe zone.

From the intensity of the pain we live, we do not feel that there is a new year, said Kamal al-Zeinaty, huddled with his family around a fire inside a tent. All the days are the same.

Another relative, Zeyad al-Zeinaty, who fled with the family from the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, said his wife, brother and grandchildren are among many relatives he has lost in the war.

Israel's unprecedented air and ground offensive has killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 56,000 others, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations. Israels bombardments have leveled vast swaths of the territory, displacing some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

THE OFFENSIVE GRINDS ON

Israel expanded its offensive to central Gaza this week, targeting a belt of densely built-up communities that house refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants.

In Zweida, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens of others, according to witnesses. The bodies were draped in white plastic and laid out in front of a hospital, where prayers were held before burial.

They were innocent people, said Hussein Siam, whose relatives were among the dead. Israeli warplanes bombarded the whole family.

Officials from Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Deir al-Balah said the 13 were among 35 bodies received on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was battling militants in Khan Younis, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. It also said its forces operating in the Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza, found a bomb in a kindergarten and defused it. Hamas continued to launch rockets toward southern Israel.

Israel has faced stiff resistance from Hamas since it began its ground offensive in late October, and the military says 172 soldiers have been killed during that time.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said Sunday that Israel was withdrawing some forces from Gaza as part of its smart management of the war. He did not say how many, and held out the possibility they would return at a later point in the war.

Israeli media said up to five brigades, numbering thousands of soldiers, would be withdrawn, but it was not immediately clear if it represented a normal troop rotation or a new phase in the fighting. Hagari also said some reservists would return to civilian life to bolster Israels wartime economy.

The fighting has pushed much of Gaza's population south, where people have flooded shelters and tent camps near the border with Egypt. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in both areas.

Eman al-Masri, who gave birth to quadruplets a week ago at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, is now sheltering with them in a room with 50 other people at a school-turned-shelter. There is a shortage of diapers, they are not available, and no milk, she said.

ISRAELI MINISTER URGES MASS MIGRATION FROM GAZA

The scale of the destruction and the exodus to the south has raised fears among Palestinians and Arab countries that Israel plans to drive Gaza's population out and prevent it from returning.

On Sunday, Israel's far-right finance minister said it should encourage migration from Gaza and re-establish Jewish settlements in the territory, where it withdrew settlers and soldiers in 2005.

If in Gaza there were only 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs and not 2 million, the entire discussion about the day after would be completely different," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

Smotrich has been largely sidelined by a war Cabinet that does not include him. But his comments risked worsening tensions with neighboring Egypt, which is deeply concerned about a possible mass influx of Palestinian refugees, along with other friendly Arab countries.

Later Sunday, an official in the prime ministers office said Israel does not want to resettle Palestinians.

Contrary to false allegations, Israel does not seek to displace the population in Gaza," the official said in a statement to The Associated Press. "Subject to security checks, Israels policy is to enable those individuals who wish to leave to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Israel is also at odds with the United States, which has provided crucial military aid for the offensive, over Gaza's future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip. At a news conference Saturday, he said the war would continue for many more months" and that Israel would assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas has smuggled weapons from Egypt, but Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence there.

Netanyahu has also said he won't allow the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority, which administers some parts of the occupied West Bank, to expand its limited rule to Gaza, where Hamas drove its forces out in 2007.

The U.S. wants a unified Palestinian government to run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. The last Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down over a decade ago, and Israeli governments since have been staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

___

Mroue reported from Beirut and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Jack Jeffery in Cairo contributed to this report.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
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(BCN)  San Franciscos Asian Art Museum will mark the close of 2023 and welcome 2024 by sounding a 16th-century Japanese bronze bell on Sunday.

Museum visitors will strike the 2,100-pound bell 108 times to curb the 108 mortal desires that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind, according to the museum.

The annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m.

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Campaigning Australian journalist and filmmaker John Pilger has died aged 84, his family has announced.

A statement by his relatives on X said he died in London on Saturday.

They described Pilger as "simply the most amazing and loved dad, grandad and partner".

He was a vocal and sometimes controversial critic of Western foreign policy. He was also outspoken over the treatment of Indigenous Australians.

Pilger was born in Bondi, New South Wales in 1939, but was based in the United Kingdom since the 1960s. He worked for outlets including Reuters and the Daily Mirror.

He was best known for his work as a foreign correspondent, including reporting on the Vietnam War, Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, and from the United States during the turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s.

He was in the same room when Robert Kennedy was assassinated while running to be the Democratic nominee for the 1968 presidential election, according to his website.

He made numerous documentaries, including the 1979 film Year Zero: The Silent Death of Cambodia, about the country under Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge, as well as many about Australia and its treatment of Indigenous Australians.

In a 1990 interview on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, he said he had always been "interested in the victims of war, the people running the other way".

"Journalism is nothing if it's not about humanity - it has to be about people's lives," he said.

He won numerous awards throughout his career, including Britain's Journalist of the Year Award in 1967 and 1979, and Bafta's Richard Dimbleby Award for factual reporting in 1991.

In recent years, he was a high-profile supporter of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange - who is currently in Belmarsh Prison, fighting extradition to the US on charges related to the publication of thousands of classified documents in 2010 and 2011.

He has described Assange as a "truth teller who has committed no crime but revealed government crimes and lies on a vast scale".

The official Wikileaks X account described Pilger as a "ferocious speaker of truth to power".

Former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan described Pilger as "a brilliant firebrand journalist and ferocious holder of the powerful to proper account".

John Simpson, the BBC's world affairs editor, said that although he disagreed with Pilger over the years, "I admired the force of his writing, even when I often didn't support what he wrote, and he was always warm when we met".

Former Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow called Pilger "a great and steadfast journalist".

Kevin Lygo, from ITV - on which many of Pilger's documentaries were broadcast - called him a "giant of campaign journalism".

Pilger also courted controversy with his comments on Russia. In a 2014 article for The Guardian, he wrote that President Vladimir Putin was "the only leader to condemn the rise of fascism in 21st-century Europe".

He also told Russia's state-run international broadcaster, RT, that the Russian nerve agent attack in Salisbury in 2018 was "a carefully constructed drama in which the media plays a role".

Pilger's death was confirmed to the BBC by his friends.
Jools Holland is back once again this New Years Eve with his Annual Hootenanny, bringing viewers the best music from a mix of the biggest stars.

The knees-up has become a time-honoured tradition in the UKs New Year TV lineup, with Ed Sheeran, Haim, and Stormzy among those to perform in recent years, but who will be taking to the stage for this edition?

Heres everything we know

What time is Jools Hollands Annual Hootenanny on?

The fun kicks off at 11.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 31 December 2023.

Whos in the Hootenanny 2023 line-up?

Rock legend Rod Stewart will make his Hootenanny debut this year, and will be joined by other favourites from Joss Stone and Olivia Dean to Paul Jones, PP Arnold, Raye, Sugababes and The Mary Wallopers.

Rod Stewart performing at Hootenanny (BBC Studios / Michael Leckie)

We will also see performances from Boogie Woogie Queen and powerhouse vocalist Ruby Turner.

As is tradition, the Pipes & Drums of the 1st Battalion Scot Guards will feature just as the clock strikes midnight to perform their rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

The BBC has also said Holland will hear from comedians, actors and more stars from among the audience about their predictions and resolutions for 2024.

What else is airing on New Years Eve?

Over on BBC One, from 11.30pm to midnight, and 12:10am to 12:40am, will be the Rick Astley Rocks New Years Eve concert.

Astley is following in the footsteps of Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys and Sam Ryder, having been chosen to play the concert shown annually either side of the midnight fireworks on BBC One.
Journalists of the ZDF German TV channel were in the Kharkiv Palace hotel when it was attacked by the Russians. Their translator has been injured.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the statement by the channel

Details: The journalists stated that they had been reporting about the events of the Russian war against Ukraine for almost two years. Three members of the team were in their rooms on the fifth floor, another one  in the hallway and the last one  on the 11th floor.

Nobody except for an interpreter was injured. The interpreter was injured in the hallway and, as it was revealed later, has sustained a broken rib and vertebral fractures.

The hotels manager said that 15 hotel rooms were rented, at least 10 of them by the journalists.

The ZDF channel condemned Russias attack on the hotel in Kharkiv where the journalists were working.

"Another Russian attack on free press. We hope that our injured colleagues recover quickly. ZDF will continue covering the war against the civilian population of Ukraine," Bettina Shausten, main editor, stated.

Background: On Saturday, 30 December, the Russians fired S-300 anti-aircraft missiles on the Kharkiv Palace Hotel premises during a large-scale attack on Kharkiv.

The Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported that 26 people, including children and a foreign citizen, were injured in the attack on the centre of Kharkiv.

The bombardment damaged a hotel, apartment buildings, a kindergarten, administrative buildings, shops, restaurants, retail outlets, personal vehicles belonging to civilians, etc.

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Kemi Badenochs popularity appears to have rebounded since May, when she called off a 'Brexit bonfire' - Androniki Christodoulou

Kemi Badenoch has topped a poll of grassroots Tories on who should become the next party leader.

The Business Secretary pushed ahead of Penny Mordaunt and Suella Braverman with 38 per cent of the vote, according to a survey from the ConservativeHome website.

Ms Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons, and Mrs Braverman, the former home secretary, trailed on 23 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

All three women stood in the leadership race to succeed Boris Johnson in 2022, but were ultimately eliminated in a ballot of MPs before they could go before the membership.

No other MPs made it to double digits in the ConservativeHome poll.

James Cleverly, who has been grappling with the Rwanda deportation policy since he was moved to the Home Office in the autumn, came fourth with about 7 per cent of the vote.

He was followed by Tom Tugendhat, the Security Minister; Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary; and Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister.

Former Cabinet ministers Priti Patel and Simon Clarke, along with Esther McVey  the Minister without Portfolio and common-sense tsar  also made the top 10.

Nigel Farage was not eligible for the poll but nonetheless received 18 write-in votes. The former leader of UKIP has previously claimed that he could be in charge of the Conservative Party, which he left three decades ago, by 2026.

Mr Johnson, who was ousted as party leader and prime minister in the summer of 2022 as his government collapsed, received 16 write-in votes.

Ms Badenochs popularity appears to have rebounded since May, when Tory grassroots turned on her as she called off a Brexit bonfire to repeal thousands of EU laws by the end of the year.

In the months since, she has earned plaudits from Tory Right-wingers for her interventions on trans issues.

Dramatic turn in fortunes

Ms Badenoch, who is also the Women and Equalities Minister, has warned that Britain is facing an epidemic of gay children being told they are transgender, labelling it a new form of conversion therapy.

She has also said that the law needs to change to protect single-sex spaces because there are more male predators than there are trans people.

The Business Secretarys ranking marks a dramatic turn in fortunes since the last Tory leader poll from ConservativeHome two years ago, in which she was ranked 11th.

The survey placed Liz Truss in first place, followed by Rishi Sunak in second and Ms Mordaunt in third, mirroring the result when all three subsequently ran to replace Mr Johnson in June.

Ms Badenoch, who was backed by the veteran Cabinet minister Michael Gove, was eventually eliminated in the fourth round of voting after a surprise insurgent campaign.

She was also recently named minister of the year by ConservativeHome.

Ms Braverman, who was sacked by Mr Sunak in November following a series of controversies, and Mr Mordaunt, came in at second and third respectively.

In a separate ConservativeHome poll, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg was crowned the most popular backbencher, beating Miriam Cates, the MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, and Ms Braverman.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to launch three new military spy satellites, build attack drones and expand the countrys nuclear materials in 2024, according to state media reports.

In remarks made at the end of the ruling Workers Party meeting over the weekend, Kim railed against the vicious moves of the U.S. and its followers for working against North Korea, claiming the U.S. has helped push the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean Peninsula, Kim said, per KCNA.

The North Korean leader pointed to the the increase in joint military exercises by the U.S., Japan and South Korea and the deployment of U.S. military assets including bombers over the past year, arguing they show the U.S. aims at the military confrontation with North Korea at any cost.

The U.S., alongside South Korea, has maintained that the countries will continue to wage a joint defense against North Koreas threats.

Kim vowed to launch three reconnaissance satellites in 2024, a declaration that comes nearly a month after the country launched its first reconnaissance satellite in November, KCNA said. The U.S. said that launch was a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Kim later emphasized the need to create a reliable foundation to make more nuclear weapons and ordered officials to boost the Norths submarine capabilities and to develop unmanned combat equipment, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Observers told the AP that Kim expressed the belief that boosted nuclear abilities could give him the opportunity for diplomacy with the U.S. and that his country could be given sanctions relief if former President Trump wins the presidency in 2024.

Trump memorably met with Kim during his presidency, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so in a move that critics said bestowed too much of an honor on Kim.

The Biden administration has expressed openness to diplomacy talks while leveling sanctions in the wake of the Norths continued missile tests that violate United Nations resolutions.

Pyongyang might be waiting out the U.S. presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, per Reuters and the AP.

The Kim regime has closed the political door on denuclearization negotiations but could offer rhetorical restraint and a testing freeze in exchange for sanctions relief, Easley said. Although North Korea has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons, it might try to extract payment for acting like a so-called responsible nuclear power.

Diplomacy talks between the U.S. and North Korea broke down in 2019 over the amount of sanctions relief the North could get for partly surrendering its nuclear program. Since then, Kim has aimed to modernize the Norths nuclear supply through efforts including an increased production of plutonium and uranium.

Experts said Kim likely believes Trump, if reelected to the White House, may make concessions over sanctions relief as the U.S. gears its focus on the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, per the AP.

Kim also used his remarks to further dig into South Korea, calling the country a a hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state with a society tainted by Yankee culture, per the AP.

He further ordered the military to prepare to pacify the entire territory of South Korea, including through the use of nuclear bombs if needed, in response to attacks, Reuters reported.

South Koreas Unification Ministry later condemned Kims remarks and emphasized the country will attempt to curb North Korean threats by having a strong alliance with the U.S., the news wire added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Kim Jong-Un speaking at the Central Committee headquarters of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang - AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS/afp

Kim Jong-Un ordered his military chiefs to draw up plans for nuclear strikes on South Korea as he said war could break out at any time.

Wrapping up five-days of meetings with party leaders, the North Korean dictator accused the US of driving the region to the brink of nuclear war.

Kim, whose speech was cheered, according to state news media, pledged to boost Pyongyangs nuclear arsenal and build three new spy satellites.

He blamed soaring tensions between the two neighbours on Americas deployment of a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea and its increased joint military exercises with the US.

Washington stepped up its military presence following North Korean missile testing in December that included the launch of its first spy satellite and most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

During a lengthy speech, military leaders were told to plan to pacify the entire territory of South Korea, with nuclear bombs if necessary.

Hardline rhetoric a negotiating tactic ahead of elections

Analysts said Kims hardline rhetoric was partly a negotiating tactic ahead of forthcoming elections in the US and South Korea.

President Joe Bidens administration says it is open to talks, but it imposed further sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with missile tests banned by UN sanctions.

Pyongyang might be waiting out the US presidential election to see what its provocations can buy it with the next administration, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

The Kim regime has closed the political door on denuclearisation negotiations but could offer rhetorical restraint and a testing freeze in exchange for sanctions relief, Mr Easley added. Although North Korea has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons, it might try to extract payment for acting like a so-called responsible nuclear power.

Kim also said that the issue of unification with the South could no longer be discussed, as South Korea was a US puppet state.

North and South have hostile relationship of two belligerents at war

North-South relations are no longer a kinship or homogeneous relationship but have completely become a relationship between two hostile countries, two belligerents at war, he insisted.

Since 2000, talks have aimed at creating a single nation with two separate regimes.

In Kims 2018 New Years address, he raised hopes of a pathway to peace by saying North Korea could participate in that years Winter Olympics in the South Korean county of Pyeongchang.

Moon Jae-In, South Koreas then president, said reunification could be achieved by 2045.

On Sunday, South Koreas military warned Kim his nation would be doomed if it used a nuclear weapon against Seoul, while political leaders called for the resumption of peace talks.

South Korea holds a parliamentary election in April that could impact the domestic and foreign agenda for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has maintained a hawkish stance toward Pyongyang.

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un declared that his nation will develop more nuclear materials and launch three more military satellites in 2024.

North Korean state media reported the leader's New Year's resolution on Saturday, adding that he is also seeking to develop more advanced attack drones. Kim made the comments during a meeting with the nation's ruling Worker's Party in Pyongyang.

Kim went on to attack the United States, arguing it was engaging in expansionist activity throughout Asia, citing joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea in particular.

North Korea's ultimate goal is to have an "overwhelming war response capability," Kim said.

KIM JONG UN SAYS 'WHEN WASHINGTON MAKES A WRONG DECISION,' ICBM LAUNCH PROVES BEST OPTION

North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-un declared that his nation will develop more nuclear materials and launch three more military satellites in 2024.

North Korea has worked extensively in the past year to increase cooperation with its regional allies Russia and the People's Republic of China .

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

KIM JONG UN PERSONALLY OVERSEES LAUNCH OF NORTH KOREA'S MOST POWERFUL ICBM YET

Kim has been in communication with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin  to meet the latter face to face, the supreme leader made a rare trip out of the country by train.

Kim has been in communication with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin  to meet the latter face to face, the supreme leader made a rare trip out of the country by train.

The Central Committee of the North Korean Workers' Party gathered in Pyongyang on Tuesday last week for the multi-day plenary meeting to review policies leading into the new year.

While the supreme leader of North Korea has historically been expected to deliver a New Year's Day speech to the people, Kim has delivered the yearly recap speech at Workers' Party meetings since 2020.

North Korea has ramped up its aggression throughout 2023, launching ballistic missiles into the sea around Japan and threatening retaliation against U.S. military exercises.

Fox News' Timothy H.J. Nerozzi and the Associated Press contributed to this report





Original article source: Kim Jong Un reveals New Year's resolution to make more nukes and launch military satellites
The King will spend most of January in Scotland - ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP

The King will spend most of January in Scotland as he cements a new royal tradition.

The King, 75, and the Queen, 76, spent New Years Eve at Sandringham, but they are expected to fly up to Aberdeenshire within the next day or two.

They will spend the next few weeks at Birkhall, on the Balmoral estate, which is said to be the Kings favourite residence and the one they consider their marital home.

Charles is also likely to to spend time at the Castle of Mey, his late grandmothers former home on the north coast.

The King and Queen spent New Years Eve at Sandringham - Max Mumby/Max Mumby

By opting to relocate to Scotland, the King is forging his own path as monarch, breaking with a decades-old tradition set by Elizabeth II.

The late Queen traditionally opted to remain in Norfolk throughout January to mark her accession day, February 6, at Sandringham, where her father, George VI, died peacefully in his sleep in 1952 after suffering from lung cancer.

Friends and members of the Royal family came and went as they extended the new year festivities with shooting parties that stretched over long weekends.

The King and Queen greet members of the public as they go to church on December 31 - Joe Giddens/PA

But the King has long cherished his January retreat to Scotland, a routine he has kept for many years.

This time, for the second consecutive year, his days will be punctuated with the arrival of his red boxes of Government papers, but otherwise, it will largely be a time to recharge the batteries.

The traditional smattering of house guests is unlikely to differ to days of old, with Camillas sister, Annabel Elliot, and close friends such as former Conservative MP Sir Nicholas Soames, among the regular visitors.

Before heading north, the King and Queen spent Sunday at Sandringham to see in the new year.

On Sunday, they made one final walk from the big house to St Mary Magdalene Church for the weekly Sunday service, greeting wellwishers who waited to see them.

Their Majesties were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the church for their first public outing since Christmas Day - Max Mumby/Max Mumby

Their Majesties were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the church for their first public outing since Christmas Day.

Both Charles and Camilla, who was wearing a blue feathered hat and matching coat, appeared in good spirits, laughing and joking with members of the public.

Last Monday, the King and Queen led a large group of extended family members and aides to the traditional Christmas Day service.

Among them was Sarah, Duchess of York, who was allowed to join the high profile outing for the first time in more than three decades.

The Duchess, who spent last Christmas with the family at Sandringham, but was not invited to join the walk to church, was back in the fold for the first time since her 1992 toe-sucking scandal with US financier John Bryan, months after separating from Prince Andrew.

She wrote on Instagram: We are enjoying each others company and feeling grateful. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and seasons greetings to all!

The family show of unity also saw Mike and Zara Tindalls elder daughter, Mia, nine, walk at the front of the family group alongside her cousins, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.



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Rachel Fairburn (left) and Kiri Pritchard-McLean (right) have been working together for a decade

Comedians Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Rachel Fairburn grew up interested in all things strange and macabre.

As a child in Manchester, the faces of Moors murderers Myra Hindley and Ian Brady seemed to be constantly on the front of Fairburn's local paper.

More than 100 miles away on a farm on the island of Anglesey, a young Pritchard-McLean was "obsessed with spooky stories and horror" and terrified by her favourite book The Hound Of The Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle.

"When you're a kid you think monsters are real and then you see it in the news and think 'maybe they are'," said Pritchard-McLean.

Back in 2013, both women were living in Manchester and working its comedy clubs but had never crossed paths.

"There was only ever one woman on a bill... the 'chick spot' they used to call it," said Pritchard-McLean.

"You'd only do a gig with other women if you were raising money for a violence charity or breast cancer," she joked.

Kiri Pritchard-Mclean (left) and Rachel Fairburn (right) began recording All Killa No Filla in a back bedroom in 2013

But they kept hearing one another's name.

"People would say, 'oh, you two would get on', which is the worst thing anyone can say to me, because I immediately go 'I will not get on with that person now'," laughed Fairburn.

It turns out people were right and within months of eventually meeting they began working together on their podcast All Killa No Filla, in Fairburn's back bedroom.

It has now been going for 10 years and is up to its 104th episode having covered everyone from Jack the Ripper to Charles Manson.

With comedy and serial killers not the most obvious of bedfellows each episode starts with the disclaimer: "This isn't hero worship. We do this podcast because we have a mutual interest in serial killers and as long as we are doing this podcast it stops us from writing to them in prison."

The part about writing to serial killers is a joke they insist but they are completely serious about it not romanticising killers.

"If you have come here to talk about how clever Ted Bundy is this is not the podcast for you," said Pritchard-McLean.

"Initially people were like 'oh, that's a bit weird, isn't it' and then with a massive boom in true crime fewer and fewer people were making that comment.

"I think we've both got a good radar or what's appropriate and what's not."

Kiri Pritchard-Mclean (left) and Rachel Fairburn (right) share an interest in all things strange and macabre

The appetite for true crime seems insatiable, with a near constant flow of documentaries, podcasts and dramatisations about real-life killings.

But this is nothing new, insists Fairburn.

"What's the worst thing a human being can do? It's murder, unless you're Ed Sheeran and that's bring out an album," she joked

"For centuries people have been interested in true crime - people used to go to public executions."

So which serial killers do they find most fascinating?

For Fairburn, who grew up in Harpurhey, an inner-city suburb of Manchester, it is crimes that were committed close to home.

Moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley tortured, sexually assaulted and murdered five young people between 1963 and 1965, burying four of them on Saddleworth Moor.

To her, the victim's families were more than people you read about in newspapers.

"I remember being in Manchester city centre a couple of times and seeing Winnie Johnson, [victim] Keith Bennett's mother, just doing her shopping," she said.

"My grandma was actually in hospital in the next bed to [victim] Lesley Ann Downey's mother at one point."

Rachel Fairburn grew up fascinated by the Moors Murders

She also remembers following the case of Fred and Rose West, who tortured, raped and murdered an unknown number of women over a 20-year period in Gloucester between 1967 and 1987.

In Fairburn's school diary, next to an entry about the recent death of actor John Candy on 7 March 1994 she wrote: "Six bodies have been found in a man's house in Gloucestershire. Police have found a couple in the chimney. They're going to search for more in his old houses."

Now, she says: "I remember being fascinated and it was on the news constantly."

She finds US serial killer Dennis Rader, who murdered at least 10 people in Kansas between 1974 and 1991, particularly terrifying.

"It's the thought of somebody stalking you, being in your home and the fact that he had this normal family life," she said.

For Pritchard-McLean the case of Jeffrey Dahmer is particularly interesting "because it tells you about the world that they're living in".

Known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, he murdered and dismembered 17 young men and boys in Wisconsin, US, between 1978 and 1991.

"If he wasn't killing gay guys, if he was killing rich, straight men he would have been caught after one or two murders - he has got a much higher body count than that because ultimately, if you're part of a marginalised group then the world lets you die," she said.

Are there any serial killers they would not want to talk about on their podcast?

For live shows they avoid crimes committed in the area.

"Your worst nightmare is that someone comes along and we're sat there talking about their relative," said Pritchard-McLean.

Others just do not sit right, they said, such as Levi Bellfield who murdered Milly Dowler in 2002, Marsha McDonnell in 2003 and Amelie Delagrange in 2004 or Soham Killer Ian Huntley who killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002.

"There's just ones where we're like, 'no, I just don't know that we have got anything to add to this'," she said.

"We've never disagreed on anything like that."

In March the pair will be celebrating 10 years of their podcast with a live UK tour.

With the friends frequently veering off topic and discussing more personal matters, much of the ups and downs of their lives over that time have been captured on the podcast.

Kiri Pritchard-Mclean grew up on Anglesey

"There's the decade of our relationship, partners that we had at the time, things that have happened to us," said Fairburn.

"There's a documentation of a pandemic in there. I lost my dad last month and it was one of the first things I mentioned on the latest podcast we recorded," added Pritchard-McLean.

"We are just friends chatting."

It is also a chance to reflect on how far they've come in an industry where both have experienced and seen sexism and misogyny.

"When [the podcast] started doing well everyone treated it like it was baby's day out, and we had stumbled into something good," said Pritchard-McLean.

"There's so many men would go 'you're really good you know' and I'd be like 'yeah.... I'm good at my job and I've had to be better to get the same chances you've had'."

She credits other women, such as Sarah Millican, Sara Pascoe and Katherine Ryan for making room for more women in the industry.

She said: "As long as we've got more women taking up space, I'm going to see it as a win."

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Labour has pledged to back British produce by ensuring schools, hospitals and prisons source at least half of their food from the UK.

In a move geared towards appealing to rural communities, the party hailed its new policy for all public bodies as a new deal for British farmers.

It also includes a pledge to cut red tape for farmers seeking to export goods to the EU, should Labour form the next government.

Steve Reed, Labours shadow environment secretary, said the Government had wrecked British farming and called for a series of measures to protect rural communities.

Statistics from the party indicate that some 6,300 agriculture businesses have collapsed since 2017, while food imports have risen by a fifth since 2010.

Labour has committed to using government purchasing power if it gets into office to ensure that at least half of the food supplied to schools, hospitals and prisons is British. The move has previously been backed by the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Vision for the countryside

Mr Reed said: This Conservative government has wrecked our farmers. It is time we turned the page and embraced a decade of national renewal with the countryside at its heart.

Labour will give British farmers their future back. We will deliver lower energy bills for farmers by switching on GB Energy, lower red tape at our borders to get our great food exports flowing again and use the governments own purchasing power to back British produce.

Labour has signalled its intent to go after rural voters, which traditionally incline towards the Conservatives, in a series of interventions by senior party figures.

Sir Keir Starmer became the first Labour leader to write for Country Life magazine this Autumn, in which he called for a fair deal for tenant farmers and said he wanted to develop a bovine tuberculosis vaccine.

In November, Mr Reed, the MP for Croydon North, signalled that the party had become too detached from rural voters after its 2001 election victory.

He told an audience of farmers and landowners that Labour would treat them with respect, adding: That means people from urban areas  like me  not telling people who live and work in the countryside how they should live their lives.

Labour still have no plan

Mark Spencer, the farming minister, claimed Labour had failed to provide for British farmers while it was in government and that years later they still have no plan to support the countryside.

He continued: Meanwhile, the Conservatives have delivered better targeted funding for farmers, protecting our best farmland and speeding up our grid connections for those who need it most.

Aside from this copy-and-paste pledge to farmers, the only plan Labour have is a 28 billion-a-year spending splurge  unfunded spending that would mean higher taxes.

Labour will never protect our green areas. Only the Conservatives are listening to the voices of rural people and taking the long-term decisions needed to secure a brighter future.

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FILE - The Indiana Statehouse appears on May 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. Indiana's Republican leaders are calling for a short 2024 session focused on "fine-tuning" policy. The session beginning Jan. 8, 2024, must adjourn by March 14. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Keep it short. That has been the directive from leadership in Indiana leading up to the 2024 legislative session.

But with the approaching 2024 general election and following landmark conservative legislation in recent years, including a near-total ban on abortion, a wide expansion on school vouchers and a law restricting the use of students' preferred pronouns in schools, that might not take place.

It's likely legislation on similar social issues will reach the floor again, even while leaders of the states Republican trifecta say they want a session of fine-tuning policy.

Well have a more limited and focused agenda, House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican, told reporters in November.

Here is what is and isnt expected this year.

The session beginning Jan. 8 must adjourn by March 14 and will be closed to items with a fiscal impact. Indiana holds longer, budget-making sessions during odd years.

The consistent top priority across the statehouse and political aisle this year is improving literacy and education outcomes following significant setbacks from the pandemic. About 18% of third graders did not pass Indianas reading test last year, according to the Department of Education.

Indiana policy is to hold back students who do not pass the test, but GOP lawmakers say exemptions allow students to easily move on to the next grade and want to tighten the regulation. More than 96% of students who did not pass the reading test were advanced to the fourth grade, the education department reported.

Critics say class sizes are at risk of becoming unmanageable and schools will not have the appropriate staff or resources to keep up should legislation cause more students to repeat grades.

Truancy also has been a focus for lawmakers going into the new year. About 1 in 5 students were chronically absent from Indiana schools during the 2022-2023 year, meaning they missed about three and a half weeks of class, according to department data.

Bipartisan concern has been leveled at the cost and availability of early childcare in Indiana. Republican leaders have indicated interest in easing regulations to make it easier to open and operate childcare facilities, while Democratic lawmakers have called for a childcare tax credit.

Daycare is a constant challenge from the Ohio River to the Michigan line, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, said in a speech outlining priorities in November.

Huston also put antisemitism on college campuses in his top priorities in light of the Israel-Hamas war.

He wants to pass a measure to define antisemitism as religious discrimination and provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination. A House bill with the same language died in the Senate during the 2023 session.

"Our Jewish students should know they will be safe on campuses throughout Indiana and not be subjected to antisemitic teaching or materials, Huston said during a speech in November.

Gov. Eric Holcomb plans to announce his agenda in the upcoming weeks. His term will end in 2024 because Indiana law does not allow governors to serve more than two successive terms.

The Republican governor who received widespread attention for his 2023 public health proposal allowing counties to opt in for funding on services, such as chronic disease prevention, has hinted at early education and workforce development priorities for his final legislative session.

Republican leaders have been quiet on a number of hot button subjects on the heels of recent laws that made national headlines. With half of the states senators and all of its representatives up for reelection in 2024, some lawmakers may attempt to raise their profiles with bills addressing topics such as reproduction or gender that have been similarly enacted in other Republican-led states.

Indiana's primary election is May 7.

State Senate Democratic leader Greg Taylor said his party will keep social issues off the table.

Were going to be in a defensive posture, he said at a panel in November.

However, Republicans continue to enjoy supermajority control in both chambers as they have since the 2012 elections.

Hoosiers can expect no movement on two subjects: gambling and marijuana legalization.

Top Republican leaders said gambling measures are off the table after a former lawmaker recently pleaded guilty to accepting the promise of lucrative employment from a casino company in return for favorable action in the general assembly in 2019.

Marijuana legislation is also unlikely to see any movement in the upcoming year, even as Indiana becomes increasingly marooned by pot-friendly states including Ohio, where voters approved adult recreational use in November through a citizen initiative.
Krisjanis Karins, Latvian Foreign Minister, said that even if Ukraine liberates all the occupied territories, the military threat to Europe from Russia will remain.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Delfi

Quote: "The Russian government is unable to improve the welfare of its population. All the cards are stacked against the search for an external enemy and the cultivation of the idea that the collapse of the USSR was the greatest evil. Therefore, it is necessary to return the lost territories with interest. It is sad that this is not a war of the Kremlin  it has become a war supported by the Russians. Russia is moving forward with imperialist expansion and continues to be a threat to Europe."

Details: As the politician said, as soon as the war in Ukraine is over, the threat will start to grow  Russia will continue to rebuild its armed forces.

The minister noted that the existence of the Russian government is based on imperialist ambitions.

Karins suggested that talk of Ukraine's possible defeat or loss of certain territories and Russia's victory is intended to motivate Western countries and societies to prevent such a scenario. As the foreign minister stated, a victory in Ukraine would prove to the Kremlin that its policy was correct, making it possible to attack neighbouring countries and benefit from it.

"That is why it is unacceptable. This is an attack not only on Ukraine and Europe. This is an attack on the order established after World War II, in which the rule of law, not force, plays a key role," the Foreign Minister said.

He said that European countries that are members of NATO are increasingly concerned about their security. The Baltic States have consistently invested in their defence and security, and this makes it easier for the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister to talk to their partners about the need to increase security investments.

Reminder:

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics believes that Moscow may launch aggression against NATO's eastern flank in the future if it considers the end of the war in Ukraine a victory.

Petr Pavel, the President of Czechia, has urged the West not to shrink its support for Ukraine  otherwise the coming year might be more favourable for Russia.

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An Arizona district attorney's office is seeking the death penalty for Zion Teasley, the prime suspect in the Lauren Heike murder case.

Maricopa County Attorneys Office (MCAO) confirmed the news in an email to Fox News Digital on Saturday.

Teasley, 23, pleaded not guilty to the homicide in May. He was indicted on a single count of first-degree murder.

Heike, 29, was fatally stabbed on a northwest Phoenix trail near her residence on April 28. Authorities say that she had around 15 stab wounds, along with injuries on her hands and forearms.

LAUREN HEIKE MURDER: ARIZONA MAN INDICTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STABBING 29-YEAR-OLD HIKER TO DEATH

Booking photo of Zion Teasley taken Friday, May 5, 2023, provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Teasley is facing first-degree murder charge following the death of Lauren Heike on an Arizona hiking trail.

Based on evidence from the location, investigators believe she was chased over a barbed wire fence. Her belongings were scattered around the scene.

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Teasley was arrested after police found video surveillance, cellphone evidence and DNA evidence that linked him to the crime.

ARIZONA HIKER LAUREN HEIKE STABBED 15 TIMES, LIKELY WITH POCKETKNIFE: COURT DOCS

Lauren Heike, 29, was found dead along a community hiking trail in Phoenix.

In a Friday statement that was shared with Fox News Digital, Heike's family said they were in support of the MCAO's decision and "grateful."

"We know that our journey through the criminal justice system is just beginning, but we will be there every step of the way to ensure that Lauren receives justice," the letter read. "As we make our way through our first Christmas season without Lauren, our hearts continue to break over her life being cut short by the violent actions of another."

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Heike's mother and father remembered her as a beautiful and sweet person.

"However, we want Lauren to be remembered for the beautiful and kind person that she was," the statement added. "We have hope and find joy in the knowledge that we will someday be reunited with Lauren. We ask for your prayers and for privacy at this time."

Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.





Original article source: Lauren Heike murder: Maricopa County DA seeks death penalty against Zion Teasley
Several organizations and civil rights activists in North Carolina have taken legal action against members of the North Carolina General Assembly and State Board of Elections over allegations of racial gerrymandering, a nationwide issue where several states have been ordered to redraw congressional and legislative maps.

The lawsuit was filed recently in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, Common Cause North Carolina and other groups argue that state lawmakers intentionally dismantled longstanding Black opportunity districts and diluted the power of Black voters in the state.

A Fair Maps Rally was held in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, in Washington, DC. The rally coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court hearings in landmark redistricting cases out of North Carolina and Maryland. The activists sent the message that the Court should declare gerrymandering unconstitutional now. (Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly redrew its state legislative and congressional plans to severely diminish the voting power of North Carolinas Black voters, who comprise over 22% of residents in the state, the lawsuit says.

The General Assembly targeted predominantly Black voting precincts with surgical precision throughout the state in drawing and enacting the 2023 Plans, at the expense of traditional redistricting criteria, to achieve preferred district lines that diminish Black voters ability to elect candidates of their choice at all levels of government.

The electoral maps unlawfully target Black voting power in North Carolinas historic Black Belt, which stretches across the northeastern portion of the state and dilute their voting rights, the lawsuit states. The effect of these actions is to inequitably reduce the electoral influence of the Black voters of North Carolina in violation of the Voting Rights Act and the United States Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Southern Coalition for Social Justice attorney Hilary Harris Klein said congressional candidates in the 2024 elections have chosen to drop out of the race as a result of the redrawn electoral maps in North Carolina, according to the Daily Beast.

Theyre predominantly candidates of choice for Black voters, she told the Daily Beast. [Democratic Rep.] Kathy Manning, who was in congressional District 6, is a quintessential example.

The lawsuit comes amid several Southern states being accused of voter discrimination against Black voters in redistricting processes. In fact, state lawmakers in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Louisiana were ordered to redraw congressional districts to enfranchise minority voters.

On Thursday, Dec. 28, a federal judge in Georgia upheld a district map in that state that recently had been redrawn by that states Republican legislators, striking down a plaintiffs suit that claimed African-American voters were illegally disenfranchised by the new map that carved up Black congresswoman Lucy McBaths 7th District. McBath now intends to run for the seat in the redrawn 6th District.

Organizations such as the ACLU and the NAACP have filed legal complaints in jurisdictions across the South, claiming that previous district boundaries intentionally weakened the voting strength and impact of Black and Brown communities.
Hubel

Orange Park native Ed Hubel was named hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Clay effective Dec. 18, after serving as interim leader since mid-June.

Hubel joined Baptist Health, which owns and operates Baptist Clay in Fleming Island, in 1996. He has been president of a sister hospital, Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach, since 2016.

"Eds health care experience and humble leadership style make him the perfect fit for Baptist Clay, our newest community hospital," said Matthew Zuino, Baptist Health executive vice president and chief operating officer. Zuino will serve as interim hospital president for Baptist Nassau.

Earlier, Hubel served in numerous positions at Baptist Health, including assistant administrator of operations, administrator of surgical services, director of patient care operations and service line lead for Baptist Health Orthopedics.

"I am overwhelmingly grateful to be appointed to this position. Having grown up in Orange Park, Clay County holds a special place in my heart," he said.

Baptist Medical Center Clay opened in December 2022.

Hubel's appointment is just one of the recent news items to highlight Northeast Florida's expanding health care industry. Here are some more:

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

Heath

Kristin Heath is the new executive director at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, succeeding the founding leader Stuart Klein who retired in November.

Since 2019, Heath was director of operations at the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida.

She is a "talented radiation oncology administrator who has demonstrated a passion for patient-centered care" with key experience in proton therapy operations and professional staff development of staff, said Colleen Koch, dean of the UF College of Medicine and chairwoman of the institutes board of directors.

Prior to joining the Miami facility, Heath was clinical director of technical services at the Texas Center for Proton Therapy at Texas Oncology and chief radiation therapist at the UF Health Institute.

"I am honored," she said. "The tremendous success and sterling reputation of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is one that proton therapy centers around the world emulate."

The Jacksonville facility, which opened in 2006, was the first proton center in the Southeast and the fifth in the United States.

HCA Florida Orange Park

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital recently broke ground on a $3 million simulation center for the facility's graduate medical education program.

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital has broken ground on a $3 million simulation center to help train at least 150 residents a year in its graduate medical education program.

The 15,000-square-foot facility will include offices, conference rooms, classrooms, lounges and an auditorium. It also features multiple clinical settings "to simulate the latest techniques in the practice of medicine," according to the hospital.

Residents and fellows in the graduate medical education program are mentored by physicians who are teach them about "exceptional, compassionate care," according to the hospital.

What's all the buzz about AI? Here's what we know for Jacksonville health care

"Our program is led by an accomplished faculty and set under rigorous standards. We provide extensive training for the next generation of physician leaders right here," said Hope Greig, administrative director of graduate medical education.

Other projects underway at the hospital are doubling the size of inpatient rehabilitation unit, increasing cardiovascular care capabilities and modernizing and expanding imaging services.

UF College of Medicine

Hunt

Dr. Jennifer Hunt has been appointed interim dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine, which includes a Jacksonville campus, beginning Jan. 2.

Hunt is currently chairwoman of the colleges department of pathology, immunology and laboratory medicine and UF Health Shands chief of staff. She joined UF in 2020 after nearly a decade as the Aubrey J. Hough endowed professor and chairwoman of pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she was also the chief of staff, among other things.

Multiple Jacksonville area hospitals

UF Health Jacksonville, Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County and Ascension St. Vincent's Southside have been named to U.S. News and World Reports Best Hospitals for Maternity Care for uncomplicated pregnancies.

Using data provided by hospitals, U.S. News evaluated multiple rates, including C-sections, newborn complications, early elective delivery rates and exclusive breast milk feeding, among other things.

Report card: How did Jacksonville-area hospitals fare in latest patient safety grades?

In March, Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside in Jacksonville stopped providing maternity care, citing declining patient numbers and the growth of alternative sites across Northeast Florida, including its sister hospitals in Clay County and on the Southside.

Send area health care industry news to bcravey@jacksonville.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville area health care news at Baptist Clay, UF Proton Institute
Leipzig's player Fabio Carvalho in action during the UEFA Champions League Group G soccer match between RB Leipzig and Young Boys Bern at the Red Bull Arena. Jan Woitas/dpa

Forward Fabio Carvalho is leaving RB Leipzig and returning to Liverpool before the end of his one-year loan deal, both clubs said on Sunday.

"Fabio Carvalho's one-year loan spell at RB Leipzig from has been ended early and the attacker will return to the Premier League club with immediate effect," Leipzig said in a statement.

Carvalho joined Leipzig on a loan from Liverpool in summer and played 15 games for the Bundesliga side, only three in the starting team.

"Fabio was able to quickly integrate himself here, but both parties had expected more from his time here - especially Fabio in terms of his playing time," Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder said.
Reflecting on a decade of Xi Jinping's inspiring New Year speeches as 2024 approaches

People's Daily Online) 15:11, December 31, 2023

Since late 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year addresses have accompanied hundreds of millions of Chinese people on New Year's Eve every year.

Over the past 10 years, Xi Jinping's New Year addresses have consistently highlighted a spirit of striving. Relevant remarks in his addresses, including "only hard work will make dreams come true" and "happiness is achieved through hard work", still inspire many people today.

People's Daily Online has released 10 posters to revisit these inspiring words. As 2024 approaches, let's embark on a new journey together, one filled with glory and ambition.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chengliang)
To the editor: If I'm being honest, the idea of jack-hammering former President Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and sending the pieces to Mar-a-Lago is very appealing to me. ("Nobody's ever lost their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Will Trump be the first?" Dec. 27)

But I am going to come out against it for the same reason those Civil War-era statues should stay up: They are monuments to stupidity, to deeply flawed men we once thought should be raised up and honored.

They stand as gentle reminders that we should think very carefully about who we raise up and why.

The article helpfully points out the troubling backstory of some of the other stars as well. The hot take is, if we don't choose carefully, we will be stuck with the result in bronze, marble and in this case terrazzo forever and always.

Peter Scofield, Corona del Mar

..

To the editor: The question is not whether Trump's star should be removed  that's a no-brainer. Rather, it's how did he earn it and the 2016 Republican presidential nomination in the first place?

The bar needs to be raised above subterranean levels.

Rick Mitchell, Long Beach

..

To the editor: I am in favor of keeping the former president's star on the Walk of Fame. It is evidence of the need for vigilance and right thinking before anything lasting is done.

During one of the 2016 presidential debates with the honorable Hillary Clinton, her opponent stalked her. No moderator stopped him. Her composure and responses to questions ought to have convinced us that she had the qualities our country needed in its next leader.

They didn't!

I say, keep the star as a reminder of the need for each of us to both thoroughly prepare for the sacred act of voting and to actually vote.

Mary Leah Plante, Los Angeles

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
What is the price Ottawa Impact is costing us?

I have watched the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meetings go from well-organized and informative, to chaotic and unorganized, although there is an agenda. In fact, the norm was 2.5 hours to conduct county business. The former primary and deputy county administrators along with the county attorney were quite well organized to advise the former sitting board on the pros and cons of any agenda item. That was their job.

That economy and efficiency evaporated on Jan. 3 with the unvetted hiring of John Gibbs and the Kallman Law Group, I have watched how Gibbs and Jack Jordan seem to have a real disconnect with each other. Case in point, the HR policy changes. Gibbs insisted they had been reviewed, but Jordan more review was needed due to legalities.

Another case in point was the Dec. 12 meeting. It looks as though Gibbs and Jordan did not do their job on the 123Net contract. Why was it necessary to have the full board review the entire contract? That really is not their job. That meeting was nearly seven hours.

Gibbs was nominated to be director of the office of personnel management, which oversees the federal workforce of about 2.1 million employees and acts as the executive branch's human resource function. During a September 2020 confirmation hearing before the Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, senators in both parties expressed concerns about Gibbs' fitness to hold office. My question is why you would hire a law firm with no municipal law experience and a county administrator who is showing he is truly underqualified for this job? In the final analysis, it is costing Ottawa County taxpayers fiscally and emotionally.

Nancy Pochron

Georgetown Township

Don't mess with the tipped wage system

There is currently a fight in front of the Michigan Supreme Court that would do away with the tipped wage credit in Michigan. This would essentially force servers and bartenders, and other tip-based jobs, up to the standard minimum wage level.

As a person who has chosen the service industry for my entire adult life, I want nothing to do with this.

Im trying to imagine who brought this up because I dont know any servers who are complaining about how we earn our money. Right now, we give hospitality and service. If you give us a flat wage of $15 an hour, youre going to get less service and less hospitality.

From my experiences in the industry, people will tip less or completely stop once they know Im making more in my paycheck.

Worse yet, will I even have a job anymore if the court kills the tipped wage system for restaurant servers and bartenders? The profit margins for a restaurant are SLIM. Anybody whos been in this industry knows its only a few percent. If you require an owner to pay everyone $15 an hour, I will lose half of my coworkers. They wont have jobs anymore. I may not have a job anymore. Restaurants that are not shrewd business managers will fold up. This coming after we have barely recovered from COVID as it is.

It is risky for servers to even speak out about the possibility of losing our current server/diner relationship. I recently spoke to the media regarding this issue and we saw our tips decrease for the next three weeks. Some customers, including the regulars who come to me for top notch service and a relaxing time, mentioned that they heard servers and bartenders are now getting the full minimum wage. I had to explain that the courts may force us to accept that pay, but we did not ask for this attempted change to the tipping system. We dont want it.

I returned to serving because it is what I wanted to do. It was best for me. This is a job where I could put my kids on the bus and take care of my family. I could be there for my family and still make a livable wage to support my household.

If it isnt broke, dont fix it.

Tracy Bolman

Holland

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Letters to the Editor: What is the price Ottawa Impact is costing us?
SIR  Junior doctors have become seriously de-professionalised (Letters, December 29). In the 1980s, as junior surgeons, we worked very long hours, but also enjoyed the huge satisfaction of making people better. When judged competent, we diagnosed, operated on and managed the post-operative course of our patients, working independently but within the support structure of the consultant-led firm.



The opportunity for that professional satisfaction has gone. The European Working Time Directive remains a significant cause of that loss. It turned our junior doctors into shift workers, and thats not how a profession works. There is no ownership of the patients pathway. As Emma Isworth correctly states (Letters, December 28), junior doctors are reduced to clerks. And then we wonder why they emigrate or leave medicine altogether.



Learning medicine requires long hours of hard work. If young people cant cope with that, they should seek an alternative profession. But we have to get the buzz back into the life of our junior doctors. So, reinstate the old consultant-led firm structure; it would be good for all concerned, not least the patients, who would enjoy better continuity of care.



Patrick Loxdale FRCS

Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire

SIR  I started as a doctor 40 years ago. My income was low relative to my peers in other professions. I worked long hours but I had my own on-call room with clean sheets and a doctors mess with a hot meal readily available after working through the night.



Todays doctors often have to travel significant distances after working anti-social shifts, and out-of-hours food might be a sandwich from a vending machine.



The NHS needs to put emphasis on valuing its staff, who all want to do their best for patients. The strikes are not all about money.



Dr Michael Copp

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

SIR  It is essential that junior doctors are paid well now, or we will lose a generation of talent and potential. They will either emigrate or be tempted by very well paid jobs in the private sector, without the immense responsibility, long hours and emotional demands of medicine.



There are consultancy companies in London that specifically target newly qualified doctors, valuing the qualities of intelligence, application and integrity that six years of training demonstrate. Our countrys medical provision will be severely compromised if this is not resolved quickly to junior doctors satisfaction.



I have had 40 years experience working in the NHS as a GP, and, as my granddaughter nears the end of her medical training in London, I am in awe of what she has experienced: her training was disrupted during the Covid pandemic; the conditions at the hospital where she has excelled were very difficult; and she has already absorbed an extraordinary amount of medical information.



Medicine has advanced considerably in 40 years, as has what she is expected to know. She is a brilliant, huge-hearted, hardworking young woman with the world at her feet. Why should she be expected to work in appalling conditions?



Dr Christopher Kirby

Stockbridge, Hampshire



Clueless HMRC

SIR  After hours of trying to work out why my software would not allow me to file my VAT return, I called HMRC at 8.02am on Thursday morning. I hung on through the various recorded options until a human responded. He asked me for my VAT number and authenticated me through confirmation of my last payment.



I explained my problem and the man encouraged me to go to the online Government Gateway, which I did. On reaching my Gateway page, the man said he had no idea what I was looking at, but would encourage me to experiment. He said no one from the technical department was available to help as it was the Christmas period. But perhaps someone would be available tomorrow. He had no idea whether that would be the case.



Thursday was a working day, when the self-employed often work, and even try to pay their taxes. Newspapers are sold, interest is charged by banks  yet at HMRC there is no service.



James Pickthorn

London EC4

Motorings decline

SIR  I have not owned a car for four years but decided to hire one for two weeks over the Christmas period. My observations are that many roads are riddled with potholes, the standard of driving is generally much poorer, a satnav is an essential aid when navigating unfamiliar roads with constantly changing speed limits, and that I have difficulty maintaining concentration when having to drive at speeds of less than 20mph.



While owning a car has many advantages, I will be relieved to go back to my bicycle and bus pass.



Robert Taylor

Nottingham

SIR  I am sure that I speak for millions when I say that reports (December 28)of driverless cars being on British streets sooner than expected fill me with despair.



I have had a driving licence since I was a teenager. My children and grandchildren have all passed or are about to pass their driving tests. I take huge pleasure in driving safely and, where appropriate, quickly.



Unless it can be convincingly shown that a majority of the population prefers the driving of private cars to be handed over to automatic systems, I believe that those of us who take pleasure in driving ourselves may be tempted to revolt in whatever way we consider appropriate and effective.



Bill Davidson

Balderton, Nottinghamshire



Simpler snuffing

SIR  Far simpler than Charles A C Fields method for blowing out candles (Letters, December 24) is a reverse blow with a kind of plucking sound. I was told of this years ago and it works well  with no spill of the liquid wax.



James Ruddock-Broyd

Witney, Oxfordshire

SIR  To extinguish candles, our Norwegian friends sent us a lysslukker  or light switch.



It is a broad, smooth-faced pair of tweezers. No smoke, no flying wax, and the wick can be straightened and made to stand tall  all in one pinch. We have found nothing better.



Stewart Siddall

Methven, Perthshire

SIR  My mothers technique involved moistening her thumb and first finger with her tongue, then deftly pinching out the flame, which always achieved admiring looks from visitors.



Jeff Smith

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire



The many perks of stimulating daily walks

Carolus-Duran painted by Edouard Manet in Montgeron, south of Paris, in 1876 - bridgeman

SIR  How I agree with Dominic Bliss (Features, December 26) about the value of a daily walk.



At the moment I am recovering from two hip surgeries and have not been out for eight weeks. Previously I would walk our dog for about two miles in the morning and just over a mile in the afternoon. Even though I was getting slower as time passed before the operations, I felt the benefit of being out.



Currently Im feeling sluggish and tired and am putting on weight. I am definitely missing the stimulation of the fresh air and exercise. I cant tell you how much Im looking forward to walking again.



Roger Boyce

Dornoch, Sutherland



Sport of rings

SIR  You report (December 24) that pantomimes could receive protected status under the 2023 Unesco Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.



The demise of so many parish churches will inevitably lead to a decline in numbers involved in another very British tradition  the ringing of church bells.



There is a desperate need of new young recruits  with young covering age eight to 80. Readers should talk to their local tower captain; it provides great exercise (cheaper than the gym) and mental stimulus.



Andrew Bond

Wells, Somerset



Brutal British Airways

SIR  I am appalled at the level to which our once proud national airline, British Airways, has sunk. Its boast, Well take more care of you, has become a sad and distant memory.



We had booked an early flight to New York from Heathrow. Once boarded (and already delayed) with my disabled wife, we were informed by the captain that there would be a further delay due to another technical fault. An hour passed with announcements and more problems. After sitting on the aircraft for nearly four hours, the pilot announced that the flight was now cancelled as the fault could not be fixed.



We were to be transported back to terminal five, where BA representatives would help us onwards at the gate. Not only was there no one at the gate when we finally arrived, but we then also had to find the BA flight reservations desk unaided in another part of the terminal. After speaking to a number of representatives, we were told by a supervisor that we had been booked on a flight with another airline that evening. Having pointed out that it was quite pointless, as we had now missed our connection on the Queen Mary 2 in New York, all the supervisor would say was: Well, we have booked you on a flight to New York. He then walked away.



After 12 hours at Heathrow we returned home. All BA had provided was a small glass of champagne and a packet of pretzels to nourish us during the whole period. The fact it was our 50th wedding anniversary on that day and we had planned the cruise for nearly two years was clearly and painfully irrelevant to BA. Perhaps its slogan ought to read: Well do the very least we can.



Alan Walsh

Surbiton, Surrey



Oak and ice

SIR  We live near the River Dart. It gets its name from derte, the old English word for oak  as the trees covered the banks. They are only just recovering from the felling for the building of ships following losses at Nelsons sea battles (Letters, December 18). But we are not alone.



Some years ago I was sailing in the Baltic and moored near Hellerup, Denmark. On going ashore we met Danish friends and had a happy evening at the yacht club. But one man, who did not speak English, was not too friendly. We eventually gathered why.



After so many ships had been destroyed at the Battle of Trafalgar, the Royal Navy had captured the Danish fleet in 1807. Denmark was forced to plant thousands of oaks to rebuild its navy, and the new trees are only just ready  and it was our fault.



That broke the ice and the evening flourished.



Adrian LLoyd-Edwards

Dartmouth, Devon

SIR  On the very rare occasions that Admiral Lord Collingwood came home to his Hethpool estate in Northumberland, his daily walk involved burying acorns to ensure a future supply of oak. Many of these trees are still in evidence on the banks of the College Burn.



Neville Dickinson

Morpeth, Northumberland



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Summer EBT program has obvious upsides

There are two simple reasons that the state of Iowa should participate in the summer 2024 EBT program for kids: convenience and choice.

Parents, guardians, baby-sitters, the kids themselves  all can use the EBT card at the grocery, supermarket, or convenience store they already frequent, thus simplifying transportation and saving time. Food pantries and other suggested programs mean going one more place, maybe unfamiliar, where wanted items may not be available depending on the sources or time of the day or month.

The governor doesnt have to be concerned about reliable transportation, squeezing shopping into limited times, and paying a little more if the cheaper item or brand isnt available. A good number of Iowans with qualifying children have these concerns any day of the week. The benefits of the summer EBT program easily outweigh the cost.

Sister Mary Rehmann, Davenport

Summer EBT money can be used on nutritious foods

Gov. Kim Reynolds' explanation of her refusal to expand EBT payments for the summer is short-sighted and incorrect. She states it does not emphasize nutrition. Has she priced fresh fruits lately? That extra $40 a month would make it possible to purchase fruit that is nutritional and healthy.

David Cranston, Grinnell

Ive voted in every election since I was old enough to vote. I believe this upcoming election is the most important one in my 72 years. The results will tell us whether we can salvage and rebuild whats left of our once-great country, or whether well continue the slide into darkness.

Selecting a leader dedicated to rebuilding the United States is imperative. I believe Nikki Haley is the most qualified candidate weve seen among presidential contenders in many years, and Id like to encourage everyone to join me in supporting her as the Republican candidate and then voting for her in the November elections.

Mick Lane, Grand River

The world has gone mad. The media tells us that we will have the choice only between two compromised geriatric politicians for president in 2024. Iowans should refuse to buy this false choice being peddled.

Conservative Iowans have a distinct choice ahead of us: competence, sanity and integrity or chaos.

Our former president represents chaos. He lacks fiscal discipline and the ability to hire competent staff. He refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing while in office. His final year was one of the most disastrous years in American history.

Thankfully, weve been given a chance at a reprieve from this insanity. I knew the policy chops Ron DeSantis possessed before getting to know him and his wife, Casey, over the past nine months.

Ron and Casey DeSantis are genuinely the most decent people Ive met in politics. Theres no performative nonsense  you can even see that in the way our own governor interacts with the DeSantis family. Ive even hosted them at my own church in Washington, Iowa. Casey DeSantis has become a true friend.

I say this to bring the human side into what has become a campaign of lies being peddled by Donald Trump and Nikki Haley. Ron DeSantis is easily the best presidential candidate of my lifetime, which began when Carter was still in office.

Iowans have an incredible opportunity and privilege to have an outsized impact on the future of the free world. I ask you to join me in support of Ron DeSantis for president.

Matt Wells, Washington

Whats the plan for hungry children?

The 203,000 school-age children who qualify for subsidized lunches in our state represent 24% of all school enrollments. It would be wonderful if Gov. Kim Reynolds and our Legislature have a plan that will keep bellies full of nutritious food during the summer. Since they have turned down $29 million they should be responsible for developing and funding a better solution.

Susan Koch Bridgford, Des Moines

Study AEA services and then expand them

When one of my children was young, she was diagnosed with a speech problem and received speech therapy services through her school. She is now a teacher. The AEAs of Iowa provide essential services to give students with disabilities the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers. When I worked as a teacher, I also benefited from training provided by the AEA.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has indicated that she wants to review the services the AEAs provide. The state of Iowa has a significant budget surplus; some of that money should be used to help Iowans. We should be thinking about how to expand the services the AEAs provide to support students and teachers rather than reorganizing or cutting back on those services.

Dorothy Lifka, Des Moines

If they can feed children today, who cares if resources arent sustainable?

Gov. Kim Reynolds decided to be a Grinch over the holiday season. Rejecting federal food money for children in need is heartless. She said the money provided wasnt sustainable.

One would expect that when you take food out of childrens mouths, knowing hunger and food insecurity negatively affects so many facets of their life and future, there would be an immediately following statement about how a solution is already crafted. Not so from this governor, and not so for many other problems plaguing our states less fortunate citizens.

Even if the money is not sustainable, it would provide a bridge to a more sustainable solution if the governor had one. No such luck. Quality of life for children is not a priority for her.

Phillip Thien, Des Moines

Poisoning the blood remark is vile and racist

Donald Trump in a recent interview claimed that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. Never mind that his mother, four grandparents, and two wives were immigrants.

He specifically mentioned immigrants from South America, Asia, and Africa (not Europe, Australia, or Canada for some reason). He implied that these darker people are genetically or culturally inferior and a threat to our vitality.

Our broken immigration system has many problems, but racial inferiority is not among them. The great majority of immigrants are decent people trying to escape desperate situations, but like us in every way that matters. They just want to work hard, adopt our ways, and live peacefully.

So add racist to a resume that already includes compulsive liar, serial philanderer, sexual predator, business cheat, tax cheat, insurrectionist, and pathologically sore loser. Trump is morally unfit to lead our great country.

Timothy Olson, West Des Moines

Post office performance is abysmal

So, our postmaster general, Louis De Joy, said he wanted to run the post office "like a business."

Well, the service is worse than ever. Just in the case of a few days: One letter took 14 days between two addresses, both in greater Des Moines. Ten days to Montana is about average. I sent a small package special delivery, overnight to Lincoln, Nebraska, for $28.75. It finally arrived two days late.

Overall, the service was better 50 years ago.

Stamps are going up to 68 cents each. Now our carrier, Andy, does a great job. But his boss, Louis De Joy, and his cost-cutting "business practices" have to go. But let's not tell him with a letter in the mail. Better use UPS or FedEx.

Gail Pace, West Des Moines

Reynolds repeatedly puts children in harms way

Gov. Kim Reynolds decision to deny low-income Iowa children extra benefits for summertime food is the latest in a string of cruel choices that intentionally harm some of our state's youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

During the pandemic, Reynolds refused $95 million in federal funds for COVID testing in schools. Instead of caring for Iowa students, Reynolds sent them back to school without vaccines, testing, or PPE.

When the federal government offered grants to help solve Iowa's child care crisis, Reynolds refused to apply, again leaving the littlest Iowans without safe and reliable care.

When Iowa Republicans passed a bill to loosen child labor laws and allow Iowa children to work in dangerous factory settings, she once again put our young residents in harm's way.

Reynolds claims to be pro-life. She says she puts "students first." And she wants us to believe she's a child advocate.

Iowans hear what Kim Reynolds says, but we see what she does and the decisions she makes. In Iowa government, actions speak much louder than words when it comes to the most at-risk citizens. Reynolds has proved she is no friend to children in the state.

Julie Neff, Polk City

Library social workers efforts are encouraging

My Christmas gift this year was reading Amanda Tugades uplifting story on newly hired social worker Ashlan Lippert of the Des Moines Public Library. Lipperts professional educational background plus work experience with the homeless in New York City makes this a perfect fit. My recent meeting with her and listening to her enthusiasm and warmth quickly convinced me this will add to her effectiveness.

Although many public libraries have done the same, my hat is off to our Library Board for doing its part locally in addressing basic needs such as income, shelter, transportation or food, which many find insurmountable when in such dire straits for various reasons.

Lloyd Kaufman, Des Moines

Support for Gazans isnt support for Hamas

According to a Dec. 19 Register story, Gov. Kim Reynolds declared, "while today's protest in support of Hamas terrorists is sad and disgraceful ."

It is disingenuous of her to equate support for the innocent civilians of Gaza with support for the terrorist organization Hamas.

Governor, words matter. Please think more carefully before you offer statements publicly to the people of Iowa.

Phoebe Bubendorfer, Des Moines

Who run the world, or state?

I, personally, look forward to all-female boards and commissions in Iowas future.

Upon initial review of the final recommendations from the Boards and Commissions Review Committee, I felt angry, frustrated, and, sadly, unsurprised. Merging boards to dilute expertise, eliminating commissions on topics we dont want to discuss; this all fits neatly along the path our governor is dragging us along.

But what stuck in my craw was the brazen recommendation to remove the gender balance requirement (Iowa Code 69.61A) from our municipal commissions, committees, boards, and councils. The perspectives of men have, historically, been dramatically over-represented on bodies that make economic decisions for us all, despite women outnumbering men and volunteering in community service organizations at higher rates, and we still have not achieved parity, despite the law being passed to include state-level appointments in 1987 and extended to include local authorities in 2009.

Im looking ahead to January, as the 90th General Assembly reconvenes, and expecting these recommendations to move forward. Heedless of the testimony that has been, and will continue to be, offered by subject-matter experts who are reliant on the entities that will be cut, merged, or hamstrung, the Legislature will likely implement the proposed changes.

So, soon, there will no longer be any reason not to staff commissions, committees, boards, and councils and include not a single male member. Its time for other voices to lead decision-making, so I urge every person to start nominating their non-male friends for every open position in their town, county, and in the state of Iowa.

State Rep. Elinor A. Levin, Iowa City

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Letters: Kim Reynolds repeatedly puts children in harms way
Sojourner Truth will be the topic of Hudson Heritage Association's January program when speakers from the Sojourner Truth Project explore her lifes work as an abolitionist and women rights advocate. This photo came from of the Library of Congress.

The Hudson Heritage Association will highlight the life of Sojourner Truth at its Jan. 11 meeting.

Regarded as one of the 19th centurys most important human rights advocates, Sojourner Truth delivered what is considered one of the most significant abolitionist and womens rights speeches in American history just a few miles from Hudson when she spoke at the Second Womens Rights Convention in Akron in 1851. A dramatization of Truths historic speech, Aint I a Woman, will be part of the program.

Isabella Baumfree was born in 1797 to a New York slave owner who refused to honor the New York Anti-Slavery Law of 1827. Taking her life into her own hands, Baumfree walked away from bondage and subsequently experienced a religious conversion and took the name Sojourner Truth. She became an itinerant preacher, became involved in the abolitionist movement and also took up the cause of womens rights. She spoke out for the rights of women and African Americans until her death in 1883.

HHAs January meeting at Barlow Community Center will feature members of The Sojourner Truth Project in Akron and will include background on the life of the formerly enslaved woman as well as an update on the project designed to recognize Truths work and the suffrage centennial in Summit County. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and through contributions community-wide, as well as support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza will be dedicated on North High Street, beside the United Way building, in May 2024. Details about the project can be found at https://www.truthstatue.org/

Presenters at HHAs meeting will include Leianne Neff Heppner, president and CEO, The Summit County Historical Society of Akron; Towanda Mullins, chair of the Sojourner Truth Project - Akron; Margaret Maurer, Education Committee Chair for Sojourner Truth Project-Akron; and Hazel Burney Malone, retired teacher, Akron Public Schools.

The meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.

Founded in 1962, Hudson Heritage Association works to protect Hudsons historic buildings, the village streetscape, and the citys Western Reserve architectural aesthetic. For details, visit www.HudsonHeritage.org or search Hudson Heritage Association on Facebook and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson Heritage Association features Sojourner Truth in January
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Ahmed Elimam

COPENHAGEN/DUBAI/CAIRO (Reuters) -U.S. helicopters repelled an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea, sinking three ships and killing 10 militants, according to accounts by American, Maersk, and Houthi officials on Sunday.

The naval battle occurred around 0330 GMT on Sunday as the attackers sought to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou, Maersk and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said. Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely joined the ship's security team in repelling the attackers after receiving a distress call, CENTCOM said.

Maersk said it was pausing all sailing through the Red Sea for 48 hours after the attack.

A spokesman for the Houthis said the group carried out the attack because the ship's crew refused to heed warning calls. He said 10 Houthi naval personnel were "dead and missing" after their boats were attacked by U.S. forces in the Red Sea.

The naval battle underlines the risk of a regional escalation in fighting as Israel continues with its relentless bombing campaign following a Hamas surprise cross-border attack on Israeli towns on Oct. 7 that left 1,200 dead, and took 240 hostages. Israel's air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 21,800 people, according to Gazan health authorities.

Yemen's Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November to show their support for Hamas, prompting major shipping companies to take the longer and costlier route around the Africa's Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal.

The Red Sea is the entry point for ships using the Suez Canal, which handles about 12% of global trade and vital for the movement of goods between Asia and Europe.

The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian on Dec. 19, saying more than 20 countries had agreed to participate in the efforts to safeguard ships in Red Sea waters near Yemen.

Maersk, one of the world's top cargo shippers, said on Dec. 24 it would resume sailing through the Red Sea. However, attacks have continued and U.S. allies have proven reluctant to commit to the coalition, with nearly half not declaring their presence publicly.

The botched Houthi boarding operation was the second attack on the Maersk Hangzhou in as many days. The ship, which is carrying 14,000 containers en route from Singapore, was on Saturday hit by a missle about 55 nautical miles southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen.

The shipping company added that the crew of the Maersk Hangzhou crew was safe and there was no indication of fire onboard the vessel, which continued its journey north toward the Suez Canal.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby declined to say what options the U.S. is considering when asked on ABC's "Good Morning America" if Washington would consider a preemptive strike on the Houthis.

"We have made it clear publicly to the Houthis, we've made it clear privately to our allies and partners in the region, that we take these threats seriously."

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on Sunday that he had told Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a call that Iran should help stop the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

"I made clear that Iran shares responsibility for preventing these attacks, given their long-standing support to the Houthis," Cameron said in a post on social media site X, adding that the attacks "threaten innocent lives and the global economy".

The BIMCO shipping association condemned the attacks and thanked those states involved in repelling them.

"We are thankful to U.S., French, and UK efforts so far and hope even more states will support the coalition with naval assets or other impactful means including diplomatic pressure on the Houthis and their sponsors," Jakob Larsen, BIMCO's head of maritime safety and security, told Reuters.

(Reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Hatem Maher and Daphne Psaledakis; additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Frances Kerry, Jason Neely, Heather Timmons and Diane Craft)
A container with the logo of A. P. Moller-Maersk Group stands at the Black Forest Terminal (BFT) site. The Dutch shipping giant is suspending shipping through the Red Sea again, after one of its freighters was attacked twice in 24 hours by Houthis. Silas Stein/dpa

Shipping giant Maersk is suspending shipping through the Red Sea again, after one of its freighters was attacked twice in 24 hours by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

All transits are to be suspended for 48 hours in order to investigate the incident and assess the security situation, the company told dpa on Sunday.

Maersk confirmed that the Maersk Hangzhou container ship was hit by an object on Saturday evening after it had passed the Bab al-Mandab strait en route from Singapore to Port Suez, Egypt. The ship was initially able to continue on its course before four boats later approached the vessel, opened fire and attempted to board it. The attack was successfully repelled with the help of a military helicopter and the ship's security team, the statement added.

The crew is reportedly safe, the company said.

The US military previously also reported the incident and blamed pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen for the attack. US helicopters had sunk three of the four attacking boats, according to a statement from the responsible US regional command on X. Their crews had been killed, but the fourth boat escaped, it said. There was no damage or casualties on the US side.

Maersk, alongside other shipping companies, had initially suspended operations in the Red Sea following increasing attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen's Houthis in support of Hamas in Gaza.

Only this week did the company resume shipping via the Red Sea following the establishment of a US-led naval alliance to protect ships in the area.
A 20-year-old Maine man wanted for murder in connection with the death of his co-worker in Waterville has been captured by police in Arkansas, authorities said.

Spridal Hubiak of Waterville was injured when shots were fired after he exited a vehicle in Flippin, Arkansas, following attempts by police to stop his vehicle during a chase to apprehend him, the Maine Department of Public Safety said in a statement on Sunday.

Hubiak was flown to a medical facility in Green County, Missouri where he is receiving medical treatment. His condition is unknown but he is expected to survive, authorities said.

Maine State Police sought to arrest Hubiak for murder after the body of an dead employee was found inside Damons Beverage on Jefferson Street in Waterville on Thursday.

Police responded to the business at approximately 4:34 a.m. Thursday. Authorities have not identified the victim. An autopsy was expected to be performed on Friday.

Police then sought Hubiak, also an employee at Damons Beverage, on a warrant for murder.

Late last week, authorities released a public alert to locate him, informing the public that Hubiak was driving a black 2010 Ford Taurus with Maine license plates, was possibly armed, to not approach him and that he likely left the state.

At 12:58 a.m. Sunday, Maine State Police Major Crime Unit detectives were notified that police officers in Flippin, Arkansas located Hubiak as he was sleeping in a parking lot in that town.

During the encounter with police, Hubiak drove off in a black 2010 Ford Taurus and a chase ensued, authorities said.

Area agencies assisted with the chase that ended on Highway 65 in Boone County after troopers with the Arkansas State Police were able to deploy spike mats, authorities said.

When the vehicle Hubiak was driving became disabled, Hubiak exited the vehicle with a rifle and shots were fired, and Hubiak was injured, police said. Detailed information about the shooting incident was not released. The shooting is under investigation by Arkansas State Police.

Maine State Police detectives are working with the Boone County Sheriffs Department and the Arkansas State Police on the case.

Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit at 207-624-7076 or the Waterville Police Department at 207-680-4700.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The home of Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was swatted on Friday, making her the latest victim in a string of such incidents.

Bellows said shes become the victim of a series of threats in the wake of her decision to remove former President Trump from the ballot under the 14th Amendment on Friday.

We were not home yesterday when threats escalated, and our home address was posted online, Bellows wrote in a Saturday Facebook post. It was a good thing because our home was swatted last night. Thats when someone calls in a fake emergency to evoke a strong law enforcement response to scare the target. Swatting incidents have resulted in casualties, although thankfully, this one did not.

Bellows condemned the behavior that she says is affecting her and her employees.

This behavior is unacceptable. The non-stop threatening communications the people who work for me endured all day yesterday is unacceptable. Its designed to scare not only me but also others into silence, to send a message, she wrote.

Bellows is the latest in a string of politicians who have been targeted this week. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) were among those who were recent victims of the increasingly problematic trend.

Last night, while at dinner with my wife, cowards swatted my home in Naples, Scott wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, earlier this week. These criminals wasted the time & resources of our law enforcement in a sick attempt to terrorize my family.

Greene estimated the Christmas false emergency report was the eighth swatting occurrence at her home this year.

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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Saturday said her home was swatted amid escalating threats over her removal of Donald Trump from the states 2024 primary ballot.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Bellows said she was the target of a swatting  when a false emergency call results in a strong police response to a residence  Friday night, after her home address was posted online.

Many of you have asked if Brandon and I are safe, Bellows wrote. We are away for the holiday weekend. We were not home yesterday when threats escalated, and our home address was posted online. It was a good thing because our home was swatted last night, she added.

Maine State Police said an unknown male called a regional communication center Friday evening saying that he had broken into a home in the Augusta area, according to local station WGME13. Police confirmed the home as Bellows. Officers found the home empty, and an investigation remains ongoing.

At least three Republican members of Congress have said they were the target of swatting incidents this week: Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), and Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.). No one was harmed in the incidents.

Such episodes have also affected numerous state and local officials both Republican and Democratic, and come amid increasing concern for the security of politicians and lawmakers in an era of heightened partisanship ahead of the 2024 elections.

Bellows on Friday defended her decision to bar Trump from the ballot, telling POLITICO that the former president did not meet the constitutional requirements for holding high office.

Bellows made the call to eject Trump on the grounds that he engaged in insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, violating the 14th Amendment amid a broader effort to overturn the 2020 election result.

Trump had previously attacked the decision and posted a link to Bellows biographical information on his Truth Social account. He further followed a post with the comment: Fisherman, Loggers, & Lobsterman, who voted for President Trump overwhelmingly, are furious with this non-Lawyer Sec. of State.

While the Maine Department of Public Safety did not release a motive for the swatting call, Bellows said in an interview with the Associated Press that it stemmed from her decision to remove Trump from the ballot.

The swatting attempt came after her home address was posted on social media by a conservative activist, Bellows said. And it was posted in anger and with violent intent by those who have been extending threatening communications toward me, my family and my office, she added.

In the immediate wake of her decision, Bellows said she felt protected by authorities as Maines secretary of state.

However, she condemned the swatting and threats in her Saturday post: This behavior is unacceptable. The non-stop threatening communications the people who work for me endured all day yesterday is unacceptable. Its designed to scare not only me but also others into silence, to send a message.
ANKARA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish National Intelligence Organization has "neutralized" a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) responsible for killing Turkish diplomat Osman Kose in northern Iraq, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Sunday.

Kose, serving at Turkiye's Consulate General in Erbil, was gunned down at a restaurant in the Iraqi city in 2019.

Cemil Akar, code-named Renas Derik, was one of the perpetrators of the Turkish diplomat's assassination, the news agency quoted anonymous security sources as saying.

Following the assassination, Turkish intelligence followed Akar, who first moved from Erbil to Iraq's Sulaymaniyah region, and then to Qandil region, according to the sources.

In the recent air operations carried out jointly by the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq, several PKK targets were destroyed, and Akar was among the militants being killed, Anadolu reported.

The PKK militant allegedly crossed from Turkiye to Syria and Iraq after 2014, joined the rural ranks of the group and was involved in its activities in the Makhmur region of Iraq.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in their statements to imply the alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. 
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was the target of a "swatting call" on Friday night, state police said in a statement.

The incident happened just a day after Bellows, a Democrat, ruled former President Donald Trump is constitutionally ineligible to appear on the states primary ballot next year.

State police said they received a call at about 8:15 p.m. from a man who said he had broken into Bellows' home. When officers arrived, they found no one at the house, and they checked the exterior of the property as well as the interior at the request of Bellows, who was not at home at the time.

The state police said they found nothing suspicious inside the home, and the caller has not been identified. They added that the incident remains under investigation, and they are working with law enforcement partners "to provide special attention to any and all appropriate locations."

Swatting is a false report of a crime or emergency that is intended to draw a police presence to a location.

Bellows did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment.

In a statement she posted on her Facebook profile page on Saturday, Bellows said, "We were not home yesterday when threats escalated, and our home address was posted online. It was a good thing because our home was swatted last night. Thats when someone calls in a fake emergency to evoke a strong law enforcement response to scare the target. Swatting incidents have resulted in casualties although thankfully this one did not."

"This behavior is unacceptable," she continued. "The non-stop threatening communications the people who work for me endured all day yesterday is unacceptable. Its designed to scare not only me but also others into silence, to send a message."

In her statement, Bellows expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their support as well as to the employees at her department. She also made a plea for those reading her message to "encourage those whom you influence to de-escalate the rhetoric."

"We should be able to agree to disagree on important issues without threats and violence," she added.

Bellows' decision followed a first-of-its-kind ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court last week that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution bars Trump from holding office again because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Bellows office said her decision would not be enforced until the courts weigh in, given the compressed timeframe, the novel constitutional questions involved, the importance of this case, and impending ballot preparation deadlines.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement after the decision, "We will quickly file a legal objection in state court to prevent this atrocious decision in Maine from taking effect."

He also called Bellows "a former ACLU attorney, a virulent leftist and a hyper-partisan Biden-supporting Democrat who has decided to interfere in the presidential election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden."

Trump had demanded Bellows, a former state senator, recuse herself from the case, arguing she was too partisan and prejudiced because she had called the Jan. 6 attack an insurrection.

Trump is expected to appeal the Colorado high court decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Courts in Michigan, Arizona and Minnesota have ruled against petitions to disqualify Trump from the ballots in those states.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it arrested a man in connection to a July murder in Southeast D.C.

On July 3 at about 12:15 p.m., police responded to the 2800 block of Hartford Street in Southeast for the report of a shooting.

2 dead, 2 hurt in quadruple shooting near Nationals Park

When officers arrived at the scene, they found 33-year-old Langston Sharps, of Southeast, DC, who had been shot. He died there.

On December 28, police arrested 22-year-old Jahi Settles, of no fixed address.

He was transported to the Homicide Branch where he was charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A man has been taken into custody following a barricade situation in Norfolk Saturday night.

Police were called to the 3200 block of Kimball Terrace around 8:32 p.m. for the report of a person with a weapon. When officers arrived on scene, they learned a man had allegedly assaulted a 55-year-old man before barricading himself in a home.

The 55-year-old man sustained non life-threatening injuries during the assault and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Operations Team responded to the scene and took 29-year-old Jaqua M. Tann into custody without incident around 2:25 a.m.

Tann has been charged with malicious wounding and robbery. He also had other outstanding warrants for charges unrelated to this incident on file at the time of his arrest.

He is currently being held in Norfolk City Jail without bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
UPDATE: 2:00 PM: ASAP EMS of Mississippi identified the medic as Mary Katie Pipkins.

We as a company are heartbroken over the loss of such a beautiful soul. Miss Pipkins was a true hero in every way. Miss Pipkins set a standard in EMS for others to follow. Her love and compassion knew no bounds. She was an inspiration to her fellow coworkers and everyone that knew her. She cared deeply for each person she encountered while serving her community, wrote Operation Manager Rusty Hembree.

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A first responder from Mississippi is dead after Mobile Police say she was hit and killed by a man driving under the influence Saturday night. Jail records say the man accused of manslaughter has been arrested for DUI several times before.

Mobile Police say it happened on Moffett Road near the intersection of Shelton Beach Road at about 6:45 Saturday night. Police say two vehicles collided. An ASAP Ambulance from Mississippi, returning from a previous call, stopped to help.

Another vehicle, driven by 35-year-old Michael Thomas, collided with the first crash scene and hit the driver of one of the vehicles and a 30-year-old female ASAP medic.

The driver was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries but the medic was killed at the scene.

Police say Thomas, in their words, exhibited signs of impairment, and was arrested. He faces charges of DUI, manslaughter, and assault. Its not the first time hes been charged with driving under the influence in Mobile County. Jail records show Thomas was booked into jail for DUI at least four other times since 2010.

The following is a news release from the Mobile Police Department:

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, at approximately 6:45 p.m., officers responded to a fatal traffic collision westbound on Moffett Road near Shelton Beach Road.

Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed that the incident occurred when one vehicle collided with the rear of another vehicle, which was towing a utility trailer. An ASAP Ambulance from Mississippi, returning from a prior medical call, stopped to offer assistance. Another vehicle, operated by Michael Thomas, 35, struck both the female driver of one of the vehicles and a 30-year-old female ASAP Medic.

The 28-year-old female driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transported to the hospital for medical attention. The 30-year-old female ASAP Medic employee was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Michael Thomas exhibited signs of impairment, and he was taken into custody. Thomas is charged with manslaughter, assault, and felony driving under the influence. The case remains an ongoing investigation.

Mobile County DA Keith Blackwood issued the following statement: Our hearts go out to the family of the brave paramedic who went above the call of duty last night. My office has approved three charges at this time for the individual allegedly involved and we are prepared to prosecute.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Detectives are investigating an overnight shooting outside of a Clarksville club that left a 23-year-old man dead.

According to the Clarksville Police Department, officers were sent to Club Pressuh in the 2000 block of Ft. Campbell Boulevard on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 a.m. to respond to a shooting in progress call.

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Authorities said they found evidence of shots being fired in the parking lot.

While they were investigating, law enforcement learned that a man had arrived at Tennova Emergency Room with multiple gunshot wounds. Police said the investigation revealed the man had been shot outside of Club Pressuh.

The man  identified as 23-year-old Darrius Heard of Clarksville  died from his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, officials said.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

Investigators are now working to determine what led to the deadly shooting. If you have information that could help with the case, you are asked to call Homicide Detective Benjamin Goble at 931-648-0656.

Additional details about the shooting were not immediately released.

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

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

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

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

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) say a man is in custody after an alleged shooting Friday night in Monroe County.

On Friday at about 10:44 p.m., troopers say they launched an investigation into a shooting that happened near in the intersection of Mount Nebo Road and Lakeside Drive in Middle Smithfield Township.

After the investigation, it was found by state police that Ryan Dane Martin shot six rounds from a nine-millimeter handgun into an occupied car after an altercation.

No injuries were reported in the isolated shooting and there is no threat to the public, according to PSP.

Walker Township dairy business in ruins after fire

PSP located Martin and he was taken into custody without incident.

Martin is facing several charges, including two counts of aggravated assault, attempted homicide, and other related offenses.

According to court documents, Martin was unable to pay the 250,000 cash bail and is currently being held in the Monroe County Prison with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 10.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  A pedestrian was killed early Sunday morning after being hit by an SUV in Taylorsville, according to Taylorsville Police.

On Dec. 31, at around 2:15 a.m., police responded to the area of 4940 South 4015 West on a report of an auto-pedestrian crash.

Provo police officer hospitalized after fentanyl exposure

The driver of the SUV remained on scene and attempted to give medical help to the pedestrian, however, medical personnel arrived and found the victim deceased.

The victim is reportedly a man in his late 30s. His identity is being withheld at this time.

Police said the driver, a 19-year-old man, had been at a nearby McDonalds when he was involved in a minor hit-and-run, according to Lt. Cheshire, Taylorsville Police.

The driver reportedly then fled northbound on 4015 West when he hit the pedestrian. Police said the victim had been at the shoulder of the road during the time of the crash.

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Impairment is a suspicion on behalf of the driver in this incident, according to police.

The driver was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on the charges previously stated.

No further information is available at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man is in critical condition after a shooting in North Memphis Saturday evening, Memphis Police say.

According to reports, officers responded to the shooting in the 1500 block of Willis Street near Chelsea Avenue, just before 5 p.m.

1500 Block of Willis Street regarding a shooting.

Police say a man was located on the scene suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

This is an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information regarding this incident, call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Pueblo police are investigating the city's 26th homicide of the year after a man was found with a gunshot wound early Sunday morning and later died at a local hospital.

According to a news release, police received a report of a shooting just before 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve in the 1300 block of East 14th Street. At the scene, officers found an adult man with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. He was later declared dead at the hospital, according to the release.

Pueblo Police Department detectives are investigating the man's death as a homicide. The victim will be identified by the Pueblo County coroner after his next of kin has been notified. The coroner's office will also determine the man's official cause and manner of death.

No arrests have yet been made and the department's investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the shooting is encouraged by Pueblo PD to contact police dispatch at 719-553-2502 or Detective Phillip Vigil at 719-601-7816. To remain anonymous, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-STOP (719-542-7867) or pueblocrimestoppers.com. Information that leads to a felony arrest could qualify its submitting party for a cash reward.

Sunday morning's fatal shooting marks the 26th homicide in the city of Pueblo this year and the 28th county-wide. Last year, Pueblo reported 27 homicides in the city, and 30 county-wide.

What we know about Pueblo County's previous 27 homicides of 2023

Unnamed 2-year-old, Jan. 31 : Mythia Latka, 23, has been charged with child abuse causing the death of her 2-year-old child, who has not been publicly identified by the Chieftain because the child is a minor.

Heather Duran, Feb. 24 : Francisco Ruiz, 30, is accused of first-degree murder in the shooting death of the 34-year-old Duran. Ruiz is scheduled for a jury trial in January after a judge found there was sufficient evidence to set the case for trial.

Fred Ettleman, Feb. 24 : Ettleman, 79, was killed in a shooting at King Soopers on Northern Avenue. Police have not publicly identified any suspects in Ettleman's death.

Joseph Vigil, March 4 : Vigil, 38, was killed in a late-night shooting. Police identified Pablo Carillo and Mario Valenzuela as suspects in the case. Carillo was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Valenzuela died on April 6, according to Pueblo PD. The county coroner stated that Valenzuela died in a "non-newsworthy manner" and declined to release Valenzuela's cause of death.

Sancho Xavier Sierra, April 3 : Sierra, 17, was killed in the 1000 block of East 11th Street, in an apparent shooting. Three women were also hospitalized with gunshot wounds in the same shooting. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Scottie Sanders, April 24 : Sanders, 28, was found dead in the 2600 block of Orman Avenue after police responded to reports of an unconscious person. No suspects have been identified in the case and the coroner has not released Sanders' cause of death. No suspects have yet been named.

Daedriean Ortega-Brisco, May 9 : Police were dispatched to the 1500 block of East Second Street on a report that a person had been shot and found Ortega-Brisco, 19, dead at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Joshua Specht, May 22 : Specht, 42, was found dead in the yard of a residence on the 2600 block of Poplar Street by police, who were responding to a call of shots fired in the area and a motorcycle crash near Illinois Avenue and Poplar Street. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Michael Anthony Sandoval, June 11 : Sandoval, 28, was found dead by police at approximately 6:35 p.m. after they were called to the 1100 block of Francisco Street on a report of a shooting. Police announced in early July that they'd issued an arrest warrant charging Edgar Earl Darden with murder. Darden was arrested on Aug. 27 by police.

Jordan Robinson, June 19 : Robinson was discovered dead in a vehicle in the 1000 block of East River Street, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a coroner investigator. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Russel Edward Kuklies, June 27 : Kuklies, 40, was shot and killed at the Val-U-Stay Inn and Suites on North Hudson Avenue. Officers responded to the scene just after 8 p.m. the night of June 27 and found Kuklies deceased on scene. Police are seeking help identifying suspects in the homicide.

Marcos Colunga-Gaona, June 28: Colunga-Gaona, 25, was found unresponsive by police with a gunshot wound in the 1600 block of Lambert Avenue on the night of June 28 after neighbors in the area called police to report shots fired. Colunga-Gaona was pronounced dead by a coroner investigator. Police arrested a juvenile suspect and charged them with second-degree murder on Nov. 9.

Lazarus Vigil, June 28: Police were called to the scene of a car crash and fire in the 500 block of Mesa Avenue. When officers arrived, they found an adult male, identified later as Vigil, inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds. Vigil was taken to a local hospital but died from his injuries. A 13-year-old has been arrested in connection to Vigil's death, although the suspect has not been publicly named due to his age.

Sabino Loya-Armendariz, July 3: Loya-Armendariz, 25, was found dead by Pueblo County sheriffs deputies after suffering gunshot wounds in the 1300 block of Tampico Street. No arrest have been made.

Marcos Baca, July 4: Police were called to the 0-100 block of Amherst Avenue and arrived to find Baca, 29, dead at the scene. Pueblo police arrested Baca's uncle, William Montoya, and charged him with first-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to the shooting.

Vincent Smith, July 24 : Smith was shot and killed outside of his home on 2000 block of East Evans Avenue. Police arrested Russell Martinez in connection to Smith's death.

Unnamed teenager, July 25 : Less than eight hours after Smith's murder, Pueblo police were called to the skate park in City Park on another report of shots fired and found a teenager, who has not been publicly identified, dead. No arrests have been made.

Franklin Bruner, July 29: Bruner was shot and killed in the 1000 block of Berkley Avenue. His dog was also shot during the incident and had to be euthanized as a result of its injuries. The suspect in the case, Robert James Rudichar, was arrested in Las Vegas, New Mexico on July 31. He's been charged with first-degree murder.

Larry Derrick Maes, Aug. 4: Maes was found dead in a white SUV with a single gunshot wound after sheriffs deputies were called to a report of a vehicle wreck in the 1700 block of Tenderfoot Lane in Pueblo West. No suspects have been named in the case

Keith Quinn, Aug. 13: Quinn, 38, of Pueblo, was discovered dead in a parking lot near 45 Bonnymede Road. No suspects have been named in the case.

Jason Trujillo, Aug. 24: Trujillo was shot and killed during a multi-victim shooting in the 1200 block of Berwind Avenue. Three additional victims arrived at an area hospital via a private vehicle, according to Pueblo PD, two of whom were then transported to another hospital in Colorado Springs with life-threatening injuries, but survived. No suspects have been named.

Franky Montoya, Aug. 30 : Montoya, 34, died after being shot several times at a residence in the 1800 block of East 17th Street. No arrests have been made in the case.

Christopher Salazar , Sept. 21: Salazar, 29, was shot and killed, allegedly by Steven Vigil in an altercation outside of a liquor store on Sept. 21. Vigil has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Oliveah Fransua, Nov. 1 : Fransua, 14, was shot and killed the night of Halloween, allegedly by her 15-year-old boyfriend, Fransua's mother told the Chieftain. A juvenile has been arrested in the case.

Angelo Isahia Rodgers , Nov 29: Rodgers, 22, was killed by gunshot wounds in the 0-100 block of Wheatridge Drive in the early morning hours of Nov. 29. No suspects have yet been identified in the case.

Christopher Trujillo, Dec. 5: Trujillo, 19, was shot the evening of Dec. 4, and later died of his injuries. No arrests have been made.

Thomas Maurriz Milian, Dec. 6: Milian, 36, was found with a gunshot wound at the Rodeway Inn and was transported to a local hospital where he was later declared dead. No arrests have been made.

More on the public safety beat: Pueblo set a new record for auto thefts in 2023. Here's what to know

Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Police investigating city's 26th homicide after man shot and killed
A man is in the hospital after officials say he was shot while trying to break into a southwest Atlanta home.

Atlanta police told Channel 2 Action News on Sunday at 3:13 a.m. officers received reports of a person shot at a home on Richardson Street SW.

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When officers arrived, they located a man who had been shot in the chest. He was taken to the hospital, where he is in critical condition.

The victims identity has not been released.

According to the investigation, the man was breaking into the home at that location when the homeowner shot him.

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Authorities have not said if the homeowner will face charges.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
YANGON, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar earned over 3.1 billion U.S. dollars from the export of finished garments between April 1 and Dec. 15 this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday.

During the period, the export of finished garments secured the top position in Myanmar's foreign revenue earnings, followed by the natural gas export with over 2.36 billion dollars and the black grams export with over 501 million dollars, respectively, showed the ministry's data.

In Myanmar, garments were mainly manufactured under the cut-make-pack (CMP) system.

Myanmar exported the CMP garments to 80 countries during the period. Japan, Poland, Spain, Germany, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, the United States, France, Denmark and Belgium are the main destinations of Myanmar's garments.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Myanmar earned 5.3 billion dollars from the export of CMP garments to over 100 countries, official figures showed.

The Southeast Asian country's overall export earnings during the period reached over 10.13 billion dollars, according to the data. 
A 39-year-old surfer died after a shark encounter in Maui on Saturday, officials in Hawaii said.

The man encountered the shark in Paia Bay around 11:10 a.m. local time, the Maui Fire Department said. Ocean Safety officers transported the wounded man to shore via a jet ski, according to the County of Maui Facebook page. He received treatment on the shore before being taken to a hospital, where he died.

The man has not yet been publicly identified.

Baldwin Beach Park and Lower Pa'ia Park were closed after the deadly encounter, and shark warning signs were posted from Tavares Bay to Baby Beach, authorities said.

Saturday's attack was the only deadly shark encounter in Hawaii in 2023, though there have been more than a half dozen incidents involving sharks in Hawaii this year, according to the state's Department of Land and Natural Resources. On Dec. 8 last year, a snorkeler died in a shark attack.

Around 40 species of sharks live in the waters around Hawaii, but only about a dozen of the more than 300 species of sharks in the world have been involved in attacks on humans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tiger sharks are considered the most dangerous shark species in Hawaiian waters, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Officials have not specified the type of shark involved in Saturday's attack.

In 2022, Florida accounted for 39% of unprovoked attacks in the U.S., with New York reporting the second most bites, followed by Hawaii, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File.

Saturday's attack came just days after a teenage boy was killed in a shark attack in Australia. Last year, Australia had the second-highest number of unprovoked shark bites in the world  with the U.S. being first.

Anderson Cooper on freeing yourself from the burden of grief

"Hail and farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2023

A recap of the good news from 2023
Spridal Hubiak, of Waterville, Maine, was taken into custody in Flippin, Ark., three days after police discovered the body of 52-year-old Angela Bragg inside the Damons Beverage liquor store where the pair worked. Photo courtesy of Maine Department of Public Safety

Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A 20-year-old suspect in the killing of a female co-worker in Maine was arrested more than 1,600 miles away following a brief chase and shootout with Arkansas police.

Spridal Hubiak, of Waterville, Maine, was taken into custody in Flippin, Ark., three days after police discovered the body of 52-year-old Angela Bragg inside the Damon's Beverage liquor store where the pair worked.

An autopsy on Friday confirmed the victim died as a result of blunt force trauma, leading the Waterville medical examiner to declare Bragg's Dec. 28 death a homicide.

Days later, police in Flippin, Ark., noticed a suspicious car with Maine license plates in the parking lot of a local business and surprised the sleeping suspect, who cranked up the black Ford Taurus and sped away.

It's unclear whether police in the small rural town were aware of the Maine case when they chanced upon the sleeping suspect.

The chase ended later on Highway 65 in Boone County when state troopers deployed spike strips that disabled the car.

Unable to drive, the suspect jumped out of the vehicle armed with a rifle, leading police to open fire, authorities said.

Hubiak was wounded in the gunfire and later transported by medical helicopter to a hospital in Green County, Mo., police said in a statement posted to Facebook.

There was no immediate update on the suspect's condition, but Maine State Police authorities said Hubiak was expected to survive.

Arkansas State Police investigators were looking into what prompted Arkansas officers to open fire.

So far police have not revealed the circumstances or the motive for the liquor store slaying.
Congress hasnt had at least 100 members of the House and Senate with military backgrounds since 2017. But the veterans caucus in the legislature right now is close enough to challenge that mark in the 2024 elections.

The number of veterans in Congress has steadily declined since the 1970s, a shift which mostly reflects the change to the all-volunteer force and the dwindling number of Americans who enlist annually.

But veterans advocates have worried that decline has also taken away valuable insight for lawmakers as they craft national security policy, veterans support plans and defense budget proposals.

In 1973, the total number of veterans serving in House and Senate seats was 401  75% of all the seats in both chambers. By 1995, that number was down to 213 seats. It dropped below 100 for the first time in 2013.

Breaking down the number of veterans in the 118th Congress

A total of 97 lawmakers with military backgrounds were elected in 2022, 80 in the House and 17 in the Senate. That was up five veterans from the previous congressional elections, and only the fourth time in the last 50 years there has been any increase at all in the total veterans elected.

Of that group, 58 veterans (60%) served at least part of their enlistment after 2001. Advocates are hopeful that the younger generation of veterans will help push that number back up, albeit to a much lower level than the past historic marks.

But doing so will require some luck at the ballot box.

Already, the Senate is scheduled to lose one veteran next year. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., the last Vietnam veteran serving in the chamber, has announced his plans to retire from Congress.

Two veterans in the House  Ohio Republican Reps. Brad Wenstrup and Bill Johnson  have also announced plans to leave Congress.

That means at least three new candidates with military experience will need to win state races in order to keep the number of veterans in Congress steady.

Most primary battles for House and Senate seats will be decided later this spring, giving candidates the summer to campaign for the general election. By early summer, advocates should have a clearer idea whether the number of veterans aiming for those seats is increasing or on the downturn again.
Toronto Maple Leafs' Ilya Samsonov makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

The Toronto Maple Leafs waived underperforming goalie Ilya Samsonov, and the Buffalo Sabres ended their three-goalie rotation by waiving Eric Comrie, a person with direct knowledge of the moves told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the moves. Both players would land in the minors if they go unclaimed on Monday.

Samsonovs .862 save percentage and 3.94 goals-against average are each the second-worst among goalies with at least 10 appearances. In his most recent action, he allowed six goals on 21 shots Friday in a 6-5 overtime loss to Columbus.

Samsonov acknowledged struggling mentally after he allowed five goals and 19 shots before getting pulled 1:03 into the second period of a 9-3 loss at Buffalo on Dec. 21.

I need to figure out everything in my head, Samsonov said. Thats the first (thing). Its not about technique. Its not about, you know, its not about nothing. Just in the head.

The 26-year-old Russian is 5-2-6 in his second season with Toronto after the Washington Capitals opted not to tender him a restricted free agent offer in the summer of 2022. Samsonov went to arbitration with the Leafs last offseason and was awarded a $3.55 million contract, $1.15 million of which comes off their salary cap if hes sent to the minors.

Buffalo, meanwhile, eases its roster logjam by waiving Comrie. The move frees up a valuable roster spot with forward Zemgus Girgensons ready to return from injured reserve after missing the past 17 games.

Sabres goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and 22-year-old rookie Devon Levi have moved ahead of Comrie on the depth chart, splitting starts over the past 10 games.

Comrie has an .863 save percentage and 4.01 goals-against average in seven appearances. The Sabres have lost the past six games Comrie has started. He has especially struggled since returning from a lower-body injury in mid-November, with a league-worst .827 save percentage and 5.17 goals-against average in four losses.

In his first season with the Sabres, Comrie had a 9-9-1 record with an .886 save percentage and 3.67 goals-against average. He signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with Buffalo after a career season in 2021-22, when he went 10-5-1 with a .920 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against average for Winnipeg.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
People do a lot of lists at the end of a year. Since the Democrats have been running the state for just the last year, and for the first time in some 40 years, I decided to make my list:

1. They repealed the right to work law and restored a prevailing wage law. Right to work allowed workers to opt out of paying union dues, often while the unions kept providing services to them. And now contractors on state projects need to pay union wages.

2. They passed gun control. We now have a few of the common sense laws on guns: A requirement for safe storage of firearms and ammunition around minors; universal background checks on the sale of all guns in the state; and implementing extreme risk protection orders, otherwise known as red flag laws.

Marcia Meoli

3. Tax credits for families. We found out how helpful the Earned Income Tax Credit was to reduce poverty during Covid. This credit has been quintupled from 6% to 30% of the federal credit beginning with the 2023 tax year.

4. They passed a phase-out of the tax on pensions.

5. They passed protections against discrimination against people based upon sexual orientation and gender identity. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Right Act was expanded to protect these groups against housing and employment discrimination.

6. They passed the Reproductive Health Act. This repealed the 1931 ban on abortions, restrictions on abortion providers and a requirement for an abortion insurance rider. Young adults can now get information about reproductive health options. This is consistent with the vote last year to protect reproductive health rights in this state.

7. State environmental departments issued the Michigan Healthy Climate plan, which addresses climate change, and the legislature passed quite a number of them. These bills have energy company standards, waste reduction standards, solar energy use on farmland, integration of environmental considerations in the Michigan Public Service Commission and other initiatives for clean energy.

8. Election laws. They passed penalties for intimidating poll workers, opened up the process to register to vote and provided guidance for the issuance of the certificate of the state results in a presidential election.

9. They repealed Read by Grade Three, passed in 2016, which required that a student be held back in the third grade if they do not meet reading standards. The new law replaces that with the provision of extra help for the students to get their reading on track.

10. They passed laws to support crime victims. A crime victims image now shall be blurred in videos, photos, and sketches of court proceedings that are streamed on the internet. Police officers and prosecutors may now share victims contacts with domestic and sexual violence service providers. Victims may now provide an oral impact statement virtually.

11. They codified portions of the Affordable Care Act under Michigan law to ensure that we have the ACA protections in Michigan even if the US Supreme Court completely overturns that Act. This includes protection from cancellation due to pre-existing conditions and allowing children to be on their parents insurance until age 26.

12. They repealed the No stricter than federal law. Michigan can now decide to enact environmental regulations that are tougher than federal regulations. It is interesting that the Republicans, who usually talk about how much they like state control over the federal government, had no problem abrogating the states role in protecting the environment over the past number of years.

13. They repealed the immunity of drug makers from liability. Michigan was the only state in the country to shield drug manufacturers from lawsuits, no matter what they did. This was done to keep those manufacturers in the state, but they left anyway.

14. The presidential primary will take place in February, but the other primary dates remain in August, while many people are not around. Can anyone say, "Ottawa Impact?"

These changes could not happen when Republicans kept control of major parts of state government. Republicans did what they could to delay some of these laws, but eventually they will go into effect and provide solutions to problems that have been around for many years. It is amazing what can get done when people are elected who see government as a tool to help people rather than just a problem in and of itself. More needs to be done, and I see more being done as I write this, but it seems clear that this has been a productive year.

 Community Columnist Marcia Meoli is a Holland attorney and resident. Contact her at Meolimarcia@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Marcia Meoli: Here's a list worth noting at the end of 2023
A Marine security guard stationed in the capital of the Republic of Congo died on Dec. 19 while on duty, according to his parents.

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Maurice Dural, 20, of Lafayette, Louisiana, had been serving at the U.S. embassy in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, since April.

Dalton Dural, the Marines father, said Saturday he couldnt provide more specifics about his sons death.

In response to a Marine Corps Times query about Nicholas Durals death, a State Department spokesperson on Friday confirmed the death of a U.S. service member in the Republic of Congo but declined to comment further. The Marine Corps didnt respond over the weekend to a Marine Corps Times request for comment.

For the Dural family, the loss of the young Marine is unimaginable, said his mother, Kimberly Dural.

Hes one of the best people Ive ever met in my whole life, Dalton Dural said. His heart was so good. And Im not saying that because hes my son. Its what I saw and experienced.

Far more Marines died in car crashes in 2023 than in other accidents

Nicholas Dural adored his two sisters, and they adored him, his parents said. At family gatherings, his cousins would flock to him, the way little ducks follow a mama duck, according to Kimberly Dural.

Long determined to become a Marine, Nicholas Dural was poised to ship off to boot camp right after high school. But his sisters cried so much about the prospect of his leaving for the Marines that he opted to go to college instead.

When college didnt work out, he spent some time working on tugboats on the Mississippi River, according to his mother.

One day, Kimberly Dural found out her son was headed to boot camp because a letter arrived at her house from his job, noting he had resigned to join the Marines. He hadnt told anyone, because he hadnt wanted anyone to talk him out of it, she said.

Nicholas Dural was a squad leader in boot camp, and at graduation drill instructors and new Marines alike came up to his parents to praise him for his leadership, according to Kimberly Dural.

Nicholas Dural pursued the infantryman military occupational specialty because he was drawn to the pride of the job, he told reporters in April.

I wanted to be the tip of the spear, he said. I wanted to be the best of the best.

But his very first job in the Marine Corps was as a Marine embassy security guard, according to his mother.

Marine security guards serve at U.S. embassies and consulates, protecting the people and classified information housed there.

In April, after completing the nine-week embassy security guard training at Quantico, Virginia, Dural was lunching at a Virginia Chick-fil-A with Cpl. John Darby and Cpl. Bradley Feldkamp when some teens there got into a brawl.

As the three Marines tried to defuse the situation, Dural saw one of the teens whip out a knife, he told reporters in an April interview.

His instincts kicked in. He grabbed and twisted the wrist of the teenager who was holding the knife, applying so much pressure to the top of the blade that the knife snapped in two.

Then Dural went to get a haircut  and didnt tell his barber what had just happened.

He never did things for the accolades, Kimberly Dural said. He did things because he knew what was right.

3 Marines prevent stabbing, break knife at Virginia Chick-fil-A

Nicholas Dural loved being in the Republic of Congo, loved seeing a new part of the world and meeting new people, his parents said.

He kept busy: He was enrolled in college online, studying psychology, according to his mother. He organized the embassys Marine Corps birthday ball in November.

As long as Dalton Dural lives, he said, he will remember the way his son cared about other people and set out to make them feel good about themselves.

He would stand up for the underdog, the father said. He would stand up for anybody that needed help.

In the April interview about intervening in the Chick-fil-A fight, Nicholas Dural told reporters he wanted to be an embassy guard so he could be a calm that people see.

I want to be that strong person that anybody can trust, he said. Ive always wanted to do that. I was like that for my sisters when I grew up with them, and I would love to do that for the rest of the world.
Each week, this series shares MarionMade! stories of our many wonderful people, places, products and programs in the greater Marion community. To read more positive stories of Marion, or to share some of your own, visit us at marionmade.org or on social media.

As a child, Carroll Neidhardt had a passion for learning about Marion County.

He was interested in everything. The boys would go play in the woods and Carroll would know all of the rocks, trees, leaves and acorns, said Mary Ellen Dune, Carrolls mother. He was interested in everything he could see.

At age 12, Neidhardt moved from the family farm in Pleasant Township to a house near the Marion Public Library.

Local historian Carroll Neidhardt (second from left) with his mother, Mary Ellen Dune, and his brothers (from left) Richard Dune, John Neidhart and David Neidhart.

Carroll came home with an armload of books. I asked him, Why do you have so many books? He said, Because they let me have them! and then he sat in the living room and read and read, Dune recalled. He was always interested in reading, exploring and finding things out.

Neidhardt graduated from Ridgedale High School in 1966. He was one of the first students to take classes at The Ohio State University at Marion being held at Harding High School at night. The freshman attended the Marion Campus groundbreaking with Gov. Jim Rhodes and Ohio State Marion Director Gene Maynard.

Journeying out Ohio 95 for the groundbreaking was quite a trip  once past the Marion Mausoleum, one was really out in the country, Neidhardt remembered. It was barely a two-lane road.

An undated photo of Carroll Neidhardt, a local historian, artist and preservationist.

While the cattle neighed in the nearby farm fields, the Marion Campus was born.

I was amazed to see so many people from so such different stations who had joined together  to fund the university site, Neidhardt recalled. Farmers, business leaders, teachers, parents  all were enthused with a dream for us  their children to go forward and make a better life.

Neidhardt later gave the governor a tour of Morrill Hall after construction was complete. Neidhardt graduated from Ohio State in 1971 with a degree in art education and taught at Elgin for four years.

The Vietnam War interrupted and Neidhardt joined the Army Reserves. He served as training officer for the 706th Transportation Company for six years.

Carroll designed a medallion for The Ohio State University at Marion. This was the first casting for all four regional campuses.

Neidhardt taught at Ohio State Marion for a decade. After an accident, Neidhardt changed careers. In 1987, Neidhardt and his partner, Scott Crider, started working on preservation projects as well as design and advertising.

The artist and historian was a charter member of the Marion County Historical Society. He wrote and illustrated six books about Marion.

I have been interested in Marion County  for many years and attempt to use my talents to help others further appreciate our unique heritage. I would like to return to the community what it has taught me about its past and preserve its character for others to enjoy as I have, Neidhardt wrote.

Neidhardt petitioned to have the Harding Hotel declared a National Historic Site and worked on a Community Block Development Grant which brought $400,000 to Downtown Marion in the 1990s. He was instrumental in many local projects, including bringing the Wilhelm-Seiter log cabin to the Marion County Fairgrounds.

The Log Cabin and Smokehouse are  working examples of how our families lived in Marion County in the 1800s. Now thousands of people have enjoyed and learned from those gifts, Neidhardt wrote. There is so much of our heritage wrapped up in a few buildings at the county fairgrounds just like the threads of an old, worn coverlet; we are all part of the fabric of life in Marion County.

Neidhardt used his talents to draw local landmarks and describing their history in annual calendars from Laipplys Printing and Marketing.

With his gentle manner and wry sense of humor, he held more than 1,200 speaking engagements about Marions history. He received a Public Awareness Award from the State of Ohio Preservation Office. He also served on the Marion County Fair Board, the Huber Memorial Association and the Harding Memorial Association.

He was always ready to help at any time and always ready to talk about history, Dune said.

This artist, entrepreneur, historian and preservationist has made a significant impact on Marions community and history.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Carroll Neidhart excels in his efforts to preserve Marion history
Since no one is perfect, public figures are going to get in trouble sometimes for the way they phrase things. And since todays political environment is particularly predatory, opportunities will abound for assessing whether anyone catching grief for a perceived gaffe really deserves such a rough patch.

Which brings us to how Nikki Haley has ended her campaign year, mere days before voting in Iowa and New Hampshire that she hopes will reveal a plausible shot at the Republican presidential nomination.

In Berlin, New Hampshire, Wednesday, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor fielded a brief question that has launched days of damage control: What was the cause of the U.S. Civil War?

She paused, turned away, and looked back to the audience nervously joking, Well, dont come with an easy question 

The question was an obvious act of mild mischief from someone who is not a fan, posing what some have called a trap question. There is a simple rule for such situations for anyone in public life: have a good answer.

Haley did not. I mean, I think the cause of the Civil War was basically how government was going to run, she began clumsily. The freedoms of what people could and couldnt do. Even if one extends maximum charity to someone stumbling through the multiple layers of states rights that had been stoking tensions between North and South through the first half of the 19th century, it had to occur to her that the questioner was seeing how she would address the issue of slavery.

She chose in the moment to sidestep it, continuing a word salad rivaling Kamala Harris: I think it always comes down to the role of government and what the rights of the people are. I will always stand by the fact that I think government was intended to secure the rights and freedoms of the people. It was never meant to be all things to all people.

That answer is garbled but defensible. But any Republican who has campaigned for more than a week should have been able to recognize that this was an attempt to smoke out a slavery quote. It should not have been hard to supply one.

Multiple conflicts led to the various secessions; the overarching moral question of the day was obviously slavery, and one wonders what made that so hard to say. We can spend endless hours assessing how much of the Civil War was about slavery. While that amount is impossible to quantify broadly, it is worth remembering that for the roughly 4 million slaves, the war was about nothing else.

So again, why the hesitancy to include a sentence or two that would have avoided such a rhetorical bear trap? Haley is a profoundly smart person, so there is only one likelihood  she saw a negative aspect to mentioning it.

Why? Are there appreciable numbers of voters distancing from the historical fact of slavery as a major accelerant in lighting the fires of the Civil War? There are not. So in an additional granting of grace, another possibility might deserve consideration.

The current flood of social justice extremism contains the savaging of our nation as systemically racist in the modern day. It embraces the critical race theory precepts, which lead kids to disparage the country and each other. It entertains discussions of reparations, whereby blameless Americans are billed for national sins of the past. One of the saddest byproducts of these needless agitations is the diversion of time and energy away from what should be a unifying good-faith search for real racism.

Did Haley sense the public fatigue over such activism and decide on the fly not to play along with a question designed to troll her toward the subject? No one can read minds, but we can hear what she has said since emphatic assertions that she is indeed aware of slaverys role as a Civil War catalyst.

Everyone knows she knew that. We can only guess about the fog that kept her from making that clear. So now we are left with the matter of how damaging this is.

The best guess is that its not, for two reasons. First, Iowa and New Hampshire do not appear to be teeming with primary voters burning with curiosity about how each candidate views the causes of the Civil War. But most notably, political damage is defined by how much support the candidate loses. Just as the fateful questioner was obviously an anti-Haley troublemaker, the only people making a big deal out of this are those who do not intend to vote for her anyway.

Mark Davis hosts a morning radio show in Dallas-Fort Worth on 660-AM and at 660amtheanswer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @markdavis.
Men carry the coffin of one of the 11 people killed by gunmen at a Christmas party during his funeral in Salvatierra, Mexico, on Dec. 19, 2023. About 100 young people had gathered for a posada  a religious Christmas gathering  when the assault unfolded. (Mario Armas / AFP/Getty Images)

They crashed the Christmas bash after midnight bearing assault rifles.

The gunmen just went in and began shooting, said Luis Almanza, whose son was among the revelers smashing a pinata and dancing to a live norteno band inside a former hacienda. They wanted to kill everyone.

Authorities later counted at least 195 shells expended in the Dec. 10 assault, which left 11 people dead, including Almanza's son.

The attack was one of three high-profile massacres this month in Guanajuato state, an industrial and agricultural hub that in recent years has mutated into a battleground for organized crime. With the country preparing for national elections in June, it was not surprising that the violence quickly became politicized.

This barbarism cannot continue, Xochitl Galvez Ruiz, the leading opposition candidate for president, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. An urgent change is needed to the security policy of the federal government."

Luis Almanza lost his son, Galileo Almanza, 25, who was among 11 people killed in a Dec. 10, 2023, attack on a posada in Salvatierra, Mexico. (Cecilia Sanchez Vidal / Los Angeles Times)

Taking aim at President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his strategy to fight crime with "hugs not bullets" by improving economic and educational opportunities, Galvez continued: "Enough with hugs for the criminals and bullets for the young people.

For many Mexicans, it was difficult to square the headlines with official statistics showing that homicides are on the decline.

There were 32,323 homicides in Mexico last year, down 9.7% from 2021, according to the government, which has reported that killings were on pace to fall another 9% this year. The total is about 50% higher than it was a decade ago.

Read more: How many people work for the Mexican drug cartels? Researchers have an answer

The December massacres have put the president on the defensive even as polls suggest his favored candidate, Claudia Sheinbaum, will win the race to succeed him.

Lopez Obrador has repeatedly refused to acknowledge that broad swaths of Mexico are under the control of criminal gangs. After the Christmas party massacre, he called multiple killings the exception, not the rule.

A lot of people think things are getting better, the president said.

A research group, Causa en Comun, counted 427 massacres  defined as killings of three or more persons  in Mexico between January 2023 and mid-December. The total for 2022 was 500.

Lopez Obrador also suggested that drug use was a factor in the Christmas party attack as well as in the case of five medical students and one of their friends who were found shot dead on Dec. 3 in the Guanajato city of Celaya.

Soldiers stand guard near the site where mass graves were found in Salvatierra, Guanajuato state, Mexico, on Oct. 29, 2020. A Mexican search group said that it has found 59 bodies in a series of clandestine burial pits in the north-central state of Guanajuato, and that more could be found. (Associated Press)

Forensic tests showed that none had illicit drugs in their systems, according to state officials.

Fabiola Mateos, the mother of two of the students, publicly accused the president of having re-victimized the slain men.

Read more: A single mother in Mexico was blamed for her own death. Now a well-connected playboy has been charged

The third Guanajato massacre took place Dec. 9 in the city of Salamanca, where assassins on motorcycles opened fire on a barber shop, killing four men.

Police have publicly announced only one arrest in the three cases, the slayings of the medical students. Nationwide, more than 90% of homicides go unsolved.

Many of the victims of the recent violence belong to a generation that has spent all of their lives in the middle of a lost war, wrote columnist Salvador Camarena in the El Financiero newspaper, referring to a battle against drug cartels that began in 2006 and is widely blamed for sparking a massive rise in homicides. All they have heard about are cartels, massacres, police, soldiers, kidnappings..."

Polls have shown that insecurity is the major worry of Mexican voters before next years elections, which include balloting for a new president.

Read more: A cartel war has transformed once-tranquil Guanajuato into one of Mexico's deadliest states

Perhaps nowhere is that more true than in the state of Guanajuato, which once stood out as an island of relative calm. General Motors, Mazda and Toyota make autos here, and U.S. tourists and retirees flock to the leafy enclave of San Miguel de Allende.

Now the state has the fourth-highest homicide rate in the country, with a total of 4,256 killings last year, or 68 for every 100,000 residents. Though that figure is down 20% from 2020, it is well over double the national rate and nearly seven times the rate for Los Angeles.

Across Guanajato, a local crime syndicate known as the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel has been engaged in a bloody turf war with the much larger Jalisco New Generation cartel.

The rivals battle for control of contraband gasoline, local methamphetamine markets and dominion over drug-smuggling routes leading north to the United States.

Men carry the coffin of one of the 11 people killed during a Dec. 10, 2023, holiday party at a ranch in Mexico's Guanajuato state. (Mario Armas / AFP/Getty Images)

The city of Salvatierra, population 90,000, is designated as one of Mexico's pueblos magicos because of its heritage of colonial structures. But an aura of tranquility masks a violent reality.

In 2020, people looking for their disappeared loved ones discovered a series of clandestine graves in Salvatierra that held the remains of 80 victims. Other killings are much more public, often carried out by hit-men on motorcycles.

We are alone here," said Rocio Aleman, 56, a shopkeeper. "The authorities never resolve anything and dont provide us with security.

Here we have no peace, no tranquility," she said. "Id prefer that my two sons get out of here if they could.

Read more: Dream interrupted: As gang violence soars in Mexico, migrants in U.S. rethink plans to go home

The ill-fated Christmas party, known as a posada, was organized by a group of young people, many of whom had known one another for years.

There were no publicly known threats to the party-goers, said Almanza, whose son Galileo, 25, managed the family's vehicle smog-check business in town and had a 7-year-old son of his own.

At some point in the evening, according to official accounts, a group of uninvited guests arrived at the party. They were told to leave. Later, the ejected group returned, accompanied by about a dozen heavily armed men.

The shooting did not appear to have been aimed at anyone in particular, according to witness and police accounts. The assailants soon drove off, shooting up cars and motorbikes parked outside the hacienda.

Thalia Cornejo, 25, a former local beauty queen, was among those killed on Dec. 10, 2023, during an attack on a Christmas party, or posada, in Salvatierra, Mexico. (Cecilia Sanchez Vidal / Los Angeles Times)

Galileo Almanza died at the scene. Also killed was Thalia Cornejo, 25, a former area beauty queen who was studying psychology in college and was home for the holidays. Dinastia Cornejo, the band playing at the time of the attack, lost one member.

Theres not a safe street here now, said Luis Almanza, 57. There are killings on the street, killings on the corner, killings in front of my house. Everyone is scared.

For days after the slayings, funeral processions filled the narrow streets of Salvatierra. Hundreds marched to demand justice. The lights of the town Christmas tree were turned off, replaced by flickering candles on the ground to honor the dead.

On the tree, relatives placed a print with a likeness of some of the victims embracing. Above the image were the words: "Salvatierra: One day we will shine anew."

McDonnell is a staff writer and Sanchez Vidal a special correspondent.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
On Mayor Brandon Johnsons first full day in office, he visited ground zero of the crisis that would come to define his next seven months.

Striding into the 12th District Chicago police station on the Near West Side in May, the new chief executive clasped his hands before his waist as he surveyed a lobby floor cluttered with sleeping bags and families of bleary-eyed migrants.

How do you like Chicago so far? Johnson asked a woman and boy, with political ally and local Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, translating in Spanish.

As an aide implored TV news crews to step back, the mayor continued: As a city, were going to do everything we can to make this place, your opportunities, more comfortable.

Now heading into a new year, many Chicagoans are judging the mayors performance so far based on how they think he has handled that early promise of clearing out the police stations and humanely resettling asylum-seekers, many of whom arrive impoverished from Venezuela.

The singular issue has threatened to eclipse Johnsons broader agenda, though he points to recent City Council wins on labor requirements and more as evidence hes living up to his leftist bona fides.

Johnson is the most progressive mayor now leading a major American city, and his victory was seen as an electoral mandate for his prescription of bold investments for the working class while leading with compassion.

But the desperation of the migrant crisis that awaited him in May rose to unfathomable heights this fall, testing the limits of the mayors mantra that Chicago has enough for everyone as thousands of migrants slept on police station floors, at the citys airports and on sidewalks.

Indeed, just last week Johnsons team moved to free up $95 million in COVID-19 stimulus funds to cover the ongoing costs of housing and helping feed asylum-seekers. And the mayor has acknowledged the $150 million allocated in the city budget for next years migrant services will surely fall short without help from the state and federal governments.

In an interview, mayoral senior adviser Jason Lee acknowledged the challenges but said the administration has proved it can balance those dynamics while advancing one of the more progressive agendas in recent municipal history.

Lee highlighted Johnsons oft-stated goal to run the city in a collaborative way that doesnt push some groups ahead while leaving others behind.

The mayor has a vision for transforming the city and doing it in an inclusive way where someone winning doesnt mean someone else losing, and that remains the goal, Lee said. I think weve been able to strike the right balance of some real impactful policy that doesnt polarize.

But Chicago is a notoriously divided city, with a long history of ethnic groups asserting their own power at the expense of the clout wielded by others. And all the way from Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott fanned the flames further when he sent the first bus of asylum-seekers to Chicago in August 2022 as a rebuke of liberal cities that support open borders.

Since then, more than 26,400 migrants have come to Chicago, with some critics upset the city hasnt done more to accommodate them and others angry at what they say is a policy that puts the new arrivals ahead of the need to address decades of disinvestment in struggling neighborhoods.

Aldermen and other political leaders who spoke with the Tribune largely split along ideological lines over how they would assess the new administration.

Johnsons strongest allies said he is being judged unfairly due to the chasm between the political establishment and the grassroots and labor coalition where Johnson rose up as a Chicago Teachers Union organizer. Others warned that Johnson isnt prepared to handle the decisions Chicagos mayor faces, and said the past seven months are a harbinger of more struggles.

Pressure on migrant response

Johnson has weathered criticism he lacks a robust plan on how to grapple with the logistics and exorbitant costs of the migrants, and that his administration has not been transparent, as promised. And he has been publicly second-guessed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other officials, further underscoring perceived problems with the citys approach.

But Lee said beliefs that the city has not formed a robust migrant response plan are based on misconceptions of what is a plan when it comes to a dynamic situation like Chicagos.

The administration has highlighted that the citys shelter system swelled under Johnson to 27 citywide sites and that he inherited costly contracts from predecessor Lori Lightfoot but has since negotiated rates down. By mid-December, Johnsons team also heralded that migrants werent sleeping at police stations anymore.

That feat came on the heels of the citys botched proposal to house about 2,000 migrants at a tent encampment in Brighton Park, which rankled local Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, and others who complained the city was not communicating with them and that the former industrial land could be contaminated.

Those concerns came to a head when Johnsons team announced the site was safe for temporary living, only for Pritzker to counter days later that his administration found the city contractors environmental assessment was heavily flawed and possibly missed harmful amounts of contaminants. In a striking rebuke, Pritzker refused to use state money to pay for the encampment, effectively shelving the idea.

The governor would shrug off the discord two days later, instead blaming reporters for trying to stoke that conversation of differences. Johnson, meanwhile, avoided holding a press availability until the next week.

Restricting media access is a natural reaction when everybody is underwater, but it is hurting the mayor, veteran Chicago political strategist Delmarie Cobb said.

The administration needs to be more transparent. That is one of the hallmarks of being a progressive, Cobb said. Then you get in there, you get hit with 50 things at once  and the things that you said you were going to do in terms of communicate, and transparency and all of that, suddenly youre so inundated, I believe, that people begin to retreat.

Lee, however, described the Brighton Park situation as the result of different perspectives with the state.

We made every good faith effort to get that site ready to go. We followed a remediation program that we still stand by, Lee said. We never made any claims about permanent residential use, because thats not what the site was ever intended for.

Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, said Johnsons most egregious stumbles over the migrant response boil down to that lack of transparency. He said the administration has dodged questions on matters ranging from fiscal management, including city payments to Favorite Healthcare Staffing  a national employment firm hired to run migrant shelters  to concerns about a shelter in Waguespacks North Side ward.

Its just getting to the point where people are feeling that they are holding themselves above accountability, and above transparency, and this whole rhetoric of for the people is just a one giant charade, Waguespack said. I have never seen so many missteps, mistakes and just this dishonest lack of transparency.

Building a Cabinet, and a story

The Johnson administration has struggled with critical personnel hires, making it harder to run city government and put his policy goals into effect. Johnson didnt hire a corporation counsel, the citys top lawyer, until after nearly a month in office. He didnt choose a new leader for Intergovernmental Affairs until late November  and relied on a Lightfoot holdover who was not part of his inner circle to hold the position working with aldermen and other officials to forward his agenda.

The mayor fired Allison Arwady as public health commissioner but did not replace her with a noninterim commissioner for months.

More than six months after Johnson took office, he does not have a communications director, which means the administration often struggles to project or deliver a coherent message about its plans. The lack of staffing has put an increased burden on the people Johnson relies on, and critics argue the administration has too few key figures making decisions.

Eric Adelstein, a political strategist based in Chicago, said Johnson conveyed a clear message on the campaign trail. Adelstein is less sure what story Johnson wants to tell as mayor.

The problem for many mayors is that perception becomes reality, and I think right now, whether its fair or unfair, the perception is that things are moving very slowly, Adelstein said. When you dont articulate a compelling vision of the future of where you want to go, it creates a certain level of uncertainty.

Kennedy Bartley, executive director of the United Working Families political organization, which backed Johnsons mayoral candidacy, said that expectations are higher for Johnson because he is not a status quo mayor.

Bartley noted that a decade after previous mayors closed city mental health clinics, Johnsons recently passed $16.77 billion budget calls for adding two mental health clinic pilots, yet some people ask her if thats enough.

Weve been fighting against them closing, and now were in a conversation about them opening, but the rubric is different, Bartley said. Its a welcome challenge, but it is a challenge nonetheless.

Bartley said she too has unfulfilled demands not yet addressed, such as canceling the citys contract with gunfire detection company ShotSpotter and divesting from the Chicago Police Department budget. But that requires organizers like her to fight to make the idea more politically possible for Johnson, she said.

What we used to judge administrations on, it was the status quo, to work to keep Realtors and cops happy, Bartley said. Now we have a mayor that we judge based on his stated values.

Progressive values

A chuckle tumbled out of CTU President Stacy Davis Gates as she remembered her view of the fifth floor of City Hall under Lightfoot. Not only was I not invited, I was barred, she said, referencing how security stopped her from getting off the elevator outside the mayors suite of offices during the 2019 teacher strike.

One election later, the scene couldnt be more different.

Following Johnsons inauguration, Davis Gates returned to the fifth floor, with an invite to the signing of his executive order establishing a deputy mayor of labor relations. This time, security focused on guarding Johnson rather than hassling Davis Gates.

What surrounded me were people who struggled to be heard over time for generations, smiling with the mayor of Chicago, Davis Gates said about the room of labor organizers. I remember the smiles. I remember the elation. The energy was unparalleled.

Months later, Davis Gates points to the cascading wins from the City Council this fall: abolishing subminimum wage for service workers; establishing one of the most expansive paid leave requirements in the nation; passing a referendum question asking voters whether to raise taxes on certain real estate sales to combat homelessness; and putting a host of investments into addressing the root causes of violence in his budget.

I aint seeing no losses, Davis Gates said.

But another seasoned figure of the left, Ald. Jeanette Taylor, 20th, carries a far less rosy outlook, she revealed in a December episode of The Ben Joravsky Show podcast.

Taylor pointed to allegations by aldermen that Johnsons now-former floor leader, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, bullied and threatened them in an effort to block unfavorable legislation as evidence that progressives arent prepared to lead.

The November incident, which led to the council deadlocking in a censure vote against Ramirez-Rosa and Johnson casting the tiebreaker to bail him out, suggests some progressives have become more concerned with power than organizing.

We cannot say that we are the movement people, we are the left, and we do the same exact thing that the right is doing, Taylor said.

We should not be on the fifth floor, and Im speaking my whole heart, Taylor said. We were not ready, because we havent been in government long enough to know how government really runs.  And we look real stupid right now.

Reached for comment, Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, did not react to Taylors remarks because, he said, as a rule, I try to not engage in a back-and-forth with people who are part of our progressive movement in the media. I will say that Ive always sought to push along a progressive agenda.  I made mistakes. I have taken responsibility for those mistakes.

But for a truly democratic movement, Davis Gates said, infighting is exactly how grassroots movements grow stronger.

Progressives disagree on everything, actually. Thats kind of a feature of our movement, Davis Gates said. Brothers and sisters and siblings, we fight all the time, and sometimes you see it in the front yard, right, and sometimes its at the kitchen table.

New era of City Council

Johnson took office as the City Council continues to change.

The body is more racially diverse and more liberal than during prior generations. But it also has more risk of becoming mired in disagreement than past rubber-stamp bodies. The councils bloc of independent aldermen grew under Emanuel, and that trend accelerated during the Lightfoot years.

Our ideological divide is so wide  probably as widest that Ive ever seen in my tenure and probably in the councils history, said veteran Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, Johnsons hand-picked Budget Committee chair. We got everybody from almost Blue Dog Democrats to ultraprogressive, socialist, all under the same party banner. So I think thats where the tension primarily comes from.

Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, agreed, saying that makeup speaks to the legitimate differences of opinion regarding policy.

Nobody really has a solid 26-vote majority, so everything has to be sort of cobbled together, and you do see unlikely alliances that form around a single issue, Hopkins said.

To that end, the mayors early olive branch extension of some leadership appointments to supporters of his runoff opponent, Paul Vallas, and subsequent efforts to forge relationships could pay off when a more painful piece of legislation could use support outside his base.

But Johnsons demeanor has not veered much from his first council meetings, either. He continues standing for the duration of the session and keeping a cool head in the face of flare-ups.

And his penchant for the occasional joke or line of flattery remains strong. After a recent council meeting adjourned, the mayor presented a CD of an apparent old rap mixtape produced by his vice mayor, Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, as someone played the audio softly from the chamber speakers to tease him.

The mayors budget soared through in a 41-8 vote this fall. That easy win signals he can successfully reach across the aisle and build strong majorities for his major initiatives. But it also reflects the fact the spending plan lacked any painful choices, for better or worse.

Closing a projected $538 million budget gap next year entailed Johnson taking a record sum from tax increment financing funds  a tactic previous mayors have used that has been controversial because it is a one-time fix.

They took the path of least resistance this year, but some of that will certainly come at the expense of next year, which is interesting, Hopkins, who voted yes for the budget, said. Theres only so many TIFs you can sweep with a broom, and that dries up too. So some of the one-off tricks that were used to balance this budget wont be available.

And there are rumbles of broader philosophical concerns.

Brad Tietz, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerces vice president for government relations and strategy, said the business community is miffed over how the regular cadence of weekly or biweekly calls from previous administrations has stopped. He also said the administration does not appear to share a focus on the business community and for economic development that other mayors had.

Theres something missing between the business community and the administration, Tietz said, adding that previous mayors struck a balance between jobs and worker protections. What were seeing now is an administration beholden to an activist and labor base.

Johnson, for his part, has dealt with the naysayers with his same laid-back, if not idealistic, message from the start.

At a recent holiday party for supporters of the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago, Johnson nodded to the concerns with a quip suggesting he plans to be the citys longest-serving mayor.

Johnson told the audience hes only been in office for six months and needed their patience because he has 23 and a half years to go. He later echoed the sentiment at a holiday party with aldermen, declaring: I look forward to the next 23 years and five months as mayor!

The Tribunes Gregory Royal Pratt, A.D. Quig and Dan Petrella contributed.

ayin@chicagotribune.com
COLOMBO, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The registration process of Sri Lanka's 2024 voter list is to start on Monday, Chairman of the Election Commission R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said on Sunday.

Announcing the commencement of the process, Rathnayake told journalists that instructions have been issued to relevant officials.

He said they initially planned to start the registration process on Feb. 1, but the commission decided to expedite the process due to the upcoming presidential election in 2024.

The chairman said once the registration is completed, the lists will be made available to the public soon for amendments and complaints.

In late November, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told the parliament that both presidential and parliamentary elections would be held in 2024 in the South Asian country. 
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, right, and defenseman Mattias Ekholm, left, celebrate a goal by center Leon Draisaitl as Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cam Talbot stands at goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist, Derek Ryan scored in the fourth round of a shootout and the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Saturday night.

Leon Draisaitl also scored, Stuart Skinner made 26 saves, and the Oilers picked up their fourth straight win.

Every time were in this building, it feels like the exact same game, McDavid said. Rinse and repeat. Its a grind. Theyre a great team, and I felt we did a good job of just hanging in there.

McDavid fueled the Oilers comeback in the second period from two goals down, flicking in his low-angle shot off Cam Talbots helmet for a power-play tally 5:35 into the period and feeding Draisaitl in the slot during 4-on-4 play with 4:31 remaining to tie it up.

McDavid played in his 600th career game and has 316 goals and 581 assists, the fifth-most to start a career behind Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy and Peter Stastny.

McDavid broke a tie with Stastny for fourth-most assists through 600 games, behind Gretzky, Lemieux and Bobby Orr.

Anytime youre mentioned with those guys, youre doing something right, McDavid said. Those are three of the game's very, very, very best, you know, so to be with that company obviously means a lot to me what that means. Its a special, special group.

Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist, Kevin Fiala scored, and Talbot made 24 saves as the Kings lost their second straight game.

We did some good things, we did some things that we put ourselves in tough spots, but thats the type of game weve come to expect from these two teams, coach Todd McLellan said. For the most part, it was a hard fought game.

Kempes top-end speed factored into both Kings goals in the first period. It was his blazing entry into the offensive zone that occupied two defenders and left Fiala alone for a slap shot one-timer to open the scoring with 5:16 left.

Kempe then charged in on a breakaway before putting his wrist shot off the right post and in from the right circle for a 2-0 edge with 1:11 remaining. It was his 10th multipoint game, giving Kempe three goals and three assists during a four-game point streak.

I still feel confident, like I have the last couple years, Kempe said. Obviously, would still like to see myself score more. Got one tonight, so that was nice, and hopefully I can get on a little bit of a roll.

UP NEXT

Oilers: Visit the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night.

Kings: Host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
Yes, you read the title correctly! McKenny Elementary School, one of the most diverse and effective elementary schools at providing learning growth to ALL types of students, is at risk of being closed by the Olympia School District, which aims to be equity minded.

First, for full transparency, I must state that as a parent of two children who continue to thrive at McKenny, our family would be saddened if the school closes. However, what motivates me most in writing this piece is the way in which the districts plan contradicts its own equity goals and the communitys at large. Let me explain.

Simply put, equity is the act of meeting people where they are. It is the commitment and ability to identify barriers that stand in the way of peoples potential to achieve successful outcomes. To better illustrate this, imagine a student named Zack, a third-grader, living in a single parent household. Although his mom is employed, they are living barely above the poverty line. Their situation impacts Zack academically and causes him to fall behind. As Zack returns to the classroom after two years of COVID-induced academic disruption, there should be adapted and targeted support to help him get back on track.

This is an extremely difficult task for schools to achieve because of how disparate student populations are. Schools typically cater to the affluent students, at the expense of the Zacks of our community. To be successful, schools must be equity-minded in their culture and this begins with leadership and trickles down to every aspect of operations. This is what McKenny does well.

The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) is a measure that helps schools assess how well they are meeting this challenge and closing the equity gap. The higher a schools MAP scores, the more effective the school is at taking students from where they are situated and putting them on a path of academic success.

According to the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, McKenny has the highest rate of learning growth of any elementary school in the Olympia School District. Additionally, with 40% of its student population being non-white, McKenny has the most diverse student body in the Southeast area, according to the Olympia School Districts website.

Table 1: Comparative Learning Growth Between SE Area Olympia Elementary Schools

School Growth in Math (%) Growth in ELA (%) McKenny Elementary 36.8 40.2 Centennial Elementary 21.4 28.8 Pioneer Elementary 27.3 30.3

Such results as shown above require astute leadership that prioritizes not just academic success but social, emotional, and cross-cultural skills.

A likely underlying assumption from the board leadership in deciding to consider McKenny for closure is that Centennial and Pioneer are high performing schools and, therefore, transferring McKenny students to those schools will do no harm. Unfortunately, this plan flies in the face of history and research. The Zacks of our community tend to get lost in larger, homogeneous systems.

The question at hand is this: Do we truly value equity and quality education for ALL students? Or when the rubber meets the road, do we go back down the same old path we know fails the Zacks of our community?

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), or The Nations Report Card, in its assessment states that some two decades of academic progress have been wiped out during the pandemic years. If student performance improvement follows historical pre-pandemic trends, it could take decades for students to fully catch up. To address this enormous challenge before us, we should not be closing a school that is leading the way in removing equity gaps. But rather, we should be learning from McKennys leadership and staff to meet this moment and truly serve ALL our students, including the Zacks in our midst, who comprise 34% of our community.

If this article compels you to act, here are a few ways you can help:

Sign this petition here. Email superintendent Patrick Murphy. Call board directors here. Increase awareness by sharing this article far and wide.

Parfait Bassale is the founder and CEO of Parfait Bassale Consulting. He is a co-chair of the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the City of Olympia, and sits on the OlyFed board of directors, as well as the United Way of Thurston County board.
Bald eagles were happily removed from the endangered species list in 2007, but the actions of two men recently served as a reminder that toxic chemicals arent the only hazards facing protected species.

What happened?

According to NPR, Travis John Branson and Simon Paul were charged in federal court after knowingly and willfully choosing to shoot approximately 3,600 birds, including bald eagles, over a six-year span in Montana.

Court documents reportedly reveal Branson was after the eagles tail feathers, and he told others he was going on a killing spree.

The mens actions violated multiple conservation laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act passed in 1940, leading to 13 charges of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, as reported by The Hill.

We just hope that if these individuals are proven guilty that it will serve as a warning to others that we are watching, Rich Janssen, the director of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Department of Natural Resources, said in an AP story published by KTLA.com.

Why are bald eagles important?

Predators of all sizes are important for the balance of the ecosystem, and bald eagles eat a variety of disease-carrying animals, including mice and rats. They also feast on the remains of dead animals like deer.

That may cause some people to misunderstand the winged creatures  similar to how vultures have gotten a bad rap. However, the timely cleanup of carcasses reduces the net planet-warming pollution from the decomposition process, ensuring that they become food instead of waste. Killing creatures that are part of this ecological cycle only adds more carcasses that would then decompose.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rising global temperatures have increased the potential for infectious diseases to spread.

What can I do to help bald eagles?

Human activities are the primary threat to the majestic creatures. As reported by NPR, a study by Boise State University discovered that shootings are a leading cause of death for protected birds.

And even though the United States has banned the pesticide DDT, which contributed to the eagles inclusion on the endangered list, other toxic chemicals are still a concern.

According to New Scientist, 82% of eagles in a study published by PLOS One had been in contact with rat poison, causing speculation it could have played a role in many of their deaths.

Switching to chemical-free alternatives for pest control, which is a great way to save money, can help keep the eagles safe while also protecting yourself and your loved ones from toxins.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Supporters hold a banner of Mexico's Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) at the Mayan archeological ruins of Palenque on January 3, 2005 (SUSANA GONZALEZ)

Mexico's Zapatista demobilized guerrilla group prepared Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of its pro-Indigenous, anti-capitalist uprising in an impoverished southern region where today drug traffickers are a greater foe than the military.

Supporters from Mexico and Europe headed to the state of Chiapas for two days of events in the jungle at the invitation of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN).

"For me it's important to support this struggle because it represents dignity," social activist Moises Perada said before setting off from Mexico City.

Taking its name from 1910 revolution hero Emiliano Zapata, the EZLN appeared the same day that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into force on New Year's Day 1994.

Many in Mexico at the time feared free trade with the United States would crush traditional lifestyles and farming.

Led by their mysterious masked leader Subcomandante Marcos, the rebels rose up in poverty-stricken Chiapas to fight for more rights for the Indigenous population.

The insurgency sparked a 12-day conflict with the federal government that left dozens of people dead, mostly Zapatistas.

The guerrillas won over sympathizers well beyond Mexico's borders, notably in Europe.

"I feel the wind blowing from Chiapas and Latin America that will regenerate us," former French first lady and human rights activist Danielle Mitterrand wrote after meeting Marcos in 1996.

The movement used the fledgling Internet to share its press releases in several languages.

That helped the Zapatistas "to win the battle for world opinion," researcher and author David Colon wrote in his book The Information War (2023).

A peace pact was signed in 1996 but the EZLN said its demand for constitutional reform that would guarantee its autonomy was never met.

The Zapatistas retreated into mountain communities where they formed their own autonomous health and education systems.

- Drug cartel threat -

Three decades later, the colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas -- the cradle of the rebellion -- is a picturesque tourist destination popular with younger visitors from Mexico, the United States and Europe.

Subcomandante Marcos, the enigmatic rebel identified by authorities as former philosophy professor Rafael Sebastian Guillen, now largely avoids the spotlight.

In 2014, he announced that he would no longer be the voice of the movement, naming fellow former insurgent Moises as the "chief and spokesman" of the EZLN in what he described vaguely as "internal changes" and not due to illness.

Marcos's trademark pipe and balaclava have long been appropriated by the tourism industry, emblazoned on souvenirs, but his fame has faded.

We don't hear as much about the Zapatistas anymore. If they still exist, they must be very far away, Mexican tourist Lorena Cruz, 44, told AFP.

At the beginning of November, the Zapatistas announced the end of their autonomous civil systems and the indefinite closure of their cultural centers.

The EZLN denounced what it called "complete chaos" in Chiapas due to the threat from "disorganized crime."

"There are blockades, assaults, kidnappings, extortions, forced recruitment, shootings," it said.

Mexico's two main crime groups, the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, are fighting for control of the region, according to experts.

Armed, hooded men, believed to be members of the Sinaloa cartel, were seen marching to applause in Chiapas in a video broadcast last September.

"The federal, regional and local military and police forces are not in Chiapas to protect the civilian population. They are there with the sole objection of slowing down migration," the Zapatistas said.

Despite a thriving manufacturing sector and a growing middle-class fueled by massive trade with the United States and Canada, today more than a third of Mexicans still live in poverty, according to official figures.

Although Zapatismo has been largely consigned to history, experts say it did leave a legacy.

"Before the uprising, we didn't talk about Indigenous issues," said Mexican writer Juan Villorio, who was close to the movement.

"We're talking more and more about Indigenous languages, Indigenous cultures. This doesn't mean that the main problems have been resolved, but that the subject is on people's minds," he said.

jla-st-dr/dw
Stopping the small migrant boats crossing over from France has been one of Rishi Sunak's key pledges - Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Channel migrant crossings fell by 36 per cent in a year in a boost for Rishi Sunaks pledge to stop the boats.

Home Office figures to be released on Monday are expected to confirm that the number of migrants reaching the UK in 2023 totalled 29,437, down from 45,774 in the previous year.

It is still the second highest annual total on record, above the 28,526 recorded in 2021 and more than three times the 8,466 who crossed in 2020 but the decline contrasts with rising numbers of migrants crossing the Mediterranean and entering the EU illegally.

The figure will be seized on by ministers as evidence that the 480 million agreement with France to deploy more officers, investigators and technology to target people-smuggling gangs is starting to pay off.

Michael Tomlinson, the illegal migration minister, said: Illegal migration is an international challenge that we are tackling on all fronts  including clamping down on criminal gangs with stepped-up enforcement and working with the French to prevent more crossings.

Over 25,000 of these dangerous, illegal, and unnecessary crossing attempts have been prevented in 2023, and the number of small boats arriving in the UK is down by 45 per cent. Stopping the boats will continue to be our priority in the new year as we target people smugglers and break their business model.

The biggest impact has come from a 90 per cent fall in the number of Albanians arriving on small boats after the UK struck a fast-track returns deal with Albania and stepped up raids on illegal workers. In 2022, 12,658 Albanians crossed the Channel but this fell to just 992 from January to the end of November 2023.

By contrast, numbers from some of the other major migrant countries increased. Just seven countries  Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria and Sudan  accounted for 72 per cent of crossings.

Analysis of asylum decisions in 2023 by the Refugee Council found that three in every four people (76 per cent) who make the crossing would be recognised as refugees if the Government had already processed their asylum applications.

The council estimated that 15,000 of the migrants were in limbo, as under the Governments illegal migration act they are liable to be deported to Rwanda to claim asylum there.

The Prime Minister is attempting to secure the first deportation flights this April if he can get his Rwanda Bill through the Commons after the Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful.

He faces threats of rebellion from both wings of his party over the controversial legislation that seeks to further restrict the rights of migrants to mount legal challenges to their deportation and to address the concerns of the Supreme Court. The Rwanda scheme is seen as critical in providing a deterrent to stop the boats.

Tim Loughton, a former minister and a member of the Commons home affairs committee, gave a cautious welcome to the fall in crossings but warned: The problem has not gone away. They are still trying. If you have a very calm, sunny January, you could see a huge surge in numbers.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: Instead of slamming our door in their face and extinguishing the right to asylum, we should be upholding the great British values of fairness and compassion, ensuring they are given a fair hearing on UK soil and welcoming those who need our protection.

Meanwhile, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, said the unreasonable practice of overseas students bringing their family to the UK would end as restrictions on visa routes come into force on Monday.

He said the ban, which affects all but those enrolling on postgraduate research courses and ones with government-funded scholarships, would cut net migration by as much as 140,000.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A U.S. destroyer patrolling in the Red Sea Saturday shot down two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen while it was responding to a report that a commercial vessel was itself struck by a missile, U.S. authorities said.

Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same container vessel. U.S. forces opened fire, sinking three of the four boats and killing the crews, U.S. Central Command said. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.

According to U.S. Central Command, the container ship Maersk Hangzhou  which is Danish-owned but sails under a Singaporean flag  reported at 8:30 p.m. local time that it had been struck by a missile in the Southern Red Sea.

No one was hurt and the ship remained seaworthy, CENTCOM reported in a social media post.

However, while responding to assist the Maersk Hangzhou, the USS Gravely shot down two anti-ship missiles which had been fired from Yemen, CENTCOM said. The missiles appeared to have been directed at the USS Gravely and the USS Laboon, which was also responding to the Maersk Hangzhou, CENTCOM said.

The container ship issued a second distress around 6:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, CENTCOM said, with boats originiating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew served and small arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou. CENTCOM said the small boats got within 20 meters of the Maersk Hangzhou, and attempted to board the vessel, leading to a contract security team to return fire.

U.S. helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and Gravely responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats returned fire upon the U.S. helicopters and crew, CENTCOM said. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area.

The Iranian-backed Houthi militant group  which controls large portions of Yemen  has been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, slaughtering at least 1,200 people and sparking the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The USS Gravely patrols the Red Sea. December 2023. / Credit: U.S. Central Command

According to CENTCOM, Saturday's incident was the 23rd such attack by the Houthis on international shipping vessels since Nov. 19.

Earlier this month, CENTCOM reported that the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer, shot down 14 attack drones suspected to have been fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen.

The White House last week accused Tehran of being "deeply involved" in the spate of Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial vessels, an allegation which Iran's deputy foreign minister denied.

The Pentagon reported that on Dec. 23, a chemical tanker off the coast of India was struck by a drone which had been fired from Iran. That ship sailed under a Liberian flag and was Dutch-operated. No one was wounded.

And in a Nov. 15 interview with CBS News, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also denied that Iran was responsible for a drone fired from Yemen that was shot down by the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner. The drone appeared to be targeting the Hudner, U.S. officials said at the time.

"We really didn't want this crisis to expand," Amir-Abdollahian told CBS News, referencing the Israel-Hamas war. "But the U.S. has been intensifying the war in Gaza by throwing its support behind Israel. Yemen makes its own decisions and acts independently."

Last week, energy giant BP announced it was temporarily suspending all gas and oil shipments in the Red Sea because of the attacks.

Home furnishing giant Ikea also said that it could soon face shortages because major shippers were being forced to bypass the Red Sea, which links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and marks the shortest trade route between Europe and Asia, according to the Freights Baltic Index.

 Elizabeth Napolitano contributed to this report.

Missing door plug from Alaska Airlines flight found

Trump speaks out after appeals court hearing on immunity claim

Texas officials accused of thwarting help for bused migrants
A Missouri man faces charges after he was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $36,000 from a fund meant for wounded veterans while he was vice president of the group.

Brett Leary, 42, turned himself in to the Eureka Police Department and was arrested on Dec. 21, according to FOX 2.

The Gateway Warrior Foundation, which provides resources like service dogs to veterans, was reportedly founded by Learys father nine years ago and Leary became vice president "due to restructuring of the foundations leadership."

OH WOMAN WHO STOLE $500K OF VETERANS BENEFITS BY IMPERSONATING DEAD MOTHER SPARED FROM PRISON

Brett Leary allegedly stole more than $36,000 from a veterans group where he served as vice president of the Gateway Warrior Foundation.

Shortly after taking over as VP, Leary closed the organizations old bank account and opened a new one in which he has full authority, including a debit card, according to court documents obtained by FOX 2.

Leary had also allegedly written "several thousand dollars" in checks to himself, which was revealed after the organizations treasurer asked for bank statements from the fund.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

AFTER MISSOURI VETERAN'S CAR IS STOLEN BY TEEN SCAMMER, COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND 93-YEAR-OLD: OVERWHELMED

Before he turned himself in to police, Leary had offered to write a check to the organization for $36,716.44, but it came back with insufficient funds.

Leary has been charged with one felony count of stealing more than $750 by the St. Louis County Prosecutor.

Hes next scheduled to appear in court Jan. 29.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Eureka Police Department and the prosecutor's office.





Original article source: Missouri man busted after allegedly robbing St. Louis wounded veterans group
A plane with more than 350 asylum-seekers onboard arrived early Sunday morning at an airport near Chicago from Texas, according to officials, part of the states monthslong effort to send thousands of migrants to major cities around the country with little notice.

The City of Rockford said in a Facebook post Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana, Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli, and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara received word a plane carrying migrants would land at Rockford International Airport Saturday night.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter, there was no communication from Texas and City of Chicago officials first learned about the flight from San Antonio from Rockford authorities.

This is the second recorded instance of the Texas governor transporting asylum-seekers via private plane, Johnson added on X.

Rockford officials said on Facebook after the plane landed at around 1 a.m., the 355 migrants onboard were immediately put on buses.

Initially, Rockford officials indicated the passengers would be taken to Chicagos downtown landing zone. They later updated on Facebook, saying the buses were escorted by Winnebago County Sheriffs deputies and taken to the McHenry County line about 60 miles northwest of the landing zone.

Officials added the buses did not make any stops along the way.

Johnson added in an X post Sunday Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott chartered the buses, and those onboard were dropped in various surrounding suburbs, left to find their way to the city.

CNN has reached out to Abbotts office Sunday about the Rockford flight and buses into Chicago.

At Abbotts direction, Texas has bused more than 90,000 migrants to sanctuary cities run by Democrats like Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles since April 2022, according to numbers released by the governors office Friday. In Chicago specifically, more than 28,000 asylum-seekers have arrived since August 2022.

In justifying the busing of migrants who cross the southern border, Abbott said in a statement last year it was just Texas and Arizona that bore the brunt of all the chaos and problems that come with it.

Now, the rest of America can understand exactly what is going on, he said.

Many of the migrants arrive with extremely limited resources, CNN previously reported. Theyve been stripped of their warm clothing by Border Patrol agents and condensed their belongings to a single bag, often arriving at cold northeastern cities with just a single T-shirt, Pedro Rios, San Diego program director of the American Friends Service Committees U.S./Mexico Border Program, told CNN Friday.

Rockford city officials said on Facebook if more flights land there, they will activate the local Emergency Operations Center to coordinate logistics and planning to ensure the safety of all involved throughout this process.

On Sunday, the mayor described the situation as an international and federal crisis that local governments are being asked to subsidize on CBS Face the Nation.

He said the current situation is unsustainable.

What weve attempted to do is to create structure and coordination around this humanitarian crisis, and unfortunately, the Governor of Texas, Governor [Greg] Abbott, is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos, Johnson said. Hes taking on this very dangerous task of placing individuals on airplanes and flying them into our various cities. This is certainly a matter of not just our national security, but its the type of chaos that this governor is committed to administering.

Chicago earlier this month began impounding and towing buses after passing a city ordinance to contend with rogue buses from Texas dropping off migrants throughout the city, CNN previously reported.

The flights and buses from Texas also come amid an uptick in migrants crossing into the US at the southern border. Border authorities encountered more than 225,000 migrants along the US-Mexico border this month, marking the highest monthly total recorded since 2000, according to preliminary Homeland Security statistics shared with CNN.

CNNs Travis Nichols and Alisha Ebrahimji contributed to this report

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People search for victims between the rubble of a damaged building following an Israeli attack on Al-Wawi family building in Nuseirat Camp, Gaza Strip. Naaman Omar/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The authorities in the Gaza Strip say more than 5,300 seriously injured and sick people are urgently awaiting evacuation.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is organizing transporting the people abroad together with the World Health Organization (WHO), OCHA said after reporting the figure on Sunday, citing the health authorities in Gaza.

In the north of the Gaza Strip, it has been possible to restore limited services in some health facilities including the Al Ahli Arab and Al Awda hospitals and some medical practices, OCHA said, again citing local authorities.

Here too, the authorities are working with the WHO and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to reopen more facilities. In some cases, this is being done at the risk of employees' lives, as many areas are still under constant Israeli fire, the UN agency said.

Last Wednesday, the WHO said only 13 of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip were still able to operate, albeit with restrictions, with four of them in the north.

Many lack anaesthetics and painkillers, antibiotics, food and water and also qualified specialists.

The supply of relief goods remains difficult, with only a few lorries managing to cross the borders amid the bombardment and sealing off of the Gaza Strip.

Many roads have been destroyed, while attacks continue. The WHO did not initially provide the latest data on the number of hospitals able to treat patients.
Editor's note: Events are subject to change, and contacting your church ahead of time is recommended. Churches may send updates to worship services, events or schedules via email to kwood@lubbockonline.com. Please note that this is a partial compilation of local religious congregrations, and listings are sorted below by newest information.

 First Church of Christ Scientist Amarillo  2701 Julian Blvd. Everyone is welcome at our Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School meets at the same time for children and teens. Our weekly testimonial meetings on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. are a wonderful opportunity for inspiration and fellowship. For more details, see our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/First-Church-of-Christ-Scientist-Amarillo-104483494978237 or our website at https://www.cschurchamarillo.com/ .

 Grace Church  Grace Church was founded by Pastor Bill Gehm, his wife, and a small group of believers in 1985, and has grown over the past few decades into a much larger and diverse group of believers in Christ. We are Making Disciples verse by verse at the corner of Plains and Western (4111 Plains Blvd.) in an old grocery store, on the radio at 88.7FM with the Radio by Grace network, and online at GraceAmarillo.com. Service times are 9 & 11am on Sundays and 7pm on Wednesdays.

 The Colonies Church of Christ  4500 Wesley Road, Amarillo, TX 79119. Please join us Sundays for Bible class at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m. Any questions, call 806-355-7303. For more information visit our website at: thecolonies.org

 Grace Communion International (GCI Amarillo), 1400 Wolflin (Covenant Presbyterian)  Saturdays 2:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Fellowship Group gathering for worship music, prayer, Bible study, and seasonal messages. Multi-generational service. New participants of all ages welcome. Refreshments following and potluck on the 1st Saturdays. For information and schedule confirmation call 806-473-8753 or 806-340-4704. During our fellowship group this fall, you are welcome to bring items for children or filled shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child through Nov. 11.

 Hartley, Texas  A life-size marble casting of Michelangelos Pieta has been placed at St. John Paul II Family Life Center, 1400 Central Avenue, in Hartley. The famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion. The Vatican Observatory Foundation has authorized and licensed the creation of only 100 Pieta marble castings from a mold derived from the original Pieta. This Pieta has been donated as a legacy gift by the Catholic Loyalty Foundation of Santa Clarita, California.

 Polk Street Methodist Church  Please worship with us in person at 8:30 and 10:55 a.m. in our historic sanctuary at 1401 S. Polk St., or worship online with us at 10:55 a.m. at www.polkstreet.org or on our Facebook page. From Bible studies and small groups to exercise classes and outreach to the impoverished, there is a place for you. If you would like more information, please visit www.polkstreet.org and either email us or complete a contact form.

 Messiahs House  6901 Bell St. Sunday morning services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, visit their website at https://mh.church .

 First Christian Church  3001 Wolflin Ave. Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship service at 10 a.m. FCC Facebook page: facebook.com/FirstChristianAmarillo , FCC YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCkyDAlGKrx82S5qCbiBlS_g

 Christian Heritage Church - 900 S Nelson St. Service times are Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more, email info@chcamarillo.com .

 Amazing Grace Amarillo (Lutheran Church - WELS) - Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. at 8700 Clinton Glenn Dr. Amarillo, TX 79119. We've moved! We also offer children's Bible school at 9:15 a.m. along with our teen/adult Bible study on Sundays. You can stream our services at AmazingGraceAmarillo.com and join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Message our pastor at pastorhans@amazinggraceamarillo.com .

 The Loft Church  4400 S. Georgia. Services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

 Power Church  8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (bilingual) Sunday service. Also Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

 Sandell Drive In Theater, Clarendon  Sunday service at 10 a.m. Add in a beautiful Sunday drive out to Clarendon and experience church.

 Accelerate Church, 4400 S Crockett, and Accelerate North Campus, 1300 E Central.

 Triumphant Truth Church, 1701 S Manhattan St.

 Central Church of ChristJoin us on Sundays for class at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. Youll find us in person at 1401 S. Madison St. and online at www.amarillocentral.org.

 Paramount Baptist Church  3801 S. Western St. in Amarillo. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. with worship at 10:15 a.m. We also have a Spanish speaking service at 10:15 a.m. Visit www.paramount.org for more information.

 St. Luke Presbyterian Church  3001 Bell St. Visit the churchs website at stlukeamarillo.com for a link to the bulletin and live streaming videos. In-person and live streaming service on Sundays at 11 a.m.

 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  2101 N. Coulter St.

 "The Cross" in Groom, Texas  Information: Cross Ministry  Jason Eugea, 806-248-9006.

 Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship  4109 Cornell St. Fellowship at Sunday at 11 a.m. Our services are in-person and also live-streamed on our YouTube and Facebook pages. For more information about AUUF, see our website at uuamarillo.org.

 Redeemer Presbyterian Church  7603 77th Ave. Sunday school at 9:30 am, followed by worship service at 10:30 and evening worship service at 5 p.m. We offer live streaming on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHc6sCADFHQ6xD91jMxktfQ. Please visit our website at http://redeemeramarillo.com/ for more information.

 Pleasant Valley Methodist Church  316 Valley Ave. Everyone is welcome at our Sunday worship service. Visit with us in person at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is at 9 a.m. From Bible class Wednesday at 5 p.m. to food cupboard, AISD ministry and outreach to the impoverished, there is a place for you. If youd like more information, go to Pleasant Valley Methodist Church (Amarillo) on Facebook, or call (806) 383-3342. Mail us: info@yourpvumc.org .

 Olsen Park Church of Christ  invites you to visit our worship services and Bible studies at 4700 Andrews Ave., Amarillo, TX 79106, Sunday: 9 a.m. (short service), 9:30 a.m. (Bible class), 10:30 a.m. (worship); Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class). For more information, go to www.olsenpark.com and Olsen Park Church of Christ on Facebook, or call 806-352-2809.

 Second Baptist Church  419 N. Buchanan St. Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for worship followed by Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. For more information please visit sbcama.org or call the church at 806-373-1737. Also, our sermons are broadcast on KAMR channel 4 every Sunday morning at 8 a.m.

 Life.Church Amarillo  Located on the northwest corner of I-27 and Hollywood Road; services held at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Life.Church is made up of people from different backgrounds linked together by a common mission: leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. For more, see www.life.church/amarillo.

 South Georgia Baptist Church  5209 S. Georgia St. You're invited to join us each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for small group Bible study and at 10:30 a.m. for our morning worship service. Our 10:30 a.m. service streams live at sgbc.co/watch. Visit sgbc.co for more information.

 Bell Avenue Church of Christ Amarillo  1600 Bell St. For more information, please contact the Bell Avenue Church of Christ at 806-355-2351 or visit our website, www.bellavenue.org .

 Pathpoint Fellowship Church, 6215 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, 79110, 806-463-7284.

 Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church, 1801 N. Hughes St. For more info, please call 806 373 2576.

 Bible Believers Baptist Church, 12,200 W Rockwell Rd. Services at 10 a.m.; Bible Study at 11 a.m. Preaching and Worship at 7 p.m. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., prayer meeting and Bible Study. On Friday at 7 p.m., Youth Night. Services streamed on our website biblebelieversbaptist.com . Call 806-499-3231 for more information.

 Westminster Presbyterian Church  Sundays at 10:30 a.m.; available to watch from the churchs website at wpcama.com, click on Sermons. Church is located at 2525 Wimberly Road.

 Coulter Road Baptist Church  4108 S. Coulter St. Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship is streamed on our website, www.coulterbc.com. Contact info: 806-352-5278.

 Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of Amarillo  worship/communion service is at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday. The service is also available on the churchs website on Sunday evenings at https://www.beautifulsavioramarillo.org.videos.

 Covenant Presbyterian Church in Amarillo  1400 Wolflin Ave. We invite you to join us for worship where we praise God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - every Sunday at 10 a.m. We have Sunday School for adults at 9 a.m. If you would like more information, you can call the church office at 806-376-5244.

 Trinity Fellowship  Family Worship and Prophetic Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Visit TFC.org/Sundays. Church online at 9 and 11 a.m. on all viewing platforms.

 Anna Street Church of Christ  2310 Anna St., across from Olsen Park Elementary. Sunday: 9:45 a.m.  classes; 10:30 a.m.  Morning Worship. Wednesday: 6:45 p.m.  Song Practice; 7:35 p.m.  Evening Teaching. Visit http://www.annastreetchurch.org/ for more information.

 Southwest Church of Christ  Come see us Sunday for Bible class at 9:30 a.m. and for Worship at 10:30 a.m. A list of current classes can be found on our website: www.southwest.org.

 First Baptist Church  Gathering at 12th and Tyler. Sunday morning worship service times are 8:30 and 11 a.m., with Bible study for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Sunday evening worship meets at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary.

 Bell Avenue Church of Christ  Sunday morning worship begins at 9:30 a.m., with classes immediately following. Sunday evening worship begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night devotional and classes at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

 Bible Believers Baptist Church  Sunday school at 10 a.m.; preaching at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study at 7 p.m. Visitation and Soul Winning: Saturday at 10 a.m. Minister, Glen A. Stocker.

 Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church  Morning and evening worship services.

 Hillside Christian Churches  www.hillsideonline.com.

 Arden Road Baptist Church  Sunday School, children's ministries and nurseries. Service times: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., Sunday school, 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

 Amarillo First Nazarene Church, 5201 Soncy Road; 806-374-2242, https://onenaz.org/ .

 North Beacon Church of the Nazarene, 1601 N. Nelson St., 806-367-8544

 Valleyview Church of the Nazarene, 7601 S. Western St., 806-358-8829, https://www.facebook.com/vvnazarene/ , http://www.vvnaz.org/

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo faith calendar for Dec. 31, 2023
SINGAPORE, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Sunday called for efforts to build the city-state a place where everyone is respected while delivering his New Year address through social media.

Reiterating his presidential campaign slogan "respect for all," Tharman called on society to deepen respect for people of different races and faiths by sharing more of their lives rather than drifting apart.

The president pledged efforts to work with the government, civil society and Singaporean people to build a deeper and lasting culture of respect in the future.

He also vowed to project Singapore's voice of reason in the world at times of division. 
Authorities are investigating after a mother and daughter were found dead inside a dog kennel business in Maine, state police said.

Jean Robinson, 76, and her daughter, Allison Cumming, 53, both of Farmington, were found dead at the Pawsitive Dog Kennel at 274 Red Schoolhouse Road in Farmington on Wednesday morning, state police said. Both women lived on the property in a separate building.

Police responded to the business after receiving a 911 call at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday reporting the discovery of two dead women inside.

Detectives from the State Police Major Crimes Unit, Farmington Police, and Franklin County Sheriffs Deputies worked throughout the evening collecting evidence and conducting interviews, state police said.

Autopsies were performed on Thursday, however the cause and manner of the death is not being released at this time, state police said

There is no known immediate threat to the public.

Anyone with information regarding the two deaths is urged to contact the Farmington Police Department at 207-778-6311.

Farmington is a small town in Franklin County, northwest of Waterville. The town had a population of 7,592 as of the 2020 census.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A four-alarm fire broke out in an east Charlotte hotel Saturday night, leaving several people injured and more without housing.

CFD released Sunday morning they investigated the fire and determined it was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials. They did not rule out potential electrical failures as contributing to the fire.

Multiple crews responded to the large fire at the Golden Green Hotel on Independence Boulevard around 8 p.m. Saturday.

ALSO READ: Fire started by candle caused $1M in damage to Charlotte apartments

At the scene, responding crews could see smoke coming out of the top of the building.

STRUCTURE FIRE UPDATE: 3000 block E Independence Blvd. 8PM fire went 4th alarm. Incident was controlled in 80 minutes (8:57PM). Firefighters rescued two victims. @MecklenburgEMS evaluated six patients. One patient transported with minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/KBSpxa6z0t  Charlotte Fire Dept (@CharlotteFD) December 31, 2023

According to MEDIC, a total of six people were evaluated, and all had minor injuries, but they are expected to be alright.

Just before 8 p.m., the fire was deemed a third-alarm fire. At 9, the CFD announced that it was a four-alarm fire.

The department said it took 80 minutes to control the fire. Crews rescued two people, and one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts went to the scene and learned from residents that the flames started on the third floor. CFD says it was contained in just one room in the hotel.

Dozens of Queen City residents refer to the hotel as home and were greeted on Saturday night with fire alarms and thick smoke. People like Michael Jones had to find their way to the stairwell to escape.

I went back inside and automatically started putting clothes on; I went back outside; I couldnt see my hand in front of my face; the smoke was so thick, Jones said. I did what I was trained to do: get down and crawl; stay down and crawl. Luckily, I was in the corner, so I barely made it to the stairwell where I could make my way down.

Officials have not released the total number of people evacuated from the hotel, but three buses are being used as temporary shelter for them.

The fire caused around $250,000 in damage to the hotel.

Its unclear whether or not they will be able to return to their rooms tonight.

This is a developing story; check back at wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Fire tears through vacant University City barn)
Kim Jong Un lambasted Washington during a lengthy speech at the end of five days of year-end party meetings (STR)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up the year with fresh threats of a nuclear attack on Seoul and orders for a military arsenal build-up to prepare for a war that can "break out any time" on the peninsula, state media reported Sunday.

Kim lambasted the United States during a lengthy speech at the end of five days of year-end party meetings that set his country's military, political and economic policy decisions for 2024.

The meeting announced plans for further military development in the coming year, including launching three more spy satellites, building unmanned drones and developing electronic warfare capabilities, as well as strengthening nuclear and missile forces, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

This year, Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, enshrined its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and test-fired the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in its arsenal.

Kim accused the United States of posing "various forms of military threat" and ordered his armed forces to maintain the "overwhelming war response capability", according to KCNA's account of the meeting that ended on Saturday.

The meeting concluded that it is a "fait accompli that a war may break out on the Korean peninsula any time due to the enemies' reckless moves for invading the DPRK", KCNA said, using the acronym of the North's official name.

In an effort to deter Pyongyang, Washington deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan this month and flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo.

The North has described the deployment of Washington's strategic weapons, such as B-52 bombers, in joint drills on the Korean peninsula as "intentional nuclear war provocative moves".

The military "should rapidly respond to any possible nuclear crisis and put continuous spurs to the preparations for a great event to suppress the whole territory of south Korea by mobilizing all physical means and forces including nuclear forces in contingency", Kim said.

- 'Uncontrollable crisis' -

Kim told the meeting he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the "uncontrollable crisis" that he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated to a low point this year, with Pyongyang's spy satellite launch prompting Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement aimed at defusing tensions.

Kim said it would be a mistake to regard South Korea "who publicly defined us as the 'principal enemy'... as the partner of reconciliation and reunification", according to KCNA.

Kim also ordered the drawing-up of measures for reorganising departments handling cross-border affairs to "fundamentally change the principle".

Leif Easley, a professor of international relations at Ewha University in Seoul, said the emphasis on North Korea's "significant military capabilities" was likely aimed at hiding its poor economic achievements this year.

"Much of what state-controlled media publishes is recycled propaganda," he said, adding. "Pyongyang's bellicose rhetoric suggests its military moves are not only about deterrence but also domestic politics and international coercion."

Pyongyang declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022 and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since Pyongyang first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.

sh/pbt
The decision may have been easy, but sticking with it is often hard. New Years resolutions are often easy to make but hard to keep.

When it comes to collective decisions, the whole process gets even harder. The choices we make as a society often sound simple, but turn out to be far more complicated.

Readers of these pages know that at the Center for the Study of Market Alternatives, we examine collective choices, that is, public policy. Economics as a scholarly discipline has at times been referred to as the science of choices or human actions.

Over the past year, I have considered the public choices regarding education and the regulation of artificial intelligence. Whether or not you agree with what Adam Smith and others have to say about these issues, I suspect you can see that there are many questions to consider when a society seeks government action in these or any other area of our lives.

One branch of economic research looks specifically at the question of how people living together in society come to agreement on public policy or if they even can. Public Choice theorists have studied these questions since Smith and his contemporaries first demonstrated the public policies that best promote human flourishing.

Nobel prize-winning economist James Buchanan is one of the most well-known in the field of public choice economics, and defines it as politics without romance. With a basic understanding of human nature, Buchanans research, confirmed by others since his time, displaces the wishful thinking that public officials always aspire to promote the common good.

Adam Smith knew that individuals didnt put aside their own self-interest when they entered public office. He argued even further that self-interest or selfish desires were heightened for such people, saying: even the man of sober judgment often abandons himself to the general admiration.

There are many lessons of public choice theory but consider just two. First, public choice economic models demonstrate that the real decision-maker is the person. That there are no organic decision-making units, such as the people, the community, or society. Groups do not make choices; only individuals do. If you want to change society you have to change people. If you throw the bums out of office, new bums arrive to take their place.

Second, unless our voting rules require unanimous consent, thereby giving any individual the power to veto a proposal that would cause them harm, or unless those harmed can relocate easily to another political jurisdiction, collective decision-making will always result in the majority imposing its will and preferences on the minority. Public choice theory shows that with any collective choice, the publics interest is only protected if exit options are preserved. This generally means that collective choices are best made at the lowest possible level of political authority where people can choose to leave.

With these lessons in mind, lets consider again the questions of public education and the regulation of new technologies. For public education the lessons of public choice economics call for more local authority and more individual choice. The political force working against this possibility is the extent to which the US Federal Government is now involved in public education through mandates and funding. Should we wish for our kids in Idaho to flourish, we should ask less of Washington.

This problem is evident in the recent decision-making process in the Nampa School District. Faced with a declining enrollment district officials were prepared to close or repurpose a number of school buildings. A federal program operating at one of these schools influenced the vote of enough of the trustees to choose to keep this particular faculty open, despite the relatively high cost imposed on local taxpayers.

The lessons of public choice economics always arise when new regulations of technology are considered. One segment of our society is always going to disagree with the so-called authorities that design the regulation. A collective agreement on the potential harm of any new technology is impossible. Thus, the role of government becomes one of only informing and policing the technology, not constraining its legitimate use. Federal, state and local governments must limit their role to the dissemination of information on artificial intelligence and prosecution of crimes committed by its use.

We all have to make choices every day, and the limits of our collective choices are clear. Lets make a resolution to leave most choices to the individual and their local community.

Peter Crabb is a professor of economics and the director of the Center for the Study of Market Alternatives at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.
NASA is on a mission to 'touch the Sun' in milestone moment for space exploration

DrPixel

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to pass the Sun on 24 December 2024.

It's due to fly past the sun at 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph.

"We are basically almost landing on a star," a scientist on the project said.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to pass the Sun next year in a milestone moment for space exploration.

The probe, launched on Aug 12, 2018, is due to fly past the sun at 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph on 24 December 2024, the BBC reported.

NASA describes it as a mission to ""touch the Sun" on its website, aiming to get our "first-ever sampling of a star's atmosphere."

"We are basically almost landing on a star," Nour Raouafi, a scientist on the project, told the BBC.

"This will be a monumental achievement for all humanity. This is equivalent to the Moon landing of 1969," he said.

The mission aims to help us gain a deeper understanding of the Sun, with the probe orbiting closer to the Sun's surface than any has before and within Mercury's orbit, NASA says.

The probe gathers measurements and images to help scientists learn more about where solar wind comes from and how it is evolving. It also makes "critical contributions to forecasting changes in the space environment that affect life and technology on Earth."

The probe will face extreme heat and radiation on its journey, flying "more than seven times closer to the Sun than any spacecraft."

Dr Nicky Fox, NASA's head of science, told the BBC that they "don't know" what they'll find in the mission, "but we'll be looking for waves in the solar wind associated with the heating."

"I suspect we'll sense lots of different types of waves which would point to a mix of processes that people have been arguing over for years," she added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The moon has long been revered by Indigenous people. (Photo/University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

The moon has long been revered by many Native American tribes. So, when Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren recently discovered that NASA is planning to launch a rocket headed to the moon in early January with cremated human remains to be placed there, he sent a letter to NASA and the U.S. Department of Transportation asking to delay the launch.

It is crucial to emphasize that the moon holds a sacred position in many Indigenous cultures, including ours, President Nygren wrote. We view it as a part of our spiritual heritage, an object of reverence and respect. The act of depositing human remains and other materials, which could be perceived as discards in any other location, on the Moon is tantamount to desecration of this sacred space.

NASA is planning on launching the Vulcan Centaur carrying the Peregrine Mission One by Astrobotic Technology on January 8, 2024. Among 28 payloads are some by Celestis and Elysium Space, companies known for providing memorial services by shipping human cremated remains.

Nygren has asked NASA and the federal Transportation Dept. to consult with the Navajo Nation before sending human remains to the moon.

In a Dec. 21 letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and Transportation Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs Arlando Teller, President Nygren expressed what he called our deep concern and profound disappointment regarding a matter of utmost importance.

In his letter, Nygren asked that the launch be delayed and immediate consultation take place.

We believe that both NASA and the USDOT should have engaged in consultation with us before agreeing to contract with a company that transports human remains to the Moon or authorizing a launch carrying such payloads, he wrote.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren (Photo/Levi Rickert for Native News Online)

He said this situation echoes back to the late 1990s, when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration sent the Lunar Prospector, carrying the remains of (former astronaut) Eugene Shoemaker, to the Moon.

At the time, Navajo Nation President Albert Hale voiced our objections regarding this action. In response, NASA issued a formal apology and promised consultation with tribes before authorizing any further missions carrying human remains to the Moon, President Nygren wrote.

The late President Hale said such an action to place human remains on the moon was gross insensitivity to the beliefs of many Native Americans.

The moon is revered, and it regulates life cycles, according to Navajo traditions and stories, Hale wrote to NASA in January 1998. To send something like that over there is sacrilege.

Nygren wrote that the Office of Commercial Space, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, failed to engage in consultation with tribes prior to issuing the payload certificate for this launch.

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It is crucial to emphasize that the Moon holds a sacred position in many Indigenous cultures, including ours, Nygren wrote. We view it as a part of our spiritual heritage, an object of reverence and respect. The act of depositing human remains and other materials, which could be perceived as discards in any other location, on the Moon is tantamount to desecration of this sacred space.

He said NASA has previously committed to consultation with the Navajo Nation and that the Biden Administration has recently promised to consult on matters that impact tribes, in accordance with the Jan. 26, 2021, Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships.

This memorandum reinforced the commitment to Executive Order 13175 of November 6, 2000, President Nygren wrote. Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Interagency Coordination and Collaboration for the Protection of Indigenous Sacred Sites, which you and several other members of the Administration signed in November 2021, further underscores the requirement for such consultation.

He said this explicitly recognizes that sacred sites can consist of "places that afford views of important areas of land, water, or of the sky and celestial bodies."

NASA has not responded to a request by Native News Online for a comment,

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

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny says he doesnt feel lonely and is in a great mood despite serving a lengthy prison sentence in Siberia, but he still misses interacting directly with his family and friends.

In a New Years Eve message shared by Navalnys team on social media, Navalny is quoted as saying that this will be the third time I have taken the traditional family New Years Eve photo with Photoshop.

I am trying to keep up with the times, and this time I asked an artificial intelligence to draw me. I hope it turned out something fantastic - I will not see the picture myself until the letter with it arrives on Yamal, he joked.

Navalnys team has said he is currently serving his prison sentence in the IK-3 penal colony in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region of Russia.

I miss you terribly is a kind of incorrect construction from the point of view of the Russian language. Its better to say: I miss you a lot or I miss you so much, he said. But from my point of view, it is more accurate and correct. I miss my family terribly. Yulia, my children, my parents, my brother. I miss my friends, colleagues, our office, and my work. I miss you all terribly.

However, Navalny went on to say that he doesnt have feelings of loneliness, abandonment, or isolation at all.

My mood is great and quite Christmassy. But there is no substitute for normal human communication in all its forms: from jokes at the New Years table to correspondence in Telegram and comments on Instagram and Twitter [currently known as X], he said.

Happy New Year to everyone, Navalny said. Arctic hugs and polar greetings to all. Love you all, he concluded.

Navalny was located at a penal colony in Siberia earlier this month, two weeks after his team lost contact with him. Until then, he was imprisoned in a penal colony about 150 miles east of Moscow.

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.

The Russian opposition leader 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 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.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WNCN)  A 22-year veteran Greensboro police sergeant was killed in a shooting after confronting a suspect at a gas station just outside Greensboro near Colfax Saturday afternoon, officials said. One police department said suspects were later captured in Winston-Salem following a Blue Alert across North Carolina.

THE LATEST: Greensboro officer killed confronting teen in $83 beer theft, officials say

In a news conference Saturday night, the Greensboro Police Department said the officer, who was off-duty at the time, was shot around 4 p.m. at Sheetz at 3202 Sandy Ridge Road, just west of Greensboro.

The sergeant had witnessed a crime and then encountered a suspect  who shot him, Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said at a news conference. The wounded officer was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

RELATED: Slain Greensboro officer identified | 3 charged after officers death

He was a loving husband, father, son and brother, Thompson said. We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer, he added.

WGHP photo

Thompson, who did not identify the slain officer, said that another off-duty officer and a paramedic  who were both near the Sheetz  tried to help the wounded officer just after the shooting.

UPDATES: Slain Greensboro officer identified | 3 charged after officers death

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan spoke out after the police news conference.

I am angry, and I am sad. I think those are feelings that are felt throughout this department and throughout this city, Vaughn said, adding the shooting was a senseless act of violence.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Saturday night spoke out about the Greensboro police officer who died after the incident at the Sheetz, which is just off Interstate 40.

Our prayers are with the Greensboro police and family and loved ones, Cooper said in a statement.

Wake County law enforcement also spoke out about the killing.

The Sheetz where the shooting happened in the Colfax area just outside Greensboro. WGHP

We send our deepest condolences to the family of the fallen officer, the Greensboro Police Department, and the community, the Wake County Sheriffs Office said in a statement Saturday night.

At 6:10 p.m., a North Carolina Blue Alert was issued for two men in a black Chevrolet Equinox, which fled the Sheetz heading west on I-40. The alert was linked to an assault on law enforcement, according to the Durham Police Department.

A Blue Alert is typically issued when a law enforcement officer is killed or is seriously injured, or when a law enforcement agency determines that a suspect poses a threat to other law enforcement or the public.

Get crime updates in your inbox  Sign up for CBS 17s Crime Tracker newsletter

The Blue Alert was canceled about 100 minutes later at 7:50 p.m. Reports a few minutes before the cancellation said two men were captured with the Chevrolet in Winston-Salem.

North Wilkesboro police said in an 8:05 p.m. Facebook post, Suspects are in custody for the murder of a Greensboro Police Officer tonight after being arrested in Winston-Salem. Our prayers are with the officers family and the Greensboro Police Department.

Thompson did not mention any arrests in his news conference. Late Saturday night, police in Greensboro were still asking drivers to stay clear of the Sheetz along Sandy Ridge Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Simmons with the Greensboro Police Department at (336) 373-2287 or email ncic@greensboro-nc.gov.

 WGHP contributed to this report

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israels war on Hamas in Gaza will continue for many more months, pushing back against persistent international cease-fire calls after mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in the besieged enclave.

Netanyahu thanked the Biden administration for its continued backing, including approval for a new emergency weapons sale, the second this month, and prevention of a U.N. Security Council resolution seeking an immediate cease-fire. Israel argues that ending the war now would mean victory for Hamas, a stance shared by the Biden administration, which at the same time urged Israel to do more to avoid harm to Palestinian civilians.

In new fighting, Israeli warplanes struck the urban refugee camps of Nuseirat and Bureij in the center of the territory Saturday as ground forces pushed deeper into the southern city of Khan Younis.

The Health Ministry in Gaza said Saturday that more than 21,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israels unprecedented air and ground offensive since the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. The ministry, which does not distinguish between the deaths of civilians and combatants, said 165 Palestinians were killed over the past 24 hours. It has said about 70% of those killed have been women and children.

The number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza combat rose to 170, after the military announced two more deaths Saturday.

The war has displaced some 85% of Gazas 2.3 million residents, sending swells of people seeking shelter in Israeli-designated safe areas that the military has nevertheless bombed. Palestinians are left with a sense that nowhere is safe in the tiny enclave.

With Israeli forces expanding their ground offensive this week, tens of thousands more Palestinians streamed into the already crowded city of Rafah at the southernmost end of Gaza.

Thousands of tents and makeshift shacks have sprung up on Rafahs outskirts next to U.N. warehouses. Displaced people arrived in Rafah on foot or on trucks and carts piled high with mattresses. Those who did not find space in overwhelmed shelters pitched tents on roadsides.

We dont have water. We dont have enough food, Nour Daher, a displaced woman, said Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldnt bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk.

In the Nuseirat camp, resident Mustafa Abu Wawee said a strike hit the home of one of his relatives, killing two people.

The (Israeli) occupation is doing everything to force people to leave, he said over the phone while helping to search for four people missing under the rubble. They want to break our spirit and will, but they will fail. We are here to stay.

MORE U.S. WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL

The State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress he approved a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed for 155 mm shells Israel bought previously.

It marked the second time this month that the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel. Blinken made a similar decision on Dec. 9 to approve the sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million.

Both moves have come as President Joe Bidens request for a nearly $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs remains stalled in Congress, caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally contingent on concrete steps by Netanyahus government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.

THE WARS TIMELINE

Blinken, who has repeatedly traveled to the Middle East during the war, was expected back in Israel and other countries in the region in January. U.S. officials have urged Israel to start shifting from high intensity combat to more targeted operations, but said they were not imposing a deadline.

Netanyahu said Israel needs more time.

As the chief of staff said this week, the war will continue many more months, he told a televised news conference Saturday. My policy is clear. We will continue to fight until we have achieved all the objectives of the war, first and foremost the annihilation of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.

More than 120 hostages remain in Gaza, after militants seized more than 240 in the Oct. 7 assault that also killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Netanyahu is also at odds with the Biden administration over who should run Gaza after the war. He has rejected the U.S.-backed idea that a unified Palestinian government should run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. Instead, he has insisted on open-ended Israeli security control in Gaza, without saying what would come next.

TRADING FOR HOSTAGES

Families of hostages and their supporters have demanded that the government prioritize hostage releases over other war objectives, and have staged large protests every weekend, including Saturday.

Egypt, one of the mediators between Israel and Hamas, has proposed a multistage plan that would kick off with a swap of hostages for prisoners, accompanied by a temporary cease-fire  along the lines of an exchange during a weeklong truce in November.

Hamas insists the war must end before it will discuss hostage releases. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Beirut, reiterated that position Saturday, but also told The Associated Press that we have not given any final answer so far to the Egyptian proposal.

Asked about reports of possible progress toward a deal, Netanyahu said Saturday that we see a possibility, maybe, for movement but that he did not want to raise exaggerated expectations.

DIFFICULTIES IN DELIVERING AID

More than a week after a U.N. Security Council resolution called for the unhindered delivery of aid at scale across besieged Gaza, conditions have only worsened, U.N. agencies warned.

Aid officials said the aid entering Gaza remains woefully inadequate. Distributing goods is hampered by long delays at two border crossings, ongoing fighting, Israeli airstrikes, repeated cuts in internet and phone services and a breakdown of law and order that makes it difficult to secure aid convoys, they said.

Nearly the entire population is fully dependent on outside humanitarian aid, said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. A quarter of the population is starving because too few trucks enter with food, medicine, fuel and other supplies  sometimes fewer than 100 trucks a day, according to U.N. daily reports.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Arafat Barbakh and Dan Williams

CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli jets intensified attacks on central Gaza on Sunday, residents and medics said, as battles raged through the rubble of towns and refugee camps in a war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would take "many more months" to end.

Netanyahu's comments signal no let-up in a campaign that has killed many thousands and levelled much of Gaza, while his vow to restore Israeli control over the enclave's border with Egypt raises new questions over an eventual two-state solution.

The Israeli military will release some reservists who were called up to fight Hamas in Gaza, a move it said on Sunday would help the economy as the country prepares for a prolonged war.

Air strikes pounded al-Maghazi and al-Bureij in the centre of Gaza, killing 10 people in one house and driving more to flee to Rafah on the border with Egypt from front lines where Israeli tanks are battling Hamas fighters.

Rockets fired from Gaza raced toward central Israel overnight, triggering sirens throughout the central and southern parts of the country. Israeli media carried footage of numerous interceptions. There were no reports of any direct hits.

Hamas' armed wing said the barrage was in response to "massacres against civilians" in Gaza.

A Red Crescent video published on Sunday showed rescuers working in the dark to carry an injured child from smoking rubble in central Gaza. Six people died in a strike on the village of al-Mughraqa outside Gaza City, health officials said. A separate strike on a house in Khan Younis killed one person and wounded others, they added.

As 2023 drew to a close, Palestinians in Gaza prayed for a ceasefire but had little hope the new year would be better.

Tonight the sky in world countries will be lit by firecrackers, and joyful laughs will fill the air. In Gaza our skies are now filled with Israeli missiles and tank shells that land on innocent, homeless civilians, said Zainab Khalil, 57, a resident from northern Gaza now in Rafah.

The stated goal of Israel's military is to eliminate Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that launched a surprise cross-border assault on Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and grabbing 240 hostages.

Israel's air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 21,800 people according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, with many more feared dead in the rubble, and pushed nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes.

Palestinian health ministry casualty figures do not differentiate between fighters and civilians but the ministry has said that 70% of Gaza's dead are women and people under 18. Israel disputes Palestinian casualty figures and says it has killed 8,000 fighters.

Israel blockaded most food, fuel and medicine after the Oct. 7 attack. It said on Sunday that it was ready to let ships from some Western countries deliver aid directly to Gaza's shores after security checks in Cyprus.

Gemma Connell, an official with the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA, said that many of the tens of thousands of people fleeing to Rafah had no possessions and nowhere to sleep.

"I just am so fearful that the amount of deaths that we've been seeing is going to increase exponentially both because of this renewed offensive but also because of these conditions which are literally unbelievable," she said.

'WHERE WILL PEOPLE GO?'

The United States, Israel's main ally, has urged it to scale down the war and European states have signalled alarm at the extent of Palestinian civilian suffering.

However Netanyahu's comments on Saturday, when he said he would not resign despite opinion polls showing his government is broadly unpopular and defended his security record despite the Oct. 7 attack, indicate that there will be no easing anytime soon.

Netanyahu said the "the war is at its height" and Israel would have to retake control of Gaza's border with Egypt, an area now crammed with civilians who have fled the carnage across the rest of the enclave.

Retaking the border could also constitute a de facto reversal of Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, raising new questions over the future of the enclave and prospects for a Palestinian state.

Washington said Israel should allow a Palestinian government to control Gaza when the conflict is over.

"We just take a fundamentally different view here in terms of what post-conflict Gaza needs to look like," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on ABC television.

Israel's hard-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich fuelled concerns about the offensive's aims on Sunday by calling for Palestinians to leave Gaza and make way for Israelis who could "make the desert bloom."

That clashed with the official Israeli government position that Gazans will be able to return to their homes. Smotrich and other hardline coalition ministers have been excluded from the core war cabinet but have pushed to take part in decisions about the conflict.

In his last comments as Israeli foreign minister before switching to the energy portfolio on Sunday, Eli Cohen said the border was the likely source of weaponry Hamas had obtained over recent years.

Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh in the Israeli-occupied West Bank said via social media that Israel taking over the border was evidence of a decision "to completely return the occupation."

"We moved here from Khan Younis on the basis that Rafah was a safe place. There is no space in Rafah as it is overcrowded with displaced," said Umm Mohammed, 45, a displaced Palestinian woman sheltering by the border.

"If they control the border, where will people go?" she asked, saying that would be "a disaster."

MAERSK CARGO SHIP ATTACKED

The war risks morphing into a wider regional conflict involving Hamas ally Iran and groups Tehran supports across the Middle East.

Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah have exchanged regular cross-border fire, with the Israeli military saying it struck targets in Lebanon on Sunday. Israel has hit Iran-linked targets in Syria. And Iran-backed groups have attacked U.S. targets in Iraq.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has been attacking shipping in the Red Sea for weeks in what it calls a response to Israel's war in Gaza, attacked a Maersk cargo ship, the U.S. military said.

U.S. naval helicopters sank three of the four small boats the Houthis had used in Sunday's attack and drove the fourth back to shore, the military said.

Israel says 174 of its military personnel have been killed in the Gaza fighting but that its operations are making progress, including by destroying some Hamas tunnels under the enclave.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad - both sworn to Israel's destruction - have said that they continue to target Israeli forces operating in the enclave.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Arafat Barbakh in Gaza and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Maggie Fick and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Angus McDowall, Andrew Heavens and Andy Sullivan; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Nick Macfie and Mark Porter)
ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- As a vivid manifestation of the ever-deepening China-Ethiopia ties, 2023 marks historic advancements in the partnership between the two countries, which elevated their ties to an all-weather strategic partnership.

The two countries, over the course of 2023, achieved fruitful results in their cooperation, raning from cooperation in diplomatic and high-level exchanges, capacity development and knowledge transfer to flourishing socioeconomic and people-to-people ties.

ADVANCEMENTS OF STRATEGIC TIES

In October of this year, China and Ethiopia announced the elevation of their ties to an all-weather strategic partnership during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's visit to Beijing.

Amid the deepening Sino-Ethiopia ties, experts highlighted the multifaceted and win-win socioeconomic outcomes resulting from the comprehensive ties between the two countries.

Melaku Mulualem, a senior researcher in international relations and diplomacy at Ethiopia's Institute of Strategic Affairs, said the year 2023 "will be remembered as a historic chapter" in Sino-Ethiopia relations.

"The concluding year marks numerous milestones in the ties between the two countries - be it in the diplomatic arena, socioeconomic sectors, or in terms of cultural exchanges and people-to-people relationships," Mulualem said.

The expert further underscored the two countries' commitments to cooperate in realizing the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, as well as the Global Development Initiative.

Constantinos Berhutesfa Constantinos, a professor of public policy at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, noted China's "practical engagements" in Ethiopia, emphasizing China's efforts toward realizing its commitments.

"The year 2023 has shown us that China stood true to its promises by transforming its commitments into reality in helping Ethiopia's development efforts," Constantinos told Xinhua.

BRICS MEMBERSHIP TO FURTHER DEEPEN TIES

In addition to diplomatic triumphs, the year 2023 also witnessed further deepening of Sino-Ethiopia ties in the multilateral arena, as evidenced by Ethiopia's membership in the BRICS mechanism.

During the 15th BRICS Summit held in August in Johannesburg, South Africa, BRICS leaders agreed to invite six countries - Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - to join the group. The membership of these six countries is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Experts argued that the East African country's entry into the BRICS mechanism is expected to facilitate economic growth and help forge strong and lasting cooperation within the BRICS family.

Balew Demissie, an associate professor at Addis Ababa University, told Xinhua that working with China and other members of BRICS will advance Ethiopia's economic development by attracting foreign direct investment for industrialization and infrastructure projects.

Mukerrim Miftah, an assistant professor at the Ethiopian Civil Service University, said that Ethiopia's admission to BRICS "will help Ethiopia forge strong, lasting economic and political cooperation with the BRICS family," enabling the country to pursue political relations in an institutionalized and mutually beneficial manner.

According to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the country's membership in the BRICS mechanism is advantageous as the group promotes the South-South cooperation framework.

"Since Ethiopia is an important country within the South-South cooperation framework, we believe that our membership in BRICS would be an important impetus for both Ethiopia and other BRICS members," Ahmed told members of the Ethiopian parliament recently.

CHINESE ENGAGEMENT PROMOTES CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

China's multifaceted capacity development and knowledge transfer assistance to Ethiopia are among the many positive outcomes of Sino-Ethiopia cooperation in 2023. These efforts are anchored by different initiatives such as the Luban Workshop, the Confucius Institute, and collaboration in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), among others.

Earlier this month, the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University (AAU) received acclaim for its 10 years of operation, fortifying the deepening ties between China and Ethiopia. During the past decade, the institute has seen over 10,000 students enroll in Chinese language studies across the East African country.

"Over the past 10 years, the Confucius Institute at AAU has made positive contributions to promote the friendship between Ethiopia and China through language education and cultural exchange," said Ethiopia's State Minister of Education Kora Tushune.

During the past years, China and Ethiopia have achieved fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation, including the construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway and the launch of Ethiopia's first-ever satellite, abbreviated as ETRSS-1, into space from China.

"The capacity development and knowledge transfer initiatives, particularly in remote sensing applications and satellite in-orbit operations, have equipped us with the necessary skills to confidently carry out satellite operations," said Dawit Kassaw, a unit leader for the ground application satellite system at the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute.

"The training and skills transfer efforts have provided us with the foundational knowledge and skills," Kassaw added.

Haftom Gebregziabher, deputy director-general of the Ethiopian Technical University, said that cooperation with China is empowering Ethiopia with a skilled workforce required to fill the gap in the modern industrial landscape.

He said the successful transfer of knowledge and skills from China in the fields of science and technology is helping Ethiopia realize its development aspirations. Gebregziabher highlighted the Luban Workshop, a Chinese vocational training program, as a manifestation of the ever-expanding Ethiopia-China cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Abraham Asrat, chief executive officer of strategic affairs at the Ministry of Labor and Skills, said the year 2023 witnessed growing exchanges and experience-sharing endeavors among Chinese TVET institutions and Ethiopian counterparts, eventually uplifting cooperation on human capacity development. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not letting up on his vow to destroy the militant group Hamas as he warns the war will continue for months.

Netanyahu said at a press conference Saturday there will be many more months of war ahead as Israel approaches its three-month mark of fighting Hamas in Gaza, The Associated Press reported.

His comments come as Israel continued to expand its offensive to central Gaza this week and as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. The Israeli military has said that it was operating in Gazas second-largest city of Khan Younis because it believes that is where Hamas militant leaders are hiding, according to The Associated Press.

One day after Netanyahu warned of an extended war, local hospital officials reported Israeli strikes killed at least 35 people in central Gaza on Sunday. More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the war on Oct. 7, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Netanyahu also said at the press conference that Israel would keep up open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip and assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt after the war is over, according to The Associated Press. This sentiment differs from how the U.S. wants Gaza to operate after the war, as President Biden and other officials said they are pushing for a two-state solution in the war.

The U.S. has supported Israel in its war against Hamas, but Biden has raised concerns over the last month about how the U.S.s ally is carrying out its war in Gaza. He said earlier this month that Israel is starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place.

U.S. military forces have also engaged with Houthi rebels in the Red Sea as they continue to target merchant ships. U.S. Central Command said Navy helicopters sank three small Houthi boats in the Red Sea early Sunday after it launched an attack on a container ship.

About 1,200 people were killed during Hamass initial attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and another approximately 240 people were captured as hostages by the militant group. Israeli media reported Friday that Qatari negotiators informed Israeli officials that Hamas agrees in principle to terms for a second hostage swap and temporary cease-fire.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An Israeli soldier carries a heavy shell past battle tanks deployed at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on December 31 - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP VIA GETTY/AFP

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to take control of the Egypt-Gaza border as he said the war against Hamas would continue for many more months.

The Israeli prime minister said the 8.7-mile stretch of land must be in our hands to meet the goal of eradicating the military threat from Hamas.

It must be shut, Mr Netanyahu said in a press conference late on Saturday. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarisation that we seek.

In 2005, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip under international pressure and left control of the corridor to Egypt. It is the only crossing into and out of Gaza not currently under Israeli management.

Returning the Israeli military to the Philadelphi Corridor is necessary to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza, analysts have argued.

But it would also amount to a de facto re-occupation of the Gaza Strip, something the US firmly opposes. Egypt is also likely to oppose handing control of the crossing back to Israel.

Mr Netanyahu has so far been reticent to publicly lay out ideas for management of Gaza after the war is over.

On Sunday, Israeli media reported that the war cabinet had been barred from discussions of the subject, amid fears it could split the fragile government.

Bezalel Smotrich, the hard-Right finance minister from a religious Zionist party, urged Jewish settlers to return to the Strip.

In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence, he told Israels Army Radio.

If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after [the war] will be completely different, Mr Smotrich said.

We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the co-operation of the international community and Arab countries around us.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, chairs a Cabinet meeting at the Kirya, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defence, in Tel Aviv on December 31. - ABIR SULTAN/POOL/AFP VIA GETTY/AFP

His remarks prompted an angry response from Israeli human rights monitors.

Many Israelis would rather bury their head in the sand than admit that this call for ethnic cleansing is our governments position, said Sarit Michaeli, international advocacy lead for BTselem, an Israeli human rights organisation.

Mairav Zonszein, senior Israel analyst at the International Crisis Group, said Mr Smotrichs remarks indicated a wish to carry out a similar policy of settlement building in Gaza as in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. No surprise there, he laid this out in his political vision, she wrote.

All settlements on occupied Palestinian land are regarded as illegal under international law, regardless of whether they were approved by Israel, which is regarded internationally as an occupying power in Gaza.

With little appetite to absorb hundreds of thousands of refugees, Arab nations are unlikely to co-operate with Mr Smotrichs suggestion.

Israeli soldiers on an armoured personnel carrier waving an Israeli flag as they roll back from the Gaza Strip, amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP VIA GETTY/AFP

On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu said the war would continue for several months while saying his forces were operating with unparalleled morality.

We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer, he told a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv.

He hit back at South Africa for filing proceedings in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the UNs Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

No, South Africa, it is not we who have come to perpetrate genocide, it is Hamas, Netanyahu said.

Israel stands accused of indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, where thousands of the dead are women and children. More than 21,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war to date, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.

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Classical orchestras who resort to performing pop hits are committing a crime against music, according to Nigel Kennedy.

The violinist has himself dabbled with crossovers into popular music by covering both Jimi Hendrix and The Doors but has grown suspicious by what he says are more recent attempts by instrumentalists to be groovy.

He claimed classical ensembles turning their talents to more mainstream records marked a desperate effort to attract a broader audience, which he said resulted in a crime against music.

The remarks come after numerous Proms concerts included interpretations of pop songs, and amid recent tours focussing on orchestral covers of chart hits.

Kennedy, 67, said of pop crossovers: I see it as desperation. Its trying to be groovy and it makes it even less so.

These orchestras playing Chemical Brothers, to have an orchestra turning it into namby music with no sense of rhythm, I mean, come on.

Its just a crime against music. These cats should be sent to Siberia and do it there.

Pop star Ella Eyre performed at a Late Night Prom in 2015 - Bridgeman Images/Chris Christodoulou

In 2015, the BBC Proms broke new ground by scheduling an Ibiza Prom, hosted by DJ Pete Tong, which boasted orchestral versions of club tracks by acts including Daft Punk, Faithless and Fatboy Slim.

The idea has proven popular, and the Royal Albert Hall now regularly hosts Ministry of Sound Classical events in which an orchestra adapts club tracks.

In its 2023 event, the 50-piece London Concert Orchestra performed electro tunes by the Chemical Brothers.

Crossovers have extended beyond the club scene, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra has toured Symphonic Pops concerts which feature classical renditions of songs by Beyonce, Adele, and the Spice Girls.

In 2023, Ken Bruce, the former BBC Radio 2 presenter, hosted a series of classical concerts performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra which offered orchestra versions of chart toppers, including tracks by Coldplay, Robbie Williams, Take That, Ed Sheeran, and Tom Jones.

The violinist has himself been seen as a disruptor in classical music - BBC

Alistair Mackie, the Scottish ensembles chief executive, said that the orchestra was attempting to blur some of the lines between our classical core and our film and pop offerings, as part of a drive to build our audiences across the divides.

He explained in April: The big battle at the moment within the whole orchestral industry is to cross-fertilise these audience sectors.

However, this cross-fertilisation of classical and pop music has been met with suspicion by Kennedy, despite his own past experimentation and reputation as an anti-establishment figure in classical music.

The musician has said what was experimental in his day is now the reigning orthodoxy, claiming that his pop crossovers were a rebellion against the status quo as opposed to the young cats now being acquiescent with a new status quo.

Speaking on the BBCs This Cultural Life, he added that the push for broader audiences had created a divide between populist and elitist wings in the classical music world, saying: I think its been splintered now into the ones who are even more reactionary, theyre in their little ivory tower even more so. Theyve gone up another floor and theyre much more separate from the rest of us.

And then theres these other desperate attempts to popularise classical music, as we all call it. Like having Gustav Holsts Planets played with pictures of Jupiter on it or something.

I mean how inane is that? Whats great about Gustav Holst is you dont need pictures to envision it and we can use our own brains and have our own feelings in our private world and relate to the music each one in our own way.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A ship stationed out of Norfolk, the USS GRAVELY, shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles while responding to a Houthi attack on merchant vessel across seas.

On Dec. 30, around 12:30 p.m. ET, or 8:30 p.m. in Sanaa, the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea, the U.S. Central Command said, in a social media post.

The ship that was Singapore-flagged and Denmark-owned/operated requested assistance, and the USS GRAVELY and USS LABOON responded. The vessel can reportedly still sail, and there are no reported injuries.

The USS GRAVELY shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships, marking the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19, according to the U.S. Central Command.

Keep up to date with the latest news on WAVY.com.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus police and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers continue to investigate a 19-month-old homicide after one person was killed on the North Side in May 2022.

On May 1 about 4:50 p.m., police responded to the 5700 block of Cleveland Avenue in the Northern Woods section of Columbus on reports of a shooting. Officers found one victim, identified as 42-year-old Fidel Rios Corral, at the scene.

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Corral was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment. Just over two hours later, Corral was pronounced dead.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A picture released by the North Korean state news agency (KCNA) on 30 December 2023 shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attending the ninth plenary session of the eighth Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea at the headquarters of the party's Central Committee. ---/KCNA/KNS/dpa

North Korea's largely isolated leadership dampened hopes of a rapprochement with the South in 2024, with ruler Kim Jong Un saying he is no longer striving for reunification, in comments at the close of a party meeting on Sunday.

Kim said Pyongyang is no longer aiming for reunification, long a goal shared by both Koreas, which have been in a state of war under international law since the end of the conflict between 1950 and 1953.

"We should not make the mistake again of seeing them as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification, as South Korea has declared us its main enemy," Kim was quoted as saying by state media.

Earlier, North Korea said it planned to launch three more spy satellites into space in 2024.

Kim outlined his country's security goals for 2024 during the usual end-of-year meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee, which ended on Saturday.

"Relations between South and North Korea are no longer those between people of the same nation," said Kim, who argued the relationship between the Koreas has developed into one between states who are at war.

The current situation requires his government to redefine its stance on unification policy, he said.

North Korea is one of the most isolated countries globally. Due to its nuclear weapons programme, it has been slapped with tough international sanctions. Pyongyang considers the US and South Korea to be its biggest enemies.

"This is the first time that North Korea's leadership has publicly declared that it is impossible to achieve unification," said Park Young Ho, a North Korea specialist and former researcher at the South Korean Institute for National Unification.

Pyongyang has repeatedly blamed the Seoul government for the deterioration in relations in the past.

North Korea watchers also said Kim's statements contained a veiled threat towards Seoul.

"Because of the enemies' reckless measures to invade our country, it is a fait accompli that war may break out on the Korean peninsula at any time," Kim was quoted as saying. The military must prepare to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea," using nuclear weapons if necessary in the event of an attack, he added.

Washington denies Pyongyang's accusation that it is preparing an attack together with its allies.

South Koreans fear a turbulent year ahead. South Korea's secret service recently warned the North might unleash fresh provocations ahead of South Korea's parliamentary elections in April and the US presidential election in November.

Alongside expanding its nuclear arsenal and the construction of military drones, North Korea also reportedly named the launch of three more reconnaissance satellites as one of its most important tasks for 2024.

North Korea must stick to its offensive hard line, Kim said.

Pyongyang wants to expand its military surveillance capabilities to monitor, state media said earlier on Sunday.

The launch of the first North Korean spy satellite in November was celebrated as a success in the state media. At the party meeting, it was decided to launch three more satellites into space in 2024.

The US and its allies South Korea, Japan and Australia imposed new sanctions on North Korea because of the satellite launch. They accused Pyongyang of using technologies related to its intercontinental ballistic missile programme.

A picture released by the North Korean state news agency (KCNA) on 30 December 2023 shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attending the ninth plenary session of the eighth Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea at the headquarters of the party's Central Committee. ---/KCNA/KNS/dpa
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke on Sunday as the five-day annual meeting came to an end

North Korea plans to launch three more spy satellites next year as part of efforts to ramp up its military, the country's state media has said.

Last month Pyongyang put a spy satellite into space - and claims it has since photographed major US and South Korean military sites.

Setting out his aims for 2024, Kim Jong Un also said his dealings with South Korea would see "fundamental change".

And he said he had no option but to press ahead with his nuclear ambitions.

Speaking at an end-of-year meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Mr Kim said unification with South Korea was now no longer possible. He said Seoul treats his country as an enemy.

It appears to be the first time Mr Kim has said such a thing and marks an official change in policy - although in practice there has been little prospect of unification for some years, with no progress and little effort being made.

Relations between the two countries are in a poor state. Last month, following the spy satellite launch, Pyongyang ripped up a deal with Seoul that was aimed at lowering military tensions.

North Korea also continued regular tests of its missiles throughout 2023 - and earlier this month fired its most advanced long-range missile, defying UN curbs.

The launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile - which has the range to reach the North American continent - drew immediate condemnation from the West.

Meanwhile North Korea is unhappy over South Korea ramping up defence cooperation with the US, after a US submarine armed with nuclear weapons arrived in its waters.

Following Mr Kim's comments on Sunday, South Korea's defence ministry condemned any plans to use nuclear weapons against Seoul.

In a statement, the defence ministry said South Korea would retaliate "overwhelmingly", with the support of the US, "and the Kim Jong-Un regime will face its end".

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Kim hit out at the US, saying, according to state media: "Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula."

He said South Korea had been transformed into a "forward military base and nuclear arsenal" of the US, and added: "If we look closely at the confrontational military actions by the enemy forces... the word 'war' has become a realistic reality and not an abstract concept."

Mr Kim said 2024 would see more military development, including strengthening nuclear and missile forces and building drones.

"We must respond quickly to a possible nuclear crisis and continue to accelerate preparations to pacify the entire territory of South Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces, including nuclear force, in case of emergency," he said.
North Korea will no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, Kim Jong Un has declared, as his nation vowed to put three new military spy satellites into orbit in 2024.

Kim said inter-Korean relations had become a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war, the state-run news agency KCNA reported.

Its time for us to acknowledge the reality and clarify our relationship with the South, Kim said, adding that if Washington and Seoul were to attempt a military confrontation with Pyongyang, its nuclear war deterrent will not hesitate to take serious action.

I believe that it is a mistake that we must no longer make to deal with the people who declare us as the main enemy and seek only opportunities for [our] regime collapse and unification by absorption by collaborating for reconciliation and unification, Kim added.

North and South Korea have been cut off from each other since the end of the Korean War in 1953 which ended with an armistice. The two sides are still technically at war, but both governments have long sought the goal of one day reunifying.

Relations have ebbed and flowed over the decades, but tensions have remained particularly high in more recent years after Kim Jong Un ramped up the countrys nuclear weapons program in defiance of international sanctions.

Last week, KCNA reported that Kim had instructed the countrys army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defense sectors to accelerate war preparations in response to confrontation moves by the US.

At the time, KCNA described the political and military situation on the Korean Peninsula as grave, saying it had reached an extreme point because of Washington.

Kims latest comments on reunification were significant, according to Hoo Chiew-Ping, a senior fellow at the East Asian International Relations CAUCUS (EAIR) and member of the Asia Pacific Nuclear Advisory Panel (APNAP), who said the North Korean leader has been increasingly walking away from inter-Korean relations in recent years.

This will mark a critical milestone on the Korean Peninsula where extending the olive branch by future South Korean administrations will be vehemently rejected by North Korea, Hoo told CNN.

Pyongyang was keener to further relations instead with current allies like China and Russia, and a selected network of countries around the world which will continue to enable its proliferation and financial outreach, she added.

The US, South Korea and Japan are excluded from Kims strategic outreach for now.

A ballistic missile is launched from an undisclosed location in North Korea on July 13, 2023. - KCNA/Reuters

Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science and nonresident scholar at Carnegie China, said Kims speech reflects the reality that unification is not a short or even medium-term possibility (for the Koreas).

Given this situation, the question is whether non-unification means continuation of the status quo or if North Korea believes it needs to act to protect itself more actively, or even preempt what it sees as possible aggression from South Korea, Chong added.

The former is tolerable even as North Korea seeks to increase its defensive capability, since it keeps the status quo and is better than some belief in armed unification. If the latter, then friction and even tensions with South Korea and northeast Asia will likely rise, he warned.

Ties with China reaffirmed

Kim and Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged New Years messages on Monday, with both pledging to deepen ties in a year of China-DPRK friendship, according to KCNA. DPRK is the abbreviation of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea.

In his letter to Xi, Kim said the two countries will further promote exchange and visits in all fields, including politics, economy and culture, further deepen the ties of friendship and unity and intensify the cooperation in the joint struggle to safeguard regional and global peace and stability throughout the year, according to KCNA.

In his message to Kim, Xi said that relations between the two countries had deepened practical cooperation, maintained close strategic communication, and entered a new historical period, according to Chinas Foreign Ministry.

Spy satellites

After repeated failures, North Korea in November said it had put its first spy satellite into orbit.

Analysts said if the spacecraft works, it could provide significantly improve North Koreas military capabilities, including enabling it to more accurately target opponents forces.

Kim hailed the feat, celebrating with workers at the launch site according to images put out by state media. South Korea called the launch a clear violation of a UN Security Council resolution that prohibits North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.

On Sunday KCNA said North Korea plans to bolster that program with three additional spy satellites in the new year.

Based on the experience of successfully launching and operating the first reconnaissance satellite in 2023, the task of launching three additional reconnaissance satellites in 2024 was declared to vigorously promote the development of space science and technology, the statement read.

Throughout the course of 2023, Pyongyang also launched a series of intercontinental ballistic missiles tests, including a long-range solid-fueled missile called the Hwasong-18 in December, which defense experts and regional watchers says showed a maturing North Korean missile program.

While North Korea, like every country, has missile tests fail, its clear that the overall reliability of North Koreas missiles is quite respectable, Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, previously told CNN.

North Koreas testing and strong rhetoric may be playing into Washingtons hands, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

The North Korean threat is motivating greater trilateral cooperation among the US, Japan, and South Korea, including real-time sharing of missile tracking data. Officials in Seoul knew this ICBM test was coming, and had coordinated in advance with partners in Washington and Tokyo, he said.

Correction: North tested a solid-fueled Hwasong-18 ICBM in December. A previous version of this story gave the wrong type of missile.

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A Texas nurse is accused of stealing pain relief drugs intended for patients and replacing them with saline, Houston officials say.

Investigators say Alexis Joann McNeilly, 25, repeatedly took vials of hydromorphone and fentanyl from an automated dispenser at the hospital where she worked and discreetly replaced the contents with saline, according to Harris County court documents filed Dec. 27. McNeilly had to override the drug dispenser to do this.

Then, investigators say McNeilly put the vials back into the dispenser, where they could end up in the hands of another nurse or doctor, who would be unaware the potent painkiller in their hands is actually just a mixture of water and salt.

In simpler terms, the (dispenser) acts as a vending machine for hospital staff dispensing medicine upon request, the documents read.

Houston police began investigating in late May, after a fellow nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital noticed several vials and syringes appeared to have been tampered with and informed a supervisor, documents say.

Investigators say surveillance cameras captured McNeilly using the dispenser and injecting saline into the now-empty vials she stole from, according to documents. Cameras caught her doing this 15 times between April 20 and May 10, a period of 20 days.

Investigators believe McNeilly was using at least some of the drugs herself, injecting them into her hand, then going back to work.

McNeilly is facing three counts of diversion of a controlled substance, a felony charge, documents show. She was taken into custody on Dec. 28 and her bail is set at $30,000.

Court documents did not list attorney information for McNeilly.

McClatchy News has reached out to Houston Methodist Hospital for comment.

This isnt the first time McNeilly has been accused of stealing drugs from a hospital, documents said. During the investigation, police learned she was fired from her previous nursing job at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas after nurses raised concerns to a supervisor about McNeillys behavior.

In May 2022, a nurse went into a restroom just after McNeilly exited and noticed blood spray on a toilet, the floor and wall, documents said. Empty drug vials were later found in the trash can, documents said. When confronted, McNeilly said she was using the medications because of extreme personal stress and to help her deal with anxiety.

McNeilly took a drug test and the results were positive for morphine, hydromorphone and marijuana  and she was subsequently fired, according to investigators. Police were never involved in that investigation, McNeilly told police.

Baylor University Medical Center declined to comment on the case.

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The sky is lit with fireworks during Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations. Dan Himbrechts/AAP/dpa

Celebrations for the start of 2024 are well under way, with Oceania, Far East Asia and South-East Asia welcoming in the New Year.

In Sydney, a mega light show lit up the sky against the world-famous backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. According to the organizers, more than 13,500 fireworks were set off in the harbour district alone.

There were also light projections generated by artificial intelligence as crowds hit the streets like in many other cities, with coronavirus restrictions a thing of the past across the world.

The landmarks of New Zealand's largest city Auckland were also illuminated, with fireworks lighting up the Sky Tower, while viewers enjoyed a laser light and animation show synchronized with other landmarks, including Auckland's Harbour Bridge.

The five-minute-30-second-long display at Sky Tower, the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, consisted of 500 kilograms of pyrotechnics.

SkyCity chief operating officer Callum Mallett said: "Its a time when people come together to celebrate the upcoming year and enjoy time with friends and family. New Zealand is the first in the world to bring in the New Year, and we are delighted to play a part in those celebrations."

The Pacific country's capital Wellington also organized fireworks and music at an inner city lagoon.

At the same time, two separate fireworks displays in Samoa, one in the capital Apia, and the other in Savai'i, signalled the start of the new year. The displays were synchronized by New Zealand pyrotechnic experts and fired simultaneously from both islands.

The Chatham Islands, part of New Zealand's territory, were first in the country to ring in the year. The islands, about 800 kilometres east of New Zealand's South Island, are home to some 700 people.

Initially, people in Kiritimati rang in 2024 with fireworks and parties in the South Pacific, among the first in the world to do so.

Kiritimati, the largest island of the Pacific island state of Kiribati, is home to about 5,000 people and the first inhabited island to begin each new year.

Later, people in Asia enjoyed massive light shows, including in Singapore, where onlookers watched firework displays at Marina Bay.

In Bangkok, celebrations centred on the Chao Phraya River which reflects the lights of the fireworks display each year. Thailand, which follows the Buddhist calendar, is welcoming the year 2567.

In Taiwan, about 16,000 fireworks were set off at the country's landmark Taipei 101 building, which is 509 metres tall.

In the South Korean capital Seoul, the start of 2024 was marked with the giant Bosingak bell being struck exactly 33 times, like every year. Tens of thousands of people gathered for the event.

China also welcomed in the New Year - albeit much more quietly than other parts of the world. New Year's Eve is not a top priority for the Chinese given that their traditional lunar year does not begin until February 10. Only then do people celebrate extensively.

However, in the Chinese special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, New Year's Eve has a higher significance due to their British and Portuguese heritage. In Hong Kong, tens of thousands gathered by Victoria Harbour to marvel at the huge fireworks display.

There will though be little to cheer in Israel and the Gaza Strip or Ukraine, where conflicts continue unabated.

Western Europe will follow, with police in Berlin fearing riots like last year as people get overexcited. Injuries have already been reported hours before 2024 begins in Germany, where there is a tradition of sending up fireworks in small groups from the street.

Around 4,500 police officers from the capital and other states will be on duty in Berlin, where the traditional New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate is already open. Visitors faced long waits due to strict security controls.

The Americas wrap up the festivities, with a big turn-out expected in New York's Times Square. Police there are also on alert in case of terrorist attacks linked to Israel's war in Gaza.

American Samoa, 220 kilometres to the east of Samoa on the other side of the International Date Line, will be the last to ring in 2024.

The sky is lit with fireworks during Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations. Dan Himbrechts/AAP/dpa
KHARTOUM, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, on Sunday said that stopping the war in Sudan would not be achieved except by withdrawal of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from all cities, citizens' homes and government headquarters.

"There is only one way to stop the war, which is the withdrawal of the rebel militia from Gezira State and from the rest of the cities of Sudan, besides returning all looted money and property of citizens and government movables and withdrawing from citizens' homes and government headquarters," Al-Burhan said in a speech to the Sudanese people on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of Sudan's independence, which was broadcast by Sudan's official TV.

"Any ceasefire that does not guarantee the above-mentioned will be of no value, whereas the Sudanese people will not accept to live among these murderers, criminals, and those supporting them," he said.

Al-Burhan also warned Sudan's neighboring countries against supporting the RSF. "I am sending a message to the countries which welcome these killers to stop interfering in our affairs, because providing any support to the leadership of the rebel group is considered partnership in crime and in killing and destroying the people of Sudan," he said.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15. More than 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to a statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in early December. 
An off-duty police sergeant was fatally shot Saturday afternoon at a gas station just outside Greensboro, North Carolina, authorities said.

The shooting occurred at about 4 p.m. Eastern time at a Sheetz gas station in the community of Colfax, according to Greensboro police.

The sergeant was shot after he "witnessed a crime occur" and attempted "to approach the suspects," Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said in a news briefing late Saturday.

A second off-duty police officer and an off-duty paramedic who were at the scene provided treatment to the officer until he was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he died of his wounds, Thompson disclosed.

The victim's name was not immediately released, and no further details on the incident were provided. Thompson said the sergeant was a 22-veteran of the department.

"He was a loving husband, father, son and brother," Thompson told reporters.

In an earlier alert, police said they were searching for two suspects in their mid-20s in connection with the shooting who were believed to be driving a Chevrolet Equinox, but Thompson did not confirm if any arrests had been made.

Several agencies were assisting in the investigation, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, Thompson said.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper wrote in a social media post that he had spoken to Thompson and offered "all available state resources to catch those who killed a Greensboro police officer. Our prayers are with the Greensboro police and family and loved ones. Every effort must be made to apprehend those responsible and bring justice in this tragic situation."

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Five civilians were wounded by the Russian shelling of Kherson on Dec. 31, head of the city's military administration Roman Mrochko reported.

The victims were wounded as Russian forces on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River struck the Korabelnyi District  often a target of Russian attacks on the city, according to Mrochko.

Two men, aged 52 and 55, as well as a 71-year-old woman were initially reported to be wounded. Mrochko later revised the casualty number to five, reporting that two more men who were in a car at the time of the attack had suffered concussion and also came to a medical facility.

More than a year after Ukrainian forces liberated swathes of territories on the western bank of the Dnipro in November 2022, Russia continues to heavily attack Kherson and its surroundings with artillery, tanks, drones, and air bombs  putting civilians in severe danger.

Earlier this week, Russian forces struck a railway station on Dec. 26, killing one person and wounding four. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that about 140 people were waiting for an evacuation train from their bombarded hometown.

Since liberation, over 400 civilians were killed and over 1,700 wounded in and around Kherson, according to local authorities.

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.
James J. Hughes Jr., a former major general in the Ohio National Guard who led the response during the Lucasville prison riot died Dec. 19 at a Dublin retirement facility.

Hughes, who was also public safety director and city attorney for the city of Columbus in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was 87 years old.

Hughes commanded the 16th Engineer Brigade and served as state area commander of the Ohio National Guard, responsible for all state military assets in support of civil authorities and personnel for disaster responses, according to an obituary. He commanded National Guard troops during numerous riots and protests.

Safety Director James J. Hughes, left, is at command as police prepare to clear High Street on May 22, 1970. With him are Police Chief Dwight Joseph, wearing a gas mask, and Capt. Frank Peterfy (at right), plus an unidentified fire chief. Behind them is the fire division's water turret, which was not used.

Born in Columbus in 1936, he graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School before attending the University of Notre Dame in 1959, and then receiving his law degree from Georgetown University in 1962.

Hughes and a partner formed a firm that eventually expanded to more than 30 attorneys, and was ultimately acquired by Baker & Hostetler in 1980. He was an adjunct professor of Health Care Law at Ohio State University's College of Medicine and School of Public Health from 1969 to 2001.

Hughes served as public safety director under then Columbus mayor Maynard Edward "Jack" Sensenbrenner. When Mayor Dana G. Rinehart held a "pen site summit" to try to end political bickering on how, when and why the city should gain control of the 22.5-acre Ohio Penitentiary site, which later became part of revitalized the Arena District and Nationwide Arena, he asked Hughes, then an attorney with the firm of Bricker and Eckler, to act as facilitator.

Hughes commanded National Guard troops during the 11-day siege of the Ohio Penitentiary at Lucasville in 1993.

"We did it better this time than it has ever been done before," Hughes said in an article for Buckeye Guard magazine in the aftermath of the riot. "We brought under control an extremely dangerous situation because of training and patience. This epitomizes the role of the citizen-soldier."

Hughes eventually retired to Naples, Florida, where he became involved with that city's Planning Advisory Board and served as a board member of the Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida.

wbush@gannett.com

@ReporterBush

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Columbus safety director, attorney James Hughes dies at 87
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A person was found unresponsive and pronounced dead in Salt Lake Citys Glendale neighborhood Saturday night, according to Salt Lake City Police.

On Dec. 30, at around 9:20 p.m., police received information about an unresponsive adult on the ground near Wenco Circle and Wenco Drive.

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Salt Lake City Fire and Gold Cross Ambulance responded to the scene, but despite emergency care, the individual died on scene.

Officers also responded to the scene and found evidence of gunfire, though the circumstances relating to the incident are unknown at this point, police said.

There does not appear to be any known public safety risk to our community, SLCPD stated in a release.

Detectives with SLCPDs Homicide Squad are investigating this matter. This unit is dedicated to determining if criminal liability exists for the death and to preserve any potential evidence.

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The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time.

No further information is currently available.

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All the crafts that Ive practiced in my life Ive done knowing they are either dead or dying.

I have a master's degree in poetry. I was an investigative journalist at a nonprofit that closed due to lack of funding. I was a 35 mm projectionist. A craft that began at the turn of the last century and all but vanished around 2013 when most movie theaters had transitioned to digital projectors  simply because digital prints are cheaper to make and ship than film.

When I threaded my last projector that year, I was working on an island off the East Coast, living inside the back of a movie theater that had been a live theater  my bed, dresser and desk were where the dressing rooms had once been. The film was Blue Jasmine. I went in front of the summer island crowd and said that after 13 years of this work, this would be the last movie I would ever project. They clapped  maybe some of them knew what I was talking about  and I returned to the booth and ran the film. I had spent that summer biking around the island, having trysts, eating ice cream and waking up to a wall still fashioned with film posters from the 1940s. It was romantic as hell, as some dying things can be.

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I knew when I ferried off the island the next day that the job security I had for more than a decade  because I knew a trade  was a thing of the past. When digital moved in, film moved out and the need for projectionists died. Theater audiences were then subjected to less bright films. Films that didnt have as crisp a focus. In other words, the poetry had been edited out.

I soon moved to Los Angeles to be a screenwriter, having lived enough of an experiential life to be able to write from a place of authority. Ive had some success and Im going to direct a film I wrote based on my experience as a projectionist and my love of Marcello Mastroianni. It takes place in Italy, so I location-scouted, touring the country with the sole purpose of finding three things: a fitting seashore, a movie theater and a working 35mm projector. The paucity of the latter was heartbreaking.

In Italy, movie theaters are either owned locally or by the church. So, to see them I had to find the local church, hunt down the priest, wait for him to get in touch with the local projectionist  usually an elderly man still holding a torch for Sophia Loren. When they unlocked the theater and I saw the state of the booths and the projectors, the problems were all the same. Either the projectors were completely missing because they were sold for parts, not working at all, or the projector worked but the bulb was gone. Dilapidated. Neglected. The heart of the cinema  broken.

When we film, well have to ship in a projector, most likely from Milan or Rome. I want an Italy that maybe doesnt exist anymore. Or does, but only in parts. In the meantime, Im spending my days learning Italian so I may communicate with the local crew when I direct the film, and Im writing my next project. However, after the writer's strike, I found myself desperately needing a job. Any job. My repertoire of choices was slim with my background in dying trades.

Read more: Quentin Tarantino-owned Vista Theatre will return with 'True Romance' and 'Thanksgiving'

Enter the Vista. The locally owned theater in Los Feliz that Quentin Tarantino recently acquired, renovated and reopened in November. I went to see Eli Roths Thanksgiving and on a whim, I asked the manager if they were hiring a projectionist. She said I could drop my resume off to her personally. One week later I was hired. The first female projectionist on a team of four.

Im practiced at the art of dying things, but Im a resurrectionist too, being a projectionist and writing poetry. And everyone who attends a film at the Vista, or at the other few theaters around the world still using film, is a resurrectionist as well. We tacitly agree that this is the way to see movies, with all their heart and poetry.

I like to think of the Vista as a museum and its that light in the booth shining through a 35mm or 70 mm print that brings the awareness of the brevity of life to an audience. Walter Murch, the film editor, director, writer and sound designer who worked on the "Godfather" films, among others, said that with film you always feel as if someone is about to enter the room. With digital, you feel like someones about to leave it. So, whether at the Vista or elsewhere, come to the museum. Be a resurrectionist. Bear witness. Come, see the art of a dying thing.

Leah Saint Marie is a projectionist at the Vista, the screenwriter of Spoonful of Sugar and the host of the podcast Pitch! @leahwelch19

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SAN FRANCISCO - A Minnesota family is hoping to go on the trip of a lifetime. The non-profit One At A Time is trying to raise $10,000 by the end of the year to send the Wicklund family on a dream trip to Hawaii, after years of struggling with their 15-year-old son Isaac's illnesses.

"Since he was a tiny baby we knew something was wrong, but it took a long time to figure out the different pieces. He has multiple diagnoses," said Kara Wicklund, Isaac's mom.

Kara said Isaac was initially diagnosed with Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), a dysfunction of his immune system.

"He had been treated for that, but there were other pieces to his picture that, even though he was getting treatment, just didnt clear up. And those were things like he would have episodes for weeks at a time where he couldnt walk, he was too weak. Or he was having a hard time holding his head up, he would choke on things, and he would get kind of floppy. And thats not part of the CAPS picture at all," said Wicklund.

The family found a team of doctors at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital who were able to help explain those other symptoms and diagnose Isaac with Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis, a weakness of his body.

"Isaacs version is generalized, which means that its his whole body, including things like the muscles that control food moving through his system, his diaphragm so breathing, swallowing muscles, more of the life critical muscles, his are affected that way," said Wicklund.

These disorders have caused him to go into respiratory crisis multiple times, including right before the family's planned trip to Hawaii a few years ago. Each time, Isaac ends up on a ventilator in the ICU.

But getting preventative treatment in San Francisco has been able to help him.

"Where we are, if he goes into crisis they can help by putting him on a ventilator, but he doesnt actually have access to treatment here that will keep him from needing the ventilator for longer periods of time," said Wicklund.

His mom said the family has been pouring out money to travel back and forth to San Francisco, and Isaac ends up missing a lot of important family moments.

Isaac was shocked to hear One At A Time wanted to help sponsor a dream trip for him and his family, saying it felt too good to be true.

"I didnt think it was real. I was like ok, lets see where it goes," he said.

The family hopes if enough money is raised, they'll finally all get to go on a trip not centered around breathing tubes and hospital rooms.

"I think its a really amazing opportunity for our entire family to experience some normalcy together because were split and spread across the country and we miss holidays," said Wicklund. "He missed his sisters wedding. Theres a lot of big things that we miss as a family and so to have an opportunity like this to be together and experience something thats so amazing would be really healing for all of us."

To donate, you can visit: https://www.campaignoaat.org/isaacstrong. You can also contribute via Venmo (@campaignoaat) using the hashtag #IsaacStrong.
A police officer in Milton, George helped save an owl who had been hit by a car on December 22.

An owl in Georgia may owe its life to a compassionate police officer who quickly took action after spotting him sitting in the middle of the road.

Sergeant Chad West of the Milton Police Department was driving up Highway 9 when he spotted "Owen the Owl" sitting in the road on Dec. 22. West turned his car around and rescued the owl to prevent further harm.

Luckily for the owl, one of West's colleagues, Officer Charles Fannon, was on duty. Fannon had some experience with owls and quickly determined that Owen was likely hit by a car.

A police officer in Milton, George helped save an owl who had been hit by a car on December 22.

The officers reached out to the local Veterinary Emergency Group which took him in for the night and made sure he was OK. Owen was then taken in by the wildlife rehabilitation group, HawkTalk, Inc., who continued to care for him.

Less than a week later and Owen was all better and ready to go home.

"We love a happy ending!" Milton Police said in a Facebook post.

West and Fannon joined HawkTalk's Monteen McCord to release him back to his home along Highway 9 near Stonecreek Church.

A video of Owen's release showed a group of very excited kids rushing up and asking to pet the owl before the creature was freed.

The kids, amazed at how "soft" Owen's feathers were, got a little lesson on why that is. One of the officers can be heard telling them the bird is so soft because owls have to be "silent" when they fly.

Owls in the U.S. face several threats

In the U.S., there are 19 varying species of owls in all different shapes and sizes, according to the American Bird Conservancy. These creatures face several threats including habitat loss, pesticides, and vehicle collisions, which have already resulted in a decline of a third of all the owl species in the country.

However, not all species of owls are in decline. In forests across the West Coast, biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have said that barred owls have been crowding out spotted owls. The barred owls are not native to the region, and experts said they're concerned that the spotted owl could disappear from parts of Washington and Oregon if they don't do anything about it.

So, they've recently proposed a plan to shoot hundreds of thousands of barred owls over the next 30 years, as a way to help the spotted owl population grow.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Owen the owl recovers and is rereleased after officer rescues him
FILE PHOTO: Former hostages released from the Gaza Strip on November 29 reunite with loved ones in Israel

FILE PHOTO: Former hostages released from the Gaza Strip on November 29 reunite with loved ones in Israel

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Maya Regev lay badly wounded in a nondescript house in Gaza, her leg mangled from a gunshot, under orders not to make a sound.

The 21-year-old begged her captors to let her younger brother Itay, who was being held in a room nearby, join her while the bandages on her leg were replaced.

It was days after Hamas Islamists rampaged through southern Israel in a killing and hostage-taking spree on Oct. 7 that triggered the war in Gaza. The siblings were shot and wounded as they tried to flee an outdoor music festival turned killing field. They were thrown into a pickup and taken away with their friend, Omer Shem Tov.

"Itay and Omer walk in. And they began removing the bandages. And I'm screaming and Omer is holding my hand and covering my mouth," a tearful Maya recalled during an interview with Uvda, a current-affairs programme on Israel's Channel 12 TV.

Itay, 18, told how days earlier a "scared and sweaty doctor" painfully removed the bullet from his leg without anaesthesia, while he was instructed to remain quiet or be killed.

Maya's injury was more severe and she says she was eventually snuck into a Gaza hospital. Her dangling foot was re-attached in surgery, but sideways, at an unnatural angle. She gave her interview in a wheelchair, her leg in a cast.

The Regev siblings were among more than 100 hostages freed in a week-long ceasefire in late November. Shem Tov remains in captivity with nearly 130 others. Some have been declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities.

While being treated in the hospital, Maya said she was kept near another wounded Israeli hostage, Guy Iluz. The two spoke about returning home - what they would do, what they would eat. But Iluz died in the hospital.

"At first I refused to believe. Before they took him away I said I have to see, like, that it's really him. I have the duty to go speak to his family when this is over. I'm the only person who knew what really happened to him."

Itay said that he and Omer in the meantime were taken to a different house, forced to dress as Muslim women so they wouldn't be recognized as they walked in the dark of night.

From the hospital Maya wrote her brother and Omer a note and asked it be delivered. She said she argued with her captors, demanding that she hear back.

Itay received it.

"They came one time with a note, a note from Maya, in which she wrote me where she is, what she is going through. She said she loves me, asked me to stay strong, for the family, for everyone," he said.

He sent a response.

"They brought me a note that they (Itay and Omer) wrote me, and I knew it was really from them because I recognized the handwriting and my brother called me by my nickname," Maya said.

Itay calls his sister patcha.

"It was a light, a small light in all the darkness, that I hear from my little brother and from Omer, that I understand they are ok."

They continued corresponding.

"Those notes gave so much strength, like in the small moment that I feel a bit like I am diving into bad thoughts, I just held Maya's note, read it like ten times, and it would give me strength," Itay said.

Since the brief ceasefire, Israel has pushed ahead with its devastating campaign in Gaza, saying that military pressure is needed to free the remaining hostages.

Israel's air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 21,800 people according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, with many more feared dead in the rubble, and pushed nearly all its 2.3 million people from their homes. Qatari and Egyptian mediators have been trying to broker a deal that would include a pause in the fighting and the release of more hostages.

Itay was separated from his friend, only to find out later he had been included in the list of hostages to be freed.

"If I had known I was going home, I can tell you that probably I wouldn't agree to leave without Omer," he said.

Their story is not over yet, he added. "Even though Maya and I are home, Omer is still there."

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
(Bloomberg) -- Pakistans election panel said it has rejected former prime minister Imran Khans bid to contest the 2024 elections from two constituencies.

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Khans nomination papers to contest from his hometown Mianwali, as well as Lahore were rejected, the Election Commission of Pakistans Secretary Omar Hamid Khan said in text message on Sunday. Khan has also sought to contest from capital Islamabad, according to his lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha.

While the status of his nomination from Islamabad is not clear, the poll panels decision to turn down his bid to contest from the other two seats can be challenged in a court.

Khans political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in a post on X, said that almost 90% of the nomination papers of key leaders, including Khan, were rejected while all of the nomination papers of other parties were accepted.

We are going to stay in the election race, we are not going to step out, we are not going to back off, said Raoof Hassan, PTIs central information secretary. We are going to use our constitutional, legal and political options.

The Times of India newspaper had earlier reported that Khans nomination papers from Lahore was rejected as he isnt a registered voter in that constituency, and has been convicted and disqualified from running for office.

Imran Khan Arrest in Graft Case Sparks Violence in Pakistan

Any new government after the election will be tasked with reviving Pakistans economy, which averted a default this year thanks to a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. A clear mandate is key to ending political uncertainty that has gripped Pakistan since Khan was ousted last year in a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

--With assistance from Rakesh Sharma and Yi Wei Wong.

(Updates throughout with new details.)

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. (KFOR)  Its been three years since the Murrow family lost their 19-year-old daughter Marissa to a drunk driver.

Since then, the Murrows have made it their mission to urge drivers to think twice before drinking and getting behind a wheel.

A day doesnt go by that Jeff and Kristy Murrow dont think about their daughter Marissa, whos life was cut short in October of 2020.

She loved life. She loved God, said Kristy.

Our daughter was starting her sophomore year in college, said Kristy. She was hit head on by a drunk driver.

That driver is Malcom Penney, who has a history of DUI convictions and was sentenced to life in prison for killing Marissa.

He could be living his life, and so could we, said Kristy.

As a way to support other families who have been through similar tragedies, Marissas parents started a group called VOID, which stands for Victims Of Impaired Drivers.

Its time to be together, to support each other, to honor our victims, said Jeff.

The groups goal is to bring an end to impaired driving.

They also have a private facebook where parents like Denise Lewis can share their stories.

When I understood theyre going through exactly what we went through, it was easier, said Lewis.

Lewis lost her only son, Sean and his bestfriend Luke to a repeat DUI offender in 2017.

She said shes finds comfort in the group.

It felt like you had a place to go and someone who can advocate, said Lewis.

While the end of the year often brings celebration, its a painful reminder for some parents.

The Murrows and Lewis are hoping their loss will remind others to make the right choices.

A designated driver or use a rideshare, make a plan and stick to it, said Jeff.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has wrapped up a key year-end meeting of its ruling party arranged for reviewing state policies this year and unveiling work orientation for the coming year, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday.

The 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) concluded on Saturday in Pyongyang, the KCNA said, with WPK General Secretary Kim Jong Un presiding over the five-day event and delivering addresses.

In a summary of the achievements this year, Kim said the gross domestic product grew by 1.4 times compared to 2020, and grain production exceeded the target.

Kim praised the achievements in various economic sectors, as well as in housing construction and scientific development over the past year.

As for priority tasks in the coming year, Kim called on the military industrial sector to implement the ruling party's strategy for national defense, urged the space development sector to launch three more reconnaissance satellites and set key goals for missile research and production.

He also laid out tasks for "revolutionizing" warship-building capacity to enhance the underwater and surface combat power of the DPRK navy and developing and manufacturing various kinds of unmanned military hardware and electronic warfare means.

On the situation in the peninsula, Kim lashed out at the United States and its followers for their "unprecedented" confrontation against the DPRK, saying the moves by the United States, South Korea and Japan are "driving the situation in the peninsula into more unpredictable and critical conditions", the KCNA said.

The prevailing grave situation requires the DPRK to steadily step up the work for getting the overwhelming war response capability and the comprehensive military combat readiness to deter any form of provocation, he said.

On the inter-Korean relations, the DPRK leader underscored an urgency for his country "to adopt a new stand on the north-south relations and the reunification policy."

"The north-south relations have been completely fixed into the relations between two states hostile to each other and the relations between two belligerent states, not the consanguineous or homogeneous ones any more," Kim said. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A search is underway for a driver accused of hitting a pedestrian and then fleeing the scene in South Nashville.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the incident took place just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30 at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Lincoln Street.

2 men facing multiple charges following deadly crash on Briley Parkway

Authorities reported the pedestrian was crossing the intersection when he was struck by a 2007 silver Honda Odyssey van.

A preliminary investigation revealed the van was traveling at a high rate of speed on Lafayette Street when the crash occurred.

1 injured, 1 in custody following Dickson County road rage incident

Officers at the scene told a News 2 crew the pedestrian, who is believed to be a homeless man who frequented the area, was vaulted onto the sidewalk after he was hit.

The man was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died, authorities said. The Medical Examiners Office is working to identify him.

Police said a tip from the community led to the discovery of the suspect van, which was found parked on Carroll Street. The Honda has since been impounded.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

Charges are expected to be placed against the driver of the van once he or she is identified, according to officials.

No additional details were immediately released.

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

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

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MUNCIE, Ind.  When 2023 comes to an end, local authorities might not yet know the precise number of homicides committed in Delaware County during the year.

Muncie police are awaiting results from forensic testing before reaching final conclusions about the events that led to the shooting deaths of three people in a westside home on Nov. 3.

Found deceased in a home in the 500 block of South Rambler Road were Sarah R. Barnes, 45; her 76-year-old father, Douglas L. Starr, and Kevin L. Humphrey Jr., 32.

Investigators apparently found no evidence that others were in the house when the shooting deaths took place, and have not ruled out that one of the deceased shot the other two victims before committing suicide.

The Muncie Police Department's mobile command center is shown Nov. 3 near the scene of a reported homicide in a home along South Rambler Road

Barring additional violence before year's end, the resolution of the Rambler Road case would leave Muncie and Delaware County with either seven or eight homicides in 2023.

That would represent a drop from the county's homicide total in both 2022  a year that saw, over a 19-day period in July, seven people slain in Delaware County  and 2021, when the county had 11 killings.

In the other 2023 cases:

 Tristan Nathaniel Twilley Jr., 29, was fatally shot in a duplex in the 1300 block of East 10th Street, east of Heekin Park, on the early morning of March 15.

An arrest has not been made in that homicide.

 On May 12, Angela K. Clymer, 47, was fatally shot outside her home in the 14400 block of West Corner Road, in Salem Township south of Daleville.

Jeff Stanley, chief deputy of the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, said Brook Kristopher Linton, 47, of rural Marion, shot Clymer before turning his gun on himself. He died the following day at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

A man Linton found sitting with Clymer on her porch was also shot, but he survived.

 When gunfire broke out at a block party on the early morning of July 30 at an eastside intersection, Joseph Bonner, a 30-year-old Muncie man, was fatally wounded, and 17 other victims were hit by gunfire.

John L. Vance Jr., 36  reportedly seen fighting with Bonner before the gunshots were heard  faces charges including aggravated battery stemming from the shootings.

Also facing a related firearms charge is Bonner's brother, Justin, who told police he fired shots in Vance's direction after witnessing his brother's shooting.

Melissa Criswell, deputy police chief in Muncie, recently said the case remains under investigation.

 In mid-September, Muncie police found the battered remains of 46-year-old Marcia Curtis outside an abandoned mobile home in southeastern Delaware County.

Her former husband, Ceaser Lewis Curtis, 50, is accused of killing her several days before the body was discovered. Charged with murder, he is set to stand trial Feb. 26 in Delaware Circuit Court 4.

 On Sept. 22, the body of Jack R. Simpson, 55 , was found in a home in Elgin Manor Apartments, in the 2500 block of South Elgin Street.

Authorities said Simpson  who was in the process of moving from Muncie to Missouri  had been shot to death, apparently on Sept. 16.

Adonis L. Logan, 18  a resident of a Detroit suburb  was later arrested by Muncie police and is charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. His trial is set for March 18 in Delaware Circuit Court 4.

Logan reportedly told police the shooting took place because Simpson years earlier had molested the Michigan teen's girlfriend when she was 14, the court document said.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Total number of homicides in Delaware County likely to show decrease
AccuWeather meteorologists say that a storm poised to sweep across the South into late week will be the start of an active pattern that brings waves of rain and thunderstorms to the region every few days through the first half of January.

The long-range forecasting team at AccuWeather, led by Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok, has been discussing for weeks how storms would likely take a more southern track across the nation during the early part of 2024.

There is a high potential for a persistent southern storm track into week three of January, resulting in more rain across southern Texas, along the Gulf coast and into the Southeast, according to Pastelok.

The wet start to the new year will be a carryover from December 2023 for some coastal areas, where precipitation amounts were more than double the historical average over the course of the month.

Local resident Wayne Cox and friend Irma Parrilla, visiting from Orlando, brave gusty winds and drizzling rain to visit Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables, Fla., Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

AccuWeather forecasters say that the first sizable storm in the rain train that caused wet weather to blossom in central Texas will continue to expand along the Gulf coast through late Wednesday night.

"A swath of steady rain unfolded across Texas and Louisiana Tuesday night, before spreading eastward across the I-10 corridor through Wednesday," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis. This storm will be soaking places like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Biloxi, Mississippi.

While widespread rainfall amounts of around 0.50" are forecast from central Texas to the Florida Atlantic Coast, the zone from Houston to Panama City, Florida may see rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches through late Wednesday night.

People heading back to work and school following the holidays will want to make sure that they have an umbrella before heading out the door. The steadiest rain is expected to impact motorists along the Interstate-10 corridor, but some rain can reach as far north as I-20.

Weather-related airline delays could mount in Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and Orlando into early Thursday.

Locations across the South should have a 24- to 48-hour spell of dry weather between the midweek storm and the next rain-maker poised to arrive by the first weekend of the new year.

"The potential exists for another storm to pass through the same affected areas of the South Central and Southeastern states Friday into the weekend," said Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.

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AccuWeather's long-range team was eyeing yet another storm to follow in the Jan. 8-10 timeframe.

Each passing storm has the potential to produce 1-2 inches of rain across a wide swath, with locally higher amounts possible.

There is the potential for one or more of these storms to produce locally severe thunderstorms across the South, in addition to heavy rainfall.

AccuWeather Meteorologist Joseph Bauer noted that there will be a lot of stale, cool air out ahead of each storm system which can have a negating effect on the severe thunderstorm risk. Typically, an abundance of warm, moist air is one of the ingredients needed for an outbreak of damaging thunderstorms.

If any of this air can get scoured out as the storm train crosses the South, there can be a nonzero risk of severe weather, according to Bauer.

Cumulatively, the rounds of rain should have a positive effect on the drought-stricken areas of the South. The lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys are where some of the worst conditions are ongoing with areas of extreme to exceptional drought.

AccuWeather's expert team will be closely monitoring whether any of these storms will attempt to make a run into chillier air to the north and east, potentially resulting in wintry weather for part of the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Northeast. One such storm is eyeing the Northeast with snow and ice for the first weekend of the new year.

While interior areas of the Southeast are contending with drought, a surplus of rainfall was had during the month of December for many locations along the Gulf and Southeast coasts.

Tallahassee, Florida, and Biloxi, Mississippi, for example, received more than 10 inches of rain for the month of December, more than double the historical average.

The upcoming stormy pattern can create localized flooding problems throughout the South, with this being especially true where it was unusually soggy to end 2023.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
The Dallas Cowboys got a belated Christmas gift Sunday, thanks to former Allen High School star Kyler Murray.

Murray led the Arizona Cardinals to a 34-31 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, putting the Cowboys within one win of the NFC East title and No. 2 seed in NFC playoffs.

The Cowboys and Eagles are tied with 11-5 records.

The two teams split their match ups in the regular season. But the Eagles loss to the Cardinals gives the Cowboys the edge in terms of the conference record tie breaker if both teams win their final game.

The Cowboys will now have the No. 2 seed If they win vs. Washington and gain the opportunity to play two playoff games at AT&T Stadium, where they are 8-0 in 2023.
SAN DIEGO  As a high surf warning remains in effect for San Diego, impacts of massive waves are being seen along the coastline.

With waves up to 12 feet and sets up to 18 feet, the water in some areas has found its way upward and outward.

Coastal closures in place amid high surf warning in San Diego County

On Coronado Beach for instance, storm water fallout could be seen Friday in the area where Loma Boulevard meets Ocean Boulevard, as shown in the photos below:

Storm water fallout is seen at Coronado Beach, where Loma Boulevard meets Ocean Boulevard, due to high tides pushed out by high surf. Photo taken on Dec. 30, 2023. (Credit: Bill Sandke  Crown City Photography)

Storm water fallout is seen at Coronado Beach, where Loma Boulevard meets Ocean Boulevard, due to high tides pushed out by high surf. Photo taken on Dec. 30, 2023.

The Paseo Walkway behind the Views Guest Building at the Hotel del Coronado. City officials closed public assess Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. (Credit: Bill Sandke  Crown City Photography)

The city closed public access to Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach on Dec. 29, 2023 due to high surf. (City of San Diego)

The Paseo Walkway behind the Views Guest Building at the Hotel del Coronado could also be seen in a drenched state Friday. City officials have closed public assess in this area due to the high surf. Heres a capture from that area:

Paseo Walkway

Local piers impacted by crashing waves

Also on Friday, the city closed public access to to Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. As seen in the photo below, giant waves rattled the wooden pier. The city says a damage assessment will occurred after high surf conditions subside.

Crystal Pier

According to the National Weather Service, the high surf warning, coastal flood advisory and small craft advisory will remain in effect for San Diego County through 2 a.m. Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A Pittsburgh K9 was injured after a police vehicle crashed into a pole in Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar.

Pittsburgh police say the officer and his K9 were on their way to a burglary call when the crash happened at around 9 p.m.

The vehicle hit a pole at Lemington Avenue and Paulson Avenue after the driver lost control while going around a curve.

The officer was not seriously injured but police say the dog had to be taken to a veterinarian to be examined.

This was the second crash involving a police vehicle that happened in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Police vehicle involved in crash in Pittsburgh

The officer involved in the crash will undergo a mandatory drug and alcohol test, per police protocol.

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Man killed in New Castle house fire 4 juveniles in custody after trying to break into gun shop, running into woods, police say 3 people, including teen, charged after dog found shot in Pennsylvania VIDEO: Man arrested after shots fired near Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, prompting multi-county chase DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A poker player was arrested Sunday in connection with a shooting off the strip in Las Vegas that brought SWAT teams out. Vegas cops initially put out a photo of Jon Letzkus and said they were searching for him, but soon after said he was in custody. Its not clear if he has been charged with anything. No one was injured in the shooting near the MGM Signature, but dozens of shots were reported. Public records indicate that Letzkus is a frequent participant in poker tournaments.

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The police have evacuated an elderly couple, whose house had been destroyed by the Russians, from a border area in Chernihiv Oblast.

The couple resided in the village of Leonivka in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district.

Source: National Police on social media

Details: During a Russian attack, the owner of the house was inside, while his wife went to run some errands in the settlement of Semenivka.

She had nowhere to return to  the house has become uninhabitable as a result of the attack.

"At first, I heard a loud explosion somewhere nearby. Then, the Russians struck right at our house, destroying the roof and cutting the walls. Ive miraculously survived," recalls Volodymyr, owner of the house.

The Russians have destroyed the house of an elderly couple in the village of Leonika, Novhorod-Siverskyi district

Photo: National Police of Police

It was dangerous to stay in the village, as Leonivka is located a kilometre away from the Russian border and is constantly being attacked.

The police suggested the couple evacuate.

"Jointly with the local authorities, we coordinated the evacuation, involved a public freight transport and found the accommodation for the couple in a safer place," Volodymyr Yermolenko, head of the Police Activity Centre, told the press.

The police evacuated the couple to a safer place

PHOTO: NATIONAL POLICE OF POLICE

The Chernihiv Oblast police urged other residents of border villages to evacuate to safer areas.

"The police are available round the clock and are ready to help you evacuate," they stress.

The couples house is uninhabitable as a result of a Russian attack

PHOTO: NATIONAL POLICE OF POLICE

Earlier, law enforcement evacuated a mother with six children from a border area.

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Nearly 10 months after two close friends and a neighbor were fatally shot days apart in Georgia, authorities have offered the public few answers about their deaths. But a relative of one of the victims said police have identified the possible killer and are planning to close the case in a decision that has left her heartbroken and frustrated.

Therasa Johnsons younger sister Ronisha Nikki Anderson was one of the friends gunned down on March 7 outside the home office where the victims worked in Columbus, Georgia. Johnson said the lead detective investigating the killings told her earlier this month that police were planning to close the case.

According to Johnson, 54, the detective said the evidence pointed to the neighbor, Solomon Adams, who appears to have snapped and killed Anderson, 51, and Juantonja Richmond, 52.

The detective, Anthony Locey of the Columbus Police Department, declined to comment on his conversation with Johnson. He said the department plans to release information on the case in the new year.

Another sister of Andersons, Joyce Casey, said Locey also told her in a separate phone call in November that the department is planning to close the case. Neither sister has spoken to the detective in recent weeks, and its possible police have changed their plans and their view of the investigation.

A police spokeswoman declined to comment, but previously said that the departments violent crimes unit was working diligently to bring the case to a resolve and, more importantly, bring the victims families closure.

Juantonja Richmond and Ronisha

Anderson, a mother of three who did billing for her ex-husbands counseling practice, was shot once in the head, her death certificate shows.

Richmond, a former Army sergeant who worked with Anderson, was hit with two bullets  one in the neck and one in the chest, according to her autopsy.

Two days after the women were killed, Adams, 65, a convicted sex offender who served more than a decade in a Florida prison before his release in 2007, was found dead in his bedroom, a coroners death report shows.

Adams house  the second to last on a dead-end residential street southeast of downtown Columbus  was next to the home where Anderson lived and worked.

Johnson said the detective told her a witness who heard the gunfire looked out her window and saw Adams in the homes front yard at the time of the killings. His hands were up, as if he were in shock or panicking, the detective said, according to Johnson.

Ballistics testing showed that the same gun was used in all three deaths, Johnson said the detective told her.

Another link hinges on Adams estranged wife: Shortly after the killings, he told her to have police summoned to his home the following day. Adams said hed done something bad, Johnson recalled the detective saying, citing the estranged wife.

Johnson and other relatives said theyre furious with how the department has handled the investigation and its plan to close the case. That view was echoed by Richmonds relatives.

Andrionna Williams, a spokeswoman for Richmonds family, said they learned of the apparent decision not from authorities, but from Andersons family.

Theyre hurting, Williams said. That hurt is now anger.

Locey, the detective, declined to comment.

It doesnt make sense

Johnson said her frustration is partly based on her familys acrimonious relationship with the Columbus Police Department and what she views as its poor communication with her and her relatives.

Earlier this year, after Johnson said she hadnt heard anything from investigators for months, she tried reaching out to Columbus police chief. Johnsons daughter, Brittany Anderson, was listening to the call and said it was answered by an investigator who cut off her mother and responded rudely to the request for information.

Brittany said that when she interrupted and asked the investigator to calm down, the investigator appeared to threaten her. Brittany filed a complaint with the department in July that authorities later dismissed because the allegations couldnt be substantiated, according to a copy of the dismissal provided to NBC News.

The family also questioned the lead detectives description of a possible motive, saying it didnt add up.

According to Brittany, as far as her family knows, Adams and Anderson had a good neighborly relationship: If a delivery driver left a package outside the fence, Adams would place it on the steps of Andersons home.

Brittany recalled seeing cellphone video showing her aunt handing Adams a plate of food over the fence during a celebratory barbecue  and Adams thanking her.

It doesnt make sense, Johnson said. Why all of a sudden does this man snap?

The homes where Juantonja Richmond, Ronisha Anderson and Solomon Adams were found dead. (Google Maps)

Relatives also questioned certain aspects of the investigation and some of the evidence that Johnson said the detective cited. Reporting earlier this year by NBC News found conflicting accounts of key details from that investigation, including where one of the womens bodies was found.

For months, Brittany said, investigators said there were no witnesses to the killings. But now theyve told the family someone heard gunfire and saw Adams in an apparent panic but did not call 911, she said.

That call was made by a delivery driver who discovered the womens bodies, Brittany said, citing a conversation she had with a detective after her aunts death. NBC News' efforts to reach neighbors in the area were unsuccessful.

A recent divorce

When Joyce Casey, Nikki Andersons younger sister, called the lead detective, Locey, last month, she said he referred to a man who had been routinely calling the investigator and seeking information about the case as Andersons spouse  not as her ex-husband.

He seems to be a good guy, Casey recalled the detective saying of Andersons ex-husband, Xavier McCaskey. He calls up here all the time trying to figure out whats going on with her.

I said, You didnt find that suspicious that hes calling all the time? Casey recalled saying.

Locey declined to comment.

After a lengthy relationship and a brief marriage  Anderson and McCaskey were married in May 2021  Anderson filed for divorce a little over a year later, divorce records show.

When Anderson and Richmond were killed, they were working as billing specialists for McCaskeys counseling practice, Healing Minds Institute. McCaskey has also identified himself to local media as a former gang member and has served on a city planning commission.

Anderson was in the process of moving out of their home when she was gunned down, relatives have said.

McCaskey referred a detailed list of questions to his lawyer, who did not respond to requests for comment. McCaskey has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the three deaths.

After this story was published, McCaskey said in an email that, on advice of his lawyer, he was waiting for the police department to officially close the case.

"Then we'll get their official reports, read over all the information, and contact you; If I decide to do an interview it must be live and on Clay Street," he said, referring to the street where the killings occurred.

Relatives of Andersons described the former couples relationship as turbulent. In a text message to Brittany that was reviewed by NBC News, Nikki Anderson said he talked about cheating all the time.

A few months before she filed for divorce, that turbulence spilled into public view during a celebration for Andersons birthday. They were separated at the time, according to divorce records, though Casey said she believes her sister was still trying to make the relationship work.

They were at a club when she saw McCaskey dancing with another woman, Casey said. Upset, Anderson walked out of her own party, Casey said.

When Anderson filed for divorce three months later, McCaskey promised monthly alimony payments of at least $3,500, a lifetime position with his counseling practice and either a new home or the financial means to buy one, according to an agreement filed in Muscogee County Superior Court. But according to Brittany, who represented her aunt in the divorce, when the separation was finalized that October, Anderson had withdrawn her alimony claim.

Brittany wasnt sure why  Anderson didnt tell her when she dropped it  and Brittany didnt know whether she and McCaskey had come up with a different arrangement. The divorce judgment, which notes the withdrawal, does not provide additional details.

A financial affidavit filed in the divorce shows that McCaskey was making more than $3,000 in monthly debt payments to banks, credit cards and a technical school in Colorado.

IRS records show his nonprofit counseling practice had gross receipts of less than $50,000 annually for 2021 and 2022, though his income in the affidavit is listed as $28,000 per month, or $336,000 annually. The affidavit does not list his income sources and its unclear where else he may have worked besides Healing Minds.

But McCaskey was still supposed to provide Anderson with a new home, Brittany said, and in the weeks before she was killed, shed finally found one. In a phone call to Andersons older sister, Therasa Johnson, McCaskey said the process was nearly done.

In the call, which McCaskey made shortly after Andersons death and which Johnson recorded and provided to NBC News, he said: She was going to sign on her house next week and then close.

Ive completely lost hope

McCaskey dialed Johnson immediately after the shooting, while he was still at the scene of the killings.

In the recording, McCaskey described what was unfolding around him: An ambulance was pulling up. So was an official from the coroners office.

Its real, he said, according to the recording.

During the roughly three-minute clip, McCaskey said he would never hurt his ex-wife. And he described her as his best friend.

Even after the divorce, we got closer, he said.

In a local TV report this spring, McCaskey appeared visibly upset at the scene. He discussed Solomon Adams criminal history and appeared to accuse him of the fatal shootings during an interview with a reporter for the station.

But Andersons relatives questioned other things McCaskey did in the aftermath of the shooting. In a phone call to Johnson, he said that on March 8  one day after Anderson and Richmond were killed  he and a relative forced their way into Adams home after he refused to let them in, Johnson said.

They just wanted to talk to him, Johnson recalled McCaskey saying. When they entered, McCaskey said Adams shot at them, according to Johnson.

After Johnsons phone call with McCaskey, she said he sent her a picture of what he described as evidence of the shooting: a close-up of three bullet holes in a window. Johnson provided a screenshot of the text to NBC News.

On March 9, Adams was found dead in his bedroom after his estranged wife, who lives in Alabama, requested a welfare check, according to a coroners report. The report listed his cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the head.

The deputy coroner who wrote the report said the gunshot may have been self-inflicted. Scattered around his home, the official wrote, were notes suggesting he had been targeted by an individual and or gang members. Authorities have not provided additional details about Adams death and it isnt clear if it was ruled a suicide.

Adams estranged wife, Arimentha Adams, told NBC News earlier this year that he had called her after Anderson and Richmond were fatally shot and asked her to summon authorities to his home the next day.

She told NBC News that she did not ask him why  We were separated; I didnt ask.  and she said someone from the Columbus Police Department later told her Adams had nothing to do with his neighbors deaths.

According to the detective, Johnson said, Solomon Adams told his estranged wife that he had done something bad. But in the previous interview with NBC News, Arimentha Adams did not indicate that was part of her conversation with her husband.

She did not respond to a recent phone call seeking clarification.

To Johnson, the departments apparent decision to close the case makes little sense. The family is now planning to hire a private detective to conduct what they hope will be a proper investigation.

Im numb, Johnson said. Im frustrated with the police department. Im heartbroken by the police department. The way they handled this whole thing  Ive completely lost hope.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Stafford County Sheriffs Office is investigating after a man was shot and killed early Saturday morning.

Deputies responded to a shooting in the 100 block of Deacon Rd. at about 12:23 a.m. There, a 33-year-old man was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Howard University releases statement after video shows group trespassing, vandalizing building

Detectives have identified Darren Jamal Newman, 29, of Westmoreland County, as the suspect. He is wanted for second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Anyone with information about the incident or where Newman might be is asked to call police at (540) 658-4400 or 911. Police said to consider Newman to be armed and dangerous.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(CNN)  At least 21 people, including three children, were killed and 110 others wounded in a Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday, Russian authorities said, a day after Moscow launched a huge and deadly aerial assault of its own against its neighbor.

The deaths were the result of a massive attack on downtown Belgorod, according to Russian state news agency TASS, quoting the emergencies ministry.

This crime will not go unpunished, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The Kiev regime  is trying to divert attention from the defeats on the front lines and to provoke us into taking similar actions.

Saturdays shelling comes after Russia launched overnight Thursday into Friday its biggest air attack on Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion, resulting in at least 40 deaths and more than 150 injuries.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian regions near the border have continued almost daily for over a year, sometimes resulting in civilian casualties, but this would be one of the single deadliest incidents yet reported. CNN cannot independently confirm the death toll.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed about the attack in Belgorod, the Kremlin said, ordering a health ministry team and emergencies ministry rescuers to be sent to the city to help those affected.

After calling for a last minute emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over the attack on Belgorod, Russia faced backlash from several council members.

Russias ambassador Vasily Nebenzya described the attack as a deliberate act of terrorism planned against civilians and claimed that a sports complex where children were present and an ice ring with kids were hit.

Ukraine was quick to respond as its representative, Serhii Dvornyk, told the Council that the only way to stop human suffering is to stop the war itself  calling on Russia to cease its aggression and withdraw its troops.

His comments were echoed by Ukraines western allies who put the blame squarely on Russia and its leader.

Putin should be honest with his own people about the true and mounting cost of this war, John Kelley, who represented the United States at the Council, said and added we are here again today because the Kremlin refuses to halt its illegal invasion.

The Security Council meeting took place hours after a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv in which at least 26 people were injured, according to Ukrainian officials.

Russian authorities said Belgorod was also shelled Friday night with one civilian killed, the regions governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Four others, including a child, were injured, he added.

On Saturday, a child also died as a result of Ukrainian shelling in Russias Bryansk region, the regions Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz said.

Russias defense ministry said it destroyed 32 Ukrainian UAVs flying over the Russian regions of Bryansk, Oryol, Mursk, and Moscow, according to a Telegram post by the defense ministry Saturday.

Ukraine has not publicly commented on the incidents and rarely claims responsibility for attacks on its neighbor.

Rescuers comb through Kyiv rubble

The toll from the Russian strikes on Ukraine  which saw an unprecedented number of drones and missiles fired at targets across the country  meanwhile continued to mount.

A 77-year-old man died from his injuries in the city of Odesa, Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa region military administration said, bringing the total killed to 40.

The man was critically injured when a missile hit a three-storey building in the center of Odesa, Kiper added.

Schools, a maternity hospital, shopping arcades and blocks of flats were among the buildings hit in Fridays barrage, prompting widespread international condemnation and renewing calls for more military aid.

The toll in the capital Kyiv rose to at least 16, after the bodies of more civilians were recovered from the rubble of a warehouse, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said Saturday. All the deaths in Kyiv occurred at the warehouse.

The attack on the capital city on December 29 was the largest in terms of civilian casualties since the start of the full-scale invasion, he said.

Rescuers are working and will continue to clear the rubble until tomorrow, Klitschko said. January 1 will be declared a Day of Mourning in Kyiv.

During the wave of strikes, Polands military authorities claimed that an unidentified airbourne object briefly entered its airspace.

Russia said it would not give any any explanation until concrete evidence is presented.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on X that NATO remained vigilant over the incident.

CNNs Victoria Butenko, Svitlana Vlasova and Christian Edwards contributed to this report.
Protests were held in Guernsey earlier in the year against plans to introduce a goods and services tax

Debate on GST dominated 2023 and saw the factional lines which have characterised this States dissolve in front of our eyes - at least for now.

Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen warned divisions were baked into this States from the moment "parties" were sat on opposite sides of the assembly.

Despite this, public protests and widespread opposition led to some States members whose alliances were previously known switching sides.

It ended with the ruling coalitions inbuilt majority collapsing and the end of Deputy Peter Ferbrache's Presidency of the Policy and Resources Committee (P&R).

Deputy Peter Ferbrach's Presidency of the Policy and Resources Committee ended on 13 December

Mr Ferbrache started this year with one key mission - fixing Guernsey's public finances.

His committee believed the only option was for a goods and services tax (GST) and tax reforms to mitigate its regressive impacts.

GST had been identified as a problem in 2022, with a tax debate indicating this States would not coalesce behind the controversial tax.

Pundits predicted defeat for P&R's plans and, much like proposals for a GST to address the demographic timebomb in 2016, these reforms were beaten.

Deputies voted mostly along the factional lines which became well established in this assembly, but a few deputies switched sides on this vote which was enough for P&R to lose the day - a theme which developed throughout the year.

Funding and Investment Plan

Despite defeat, P&R continued with warnings that without a GST, Guernsey's long-term financial prospects were grim.

The committee's approach changed - GST was no longer solely about future finances, instead it became about how Guernsey's States could pay for the two planned big building projects.

The choice was extend the hospital or build a new post-16 campus, but, if deputies wanted both, more revenue was needed which could come in the form of a GST.

The deputies decided... and it was a no at the second time of asking for GST, but yes to raiding the island's reserves to pay for the hospital and a screeching halt to plans to build the new campus as there just wasn't the funds.

P&R reacted, saying the States was facing an impasse between the two warring factions, and called for an early general election.

A plan which was quashed when P&R was told the earliest one could be organised was October 2025, eight months before the next scheduled poll.

The first meeting of the new P&R Committee was held on 19 December and was also attended by Mark De Garis, the Head of Public Service

That defeat led to a motion of no confidence in P&R, led by former Treasury Minister Charles Parkinson.

The motion was successful, with the departing Chief Minister Mr Ferbrache even predicting in private he would be forced to resign.

His downfall was the defection of those previously supportive of P&R including Deputies Simon Vermeulen, Chris Le Tissier and John Dyke, who moved to oust the committee.

Mr Ferbrache was replaced by Deputy Lyndon Trott, a former Chief Minister.

Tasks in his in-tray include uniting the States, finding a way to fund Education's plans and bringing back proposals for motoring taxes including paid parking.

Mr Trott said: "The mandate is clear, let's make the best fist of the next 18 months and lets try and get to a situation where we are considered much more favourably by the States of Guernsey."

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Pope Francis greets people during his audience for the International Federation "Pueri Cantores" in St. Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. Evandro Inetti/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of gratitude and hope at a solemn service on New Year's Eve.

The 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church led the service on Sunday and delivered the homily with the traditional hymn of praise "Te Deum" (Thee, O God) in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

The faithful should live every day and every moment with gratitude and hope, said the pontiff. This is particularly important in view of the new year.

Francis did not mention the first anniversary of his predecessor's death at the New Year's Eve service. However, at the traditional Angelus prayer at midday (1100 GMT), he paid tribute to the late pope emeritus Benedict XVI.

He called on the people in St Peter's Square to applaud Benedict and said: "We think of him with gratitude and admiration. He blesses us from heaven and accompanies us."

Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger in Marktl in the southern German state of Bavaria in 1927, died in the Vatican on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95.
Pope Francis called to pray for countries suffering from war, including the martyred Ukrainian people, following the Angelus prayer in the Vatican on the last day of the year.

The Pope has largely refused to take sides in Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, calling for an end to the fighting but placing the blame for Russias war on multiple empires.

"Let us not cease to pray for the peoples who suffer from wars: for the martyred Ukrainian people, for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, for the people of Sudan and for many others," he said on Dec. 31.

During the prayer, he mentioned Nigeria, where the Christmas holidays were marked by violence, as well as the Rohingya people from Myanmar, the victims of ethnic cleansing who were forced into neighboring Bangladesh in 2017.

"At the end of the year, let us dare to ask: how many lives have been lost in armed conflicts? How many deaths? And how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty?"

"Those who have an interest in these conflicts, listen to the voice of conscience. And let us not forget the long-suffering Rohingya!"

Read also: Pope criticized for telling young Russians to uphold legacy of tsars

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Pope Francis leads the Vespers and Te Deum prayer in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican

Pope Francis leads the Vespers and Te Deum prayer in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday said the city of Rome has to improve its basic services for residents and visitors before the start of the 2025 Holy Year that is expected to draw tens of millions of pilgrims.

Francis made his comments at the Vatican's traditional year-end vespers of thanksgiving, known as the Te Deum, about six hours before the start of the New Year.

"Are we working, each in his own way, to make this city a sign of hope for those who live here and those who visit?" he asked in his homily in St. Peter's Basilica.

Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of the city that is plagued by inefficient public transport, overflowing garbage bins and traffic congestion, was sitting in the first row. The pope later shook his hand.

Francis, 87, said the city in particular needs to become more user friendly for the elderly and those with mobility problems.

In most neighbourhoods, particularly outside the centre, wheelchair users and the elderly have to navigate their way around cars parked on sidewalks or blocking mobility ramps, usually with impunity for their owners.

Francis said the city needs "simple decorum and normal functionality" because a "more liveable city for its residents is also more welcoming for everyone."

Rome hosts a Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year, at least every 25 years. Pilgrims flock to the city to pray at its many holy sites and receive special blessings.

The city's notorious traffic has been made even worse recently because of construction sites in preparation for the 2025 Holy Year, including road underpasses and overdue extensions to its small subway system.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Mark Porter)
Secretary of former Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein holds a mass to mark a one year anniversary of the death of Pope Benedict, in St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Gaenswein has been the former private secretary to Pope Benedict XVI for many years until his death on Dec. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Tributes were paid Sunday on the first anniversary of the death of Pope Benedict XVI, with Pope Francis praising his love and wisdom and Benedict's private secretary expressing hope he might one day be declared a saint.

Benedict, the first pope to retire in six centuries, died last Dec. 31 at the age of 95 in the Vatican monastery where he spent 10 years as a pope emeritus. He is buried in the grottoes underneath St. Peters Basilica.

Speaking at the end of his weekly noon blessing, Francis said the faithful feel so much love, so much gratitude, so much admiration for Benedict. He praised the love and wisdom with which Benedict guided the church and asked for a round of applause from the pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peters Square.

Earlier in the day, Benedict's longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, celebrated a special Mass in the basilica and then participated in an anniversary event to reflect on Benedicts legacy.

Speaking on the sidelines, Gaenswein acknowledged some of the polemics that surrounded Benedict's decade-long retirement alongside Francis in the Vatican, but said they would be forgotten in favor of the substance of his ministry and his final words: Lord, I love you.

History, Gaenswein said, would judge Benedict as a great theologian, a very simple person and a man of deep faith.

Francis frequently praised Benedicts decision to retire as courageous and said he, too, might follow in his footsteps. But now that Benedict has died, Francis has reaffirmed the papacy is generally a job for life, and a consensus has emerged that the unprecedented reality of having two popes living side by side in the Vatican created problems that must be addressed before any future pope decides to step down.

Benedict, a noted conservative theologian who spent a quarter-century as the Vatican's doctrine chief, remained a point of reference for conservatives and traditionalists, who have only increased their criticism of Francis in the year since he died. Francis, for his part, has appeared now to feel more free to impose his progressive vision of a reformed church now he is no longer under Benedict's shadow.

Gaenswein, whom Francis exiled to his native Germany soon after the death, recalled that Benedict had only expected to live a few months, maybe a year, after his 2013 resignation. Despite his longer-than-expected retirement, Benedict stayed true to his pledge to pray for the church and for his successor, he said.

I pray that he will be a saint," Gaenswein said. I wish he would be a saint, and Im convinced he will be a saint.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also praised Benedict as a great man of history and a giant of reason, faith and the positive synthesis between the two. In a statement, she said his spiritual and intellectual legacy would live on even among nonbelievers because of its profound civic value and ability to speak to people's minds and hearts.
Starting this week, the electric market officially opens in Lubbock, leaving many life-long residents with questions on how they can start the process.

Starting in January, most Lubbockites will have the opportunity to chose a new power provider as much of the community enters the open market in ERCOT.

Two experts, one from a customer advocacy group and another official from Lubbock, took the time to answer some of the biggest questions, including what to look for and how to get help.

Stephanie Mace, the associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Texas, answered several questions about how people can make the right decision for their household. Matt Rose, public affairs and government relations manager for Lubbock Power & Light, also gave further insight on upcoming transition to the open market. Lubbock's transition from the Southwest Power Pool to Texas' ERCOT grid was a decision that was more than a decade in the making, and has come in phases. A portion of the city shifted to the ERCOT grid in early 2021, although LP&L continued to serve as the sole power provider during that interim period.

Stephanie Mace

LP&L will continue to be responsible for long-term maintenance and will continue to own transmission lines, in which it will receive a "rate of return" revenue from every provider that uses them, the A-J previously reported.

Related: Competitive electric shopping window to open Jan. 2024, LP&L says

When does the electric market open in Lubbock?

The market will open on Jan. 5, and the shopping window will end on Feb. 15.

When will people receive their last LP&L bill?

The final bill from LP&L will be issued in March. The first bill from the new provider will arrive after a 30-day billing cycle.

People will still receive a bill from the city utilities office for other utilities, such as water, storm water and solid waste.

What happens to customers' LP&L deposit?

In 2015, LP&L enacted a policy where customers' deposits would automatically be returned to them after a year of consistent payments. That was returned in the form of a credit on customers' bills.

People who have not had that credit refund yet will receive it on their final bill from LP&L.

What happens if a Lubbock resident does not choose an electric provider? Can they stay with LP&L?

Everyone in LP&L's area must choose a provider, and cannot stay with LP&L. If a customer does not choose, they will be randomly assigned one of three providers - Octopus, Reliant or TXU. Those three providers were blindly selected by a committee.

If a customer does not choose, the customer will be placed with one of the three providers for a 90-day term. The assigned provider is required to offer mid-market rates.

During that 90-day period, customers can choose a different provider at any time. If they don't pick another provider, they can be rolled into a plan with the assigned provider.

"They will not be left in the dark," Rose said. "This is a way to make sure that everybody makes it across the line, and nobody falls through the cracks."

Customers with the South Plains Electric Cooperative do not need to choose a provider.

More: LP&L clears hurdle to move remaining customers into ERCOT in 2023

Smart electric meters were installed in Lubbock in recent years as the city worked to upgrade its infrastructure. (A-J file photo)

How can people research electric providers and compare plans?

"It is very nerve-racking and overwhelming to have to start researching your options and having to pick an electricity provider," Mace said. "It's important to find some time to put toward researching."

Rose suggested that everyone begin their research by visiting lpandl.com. The site has instructional videos, documents that detail what to look for, and a frequently asked questions section.

"Every single thing that you need in order to make this choice, come January fifth, has been and is currently listed on our website," Rose said.

Mace and Rose both offered powertochoose.org as another researching site. The website details companies, plans, fees and contact information for all providers. The site also allows people to filter results through various criteria, including:

Contract length.

Variable rate, which changes by usage, or fixed-rate, which locks in one rate for the contract length.

If customers must hit a minimum usage, otherwise they will be charged more.

Renewable energy power.

"The main thing that you're going to want to look for first, before you start (the choosing) process, is to look at your own personal usage," Rose said.

People can view how much they use through LP&L. Customers should look at their bills from the past year to determine their average. The typical customer averages 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

"We see that on average, our residential customers used about 700 kilowatt hours from October until May, then we see our customers use about 1,400 in the summer months," Rose said. "Today, our rate is around $0.132 per kilowatt hour for our standard residential customer."

That rate has fluctuated between $0.11 and $0.169 within the past 24 months. Rose said people should look for a rate within that range.

Mace, who is a homeowner, said that using an energy broker is helpful for people who find the process overwhelming. An energy broker is paid a monthly rate to handle customers' contracts, including comparing plans and securing rates.

For people who want to visit with electricity provider officials, the city will host several shopping fairs. Providers will be present to explain plans and help people get signed up.

How should people choose their electric provider? Fixed rate vs variable rate, hidden fees and other factors to consider.

"This process is more than just trying to find who offers the lowest rate," Rose said. "The goal is to try to find a plan that you can lock in, and has an acceptable rate for the electricity, and has other customer service features."

Those features could include:

A phone application.

Customer service available in Lubbock.

An easily understandable website.

Bill assistance if a customer falls behind.

Special energy days off.

Using more power from renewable resources.

"Some of these companies that are going to be the low cost providers have very low customer service rankings," Rose said. "If you are somebody who values that, you're going to want to look for a company that has some customer service features."

Mace warned shoppers to watch out for hidden fees. Some plans require customers to use a certain amount of power, and if the customer does not meet that threshold, they will be charged more for not meeting the minimum.

"Definitely read the fine print before you lock in your rate, before you sign the contract," Mace said.

Additional contract items to watch for include if the provider will require customers to use automatic pay or only receive email communications. If a customer does not notice this requirement, and chooses not to do them, they could have to pay more per month. Other fees could include a deposit in order to start service.

On the topic of fixed rates versus variable rates, Mace explained that variable rates are how people ended up with expensive bills after Winter Storm Uri.

"The PUC (Public Utility Council) increased the prices up to like $9,000 per kilowatt hours (during the storm)," Mace said. "So those that were on a variable rate, they saw their bill skyrocket up that month. Keeping a fixed rate allows you to lock in a rate, which is key when we're seeing more of these kinds of extreme weather."

How are electricity rates calculated?

An electricity rate, according to Mace, can use several factors. Common factors include the cost of the energy provider's service and ERCOT.

"That's why you'll see the different changes in the rate, because it's really calculating based on some kind of predetermined monthly fees or distribution fees," Mace said. "Then it is determined based on an estimated usage."

What should renters do during the electric open market?

This depends on whose name appears on the LP&L bill. If the renter's name is on the bill, the renter will need to choose a provider. If the property owner's name is on it, the owner will need to choose the new provider.

For renters who will be shopping for a provider, make sure the provider's plan fits the timeline of your lease. This advice also applies to people who plan to move residences.

"Some plans will charge you if you're needing to break your contract," Mace said.

How can people file a complaint against a provider, or seek assistance?

"If someone has questions, or a complaint, there are some great consumer protection places for people to go to," Mace said.

People can file a complaint against a provider with the Public Utility Commission of Texas' Consumer Protection Division. The division, which is based in Austin, can be reached at puc.texas.gov. People can call the assistance hotlines at 888-782-8477 or 512-936-7120.

The division also assists with telephone and water utility complaints and concerns.

The Office of Public Utility Counsel is able to assist residential customers who have received high electricity bills and customers who may have concerns. The office can be reached at opuc.texas.gov, 512-936-7500 for the Austin office, or 877-839-0363.

Mace also said people should reach out to their state legislators if they have concerns with the Public Utility Commission.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock electric market opens soon, here's how to choose a provider
Prague has refused to attend a UN Security Council meeting called by Moscow over an alleged Ukrainian attack on Belgorod on Dec. 30, amid the Russian Defense Ministry claims that Czech-made Vampire RM-70 multiple rocket launchers were involved.

We also insist on the presence of Czech PR to the UN to explain why this countrys ammunition is being used for killing civilians in Belgorod, Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy, wrote on X (Twitter) on Dec. 30.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, however, said his country would not attend the meeting and called Russia's statement propaganda.

Read also: Photo report shows the aftermath of Russias largest missile and drone attack of the war

"We refuse to be summoned anywhere by Russia, Lipavsky wrote in response.

Czechia will not serve the lie-poisoned propaganda of the aggressor. When Russia wants to discuss the withdrawal of its occupying troops at the Security Council, we will be happy to come.

Read also: Twenty-eight people, including 2 children and British journalist, injured in two-wave Russian missile and drone attack on Kharkiv

Ukrainian forces struck military facilities in the Russian city of Belgorod in response to Russias mass missile and drone attack against Ukraine on Dec. 29, Ukrainian news outlet RBC-Ukraine reported on Dec. 30, citing a source in Ukraines intelligence services.

"These are joint measures that were the result of the barbaric shelling of Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, and the killing of civilians, the RBC source said.

Twenty-two people were killed in the Russian city of Belgorod, the regional Governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed on Telegram after the Ukrainian drone attack on enemy military facilities.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces were targeting military facilities in Russia that day, but the unprofessionalism of the Russian air defense over downtown Belgorod resulted in casualties from the intercepted drone debris, several Ukrainian media outlets wrote, citing the intelligence sources.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian forces used what appeared to be an S-300 missile to attack Selydove in Donetsk Oblast overnight, killing one person and wounding six, the regional prosecutor's office reported on Dec. 31.

"At 9 p.m., the occupiers (Russian forces) probably used an S-300 missile against civilians," the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office wrote on Facebook, reporting that Selydove was struck twice by Russian forces in a day.

"The enemy (Russia) continues to destroy the population of Donetsk Oblast and the houses of its residents."

A 63-year-old man, who was close to the epicenter of the blast, was killed, and six residents of an apartment building suffered injuries of varying severity, according to the report.

The victims, aged 43 to 83, suffered multiple shrapnel wounds, explosive injuries, and abrasions and are receiving medical care, it added.

Six apartment buildings were damaged, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Located around 30 kilometers west of Avdiivka, where some of the fiercest battles of the full-scale war are raging, Selydove, once home to over 20,000 people, regularly comes under attack from Russian missiles.

While life continues in many cities, towns, and villages in Donetsk Oblast, often under constant Russian attacks on residential areas, civilians who remain there are living with great risks. Local authorities have stressed to the residents, especially with children, that they should flee the fiercely fought region for their own safety.

Earlier in November, a Russian missile attack on Selydove killed four people.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russias largest air attack on Ukraine kills 30, injures over 160

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What does it say about Rishi Sunak that he even considered bringing back Dominic Cummings  a man described as a career psychopath by Foreign Secretary David Cameron?

Boris Johnsons former aide turned nemesis was reportedly offered a secret deal by the Prime Minister to help the Conservatives to win the next general election.

Downing Street has not denied Sunak met Cummings twice for discussions, as first revealed by The Sunday Times, but rejected the notion that this involved a job offer, saying the Prime Minister simply had a broad discussion with him.

Meetings apparently took place in North Yorkshire, where the Prime Ministers constituency is located, in July and also in London in December 2022, when Sunaks chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith, who is close to Cummings, was also present.

According to Cummings: He wanted a secret deal in which I delivered the election and he promised to take government seriously after the election. But Id rather the Tories lose than continue in office without prioritising whats important and the voters.

I said I was only prepared to build a political machine to smash Labour and win the election if he would commit to No 10 truly prioritising the most critical things, like the scandal of nuclear weapons infrastructure, natural and engineered pandemics, the scandal of MoD procurement, AI and other technological capabilities, and the broken core government institutions which we started fixing in 2020 but Boris abandoned.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have responded to the revelations by claiming the meetings show the Tories are out of ideas.

Yet the attempted political revival of Cummings, one of the architects of the successful Vote Leave campaign, less than a year after he was sacked by Johnson doesnt just smack of desperation.

It speaks of Sunaks lack of political nous

While undoubtedly a damning indictment of an administration that appears bereft of anyone capable of proposing radical ideas and policies, it also speaks to Sunaks lack of political nous.

Cummings is and always has been one of the most controversial figures in Westminster. Even before he entered Downing Street as assistant to the Prime Minister in July 2019, the Oxford-educated Brexit svengali made no secret of his loathing for the majority of Tory MPs  a feeling that was mutual bar a few Leave loyalists.

Many Conservative backbenchers carried a long-held deep mistrust of Cummings because of his close links to Michael Gove, to whom he was special adviser when the Levelling Up Secretary was education secretary from 2010 to 2014.

Although he was rightly credited with helping Johnson to win an 80-seat majority at the last general election in December 2019, many allies warned the former prime minister that Cummings could not be trusted.

The limitations of his political genius soon became apparent when he was caught breaking the governments own stringent lockdown rules by driving to Barnard Castle at the height of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020.

Some still believe the incident, along with Cummings lockdown zealotry set in chain a series of events that ultimately led to Johnsons demise in September 2022 after just three years in the job.

When Cummings subsequently turned on his former boss, who he nicknamed The Trolley because of his indecisiveness and repeatedly branded him unfit for office, allies who had warned of his potential for treachery felt vindicated.

That Sunak chose to hold not one but two meetings with Cummings suggests he is at best unaware and at worst wilfully ignorant of just how unpopular the Durham-born father of one is among his Conservative colleagues.

This smacks of political naivety

As one veteran Tory put it: Its bizarre beyond belief. The Conservative party would never accept the return of Cummings.

One of the attacks that damaged Sunak during the leadership campaign was that he was a Cummings man  which he and his team denied at the time.

Another senior backbencher added: This smacks of political naivety. The government has a cult of youth problem. The consequence of bringing back Cummings would have been an immediate rebellion by parliamentarians.

Some are already pointing the finger of blame at the Prime Ministers political secretary and Winchester College contemporary James Forsyth.

Forsyth, 42, who is married to Johnsons former press secretary Allegra Stratton, is close to Cummings having worked as the political editor of The Spectator, where Cummings wife Mary Wakefield has been on the staff for more than 20 years.

He is also closer than the average aide to the Prime Minister, having chosen him to be the best man at his wedding to Stratton in 2011. The pair are godparents to each others children.

Yet Sunaks decision to reach out to a toxic figure like Cummings lends weight to the growing fears that the Prime Ministers team is out of its depth and sinking fast, with a recent poll revealing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular leader in 390 seats in England, Wales and Scotland  while the Prime Minister is voters first choice in just four seats.

According to one Tory MP: Right now James Forsyth is a problem. He is no strategist and is risk averse.

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Officials are asking the public to stay out of these Los Angeles County beaches due to high levels of bacteria.

People who enter the ocean water during this period could become ill, especially children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised, said the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Due to recent rainfall, excessive bacteria and debris can seep from nearby city streets and mountain areas, likely contaminating ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, especially after rainstorms, officials said.

The public is advised to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing at these locations:

Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach  100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms

Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu  Entire swim area

Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach  Entire swim area

Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach  Entire swim area

Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica  100 yards up and down the coast from the pier

Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach  100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain

Venice Pier in Venice  100 yards up and down the coast from the pier

Topsail Street extension in Venice  100 yards up and down the coast from the Topsail Street extension.

Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach  100 yards up and down the coast of the pier

Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey  Entire swim area

Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes Estates  Entire swim area

Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro  Entire swim area

Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach  Entire swim area

Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach  Entire swim area

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested, the health department said.

The public should also avoid contact with any runoff that may flow onto beach sand.

Rogue wave slams into Southern California beachgoers; 9 hospitalized

The ocean water warnings will remain in effect from Friday, Dec. 29, until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 6 a.m. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall, health officials said.

A previous warning for these beaches was lifted after testing showed the water quality fell within safe standards:

Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach  Santa Monica South Tower 20

Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

The health department tests ocean water bacteria levels regularly and advisories will be lifted once the levels meet standards set by the state of California.

A dangerous high surf is also threatening SoCal beaches and coastal regions this week, prompting evacuation warnings. A massive rogue wave that slammed into Ventura beachgoers on Dec. 28 sent nine people to the hospital and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

For the latest information on beach closures and warnings, check the L.A. County Department of Healths website or call the countys hotline at 1-800-525-5662.

To report a beach emergency or issue, contact the L.A. County Operator at 626-430-5360 or during after-hours at 213-974-1234.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Seoul, South Korea (CNN)  North Korea will no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, Kim Jong Un has declared, as his nation vowed to put three new military spy satellites into orbit in 2024.

Kim said inter-Korean relations had become a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war, the state-run news agency KCNA reported.

Its time for us to acknowledge the reality and clarify our relationship with the South, Kim said, adding that if Washington and Seoul were to attempt a military confrontation with Pyongyang, its nuclear war deterrent will not hesitate to take serious action.

I believe that it is a mistake that we must no longer make to deal with the people who declare us as the main enemy and seek only opportunities for [our] regime collapse and unification by absorption by collaborating for reconciliation and unification, Kim added.

North and South Korea have been cut off from each other since the end of the Korean War in 1953 which ended with an armistice. The two sides are still technically at war but both governments have long sought the goal of one day reunifying.

Relations have ebbed and flowed over the decades but tensions have remained particularly high in more recent years after Kim Jong Un ramped up the countrys nuclear weapons program in defiance of international sanctions.

Last week, KCNA reported that Kim had instructed the countrys army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defense sectors to accelerate war preparations in response to confrontation moves by the US.

At the time, KCNA described the political and military situation on the Korean peninsula as grave, saying it had reached an extreme point because of Washington.

Kims latest comments on reunification were significant, according to Hoo Chiew-Ping, a senior fellow at the East Asian International Relations CAUCUS (EAIR) and member of the Asia Pacific Nuclear Advisory Panel (APNAP), who said the North Korean leader has been increasingly walking away from inter-Korean relations in recent years.

This will mark a critical milestone on the Korean Peninsula where extending the olive branch by future South Korean administrations will be vehemently rejected by North Korea, Hoo told CNN.

Pyongyang was keener to further relations instead with current allies like China and Russia, and a selected network of countries around the world which will continue to enable its proliferation and financial outreach, she added.

The US, South Korea and Japan are excluded from Kims strategic outreach for now.

Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science and nonresident scholar at Carnegie China, said Kims speech reflects the reality that unification is not a short or even medium-term possibility (for the Koreas).

Given this situation, the question is whether non-unification means continuation of the status quo or if North Korea believes it needs to act to protect itself more actively, or even preempt what it sees as possible aggression from South Korea, Chong added.

The former is tolerable even as North Korea seeks to increase its defensive capability, since it keeps the status quo and is better than some belief in armed unification. If the latter, then friction and even tensions with South Korea and northeast Asia will likely rise, he warned.

Spy satellites

After repeated failures, North Korea in November said it had put its first spy satellite into orbit.

Analysts said if the spacecraft works, it could provide significantly improve North Koreas military capabilities, including enabling it to more accurately target opponents forces.

Kim hailed the feat, celebrating with workers at the launch site according to images put out by state media. South Korea called the launch a clear violation of a UN Security Council resolution that prohibits North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.

On Sunday KCNA said North Korea plans to bolster that program with three additional spy satellites in the new year.

Based on the experience of successfully launching and operating the first reconnaissance satellite in 2023, the task of launching three additional reconnaissance satellites in 2024 was declared to vigorously promote the development of space science and technology, the statement read.

Throughout the course of 2023, Pyongyang also launched a series of intercontinental ballistic missiles tests, including a long-range liquid-fueled missile called the Hwasong-17 ICBM on December 17, which defence experts and regional watchers says showed a maturing North Korean missile program.

While North Korea, like every country, has missile tests fail, its clear that the overall reliability of North Koreas missiles is quite respectable, Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, previously told CNN.

North Koreas testing and strong rhetoric may be playing into Washingtons hands, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

The North Korean threat is motivating greater trilateral cooperation among the US, Japan, and South Korea, including real-time sharing of missile tracking data. Officials in Seoul knew this ICBM test was coming, and had coordinated in advance with partners in Washington and Tokyo, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Russias united society in his prerecorded New Years address to the nation, the countrys state news agencies reported Sunday.

Putin addressed Russians in a video that ran under four minutes long, significantly shorter than the New Years speech he gave last year, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Millions of people were expected to watch the new address when it airs on TV as each Russian time zone region counts down the final minutes of 2023 on Sunday.

The first to see it were residents of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Chukotka region in Russias Far East, some nine hours ahead of Moscow.

Returning to tradition after speaking flanked by soldiers last year, Putin delivered his address to the nation against the backdrop of a snowy Kremlin. In remarks carried by RIA Novosti, he described 2023 as a year marked by high levels of unity in Russian society.

What united us and unites us is the fate of the Fatherland, a deep understanding of the highest significance of the historical stage through which Russia is passing, the president said. He also lauded Russian citizens solidarity, mercy and fortitude.

The nearly 2-year-old war in Ukraine was front and center in the address, with Putin directly addressing Russias armed forces involved in what the Kremlin has termed its special military operation in the neighboring country.

We are proud of you, you are heroes, you feel the support of the entire people, the president said. According to state media, he emphasized that Russia would never retreat and asserted there was no force that could divide Russians and stop the countrys development.

The address broadcast comes a day after shelling in the center of the Russian border city of Belgorod Saturday killed 24 people, including three children. Another 108 people were wounded, Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said Sunday, making the attack one with the most casualties on Russian soil since the start of Moscows invasion of Ukraine 22 months ago.

As last year, New Years celebrations were toned down in Moscow, with the traditional fireworks and concert on Red Square canceled. After the shelling in Belgorod, local authorities in the Pacific port city of Vladivostok and other places across Russia also canceled their usual New Years firework displays.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy secretary of Russias Security Council and former Russian president, also congratulated Russians on the New Year. In video remarks posted to Telegram, he said that thoughts and hearts are with those at the front and that the past year had required a special stability and unity, and true patriotism from Russia.

Medvedev also called on Russians to make 2024 the year of the final defeat of neo-fascism, repeating Putins claims of invading Ukraine to fight neo-Nazis. The Holocaust, World War II and Nazism have been important rhetorical tools for Putin in his bid to legitimize Russias military actions in Ukraine, but historians see their use as disinformation and a cynical ploy to further his aims.

Analysts are describing 2023 as largely a positive year for Putin.

Its been a good year; I would even actually call it a great year for the Russian leader, said Mathieu Boulegue, a consulting fellow for the Russia-Eurasia program at Chatham House think tank in London.

Moscow in May won the fight for the bombed-out Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after the longest and bloodiest battle of the war. In june, Putin defused a revolt against him and reasserted his hold on the Kremlin. A Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia started with high hopes but ended in disappointment.

As he enters 2024, Putin is wagering that the Wests support for Ukraine will gradually crumble due to political divisions, war fatigue and other diplomatic demands, such as Chinas menacing of Taiwan and war in the Middle East.

Putin is seeking reelection in a March 17 presidential election that he is all but certain to win. Under constitutional reforms he orchestrated, the 71-year-old leader is eligible to seek two more six-year terms after his current term expires, potentially allowing him to remain in power until 2036.


Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for unity and perseverance among Russians heading into 2024.

"We have shown more than once that we can solve the most difficult tasks and never back down, because there is no force that could divide us," the Kremlin leader said in his televised address, without explicitly mentioning the war in Ukraine in that context.

The address was first broadcast in Russia's Far East on Sunday, when the Chukotka and Kamchatka peninsulas welcomed the New Year. The speech will then be shown shortly before midnight in every other time zone of the giant country until it is the capital Moscow's turn.

For the Russians, it is the second New Year's Eve of the war against neighbouring Ukraine ordered by Putin. The day before, Russian civilians suffered their first major casualties, with more than 20 people killed in Belgorod on the border with Ukraine.

The president did not address this during his appearance against the backdrop of a wintry Kremlin. According to the Ria Novosti agency, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied that any changes had been made to the pre-recorded speech.

Putin, 71, thanked soldiers in action and said they were on the front line in the fight "for truth and justice."
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has significantly shortened his New Year address to Russians and was seen in the frame without people dressed in military uniforms.

Source: Putins address published by RIA Novosti

Details: On 31 December in the afternoon, Putins New Year address to Russians was shown on the TV in the Far East of Russia. This time it lasted 3 minutes and 35 seconds, and Putin was alone in the frame.

Moreover, the Russians were attacking Ukraine with missiles while the Russian TV broadcasted this address.

Background: Last years address lasted for about nine minutes. Putin made a speech with people dressed in military uniforms in the background. Later the media found out that they were in fact actors and representatives of other civilian professions, not members of the military.

A screenshot from Putins address in 2022

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Doctors saw 700,000 more people this October than they saw in same month the previous year - SolStock

Almost a quarter of young people have carried out treatment on themselves after failing to get an appointment with a GP, a Liberal Democrat poll has found.

Adults aged 18 to 34 were more likely than any other age group to turn to DIY doctors after failing to see their GP, according to the survey.

Overall one in seven (14 per cent) of the population said they carried out medical treatment on themselves or asked someone else who was not a medical professional to do so. But it rose to 24 per cent among those aged 18 to 24 and 20 per cent among those aged 25 to 34.

The research found that almost a quarter of Britons tried and failed to see their GP face-to-face last year.

Meanwhile, one in three (33 per cent) of those delayed seeing a GP despite suffering with pain.

More than one in five (21 per cent) purchased medication online or at a pharmacy without advice from a GP while one in seven (16 per cent) went to A&E. Three in ten (29 per cent) stopped attempting to get an NHS GP appointment altogether.

New wave of doctors

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, called for a new wave of NHS doctors to be recruited and for patients to be given a legal right to see a GP within seven days.

NHS data show that in October 2023, some 7.4 million GP appointments took place two weeks or more after being booked, up 1.1 million compared with the same month last year. Two-week waits made up almost one in four (23 per cent) of all GP appointments in October, up from 19 per cent in the same month last year.

Some 2.6 million appointments took place more than four weeks after booking in October 2023, 700,000 more than in October last year. This made up one in 13 (7.6 per cent) of the total GP appointments in October, compared to around one in 17 (6 per cent) in the same month last year.

More than two thirds (70.9 per cent) of all appointments in October 2023 were carried out face to face, down slightly from 71.3 in October last year.

This is scandalous and must act as an urgent wake-up call for ministers asleep on the job. People pay their fair share in tax and expect basic local health services, yet it is utterly depressing to see Brits turning to DIY medical treatment.

The record of this Conservative Government on the NHS is shameful, said Mr Davey.

The Department for Health and Social Care was approached for comment.

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Queen Margrethe II of Denmark gives a New Year's speech from Christian IX's Palace in Copenhagen, announcing her upcoming abdication

Queen Margrethe II, Europes longest-reigning living monarch, has abdicated after more than 50 years on the Danish throne.

Nicknamed the Ashtray Queen, Margarethe is a colourful and widely-beloved figure who enjoyed a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, her third cousin  becoming one of the only people outside her immediate family to use her nickname, Lilibet.

Queen Margrethe with her sons Crown Prince Frederik, who will succeed her, and and Prince Joachim - Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP)

In a surprise announcement in her New Years speech on Sunday, the 83-year-old monarch cited the effects of old age and said she would pass her throne onto the next generation after receiving back surgery in February.

The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future  whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation, she said.

I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024  52 years after I succeeded my beloved father  I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.

In an interview in 2016, the Queen had rejected the possibility of abdication, saying Its always been: you stay as long as you live. Thats what my father did and my predecessors. And the way I see it too.

Queen Margrethe with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary at a gala banquet for the Crown Prince's 50th birthday in 2018 - Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images Europe

Margarethe, who gained her nickname from the Karelia cigarettes she chain smokes, is also the patron of the Danish Lung Association, a keen skier and a lover of outlandish outfits.

Educated at Cambridge, the Sorbonne and the London School of Economics, the queen found time as Crown Princess of Denmark to pursue a career as an illustrator, and produced drawings for JRR Tolkiens Lord of the Rings books.

Her passion continued into her eighties, as she designed scenography and costumes for stage, including for the film Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction which was released through Netflix in September.

Margrethe with her father, King Frederik IX, on her wedding day in 1967 - Keystone/Hulton Royals Collection

She has said that she was inspired by the life of Elizabeth II, with whom she shared a great-grandmother in Queen Victoria.

When I was growing up, I hoped I wouldnt be as young as that when my father died, she said of the death of George VI in an interview with ITV.

It made an enormous impression on me. The fact that she was dedicating her life. I understood what that meant. This is for life. That is the whole point of my life. And I know she sees that too.

The Danish queen was a close personal friend of Elizabeth II - Fiona Hanson

Margarethe was among the first foreign royals to pay tribute to the British queen last year, and struggled to hold back tears when she saw her coffin at the funeral. Her own husband, Prince Henrik, died in 2018 aged 83.

The pair experienced a fractious relationship in his later years, with Henrik complaining he had not been given the formal title of king  and that he had to ask his wife for pocket money for cigarettes.

Queen Margrethe pictured in 2002 with her husband, Prince Henrik, who died in 2018 aged 83 - CALIFAO/AP

Six months before his death, he declared he no longer wished to be buried beside Margrethe. A small service and cremation followed his passing.

Her enthusiastic and colourful reign was inspired by her father Frederik IX who, she revealed in a 1989 book, had once told her: Dont just stand there and wave, open your arms!

Queen Margrethe with her husband, Prince Henrik, in 2001. The pair experienced a fractious relationship in his later years - CHRISTOPHE ENA/AP

That advice has seen her through a 52-year tenure as queen, during which time she has seen her country join the European Community, reject the euro, and participate in the war in Afghanistan.

Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, thanked the queen for her service.

Queen Margrethe has said that she was inspired by the life of Queen Elizabeth II, with whom she shared a great-grandmother in Queen Victoria - IAN JONES

On behalf of the entire population, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty The Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom, she said in a statement.

Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation.

Queen Margrethe is a colourful and widely-beloved figure in Denmark - BO AMSTRUP/AFP

By Danish custom, there will not be a formal coronation ceremony to mark the accession of Frederik X. The beginning of his reign will be announced in a statement by Amalienborg Castle, in Copenhagen.

Margarethe courted controversy last year, after she decided to strip the royal titles of the children of her younger son, Prince Joachim.

Margarethe gained the nickname the 'Ashtray Queen' from the Karelia cigarettes she chain smokes - JOERGEN JESSEN/AP

Prince Joachims wife, Princess Marie, said their 10-year-old daughter Athena had been bullied at her school in Paris because of the loss of her title.

However, the queens enthusiastic approach to public life, her hobbies and modernisation of the monarchy has delivered poll ratings of over 80 per cent for her family.

The Danish monarchy, which can be traced back over 1,000 years, has no day-to-day political role in Denmark.

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Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has announced her surprise abdication in a new year TV address.

She will formally step down on 14 January, which will be 52 years to the day since she became queen.

"I will leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik," she announced.

The 83-year-old is the world's only reigning queen and the longest serving current monarch in Europe, taking the throne after the death of her father King Frederik IX in 1972.

She revealed the decision was made after a period of reflection following surgery on her back in early 2023.

"The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation," she said.

"I have decided that now is the right time," she added, and offered her thanks to the Danish public for their support over the years.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen thanked the queen for her service.

"On behalf of the entire population, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty The Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom," she said in a statement.

"Although the duty and position of regent has been handed down for more than 1,000 years, it is still difficult to understand that the time has now come for a change of throne," the statement read.

"Many of us have never known another regent. Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation."

Unlike British royal tradition, there will be no formal crowning ceremony for Crown Prince Frederik, who is 55. Instead, his accession will be announced from Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen on the day.

He will take her place as King of Denmark and head of state in the country - which is a constitutional monarchy - as well as in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Queen Margrethe II and Queen Elizabeth II in the year 2000

Queen Margrethe is a popular figure in Denmark, and many Danes had expected her to remain on the throne until her death.

"She is to us what Queen Elizabeth was to you," Danish journalist Tine Gotzsche told the BBC.

Queen Margrethe attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, and they celebrated their respective jubilees in the same year.

She had not been expected to become Queen when she was born. But when she was 13, Danish law changed to allow women to take the throne.

More than a decade ago, Queen Margrethe reflected that she was inspired by the late British Queen "that I must somehow understand that I must dedicate my life to my nation like she has done, and in that way she has been very important to me."

The pair had been the world's only remaining female sovereigns before Queen Elizabeth's death. Elizabeth reigned for 70 years.

Known for her smoking habits and rejection of mobile phones

Some also consider her the world's longest reigning monarch. The Sultan of Brunei has been on the throne for longer, but his country only gained independence in 1984.

She is also the second longest-serving monarch in Danish history, surpassed only by King Christian IV, of Denmark and Norway, who was on the throne for 60 years.

Affectionately known as Daisy, Queen Margrethe is known for her smoking habits and rejection of mobile phones and the internet - declaring herself "very happy" without them.

Gotzsche said the Danish royal transition is a moment of mixed celebration and sadness.

Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary attended the coronation of King Charles III in May

"She has always been there, she has been ageing with all of us," she said, but added: "the Crown Prince is in a very good position to take over, the succession is laid out - it's very logical, and it absolutely makes sense."

Crown Prince Frederik, like Britain's King Charles III, is known for his passion for the environment. He has vowed to "guide the ship" of Denmark into the future.

His wife, Princess Mary, grew up on the Australian island of Tasmania and was working as a lawyer when the pair met in 2000.

They are considered by some to represent modern values and have tried to give their four children as normal an upbringing as possible, sending them mainly to state schools.

During her time on the throne, Queen Margrethe continued to work as an artist and was well known for her love of the arts.

She also has a passion for archaeology and has taken part in several excavations.

She studied in the UK, spending time at Cambridge's Girton College and the London School of Economics.

In 1967, she married French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who served as her royal consort until his death in 2018.

Each year on New Year's Eve, she delivers a speech broadcast on television.

This year, aside from the announcement, she also spoke of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the importance of addressing climate change.

Facing similar challenges of modern society as other royal families across Europe, the Danish royal family has decided to slim down its number of royals.

This led to a very public rift last year after Crown Prince Frederik's younger brother Prince Joachim's children were stripped of their royal titles.
The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame has thought better of inducting Mike Flynn, saying it was poor timing to honor the pardoned liar in this turbulent and politically-charged environment. A slew of board members resigned to protest the planned induction, and a representative told the Providence Journal that the rest of the board feared riots at the ceremony and would delay to a more peaceful and rational time and a more secure place. Flynn was Donald Trumps national security advisor and later admitted lying to the FBI in its Russia probe. More recently hes become a hero to out-there conspiracy theorists and QAnon believers.

Read it at Providence Journal

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The high-tech race for SpaceX, Amazon and competitors to create mega-constellations of internet-beaming satellites is spurring record-shattering rocket launch activity on the Space Coast.

Why? Worldwide broadband data delivery will become a new, invisible 21st century "backbone of our society"  much like underground sewer pipes and undersea telegraph cables during the 19th century, said Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

In unprecedented fashion, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's adjacent Kennedy Space Center racked up 72 orbital launches during 2023. That represents a robust 26% increase over the previous annual record of 57 launches, set just last year.

Only three missions were crewed by humans  while SpaceX launched 43 Starlink internet-satellite missions.

You wont have lost any bets in my lifetime by going, We need more bandwidth. Every time, someones gone, Why would you need that much bandwidth? Youve already got a 1200-baud modem. Isnt that enough? " McDowell said.

"Theres always ways to fill the bandwidth, right? So its that insatiable demand for increasing amounts of data, speed of response, speed of upload and download times of all kinds. And everything we do in life is sort of being is abstracted into data now, he said.

By McDowell's latest tally, SpaceX has launched 5,650 Starlink satellites since February 2018. That sum includes launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Of that total, 5,233 Starlink satellites remain functioning in orbit. Starlink serves more than 2.3 million people in more than 70 countries, SpaceX reports.

But another major player has emerged. Amazons $120 million Project Kuiper broadband-satellite processing facility is scheduled for completion in 2025 at KSC's Launch and Landing Facility. After its successful launch of two prototype satellites in October, Amazon is now manufacturing satellites and aiming for full-scale deployment starting in the first half of 2024, Space Florida reported.

The goal: Create a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low-Earth orbit.

Looking ahead, NASA predicts a even-faster cadence of nearly 100 launches next year from Brevard County.

"Another jam-packed year is in store for NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the momentum of a busy 2023 is carried forward into the new year," a NASA press release said.

"On the horizon are missions to the Moon, more crew and cargo flights to the International Space Station, and several upgrade projects across the spaceport," the press release said.

SpaceX is 'driving the show'

This photo shows a stack of SpaceX's Starlink V2 Mini satellites during payload processing before being encapsulated inside the protective nosecone fairing of a Falcon 9 rocket.

Don Platt designed and coded embedded systems used on space shuttles as lead software engineer with Bionetics Corp. at Kennedy Space Center. He is now director of the Florida Institute of Technology's Spaceport Graduate Center in Titusville, and he laughed while describing his thoughts on launches nowadays.

From a personal perspective, I used to be all excited and go outside and make sure I had my binoculars and observe the launch, Platt recalled.

And now I'm sitting here on my computer, and the building starts to rumble: Oh, well, there's another launch,' " he said.

Regarding this year's record-breaking launch tally, Platt said, it really is SpaceX driving the show." Indeed, SpaceX rockets accounted for all but four of the Space Coast's 72 liftoffs this year. The exceptions:

United Launch Alliance launched rockets on June 22 (Delta IV Heavy), Sept. 10 (Atlas V) and Oct. 6 (Atlas V).

Relativity Space launched the world's first 3D-printed rocket during a March 22 demonstration mission.

Capping the landmark year, SpaceX crews launched a Falcon Heavy triple-core rocket followed by a Falcon 9 rocket within 2 hours and 54 minutes Thursday night from Cape Canaveral.

"2023 has been a year of unprecedented growth in the aerospace industry in Florida, and that includes a record-breaking number of launches from Cape Canaveral. By the end of the year, approximately 70% percent of total U.S. launches will have happened in Florida," Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said in an email.

"Not only does this pace demonstrate Floridas position as the world leader and the premier location for global aerospace commerce, it also captures the overall health of the industry. Yet even as we reflect on what our partners across the industry have accomplished this year, 2024 looks even brighter," Long said.

Ramping up launch-related infrastructure

Jim Mays, Aerojet Rocketdyne vice president of program execution and integration, said in November his company has a production backlog of more than 150 rocket engines because of increased launch demand.

A new rocket is entering the mix next year. United Launch Alliance will debut its next-generation Vulcan rocket  replacing the aging Atlas V and soon-to-be-retired Delta IV Heavy  during a Jan. 8 maiden flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Because of high customer demand, ULA has already accumulated a waiting list of more than 70 future Vulcan launches. Aerojet Rocketdyne is hustling to build engines for all those rockets.

"We're north of a 150-engine backlog right now," Jim Maus, Aerojet Rocketdyne vice president of program execution and integration, said during a November media event at ULA's Advanced Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Maus said these RL10 engines are built in West Palm Beach. Annual production will ramp up from 16 to 18 engines up toward 40, with new additive manufacturing techniques replacing tube-welding fabrication.

"We're stepping away from the hand fabrication and becoming more of a machine-built chamber. When it comes to the test area, we're activating a second test stand to be able to have the capacity to be able to test engines to deliver them to ULA at the rate they demand," Maus told reporters.

Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine credits NASA and the Space Force for boosting launch cadence by transforming access to space. Rather than purchasing, owning and operating hardware, he said both agencies now look to buy services from commercial companies, spurring private investment.

Bridenstine said this new governmental approach "really opens the aperture to a whole host of new capabilities, and a whole brand-new market that is extraordinarily large."

"All of a sudden, it's not a zero-sum game. We don't know what the limit is. Here's what we do know  we're not anywhere close to what the limit is," he said of the Cape's launch capacity.

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

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Starlink constellation fuels historic launch year on Space Coast
Children scramble Saturday as waves come crashing on shore next to the Manhattan Beach Pier. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Back-to-back storms off the Pacific Ocean will bring rain and snow to Southern California this week, along with the potential for another round of big waves.

The swells that closed beaches and piers up and down the California shore eased up over the weekend, but high surf advisories remained in place in several counties as officials warned the public to avoid swimming or walking on rocks near the beach.

Public health officials in Los Angeles County also issued a warning about high levels of bacteria from storm runoff at some local beaches, including parts of Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice and Redondo Beach.

The Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard saw 12-foot waves on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The area was pounded last week by waves, including large swells in Ventura that injured several onlookers who had to scramble to safety after ocean water surged over barriers and into the streets.

In the town of Capitola in Santa Cruz County, several seaside restaurants were damaged Thursday when the rising waters swept in. Its the second time in less than a year that Capitola has been damaged by flooding. In January, large waves and high tides destroyed parts of the towns wharf.

The waves are "trending down, it will continue to trend down through Tuesday, said Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard.

At the popular surfing break known as Mavericks near Half Moon Bay, the waves were smaller Sunday after swells that reached highs of 30 feet last week, according to the National Weather Service.

Were coming down pretty good, said weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer, who noted that waves from Sonoma County to Monterey County were about 10 to 11 feet Sunday.

Rain is expected in Southern California and the Central Coast, with scattered showers arriving by Sunday afternoon and widespread rain arriving Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Also, people headed to the Rose Parade in Pasadena on Monday may want to pack a raincoat or umbrella in case of possible showers. It is expected to be partly cloudy with a 20% chance of rain in the morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow will fall later in the week, with mountain areas above 5,000 feet in L.A. and Ventura counties expected to get 4 to 8 inches , according to the weather service.

The weather could impact traffic. Lower elevations, including the Grapevine area along Interstate 5, could see an inch or 2 of snow, Kittell said.

Another round of big waves in L.A. and Ventura counties could start Jan. 7, Kittell said.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
GOP presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy went after CNN in a Saturday post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

CNNs egregious interference with the Iowa GOP caucus is offensive, Ramaswamy wrote. My CNN town hall with the voters here went so well that they cut it off early & then threatened our campaign with a cease-and-desist for posting it on YouTube, while Nikki Haleys scripted CNN town hall from 6 months ago is still up.

Then CNN notified our campaign within 48 hours that multiple qualifying polls that the RNC used for its debates wouldnt count for CNNs fake debate that theyre hosting in Iowa on January 10, Ramaswamy continued. The dishonesty needs to end.

CNN hosted a town hall with Ramaswamy a few weeks ago in Iowa, moderated by anchor Abby Phillip. During the town hall, Ramaswamy said he thinks the Supreme Court should overturn the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of the abortion pill mifepristone.

Its my opinion that the FDA exceeded its statutory authority in using an emergency approval to approve something that doesnt fit Congresss criteria for what actually counts as an emergency approval, Ramaswamy said.

The Supreme Court announced on the same day as the town hall that it would take up the case.

At the event, Ramaswamy also said mifepristones approval is a symptom of whats going on in the administrative state.

The people who we elect to run the government, theyre not even the ones who run the government right now. Its the bureaucrats in those three-letter agencies that are pulling the strings today, he said.

The Hill has reached out to CNN.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
China's software sector reports expansion in first 11 months

Xinhua) 16:23, December 31, 2023

A staff member from a technology company demonstrates an AI software at an exhibition at China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC) 2023 in Beijing, capital of China, May 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's software and information technology service industry registered double-digit growth in revenue and profits in the first 11 months of the year, official data showed.

Profits of the sector exceeded 1.3 trillion yuan (about 183.55 billion U.S. dollars) during the period, climbing 12.9 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The combined revenue of this sector came in at 11.04 trillion yuan in the period, jumping 13.9 percent from the same period last year.

In the first 11 months, the sector's exports amounted to 44.95 billion U.S. dollars, down 3.8 percent year on year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Preparing for a midnight toast and more year-end festivities may require a run or two to the store  but youll want to prepare for some limited business hours. Allison Dinner/Associated Press file photo

Its just about time to celebrate New Years Eve and say goodbye to 2023. Preparing for a midnight toast and more year-end festivities may require a run or two to the store  but its wise to expect some limited business hours  and many of your standbys could be closed Monday.

While a handful of major chains are operating as usual Sunday, many others will close up shop early.

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Heres when stores are open Sunday for New Years Eve and Monday for New Years Day:

Walmart

Walmart is open with regular operating hours on New Years Eve and New Years Day.

Target

Most Target stores will close at 9 p.m. on New Years Eve. They will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. New Years Day.

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Costco

Costcos warehouses will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Years Eve, although hours may vary between locations. You can check local hours here. They will be closed on New Years Day.

Sams Club

Sams Club stores close at 6 p.m. on New Years Eve. Theyll be closed on New Years Day.

Best Buy

Best Buy stores are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Years Eve. Theyll be open on New Years Day, but hours may vary by location. Call ahead.

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H-E-B

H-E-B stores are open usual hours on New Years Eve and New Years Day.

Sprouts Farmers Markets

Sprouts stores are open until 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. They'll be open for regular store hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Monday for New Year's Day.

Trader Joes

Trader Joes stores close at 5 p.m. on New Years Eve. Theyll be closed on Monday for New Years Day.

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Whole Foods

Whole Foods stores are open New Years Eve and New Years Day, but many will operate on modified hours. Call your local store or check its website.

CVS

Many CVS Pharmacy locations will operate usual hours on New Years Eve, but some non-24 hour locations may be closed or have reduced hours both New Years Eve and New Years Day. Customers are encouraged to call ahead or double check local hours online.

Walgreens

Walgreens stores will be open with regular hours on New Years Eve and New Years Day, but pharmacy hours can vary by location. You can check ahead online.

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ALDI

Aldi stores are open with limited hours. They will be closed on New Years Day.

Home Depot

Home Depot stores are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Years Eve and New Years Day.

IKEA

IKEA stores are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Years Eve and New Years Day.

Lowes

Lowes stores are closing early at 6 p.m. on New Years Eve. Theyll be open on New Years Day.

JC Penney

JCPenney stores have various closing times on New Years Eve; check with your local store. On New Years Day, JC Penney stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Macys

Macys stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on New Years Eve. Theyll be open for regular hours on New Years Day.

Kohls

Kohls stores close at 7 p.m. on New Years Eve. Theyll be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Years Day.

7-Eleven

Most 7-Eleven stores are open 24/7 (including on holidays), but some locations hours can vary.
Better choices

In late 2022, Republican voters received mailers claiming the GOP candidate for governor was too soft on immigration. A few weeks later, Democratic candidate Laura Kelly was reelected governor with less than 50% of the vote for the second election straight. What happened?

It turns out that many of those flyers were from a national Democratic organization hoping to boost independent candidate Dennis Pyle at Derek Schmidts expense, and it worked. Kelly won by a little more than 2% of the vote, strikingly similar to Pyles 2% turnout. Had the election used ranked-choice voting, Republican nominee Schmidt might have won the race.

Under the common version of ranked-choice voting, you pick candidates in order of preference. A conservative Pyle voter likely would have put him first, Schmidt second and Kelly third. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, then the lowest-polling candidate is dropped, and their votes go to the second choice. Under this system, a Pyle voters ballot would not be wasted, and the governor would have majority support.

Ranked-choice voting would not only give voters more autonomy on election day but would prevent shady meddling in Kansas elections by D.C. bureaucrats.

- Nick Simpson, Lawrence

No good option

If Donald Trump is the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, the Democrats who are unhappy with President Joe Bidens performance would still vote for him just to keep Trump out of office.

If Biden is reelected, the Democrats would take that as a mandate to push even more radical policies.

If Trump is elected, he would spend four years seeking revenge on everyone he thinks has done him wrong, real or imagined. The Democrats would spend the time trying to impeach him again, without needing a highly questionable dossier this time.

The problems we face would not be addressed, and our adversaries would take full advantage of the ensuing government paralysis.

For the good of the country and the good of the Republican Party, Trump should withdraw from the presidential race.

- David Lund, Kansas City

Total immunity?

I think I have this straight: If the Supreme Court votes in favor of giving Donald Trump total immunity for his actions while he was president, (Dec. 26, 3A, Trumps lawyers take immunity claim to appeals court) wouldnt President Joe Biden have the same immunity?

He could just stay in office forever and do whatever he wants, too.

Either way with the decision, Trump loses.

- Rick Schultz, Independence

Why he worked

Llewellyn Kings commentary about working on Christmas reminded me of my childhood. (Dec. 25, 7A, Christmas is worlds festival, its happy place) My father was a reporter and copy editor for the Fresno Bee and, like King, he worked on Christmas day, going in early and coming home in early afternoon, and we would open presents then.

I would spend the morning doing a thorough cleaning of my room to make room for all the new stuff. About noon, my older brother and I would sit on the front stoop and wait for his car to come around the corner. When he got home, he made eggnog from his own recipe (unspiked for me until I was older), and then we would begin opening presents. The suspense only made it that much sweeter.

After he died, I learned something that surprised me, but actually didnt surprise me at all. By the time I was in my teens, he had gained enough seniority that he didnt have to work on Christmas, but he volunteered so that someone with younger children could be home on Christmas morning.

Thats the kind of generous man he was, but now I know there might have been another reason. Maybe he just plain liked it.

- Greg Simpson, Olathe

Cite injustice

I dont have a dog in this race, but the significant increases in property taxes on Jackson County homeowners should concern all residents, regardless of what county or city they live in. Kacen Bayless Dec. 21 front-page story Missouri AG Bailey sues Jackson County over property assessments listed several valid bases for Attorney General Andrew Baileys lawsuit that can be quantified. Most noteworthy are the inconsistencies among similar properties in the same neighborhood.

County Executive Frank Whites response was to call the suit an improper and politically motivated attack on our process. These efforts have been about rectifying injustices and ensuring fair taxation for our residents.

Rectifying injustices? That is a very strong accusation for a county executive to make without giving specific examples, correlating those injustices to the property and explaining how his office adhered to law. It would also be appropriate to know the increase of Whites own property tax, as well as those of other servants of justice.

- John E. Johnson, Overland Park

Warmer weather

Ive lived in Kansas for 88 years, but its bizarre to not even need a sweater for two days in a row the week before Christmas. (Dec. 28, 10A, Why dont we care about the climate change we see?)

One morning last week, there was a healthy black fuzzy caterpillar on my front step, and my neighbors asphalt driveway was covered with earthworms another morning. Obviously, it was warm overnight.

- Elizabeth Cook, Shawnee
Palestinians inspect the damage of a destroyed house following Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis, Southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)

JERUSALEM (AP)  A former member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Cabinet offered a rare public apology Sunday for contributing to the internal strife in Israel that preceded the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.

The mea culpa by Galit Distel Atbaryan, a lawmaker from Netanyahu's Likud Party, was one of the first times a Likud member has accepted responsibility for the polarized atmosphere ahead of the attack, which triggered a devastating war that has continued for nearly three months.

Distel Atbaryan appeared to accept the argument that the internal divisions created perceptions of weakness that encouraged Hamas to attack.

Im here sitting and telling you, the democratic, secular public: I sinned against you, I caused pain for you, I caused you to fear for your lives here, and I am sorry for this, she told Channel 13 TV.

Distel Atbaryan added that she was taking responsibility for her role in the massive protests and civil discord that erupted after Netanyahus right-wing government attempted to implement a far-reaching overhaul of the judicial system. The crisis sparked mass protests, alarmed business leaders and former security chiefs, and drew concern from the United States and other close allies.

I was one of those people that caused the state to be weakened, that harmed people, she said. I created a split, I created a rift, and I created tension. And this tension brought weakness. And this weakness, in many ways, brought massacre.

Distel Atbaryan, who served as public diplomacy minister, was one of Netanyahu's strongest supporters and drew attention for her harsh criticism of his opponents.

But days after the Oct. 7 attack, she resigned when it was clear that other government ministries were handling her responsibilities.

Distel Atbaryan said the office was a waste of public funds during wartime. She has remained as a member of parliament in the Likud.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
Now that Colorado and Maine have disqualified Donald Trump from their 2024 ballots, citing the 14th Amendment, the case will most likely go to the Supreme Court. But Rep. Jamie Raskin said Sunday that Justice Clarence Thomas absolutely should recuse himself from these upcoming rulings because of his wifes involvement in Jan. 6 and the fake electors scheme.

The 14th Amendment states that anyone who engaged in insurrection or gave aid and comfort to insurrectionists is disqualified from holding future office. Raskin and seven fellow Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee authored a letter to Thomas earlier this month calling for his recusal.

It was actually two very conservative legal scholars who wrote the best, most authoritative law review article on the whole thing, saying that Donald Trump is clearly disqualified from being on the ballot because he participated in insurrection, Raskin said.

As the case likely heads to the Supreme Court, Ginni Thomas participation in efforts to subvert the 2020 election once again raises questions about recusal. Ginni Thomas is a far-right activist who not only attended the rally that immediately preceded the attack on the Capitol, she also pushed the White House to overturn the election and pressed 29 Arizona state lawmakers to override the popular vote by selecting Trump loyalists as electors.

.@RepRaskin tells @DanaBashCNN that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should absolutely recuse himself from any future 14th Amendment ballot disqualification case against Donald Trump, but the question is, what do we do if he doesn't recuse himself? pic.twitter.com/1SW5F9v2Sj  State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) December 31, 2023

Anybody looking at this in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say, if your wife was involved in the big lie and claiming that Donald Trump had actually won the presidential election and had been agitating for that and participating in the events leading up to January 6, that you shouldnt be participating, Raskin told Dana Bash on CNNs State of the Union.

So he should recuse himself? Bash asked.

He absolutely should recuse himself. The question is, what do we do if he doesnt recuse himself? Raskin said.

Raskin also addressed the Supreme Courts vague new code of ethics, announced in the wake of the news that Thomas and his wife received lavish vacations and gifts from Nazi-obsessed billionaire and GOP megadonor Harlan Crow, including Crow purchasing the home where the justices mother lives and paying for their grandnephews private boarding school tuition.

Finally, the Supreme Court has developed what theyre describing as a code of ethics, the congressman said. Its not binding, in the sense that theyre not going to anyone else. They could have gone to, for example, circuit court justices. You could have had state Supreme Court justices on a panel. So theyre deciding for themselves again whether theyre in violation of their code of ethics.

The new code states that justices should recuse themselves when The Justice or Justices spouseis known by the Justice:(iii) to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding; or (iv) likely to be a material witness in the proceeding.

While some (mostly Republicans) have criticized Colorado and Maine for removing Trump from the ballot because it allows him to adopt a martyr stance, Raskin pointed out that while Trump rarely misses an opportunity to paint himself as a victim, that shouldnt stop the Constitution from being enforced.

If he loses [the 2024 election], he will feel himself a martyr there, and he will try to overturn the election result again, Raskin said. So I dont think we can run scared from Donald Trump. We have got to enforce our Constitution. And that certainly was the design of the framers, and thats what they would have us do.

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For years now, Miami Beach officials have talked and acted like the historic Clevelander hotel was the worst thing to ever happen to the city. That was until they saw the business's plans for shutting down.

Over the past decade, the adults-only hotel, bar, and restaurant on Ocean Drive has been beefing with the city over whether it is an iconic pillar of South Beach's world-famous nightlife or a bad actor whose late-night operations are bringing crime and out-of-control revelers to the area.

"It's been a very contentious seven or eight years just to stay open," says Alexander Tachmes, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Clevelander. He estimates that the business has spent $1 million challenging restrictions the city has slapped on its nighttime concerts and alcohol sales.

Tiring of fighting continuous, expensive court cases, the Clevelander's owners decided to do something different.

In September 2023, they announced a plan to redevelop the five-story hotel into a 30-story residential tower. Most of the new homes would be luxury beachside condos. But 40 percent would be belowmarket rate, affordable units. The redevelopment would be a way to get out of the politically controversial bar business while cashing in on the growing demand for housing in ultra-expensive Miami Beach.

As a bonus, it really pisses off the city.

"I was hoping that it was simply a joke, but I don't think it is," says Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. While he'd be happy to see the Clevelander replaced, he says the owners are scoring zero points with their "hideously out-of-scale" proposal.

"It's absurd," the mayor tells Reason. "It's like the kids that kill their parents and say, 'Have mercy on us, we're orphans.'"

Under normal circumstances, that would be the end of it. The property's low-density zoning and its location in a historic district would more or less require the owners to preserve the current building as is. Doing anything else would require the discretionary consent of Miami Beach's elected city commission, which feels much the same way Gelber does.

But these are not normal circumstances.

Beginning during the pandemic, the Sunshine State has experienced a surge of domestic immigration. More and more people have been trading blue America's high taxes, high rents, and excessive COVID-19 restrictions for Florida's sun-drenched livability. In 2022, it was America's fastest-growing state in percentage terms. Only Texas added more people in absolute terms.

One consequence of having the country's fastest-growing population is that Florida also has some of America's fastest-growing home prices. Spiking demand has collided with a housing supply constrained by zoning codes, growth controls, and local politicians' anti-development attitudes.

To remedy the situation, Florida lawmakers passed the sprawling Live Local Act in March 2023.

Tucked inside the legislation's mess of cheap mortgages for schoolteachers and tax credits for low-income housing was a provision giving developers the right to build homes in areas and at heights not otherwise allowed by local zoning codes. As long as the builders include the requisite number of affordable units, local governments can't say no to these denser housing projects.

The premise is that removing zoning constraints on new housing supply will help moderate increasing housing costs. It's a simple idea, and it's also a very controversial one, as the blowup over the Clevelander illustrates.

Builders are giddy at the prospects of getting once unthinkable projects built. Local governments are less pleased.

"If this were a good thing, the Florida Legislature would not have tried to take local government out of the equation," says Gelber. "If this is a route that's available to the Clevelander, it's a route that's available to other properties. The pressure to make enormous amounts of money will result in the loss of Ocean Drive as we know it."

The brewing fight over the Clevelander is one battle in the larger war over zoning, growth, and Florida's future generally.

The state has a decision to make. Will it embrace its status as a growth machine and strip away the regulations preventing it from being more dynamic, free, and affordable? Or will it further empower the anti-development institutions that are so prevalent in the high-cost states that Florida's cost-of-living refugees fled in the first place?

Smart Degrowth

Florida's pandemic-era growth surge is remarkable, but it's not unprecedented.

The Sunshine State has undergone repeated population booms throughout its history, some even more dramatic than what it experienced during COVID-19.

The Florida of the 1970s was adding 1,000 residents a day and posting annual population growth rates of 5 percent or more. Today, the state is growing by a mere 1.9 percent annually.

The 1970s were a high point for anti-growth environmentalism. At the national and state levels, new laws were passed establishing long, complicated processes for approving new infrastructure and real estate developments. Locally, cities dramatically tightened their zoning codes.

Florida wasn't immune to this slow-growth wave. It started passing laws intended to protect its natural and agricultural environments from development. This culminated with the Growth Management Act of 1985. For the first time, counties and cities were required to come up with comprehensive plans showing where additional growth could go and then to create detailed zoning regulations to enforce that plan.

These plans, and any subsequent changes to them, had to go through a lengthy process of public hearings and state sign-offs. Localities whose plans didn't meet the state's approval could be hit with financial sanctions and administrative appeals.

The state wasn't afraid to use its oversight powers. In the first years of the Growth Management Act, over half of the 399 city plans submitted were deemed inconsistent with Florida's growth management goals.

The result was a proliferation of rules and red tape across the state. Counties that had previously lacked zoning codes were forced to adopt them. Already-zoned municipalities were required to tighten regulations.

"Land use is one of the most regulated parts of the state," says Sam Staley, director of the DeVoe L. Moore Center at Florida State University. "Any market-oriented framework was largely gone by the mid-1990s." The new growth management system, he adds, was "one of the most restrictive and most top-down."

In the years leading up to the Growth Management Act, Miami Beach had already been erecting a historic preservation system intended to prevent the redevelopment of much of the city. Even modest changes of historic properties now required additional city reviews. Properties could also be landmarked with the property owners' consent.

A year after the Growth Management Act passed, Miami Beach created its first historic preservation district. It covered the Clevelander and other older hotels on Ocean Drive.

All these additional regulations constrained the housing supply and made homes less affordable. Since the state had to sign off on amendments to comprehensive plans, local governments couldn't easily change regulations to accommodate growing demand for housing or changes in the kinds of housing demanded.

A 2001 study by Reason Foundation (which publishes this magazine) found that Florida's planning system was responsible for a 15 percent increase in housing costs. The state's housing price growth outpaced nationwide housing price growth, even as income growth lagged behind national increases.

Builders responded by concentrating construction at the upper end of the market, where prices and profit margins are higher. Housing production also shifted to the periphery of urban areas, where land was cheaper and regulation was lighter. That helped moderate price growth, but it also meant longer travel times and worsening traffic congestion.

This heavily centralized system of state planning and control eventually provoked a backlash. The Tea Party wave of 2010 swept into power a state Legislature determined to roll back regulation. In 2011, lawmakers largely repealed the Growth Management Actand with it the state government's heavy-handed controls on development.

This was a revolution half-complete. While Tallahassee's role in land use regulation was much diminished, the system of local regulation it had helped create was firmly in place. The local anti-development politics that had grown up around these regulations didn't go anywhere either.

"The issue we have now is the legacy of growth management laws, which has made it much more difficult for the building industry to respond in real time to growing demand," says Staley.

Florida is less regulated than it used to be. It's much easier to build a house there than in high-cost, high-regulation jurisdictions like California or Massachusetts. But the growth bombs now raining down on the state are making it clear how constrained new housing supply continues to be.

Posting Gainesville

A central part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' pitch for his presidential candidacy is that Florida under his leadership has been better governed than its big blue peers. By resisting the worst COVID-19 restrictions and other big-government regulations, he says, he's made the state a magnet for migrants from all over the country.

Missing from his pitch is much mention of what has enabled people to move there at all: Florida's relative openness to new housing.

A quick glance at the raw numbers shows that, for all its land use regulations, Florida still builds far more housing for newcomers than its Democratic counterparts.

In 2022 alone, Florida issued 80 percent more building permits than California, despite having only about half its population. Florida's 7 percent rental vacancy ratea good proxy for the elasticity of housing supplyis almost twice California's vacancy rate.

But with nearly half a million people moving to Florida this past year, there's only so much new supply can do to suppress home price growth in the short term. It doesn't help that in the years preceding the pandemic, the state was adding housing at a much slower clip than it was adding households.

The state's legacy of slow-growth central planning means that much of this new housing is being built away from the highly desirable cities people want to live inand at price points many families can't afford.

Before the Live Local Act, state officials had mostly just tinkered around the edges to increase housing supply. They passed laws making it easier for localities to approve housing in new areas without first amending their comprehensive plans and allowing developers to build larger projects if they install greywater systems, for instance.

Florida's Republican Legislature has also cracked down on localities' ability to pursue housing affordability through the tempting but always counterproductive approaches of mandates and price controls.

In 2019, lawmakers passed a bill forbidding local governments from enforcing mandatory "inclusionary zoning" ordinances, whereby developers are required to give away a certain percentage of units they built at below-market rates without any offsetting compensation. After several county governmentsincluding Orange County, which contains Orlandotried to pass rent controls during the pandemic, the state banned that too.

Both "inclusionary zoning" and rent control have a clear track record of destroying new housing supply. Their elimination isn't a small accomplishment.

Yet even as DeSantis pitches Florida as a refuge from progressive regulation, he has gone to war with locals trying to loosen regulations. Witness the dust-up over Gainesville's zoning reforms.

In October 2022, Gainesville's city commission approved by a tight 43 vote a slew of reforms that shrank minimum lot sizes, reduced setback requirements, and, most controversially, allowed up to four-unit developments in the city's single-family-only neighborhoods.

"For so long the approach of local governments has been to say, 'There's nothing we can do, there's only so much federal money coming in,'" says Lauren Poe, the former mayor of Gainesville. "I knew that, based on other jurisdictions and other models around the world, there are things local governments can do."

Poe argued allowing more homes on less land was one thing the city could proactively do to make his city more affordable.

If a local government decides to do something more than shop around for subsidies, you might expect a governor who touts himself as pro-market to approve. But within a month of the Gainesville reforms being passed, DeSantis' administration was suing the city to overturn the legalization of fourplexes.

The state Department of Economic Opportunity argued that Gainesville's Democratic-controlled city commission was relying too much on the free market to bring housing costs down. "The 'invisible hand' of a free market operates simply in this situationwithout inclusionary zoning tools, developers will not build affordable housing," the lawsuit reads.

Partisan politics likely explains at least part of this: Fourplex legalization was deeply controversial in deeply progressive Gainesville, and DeSantis sensed a wedge issue.

Even without the lawsuit, the reform was doomed: In January 2023, the first act of business for Gainesville's newly elected city commission was another narrow 43 votethis one to start the process of repealing fourplex legalization.

This gives the city the dubious distinction of being the only American community in recent memory to vote to get rid of, and then reinstate, single-family-only zoning. The long arc of history doesn't necessarily lean toward zoning reform.

And yet this faceplant for local reform was soon followed by a far more sweeping deregulation at the state level.

Crossroads and Cross-Purposes

Just a couple of months after DeSantis' administration sued to overturn Gainesville's modest fourplex legalization, he was signing the Live Local Act into law.

The governor's press release about signing the bill didn't mention zoning once; he focused instead on the legislation's new housing subsidies. But the Live Local Act does more to pare back local zoning restrictions than basically any recent reform passed in the nation.

The law says localities must approve housing projects in commercial, industrial, and mixed-use areas at the highest residential density allowed in the jurisdiction. New housing can also be as tall as the highest building within a mile of the project site.

In exchange, developers making use of this density bonus must agree to make 40 percent of their new units affordable to people making 120 percent of the area median incomea threshold that allows for rents that are pretty close to market rates.

For Florida's sprawling suburban communities, this doesn't authorize anything too dramatic. Developers can now replace a low-slung strip mall or ill-used warehouse with a three-story apartment building.

But in urbanized areas like Miami Beachwhere low-density zones and historic preservation districts exist alongside pockets of intense developmentthe law is revolutionary. Almost every commercial property owner can now theoretically throw up a skyscraper. The Clevelander can erect a middle finger to the officials it's been fighting for years.

The law's primary benefit for developers is that it lets them route around the anti-development locals whom DeSantis was eager to win over with his Gainesville lawsuit.

"From a land use perspective, the most amazing thing is the preemption [of local regulations and approval processes]," says Kevin Reali, a land use attorney with the firm Stearns Weaver Miller. "We just see so much opposition from local residents and local jurisdictions to approving multifamily."

Jeff Brandes, a former Republican state senator who now heads the Florida Policy Project, says DeSantis' contradictory approach to zoning reform is part of a larger failure of Florida officials to adopt a coherent approach to housing affordability.

"It seems like there's no overall thought into what you're trying to do," he says.

This incoherence has long characterized Florida's approach to growth generally. The state takes pride in its ability to attract newcomers, but their arrival has provoked a slow-growth backlash to the new homes the new residents require. When that approach proved too burdensome, the Legislature upended the state planning apparatus while leaving its legacy of heavy-handed local regulations in place. To make up for those regulations, Florida spends millions of dollars on affordable housing construction and rent subsidiesbut much of that money ends up in the clutches of local governments that don't plan for new housing and, in a few extreme cases, have adopted moratoriums on multifamily construction.

Housing policy has never been the state's top political issue. Its back-burner status means policy gets pulled between thoughtful reform, partisan backlashes, and disjointed half-measures. But there are signs this is changing.

"This is the first time I can recall we've actually had housing become a top priority as a matter of general policy," says Staley. "Here we're talking about people that are really concerned in across-the-board reductions in housing affordability and how that's related to the supply side."

That newly acquired salience could also be for good or ill. The desire to do something about housing spawned the Live Local Act.

But the explosive density the law technically allows could also produce a backlash that undermines and weakens the law. Gelber, the Miami Beach mayor, promised the city would use whatever legal tools are available to stop the Clevelander's redevelopment into a high-rise. That could just be one of many legal fights the new, untested Live Local Act produces.

Meanwhile, the state's housing reformers argue the state should press forward with reform, backlash be damned.

Time is not on the state's side, says Poe. "If you wait another decade, you're talking about tens of thousands of people who might not be able to access housing."

The post Red State, Red Tape appeared first on Reason.com.
Some elected officials are said to grow in office, but North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper instead has seen his office shrink around him.

The Democratic governor, now entering the final year of his second and final term, has had his powers repeatedly claimed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly. Those legislative raids have undermined the office of governor, undercut the will of voters and inhibited the ability of Cooper and future governors to effectively do what their title expects  govern the state.

Cooper spokesman Jordan Monaghan said, For short-term political gain that will cause long-term damage to our state, the Republican legislature has unconstitutionally ripped power from the governors office, upsetting the balance that requires each branch of government to keep check on the other.

For Republican legislative leaders this is all about political muscle flexing. They have a veto-proof majority and theyll do what they want and what they want is to claim the governors powers as their own.

The usurping began even when a Republican held the office. In 2014, Gov. Pat McCrory sued the legislature to prevent it from creating commissions that would take over functions that he said belonged to state agencies overseen by the governor.

The state Supreme Court sided with McCrory, but the decision didnt chasten the legislature. After Cooper defeated McCrory in 2016, the legislature cut his powers before he even took office.

Legislation passed in December 2016 made the governors cabinet appointments subject to approval by the state Senate and reduced the number of employees he could appoint from 1,500 to 300. The governors ability to appoint members to the boards of trustees for UNC System campuses was eliminated.

Since then, the legislature has reduced the governors appointments to other boards, has weakened the State Board of Education, whose members are mostly appointed by the governor, and has moved to end his oversight of state elections.

All this is being done to an office that is already one of the weakest in the nation. North Carolinas governor has no line-item veto  he must sign or veto the whole bill. He has no role approving redistricting bills or local bills, some of which change local election processes.

Meanwhile, the governors proposed budget is ignored as Republican lawmakers mix major policy changes into a spending plan they fashion largely in secret.

If Republicans had more respect for democracy, they would show respect for the office of governor and the crucial role of the executive branch in a system of checks and balances.

And if they had more respect for voters, they would give more sway to Coopers judgment. He has won six statewide elections  four as attorney general and twice as governor. A majority of North Carolina voters trust his leadership. Republican lawmakers dont. They overrode his vetoes 19 times in 2023.

In a hostile environment, Cooper has used one power the legislature cant take away  the bully pulpit. He campaigned hard for Medicaid expansion and traveled the state pushing for more money for public schools. Hes focused on climate change, supporting the expansion of renewable energy and a reduction in carbon emissions. He served as chair of the Democratic Governors Association and has developed strong ties to President Joe Biden.

But no amount of speaking and politicking by one governor can offset the damage to the office itself. The balance between the three branches of government is broken. A handful of state senators and representatives chosen by a small fraction of the electorate are controlling the state, neglecting public schools, skewing elections through gerrymandering and reducing state services by tolerating vacancy rates of 20 percent and more in state agencies.

The executive and legislative branches each have distinct and vital roles in a democracy. Diminishing one to enlarge another may empower the legislature, but it is weakening North Carolina.

Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com
Serhii Tiurin, First Deputy Head of Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration, said that residents of the oblast "could hear the sounds of explosions" on the night of 30-31 December.

Source: Suspilne; Serhii Tiurin on Facebook

Details: At 00:31, Suspilne reported the sounds of explosions in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

Later, Tiurin confirmed that "residents of the oblast could hear the sounds of explosions".

Quote: "I ask everyone to stay in shelters until the all-clear is given.

More details later".

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This year, in a world deeply divided, let us resolve to advocate on behalf of our precious children.

Beware of those with hidden religious and political agendas who claim to protect our young and who scream out against anything different from their own image. Some do not even reside in Lee County.

Jill Pellis

Most parents are too busy raising their children, working full time, taking care of aging parents, keeping their heads above water financially to stay current on school issues. When residents remain silent, others with extreme agendas sneak their biased belief systems into our schools and remove the basic rights of the very parents and students they claim to protect. These parents have already forced Florida school districts to re-write history, removing courses and books based on their personal views. They now seek to reinstate prayer into the school day (so much for separation of church and state!). More than ever, well-read, well-informed, broad-minded citizens must raise their voices for all children.

A proposed amendment to the state Constitution would require the election of school board members. If this amendment is passed, the League of Women Voters of Florida, a nonpartisan group founded to educate voters and defend democracy, explained that Nearly 4,0000,000 NPA voters (No Party Affiliation) in Florida would be excluded from voting in primaries if these elections become partisan. In some circumstances, only voters of one party would have a say in selecting candidates. The League of Women Voters (lwvfl.org) advocates for a NO vote on this amendment.

Even the superintendent of schools will be an elected position in 2024. Since 1974, this position has been appointed by the school board. Superintendents were non-partisan positions, basing decisions on sound, data-driven student evidence. Next year, Florida will be one of only two states to elect its superintendent. Previously, candidates were required to have a minimum qualification of a masters degree or higher, three years of effective experience as a teacher, and seven years of public school administrative experience where improvements were made. In 2024, the only requirement is residency in Lee County. It will be a partisan, party line position driven by politics.

Decisions pertaining to school issues, i.e. curriculum, book selection, instructional methodologies, resource allocation, what teachers can or cannot discuss with children, etc., must be determined by certified, professional faculty with input, not final say, from parents and committee members.

Take steps to make our schools inclusive and safe for ALL children. Get involved. One act can fight against extremism. Attend school board meetings. Review board minutes. Share your views during public expression. Volunteer in school libraries. Meet or write to school board members to voice your concerns. Write letters to the editor. Follow groups on social media that share your values. Do as little or as much as time allows. The lives of our children and grandchildren depend on us.

Jill Pellis of Fort Myers is a retired public school principal and a member of The Purple Group, a non-partisan community dedicated to quality and inclusive education for all students.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Resolve to fight extremist agendas in schools
Medical professionals have flocked to TikTok to discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of their jobs, garnering the trust of millions of viewers; but their popularity is sometimes to their own detriment, allowing users a peek too far behind the curtain.

Viewers have suddenly become privy to closed-door surgeries through the camera lens of a doctors phone, given professional insight into celebrities suspected plastic surgery operations, and granted access to free medical tips on skincare, therapy, dentistry, and virtually every medical field under the sun.

But as the profiles of some TikTok medical specialists rise, their records are re-analysed, complaints by previous patients resurface, and new ones may be empowered to come forward.

Disgraced plastic surgeon Dr Roxy, once-popular dentist Dr Kenny, and outed fake doctor Dalya Karezi are all cautionary tales for TikTok scrollers.

In each of these cases, their rise to fame brought increased scrutiny  followed by their demise.

Here is a look back at a rough year for DocTok:

Dr Roxy

Perhaps no greater controversy rocked DocTok than plastic surgeon Katharine Roxanne Grawe, known online as Dr Roxy.

Dr Grawe amassed a following of nearly 824,000 on TikTok by livestreaming surgeries, speaking to the camera as she walked through the steps of procedures, and dancing in her surgical gear.

But in November 2022, the wildly popular content that drew such an impressive fan base came to a screeching halt. Patients complained to the Ohio medical board, prompting an investigation that ended with her licences permanent revocation on 12 July.

Only three unnamed patients  and their surgical complications  were listed in the Ohio medical boards notice of Dr Grawes suspension in November. But at the time her licence was revoked, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas showed 12 legal cases that named Dr Grawe and her clinic Roxy Plastic Surgery.

Lyn Herron is listed in neither the medical board notice nor the lawsuits.

Ms Herron didnt find Dr Grawe through Instagram or TikTok  she found the plastic surgeon the old-fashioned way: through her insurance network.

Plastic surgeon Dr Grawe appears before an Ohio Medical Board hearing in July (Courtney Hergesheimer/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network)

Ms Herron was seeking a doctor to perform breast reduction surgery in 2011. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast years earlier. After enduring radiation and taking medication for five years, she was told she should look into getting her breasts reduced.

The Ohio-based patient had consulted with five surgeons, but she landed on Dr Grawe. She was touched by the plastic surgeons bedside manner: She totally got it. She was sensitive as a woman to our needs.

When consulting with Dr Grawe, Ms Herron recalled the doctor asking, So what are you expecting as an end result? Because some women expect to be able to go pose for Playboy after surgery.

Ms Herron replied with equal humour, Oh, no, Im just expecting them to be the same cup size and the nipples pointed in the same direction. Ms Herron recalled Dr Grawe smacked me on the leg laughing and said, I can do that.

Doctors working with her through her cancer battle told Ms Herron that she needed to wait a year after her radiation finished before her breasts were operated on.

And so I waited. It was a year and a day later, Ms Herron laughed. Her surgery was scheduled for 22 July 2011, according to medical records. Things seemed to go well, but when she returned for her first follow-up appointment, doctors found she had developed hematomas, Ms Herron recalled.

Dr Grawe tried aspirating them, but some proved too difficult, so she told Ms Herron to come back in two weeks.

But when Ms Herron returned to the office, Dr Grawe was nowhere to be found. Another doctor informed her that Dr Grawe was no longer practising there.

A spokesperson for OhioHealth, a network of hospitals that includes the one where Ms Herron was treated by Dr Grawe, told The Independent that they could not confirm Dr Grawes departure because she was never employed there. However, the spokesperson said its possible for non-employed physicians to have privileges to use spaces, such as surgical areas or to visit their patients.

Ms Herron then recalled the doctor taking her to the in-house operating room where he put some chucks pads on the table, sliced me open at my incision site, and let me bleed out onto the table.

After that, he put a rubber tube in my breast, stitched around it, and then said, there you go, the blood will drain out through the tube. When the patient asked where the blood would drain out, Ms Herron remembered him suggesting, Well just put a maxi pad in your bra.

An OhioHealth spokesperson said the hospital couldnt comment on a specific procedure due to patient privacy laws.

A week later, Ms Herron wound up in hospital with a breast infection.

She said the surgery brought all of the negativity from the cancers: the burn marks, the scars and everything into the new breast, and the nipple was off at a 45 degree angle, she recalled. She said it didnt look like a breast, but rather a topographical map of burn marks and scars.

Ms Herron wanted to talk to Dr Grawe. After a brief phone call, Dr Grawe agreed to meet her patient in person. After showing the doctor the grotesque thing on my right side, Ms Herron recalled Dr Grawe replying: Id say thats well within the limits of expectations. Ms Herron thought back to her Playboy comment.

The cancer survivor never went back to Dr Grawe.

Dr Roxy discusses a BBL surgery (@tammiekelton / screengrab)

In the dozen years since her surgery, Ms Herron has kept up good spirits; her cancer is now gone and within six months of the surgery, she started referring to her botched right breast as Frankenboob. However, she said that it still feels like a softball, and is so unnatural that it doesnt move when she lies down.

When news broke that Dr Grawes medical licence had been revoked in Ohio, she said she was relieved. Ms Herron said, I tried to tell so many people during those years not to go to her because shes a hack. And then when I saw people were going to her because of TikTok, I was just incensed.

Ms Herron added that nobody would have believed me if she had gone on TikTok and spoken out, citing the enjoyable, likeable persona of Dr Roxy.

Neither Dr Grawe nor her lawyer responded to multiple requests for comment by The Independent.

Since her licence was revoked in July, Dr Grawe has been listed as a defendant in five additional cases in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Dr Kenny Smiles

Another affable online persona-turned-controversy magnet is Kenneth Wilstead, aka Dr Kenny Smiles. The Texas-based dentist boasts 700,000 followers on Instagram, 500,000 followers on Instagram, and now, a host of misconduct complaints.

There was an outpouring of complaints from his patients after the dentist announced via TikTok on 31 August that a new show was being made about his practice, Smile Again Dental.

He posted a video on the platform, asking users to share their best sob story, as he said he was looking for contestants that would benefit from a life changing smile makeover. To submit a video, hopefuls had to use the hashtag #DKSCasting. Not casting couch, Dr Kenny clarified.

Allegations have since circulated on TikTok about his controversial responses to those audition videos.

One woman in particular, 34-year-old Krystal Widrig, said she had a strange experience with Dr Kenny.

Ms Widrig, a Canadian content creator and mother of five, said that she entered a smile giveaway contest, which came from a partnership between Dr Kenny and a TikTok star. Contestants had to submit a video describing why they wanted a new smile, and then, All you have to do is fly to Texas, and Ill fix you up, he explained in a September 2022 video.

Dr Kenny Smiles discussing smile giveaways on TikTok (@drkennysmiles / screengrab)

Ms Widrig said her molars were cracking due to her many back to back pregnancies. One day, an online follower offered to pay for her to get her teeth fixed. Although the seemingly kind stranger paid for the initial surgeries to remove her cracked teeth, he bailed on paying for the surgery replacement molars.

So, when she came across Dr Kennys giveaway, she couldnt resist. She posted a video on Instagram and tagged him. And thats when he started DMing me, Ms Widrig said.

The initial exchanges were innocent. She sent photos of her teeth and asked how much it would cost. He said he could fix her teeth for $15,000  compared to the $38,000 quote she had received in Canada, that was a great deal, she said. They stopped chatting.

She reached back out to him after he posted a preview for a debate between him and Dr Miguel Ortiz in June, she recalled. The two dentists were arguing; Dr Ortiz was advocating for braces and veneers in place of Dr Kennys cosmetic surgeries. (This conversation resulted in a lawsuit filed by Dr Kenny against Dr Ortiz.)

As Ms Widrig remembered it, Dr Kenny was explaining that his surgeries only could be done in one day, an incredibly short timeline compared to the months braces take to realign teeth. So, the mother-of-five replied to Dr Kennys Instagram story in his DMs, commenting that she sided with him, not wanting to have braces at 30.

She then sent a voice note saying her original quote was 38,000 dollars and it wasnt even top-notch. He then allegedly replied, Youre perfection. Now take off your clothes.

Ms Widrig said she scrolled back to see if she had given him the wrong idea. While she said she posts sexy pictures on her Instagram, her texts with him were not flirtatious. I didnt know that Kenny was that type of person. So I was just so thrown off by it, she said.

Ms Widrig said that their conversation dwindled after his out-of-the-blue comment, but she reached out again in 2023 after he announced his upcoming show, citing that she still needed the dental work done and a free smile was still on the table. Following the instructions, she sent a video for why she wanted to win the contest, to which he allegedly responded: I just f***ing love you.

Both exchanges turned her off from going to see Dr Kenny, she said. My thing with Dr Kenny was mild, Ms Widrig conceded.

Dr Kenny advertising his new show on TikTok (@drkennysmiles / screengrab)

But another woman took him to court.

Brooke Brinkschroeder went to see Dr Kenny in April 2018 for a dental procedure. The complaint accuses Dr Kenny of making several sexually inappropriate comments in her presence before and during the procedure.

After the procedure, before taking a photo of the results, Dr Kenny allegedly told Ms Brinkschroeder, My assistants know the only way they can get me to smile is if Im grabbing tits and ass.

She hoped the statement was merely a joke, the complaint states.

As the photo was being taken, the suit alleges, Dr Kenny grabbed her right buttocks and forcefully squeezed it.

In response, Ms. Brinkschroeder was in shock and not immediately able to process what occurred. The patient felt uncomfortable, and was unsure about how to leave the conversation with the dentist, until a window of opportunity opened up: a staff member informed Dr Wilstead that his next patient was ready for him.

Thats when, the complaint states, the staff member showed [Dr Kenny] a picture of the next patients cleavage, demonstrating a pattern of inappropriate sexual conduct.

She accused Dr Kenny of assault and negligence, among other charges. Speaking to NBC News in September, the dentist said he is totally innocent of any inappropriate touching of that woman. The Independent has reached out to Dr Kennys lawyer.

The case will go before a jury in February, according to online court records.

Dr Dalya Karezi

Dalya Karezi, whose handle was Dr.Dalya.s, posed a different kind of threat for TikTok users.

She boasted 243,000 followers on TikTok, and her videos  showing her in scrubs and a stethoscope  had been liked by roughly 1.5 million users, according to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

That was before the reality behind the stethoscope was revealed. Ms Karezi posted 56 TikTok videos from May 2020 through September 2021 while discussing issues related to reproductive health, like ovarian cancer and fibroids, and posted photos on Instagram of her wearing scrubs while giving so-called medical advice.

In one video posted on TikTok, while wearing pink scrubs, she makes sweeping claims that eating certain meats increases the risk of developing different cancers.

These videos were watched nearly 15.5 million times, the agency said.

In one Instagram post captured by The Sydney Morning Herald, she wrote: Trust me I know many physicians delay self care when we feel like we have 100 items on our plate and are constantly racing against time. One thing I am learning and have adopted since COVID-19 is that I have become more conscious of how I spend my week and what portion is actually ME TIME only.

Dalya Karezi posing in scrubs (@dr.Dalya.s / Instagram)

Despite her massive following, Karezi was not a doctor at all. AHPRA investigated her.

During the course of its investigation, the agency found that she had sent various emails between July 2019 and April 2021 in which she indicated she was authorised or qualified to practise in the medical profession. In these emails, she would sign off by using the title Dr, as well as other qualifications like MBBS, M RepMED, OBGYN Intern, RMO and VMO, despite not being qualified.

Her thriving social media presence came to an abrupt end on 12 October 2023, when Karezi was convicted in Australias Downing Centre Local Court. Karezi had pleaded guilty to two counts: one count of taking or using a title indicating she was authorised to practise medicine and one count of indicating that she was a medical practitioner.

She was sentenced to a two-year Community Corrections order and was ordered to pay AHPRAs legal fees, amounting to AU$13,300.

She read an apology letter  obtained by the Daily Mail  to the court. In the letter, Karezi said she wanted to steer clear of both medicine and social media in the future. I did not want and still do not want to do anything to do with health ever again, she penned.

I am so terrified of social media now that I do not even want to be on social media at all. I will never have any social media accounts ever again, Karezi wrote. All of her accounts have since been taken down.

Following the conviction, AHPRA CEO Martin Fletcher issued a statement: Falsely claiming to be a medical practitioner, including on social media, puts the public at risk. Todays outcome is a reminder of how seriously we take this behaviour.

Dr Karezi poses in pink scrubs and a stethoscope on Instagram (@dr.dalya.s / Instagram)

The chair of the Medical Board of Australia, Dr Anne Tonki, also weighed in: Registered medical practitioners have done years of training and must abide by strict professional Codes of conduct. Its not just putting Dr in your name and wearing a pair of scrubs. Hopefully this outcome is a strong deterrent.

The Independent has reached out to her lawyer. According to the Daily Mail, before she was convicted, the fake doctor was working at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Richard Franklin, the actor, who died on Christmas Day aged 87, spent much of his career on stage but gained a cult following for his role as Captain Mike Yates, on-and-off travelling companion of the third incarnation of Doctor Who, played by Jon Pertwee.

Franklins character, an upper-crust Army officer type, was hailed for his bravery in fighting alien attacks between 1971 and 1974 during the Time Lords imposed exile on Earth.

He was also cast as a possible love interest for the Doctors new regular companion, Jo Grant (Katy Manning), although the union never got past Jo being dressed up to go out with him  before being whisked off by the Doctor for a trip in the Tardis.

When, in the 1973 story The Green Death, Yates hears that Jo is to marry a Nobel Prize-winning biologist, he looks crestfallen.

Franklins first outing as Captain Yates was in the 1971 story Terror of the Autons, tackling the invasion of robotic life-size mannequins. In one scene, he destroys the hideous Auton doll attacking Jo.

He returned for another eight adventures over the next three years. In The Mind of Evil (1971), Yates is taken hostage by escaped prisoners while escorting a banned missile across Britain to be destroyed, but the biggest drama for Franklin in The Claws of Axos (1971) was battling the weather on location at Dungeness power station. We were all wearing pink long johns under our uniforms, he recalled.

Yatess brainwashing by a megalomaniac computer in The Green Death, making him turn a gun on the Doctor, leads him to betray the Time Lord in Invasion of the Dinosaurs (1974). Although he joins conspirators planning to return Earth to a golden age, they are defeated and he is allowed to resign quietly. Defending his character, Franklin insisted: Mike wasnt a traitor  he was totally taken in.

Nevertheless, there is a reconciliation with the Doctor when Yates uncovers strange events at a Buddhist meditation centre in Planet of the Spiders (1974) at the end of the Pertwee era.

Franklin returned for the programmes 20th-anniversary story, The Five Doctors (1983), and the 1993 charity special Dimensions in Time.

Richard Franklin in 2013 - Alamy

By then, he had been seen by television viewers in his other memorable screen role  as the ruthless business executive Denis Rigg in Emmerdale Farm (1988-89, shortly before the soaps title was shortened to Emmerdale).

Denis used skullduggery to buy Home Farm in the fictional Yorkshire village then made more enemies with plans for a quarry, trying to buy up properties from the locals. But his reign of terror ended when, skulking around the outbuildings at Emmerdale Farm, he was fatally crushed by Joe Sugdens prize bull and fell in a pile of manure.

They made it look as though the bull was attacking me, said Franklin. Then, the director shouted, Cut! I thought that was it, but then he wanted me to go into an empty bull enclosure, wearing my expensive pinstripe suit, and roll around in agony in all that filth. I had the stuff down my neck, up my nose. I drew my last breath on the serial in a 4in layer of dung.

Richard Kimber Franklin was born in London on January 15 1936 to Helen, daughter of Sir Henry Dixon Kimber, 2nd Bt, and Richard Franklin, a surgeon.

He was educated at Westminster School, commissioned into the Royal Green Jackets (Rifle Brigade) for National Service, served as a captain in Queen Victorias Rifles and gained an MA in modern history from Christ Church, Oxford.

Franklin worked in advertising with the Charles Hobson & Grey agency for three years before training as an actor at Rada (1963-65).

During his 1967-68 stint with the Birmingham Rep company, he played Corin in its production of As You Like It, which transferred to the Vaudeville Theatre, London, in 1967. Ten years later, he was back in the West End to take over the role of George from Michael Crawford in Same Time, Next Year at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Franklin also wrote and directed his own plays, including Shakespeare Was a Hunchback, performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1983 to mark the 500th anniversary of Richard IIIs coronation, and The Luck of the Draw, first performed in 2014 and based on two soldiers First World War memoirs, his officer uncles letters and a mandolin-playing privates reminiscences.

One of Franklins early television appearances was a 1969 run in the ITV soap Crossroads as Joe Townsend, whom he described as a guitar-playing layabout. Later, he popped up as a solicitor in the news agency drama Harry (1993) and a doctor in Heartbeat (in 1997).

In films, he played the German composer Richard Wagner in Twilight of the Gods (2013) and an engineer in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).

Franklin also unsuccessfully stood as a parliamentary candidate several times in general elections, for the Liberal Democrats in 1992, UKIP in 2001 and the Silent Majority Party in 2005.

He was unmarried.

Richard Franklin, born January 15 1936, died December 25 2023

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Editors note: This is the 26th in a series of historical obituaries written today to honor the men and women of the past who were denied the honor at the time of their death because of discrimination due to their race and/or gender.

Spencer Bibbs, a professional driver or hackman, an advocate for equal educational access and one of the founders of Edwards Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, died at his home in the early morning of Dec. 18, 1922. He suffered from bronchial asthma and had been ill for two months. He was 65.

Mr. Bibbs was born in Montgomery, Alabama, between July 1857 and September 1858, to B. Bibb, a white plantation owner from Alabama, and Francis Taylor, an enslaved Black woman from Virginia. According to the family, Spencer had at least two other siblings, Henry and Virginia.

Spencer moved to Pensacola by 1878. In his early 20s, he became a co-founder of Edwards Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. As a trustee of the newly organized congregation, he was responsible for the administrative, operational and financial aspects of the church. In early church records, the elders tasked Spencer with organizing church quarterly meetings and leaders meetings. In 1883, Spencer helped negotiate the purchase of land at 13th Avenue and Scott Street. The church, built around 1892, still stands today in East Hill.

On Feb. 27, 1879, Rev. J. M. Butler of Talbot Chapel AME Zion Church officiated the marriage of Spencer to Priscilla Taylor, a fellow Alabamian living with her family in Pensacola. Spencer worked as a laborer while Priscilla kept house. They lived near the Edwards Chapel church at 12th Avenue and what is now Lakeview Avenue and welcomed their only child, Mary, in July 1885.

The year before Marys birth, tragedy struck Spencer. On the night of Sept. 1, 1884, a sick neighbor asked Spencer to fetch a doctor. On his way, Spencer stopped at the house of another neighbor, Walter Acosta, for assistance. He stumbled on Acostas porch and startled his horse. As Spencer ran to retrieve his horse, Acosta, fearing an intruder, shot him. The bullet passed through his lung before lodging near Spencers backbone. Shocked, Acosta rushed for assistance. The bullet was removed the following morning, but the damage to his lung would linger until his death.

By 1890, Spencer was working with horses as a hostler. He was a member of the Colored Hackmans Exchange, an association of hackmen (or cab drivers). Formed in 1892, the association promised patrons a good carriage, prompt service and safe and careful treatment. It prided itself on having a reputation for polite and careful drivers and the best informed cabmen in the city. Spencer was both a public hack and a private hack, taking private jobs when needed or asked.

While Spencer worked as a hackman, Priscilla had her own entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition to a grocery store attached to their home, she owned a restaurant, called The Owls, at Zarragossa and Baylen Streets. The Owlsand Priscilla would be fondly remembered decades later for their tasty menu, tasteful accommodations and flair for advertising.

Spencers stature in the community grew. In 1899, he was elected as the supervisor at School No. 44, which served African American elementary students on the citys east side. For over three decades, he fulfilled his duties to pay the rent and taxes at the school; to provide coal or wood to heat the building; to oversee repairs; and to stand up for his school at all times. As one citizen wrote to the newspaper, it was considered an important position in the school and must be filled in order to perfect the system of education as a continuous chain from the hearthstone to the highest official.

At the time, students who graduated from School No. 44 could attend higher elementary grades on the west side of town. The school board did not provide transportation. However, many students had to walk 10 miles roundtrip every day to continue their studies. At first, Spencer used his wagon to transport the children during inclement weather. Eventually, he went to the school board at the communitys request and successfully argued for the construction of a new school on the east side.

The new school was built on the corner of 6th Avenue and Jordan Street two blocks from the old school in 1919-1920. Edwards Chapel opened its doors during construction to serve as an interim schoolhouse. The first teacher at the new school was Spencers daughter, Mary Bibbs Washington. By spring 1922, the enrollment at the new school, now called Public School No. 102 was reported as three or four hundred negro boys and girls.

He acted as one of the representatives and agents for the operation of Escambia High School, the public high school built for African American students on the east side that opened in 1899 and operated for four years.

Righting the Past: Pensacola teacher Mary Higgins died unexpectedly in fire at her home

During his final decades, Spencer remained a prominent and active member of his church, serving a number of roles including chair and secretary of the board of trustees, Sunday School teacher and steward board member. Both his wife and daughter worked with him for the good of the church.

Mr. Bibbs died at their final home at 2000 North 12th Avenue with his wife by his side, in the community where he was a trusted member of his church, the business community and educational system.

In honor of his advocacy for equal access to education for African American students in the East Hill and Eastside neighborhoods, the Escambia County School Board named School No. 102 for him in 1928. His legacy is celebrated by the Bibbs, Taylor and Williams families. His memory was especially noted and passionately heralded by Dr. Marion Williams, the author of his Uncle Spencers biography, completed in 2008. May they both rest in peace knowing their lives and work were not in vain.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Spencer Bibbs, entrepreneur and church co-founder, dies
A man was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Loop 410, police said. kali9/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A man was killed Saturday night when he was hit by an SUV while crossing Loop 410 on San Antonio's North Side, police said.

Police said the man was struck by a Chevrolet Suburban in the 200 block of NW Loop 410 near North Star Mall. The incident took place about 9:45 p.m., police said.

The man, who has not been identified, was walking north across the main lanes of the highway when he was struck by the Suburban, police said.

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He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he was crossing the highway in an area no designated for pedestrians.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office is investigating a shooting that happened after a road rage incident Saturday.

A spokesperson with the sheriffs office said at about 4 p.m., deputies responded to a shots fired call at a Wawa on East Hillsborough Avenue.

Safety Harbor house destroyed in heavy fire

A man was shot in the leg and taken to Tampa General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the official. Photos by a witness showed the man holding his leg in pain next to one of the gas pumps.

At this time, there have been no arrests confirmed, but the shooting appeared to be related to a road rage incident, the sheriffs office said.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis at a campaign event in Rochester, New Hampshire. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Ron DeSantis keeps saying the US would "flatten" the Bahamas if it attacked Fort Lauderdale.

DeSantis' comments on the campaign trail were making a comparison to the Israel-Hamas war.

The US Embassy in Nassau said the US had a "strong mutual security relationship" with the Bahamas.

Ron DeSantis keeps saying it would be easy to blow up the Bahamas, prompting the US Embassy in Nassau to clarify that his comments do not reflect official policy.

DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, took a campaign trip to New Hampshire on Saturday, where he has trailed in the polls behind Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, and former President Donald Trump, WMUR , a local ABC affiliate, reported.

The Florida governor once again said during the stop that the US would "flatten" the Bahamas if anyone were to ever fire missiles from there into his state  not that there is any indication anyone would do that  Florida Politics reported.

"If someone was firing missiles from the Bahamas into, like, Fort Lauderdale, we would never accept that," DeSantis said during a speech to supporters, according to Florida Politics. "We would flatten. Anything that happened, it would be done like literally within 12 hours, it would be done."

DeSantis' office did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider on Sunday.

He has made this claim a talking point in several of his campaign stops since early November, comparing the war between Israel and Hamas to his hypothetical situation, The Miami Times reported.

On November 13, the US Embassy in Nassau told The Nassau Guardian that it "regrets" if DeSantis' comments portrayed "anything other than a close alliance" between the Bahamas and the US.

"The Bahamas and the United States enjoy an enduring and unique partnership," the embassy said in a statement.

"The USS Leyte Gulf, a US Navy cruiser currently in the Nassau Harbour, illustrates our strong mutual security relationship," the statement added. "We have been allies and friends for 50 years and are looking forward to the next 50."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rudolfo Rudy Flores  whose innovative changes to Mexican regional music catapulted the Modesto-based Los Humildes to a Grammy nomination and legions of followers on both sides of the border  died Dec. 26 while visiting relatives in Houston.

No cause of death was given for Flores, a Fresno resident who was 75 years old. News of his death spread quickly on Spanish-language social media.

The native of San Pedro de las Colonias, Coahuila, Mexico left for California at age 17 following the death of his father. The oldest of six children, Flores figured it was up to him to go north to work to help his family.

Had I been the youngest, I would have stayed home and been happy, Flores said during a 2022 appearance on the show Gigantes de la Musica (Music Giants).

Instead, he continued his interest in music and became successful with his own style of norteno music by using a piano accordion instead of the button variety, and combining the accordion with a keyboard.

I have always liked to be a little different from others, Flores told show host Chava Ponce.

Flores teamed with the Ayala brothers from Turlock to form Los Humildes in the late 1960s. The band often playing at weddings and backyard quinceaneras.

Starting in 1972, the group rocketed up the charts with songs like Ambicion (Ambition) and Amor Eterno (Eternal Love, not to be confused with the Juan Gabriel composition.

They were before their time, said Maggie Mejia, a Modesto community advocate who recalled dancing at the California Ballroom in 1968 or 1969 with her late husband before they got married.

The Mejias got married and lived in the same apartments on Paradise Road that Flores lived in.

This was a very talented group, said Mejia. They were very humble.

His music took root in Mexico

The son of Jose Flores and Celia Villareal was born in a ranch near the municipality of San Pedro de las Colonias, just east of Torreon.

His father would migrate to Central California to pick peaches and apricots for months at a time. Everytime he would leave for the U.S., Flores told another television program, my mother would be pregnant.

In elementary school, Flores was so skinny that a teacher invited him home for meals and encouraged him to study hard and do well in school.

His father would install speakers atop the family house and play the music of Los Alegres de Teran, Juan Montoya, Juan Salazar, and Los Montanes del Alamo (a group that later had a hit with Flores song Noemi.

If only my father had been alive to have heard the group play one of my songs, said Flores.

Before leaving for the U.S., Flores played in a band named Los Solteritos (The Little Singles).

In Modesto, his knack for accounting led to a desk job at a farm tallying timecards while a younger brother worked in the fields. His boss paid him to study accounting, and Flores parlayed that into a busy side job filling out tax forms for fellow Mexicans. He took up music in his free time, which included weekends.

This tribute to Rudy Flores, founder of Los Humildes, popped up on social media.

Other than his grandmother, who played the accordion but was mean, no one else in the family was musically inclined, Flores said in Ponces show. A brother became a civil engineer, a sister became a teacher, and another sister became an accountant.

Flores learned to play the accordion, bass guitar, the piano, and the drums. But his greatest contribution was writing songs that touched the heart that were immediately treasured by fans.

He wrote Ojitos de Color Azul (Blue-Colored Eyes) as a tribute to his blue-eyed wife, Martha, a sister of the Ayala brothers.

Flores also wrote Hilo de Color Azul (Blue-Colored Thread) in hopes that his wife would deliver him some sons. She always loved to knit, and was knitting a blue outfit during her first pregnancy, said Flores. She also wanted a boy.

Instead, his wife bore four daughters.

Flores estimated he wrote 200 songs, and 100 of them were recorded by him and other groups. One of his proudest moments, he said, was when BMI honored him as songwriter of the year.

Los Humildes were nominated for a Grammy in February 1978 in the Mexican American Recording category for 13 Aniversario. The Grammy went to Vikki Carr. Ranchero legend Vicente Fernandez was the other nominee.

Later that year, Los Humildes broke up.

Split led to a $1 billion lawsuit

Flores remembers meeting the Ayala brothers in the late 1960s. They followed his advice on how to play his style of music and eventually caught the eye of Art Walker, who owned a recording studio in San Jose.

The group recorded for Fama records, whose lineup included Los Tigres del Norte. Los Humildes quickly sold out shows in Houston, Chicago and elsewhere. In fact, the band members thought Flores was up to his old tricks when he revealed a promoter promised a $10,000 payday for a concert in Houston.

Los Humildes got top billings over Los Tigres del Norte.

At a time when norteno bands used the button accordion, Rudy Flores employed the piano version. The founder of Los Humildes died Dec. 26 in Houston.

The groups name is English for humble. The Ayala brothers  Jose Luis, Alfonso and Juan Manuel  have said they came up with the name, but Flores has disputed that version. He said he suggested the name during a meeting of the band and followers, but no one wanted that name.

I am going to form my group and it will be named Los Humildes, Flores recalled telling everyone, and those who want to follow me follow me, and those who dont dont.

When the band tried to get a gig in Merced, the promoter refused to book a group with that name. A few months after the groups first hit, the promoter called to book the band.

Flores said he never left Los Humildes.

I want to clear things up that I never left the group, Flores told Ponce.

In a 2020 interview with Charly Valdez, Florez said he had just completed a clinic for alcoholism and the Ayala brothers took him aside.

You know what? We are no longer happy. We dont like it, Flores was told.

Flores said everyone agreed that the group name would no longer be used. However, a few months later, Flores became aware of a band with that name playing in Los Angeles.

They told me they changed their minds, said Flores, who named his new group Rudy Flores y Sus Chavos.

Following a court fight, including a $1 billion lawsuit that Flores filed against the brothers and various recording companies, the name survived as long as it wasnt billed as the original band. That led to the creation of Los Humildes de Rudy Flores and Los Humildes de los Hermanos Ayala.

Family was important to him

Flores was proud of his four daughters, who went into accounting and medicine.

The group Liberacion posted a tribute to Flores.

Mr. Floress significant contributions to the music industry, particularly through the creation of Los Humildes, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, the band said. His passion, talent, and dedication have resonated with fans around the world, creating a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Flores, in his interview with Ponce, said he was happy that music allowed him to fulfill a promise he made to his mother.

We never had a house, and I told my mother that when I grew up and when I went to work that I would buy her a house, recalled Flores.

Her response: Boy, are you crazy?

Flores completed his promise. God gave me the license to give my mother a house. Not a big house, not a humble house, but it was my mothers house and she was happy.

Funeral services are pending.
Three people have been injured as a result of a Russian attack on the city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the afternoon of 31 December.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "The Russians continue terrorising the Nikopol district. Three people have been injured in Nikopol, specifically two men and a woman."

Details: A drugstore, an office building, two buses and two vehicles have been damaged in the attack.

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Smoke in the center of Belgorod, December 30, 2023

Twenty-two people were killed in the Russian city of Belgorod following a Ukrainian drone attack on military facilities in Russia, Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed on Telegram on Dec. 30.

According to Ukrainian intelligence sources, the deaths were caused by the poor performance of Russian air defense forces, who intercepted Ukrainian drones directly over Belgorods city center.

Read also: 5 killed, 15 injured in Dnipro during Russias largest missile and drone attack of the war

In total, 109 people were injured by the drone debris, 25 of them seriously. In addition, thirty residential buildings, 381 apartments, several private houses and cars were reportedly damaged, Gladkov stated.

Ukrainian forces struck military facilities in the Russian city of Belgorod in response to Russias mass missile and drone attack against Ukraine on Dec. 29, Ukrainian news outlet RBC-Ukraine reported on Dec. 30, citing a source in Ukraines intelligence services.

"These are joint measures that were the result of the barbaric shelling of Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, and the killing of civilians, the RBC source said.

Read also: 6 injured, one seriously, in Cherkasy Oblast as Russia continues mass missile attack through the day

According to national broadcaster Suspilne, over 70 drones were used in the attack, with explosions occurring in Moscow, Belgorod, Tula, and Tver. A group of drones also targeted Bryansks Kremniy El, a major microelectronics manufacturer for Russian military equipment, including long-range missiles and Pantsyr air defense systems.

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Russia has moved three surface missile carriers  two frigates and a corvette  to the Black Sea.

Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The threat of a missile attack is extremely high. The enemy has put three surface missile carriers on combat duty in the Black Sea: two frigates and a corvette. 24 Kalibr missiles in total are ready for launch."

Details: Kiper urged the residents of Odesa Oblast not to ignore air-raid warnings and to react quickly.

Previously: On the evening of 31 December, an air-raid warning was issued throughout Ukraine after a MiG-31K fighter capable of carrying an aeroballistic Kinzhal missile took off in Russia.

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(This Dec. 30 story has been corrected to tweak the headline into 'has sentenced' from 'has jailed')

(Reuters) - Russian courts have sentenced more than 200 Ukrainian fighters to prison terms since Moscow started its military operation in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the state RIA news agency published on Sunday.

"The courts of the Russian Federation have already sentenced more than 200 representatives of Ukrainian armed formations to long terms of imprisonment for committing atrocities," Lavrov told RIA.

Both sides accuse each other of committing numerous atrocities in the war that Russia started with a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February 2022.

The United Nations has found continued evidence of war crimes and human rights violations committed by Russian authorities, including torture, rape and the deportation of children.

In March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging Moscow's forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is a war crime.

"On our path to justice, the main result of the year is undoubtedly the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin," Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on Saturday, summing up 2023.

"A historic decision and a clear signal that no one can be above the law."

The Ukraine Prosecutor General's office has registered more than 121,000 Russian crimes of aggression and war crimes since the war started, according to its website.

The UN has also found several cases of Ukrainian authorities committing violations of human rights of people they have accused of collaborating with Russian authorities.

Lavrov told RIA that Russia's main investigative organ, the Investigative Committee, has initiated 4,000 criminal cases against about 900 Ukrainian individuals.

"They include not only members of radical nationalist associations, representatives of Ukrainian security forces and mercenaries, but also representatives of the military and political leadership of Ukraine," Lavrov said.

"Those of them who were charged in absentia have been put on the international wanted list."

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Russia launched a drone attack against downtown Kharkiv on Dec. 31, just hours after a previous attack injured 26 people and damaged civilian infrastructure, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced on Telegram.

According to Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov told reporters that at least four hits were reported in Kharkiv during the early hours of Dec. 31. Administrative buildings, including a bank and utility building, were severely damaged.

Earlier tonight, Terekhov told reporters that the second attack destroyed the city's water supply networks and damaged several buildings in the city center.

Shahed drones were spotted in Kharkiv at around 1.19 a.m. local time, just hours after the previous attack injured 26 people, including two minors.

According to the Kharkiv police, the first attack damaged 12 apartment buildings, 13 private homes, hospitals, civilian vehicles, a gas pipeline, and a kindergarten. Several shops and public spaces were also reportedly damaged.

The attack comes only a day after Russia launched a massive wave of strikes against Ukraine that killed at least 39 people and injured over 160 others.

Several hours before the first Kharkiv attack, Russian authorities claimed a Ukrainian attack on Russia's Belgorod Oblast, including the regional capital.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. Kyiv generally does not comment on reports of attacks and explosions on Russian soil.

Read also: Zelensky: Russia will be held responsible for every strike on Ukrainian cities

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Russian forces attacked seven communities along the Sumy Oblast border on Dec. 30, firing 37 times over the course of the day, the Sumy Oblast military administration reported.

The communities of Khotin, Bilopillia, Esman, Myropillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Seredyna-Buda, and Krasnopillia came under fire. More than 179 explosions were recorded.

Russia targeted the region with mortar and artillery attacks, as well as grenade launchers. The residents of Krasnopillia faced shelling from an anti-tank missile and a Russian drone dropped several mines in the community. Additionally, Bilopillia faced shelling from a kamikaze FPV drone.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure was reported.

Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. Residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day.

Read also: Zelensky: Russia will be held responsible for every strike on Ukrainian cities

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The Kharkiv Palace Hotel after it was struck by a Russian missile - SERGEY BOBOK/AFP

Russias military has deliberately hit a hotel favoured by international media in Kharkiv as revenge for a Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian city.

At least 28 people were injured in the Saturday evening barrage on the Kharkiv Palace Hotel in the centre of the city.

A British citizen and a security adviser to a group of German journalists were among the wounded, according to a statement by the office of Ukraines prosecutor general.

Russias defence ministry said Ukraines SBU military intelligence service had used the hotel as a base, although this was denied by Ukrainian officials.

A high-precision missile strike on the former Kharkiv Palace Hotel complex destroyed representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, directly involved in the planning and execution of the terrorist attack in Belgorod, it said in a statement.

Ukraines air force said Russia fired six S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles at Kharkiv. These missiles were followed by drone attacks across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, that damaged several residential buildings. On Sunday, Kyiv said it had destroyed 21 of 49 Iranian-made Shahed drones fired by Russia.

The Kharkiv Palace Hotel was popular with international journalists, but Russia claimed it was being used by Ukraine's military intelligence - Yan Dobronosov/REUTERS

On the eve of the new year, Russians want to intimidate our city, but we are not scared, said Ihor Terekhov, Kharkivs mayor.

Photographs from the attack showed the 5-star Kharkiv Palace Hotel virtually destroyed. All its windows had been blown out and a gaping hole was left in part of the building.

Alica Jung, a reporter with German broadcaster ZDF, was in her fifth-floor bedroom in the hotel when it was hit by the missile. She said there was a loud thud and when she opened her door she was nearly overwhelmed by acrid black smoke.

I dont know if my colleagues are still alive or what part of this building is still standing, she said on Sunday. I ran down the stairs over shards and debris into the underground parking garage that serves as a bunker for the hotel.

Ms Jung said that out of the 15 occupied bedrooms in the hotel, journalists were staying in 10 of them and that her translator was also injured in the attack.

The wrecked lobby of the Kharkiv Palace Hotel following the missile attack - KHARKIV REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION

Kharkiv lies 50 miles south of Belgorod where 24 people were killed and 108 injured on Saturday lunchtime in what Russian officials said was a Ukrainian missile attack.

The deaths in Belgorod were the largest number of Russian civilians killed in a single incident since the start of the war, and several regions in Russia cancelled New Years Eve celebrations following the attack.

The past week has been one of the deadliest away from the front lines. The largest Russian missile attack of the war on Ukrainian cities on Wednesday killed 40 people.

But in his traditional New Years Eve address to Russians, Vladimir Putin avoided referencing the war and instead focused on promoting traditional Russian family values.

In the outgoing year, we worked hard and accomplished a lot, were proud of our common achievements, rejoiced at the successes and were firm, defending national interests, our freedom and security and our values, he said.

The speech was filmed on the walls of the Kremlin and contrasted with his address last year when his forces were retreating across Ukraine, which he gave surrounded by soldiers.

Analysts said that Putin now feels buoyed by his militarys resistance against Ukraines Nato-backed forces and wants to project an aura of stability ahead of a presidential election in mid-March.

A view of the damage in an apartment building in Kharkiv after a missile strike on Dec 30 - ANADOLU

But although protests are banned in Russia and most people back Putin, careful small anti-Kremlin demonstrations continue.

On the Telegram social messaging channel, a group of people in Khabarovsk in the far east of Russia called for peace, including a man wearing a T-shirt with the portrait of a murdered Putin opponent.

Separately, a group of women called The Way Home plastered posters around cities demanding that their mobilised husbands and sons be allowed to return from the front line.

And Yekaterina Duntsova, a former journalist barred from standing on an anti-war platform in the presidential election, also released a message in which she hoped 2024 would be a better year.

New year is when we live in peace with ourselves and with our neighbours, she said.

In Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelensky used his New Years Eve address to both praise Ukraines soldiers and also to prod his Western backers to send more arms so that next year our country will have as many capabilities as possible to fight the Russian evil.

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Above-average high temperatures are forecast for Sunday across South Texas, with readings in the 70s at many locations. Pivotal

In a fitting end to 2023, the hottest year on record in San Antonio, we will mark the last day of the year with temperatures that are warmer than normal and will rise into the low 70s.

Sundays forecast calls for a gorgeous day in San Antonio, with a high temperature of 72 and balmy southerly breezes in the afternoon. Skies should be perfect for viewing fireworks: clear all night with light winds and temperatures sinking into the mid-50s around midnight.

Ringing in the new year

After a quiet New Years Eve, the new year will usher in a strong cold front with blustery north winds right after midnight. Temperatures will drop a little more, and we could wake up to Monday morning lows in the upper 30s and low 40s. Afternoon highs on New Years Day will stay near 60 degrees.

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ALLERGY ALERT: Cedar pollen could spike in San Antonio next week with cold front

The front will come in dry, but we will not have to wait long for our next rain chance.

A system of low atmospheric pressure coming out of the Pacific Ocean will move into Texas on Tuesday with a solid 40% to 60% chance of rain for the San Antonio metro area. Temperatures likely will be chilly, with afternoon highs in the 50s.

The middle of the week will be dry and seasonable, but our next rainmaker again will push in from the Pacific on Friday. The second storm system looks promising for the drought-ridden Alamo City, with potentially up to an inch of rain or more.

Forecast models suggest that weather radar may look like this on Friday afternoon. A storm system next Friday looks to bring a good amount of rain to South and Central Texas. Pivotal

Weather in review

The month of December overall was warmer than normal, with half the days reaching 70 degrees or higher. We had only a handful of days where afternoon temperatures stayed in the 50s. It was also especially dry, with only a little over an inch of rain recorded at San Antonio International Airport, the citys official climate observation site.

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When we look back on the year, we had several notable weather events that the National Weather Service has been showcasing recently on its social media pages. Here are a few of the top events:

Spring rains : According to the weather service, many areas in the Coastal Plains received more than 20 inches of rainfall from March to May, and that led to drought relief over much of South and Central Texas. April was San Antonio's wettest month this year, with 4.75 inches of rainfall, or about 2.3 inches more than the climate average.

: According to the weather service, many areas in the Coastal Plains received more than 20 inches of rainfall from March to May, and that led to drought relief over much of South and Central Texas. April was San Antonio's wettest month this year, with 4.75 inches of rainfall, or about 2.3 inches more than the climate average. Extreme summer heat: A record-breaking 75 days of triple-digit temperatures were recorded in San Antonio this year, beating the old record of 58 in 2009. The weather service office that provides forecasts for San Antonio said that this summer was the hottest on record for 31 of 33 counties in its forecast zone, which also includes cities such as Austin, Fredericksburg and Del Rio.

San Antonio tornado: During the morning commute Oct. 26, an EF0 tornado moved through the San Antonio metro area. It cut a 5-mile track through eastern portions of the city, including Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, with estimated peak winds near 80 mph, according to the weather service.
Nineteen bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a warehouse in Kyivs Shevchenkivskyi district as of the morning of Dec. 31, making it the highest civilian death toll in a single attack on the capital since the start of the Russian invasion, the head of the city's military administration, Serhiy Popko, reported on Telegram on Dec. 31.

The combined drone and missile attack caused damage to a residential building and started a fire on the territory of a garage cooperative, a business center, and warehouses.

Another warehouse, in Kyivs Podil district, also caught fire as a result of the mass attack, spreading a blaze over an area of approximately 3,000 square meters.

Read also:

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning on Jan. 1.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack against Ukraine overnight on Dec. 29. Explosions rang out in many larger cities, such as Kyiv and Dnipro, and smaller ones, such as Konotop.

Thirty-nine people were killed and 159 others were wounded in the massive Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine on Dec. 29, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Dec. 30.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said that air defense forces shot down 87 cruise missiles and 27 Shahed drones.

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Gennady Shiryaev (centre) was ambushed by a gunman who fired two shots at his BMW

A Russian egg magnate has survived an assassination attempt two days after the authorities started investigating him for alleged price fixing.

The attack on Gennady Shiryaev has fed into growing hysteria in Russia at the rising price of eggs, which have become so expensive that they are now being gifted as Christmas presents, and forced the Kremlin to promise to bring down prices.

Mr Shiryaev was driving his 4x4 BMW near his egg factory on Dec 27 in the central Russian region of Voronezh when he was ambushed by a gunman who fired two shots. Both shots missed Mr Shiryaev.

Police have not yet given a motive for the attack although the Mash Telegram news channel said that he was attacked by locals who were dissatisfied with the increase in prices of his products.

Mr Shiryaev owns the Tretyakovskaya poultry farm. Two days before his attempted murder, the authorities opened a case against him and two other egg producers for increasing the price of eggs.

Eggs in Russia have risen by more than 50 per cent in price over the past three months, angering ordinary Russians who regard them as a staple food product.

Unnerved Kremlin

The price rises have also unnerved the Kremlin less than three months before a presidential election that Vladimir Putin wants to use as a public display of support for his war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has been forced to issue statements denying egg shortages and put into action its emergency plans to buy tonnes of eggs from abroad and waive import taxes to suppress prices. It has also ordered its FSB security services to arrest anybody suspected of hoarding eggs.

Analysts have said that high energy prices and Western sanctions have made rearing hens and producing eggs expensive in Russia.

Dozens of videos of people queuing at dawn to buy cheap eggs from vans have been uploaded onto social media and in the Vologda region, a deputy in the regional parliament for the ruling United Russia party photographed himself giving cartons of eggs to his staff as presents for the traditional Orthodox New Year festivities.

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Aftermath of a Russian attack on Borova. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Police on Facebook

Two people have died as a result of a Russian attack in the village of Borova, Kharkiv Oblast  the bodies of a 55-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man were removed from under the rubble of a house.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Police on Facebook; Kharkiv Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko

Quote from Tymoshko: "In Borova, two civilians have been killed as a result of shelling  a 55-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man. Their bodies were retrieved from under the rubble of private houses that were razed to the ground."

Details: Tymoshko added that there were two waves of attacks on Kharkiv.

Quote: "First with missiles [it was established that two Iskander M missiles flew into the city centre, while three S-300 missiles targeted the Industrialnyi District - ed.], then with Shahed UAVs. 28 people were injured, including two children. All civilians.

Fires broke out in houses. Residential apartment buildings, shops, a hotel, a cafe, office premises and cars were damaged. All specialised services promptly arrived at the places of hits of Russian missiles and UAVs."

Details: As a result of attacks, windows were broken in more than 50 buildings. Tymoshko said the police have taken them under guard.

During the past day, Kupiansk, Derhachi and Vovchansk territorial hromadas came under fire from the Russians [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories - ed.]. Tymoshko added that the Russians had targeted peaceful settlements with artillery and mortars, and had used aircraft.

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One of Ukraine's frontline thermal power plants (TES) was shut down following Russian shelling on the night of Dec. 29, DTEK, Ukraines largest commercial energy company, reported on Telegram on Dec. 30.

No casualties were reported. The company's equipment was heavily damaged in the attack.

Read also: Blackouts in at least 5 oblasts following Russias largest missile and drone attack of the war

DTEK did not specify where the attack took place, but said that the TES had been targeted by Russian forces at least 20 times in the past two months.

Another power plant in Donetsk Oblast suffered damage after Russian shelling on Dec. 29. Emergency short-term repairs were done on Block 1 and the plant's main structure, according to the Energy Ministry.

Read also: Death toll in deadly Russian attack on Ukraine rises to 39, with 159 injured

At least five Ukrainian oblasts, including Kyiv and Lviv oblasts, have seen blackouts following the Dec. 29 attack  the largest since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Read also: Kyiv's Lukianivska metro station damaged in Russias largest missile attack of the war

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The number of wounded in the Russian missile attack on Kharkiv in the evening of Dec. 30 has risen to 28 people, including two children and a foreign citizen, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

Twelve of the wounded are still hospitalized, but no deaths have been so far reported, according to the governor. The attack occurred between 7:00 to 7:20 p.m. local time, and law enforcement had found debris of Iskander missile at the site, he added.

The kids, hospitalized, are aged 14 and 16, Syniehubov said. Reuters cited Ukrainian officials as saying that a security advisor of a German media was injured. The Kharkiv Palace hotel, often used by foreign journalists and aid workers, was heavily damaged in the attack.

Residential buildings, a hotel, and premises of health care institutions  including a regional clinical hospital, regional dental polyclinic, and two city hospitals  were damaged, according to the governor.

Russia later launched its second attack against Kharkiv hours later. No casualties were reported in the second attack, but a bank, a research institute, residential buildings, administrative buildings, and cafes had suffered damages, Syniehubov reported.

The wounded in the hospital are in light to medium conditions, according to the governor.

The missile strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, comes a day after Russia launched its largest drone and missile strike across the country, killing over 40 people.

Located roughly 40 kilometers from the Russian border, Kharkiv particularly vulnerable to Russian missiles, being in range of the S-300 system as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.

Read also: Exploring Ukraines most important battles of 2023

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The Russian occupiers continue to attack along the entire contact line, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelling most of the hostile attacks on Avdiivka, Kherson and Bakhmut fronts.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 31 December

Details: Over the course of the past day, 54 combat clashes took place. In total, the Russians carried out nine missile strikes, 55 airstrikes and 79 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled eight Russian attacks near Synkivka, Kharkiv Oblast, where the Russians unsuccessfully tried to break through the defences of Ukrainian troops.

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled two Russian attacks near Makiivka (Luhansk Oblast).

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled nine attacks by the Russians near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast).

In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders continue to restrain the Russian forces, who keep trying to encircle Avdiivka. Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the line, inflicting significant losses on the Russians. Ukrainian defenders repelled five Russian attacks near Stepove, Avdiivka, and 13 more near Pervomaiske and Nevelske (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Marinka front, Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to hold back the Russians near Krasnohorivka, Marinka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast), repelling eight attacks in the area.

On the Shakhtarsk front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two Russian attacks near Pryiutne (Zaporizhzhia Oblast).

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled four attacks by the Russian forces west of Verbove and east of Kopani (Zaporizhzhia Oblast).

In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian soldiers continue to take measures to expand their bridgehead. Despite significant losses, the Russians did not abandon their attempts to drive Ukrainian units from their positions. During the past day, the Russian forces made 13 unsuccessful assault actions targeting the positions of Ukraine's Defence Forces.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are continuing to actively inflict losses on the Russian forces in manpower and equipment, exhausting them along the entire contact line.

During the past 24 hours, Ukraine's Air Force struck 11 clusters of personnel, weapons and military equipment, as well as three anti-aircraft missile systems.

Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery units hit three anti-aircraft missile systems, one cluster of personnel, weapons and military equipment, seven artillery pieces and three electronic warfare systems.

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The Russians hit the building of the Kharkiv Palace hotel and a residential building with Iskander-M missiles during a massive attack on Kharkiv on Saturday, 30 December.

Source: Kharkiv National Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko, quoted by Suspilne

Details: Tymoshko said that investigators had established that Russians had hit the Kharkiv Palace hotel and a residential building in the centre of Kharkiv on the evening of 30 December with Iskander-M missiles.

According to Tymoshko, it is known that 34 rooms were settled in the hotel, but the number of guests staying at the time of the attack has not yet been established.

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John Kelley, Minister Counsellor at the US mission to the UN, has said that Russians should know what price they are actually paying for the war in Ukraine.

Source: Kelley during a meeting of the UN Security Council, quoted by Ukrinform

Quote: "...Ordinary Russian civilians are also bearing the brunt of the Kremlins brutal war. Just as we discuss issues openly and plainly in this Chamber, Putin should be honest with his own people about the true and mounting cost of his war."

Details: Kelley stressed that the cost of war for the Russians is not only the hundreds of thousands of lives lost on the battlefield, the families torn apart, and the many people forced to flee abroad from Putins regime.

"[Its] also the bleaker economic future for those who remain," the diplomat said.

"It is his [Putins - ed.] war of choice and one that seeks to seize the sovereign territory of another UN Member State and subjugate the people of Ukraine to his will," Kelley said.

Previously: The United States accused Russia of deliberately distracting the UN Security Council with the topic of Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, which took place a decade ago, while Moscow was preparing its largest-ever air attack on Ukrainian cities.

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On the second-last night of the year, Ukrainian defenders shot down 21 of the 49 attack drones launched by Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine.

Source: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram; Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, during the national joint 24/7 newscast; Defence Forces of Ukraine's South

Quote: "On the night of 30-31 December 2023, the Russian invaders attacked with Shahed-type attack UAVs from three directions: Cape Chauda (Crimea), and Russias Primorsko-Akhtarsky district and Kursk Oblast.

In total, 49 enemy Shahed-136/131 drones were recorded. The enemy also struck the city of Kharkiv with six S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles.

The enemy directed most of the attack drones along the front line of defence and on civilian, military and infrastructure facilities in frontline territories, particularly Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Units of mobile fire groups from the Defence Forces and fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft missile units of the Air Force destroyed 21 enemy Shahed drones in various regions of Ukraine."

Details: Yurii Ihnat explained that most of the kamikaze drones had targeted the frontline area that night, not Ukraine's interior. This is a "change in attack strategy", as it is rather difficult to destroy Shaheds at close range, he explained.

"That's why 21 downed Shaheds is also a good result since those drones that came from three directions and managed to reach central (Ukraine) were destroyed," Ihnat said.

He added that Russia has launched about 3,800 kamikaze UAVs into Ukraine since September 2022, with the Ukrainian Defence Forces shooting down about 3,000 during the full-scale war.

Defence Forces in Ukraine's South reported that the UAV attack lasted for 7 hours, with 1 Shahed destroyed over Mykolaiv Oblast and 6 in Odesa Oblast. Their wreckage crashed in the coastal zone of Odesa Oblast, whereas private homes were damaged by drone strikes in Kherson Oblast.

Ihnat also added that the Russians had fired six S-300 missiles on Kharkiv on Saturday night [30-31 December], hitting a hotel and other civilian targets.

He mentioned that Kh-59 missiles had been destroyed in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast earlier.

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The movement of Russian attack drones from Ukraine's eastern oblast has been registered on 31 December.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: At 15:39, the Air Force reported an attack drones threat in Donetsk Oblast.

At 15:42, the same message was published concerning Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

As of 15:55, the Shaheds that had been spotted in the eastern part of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and the south of Kharkiv Oblast were heading north.

At 16:38, Shaheds were moving from Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts in the direction of Poltava Oblast.

At 16:44, a few new groups of Shaheds were moving from Zaporizhzhia in the direction of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

At 17:13, Shaheds in Poltava and Kharkiv Oblast were moving in the direction of Poltava and Okhtyrka in Sumy Oblast; more UAVs were moving from Ukraine's southeast in the direction of the city of Dnipro. Additionally, Shaheds in the east of Mykolaiv Oblast were moving in the northwestern direction.

At 17:38, Shaheds in Poltava Oblast were moving in the direction of Myrhorod. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, strike drones were on their way in the northwestern direction. In Mykolaiv Oblast, they flew in the direction of Kropyvnytskyi.

The Air Force added that the direction of movement was constantly changing.

At 18:00, the Shahed attack is ongoing! The attack drones threat is [observed] in the oblasts where the air-raid warning was issued!

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Crime and public safety were on the top of the minds of many Houstonians in 2023. In the Houston area, theres no shortage of shocking and weird crimes.

But some stories rise in the public consciousness to an even greater degree, captivating not only the city, but the nation.

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Heres a look back at some of the top crime stories from 2023.

A mass shooting in Cleveland

Francisco Oropeza, center, is escorted to the San Jacinto County courthouse by San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers, right, for a hearing Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Cold Spring, Texas. Oropeza is suspected of killing five people, including a 9-year-old boy, after neighbors asked him to stop firing off rounds in his yard. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) David J. Phillip/Associated Press

On April 28, five people, all members of the same family, were shot and killed at their home in the San Jacinto County city of Cleveland.

The shooting sparked a four-day manhunt north of Houston for Francisco Oropeza, the familys neighbor, who was alleged to have shot them after they complained about the noise he was making firing a gun threatened to disturb their sleeping baby.

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Oropeza is accused of using a rifle to kill three adult women, an 18-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy.

Authorities spent four days searching for Oropeza, at times speculating he may have ran to his native Mexico, before locating him hiding in a home in Cut and Shoot, a small city 17 miles west of Cleveland.

After his arrest, Oropezas lawyers said he had previous disputes with his neighbors, in which their dogs killed his chickens and sheep.

Oropeza was being held on $7.5 million bond in San Jacinto County. No trial date has been set.

A destructive manhunt

Neighbors look across the street to a home in the 11500 block of Silhouette Ridge in northeast Harris County that was torn apart last night after law enforcement ripped away an exterior wall of the house to create an opening, in order to get to Terran Green, 34, who barricaded himself in the home on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Harris County Sheriffs Office deputy Joseph Anderson was shot multiple times during an Aug. 16 traffic stop in northeast Harris County.

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Anderson survived the shooting after being rushed into emergency. The shooting sparked a widespread manhunt for Terran Green, 34, the man accused of shooting at Anderson.

The night after the shooting, Green was tracked to a home on Silhouette Ridge in Humble, where he allegedly opened fire on another group of officers who were hunting for him.

The standoff that followed was a spectacle, as police used heavy machinery to rip apart the two-story home Green was hiding in. Eventually, a shirtless Green gave up, and came out of the home by straddling the arm of the construction equipment that police used to roust him.

Green was charged with four counts of attempted capital murder. Hes still in custody at the Harris County Jail. No trial date has been set.

Drug smuggling in the jail

Ronald Lewis, 77, can be seen in undated surveillance footage at the Harris County Jail while visiting inmates. Photo composite courtesy of Harris County Sheriffs Office

In November, the Harris County Sheriffs Office announced a pair of arrests as part of an investigation into how drugs were being smuggled into Houstons downtown jail.

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Both arrests involved people who are usually on the other side of the justice system.

On Nov. 18, Ronald Lewis, 77, a Houston-based defense attorney, was arrested and charged with knowingly taking a controlled substance into the jail. Lewis is alleged to have delivered papers laced with synthetic cannabis to several inmates.

On Nov, 29, jail guard Robert Robertson, 24, was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. He was accused of conspiring with two other people, including a jail inmate, of smuggling prohibited substances into the jail.

Robertson was a six year employee of the sheriffs office. He was relieved of duty after his arrest.

The investigations into Lewis and Robertson were part of a broader investigation into drug smuggling at the jail. The sheriffs office have blamed at least two deaths at the jail this year on drug overdoses.

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An internet celebrity accused of abuse

Hayim Cohen, in orange, is wheeled into the courtroom by bailiffs for his arraignment in the 182nd District courtroom in the Criminal Courthouse Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor

The February arrest of Hayim Cohen, 38, of Houston, was precipitated by a podcast in which one of his nine adoptive children accused him of sex abuse.

Before this arrest, Cohen had developed a following on TikTok by blogging about raising his family as Orthodox Jews. But after the claims were made by one of his sons, authorities charged him with abusing seven of the children.

At the time of his arrest, Cohen, whose birth name is Jeffrey Lugan Vejil, had already been facing charges of indecency with a child related to contact with a foreign exchange student in 2019.

Prosecutors said that Cohens social media posts masked years of abuse. He was alleged to have locked his children in a room for most of the day, and sometimes force them to perform sex acts. One of the children said Cohen would pepper spray him, according to prosecutors.

Cohen has remained in custody at the Harris County Jail since his arrest. No trial date has been set.

A man run down in Montrose

Lynn McMullin holds a portrait of her late son, Joe McMullin, surrounded by her husband and father to Joe, Christopher McMullin, and her son and daughter in-law Matthew and Anna McMullin on Monday, April 24, 2023, in Houston. Joe McMullin was killed this past Thursday, April 20, 2023, by a speeding driver while on a first date at the Voodoo Doughnut in Montrose. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Joe McMullin, 33, died on April 19 when he was run down by an alleged drunk driver while he was walking with a date on a Montrose sidewalk.

Police identified Kristina Chambers as the driver of the Porsche that hit McMullin. Chambers was charged with intoxicated manslaughter and accused of speeding and driving with her blood alcohol level was four times the legal limit.

Chambers lives in Montrose and had been at a bar with friends before the crash, police said. Her attorneys disputed the drunk driving allegations and blamed the crash on poor road conditions.

No trial date has been set.

Rudy Farias' reappearance

A missing persons flier is displayed on a computer screen as Houston Police Chief Troy Finner gives an update on the Farias case during a press conference at HPD headquarters on Thursday, July 6, 2023, in Houston. Farias was 17 when he took his dogs for a walk on March 6, 2015, and never returned, according to his family. Rudy Farias' mother insisted he was missing for eight years even though he came home soon after a report was filed, said Lt. Christopher Zamora of the Houston Police Department's Missing Persons Unit. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

One of the most captivating stories of the year featured many claims about crimes being committed, but, to date, hasnt resulted in a single charge.

In June, authorities announced a seemingly amazing development in an old missing persons case: Rudy Farias, who had been reported missing in 2015, had been found safe and alive.

The story of a joyous reunion quickly turned sour and confusing. Farias, now 23 years old, revealed he had never been missing and instead been hidden inside his mothers house for years.

Farias would go on to say he believed his mother, Janie Santana, brainwashed him after the deaths of his father and older brother.

Police said that Santana potentially faced charges of filing a false report over Farias 2015 disappearance, but no charges have come, according to court record.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  The Sabres ended their three-goalie rotation by waiving Eric Comrie, a person with direct knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the move.

Buffalo eases its roster logjam by waiving Comrie. The move frees up a valuable roster spot with forward Zemgus Girgensons ready to return from injured reserve after missing the past 17 games.

The Sabres play at Ottawa on Sunday night, coming off a 3-2 victory in overtime against the Blue Jackets.

Sabres coach Don Granato out with illness, Seth Appert called up from Rochester

Sabres goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and 22-year-old rookie Devon Levi have moved ahead of Comrie on the depth chart, splitting starts over the past 10 games.

Comrie has an .863 save percentage and 4.01 goals-against average in seven appearances. The Sabres have lost the past six games Comrie has started. He has especially struggled since returning from a lower-body injury in mid-November, with a league-worst .827 save percentage and 5.17 goals-against average in four losses.

In his first season with the Sabres, Comrie had a 9-9-1 record with an .886 save percentage and 3.67 goals-against average. He signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with Buffalo after a career season in 2021-22, when he went 10-5-1 with a .920 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against average for Winnipeg.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
A 50-year-old Sacramento man was arrested early Saturday and taken to Sacramento County Main Jail after the apparently accidental shooting of his wife, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said they responded to a frantic 911 call about 1:40 a.m. from a man who, according to a Sheriffs Office media release, said that he accidentally shot his wife in the shoulder.

The woman was reported conscious and alert in the main bedroom and was taken to a hospital. There were no witnesses located in the house, the release stated.

Deputies on the scene took independent statements from the couple. The man was taken to jail on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm

According to sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi, both individuals reported they heard a noise in the middle of the night. When the man went to investigate the noise, the report said, he got his gun and it accidentally discharged.

The couple remained adamant that the incident was a complete accident.

Crime scene investigators responded and gathered evidence. Deputies did not find signs of a struggle or other factors indicating that domestic violence was involved.

The man is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
(FOX40.COM)  A man was arrested after he claimed to shoot his wife on accident during an investigation of a noise in the middle of the night.

Around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, Sacramento County Sheriffs Office officials said they received a frantic 911 call from a man who said he accidentally shot his wife. Upon arrival to their home on Mira Del Rio Drive, deputies detained the husband.

1 arrested in connection of stabbing family member, police say

Deputies said they entered the residence and found his wife in the master bedroom with a gunshot wound in her shoulder. The victim was reportedly conscious and alert. She was transported to the hospital.

Officials said there were no witnesses located in the residence. Both the husband and wife independently told deputies they heard a noise in the middle of the night. When the husband got his gun, he accidentally discharged it when he was getting up to investigate. Both were adamant with deputies that the incident was a complete accident.

These are the most-viewed stories on FOX40 in 2023

Sheriffs deputies reported that they did not find any signs of a struggle or any other factors indicating that any domestic violence was involved.

The husband was arrested and transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he was booked for an alleged negligent Discharge of a firearm, a felony charge. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 3, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Migrants crossing the Sahara desert into Libya ride on the back of a pickup truck outside Agadez, Niger, May 2016

The recent lifting of Niger's ban on people smuggling has been welcomed by many in Agadez, a city on the edge of the Sahara - a once busy transit point for migrants heading towards North Africa and on to Europe.

"The law was repealed on a Friday, by Sunday, I saw 4x4 cars in Agadez getting ready to resume their trips," Chehou Azizou told the BBC. He is the founder of Alarme Phone Sahara, an organisation that helps bring migrants stranded in the desert back to safety.

The law was introduced in 2015 - with the backing of the European Union - during a period of high levels of migration to Europe.

At the time, the UN estimated at least 4,000 migrants travelled through Agadez every week without travel documents.

But people in the city have always felt unfairly targeted by it - while migrants may have trekked all the way through Niger to reach Agadez, it was only its residents who seemed to be prosecuted.

"This law always made us uncomfortable. When a migrant arrived in Agadez, as a local I couldn't welcome them or take them in; if I drove them by bus to take them somewhere else I could be prosecuted," local councillor Mohamed Agali Zodi told the BBC.

"People who cooked food for migrants were punished, bus drivers both within and outside the city were punished, people lodging migrants were punished.

"People in Agadez were very happy when the law was repealed."

One of the law's stated purposes was to ensure the safety of migrants and reduce the number of deaths in the desert. But locals in Agadez and migration specialists say it had unintended consequences.

"When the EU and the former government said the law was for the protection of migrants it made us laugh bitterly," Mr Azizou said.

"Because by imposing rigorous controls on migration routes, migrants had to avoid the authorities and that led to many deaths and disappearances in the desert. Thousands of people have lost their lives because of this law."

This anti-trafficking poster was pictured in Agadez last January

Berlin-based migration researcher and policy analyst Alia Fakhry agrees.

"Smugglers and migrants were taking secondary, longer and riskier itineraries through the desert to cross borders and avoid police patrols," she told the BBC.

Niger is going through a period of intense change. Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown as president by his own military guards in July.

The junta that took over accused him of putting the interests of foreign powers, including France and the EU, ahead of Niger's own. Since the coup, it has kicked out French troops and imposed policies it says are intended to restore the country's sovereignty.

But the EU says the repeal of the anti-trafficking law in November could cause more deaths in the desert as it believes more people will opt to make the dangerous journey north.

Ms Fakhry says it is too early to assess what the impact will be. Before the introduction of the law in 2015, the military and traffickers used to work closely together.

"We could say that migrant smuggling up until 2015 was state-sanctioned. Or at least it was partly controlled by military actors and generated revenues for these people. So there is a possibility that the junta now wants to return to this pre-2015 situation."

If they open up central corridors for migrant smugglers to bring people across borders and provide military escorts it could make part of the journey safer, Ms Fakhry says.

But it would be hard to ascribe the lifting of the ban with any possible migrant influx as multiple factors come into play.

"First of all, what's the situation in their country of origin? Is there conflict? What is the economic situation, the political situation, the level of individual freedom? Do they feel like they have opportunities for themselves and their families? The answers to these questions play a great role in the decision to migrate," the researcher says.

Also the migrants transiting through Niger do not necessarily go to Europe, with many choosing to settle in North African countries, she says.

"The fact that the law has now been revoked by the junta in Niger will not necessarily have a direct link on the decision-making process that migrants go through."

Alagie Sanneh from The Gambia says no matter what the law is, the trip across the desert is dangerous - but that will not stop him

Alagie Sanneh, a Gambian national in Agadez, is undecided on what he thinks about the lifting of the law.

The 29-year-old already knows the horrors of the desert trip having made the journey once already in 2014 - before the smuggling ban had been imposed.

He is back in Agadez as after eventually crossing the Mediterranean and then making it to Austria, he was deported back to The Gambia.

"I know the roads of the desert, I walked for four to six days in the desert on my way to Libya. It's very dangerous because some of the drivers carrying migrants drive fast. They don't care about people's lives. Some of the cars get into accidents, killing everyone in them.

"In this desert you can lose your life anytime."

He is now in the city hoping to raise the estimated $600 (470) he needs to make the trip to Tunisia.

Whether the law is in place or not, those like Mr Sanneh say they will continue to seek a better life.

"I want to get married one day and to have children. And I will make sure my children are proud of me, of what I've done for them. That's why I left my country. Even though I was deported, I couldn't stay there."

He explains that he has no formal education and worked as a driver.

"Back home I spent two to three months, even a whole year, without work.

"It's not easy, that's why I'm trying to get to Europe. It's painful. I don't want my children to suffer like I did. I want to make my children's life better."

You may also be interested in:
Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) celebrates after his goal with teammate Brent Burns (8) during an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO (AP)  Sebastian Aho had one goal and two assists in leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

Michael Bunting and Seth Jarvis also scored for Carolina. The victory extended the Hurricanes winning streak to three games. Pyotr Kochetkov made 25 saves.

Our goalie ... was great Hurricanes coach Rod BrindAmour said. I hate that the last one counted because it was such a great save.

But he was the difference. Kept us in there, made some big saves and obviously we were able to capitalize on the power play early.

Timothy Liljegren and Nicholas Robertson scored for Toronto, which got 25 stops from Martin Jones.

The Leafs have dropped three straight and five of their last six.

Yeah  even strength, our game has really improved (from) the start of the week, Toronto captain John Tavares said. We played against Ottawa, ended up letting the game get away from us, (then) giving up as much as we did yesterday."

Carolina went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Toronto went 0-for-3.

Team played hard, team played well. Obviously special teams are the difference in the game, Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said. We knew that was going to be a major challenge coming in.

In the last month or so, both on power play and penalty kill, thats been the top team in the league and its carried them through a lot. So 5-on-5, I liked our game a lot; defensively did not give up very much at all  but obviously, we didnt score, couldnt score enough.

Bunting opened the scoring just 2:24 into the contest on the power play. Aho found him open in the slot from behind the goal and he beat Jones five-hole.

The Leafs continued to struggle finding the back of the net in the second period. Matthew Knies got a takeaway in Carolinas zone and went in on net but couldnt get a shot off trying to shield the puck from a defender.

Jarvis doubled the lead on another power play at 13:52 of the second period.

Liljegren put Toronto on the board 4:16 into the third period. Max Domi drove down the left side and found Liljegren trailing and he wired it past Kochetkov.

Aho intercepted a pass in his own zone and dashed down the ice to score an empty-netter with 54.7 seconds left.

Robertson scored with 10 seconds left to bring the Leafs to within one. The play was reviewed and overturned to a goal due to Kochetkovs glove going past the goal line.

UP NEXT

Hurricanes: At the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.

Maple Leafs: At the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
An action-reminder Second New Year in Captivity. Speak Up. Captivity kills! was held in the city of Kyiv in support of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Source: Ukrinform news agency

   31 ,   

Action in support of defenders of Mariupol, held in Kyiv on 31 December

all photos: Ukrinform

Details: An action in the form of a human corridor with posters in hands was held in the Ukrainian capital near the Gulliver shopping mall.

The organisers of the event are the families of captured soldiers of the Mariupol garrison who assembled in order to remind the public about those who are still in Russian captivity and to once again stress the necessity of bringing them home.

Several dozens of people participated in the action. They held the posters with "Free Azov", "Azov saved Ukraine, who will save Azov?", "Everyone is captivated by the holidays now but some are in captivity during holidays", "I dont want holidays, I want a PoW swap", etc. written on them.

The participants have also brought the flags of Ukraine, the city of Mariupol and the Azov regiment to the action.

Background:

The Ukrainian soldiers held the defence of the city of Mariupol for over 80 days. On 16 May 2022, the evacuation of the defenders of the city from the encircled Azovstal plant began.

After the evacuation, the defenders are now waiting for the PoW swap as it was agreed. So far, only some of the soldiers were swapped.

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Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in candid remarks about his struggles with depression that he feared seeking treatment would be the end of his political career.

In an exclusive interview with NBC News Meet the Press, the first term senator, who was discharged in March from inpatient treatment for clinical depression, recalled a very dark moment in December 2022 when he was unable to get out of bed while dreading his Senate swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 3.

People hear all their lives about I cant get out of bed, and you really cant understand what that really means. You cant get out of bed until it happens to you. And it did, he told moderator Kristen Welker.

And I was scaring my children, and they were confused, he added. And, of course, my wife was concerned, and I think she understands better than the kids did.

Asked how he was feeling compared to a year ago, before he sought treatment for depression, Fetterman said that things are so much different now.

The line [is] Im living my best life, and I really am, because I just am so grateful, he said. And Im always talking about mental health, because I want everybody that can hear that is that help works, and you should get help. And please, dont suffer any longer, because you deserve to be better. And Im so grateful to do that, and Im paying it forward by talking about it.

Fetterman was discharged March 31 from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, where he had been receiving treatment for clinical depression. He checked himself in for treatment on Feb. 15, with staff members citing a mental health battle that they said intensified during his recovery from a stroke he suffered on the campaign trail in May 2022.

On "Meet the Press," Fetterman recalled being under a lot of pressure and stress at the start of 2021, when he launched his Senate campaign. He described his experience with depression as kind of like a slow burn, how it kept going along, along, along.

And then, after the stroke hit, then I was on the other side, and it was a different kind of a challenge, because I knew that everything and anything is going to be weaponized by the other side, he said.

Fetterman, who is often seen using an instant transcription app on his phone while speaking to reporters, said having a basic, simple conversation or participating in events such as interviews after the stroke became more challenging, causing his depression to continue to grow and deepen.

After he won the Senate race in 2022, he said, his depression accelerated and got worse.

And I really scared my kids, and they thought: You won, Dad. Why arent we enough? Why are you still so sad? Why are you even more sad? And it was hard to explain why I was. And, of course, a 9-year-old child wouldnt understand that, he said. And it was awful, and thats when it continued to get more and more intense.

Fetterman said he knew he needed to seek treatment when he began having thoughts of harming himself.

Asked how worried he was at the time about sharing what he was experiencing, Fetterman said he assumed that going public with the inpatient treatment would be the end of my career.

Fetterman said he was walled off during his time at Walter Reed, including having no access to TV or the internet or contact with his family. But he said he experienced a watershed moment when his children visited him for the first time.

I was overwhelmed that they embraced me and they were so happy to see me, he said. It was like a breakthrough.

Fetterman said he was unsure whether his children should visit him in the hospital after they had seen him during his hospitalization following his stroke. But he said it was the right decision.

It just created a kind of environment that was blowing open, being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "And that gave me another reason to fully engage and to trust the process.

Fetterman then began engaging more with family members and his staff, he said, and slowly discovering that people have been supportive and that I do have a career to go back into.

Fetterman said he was in awe when the lead doctor at Walter Reed told him that his depression is in remission, because he initially had no idea how long he would be there.

That was the second part of the one-two punch that really allowed me to fully just get together and realize that I do have a life to come back to, he said.

Fetterman said people have come up to him and thanked him for sharing his story. He also expressed gratitude for his Democratic and Republican colleagues in the Senate, all of whom he said have been supportive and havent attacked him for his battle with mental health.

Fetterman has faced public criticism from Senate GOP colleagues, but not over his inpatient treatment. In September, some Republicans mocked changes to the chamber's dress code that allowed Fetterman to wear his signature hoodie and shorts on the Senate floor.

More recently, he sparked backlash on the other side of the aisle, with some progressives decrying his staunch support of Israel and tougher immigration laws. In a separate interview this month, he declared: "I'm not a progressive."

As a member of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, which formed in October, Fetterman said he hopes to expand the awareness and embrace of mental health struggles and to lessen the stigma of seeking help.

And I would say to the biggest skeptic in the world: I was that person. Oh, its not going to work. Its not going to change. This is how Ive always been, he said. But I was wrong. And it does work. And if it can work for me  because I was absolutely convinced that there is no coming back  then that means, I think, it would be applicable to 99% of people out there that could hear this.

Asked by Welker why its important to be honest with the American public about his health journey over the past year, Fetterman replied: Its a risk that I wanted to take because I wanted to help people and know that I dont want them to suffer or put any kinds of despair that Ive been in.

And if that conversation helps, then Im going to continue to do that, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lafayette police investigate a killing Sunday morning, Feb. 5, 2023, at Bay Pointe Apartments near Concord Road and Brady Lane. One man died after being shot about 12:45 a.m. Sunday, according to police.

LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Seven people died from homicides in Lafayette during 2023.

West Lafayette police and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office did not respond to any homicides in their jurisdictions.

New Year Day killing

The year began with an ominous tone.

Anthony Holdbrook, 18, was gunned down in the 800 block of North Seventh Street about 11:50 p.m. Jan. 1.

More than four months later, four adults and one juvenile have been arrested on suspicion of murder in Holdbrook's killing.

Holdbrook wanted to swap his sidearm and some cash for a Glock pistol that Amarion Alsup, 19, of Kokomo, said he was selling, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Alsup, Bailey Hensley, Dimanione Lovelace, Shae Ann Martin, and a 15-year-old boy, drove to Lafayette to sell the gun, which prosecutors said was stolen earlier that day in a crime spree led by Alsup.

Alsup and another person in the car began talking with Holdbrook, Alsup grabbed Holdbrooks' sidearm, and he said, "Don't do that," according to prosecutors.

That's when shots were fired from the car, striking Holdbrook. The car drove away, leaving Holdbrook dying in the street.

Killing on New London Court

Michael McCord of Rockford, Illinois, died early Feb. 5 from multiple gunshots fired about 1:45 a.m. Feb. 5 in front of 3135 New London Court in Bay Pointe Apartments.

McCord's blood fell onto the parked VW car, its wheels, and a trail of blood led west to the parking lot in front of building 3071 Pheasant Run Drive, where a pool of dried blood could be seen later that morning.

I heard some gunfire. It came from that direction, a Pheasant Run Apartment neighbor said, pointing to the Bay Pointe Apartments just east of his apartment building. "Ten to 12 gunshots just before 1 (o'clock).

Part of the crime scene ended up over here, he said, pointing to the parking lot.

The origins of the homicide might have started about an hour earlier at Cupcakes and Carots, a party-planning/party-hosting business on State Street east of Earl Avenue. There was a drive-by shooting there before McCord's killing, and investigators told other business owners in the small strip mall that the motive for McCord's killing might have started in that drive-by assault.

Mother kills daughter, then herself

Tracy Bondurant, 43, shot her 5-year-old daughter, Rayleigh Bloyd, the afternoon of July 27 inside her house in the 100 block of Kinkaid Drive, then Bondurant shot herself in the head, according to autopsy results.

Police found Bondurant and Bloyd dead when they arrived.

A day after the murder/suicide

Thirty-four-year-old Montrell Jolly beat his 4-year-old cousin, Ke andre Jolly, to death because the boy put his shoes on the wrong feet, according to prosecutors.

Ke andre died Aug. 1 at Riley's Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, and police arrested Montrell Jolly on July 31.

Four days before Ke andre died  on July 28  police were called to the 800 block of North 13th Street to investigate an unconscious child. Ke andre was found soaking wet on the floor inside the apartment, according to police.

Montrell Jolly told police he was disciplining Ke andre by making him do wall sits, which Montrell Jolly described as having Ke andre put his back against the wall while sitting in a squat position without a chair underneath him, according to prosecutors.

Ke andre died from blunt force injuries to his head, according to prosecutors, who cited the autopsy results. But Ke andre had bruises, cuts internally and externally on his body that indicated the boy had been beaten, according to prosecutors, who charged Montrell Jolly with murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, aggravated battery and battery resulting in death to a person younger than 14 years old

Drug deal gone bad

Jordan Loveall agreed to sell marijuana to David Trevino, 21, of Friona, Texas, and Adrian Suarez, 23, of Harford, Texas, late Aug. 4 at his house in the 2000 block of Roosevelt Avenue, according to prosecutors.

Unbeknownst to Loveall, Trevino and Suarez planned to rob him of his pot, according to prosecutors.

What followed was a shootout in Loveall's drive, leaving Loveall dead and Trevino and Suarez jailed awaiting trial trial on charges of murder and robbery.

Both men are scheduled for trial in February.

Man killed in his car on North 12th Street

As many as 10 gunshots pierced the early morning stillness Saturday, Sept. 23, in the 1100 block of North 12th Street, and when the shooting was done, George Derment Jr. lie motionless and near death inside his car, according to police and witnesses.

A neighbor said Derment was in a southbound Nissan parked in the middle of the 1100 block of North 12th Street, and the suspect, Wallace Smith III, was in a BMW parked northbound, blocking the alley and nearly in front of Smith's house.

Prosecutors charged Smith with murder and pointing a firearm. His trial is scheduled for the end of January, according to online court records.

Man killed inside his New York Street apartment

here wasn't a whole lot of things going right in the life of 50-year-old Glenn Knarr, who was stabbed to death just before 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in the 500 block of New York Street, according to neighbors, police and court records.

Knarr and his wife, Jessica Knarr, were evicted from their apartment on New York Street on Oct. 31 and had until Wednesday to evacuate their home, according to court records.

The eviction might have been part of the couple's strife, which neighbors described as consistent and loud, but not violent.

Jessica Knarr was receiving text messages Saturday morning from Rick Kite, 65, the man suspected of killing Glenn Knarr, and the man whom Glenn Knarr battered in May.

Glenn Knarr saw the messages on Jessica Knarr's phone that Saturday morning, according to prosecutors. He began arguing with Kite via the text messages, and Kite wrote he would kill Knarr, according to the probable cause affidavit filed in the case.

Jessica Knarr told police she heard her husband talking with someone in the front room of the apartment in the 500 block of New York Street, and she saw Kite in that room with a knife, according to prosecutors, who stated that Jessica Knarr witnessed the fatal stabbing.

Kite's trial is scheduled for March 19.

Seven homicides is above average

Homicides, defined as one person taking another person's life, have varied over the past six years, ranging between eight in 2020 and four in 2018.

Seven people killed in 2023 is not out of line with the six previous years, but it is higher than average.

In 2018, three of the four homicides were determined to be self defense.

In 2020, when eight people were killed, three of those homicides were self defense.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 7 homicides in Lafayette during 2023; none in West Lafayette or county
Shark attacks 2023: 6 US scrapes with predators in the sea

As of Dec. 15, there have been 80 shark attack bites recorded worldwide in 2023, per TrackingSharks.com  13 of them were fatal. Half of this year's shark attacks took place in the United States, with 20 in Florida, five in Hawaii, two in California, six in New York and three in South Carolina.

Only one shark encounter in U.S. waters proved fatal this year, per the site.

Fox News Digital compiled six incredible stories from shark attack victims who lived to tell the tale.

New York's Rockaway Beach was shut down after 65-year-old swimmer Tatyana Koltunyuk lost "approximately 20 pounds of flesh" to a roving shark, per the New York Post.

The outlet also obtained a grisly photo of the woman's thigh with a large chunk of flesh missing after the Aug. 7 incident. She was transported to nearby Jamaica Hospital and survived the attack.

Koltunyuk underwent at least five surgeries after the attack and faces permanent disability, per a GoFundMe set up by her family.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

SHARK WITH MASSIVE JAW CIRCLES NERVOUS PADDLEBOARDER IN 'EERIE' FOOTAGE

Tatyana Koltunyuk, 65, lost approximately 20 pounds of flesh from her upper left thigh when she was attacked by a shark on New York City's Rockaway Beach on Aug. 7, according to officials.

Police respond to Rockaway Beach at Beach 59th Street in Queens, New York City after a swimmer was attacked by a shark on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

Two swimmers were bitten at the same Florida beach over Labor Day weekend  both victims survived, and it is unclear whether they were attacked by the same shark.

One victim, a 37-year-old woman from Apopka, Florida, was bitten on her right foot while swimming in shallow waters on Ponce Inlet, the Volusia County Beach Safety unit confirmed to Fox 35 Orlando at the time. She reportedly never saw the shark that bit her.

The second victim, a man in his 30s, was bitten on his left hand near the Ponce Inlet Jetty. He refused medical attention at the scene and drove himself to an area hospital, the outlet reported.

SHARKS: 12 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE MARINE FISH

A shark runs into the lens of a photographer during an outing with scuba company Emerald Charters off Jupiter Inlet, Florida, May 18, 2022.

Mark Sumersett of South Carolina, 38, detailed his unexpected meeting with the shark that bit his face on Sept. 12 during his Florida vacation.

"I got bit when I was a little kid by a dog, and it kind of felt like that, but like a bear trap closing in on me," the surfer told Fox 35 Orlando of the interaction at the popular New Smyrna Beach. "It was definitely a fight or flight situation."

Sumersett got 12 stitches along his cheek and chin after the face-to-face encounter.

"God has a reason for me to be here. And that's to help other people on this earth," he said. "I'm just so grateful."

SHARKS MIGHT BE CONSUMING COCAINE AS AMERICA'S DRUG CRISIS SPILLS INTO THE SEA

Mark Summerset is "so grateful" to be alive after a shark bit him on his face at a popular Florida beach in September.

Mark Summerset got 12 stitches to his cheek and chin after the attack, which he compared to a dog bite he sustained as a child.

A Florida woman swimming off the Gulf Coast in St. Petersburg on Sept. 30 said she is lucky to be alive after a shark clamped down into her midsection.

Natalie Branda, 26, got 14 stitches across her backside and stomach after the near-death incident.

"We were jumping off the boat, swimming around, floating for a few hours. Just having a fun day," Branda told FOX 13 Tampa Bay. "I just felt pressure, and it released, and I was like I got bit.' I swam the fastest I ever swam to the boat."

US TOURIST PADDLEBOARDING IN BAHAMAS KILLED BY SHARK: POLICE

A drone-flying Florida YouTuber captured a bull shark's attack on his friend's boat late this July. Josh Jorgensen, who produces videos for the BlacktipH Fishing channel, caught the animal's eight attacks on the small vessel off the Palm Beach coast.

Jorgensen said he was following his boat with his drone because his friend was chasing down two Cobia, which he calls "the tastiest fish in the ocean." But then, a bull shark appeared, turning its sights to the boat's engine.

"I didn't think a shark could actually shake a boat like that," boat driver Carl Torresson said in a later interview. "The boat was shaking like a bag of popcorn. Like, literally, I was shaking like an earthquake... I'm like 'Are you kidding me? This is like a ride from Universal Studios.'"

After the ordeal, the men said, the entire engine had been ripped out entirely.

MASSIVE 1,700-POUND WHITE SHARK TRACKED JUST OFF U.S. COAST

A Florida surfer credited his survival to his friend's quick thinking after seeing the water "turn red" with the 21-year-old's blood.

Reece Redish was watching Chris Pospisil from the shore of a New Smyrna beach in July when a shark "came from under" the latter man and "tipped [him] backwards off [his] board." "I saw my foot in his mouth, and it dragged me under," Pospisil told FOX 35 Orlando.

Redish immediately jumped into the water, swam out to his friend and pulled the surfer back onto his board.

"I'm not going to leave my friend in the water," Redish told the outlet. "I'm willing to put myself at risk to help out anyone."

The surfer sustained extensive damage to his left foot  seven tendons and a couple small arteries needed to be surgically repaired. A skin graft was created to cover the injury, and several pieces of the shark's tooth were shattered and stuck in Pospisil's bone.

However, despite his ordeal, the 21-year-old intends to continue surfing, he told the outlet.





Original article source: Shark attacks 2023: 6 US scrapes with predators in the sea
A 39-year-old man surfing off Maui died following a shark attack, Hawaii officials reported.

Police responded at 11:19 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, to a beach on Paia Bay to find lifeguards carrying the injured man to shore on a jet ski, the County of Maui said in a news release.

The man, a Haiku, Hawaii, resident, was taken to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries, officials said. No details on his injuries were provided and his name has not been released.

Nearby beaches were closed and warning signs were posted, officials said.

What to know about shark attacks

Shark attacks are extremely rare, according to John Carlson of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

You have a better chance of getting in a car accident and being injured on your way to the beach than you do actually when you get to go swimming, he said in a video posted to NOAAs website.

In 2022, the Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File investigated 108 shark-human interactions worldwide. Of those interactions, 57 were unprovoked shark bites, and there were nine shark-related fatalities.

If you see a shark in the water, however, dont panic, Richard Peirce, former chair of the Shark Trust and Shark Conservation Society, told CNN.

Dont start splashing around  youre just going to excite, incite and encourage the sharks interest, he told the news outlet.

Instead, maintain eye contact with the shark and read its body language. If the shark appears to be in attack mode, you should make yourself as large as possible, CNN reported. If it seems to just be swimming by, try to stay small.

If the shark attacks, experts told CNN you shouldnt play dead.

You must try and keep the animal in sight and very slowly and gently try and swim backwards and get into shallow water, Peirce told CNN. Again, youve got to be careful  large sharks can attack in very shallow depths.

Watch as dozens of baby sharks feed along beach in Australia. New fear unlocked

Two hikers spent hours lost in alligator-filled Florida swamp. See the rescue video

Whale calf beaches after losing its mom on Hawaii coast. Now officials issue warning
Roberto Villalpando is the Texas weather science editor for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at roberto.villalpando@houstonchronicle.com.

He supervises a weather coverage team that includes two newsroom meteorologists who provide expert forecasts for the state's two largest cities.

Working out of Austin, Roberto joined the Chronicle in 2023 and has 25 years of experience covering Texas as a breaking news editor, multimedia producer, graphic artist, copy editor and reporter.
MONTPELIER  As the floodwaters rose in Vermonts capital city on July 10, Katie Trautz had an assignment. Montpeliers leaders asked the executive director of the nonprofit organization Montpelier Alive to coordinate volunteers and serve as a liaison between city government and downtown businesses.

The Cabot natives first job was to canvass downtown businesses on foot, stopping in every storefront she could to urge shop owners and restaurant staff to move their inventory off the floor to a higher point within the building. As the organizations only full-time employee, Trautz wished she could have had a bigger team to help her, but made the rounds as thoroughly as she could.

It just became clear, she said, that this was a much more massive event than we might have thought.

Katie Trautz, executive director of Montpelier Alive, on the streets of Montpelier Dec. 15, 2023. Her organization was instrumental helping downtown businesses get resources and reopen following devastating flooding from July 2023.

That was the first time business owners saw Trautz in relation to the Winooski River flooding that would devastate much of downtown Montpelier. It was certainly not the last time. In the days, weeks and months as destruction gradually gave way to recovery, Trautz was the lifeline between business owners and the resources they needed  somewhat literally and definitely figuratively  to stay afloat.

The federal and state governments lagged in their economic response to the flooding, according to Thomas Christopher Greene, the owner of Hugos Bar & Grill whos among several downtown business people raving about Trautzs work. He said she sought grants to bring needed funding into shuttered businesses bank accounts, and at least as importantly provided leadership when so many business owners felt rudderless.

Id vote for her for governor, Greene said recently at his relocated, but revived, Main Street restaurant. We wouldnt be open without her.

Rubble remains piled up July 20, 2023 in front of Hugo's Bar & Grill on Main Street, more than a week after floods devastated much of downtown Montpelier.

Working to keep Montpelier alive

That Trautz became indispensable to business owners in July is surprising only because she had just become executive director of Montpelier Alive five months earlier. Her primary professional experience in recent years has been on the artistic side; the fiddle player who has performed in Americana groups including Mayfly and Chaque Foie co-founded the Montpelier-based Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture, and later served as executive director of the Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph.

Trautz came to Montpelier Alive in 2021 as a part-time event coordinator before being named interim executive director in October 2022 and executive director this February.

Its such a dynamic role being an executive director of any organization, Trautz said recently from her office in Montpelier City Hall. Youre always learning so quickly.

That process sped up exponentially starting July 10.

Katie Trautz, executive director of Montpelier Alive, on the streets of Montpelier Dec. 15, 2023. Her organization was instrumental helping downtown businesses get resources and reopen following devastating flooding from July 2023.

The normal job of Montpelier Alive  which is not part of city government but does receive funding from the city as well as outside sponsorships and donors - is to uplift downtown. Trautz said that happens through events, marketing, beautification projects, public art and by supporting the city and Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce in economic development.

None of those were priorities once the floods came. Trautz had to improvise.

She coordinated volunteers to help with flood cleanup. She identified people within the community who could pitch in physically and financially beyond the citys and Montpelier Alives resources. (She cited a former Montpelier Alive board member, Peter Walke of Efficiency Vermont, and the citys parks and trees director, Alec Ellsworth, and his staff for particularly crucial contributions.) She led Montpelier Alives efforts to communicate with the community on its website and through social media, and to manage the organizations donor database.

Trautz helped coordinate the collection of food and water to take care of volunteers cleaning up the mess. Montpelier Alive provided a tool library, with contributions donated by residents to be used by business owners to rip out damaged walls and floors and dehumidify their buildings. She had to delegate some of the nitty-gritty work while spending time listening to people, she said, to take in their comments, reflections and grief.

A sign near the North Branch of the Winooski River in Montpelier, shown Dec. 15, 2023, details the history of flooding in Vermont's capital city.

Anybody who meets a crisis or a challenge head-on in this way is probably inclined to use your own personal strengths to get done what needs to be done, Trautz said. She said her skill set includes empathy and collaboration, abilities that serve her well as a musician and as an administrator.

They (business owners) were searching for a confident voice and a true source of information that they could trust, she said.

Trautz worked without having an office as a base. Montpelier City Hall was shuttered after the floods, so she took her work laptop to her Montpelier home and to The Skinny Pancake. That eatery sits several feet above Main Street and was one of the few downtown restaurants not closed by the floods.

It certainly was disruptive, Trautz said. We all felt quite lost. It was weird to be displaced from her office with all the daunting work that faced her, she said. Her priority was not to straighten out her own workplace but to help business owners in town strive toward rebuilding theirs.

Tim Azarian, co-owner of Wilaiwans, stirs broth at the Montpelier restaurant Nov. 3, 2023.

Praise from Wilaiwans, Capitol Grounds, Three Penny Taproom

Tim Azarian was among the business owners who felt lost. Co-owner of the State Street restaurant Wilaiwans, he and other business people werent sure what to do next after the floods. Montpelier Alive was the whole start of the recovery, Azarian said, giving business owners a place to find volunteers to help clean things up as well as a forum to collaborate and discuss plans to rebuild.

This gave everyone an island to go to, he said. For us, that was a lifesaver.

Julia Watson, owner of the State Street coffee shop Capitol Grounds, said Trautz sent daily emails detailing what business owners should remove from their buildings to make them safe for refurbishing. She identified funding sources, which in the case of Capitol Grounds included a grant from DoorDash; that money went right to payroll so Watson could pay her suddenly out-of-work employees.

She was the rock, Watson said of Trautz.

Debris remains piled up July 20, 2023 in front of the Three Penny Taproom, as seen from the patio outside The Skinny Pancake on Main Street, more than a week after devastating floods hit Montpelier.

Its hard to anticipate being the point person for a major flood, according to Kevin Kerner, co-owner of the Main Street restaurant and bar Three Penny Taproom. Thats not on your bingo card, he said.

Trautz, though, displayed iron demeanor throughout the crisis, according to Kerner. She almost always had the answer to business owners questions, he said, and if she didnt have those details right away shed track them down quickly.

She never faltered, Kerner said. She crushed it.

Katie Trautz, executive director of Montpelier Alive, on the streets of Montpelier Dec. 15, 2023. Her organization was instrumental helping downtown businesses get resources and reopen following devastating flooding from July 2023.

Floodplain restoration, other solutions

Trautz is mother to two children, ages 3 and 7. The family was supposed to take a vacation soon after the floods happened. She told them to go on vacation without her.

There were some hard months of trying to balance family and work, Trautz said.

Her home life, and life in downtown Montpelier, are heading back toward a sense of normalcy. The recovery is definitely going to be a very long-term thing, according to Trautz.

It will take years for businesses to rebuild their revenue and bring downtown life back near where it was, Trautz said. Not all flooded businesses have returned; 10 or so, Trautz said, will not reopen. A few have moved out of downtown or, like Hugos Bar & Grill, to new downtown locations, leaving potential customers having to catch up with the changes. Many potential customers no longer work downtown in their flood-damaged offices, further affecting businesses bottom lines.

Trautz said Montpelier Alive is doing what it can to brighten the vibe downtown. Holiday-season lighting and art displayed in empty storefront windows are early steps toward rebuilding spirit, according to Trautz, while acknowledging the flood and the suffering it brought.

A "Montpelier Strong" photo exhibit, shown Dec. 15, 2023, decorates the window of an empty storefront five months after flooding devastated the city's downtown.

Montpelier Alive, with the city and The Montpelier Foundation, is part of a Commission for Recovery and Resilience looking into long-term solutions to the citys frequent and sometimes severe flooding problems. Solutions the group is exploring with public input, according to Trautz, include restoring the floodplain along the Winooski River to give overflowing water other, more natural places to go than the heart of downtown.

Trautzs organization is looking toward a stronger future for itself as well. She said Montpelier Alive is building an endowment fund that could defray the cost of future emergencies. She recently hired a development director and expects to bring another full-time employee on board soon.

It really made visible Montpelier Alives work, Trautz said of the past few months. This has elevated our profile so that people trust our work.

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Montpelier flood-recovery organizer led efforts with 'iron demeanor'
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man is in custody after gunshots were heard near a Las Vegas Strip resort Sunday morning, police said.

The incident occurred at Koval Lane and Harmon Avenue near the Las Vegas Strip Sunday, where police said they received a report of multiple gunshots possibly fired from an MGM Signature Towers balcony. Onlookers reported more than 30 police cruisers and an ambulance on the scene. An eyewitness told 8 News Now that the activity began around 6:30 a.m.







The Las Vegas SWAT team was called to the site of the shooting. When investigators determined the room from which they believed the gunfire had originated, police say officers began a slow and methodical search of the units. Officers found a handgun and ammunition. The suspect was identified as Jon Letzkus, 45. Letzkus, police said, was taken into custody just minutes after the release of his photos

Police called the shooting an isolated incident and reiterated that no one was targeted by gunfire or hurt. The incident is still under investigation, Metro police said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The constellation Orion is considered the most recognizable in the world. It lies on the celestial equator, and can be viewed in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Without a doubt, the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, will be the grandest event of the year!

A large portion of Ohio will experience one of the most awe-inspiring events that we can witness on Earth  this is a once in a lifetime event!

To see the total solar eclipse, you need to be in the path of totality. Unfortunately, the city of Canton is just outside the path of totality. Other locations in Stark County, though, will be able to enjoy the show. While North Canton, Lake Township, Hartville and Canal Fulton, plus Green in Summit County, will be in the path, totality there will be around two minutes or less.

Now is the time to come up with your plan to view this phenomenal event. The eclipse timeline for Canton is partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m., maximum eclipse begins at 3:15 p.m., and partial eclipse ends at 4:29 p.m.

Visit www.timeanddate.com to determine the exact timing for locations in the path of totality. If you are feeling adventurous, cities such as Avon Lake, Cleveland and Lorain are on the central line, which will feature totality for almost four minutes.

Viewing safely will be the biggest concern. You must wear solar filter glasses to view the sun. Never look at the sun directly! The only time you can safely look at the sun is during totality! When purchasing solar filter glasses look for the international standard requirement code of ISO 12312-2. The American Astronomical Society has published a list of reputable solar glass vendors. The list of vendors can be found at eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters.

Other night sky highlights for 2024

March 25  Penumbral lunar eclipse. The moon will pass through the outer shadow of Earth, which creates a subtle difference. The penumbral eclipse begins at 12:53 a.m., maximum is at 3:12 a.m. and the eclipse ends at 5:32 a.m.

May 18  National Astronomy Day.

July  Venus returns to the evening sky later in the month.

Aug. 19  Seasonal Blue Moon. This will be the third of the four full moons in a season.

Sept. 8  Saturn at opposition, viewable from dusk to dawn.

On Sept. 17-18, a Very Partial Lunar Eclipse will occur. During this phenomenon, a very small portion of Earths umbra shadow eclipses the moon.

Sept. 17-18  Very partial lunar eclipse. A very small portion of Earths umbra shadow eclipses the moon. Partial eclipse begins at 10:12 p.m, maximum at 10:44 p.m and partial ends at 11:15 p.m.

Sept. 18, Oct. 17 and Nov. 16  Closest full moons or supermoons.

Dec. 7  Jupiter at opposition, viewable from dusk to dawn.

Space exploration highlights for 2024

NASAs Europa Clipper is scheduled to launch Oct. 6. It will explore Jupiters moon Europa and determine whether its underground ocean is habitable.

NASAs Artemis II target launch date is November 2024. Artemis II is the first crewed mission on NASAs journey to establishing a long-term presence on the Moon. This mission will be a 10-day flight that takes the crew around the moon.

NASAs Parker Solar Probe will come within 3.9 million miles of the Suns surface, its closest approach, in December 2024. This is seven times closer to the Sun than any spacecraft. Parker launched in 2018 with the mission of making observations of the outer corona of the Sun.

The Parker Solar Probe, which was launched in 2018, will come within 3.9 million miles of the suns surface in December 2024.

NASAs EscaPADE mission, expected to launch in August, consists of dual spacecraft helping to study Mars unique hybrid magnetosphere.

NASA SpaceX Crew 8 launches in mid-February and Crew 9 in mid-August to the International Space Station (ISS).

Also headed to the ISS is the first crewed flight of Boeings CST-100 Starliner, with a possible launch date, at the earliest, sometime in March. Starliner can carry up to seven passengers but only two will be at the controls for the spring launch, astronauts Barry Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

Night Sky for January

Three months until the Total Solar Eclipse!

Planets and the moon

As we welcome in the New Year, Jupiter and Saturn are continuing to put on a show in the evening sky. After sunset, stunning Jupiter is high in the southern sky. It starts the month shining at magnitude -2.6 and dims to -2.4 by months end. It is visible until midnight, offering great telescope and binocular viewing. The four largest Galilean Moons are easy to spot through a backyard telescope. You will notice how the moons change positions each night. Using binoculars, be as steady as possible, looking for the pinpoints of light around Jupiter, which are the Galilean moons. The Moon pairs with Jupiter on Jan. 17-18.

Saturn can be found 30 degrees high in the southwestern sky an hour after sunset, shining at magnitude 0.9. Saturn sets by 9:00 p.m. on Jan. 1 and by 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 31. Saturn is a lovely sight in a telescope. A beautiful crescent Moon will pass by Saturn on the nights of Jan. 13-14.

Neptune stands 20 degrees east of Saturn, at magnitude 7.8, and sets around 8:00 p.m. by months end. It is located in Pisces, just south of the Circlet asterism and five degrees south of Lambda Piscium, at the start of the month. The Moon passes south of Neptune on Jan. 15. Binoculars are needed.

Uranus is located in eastern Aries, at magnitude 5.7, halfway between Jupiter and the Pleiades star cluster. Binoculars are needed. The Moon passes north of Uranus on Jan. 19.

Venus continues to shine bright in the southeastern predawn sky at magnitude -4.0, rising three hours before the Sun. The bright star Antares is just below Venus at the start of the month. The crescent Moon is just south of Venus on Jan. 8.

Mercury shines at magnitude -0.1 in early January right before sunrise. On Jan. 9, the waning crescent moon passes south of Mercury. Mercury reaches greatest western elongation on Jan. 12 and will be found 24 degrees high in the southeast. Also, Mercury will move closer to Venus until Jan. 17. On this day, the two planets will be eleven degrees apart. Then Mercury begins to separate from Venus and falls back towards the Sun.

The first opportunity to spot Mars, in the predawn sky, could be Jan. 19 when Mars stands five degrees east of Mercury. Binoculars will help. Mars and Mercury continue to move closer together until Jan. 27 when they will be less than one degree apart. You will need a telescope to spot Mars near Mercury. Venus can be used as a guide. It shines up and to the left of the pair.

Night sky spotlight

This months spotlight features the most magnificent picture in the stars, Orion, the Hunter. Orion, the most recognizable constellation in the world, was among the 48 constellations listed by 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy.

Orion lies on the celestial equator, and it can be viewed in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere. Step out on the next clear night and look east-southeast. You will easily see the three stars in a row that make up the belt of Orion. Then look for the four stars that outline the Hunter. Just in that constellation alone, there are so many celestial treasures, a very old star, new stars, giant stars, bright stars and hot and cool stars! The brightest star in Orion is Rigel, which is down and to the right of the belt, marking the foot or knee. It is a blue supergiant and the seventh brightest star. The second brightest is Betelgeuse which marks the shoulder. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant and the tenth brightest star. Betelgeuses life is almost over and will end in a supernova. This star is 800 times larger than our Sun! The three stars in the belt are, from east to west, Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka. If you grab a pair of binoculars and scan below the belt stars you will spot a cloudy patch. This is the Orion Nebula, the birthplace of stars. Brand new stars are forming in that hydrogen gas cloud. This nebula is 1400 light years away and you can view it from your backyard! So, bundle up and enjoy this magnificent constellation!

The peak of the Quadrantid Meteor Shower is Jan. 4.

For further night sky details, maps and audio, visit my website www.starrytrails.com.

Visit the Hoover Price Planetarium

Visit www.mckinleymuseum.org, for show dates and times! Planetarium shows are free with Museum admission. The Planetarium is located inside the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive, N.W., in Canton, Ohio. For more information, please call the Museum at 330-455-7043

Suzie Dills

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Sky Shorts: Celestial, space highlights for 2024
South Africa firefighters fight the blaze at the National Assembly in 2022 (RODGER BOSCH)

Charred beams and broken tiles still poke out from the gutted roof of South Africa's parliament in Cape Town two years after it was engulfed by a devastating fire.

For many, the arson attack and the scars, partially hidden behind the monumental white and red facade, symbolise the country's ills as it goes into an election year.

Reconstruction has been slow and the 400 National Assembly lawmakers have been forced into a smaller hall in the city that can only handle 170 of them.

A probe into the arson by a man who has been declared unfit to stand trial, found guards sleeping on the job amongst a litany of security lapses.

The fire and its aftermath highlight a "failing state" that cannot maintain basic services, ignores safety standards and where planning is "in tatters", said political analyst Sandile Swana.

"This all creates an atmosphere of precarity and general unsafeness," he told AFP.

The main reconstruction at the iconic site will begin in January and take two years to complete -- in line with "the timeframes that were announced", according to parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo.

It has taken two years to secure funding and permits, remove rubble and artefacts in the gutted building and lay the groundwork, he added.

- Charred 'aspirations'-

With 2024 marking three decades since the advent of democracy, the starting date is itself steeped in symbolism. Mothapo told AFP this would help ensure that parliament "is restored and made even better.

"The institution is not just bricks and mortar. It carries the hopes and aspirations, and the future of the great majority of South Africans."

The delay angers some however.

"We can all agree this has been a frustratingly long process," Siviwe Gwarube, chief whip for the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) told a parliamentary committee this year.

It took firefighters more than 48 hours to control the flames when the building was set ablaze on January 2, 2022.

Though no one was killed, the fire caused $120 million of damage and wrecked a chamber that was the scene of historic moments, including President FW de Klerk announcing the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison in 1990.

Mothapo said the revamped building will have "added elements of modernity" and house a larger chamber able to accommodate a joint sitting of the two parliament houses.

In the meantime the MPs not lucky enough to be given seats and the public now have to watch debates online. That hurts transparency, said Brett Herron, of the small opposition GOOD party.

"Parliament is not functioning as it should," he said. "It is unreasonable to expect South Africans to accept this arrangement for another two years, at least."

The downsizing has taken away "that drive, that feeling of bustle and hustle and getting things done," said DA lawmaker Dianne Kohler Barnard.

The radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party suggested parliament should be moved to Pretoria, where the government sits, before backtracking.

- 'Neglect and incompetence' -

MPs are also still asking questions over how suspected arsonist Zandile Mafe, 50, managed to get into parliament on the fateful night. A court has since ruled that he is unfit to stand trial on arson and terrorism charges due to schizophrenia.

Court hearings and a parliamentary report have unveiled an array of failures in securing and maintaining the parliament building.

Security footage showed Mafe wandering around the grounds undetected for more than 24 hours.

He is seen dousing boxes and newspapers with petrol, and talking on the phone -- something that has led to speculation he might have been following orders.

Officers tasked with monitoring CCTV cameras were asleep.

The fire system did not detect the flames and initial reports showed that sprinklers failed.

The DA has labelled the failures as "the epitome" of the rule of African National Congress (ANC), which the opposition party said was "underscored by neglect and incompetence".

In power since 1994, polls suggest the ANC could see its vote drop below 50 percent next year, battered by discontent at corruption, mismanagement and entrenched unemployment.

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SpaceX closed out 2023 with a fiery double test of its next Starship megarocket booster and spacecraft on Friday (Sept. 29), sharing some stunning videos of both vehicles in the process.

The dual test of engines on the giant Starship and Super Heavy rocket stages at SpaceX's Starbase proving ground in Boca Chica, Texas on Friday comes as the company prepares for its third Starship launch test, which is expected in early 2024.

"Just completed static fire of Flight 3 Super Heavy Booster," SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. The test, which lasted about 10 seconds, successfully fired all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster, which serves as the first stage of the Starship rocket, the world's largest and most powerful booster.

SpaceX's Starship Booster 10 test fires its 33 Raptor engines on Dec. 29,2023 in Boca Chica, Texas.

SpaceX's official X account confirmed the successful test of the Super Heavy Booster 10, as well as a separate test of one Raptor engine on the Starship Ship 28 that will ride atop Super Heavy Booster 10 during the upcoming test flight. That Starship test was aimed at demonstrating the Raptor engine's restart capabilities in space, the company said.

"Ignition of a single Raptor engine on Flight 3 Starship demonstrating a flight-like startup for an in-space burn," SpaceX wrote in a X post.



SpaceX launched two Starship test flights in 2023, first in April and then in November, though neither test flight successfully completed its objective of sending a Starship upper stage craft around the Earth to a splashdown point in Pacific Ocean near Hawaii while the Super Heavy first stage splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.



Related: SpaceX's 2nd Starship launch is amazing in stunning photos and videos

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During the April test launch, Starship and its Super Heavy booster failed to separate as planned, leading SpaceX to intentionally detonate the rocket four minutes after liftoff. The test also destroyed much of SpaceX's Starship launch pad, requiring extensive repairs.

The second test flight, called Flight 2, demonstrated several big successes, including a successful stage separation and a normal first-stage engine burn. However, the Starship upper stage exploded about eight minutes after liftoff after experiencing an event that triggered its automated flight termination system. The first stage also exploded shortly after stage separation.

SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy megarocket are designed to be fully reusable and will one day fly astronauts to the moon and back. NASA has tapped Starship to land its Artemis 3 astronauts on the moon and SpaceX has already booked private flights around the moon with several customers.

When stacked, Starship and its Super Heavy booster stand nearly 400 feet (122 meters) tall as the largest rocket ever built. It is also designed to be the most powerful, capable of hauling up to 165 tons (150 metric tons) of cargo to low Earth orbit.

RELATED STORIES:

 SpaceX Starship megarocket launches on 2nd-ever test flight, explodes in 'rapid unscheduled disassembly' (video)

 Epic 33-engine burn among successes of Starship's 2nd test flight, SpaceX says

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While SpaceX hopes to launch the Flight 3 test of its Starship system soon, exactly when that may occur is unclear. The company must wait for a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is overseeing an investigation on Flight 2. The FAA will likely not grant a license for Flight 3 until that investigation is complete and SpaceX has implemented any corrective actions that may be required, if any are at all.



Friday's Starship and Super Heavy engine tests came one day after an epic rocket launch doubleheader to close the company's launch year.

On Thursday (Dec. 28), SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy rocket carrying a robotic X-37B space plane for the U.S. Space Force from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, then lofted a Falcon 9 rocket (with 23 Starlink satellites aboard) from the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station just under three hours later.
SEATTLE - Police are investigating after a man was shot in West Seattle Saturday morning.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) says just after midnight, dispatch received a 911 call reporting a shooting near the corner of Delridge Way SW and 23rd Ave. SW. This area is just west of Delridge Playfield.

Police arrived and found a man in his 30s with a single gunshot wound. Crews with the Seattle Fire Department arrived and brought him to Harborview Medical Center in serious, but stable condition.

Officers searched the area for two suspects, but they were not found.

The SPDs Gun Violence Reduction Unit detectives are working to determine what led up to the shooting.

RELATED: Tacoma Police investigate shooting with multiple victims

Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

This is a developing story.
Special counsel Jack Smith urged an appeals court on Saturday to reject former President Donald Trump's efforts to dismiss his federal election interference case on presidential immunity grounds.

In a more than 80-page filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Smith argued against Trump's insistence that presidential immunity protects him from prosecution on federal charges that he conspired to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

"Separation-of-powers principles, constitutional text, history, and precedent all make clear that a former President may be prosecuted for criminal acts he committed while in office  including, most critically here, illegal acts to remain in power despite losing an election," prosecutors wrote.

"Rather than vindicating our constitutional framework, the defendant's sweeping immunity claim threatens to license Presidents to commit crimes to remain in office," they added. "The Founders did not intend and would never have countenanced such a result."

Smith filed his opposition in response to a Dec. 23 brief to the D.C. Circuit from Trump's lawyers that said the Constitution and other immunity doctrines protected against the criminal prosecution of a current or former president for official acts "unless he is first impeached and convicted by the Senate."

Nor may a President face criminal prosecution based on conduct for which he was acquitted by the U.S. Senate, Trump attorney D. John Sauer wrote in last week's filing. The indictment against President Trump is unlawful and unconstitutional. It must be dismissed.

Former President Donald Trump. (Charlie Neibergall / AP file)

The special counsel addressed that argument and others in his filing Saturday, saying that although separation-of-powers doctrine provides the former president with protection from civil liability for official conduct, it does not give him immunity from criminal liability when charged with violations of federal criminal statutes.

"Any burdens of post-Presidency criminal liability have minimal impact on the functions of an incumbent and are outweighed by the paramount public interest in upholding the rule of law through federal prosecution," prosecutors said. They added that the impeachment clause of the Constitution, which limits congressional remedies to removal and disqualification from office, "does not make a conviction at a Senate trial a condition precedent to criminal prosecution, which serves a function distinct from impeachment and removal."

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the federal election interference case, ruled this month that Trumps presidential immunity claims do not shield him from the charges he faces.

Circuit Judge Karen Henderson, who was appointed by President George H.W. Bush, and Circuit Judges J. Michelle Childs and Florence Pan, both Biden appointees, are expected to hear oral arguments at the appeals court on Jan. 9.

The court's decision to hear Trump's appeal threatens to push back the trials start date, currently scheduled for March 4. The Supreme Court previously refused Smiths request to circumvent the normal appeals court process to rule quickly on the immunity claim.

Trump faces four counts of criminal conduct related to conspiring to overturn his presidential election loss to Joe Biden. He pleaded not guilty and has both publicly condemned the allegations and repeatedly pushed to delay various legal challenges against him until after next year's election, arguing that earlier trial dates are tantamount to election interference.

Trump defended his actions in the aftermath of his 2020 election loss on Truth Social last Sunday, arguing he was entitled to immunity, though he did not mention the appeals court.

"I wasnt campaigning, the Election was over. I was doing my duty as President to expose and further investigate a Rigged and Stolen Election," he wrote.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
I spent 28 hours flying from Canada to Singapore  here are 3 things that made my experience more comfortable

Germaine Arenas took three flights over some 30 hours to travel from Winnipeg, Canada, to Singapore. Courtesy of Germaine Arenas

Germaine Arenas took three economy flights to travel from Canada to Singapore.

Arenas said she prepared well before the flight to make sure she got ample rest on board.

She advises travelers to choose a red-eye flight when there's a big time difference.

This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Germaine Arenas, a 27-year-old traveler and accounting analyst from Winnipeg, Canada. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I was born in the Philippines, grew up in Singapore, and moved to Canada when I was 18.

I hadn't visited Singapore since 2010 and wanted to show my boyfriend  who was also born in the Philippines and moved to Canada in his 20s  where I grew up. So we planned a monthlong trip to the Philippines in September, with a two-day stopover in Singapore.

We live in Winnipeg, a city some 62 miles from the US-Canada border. Winnipeg International Airport isn't a main hub for international flights, so we had to take three flights.

The round-trip economy ticket from Winnipeg to Manila, including a stopover in Singapore, was $2,100.

The journey started with a flight on Air Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver. From there, after a three-hour layover, we boarded a 15-hour flight on Philippine Airlines to Manila, where we waited for four hours before boarding the last leg to Singapore.

In total, we traveled for some 28 hours, including layovers. While long-haul flights aren't the most comfortable, I did the following three things to improve my trip.

1. Pack essentials to help you sleep

I have a hard time sleeping on flights. As getting shut-eye on long-haul flights is essential, I always pack melatonin supplements.

Another essential for me is noise-canceling earbuds. I was surrounded by kids and babies on the flight from Vancouver to Manila. Wearing earbuds made blocking out the noise on the plane easier, so I was well-rested despite the long travel. Other items like travel pillows and blankets could also help make a cramped seat more comfortable, especially when traveling economy.

There's a 14-hour time difference between Winnipeg and Singapore, but the night flight helped minimize jet lag. Despite the red-eye flight, I found it easy to get plenty of sleep, so I was energized when we finally arrived in Singapore in the morning.

Arenas avoids buying food at the airport as they often have a massive mark-up. Courtesy of Germaine Arenas

2. Stock up on food before heading to the airport

I use a checklist whenever I travel. This ensures I pack enough food before leaving for the airport. On long-haul trips, having more food with you is better than not having enough.

The airport is often a chaotic place, with inflated food prices. Many travelers hesitate to purchase food and end up hungry and tired on the plane. By packing snacks and ready-to-eat meals, I make sure I have something to munch on, especially during layovers.

I also use a checklist to pack clothes that can be layered in my carry-on bag, especially with Canada and Southeast Asia having very different weather. This ensures I don't feel too stuffy or hot during layovers.

Germaine Arenas had to take a domestic flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver first before hopping on an international flight. Courtesy of Germaine Arenas

3. Let others deplane first

After a long flight, most passengers are itching to get off the plane. I noticed many passengers tried to rush and squeeze between the plane's tight aisle to get off first. After several flights, it got frustrating and uncomfortable, especially when I was struggling to get my bags, as everyone else was trying to do so too.

I learned to let others disembark first  this let me take my time when retrieving my bags. It also helped me stay relaxed on my daylong flights and avoid arguments with other passengers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Shawn Jones has spent 12 years jailed without a trial  a pure hell that he hopes will end soon with a new judge who has been pushing to give Jones his day in court.

Elsewhere in the massive Cook County court system, Donna Wuchter is losing hope the courts will ever hold a trial for the man accused of killing her friend. She has been waiting for 11 years and counting, enduring a cycle of delays she sums up with one word: craziness.

The two cases help sum up the situation in the notoriously slow Cook County courts since the Tribune published its Stalled Justice investigation in April: hints of progress but enormous challenges remaining.

The series chronicled how Cook murder cases were taking longer than ever to conclude, and longer than in any other major court system that could be studied. Reporters uncovered multiple chokepoints that were stalling cases long before the pandemic, in a system overseen by judges who allowed cases to languish and court leaders who ignored repeated recommendations for fixes.

Since then, the Tribune has found some signs of improvement. Attorneys say evidence is being shared faster with the help of new technology, more staff members and stricter rules, while judges are questioning delays more aggressively and setting more deadlines to complete pretrial tasks.

But those changes have come in a court system still steeped in bureaucracy, with a history of halfhearted reforms. Researchers have blamed a culture that too often rationalizes delays instead of tackling them, creating a level of dysfunction that Sheriff Tom Dart has said helps fuel the unending violence in our communities.

One person who could push serious reform, county Chief Judge Timothy Evans, has downplayed the Tribune series findings. In defending the system hes overseen for two decades, Evans has argued the court has already improved since the worst pandemic-induced delays and that rushing cases could lead to injustice.

Still, Evans this fall pushed judges to better log the reasons for case delays, and his office issued a statement this month saying it has beefed up judicial staffing, technology, research and oversight to ensure every individual impacted by a crime  especially those impacted by murder  experiences a fair and timely administration of justice.

Left lingering in Evans court system are more than 1,000 pending murder cases, hundreds of which predate the pandemic. Among the oldest are the case of the man accused of killing Wuchters friend and the charges against Jones.

Some signs of progress

According to the most recent jail roster, Jones is one of 12 people who have been in custody for more than a decade with pending cases.

Topping the list is Augustin Toscano, accused of being part of a drug and robbery crew blamed for more than a dozen slayings from 2009 to 2011. A judge wants to set a trial date next year. So far, Toscano has been jailed without a trial for 12 years and nine months.

Next is Gene Lewis. He entered jail at age 32, accused of helping kill two men during a Harvey robbery, court records show. Lewis is now 45, with no trial date in sight, as arguments drag on over whats fair to use as evidence.

Jones is the third-longest held in the jail, awaiting trial on charges he killed two men on the South Side in separate incidents. His cases have also been tied up for years, in part by questions over what evidence can be presented at trial.

The Tribune interviewed Jones as part of its reporting on court delays nearly two years ago, in January 2022. Hed just passed the decade mark in jail and said he was eager to go to trial.

You just dont know how it feels to just walk in a courtroom, and hoping youre going to start trial one day. And you go in and its just a continuance, or an excuse of why its a continuance, he said.

In August, he switched from a public defender to a private attorney, David Drwencke, who called the slow progress of Jones two cases mind-blowing. But the new judge overseeing the cases is picking up the pace, Drwencke said.

And that judge isnt the only one. Attorneys told the Tribune they are seeing a broader push since the spring to move cases forward.

A Tribune review found judges have been issuing case management orders more often in cases filed since the spring. Those orders, recommended by experts for decades, set goals for when tasks should be completed.

Even in older cases lacking those types of orders, attorneys say judges are more aggressively questioning them about delays.

There was some sunlight put on this and some public pressure, and the Illinois Supreme Court, I think, was embarrassed at what was going on in Cook County, Drwencke said.

That has put additional pressure on attorneys.

To get up to speed on Jones charges, Drwencke said he has at least 100 hours worth of evidence to review but expects to meet a February deadline to submit a key filing so the trial can start sometime this spring.

His client said hes optimistic hell finally get a trial after waiting in jail since Barack Obama was campaigning for a second term as president.

Now I feel a little bit more at ease because my judge is really trying to get things wrapped up, Jones said from jail in a video interview with him and his attorney.

Hints of such efforts can be seen in the latest data on the jail population, which show a dip in the number of people held at least five years with pending felony cases, from 233 a year ago to 223 in mid-December.

The median time to complete murder cases also has dropped slightly since last year, prosecutors data show. For the cases completed from January through August 2023, the most recent information available, at least half took four years and five months to complete, down from four years and eight months for murder cases finished in 2022.

Another way to look at it is how often cases meet time goals set by the county. By that measure, the courts have gotten slightly better.

Cook County wants to finish murder cases within two years of defendants formally being read the charges at arraignments. Last year, just 1 in 10 cases met that mark. Now, its 1 in 9.

The statement from Evans office said its own analysis of internal court data found that all pending cases in the system  not just murders but all felony and misdemeanor charges  had been reduced significantly since the height of the pandemic, from nearly 41,000 in August 2021 to under 28,000 in late November.

Still, even the rosiest look at the data shows that an enormous backlog remains, in a system that reporters previously documented can get jammed at every turn.

New procedures, ongoing problems

The mound of evidence given to Drwencke for Jones cases was gathered as part of a formal process called discovery, in which prosecutors must give defense attorneys copies of evidence collected from police, hospitals, cellphone companies and others.

Its a process that court rules say should take months, yet it often ends up taking years. But several recent changes could speed up that process.

In May, the states attorneys office unveiled a new, long-planned data system meant to smooth the exchange of evidence. The office said its also added 11 more paralegals since the spring to do more of the time-consuming back-office work that previously had burdened prosecutors, allowing them to focus on trying cases.

That will also help with us turning over discovery and making sure that we are meeting deadlines for those case management orders, said Risa Lanier, second in command at the Cook County states attorneys office.

Another change that could limit delays comes, indirectly, from the historic overhaul of the bail system that went into effect in mid-September. Now, if prosecutors want a judge to jail a defendant until trial, they must swiftly give the defense any evidence they want to present in that early-stage hearing.

I think that will speed the cases up exponentially, said Julie Koehler, who heads the public defenders homicide task force. Its what should have been going on all along.

Still, these changes leave other problems unaddressed, such as the protracted arguments over what evidence is fair to show a jury.

Case management orders, with their specific deadlines, can help speed up that process. But attorneys noted the orders alone cant magically fix the logjams created when interrelated bureaucracies fail to work together to get things done.

And although more judges are issuing the orders, the Tribune found that many still arent, particularly in suburban courthouses that can get just as backlogged, if not more, than the main courthouse in Little Village.

Beyond that, there is no data yet to show how much, if at all, any particular reform has limited specific types of delays.

Court leaders this fall launched a long-promised effort to log the reasons for case delays in court dockets, but the Tribune found many dockets still lack proper entries. Judges and clerks say theyre still ironing out how to make the process work.

This is a significant change and a new system for entering this information, and both judges and clerks are adapting to the use of codes for the reasons for continuances, according to a statement issued by the chief judges office.

Meanwhile, what the court sees as significant progress can be of little consolation to people like Wuchter.

Still right where we started

After Gena Chiodo went missing in fall of 2012, Wuchter and other friends spent many days combing the woods in hopes of locating her. Eventually, hunters found the body of the Calumet City woman across the state line in Indiana, about 25 miles to the south.

In the 11 years since, the friends have often gathered in courtroom pews, waiting to see what would happen to the man accused of Chiodos murder: her live-in boyfriend, Donol Clark.

Early in the case, at Clarks bond hearing, prosecutors laid out a slew of evidence they said police had gathered even before Chiodos body was discovered, from blood spattered throughout the couples home to a bloody negligee, a bloody shower curtain and a bathroom smelling of bleach.

Then the pace of the case slowed dramatically at the Markham courthouse. The Tribunes investigation found the south suburban courthouse to be the slowest of any that handles murder cases in Cook County; the median time to finish murder cases there had climbed by 2022 to nearly seven years.

Every month or two, Chiodos friends would pack Clarks latest court hearing in matching purple T-shirts bearing Chiodos name. They watched as brief hearings took only the tiniest steps forward, with issue after issue bogging down the case. Weeks turned into months and months into years, as their hopes for swift justice receded.

It was, Hopefully next year, or, you know, It should happen soon, and it never came to pass. Something else would happen, Wuchter recalled.

The case almost went to trial about five years ago, but then the pathologist who did Chiodos autopsy got fired for incompetence, spurring years of arguments over what a jury could be told about that while attorneys waited to see if state regulators would discipline the pathologist. (They didnt.)

It was close to going to trial this year too.

In June 2023, Clark  now 53, and with graying temples  sat at a table in a gray jumpsuit, while Wuchter and Chiodos other friends sat on courthouse benches to hear something that hadnt occurred in the cases 90-plus previous hearings: A judge set a trial date.

The trial was supposed to take place in the fall, but then came another delay. The day of the trial, the lead prosecutor told the judge that her new colleague on the case just had hip surgery and needed more time to prepare.

And a crime scene investigator was on paternity leave.

And prosecutors were still trying to get the original pathologist to testify.

And prosecutors were filing a new motion to argue over evidence.

Clarks attorneys responded in court that they were ready for trial. They questioned why prosecutors waited so long to file a new argument over the evidence and said the motion could have been filed years ago.

Still, the trial was postponed.

At a hearing the next month, Circuit Judge Carl Boyd gave the defense another month to file a written response to prosecutors latest arguments. At a hearing in late November, Boyd told both sides to come back in two months  on Jan. 22  to formally argue in court over the arguments submitted on paper.

Neither the prosecution nor defense would comment on the case for this story. For now, no new trial date has been set.

Boyd has told attorneys he was very interested in completing the case expeditiously. His clerk has begun inputting the formal reasons for delays, as part of the new process to better track them.

None of it impresses Wuchter.

Were still right where we started, it seems like. Its just  nothing, she said, adding that Chiodos other friends also feel the frustration. All you can tell people is: Hang in there and dont quit.

jmahr@chicagotribune.com
Colorado WINS union workers at Colorado State University Pueblo are celebrating the Dec. 15 ratification of a contract designed to improve working conditions for the university's state-classified workers.

The 2023 CSU Pueblo and Colorado WINS State Entity Agreement includes 11 sections intended to improve union rights, anti-discrimination policies, staff retention, flexibility, overtime pay, safety, communication and more for classified employees.

Colorado WINS members began bargaining with CSU Pueblo in August. Over 90 CSU Pueblo employees  including custodial staff, groundskeepers, electricians and other college staff  were represented in the negotiations.

Frank Montoya, a custodian and Colorado WINS member, told the Chieftain that the agreement has boosted workers' morale and will benefit CSU Pueblo as a whole.

"I'm former military, so I am big on morale," Montoya said. "I think if morale is around you, you work better, concentrate better and give back to the community more when you're happy."

A vehicle decorated to show support for Colorado WINS workers outside of the CSU Pueblo parking lot. Colorado WINS and CSU Pueblo successfully negotiated a State Entity Agreement on Dec. 15.

Agreement creates 'Labor Management Committee'

One of the provisions resulting from the State Entity Agreement is the creation of the CSU Pueblo Labor Management Committee.

The committee gives union members an added opportunity to collaborate with campus leadership in improving state employee working conditions and student services, according to a written statement from Foster Shay, a CSU Pueblo custodian and bargaining team member.

The CSU Pueblo Labor Management Committee is to consist of an equal number of CSU Pueblo and Colorado WINS representatives who will meet quarterly and partner on "issues of concern," including services, health, safety, recruitment, retention and communication, according to the agreement.

The committee is also allowed to review and make recommendations to anti-discrimination and harassment policies.

Colorado State University Pueblo campus statue.

Employees have right 'cash out' time off

Under the new agreement, state workers who work overtime are able to receive a payout for any unused compensatory time. The payout will happen once each fiscal year and be awarded as part of employees' June pay every fiscal year.

Employees who wish to "cash out" time off are required to notify CSU Pueblo Human Resources and submit a completed form to the HR office by May 31, according to the agreement.

"This allows employees the choice between getting more PTO or cashing out their hours when they work overtime, allowing them the flexibility to use their overtime in the way that most benefits them and their ability to care for themselves and their families," Montoya wrote in an editorial to the Chieftain.

When it comes to filling vacancies, the State Entity Agreement requires that years of state service be recognized. Other provisions outlined in the agreement include vouchers to supply work boots to eligible employees and to supply personal protective equipment.

Colorado WINS is a union representing over 24,000 employees across the state. The State Entity Agreement with CSU Pueblo was ratified with 100% approval from union members. The complete agreement and a brief summary can be found at coloradowins.org/csu.

Donna Souder Hodge, vice president of operations and advancement at CSU Pueblo, told the Chieftain the university is excited about the new agreement and has enjoyed a "strong working relationship" with Colorado WINS.

"We're grateful to our Human Resources team and the CSU Pueblo staff who worked tirelessly as advocates for their colleagues, and to outgoing CSU Pueblo President, Dr. Timothy Mottet, for his signature and support," she said.

Souder Hodge also said the university welcomes future opportunities to offer robust support to classified staff.

New CSU Pueblo president: Armando Valdez officially named 16th president of CSU Pueblo

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: What to know about state union workers at CSU Pueblo's new contract
Pope Francis presides over Christmas eve Mass, at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday Dec. 24, 2023. Gregorio Borgia/AP

Change in the church

Regarding Houston priests can provide blessings not mirroring marriage to same-sex couples after popes decision, (Dec. 22): The Catholic Church is like a turtle: It moves very slowly, dropping poop along the way that followers must step in. Occasionally they do the right thing, such as Pope Francis saying that priests may offer blessings to same-sex couples. The church made it clear that a blessing must not be confused with a wedding. So they will not be conducting same-sex marriages in Catholic churches. Nevertheless, Francis is to be commended for moving the church inches forward.

Its sad that the church in 1968 declared that birth control is a terrible sin. Its good that we have cafeteria Catholics who pick and choose which pope pronouncements they will honor. The Vatican needs to allow women to become priests and end their discrimination against women once and for all.

The church has lied for centuries claiming that there is a God, a heaven and a hell when there is no evidence that they exist. In my humble opinion, they are all imaginary. They are not real.

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Jimmy Dunne, Houston

Regarding Bless Pope for stance on same-sex unions, (Dec. 26): A word can make a big difference. The print headline on David Von Drehles Washington Post piece read Bless pope for stance on same-sex unions.

Later in the article the author stated correctly that priests are now free to offer blessings to same-sex couples.

The document is very careful to teach that the church is upholding marriage. Therefore, it advises clergy to avoid the appearance that they are blessing same-sex unions  that is, to imply that they are married.

Richard Wahl, Houston

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As a former Catholic, I recently met with a pastor, looking for a church that would welcome me as a gay man. His reply was that I am welcome to worship but cannot receive the sacraments. Thats like paying the entrance fee to a disco but not being allowed to dance.

Blessing gays sounds great, but theyre still not allowed to receive the sacraments unless the gay man is celibate. This change seems to merely be to get the gays in church to tithe.

Bill Schindler, Montgomery

I read this article with an uncomfortable anticipation. With each new sentence, I waited to feel offended by the authors perspective as he carelessly attempted to evaluate something as complex as the popes announcement regarding same-sex blessings. But my fears were left unfulfilled and, alas, he only left me with a deeper introspection of my own thoughts and a more robust vocabulary to discuss the intricacies of my spiritual beliefs.

I dont agree with everything he said, but I sure appreciate the way he said it. He didnt tell me what to think; he just made me think. A refreshing change in climate from the usual storms that accompany a divided society.

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Dean Muths, Seabrook

The cookie-cutter membership-only club mentality embraced by the piously regressive has been torched by Pope Francis. I applaud the individual electing to reside in reality to make room in their closet. Condemning something to utter banishment is utterly unforgivable. Advancing that holy matrimony between a man and women is the only road to utopia opens questions of that Adam and Eve thing. The churchs aisle is inhabited by an assortment of humanity seeking clarity on their religious journey.

This real world sees pastoral criminal conduct, denominational fractures, sexual scandals and affluent clergy lifestyles, as they sit in final judgment. Churches are failing in record numbers.

Francis has taken a meaningful step towards inclusion. Change is necessary. We no longer burn witches!

Cliff Bodin, Humble

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Person of the Year

Regarding Taylor Swift was not 'Person of the Year' (Opinion), (Dec. 21): I found myself partially agreeing with the author, Maria Prudente. She suggested that a better choice for Person of the Year would have been people or groups of people who were defiant in the face of alleged injustice, such as the Hollywood strikers. OK, but that is a bit self-serving for the strikers.

I would have chosen the group of men and women hospital workers who chose to stay in hopeless and heart-wrenching conditions as bombs and rockets exploded all around their hospitals in Gaza. No doubt, many of them sent their families to safer locations, knowing that this could be the last time they would be together. They knew they were going to be surrounded by bloody deaths, too often involving small children. They knew that a shortage of necessary medical supplies was going to force them to make difficult choices about whom to save. They stayed anyway. I believe that their unbridled courage should have been honored by TIME Magazine. Maybe next year.
Nothing that happened in Washington this year better encapsulates the modern Republican Party than the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden.

And nothing will better symbolize former President Donald Trumps control over the party than if the GOP goes through with it in 2024.

Republicans have used their quest for dirt on the Biden family to jockey among themselves for power in Washington and to gratify Trump by writing an alternate history of his presidency while casting Biden as corrupt.

The material Republicans are working with, however, isnt the evidence of corruption they keep saying it is. Their own expert witnesses even said at a hearing in September that Republicans hadnt uncovered any high crimes or misdemeanors.

It doesnt matter. The impeachment inquiry is gaining momentum. Its an exercise in raw political power, potentially culminating in a final vote to impeach Biden next year as the House Republicans most aligned with Trump mold the conference into a tool of the former president.

Here are some of the most notable episodes of the impeachment inquiry so far.

The Judgment Day Faceplant

Republicans began hyping their investigation of the Biden family as soon as they won control of the House in November 2022, and in May of this year, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) said newly uncovered bank records spelled Judgment Day for Biden.

But the material merely documented payments to the presidents son, Hunter Biden, as well as other family members, and fell short of implicating Joe Biden  setting a pattern of buildups and letdowns that prevailed for the rest of the year.

I know the Republicans said that the smoking gun were these financial records that you were able to subpoena and got your hands on, Fox News host Steve Doocy said in an interview with Comer the next day. But thats just your suggestion  you actually dont have any facts to that point.

This was the moment Doocy, the affable co-anchor of the Fox & Friends morning show, became Comers most formidable media nemesis.

The Rudy Giuliani

Next, Republicans said the FBI possessed a document reflecting a tip from a trusted informant, who spoke to a Ukrainian oligarch, who claimed to have paid Joe Biden a $5 million bribe. Whats more, the oligarch claimed he had made recordings of conversations with Joe Biden coercing the payment.

As Republicans fought with the FBI about making the document public, it became clear that the bribery allegation was from Mykola Zlochevsky, head of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, which had paid Hunter Biden millions to sit on its board from 2014 to 2019.

In other words, it became clear that Republicans this year have been pursuing essentially the same corruption allegations against Joe Biden that Donald Trump pursued in 2019. Using Rudy Giuliani as a go-between, Trump tried to make the Ukrainian government announce an investigation of the Bidens, alleging when Joe Biden was vice president, he pushed for the firing of a Ukrainian prosecutor in order to protect his sons employer.

When Democrats impeached Trump for extorting Ukraine, State Department officials said Hunter Bidens Burisma gig might have looked like a conflict of interest, but Joe Biden was only carrying out U.S. policy by ousting a corrupt prosecutor.

Comer insisted that he was not working with the material that Giuliani had fished out of Ukraine, but Giuliani himself has repeatedly taken credit, including for the Zlochevsky tip.

That document was discovered because it was at least one FBI agent that went out and tried to corroborate what I gave them, Giuliani said on Newsmax in June.

Amid their early hype of the document, a telling caveat emerged: Several Republicans warned conservative media there might not be any tapes of conversations between Zlochevsky and Joe Biden, as Zlochevsky claimed. (According to multiple people whove dealt with him, Zlochevsky doesnt speak much English.)

We dont know for sure if these tapes exist, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said in June.

When Republicans finally obtained and released the document, it turned out the informant had cautioned his FBI handler that Zlochevsky might have been bluffing. And yet the not-so-compelling document is probably still the most compelling evidence of Joe Bidens corruption Republicans have made public so far.

Hunter Biden talks to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C. He defied a subpoena from Congress to testify behind closed doors ahead of a House vote on an impeachment inquiry against his father.

Hunter Biden talks to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C. He defied a subpoena from Congress to testify behind closed doors ahead of a House vote on an impeachment inquiry against his father.

The Nudes

At a hearing in July, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) displayed nude photos of Hunter Biden apparently enjoying the company of a sex worker. The photos were taken from his laptop, which Republicans say he forfeited to a computer repair shop. Greene said the photos were evidence Hunter Biden had violated a federal law against transporting prostitutes across state lines  not exactly hard evidence against the man who is the actual target of an impeachment inquiry.

Hunter Biden cited the photos when he defied a subpoena for his private testimony this month, instead coming to the Capitol and offering to speak in a public hearing. He said Republicans had ridiculed his past addiction to drugs and alcohol in order to destroy his father and that he didnt trust them with a transcript from a private deposition.

No matter how many times it is debunked, they continue to insist that my fathers support of Ukraine against Russia is the result of a non-existent bribe, Biden said. They displayed naked photos of me during an oversight hearing, and they have taken the light of my dads love for me and presented it as darkness. They have no shame.

The Star Witness

Devon Archer, a former business partner of Hunter Bidens, told Republicans in July that over the course of their decadelong work relationship, he witnessed the younger Biden put his dad on speakerphone with their clients on many occasions. Republicans have trumpeted Archers testimony as slam-dunk evidence that Joe Biden lied when he said he never talked business with his son or spoke to his associates.

But Archer also said, repeatedly, the conversations were brief and they were not about business  bolstering the presidents denials.

It was, you know, just general niceties and, you know, conversation in general, you know, about the geography, about the weather, whatever it may be, Archer recalled.

The Truck

Using subpoenas, Republicans have obtained thousands of pages of Hunter Bidens bank records, and earlier this month Comer announced theyd discovered recurring monthly payments from son to father.

In his press release, Comer didnt mention the sums involved, but it turned out to be four payments worth $1,380 each in 2018. Previously reported summaries of Hunter Bidens financial situation at the time, which had been obtained from his laptop, showed that he was paying his dad back for helping him buy a truck.

The truth is Hunters father helped him when he was struggling financially due to his addiction and could not secure credit to finance a truck, Hunter Bidens attorney said in a statement. When Hunter was able to, he paid his father back and took over the payments himself.

The owner of the car dealership confirmed Joe Biden had signed for the truck, a Ford F-150 Raptor, and the Wall Street Journal even published a photo of the three men in front of the vehicle. No Ukrainian oligarchs were part of the picture.

Comer is totally undeterred. He insisted the payments were evidence of corruption, saying youd have to be financially illiterate to believe the Bidens story, and that any money that passed through Hunter Bidens hands was tainted anyway.

The Vote

In September, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), the House Speaker at the time, declared that the House committees investigating the Bidens represented an impeachment inquiry. Its better to launch an impeachment inquiry with a House vote, but it was clear then that not enough Republicans were willing to go along with the effort.

This month, new House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) finally held the authorizing vote, and no Republicans opposed it. The vote has little practical significance, because the investigation was already happening, but it showed remarkable unity among Republicans, whove had a hard time agreeing among themselves this year.

Several House GOPers have told HuffPost they would not necessarily support an impeachment vote against Biden, but this months roll call authorizing the inquiry shows how momentum can shift.

Commenting on the vote, Doocy, the Fox morning show host, said Republicans still dont have anything on the president.

Theyve got a lot of ledgers and spreadsheets, but they have not connected the dots, he said.

The next day, Comer told a Newsmax host that he doesnt go on Fox & Friends anymore because of Doocys harsh words.

But he comforted himself. Comer has repeatedly pointed to polling that shows most people think theres something fishy about the Biden family business.

I dont think the average viewer of Fox News agrees with Doocy one bit, Comer told Newsmax.

Hes probably right.
Student loan borrowers began 2023 with money and hope. The year will end with resumed monthly payments and only limited debt relief.

At the start of the year, student loans remained in their pandemic pause, as President Bidens debt relief plan headed to the Supreme Court. But the administration decided that once the Supreme Court ruled on the legality of his loan forgiveness plan  regardless of the outcome  borrowers should have to restart their payments.

In June, the conservative-majority court ruled Bidens plan to forgive at least $10,000 for all student loan borrowers was illegal.

I think the low point is definitely the loss at the Supreme Court and, with that, payments coming back on. I think thats actually in some ways equally as bad to see [loans turned back on] after we fought so long to keep them off, said Natalia Abrams at the Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC).

The White House moved forward from the loss by announcing a new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan and intentions to work toward an alternative route for widespread debt relief.

Debt relief plan spurs lawsuits

Chief Justice John Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts is seen during the funeral service of the late Justice Sandra Day OConnor at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. (Greg Nash)

At the end of 2022, making good on its campaign promise of giving at least $10,000 in loan forgiveness to all borrowers, the Biden administration opened up debt relief applications.

Multiple lawsuits were filed soon after, and two made it to the Supreme Court.

In the first half of the year, borrowers anxiously waited for the court to announce its decision on the case, which came June 30.

The Secretary asserts that the HEROES Act grants him the authority to cancel $430 billion of student loan principal. It does not, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

40 percent of student loan borrowers missed first payment since COVID pause, officials say

The case turned a tide, and student loan borrowers went from hopeful to panicked, as they had 60 days after the ruling to prepare for the restart of interest and student loan payments.

I think the honest answer is, it didnt go as well as it could of, and Im sure that it feels like a shock honestly to student loan debt holders or borrowers to be in this position, especially at the end of the year, said DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething.org, a group dedicated to youth activism.

Next step: Revamped repayments

President Biden

President Biden is seen during the funeral service of the late Justice Sandra Day OConnor at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

The Biden administration had two plans after the Supreme Court ruling: working on an alternative loan forgiveness program and revamping income-driven repayment programs.

In August, the White House announced the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) IDR plan, which it touted as the most affordable repayment plan in history.

The SAVE plan is another huge step forward in President Bidens tireless efforts to fix the broken student loan system, reduce the burden of student debt on working families, and put borrowers first, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

More Education coverage from The Hill

For those enrolled in the SAVE IDR plan, when payments resumed, the income exemption for monthly payments increased from 150 percent above the poverty line to 225 percent, and unpaid interest would not grow. The Department of Education has said more than 5 million borrowers have enrolled in the plan.

Going into summer 2024, changes to the SAVE plan will slash payments from 10 percent of discretionary income to 5 percent.

I guess on the positive we can expect to see payments for undergraduate borrowers cut in half on July 1. That will be beneficial to so many people because a lot of people had increased payments on the SAVE plan at first, but hopefully with that being cut in half, it will be a good thing, Abrams said.

Bidens Plan B

FILE - Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office at the Department of Education, Sept. 20, 2023, in Washington. The Biden administration is asking America's colleges to renew their efforts to make campuses more racially diverse, urging schools to boost scholarships and minority recruiting and to give meaningful consideration to the adversity students face because of their race or finances. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

FILE  Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office at the Department of Education, Sept. 20, 2023, in Washington. The Biden administration is asking Americas colleges to renew their efforts to make campuses more racially diverse, urging schools to boost scholarships and minority recruiting and to give meaningful consideration to the adversity students face because of their race or finances. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

After the Supreme Court ruling, Biden also announced his Plan B for his student loan plan, which requires him to go through the Higher Education Acts negotiated rulemaking process.

That requires public comments and multiple meetings with stakeholders  which have begun  to determine what the plan could look like. The plan discussed so far at meetings would target only certain categories of borrowers, if approved. This process takes months, and it wont be known until well into next year what the final plan will become.

The stakeholders are looking at five groups in the plan: Borrowers who entered repayment decades ago; borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally owed; borrowers who are eligible for relief under specific programs but didnt apply; those under financial hardship; and those who went through programs that didnt give financial value.

I think they could have done more, especially because they were using the [Higher Education Act] process, Abrams said. And I know that our organization flooded with more than like 20,000, 25,000 comments demanding full debt cancellation, so it still needs to be much stronger and much more universal for all borrowers.

However, this plan will still be more widespread than what the Biden administration has been doing to give student debt relief to some borrowers.

The administration has forgiven $132 billion in student loans by targeting specific groups such as those on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) or those who had claims with the Borrower Defense program.

But it is unclear if these efforts will be enough to satisfy student loans borrowers to whom Biden promised $10,000 in relief during his campaign.

The Biden administration is doing the best they can given the recent Supreme Court decision to relieve as much debt as possible and to continue, I think, to keep coming back to the table to come up with proposals to ensure that theyre reducing the burden on as many borrowers as possible, Getachew said.

Going into 2024, she said for borrowers she is hopeful that they will have a better sense around their economic certainty.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trump corrupted the judiciary





Something that I have not noticed in the newspapers is dealing with the lawyers that Trump is hiring. Here is a man that is hiring some of the worst lawyers in the country, but what is worst is he had the authority to hire or in place some of the worst judges in the country.

Trumps judge appointments especially on the Supreme Court have proven to be liars. They all said Roe vs. Wade was a set law, but they change it. But that isnt all. What if you as a farmer dug an irrigation ditch years ago when the law allowed it. Now, someone decides that they dont like it that you have that ditch and go to court. With a few vacations to the judges, (Clarence Thomas come to mind) you find out that you have to fill in that ditch. Now, I know a lot of people get mad when they have unelected people in the various sections of the government telling them what they can and cannot do. But remember, these judges appointed by the president are not elected, and once in office they are there for life.

Jerry Johnson, Payette

Hamas must be totally destroyed

The media shows the damage in Gaza. The UN wants a cease-fire. But important facts have been forgotten. Hamas attacked Israel in brutal fashion to fulfil their goal: kill Jews and destroy the Jewish State.

Citizens in Gaza allow Hamas to operate in their schools, homes, and hospitals. By enabling Hamas, they became part of it, endangering themselves. Hamas could not build miles of tunnels or store thousands of munitions without knowledge and help from the general population. Their anguished tears from bombs falling in retribution are mixed with their joyful tears celebrating the killing of Jews.

Hamas alone is responsible for the bombing in Gaza. Hamas brutally attacked, killed, and kidnapped civilians in Israel. Israel is defending their country as any nation under attack would. Russia attacked Ukraine but no one blames Ukraine for defending itself. The reverse is true, other nations are trying to help Ukraine. Instead of calling for a cease fire, the world should be helping Israel rid Gaza of Hamas and the tunnels they built for their terrorist operations.

Terrorists have tried to kill Israel since its inception. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Hamas cannot be allowed to attack Israel again. Ever.

Joan Ehrnstein, Meridian

Nampa Hispanic Cultural Center

The City of Nampa has taken over and changed the name of the Hispanic Cultural Center to the Nampa Event and Cultural Center. They will remove the Mexican flag in front of the building in order to represent a more diverse cross section of Cultures. I do agree with this idea but I cant help but think that the City is trying to make the building more white.

The City does state that it will continue to celebrate Hispanic/Latino Culture and traditions. This is important because the building was built completely with donations from people and organizations whose intent was to promote those traditions.

The building has been under utilized since its inception and has been allowed to deteriorate. It became clear that a handful of Mexican Celebrations such as Quincineras and weddings and lack of professional management could not support the building. The City is right in take over the building, something they probably should have done many years ago. The City now will install a professional management team and has already spent a substantial amount of money renovating the building. Thank You City of Nampa for stepping up and doing what needed to be done! Better things to come!

Daniel Martinez, Nampa

Manage dams for salmon until they fall

On 15 December, the plaintiffs and the US government presented to the federal court a proposed agreement and plan in the case of the Columbia River System Operations.

The preface to the statement to the court should begin by stating the number one goal is getting to the point where a return to a natural river (breaching of the four Lower Snake River dams) is possible and a target date should be set for that to occur.

Until that is possible, a secondary goal should be to run the river system for the benefit of the fish during the period 1 April to 30 Jun.

During this period, the fast and safe migration of the fish would take priority over power generation and river traffic even if that means periods where lake levels are reduced to below MOP and barge and tourist ships were unable to run and power is not generated.

This is a period is when power needs are reduced and ag products which are harvested in Summer and early Fall can be rescheduled.

Any agreement MUST work aggressively to save the fish starting in 2024, not maybe ten years in the future.

Keith E. Carlson, Lewiston
It was a tumultuous year in education: New technologies, chaos erupting on campuses, the ditching of affirmative action, student loan whiplash and the rise of school choice.

And theyre not issues that are going to remain in the past, as higher education struggles with directives on diversity and protests related to Israels war in Gaza; AIs evolution will continue to disrupt education across grade levels; and the Biden administration seeks to give loan forgiveness where it can.

In a year that has shaken students, educators and those who have been out of school for years, here are some of the top education stories from 2023:

Supreme court rulings: Student loans and affirmative action

Halfway into the year, two of the biggest higher education shake-ups happened when the conservative-majority Supreme Court ruled against student loan relief and affirmative action in the college application process.

The court struck down Bidens student debt forgiveness plan, which would have given at least $10,000 to every borrower with student loan debt.

While it left most borrowers to face the restart of payments this fall, the administration has been able to give targeted loan forgiveness to certain groups of borrowers.

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken unprecedented action to fix the broken student loan system and deliver record amounts of student debt relief, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, with the administration forgiving $132 billion in student loans so far.

The Department of Education is working on a new student debt relief plan to replace the one struck down by the high court, but it will likely not be as universal and only go to select groups.

Colleges are also parsing through the court ruling that said race or ethnicity could not directly be taken into consideration when determining which applicants should be accepted.

In lawsuits against Harvards and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills (UNC) admission practices, the justices decided the schools violated the 14th Amendment

Both programs lack sufficiently focused and measurable objectives warranting the use of race, unavoidably employ race in a negative manner, involve racial stereotyping, and lack meaningful end points, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the decision.

The decision caused many schools to release statements reaffirming their commitment to diversity on campus but gave no specific steps they would take after the ruling.

College controversy around Israel-Hamas war

As the year drew to a close, the Hamas attack on Israel prompted protests both supporting Israel and against Israels retaliation in Gaza.

Amid an increase in antisemitism and Islamaphobia on campuses since Oct. 7, the House held several hearings. But only one received international attention: When the presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) testified.

All three presidents were asked by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) if calls for genocide against Jewish people would constitute harassment on their campuses; each responded it would depend on the context.

While First Amendment advocates said the answers were technically correct, the responses created a huge blowback.

UPenns president resigned, and the House announced all three schools would be under investigation for their learning environments and disciplinary policies.

The testimony we received earlier this week from Presidents [Claudine] Gay, [Liz] Magill, and [Sally] Kornbluth about the responses of Harvard, [University of Pennsylvania], and [the Massachusetts Institute of Technology] to the rampant antisemitism displayed on their campuses by students and faculty was absolutely unacceptable, House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) said in a statement.

Given those institutional and personal failures, the Committee is opening a formal investigation into the learning environments at Harvard, UPenn, and MIT and their policies and disciplinary procedures.

School choice makes big strides

The school choice movement gained steam in numerous states, giving parents access to government money that allows them to choose alternatives to public schools.

National School Choice Week counted 20 states in July that have passed some school choice legislation for their residents. Many of these states were able to expand charter schools, homeschooling, online schooling, magnet schools and open enrollment.

But the big winners for the school choice movement were the numerous states that accepted partial or universal education savings accounts (ESAs). These accounts allow parents to receive a certain amount from the government each year to send their children to alternative educational environments besides public schools.

School choice had significant growth in 2022, but 2023 is proving to be even more transformative, the organization said.

The movement did hit a snag at the end of the year, when school choice advocates were not able to convince rural Republicans in Texas of the need for ESAs. This was a blow to the movement which has been working on Texas for months, and multiple special sessions were called on the issue.

However, the governor has made clear it is not the end of the policy in his state.

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) will continue to work with Texas legislators and at the ballot box to get school choice for all Texas families, said a spokesperson from his office, according to The Texas Tribune.

AI in education

Artificial intelligence in schools gained an unprecedented amount of traction in 2023.

It initially caused panic among school leadership, with multiple districts banning the popular ChatGPT at the beginning of the year.

In the months to follow, educators and policy experts have worked together to understand this technology and how it could be a benefit to students and teachers.

While some schools have rescinded their bans, educators are still grappling with how to detect cheating with AI while making sure the technology that will likely become common in the workplace will be taught properly to the next generation.

The Department of Education released guidelines to help schools navigate the new waters, giving seven recommendations on how teachers can make AI work for them and their students.

There is tremendous potential for AI to be a positive force for our students and for the education system, Cardona said in an interview, but he warned, Without guardrails, this can a dangerous thing too.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
INDIANA - A 55-year-old Indiana man is facing multiple charges after his pickup truck fatally struck a woman on I-90 and left two others injured.

Scott Schuch, of Porter, Ind., is charged in connection with the fatal crash that occurred at 4:45 p.m. Friday on I-90 eastbound, east of the Indiana/Illinois state line. Authorities believe he may have been intoxicated.

Police say a gray Nissan SUV possibly hydroplaned before it hit a concrete barrier that divided the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate.

The male driver of a white Lexus saw the crash and pulled over on the inside shoulder. He got out and walked to the wrecked Nissan, checking on the female driver's condition.

Authorities say the driver of the Nissan spoke with the driver of the Lexus and asked him to call 911.

As he was on the phone, the Nissan driver got out of her vehicle and walked across the road toward the Lexus, police say.

While she was crossing the road, Schuch, who was driving a blue Ford truck, was heading eastbound and made a quick lane change to avoid the crashed Nissan.

But while doing so, Schuch struck the Nissan's driver as she was crossing the road, police say.

She did not survive the impact and died on the scene. Her identity hasn't been released as of yet.

Schuch also hit the Lexus and officials say two people inside were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

After further investigation, troopers found that Schuch showed signs of possible intoxication at the time of the crash.

He agreed to do a blood draw at a local hospital and the results led to his arrest.

Schuch is charged with the following:

Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death- Level 5 Felony

Operating While Intoxicated Endangering- Class A Misdemeanor

Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury- Class A Misdemeanor

Operating While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor

These charges are preliminary and could change pending further investigation.
Phoenix police were investigating after a suspected impaired driver collided with a Phoenix firetruck early Sunday morning, injuring five firefighters, officials said.

Just before 1 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the area of 75th Avenue and Thomas Road after reports of the collision, authorities said in a statement.

Police said that five firefighters and the driver of the other vehicle were taken to a hospital as a "precaution," with Phoenix fire officials adding that all involved were taken in "serious but stable condition."

Four of the five firefighters have since been released from the hospital, with the fifth in stable condition, officials said.

Father of 6 died in a Phoenix crash: his memory lives on with organ donations

Through the course of the investigation, police stated the driver of the other vehicle, later identified as 30-year-old Alexis Mendoza, showed signs of impairment. Preliminary information, according to police, indicated Mendoza ran a red light and collided into the firetruck while it was en route to a call.

Officials would not say as to what incident the Phoenix firetruck was responding to.

Mendoza was ultimately arrested and booked into a Maricopa County jail, and he is facing one count of driving while impaired, police said.

No other information was released as the investigation remained ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Firetruck collision: police investigate potential drunken driving crash
TACOMA, Wash. - Police in Tacoma are investigating a shooting that left multiple people injured early Saturday morning.

According to the Tacoma Police Department (TPD), at around 2:20 a.m., three people with gunshot wounds checked themselves into a nearby hospital. One victim had life-threatening injuries.

Detectives arrived at the hospital to try and figure out any suspect information, and where the shooting happened.

FOX 13 reached out to the TPD, and its detectives believe the shooting may have happened in South Tacoma, possibly Pierce County.

RELATED: Bus driver attacked in Bellevue

The TPD says family members are with the victims and are requesting privacy.

The investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This is a locator map for Afghanistan with its capital, Kabul. (AP Photo)

ISLAMABAD (AP)  Security forces in Afghanistan killed a number of Tajik and Pakistani nationals and arrested scores others involved in attacks against religious clerics, the public, and mosques, a senior Taliban official said Sunday.

Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Talibans appointed defense minister, during a press conference in the capital, Kabul, said dozens of Tajiks and more than 20 Pakistanis were killed in the past 12 months in operations by security forces.

He said scores of Tajiks and hundreds of Pakistanis involved in various incidents were also arrested during that period.

Mujahid called on neighboring and regional countries to strictly monitor their borders.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad spiked as hundreds of thousands of Afghans left Pakistan after authorities started pursuing foreigners they said were in the country illegally, going door-to-door to check migrants documentation, following an Oct.31 deadline.

Mujahid also said there has been a 90% decrease in attacks by an Islamic State group affiliate in the past year.

The militant group has carried out major assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques, and has also attacked Shiite areas across the country.

The IS affiliate has been a major rival of the Taliban since the latter seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. IS militants have struck in Kabul, in northern provinces and especially wherever there are Shiites, whom IS considers to be apostates.

Since taking power, the Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and work and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed, as U.S. and NATO forces were pulling out of Afghanistan following two decades of war.
In what appears to be an ongoing theme this holiday season, a 16-year-old boy traveling by himself from Tampa, Florida, was accidentally flown to Puerto Rico, Frontier Airlines said, offering an apology to the family.

The teen was supposed to fly to Cleveland, Ohio, on a Dec. 22 flight out of Tampa International Airport but "mistakenly boarded a different flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico," a spokesperson for the airline company said.

Both flights departed from the same gate, with the San Juan flight departing first, Frontier said.

Logan Lose. (Obtained by NBC News)

The teen was immediately flown back to Tampa and put on a flight to Cleveland the following day.

Ryan Lose told "NBC Nightly News" that his son, Logan Lose, was nervous about flying alone for the first time and checked with the gate agent before boarding his flight. Ryan Lose said the agent checked his son's baggage and looked at his boarding pass but did not scan it.

When the plane landed in Puerto Rico, Logan frantically texted his family.

"I could feel the fear in the text messages. I could feel how scared he was," the teen's father said. "My heart pretty much sank at that point because there was nothing I could do."

The teen eventually arrived in Cleveland, where he was visiting his mother for Christmas, on Dec. 23.

Frontier Airlines said it allows children 15 and older to fly alone and does not have an "unaccompanied minor program" that provides escorts for minors.

"Frontier has extended its sincere apologies to the family for the error," the spokesperson said.

In a separate incident last week, a 6-year-old child flying on Spirit Airlines from Philadelphia to Fort Myers, Florida, was incorrectly put on a plane headed for Orlando. The airline said the agent responsible was no longer working for the company.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A 16-year-old boy "mistakenly boarded" a Frontier Airlines flight in Tampa on Dec. 22, expecting to land in Cleveland, the airline said in a statement Saturday. Instead, he ended up in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The flights were boarding one after the other at the same gate, and the passenger boarded the San Juan-bound flight, which was departing first, Jennifer F. de la Cruz, a spokesperson from the airline told CBS News.

The passenger was "immediately flown back to Tampa on the same aircraft and accommodated on a flight to Cleveland the following day," said the airline, who says it has "extended its sincere apologies to the family for the error."

De la Cruz noted that Frontier allows children ages 15 or older to fly alone, but does not offer a formal unaccompanied minor program involving escorts from the airline.

Last week, Spirit Airlines came under fire when they "incorrectly boarded" an unaccompanied 6-year-old boy who was traveling from Philadelphia to Fort Meyers, Florida. He ended up on the wrong flight and landed in Orlando, about 160 miles away from his intended destination. The gate employee responsible has since been terminated by Spirit.

Anderson Cooper on freeing yourself from the burden of grief

"Hail and farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2023

Sen. Lindsey Graham says "we'll get the money for Ukraine" if White House negotiates on border
(Photo : Unsplash/Mollie Sivaram )

Movies are a source of motivation and inspiration for your career goals and offer perspective when you're dissatisfied with your career.

How Can Movies Motivate People

Motivation is an inner drive that energizes and directs our behavior toward achieving specific goals, taking action, and pursuing personal or professional aspirations.

Some movies motivate or inspire, but some can make you want to stop watching for being dull. However, some films can deeply connect and provide you with the motivation and inspiration to strive for success. These movies tap into emotions to uplift, encourage, and go beyond mere contemplation, prompting you to take action.

Movies Trigger Motivation Through Thoughts

Movies trigger motivation by depicting relatable characters overcoming challenges, showcasing achievements, engaging emotions, portraying positive values, visualizing possibilities, and providing a moment of reflection. These elements prompt viewers to think about personal growth, potential, and the possibility of positive change in their own lives.

READ ALSO: 5 Hollywood Rags-To-Riches Stories That Will Inspire You In More Ways Than One

Top Five Motivating Movies About Jobs and Careers

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

George Bailey (James Stewart) is a businessman who initially believes his life is not essential, but with the help of an angel, he discovers his significance and the people who need him in his small town.

The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

Follow the journey of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman and a single father who works hard to overcome financial challenges and find true happiness by selling outdated medical devices to keep food in his and his son's mouths. Gardner faces hardships, but through determination, an internship, and some luck, he lands his dream job, bringing stability to his life. The real-life bond between Will Smith and his son, Jaydin Smith, adds depth to the struggles and joy experienced in their pursuit of happiness.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Step into NYC, the city of lights and fashion, as Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) strives for recognition in fashion writing. Working for the formidable Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) presents daunting challenges. Initially viewing Priestly as the Devil, Sachs discovers her boss's passion for the company. Through this journey, Sachs learns about respect, dedication, commitment, and love in fashion.

The Intern (2015)

Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old retiree, becomes an intern at an online fashion site. The film explores whether he can keep up with younger colleagues and offers career lessons, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. He is described as "frothy, playful, irresistible" by Manohla Dargis of The New York Times.

A Family Man (2016)

It is a drama about Dane (Gerard Butler), a headhunter in a high-stakes corporate battle facing personal and professional issues, which he has to choose between. The film delves into the theme of balancing work and home life, offering lessons about focusing on what truly matters.

RELATED ARTICLE: Life And Career Lessons From 'Suits': Things We Can Learn From Mike Ross and Harvey Specter

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(KRON)  A Tesla Cybertruck was involved in a crash Thursday afternoon in San Mateo County, California Highway Patrol said in a news release. The crash happened around 2:05 p.m. in the area of Highway 35 and Page Mill Road, just north of Skyline Ridge Open Space Reserve.

Approximately $1M worth of merchandise stolen from Ross in Solano County: authorities

The Cybertruck crashed into a 2009 Toyota Corolla, which was driven by a 17-year-old boy from Woodside. It is unknown if he was injured.

The Tesla was traveling north while the Toyota was going south at the time of the crash, CHP said. The weather at the time of the crash was cloudy and wet.

A preliminary CHP investigation determined the Toyota was traveling at an unknown speed when it hit a dirt embankment on the right shoulder. The Toyota reentered the roadway, crossed the double yellow lines and entered the northbound lane where it then crashed into the Tesla.

The driver of the Cybertruck, a 32-year-old man from San Francisco, suffered a minor injury, according to CHP. He declined to be taken to the hospital. There were two other passengers inside the Tesla, but it is unknown if they suffered any injuries.

Photos from Reddit show the Cybertrucks airbags were deployed and that the Toyotal sustained significantly more damage after the crash.

CHP said it does not appear that the Tesla Cybertruck was operating in self-driving mode. The Tesla Cybertruck was released in the United States last month.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
TechCrunch

Microsoft has ticked off the second phase of its rollout of a data localization offering in the European Union. The latest deployment to the "EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud", as it brands the infrastructure, kicked off in at the start of last year. Microsoft had said it expected the second phase of the rollout to be completed at the end of 2023 so it's keeping roughly to schedule.
A plane carrying migrants from Texas landed about 1 a.m. Sunday at the Rockford International Airport, and the migrants were offloaded and immediately boarded buses headed toward Chicago, according to officials.

By late Sunday afternoon, some passengers from the plane had arrived in the Chicagos migrant landing zone in the West Loop, a city spokesperson said.

It was the second such private plane chartered by Texas officials, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos amid the migrant crisis. Johnson called on Congress to provide the necessary resources to deal with the issue and better coordination between all levels of government.

In a social media post, Rockford officials said there were 355 migrants on the flight. The officials were given limited notice the migrants were arriving.

Chicago officials said the plane was a private Boeing 777 coming from San Antonio, and that after landing, migrants boarded eight buses chartered by Greg Abbott.

The citys statement suggested the flight was an escalation of Texas response to a recent Chicago ordinance that allowed the city to sue rogue bus operators dropping off migrants outside of set approved hours and locations. In recent weeks, Texas officials have opted to drop migrants off just outside Chicago limits as well.

A late Saturday joint statement from Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, Winnebago County Board Chair Joe Ciarelli and other local officials said the buses were supposed to end up at Chicagos landing zone.

The buses dropped passengers off in various suburbs and they are making their way to the City via train and other means, a statement from a city of Chicago spokesperson said.

Winnebago County law enforcement followed the buses to the McHenry County line and turned around, according to an updated Facebook post.

About 30 migrants reportedly got off a bus in Elgin Sunday morning, walked to the Metra station and boarded the No. 2708 train at 9:55 a.m. bound for Chicago, according to Elgin Mayor David Kaptain.

All the tickets were paid for, Kaptain said. And they headed into the city.

By late Sunday afternoon, some of the migrants from Rockford had arrived to the citys landing zone. But there was no official count then of arrivals from the plane, said Mary May, a spokesperson for the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Rockford officials said they were not aware of other flights bound for their city.

However, the Texas Department of Emergency Management is managing this situation, they said. We will remain in contact with them. ... If we get more of these flights, we will activate our local Emergency Operations Center to coordinate logistics and planning to ensure the safety of all involved throughout this process.

The first plane, chartered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, arrived at OHare Airport Dec. 19, carrying 120 migrants, a fraction of the 28,000 migrants Abbott said had been transported to Chicago since August 2022.

An Abbott spokesperson confirmed to the Tribune that Texas officials opted for airplanes after Johnson started targeting migrant buses from Texas with fines or impoundment.

Bus drivers have also dropped migrants off just outside the city  in Indiana or, increasingly, in the suburbs  and given them Amtrak tickets or Metra cards to get downtown, according to city officials.

On the CBS show Face the Nation Sunday, Mayor Johnson said Abbotts practice of transporting migrants via airplane without any coordination to various cities was a very dangerous task and a matter of national security.

The planes arrival came as temperatures dipped in the city, snow fell throughout the morning, and wind chills were expected to reach the low 20s.

What we have is clearly an international and federal crisis that local governments are being asked to subsidize, and this is unsustainable, Johnson said. None of our local economies are positioned to carry on such a mission. What we have attempted to do is create structure and some coordination around this humanitarian crisis. And unfortunately, Gov. Abbott is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos.

Johnson said its no secret that we need comprehensive immigration reform.

What we have said repeatedly is that we need Congress to act to provide the resources that are needed in order to carry out this mission, he said. The rogue buses that are being dropped off across this country in the middle of the night  leaving people with no real support at all, no coordination with the local municipalities that type of chaos is certainly dividing in our country, and we need better coordination between all levels of government to be able to respond to this mission.

Putting people on airplanes and dropping them off in the city of Chicago and Denver and New York without any coordination, without a manifest, I dont know how many federal laws or aviation laws he can be violating, he said in reference to Abbott, later adding the rogue bus ordinance was designed so that bus drop-offs could be better coordinated.

Texas officials should not be dropping people off in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, without the type of support thats needed, he said.

Metra spokesperson Martha Hill said about 75 buses transporting migrants had arrived at various outlying Metra stations since Dec. 19. Though migrants already had fare cards, the agency received no advance notification of their arrival. Those riders were transported to downtown stations and passed off to OEMC or were picked up by family and friends, Hill said.

More buses were expected, she said. The city estimated 14  including the eight from Rockford  were to arrive by the end of Sunday. Figures are likely to change, the city warned, because of the practice of drop-offs in adjacent suburbs.

As of Sunday morning, there were 14,585 migrants staying at 27 active shelters in Chicago. Nearly 600 were awaiting placement: 53 at Chicago police stations, 241 at OHare Airport and nearly 300 at the citys landing zone.

May said the overall numbers of migrants at the landing zone is fluid as arriving migrants are placed with housing, meet up with family or friends in Chicago or prepare to travel elsewhere.

By mid-afternoon at the landing zone, migrants milled around four CTA warming buses parked in a barricaded part of Polk Street that butts up against the Dan Ryan Expressway, as police officers kept watch in cruisers parked along Des Plaines Street.

Kaptain said the arrival of migrants in Elgin was reported by a Metra conductor, and relayed to the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. Elgin officials were informed of the migrant dropoff by Metra and residents who witnessed the passenger transfer.

We have no direct confirmation from our staff in Elgin that they actually saw the people, Kaptain said.

Kaptain said it is the second time in a week that migrants have reportedly arrived without notice in Elgin.

In the previous incident, the passengers got off a bus from Texas in downtown Elgin and walked to the Metra station. Most caught a train into the city, while some were met by family or friends, Kaptain said.

There were no reports of migrants being dropped off in nearby Hoffman Estates, Mayor Bill McLeod said Sunday.

aquig@chicagotribune.com
Several thousand people gathered in Belgrade on Dec. 30 to protest violations during parliamentary and municipal elections held in Serbia on Dec. 17, marching from the Terazije Fountain to the Constitutional Court, symbolically displaying "red cards" along the way, Serbian TV news channel N1 reported on Dec. 30.

Vice president of the opposition Freedom and Justice Party, Marinika Tepic, who has been on hunger strike since Dec. 18, addressed the protesters, gathered by the ProGlas initiative, and called on them to "unanimously, calmly and decisively say that they do not agree with the rewriting of the electoral will, that they do not agree with the meaninglessness of democracy and the rule of law, and that they do not agree with the birth of a naked autocracy in Serbia" and demanded new parliamentary and local elections within six months, as well as fundamental electoral changes.

Read also: Serbian President Vucic denounces Russian occupation of Crimea and Donbas

Miroslav Aleksic, leader of the Serbia Against Violence alliance, which placed second in the general election, told reporters that there would be no more rallies in front of the State Election Commission, but promised new large-scale protests in January, if the ruling government tries to form a majority in the Serbian National Assembly and Belgrade municipality.

Read also: Hungary and Serbia help fund Putin's military  Bulgarian PM

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won 46.72% of the votes in the Dec. 17 snap parliamentary election, according to preliminary results from the state election commission.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has claimed victory in Serbian parliamentary elections on Dec. 17, with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) winning a near-majority, the Reuters news agency reported on Dec. 18.

The opposition and OSCE monitoring mission said that the SNS had gained an unfair advantage through media bias, the improper influence of President Aleksandar Vucic, and voting irregularities  vote buying in particular.

On Dec. 24, opposition supporters tried to force their way into the Belgrade City Council. Several government employees were injured, and 38 protesters were detained.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Three former Trump administration officials who vocally criticized the former president in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol in a joint interview Sunday warned he would pose a danger to democracy if reelected to a second term.

Former White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews and former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson spoke to ABC Newss Jonathan Karl about their experiences cooperating with the Jan. 6 select committee and about their concerns for democracy.

This is a fundamental election to continue to safeguard our institutions and our constitutional republic, Hutchinson said. But if we crumble as a nation, were setting an example that democracy is an experiment.

Fundamentally a second Trump term could mean the end of American democracy as we know it, Griffin said, adding that the American public witnessed Trump trying to steal a democratic election.

That just shows hes willing to break every barrier to get into power and stay in power, she added.

Former President Donald Trump is introduced to the crowd during a rally Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)

Matthews noted that Trumps focus on returning to power has only heightened and his rhetoric has gotten increasingly erratic, pointing to his threats to undermine parts of the Constitution, weaponize the Justice Department and exact revenge on his political opponents.

To this day he still doubles down on the fact that he thinks that the election was stolen and fraudulent, Matthews said.

Hutchinson, who gave dramatic testimony to the House panel investigating Jan. 6, pointed to a recent town hall interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News in which Trump did not categorically reject the reporting that he would act as a dictator if he returns to power.

Trump, Biden on course for 2024 rematch few Americans want

Trump told Hannity he would only be a dictator on day one to close the border and drill for energy resources.

The fact that he felt that he needs to lean into being a dictator alone shows that he is a weak and feeble man who has no sense of character and integrity and has no sense of leadership, Hutchinson said.

All three women stressed the need to focus on ensuring Trump does not return to office.

Matthews indicated she wasnt crazy about the available choices in a presidential election likely to include Trump as the GOP candidate and President Biden as the Democratic candidate. But she suggested she would back Biden.

Ive never voted for a Democrat in my life, but I think that in this next election, I would put policy aside and choose democracy, Matthews said, noting that she is still holding out hope that a different Republican might win the primaries.

Our singular focus needs to be, if he is the nominee, on making sure that he is not elected the president again next November, Hutchinson said.

Other than day one: Trump supercharges concerns of dictatorship in second term

Griffin and Matthews emphasized the credit they say Hutchinson deserves for speaking out so late in the aftermath of Jan. 6, 2021, and so early on in her career. They both said they hope more senior officials would speak out.

For some reason, in moments that call for it, women tend to show an astonishing amount of courage, and I credit these women who are younger than me, had not as senior of titles, and stepped forward, Griffin said.

I think that there are a lot of people who saw some dangerous things, but theyve made the calculation that he very well may be president again, Griffin continued. They not only dont want to be on his bad side, they also want to preserve themselves for future opportunities with him.

Still, Griffin said, people who worked in the West Wing know how dangerous Trump is, especially former Vice President Mike Pence, who, she said, has seen more than anyone.

Looking back at 2023 with The Hill

Griffin said she hopes he would think about speaking out more forcefully about the unfitness of Trump.

As political violence and death threats against public officials become more common, the three women all stressed the challenge many face in considering whether to speak out. Many are concerned about threats to their family that many outspoken Trump opponents have faced.

A lot of these people wont come forward even if privately theyll acknowledge that Trump is unfit or will privately acknowledge that the 2020 election wasnt stolen, Matthews said. Its because they know that they will face death threats, that their families will face death threats.

What scares me as much as [Trump] and his retribution is the almost cult-like following he has over his most diehard supporters, Griffin said. The threats, the harassment, the death threats that you get when he targets you  and hes deliberate in targeting  is really horrifying and has no place in our American discourse.

In a statement reported by ABC, Trump responded to the prerecorded interview calling the three women ungrateful grifters who took jobs to benefit themselves and who have gone full Judas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
City attorneys undeserved raise

Exclusive: Sacramento vote to give city manager raise violated state law, will be redone, (sacbee.com, Dec. 20)

The proposal to give the city attorney a substantial raise is even more astounding than the city managers upcoming raise. It was only after The Bee questioned the legality of giving executive staff raises at a special meeting that the city decided to reconsider the proposal at a regularly noticed, public meeting at which the public can comment.

The Brown Act (which governs the city councils meetings) is a basic, essential municipal legal principle. The city attorney knew or should have known that the special meeting was illegal. Either the city attorney advised that the special meeting was illegal and that advice was ignored, or she gave fundamentally flawed advice. And, remember, it was the city attorneys fluctuating interpretation of the citys redistricting laws that left East Sacramento without a council member until the next election.

The city attorneys raise is clearly unwarranted. A pay cut is much more appropriate.

Leslie R Lopez

Sacramento

Clean it up

Worse than Seattle: Sacramento has more chronically homeless than nearly any place in America, (sacbee.com, Dec. 21)

Its official! Sacramento has the highest per capita homeless population in the U.S. This news follows the results of a December poll telling the Sacramento City Council that residents think homelessness is the worst problem facing our city.

But one does not need a poll or study to recognize that Skidrowmento is no longer a functional city. Its reflected in the third-world conditions of our mentally ill and chemically-dependent, the weariness of our police and ER staff, desperation of business owners and frustrations among residents.

The time for patience is over. Those unable to make healthy decisions for themselves must be treated and gotten off the street. There is no freedom or mercy in being cold, hungry and endlessly haunted by mental illness and drugs.

If the council does not act to clean the city up, we should clean up the city council.

Jon Schwedler

Sacramento

Opinion

Kounalakis directive

This is a dire matter. California elected official calls for kicking Trump off the ballot, (sacbee.com, Dec. 21)

After Colorado judges recently moved to remove Donald Trump from their ballot, our Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis then directed secretary of state to look into doing the same. Please remember this when she runs for governor.

Whether you like or hate Trump, we all know that he wont win in California. If he got 40% of the vote, he would be doing amazing here and all California electoral votes would still go to Biden. Removing him from the ballot is pointless and only emphasizes the fact that a Kounalakis governorship will result in possibly even more authoritarianism than weve seen under Newsom.

In recent news, Newsom is attempting to block a proposition from the 2024 ballot that will allow us to choose how we are taxed. Expect much more of that sort of thing  the removal of choice from the people  under Kounalakis.

Liam Bailey

Pioneer

Wise up, America

240 fentanyl-related deaths so far in 2023 mark a high for Sacramento County, new data show, (sacbee.com, Nov. 26)

Although I appreciate the move to stop the influx of dangerous drugs, particularly fentanyl, I think we need a different target. Want to put drug traffickers and cartels out of business? First, we need to address the reason that Americans, especially young people, are so unhappy that they have to get high and take a chance on dying.

What is going on in America that a large part of the population would risk death by taking pills potentially laced with fentanyl? I was prescribed fentanyl once. I read the information enclosed and gave it back to my doctor, telling him that the drug was too dangerous  even if taken as directed.

Other countries want to kill us. They dont have to worry. We are killing ourselves. Wise up, America.

Rick Tibben

Nipomo

What could go wrong?

CPUC must delay decision about Diablo Canyons future, (sacbee.com, Dec. 13)

Lets see: Place two machines on known earthquake faults, each machine containing 27 tonnes of radioactive material and each built with materials and technology that is 38 years-old. Then, extend the operation of these machines way past their planned closure date. What could possibly go wrong?

Jeff Rininger

Cayucos

Blood on Bidens hands

Sacramento Jewish, Muslim leaders denounce Hamas, Netanyahu, (sacbee.com, Dec. 22)

After three months of indiscriminate, illegal, immoral bombing, President Joe Biden is finally showing a little concern for civilian casualties in Gaza. President Biden, you are 10,000 childrens dead bodies too late. You have made Americans feel like stakeholders in a visible, egregious ethno-religious pogrom.

You entered into a devils bargain with a far-right usurper in Israel and green-lighted him to act as he pleases with American arms. You collaborated, co-conspired, colluded and became deeply complicit with a man who doesnt care that he is smashing the lungs, liberties and aspirational lives of innocent Palestinian children.

You have done as much to debauch Americas ethical, legal and humanitarian urges in three months as it took Donald Trump eight years to do. Do you really think the blood of 10,000 children stacks up that well against his 10,000 lies?

Kimball Shinkoskey

Woods Cross, Utah
DELRAY BEACH  A new form of affordable housing may soon come to Delray Beach.

The housing is called multitenant housing units, or MTHUs, which are an enhanced version of single-room occupancy housing, also known as SROs. MTHUs are meant to serve nonfamily households, or people with an annual income of less than $35,000.

The housing units would have a projected monthly rent rate of about $600, and would go in the citys West Settlers Historic District, an area established in 1894 as Delrays first African American community.

On Thursday, Jan. 4, the City Commission will hold a public workshop to review a MTHU proposal from Jetta Investment Co. and sponsored by Commissioner Angela Burns. If approved with a majority vote by the commission, the process to vet a zoning change allowing for the units would begin.

An official with Jetta Investment also raised the issue of allowing them before the Lake Worth Beach City Commission in April.

Much of Delray Beach meets income levels for single-room apartments

In Delray Beach, according to the 2021 U.S. Census, 83% of households making less than $35,000 annually spend more than half of their income on rent. In comparison, according to Jetta Investments, of the households making more than $35,000 per year, only 9% spend more than half their income on rent.this figure compares to only 9% of those making more than $35,000 per year.

The projected monthly rent rate of about $600 would not require any tax breaks or government subsidies. In comparison, a studio apartment in Delray Beach costs about $1,800 per month.

Rendering of what a multitenant housing unit building would look like.

The units are about 100 to 120 square feet, or the approximate size of an apartment bedroom. Residents would share private, single-occupancy bathrooms. And proposed upgrades, like shared kitchens and elevators, would be an option for seniors and tenants with disabilities.

In December, the Florida Housing Innovations Council, or the FHIC, released results from a poll conducted by the national firm American Pulse that showed voters in Delray Beach and Lake Worth Beach supported efforts to increase affordable housing options in their communities.

Rendering of architectural proposed design for multitenant housing units in Delray Beach.

When asked if they agreed on efforts to increase affordable housing, according to the FHIC, 80% of Lake Worth Beach voters agreed, with 59% strongly agreeing. In Delray Beach that figure was 75% for agree, and 50% for strongly agree.

The study surveyed 315 active voters from Delray Beach in early October, and 250 active voters from Lake Worth Beach in early December. The polls showed that, with full information, these voters were in support of the proposed MTHUs.

Rendering of what a multitenant housing unit building would look like.

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Given the checkered history of SRO housing, it is understandable that there would be reservations with bringing this model back, said Dr. Kurt Jetta, FHIC's president and founder.

However, given todays housing and affordability crisis and the significant advances in privacy and security technology, the new, upgraded MTHU model offers all of the benefits for meeting todays housing challenges facing low-income residents and without any of the security or privacy concerns of the past.

In October 2022, Jetta Investments presented the first version of a land-development regulation revision to accommodate MTHUs at a Delray Beach City Commission workshop, but the proposal failed to get any sponsorship from commissioners. Since then, according to Jetta Investments, the company has garnered additional community feedback and support.

In July, Burns sponsored a revised land-development regulation proposal. Also in support of expanding the number of MTHUs in Delray are State Sen. Lori Berman, State Reps. Mike Caruso and Joe Casello and Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward.

Single-room occupancy received cool reception in Lake Worth Beach

In Lake Worth Beach, the idea for MTHUs was presented in early April by Taniel Koushakjian of Jetta Investment.

Were talking about something that is not quite sexy, Koushakjian said about MTHUS, previously known as microcommunal housing units. Were not talking about oceanfront property and water views. Were talking about helping folks at the lower end of the economic status and giving them an option to stabilize their lives.

But many residents opposed it. Some claimed that the units would degrade living standards for the communitys working class, while others argued that they were an opportunity for landlords to take advantage of families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

Koushakjian then spoke during public comment at an April 18 commission meeting to address the backlash received after his presentation at the prior meeting.

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It was clearly stated in my presentation that this housing option was for single individuals, not families, not couples, certainly not children, he said. People live in worse conditions now, and something needs to be done to get them off the street.

Koushakjian ran out of time to continue his public comment at the April 18 meeting.

Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

Giuseppe Sabella is a reporter covering Boynton Beach and Lake Worth Beach at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at gsabella@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray, Lake Worth hear plans for unique form of affordable housing
A buck scoring 127 is a good deer and one that could make into the Magnolia Records Program which keeps records of bucks scoring 125 or more. Even so, its not the kind of deer that would typically make headlines.

However, when antlers like that are on a mature Mississippi buck that doesnt even weigh 95 pounds, it becomes almost legendary.

James Keel of Hernando said he was hunting in the North Mississippi Delta on the morning of Dec. 16, and it was a slow hunt. Keel said he hadnt even seen a squirrel, much less a deer. That changed at about 8:30.

I heard rustling to my right side and saw a doe and he was chasing her, Keel said. I said, Theres no way that rack goes with that deer.

When I saw him coming he was running through the woods. I knew he was a small deer, but I didnt know exactly how small he was.

Mississippi deer hunter James Keel of Hernando harvested a mature buck that was the size of a large dog.

Hunter realizes buck is tiny

It would be a while before Keel found out exactly how small the buck was. Keel shot the deer and tracked it about 250 yards, but the blood trail stopped. He called dog handler Chad Myers of Tunica and asked him to bring a tracking dog.

Meyers came that night and his dog located the buck. When Keel got the deer back to his camp, he began to realize what he had.

I was almost in shock at how small of a body he really was, Keel said. He felt like youre holding a Lab.

When I held that deer up, Chads dog was eye-to-eye with it. He was the size of a mature Lab.

Keel put the buck on a scale and it weighed 93.9 pounds. He said a local processor estimated the age to be 3 or 4 years old. It came from an area where Keel said a mature buck should weigh 200 pounds.

For its size, the bucks antlers are astounding. Its a main-frame 8-point with split G2s. The bases measure 4 4/8 inches and the main beams are 20 4/8 inches. The G2s are 8 6/8 inches and 9 inches with an inside spread of 14 inches. Its unofficial gross score is 127 3/8 inches.

To put it in perspective, thats like a 190-pound buck having antlers scoring over 250 inches.

James Keel of Hernando harvested this buck gross-scoring 137 inches.

What causes dwarf deer?

Stories of dwarf deer, sometimes called short bucks, have circulated for decades. The explanations generally revolved around small deer being brought to the state in the days when deer were imported by the state to restock the population. Some speculation has been that those genes still show up from time to time.

However, if small deer were ever actually brought into the state, it was a long time ago.

Thats been decades and decades since the state brought deer in here, said Russ Walsh, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Wildlife chief of staff. You hear about the small Mexican deer and the old Wisconsin blue bucks. You hear people talk about that, but I wouldnt be quick to throw it back to that.

Instead, Walsh said he thinks its an anomaly linked to an issue with a chromosome.

Another mini Mississippi buck

Whatever causes dwarf deer doesnt appear common. An internet search revealed only a handful of images of similar deer and coincidentally, at least one of them came from Mississippi.

In 2018, Lesley Cannada of Hinds County shot what she thought was a monster buck on her farm. When she walked to it, she realized something was wrong.

The buck weighed 117.6 pounds. He was aged by a biologist at 5 1/2 years old. He came from a property where the average weight of mature bucks is well over 200 pounds with one weighing 295 pounds.

Theres normal variation in their body weight, but Ive never seen one that small, said Kamen Campbell, MDWFP Southwest Region Private Lands biologist in a 2018 interview with the Clarion Ledger. A 110-pound mature buck is unheard of. Ive looked at data from over 30,000 deer, and Ive never seen one like it.

And like Keels buck, the antlers on Cannadas buck were disproportionally large. It gross-scored 129.

A trophy buck to remember

Keel said he knew the buck was quite unusual from the start, but after discussing it with people and reading comments on social media about it, he realized it was more significant than he initially thought.

So, instead of the typical shoulder mount, he plans to have a full-body mount.

I think its something Ill never see again in my life, Keel said. Ive always wanted a house with a hunting room and it would be a great piece with a story to it. I dont think pictures do it justice of how he really is.
Torrance police respond to calls of a group of juveniles causing havoc at Del Amo Mall on Saturday night. (ONSCENE.TV)

Five youths were arrested Saturday after disruptive crowds of teens descended on the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, prompting the closure of the mall and nearby streets, police said.

At about 12:42 p.m., Torrance police officers who were patrolling the mall saw a large group of juveniles fighting, said Sgt. Ron Salary, a spokesman for the Torrance Police Department. Officers escorted them off the malls property.

Later that afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., crowds of juveniles gathered at different spots at the shopping center, according to a statement released by the department.

"It started to grow over time, Salary said.

The "escalating disruptive behavior"  which led to minor injuries for a juvenile and a police officer  prompted Torrance police to call on nearly a dozen other law enforcement agencies for help. Officers then formed a skirmish line, issued a dispersal order, and escorted the young people away from the mall and surrounding businesses, according to a news release from the department.

The five juveniles who were arrested included three girls and two boys, police said.

Torrance Mayor George K. Chen expressed dismay over the incident and praised the response by law enforcement. "We have entered a very sad state when youth visit our community and cause harm and havoc," he said in a statement.

The Police Department said four of the arrested youth were from the cities of Los Angeles, Hawthorne, Compton and Gardena; it was unknown where the fifth was living. Businesses did not report any thefts, and there was no significant vandalism, despite some 911 calls referring to youth "indiscriminately throwing bottles," the department said in its statement.

Carson Street was closed from Madrona Avenue to Del Amo Circle East, Torrance police said in a Facebook post Saturday . Del Amo Circle East was closed from Carson Street to Fashion Way, and Fashion Way was closed from Madrona Avenue to Amie Avenue, the post said. Traffic resumed in all directions around midnight.

The Daily Breeze reported that the mall shut down early after police arrived at the shopping center at around 5 p.m. The mall was scheduled to close at 9 p.m. Saturday. Salary confirmed the mall closed earlier than scheduled.

The policy activity on Saturday wasn't expected to affect the malls hours on New Years Eve, Salary said. The mall was scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the shopping centers website .

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Kwon Mee-yoo

Lim Dong-hyek, one of Korea's most acclaimed pianists, will take the stage with a program deeply rooted in Russian musical heritage in February, taking the audience on a journey through the heart of Russian pianism.

The upcoming recitals, titled "Russianism," are a tribute to the country that has significantly shaped Lim's musical identity. "The Russian repertoire is like home to me," Lim said, highlighting his deep connection and comfort with the music.

Lims affinity with Russian music is not just professional but personal. Born in 1984 in Seoul and having moved to Russia at the age of 10 to study at the prestigious Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Lim has taken in the essence of Russian pianism, earning high praise from his mentors, including professor Lev Naumov, who described Lim as having golden hands.

The centerpiece of the recital is Sergei Prokofiev's Sonata No. 6 and No. 7, part of the composer's famed "War" sonatas. These pieces, known for their intense emotional depth and reflection of wartime strife, hold a special place in Lim's repertoire, having been featured in his performances at numerous competitions during his childhood.

The second part of the program features Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Sonata No. 2, a piece that showcases the composer's virtuosic brilliance. This selection particularly resonates with Lim, known for his exceptional interpretation of Rachmaninoff's works, including the famous Piano Concerto No. 2.

With a reputation for masterful interpretations of Romantic composers like Chopin and Schubert, Lim's upcoming recital will showcase his versatility and deep understanding of Russian music.

Gaining early recognition, Lim won second prize at the International Chopin Competition for Young Pianists in 1996. Lim continued to impress on the global stage, earning prizes at top classical music competitions such as the Queen Elisabeth Competition, the International Chopin Competitions and the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

Celebrated pianist Martha Argerich, recognizing his extraordinary talent, supported his career, leading to major festivals and recordings with EMI Classics. His discography includes works from Bach and Rachmaninoff to Schubert. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, Lim has performed globally, collaborating with top orchestras and conductors including the NHK Orchestra conducted by Charles Dutoit and the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra led by Chung Myung-whun.

The recitals are scheduled to be held at Seoul's Lotte Concert Hall on Feb. 15, followed by performances at the Hyundai Arts Center in Ulsan on Feb. 16 and the Busan Cultural Center on March 5.
A train driver should have been told of a tree on the line during Storm Gerrit, it has been claimed

A train driver who narrowly escaped being killed in Storm Gerrit was not told of a warning from the public that a tree had fallen on the line, it has been alleged.

Sources said that a woman noticed the tree, which had fallen near Broughty Ferry station on the outskirts of Dundee, and contacted an emergency hotline 10 minutes before the collision.

But it was alleged that Network Rail failed to pass on the warning to the driver of the 10.39am service from Aberdeen to Stirling last Wednesday.

The driver had to hide behind his seat to avoid being struck by the tree as it went through the front of the train, destroying the windscreen and almost ripping the cab in two.

Eyewitnesses reported him walking away uninjured and no passengers were hurt on the ScotRail Intercity 125 train.

The driver had to hide behind his seat to avoid being struck by the tree as it went through the front of the train

But the Sunday Mail reported that a woman had noticed the tree was blocking the line at the rear of a relatives home and contacted the hotline. It is understood she saw the collision 10 minutes later.

A source told the Scottish Sun on Sunday: A member of the public had contacted Network Rail 10 minutes before the accident  but they failed to pass on this information to the driver.

The tree was hanging across the line at the drivers eye level. Luckily, the driver made a split- second decision that saved his life when he jumped to the ground.

Paul Sweeney, a Scottish Labour MSP, said: The issue is that an individual phoned the Network Rail emergency helpline as they were concerned about this and theres been a major failure somewhere that this wasnt communicated in time to stop the train.

Im sure the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will look at all these lines of inquiry but its another serious concern that it wasnt picked up.

The tree destroyed the windscreen and almost ripped the cab in two

A Network Rail spokesman said: Safety is our top priority and we are actively reviewing this incident. Before Storm Gerrit arrived, we put measures in place to slow trains down and stop services in areas where extreme conditions were forecast, to keep our passengers and colleagues safe.

Concerns were also expressed in the wake of the devastation caused by the tree about the strength of the fibreglass used to construct the drivers cab in the Intercity 125.

David Lister, ScotRails safety, engineering and sustainability director, said: The high speed trains have operated across Britain for many years with a good safety record.

These trains have received all the necessary legal and safety certifications authorising them as safe to operate on the UK rail network.

The driver had to hide behind his seat to avoid being struck by the tree

He said talks have been held with train drivers union, Aslef, over their safety concerns about the trains and further meetings were planned.

A spokesman for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch told the Scottish Sun on Sunday: We are in the process of gathering information about the circumstances of this incident.

This will be reviewed by the Branch and the appropriate course of action decided in the coming days.

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Tens of thousands of people were left stranded on Saturday after Eurostar cancelled all its services due to flooding in a tunnel.

All 41 trains scheduled on the day were cancelled, throwing travel plans into chaos with passengers scrambling to rearrange transport to and from London St Pancras.

Among them were newlyweds Nicole and Christopher Carrera, who said their plans to spend New Years Eve in Disneyland Paris had been ruined.

One mother said her family was trying not to be homeless with children in a cold London night after the travel chaos upended their stay in the French capital.

Passengers stare at a board of cancellations at the Gare du Nord (AP)

Luana Andrade, 36, her husband Rondi Oroujo, 32, and their three-year-old son have been stranded in London with six relatives from Brazil, and are facing the prospect of booking an expensive hotel and flights.

Ms Andrade said: Its not a trip, its a dream trip. So this is really expensive, its a big deal for our family because we are from Brazil, so its expensive. We planned for months, almost a year, and now probably we dont get it.

But some passengers travel plans may now be back on track after Eurostar said that trains will run on Sunday after flooding in the tunnels was brought under control. The operator warned that customers will face more chaos, however, with speed restrictions potentially leading to delays.

In a statement, Eurostar said: Flooding in the Thames tunnels has been brought under control by Network Rail High Speed meaning at least one tunnel can now be used and a full service can operate.

There will be some speed restrictions in place in the morning which may lead to delays and stations are expected to be very busy.

Flooding in the tunnel at Ebbsfleet, which runs beneath the Thames, had caused cancellations all day after engineers said at 4am that no trains would be able to run on the High Speed 1 line.

While Eurostar, which runs services from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, had hoped services would resume later in the day, the situation failed to improve.

Newlywed Nicole Carreras Disneyland plans were ruined by Eurostar cancellations (PA)

Emotional travellers were spotted at the Eurostar terminal, with one man seen carrying an iPad which read Taxi to Paris.

Among those stranded on the other side of the Channel was The Independents Holly Bancroft, who was informed that her 7.11pm train to London had been cancelled and that the next available train was Tuesday evening. As a result, she and thousands of others have been forced to book flights to travel to their destinations.

Also left devastated by the cancellations were Christina David, 25, and Georgina Benyamin, 26, from Sydney, who had been travelling in Europe for about three weeks with their planned final stop being Paris, where they hope to spend New Years Eve.

Eurostar urged passengers to check their website for refunds or exchanges (PA)

They were supposed to catch the 7.30am train from London St Pancras International to Paris and freaked out when they were told it was cancelled.

Ms Benyamin said: Now we have to book a hotel to stay for the night here, as Ms David added: Weve got nowhere to stay.

HS1, which operates the track, said engineers had worked through the night to remove water but its volume was unprecedented.

Pumps and tankers were spotted at the scene, with a video taken inside the flooded tunnel showing water gushing onto the tracks.

Flooding has caused travel chaos for Eurostar passengers (The Independent)

Initially reports suggested the flooding was caused by a fire control system.

In a statement, Thames Water said: We have been informed of an incident involving a pipe flooding the Eurostar tunnel. We believe the incident is in regard to a fire control system and not a Thames Water pipe/asset, however we have a technician on the way to offer support to control the flow of water.

But a spokesperson for HS1 said: The source of the flooding will be the subject of an investigation, but at this stage we have no evidence to suggest that the fire control system was related to the issue in any way.

Britains only high-speed railway line, from London to Kent, was also out of use to Southeastern trains due to flooding in the Thames tunnels.

Domestic passengers were urged to use slower trains to and from London Charing Cross and Cannon Street. The Southeastern line to London Victoria is closed until the New Year because of engineering work.

Service update: trains have been cancelled today due to part of the track being temporarily closed near London. Please see https://t.co/KVn7RzwXm1 for full details and options We apologise for the impact to travel today.  Eurostar (@Eurostar) December 30, 2023

Also at London St Pancras, passengers using the Thameslink line connecting Bedford and Luton with Gatwick and Brighton are being warned of major disruption through to the morning of New Years Day because of staff shortages.

For New Years Eve, passengers have been warned: Expect major disruption during the afternoon and evening with no service overnight.

Besides New Year revellers hoping to catch trains home after celebrating in central London, many airline passengers and staff rely on the overnight trains to reach Gatwick and Luton airports. National Rail warned: We expect further cancellations across the weekend.

It comes as strong winds and rain in the wake of Storm Gerrit threatens more travel disruption for those travelling for New Years Eve.

Flooding around Tewkesbury Abbey after heavy rain from Storm Gerrit (PA)

A yellow weather warning is in place in Scotland from 8am until midnight on Saturday, with up to 25mm of rain forecast at lower levels. A period of sleet and snow, turning to rain, may lead to some flooding and travel disruption.

In a forecast video, Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said a touch of frost is likely overnight into Saturday and there is a deep area of low pressure waiting out in the Atlantic that is going to sweep its way across the UK this weekend.

Some frost is possible in the south, particularly towards the east, while a more widespread harsh frost is expected in some parts of Scotland.

Temperatures could tumble as low as -8C or -9C, perhaps a little bit colder than that, he added.
Former President Trump's campaign team released a new nickname for fellow Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley on Friday, calling her "Nikki New Taxes."

In the missive entitled "KISS OF DEATH: Nikki New Taxes", Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung blasted the former South Carolina governor for allegedly having a "troublesome record."

"The truth is finally coming out about Nikki Haleys troublesome record showing her total disdain for the working-class and a willingness to sellout to lobbyist parasites," the letter read. "She pushed for a WHOPPING 60% increase in the state gas tax in South Carolina after promising voters she would never do so."

"She also voted for an unconscionable 20% increase in the state sales tax, making her the enemy of the working-class and an ally of lobbyist cronies taking advantage of impressionable politicians looking for their approval," Cheung added.

MAINE GOP STATE LAWMAKER MOVES TO IMPEACH STATE SECRETARY OVER TRUMP BALLOT REMOVAL

Haley and Trump have often been at odds on the campaign trail, despite Haley serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under his watch.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

During a sit-down interview on ABC's "This Week" earlier in December, Haley criticized American media for being "obsessed" with Trump.

"The thing is, normal people aren't obsessed with Trump like you guys are," Haley said to ABC News Jonathan Karl. "The normal people care about the fact that they can't afford things. They feel like their freedoms are being taken away. They think government is too big. I know you all want to talk about every single word he says and every single tweet he does."

COLORADO TO INCLUDE TRUMP ON 2024 BALLOT AS STATE GOP APPEALS TO SUPREME COURT

Former U.S. Ambassador and current presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during a Fox News Republican debate.

Haley added that she and the former president have their disagreements, but said that she had "a good working relationship" with him.

"Anti-Trumpers want me to hate him, pro-Trumpers want me to love him, but this is where I stand. There are things I agree with the president onI don't agree with the fact that, yes, we had a good economy while he was there, but he put us $8 trillion in debt that our kids are never going to forgive us for," she explained.

"I don't agree with how he handles national security," Haley added. "He focused on trade with China, but he did nothing about the fentanyl flow. He did nothing about the fact that fentanyl has killed so many of our Americans."

Former President Donald Trump

Fox News Digital reached out to Haley's campaign team for a response, but has not heard back.

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump team drops new nickname for GOP contender Nikki Haley: 'Nikki New Taxes'
A year ago, former President Donald Trump was at the low point of his roller-coaster political career.

When Trump announced his bid to win back the White House on Nov. 15, 2022, his hold on the party looked more tenuous than ever, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rattling a saber newly sharpened by winning re-election.

Trump's hand-picked candidates had just flamed out in midterm Senate races, depriving the GOP of a majority, and he took blame for Republicans underperforming expectations in the House  even as they wrested control of the chamber from Democrats.

By December, as he stared into a future of high-stakes criminal and civil trials, it was clear to allies that he was having trouble convincing donors to contribute to the web of political committees funding his campaign and legal defense. Trump's critics inside the Republican Party thought they detected the odor of blood in the water.

What a difference a year makes. If these tribulations have proved a nuisance for Trump, the trials have been a political boon for him  at least within the Republican Party. GOP voters, and many of their elected representatives, rally around him each time he faces new legal action. So, while the trials threaten his liberty and property, they also have helped put him on the verge of becoming the first Republican to win three straight presidential nominations.

"I'm pleased, more than pleased, with where we are based on where I thought we would be a year ago," Trump campaign senior adviser Susie Wiles said before he took the stage at a rally in Durham, New Hampshire, Dec. 15.

What keeps her up at night now, she said, is "complacency."

Indictments boosted Trump politically

The small circle of advisers running Trump's campaign like to point to his February visit to East Palestine, Ohio, as a pivotal political moment for his bid to win back the Oval Office. Near the site of a train derailment that resulted in the release of toxic chemicals, Trump harshly criticized President Joe Biden for not doing enough to help residents.

But public opinion surveys of Republican voters demonstrate that his most potent boost came in April, shortly after a Manhattan grand jury indicted him on charges related to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. Before that, DeSantis was showing strength in some state polls and at the national level, gaining ground on Trump without having launched his own campaign.

A national Reuters/Ipsos poll in mid-March put Trump at 44%, with DeSantis at 30% and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley at 3%.

By the first week of April, a Reuters/Ipsos survey found Trump at 58%, with DeSantis at 21%, Haley at 1% and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at 1%. Trump's lead over his nearest competitor, DeSantis, had grown from 14 percentage points to 37 percentage points.

Since then, Trump has been indicted in Florida on federal charges that he illegally retained classified documents from his time in the White House. He's been indicted in federal court in Washington, D.C., on charges related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. And he has been indicted in Georgia on charges related to his efforts to upend his loss to Biden in that state.

Each of the criminal cases carries the possibility of prison time if he is convicted, but it's not clear that any of them will wrap up before next year's election and there's nothing preventing a felon from being elected president.

In addition, Trump's company has been fined in New York for running a tax-fraud scheme, he is embroiled in a civil fraud trial in the state and a jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll  who is pursuing a second case against him. A federal appellate court has allowed civil suits connected to the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol to go forward, and Colorado's highest court ruled this month that he is ineligible to appear on the primary ballot because judges determined his actions in the wake of the 2020 election amounted to insurrection under the 14th Amendment.

Wiles described the avalanche of criminal and civil proceedings as a "scheduling nightmare" for Trump's team. But they have proved to be a recurring dream politically. At the very basic level, each new development robs Trump's rivals of the oxygen candidates need to build their profiles with voters. But more than that, Trump has forced them to choose sides  to stand with him or what he describes, without evidence, as a coordinated Biden-driven plot to defeat him by trial.

When DeSantis criticized Trump over the hush-money allegations in March, there was a swift backlash from the former president's allies. The lesson Trump's opponents took from that was that they would suffer within the party for taking him to task, even if his legal problems might create uncertainty about his viability in a general election.

DeSantis is clearly frustrated by that dynamic  to the point that he's accused Democrats of trying to help Trump win the nomination.

"Theyre doing all this stuff to basically solidify support in the primary for him, get him into the general, and the whole general elections going to be all this legal stuff, DeSantis said last week.

Its unfair. Theyre abusing power, 100%, DeSantis said. But the question is, is that going to work? I think they have a playbook that unfortunately will work, and it will give Biden or the Democrat, whoever, the ability to skate through this thing.

Rivals say Trump can't beat Biden

Trump's Republican rivals have so far failed to persuade a majority of primary voters to dump him. In part, that's because they haven't been able to prosecute a convincing case  the one DeSantis is making  that he is destined to lose to Biden again if he is nominated.

An NBC News survey in mid-November showed Trump leading DeSantis 58% to 18% nationally, with Haley rising at 13%. New Hampshire is the only state where polling suggests any other candidate is within shouting distance of Trump  Haley trailed him by about 15 points in two December surveys in the state.

What is perhaps even more striking, though, is Trump's level of support in hypothetical head-to-head matchups with Biden. In June, an NBC poll showed Biden leading Trump by 4 points, 49% to 45%, nationally among registered voters. In November, Trump led by 2 points, 46% to 44%. Polls of swing states suggest a tight contest, too.

Trump's domination of Republican competitors in 2023, combined with the lack of evidence that his nomination would doom the party in the general election, has led to a sense of resignation among some in the GOP who wanted to move in a new direction.

It feels like in July Ill be wearing a f---ing MAGA hat, one DeSantis supporter said at the Republican debate in Miami in November. It seems inevitable.

This isn't the first time adversity has benefited a candidate in the primary, even as members of the party worry that the very source of it could hurt him in a general election.

When Iran took American hostages in 1979, a rally-around-the-flag effect helped President Jimmy Carter stave off a primary challenge from then-Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass. In the short term, as Americans broadly approved of Carter's handling of the situation, he opened up a massive 24-point lead over his top Republican rival, Ronald Reagan, the December before the 1980 election. But Reagan ended up winning.

Two key differences now: Trumps own actions are at the center of his adversity, and Carter never faced the prospect of felony convictions.

The Carter-Reagan example suggests that politics can be a volatile business. Some Republicans have repeatedly argued that their party is doomed if Trump is the nominee.

We simply cannot expect that someone who is facing this number of criminal trials, and, quite frankly, the conduct that underlies those charges, can be a viable fall election candidate against Joe Biden, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" in August. Christie has made the same case this fall to voters all across New Hampshire, where he has centered his campaign, and on television screens around the country.

If DeSantis and Christie are right, they haven't convinced Republican voters to dump Trump yet. If anything, Trump is stronger than he was a year ago.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Medics provide assistance to a victim of the Russian attack on the center of Kharkiv

Twenty-eight people, including two children and a British journalist, were injured in a two-wave Russian missile and drone attack on Kharkiv on the evening of Dec. 30, Kharkiv regional police reported on Telegram on Dec. 31.

Two Iskander-M missiles hit the city center and three C300 missiles struck the Industrial District during the first wave, followed by Shahed kamikaze drone attack overnight.

Read also:

Several hospitals, a dental clinic, high-rise residential buildings, shops, numerous cafes, offices and cars were damaged, according to police. Emergency services promptly responded to the sites of the attacks.

The city's best hotel, the 5-star Kharkiv Palace, was "practically destroyed" in the first wave of the attack, Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor Oleksandr Filchakov reported, adding that another missile hit a residential building on Hirshman Street.

The Kharkiv Palace hotel was damaged by Russian rocket fire Serhii Okunev/NV

The Kharkiv Palace hotel was damaged by Russian rocket fire Serhii Okunev/NV

The Kharkiv Palace hotel was damaged by Russian rocket fire Serhii Okunev/NV

The Kharkiv Palace hotel was damaged by Russian rocket fire Serhii Okunev/NV

The Kharkiv Palace hotel was damaged by Russian rocket fire Serhii Okunev/NV

Twelve people were hospitalized, including the two children, aged 14 and 16, and a foreign citizen, all in moderate to light condition, Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration head, Oleh Synehubov reported on Telegram on Dec. 31.

Thirty-nine people were killed and 159 others were wounded in the massive Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine on Dec. 29, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Dec. 30.

According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, air defense forces shot down 87 cruise missiles and 27 Shahed drones during the attack.

A fire in the center of Kharkiv after a Russian missile attack REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

Policemen help an injured woman after a Russian missile attack on the center of Kharkiv REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

Medics are helping a man injured as a result of a Russian missile attack on the center of Kharkiv REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

A high-rise building in Kharkiv, damaged by a Russian missile strike Serhii Okunev/NV

Rescuers put out a fire in a high-rise building in Kharkiv, which was damaged by a Russian missile strike Serhii Okunev/NV

Consequences of a Russian missile attack on a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv Serhii Okunev/NV

Consequences of a Russian missile attack on a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv Serhii Okunev/NV

Consequences of a Russian missile attack on a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv Serhii Okunev/NV

Consequences of a Russian missile attack on a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv Serhii Okunev/NV

Consequences of a Russian missile attack on a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv Serhii Okunev/NV

Consequences of a Russian missile attack on a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv Serhii Okunev/NV

A man walks with his dog from the site of a Russian missile attack in the center of Kharkiv REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

Rescuers are working inside the destroyed Kharkiv Palace hotel REUTERS/Vitalii Hnidyi

Medics are helping a man injured during a Russian missile attack on the center of Kharkiv REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

The Kharkiv Palace hotel was damaged by a Russian missile strike Kharkiv Region Prosecutor's Office

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
LANSING  Even though it has struggled at times with violent crime, Greater Lansing found itself on another level in 2023, when a mass shooting and a child-kidnapping-turned-murder made headlines far and wide.

Anthony McRae's violent rampage at Michigan State University in February brought home the horrible reality of mass campus shootings. Three students died. Five others were critically injured. Thousands more were changed forever by the nightmare.

And the tragic case of 2-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith began with a domestic dispute and kidnapping in Lansing. She was found dead days later in Detroit.

Wynter Smith

In the tri-county area, where 24 people died from gunfire, stabbing or other violent means, only Clinton County was untouched by homicide in 2023. Fifteen of those deaths occurred in the city of Lansing  slightly above the city's modern historical average but lower than in any year since 2019, according to State Journal records.

But that doesn't necessarily mean violence in the capital city is on a steady decline. As of Dec. 28, there had been 62 non-fatal shootings in the city, four more than in 2022, and shooting-related crimes were up slightly overall from the year before, police said.

"We are showing a return back to our normal numbers, but (what's happening) is still not acceptable," Assistant Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus said. "To see any increase is concerning."

Greater Lansing's high-water mark for homicides was 36 in 2021, including 26 in the city of Lansing. There were 17 in the city in 2022. Over the past three decades, the city has typically seen around a dozen homicides a year.

Only a few of the 2023 homicides remain unsolved. Three of the city's cases are still open, and a November incident in which two men are believed to have killed each other in a shootout is under review by prosecutors, Backus said.

In particular, police are still seeking information about the shooting deaths of Willie Allen, 58, in the area of East St. Joseph and Cherry streets on June 25, and Shamika Parker, 35, in the 2800 block of Averill Drive on Nov. 18.

"We are still seeking information from anyone who knows about those incidents," Backus said. "Just because 2023 is ending and we're going into 2024, it doesn't mean we stop investigating open cases."

Capt. Robert Backus of the Lansing Police Dept. and others investigate a shooting that sent two people to the hospital Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, near the intersection of Norman and Herbert Streets, just west of S. Cedar Street. The incident is still under investigation.

The Lansing Police Department is not classifying the Oct. 24 shooting death of a 2-year-old boy at a gas station on the city's south side as a homicide. Police have said the boy shot himself with a loaded weapon he found inside a vehicle. Three adults, including the boy's mother, have been criminally charged in connection with the incident.

2023 deaths by violence in Greater Lansing

Feb. 5

Mahki Williams, 18, was fatally shot in the area of Osband and Lenore avenues in south Lansing on the evening of Feb. 5.

Two teenagers were charged in connection with Williams' death. A 17-year-old boy was charged as an adult, while a 13-year-old boy is being prosecuted in juvenile court under a process that would allow him to be moved into adult court if he doesn't progress in treatment. Officials identified the older boy as Keif Chatman, who apparently also suffered a gunshot wound. They did not release the name of the 13-year-old.

The Michigan State University community gathers by the Spartan statue on Feb. 15, before they walked along the Red Cedar River to the Rock for a vigil honoring the lives of three students killed during a shooting rampage on Feb. 13.

Feb. 13

Michigan State University students Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner were killed when Anthony McRae, 43, of Lansing, went to campus and started shooting. Five other people were critically injured. McRae took his own life as police approached him later that night in north Lansing.

Feb. 16

A murder/suicide in Dimondale claimed the lives of two young people.

Michigan State Police said Jeremy Arthur Wood, 24, shot an 18-year-old woman at a residence in the 100 block of Cherry Street, then left the home and shot himself. Wood and the woman were in a relationship, police said. The woman's name was not released.

March 24

A married couple died in a murder/suicide at their home on West Five Point Highway in Carmel Township.

State police said they believe Tim Gingrich, 61, shot and killed Jennifer Sue Gingrich, 52, on March 24 before turning the gun on himself. Tim Gingrich died from his injuries about two days later.

April 7

Camrun Thornton, 23, was shot during an altercation at an apartment building on Dorchester Circle, in the area of South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Jolly Road, and later died at a hospital.

Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane ruled the person who shot Thornton was acting in self defense. The shooter's name was not released, but Dewane said the person was a parolee who had since been returned to prison for a parole violation.

April 18

Jose Belester Barrios, 40, was found dead at an apartment complex on Mall Drive West in Delta Township, and authorities have characterized his death as a homicide. Police have released no other information about the case, including how Barrios was killed. Police have not announced charges in the case.

May 7

Lewis Hill, 48, was shot to death in downtown Lansing's Reutter Park on the night of May 7. Kelly Tyrone Whitt, 58, and Jacob Floyd Curtis, 24, were charged in connection with his death in June.

June 20

Jeffrey Medina, 41, died after being stabbed at an apartment complex in the 3600 block of Wildwood Avenue in Lansing. Corey O'Rourke, 33, was charged in connection with his death.

June 25

Willie Allen, 58, was shot and killed in the area of East St. Joseph and Cherry streets. The investigation remains open.

July 30

Manuel Flores, 22, was shot to death on East Kalamazoo Street in Lansing.

Aiden Wilson, 16, and Bradli Stoutmiles, 18, were charged with more than a dozen counts, including murder and assault with intent to murder, in connection with the incident. Police said Flores was shot by people in a stolen SUV who had pulled up to where he was walking.

Aug. 3

D'Angelo Hayward, 21, was shot and killed at the BLVD West apartment complex in the 3200 block of Forest Road. Police said a 16-year-old girl suffered non-life-threatening injuries stemming from the incident. Police said the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute.

DePriest Morrell, 17, of Meridian Township, was charged with murder in connection with Hayward's death.

Aug. 4

Eric Humes Jr., 24, was shot to death in the 2200 block of West Holmes Road, near Pleasant Grove Road. Officers responded to a medical call and found him dead at the scene, Lansing police said.

Daekuan Hallums, 24, was charged with murder in connection with the incident.

Aug. 10

Bry-Kel Miller, 22, was shot in the head inside a home in the 200 block of North Catherine Street in Lansing Township.

The shooter was a 31-year-old man whose name has not been released. No charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation.

Theodore "Ted" Lawson

Oct. 8

Theodore "Ted" Lawson, 63, a prominent Democratic Party activist, was shot and killed Oct. 8 while campaigning for a City Council candidate in Lansing.

Lamar Kemp, 15, has been charged as an adult with killing Lawson.

Police and prosecutors said they believed the shooting was not related to Lawson's political views or activities. A witness said he saw Kemp shoot Lawson after asking him for a dollar, a detective testified.

Alicia Gallegos

Oct. 16

Alicia Gallegos, a 29-year-old mother of three, was found dead in a wooded area in White Oak Township. A pathologist determined she died from asphyxia due to strangulation or suffocation, with blunt force trauma as a contributing factor, according to statements in court.

Jacobo Montalvo, 57, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of unlawful imprisonment and open murder after prosecutors presented evidence he abducted Gallegos in downtown Lansing, killed her and dumped her body.

Oct. 24

A 2-year-old boy was fatally shot inside a vehicle at a south Lansing gas station. Police said the boy found a loaded gun in the vehicle and shot himself.

Three people have been charged in connection with the incident, including the boy's mother, Emma Huver, who is accused of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse. Avis Coward and Gina Renee Schieberl face federal charges related to evidence or the weapon involved.

Nov. 18

Shamika Parker, 35, was shot to death in the 2800 block of Averill Drive in Lansing. Police have said little about the incident, other than to note it was not a random act. The shooting happened around 6 p.m. inside the residence, Backus said this week. No one has been charged in connection with the incident.

Nov. 20

Casharie Lamb, 20, and Angelo Morrow, 30, died after a shooting incident at an apartment complex in southwest Lansing. Police initially described the shooting as "an isolated incident between the two subjects" and later said they believed the two men killed each other.

Nov. 27

Joseph Martinez, 30, was shot outside the Capital Area District Library branch on South Cedar Street in Lansing and then went inside the library. He died at a hospital.

Marquan Jackson, 27, of Lansing, was charged with murder and felony firearm possession in connection with the shooting. Autumn Houser, 25, of Lansing, was charged with acting as an accessory after the fact.

Nov. 28

Christopher Galloway, 33, died after being shot at a residence in the 1600 block of Alpha Street.

Officers initially were called to the residence for a domestic situation but later learned a shooting had occurred there, police said. No charges have been filed, although detectives have identified everyone involved in the incident and are trying to determine "the sequence of events between all of the parties involved," Backus said.

Dec. 21

Brooke Lawson, 17, of Lansing, was shot and killed in a dispute involving three people in the 1400 block of Ravenswood Drive in Lansing Township. A 20-year-old Sunfield woman also was shot and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Lydia Renee Nance, 35, has been charged with open murder, assault with intent to murder and felony firearm possession in connection with the incident.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Two dozen people in the Lansing area died from violence in 2023
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said two teens were shot in Southeast D.C. on Sunday afternoon.

MPD said that at about 12:40 p.m., it was dispatched to the 300 block of 37th St SE for a shooting.

Teen shot in Southeast DC

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

MPD said the teens were conscious and breathing and had non-life-threatening injuries.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Things are really heating up in the southern end of the Red Sea. Houthi attacks on shipping moving through the chokepoint not only continue, but appear to be getting more complex. Now U.S. Central Command has said Navy helicopters were fired upon by Houthi raiding craft while responding to a distress call from a cargo ship. The helicopters fired back, sinking the boats. This comes as a report claims the U.S. and the U.K. are planning to strike back against Houthi forces.

The statement from CENTCOM about the latest incident reads as follows:

"Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea

On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats. The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew served and small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel. A contract embarked security team on the MAERSK HANZGHOU returned fire. U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment."

UKMTO has put out a warning regarding this latest escalation. Reports state that at least 10 Houthi fighters were killed in the skirmish.

https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/1741502475411075496?s=20

The helicopters involved would have been MH-60S/R Sea Hawks . This would be a first for the type which has evolved into relatively potent anti-surface warfare platforms when it comes to destroying small boats. Beyond their crew-served machine guns, which include M240 and M2 types, they can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, as well as laser-guided rockets. The M197 20mm gatling gun can also be carried in a fixed position on the helicopter's stub-wing pylons.

An MH-60S equipped with rockets and an M197 gatling gun pod. (USN)

Combined with an outstanding sensor suite, these weapons give the MH-60s critical force protection capabilities and the ability to rapidly engage small surface targets in scenarios like these.

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, fires an AGM-114M Hellfire missile near San Clemente Island, Calif., during a live-fire combat training exercise. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez/Released)

Just hours prior to the small boat engagement, USS Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles during an assault on the Maersk Hangzhou, which was struck by a weapon while traveling in the Southern Red Sea. CENTCOM's statement read:

"The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship requested assistance, and the USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) and USS LABOON (DDG 58) have responded to the ship. The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries. While responding, the USS GRAVELY shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships. This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19."

https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1741259817602429357?s=20

Maersk has subsequently suspended all Red Sea transits for at least 48 hours.

https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1741410569716933106?s=20

The layering of different types of attacks and what seems like some effort to draw U.S. warships to an area that is then targeted by anti-ship ballistic missiles seems to be evolving.

It's worth addressing the anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) revelation in its own right. This class of weapon has made its operational debut in this ongoing crisis and they are scoring hits. This is a major development as ASBMs are now being developed by multiple nations around the globe  both friendly and unfriendly. We have discussed the fact that the Houthis have possessed these weapons for some time, all of which descend from Iranian designs, but the fact that a they are being used repeatedly and successfully is troubling. While many have missed, some have met their mark and with every launch, the Houthis and especially their Iranian benefactors, are learning.

https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1728966302310830332?s=20

Shooting these types of weapons down is a complicated matter. Depending on their flight profile, engagement envelopes can be very limited using an Aegis combat system-equipped destroyer's primary armament, which can only shoot down these weapons during the terminal stages of their attack. In ballistic missile defense (BMD) mode, ships equipped with SM-3 interceptors and the proper BMD hardware can attempt to intercept ballistic missiles during their midcourse portion of their flight , much farther away, but there has been no indication that these interceptors have been used in this conflict. The very short-range of these Houthi ASBMs likely fall well below the SM-3's engagement envelope too. SM-3s are also precious and very expensive weapons that are not available in huge numbers. It's also worth noting that in all but the latest baseline configurations, American Aegis surface combatants equipped with ballistic missile defense capability could only be in BMD mode or in the standard anti-air-focused mode at any given time, which greatly limited their flexibility and defensive capabilities, especially in a littoral combat situation like this one.

A U.S. Navy destroyer fires as Standard missile. (USN)

Regardless, the ASBM threat is now very real and the weapons the Houthis are using pale in comparison to those now deployed by China .

The exact state of the fledgling Operation Prosperity Guardian , a multi-nation endeavor to provide security to ships transiting the Red Sea, remains unclear. While small convoy operations appear to have occurred, there have no large multinational combined operations that have been observed. With multiple partners that are sending ships not being willing to put their vessels under U.S. control, the exact amount of coordination, and what ships each country is will to provide security for, remains unclear.

After this latest deadly incident, there is a report from the Sunday Times that the U.S. and the U.K. are preparing to strike Houthi targets. There have been repeated cries from many in the national security sphere for the U.S. to attack the Houthis in an attempt at deterring future attacks. While this may seem logical to some degree, there are many other concerns that need to be factored, including the safety of U.S. forces in the region and if doing so would actually have any impact, let alone possibly playing right into the Houthi's  and especially Iran's  hands. Houthis usually don't back down just because of a bloody nose  just ask Saudi Arabia about that. Still, just playing defense comes at a cost too. You can read all about the complexity of this issue in this feature from two weeks ago that is arguably more relevant now than then.

The Sunday Times report states that the U.K. is readying a series of air strikes alongside the U.S. and possibly other European countries. It claims that the U.S. and the U.K. will make a joint statement that will warn the Houthis to stop their attacks or face the consequences in the form of kinetic actions. This would serve as a final warning before strikes are ordered.

The War Zone has reached out to multiple sources but could not confirm the veracity of this report at this time.

The situation in the Red Sea is incredibly serious, and the Houthi attacks are unacceptable and destabilizing," a U.K. government spokesperson responded when we asked about the Times report. "As you would expect, while planning is underway for a range of scenarios, no decisions have yet been made and we continue to pursue all diplomatic routes. We call for the Iranian-backed Houthi to cease these illegal attacks and we are working with allies and partners to protect freedom of navigation."

A spokesman for the White House National Security Council declined comment and the Pentagon did not return a message seeking comment.

Meanwhile, the messaging from the Houthis has not changed a bit:

https://twitter.com/M_N_Albukhaiti/status/1741518650547241466?s=20

Another tweet reads (machine translated):

"Although we fulfilled our religious, moral and humanitarian duty towards our Palestinian brothers, we felt ashamed as we watched the martyrs of Palestine, especially the women and children. However, now that our blood was mixed with their blood today, this has greatly reduced our burden. (The Sacred Month for the Sacred Month and the Sacred Months are retaliation. So whoever transgresses... against you, so attack him In the same way as he assaulted you, and fear God and know that God is with the righteous.)"

https://twitter.com/M_N_Albukhaiti/status/1741505389995200767?s=20

We will keep you informed as the situation develops.

Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com
Events in our skies and beyond the reaches of Earth's atmosphere dazzled, amazed and sparked plenty of wonder this year.

The enigmas of outer space and the distant planets that populate it have, of course, always captivated the public. And thanks to advances in technology  including the growing utility of NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope  scientists in 2023 continued to glean even more insights about the vast cosmos.

Here are five of the top stories from 2023 about space exploration  and even the potential of interstellar visitors here on our own planet.

The year ahead in space: A return to the moon and a rare eclipse among 5 great space events on the horizon in 2024

UFOs, extraterrestrials and reports of close encounters

A still image shows one of the unidentified aerial phenomena captured by a Navy pilot and authenticated by the Department of Defense.

Aliens had something of a moment in 2023  or, at least speculation about them did.

It began in July within the halls of Congress when elected officials had their latest foray into the topic of UFOs, which the government now refers to as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP.)

The explosive hearing featured testimony from three former U.S. military officers. For hours, the men  two Navy veterans and former Pentagon intelligence official David Grusch  regaled congressional leaders and Americans watching a livestream from home about mystifying crafts outmaneuvering our military and shadowy government programs to study extraterrestrial beings.

The hearing served to reignite long-held public suspicions that the U.S. military and other high levels of government are concealing information about extraterrestrial activity and galvanized a movement for transparency. Aliens also became pop culture fodder, as Netflix released a docuseries, actor Goldie Hawn recounted her own close encounter, and MoonPie launch a tongue-in-check campaign to advertise to them.

In the ensuing months, the Pentagon launched an online reporting tool where the public can also access declassified UFO information, while NASA released a highly-anticipated UAP report outlining the space agency's intention to continue studying reports of the objects.

But momentum toward the disclosure many had longed for was dealt a blow earlier in December when Congress passed a watered-down version of a bill seeking the release of the executive branch's UFO records.

Contacting extraterrestrials: Does NASA need a new Golden Record?

The birth of commercial spaceflight

This year marked the dawn of the commercial space age as the first paying customers left our planet's atmosphere on rockets bound for low-Earth orbit.

Billionaire Richard Branson's company Virgin Galactic began in June by taking a crew of three specialists with the Italian Air Force and the National Research Centre of Italy to conduct microgravity research on the edges of space.

By August, the first civilian ticket-holders were taking a ride to the final frontier, marking a major milestone that was years in the making. Private companies owned by billionaires have been in a heated space race for years.

Though Virgin Galactic got there first, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX may not be far behind.

NASA makes advances in space exploration

The crew of Artemis II stand with NASA Deputy Administrator, Pamela Melroythe in front of the Artemis II crew module on Tuesday. The crew will be part of the first lunar trip by astronauts in more than half a century.

Humanity remained as curious as ever this year to explore the infinite bounds of the cosmos and understand the universe.

At NASA, the space agency was finally able to launch a long-awaited unmanned mission to a distant metal-rich asteroid while prepping for future crewed missions to both the moon and even, one day, to Mars.

The crew-less Psyche spacecraft launched in October from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on SpaceX's triple-core Falcon Heavy rocket. The shuttle is now on a six-year, 2.2 billion-mile expedition to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where scientists hope to study an asteroid of the same name to glean valuable insights about Earth's own core.

In a positive sign of the mission's progress, NASA was able to transmit a video earlier in December from Psyche back to Earth of an adorable cat named Taters in a test of its technology.

This illustration depicts NASA's Psyche spacecraft as it approaches the asteroid Psyche. Once it arrives in 2029, the spacecraft will orbit the metal-rich asteroid for 26 months while it conducts its science investigation.

The space agency is also readying its next lunar mission, set to launch in 2024.

The Artemis program represents NASA's interest in journeying to the moon for the first time in a half-century. This year, the four-member crew of the upcoming Artemis II mission got a first look at the craft that in 2024 is slated to take them on a 10-day journey around the moon.

NASA had hoped to land astronauts on the lunar surface itself in 2025 for Artemis III, which would be the first time Americans set foot on the moon since the last Apollo mission in 1972. But that mission was dealt a setback in early December when a report concluded that it preparations would likely not be complete before 2027.

When the Artemis III crew finally does launch in the coming years, they are intended to land at the moon's south polar region, where they will stay for about one week. Ultimately, NASA hopes to establish a permanent human presence on and around the moon to serve as a base of operations for future missions to Mars.

Planetary discoveries and interstellar revelations

An artist impression of WASP-107B and its parent star.

From ancient ghost galaxies to strangely synchronized orbiting planets, this year was one brimming with cosmic discoveries  too many to summarize them all.

Many of the finds were thanks to researchers the world over more frequently harnessing the power of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the complex data it provides. Thanks to Webb, scientists learned a lot this year about star-orbiting exoplanets outside our solar system including one that rains down sand.

In addition to making discoveries about the sand clouds of WASP-107b, researchers found other exoplanets similar to our own and even were able to uncover evidence of a possible ocean world larger than Earth with conditions that could support life.

This artists concept shows what exoplanet K2-18 b could look like based on scientific data. NASAs James Webb Space Telescope has observed K2-18 b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, revealing conditions that could support life on the exoplanet.

The powerful Webb telescope also helped scientists yield valuable insights into enigmatic black holes.

This year, researchers were able to pinpoint the oldest black hole ever discovered, confirming the theory that supermassive black holes were part of the early universe. Formed 470 million years after the Big Bang, the supermassive black holes are 10 times bigger than the black hole in our own Milky Way.

Speaking of which, our own black hole, known as Sagittarius A*, was found this year to be spinning so rapidly that it is altering the fabric of space-time around it. Not to worry though: there is no threat to humanity.

An international team of astronomers on May 12, 2022, unveiled the first image of a supermassive black hole - a cosmic body known as Sagittarius A*.

What is space junk? How aging satellites and lost astronaut tools pose a growing orbital threat

Other cosmic oddities, from Brian May to rogue space tomatoes

Brian May performs in October alongside Adam Lambert during a Queen show in Baltimore, Maryland. The legendary guitarist was part of a crucial NASA mission to return an asteroid sample to Earth.

Some stories of outer space in 2023 were on more of the outlandish side and  dare we say it?  even a little funny.

Surely, you may be asking, the Brian May of famous rock band Queen fame was not the same one who helped NASA return its first ever asteroid sample to Earth? Ah, but he was!

The legendary 76-year-old guitarist enjoys a healthy interest in science that extends well beyond the realm of hobbyism. May is also an accomplished scientist who put his doctorate in astrophysics to use when he was an integral part of the mission to obtain a sample of rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu.

Readers may also have gotten a chuckle out of the saga of rogue tomatoes baffling crew members aboard the International Space Station.

Astronaut Frank Rubio certainly did  and he was the prime suspect behind the produce's disappearance. Rubio had been tending to the tomato plants in 2022 as part of a scientific experiment when unripe fruits came free.

Though Rubio put them in a bag and tried to securely store them, the tomatoes soon vanished. But other crew members seemed to doubt Rubio's story, and cheekily accused him for months of eating the produce.

That is, until what was left of them were discovered recently long after Rubio had departed for Earth.

Rubio of course had another claim to fame long before the tomato story swept the news cycle.

In September, the 47-year-old former Army doctor and helicopter pilot made history as the American with the record for the longest spaceflight. Rubio's 371 days in orbit helped him surpass the previous American endurance record set in 2022 by more than two weeks.

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio is helped after landing in September in a remote area of Kazakhstan after an American record of 371 days spent in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS.)

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aliens, NASA and commercial spaceflight: Top space stories of 2023
The Russian Defense Ministry's claim that it killed Ukrainian intelligence officers in the Dec. 30 attack on Kharkiv is "the latest nonsense from the aggressor state," the spokesperson of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, Andrii Yusov, told Ukrainska Pravda on Dec. 31.

Residential buildings, a hotel, and premises of health care institutions  including a regional clinical hospital, regional dental polyclinic, and two city hospitals  were damaged when Russia launched its attack against Kharkiv on Dec. 30, according to Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

The number of wounded stands at 28 people. Russia later launched its second attack against Kharkiv hours later, but no additional casualties were reported.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that the strike on the Kharkiv Palace Hotel had killed Ukrainian intelligence officers, including members of Kraken, a Ukrainian special forces unit, for their alleged involvement in "the preparation of subversive actions on Russian territory."

There are no facts supporting this claim.

"We can report that during the recent terrorist act and missile strike by the Russian Federation in Kharkiv yesterday, no personnel of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry, and accordingly, none of the members of the Kraken special forces unit were harmed," Yusov said.

"At the same time, the aggressor once again targeted civilians, not military objects. This is a consistent practice of the Russian Federation and its terrorist missile strikes, which are aimed specifically at civilian infrastructure and peaceful residents."

Several hours before the first Kharkiv attack, Russian authorities claimed a Ukrainian attack on Russia's Belgorod Oblast, including the regional capital.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. Kyiv generally does not comment on reports of attacks and explosions on Russian soil.

A day prior, Russia launched a massive attack against Ukrainian cities, killing over 40 people and wounding over 160 people. The death toll in Kyiv alone is 23.

Read also: Exploring Ukraines most important battles of 2023

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Dong Sun-hwa

Music fans are set to be thrilled in 2024, with a slew of much-anticipated theatrical shows gearing up to meet audiences next year.

Rock musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" will start its 14th run in March at the Charlotte Theater in southern Seoul. Based on the book by John Cameron Mitchell, "Hedwig" centers on the life of genderqueer rocker, Hedwig Robinson.

The musical has been basking in immense popularity since its premiere in Korea in 2005, attracting an accumulated audience of 630,000 here as of 2021  in its 13th run. To date, some of the most celebrated actors including Cho Seung-woo, Cho Jung-seok, Yoo Yeon-seok and Jeon Dong-suk have assumed the role of Hedwig.

Starting March, the second season of the Broadway musical, "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812"  also known as "Great Comet"  is scheduled to be presented at the Universal Arts Center in eastern Seoul. It has taken about three years for the show to return, following its Korean premiere in 2021.

Inspired by Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel, "War and Peace," the upcoming theatrical show zooms in on the love story of 19-year-old Natasha and Anatole, while depicting how Pierre, the illegitimate son of a Russian aristocratic family, struggles to find meaning in his life. It is a sung-through musical with no spoken dialogue.

Another Broadway musical, "Dear Evan Hansen," which follows a high school student suffering from social anxiety, will have its Korean premiere at the Chungmu Art Center in Seoul from March to June, before heading to the southern port city of Busan. After opening on Broadway in 2016, it has bagged several prizes, including Best Musical at the Tony Awards (2017).

Also in the pipeline for 2024 are "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" and "Aladdin." They will be staged at the Kwanglim Arts Center in southern Seoul and the Charlotte Theater, respectively. The former will run from March to June, and the latter will begin its first run in Korea in November. In the case of "Aladdin," based on Disney's 1992 animated movie of the same name, it plans to meet audiences in Busan after wrapping up its shows in Seoul.












KYIV, Ukraine  The saboteurs managed to place four explosives on a Russian freight train carrying diesel and jet fuel, roughly 3,000 miles from the Ukrainian border. But more important than the destruction of the train, Ukrainian intelligence officials said, was the timing of the blast.

They needed it to blow up as the 50 rail cars were traveling through the 9-mile-long tunnel through the Severomuysky mountains, the longest train tunnel in Russia.

The Ukrainians were hoping to compromise a vital conduit for weapons being shipped to Russia from North Korea, at a moment when Ukrainian forces on the front are struggling to stave off relentless Russian assaults. Trains can be replaced and tracks quickly repaired. But serious damage to this tunnel, which took decades to build, might not be so easy to fix.

Russia and Ukraine continue to battle on a large scale, both on the ground and with aerial strikes. Russian officials accused Ukraine of attacking a Russian city, Belgorod, on Saturday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 100 others, in apparent response to a huge Russian missile barrage on several Ukrainian cities the day before.

But guerrilla tactics  including sabotage, commando raids, targeted assassinations and attempts to blow up ammunition depots, oil pipelines and railways  have taken on added importance as the two sides fail to make substantial advances at the front.

So at 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 29, a fire ripped through the tunnel, Russian Railways reported. Russian media broadcast footage of flames around the tunnel entrance, and officials said the explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified explosive device.

The extent of the damage is unclear. Each side gave diverging assessments of the explosions impact. But a second explosion on an alternate train route nearby followed within 48 hours. Combined with other acts of sabotage in Russia and behind Russian lines in occupied Ukraine, the explosions signaled Kyivs increasing reliance on irregular tactics to assist conventional forces desperately defending against intensifying Russian assaults.

The war in Ukraine is changing right now, as Ukraine increases the number of guerrilla operations against Russian forces and decreases conventional operations, said Seth Jones, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies who previously served as an adviser to the commanding general of the U.S. Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. The goal is to deliver death by a thousand cuts.

Russia, with three times the population of Ukraine and a far larger military industrial complex, currently has the advantage in conventional warfare, especially with sustained Western military assistance for Ukraine in doubt. But military analysts point out that an occupying power is historically more vulnerable to attacks by saboteurs working for, or sympathetic to, the country under invasion. And Russias scorched-earth campaign in Ukraine continues to fuel resistance in occupied territories.

With attacks on Russian occupation officials continuing, the Ukrainian National Resistance Center, which was created by Ukraines military to train and coordinate partisan networks in occupied territories, said this month that Russia is dedicating a growing number of elite forces to rooting out the underground groups.

Despite the heightened vigilance, Ukrainian partisans said they managed to blow up a freight train Dec. 15 as it was transporting ammunition and fuel from Russian-occupied Crimea to Melitopol, in southern Ukraine.

The earlier attacks on rail lines beyond the Ural Mountains  a natural barrier that has long kept much of the nations vital military infrastructure safe from enemy attack  offer a window into the shadowy world of guerrilla tactics and how they can have outsize effects.

Although Ukrainian officials often say little about operations inside Russia, this time they wanted the Kremlin to have little doubt about who was behind the attacks.

Russian special services should get used to the fact that our people are everywhere, a senior official with the Ukrainian intelligence service, known as the SBU, said after the second rail attack, offering details of the operation on the condition of anonymity for security reasons. The details of the attacks were confirmed by the official and two other senior Ukrainian officials familiar with the operation, and corresponded with details released by Russian authorities, videos from the scenes and reporting by Russian media outlets.

The Russian security services, known as the FSB, said soon afterward that they had detained two people suspected of organizing several arson attacks on behalf of Ukraine, including one man they said installed magnetic mines on the train that exploded in the tunnel.

Russian Railways claimed that 120 workers cleared the tunnel in a matter of days and said that train traffic had resumed. Ukrainian intelligence officials said it could take months to restore the mountain pass to full working order. It is impossible to verify either account.

Ukraine is not alone in using guerrilla tactics. Russia is also employing spies, saboteurs and collaborators, and it targets trains, as well. Polish authorities convicted 14 people on Dec. 19 on charges of undertaking sabotage and propaganda activities under the direction of Russian intelligence, Polands Interior Ministry said in a statement. Their main targets, the ministry said, were trains transporting military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and preparing for train derailments.

Trains are vital to both sides, as they were designed to be the backbone of the Soviet supply system. But the bold attack on the tunnel in Russias Far East is likely to be of particular concern to the Kremlin, said Emily Ferris, a research fellow specializing in Russia at the Royal United Services Institute in Britain.

This is something that has bothered Russia for over a century  how to secure these really long and vulnerable rail lines, she said.

There are only two rail lines that cover the vast expanse of Russia: the trans-Siberian, which stretches 5,772 miles from Vladivostok to Moscow, and the newer Baikal-Amur Mainline, or BAM, which runs from near the Pacific Ocean for about 2,600 miles before linking up with the trans-Siberian line.

They are the only lines that link Russia to China and, amid a surge in trade with Beijing, the lines are more vital than ever, economically and militarily, for Russia. But they are a challenge to guard because they traverse the Siberian plains, dense forests and the open steppes.

Russia and Belarus interlinked railway systems facilitated the swift movement of troops and equipment between the two countries, allowing Belarus to act as the launchpad for Russias assault on Kyiv, the capital, from the north in February 2022.

Strikes on that rail network added to the logistical struggles of the Russians in the early days of the war and contributed to the Kremlins failure to seize Kyiv, Ferris said.

Since then, attacks inside Russia have continued, by agents working for Ukraine, but also including loosely affiliated groups of self-described Russian anarchist groups, she said.

In November, the British military intelligence agency reported, Seventeen months after the first incidents were reported, sabotage of Russian railways by anti-war activists continues to represent a significant challenge for the Russian authorities.

Research by the independent Russian media outlet Mediazona found that, as of October, 76 cases of probable railway sabotage had been filed with the courts in Russia since the invasion. At least 137 people, the vast majority of them younger than 24, had been prosecuted, the agency reported.

Ukraines military intelligence agency said in late November that its agents were targeting rail infrastructure across Russia, claiming responsibility for a spate of fires that had destroyed structures used to house sensitive equipment that performs a wide range of operations, including platform control, train monitoring and signaling.

Ukrainian sabotage efforts go beyond trains. Ukrainian intelligence officials said partisans killed the Russian-appointed deputy head of the occupied Luhansk region, Oleg Popov, in a car bombing; other agents operating in Moscow shot and killed a former Ukrainian lawmaker who defected to Russia, Illya Kyva.

At the same time, Russia, which has long used irregular tactics to achieve political goals, continues to send sabotage and reconnaissance groups to infiltrate Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials said they believed Russia was behind the poisoning of the wife of Ukraines military intelligence chief last month, part of a campaign targeting Ukraines senior leadership. (Asked about the poisoning, the Kremlins spokesperson said, Ukraine blames Russia for everything, and called it habitual accusation.)

Ferris said it was impossible to judge the lasting effect of Ukraines attack on the BAM line, but the Russians would be ill advised to ignore it.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Ukraine has come under attack by Russian air strikes again, officials say, after two days of major aerial assaults by both sides.

Most attacks were concentrated on Kharkiv in the east, but explosions were also reported elsewhere.

Moscow said it was retaliating against Ukrainian strikes on the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday, which killed at least 24 people.

That came after Russia carried out air strikes across Ukraine on Friday.

Kyiv said those Russian attacks, which killed at least 45 people, were the biggest missile bombardment of the war so far.

The latest Russian strikes happened as Ukraine entered its final day of 2023.

Russia's defence ministry said the attack on Kharkiv, including on a hotel, was a direct response to Saturday's strikes on Belgorod, and that it had used high-precision missiles to hit military targets in the city.

On Sunday, Ukraine's air force reported it had destroyed 21 of 49 Russian drones launched overnight, with most attacks aimed at the Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Ukraine's air defence systems in the region surrounding the capital Kyiv were also engaged late on Saturday to repel a Russian drone attack, the military administration of the region said on Telegram.

The regional governor of Kharkiv said that 28 people had been hurt after at least six missiles hit the city near the border with Russia overnight.

Ukraine's interior ministry also reported damage to 12 blocks of flats, 13 homes, hospitals, a hotel building, a kindergarten, commercial premises, a gas pipeline and cars.

"These are not military facilities, but cafes, residential buildings and offices," Kharkiv's mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram.

"On the eve of the New Year, the Russians want to intimidate our city, but we are not scared - we are unbreakable and invincible."

In the southern region of Kherson, the governor also reported two people killed by Russian shelling.

The latest attacks come after a deadly couple of days in Ukraine and Russia.

Russia's massive bombardment of Ukraine on Friday killed dozens and injured nearly 160. Several cities were attacked, including the capital, Kyiv.

Kyiv's military administration chief Serhiy Popko said on Sunday that more bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a warehouse that was hit by an air strike - taking the total number of people killed in air strikes on the city to 22, and the overall death toll across Ukraine from Friday's attacks to at least 45.

Even before more people were pulled out of the wreckage, the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko had described the attacks as the deadliest day so far for civilians in the city.

Saturday saw Ukrainian attacks on south-west Russia, near the border with Ukraine, which a Ukrainian security source told the BBC was a "response to Russia's terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians".

The regional governor for Belgorod said on Sunday that 24 people were now known to have died in the attack.

Vyacheslav Gladkov says four children were among the dead in what was one of the deadliest attacks on Russia since it invaded Ukraine.

More than 100 people were also injured in the attacks on Belgorod city, the region's administrative capital near the border.

The Ukrainian security source said more than 70 drones had been launched against Russian targets.

Addressing the situation in Belgorod, they blamed civilian casualties on the "incompetent work of Russian air defence" - saying this was what caused falling fragments.

Moscow has repeatedly accused Ukraine of being behind drone strikes in recent months. Kyiv rarely admits to such attacks across the border, although it has carried out strikes like this before.

At a UN Security Council meeting requested by Russia to discuss Kyiv's strikes on Saturday, several countries stressed that Russia was paying the price for invading Ukraine and starting the war.

"If Russia wants someone to blame for the deaths of Russians in this war, it should start with President Putin," the British envoy to the UN Thomas Phipps said.
First responders examine the rubble after the Russian missile strike on central Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine. -/Ukrinform/dpa

The eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv again became the target of overnight Russian attacks, only two days after Russia unleashed its biggest aerial assault of the war on Ukraine, according to the authorities.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and the local public prosecutor's office reported renewed combat drone attacks on Sunday morning, which they said have damaged several residential buildings, offices and a cafe in the centre of the city.

"There were some impacts in the centre," Terekhov said on Telegram. Casualty figures are still being collected, he added.

It comes after Kharkiv, near the Russian border, was also hit by several Russian missiles on Saturday, injuring 26 people, according to the authorities.

Among the buildings damaged was said to be a large hotel.

Explosions were also reported from the western Ukrainian region of Khmelnytskyy on Sunday morning.

Ukraine's Air Defence said it had shot down 21 of 49 attacking drones across the country overnight. It was not possible to independently verify the claims.

On Friday, Russia unleashed its biggest aerial assault of the war on Ukraine launched almost two years ago, with cities across the country coming under fire from some 160 missiles and drones. At least 39 people were killed and 120 were injured, officials in Kiev said.

Deaths were reported in Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya, Odessa, Lviv and Kiev, where residents took shelter in the city's metro. Power was knocked out in several areas of the country.

Ukraine responded by targeting the Russian city of Belgorod near the border on Saturday. Twenty-two people are said to have been killed, according to Russian state news agency TASS, though it was initially unclear whether they had died in direct Ukrainian hits.

Rescuers inspect the scene following a Russian missile strike. -/Ukrinform/dpa

Rescuers inspect the scene following a Russian missile strike. -/Ukrinform/dpa
The eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv again became the target of overnight Russian attacks, only two days after Russia unleashed its biggest aerial assault of the war on Ukraine, according to the authorities.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and the local public prosecutor's office reported renewed combat drone attacks on Sunday morning, which they said have damaged several residential buildings, offices and a cafe in the centre of the city.

"There were some impacts in the centre," Terekhov said on Telegram. Casualty figures are still being collected, he added.

It comes after Kharkiv, near the Russian border, was also hit by several Russian missiles on Saturday, injuring 26 people, according to the authorities.

Among the buildings damaged was said to be a large hotel.

Explosions were also reported from the western Ukrainian region of Khmelnytskyy on Sunday morning.

Ukraine's Air Defence said it had shot down 21 of 49 attacking drones across the country overnight. It was not possible to independently verify the claims.

First responders examine the rubble after the Russian missile strike on central Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine. -/Ukrinform/dpa

Rescuers inspect the scene following a Russian missile strike. -/Ukrinform/dpa
Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, has urged Ukrainians not to ignore air-raid warnings on New Year's Eve if they are issued.

Source: Ihnat during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: Ihnat was asked what Ukrainians should expect on New Year's Eve. The military official replied that safety is the first priority, even on holidays.

Quote: "Ukrainians should get ready for the New Year, but keep in mind that their own safety is above all. We must understand that the enemy will not make any concessions, even to civilians.

You can see them hitting the centre of a city with a population of one and a half million using anti-aircraft missiles (Ihnat means Kharkiv  Ukrainska Pravda). They also have longer-range missiles. We saw a large-scale attack (on Ukraine) on 29 December.

Therefore, first and foremost, (Ukrainians should) take care of themselves and respond to air-raid warnings. No fireworks, you understand. Nowadays, fireworks are wrong from any point of view.

Should we expect it or not? The enemy attacks us basically every day, both with Shaheds and missiles. So, take care of yourselves, and the Air Force and Defence Forces will do everything to crush these b*****ds as much as possible."

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The Ukrainian IT Army has halted the operation of payment terminals in Russia by attacking Evotor, the largest manufacturer of online registers.

Source: the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "A New Year cyber-present for Russians: the IT Army suspended the operation of payment terminals.

The largest manufacturer of online registers Evotor has not been working since yesterday. Every attempt by Russians to pay for New Year presents by cars results in failure.

The New Years prime time in Russia has become a real collapse. Russians are not able to pay by card in shops, cafes, hairdressing salons or any other businesses which use payment terminals. It may cause serious damage to the aggressors economy."

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In the shadowy corners of the opioid epidemic, a silent killer looms large, threatening the very fabric of our communities. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a harrowing menace, its deadly touch spreading like wildfire. More than 70,000 Americans a year are dying from fentanyl, including 6,000 Floridians, 1 in 10 of whom are in Duval County.

Florida ranks second behind only California. As members of those most affected  Gen Z  we demand an urgent campaign to save the next generation.

Our political science class intensely studied the fentanyl crisis this fall and developed recommendations for bolder policies, which we presented to a broad range of officials in Washington, D.C. Our recommendations consisted of three policy areas: domestic policies reducing risks at home; strengthening bilateral efforts with Mexico, India and China; and stronger multilateral, international efforts to combat this growing crisis,.

While the Joe Biden administration has worked toward harm reduction programs for the fentanyl crisis, more must be done to save lives. The country should follow Duval Countys lead in providing free naloxone and fentanyl test strips for those at risk. It is also time to legalize these lifesaving fentanyl test strips, which are still illegal in six states: Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana and Texas.

In addition, all states that have not yet done so, including Florida, should ensure Medicaid covers comprehensive addiction treatment.

We also propose launching a nationwide social media initiative known as American Celebrities Now Educating that would engage celebrities, such as Robert Downey Jr. or Pete Davidson, who might reach those most at risk, Gen Z and the younger Gen Alpha.

Members of UNF's Real World Policy class are shown in November at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., one of several stops where they presented suggestions on fighting the fentanyl crisis. The center provides nonpartisan counsel and insights on global affairs to policymakers.

Additionally, this would leverage successful campaigns of Rihannas Fenty cosmetic brand and Starbucks to launch #VentiNotFenti, #NotMyFenty or #fentyromanempire, for example, to better engage the population most at risk. Similarly, the administration should shift from ineffective educational programs like D.A.R.E. (begun in 1983) to those that speak more to our generations, like Keepin it REAL.

These demand-reducing measures must be accompanied by supply-reducing measures, such as funding and deploying ion mobility spectrometry scanners. These devices, which can detect the presence of precursors, would be used by the U.S. Postal Service, a key means of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl precursors.

Additionally, 90% of fentanyl seizures occur at the legal ports of entry, 86% of which are transported by American citizens through our Southern border with Mexico. To stem this transport, the U.S. should increase funding and usage of multi-energy portal scanners. These have already been proven to be effective in Texas; they would be especially useful in California and Arizona, which account for most fentanyl seizures.

This comprehensive strategy aims to reduce overdoses, enhance access to lifesaving resources and prioritize support for those struggling with substance abuse.

In shaping an effective international policy targeting fentanyl's source countries, it is fundamental to refocus the approaches toward Mexico, China and India. Regarding Mexico, the U.S. should seek a less militaristic approach to fentanyl-producing cartels and bolster programs that are led by civilians.

For example, urge Mexico to restore civilian control of its National Guard and partner on more anti-narcotic programs.

While the recent meeting between Chinese President Xi and President Biden at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit shows promise for future cooperation in the fentanyl crisis, more must be done. China still manufactures 90% of fentanyls chemical precursors, a sign of the larger issue of poor regulation of Chinas pharmaceutical industry.

Letters: Pros, cons on classroom cameras from director of Jacksonville child care center

The administration should implement policies that incentivize relocating this segment of the pharmaceutical industry to North America.

As China reduces its role in the fentanyl supply chain, production is likely to shift to India. To incentivize their cooperation, the administration should restore Indias participation in the Generalized System of Preferences. This would allow the U.S. and India to trade more effectively, allowing for a more efficient partnership in cracking down on our respective pharmaceutical industries.

Mental health exec: Drug overdose, suicide are complicated sides of the same coin in Florida

To highlight the crisis and ensure better collaboration, the U.S. should host a fentanyl summit with Canada, China, India and Mexico to launch the effort to create a global framework for the regulation of precursor chemicals. Additionally, it should establish a global tracing system for fentanyl and its precursors through a universal government-led tracking database.

The urgency to address the fentanyl crisis is not just a call to protect our citizens and secure our nation; it is a mandate to preserve the very essence of our communities. By taking decisive action, the U.S. will be bolder and more innovative in the nationwide fight against fentanyl. Let us unite against this silent killer, fortifying our communities and ensuring a brighter, safer future for all.

The UNF Real World Policy class visited Washington, D.C., Nov. 15-17, where students presented their recommendations to officials from multiple federal agencies, embassies and state congressional leaders.

This guest column is the opinion of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Social media campaigns, global partners suggested for fentanyl fight
Gov. Ron DeSantis touted SB 1718 as the strongest anti-illegal immigration legislation in the country. He signed it into law on May 10 (effective July 1, 2023).

The news release asserted, In Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country. The legislation I signed today gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country ensuring the Florida taxpayers are not footing the bill for illegal immigration.

More than 100 immigrants and allies peacefully protested in opposition of SB1718 in front of the Historic Florida Capitol on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Under our constitutional framework immigration, refugee protection and asylum are federal matters; neither state nor local governments have independent authority that would pass constitutional muster.

Some aspects of the legislation are being challenged in court while others, like allocating an additional $12 million to continue an Unauthorized Alien Transport Program to relocate illegal immigrants to sanctuary jurisdictions are being scrutinized.

'60 Minutes' reported recently that a Texas sheriff was pursuing criminal charges involving Florida's relocation of about 50 putative Venezuelan asylum seekers from San Antonio (not Florida) to Massachusetts, alleging fraud given purported misrepresentations that induced them to "volunteer" to be flown to Martha's Vineyard essentially as a political stunt.

For perspective, SB 1718 broadly conflates people seeking asylum, in other words safe haven from persecution thats an acknowledged right under both international and U.S. law, with illegal immigrant, a colloquial phrase. Other lawful federal immigration statuses like humanitarian parole and temporary protected status also appear to be misconstrued.

Historical context tends to be elusive  today affords timely opportunity to reflect as we move forward.

On December 12 family, staff, friends and as well as some political opponents of the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles convened in Tallahassee to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his unanticipated death three weeks before the end of his second term.

During the 90s when tens of thousands of people from Cuba and Haiti risked their lives to reach Florida shores in almost anything that would float, Chiles assessment was similar -- the federal government failed to adequately enforce U.S. immigration law. However, his response was decidedly different.

Chiles refrained from vilifying people navigating such desperation and displacement. He advanced innovative strategies intended to avoid and offset state and local impact. This entailed both taking an adversarial posture, while exploring opportunities for collaboration with his federal counterparts.

I served as special counsel to Gov. Chiles and staffed his immigration initiatives. I briefed Florida Senate leadership on point 12 years ago during a three-day workshop on immigration issues. I provided public comment during deliberations by the Florida Senates Fiscal Policy Committee on April 25 when SB 1718 was on the agenda.

Chilling effects that could adversely impact community policing by undermining the willingness of certain non-U.S. citizens to report criminal activity they witness to avoid drawing attention to themselves are often overlooked.

So local communities may be less safe.

Similarly, some non-U.S. citizens may be dissuaded from seeking necessary medical attention for communicable diseases or other health maladies due to the new data collection provisions.

So local public health priorities may be jeopardized.

Hundreds of workers sort and package thousands of tomatoes during a shift at Quincy Tomato Company on Monday, June 12, 2023. Graves Williams, owner of Quincy Tomato Company, said his business couldnt operate without immigrant laborers.

The New American Economy Research Fund (self-identifies as a bipartisan research and advocacy organization promoting smart federal, state, and local immigration policies) observed such state legislation can adversely impact agribusiness, and other key industries.

Former U.S. Representative Al Lawson (who represented FL-5 prior to recent redistricting which encompassed parts of Tallahassee to Jacksonville and served on the House Agriculture Committee) noted similar concerns.

Research by Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., has identified implications to other significant aspects of Floridas workforce, in particular involving Floridas construction industry.

The challenges are complex, and the surrounding narratives are compelling even if not always well-founded.

I aligned recently with Rambana & Ricci, P.L.L.C., a noted Tallahassee-based immigration law firm specializing in complex litigation and related administrative matters, in an Of Counsel role to help shape public discourse.

Ive engaged with a diverse and highly respected community of subject matter experts over time, including Emilio Gonzalez, United States Citizenship director for President George W. Bush; Gil Kerlikowske, US Customs and Border Protection commissioner for President Obama; Susan Martin, US Commission on Immigration Reform executive director and Doris Meissner, US Immigration and Naturalization Service commissioner for President Clinton, among others.

Ideally, youll hear from us again soon.

Mark Schlakman, senior program director, Center for the Advancement of Human Rights at Florida State University, sits on the Coalition of Hope's advisory board.

Mark Schlakman, Esq., FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, and Of Counsel to Rambana & Ricci, P.L.L.C.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Unintended results of state's Anti-Illegal Immigration legislation
Police in Fayette County are asking for the publics help finding a teen girl.

On Saturday, The Uniontown City Police Department said they are looking for Kaitlyn Whoolery, 17.

Whoolery was last seen leaving 140 Oakland Avenue on Nov. 23.

She is about 5 feet 3 inches tall and about 115 pounds.

Whoolery was last seen wearing a black hoodie, crocs and jeans. She has a nose piercing and a black bead necklace that says Blake.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Uniontown City Police Department at 724-430-2929 or 911. All information provided can be submitted confidentially.

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US forces around the world in 2023: From bolstering allies to attacks in Iraq, Syria

American forces stationed around the globe had a busy year in 2023, deploying to numerous countries to reassure allies and continuing the decades-long fight against international terrorism.

The year kicked off with a major military drill in Israel, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) partnering for the largest bilateral show of force in the history of the alliance between the two countries.

The drill, dubbed Juniper Oak, was a "Combined Joint All-Domain exercise," according to CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, an exercise that allowed the two allies to improve their "interoperability on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace with our partners, enhances our ability to respond to contingencies, and underscores our commitment to the Middle East."

CENTCOM contributed about 6,400 personnel to the drill, spreading members between up to 10 Israeli bases and operating six American ships at sea. Israel deployed more than 1,000 soldiers to the drill, including another six ships and aircraft that included F-35s, F-16s, F-15s, G550 reconnaissance aircraft, Boeing 707 refueling aircraft, UAVs and helicopters.

US, ISRAEL LAUNCH LARGE-SCALE MILITARY DRILL IN REGIONAL SHOW OF FORCE

Soldiers of the South Korean 1st Army Military Support Brigade and U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division participate in an exercise in Pohang, South Korea, on June 13, 2023.

"The exercise demonstrates the indisputable strategic partnership between Israel and the United States and is another step in building Israeli military power," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of the drill. "Israel will always defend itself on its own, but of course welcomes the intensifying cooperation with our great ally."

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Israel was not the only ally to benefit from training alongside U.S. forces in 2023, a year that included multiple missions alongside South Korean partners. In April, U.S. forces partnered for joint military drills with Japan and South Korea in a show of force amid continued hostile rhetoric from North Korea.

The partner forces engaged in anti-submarine drills that were meant to counter threats made by North Korea a month earlier, when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on his country to be ready to launch a nuclear attack against the allies.

In October, Reuters reported on more drills being held between U.S. and South Korean forces, which included combat drills with drones, unmanned vehicles and wearable laser sensors that were aimed at modernizing the forces of both countries.

US OPENS DRILLS WITH SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN AS NORTH KOREA BLUSTERS

But drills weren't the only news to involve American forces out of the Korean Peninsula in 2023, which included a July incident that saw Army Pvt. Travis King detained in North Korea after he abruptly separated from his group that was touring the demilitarized zone and sprinted into North Korean territory.

King, who was returned to the U.S. by North Korea more than two months later, was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, to face disciplinary action from the Army for an alleged assault on a South Korean national. But the young soldier never boarded his flight back to the United States, instead joining the tour group and making his move across the border.

The incident caused immediate fear among U.S. officials for the safety of King in North Korean custody, with Army Secretary Christine Wormuth saying that the young soldier was likely fearing consequences in the U.S. but probably had not been "thinking clearly" when he fled across the border.

"What we want to do is get that soldier back into our custody. I worry about him, frankly," she said during a July interview with NBC News. "It makes me very, very concerned that Pvt. King is in the hands of the North Korean authorities. I worry about how they may treat him."

King spent a total of 71 days in North Korean custody, returning to U.S. soil on Sept. 28 and receiving medical treatment at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston's Brooke Army Medical Center.

He faces eight charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including desertion, solicitation of child pornography, assault, attempted escape from U.S. military custody and insubordination.

US SOLDIER TRAVIS KING BACK ON AMERICAN SOIL AFTER BEING FREED BY NORTH KOREA

American forces were also busy in Europe in 2023, with thousands of troops deploying to the continent in response to Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine. In February, President Biden ordered 3,000 additional U.S. troops to European countries neighboring Ukraine in a bid to deter any further Russian aggression and reassure allies in the region.

That move was followed by a July announcement that Biden had authorized the Pentagon to use up to 3,000 more U.S. reservists to augment the troops already stationed in Europe.

A U.S. military vehicle drives along the A4 highway near Dresden, Germany. U.S. forces participated in the NATO exercise "Griffin Shock" in Poland.

But U.S. officials have also remained steadfast that American troops will not be deploying to Ukraine in the fight against Russia, with former Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, who now serves as the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, saying that U.S. European deployments would have troops in a "defensive posture" and that they "will not fight in Ukraine."

There are now nearly 66,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in or deployed to Europe as of December 2023, according to numbers compiled by Statista, and are unlikely to be drawn down as Russia's war with Ukraine drags into 2024.

BIDEN AUTHORIZES MILITARY TO USE UP TO 3,000 RESERVE TROOPS TO AUGMENT US FORCES IN EUROPE

The U.S. military increased its troop count in the Middle East in 2023, in large part as a result of the continued aggressive behavior of Iran in the region.

In August, the Navy announced that more than 3,000 sailors and Marines had arrived in the Middle East to supply additional support after "recent attempts by Iran to seize commercial ships in the CENTCOM area of operations."

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Strait of Hormuz.

The move came after a CENTCOM statement in July that said more troops were needed in the region "in response to recent attempts by Iran to seize commercial ships in the CENTCOM area of operations, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the CENTCOM area of responsibility."

"In the past two years, Iran has attacked , seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations," CENTCOM added.

Iran's aggressive behavior in the Strait of Hormuz had made the move to bolster U.S. forces necessary, Kirby added in August, noting that the area is a "vital seaway" for the flow of global goods.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a vital seaway that has a huge impact on seaborne trade around the world," Kirby said at the time. "Its a critical choke point in the maritime world. And we have seen threats by Iran to affect that choke point."

US DEPLOYS MORE THAN 3K SAILORS, MARINES TO MIDDLE EAST FOLLOWING IRANS TARGETING OF SHIPS

Elsewhere in the Middle East, American forces were busy battling the threat of terrorism in Iraq and Syria.

In December, the Senate voted to shoot down a bill that would have required the U.S. to withdraw roughly 900 troops stationed in Syria. The bill, which was brought by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., came in response to dozens of attacks against U.S. forces in the region by Iranian proxies since October.

"It seems to me, though our 900 troops have no viable mission in Syria, that theyre sitting ducks," Paul said at the time, according to a report from Defense News.

US TROOPS TARGETED IN 3 MORE ATTACKS AT BASES IN IRAQ, SYRIA, LEAVING 1 INJURED

But the bill was defeated in an 84-13 vote, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arguing that such a move is exactly what Iran would want the U.S. to do in response to the attacks.

"Passage of such a resolution would be a gift to Iran and its terrorist network," McConnell said. "Driving American troops from the Middle East is exactly what theyd like to see."

A U.S. soldier patrols an area on the outskirts of Rumaylan in Syria's Kurdish-controlled northeastern Hasakah province on Dec. 11, 2023.

Those attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have continued as 2023 draws to a close, with the Pentagon tallying more than 100 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the start of the year.

Most recently, three U.S. service members were injured in a Christmas Day attack on Erbil Air Base in Iraq by Kataib Hezbollah terrorists.

US RETALIATES AFTER 3 AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBERS INJURED BY KATAIB HEZBOLLAH ATTACK IN IRAQ

Of the three injured service members, one was injured critically, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

Austin also announced that later that day the U.S. had "conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq" in retaliation for the attack.

"These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today, and intended to disrupt and degrade capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups directly responsible," Austin said.





Original article source: US forces around the world in 2023: From bolstering allies to attacks in Iraq, Syria
Korean automobile exports to the United States exceeded one million units during the January-November period, already beating its previous all-time annual record from eight years ago, industry data showed Sunday.

In the first 11 months of this year, Korea's car shipments to the U.S. reached 1,172,612 units, according to the data from the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA).

The annual tally is expected to grow when counting December shipments. The 11-month total is already larger than the previous annual record of 1,066,164 units in 2015.

Auto shipments to the U.S., which peaked in 2015, later dropped to as low as the 800,000-unit range in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and protectionist U.S. trade policy introduced during the Donald Trump administration.

Exports managed to rebound thanks to swift responses by Korean companies in light of the global supply chain disruptions and weakened competition by global competitors.

Market observers cited the diversification of exports products, such as presenting more electric and eco-friendly vehicle as well as premium models, in the country's strong U.S. shipments.

They noted sales of Hyundai Motor's Ioniq 5 models grew 33.4 percent from 2022 while the company's premium Genesis sedans also saw a 10.6 percent on-year boost in sales during the period. (Yonhap)
The US Navy has destroyed several Houthi boats seeking to attack a container ship in the Red Sea.

Four vessels from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen fired on the Maersk Hangzhou and got within 20 metres of the ship.

Helicopters were launched from US warships and were fired at by the Houthi boats before they sank three of the four vessels, killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area, US Central Command (Centcom) said.

Before the attack by the small boats, the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou reported that it had already been hit by a missile on Saturday night while transiting the southern Red Sea and requested assistance.

US ships the USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the call for help, and the Denmark-owned vessel was found to be seaworthy. The US military said that two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired towards the container ship by the Houthi militants were also shot down at that time.

Centcom said it was the 23rd attack on international shipping since 19 November. The Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi have claimed that their attacks on the vital shipping lane are directed at vessels linked to Israel, in response to the war in Gaza.

Maersk, one of the worlds major cargo shippers, said on Sunday it would delay all transits through the area for 48 hours, after the Maersk Hangzhou was struck about 55 nautical miles southwest of the city of al-Hodeidah in Yemen.

Hours after the Maersk Hangzhou sent its initial distress call, it issued another in relation to the attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.

US helicopters from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier and the USS Gravely responded to the distress call, and while they were issuing verbal warnings to the attackers, the small-boat crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, a Centcom statement said. The US Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defence, it added. No one aboard the Maersk Hangzhou was injured.

The Houthi are allies of Hamas, whose militants attacked inside Israel on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking another 240 hostage. In the wake of the attack, Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas, who control Gaza, starting an aerial bombardment, blockade and ground offensive that health officials in the territory say has killed more than 21,000 people.

The Houthi say their attacks are intended to end Israels air and ground operations against Gaza. The attacks have disrupted world trade, with major shipping companies taking the longer and costlier route around Africas Cape of Good Hope rather than transiting the Suez Canal.

The Red Sea is the entry point for ships using the Suez Canal, which handles about 12 per cent of global trade and is vital for the movement of goods between Asia and Europe.

On Saturday, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, said the Houthi have shown no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

Since the Pentagon announced Operation Prosperity Guardian  which involves the UK  to counter the attacks almost two weeks ago, 1,200 merchant ships have travelled through the Red Sea region, and none have been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Admiral Cooper said.

Britains foreign secretary, David Cameron, said on Sunday that he had asserted in a call with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that Iran shares responsibility for preventing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

I made clear that Iran shares responsibility for preventing these attacks, given their long-standing support to the Houthis, he said in a post on social media site X, adding that the attacks threaten innocent lives and the global economy.

Associated Press contributed to this report
Navy helicopters fired on Iran-backed Houthi gunmen attempting to hijack a cargo ship.

The helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews.

The small boats originated from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, said US Central Command.

The conflict in the Red Sea escalated on Sunday when US Navy helicopters fired on and destroyed the boats of Iranian-backed Houthi gunmen attempting to board a cargo ship.

The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, attempted to board the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-registered, Danish-owned cargo ship, said US Central Command (Centcom).

Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea



On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed pic.twitter.com/pj8NAzjbVF  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 31, 2023

Responding to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, US warship helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and Gravely engaged the Houthi vessels.

After being shot at by gunmen in the boats, the US Navy helicopters returned fire, sinking three and killing all the crew, Centcom said.

It added that the fourth boat "fled the area" and no damage had been recorded to US personnel or equipment.

Earlier, the US Navy's USS Gravely successfully intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles while responding to a Houthi attack on the Maersk Hangzhou, per Centcom.

The container ship was also struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea, it said. The vessel was reported as seaworthy and there was no injury to crew.

Maersk has paused sailings through the Red Sea for 48 hours in response to the attempted attack.

The US Navy's interception of the assault countered the 23rd illegal attack by Houthi rebels on international shipping since November 19.

A vital shipping lane

Yemen's Houthi loyalists lift their weapons as they take part in an armed parade for more than 20,000 members who have finished a military course, staged to show their willingness to battle any potential attack by the recently created coalition by the U.S., on December 20, 2023 in Amran province, Yemen. Mohammed Hamoud

For weeks now, the Iran-backed Yemen rebel group has been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea with drones and ballistic missiles in protest of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip .

Leading shipping firms, including Maersk, have reroutes vessels from the vital shipping lane, impacting global shipping routes and international trade.

The Houthi assaults on vital shipping lanes have prompted the US to launch Operation Prosperity Guardian  an international Naval coalition aimed at safeguarding shipping in the region.

The Houthis have continued with their attacks despite the US' response. US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper stated that, since the operation's launch, 1,200 commercial ships have passed through the Red Sea without incident until Saturday's missile strike, per the BBC.

Correction: December 31, 2023  An earlier version of this story misstated that the USS Enterprise was involved in the US Navy action. It was the USS Eisenhower.

Read the original article on Business Insider
During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in response to an alleged attack in Belgorod, U.S. official John Kelley stated that "ordinary Russian civilians are also bearing the brunt of the Kremlins brutal war."

Russia called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following an attack on Belgorod on Dec. 30 that allegedly killed 20 people, including two children. Nearly 111 are also reportedly injured. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

"The United States mourns every civilian life lost to this conflict, and all conflicts worldwide," Kelley said. "We have not lost sight of the fact that ordinary Russian civilians are also bearing the brunt of the Kremlins brutal war...Just as we discuss issues openly and plainly in this Chamber, Putin should be honest with his people about the true and mounting cost of his war."

Kelley emphasized the importance of contextualizing the Belgorod attack with Putin's motivations for the war and its effects on the Russian people.

"Every day the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine continues, and Putin is responsible for the senseless and unnecessary loss of life. This is his war. It is his war of choice...Russia alone is responsible for starting and prolonging this war in violation of the UN Charter and for the resulting loss of life."

Russia has vowed retaliation for the alleged attack, however, Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. Kyiv generally does not comment on reports of attacks and explosions on Russian soil.

The day before explosions were reported in Belgorod, a city only 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, Russia launched a massive wave of strikes against Ukraine that killed at least 39 people and injured over 160 others.

According to RBC-Ukraine, unnamed sources in the intelligence service reported that Ukraine launched a missile strike on military targets in Belgorod in response to Russia's massive attack on Ukrainian cities the night before.

Several hours after the alleged attack in Belgorod, Russia sent at least six missiles into downtown Kharkiv, injuring at least 26 people and damaging civilian infrastructure.

Read also: Zelensky: Russia will be held responsible for every strike on Ukrainian cities

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
USS Laboon in Turkish waters. It was one of two US warships that responded to missiles from a Houthi-controlled area - Muhammed Gencebay Gur/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The US Navy has shot down two missiles headed toward a container ship in the southern Red Sea and launched from the rebel Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to the US Central Command. Later the ship reported an apparent second attack.

A Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned-and-operated container ship, Maersk Hangzhou, reported on Saturday that it had been struck by a missile and the USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the ship, CENTCOM said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, CENTCOM said.

The vessel was reportedly seaworthy and there were no reported injuries, CENTCOM said.

This was the 23rd apparent attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19, CENTCOM said.

USS GRAVELY shoots down two anti-ship ballistic missiles while responding to Houthi attack on merchant vessel.



Today at approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea. The pic.twitter.com/nUgifhkdC8  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 31, 2023

Maesrk said in a statement to the gCaptain maritime website that when the vessel was 55nm southwest of [Hodeidah], Yemen, the crew reported having observed a flash on deck.

However, there is no indication of fire onboard the vessel, and we are currently working to ascertain the full details of the incident. The vessel is fully maneuverable and continues the transit north.

Ensuring the safety of our crew is our utmost priority, the statement said.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation also noted the ship incident, Reuters reported.

The master on Saturday reported a loud bang accompanied by a flash on the port bow of the vessel and several explosions in the vicinity of the area, the UKMTO said in an advisory note.

No damage was reported and all crew were reported to be safe. The vessel had left the area at full speed to the next port of call, the note said.

Later Maersk and CENTCOM said the same ship was attacked by Houthi militants in four small boats on Sunday. An attempt by the attackers to board the vessel was averted after its security team and helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, responding to distress calls, returned fire, according to their statements.

The helicopters sank three of the militant boats, with no survivors, while the fourth boat fled the area, CENTCOM said in its statement.

Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea



On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed pic.twitter.com/pj8NAzjbVF  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 31, 2023

Denmarks government has announced a plan to send a frigate to join the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian in late January, if parliament approves.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have disrupted world trade for weeks with attacks on ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea in what they say is a response to Israels war in Gaza.

Several shipping lines have suspended operations through the Red Sea in response to the attacks, instead taking the longer journey around Africa.

The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks until Israel halts the conflict in Gaza, and warned that it would attack US warships if the militia group itself was targeted.

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Every head turns in a downtown cafe in Kyiv when U.S. citizens Ron Wallace and Michael Edison enter.

Edison, 61, is wearing a cowboy hat and a vyshyvanka  a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt  while 62-year-old Wallace is dressed in a kilt, part of his bagpiper uniform. Hes also carrying a suitcase with his set of bagpipes inside.

Their attire suggests the two are not tourists. They traveled all the way from Wyoming and Alaska respectively to the Ukrainian capital amid the full-scale invasion to support Ukraine and its people.

"We stand by Ukraine Cowboys and Cossacks, we ride together," Edison told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 6 in Kyiv.

Their week in war-torn Ukraine has been a mission of goodwill for Edison, a former cavalry command from Wyoming, and his friend, Wallace, a former musician in the U.S. military living in Alaska.

They came to Kyiv in early December as self-funded volunteers, to spend time performing music and entertaining Ukrainian children in schools and kindergartens, and performing for Ukrainian soldiers in hospitals and on the streets.

"Our mission is twofold," Edison says. "The first part is to come to Ukraine with hope and prayers for Ukraine, and to show our support for the people."

"The second part of that mission is to go back (to the United States) to dispel some myths and propaganda about the situation and circumstances in Ukraine."

Their visit comes as U.S. funding for Ukraine is running out, and further aid is being held up in the U.S. Congress by Republican opposition.

So "putting a face to the Americans who are in full support of Ukraine" was another of the reasons behind their trip, the two say.

U.S. citizens Ron Wallace (R) and Michael Edison (L) pose for a photograph with Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2023. (Ron Wallace)

"People from Wyoming and Alaska support Ukraine, and we want people to feel and know that we're here," Edison says. "We're not afraid, like Ukrainians  the brave women, men, and children."

'The spirit of Ukraine'

When the two friends of 30 years arrived at Kyivs central train station in early December, they were met by an atmosphere of "sadness and melancholy," they say.

Though both Wallace and Edison have traveled a lot and been to many countries during their lives, Ukraine was a new experience for the two "adventurers," as they call themselves. They prepared for months ahead of their trip to the country.

They say they have seen many scars of Russias war in Kyiv, a city hundreds of kilometers from the front line, but have also noticed the "unbelievable" spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Edison recalls the time they went to see wounded Ukrainian soldiers at one of Kyiv's hospitals. A badly injured man who refused to have his picture taken seized their attention.

"He was missing part of his leg. He was missing an arm. But he said he was going to get prosthetics, and he was going to go back out (to fight)," Edison says.

"He made me want to cry," adds Wallace. "This could be any one of them. This is the spirit of Ukraine."

When hearing him play the Ukrainian national anthem on the bagpipes, soldiers would stand up "no matter how much pain they were in." Still, Wallace says performing for them was also much harder for him than he had expected.

"I've been doing this for a lot of years, and I've played at a lot of funerals, at a lot of really sad occasions and happy ones," Wallace says.

"So I thought, I've got this, no problem, but I wasn't prepared for what I saw."

Heavily wounded soldiers, with "limbs missing and blood and fluids oozing through the bandages," who were happy to see them  thats what struck the two. However, Wallace says it also made him feel helpless "because I cant do enough."

While in Kyiv, they also attended the funeral of a Ukrainian war hero  one of the defenders of Mariupol, a city besieged by Russia and bravely defended by a small force of Ukrainians for three months, until they were finally ordered to surrender in May 2022.

"I played at the funeral of a war hero," Wallace says.

"He was killed and tortured in Mariupol," he goes on, adding that a soldiers widow had invited him to perform for children whose fathers had been killed in the war.

"It just rips your heart," Wallace says. "There was a little girl, and I think her father had recently been killed. She had a face of sadness, and she went through the motions, trying to play, but it was hard."

He also recalls a little boy following them around, jumping into his arms, and holding him tight: "I know he misses his father."

The Kyiv Independent spoke with Edison and Wallace on one of their final days in Kyiv. Both seemed sad to be leaving, but their mission to help Ukraine did not end with the trip: They also want to spread the word about Ukraine and debunk Russian propaganda about the situation here.

Upon returning to the United States, Edison planned to talk about the war in Ukraine to local media in Wyoming to "dispel the myths" that Ukraines defenders are Nazis, as well as counter other falsehoods about Ukraine, put about by Kremlin propagandists.

The two want to "bring the facts of the situation in Ukraine as much as we can to our homes," Wallace says.

"We've got to counter this propaganda, the lies, (the false) perceptions. It's a tough job," he says.

On their next trip to Ukraine, the two say they want to go to the front-line area to support the soldiers who are fighting the Russian invaders.

"I want to see the men in the trenches. And I want to give them the packages that the kids at school put together for them, with food, letters, and candies," Wallace says.

"And I want to play the music for them. Shake their hands. Look in their eyes."

"Real support comes from the heart. That's what we bring," says Edison.

Read also: What made Ukrainians feel hopeful in 2023

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Venice is to ban tour groups larger than 25 people and the use of loudspeakers as it continues to crack down on mass tourism.

In a statement released on Saturday, the city council said the new rules would take effect in the historic centre of Venice and the islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello from June.

The council said the regulations sought to balance the needs of residents, workers and visitors and also aimed to reduce the confusion and disturbance caused by loudspeakers. Any tour operators or guides who breach the rules will face fines from 50 to 500 (43 to 430).

Simone Venturini, the city councillor responsible for tourism, said the new regulation was designed to change visitors habits and better manage the citys tourism. It also aimed to deter illegal unauthorised tour guides.

Venice is increasingly fragile and we are taking action to ensure its long-term future, Mr Venturini told The Telegraph.

Large groups of tourists are blocking the alleys, the bridges and squares in the historic centre and that creates big problems. This is not the kind of tourism we want.

Mr Venturini said the latest measure was part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving and better managing tourism to ensure a greater balance between the needs of those who live in the city and its millions of visitors.

More than 20 million tourists visited Venice in 2023 and amid claims that the city is turning into an Italian version of Disneyland, it introduced regulations to limit the expansion of cheap souvenir stores in 2022. It also plans to introduce a tourist tax of 5 for day trippers from April 2024.

Environmental protesters from the No Grandi Navi group demonstrate against the presence of cruise ships in the lagoon - MARCO SABADIN/AFP via Getty Images

Elisabetta Pesce, the city councillor responsible for security, described the rule to limit tour group numbers as an important measure promoting sustainable tourism and guaranteeing the protection and safety of the city.

Permanent residents have been steadily fleeing the historic centre in recent years. Local citizens groups Venessia and Ocio have calculated that the number of beds now available for visitors has overtaken the total number of residents, which is around 50,000.

In the past five years in the historic city of Venice, every two days on average a house has disappeared from the residential market to enter that of tourism, Ocio said on its website.

When asked about the declining numbers, Mr Venturini stressed that greater Venice, including the mainland, retains 260,000 residents. In an attempt to provide for the 50,000 residents in the historic centre, he said the council had restored 500 homes for public housing and 300 of those had already been assigned to families and young couples in the past two years.

But citizens groups argue that Venice is being transformed into a tourist village and residents are being pushed aside to make way for new hotels and other projects to expand the tourism sector.

Earlier this year Unesco said the city should be added to a list of endangered heritage sites as the impact of mass tourism and rising sea levels threatened to cause irreversible damage.

After lengthy protests, large cruise ships were banned from the historic centre of Venice via the Giudecca Canal in 2021 amid complaints about pollution and erosion.

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.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on December 19, 2023 in Waterloo, Iowa.

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the Colorado U.S. President ballot because he violated Article 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, upholding the factual findings of the lower court and overturning the decision that the 14th Amendment does not apply to a U.S. President. (Nation & World, 12/20/2023, Trump DQ's in Colorado.)

Trump has vowed to appeal the decision immediately to the U.S. Supreme Court. Either way the U.S. Supreme Court rules, Trump loses.

If the court rules that Trump is ineligible, Trump is relegated to the dust bin of history. If the Supreme Court rules that a U.S. President is not answerable to the U.S., Biden need not leave office if he is defeated at the polls.

Richard Sutherland, J.D., Lakeland

Diversity in government is important

Ensuring diversity in government is crucial for upholding the values of our constitution within city, county, and state representations. The City Commissions, County Commissions, State Delegations, the United States House of Representatives, and the United States Senate should reflect the rich culture of our nation, including minorities and African Americans. Their presence is essential for well-rounded decision-making and effective political leadership.

Recently, Winter Haven, Florida, demonstrated positive change by electing its second African American City Commissioner, enhancing representation on the Winter Haven City Commission. However, a gap exists in Lakeland, the largest city in Polk County, Florida. Currently, the Lakeland City Commission lacks African American representation.

To address this disparity, it's imperative for Lakeland to actively pursue measures that promote diversity in local politics. Encouraging open dialogue, fostering community engagement, and supporting diverse candidates are crucial steps toward breaking the cycle of underrepresentation. By embracing inclusivity, Lakeland can cultivate a political landscape that better serves the interests of all its citizens. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and representative political environment for the benefit of Lakeland, Florida, and its diverse population.

Shandale Terrell Ed.D., Lakeland

Donald Trump is right

Friedrich Trump, the grandfather of Donald Trump illegally entered the United States in October of 1885. Trump is the grandson, of immigrants: German on his fathers side, and Scottish on his mothers. (history.com).

In a campaign speech in Waterloo, Iowa, he said that immigrants are destroying the blood of our country, theyre destroying the fabric of our country. Our Ex President-Donald Trump hit the nail on the head.

Farrokh Ollia, Lakeland

Location of new emergency room could be problematic for some

On the one hand, I was pleased to hear that we will have more emergency room facilities on the north side ("Orlando Health to build freestanding ER in North Lakeland off I-4 next year", December 20). But has anyone looked at a map?

Anyone living west of Kathleen Rd can and probably will have trouble getting to any of these facilities due to the fact that we have to cross the railroad tracks that run next to Kathleen.

Trains utilize those tracks multiple times a day, blocking all west-to-east traffic on Sleepy Hill, Knights Station, Fairbanks, etc. To avoid these road blockages, residents would have to make their way down to Memorial to cross these busy tracks and then work back north to these new (and existing) facilities.

I think it is time for city planners, in conjunction with emergency service providers, to take a look at this growing section of the city and come up with a course to eliminate this potentially fatal issue.

David Kirk, Lakeland

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: December 31 2023
The bluebells are due to come into full bloom in April

Walkers are being urged to take care not to trample on the growing shoots in Guernsey's Bluebell Woods.

Conservationists are reminding islanders it is a "sensitive area" in December and January and urged them to stick to the paths.

Angela Salmon, operations director for the The Guernsey Conservation Volunteers, said it was important people help protect the area so the flowers appear in their full splendour in April.

"At this time of year people might think it's just covered in dead leaves and there's nothing really happening, but underneath those dead leaves the bluebells are already starting to grow," she said.

"So if people walk in those areas where the bluebells are going to grow they could actually snap off an awful lot of those bluebell shoots."

The new bluebell shoots can be hard to spot, conservationists said

She added that the bluebells were already under threat from invasive non-native onions which were "turning bluebell woods white".

She said groups of volunteers had been targeting several areas to restore the balance in 2024.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  As the countdown to midnight draws closer, Cleveland police are urging people not to do any celebratory gunfire for New Years Eve.

Celebratory gunfire is illegal and dangerous, the Cleveland Police Department posted to their social media site Sunday.

Drive sober or get pulled over: OSHP warns ahead of NYE

Celebrating New Years Eve or any other occasion with a gun can be devastating. The intention may be a celebratory shot toward the sky, but that bullet comes down, and the consequences of that moment can be disastrous for a neighbor or someone far away, causing injury or death, police said.

Just one example, an 11-year-old girl was killed in Texas when someone in her neighborhood shot a bullet into the air at midnight last New Years Eve.

Epic date caps off 2023: what it means and when it happens next

Nearly 15 years ago, a child in Lorain was killed when someone fired a celebratory gunshot on July 4.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Sally Snowman, America's last lighthouse keeper, sits on rocks in front of Boston Light.

Boston Light, the last manned light house in the United States, is losing its keeper on New Year's Eve.

Sally Snowman, 72, became guardian of the historic lighthouse constructed in 1716, in 2002. She is its 70th keeper. "The first 69 were all men," she proudly told CBS News.

The heartwarming and heartbreaking history of Snowman's devotion to her position has been sweeping the nation, and also the world.

In a quick-changing society where technology is projected to replace many jobs across industries, the disappearance of one so rooted in our country's founding deserves pause.

Here is the story.

How Snowman became keeper

Drone shot captures Boston Light, America's first lighthouse constructed in 1716.

Snowman's father was a Coast Guard Auxiliarist, she told 9 News in Australia nearly a year ago, when the news of her forced retirement first came.

It was he who introduced her to the island in the summer of 1961, when he brought her along to meet other Auxiliarists in front of the lighthouse for a picnic.

"We anchored the boat, I stepped out, looked up at the lighthouse and said to my father; 'Daddy when I grow up, I want to get married out here,'" Snowman said to 9 News.

But it never occurred to Snowman that she would be hired to "man" the Light, she told Dorothy Wickenden of the The New Yorker. Snowman struggled in school. After barely passing, she gravitated towards caretaking jobs like childcare, elderly care and work with the disabled.

Still curious about her learning difficulties, she went on to obtain an online Ph.D. in neurolinguistics from Walden, "because I wanted to find out why my brain was so scrambled," Snowman said.

She learned she had dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder, and the sea? It brought her great comfort.

After learning some from her father, Snowman put in a request to work as the assistant keeper on Little Brewster, the island that holds Boston Light. She met her husband there, a civil engineer. Their experience on the island led them to write a book together on the history of Boston Light.

In 1994, the two married on the island just as she'd promised her father she would as a girl.

It was the publishing of the book that landed Snowman the job of keeper.

Shining bright: Beautiful lighthouses around the USA

The history of "the keeper"

Light house keepers, first called "wickies," began their work under the United States Lighthouse Service, founded in 1789.

The Service was the first Public Work Act of the first United States Congress, according to the National Park Service.

In 1896, lighthouse keepers became civil service employees until 1910 when Congress created the Bureau of Lighthouses. The U.S. Coast Guard oversaw the role starting 1939 until after 9/11 when civilians were hired to free up the Coast Guard during a time of war, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce Research Library.

By 1990, most lighthouses were automated, with one exception.

At Boston Light, Sally Snowman remained.

A final goodbye

Snowman was restricted to daytime maintenance trips after the lighthouse failed a safety inspection in 2018, CBS News reported.

In a recent video, Snowman shared that the lighthouse is being "taken over by another entity."

"It's called a stewardship transfer," she said. There will be a transfer of ownership through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.

"So, unfortunately, my job is coming to an end," said Snowman. "The keeper's position is going away."

Snowman will spend time at the Lifesaving Museum in Hull when her heart aches to be back at the lighthouse. "I know I'll miss it," she shared with CBS News.

Her hope is that she can keep working at Boston Light as a volunteer tour guide, Snowman shared with NPR.

As for parting words? Like the sign outside the keeper's house on the water's edge of Little Brewster, Snowman wants the world to know: We will leave the light on for you.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sally Snowman, America's last lighthouse keeper, leaves Boston Light
Tourism revives millennia-old Qiang village in China

Xinhua) 16:49, December 31, 2023

This aerial photo taken on Sept. 13, 2023 shows watchtowers in Taoping Qiang Village of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

CHENGDU, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Nestled in a gorge near the upper reaches of the Minjiang River in southwest China's Sichuan Province, the ancient Taoping Qiang village has existed for over two millennia.

Originally constructed for military defense, the village's watchtower has seen the flames of war extinguished over the ages and is now a tourist attraction. Surviving the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the tower still stands tall and now bears witness to the area's transformation.

The village was reconstructed in the aftermath and a new village in the same architectural style was built nearby, with many residents of the ancient village choosing to move there for a better quality of life. Today, visitors are drawn to the picturesque village, bringing prosperity to the local tourism industry.

By Dec. 25, the Taoping Village area had welcomed 189,000 tourists in 2023, driving sales of local specialty agricultural products to 30.8 million yuan (about 4.35 million U.S. dollars) and generating over 95.2 million yuan in tourism revenue.

The skyrocketing sector has brought new opportunities and tangible benefits to locals such as Maixi, who is a member of the Qiang ethnic group. Her journey has mirrored the remarkable development of her hometown.

Maixi, one of eight children, worked as a shepherd when she was a girl. Now 60, she has achieved prosperity by converting her ancestral home into a homestay business.

And she has expanded her hospitality venture by opening a four-story homestay in the new village, drawing in a steady stream of repeat customers who enjoy her signature dish of a hearty soup with cornmeal and pickled vegetables.

Maixi is committed to quality and insists on offering only organic ingredients to her customers, even if it means narrowing her profit margins. She harvests many of the ingredients herself, and homegrown plums are provided to all guests as a complimentary after-dinner snack.

She is not shy about saying she now leads a life that seemed unattainable in her youth. The income her family brought in by selling Sichuan peppers was essential during her childhood, she remembers, and the children would work alongside the adults all day long throughout the harvest season as sundried peppers fetched a high price.

"With over 440 households and a population of more than 1,300, the village no longer relies on herding. Half of our workforce is now involved in tourism, and we also cultivate over 1,000 mu (about 66.67 hectares) of cherries and various other fruits. In recent years, the average income per mu has been approximately 60,000 yuan," said Yang Buyi, Party chief of Taoping.

People of the Qiang ethnic group have not only witnessed the post-quake reconstruction of their hometown and watched it transform into a thriving tourist destination, but they have also experienced the resurgence and flourishing of the Qiang culture.

"My family has lived here for generations, so I am delighted to witness the prosperity of the village and the continuation of the Qiang culture," said Wang Jiajun, standing amid a crowd of visitors in the folk culture museum he established.

Wang, who is now over 80 years old, spent more than 20 years collecting over 1,000 Qiang artifacts for the museum, where they are displayed to visitors today.

"Look at these three sets of local artifacts -- cauldrons crafted from clay, copper and iron. Despite the passage of over a thousand years, their forms remain unchanged," Wang said. "This is a symbol of cultural inheritance, and I hope that our excellent traditional culture will continue to be passed down."

This aerial photo taken on Sept. 13, 2023 shows the Taoping Qiang Village of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

People visit the Taoping Qiang Village of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

People visit the Taoping Qiang Village of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
By Lee Yeon-woo

Listed firms are increasingly adopting shareholder-friendly practices, including the purchase of treasury stocks, influenced by the growing influence of activist funds and retail investors, according to industry officials, Sunday. The trend is expected to continue throughout 2024.

According to the Korea Exchange, 254 listed firms announced plans in 2023 to buy back treasury stocks amounting to a total of 9.16 trillion won ($7.05 billion) in the coming years.

In addition to these plans, the firms have already purchased treasury stocks this year, with a total investment of 7.4 trillion won. This represents a significant 21.2 percent increase compared to the purchases made in 2022, indicating a growing trend in such shareholder-friendly activities.

Companies within the financial and telecommunication sectors, which are traditionally known for their high dividend payouts, have been particularly prominent in recent acquisition activities. Leading the pack in terms of acquisition volume are Meritz Financial Group, SK Telecom, KT, KB Financial Group, Hana Financial Group and Shinhan Financial Group.

Analysts believe that the policy can create a win-win situation for both shareholders and corporations. Firms can emphasize their efforts to enhance ESG management and also utilize those efforts as part of their financial policies.

There is also a growing push for companies to not just purchase, but also cancel their treasury stocks afterward. The market's primary concern is that if a company retains its treasury stocks without canceling them, it may later opt to sell these stocks back into the market, diluting the value of existing shares.

This movement is notably pronounced among activist funds.

Recently, the UK-based activist fund, City of London Investment Management, demanded that Samsung C&T purchase 500 billion won worth of its shares by 2024. Another UK-based fund, Palliser Capital, called for the retirement of treasury shares. Additionally, KCGI Asset Management pressed Hyundai Elevator to cancel all of its currently held treasury shares, which amount to 7.64 percent of total oustanding stocks.

As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in the retirement of treasury stocks.

In 2023, listed firms announced plans to retire 5.4 trillion won worth of treasury stocks. This amount represents 70 percent of the total treasury stocks purchased in 2023 and marks a significant increase of 500 percent compared to the average of the past five years.

Market observers indicate that the trend is expected to continue throughout 2024, backed by the growing interest of investors in shareholder returns.

"Companies are increasingly responding proactively to shareholder demands. The trend of transitioning from mere share buybacks to actual cancellations is also seen as a reflection of a more genuine commitment to shareholder returns," said Hwang Sei-woon, a senior researcher at the Korea Capital Market Institute.

"It is anticipated that there will be a greater expansion in shareholder demands for both the acquisition and cancellation of treasury shares," Hwang added.
Police say a former business associate of a Westmoreland County man was involved in his disappearance and death.

On Saturday, the Allegheny County Police Department announced charges for William Fortuna, 58, of Conway, Braden Elliott, 20, of Chicora, and Jeremy Fisher, 41, of Coraopolis, in the murder of George Dayieb, 57, of Murrysville. Fortuna and Elliott were arrested Saturday and Fisher was taken into custody Sunday morning. They are all facing multiple charges including criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy and abuse of a corpse.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> 3 men facing charges in connection with disappearance, death of Westmoreland County man

In a press conference Sunday, police clarified that Fisher and Dayieb were business associates. They also said Fortuna is an employee of Fisher and Elliott is Fishers nephew as well as an employee of his.

A criminal complaint says Fisher and Dayieb were partners in an excavation company.

The search for Dayieb began Dec. 27 after he was reported missing and endangered to Murrysville police by his significant other and his truck was found abandoned later the same day.

The complaint alleges on that day, Dayieb was meeting Fisher to collect a $439,432 debt for the purchase of equipment that was supposed to be wired from Fishers family member on Dec. 22., but never was. Police say Fisher conspired with Elliott and Fortuna to kill Dayieb. In the complaint, Elliott allegedly told police Fisher offered to buy him a diesel truck if he helped in the murder.

Police previously said Dayieb got into Fishers vehicle at a gas station on Broadhead Road in Coraopolis. According to the complaint, Elliott was also in the vehicle and Fortuna was following them in his vehicle without Dayiebs knowledge.

Police say ahead of everyone getting in the car, Fisher got a revolver from Fortuna and gave it to Elliott to kill Dayieb with. The complaint says the gun didnt fire the first time Elliott tried to shoot it while they were driving on I-376.

During the car ride, Elliott was seated behind George, said Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph. At some point in the ride, he attempted to shoot George in the back of the head. There was a malfunction in the gun and the gun didnt fire.

After they pulled over on Glenwood Way in Butler County to fix the weapon, it did fire when he tried again while they were driving under the Mercer Bridge.

Fisher, at some point, texts Elliott telling him now, signaling for him to shoot George, Joseph said. Elliott then shot George one time in the back of the head, killing him.

At this point, the complaint states Fortuna and Fisher get in Fortunas car, while Elliott transports Dayiebs body to a camp in Licking Township, Clarion County, eventually hiding it in a trailer and covering it with cushions and pillows. Police found Dayiebs body with a gunshot wound to the head in the trailer Friday after they executed a search warrant on the property.

Police say they were able to use texts, cell phone data, license plate readers and surveillance video to create a timeline of events.

Were happy to bring this to a close for Georges family, Joseph said. I cant imagine what theyve been going through the past few days.

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Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., right, and Sen. Mitt Romney, R- Utah, arrive to hear President Joe Biden deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on March 1, 2022, in Washington. A group is working to persuade the two lawmakers to join forces in a third-party presidential bid in 2024. | Al Drago, Bloomberg News via Associated Press

The woman behind an effort to persuade Sen. Mitt Romney to run for president on a bipartisan ticket said it wouldnt be the first time the former Massachusetts governor was recruited for public office.

It took prodding from prominent party members, as well as a grassroots display of support through polling, signature-gathering and fundraising, to overcome Romneys hesitancy to transition from leading the 2002 Winter Olympics to launching a gubernatorial campaign, according to Jennifer Franks, chair of the newly-created Draft Romney Manchin Committee.

Now, in the face of a potential rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Franks political action committee aims to provide the numbers to prove to Romney, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and their third-party vehicle, No Labels, that the two-time presidential candidate and his hypothetical running mate have a pathway to victory.

(Romney) was drafted then, he went on, and he won, and he did great things for Massachusetts as governor, said Frank, a Boston native, and longtime political consultant. So were sort of taking a page out of that playbook. There were concerned citizens that wanted him then, and now we want him with Manchin by his side.

Franks, a mother of four small children, wagers the discontent she feels toward a Trump-Biden matchup in 2024 and what it means for the country her kids will grow up in is shared by a plurality of fellow voters. She hopes the work being done by No Labels to secure ballot access in all 50 states will pave the way for her two favorite political centrists to put that bet to the test.

But shell have to get them on board first.

Related

Created on Nov. 8, the Draft Romney/Manchin Committee has launched a petition gathering signatures of those interested in seeing a bipartisan ticket bridge the divide between political extremes. The committee is currently asking for donations to fund polling in Arizona, Michigan and other swing states to demonstrate that Romney and Manchin, as president and vice president, respectively, can win the White House rather than serve as spoilers.

Ive always been a Mitt Romney fan and Im certainly a Manchin fan, Franks said. They have a great track record of working together in a bipartisan manner to get what needs to be done for the American people.

Romney and Manchin have long been across-the-aisle allies, working together as members of the bipartisan group responsible for securing passage of the 2021 infrastructure package, and recently introducing the Fiscal Stability Act which would establish a commission to recommend debt-reduction policies.

By demonstrating a path to victory for a novel third-party bid, the Draft Romney/Manchin Committee hopes to persuade the candidates, who have both toyed with the idea of running for president or launching a new party, that this is their chance.

I really, really believe that this opportunity is the moment to change the trajectory of our country and the way that its going, Franks said.

Aside from the historically poor favorability ratings of the two candidates most likely to represent the major parties in 2024, Franks said No Labels, a nonprofit behind the effort to gain ballot access in all 50 states as an insurance policy to prevent a second Trump term, is responsible for the birth of Draft Romney Manchin.

What theyre doing is theyre creating this opportunity, Franks said. And so I got to do something.

If Romney and Manchin express openness to sit atop a unity ticket, Franks said, they have a good chance of being nominated during No Labels spring delegate convention.

Related

But, after his announcement that he will not seek reelection to the Senate which coincided with the publishing of a self-titled biography, the question remains of whether Romney, age 76, is up to a third bid.

Franks is convinced a repeat from two decades ago is possible.

The 2002 Olympics hadnt even ended when Romney began to hear public calls for him to return to Massachusetts and run for governor, the Deseret News reported at the time. Romney remained undecided in response to these pleas to save Massachusetts from fiscal free-fall until polls showed him with an insurmountable lead over the Republican incumbent.

Franks petition asks voters to send Romney a similar message. However, a third-party presidential bid is something Romney has already thoroughly considered and rejected after concluding an independent run in 2020 could ensure a Trump victory.

I know that its been said that there that Romney would not run, Franks said. But I think that we can show him that theres a path to victory and that a third round draft pick is the moment.

Franks acknowledges that success for her project would be an unlikely story. But she says as a mother she wouldnt be able to sleep at night if she didnt try to provide the American people with better choices so they arent forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.

I certainly cant in good faith say to my kids every single day, Go make good choices when I cant even make good choices that ultimately affects families and the American people, Franks said. So I want to put other options out there. I want more options. I want more choices.

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Why did you kill your mother?: Newly released video shows Florida boy confess to stabbing mother to death

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Newly obtained body camera footage uncovers how a Florida teen stabbed his mother to death back in October, NBC Affiliate WTVJ reports.

Derek Rosa, 13, was accused of stabbing his mother, 39-year-old Irina Garcia, in their Hialeah home. Chilling photos captured on a baby monitor showed the boy standing over his mother the night of the killing, as well as the bloody knife detectives say he used to kill her.





According to WTVJ, the release of the nearly eight-minute confession tape comes as the 13-year-old went before a judge for another court appearance on Thursday.

Hes stabbing me, hes stabbing me: Florida teachers family was on high alert before her son killed her, deputies say

In the video, Rosa confessed to detectives how he stabbed his mother, describing the knife used and the moments after the attack when he reportedly called his friend about what he did, when he called 911, and more.

WTVJ said authorities redacted portions of the tapes audio.

During questioning, a detective asked Rosa twice how he killed his mother  the first time, the 13-year-old avoided the question and asked to use the restroom. Rosa asked to stop the interview after the second time  and thats where the tape ends, WTVJ said.

Massive 1,437-pound great white becomes latest shark to ping near Floridas coast

According to WTVJ, the police body camera footage was played in court a few weeks ago, with the public only hearing the audio. Only Rosa was allowed to watch.

While the video was playing in court, WTVJs cameras captured Rosa breaking down as he watched himself show police his bloody hands.

Rosa was arrested on Oct. 12. Hes being charged as an adult and is currently being held in the juvenile wing at the Metrowest Detention Center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on September 28, 2023.

As some states fight to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot in 2024 and cases head to the U.S. Supreme Court, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., wants one of the longest-serving justices to recuse himself from a potential ruling.

Justice Clarence Thomas should recuse himself because his wife, Ginni Thomas, "was involved in the big lie," according to Raskin, who spoke about the issue Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash."

Thomas sent dozens of text messages after the 2020 election to Mark Meadows, Trump's former chief of staff, urging him to fight the results. In late September 2022, she told a congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol that she regretted those texts that were sent at an "emotional time" and would take them all back if she could. Though Thomas told the panel she still thought there were election irregularities, she did believe Joe Biden was the president of the United States.

Raskin was a member of the House committee that investigated what led to the Capitol attack and suggested Clarence Thomas couldn't objectively evaluate whether Trump should be disqualified from the 2024 ballot.

"Anybody looking at this in any kind of dispassionate, reasonable way would say if your wife was involved in the big lie and claiming that Donald Trump actually won the presidential election and been agitating for that and participating in the events leading up to Jan. 6, that you shouldnt be participating," Raskin said to questioning from Bash.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: (L-R) Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife and conservative activist Virginia Thomas arrive at the Heritage Foundation on October 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. Clarence Thomas has now served on the Supreme Court for 30 years. He was nominated by former President George H. W. Bush in 1991 and is the second African-American to serve on the high court, following Justice Thurgood Marshall. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A deeper look: With three major recent losses, is the effort to knock Trump off ballots in 2024 over?

Why are Colorado and Maine kicking Trump off the ballot?

Colorado and Maine have both removed Trump from primary ballots, citing the 14th Amendment and saying the former president is barred from office because he engaged in an insurrection.

Trump is expected to appeal the state decisions.

Similar efforts are underway in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, New York, and Texas, among other states.

Meanwhile, officials in California and Michigan have rejected attempts to remove Trump from ballots in those states.

The U.S. Supreme Court will likely decide the question of Trump's qualifications, after weeks and maybe months of appeals that will shadow the legal system and the 2024 presidential campaign.

Contributing: Aysha Bagchi, John Fritze and David Jackson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clarence Thomas should recuse himself from Trump ruling, Raskin says
Wild turkeys are one of Americas most iconic animals and the mascot of Thanksgiving. While farm-raised birds are abundant, wild ones are in a more delicate position.

The Washington Post reported that a new study shows the population of wild turkeys has declined sharply, a worrisome sign for the future health of this species.

Whats happening?

In 2004, there were about seven million wild turkeys in the U.S., inhabiting every state except Alaska, the Post reported. That number was due to serious conservation efforts following World War II when wild turkeys were endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Although they bounced back successfully once, the population started to drop again in 2004. By 2014, the country had lost one million birds or about 15% of the population. By 2019, the number dropped another 3%.

What does the declining turkey population mean?

Scientists arent sure exactly why this is happening, according to the Post. There are several leading theories, though, and the truth may be a combination of factors.

First of all, the U.S. has been participating in conservation efforts for many species, including predators of the turkey, such as owls and eagles. More predation could be one reason the population would drop naturally.

On the other hand, people also hunt turkeys, and its possible that were killing too many.

Habitat could be a factor since turkeys have specific requirements when it comes to their environment. They need open areas for their courting rituals, areas of low, thick vegetation for nesting and raising chicks, and areas with mature trees to provide nuts for them to eat in the fall. The more natural areas are torn down or polluted, the harder it is for wild turkeys to find territory that meets all their needs.

Finally, as the Earth heats up, it could be affecting the likelihood that turkey chicks survive long enough to grow up. According to the Post, earlier spring blooms could affect the availability of plant cover and edible bugs for the young chicks. The rising temperature has already been shown to have affected over 100 bird species in North and South America, so turkeys might be on the list, too.

Roger Shields, wild turkey program coordinator at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, told the Post, I dont know that theres just one thing thats going on. It may be a bunch of things all adding together.

Whats being done to protect wild turkey populations?

Tennessee is one of several states to scale back its turkey hunting season in the hope of bringing population numbers up again.

Meanwhile, study author Christopher Moorman told the Post that, for now, We should just keep an eye on it.

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CHULA VISTA, Calif.  A driver was killed after crashing her vehicle on Interstate 805 in Chula Vista Saturday, authorities said.

According to California Highway Patrol, a 60-year-old woman from Anaheim was traveling southbound on I-805, north of East Naples Street, around 10:25 a.m. when she lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons.

Enforcement results: Chula Vista Police hold Friday night DUI checkpoint

CHP said the Nissan crashed into a concrete wall and then fell onto East Naples Street. The woman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, a 60-year-old man from Anaheim, was transported to a local hospital with major injuries.

A toxicology report is pending through the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office to determine if alcohol/and or drugs were a factor.

The identity of the deceased woman is being withheld at this time.

East Naples Street was temporarily closed while CHP investigated the crash site. The cause of the crash and the circumstances leading up to the incident are still being determined.

CHP is encouraging any member of the public who may have witnessed this incident or who has additional information, to contact their San Diego area office at (858) 293-6000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
An Ohio man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for coercing a homeless woman into prostitution "countless times," including across state lines, after sparking a romantic relationship with the woman, prosecutors say.

"He exploited (the woman) when she was vulnerable and lured her in with romance and gifts, hallmarks of a genuine relationship," prosecutors said of 41-year-old Leon Sims, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. "He then sold (her) for money countless times over a period of months, keeping the earnings for himself."

Sims was sentenced to 37 months in prison last week for the engagement of interstate prostitution, a violation of the Mann Act, the Department of Justice said in a press release Tuesday.

Police first encountered Sims in December 2020, when the Boone County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky responded to an online advertisement for prostitution. An undercover deputy arranged to meet up with a woman through the advertisement at a local Holiday Inn, where the woman ultimately informed law enforcement she was driven to the lodging facility by Sims, according to prosecutors.

G-STRING-CLAD PROSTITUTES PROWL SAN DIEGO STREETS; FAMILIES, BUSINESSES FORCED TO SCRAMBLE

Deputies found Sims sitting in a car outside the hotel, and the woman told police that Sims had for months been arranging meet-ups for the woman to engage in prostitution.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Sims was romantically involved with the woman starting in early 2020, according to prosecutors, and gave the woman presents as she struggled with homelessness. He later allegedly demanded she repay him for the gifts, and ordered she pull in $1,000 a day or face punishment.

"Specifically, (Sims) threatened to prevent her from sleeping or eating if she did not comply," prosecutors wrote in a court filing, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

NEARLY NAKED PROSTITUTES PROWL STREETS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, BUT CALIFORNIA LAW TIES POLICE HANDS: MAYOR

Prosecutors said that from October 2020 to January 2021, Sims arranged to send the woman across Ohio, Kentucky  and even to California  to meet up with johns for sex. Sims reportedly brandished a gun at the woman when she pushed back against traveling to California for prostitution. Sims was also accused of repeatedly pressuring the woman into having sex with him and using physical force against her.

Authorities in Las Vegas in January 2022 discovered Sims had an active warrant in Kentucky and took him into custody.

"Subsequent investigation revealed that, from at least October 2020 through January 2021, Sims arranged prostitution activities for the victim using online advertisements, managed those activities, communicated with prostitution customers and kept the profits from the prostitution appointments. During the course of managing the victims prostitution activities, Sims transported the victim from Kentucky to both Ohio and California for the purpose of prostitution," the DOJ said in its press release last week.

SUSPECTED PROSTITUTION RING MOVES INTO CA NEIGHBORHOOD OUTSIDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL: 'PIMP IS BLOCKING MY DRIVEWAY'

"At sentencing, it was determined that Sims used fraud or coercion to get the victim to participate in prostitution including verbal threats, withholding basic necessities, and false promises."

Sims' attorney had argued that Sims did drive the woman across state lines to engage in prostitution but denied his client ever forced her into having sex for money. The lawyer added that the woman bailed Sims out of jail when he was first arrested in December 2020.

The woman told police that Sims had for months been arranging meetups for her to engage in prostitution.

NATIONWIDE PUSH TO LIBERALIZE PROSTITUTION LAWS PROMPTS CONCERNS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

"However, despite knowing Mr. Sims only a few months, she did not take the opportunity to inform law enforcement of any dangerous or unwanted situation she had found herself in, nor did she take advantage of an opportunity to 'escape' Mr. Sims while he was arrested and incarcerated and she was not," the attorney wrote, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The attorney added that the woman spoke to authorities regarding Sims to receive favorable treatment.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS

Sims moved to California following his 2020 arrest, before moving to Las Vegas in 2022. Meanwhile, new charges such as human trafficking were filed in Boone County, Kentucky, in February 2021. Authorities in Las Vegas in January 2022 discovered Sims had an active warrant in Kentucky and took him into custody.

He has been in custody since January 2022. The Boone County charges were dropped this year after Sims was federally indicted, the Cincinatti Enquirer reported.

Sims must fulfill 85% of his sentence under federal law and will be monitored by authorities for three years following his prison release.





Original article source: Woman 'lured' by man's romance and gifts forced into disturbing prostitution hustle: prosecutors
Officials in Mississippi are looking for a suspect after they say a woman was shot and set on fire.

Sammy Patrick is wanted in connection with the killing, according to a Dec. 30 Facebook post by the Scott County Sheriffs Office.

Around 2 p.m. Dec. 30, authorities in Forest said they found a woman who had been shot, sexually assaulted and set on fire, WLBT reported. The woman died.

Officials have not released the womans name, but have identified Patrick as a suspect.

On Dec. 20, the Scott County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook asking the public for help locating Patrick who was wanted on multiple felony auto theft and burglary warrants.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Scott County Sheriffs Office.

Forest is about 50 miles northeast of Jackson.

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When I first encountered generative AI at a law seminar two years ago, I had the passing thought, as a novelist and critic, that it could actually be good for fiction written by humans  at least the kind of fiction I like.

Just think: Machines would potentially standardize prose in a contemporary fiction landscape that already tends to value minimalist writing, and the ease with which robots might reproduce simple sentences and formulaic plots would mean that the stylists, the eccentrics, the strangely passionate human authors would finally stand out. This optimism was quickly defeated by the realization that one of my day jobs, as a ghostwriter, would almost certainly become automated.

Read more: Opinion: An AI takeover is not inevitable  if we value creative work

At my mothers house that evening here in Northern California, I ranted about this development in a society that already devalues art and the printed word. I preached about how ridiculous it was that artificial intelligence companies and startups were creating meaningless applications that reinforce layers of racial bias and leave a heavy carbon footprint , rather than investing that money and time into, say, solutions to mass incarceration and climate change.

My mother has had a long successful career in tech and remains involved in the field of AI. Shes one of the most moral and wise humans that I know. Unfazed by my argument, she said, thoughtfully, Yes, ChatGPT will probably change things.

Read more: Op-Ed: Beware a world where artists are replaced by robots. It's starting now

It will put writers out of business. I continued talking about how precarious living in America already is for most people whose lives center on writing.

But machines will always need people to control them, she explained. The job will shift a little to be more like editing and supervising machines. Maybe 60% of people will go into those jobs instead. Why couldnt you be one of those people? she asked, saying people have always found a way to do new types of work when old jobs are gone.

Read more: Op-Ed: Big Tech is hurting big ideas in Silicon Valley

I originally thought of generative AI as being a threat to writers with a more generic or untextured style  people writing for businesses. But after thinking about what my mother said, it seemed part of a larger, timeless conversation about the new crushing the old and leaving behind those who didnt simply go along. A larger fear began to gnaw at me. As writing looks increasingly sanded-down and generic, the way logging and other older types of work look to many of us now  repetitive and unstimulating and rote, better for machines than humans to do  the expectations people, including publishing gatekeepers, have around literary writing will change, too.

Right now, the publishing world is experimenting in how AI performs, not only with regard to writing, but at marketing, distribution and the production of audiobooks with synthetic voices. Most writers I know who are exposed to AI tools feel anxiety about losing potential streams of income. Authors have filed copyright infringement lawsuits against OpenAI for training ChatGPT on their books. But when I interviewed Vauhini Vara , a Pulitzer Prize finalist for fiction and tech reporter, she said shed produced one of her best passages of writing while using AI as a tool to write about her sister who had passed away. The literary agent Andrew Wylie has wholly dismissed the effect of AI on the literary authors he represents. He claimed only bad, popular books are susceptible to replication.

Read more: Op-Comic: Is AI more empathetic than your doctor?

I dont believe popular writing equates to bad writing  usually popular writing features transparent prose that is more straightforward for the reader to interpret  but in terms of a unique style being difficult to replicate, Im with Wylie. Literature is typically authored by people who are receiving the world with a rare openness and finding their own voice, their own breaths and their own hard stops. Its slow.

Take the complexity in sentences from the first page of Toni Morrisons Jazz, which sets up so much: When the woman, her name is Violet, went to the funeral to see the girl and to cut her dead face they threw her to the floor and out of the church. She ran, then, through all that snow, and when she got back to her apartment she took the birds from their cages and set them out the windows to freeze or fly, including the parrot that said, I love you.

Morrison could have approached this prosaically, more like the way ChatGPT would, something like: When Violet went to the funeral to cut the dead girls face, they threw her out of the church. It was snowing outside. When she returned to her apartment, she freed a parrot who said, I love you. Instead, Morrison pulls off a high-wire act. We traverse the unexpected in images tinged with magic  from funerals to parrots to declarations of love.

An algorithm trained on well-known books cant find whats both moving and surprising the way Morrison does. But it will figure out three-act structure, cliffhanger endings for chapters and what events will titillate readers faster to maintain reader attention. Literature doesnt work solely to satisfy a readers prefabricated idea of how they should be made to feel. As Elena Ferrante said in a Paris Review interview , Literature that indulges the tastes of the reader is a degraded literature. My goal is to disappoint the usual expectations and inspire new ones.

Like AI, however, so one argument would go, a writers own consciousness is trained on past material, including past books. If a robot, like a human in a vast library, were trained on a wide range of literatures finest, its conceivable that wed wind up with knock-off Morrison or Ferrante books the way we have knock-off Prada. Still, the human desire for authenticity, for the rare and the real, might balance that out.

More worryingly, perhaps, is that we could have a new ocean of robotic titles that mimic books written by the dominant group of people with roughly similar experiences, swamping the viewpoints of writers from underrepresented backgrounds. Generative AI, unchecked by the needs of humans, could become saturated with mechanistic, unsensual and conservative literatures. And instead, it could gravitate to whats already been done frequently through human history  the cruel bigotry, the brutal wars, the crushing oppression  rather than what we might otherwise imagine in languages of our own.

Perhaps loggers and potters from a past age also expressed talent and nuance in their work. I hope literature doesnt meet the same fate. I think of writing my last novel, a family saga set in Silicon Valley. In the still hours before dawn, I tried to excavate an initial, shallow thought about a fictional technology that allows users to experience others memories, in order to eventually express a deeper thought about the aggressive forward movement of technology and how it can misrepresent memory. The time spent imagining the repercussions of that thought and rendering it in the particular language it needed was more valuable to me, as a human, than the quick production of formulaic work.

Anita Felicelli is a novelist and serves on the board of the National Book Critics Circle.

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.
Journalists watch a giant screen broadcasting footage of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of BRF in Beijing

BEIJING (Reuters) - President Xi Jinping said on Sunday that China will consolidate and enhance the positive trend of its economic recovery in 2024, and sustain long-term economic development with deeper reforms.

In a televised speech to mark the New Year, Xi said China would deepen reforms to shore up confidence in the economy.

Xi said China will "consolidate and enhance the positive trend of economic recovery, and achieve stable and long-term economic development," Xi said.

"We must comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, further boost confidence in development, enhance economic vitality, and make greater efforts to promote education, promote science and technology, and cultivate talents."

Xi voiced his concerns over difficulties facing some firms' operations and the hardship facing some people in employment and their daily lives, and the impact of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes in some regions.

China will promote high-quality development and balance development and security in a well-coordinated way, Xi added.

The government has in recent months announced a series of measures to shore up China's feeble post-pandemic economic recovery, which is being held back by a property slump, local government debt risks and slow global growth.

Analysts expect China's economic growth to hit the official target of around 5% this year, and Beijing is expected to maintain the same target next year.

Earlier this month, top Chinese leaders met and laid out economic plans for 2024, pledging to take more steps to support the recovery. The central bank has pledged to step up policy adjustments to support the economy and promote a rebound in prices, amid signs of rising deflationary pressures.

(Reporting by Yelin Mo and Kevin Yao; Editing by Alison Williams and Hugh Lawson)
Korea is set to implement a minimum 15 percent corporate tax scheme for multinational firms next year, in line with a global deal to reduce tax competition between countries and prevent large multilateral businesses from dodging taxes, according to Seoul's finance ministry Sunday.

The planned implementation came as Korea enacted the new rules through the passage by the National Assembly, which call for the minimum corporate tax rate for multinational corporations with more than 750 million euros ($803 million) in annual revenues.

It is to align with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting 2.0 Pillar Two, which was approved by 143 countries.

Some 200 multinational companies operating in Korea are expected to be affected by the global agreement.

In 2021, the international community agreed on a landmark deal on the two-pillar solution to the tax challenges arising from the digitalization and the globalization of the economy.

Under another rule, dubbed Pillar 1, for companies with global revenues of more than 20 billion euros and profitability of above 10 percent, 25 percent of profits above 10 percent would be taxed according to a new formula based on where a company's customers are located. (Yonhap)
Lily the XL bully cannot now be rehomed and must stay at the rescue kennels

A north-east England animal charity is warning new restrictions on XL bully dogs will lead to many being euthanised.

The animals have been responsible for a number of fatal attacks.

New legislation requires them to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public and prohibits selling or rehoming them.

But Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) manager Jan Ross said the speed at which the restrictions had been introduced has left few realistic options for those who already have the dogs.

Ms Ross accepted action was needed but said an XL currently in BARK's care could not now be legally rehomed and would have to live at the rescue centre permanently.

"I think a lot of XL bullies in rescues will be euthanised - that isn't the rescue's fault, they have no options," she said.

"I think a lot of people's dogs will be euthanised because it's a huge responsibility having a banned breed."

Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels manager Jan Ross says the rules have been introduced too fast

The XL can weigh more than nine stone (60kg) and is the largest of the American bully breed.

From Sunday, breeding, selling, rehoming and advertising the dogs will be illegal in England and Wales.

They are also being added to the list of banned dogs in England.

Dr Sam Gaines from animal charity the RSPCA said: "We will have to euthanise these dogs when they come into our care because we won't be allowed to rehome them."

The rules would also "affect dogs whose behaviour poses no risk whatsoever", she added.

The charity has called for a judicial review into the new measures, saying the government has introduced them too quickly.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it had taken "quick and decisive action to protect the public from dog attacks" by adding the breed to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

These include an suspected XL bully attack on a 54-year-old man in Shiney Row in October.

XL bully dogs like Lily must now be kept on a lead and muzzled in public

The new restrictions were announced in September.

People who already own one of the dogs can apply for an exemption certificate, but must also microchip and neuter the dog and have public liability insurance.

Ms Ross said a number of other rescues had asked BARK to take in their XLs, believing the rescue centre was in Scotland.

The Scottish government has not introduced a ban, leading to fears of a potential loophole for dangerous dogs.

Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Congo have sealed a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement that is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs, remove unnecessary trade barriers, and improve market access.

Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Trade announced the deal on X, former Twitter.

The breadth of the UAEs trade network continues to broaden as we conclude negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville  a thriving economy in Central Africa and valued trade and investment partner, the official indicated.

For the Emirati official, the deal builds on the growing bilateral cooperation between the two sides, which saw non-oil trade grow by 134% in the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of 2022, reaching $2.1 billion.

He signed the agreement with Congos Minister of Economy and Finance, Jean-Baptiste Ondaye.

The deal, subject to ratification, will also help enhance customs procedures, and create platforms for private sector investment and cooperation in strategic sectors.

Ondaye welcomed the deal as a tool that will impact the Central African countrys financial projects.

I have no doubt that the strategic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates that we have just concluded will greatly contribute to the financing of structuring projects in Congo, he noted.
The governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) Caroline Abel, will leave her position in March 2024 when her contract ends.

C. Abel made the announcement during the CBS press conference on the monetary policy for the upcoming three months, State-run news agency reports.

Today is my last press conference as governor of the Central Bank. I am preparing myself for the end of my contract, which is mid-March 2024, she told reporters.

Sometimes people associate an institution to just one person, and I want to say that the CBS is a team and despite Ms Abel moving forward, the CBS will remain a strong institution. There is nothing for the economy to worry about what will happen to the CBS after 2024.

The 50-year-old became in 2012 the first woman to be positioned as the central bank governor of the African country. She was reappointed for a second six-year term in March 2018, according to the central banks website.

The economist is praised for spearheading the introduction of a revised monetary policy framework at the end of 2018. She is also reckoned with her handling of the press and her ability to educate the public with clear and detailed presentations.

Abel was awarded a Medal of Honor, at the first-ever National Awards ceremony earlier in 2023. She also received the award of Central Bank Governor of the Year by the African Banker Awards Committee in 2020, and the Global Women Achievers Award in 2022 for her influential role in the development of Seychelles economy.
Several regional development banks are responding to mounting pressure to provide climate financing to support the development of the green economy of low-income regions. This year, both the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank Group announced major climate investments aimed at the growth of renewable energy capacity in developing regions of the world. This is further supported by recent efforts but the World Bank Group.

Since the first COP climate summit two years ago, COP26 held in Glasgow, development banks have been facing increasing pressure to fund green energy and tech projects in much-overlooked parts of the world. And at COP28, several announcements suggested that the banks have responded to this demand. The World Bank Group announced at the summit that it was increasing its climate target to give 45 percent of its annual financing to climate-related projects in the next fiscal year. This provides around an additional $9 billion in funding for green projects, aimed principally at climate mitigation and adaptation.

In October, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced it planned to lend an additional $100 billion over the next 10 years. It expects to lend around $36 billion a year, marking a 40 percent increase in lending. In 2022, the ADB lent an estimated $20.5 billion for climate-related development. The banks plan to relax rules on loans is not expected to affect its AAA credit rating. Woochong Um, managing director general at ADB, stated We looked at it and without jeopardizing our AAA we can optimize our capital adequacy framework, and be able to raise more resources to lend to the countries. He added, The development needs are huge and we need to make sure that we are equipped to provide financing.

While the ADBs lending will continue to be centred around poverty, it hopes to boost the amount of financing it provides for climate work. The ADB said that it hopes to become the climate bank of Asia and the Pacific by increasing its spending on mitigation, adaptation, and climate resilience. Significant funding will go towards new climate-related technologies and exploring cleaner transportation and weather-resistant crops. It believes that this funding goes hand in hand with the banks aims to alleviate poverty in the region. To attract more private funding, the ADB plans to support the creation of regulatory frameworks in countries across the region, to reduce risk and make the investment environment more attractive.

Around a month later, the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) announced an increase in funding to Latin America and the Caribbean to $150 billion over the next decade. This would help the bank achieve three times the amount of financing it had previously earmarked for climate projects, putting it on track to meet the G20s recommendation. The President of the IDB, Ilan Goldfajn, stated We are placing action on climate and nature at the centre of the IDB Group This means increasing direct and mobilized climate financing for Latin America and the Caribbean, expanding our work on global public goods, such as the Amazon, catalysing private-sector engagement and developing new financial instruments so we can mobilize more capital toward climate action.

The IDB is the main source of long-term development financing in the region and is committed to meeting its climate mitigation and adaptation goals. The Latin America and the Caribbean region is home to the Amazon rainforest, which is one of the worlds primary carbon sinks, as well as vast green energy resources. With greater financing, the region could be propelled to become a major green energy and tech hub, helping to alleviate the burden of climate change and supporting a global green transition.

Five multinational development banks (MDBs) have now pledged to include clauses in their agreements and contracts to pause debt repayment in the case of a climate disaster, following pressure from international bodies and governments. Further, MDBs recently released a joint statement stating their commitment to establishing a common approach for reporting climate results. This will be achieved through country-level cooperation to harmonise climate indicators. They will also develop a programme to be provided via the World Bank to support countries in the development of long-term climate and development strategies and to attract private climate funding. EIB President Werner Hoyer said in a statement This joint statement from the worlds multilateral development banks makes it clear that we have heard the calls to step up and that we have the means to deliver. Crucially, we have agreed to further strengthen our cooperation to support countries and the private sector to accelerate a green and just transition and build resilience.

In response to mounting pressure from state governments and other official actors, several development banks have announced an increase in climate funding, aimed mainly at climate mitigation and adaptation. This funding is expected to help greater private funding to low-income regions that could be key to achieving a global green transition. Investments in green energy and technologies are also expected to spur economic growth at the national level for several countries around the globe.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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While Silicon Valley may be known as the worlds biggest tech hub, Houston is quickly catching up when it comes to clean tech. The major Texan energy hub is rapidly branching out into the world of renewables, supported by a broad array of startups investing in innovative green technologies. The city is diversifying from oil and gas and growing its reputation as an all-round energy hub, with many leaving California to work in Houstons bourgeoning market.

Houston has long been known for its successful oil and gas operations, with several energy majors operating out of the Texan city. Around 34 percent of all U.S. publicly traded oil and gas companies have headquarters in Houston and others are setting up energy transition headquarters there. The city is home to over 230,800 tech workers and is leading the U.S. in tech job growth, ranking as one of the top five cities for investment in companies focused on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives in 2022. Companies in Houston contributed over $1.25 billion to ESG last year.

It is also an important city for academia and research and development for the energy sector, with 21 business research centres focusing on the energy transition. Several universities, such as Rice University and the University of Houston, have developed entrepreneurship programmes and other degrees that encourage youths to develop their own innovative business ideas. The University of Houston aims to launch its Innovation Hub in 2025 to drive greater student innovation. This has spurred the development of a plethora of clean tech and green energy startups, viewing Houston as the U.S. energy transition hub. Related: Chinese Cities Ease Gasoline Car Restrictions to Boost Economy

As a major city, Houston is home to a three million-strong workforce. It also has the largest population of engineers in the country. In 2022, the growth rate for tech employment in the region reached 3.5 percent, compared to the national average of 3.2 percent. Houston is reported to have attracted over $6 billion in venture capital funding in the last five years alone. It is also home to more than 80 startup development organisations (SDOs), from incubators to accelerators, maker spaces, co-working spaces, non-profits, and academic institutions.

The city is driving innovation through collaborative projects, as well as the traditional work of private energy companies. Spaces such as The Ion are popping up to offer startups the space to develop their ideas. Established in 2021, it provides 266,000 square feet of commercial office space for tech companies, individuals, and early-stage startups, as well as event spaces. The Ion currently houses 300 businesses and provides funding for the tech sectors job training and talent pipeline.

In addition to the Ion, Boston-based Greentown Labs opened Houstons first climate-tech incubator in 2021, a 50,000-square-foot building in Midtown. It hosts around 79 companies and runs several programmes with educational institutions aimed at driving innovation. The two projects are located within the Houston Innovation Corridor, a four-mile strip that strategically connects businesses and key destinations with light rail, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. It includes Downtown, Midtown, the Ion District, the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center campus, and Rice University.

As Houston rises as a clean tech hub, Silicon Valley is looking over its shoulder as Texa is rapidly attracting more young tech professionals and startups. In a 2020 survey by Blind, 29 percent of technology professionals from the Bay Area responded with the view that Texas is the next Silicon Valley. Several things differentiate Houston from Silicon Valley and it is using these to its advantage. Wogbe Ofori, the founder of the Houston-based venture development firm Wrx Companies, believes that its the citys hard-tech orientation that differentiates it from other technology hubs. Ofori explained, We have a lot of potential to address industrial-scale problems, not just consumer-scale problems. And these problems are mostly in the physical realm. He added, Houston has a lot of potential to be a global hub for hard-tech innovation In my hope and vision, Houston will be a place where the world comes to solve some of its hardest problems.

As well as welcoming energy transition companies, Houston is leading by example by undergoing its own transition. While it continues to support the oil and gas industry, it is also developing major renewable energy projects. Since 2020, Houstons municipal facilities have run entirely on renewable energy and the whole city hopes to achieve carbon neutrality by the mid-century. It has become a major destination for solar and wind companies, home to over 130 firms, and it hopes to support Texass aim of establishing the countrys first zero-carbon grid.

As the U.S. undergoes a green transition, Houston is rapidly becoming one of the most important spots for green energy and clean tech innovation, rapidly overtaking other hotspots, such as Silicon Valley and Boston. Its long history in oil and gas, a strong population of skilled workers, and support for business and academic collaboration are driving innovation and attracting many big companies, startups, and entrepreneurs to the region. Within the next decade, Houston is expected to become an all-round energy hub as it diversifies beyond oil and gas.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Russia may have to put its plans to significantly boost its eastbound pipeline gas exports and its LNG exports to the global markets on ice amid growing challenges.

Russia has relied on the Chinese market for higher pipeline gas exports since Putins invasion of Ukraine and the slashed volumes of gas supplies to Europe. But talks on a second pipeline to China appear to have stalled, while the Western sanctions on Moscow were intensified to include a flagship new LNG export project in the Arctic that was supposed to come online this year.

Currently, Gazprom supplies natural gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. Deliveries in 2022 stood at 15 billion cubic meters, while total flows for this year were expected to rise to 22 billion cubic meters.

Supplies to China in 2023 are now expected at 23.2 billion cubic meters, exceeding earlier plans, Alexey Miller, chief executive of Russias gas giant Gazprom told Putin this week.

Deliveries in 2025 are expected to jump to around 38 billion cubic meters, Miller told Putin during a meeting on Thursday.

Despite boasting increased deliveries to China, Russian gas exports have been shrinking since the war in Ukraine began, and it would take years for Russia to offset the previously exported pipeline volumes to Europe with higher supplies to other markets.

The Power of Siberia was one of the biggest projects recently completed by Gazprom and the first conduit for Russian gas to China. Now, theres talk about the Power of Siberia 2, but negotiations between Russia and China havent progressed much. An agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 has not been reached yet due to some sticking points, including the prices at which Gazprom will deliver the gas.

The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline was designed to ship gas from Russias Western Siberia Altai region to northeast China via Mongolia.

Before the war in Ukraine, Russia supplied around one-third of all the gas to Europe.

China has become a first-priority destination for the Russian state gas major Gazprom after the breakup with Europe.

Earlier this year, Gazproms Miller said that Russia could soon supply China with volumes of gas comparable with the volumes Moscow sent to Western Europe before the invasion of Ukraine.

Analysts doubt that Russia could boost volumes to China to such levels for at least another seven years.

With the lack of new pipelines to the east, Russia has been betting on increased LNG sales, which Europe imports in large quantities.

The EU has been the single biggest buyer of Russian LNG since the Western sanctions on Russian oil came into effect at the end of last year, per data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Gas imports from Russia, unlike oil and oil products, are not banned by the EU. At least not yet. Still, the EU has a target to ditch Russian gas by 2027.

But the most recent U.S. sanctions on Russias latest LNG project, Arctic LNG 2, jeopardize the Russian strategy to become a major player on the global LNG market.

Potential contract cancellations for the construction of ice-class LNG carriers and U.S. sanctions on the latest Russian LNG export project could hamper Russias plans to boost LNG sales now that its pipeline route to Europe is largely cut off.

US sanctions on Arctic LNG 2 have become a bogeyman for Russias whole LNG strategy, Sergei Kapitonov, an analyst at Moscow-based Skoltech Project Center for Energy Transition and ESG, told Energy Intelligence.

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According to Alexey Belogoryev, Research and Development Director of the Moscow-based Institute for Energy and Finance, the U.S. sanctions on Arctic LNG 2 have created great uncertainties going forward.

Novatek, the Russsan LNG exporter developing the project, will be forced to switch to the Russian fleet and to those tankers that, although they fly a false flag, have Russian beneficiaries through a chain of companies, Belogoryev says.

The problem of providing the fleet is now a key problem. The problem will especially worsen if an embargo is imposed on Russian LNG in Europe. And this is quite possible after 2026, he added.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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LAHAINA, Hawaii  Sharlene Rabang and her calico cat fled the wildfire that destroyed her town on Maui and arrived at a family home on another Hawaii island after a 24-hour odyssey that included sleeping in a car.

Dazed, coughing and weak, the frail but feisty 78-year-old headed straight for the bedroom. Her daughter headed for a drugstore, thinking the coughing might be asthma or the flu.

It wasn't.

Rabang died with her daughter holding her hand nearly a month later. She had a history of cancer, COVID and high blood pressure, and the doctor initially neglected to attribute her death to the wildfire. It wasn't until November that, at the urging of her family, Honolulu's medical examiner said a contributing cause of death was the thick, black smoke that Rabang breathed as she fled.

The report made Rabang the 100th victim of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The Aug. 8 fire devastated the onetime capital of the former kingdom of Hawaii. It wiped out an estimated 3,000 homes and apartments in Lahaina as it raced through dry, invasive grasses, driven by winds from a hurricane passing far to the south.

The number of people exposed to natural hazards has increased as climate change has intensified disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. Studies suggest that wildfire disproportionately affects vulnerable people such as those who are older, have a diminished capacity to respond to danger, or are low-income.

Of those killed by the Maui fire, 60 were 65 or older.

Many relatives are facing grief and anger and feeling robbed of their final years with their elders. The pain is particularly acute around the holidays.

I dont care how many surgeries shes had in her life, I dont care that she was vulnerable, said Rabangs daughter, Lorine Lopes. She wouldnt be dead if it wasnt because of the fire.

In September, a team of wildfire researchers in the U.S. West found that in the past decade, the number of highly vulnerable people living within the perimeter of wildfires in Washington, Oregon and California more than tripled from the decade before, to more than 43,000. When a wildfire destroyed the town of Paradise, California, in 2018, 68 of the 85 victims were 65 or older, and more than a dozen had physical or mental impairments that impeded their ability to evacuate.

Recordings of 911 calls from the Maui wildfire underscored how susceptible older residents were.

One woman called about an 88-year-old man left behind in a house: He would literally have to be carried out, she told the dispatcher. A man reported that his elderly parents called him after their home caught fire: They just called to say, I love you, were not going to make it.'

Several victims were residents of a 35-unit low-income senior apartment complex that burned. The nonprofit that ran it, Hale Mahaolu, stressed that its tenants lived independently, but some relatives said more should have been done to evacute them.

Much can be done to reduce risk, such as asking communities what help they need, planning the transportation that may be required in an evacuation, and determining how to communicate with vulnerable people.

Putting the resources and political will and the social will to assist those populations  theres capacity to do that, said Erica Fleishman, the director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and a co-author of the study about wildfire risk in the West. We know this is going to keep happening.

Rabang, who stood barely 5 feet tall and weighed under 100 pounds, was home alone when the fire struck. Her husband, Weslee Chinen, was with family on Oahu, a short flight away. Rabang's son, Brandon, showed up after driving past a police barricade and insisted she leave. They could feel the heat of the fire on their faces and inhaled intense smoke that turned the sky to darkness.

They made it to a relative's home. There were dogs inside, so Rabang slept in the car with Poke  the calico she adopted after deciding she wanted the oldest, ugliest cat in the shelter, her daughter said.

The next morning, Rabang was gagging and struggling for breath. She seemed exhausted and heartbroken. It took Lopes and her sister all morning to persuade her to fly to Oahu, where she could be with her husband and daughters.

By 8 p.m., her husband called an ambulance.

Rabang spent nine days in intensive care being treated for respiratory failure, anemia caused by bleeding ulcers and other conditions. When she had recovered enough to leave the ICU, her family struggled to get her to eat. So after five days at home, an ambulance once again delivered her to the hospital, her weight dropped to below 70 pounds.

When doctors increased her dose of adrenaline, she went into cardiac arrest. The family ended her life support and she died Sept. 4.

Rabang had several health conditions that made her vulnerable. She had rheumatoid arthritis, survived pancreatic cancer over a decade earlier, had a kidney removed due to carcinoma in July, and had weakened lungs from COVID.

The doctor who signed her death certificate failed to mention the fire as a cause  an omission that had financial ramifications for the family, as well as emotional ones. For Rabang's husband to receive government help for funeral or other expenses, Lopes said, they needed to prove she was a fire victim.

After phone calls and emails with various agencies, the family persuaded the medical examiners office to review her death.

Rabang had already been cremated, but the medical examiner, Dr. Masahiko Kobayashi, considered her records and the family's account, confirming in mid-November that while the main causes were pneumonia and anemia, a contributing factor was smoke inhalation, according to the report.

It was a battle to get her on that list, and now that it happened, Im just releasing, Lopes said, sobbing. I watched her through every torturous moment she went through, fighting for her life. She had to get on that list, because she was part of that event."

Climate change fuels disproportionate impact of wildfires on vulnerable
LINCOLN  A Nebraska State Penitentiary staff member was seriously injured Saturday in an assault by an inmate, corrections officials said in a press release.

An inmate leaving the shower punched the staff member on the side of the head, knocking the staff member to the ground and causing a fractured cheekbone, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in the release. The inmate was removed from the area, and the staff member had to be treated at a Lincoln hospital.

The department did not identify the inmate or the injured staffer.

The Department of Correctional Services has begun a disciplinary process, and an investigation has been opened, the press release said. Findings will go to the county attorney, who will determine whether the inmate will be prosecuted.
LINCOLN  Starting tomorrow, Nebraskans will be able to earn tax credits for making donations to certain scholarship-granting organizations working with private and faith-based schools.

Legislative Bill 753, which passed the Nebraska Legislature earlier in 2023, takes effect Jan. 1. The law offers dollar-for-dollar tax credits to individuals and entities that make donations to scholarship funds intended to help students attend private or parochial schools.

Under the law, $25 million will be available for credits in 2024, with the same amount available for the next two years. After that, the limit for credits will grow to a maximum of $100 million per year. Individuals and businesses could not claim more than $100,000 in annual credits, while estates and trusts would be capped at $1 million per year.

The bill fell under heavy scrutiny that has continued after its passage, spawning a new group called Support Our Schools Nebraska, which launched a successful petition drive that will let voters decide in November 2024 whether to repeal LB 753. Before that happens, however, donations made before the general election will still be eligible for the tax credits.

But not all scholarship-granting organizations will earn tax credits for donors. Only organizations that have been certified by the Nebraska Department of Revenue qualify for the program. According to the departments website, three organizations are certified so far: Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, Metro Area Christian Schools (MACS) SGO, and Assistance Individuals and Families (AIF) Without Borders.

Both Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, led by advocates who fought against the petition, and MACS SGO, a coalition between Omaha Christian Academy and Lifegate Christian School, were established in the latter half of 2023 after passage of LB 753.

In contrast, AIF-Without Borders formed in 2014, and its executive director, Laurent Kondohoma, said the group heard about the program through the Department of Revenue. Among other things, the nonprofit helps children from low-income households access education, and Kondohoma said the donations they receive as part of LB 753s program will be held in a separate account for those purposes.

Lauren Gage, director of marketing for Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska and former state director of the American Federation for Children  which advocates for programs like LB 753  said the group already began accepting donations in 2023. While these donations wont be eligible for tax credits, she said they will earn standard tax deductions as donations to a nonprofit.

Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska plans to make a bigger push for donations at the start of 2024, Gage said, and the amount of scholarships that the group can offer will be heavily determined by the donations it receives. While its likely scholarships will not be available until the fall 2024 semester, Gage said the group hopes to provide scholarships earlier if possible.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area, LB 753s introducer, said shes already heard interest about this program from families and prospective donors, which she said shows the need for such a program. Kondohoma said AIF-Without Borders receives calls about the program every day.

I think the word is out, Linehan said.

Support Our Schools officials see it differently. In a recent social media post, the group highlighted several concerns about the tax credits.

The group contended that the current setup of the program wont help schools or families in rural Nebraska, as all three certified scholarship-granting organizations are located in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. The post also said the funding used for the tax credits removes state revenues that could support public schools.

Linehan said it will be easier to defend LB 753 against the repeal effort once the program takes effect in 2024, as people will actually be able to see the benefits. The true tell, she said, will be when the scholarships are eventually handed out, arguing that this will show Nebraskans that the program is critically important.

Omaha World-Herald's top news photos of 2023
LINCOLN  Gov. Jim Pillen has set ambitious goals of cutting property taxes by more than $2 billion and reducing state spending by 6% during his second year in office.

But his plans to get there remained works in progress when he sat down with The World-Herald in late December to talk about policies and priorities for the year ahead.

Along with taxes and spending, the interview touched on abortion, welfare, private school scholarships and his reflections about the year past. Here are some of the highlights:

Property taxes. Pillen named property taxes as a chief concern for the coming year, just as they were during his campaign for governor in 2022. He said he worked with the Nebraska Legislature to make some transformative tax changes in his first year in office.

Those changes included increasing both of the states property tax credit programs, eliminating the community college property tax and boosting state support for schools. The package was worth about $3 billion over six years.

But rising property valuations and increased school spending kept many property owners from seeing the intended benefit. As a result, Pillen said, Nebraskans have been crystal clear, loud, crystal clear about their unhappiness with the level of property taxes.

He has been working with a group of agriculture, business and political leaders to find solutions. The group was initially created to reform property valuations but branched out after concluding that valuations were not the problem.

Pillen said the group has set a goal of reducing property taxes paid by Nebraskans to $3 billion, down from the $5.023 billion paid in 2023. Counting some of the changes passed in 2023 gets the state about halfway toward that goal, he said. But Pillen and the group have not figured out how to get all of the way there yet.

Having a bold, a simple, bold, courageous plan to get our property taxes in line is a high priority, Pillen said. Were working very hard on it and were getting close.

As one piece of the solution, he wants to freeze the amount of property taxes collected by cities, counties and other local governments, while staying with a soft cap on school spending that allows limited increases in property taxes. He said he believes local governments can tighten their belts while still improving services.

State spending. Pillen listed state spending reductions as another goal for the new year. He said he intends to operate state government for 3% less money in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, compared to the year before, and to spend 6% less the following year.

Hes working on that goal with the help of Kristen Cox, founder and CEO of Epiphany Associates. She was contracted in June to find ways to reduce spending while improving outcomes and performance. The contract is for one year at $2.5 million, with the option of three annual renewals.

Pillen said the effort has yielded results already, such as canceling some state contracts that he said were not producing value. He did not provide examples. His office said details would be released later.

But he said the state will not reduce services to Nebraskans and will not lay off employees to achieve the spending target.

Were focusing on the stuff that matters and removing a lot of things that dont create any value for the customer were trying to provide service to, he said. Its nothing innovational. Its just applying business practices.

Provider rates. Pillen has not changed his mind about one spending issue.

At the end of the last legislative session, he vetoed a 2% boost in Medicaid payments for hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers for the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2025, although he left in place a 3% increase for the current fiscal year.

He reaffirmed that position now, saying that health care providers need to get rid of practices adopted during the pandemic that have driven up costs. The example he cited was the use of staffing agencies to fill nursing vacancies. The governor said he wanted to stimulate providers to be more efficient.

Were spending too much money on our health care and every administrator needs to get after it and find ways to decrease their costs, he said. We have to uncomplicate life and get back to simpler life like it was before the pandemic.

Welfare and poverty. Pillen wants to use his bully pulpit to talk about poverty in Nebraska, a problem that he said has been worsened by welfare programs.

The governor drew criticism this month for saying he didnt believe in welfare as he rejected a new federal program that would have provided summer food aid for about 150,000 low-income children in Nebraska.

But he expressed confidence that, once Nebraskans recognize there are children in need across the state, they will step up to help them. He said the solutions involve apprenticeships, mentoring and learning trade skills, so youngsters can get good jobs and careers and become part of a vibrant middle class.

Governments not going to do that, he said. We need to lift up and help these kids, and business leaders, farmers and ranchers are going to solve it, and theres no place that can handle it better than Nebraska.

Abortion. Pillen acknowledged that Nebraskas new state law banning abortion at 12 weeks gestation or later does not go as far as he wants toward ending abortion.

But he called the new law, which passed in May as part of a package with a ban on transgender care for minors, a significant improvement over the previous 20-week limit and said it is keeping Nebraska from being an abortion destination state.

Pillen said he doesnt plan to push for additional abortion legislation in 2024. Rather, he said the focus needs to be on fighting a petition drive that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution.

I think that the first step, from my seat, is making sure that were able to protect the legislation that was passed, he said. It is simply about saving as many babies growing in mothers wombs as possible. Thats 100% where Im at as governor of Nebraska and thats what we keep working on every day.

Private school scholarships. Pillen also vowed to fight for a new state program that provides income tax credits to people who donate to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to private and faith-based school students.

The Opportunity Scholarship program is set to launch in 2024, but its future will be up to Nebraska voters after opponents collected enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot.

The governor said the program will help low-income children, those from military families, those in foster care and children from other designated groups afford private schools if they need an alternative to public school. He defended the $25 million allocated to the program each year as a small portion of the state budget.

We have really good public education, we have awesome private education, he said. Theyre both outstanding and we need both for the state of Nebraska.

Reflections. Pillen attributes the biggest lesson of his first year as governor to a Native American tribal leader. The man told Pillen to consider of the long-term effects of what he does. The leader said he learned from his grandfather that todays actions have an impact for seven generations.

I did not understand that a year ago and I do now, and I think its pretty cool, Pillen said. You agree, seven generations is a long time, right?

Looking back over the past year, Pillen said he has a hard time coming up with anything that he would do differently. He said he has worked to engage with Nebraskans and to be governor of all Nebraskans, whether they are Asian American, Latino, Native American or Black.

As for criticism, he shrugs it off, saying: It doesnt matter how many good things people say about me or how many bad things, it doesnt change me one iota and I believe in myself.

I try to focus on reality and I try to keep learning, he said. I know that I can use my past years experience and figure out how to create more value with every waking hour for Nebraska than I did year one and thats what were going to try to figure out and do.

Omaha World-Herald's top news photos of 2023
A federal judge ruled on Thursday that cryptocurrency entrepreneur Do Kwon and his company Terraform Labs violated U.S. law by failing to register two digital currencies that collapsed in 2022.

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan sided with the Securities and Exchange Commission in its case stemming from the implosion of the TerraUSD and Luna currencies.

Rakoff also denied summary judgment to both sides on the SEC's fraud claims, which will proceed toward a scheduled Jan. 29, 2024 trial. He dismissed SEC claims that the defendants illegally offered security-based swaps.

A Terraform spokesman said the company strongly disagreed with the decision, did not believe its tokens were securities, and would continue defending against the SEC's "meritless" fraud claims at trial.

The SEC had no immediate comment.

Kwon, a Korea native, has also been charged with fraud by U.S. prosecutors in Manhattan.

He has been fighting extradition to the United States from Montenegro, where he was arrested in March several hours before the criminal fraud charges were announced.

Kwon had designed TerraUSD, a "stablecoin" designed to maintain a constant $1 price, and Luna, a more traditional token whose value fluctuated but was closely linked to TerraUSD.

Both cryptocurrencies lost an estimated $40 billion or more when TerraUSD proved unable in May 2022 to maintain its $1 peg.

Their collapse also dragged down the value of other cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin.

The SEC contended that four of the defendants' crypto assets, including TerraUSD and Luna, were unregistered securities because they qualified as "investment contracts."

It also accused Terraform and Kwon of repeatedly misleading investors about the stability of TerraUSD, including by claiming that their cryptocurrencies would increase in value.

'No genuine dispute'

In a 71-page decision, Rakoff said there was "no genuine dispute" that the four crypto assets were securities under a 1946 U.S. Supreme Court decision defining investment contracts.

The Court ruled in that case, SEC v WJ Howey Co, that an investment of money in a common enterprise, with profits to come solely from others' efforts, was an investment contract.

But the judge also said reasonable jurors could disagree over whether the defendants intended to defraud investors in multiple statements about Terraform's business.

These included statements about TerraUSD's temporary May 2021 failure to maintain its $1 peg, and how a popular Korean mobile payment app used the Terraform blockchain to settle transactions and supported Luna's value.

Rakoff said the SEC's remedies for the sale of unregistered securities would be decided once the defendants' liability on the fraud claims has been resolved.

The cryptocurrency industry has fiercely denied that its tokens qualify as securities.

It won a victory in July when another judge on the Manhattan federal court said some tokens sold by Ripple Labs did not qualify as securities because purchasers did not know if their money went to Ripple or third parties.

The case is SEC v Terraform Labs Pte Ltd et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-01346. (Reuters)
LINCOLN  A man died Saturday morning after a car drove in Bowling Lake in northwest Lincoln Saturday morning, the Lincoln Police Department said.

Around 5:15 a.m. Saturday, police received a call of a car found at Bowling Lake, which is near the Lincoln Airport.

When Lincoln police and Lincoln Fire & Rescue personnel arrived, they located vehicle tracks leading into the southeast portion of the lake and observed that the top layer of ice on the lake had been disturbed, Lincoln police said in a press release.

A rescue boat and dive team entered the lake to be sure there were no occupants of the vehicle. They initially located the unoccupied car, but after an additional search of the lake with assistance from Nebraska Game & Parks officers, they located a dead man in the water around 11:40 a.m.

Police said they have identified the dead man but are not releasing his name pending the notification of family members. He is believed to be the same person who called 911 about the car.

Police said they do not believe there are any other victims, but the investigation is continuing.
This is what politics have become in Nigeria. An agent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has paid a dare price after losing a hand during Saturdays supplementary governorship election in Kano.

It was gathered that the agent was attacked by APC thugs and had his hand cut off for supporting the PDP. He was rushed to the hospital where he is recovering from the life-threatening attack.
By Izunna Okafor, Nnewi

In a pivotal move towards ensuring a peaceful town union election, Ebenator Ozulogu community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State witnessed a significant milestone on Friday, December 29, 2023, as candidates vying for various positions in the upcoming Ebenator Development Union (E.D.U.) town union election signed a peace accord ahead of the election.

The peace accord, which marks a commitment to a fair and peaceful electoral process, was signed during a crucial meeting between the present leadership of the community, the 2023 electoral committee, community stakeholders, and the candidates vying for various positions in the election.

The oral signing of the peace accord commenced with the two presidential candidates for the election, Mr. Henry Chigozie Anadi and Barr. Chidi Oranezi, and extended to other contestants for various posts, who all pledged to abide by the rules and accept the outcome of the election in good faith, while urging the electoral committee to also play by the rules.

Scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2023, the much-anticipated election, which will hold at the Central School Field, Ebenator, is expected to commence at 11.am, will end at 2.pm, while counting begins, after which the winners will be announced. Among other expected observers, the election is also expected to be supervised by delegates from the States Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Awka.

While it was unanimously resolved during the meeting that the E.D.U. election, which was initially proposed to hold at the Ebenator Civic Center, will now hold at the Central School Field because of space and other vital reasons; the meeting also featured other crucial discussions and resolutions on the preparation for the election, accreditation and voting process, as well as other concerns about the election, all with aim of ensuring a peaceful, successful, and hitch-free election.

Earlier speaking, the 2023 E.D.U. Electoral Committee Chairman, Chief Erastus Okoli (Ichie Ewegbaraku) expressed the Committees preparedness for a successful election; even as he reassured contestants and the entire community of the committees dedication to upholding fairness and transparency throughout the process.

On his own part, the President General of the community, Chief Anthony Okechukwu also weighed-in with a charge and advice to the committee and the contestants, stressing the need to play by the rules and maintain peace and order throughout the period, while also urging everyone to see the election as a brotherly contest for the development of the community rather than a do-or-die affair. His emphasis on a free, fair, and credible election also re-echoed the collective call for a democratic and harmonious electoral process as Ebenator Community searches for new leadership on Sunday.

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After enduring more than 40 days in police custody under the directive of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the ousted Commissioner for Lands in Imo State, Noble Atulegwu Abiaso, has been released from detention.

Governor Uzodimmas decision to order the arrest and detention of Atulegwu stemmed from allegations of land grabbing and related offenses.

The former commissioner had been held at the police headquarters in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, as part of the ongoing investigations.

The release of Atulegwu followed the completion of investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police Command.

Subsequently, he was granted bail, allowing him to reunite with his family after an extended period of detainment.

Despite the release, a source within Imo Government House, Owerri, who opted to remain anonymous, revealed to journalists that the matter is far from concluded.

According to the source, ongoing actions and investigations continue, with plans to summon Atulegwu for further questioning immediately after the 2023 festive period.

The source further stated he is expected to face charges in a court of competent jurisdiction.

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Popular Anambra politician and businessman, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has demanded heavy security personnel of 16 soldiers, 20 policemen, and 12 operatives of the Department of State Services to secure him during this festive period.

Ukachukwu requested heavy security to enable him to travel to his hometown, Osumenyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State to perform some functions in early January 2024.

The businessman made the application following the attack of gunmen on the convoy of the erstwhile Anambra State political godfather, Chief Chris Uba.

The incident which occurred at Uga junction, in Ubas hometown claimed two policemen and two other persons on Thursday.

Ukachukwu, who recently married Miss Universe Nigeria, Mitchel Ihezue, in separate letters to heads of security agencies in the state, said he would need the security operatives because of insecurity in the area.

According to the letters he signed, Ukachukwu said he would need 16 soldiers, 20 police officers and 12 DSS operatives to perform the functions he had lined up in the state during the period.

In one of the letters addressed to the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Ukachukwu said, I humbly write to request for 16 Army security personnel to provide security for me during my program/activities in Anambra State and beyond, scheduled to commence on January 6th to 10th of January 2024, respectively, taken cognizance of security challenges in my home town of Osumenyi in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State.

The activities are as follows: On the 6th is my arrival and inspection of my personal road project at Osumenyi; on the 7th, the dedication of our village Church which my family rehabilitated and funded; on the 8th of January I will be performing the traditional mandatory rites for my marriage with my wife in her home town at Akokwa, (Ideato North LGA, Imo State).

9th will be the dedication of another Church we built. On the 10th, other activities I have in the East.

I graciously hope my request will be given a favourable consideration and approval.

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From Joshua Chibuzom

President Bola Tinubus administration will tackle insecurity in the South-East headlong, Vice President Kashim Shettima assured on Friday.

Gunmen have in recent years launched attacks in the region, killing many, destroying properties and kidnapping residents.

But Shettima, who visited the Bende area of Abia State on Friday, said the President is worried about the economic devastation inflicted on the region owing to the assaults, promising to restore normalcy.

He is acutely aware that our commitment to Nigerias future remains incomplete as long as we grapple with the sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for the Ndi-Igbo, the Vice President said at the unveiling of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

Thats why hes determined to utilize all available resources to ensure that the peace were establishing in this region is not cosmetic, and we cant guarantee it unless all of us see through the falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against our unity.

Senator Shettima noted that the gory activities of the criminals holding the South-East captive are self-serving and do not in any way represent the interests of Ndi-Igbo and the country.

He said the terror groups that have held the region to ransom are not a creation of the people of the region or Nigerians from other parts of the country.

The problem we are here to solve as a community, as an Umunna, is a creation of self-serving criminals who do not represent the interests of the Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians. Mr. President knows this better than all of us, and thats why he has never held any group accountable for the infractions of law-breaking individuals who identify as their members. This, I believe, is the democracy we have all chosen, he maintained.

The VP believes the criminals disrupting the peace in the South-East are doing so in connivance with forces exploiting the situation for dangerous political agenda, but says attempts to undo the hard work of the nations heroes past will fail.

He insisted that the catastrophic situation cant be reversed unless the government involves the people whom he said are the ears, legs and mouths in the region.

At the event, Shettima also received (on behalf of Tinubu) a title  Enyioma Ndigbo  conferred on the President by the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Linus Mbah.

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Thousands of people believed to be the supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Saturday, stormed the streets to protest the governorship dispute between Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf; and his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Gawuna.

According to them, they want the apex court to deliver a fair judgement confirming the mandate of Kano people on Yusuf.

The protesters took to the streets in the Rogo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday. They started with a prayer seeking divine intervention.

After the prayer session, they staged a march, raising placards with different inscriptions. The protest snowballed into chaos as some people set a vehicle ablaze on the streets.

The police have since banned any political gatherings or protests within and outside the metropolis.

Source: https://newsweekng.com/vehicle-set-ablaze-as-fresh-protest-rocks-kano/

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The Akwa Ibom State Command has reported the arrest of one Pastor Solomon Ufot Oton, of Mount Zion Light House, who allegedly abducted, impregnated a teenage girl, and subsequently took her to a quack and unqualified medical practitioner for an abortion, resulting in her paralysis.

The Commissioner of Police Olatoye Durosinmi disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday during his 4th quarter briefing at the Command Headquarters, Uyo.

His words: Sometime in the year 2021, credible information had it that one Pastor Solomon Ufot Oton, a pastor in charge of Mount Zion Light House, Oruko village in Urueoffiong Oruko LGA abducted one Okpo Eunice Kingsley 16-year-old female of Asawana Street, in Oron LGA and kept her in his resident for three days at the above-mentioned village.

The suspect threatened and hypnotized her not to disclose his deeds to her parents. She stated that the suspect had carnal knowledge of her during the period of the abduction and she became pregnant.

Later on the suspect took her to a quack Patent Medicine dealer for abortion which got her paralyzed and was taken to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for further surgical operation. The suspect has confessed to the crime.

The CP also disclosed that during the last quarter of the year 2023, a total of 562 562 suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from murder, kidnapping, Armed robbery, Rape, stealing, etc.

He added that while some of these suspects have been charged to court, others have either been granted bail or are still under investigation.

He commended the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno for providing 14 gunboats to tackle insecurity, stressing that with the gunboats the Police and other sister agencies such as the Navy, Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC), would be able to take the fight to criminal hideout in the creeks.

Only yesterday I joined His Excellency the executive governor and other stakeholders in the launching of gunboats at Ikot Abasi LGA.

I commend His Excellency for providing the gunboats as it will go a long way to tackle the security challenges on our waterways.

My advice once again is either you repent and join people who are doing legitimate business like finishing, or you relocate from Akwa Ibom State, the CP asserted.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Datti Ahmed, have visited the family of the late Speaker Ghali Umar Naabba in Kano State to offer their condolences.

The duo were at NaAbbas residence around 1pm on Saturday in company with other politicians and party members.

Speaking shortly after praying with the family members, Obi said the deceased was one of those Nigerians that cared about unity and progress of the country.

He has always been consistent in it. Those who always think about the progress of the people have no legacy other than that and that is why we are here to condole and show solidarity with his family at this hour, the good people of Kano and Nigerians in general.

That is why we strive every day to have better people. God Almighty will give us other people to fill up his place. May God grant him eternal rest.

Daily Trust reported that the former Speaker died in the early hours of Wednesday at a hospital in Abuja and was flown back to Kano for burial.

Seasoned politicians, captains of industries and other prominent personalities from all walks of life have been trooping into the state and his residence to register their tribute.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has made a donation of N10 million to support the victims of the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.

Obi announced the donation when he visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bokkos LGA on Saturday.

While addressing the victims at the Church of Christ in Nation (COCIN) Bokkos, Obi said, Im saddened visiting Plateau again to condole people suffering from attacks by gunmen.

People have been rendered homeless for no fault of theirs. These victims have lost their loved ones, lost their bread winners and all that they have.

The humanitarian challenges occasioned by these attacks are so huge to be left for the government alone. And so, Im not just here to offer them my token, but to mobilise other Nigerians and corporate organisations to come to the aid of these victims.

Nigerians need to show them love, we need to go beyond emphatising with them, there is need to support them with foods and clothing while in IDPs.

I hereby called on the federal government to deal with these issues of gunmen across the country. I believe if the federal government is determined to stop these killings, they can do it.

I therefore challenge the federal government to end the bloodshed across the country.

Obi encouraged the victims and the entire Plateau people to forgive their attackers and allow God to revenge for them.

Earlier in a welcome remarks, the chairman of Bokkos LGA, Hon Monday Kassa said, The displaced people in his local government are more than 4,000 spread in 12 IDP camps
This year's bell-tolling ceremony on New Year's Eve in central Seoul will feature various performances and is expected to draw a crowd of about 100,000 people, city officials said Sunday.

The popular midnight bell-ringing celebration at the Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul on Dec. 31 has been held every year since 1953 to ring in the new year, though public attendance was prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's event will start off at 11 p.m. at Bosingak Pavilion, featuring various performances and a parade featuring traditional Korean plays along a 400-meter section of the street running from Bosingak, according to the city officials.

The bell-ringing ceremony at midnight will be immediately followed by the rise of the "Midnight Sun," a 12-meter-radius artifact symbolizing the new year, on the nearby Sejong-daero, a boulevard in central Seoul.

A subsequent K-pop concert on a stage, to be set up on Sejong-daero, will celebrate the start of the new year with performances by popular K-pop bands, including Enhypen, The Boyz and Oh My Girl.

The event will be livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel.

The city will also deploy some 1,100 safety and traffic guards, while the police will deploy some 2,490 officers to ensure public safety. This year's event is expected to draw a crowd of some 100,000  double the size of last year.

The city plans for the subway to pass Jonggak Station near the Bosingak Pavilion without stopping from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. the next day as part of crowd control measures.

It said buses and the subway will operate until 2 a.m. for visitors to return home. (Yonhap)
After the funeral of our Mother in May, my brother Ikenna Chidoka called me one morning with what I considered a strange message. We are owed the Landlords association in the estate where our parents live in Ikeja. I was surprised and angry. Why would she owe the quarterly dues when she got money from us regularly to pay?

I was angry because she always needed money, and I nicknamed her agbara na ata ego (the deity that feeds on cash). I always wondered what she did with her money as I saw no luxury items around her. Whenever she said Osi boy, I knew it was another request. Hon. Obinna Chidoka and Sam Okwy Chidoka were her mugus. She knows how to press their mumu buttons. Ikenna and Ada Chidoka Egbon cant say no to her. She was a force of nature both in her generosity and demands.

Back to the dues, I asked Ikenna to find out how much she owed the estate. He came back and said, Mummy was paying for two houses. One of their neighbours lost her husband and fell on hard times, and she took over the paying of her estate dues for years now. So we owe for the two houses, and it was for the period she was ill.

My anger dissolved into shame. Mama Osi was paying the neighbours estate dues and supporting her. So, we agreed to continue the payment.

Since her passing, I have received numerous requests from relatives. Some said she paid their rent. Others said she was footing their medical bills, while some asked if I would continue paying their childrens school fees as she was the financier.

As Christmas approached, I received more strident requests for one thing or the other. It then dawned on me that Mama Osi was the buffer between me and many things. My siblings and I have pledged to continue keeping her voluntary obligations.

Now I know why she was Agbara na ata ego. I spent my first Christmas at Obosi without her. There was no noise in the compound. The verve and zest she brought to the compound lay silent in her grave. Her absence was loud.

Now I know why she had traffic to her apartment. Some came wondering if we would continue the tradition and share foodstuffs as she did regularly. Others came to eat, as she served food daily to her network. I did not know the magnitude of her activities.

For me, the most heart-rending is that many did not come. The usual flow from Oraifite, Ozubulu, Ukpor, Ihiala, Ihembosi, and other places was absent. It dawned on me that the bridge was broken.

Mama Osi was indeed the bridge and buffer. Now I know the scope and cost, I marvel at her ability to hold it all together. We cant seem to replace her for many. We will try.

As I pass her grave daily, I steal a glance and wonder how an individual can make so much difference. The eerie silence of the compound replicates the silence of the grave.

Beyond the obligations and on a happy note, we have intensified her request to support small female-owned businesses. On the 29th of December at Asaga, Ohafia ~ my wife Chidinma Chidoka s village, we distributed small cash envelopes under the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program to women traders. They were happy.

In 2024, we will scale the programs for cancer awareness and support for small female traders. We would also break the silence in the compound as we will end the mourning in April. Our Obiora festivities in October, the 31st-night party, and the sharing would all return with zest. God on our side, the party would continue after the interlude. Amen.

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In another attack, two persons have been killed by gunmen on Durbi village of Shere District in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Newsdirect gathered that the attack occurred Saturday night, leading to the death of two villagers  a father and his son.

One of the attackers, it was learnt, also lost his life as the villagers came out to repel the attack.

A source said the corpses were being held by the villagers, including that of the attacker.

The incident was coming a few days after a series of attacks on communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of the state claimed about 150 lives and left many others injured.

Reacting to the latest attack, the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi security taskforce maintaining peace in the state, Captain James Oya, said the incident was a case of attempted kidnap of one Luka Kaze whose son was killed in the process.
This was made known in a statement by the Commands spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on his X account on Sunday.

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 23-year-old suspected cultist, Rafiu Odeyemi, and recovered a firearm in the process.

This was made known in a statement by the Commands spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on his X account on Sunday.

Hundeyin said, 23-year-old Rafiu Odeyemi and his fellow suspected cultists stormed a Lagos residential estate to avenge

an earlier attack on their members by a rival cult group. Estate residents rose up and succeeded in apprehending Rafiu with his firearm, while the rest escaped arrest.

We commend residents of the estate for not taking laws into their hands but promptly handing the suspect over to the police. The suspect is to be arraigned at the conclusion of an investigation.
Olumide Ogunade, the veteran record producer, who is popularly known as ID Cabasa, has explained that he worked with two banks before quitting the banking profession for music.

He said he took the decision because music has always been his passion.

Speaking in a recent episode of the Debbie Show TV, Cabasa said he studied medicine for two years before dropping out to study economics.

He said, I did medicine for two years, then went to study economics. After my masters, I worked with two Nigerian banks and then I went into music.

My parents wanted me to be a doctor. When I got admission to study medicine, I knew I was not going to do that. So I wrote another JAMB and was admitted into Lagos State University to study economics. I couldnt study music then because it wasnt seen as a career, unlike now. Initially, I was doing music just for the passion.

Despite studying economics, I always knew I would do music. Not just music. If I tell people that music was not the first thing that I did in art, they wont believe me. It was acting.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

The Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin, Bayelsa Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, Former Kaduna Governor, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, General Martin Luther Agwai, Gen. Zamani Lekwat, Kaduna South Senator, Bar. Sunday Marshal, Southern Kaduna Traditional Rulers, House of Representative Members, and others were in attendance to grace the biggest 2023 three-day Southern Kaduna Festival in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jemaa Local Government Area.



The event which took place on Saturday, was aimed at bringing all the ethnic nationalities that made up the region to showcase their cultural values and prove the relative peace.

The Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani commended the organizers of the event for putting up an event that brought all the ethnic groups in the region to ensure a harmonious peaceful relationship irrespective of tribes or religion.

According to him, Kaduna State was known for its rich cultural diversity which made it the melting pot of nationalities in Nigeria.

 These cultural displays showcase the best of music, dance traditional cults, and others.

 That this festival is held in the atmosphere of peace and security was a tribute to the collective resolve of the people of Kaduna State to live in peace and work assiduously for the progress and development of the State.

He added that the State must harness its diversity as it source of strength to use it to develop the local economies, noting that the strongest and most resilient cities in the World are those that uphold and celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

He maintained that his administration would not waiver in rebuilding trust, addressing our infrastructure and rural capital deficit bringing succor to the vulnerable, and bridging the gap between the rural and the urban areas, and empowering the Youth and women.

 Welfare and security are our top priorities and have zero tolerance for discrimination while promising to take development to nooks and crannies of the State.

 With your support, well make Kaduna State a model of development and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

He said his administration will be flagging projects in parts of Southern Kaduna in the next few weeks.

Our priority was to live Kaduna better than we met it, Uba stated.

The Bayelsa Governor, Sen. Douye Diri in his remarks, said he was happy to witness the cultural show of oneness and unity and the display of the culture of the people of Southern Kaduna State.

 We may be speaking different languages and very diverse but there is strength in our diversity, urging the people to speak words that encourage and bind us together more than those thatll divide us.

 As people who are found in this geographical entity of Nigeria, we must provide good leadership and I believe and believe the Kaduna Governor has started giving good leadership.

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 Charges them to make use of the Skills acquired in Confinement

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has granted pardon to 12 prison inmates, who were serving various jail terms at the Nigeria Correctional Center, Makurdi.

During a visit at the center on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, the Governor also granted state pardon to Dennis Yogbo, who was dismissed from the State Civil Service about 28 years ago.

Under the arrangement, the dismissal that was slammed on Yogbo has been converted to termination of appointment, instead of dismissal.

The Governor took the decision based on the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim.

While admonishing the released inmates to be of good behaviour as they re-integrate into the larger society, Governor Alia, urged them to make use of the skills acquired while in confinement to better their lot.

According to the Governor, Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, dont take any elements of life for granted; demonstrate your newness into your society.

He noted further that the act of mercy was granted based on his administrations desire to offer the best to the people of Benue, even as he was worried that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinarily should not be anywhere near the prison.

This should not be home for them. I was quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here, where there are a total of 525 inmates including 25 females, one with a baby, while some came in with pregnancy.

Earlier in his remarks, the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, told the governor that the 8-man Committee he headed by him, did a thorough duty before recommending those that were granted pardon, in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution for offences they committed against the state.

He explained further that the inmates granted pardon were drawn from Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko correctional facilities.

Responding on behalf of the freed inmates, Barnabas Apav, thanked Governor Alia for the gesture, pledging that henceforth, they would be of good behaviour as they go back to the society.

Also responding, Dennis Yogbo, who was granted state pardon, said he had been in bondage for 28 years, until God-sent governor Alia to come to his rescue, following the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, after reviewing his case and converting his dismissal to termination.

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By Okey Maduforo Awka.

The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka has dismissed allegations in some quarters that the current Vice Chancellor Prof Charles Esimone is trying to influence the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor of the institution at the end of his tenure.

According to a release signed by the spokesman of the University Dr Emma Ojukwu the report is the machinations of fifth columnists whose stork in trade is over heat the system and bring the Vice Chancellor to public odium.

Ojukwu contended that the appointment of a University Vice Chancellor has laid down procedure which did not involve the role of the sitting or outgoing Vice Chancellor.

The attention of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has been drawn to an obvious fabrication and falsehood being currently circulated by fifth columnists and opportunists about the race for the vice chancellorship of unizik. In this intentionally fabricated falsehood the fictitious writers concocted figments of their imagination as truth to deceive members of the public

The University would like to state as follows:

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is a Federal University, funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education

The procedure for who emerges the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is contained in a template clearly outlined and issued by the Federal Ministry of Education. Based on these criteria, the Governing Council of the University and the University Senate jointly interview and appoint the most suitably qualified candidate following the Federal Government issued guidelines which are always strictly followed

Therefore it is surprising that these merchants of falsehood would allege that candidates are being sponsored by political parties (the PDP and APGA) for extraneous reasons

Let it be stated that it is the Federal Government through its due processes that would determine who becomes the Vice Chancellor of Unizik

The current Vice Chancellor Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone has performed creditably well by lifting the University to an enviable height. The Vice Chancellor has no right under the existing University law to appoint a successor or even influence the outcome of this race as this is the work of the Governing Council of the University

Therefore, the insinuation that the Vice Chancellor is supporting a particular candidate is untrue. The Vice Chancellor believes that who will succeed him as Vice Chancellor after he completes his 5 year tenure in early June 2024 is in the hands of God and he has always said publicly that the best should emerge

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka strongly condemns this treacherous attempt to drag the name of this great University to the mud by these fictitious opportunists.

It also condemns any further attempt to unnecessarily overheat the temperature of the University and cause anxiety among peace-loving staff and students of the University

The University Management commends the Federal Government under His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR for the remarkable efforts being made to improve the lot of Universities in Nigeria especially with regard to the welfare of staff and students he said.

Related
IPOBs spokesman, Emma Powerful, said Kanu requires emergency medical treatment outside of the Department of State Services, DSS, dungeon.

On Sunday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sounded an alarm concerning the safety of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, emphasizing that his life is in jeopardy.

IPOBs spokesman, Emma Powerful, said Kanu requires emergency medical treatment outside of the Department of State Services, DSS, dungeon.

Powerful said Kanu might be having internal bleeding caused torture in DSS custody.

A statement by Powerful reads partly: The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) raise an alarm over the precarious health situation of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu needs urgent and specialised medical emergency treatment to avert serious outcomes.

The report reaching IPOB leadership says that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is having medical complications in the DSS solitary confinement.

The report says that Mazi Kanu may be having internal bleeding caused by torture. This current medical situation may have risen from ruptured veins and internal bleeding disorders arising from the beating and torture he was subjected to by the Nigerian secret agents who kidnapped him in Kenya in 2021.

Moreso, the drug overuse and abuse that DSS has subjected Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to may also be part of the problem. Our Leader requires medical emergency treatment outside the DSS facility to undergo surgery for his survival.

Even the DSS Medical Director agrees that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu requires urgent and serious medical attention to handle his case. The Nigeria government and the British government should release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on medical grounds for independent medical professionals to attend to him and carry out the surgery if necessary to save the unforeseen situation.

IPOB Worldwide is notifying the civilised world and the International Community and governments across the globe that if anything happens to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been held illegally by the Nigeria government that Nigeria will face severe consequences.
The Lead Bishop of the Worldwide Anglican Church (WAC) in Nigeria, Bishop Seun Adeoye, has denounced the Christmas Day killings in Plateau State, expressing dismay at the disturbing videos shared from the scenes of the attacks.

Adeoye in his New Year Message released in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Sunday and titled Never fold your arms again, said it was pathetic that people were slaughtered like chickens in their fatherland and security agencies were nowhere to be found.

The cleric, who is also the General Overseer of Sufficient Grace and Truth Ministries and spokesman for World Bishops Council (WBC) in Africa offered his condolences to the families of the victims and urged residents to henceforth defend themselves.

He said, Never fold your arms and allow agents of Satan destroy you, your wives and your children. Please, rise up and fight back against these murderers.

Plateau state killings, just like Benue and Kaduna states didnt just begin, they have been occurring over the years. So, why did these continue?

If these dastardly acts cannot be nipped in the bud by security agencies and if the government has failed its duty to protect the victims, what then did you expect the people to do?

The option left to them is either to relocate from their fathers land and take refuge in other places or rise to the challenge by defending their wives and children.

We have the right to live and I have never read any portion of the Nigerian constitution where self-defence is an offence or read it anywhere in the Bible where self-defence is forbidden.

The duty of government is to protect lives and property but Bola Tinubus presidency has failed in all of these? Nigeria didnt need an armchair president trolling markets, hosting friends and wining and dining when a calamity of such magnitude befell a nation.

Whats the Nigerian police policing? Whats the territory Nigerian Army say they are protecting? Who has been held to account for these heinous acts? This situation is sad and shameful.

Adeoye said it was regrettable that after the usual offering of condolences by the nations leaders; a week after the sad event, everything appeared to have returned to normal until maybe when another tragic incident occurred.

The cleric called on those employed to provide security for the nation to either brace themselves or quit if they think the task is overwhelming.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 presidential election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has continued to demystify President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the proceedings at eh Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja. The Waziri Adamawa at the daily proceedings of the Tribunal comes up with intimidating evidence to prove his case, while disproving the defendants counter-allegations.

National Dailygathered that at the resumed sitting of the Tribunal on Tuesday, one of the witnesses presented nu Atiku affirmed before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal that Atiku is a bonafide Nigerian by birth and nationality.

Leading the team of the witnesses, a retired career diplomat, Ambassador Mabien Zamaki, had told the Presidential Election Tribunal led by Justice Mohammed Garba that Atiku is a bonafide Nigerian by birth and nationality and was, therefore, legally qualified to contest the presidential poll.

The ambassador in his evidence said that he was aware by detailed record that Atiku was born on November 25, 1946, at Jada in the northern part of Nigeria.

National Dailygathered that led in evidence by Atikus lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN, Ambassador Zamaki acquainted the tribunal that Atikus record in his former secondary School is not confidential and can be accessed by anyone doubting the his Nigerian nationality and citizenship.

The witness, acknowledging that he retired from active service in 2006, admitted that he saw the record from the custodian of the record in their secondary school and that the record is still there for anybody to cross check.

Zamaki further acknowledged before the tribunal his fair knowledge of history of Nigeria on the territorial status of Jada in Adamawa. He stated that in 1946 when Atiku was born, Jada was part and parcel of Northern Nigeria and not part of Cameroon as claimed by counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The retired diplomat was said to have refuted that any part of Northern Nigeria, including Jada, was ever ceded to Cameroon.

National Dailyalso gathered that under cross examination by INEC lawyer, Zamaki admitted that that he was not at the point where Atiku was born; he was said to have, however, acknowledged that Major General Muhammadu Buhari was Head of State between 1983 and 1985.

Another witness, Mohammed Kabir Hayatu, a retired Customs Officer, was said to have also corroborated the Nigerian nationality of Atiku.

National Daily learned that Hayatu told the tribunal that he came in contact with Atikus record in the Nigerian Customs Service where Atiku retired as a senior Customs Officer.

Under cross examination, Hayatu said that Adamawa was part of Northern Nigeria and that Jada fell on the part of Nigeria and not Northern Cameroon.

Another witness for the petitioners, Peter Alli, in his evidence, alleged that an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Abubakar Kaura was found with the sum of $10,000 dollars on the day of election.

Ali, who said he was the ward collation officer, also alleged that the $10,000 dollars was a bribe for the INEC officer to manipulate the outcome of the election results in the area of Nasarawa State.

Under cross examination by INEC counsel, Yunus Usman, SAN, Ali admitted he reported the matter to the police but was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Bureau for further investigation.

When asked if he knew whether anyone was charged for the said allegation, he affirmed he did not know and, even added that he doesnt have any report concerning the outcome of the investigation.

Further, Ali said the allegation he declared before the tribunal was not hearsay evidence but claimed he was tipped off and personally witnessed the alleged $10,000 dollars found in the custody of the INEC officer.

The witness also asserted that out of the 24 units in the ward, he was only able to receive results of 23 units excluding the unit where the allegation was allegedly perpetrated.

In mitigating the Atiku fireworks, President Buharis legal team was said to have earlier presented a video at the tribunal showing the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, on February 6 in an interview on Channels Television talking about the challenges likely to be faced ahead of the election in the area of communication and transmission of election results.

The video clip was, thereafter, admitted in evidence with objection to be raised later by the petitioners at the address stage.

Atiku had at the proceedings on Monday presented 48 video clips in evidence all of which were admitted by the tribunal. The 48 video contents were said to be causing panic in the Presidency and APC over the tendency of the facts of elections being exposed by Atiku and the PDP.

National Dailylearned that before the tribunal proceeded on break, five witnesses had so far testified for the petitioners. They included Mabien Zamaki, Mohammed Hayatu, Likita Alli, Temago Sunday Anyamaga and Abubakar Sadiq Abdullahi from Adamawa and Nasarawa states.
Village recognized by UNWTO mesmerizes tourists with natural landscape, traditional culture

By Dong Sun-hwa

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia  Waking up to the thunderous crowing of roosters, most residents of the rural area of Nglanggeran in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, begin their day as early as 5 to 6 a.m. to perform the Muslim morning prayer. After having a healthy breakfast packed with cabbages, carrots, bean sprouts and eggs, they either head to work or equip themselves to welcome tourists before the temperature soars to as high as 30 degrees Celsius.

Nestled in the serene hills of Yogyakarta, more than 5,300 kilometers away from Seoul, Nglanggeran is a tiny yet picturesque village where some 700 people live in harmony. Most of them are farmers and ranchers, but beyond their agricultural life, these villagers share a collective mission: fostering community-based tourism.

"We have approximately 80 local homestays and many different community groups that work for tourists," Lilik Suharyanto, a treasurer of Nglanggeran's tourism working group, told The Korea Times during a recent interview at the village. "For instance, our cacao and durian community each have 80 people."

In Nglanggeran, cacao farmers grow cacao beans and send them to the village's chocolate factory, Griya Cokelat  meaning "House of Chocolate" in Indonesian  where local cacao beans transform into variety of items such as chocolate cookies and chocolate spa powder. This village isnt just about agriculture  its an experience where tourists learn about and partake in the journey from bean to bar. Visitors can also have spa time with the help of the village's spa community group, which consists of massage experts who can revive their body and spirit.

Durian farmers offers a similar authentic experience. After listening to how they grow this unique tropical fruit  notorious for its pungent smell  tourists can get a taste of it.

"We have had approximately 58,000 visitors this year," Suharyanto noted. "In 2022, the total number of tourists was 68,000 and about 3,000 of them were foreigners."

Best Tourism Village

Thanks to the unique experience it provides, Nglanggeran was named one of the Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2021, becoming the only Indonesian site to be recognized by the U.N. agency that year.

The UNWTO launched the list in 2021 to recognize the villages that foster rural areas and preserve landscapes. Once the villages across the globe make submissions to join the list, the UNWTO evaluate them based on nine criteria including: cultural and natural resources; economic sustainability; environmental sustainability; governance and prioritization of tourism; and health, safety and security.

According to the UNWTO, Nglanggeran's rise to prominence is the fruit of collective efforts made by various parties.

"The development of the Nglanggeran tourism village is an example of a bottom-up and top-down program approach, that is a strong desire from the community to further develop and progress and a solid support from the government and non-government parties to work together in the development process," the UNWTO said as it introduced the site, adding that it integrates tourism development in an independent strategy of economic sustainability.

"The village recognizes youth as a driving force for change in the community," it noted. "Involving young residents in tourism activities encourages positive change in their households and makes families more engaged and supportive of new initiatives."

Indonesia pits its local villages against one another before making a submission to the UNWTO. By having a national competition in advance, the Southeast Asian country can showcase its most eligible tourist site to the U.N. agency and boost its chance of winning.

Indonesia's approach has turned out to be a success, with Penglipuran, another traditional village in Bali Province, making it onto the much-coveted list in 2023. In the case of Korea, three tourist sites  the villages of Dongbaek and Sehwa on Jeju Island and Mosan in South Jeolla Province  were included in this year's roster.

"Indonesia holds its own national competition every year prior to applying for our list," a UNWTO spokesperson told The Korea Times. "This is not the case for most other countries like Korea and Japan."



Tourism, economy and environment

The crown jewel of Nglanggeran is Gunung Api Purba, an ancient volcano which was active about 60-70 million years ago. At 700 meters above sea level, the volcano, characterized by enormous chunks of rocks and mystic atmosphere, is also part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Mount Sewu. It takes about an hour and a half to hike to its peak.

According to legend, the volcano was once a site of punishment for villagers who damaged the "wayang," or shadow puppets made by a puppeteer invited to the village to celebrate the harvest.

For the people of Nglanggeran, promoting their iconoic vocalno is one of their biggest missions. Over the past few years, they have been striving to give as much information as possible about its awe-inspiring natural landscape to attract more tourists, hoping that this can dissuade other residents from leaving their home to hunt for jobs in bigger cities.

Spurring tourism is not only crucial to the economy of the village, but also to the local people who need stable jobs to make ends meet. To help its people find a fair share of the economic benefits of tourism, the tour management group of Nglanggeran believes they should develop and promote their village on their own without resorting to involving "outsiders."

"If we let outsiders develop our village, they are likely to make profits for themselves," Mursidi, the head of Pokdarwis (tourism manager) of Nglanggeran, said. "But that's not what we pursue, so we want to stick to our unique concept and principles."

This is why Nglanggeran only offers local homestays, resisting the urge to build high-end accommodation.

"We have no plan to establish a hotel ... We want to remain as an individual village run by native villagers." Mursidi said, emphasizing the importance of keeping development within the community.

Furthermore, Nglanggeran people are strongly against the view that they should trade off economic growth and environmental sustainability. Believing that the two needs to coexist, the local people have drawn up a set of regulations for tourists, prohibiting them from throwing garbage anywhere and making graffiti in the area of nature tourism.

"Preservation of forest is a gift," reads a signboard at the entrance of Gunung Api Purba.

Since 2015, Nglanggeran has been adopting the e-ticketing system to reduce paper use as well.



Hub of Javanese culture

Nglanggeran in Yogyakarta is also a place where tourists can enjoy the Javanese culture to the fullest. Yogyakarta, the capital city of the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the south part of Java island, gives a flavor of the traditional culture of Javanese, the largest ethnic group in Indonesia with more than 100 million people.

By joining a traditional dinner party called, "kendurian," tourists can savor the culinary delights of Javanese cuisine while mingling with the villagers donning traditional clothes such as "batik." The meal includes chicken, rice, eggs and fresh vegetables, and is served on banana leaves. Tourists can ask for spoons if they want. But if they want to eat like local people, they can use their hands.

A cooking class is a solid option for those who are itching to take a deep dive into Yogyakarta's food culture. They can make three different types of traditional desserts made with cassava, a staple food in Indonesia, which can easily captivate the taste buds of those who try them.

Music is an inseparable part of Javanese culture too. In Nglanggeran, visitors can enjoy "karawitan," the traditional musical artform performed by local musicians, who play traditional instruments like metallophones and gongs. After appreciating their riveting performance, tourists are given the chance to play the instruments on their own. They can perform the song, "Ricik-Ricik" in collaboration with their family and friends.

Taking part in the "janur" leaf craft is another gem of the tour. Although it is not a walk in the park to make a grasshopper from coconut leaves, it becomes a unique memento once it is done.

Challenges ahead

Despite its local fame, Nglanggeran faces challenges in becoming a global name. One of the village's main goals is to raise its international profile, so that more people from abroad can explore this iconic spot marked by natural landscape. This is why Mursidi believes the villagers should have a good command of English and foster effective communication.

"Knowledge is a bridge to open a new door," Mursidi said. "Speaking English and communicating with foreigners are the key to nurturing our tourism industry, so we need to provide good education to our local people. In particular, we will support our teenagers to get into universities."

As he pointed out, although the villagers are friendly and approachable, it is not easy for non-Indonesians to talk to them or ask any questions if there is no interpreter. Most signboards in Nglanggeran are also written in Indonesian only, which means overseas tourists can have a tough time looking around the village or even get lost if they do not speak the local language.

Nonetheless, the future of this scenic village is bright. Knowing the significance of shattering language barriers, the villagers and the related parties plan to pour much time and effort into learning and mark a major turning point.

Indonesia is also enthusiastic about promoting the village. It is considering organizing more international events and bringing participants to the region to present its beauty.

"We hope Nglanggeran can share its knowledge and successful story behind its development to other villages," a government official said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Ebonyi State Collation Officer, Prof. Chukwuemeka Eze, on Tuesday in Abuja said that 54,668 votes were canceled in the state due to card readers related issues.

Eze, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, disclosed this while giving a breakdown of the election results for 13 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state at the INEC National Collation Centre in Abuja.

According to him, a total number of 1,392,931 were registered voters; 391,747 voters were accredited; 379,394 votes were cast and a total of 359,131 were recorded as valid votes, while 20,263 were rejected in the 13 LGA of the state.

Eze said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) garnered 258, 575 votes, the All Progressives Party (APC) scored 90, 726 votes while the Africa Action Congress (AAC) scored 205 votes.
Northern governors said that Herdsmen in the country have been banned from carrying arms and ammunitions publicly in the region.

This was made public at a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu in Katsina on Thursday.

According to the governors, the herdsmen are banned from carrying arms in public places, including markets and places of worship.

The governors also banned volunteer groups, known as Yansakai in all the states that make up the North-West in the country from bearing arms.

The volunteer groups were also directed to surrender all weapons in their possession, following their ban.

Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, who read the communique after the meeting that lasted for four hours, said efforts would also be made to ensure that herdsmen have access to improved breed of cattle. Reading the communique, Masari added:

Herdsmen and their families should be allowed to attend markets and worship places, as well as their day-to-day activities, provided that they dont carry arms into the public places. That herdsmen should conduct themselves and live peacefully with one another. That those who stole animals should return them through government or the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association. That the repentant bandits, including the Yansakai, should surrender all arms and ammunition in their possession to the authorities and release people that are in their captivity.

According to Masari, secretaries to the governments of the 11 states that attended the meeting have been directed to stay behind and further perfect the resolutions.
File Photo

Some gunmen on Friday night invaded the residence of a former vice chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, and kidnapped his 35-year-old daughter, who is a mother of three.



The gunmen, it was gathered invaded the residence located at Hayin Malam Jamaa in the Sabon Gwari LGA, Zaria in Kaduna State on Friday night about 11.30pm.

It was learnt that the abductors shut the security guard on duty and headed straight to the former vice chancellors apartment.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent the armed men forced the occupants of the house out, including the daughter who was on a visit from Lagos.

The source added that the gunmen wielded sophisticated weapons, describing the entire situation as terrifying.



In fact, we suspected that they must have an informant who must have conducted a survey of the area, he said.

The source said, The gunmen invaded the former VCs residence in a commando style and headed straight to the Profs apartment.

They ordered one of the security guards on duty to lead them to professors room. The security man attempted to run and he was shot.

But they eventually had their way inside the house where they forced occupants out, including the daughter who came from Lagos on a visit.

The bandits have yet to call to make demand since the incident on Friday night, he added.

The police in Kaduna on Sunday confirmed the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Yakubu Sabo, said the operatives of the command on getting the distressed call on the incident, moved into action and neutralised one of the bandits.



The police spokesman said in a statement, On 07/02/2020 at about 2340hrs, the Command received a distress call through DPO Samaru Division Zaria that some unknown armed men entered the residence of Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, former vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, shot and injured one Zayyanu Abdullahi a security man and took away Maryam Abdullahi Mustapha a 35 year old daughter of the professor.

On receipt of the information, teams of policemen were promptly mobilised to the scene, engaged the hoodlums in a serious gun duel and successfully neutralised one of the bandits who died on the spot and several of the attackers escaped with gun injuries. Exhibits recovered on the body of the neutralised bandit includes an AK-47 magazine loaded with 24 live ammunition and a techno handset while seven empty shells of AK-47 ammunition were recovered at the scene of the incident.

However, the bandits succeeded in running away with the victim in the heat of the gun battle.

The injured security man is currently receiving treatment at ABU Teaching Hospital Zaria and is responding positively, while efforts are on top gear to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to book.
Adams Oshiomhole

The web of crisis surrounding the embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday got more entangled as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, warned the former labour leader against showing up at the partys national secretariat or moving near any formal function of the party in an official capacity.

The IGP had given Oshiomhole the stern warning in obeisance to an order of an Abuja High Court, which gave an interlocutory order restraining Oshiomhole from parading himself as the National Chairman of the party.

Though the restricted National Chairman had obtained another order from a Federal High Court in Kano State, which restored him as the APC National Chairman, the party insisted on obeying the first court verdict, since the courts are of coordinate jurisdiction.

The two courts orders had been a source of confusion as it had divided the National Working Committee and other chieftains of the party. The IGP met with the different factions of the NWC at the Force Headquarters, where he handed down the warning.

But as the meeting with the IGP was going on, security was beefed up at the National Secretariat of the APC on Blantyre Street in Wuse 2. Saturday Telegraph noticed men of the Nigerian Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) patrolling the area under the directive of the FCT Director of DSS, who was seen with about five men of the Service on motorbike.

Speaking with Saturday Telegraph, a member of the National Working Committee (NWC), who preferred anonymity, said the chairmans fate had been sealed as he was asked by the IGP not to appear at the party secretariat in official capacity.



The NWC member also explained that the Acting National Secretariat, Hon. Victor Giadom, has been asked to oversee the party until the leadership announces an acting National Chairman.

We have just finished the meeting now and the IGP asked Oshiomhole not to come near the party again. Giadom would be overseeing the party pending when the leaders will announce an acting chairman. And it wont be long that the party would announce an Acting National Chairman.

However, some personal staff of Oshiomohle were prevented from gaining access into the party secretariat. The staff, who came with two Toyota Jeep cars were asked to go back from the entrance gate of the party.

From 7am when staff reported for work till 8pm when they left, the APC National Secretariat that is located on Blantyre Street was kept locked. Only few security men where seen going on and out of the secretariat. Even after the Oshiomhole staff identify themselves, they were still denied access to gain entrance into the secretariat. They were later asked to move away from the gate of the secretariats.

***

Source: NewTelegraph
POLITICAL parties are joining forces for better performance in Saturdays Governorship and States Assembly Elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting governorship elections in 29 states. The assembly elections are holding in all the 36 states and the six council areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The candidates are outsmarting one another in last-minute moves to sway the electorates support ahead of the poll.

Here is a report of events in the states:

LAGOS

In Lagos, 30 candidates are backing All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

TARABA

In Taraba, the local chairman of the APC, Alhaji Ibrahim El-Sudi, insisted that Sani Abubakar remained its candidate for the governorship election.

El-Sudi was reacting to a Federal High Court order earlier yesterday in Jalingo which disqualified Abubakar on the grounds of falsification of age. He said that the same case had been determined and dismissed by a superior court in 2007.

The chairman noted that the partys lawyers had swung into action to appeal the mischievous judgement.

He urged the partys supporters to continue with their campaign.

A Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, the state capital, presided over by Justice Stephen Pam, had issued an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APC not to recognise Abubakar as a governorship candidate.

A copy of the judgment showed that Usman Udi, Joshua Paaku, George Geofrey and Muslim Munkaila, had on January 9, urged the court to disqualify Abubakar for falsifying his date of birth.

It is hereby declared that the information contained in the affidavit Abubakar supporting his personal particulars that he was born on February 14, 1968 is in conflict with his date of birth contained in the West African Senior School Certificate he submitted to INEC, the court noted.

NIGER

Governorship candidates were locked in series of meetings to seal the support of their supporters.

Some of the candidates took their campaigns to churches, holding talks with religious leaders to solicit for votes.

The Nation gathered that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Joshua Bawa, had visited three churches between Sunday and yesterday.

The two main contenders  the APC and PDP  have been meeting with various religious leaders and youth groups to strengthen their support bases.

APC candidate and incumbent Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has been meeting with labour, religious leaders, indigenous groups, women, pressure groups and directors in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

KWARA

No fewer than 37 political parties in Kwara State pledged to support APC governorship candidate Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

The parties, under the umbrella of Kwara Like-Minds Political Parties (KLPP), backed all the APC House of Assembly candidates at the poll.

Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, spokesperson of the parties, Prince Oladele Sunday, directed their members to vote en masse for the candidates all the APC on Saturday.

Prince Sunday said: We are at a critical stage in our country, but most especially our dear state is already in political labour room and KLPP has joined hands with APC and other stakeholders in taking a successful delivery of liberated Kwara.

Today is not meant for an unending discussion but to let the whole world know that when the people were dying slowly in the hands of political tyrants, the KLPP showed up. When the people were groaning and gnashing their teeth under bad governance in the state, posterity will be fair to us that KLPP showed up.

Finally, members of KLPP hereby instruct our numerous members and appeal to the teeming voters in the state to come out en masse on March 9th to vote for all APC candidates. Let us all show up so that we can all move from O to gee (Its enough) to O to pe (Its worthy of praise).

APC Chairman Bashir Bolarinwa said: The forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections are equally important to the APC. It is important to us as a party and the people of Kwara State.

I want to say here that out of 55 political parties that are functional in the state, today are above 35 have openly declared to identify with us. What that simply means is that all of them as members of these political parties are directing their members and appealing to the people to vote on Saturday for the governorship candidate of our party.

Further to that, all the 24 House of Assembly candidates of APC will on Saturday be candidates of their parties as well.

Also yesterday, a former state lawmaker, Wole Oke, said the victory of the APC candidates means total freedom for Kwarans.

ENUGU

In Enugu State, 70 political parties were said to have adopted incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the sole candidate.

The parties, under the auspices of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), unanimously adopted Ugwuanyi of the PDP as their consensus candidate.

The leaders of the political parties, who conveyed their position to the governor when they visited him at the Government House, Enugu, said: Our mission here tonight is to reaffirm our total, unalloyed, unequivocal and unconditional support for your re-election as governor come March 9, 2019, which is barely five (four) days away.

OYO

The Oyo State chapter of the APC berated the PDP candidate, Seyi Makinde, for his double standards.

It urged the people not to trust an individual with such a major character flaw with their mandate.

The APC lambasted Makinde on his coalition with the gubernatorial candidates of Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Femi Lanlehin, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Sarafadeen Alli, the leader of ZLP, Rashidi Ladoja and others.

According to the APC spokesman, Dr AbdulAzeez Olatunde, Makinde should explain to the electorate who Ladoja, Lanlehin and Sarafa are to him as the APC does not want to preempt him by calling them godsons.

Olatunde felicitated with some members of ADC, ZLP, SDP and others for jumping off the sinking ships of the parties to align with the ruling party, stressing that the APC knows their worth and will accord them their due respect and regard.

RIVERS

An APC chieftain in Rivers State, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, restated the peoples determination to sack Governor Nyesom Wike with their ballot on Saturday.

He said the resolution was because of what he called the abysmal performance of the PDP-led administration in the Southsouth state in the past four years.

In an online statement, Eze alleged that Wike was the initiator of the call for his sack by Rivers people.

Eze said: The failure of Wikes administration is responsible for why most Rivers people want him to go on May 29 this year. Rivers State is losing out on development, since Wike forced his way into office through the bloody and massively-rigged 2015 elections.

Wike is the arrowhead of the agitation to remove him (Wike) from the Brick House (Government House, Port Harcourt), a project he initiated immediately he assumed office on May 29, 2015, by scaring away investors from the state, through the promotion of insecurity.

Members of the Coalition of Like-minded Rivers People described March 9 as the states day of hope, when Wike will be voted out.

The group, at a news conference in Port Harcourt, as part of the massive protests they started on Monday in the state capital, declared that there was no going back in ensuring that a focused and God-fearing person would be the occupant of the Government House from May 29.

The coalitions three-page address was read by Azubuike Wanjoku, the President-General of Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM) International, who is also a member of the House of Assembly, representing Ikwerre constituency.

But Wike, through his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, urged the people to ignore what he called the propaganda of the APC.

He insisted that Wikes impressive performance across the 23 local government areas would earn the PDP re-election on March 9.

Also yesterday, the Police debunked the alleged plan to kidnap the states Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State. They urged the public to disregard it as fake news.

Commissioner of Police Usman Belel, who debunked the rumour, described it as unfounded and unverifiable.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Electoronic Media, Simoen Nwakudu, had in a statment on Tuesday, raised the alarm on the alleged plan by APC members to kidnap the REC ahead of the polls to push for its postponement.

But the Police Commissioner said that his men were on top of the security situation.

The commissioner said there was no cause for alarm.

DELTA

The governorship candidate of the Allied congress party of Nigeria (ACPN) in Delta State, Chief Paul Isamade, urged Deltians to reject Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP, alleging that his four-year reign has brought nothing but backwardness to the state.

Isamade, who is also the National Secretary of the party, said it was unfortunate that 20 years into the current democratic dispensation, Delta State is still not working inspiite of the huge revenue that has accrued to it.

CROSS RIVER

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has not been sacked by the Court of Appeal, the governors Chief Press Secretary Christian Ita, said yesterday.

Ita described as fake news reports trending on social media claiming the governor has been sacked by the appellate court in Lagos as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturdays election.

In a statement, the spokesman said there was no such pending matter in the Appeal Court.

He maintained that the case instituted in a Federal High Court in Abuja by Mr. Emmanuel Ibeshi was discontinued when he filed a legitimate notice of discontinuance and as such never went on appeal.

He blamed the report on political opponents who have been dazed by the reality that the governors re-election bid was a fait acompli.

The statement, therefore, urged members of the public and the governors teeming supporters to disregard the fake report.
Trump Administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared, If Ukraine loses, the cost to America will be far greater than the aid we have given Ukraine. The least costly way to move forward is to provide Ukraine with the weapons needed to win and end the war.

He is absolutely correct. Aiding Ukraine is the morally right thing to do, and the most cost-effective means of stopping the murderous Putin. Ambassadors Paul Taylor, Mike McFaul and Fiona Hill echo Pompeos words of warning.

Yet the Republican House of Representatives continues to weaken U.S. national security by stalling funds for Ukraine. The GOPs obstruction gives aid and comfort to Putin, as his military continues to kidnap and murder Ukrainian children, rape Ukrainian women and bomb Ukrainian schools, apartment buildings, and hospitals. Putin wants to erase Ukraine as a nation, but Putins flailing army is losing the war to the awesome Ukrainians.

So now Putins strategy is to undermine American logistical support for Ukraine. Republicans have wasted their time in the majority; they havent done anything--except to boost Putin, even as he faces defeat on the battlefield. The big question is, Why? Why is the GOP so eager to bolster Putin, and harm the United States?

Aid to Ukraine is a huge bargain for the U.S., costing only-a nickel for every defense dollar, and 4 cents of even that nickel goes to benefit our own American factories. Yet by defunding our most potent defense expenditures, the GOP is making Putins wildest dreams come true.

The GOP at this very moment is weakening America, big time. Putin is utterly unable to win militarily. His Plan B is to count on the GOP to side with him, right here in America. They are his eager and willing accomplices. I just wonder, why?

Larry Gaylord, Normal
In a terrifying incident on Friday, December 28, 2023, two armed robbers on a motorbike targeted and successfully robbed the owner of a Forex Bureau and Gold dealership in Top Town, a suburb of Kasoa Amanfrom in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.



The victim, Alhaji Mumuni, revealed that the suspects had been following him from Kasoa-Zongo before ambushing him and his brother while they were on their way to purchase gold from a customer.



The robbers, carrying pistols, stopped them at a section of the road and fired warning shots to scare them.



Despite their initial attempts to resist, the suspects resorted to firing gunshots at Alhaji Mumuni and his brother. The bag they were carrying contained a substantial amount of money of about GHC250,000 in cash along with gold valued at GHC150,000.



An eyewitness, Jonathan Essel, who was present at the scene, described how residents attempted to intervene upon seeing the robbery unfolding. However, the criminals cunningly managed to deceive them by posing as police officers.



This incident has sparked concern among locals, who are now demanding increased security measures in the area. Residents are calling on law enforcement agencies to step up patrols and ensure the safety of the community.



As of now, the investigation into the robbery is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the criminals responsible for this brazen crime.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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South Africa has filed an application at the International Court of Justice to begin proceedings over allegations of genocide against Israel for its war against Hamas in Gaza, the ICJ said.



Over 21,507 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the enclaves Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Among the dead are at least 308 people who were sheltering in United Nations shelters, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees.



Israels aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, in response to Hamas deadly terror attacks and kidnapping rampage on October 7, have caused widespread devastation in the densely-inhabited coastal strip, prompting outcry from the UN and the international community.



South Africa accuses Israel of being in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention in its application and argues that acts and omissions by Israel  are genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent  to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, according to the ICJ.



Israel has rejected South Africas claims and application to the world court, saying through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that South Africa is calling for the destruction of the State of Israel, and that its claim lacks both a factual and a legal basis.



Israel is committed to international law and acts in accordance with it, and directs its military efforts only against the Hamas terrorist organization and the other terrorist organizations cooperating with Hamas, its statement said, adding that it has made every effort to limit harm to the non-involved and to allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip.



US President Joe Biden said earlier this month that that Israel is engaged in indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. US intelligence assessment suggests that nearly half of the air-to-ground munitions that Israel has used in Gaza in its war with Hamas have been unguided, otherwise known as dumb bombs. Unguided munitions are less precise and can pose a greater threat to civilians.



South Africas application came as Israels military said Friday that it is expanding its operations in southern Gaza, where civilians were previously told to seek refuge. It also claimed to have destroyed a network of tunnels and one of the hideout apartments belonging to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. CNN cannot independently verify the IDFs claims.



South Africa is gravely concerned with the plight of civilians caught in the present Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip due to the indiscriminate use of force and forcible removal of inhabitants, a statement released by South Africas Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Friday.



Furthermore, there are ongoing reports of international crimes, such as crimes against humanity and war crimes, being committed as well as reports that acts meeting the threshold of genocide or related crimes as defined in the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, have been and may still be committed in the context of the ongoing massacres in Gaza, it says.



As a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, South Africa is under a treaty obligation to prevent genocide from occurring.











South Africa and Israel are both parties to the Genocide Convention, according to the ICJ, which is also known as the World Court and is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.













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An Adentan Circuit Court has restrained three persons from holding an All-white or All Black attire party on January 1, 2024.



The three are Francis Ayenu, Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu.



The police had gone to court to restrain the three persons to avert clashes and disturbance of peace in Adenta, Accra.



The court said: In the interest of upholding and ensuring public peace and order, and in the interest of protecting lives and property, the respondents, Francis Ayenu, Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu; their agents, assigns, workmen, servants and any other person or group claiming through or under them are hereby restrained and or prohibited from organising, holding, carrying-on, executing, throwing or proceeding with the planned All white/ All black event/ party or other event name of description they may give it, and as planned for the 1st day of January 2024."



It also ordered that the owners and or operators of any event centre, location or premises connected to the planned/proposed event /party in issue cooperate with the Ghana Police Service in the full execution of the restraining order.





This directive was contained in a restraining/prohibition order.



The Circuit Court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah granted the ex-parte motion after Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo of the Ghana Police Service moved it on December 29, 2023.



The Police said on December 19, 2023, it received intelligence that two factions namely Francis Ayenu on one side and Dennis Tawiah together with Michael Ayenu were planning to organise an event dubbed: All Black Attire wear or All White attire on December 28, 2023, and January 1, 2024.



According to the Police, one Francis Ayenu, an interested party, went to the Adenta High Court and issued a writ and also filed an injunction against the other partners to prevent them from organising any event on December 28, 2023, and January 1, 2024.





The Police said, however, even though the processes had been served on the defendant, they went ahead to hold the event on December 28, 2023, in flagrant disregard to the powers and authority of the High Court, Adenta and they are again planning to hold the second event on January 1, 2024, despite the pending injunction.



It said Police intelligence revealed that Francis Ayenu and his group were also planning to organise the same event at the same venue on January 1, 2024, and use land guards to disrupt the event of Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu.



The Police argued that if the planned action is executed, there would be a total breach of peace.



The Police, therefore, prayed the court to restrain Francis Ayenu and Dennis Tawiah together with Michael Ayenu and their agents as well as any other person associated with the organisers of the event from carrying out the planned event on January 1, 2024.

Source: GNA









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North Korea plans to launch three more spy satellites in 2024 as part of efforts to ramp up its military, state media reported Sunday.

Pyongyang successfully put a spy satellite into orbit last month and has since claimed it was providing images of major US and South Korean military sites.

This year it also conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, including the launch this month of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), blaming growing threats from the United States.

"The task of launching three additional reconnaissance satellites in 2024 was declared" as one of the key policy decisions for next year at a year-end party meeting, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

The five-day meeting, which ended Saturday, was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

"The United States, which has long caused and worsened political instability on the Korean peninsula, continues to pose various types of military threat to our country even as the year is coming to an end," Kim said.

Seoul, Tokyo and Washington have ramped up defence cooperation in the face of growing missile and nuclear threats from Pyongyang this year and recently activated a system to share real-time data on North Korean missile launches.

Earlier this month, a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan, and Washington flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo.

The North has previously described the deployment of Washington's strategic weapons  such as B-52 bombers  in joint drills on the Korean peninsula as the "intentional nuclear war provocative moves".

Kim ordered his country's Korean People's Army to closely monitor the security situation on the peninsula and to "always respond with an overwhelming attitude".

"We must respond quickly to a possible nuclear crisis and continue to accelerate preparations to pacify the entire territory of South Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces, including nuclear force, in case of emergency," he said.

At the meeting, Kim said he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the "persisting uncontrollable crisis situation" which he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated to a low point this year, with Pyongyang's spy satellite launch prompting Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement aimed at defusing tensions on the peninsula.

"I believe that it is a mistake that we should no longer make to consider the people who declare us as the 'main enemy'... as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification," KCNA cited Kim as saying.

Kim ordered the drawing-up of measures for reorganising departments handling cross-border affairs, to "fundamentally shift the direction".

Pyongyang declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nukes programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since it first conducted a nuclear test in 2006. (AFP)




BRIGANTINE  Since the owner of the former Conoco gas station on Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard remains unresponsive about addressing issues stemming from the blighted property, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has gotten involved, Mayor Vince Sera said Thursday.

Sera said that with the help of state Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, the DEP has issued fines against the owner concerning the sites underground gas tanks, in addition to a number of other issues.

The amount of the fines was not disclosed.

The citys major concern is that there might be some environmental issues with those tanks, and we want to make sure that the situation is properly addressed, Sera during the last City Council meeting. Theyve leveraged a number of fines now against the owner. Were continuing to push that the DEP forces the owner to remediate the tax and any environmental issues that are there, so theyre taking us through the process.

The gas station is owned by Las Vegas-based Agre Holdings LLC % Pontus Capital. It bought the property from Bronson Oil Fee Holdings LLC in 2008 for $800,000.

Since the gas station closed in 2021 after the DEP took administrative action against it, the property has been seen as an eyesore by both residents and city officials.

Four tattered, exposed gas pumps that some visitors still try to use remain there, as well as a workers hut filled with old goods and a red-and-white Conoco gas sign.

The property sits right next to the Dunkin and is one of the first things people see as they enter the barrier island.

As I said, we have a number of investors who are interested in buying that property, but theyve all said the same thing: Theyre not going to buy it if theres environmental issues. So we want to make sure that we get that taken care of, Sera said. We have our faith in them (the DEP), that theyre going to make things right there. Will provide more patient as soon as its available.
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Tis the time of year for lists.

You probably made gift lists and guest lists and to-do lists and maybe even a list with a few New Years resolutions. Let us offer one last list for 2023, a modest proposal for the 10 movies you should see before 2024 buries us with new lists.

This year was a good one at the theater and for the myriad streaming services, highlighted by the return of veteran directors like Greta Gerwig, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher and Christopher Nolan.

Those who long for stories from diverse viewpoints were given hope as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, They Cloned Tyrone, Rustin and Origin joined the reboot of The Color Purple on a list of the films that put a hard focus on Black voices.

Actors got a chance to film their visions, too.

Michael B. Jordan, Anna Kendrick, Fawzia Mirza, Patricia Arquette, Kristin Scott Thomas, Chris Pine, Ethan Hawke and Michael Keaton were among the actors who stepped behind the lens to offer new stories.

So lets get down to business. Were going to tell you about 10 movies from this year that you should see. But before we do that, were going to tell you the single film we think is the clear-cut best of 2023.

And have no fear, we will reveal the hands-down worst, too.

Godzilla Minus-one a must-see movie

If you see one film this year, or one more before the end of the year, make sure to watch Godzilla Minus-one.

Its the reboot of the original Japanese Gojira, made in 1954 by director Ishiro Honda. That film spawned 33 Japanese sequels.

In 1956, American producers brought Gojira to the United States, edited in some scenes with Raymond Burr, and released the film as Godzilla, King of the Monsters.

An international star was born.

In recent years, Legendary Pictures created the MonsterVerse with Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).

All of the Godzilla movies are entertaining, but they all pale in comparison to Minus-one, a monster film that more closely parallels a classic like Jaws than any of the lets-just-blow-stuff-up flicks of the last decade.

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, its the story of postwar Japan and its soldiers. Its the story of what everyday people were left after they were expected to sacrifice everything in a war that brought senseless destruction.

Who fights the monsters summoned from the depths by our atomic bombs? Well, its the same people expected to fight in our warsthe little people, the people without titles and standing and power. Those crushed under the weight of the giants are always the men, women and children who are nothing more than statistics in history books.

In Minus-one, those people fight back.

As far as Godzilla films go, this is as close to a one-stop emotional shop as you can get, offering resonance in the realms of found family, parenthood, state-of-emergency sociology and the daily choice to live.

Its the best thing anyone put on screen in 2023.

Thanksgiving a movie to skip

On the opposite end of the film spectrum stands Thanksgiving.

While Godzilla Minus-one offered a fresh, dynamic take on the tried-and-true monster genre, Eli Roths film named for the holiday proved to be a warmed-over slasher with nothing new to say.

Leftover turkey only lasts so long.

Based on the wildly popular trailers that appeared in the Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino 2007 love letter to exploitation films called Grindhouse, the worst film of 2023 is the story of vengeance wrought by a baddie wearing a John Carver mask.

Huh? John Carver was one of the pilgrims who founded Plymouth, Massachusetts, where Roths silly movie is set. Come for the outrageously splattered murder sequences, stay for little else.

Want a better horror story? How about the very true tale of a rich man and his cohorts murdering their way through indigenous people to steal their lucrative oil rights?

Wait. That might just be the plot to one of the years best films.

Killers of the Flower Moon

For years, Martin Scorsese has made towering films about gangsters and organized crime. This film is about the gangsters who conspired to murder Osage tribe members in the early 1920s to steal their oil rights. Stark, uncompromising, and deeply disturbing, this is lightyears better than The Departed and Scorseses best work since Goodfellas.

The Civil Dead

Starring and directed by Clay Tatum, this low-budget gem was penned by Tatum and co-star Whitmer Thomas. It made our Halloween list and its so good it has to be here. The film is simply the most inventive, iconic and, ultimately, disturbing take on the ghost story you will ever see.

The Killer

There is something very funny and very sad at the heart of this David Fincher film. Its a tale of vengeance, and there are times when you expect to see Charles Bronson or Alain Delon to walk on the screen and bring back the dark visions of late 1960s and early 1970s neo-noir cinema.

The Holdovers

Just in time for Christmas, Paul Giamatti reunited with Alexander Payne to tell us the story a history teacher forced to care about some boarding school students stuck on campus during Christmas break. Its a period piece, and the dislocation and grief caused by the Vietnam War echoes through this story.

Woman of the Hour

You know Anna Kendrick from breezy rom-coms. Well, meet Kendrick the director as she helms and stars in this true story of how a serial killer by the name of Rodney Alcala appeared on the television show The Dating Game in 1978.

Asteroid City

Spiritually, Asteroid City is a tasteful tribute to stargazing. Sure, you could stargaze in the celebrity sense, and itd be hard not to  the film stars Jason Schwartzman, Steve Carell, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Matt Dillon, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston ... the list goes on.

But Wes Andersons latest film is also a love letter to stargazing in the astronomical sense. Its a story about the existentially crushing beauty of our universes size, and the fruitless effort to find meaning in humanity. A task only complicated by the movies revelation that we are not alone. Andersons got a widely beloved filmography and style, but Asteroid City still may be one of his best.

Barbie

Truly, this is the Taylor Swift of movies. Its a blockbuster to end all blockbusters. A message of empowerment that screams louder than its stench of capitalistic excess. If you look past the moments where Barbie feels like a commercial for Mattel (or the 2024 Chevy Equinox), youll find a movie with a tenderness that rivals any film this year.

It could even go toe-to-toe with director Greta Gerwigs prior, more reserved, works like Lady Bird. Not to mention, theres nobody that couldve played Barbie and Ken better than Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, both of whom deliver hilarious and varied performances.

Oppenheimer

The other half of the Barbenheimer weekend, which will come to define this years cinematic zeitgeist, was just as impressive.

Director Christopher Nolan took what was already a compelling historical drama  the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb  and somehow made it even bigger. Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh and Josh Hartnett all give memorable performances in a movie that mostly justifies its three-hour runtime.

Bottoms

Fast Times At Ridgemont High, American Pie, Superbad, Booksmart, Bottoms. Every decade gets its raunchy, bonkers high school comedy classic. This gory, lusty circus of a film will certainly stand the test of time.

Bottoms gets funnier with every single watch, due to the chemistry of stars Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott, and sheer attention to detail from director Emma Seligman. (Seriously, watch the background of every scene and youll find more punchlines. Emphasis on the punch.)

Past Lives

Based on its name, youd expect Past Lives to be about reincarnation. And it is, in a way. But not in the cut-and-dry die-and-be-reborn sort of way. Past Lives is a tale of acceptance for ones past and belief in ones future. It follows the diverging lives of childhood sweethearts (played by Greta Lee and Teo Yoo), who fall in love in South Korea and reconnect as adults in New York.

John Magaro plays Noras ever-patient new boyfriend, Arthur, who is one of the silver screens best characters this year. The soundtrack, from Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen (with appearances by Sharon Van Etten and Leonard Cohen), is an elegant acoustic beauty.
Here are some of the new businesses the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus reported on in 2023.

Las Salsas Dona Mary

Located at 1534 6th Ave., Las Salsas Dona Mary opened in Moline in January 2023. Maria Garcia, with the help of her husband, Alejandro, and their son, Gerado, opened the restaurant after four years in the making.

PJ's Coffee

PJ's Coffee opened at 4650 Utica Ridge Road, Davenport, in April. The chain coffee shop brings a taste of New Orleans flavor to Iowa. PJ's Coffee offers a variety of coffee and tea options along with pastries, lunch sandwiches and the city's famous beignets.

The franchise was started in 1978 in New Orleans and was named after the owner, Phyllis Jordan. It has now grown to more than 200 locations, according to its website. This is the companys first store in Iowa.

Dam Tacos

Dam Tacos opened in downtown Davenport at 418 E. 2nd Street. The restaurant consists only of tacos and has a full-service bar.

Hawaiian Bros

Hawaiian Bros opened at 2955 E. 53rd St., Davenport, this summer. The "island-inspired" chain started in Kansas City in 2018.

Chipotle

Chipotle opened another location 1020 W. Kimberly Road. It was the third location in the Quad-Cities to open. One exists in Moline along the John Deere Corridor and at 5270 Elmore Ave.

Edison's

Edison's Raw Bar opened in Bettendorf in July. It is located at 3579 Tanglefoot Lane, next to Flip's Pancake House and Country Style Ice Cream.

The Garrison

Steakhouse and speakeasy, The Garrison, opened in downtown Davenport in the Common Chord building. It is located at 131 W. 2nd Street. Co-owner Brandon Albertson told the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus the whole concept was centered around bringing people back to the time of Prohibition, and it's reflected in the name.

Inferno Pizza & Pints

Inferno Pizza & Pints opened in Bettendorf at 2561 53rd Aveune. It is an Italian-style pizza place.

Restaurante Sabor Catracho

Restaurante Sabor Catracho, a Honduran restaurant, opened at 2006 16th St., Moline. The restaurant is owned and operated by Erica Carranza and her parents and serves Honduran and Central American dishes.

Davi's Good Ole' Fashion Soul Food

Davi's Good Ol' Fashion Soul Food opened in Davenport in May. The restaurant is located at 114 E. Myrtle Street.

Life Breads Gluten Free Bakery

Life Breads Gluten Free Bakery opened at 1509 N. Harrison St., Davenport, in the spring. All products are gluten-free, and customers can place custom orders for different types of allergies and intolerances.

Wine Bar

Swirl Wine Bar opened in Bettendorf at 4832 Forest Grove Drive.

Lifted Energy

An energy drink shop, Lifted Energy, opened in Moline at 2430 16th Street. The company was started by first-time entrepreneurs and sisters Kristine Garcia and Ashley Adlfinger. The pair started their business as a pop-up shop.

The Last Picture House

The long-awaited movie and theater that offers a bar in downtown Davenport, The Last Picture House, opened in early December. Quad-City Natives Scott Beck and Bryan Woods opened the arthouse movie theater at 325 E. 2nd Street.

Brick and Motor

Brick and Motor opened a storefront in downtown Rock Island at the beginning of March. The storefront is located at 1629 2nd Ave.

Sisters Haley Walker and Lauren Corwin started their mobile clothing boutique in July 2018. The boutique started as a trailer decorated for selling clothing and accessories. The pair traveled within a three-hour radius of the Quad-Cities selling their items at farmer's markets and other community events.

Envied Vintage Clothing

Envied Vintage Clothing, a vintage thrift store, originally opened at 324 Main St., Davenport, early this spring. Owner Darien Collins lost everything after the west wall collapsed of the apartment building. A few months following the collapse, Collins reopened at 800 Isabel Bloom Way. Collins plans on moving to the Bucktown building on 2nd Street in downtown Davenport on the first floor once construction is complete.

The Attic

Discount retail chain, The Attic, opened at 3883 Elmore in Davenport, next to Sam's Club. Created by business partners Chris Judge and Joe Schulte, they buy pallets of items with damaged packaging and resell the inventory in their stores on Brady Street and on 18th Street in Rock Island.

Businesses in Bucktown

Two businesses at 221 E. 2nd Street are sandwiched between Bucktown Center for the Arts and Theo and Co.On the second story is RosaleeJewelry. Owned by Quad-City native Amanda Frazer, her store offers custom rings and custom jewelry pieces out of existing jewelry.

Beneath the jewelry store is H.L. by Design. Heather Wilson is the owns H.L. Design that offers kitchen and bathroom design.

Flower shops

Flower & Co opened in early spring at 1520 6th Ave., Moline. The flower shop is owned by Charleigh Lennox.

Wild Blooms, also a flower shop owned by Katie Milhollin, opened at 2322 E. Kimberly Road.

The ARTery

The ARTery re-opened in August after a hiatus. It is located in the former Bike & Hike shop at 3913 14th Avenue in Rock Island.

Dispensaries

Two dispensaries in Moline opened this year. Revolution Dispensary at 4301 44th Ave, along the John Deere Corridor opened at the beginning of December. Terrace Cannabis at 2727 Aveune of the Cities, the former Aldi Grocery Store, opened in July.

Oak Street Health

Oak Street Health, a health care provider for seniors, opened in Davenport and Moline. The company was founded in 2012 and is a primary-care outpatient office that serves clients specifically on Medicare.

Covenant Family Solutions

Covenant Family Solutions in Davenport opened at the end of February. It is a mental health facility located at 5403 Victoria Ave. The clinic offers therapy, counseling services and medication services.

Vera French

Vera French expanded to Bettendorf this fall with a new clinic that aims to serve 100 people a day. The mental health care organization opened a second full-service outpatient mental health clinic at 852 Middle Road at the former TBK Bank Building in Duck Creek Plaza. It is on the first three floors of the building.

The Good Shephard Foundation

The Good Shepherd Foundation of Henry County expanded into Rock Island County. It is located at 4711 44th Street, Suite 2, Rock Island. The Good Shephard Foundation is a center that offers treatments for opioid, alcohol and substance abuse, group therapy, family counseling, DUI Evaluation, Driver's Risk Education Classes, early intervention, continuing care and intensive outpatient.

The Courtyard

The Courtyard by Marriot hotel opened in Bettendorf at 907 Utica Ridge Road. It was a $22 million project that broke ground in October 2022.

Gretchen Teske, Brooklyn Draisey and Gannon Hanevold contributed to this report.
The nonprofit ambulance service MEDIC EMS will become part of Scott County government, starting Jan. 1.

If all goes smoothly, 911 callers wont notice any difference.

For anyone expecting an ambulance, one will arrive, emphasized Paul Andorf, the director of MEDIC EMS of Scott County.

It should be seamless, Andorf said. Theres no loss of service for anybody.

For years, MEDIC and local government leaders have considered bringing the nonprofit emergency transportation service under the umbrella of a government entity to steady the organizations finances as it faces higher costs and lower revenue.

In 2022, MEDIC appealed to the county and cities to make ambulance service part of local government.

County supervisors voted in April to absorb MEDIC and in August hired Andorf, a 27-year MEDIC employee, to lead the new department. His predecessor, Linda Frederiksen, will retire with the transition.

With the transition has come a lot of logistics planning.

On Jan. 1, about 154 MEDIC employees and volunteers will become employees of or volunteers for the county, Andorf said. Thatll change employees health care and retirement benefits.

That number includes 26 volunteers, 16 dispatch employees, 53 paramedics, 36 EMTs, five people in the transportation division and 10 administrative staff, Andorf said.

Nineteen ambulance vehicles will transition, too, he said.

MEDICs contracts with area hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers for transports will also transition. The ambulance service contracts to transport patients to a destination  for example: delivering patients from a hospital to a nursing home.

MEDIC covers some Muscatine territory, and that coverage will remain the same, too, Andorf said.

The supervisors have approved asset transitions, mutual aid agreements and contracts in the past few months.

Everything is status quo, Andorf said.

Whats next?

Once Jan. 1 sails by, Andorf plans to set his sights on unlocking government funding for MEDIC.

One such program is Ground Emergency Medical Transport funding, authorized by the Iowa Legislature in 2018.

The program is administered by the Iowa Health and Human Services department. Publicly owned or operated ambulance services can get extra payments to help cover the gap between the cost to transport patients in emergencies and what they receive from Medicaid.

Cost reports are due annually by the end of November, according to the states website.

As a county department, the ambulance agency can also use the Iowa setoff program to collect a portion of tax refunds and casino and lottery winnings from people who are delinquent on their ambulance bills, Andorf said. Its a program not available to nonprofits.

It helps offset those expenses, Andorf said. Those people are usually the ones we send to collections that dont want to pay the bill.

Close After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the front lines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. Above, crews stand together in Kyiev, Ukraine after a successful delivery. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. Above, a Genesis crew loads the ambulance onto a trailer as it waits to be shipped overseas. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the front lines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. Above, a crew stands with a convoy of donated equipment, including the Genesis ambulance, in Ukraine. Photos: Genesis donates an ambulance, supplies to Ukraine After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the front lines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. Above, crews stand together in Kyiev, Ukraine after a successful delivery. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. Above, a Genesis crew loads the ambulance onto a trailer as it waits to be shipped overseas. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the frontlines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. After six years of service in the Quad-Cities, this Genesis Health System ambulance was donated to Ukraine and is now helping injured soldiers and civilians on the front lines of Ukraines war with Russia. UnityPoint-Trinity also contributed to the efforts by donating supplies. Above, a crew stands with a convoy of donated equipment, including the Genesis ambulance, in Ukraine.
A Davenport woman is facing a charge of arson after authorities allege she set fire to a house in October.

Carla Jean Engesser, 35, is charged with one count of second-degree arson. The charge is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by the Davenport Police, on Oct. 20 at 8:23 a.m., Davenport police and firefighters were sent to investigate a report of a house fire at 413 S. Concord St.

Firefighters made entry and found flames in the living room and the basement.

After extinguishing the fire, firefighters began looking for a cause and origin of the fire and noted three separate areas of fire origin.

Engesser was the only resident at the home during the fire and had called 911. According to Dortons affidavit, she removed her personal keepsakes from the home and placed them in her vehicle before the fire.

Police allege she intentionally set fire to the structure.

According to the Scott County Assessors electronic records, the single-family, one-story frame home was built in 1914.

No one was reported injured in the fire.

Engesser was arrested Thursday.

During a first appearance on the charges Friday in Scott County District Court, Engesser waived her preliminary hearing. Magistrate Richard Wells scheduled Engessers arraignment for Jan. 25.

Wells released Engesser from the Scott County Jail on her promise to appear at future court proceedings.
As we enter the legislative season in Virginia, public education is again a topic that will be front and center, and rightly so.

In our view and the view of most Virginians, there is nothing more important than ensuring that every child in the commonwealth receives a great education and a pathway to a successful life.

We must come together to ensure that every student has access to and is engaged in rigorous, grade-level learning every day. This is not an easy task, but the investment will pay dividends for years to come.

Students with disabilities are frequently left out of the efforts to ensure a pathway to success. Closing this gap will be the focus of our work during this session.

The reason is simple. Virginias system of special education, which serves 170,000 students across the commonwealth, is broken. It has been the subject of a scathing Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report to the General Assembly in 2020, an ongoing investigation by the United States Department of Education, and legal action by parents in the commonwealth. These actions all highlight Virginias ongoing failure to comply with basic requirements of federal special education programs.

What has caught our attention, however, is more fundamental  the persistent, poor educational outcomes of Virginias students with disabilities. Across every measure, including kindergarten readiness, early literacy, SOLs and high school success, they are well below those of nondisabled students.

For example, the pass rate for students with disabilities on the spring SOL assessments was, on average, 30% lower than that of students without disabilities; students with disabilities were 52% more likely to drop out of high school than the overall population. And, the numbers are even worse for subgroups of this population, including those who are Black, English learners or economically disadvantaged.

Despite popular myths, the vast majority of students with disabilities are just as capable of grade-level learning as their general education peers. In fact, in Virginia, seven of 10 spend the majority of their school day in general education classrooms; the problem is that they simply are not learning in those classrooms.

While we recognize that the special education system is complex and the reasons that our students are not learning are multi-faceted, what is crystal clear is that compliance with federal law alone will not change outcomes. Virginia must do more to improve and expand the instruction we provide to students with disabilities.

The bill we are introducing this session will address well-documented challenges in Virginias system of special education.

For example, we wait too long to identify students for services. When students are eligible, their education plans too often lack goals and services that allow them to learn and achieve at grade level. General educators feel unprepared to meet the needs of the students with disabilities in their classrooms. Principals feel unprepared to support the delivery of high-quality special education services. Special-education educators have unmanageable caseloads and lack the time to collaborate with their general education colleagues.

Finally, parents are increasingly frustrated when their children fail to learn, often despite their own, significant investment of time and effort in the special education process.

To address these issues, our bill will first improve Virginias identification system for students with disabilities so that they have access to the instruction and support they need before they fall grade levels behind their peers.

Second, it will build the knowledge and skill of general educators, special educators and their principals and increase the resources available to them, so that they can provide high quality special education instruction and services.

Third, it will support educators and families in their efforts to build positive, collaborative and meaningful partnerships to support students with disabilities.

Finally, it will build the capacity of the state to gather, analyze, publicly report and respond to data and continuously improve both the special education process and, more importantly, the progress and outcomes of the students in it.

The plan we describe here for special education may sound familiar. It follows closely the model of the Virginia Literacy Act, which passed unanimously in the General Assembly. It will enable our educators to deliver high-quality instruction and provide stronger partnerships with families.

These improvements will help ensure that our children are given opportunities to learn and build the skills they need for college, careers and independent living.

Tough decisions lay ahead of us when it comes to crafting the next biennium budget, but improving educational outcomes for all Virginia students is an imperative that must be met.

We encourage lawmakers and the governor to join us in this important effort.

From the Archives: WCVE-TV W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E. W.C.V.E.
Lhakpa Sherpa sang a traditional tune from the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal as she hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Sometimes I can fly and cross over mountains  the 200-year-old lyrics went, roughly translated into English from the native Tibetic language she was singing. A blustery wind and the crunching of leaves beneath her feet accompanied her voice, as early-October colors peaked atop Kelly Knob.

I am Sherpa singing like a Sherpa, she said, laughing. Her surname Sherpa derives from the ethnicity of her people from northeast Nepal, where they are known for guiding climbers to the summits of the Himalayas, which include Mount Everest.

Lhakpa Sherpa visited Southwest Virginia as part of a personal quest: To hike to the tallest peaks of every state in America, including Mount Rogers in Smyth and Grayson counties.

The endeavor may be more down to earth compared to her record-breaking 10 summits of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world at 29,031 feet. In 2022, Sherpa became the first woman in the world to summit Everest 10 times.

Her accomplishments have been celebrated in the mountaineering community around the world. And now, a documentary filmmaker has made a movie about her.

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa is a film by British-born director Lucy Walker that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will air in 2024 on Netflix, which acquired distribution rights to the documentary.

The record for most Mount Everest summits by any person is held by a Sherpa guide Kami Rita, who in 2023 scaled Everest for the 28th time.

In July, Lhakpa Sherpa fulfilled another lifelong goal and climbed K2, the second-highest mountain in the world located in Kashmir along the Pakistan-China border, and known as one of the most treacherous to climb. Sherpa achieved her goal with the financial sponsorship from The Secular Society, a Blacksburg-based nonprofit that focuses on advancing the interests of women and the arts in Virginia and around the world. The society also has funded a journalism fellowship at The Roanoke Times that supported this reporting.

The Secular Society sponsorship gave me the opportunity to tackle one of the worlds most challenging mountains to climb, Sherpa wrote in an email interview with The Roanoke Times after her visit to Southwest Virginia. For that I am extremely grateful since I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine. K2 is no joke, it is very difficult to climb.

When she summited K2, she unfurled a banner as long as her arm, which displayed The Secular Society logo.

Without them, I could not have done it. They have a special place in my heart.

Sherpa came to the United States in 2001 and married a fellow climber, from whom she is now divorced. She came because she heard women were treated more equally in the United States than in Nepal.

Sherpa lives in West Hartford, Connecticut, and works cleaning houses and running a guiding and consulting business that she started five years ago called Cloudscape Climbing. Sherpa is best suited to lead Himalayan expeditions but also guides in the U.S. Currently her personal ambitions are set on exploring the United States.

I want to learn more about the United States. It is incredibly large, filled with many different people and I want to see what mountains this country has to offer, Sherpa said.

During her current American quest, Sherpa has so far summited the peaks in Connecticut and a handful of surrounding states, which include Mount Katahdin (5,269 feet) in Maine, and Mount Washington (6,288 feet) in New Hampshire, both of which are also on the Appalachian Trail.

While in Southwest Virginia this fall, she and her daughter Sunny hiked Mount Rogers, the commonwealths highest peak at 5,729 feet. Virginia is one of her favorite states she has visited so far, she said, because the outdoor community and surrounding farmland of Grayson Highlands and Kelly Knob reminded her of home in Nepal.

It felt a little bit like Makalu, where I am from, Sherpa said, describing the Nepal region home to the worlds fifth-highest peak. I saw a lot of wildlife and it was an exciting place to explore. Also the people there were very kind and friendly.

Sherpa hiked to Kelly Knob on Johns Creek Mountain in Craig County with her daughter Sunny while guided by Brian Kelley, who has maintained that section of trail for the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club for 24 years. Kelley, the editor of The Roanoke Times, often performed maintenance with his brother, Joe, a well-known artist and outdoorsman who died in 2022.

Sherpa walked slowly from the trailhead up the steep path toward Kelly Knob. Her daughter quickly hiked ahead. Your face will swell, Sherpa said laughing.

Sherpa was referring to severe altitude sickness that occurs when acclimating your body to high elevation climbs like Mount Everest. You walk slowly otherwise you can succumb to swelling in your lungs or brain from the high-altitude, which can be deadly, Sherpa explained. Though in the Appalachian Mountains there are no comparison to the elevation gains and challenges of the Himalayan mountain range in Asia.

Mount Rogers is a simple hike, it was like a walk between villages back when I grew up in Makalu, Sherpa said. It was enjoyable. Everest is completely different. It requires so much more preparation and you need a team to climb.

She hopes to find a sponsor to help her complete her goal to summit the high points in the 50 states, an endeavor she said is hard to afford on her salary of a single mother raising two daughters while cleaning houses. She also has an older son.

Climbing gives her a sense of peace.

Climbing is a good way to relieve stress, she said. While I climb, I build up pressure and then when I finish climbing, all the pressure is released. It is a good feeling.

Everest connection

Before the challenges of climbing glaciers, rock cliffs of the tallest mountain in the world, Sherpa had to overcome barriers of societal tradition.

Sherpa grew up in the Makalu region of Nepal and could see Mount. Everest from her village. Sherpa feels connected to the mountain. The Sherpa name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma, which means Goddess or Mother of the World. Sherpas family, like those around her, was poor and raised lambs and yaks. She had 11 siblings, and like most Sherpa families when she was growing up, only the boys went to school. The girls were expected to stay home and work around the house. Sherpa said circumstances in her village are changing so that some girls can go to school, but when she was a child, she did her best to follow her mothers wishes and knit hats and cook, but the days seemed dull. Whenever she had the chance, she wandered the mountainous terrain of her village.

I knew I wanted to climb Everest when I first saw it as a child, Sherpa said. I wanted to climb every mountain I could see around me. I didnt have any gear so I just used my imagination.

Sherpas mother worried that her daughter would never marry because of her tomboyish ways. Her father, however, saw her as ambitious and strong. Through his support, she was one of the few females to become a kitchen boy, a person who prepared food for climbers. When she was a teenager, Sherpa became a porter for expeditions in the Himalayas, including on Makalu, the fifth-tallest mountain in the world, where she carried heavy gear between camps.

It took her 10 years of training and a willingness to push past gender boundaries to reach her goal. Despite her ambition to be a climber, it was still scary to her to push through the gender boundaries she experienced growing up in Nepal.

It was hard to get into mountaineering as a woman, she said. Its an activity that is completely dominated by men. It was completely unheard of for a woman to climb. At that time, I was scared to take a mans job. I thought that maybe there was something wrong with my life.

Sherpa was in her 20s when she formed the first ever all-Sherpa women expedition team and called it Daughters of Everest. Sherpas first summit was in 2000 with the first ever all-female Sherpa team, a group for which she trained and sought funding for 10 years.

I was the only one in that group that took it seriously. I had so much experience from being a kitchen boy on many expeditions and porter for other expeditions. I knew what it was going to be like. It was my dream.

Sherpa was the only woman from the team of seven to reach the summit, making her the first Nepali woman to summit the famed mountain successfully and to survive. One of Lhakpa Sherpas climbing mentors, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, was the first Nepali woman to summit Everest in 1993, but she lost her life on the descent, according to ExplorersWeb, a website dedicated to mountaineering news.

The first woman to summit Everest was Junko Tabei of Japan in 1975. As of December, 799 different women have reached the summit of Mount Everest, part of a total of 6,664 people since the first summitting in 1953, according to High Adventure Expeditions, a company that leads trekking and climbing expeditions in the Himalaya.

K2s challenge

Sherpa explained that though Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, K2 is more difficult and dangerous to climb.

Everest is difficult, it is a massive hike, Sherpa said. K2 on the other hand is that and also a very technical mountain that involves rock climbing and ice climbing. If you could summit K2, you can summit any mountain. The deaths per summit for K2 is much higher than Everest.

Sherpa said she was scared she would not make it home alive to see her daughters again when climbing K2.

It was just such a difficult climb, Sherpa said.  I really had to fight for it. I had to come home alive for my children.

As technology and gear has advanced over the years to help high-elevation climbers get enough oxygen, Sherpa, for the most part, uses her rudimentary gear she began with in her 20s. For all her summits on Mount Everest she used the same 50-year-old oxygen mask. On K2, Sherpa had a more modern oxygen mask, which is easier to use, and every little bit helps when climbing the most challenging and dangerous mountain in the world.

I enjoyed using my old reliable gear but K2 exposed some shortcomings in my equipment and its clear that I can use some upgrades, Sherpa said.

She needs a new down suit, which she said was damaged during her climb to the summit of K2. Her boots also wore out during the climb.

Changes at high elevation

Sherpa guesses she is about 45 years old. She said she does not have a birth certificate. Still, in her 40 or so years of being in touch with the spirit of the mountain she has noticed Mount Everest is changing.

She compared Mount Everest to New York City.

Everest has changed over the years, She said. The amount of climbers that visit has increased and like New York, they are from everywhere across the world. The mountain is starting to melt earlier and earlier in the year due to climate change. A lot of the ice is shifting and changing, adding to the danger.

The ice loss at Mount Everests highest glacier, called South Col, located at about 26,300 feet, has accelerated ice loss according to a study published in the journal Nature in 2022. Due to warming temperatures and strengthening winds, the highest rate of glacier loss has occurred since 2000.

As the ice retreats, the number of climbers coming to Mount Everest is growing along with heaps of trash, discarded gear, feces and dead bodies stuck on the mountain, despite clean up efforts launched by Nepals Department of Tourism and the military in 2019, according to ExplorersWeb.

Inspiring dreams

Sherpas daughter Sunny said she did not realize how great her mothers accomplishments were until seeing the documentary at this years Toronto Film Festival. Sherpa brought both her daughters to see the premier.

They didnt know what my life was like when I was a teenager but now I think they understand, Sherpa said in an email after the hike.

I am proud of her, shes overcome a lot, Sunny said. The 21-year-old, who is interested in filmmaking, has joined her mother on her endeavors to reach the peak of each state.

Sherpa and Sunny saw a rocky outcrop while exiting a canopy of trees. Sherpa was excited.

Put it in my name, you know, Lhakpa Sherpa Trail, she said. I wish I can put my name here.

Kelley, who led the way, offered his hand on the other side of a large gap in the rocks. Sherpa did not need help and jumped over the crack, about 3 feet wide.

They made her way to the edge of the mountain. Whipping out her phone, Sherpa started making a TikTok video of the view of rolling mountains in the distance.

You can see Blacksburg over there, said Kelley pointing to the south. Mount Rogers is over there. Theres Mountain Lake, thats a 4,000-foot ridge.

The big one? Wow, Sherpa said.

After eating some trail mix and making more TikTok videos, Sherpa and Sunny headed back down the trail.

Sunny picked a cluster of small delicate pale purple flowers and arranged them in the bun on the back of her moms head.

Sherpa said she was glad she had time for two hikes during her visit to Southwest Virginia, she enjoyed Mount Rogers where she saw the wild ponies and she was particularly excited to see a bear atop Johns Creek Mountain on the way back from Kelly Knob.

The Kelly Knob trail was quiet and peaceful. We even got to see a bear, she said.

The experience was unique. Kelley said he has seen many bears during his outdoor adventures, but in almost 25 years of maintaining this stretch of trail, it was only the second time he had seen a bear.

I was excited for Lhakpa and her daughter to be able to see that, Kelley said.

Sherpa hopes her accomplishments can inspire her daughters to never give up on their dreams.

I am proud of what I have done, Sherpa said. I hope my accomplishments can be a gift to my daughters and my family.
CONSTRUCTION

Michael R. Bennett has been named vice president of Building Specialists Inc., a full-service Class A general contractor in Roanoke. He will work in conjunction with President Robert H. Fetzer to lead the company, which has 49 years in business in Southwest Virginia.

Bennett has been with BSI for seven years and has more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He most recently served as senior project manager where he oversaw numerous fast-track commercial capital improvement projects for Roanoke City Public Schools, Franklin County Public Schools, Elizabeth Arden, Excel Truck Group, Pheasant Ridge, Vistar and Virginia Tech, among others.

He has also managed projects for Carilion Clinic, Allstate Insurance, Valley View Mall, Friendship Manor and more.
North Korean Marshal Pak Jong-chon, who was sacked earlier this year, has returned to the second most powerful position of the country's military after the country's leader Kim Jong-un as part of a year-end ruling party reshuffle, according to state media Sunday.

Pak was named the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea in the reshuffle from the five-day plenary meeting of the party's Central Committee that ended Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Pak had been removed from the position on Jan. 1 this year, but returned to public view in August as he visited a munitions factory with leader Kim, who chairs the Central Military Commission.

At the time, Pak headed the party's military political leadership.

As part of the party reshuffle, Pak was also named as a member of the politburo and a secretary of the Central Committee.

Pak, a former artillery commander, became the Chief of the General Staff in September 2019. He was promoted to vice marshal in May 2020 and to his current rank in October that year.

Jo Chun-ryong, director of the party's Munitions Industry Department, was also appointed as a member of the politburo and a secretary of the Central Committee in the reshuffle.

Jo, who in charge of production of conventional artillery shells, has been spotted multiple times with Kim during inspections of munitions factories this year.

His appointment comes as Seoul and Washington have accused Pyongyang of delivering arms to Moscow for its war in Ukraine.

The South Korean and U.S. governments have sanctioned Jo, while a U.N. Security Council Resolution named him in a travel ban list in 2016. (Yonhap)
Although substance use disorder is now widely recognized as a disease rather than a poor lifestyle choice, there is still plenty of stigma attached to the condition.

Nobody wakes up when theyre a little kid and says: I want to be an addict and I want to go to jail, said Wendy Dudley, case manager at Anderson & Associates, a Roanoke addiction treatment facility.

Dudley, who has been in recovery herself and has been clean and sober for 11 years, said when people become addicted to drugs, they are almost always self-medicating for trauma they may not even recognize themselves.

Dudley said the first step in recovery is to go through detoxification. Sometimes thats done voluntarily, other times, it happens in hospitals or correctional facilities. Dudley said once that part of the process is over, she works closely with local hospitals and mental health services to get these patients on the right track from the beginning.

The second step is to enter a program such as The 12, a 30- to 45-day low-level residential treatment program Anderson & Associates offers. Patients live in a structured environment in which theyre kept busy all day for the first few weeks, Dudley said. Later, theyre granted more autonomy.

Unlike many other programs, Dudley said, after the initial treatment period, patients are allowed to go alone to appointments, ride the buses, or find work so they can save for their future needs.

Going out into the community and putting what youre learning into play while youre living in a structured environment is ideal, she said. Some of her patients have been in the grip of addiction so long, theyve never learned how to handle money or how to cook for themselves, she said. Instruction in those skills is included in the program.

We give them the chance to prepare for life outside of treatment, Dudley said.

Anderson & Associates offers 45 beds in two different locations in Roanoke, and people come from all over Virginia, Dudley said. Fees are paid by Medicaid, but the need is bigger than the amount of beds we have.

And while there are many types of treatment programs available, the most successful are aimed at giving patients the skills to fully integrate into their community.

Doing that depends on the support of citizens who recognize that everyone deserves a chance, of employers willing to offer jobs to those with checkered employment histories, and on charities that help patients make a fresh start.

After patients have completed the program, Dudley said, they can find housing in the private sector, but thats difficult for those who have not worked in a while. Dudley said its best for graduates to find a bed in a recovery housing program.

There are so many stressors, its easy for them to relapse, she said. The old triggers arent going to go away at the end of a residential program. So after they move out, patients have access to counselors, mental health services and support groups for as long as they need them. The recovery houses offer a sense of community, and require that residents contribute toward the upkeep of the home. Some patients have been enrolled in the program for as long as five years, but most are ready to be on their own after three years, Dudley said.

But as with the private sector, a security deposit is usually required for these facilities, as well.

Thats why Dudley sends her patients to Roanoke Area Ministries, where they can apply for grants from the charitys Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which is supported by The Roanoke Times Good Neighbors Fund. The annual campaign, which includes stories about people helped by the program, had raised $150,107 as of Friday, according to RAM House.

We wouldnt be successful without the other community members, Dudley said. We are fortunate to have a program like RAM House.

Dudley said she also works hard with local employers to get them to hire program participants. Many of them have drug-related felony charges that result in poor work histories, but there are employers who are willing to give them a second chance, and Im not going to send them someone who wont be a good employee.

Dudley said the traditional ways society has treated those who have substance abuse disorders  with punitive methods and shunning  are not helpful.

At the core these are good people. The more we can bring them into the community, the more we are going to see this upward tick in turnaround.

The program works because we hire people who have lived experience, she said. We know what its like to have that trigger. It just takes time to retrain the brain.

Dudley added that the company has been able to serve more people since Virginia expanded access to Medicaid in 2018 as well as after COVID-19 relief programs enabled more people to enroll. The ending of that funding has had an effect on the programs, she said. Theyve since been reworked to be shorter and more intensive.

We have to get on the ball a lot quicker to find that solid discharge plan, Dudley said.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Two people have been rescued from a yacht after it was blown away from the north Dublin coast.

Howth RNLI responded to a report received after midday on Friday that a yacht had been blown offshore and was unable to make its way to its destination or to a harbour.

The yacht was south of Lambay Island, the largest island off Irelands east coast.

The Coast Guard described visibility as good but sea conditions as challenging, with winds blowing force 5 to 6, and gusting force 7.

All-weather lifeboat the Roy Barker III was launched within 10 minutes and was on the scene in 15 minutes, the Coast Guard said.

A lifeboat crew member assessed the two people on board the yacht and established they were wet and cold but otherwise unharmed.

The coxswain decided to tow the yacht to Howth harbour, and the lifeboat returned to its station at 1.40pm.

Howth RNLI Second Coxswain Ian Sheridan said: As the weather conditions were deteriorating, the crew of the yacht did the right thing in calling for help before it was too late.

Our volunteer crew responded to the pager quickly and we were able to launch and locate the yacht within 25 minutes of their call for help.

We train regularly in all weather conditions to ensure that when the pager goes off we can get out to sea to save lives and get back safely.

This type of callout for the RNLI provides a good opportunity to remind boat owners to always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off and have a means of calling for help at all times.

If you get into difficulty or see anyone in distress on or close to the water, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
This article was produced in partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. See the interview video and listen to the full interview with Magaly Villanueva, Office Manager for Tortilleria Mexico, and Isabel Guerrero, Communications Specialist for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce on the Chamber website.
Russia has launched a fresh drone assault on Ukraine after promising that strikes on the Russian border city of Belgorod that killed 24 people would not go unpunished.
The Holdovers holds up on repeat visits.

Ive seen it three times over the holidays and it still offers more to savor. Available this week on DVD, it could be the one film with staying power.

Directed by Alexander Payne, The Holdovers is a touching look at unlikely friendships and how circumstances often bring the most disparate people together.

In this case, thats a gruff instructor at a New England prep school, a smart-mouthed student and the schools head cook.

Theyre packaged over the holidays when  for whatever reason  there isnt family to pull them in.

Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a Barton Academy grad who doesnt suffer anyone, least of all the students. Since the ancient civilizations teacher doesnt have a family, hes assigned to watch the students left at school. Circumstances remove all but one from his charge  Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a troubled teen who is likely headed to military school if the stint here doesnt work out. Theyre joined by Mary Lamb (DaVine Joy Randolph), the cook whose son died earlier in the year. He, too, went to Barton and had few of Tullys advantages.

Set in 1970, The Holdovers takes full advantage of the period, leaning into pinball machines, The Newlywed Game and nonelectronic forms of communication. Its a great wallow for those who lived through the times but also an equalizer that lets the three approach friendship on their own terms.

When Angus injures himself in a gym stunt, Paul covers for him at the hospital and the entre nous aspect of the story begins to take shape. The two get out of the schools depressing interior and discover the world outside. Mary comes, too, and when the three head to Boston for a field trip, its clear change is in the air.

Payne plays with the edges Giamatti embraced in Sideways and lets Randolph toy with an accent thats just perfect. His greatest feat, though, is bringing out nuance in Sessa, the films newcomer. Its easy to see why the boy aggravates people; its also easy to see how he can be loved. The performance is fascinating and multi-layered.

When the two adults tap into their wards weaknesses, The Holdovers becomes one of those heartwarming looks at a season that can be downright brutal. Making their own Christmas, the three celebrate under a lopsided tree, get unwanted gifts and attend a party that lets each have a moment of vulnerability.

In Boston, theyre even more embraceable. Naturally, all doesnt end well that begins well. The field trip brings consequences and an awakening that proves adversity builds character.

Part Dead Poets Society, part Dutch, The Holdovers thrives on David Hemingsons screenplay. It doesnt underscore the obvious, but it does champion the virtues of friendship, no matter how qualified.

To make sure the audience understands this takes place in a different time, Payne uses old-school techniques (one shot will remind you of The Graduate) and 35-millimeter film. Add in period-specific ads, clothes and behavior and youll see why the characters problems arent easily dismissed with social media.
"I said, 'do not leave your house tonight.' He wouldn't come home (with me), so I left him, and he was dead within an hour. I just keep thinki
The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States dates back to Dec. 31, 1862, when many Black Americans gathered in churches and other venues, waiting for President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation to become law, and thus free those still enslaved in the Confederacy.

It's still being observed each New Year's Eve, at many multiracial and predominantly Black churches across the country.

As the Civil War raged on, Lincoln issued an executive order Sept. 22, 1862, declaring enslaved people in the rebellious Confederate states were legally free. However, this decree  the Emancipation Proclamation  would not take effect until the stroke of midnight heralding the new year.

Those gathering on the first Watch Night included many African Americans who were still legally enslaved as they assembled, sometimes in secrecy.

"At the time, enslaved Black people could find little respite from ever-present surveillance, even in practicing their faith," the National Museum of African American History and Culture explains. "White enslavers feared that religion, which was often used to quell slave resistance, could incite the exact opposite if practiced without observance."

Over its 160-year history, Watch Night has evolved into an annual New Year's Eve tradition  it not only commemorates freedom from slavery, but also celebrates the importance of faith, community and perseverance.

This description from the African American museum offers some details: "Many congregants across the nation bow in prayer minutes before the midnight hour as they sing out 'Watchman, watchman, please tell me the hour of the night.' In return the minister replies 'It is three minutes to midnight'; 'it is one minute before the new year'; and 'it is now midnight, freedom has come.'"

The museum notes that Watch Night worship services traditionally were followed by a "fortuitous meal" on New Year's Day, often featuring a dish called Hoppin' John.

"Traditionally, Hoppin' John consists of black-eyed peas, rice, red peppers, and salt pork, and it is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it," the museum says. "Some other common dishes include: candied yams, cornbread, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese."

Some of this year's services will be conducted virtually, without in-person attendance. Beulah Baptist Church in Philadelphia and First Congregational Church in Atlanta are among those choosing this option.

Among the many churches offering in-person services are Abyssinian Baptist Church in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland; and Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey.

In Salem, North Carolina, the Rev. William Barber II, a prominent anti-poverty and social-justice activist, will be leading an interfaith Watch Night service at Union Baptist Church along with its senior pastor, Sir Walter Mack. The event is billed as a "service of lament, hope and call to action."
RAMAT GAN, Israel  Igor Tudoran spent just 12 hours inside the Gaza Strip before a missile slammed into his tank, leaving him with a life-altering injury.

Already within the tank, I understood from the condition of my leg that I would lose it. But the question was how much of it will I lose, he said, seated on a bed in the hospital where he has been treated since he was wounded last month.

Tudoran, 27, a reservist who volunteered for duty after the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas that triggered the war, lost his right leg beneath the hip. He has kept up a positive attitude  but concedes that his hopes of becoming an electrician may no longer be possible.

Tudoran is part of a swelling number of wounded Israeli fighters, yet another sizable and deeply traumatized segment of Israeli society whose struggles are emerging as a hidden cost of the war that will be felt acutely for years to come. Given the large numbers of wounded, advocates worry the country is not prepared to address their needs.

I have never seen a scope like this and an intensity like this, said Edan Kleiman, who heads the nonprofit Disabled Veterans Organization, which advocates for more than 50,000 soldiers wounded in this and earlier conflicts. We must rehabilitate these people, he said.

Israel's Defense Ministry says roughly 3,000 members of the country's security forces have been wounded since Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 240 people hostage. Nearly 900 of those are soldiers wounded since Israel began its ground offensive in late October, in which troops have engaged in close combat with Hamas militants. More than 160 soldiers have been killed since the ground operation began.

They add up, said Yagil Levy, who teaches civil-military relations at Israels Open University, of the wounded. There could be a long-term impact if we see a big rate of people with disabilities that Israel must rehabilitate, which can produce economic issues as well as social issues.

The war has also brought unprecedented suffering to Palestinians in Gaza, where more than 21,000 have been killed, over 55,000 wounded and amputations have become commonplace. Most of the tiny enclaves population has been displaced.

Israelis still largely stand behind the war's objectives and it is mostly seen as an existential battle meant to restore a sense of security lost in Hamas attacks.

In a country with compulsory military service for most Jews, the fate of soldiers is a sensitive and emotional topic.

The names of fallen soldiers are announced at the top of hourly newscasts. Their funerals are packed with strangers who come to show solidarity. Their families receive generous support from the army.

But historically the plight of the wounded, though lauded as heroes, has taken a backseat to the stories of soldiers killed in battle. After the fanfare surrounding tales of their service and survival recedes, the wounded are left to contend with a new reality that can be disorienting, challenging and, for some, lonely.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized their sacrifice during a recent visit to wounded soldiers at Sheba Medical Center, Israels largest hospital, which has treated and rehabilitated many of the injured. You are genuine heroes, he said.

At Sheba, soldiers and civilians wounded in the war spilled out into the corridors on a recent day and passed the time with their families.

One man who had lost a leg after being attacked at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 lay in the sun on the hospital grounds, his wheelchair parked nearby. The Israeli pop diva Rita handed out hugs to some wounded soldiers. A military helicopter carrying more wounded landed nearby.

Jonathan Ben Hamou, 22, who lost his left leg beneath the knee after a rocket-propelled grenade struck the bulldozer he was using to help clear the way for other troops, is already looking forward to the day when he can use a state-funded prosthetic.

Im not ashamed of the wound, said Ben Hamou, who filmed the RPGs moment of impact as well as his evacuation to hospital. I was wounded for the country in a war inside Gaza. I am proud.

But Kleiman, who himself was wounded in an operation in the Gaza Strip in the early 1990s, said he thinks Israeli authorities are not grasping the severity of the situation.

The disabled veterans group is ramping up efforts to address what he suspects will be the overwhelming needs of a new cadre of wounded soldiers. He said the organization is tripling its manpower, adding therapists and employees to help wounded veterans navigate bureaucracy and upgrade rehab centers.

Kleiman said the number of wounded is likely to stretch close to 20,000 once those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are included.

He said if wounded soldiers dont receive the mental and physical care they need, including making their homes or cars accessible, it could stunt their rehabilitation and delay or even prevent their reentry into the workforce.

There are wounded whose lives have been ruined," said Idit Shafran Gittleman, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv research center. "They will have to contend with their wound their entire lives.

Photos: Scenes from the Israel-Hamas war
Remote access software can be an invaluable tool for teams that telecommute and work independently. Remote access software enables employees to share files, access each others devices and collaborate with ease from remote locations.

This type of software can also benefit IT support teams, helping them manage the devices and PCs of staff members remotely. Sales reps can also take advantage of remote access software to provide support and assistance to external customers.

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Increasing advancements in technology and telecommunications translate to more and more businesses allowing employees to work remotely, thereby heightening demand for remote access software.

Remote access software is available in different configurations. Some are multiplatform compatible, others have reporting and session-management features. Certain software solutions include meeting and collaboration tools, while others provide remote customer support features.

From customer service support teams to app developers, marketing agencies to IT support teams, there are a whole host of businesses requiring this type of technology to conduct remote business at optimum efficiency.

Benefits of Remote Access Software for Small Business Users

Remote access software offers a range of benefits for small businesses, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility. By enabling employees to access work systems and data from anywhere, these tools facilitate a more dynamic work environment. This flexibility is particularly valuable in todays fast-paced business world, where mobility and swift response are key. Furthermore, remote access software can reduce costs by minimizing the need for physical office space and resources. It also promotes better work-life balance for employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Small Business Deals

Key benefits for small businesses include:

Enhanced Productivity : Employees can access work files and applications from any location, ensuring work continues seamlessly, regardless of their physical location.

: Employees can access work files and applications from any location, ensuring work continues seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. Cost Savings : Reduces the need for extensive physical office infrastructure, leading to significant cost reductions in office space and resources.

: Reduces the need for extensive physical office infrastructure, leading to significant cost reductions in office space and resources. Flexibility and Scalability : Easily adaptable to changing business needs, allowing for scaling up or down as required.

: Easily adaptable to changing business needs, allowing for scaling up or down as required. Improved Work-Life Balance : Offers employees flexibility in their work schedules, contributing to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

: Offers employees flexibility in their work schedules, contributing to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. Disaster Recovery : Ensures business continuity by providing remote access to critical data and systems in case of emergencies or disasters.

: Ensures business continuity by providing remote access to critical data and systems in case of emergencies or disasters. Global Talent Access : Enables hiring of top talent from around the world, not limited by geographical constraints.

: Enables hiring of top talent from around the world, not limited by geographical constraints. Enhanced Collaboration : Facilitates better teamwork and collaboration through shared access to files and applications.

: Facilitates better teamwork and collaboration through shared access to files and applications. Data Security : Many remote access tools include robust security features, ensuring sensitive business data remains protected.

: Many remote access tools include robust security features, ensuring sensitive business data remains protected. Reduced Commute Time and Environmental Impact: Decreases the need for daily commuting, contributing to lower carbon emissions and a reduced environmental footprint.

Overall, remote access software aligns well with the evolving needs of modern small businesses, offering them a competitive edge in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Remote Access Software

Here are the most important factors we considered when compiling our list of the top remote access software. Each one is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is reserved for the most important features.

Security Features (Rating: 10/10) Encryption strength

Two-factor authentication

Compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) Ease of Use and Setup (Rating: 8/10) User-friendly interface

Quick and straightforward installation process

Availability of support and tutorials Performance and Reliability (Rating: 9/10) Connection stability

Speed of access

Minimal latency Compatibility and Integration (Rating: 8/10) Supports various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Integrates well with existing systems and software

Mobile access compatibility Cost-Effectiveness (Rating: 7/10) Transparent pricing models

Scalability for growing businesses

Free trial or money-back guarantee Customer Support and Resources (Rating: 7/10) Availability of 24/7 customer support

Access to comprehensive resources and FAQs

Regular software updates and maintenance Customization and Features (Rating: 6/10) Ability to tailor settings to specific needs

Range of features (file transfer, remote printing, etc.)

Multi-user capabilities and session recording Reputation and User Reviews (Rating: 5/10) Positive feedback from current users

Industry recognition and awards

Longevity and track record in the market

We believe these criteria comprehensively cover the essential aspects small business owners should consider when selecting remote access software. Each aspect is weighted based on its overall impact on the effectiveness and security of the software.

Best Remote Access Software

If you are looking to invest in quality remote access software to help simplify collaboration and increase productivity within your remote team, take a look at the following seven best remote access software solutons for your small business.

Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist offers an all-in-one solution for remote support including unattended desktop access and screen sharing. Its known for being secure and backed by the Zoho ecosystem, which has a positive reputation. The company says its software provides a variety of features including Wake-on-LAN, File Transfer, Clipboard syncing, support for mobile devices and more. As far as integration, the software also support multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.

Zoho Assist has a free version available, but if you want more features, they have other plans that go up to $25 per user.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer empowers secure remote desktop access and support. This powerful software connects people located around the world on a vast array of platforms and technologies, including older operating systems.

TeamViewer is completely customizable, available in 30 different languages and comes with 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentications, Verisign code signing and session passwords, for maximum security. The software connects without a virtual private network and can operate around firewalls.

TeamViewer business subscription costs approximately $45 a month.

LogMeIn

LogMeIn is a multiplatform remote access and management system, which includes 1TB of file storage, LastPass password managers, multiple monitor support, SSL/TLS security and remote printing.

LogMeIns Pro version includes collaboration and access tools, whilst its Rescue version provides remote support through quick-connection technologies. LogMeIns Pro version, which enables you to access and manage computers remotely, is ideal for individuals, small businesses and IT professionals. The Pro version starts at $149 per year.

GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC is remote desktop software, which provides remote access on your Mac or PC from anywhere. The software can be installed with ease and, once installed, you can easily transfer files between computers.

GoToMyPC provides multi-monitor support and you can even copy and paste between your connected computers.

GoToMyPC Pro is for small business needs that require admin access to multiple users. The software costs around $21 for two computers per month.

Chrome Remote Desktop

With Chrome Remote Desktop you can use a mobile device or PC to access apps and files on another computer across the internet. You can give remote team members access to your computer with Chrome Remote Desktop, so they will have complete access to your files, apps, emails, history and documents.

Chrome Remote Desktop can be used for free.

Splashtop Business Access

Splashtop provides fast, simple and secure remote computer access for teams spread about in remote locations. Some of the key features of Slashtop Business Access include file transfer, remote print, chat, access from any device, remote alarm clock, group view, robust security, user management, amongst other.

Costing just $5 a month per user, Splashtop offers an affordable remote access solution for small businesses on a budget.

VCN Connect

VCN Connect is screen sharing and remote access software that provides multi-platform support to businesses of different sizes and industries. Depending on which package you opt for, you can benefit from VCN Connects feature-rich systems, which includes file transfer, cloud connectivity, full session encryption for optimal security, team management capabilities, dedicated support channel, and much more.

VCN Connects Professional package stars from $40 a year for one remote computer with discounts for volume and duration.

Feature / Software Zoho Assist TeamViewer LogMeIn GoToMyPC Chrome Remote Desktop Splashtop Business Access VCN Connect Basic Functionality Remote support Remote desktop access Remote access & manage Remote desktop access Remote access Remote computer access Screen sharing & remote access Special Features Wake-on-LAN, File Transfer, Clipboard syncing 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication 1TB storage, LastPass, SSL/TLS security Multi-monitor support, easy transfer Access via mobile device or PC File transfer, remote print, chat File transfer, cloud connectivity, full session encryption Platform Support Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android Multi-platform, including older OS Multi-platform Mac, PC Multi-platform Multi-platform Multi-platform Pricing Free version available, up to $25/user ~$45/month Starts at $149/year ~$21 for two computers/month Free $5/month per user Starts at $40/year for one remote computer Target Users General Global users Individuals, small businesses, IT professionals Small business needs General users Small businesses on a budget Businesses of various sizes Security Features Not specified Verisign code signing, session passwords SSL/TLS security Not specified Not specified Robust security Full session encryption Languages Supported Not specified 30 languages Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Remote Printing Not specified Not specified Yes Not specified Not specified Yes Not specified File Transfer Yes Yes Yes Yes Not specified Yes Yes Multi-monitor Support Not specified Not specified Yes Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
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What are the BEST rental listing sites? A landlord or property managers work is never done. Between handling repairs, collecting rent and maintaining the property, theres always something to be done. Add finding the right renter to the list, and things can get complicated in a hurry. Thats where rental listing sites come into play.

What is a Rental Listing Site?

Rental listing sites are websites that allow landlords and property managers to post information about their rental properties. These sites are used by potential tenants looking for a new place to live, or by people who are interested in finding additional properties to invest in.

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While some rental listing sites cater specifically to landlords and property managers (like Zillow Rental Manager), others also have information for potential tenants, such as reviews (HotPads) or financial tips (RentLingo).

How do Rental Listing Sites Work?

Most rental listing sites work in a similar way. Property owners or managers create an account on the site and post information about their property, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, monthly rent price, and any special features or amenities that are included with the property.

They can also include photos of the exterior and interior of the property to give potential tenants a better idea of what it looks like.

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In addition to this information, some sites also allow landlords to include additional details about their properties, such as whether the property is pet friendly or if the tenant will pay utilities, neighborhood amenities, nearby schools, and requirements for renters, such as a credit score minimum.

Once the listing is verified ready, it goes live on the website. The owners are later notified by the rental listing company if prospective tenants want to rent the property.

Our Methodology to Choose the Best Rental Listing Sites

For our evaluation of the top rental listing sites, we considered several key criteria that are essential for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, indicating its importance in our selection process, where 1 is less critical and 5 is most critical:

Ease of Use and Navigation (Rating: 5) We prioritized sites that offer a user-friendly interface, making it simple for both landlords and tenants to navigate. Quality and Variety of Listings (Rating: 5) Essential for us was the diversity and quality of rental listings available on each site. Cost for Listings and Value for Money (Rating: 4) We assessed the cost-effectiveness of each site, ensuring landlords get good value for their listing fees. Tenant Screening and Security Features (Rating: 4) Sites offering robust tenant screening processes and security features were rated highly. Customer Support and Resources (Rating: 3) We considered the availability and quality of customer support and educational resources for users. Integration with Property Management Tools (Rating: 3) The ability of these sites to integrate with property management software was an important factor. Market Reach and Visibility (Rating: 5) We focused on sites that offer significant market reach and visibility to ensure listings attract a wide audience. Mobile Accessibility and App Performance (Rating: 3) Sites with reliable and functional mobile platforms were given preference. User Reviews and Feedback (Rating: 2) We took into account user reviews and feedback to understand the real-world effectiveness of each site. Innovative Features and Tools (Rating: 3) We looked for sites that provide innovative features, like virtual tours or AI-driven property suggestions.

These criteria form the backbone of our methodology, ensuring that the rental listing sites we recommend can provide visibility, efficiency, and value to landlords and property managers.

16 Best Rental Listing Sites

Now that you know about the best rental listing sites for landlords, here are 16 of the best ones you can use to list your rental property, along with their advantages and disadvantages:

1. Zillow

Zillow is one of the most popular rental listing sites on the internet, and that means youll have a lot of applicant traffic. Its size and features make the platform a great choice for landlords looking to list their properties.

In addition, their website features some of the best rental tools around for finding quality renters and managing ones you already have. Landlords can really make their property listings pop by uploading a 3-D view of it too.

Pros:

Zillow is an established brand that has a large website of over 135 million homes.

Built-in tools like the Zillow Rental Manager lets you screen tenants with background and credit checks. Having Tenants pay rent online is an option too.

Zillows mobile applets property owners upload, edit and publish their listings. The app also lets property owners and landlords communicate with applicants and collect rent payments.

Cons:

There is no way to categorize rental properties into specific neighborhoods.

If you want to add a listing, its $9.99 a week for every additional listing after the first free one.

While the tools to collect rent payments are a nice feature, landlords say they find it a challenge to manage financials like credits, security deposits and pet fees.

2. Facebook Marketplace

If youre not utilizing Facebook Marketplace to advertise a rental, you are missing out on a huge pool of potential tenants. With roughly 800 million monthly users, the destination will give your listings a significant amount of exposure with its large user base.

Pros:

You can easily add photos, descriptions and even videos to the listings in minutes.

The marketplace lets you see whos interested in your listing so that you can contact those people directly through Messenger or WhatsApp.

Landlords can use features like messaging, filters and location tags to gain more exposure with renters in their area.

Facebook offers tools that make it easy for landlords to view who posted listings and how many times they were shared or liked.

Cons:

The site has far fewer users than some of the other popular rental listing websites.

Renters looking for properties on Facebook Marketplace may not be as serious about finding a rental as those who visit other websites.

Responding to inquiries can be difficult, as renters message you through the site or the app itself.

This option might put your private data at risk.

3. Rentals.com

Rentals.com is part of the RentPath company, and it targets first-time renters, especially the millennial demographic. They operate in all 50 states, and they are the largest rental listing site that is focused on single-family homes, condos, townhomes, apartment ings and rent-to-own properties.

Pros:

You can influence your placement based on the entire time your property is listed with them vs. automatically sorting listings by how recently you posted them.

They have an enormous amount of filters that make finding the right renter easy.

Unlimited online applications from serious renters.

Feature-rich landlord tools like video tours that show lots of property details.

Cons:

The website can take a while to update and be glitchy, which is a big downside when listing real-time availability and collecting money from tenants is critical.

Some reviewers on TrustPilot reported that they get very few to no leads from rent.com. Some even reported they got more leads from free listings than they did from rental.com.

Their price range runs from $49.99 to $84.99/month, which can give some landlords sticker shock compared to other listing sites.

Customer service reportedly can be slow to respond to inquiries.

4. AVAIL

180,000 people use the property management AVAIL app. Its ideal for DIY landlords that have less than 10 rental units.

With AVAIL, you can advertise your vacant units on high-traffic rental listing sites including Apartment List, Doorsteps, realtor.com, and Zillow. Tenants can pay rent on Avails easy-to-use online rental platform.

Pros:

The app lets you easily collect rent and track rent credits and tenant expenses.

An educational system walks you through the beginning, intermediate and advanced landlord topics.

AVAIL has a very responsive help desk that operates 24/7.

Their free tenant screening process goes way beyond typical credit and eviction history checks, such as whether the potential renter is on the terrorist watch list.

Cons:

The site doesnt have as many listings as some of the other top rental listing websites.

There is a lack of filters on AVAIL, which can make finding the right property more difficult.

They charge by rental unit, so the more you have the more expensive it is. Landlords with over 10 units or short-term rentals may find that AVAIL isnt the best fit for them.

5. Apartments.com

Apartments.com is one of the best listing sites for attracting qualified apartment renters since they charge applicants a fee to apply on their mobile app. Why is that? This requirement separates qualified renters from the rest since applicants take their time and look closely to make sure the propertys size, price and rules are a good fit before handing over their application.

Pros:

It is one of the largest rental websites (more than 1.1 million available units).

You can narrow your search by specific neighborhoods.

Provides tools for saving money on rent and deposits.

You can connect with many renters and lease the property 100% online.

User-friendly search function.

Cons:

App users report sorting features and updates are cumbersome.

The site mainly displays larger apartment complex rentals.

Neighborhood information is too limited.

It is one of the more expensive sites to advertise on.

6. PadMapper

PadMapper has a motto and thats Making Apartment Hunting Suck Less. We could all do with a little bit of that, and the property management tool offers simple ways to make it happen for renters.

But the big question here is: does PadMapper suck for listing your apartment property? Lets look at the pros and cons to find out.

Pros:

It has an easy-to-use interface, and you can post an apartment, private or shared room or rental home to a pad in a minute or two.

PadMapper is secure and safe to use. They also clamp down on spam and viral marketing ads like a frog eating a fly.

Although they dont splash it across the website like other listing companies, Pad Mapper has free rent collection and tenant screen tools.

PadMapper has joined forces with San Francisco-based Zumper, so landlords can now benefit from the best these site partners have to offer.

Cons:

There are not many options in the way of filters, so you may need to do some searching on your own before finding a rental that suits your needs.

The site has a tendency to show irrelevant properties, such as those that are sold or no longer available.

PadMappers rental listings expire, and you can only have one active listing at any given time without paying for an upgrade.

7. Oodle

Think of a mashup of Facebook Marketplace and Craigs List, and you have the classified ad listing website Oodle. Landlords can list apartments, condos and home rentals online in their classified section.

Pros:

Oodle is one of the biggest classified ad listing websites on the internet.

You can list your apartment or rental home quickly and easily.

There are many filters to help you find what youre looking for, including an option to search by email address.

The site is free, so you can list as many apartments and homes on Oodle as you own or manage.

Cons:

You might be bombarded with spam emails from scammers who want your money without delivering any results for your apartment business.

There are not any landlord tools to help you manage your property, and it doesnt have any tenant screening services to make sure the tenant is reliable.

8. Rentometer

Rentometer is a website and app that landlords can use to measure the rentability and the going rate of their properties in seconds. It is a great resource for those who are curious about how much they could charge for rent, or if they should raise the rent on their current tenants.

Pros:

Rentometer provides both short-term and long-term rental rate averages so you can get a good idea of what the market is doing.

Its easy to use-you just plug in your property parameters and it generates a report for you.

Rentometer offers both monthly and yearly subscription plans, so there is something for everyone.

The Batch Analysis tool provides statistics on properties and lets you know if you are charging too much or too little

Cons:

Rentometer doesnt have features for listing rentals.

You can only use the site and app if youre a property owner, so renters cannot access the information they need.

The estimation for rental prices arent accurate at times.

No mobile app for Android platforms.

You have to pay for monthly and annual plans.

9. Trulia

Trulia is a real estate marketplace, MLS aggregator and subsidiary of Zillow. They have are over 3.5 million listings and information is provided to them by brokers, MLSs, website vendors and Zillow.

Pros:

The listings are accurate and up-to-date

You can filter and save your searches

The website is easy to use and has many features, such as the ability to see how long a property has been on the market.

Trulia gets most of its profit from ads and landlords can list their properties for free.

Cons:

The website has a lot of advertisements, which can be overwhelming and detract from the listings themselves.

There is no way to list directly with Trulia, and there are many false listings placed on Trulias site because of its free rental listing options.

The website is slow sometimes, and it takes time to get updated when the property has already been sold or occupied.

10. Hotpads

Hotpads is a rental marketplace for apartments and houses throughout the U.S. Like Trulia, its part of the Zillow Group family of listing sites. That means youll have a lot of monthly visits to your rental real estate listing.

You may have to pay a fee for larger rental property listings, but the added value from Hotpads is probably going to be worth it to many landlords.

Pros:

Its been around since 2005 and has built a great reputation among landlords and tenants alike.

An easy-to-use interface with many filters.

Their site connects landlords to the Zillow Rental Manager where you can post listings, collect rent, screen tenants and more.

It lets you use custom keywords in your search.

Cons:

Hotpads listing inventory contains a lot more apartments than homes. Therefore, if a single-family house is what you need, this site may not align with your goals.

Reviewers on Sitejabber have complained that the reality of the property doesnt match up to the nice photos of it on the site.

Critics say Hotpad is sometimes slow about updating listings and that they advertise properties as available when theyre not.

Hotpads no-frills website, apps and search engine arent as advanced as some other sites on this list.

11. Apartment Guide

Offering a nice apartment finder for tenants in big cities is Apartment Guide. It is one of the most popular rental listing sites on the web, and you can count cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Phoenix among some of the big cities on their apartment list. They also have their focus on leasing single-family houses, townhouses and condos.

Pros:

It takes just a few minutes to create an account and list your property.

An easy-to-use interface that is easy to navigate.

Its free. There are some pricing plans that are designed to give your listings an extra boost. But they probably arent necessary for many landlords.

A lot of great photos and descriptions of properties (e.g., square footage).

Advanced filtering options.

You can save your favorite searches.

Cons:

Reviewers on TrustPilot said that the pictures of properties can be deceiving.

Customer support can be uneven.

The search engine does not contain as many listings as some other sites on this list. This means you may have fewer results for larger properties like single-family homes and condos, especially if these are not in major cities or metropolitan areas where Apartment Guide focuses its attention.

There are some issues with the way their software maps properties, which can potentially get in the way of how tenants find your properties.

12. ByOwner

By Owner has been in business for over 20 years, and they can list the homes, condos, apartments, townhomes and villas for rent. Additionally, it is the top-visited rental digital platform for renters looking to lease straight from owners. They offer a complete online toolbox, such as online rental applications for prospective renters, to make a landlords job easier.

Pros:

They offer a 14-day free trial.

The website is easy to use and navigate.

You can post up to 50 pictures

Your ad stays active for six months from the day you post it.

They have a rental guarantee: you get 3 months free listings if you dont rent your property in 3 months.

Cons:

Some reviewers on SiteJabber say they have poor customer support.

It is difficult to get in touch with them over the phone if you have a question.

The listings are $39/month after a 14-day free trial. An MLS rental advertisement on several high-trafficked sites is $349/month.

Byowner caters to major for rent cities, so their services may not be available in your area.

13. Homes.com

When it comes to traffic homes.com has it going on, as they are the sixth-largest web portal for people scouring the Internet for rental property. They focus on single-family homes, along with townhouses and condos.

Pros:

Balance Small Business ranks them as the best rental listing site for single-family properties.

Since it has high traffic, a lot of people will browse listings.

They provide concierge services that provide you with custom real estate advertising thats powered by machine learning.

Cons:

You can create a profile for free, but you have to buy leads if you want to list your rental property and have much success on homes.com.

Critics on Consumer Affairs say they can be very attentive on the sales sidebut uneven on the customer support side.

There is only a contact form or way to sign up for an account on the site, making it hard to navigate the process and find out what to do and how to get started without talking to an agent.

14. MyNewPlace

MyNewPlace (formerly RentJungle) is a good go-to site for landlords who want to lease their single-family homes and apartment units. One feature they have, that is different from most, is that landlords only have to pay when potential tenants contact them through an ad on MyNewPlace.

Pros:

Mobile users are a big pool of renters you can reach with their iPhone app. It has quite a few filters that allow for specific neighborhood searches.

You can advertise and reach millions of people looking for rental homes and apartments

They offer different levels of service that you can buy, which gives your rental listing more exposure on the website.

Cons:

You have to contact the company directly to advertise with them.

It can be hard to get in touch with customer service if you need help.

Critics on Yelp, San Francisco state that the sorting features arent so great and it can be hard to get in touch with customer service if you need help.

15. Doorsteps

Doorsteps is a house and apartment finder for renters thats powered by realtor.com. Their website has thousands of listings collected from direct feeds from property management companies, city & state MLS sites and through their partnership with apartments.com, Cozy and Avail.

Pros:

You can create a custom listing in minutes that showcases your rentals most desired features. The company offers tenant screening, lease creation, renewable listings and rent collection with their basic planall free and 100% online.

The website offers accurate, up-to-date information

There are many visitors, especially in college towns.

Syndicates your rental listing to the top 12 listing sites.

Cons:

Their payment structure is similar to how AVAIL lists their apartment units at $5/unit. So, the more units you have, the more expensive it is.

Another downside is youll be out of luck if you are listing something other than apartments or houses for rent.

16. Rentdigs

Rentdigs promotes itself as the #1 place on the internet to advertise home and apartment rentals. The website was created by landlords for landlords, so it has a lot of juicy tools and features for free that will help you get qualified tenants. For instance, you can create custom screening questions and applications, and you can use their rent collection service.

Pros:

You can add single and multiple home and apartment listings to Rentdigs for free.

When you list, Rentdigs automatically posts to other sites renters access, such as MyNewPlace, Oodle and Trovit.

Site statistics give you the number of viewers and how often they are looking at your rental property.

You can create personalized links for prospective tenants

Rentdigs indexes great on Google, Bing and other search engines

Cons

Some of Rentdigs features are less advanced than other listing sites.

The site doesnt get much traffic as sites such as Cozy or Zillow.

Bonus: People with Pets

About 72% of renters in the U.S. have pets, and only 7% of landlords allow pets. That means if you are in the 93% of property managers and owners who dont rent to animal owners, you are not tapping into this niche. If you do allow animals to live with their owners, youll want to use this resource to let pet owners know. You can also use it to let them know that you accept a security deposit or pet deposit, what the rules are for having an animal on your property pet in your property and so on. The premium membership to list at People with Pets is $9.99/month.

Pros:

Responsive website you can access with all mobile Devices.

Property Description; up to 12 photos; unlimited floor plans

Direct link to your website & social media

Direct communication with your property via email, phone or fax

Access to their Listing Management Console and the ability to add/edit your own listing

Cons:

There are no landlord tools to screen your tenants, so you may have to list with another company simultaneously to use theirs

Many listing companies allow people to filter nearby pet-friendly properties as part of their services, so People with Pets may not be needed if you are with another listing company.

There isnt as much traffic as with some of the property listing companies on this list; this could result in fewer pet owners and other renters seeing your listing.

Best Rental Listing Sites Summary

Site Pros Cons Zillow Large audience, advanced tools, 3-D listings, mobile app. Weekly fee for additional listings, managing financials can be challenging. Facebook Marketplace High user base, integrated messaging, quick listing setup. Less serious renters, risk to private data. Rentals.com Good for first-time renters, vast filter options, unlimited applications. Glitchy updates, may not yield many leads, higher price range. AVAIL Comprehensive landlord tools, 24/7 help desk, detailed tenant screening. Charges per rental unit, less suitable for landlords with over 10 units. Apartments.com Large inventory, neighborhood-specific search, fully online leasing. Cumbersome app updates, mainly showcases large apartments. PadMapper Easy interface, secure, free rent collection, and tenant screening. Limited filter options, shows irrelevant properties, listings expire. Oodle Large classified ads site, quick listing process, free. Risk of spam, lacks landlord and tenant screening tools. Rentometer Provides rental rate averages, easy to use, subscription plans available. No listing features, only for property owners, price estimation issues. Trulia Accurate listings, easy to use, free profile creation. Ad-heavy, no direct listing, slow updates. Hotpads Well-established, connects to Zillow Rental Manager, custom keywords in search. More apartments than homes, potential outdated listings, basic interface. Apartment Guide Quick account setup, free base listing, advanced filtering options. Deceptive pictures, uneven customer support, focused on major cities. ByOwner 14-day free trial, 50-picture uploads, 6-month ad duration, rental guarantee. Paid listings after trial, caters to major cities, costly MLS ads. Homes.com High traffic, focuses on single-family properties, machine learning advertising. Must buy leads, uneven customer support, no direct listing process. MyNewPlace Pay-per-contact model, reaches mobile users, different service levels. Direct contact required for advertising, inconsistent customer service. Doorsteps Custom listings, free basic tools, accurate information, large visitor base. Paid listings for more exposure, not for non-apartment/house listings. Rentdigs Free listings, auto-posts to other sites, indexed well on search engines. Less advanced features, lower traffic than larger sites. People with Pets Responsive site, direct communication links, property description features. No tenant screening tools, may not be necessary if using other services, less traffic.

Free Rental Listing Sites

There are a few free sites like Oodle and Trulia that offer rental listings at no charge. Also, Zillow offers the first listing free. However, when youre looking for a great rental listing site, its important to consider what features are the most important to you. Sites that offer free listings can be a great option, but they can often be filled with ads or have less traffic than those that charge a fee.

Why You Should Use Rental Listing Sites

Rental listing sites offer several benefits to landlords and property managers. Here are a few of the more important reasons why you would want to use them.

Reach a Larger Audience

Rental listing websites have a large audience of potential renters, sometimes in the millions. This exposure means that your rental listing will have a much greater reach than if you only advertised through word-of-mouth or local newspapers.

Tenant Screening

Rental listing sites allow landlords to do tenant screening by requiring rental applicants to provide relevant information. This process helps landlords gain a better understanding of the tenant and weed out unqualified renters. Make sure to use the best background check for landlords to vet your tenants properly.

Saves Time and Cash

By posting your rental property on a rental listing site, you dont have to worry about advertising it in other ways. This can save you time and your hard-earned cash.

Stay Organized

Rental listing websites often have tools that allow you to keep track of the properties you own and manage, as well as information about tenants. This can help landlords stay organized and avoid mistakes.

Free Rental listings

It is free to list properties through the online platform of many rental listing companies, making it a quick and easy process for the landlords to find many prospective clients for their vacant units.

Direct Access

Listing sites also allow the landlords and tenants to communicate directly with each other, making it an easy process for both parties. This can save a lot of time in the process and make it more efficient.

No Agents or Brokers

If you use a rental listing, you dont have to pay agents or brokers negotiating fees or commissions to find a tenant. This means you get to keep more money in your pocket.

Property Management Tools

Some listing sites also offer tools to help landlords and rental managers keep track of their properties. For example, Zillow Rental Manager allows you to store information about your tenants, generate lease agreements and automate rent collection.

Fraud is Prevented

Its tough to fill vacancies if fraud is involved. Luckily, rental listing websites can prevent fraud by verifying the information landlords list for their properties. This option is better for tenants since they dont have to rifle through the newspaper for a place to rent. Its also better for landlords because they often dont have to pay every week to list their properties.

Correct Audience

Landlords experience a 49% turnover rate in their rental properties. As a result, they and their property managers are often motivated to fill vacancies with qualified tenants as soon as possible to offset losses. Posting high-resolution photos of rental units on rental listing websites can attract the correct audience, including those who are looking for a place to rent immediately.

Advanced Search Options

Rental listing websites often have advanced search options that allow prospective renters to filter their results by things like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and price. This makes it easier for potential tenants to find the rental property they want.

How to Choose the Best Website for Your Rental Listings

Not all rental listing websites are created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best website for your rental listings:

Size of the Website: The size of the website is often an important consideration.

The size of the website is often an important consideration. Type of Site: You should also consider what type of site the website is. Some websites are only for rentals, while others are for both sales and rentals. For instance, if its a vacation rental listing, property owners should research and find a vacation rental site where they can get a larger audience with good traffic for their vacation rentals.

You should also consider what type of site the website is. Some websites are only for rentals, while others are for both sales and rentals. For instance, if its a vacation rental listing, property owners should research and find a vacation rental site where they can get a larger audience with good traffic for their vacation rentals. Features: The features offered by the website should also be considered. For example, some websites offer tools to help landlords manage their properties, while others allow renters to filter their results by price and number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

The features offered by the website should also be considered. For example, some websites offer tools to help landlords manage their properties, while others allow renters to filter their results by price and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Ease of Use: The website should be easy to use. It should be simple to post a rental listing and easy for renters to find the information they need.

The website should be easy to use. It should be simple to post a rental listing and easy for renters to find the information they need. Pricing: Finally, consider the pricing of the website. Some websites charge landlords to post their rental listings, while other rental listing sites do not.

How much do rental listing sites cost?

That depends on a number of factors, including the listing site, the area and how bad you want to get your property rented. Some sites offer a la carte features so you can choose whats important to you, and others offer a variety of packages with standard features.

For the most part, the price range can vary greatly. For instance, at Zillow, its about $10 a week for every additional listing after the first free one, but with BuyOwners no holds barred approach to getting your place rented, its nearly $350 a month. Then, there are those like AVAIL, where you can be wind up paying a little or a lot, depending on how many rental units youre listing.

How do I list my property to rent?

The process of listing your property to rent will vary depending on the rental listing site you choose. Generally, youll be asked to provide some basic information about your real estate, such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price range and amenities.

Many rental listing sites also require photos of the real estate or a video tour, and, at the very least, youll want to post multiple pictures of your property for people to see as they browse listings. You may also be asked to provide information about the neighborhood, including schools nearby and local attractions.

They will also verify your identity and address for security purposes. Once youve submitted the information and been notified that your listing is live, its usually a waiting game to see if someone bites.

Should I list my rental on multiple sites?

Yes, and youll want to list your real estate on sites that are most relevant to your target renter. For example, if youre targeting a specific city, list it on rental listing sites for that area. If youre targeting vacationers, list it on travel-based rental sites. Theres no need to limit yourself to just a few sitesthe more the better.

If youre using property management software, it should automatically list your rental on all these sites for you. Be sure to check with each site before listing and make sure that they allow multiple listings from single users so there are no problems later on down the road.

Is Zillow free to list a rental?

If you want to list rental property on Zillow, your first listing is free. After that, youll have to pay roughly $10 each week.

Is it free to list on rentals.com?

No. Their price range starts at the basic plan for $49.99 to a premium plan with extra features and exposure for $84.99. (source was a phone call to rentals.com)
North Korea aims to launch three additional spy satellites and produce more nuclear weapons next year, as it is accelerating war readiness against various forms of U.S. military threats, Pyongyang's state media said Sunday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un set forth the goal as he wrapped up five days of the plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Based on the experience of successfully launching and operating the first spy satellite in 2023 in the space development sector, the task of launching three more spy satellites in 2024 was unveiled and all-out measures to spur the development of the space science technology were discussed," the KCNA said.

The North successfully put a military spy satellite, named the Malligyong-1, into orbit on Nov. 21 after two failed attempts in May and August. There are suspicions that North Korea might have received technical support from Russia in return for its arms supplies for use in Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Outlining detailed tasks in the defense sector for next year, Kim put priority on stepped-up efforts to build more nuclear weapons.

"We need to swiftly respond to a possible nuclear crisis and mobilize all physical means, including nuclear force, in a bid to accelerate preparations for the great event of putting the entire territory of South Korea under our control," Kim said.

He also ordered the Navy to enhance its military capabilities and called for developing powerful unmanned combat equipment, such as spy and attack drones, and means for electronic warfare, the KCNA said.

Earlier this year, the North's leader ordered an expanded production of weapons-grade nuclear materials for an exponential increase in the country's nuclear arsenal.

At a key party congress in 2021, North Korea unveiled key defense projects, including the development of a nuclear-powered submarine and multiple nuclear warheads, and the launch of a military spy satellite.

In July, North Korea unveiled two types of new reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones at an arms exhibition and a military parade. The North sent five drones across the border with South Korea in December 2022, with one of them penetrating a no-fly zone close to Seoul's presidential office.

In regard to inter-Korean ties, Kim said he will no longer consider South Korea a counterpart for reconciliation and unification, saying Seoul has declared the North as a main enemy. The Workers' Party has also concluded that unification with South Korea is not possible, Kim was quoted as saying.

Calling for a "fundamental change" in dealing with South Korea, the North's leader said that inter-Korean relations have become those of "two hostile countries" or "countries engaged in state of combat."

Relations between South and North Korea remained sharply strained this year, as North Korea focused on advancing its nuclear and missile programs, including the launch of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The North's leader vowed an "offensive and ultra-powerful" stance against the U.S. in 2024, denouncing Washington's deployment of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula and its military drills with Seoul.

"If the U.S. and the South pursue military confrontations with us, we will not hesitate to take a critical action against them with our nuclear deterrence," Kim said.

North Korea has used an increase in joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea and Washington's move to deepen security cooperation with its Asian allies, Seoul and Tokyo, as an excuse for boosting its weapons tests and provocations.

South Korea's unification ministry "strongly" condemned North Korea for unveiling the plan to advance nuclear and missile programs while expressing its blatant animosity against South Korea.

The ministry said North Korea is expected to step up preparations to develop strategic weapons and carry out weapons tests next year.

"North Korea is likely to stage any form of provocations next year to flex its military muscle as its leader directly ordered the great event of putting the entire territory of South Korea under its control," it said.

Seoul's defense ministry also strongly condemned the North over its plans to continue building up its strategic weapons and renewed its warning that the North Korean regime will face its end if it attempts to use nuclear weapons against South Korea.

"If North Korea attempts to use nuclear (weapons) against us, we will overwhelmingly punish them by utilizing the significantly enhanced extended deterrence of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the three-axis system, and we gravely warn that the Kim Jong-un regime will face its end," it said in a statement.

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full-range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend an ally. The three-pronged system refers to the South Korean military's defense system, which includes the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike platform.

In September, North Korea amended the constitution to enshrine the policy of strengthening its nuclear force. Last year, the country enacted a new nuclear law authorizing the preemptive use of nuclear arms, calling its status as a nuclear state "irreversible."

At last year's party plenary meeting, Kim called South Korea an "undoubted enemy" and called for an "exponential" increase in the country's nuclear arsenal and the development of tactical nuclear weapons. (Yonhap)
Instead, people can count down the last seconds of the old year at the light countdown clock.

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Bratislava is joining other Slovak towns and will not welcome 2024 with fireworks. The reasons are environmental as well as economical.

The budget shortfalls are forcing us all to save and tens of thousands of euros shooting fireworks at the sky are the one item that may be missed elsewhere, said Peter Bubla, Bratislavas spokesperson. The Bratislava budget is proposed at more than 601.8 million.

Bubla noted that the city is seeing more and more requests to enter the new year peacefully and without fireworks.

In Bratislava, amateur pyrotechnics have been prohibited since 2016. Slovakia will ban the use and the purchase of some pyrotechnics from January 2, 2024.

Related article

Related article Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners Read more

Countdown

Nevertheless, residents and visitors of Bratislava will not lose out on the countdown in the last seconds of the departing year.

We invite all those who associate the arrival of the new year by celebrating in the streets of our city to Hviezdoslavovo Square, said Bubla. He adds that together they can count down the last seconds of the old year at the traditional light countdown clock in front of the historic building of the Slovak National Theatre.

The unison countdown, the scenery of the historic SND building, the first wishes of the New Year and hugs with loved ones, and Strauss waltz under the open sky will create a magical moment at the turning of the year, promises the capital.

In addition to celebrations in the city centre, there will be a countdown and fireworks display projected on the first Slovak skyscraper in the capital, Eurovea Tower, that is visible from a broad surrounding area.

Christmas Market

The New Years Eve atmosphere will be completed by the Old Town and Main Christmas Market on Hviezdoslav and Main Square, which will be open until 2 a.m.

Last year, Bratislava did experience professional fireworks. They were not prepared by the city but the government office on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the independent Slovak Republic.

Related article:

Related article: 3 things to do in Bratislava for free in the next seven days Read more

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Related article Where to go off during holidays in Bratislava (not just for introverts) Read more

Public transport on New Year's Eve

Tram lines 3 and 9 will run non-stop, and it will be possible to transfer between them at the Blumental stop. The route of tram line 9 from approx. 23:40 (to Dubravka) and 00:10 (to Astronomicka) will be extended to the borough of Dubravka (Astronomicka  Kapucinska  Kutiky  Dubravka, Pri krizi) along the route of tram line 4.

Night public transport lines (with the exception of N56, N91 and N99) will operate throughout the night in 30-minute intervals.

Tram lines 4, 9 and night bus lines will run more frequently during New Year's Eve and Day. Still, their operation will be adapted to the demand of passengers.

During the New Year's Eve celebrations, the Bratislava Public Transport Company will turn off and mechanically secure against damage 110 ticket machines. The reason is repeated vandalism during the celebrations, the company said. Passengers can use the IDS BK mobile app, SMS, and the Kartuj service (card payment) to buy a public transport ticket.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/czech-foreign-ministry-should-figure-out-how-un-works---russian-foreign-ministry-1115904153.html

Czech Foreign Ministry Should Figure Out How UN Works - Russian Foreign Ministry

Czech Foreign Ministry Should Figure Out How UN Works - Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the UN Czech Permanent Representative's refusal to participate in the meeting that the UN Security Council works in accordance with the specific norms of international law, and not in accordance with some other "rules".

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Russia earlier demanded the presence of the Czech envoy at the UNSC meeting "so that he could explain himself for his country's supply of ammunition, which is killing civilians," but the permanent representative refused to participate in the meeting. "Prague's creativity is so limited it can be compared to Sofia's decision to ban me from flying through Bulgaria's airspace," Zakharova added. The spokeswoman referred to the incident which occurred in late November. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's flight arrived in northern Macedonia in November via Greece, where the Russian delegation was attending a meeting of the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers. The plane was initially expected to fly through Bulgaria, which had issued a permit for the Russian flight, but the plane ended up flying through Greece. As the Russian delegation explained to RIA Novosti, the decision to fly through Greece was due to the fact that the permission of the Bulgarian side did not apply to the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova."Nothing was said about whether I could fly over Bulgaria without an airplane or whether I could use outer space for this purpose," Zakharova added.On Saturday afternoon, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that the Ukrainian military shelled the center of Belgorod. According to the latest official data, 21 people, including three children, were killed, 110 people, including 17 children, were injured, 30 people are in serious condition. Damage was reported to the Belgorod regional government building, a medical college, and the Belgorod Hotel. Russian President Vladimir Putin, briefed on the incident, ordered a medical and rescue team to assist victims.The Russian Defense Ministry said Kiev used the Olkha missiles with cluster munitions, the Czech-made RM-70 Vampire missiles, and other types of artillery shells in the attack.The ministry added that Kiev carried it out to divert attention from its defeats on the battlefield and to provoke the Russian forces into similar actions. But unlike Ukraine, Russia strikes only military facilities and the infrastructure directly connected to them, the ministry stressed, adding that it will not leave the deadly attack on Belgorod unanswered.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/death-toll-from-ukrainian-attack-on-russias-belgorod-rises-to-24-1115909796.html

Death Toll From Ukrainian Attack on Russia's Belgorod Rises to 24

Death Toll From Ukrainian Attack on Russia's Belgorod Rises to 24

The death toll from the Ukrainian air attack on the western Russian city of Belgorod has risen to 24 after one of the victims died in hospital overnight, Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Sunday.

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"Unfortunately, to our great sorrow, the number of those who have died after yesterday's shelling of Belgorod has risen to 24. One of the victims died at night in hospital. I offer my deepest condolences to the relatives and close ones of the victims," Gladkov said on Telegram. Out of the 109 wounded people, 25 in serious condition are about to be transported to federal hospitals, the governor added. Ukraine shelled the central part of Belgorod on Saturday afternoon. The Russian Defense Ministry said that Czech-made Vampire rockets and missiles with cluster munitions were fired at the city. Air defense systems intercepted most of the targets, but several projectiles and cluster parts from downed missiles fell on Belgorod.Due to the attack on Belgorod, firework displays have been canceled in cities across the Russian Far East - in Vladivostok, Blagoveshchensk, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and Magadan.The Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Central Federal District Igor Shchegolev arrived in Belgorod, where he held an urgent meeting with security services and inspected the sites of the Ukrainian attacks.Attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians are a violation of international humanitarian law and unacceptable, the office of the UN secretary-general's spokesman told Sputnik, commenting on the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod.Khaled Khiari, assistant to the UN secretary-general, at a meeting of the Security Council in connection with the strike on Belgorod urged the sides not to attack populated areas, civilian objects, or civilians.Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, called his Czech counterparts refusal to attend the UN Security Council meeting over the shelling of Belgorod an act of cowardice. Earlier, Russia demanded his participation in the meeting to give an explanation in connection with the supply of arms to Kiev, but Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that the Czech envoy to the UN would not attend the meeting.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231230/russian-un-envoy-calls-ukraines-strikes-on-belgorod-deliberate-terrorist-attacks-1115903189.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-announces-abdication-in-january-2024-1115922141.html

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II Announces Abdication in January 2024

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II Announces Abdication in January 2024

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced in her New Year's address on Sunday that she would abdicate the throne on January 14, 2024.

2023-12-31T18:09+0000

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2023-12-31T18:10+0000

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"I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024  52 years after I succeeded my beloved father  I will step down as Queen of Denmark," the queen was quoted as saying by The Independent newspaper. The 83-year-old queen will leave the throne to her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220929/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-deprives-four-grandchildren-of-their-royal-titles-1101329533.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/donbass-unbreakable-spirit--1115912103.html

Donbass: Unbreakable Spirit

Donbass: Unbreakable Spirit

Petrovsky District is well known as one of the most heavily bombed and hardest hit districts of Donetsk, and yet thousands of civilians; men, women and children, live there and go about their lives there every day, even under the terrorist shelling of the ukrop/NATO nazis.

2023-12-31T11:35+0000

2023-12-31T11:35+0000

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Petrovsky District is well known as one of the most heavily bombed and hardest hit districts of Donetsk, and yet thousands of civilians; men, women and children, live there and go about their lives there every day, even under the terrorist shelling of the ukrop/NATO nazis. Petrovsky District is where Sergey and Magomed teach over 100 kids and young adults the fine art of karate and self-defense. Sergey had his own karate school in the gym of the main schoolhouse in the front line village of Alexandrovka, not far from Petrovsky, but the entire schoolhouse in Alexandrovka was destroyed by shelling from Ukrainian artillery. So, Sergey joined forces with Magomed, and now his students from Alexandrovka come to the school in Petrovsky for their lessons.Magomed opened his school in 2020, after several years of repair on a building he had bought expressly for the purpose of turning it into the only dojo in Petrovsky. Magomed is a successful business owner, and used his own money to buy and repair the school. Magomed's son, Ruslan, is currently a brown belt, and also teaches at the school. Sergey is an officer in the DPR security services, and also a renowned poet. All three are friendly, respectful, open, artistic and intellectual, but fearless and harder than a fist full of coffin nails if they have to be. All perfect examples of what we want our Petrovsky kids to grow up to be. And indeed, all our Russian kids.When I met my good friend Jeff Monson a few days earlier, we invited him to come visit the school in Petrovsky, and he was ready to go, but his Russian security guards said Petrovsky was too dangerous. And they probably made the right decision. Petrovsky is one of the most dangerous districts of Donetsk, but it's not too dangerous for those of us who live there, and who go there every day. Jeff said he'd make sure he would be able to come to Petrovsky next time he was in town.Along with the bone crushing techniques that Magomed and Sergey teach to kids who have lived all or most of their lives in war and under shelling, the most important lesson is courage, and these kids have a natural affinity for it. I'm very proud to be able to say that I'm from Petrovsky, but I was never prouder of it than when visiting the teachers and students there.

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Donbass: Unbreakable Spirit There are three 3rd degree Black Belts in Donetsk. Two of them, Sergey and Magomed, teach Karate in the Petrovsky District of Donetsk, one of the most heavily shelled areas of the city. Sergey wrote a poem about one night after class, when the kids were leaving, and incoming Ukrainian shelling targeted the area near the school. Exclusive report by Sputnik correspondent Russell Bentley 2023-12-31T11:35+0000 true PT1M20S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/dozens-rally-in-amsterdam-against-arms-shipments-to-ukraine-1115921822.html

Dozens Rally in Amsterdam Against Arms Shipments to Ukraine

Dozens Rally in Amsterdam Against Arms Shipments to Ukraine

Nearly 50 people in Amsterdam took part in a demonstration against arms deliveries by Western countries to Ukraine on Sunday, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.

2023-12-31T17:36+0000

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The demonstration kicked off early in the morning on the city's Dam Square, despite rainy weather. The demonstrators marched to the beat of drums to Amsterdam Central Station, carrying white flags and escorted by police. The demonstrators spoke out against the Dutch government's decision to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and called for peace as soon as possible. On December 22, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that he had informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the government's decision to prepare the first 18 F-16 fighters for delivery to Ukraine. Western countries have been providing Ukraine with military aid since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. The support evolved from lighter artillery munitions and training to heavier weapons, including tanks. Ukraine eventually started pushing for Western-made fighter jets, which its donors abroad long resisted.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/protest-against-military-supplies-to-ukraine-gathers-4000-in-berlin---police-1113895245.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/ex-cia-officer-compares-ukrainian-officials-to-rats-fleeing-titanic-amid-recruitment-crisis-1115915520.html

Ex-CIA Officer Compares Ukrainian Officials to Rats Fleeing Titanic Amid Recruitment Crisis

Ex-CIA Officer Compares Ukrainian Officials to Rats Fleeing Titanic Amid Recruitment Crisis

Russian and independent media have been reporting on Ukraines harsh recruitment tactics since early 2022, when President Zelensky announced general mobilization. Nearly two years on and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian casualties later, legacy outlets are finally starting to catch up.

2023-12-31T13:49+0000

2023-12-31T13:49+0000

2023-12-31T14:04+0000

analysis

ukraine

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Retired CIA intelligence analyst and former State Department official Larry Johnson has compared Ukraine to the Titanic as Ukrainian officials attempt to escape the country to avoid certain death in the Zelensky regimes meat grinder military campaign against Russia.The fact that the New York Times is now reporting this tells you how bad the situation is. Theyve realized that this party is over, Johnson told Redacted host Clayton Morris on Saturday, referencing an unusually frank expose by the newspaper characterizing Ukraines recruiters as people snatchers and detailing their harsh, corrupt, and illegal practices, from the confiscation of fighting age mens passports to attempts to recruit the mentally disabled.The Ukrainian presidents office was forced to take measures earlier this year to block officials and lawmakers from making business trips abroad after a series of scandals involving vacations to luxury resorts while ordinary Ukrainians are mired in conflict and trying to survive. Earlier this month, former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko complained that he too had been blocked from leaving the country on important diplomatic work, and called the decision to stop him an anti-Ukrainian diversion that would serve as a blow to Ukraines defense capabilities.President Zelensky signed laws extending martial law and general mobilization last month, and in early December acknowledged a need for changes to the mobilization system to recruit even more conscripts. Last week, Ukraines military leadership proposed the mobilization of an additional 450,000-500,000 people, a task some US observers said may prove impossible as the country has already been drained of fighting-age men.Pointing to the recent admission even by Ukraines notorious military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov that the current mobilization strategy is bound to fail, Johnson suggested this lets you know that this things not gonna drag on for two-three years as some have predicted. The end is nigh. I think theyll be lucky to make it to summer. Because youve got the political unrest, the intrigue thats going on. Like [Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valery] Zaluzhny coming out saying my office was bugged. Thats like a whole Russian nesting doll right there, he said. The story is another indicator of the growing chaos within the Ukrainian government, and the decreasing ability of the United States to control those events, the observer summarized.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/ukrainian-armed-forces-unable-to-mobilize-another-500000-people---reports-1115785623.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/spying-devices-found-inside-zaluzhnys-office-sign-of-growing-chaos-within-kiev-regime-1115673835.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/how-global-nuclear-weapons-landscape-has-changed-over-2023-1115908488.html

How Global Nuclear Weapons Landscape Has Changed Over 2023

How Global Nuclear Weapons Landscape Has Changed Over 2023

From the collapse of landmark nuclear arms control treaties to renewed fears that the world may edge closer to using nuclear weapons in light of the Ukraine conflict, 2023 has been one of the most critical years for the global nuclear weapons landscape.

2023-12-31T06:03+0000

2023-12-31T06:03+0000

2023-12-31T06:03+0000

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vladimir putin

russia

china

nato

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joe biden

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Crumbling Nuclear Arms Control RegimeIn 2023, the world saw a significant erosion of the nuclear arms control architecture, involving the two major nuclear powers  Russia and the United States. In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during his address to the Federal Assembly that Moscow was putting the brakes on its participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the US. Putin said Washington was pressing Moscow to respect its commitments under the pact while not doing so itself. He also made it clear Russia was only suspending, not terminating, its participation in the agreement. Since then, the risks related to a possible nuclear conflict were exacerbated going into spring and summer amid Kiev's looming counteroffensive repeatedly announced by Ukrainian officials, Nikolai Sokov, a senior fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Nonproliferation, told Sputnik. Another blow to the global nuclear arms control framework came later in the year as Russia revoked the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), citing Washington's refusal to ratify the agreement. Despite numerous assurances from Russian officials that Moscow would continue to observe the moratorium on nuclear tests, some Western countries have criticized the move, urging Russia to reconsider its stance. Commenting on all the developments in nuclear arms control in 2023, M. V. Ramana, the director of the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia, told Sputnik that risks of a direct military confrontation between Moscow and Washington remained quite high. "There has always been a risk of nuclear war between the US and Russia and that continues to be the case," the expert stressed. Nuclear Sharing Gains New DimensionThe outgoing year also saw Russia place its nuclear weapons outside the country, which many officials say mirrors the US nuclear sharing arrangements with its allies in Europe. In late March, the Russian president announced that Moscow and Minsk had agreed to place Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, without breaching Russia's non-proliferation commitments. The deal also covers the construction of storage facilities and training. The decision was partially made in response to the expanding presence of US nuclear weapons across NATO, Russian officials said. Russia's nuclear sharing with Belarus was one of the key changes in the global nuclear arms landscape in 2023, Sokov said, adding that the agreement between Moscow and Minsk was "underappreciated." Meanwhile, media reported in fall, citing US Air Force budget documents for fiscal year 2024, that the US could be planning to build a dormitory at the US-rented Lakenheath base in the United Kingdom for a possible deployment of US nuclear weapons in the UK. The potential plans, decried by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, would mean the return of US nuclear arms to British soil for the first time since their withdrawal 15 years ago. Arsenals Increasingly UpgradedAs tensions have been ratcheted up between key global powers, they grew heavily involved in modernization of their military capabilities, including the nuclear ones. Washington made several steps in this direction. In March, US President Joe Biden issued $37.7 billion for nuclear enterprise modernization in the fiscal year 2024 defense budget. Months later, the Pentagon said the US would pursue the development of a modern variant of B61 nuclear gravity bomb. Washington will continue efforts to modernize its nuclear capabilities, Sokov believes. Russia has also made significant efforts to upgrade the combat capabilities of its strategic nuclear forces. In September, the country put the Sarmat strategic missile system on combat duty, with the nuclear-capable weapon expected to considerably strengthen Russia's strategic missile forces, according to Russian state space corporation Roscosmos. Dark Horse in Looming Arms RaceChina was another key player in 2023, the experts said. The US, in particular, has expressed mounting concern over China's nuclear weapons, accusing Beijing of a "lack of transparency" as regards its alleged rapid buildup of nuclear arms. Washington has warned that China remains a major actor in this area going forward. The Pentagon said in its October report to Congress that China already possessed 500 nuclear warheads in 2023 and was projected to have more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030. Sokov echoed the view on the lack of clarity of China's motives, claiming, however, that the country might seek a "more survivable nuclear posture" in the light of a worsening geopolitical situation. "Although it will hardly reach the same level as Russia or the US, we are talking about a 'true' nuclear triangle, which is vastly more difficult to formalize than the dyadic US-Soviet/Russian balance. Hence, there will be more uncertainty, more motives for an arms race," the expert said. Is Iran Already Capable of Developing Own Nuclear Bomb?Iran and its controversial nuclear program have continued to be in the spotlight ever since former US President Donald Trump announced his countrys withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The issue drew even more attention in 2023 amid the stalled talks on the deals renewal and Tehran's alleged progress in enriching uranium to high levels. In October, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report that Iran had enriched enough uranium up to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade, for three nuclear bombs. The expert also opined that restarting the JCPOA could be possible in "a few years" if it is reshaped. "Effectively, what is needed to complement Iran's political decision to remain non-nuclear is assurances ... that it remains non-nuclear. The main stumbling block is economic sanctions, of course, but even that may be solvable with enough urgency and political will," he explained.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231229/eyes-to-the-sky-us-choppers-to-descend-on-las-vegas-to-monitor-nuclear-threat-1115869527.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231201/scott-ritter-us-pushing-nuclear-arms-race--can-only-have-tragic-ending-1115332523.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/is-there-chance-of-revival-russian-envoy-says-its-premature-to-call-jcpoa-dead-1106850859.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/idf-announces-temporary-halt-to-military-activity-in-neighborhood-in-southern-gaza-1115912931.html

IDF Announces Temporary Halt to Military Activity in Neighborhood in Southern Gaza

IDF Announces Temporary Halt to Military Activity in Neighborhood in Southern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had suspended military activity in a neighborhood of the city of Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip near the border with Egypt, for humanitarian purposes until 12:00 GMT on Sunday.

2023-12-31T11:54+0000

2023-12-31T11:54+0000

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"A local and temporary tactical suspension of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place in the Al Junaynah neighborhood in Rafah from 10:00 to 14:00 local time," IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X. The Israeli military also again urged residents of northern Gaza to move to shelters in the area of Deir al Balah city in central Gaza. However, The New York Times reported in mid-December that Israeli evacuation orders were sometimes contradictory and did not reach all residents of the enclave. 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 21,800 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/20231230/netanyahu-says-israeli-operation-in-gaza-strip-will-last-for-many-more-months-1115902687.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/kim-jong-un-announces-radical-policy-shift-in-relations-with-south-korea-1115920824.html

Kim Jong Un Announces Radical Policy Shift in Relations With South Korea

Kim Jong Un Announces Radical Policy Shift in Relations With South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country and the ruling party had realized the impossibility of partnering with South Korea and ordered that all work plans with the South Korean side and relevant bodies be reorganized according to the current situation, the state-run KCNA news agency reported on Sunday.

2023-12-31T17:00+0000

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korean central news agency (kcna)

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yoon suk yeol

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Kim made the announcement at the plenary session of the Korean Workers' Party Central Committee, which was held from December 26-30, delivering a closing speech on "the orientation of struggle in 2024." Actions by the United States and South Korea are plunging the Korean peninsula into an "uncontrollable crisis," Kim said, criticizing the US for bringing nuclear weapons to the peninsula. South Korea is completely "tainted by Yankee culture" and is currently nothing but a "colonial stooge" of the US, which is why inter-Korean relations must be reorganized, the North Korean leader said. The North Korean army must continuously prepare to conquer the entire territory of South Korea in the event of a nuclear conflict between the two countries, and be ready to mobilize all means, including nuclear weapons, Kim added. Last week, the North Korean leader said Pyongyang would respond with a nuclear strike to any nuclear "provocations." On Wednesday, Kim instructed North Korea's military to accelerate "war preparations" to counter "extreme confrontation moves" by the United States and its allies on the Korean Peninsula. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the armed forces on Thursday to "immediately" respond to enemy attacks by retaliating first and only then reporting to "smash the enemy's desire for provocations."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231228/kim-jong-un-calls-for-stepping-up-war-preparations-over-us-confrontation-moves-1115847355.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231229/south-korean-president-willing-to-be-us-lapdog--expert-1115876591.html

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Education, justice ministries to cooperate to maintain quality of universities

By Jun Ji-hye

Korea seeks to facilitate cooperation between universities, municipalities and companies as it pushes for a paradigm shift in policies to attract more international students, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said, noting that the plan is aimed at preemptively securing skilled foreign workers for high-tech industries and boosting the global competitiveness of the country.

During an interview with The Korea Times on the occasion of the New Year, Lee, who also serves as the deputy prime minister, said the governments new policies concerning international students will extend beyond academic pursuits to encompass their employment and settlement in the country.

In the past, attracting international students was the responsibility of each university, but under the new policies that we are now aiming for, universities, local governments and companies will closely cooperate to help schools recruit more foreign students who are suitable for their strategies and visions and achieve internationalization, the minister said.

This will also contribute to alleviating the growing regional disparity.

In August, the ministry announced the Study Korea 300K Project, under which the government aims to attract 300,000 foreign students to study at domestic universities by 2027.

The ministry cited the United Kingdom, which aims to invest 35 billion pounds ($44.8 billion) to attract 600,000 foreign students by 2030, and France working to simplify the process of obtaining visas to draw 500,000 foreign students by 2027, as examples of intensifying global competition to attract students from abroad.

Lee said, through the project, the government will push to diversify the nationalities of students coming to Korea.

In particular, we will receive more students for masters and doctorate programs in the natural science or engineering fields from countries such as Poland, the United Arab Emirates and India where demand for bilateral economic cooperation in defense and nuclear power businesses is high, Lee said.

We will also expand student exchanges with the United States and Japan.

Lee said the ministry will establish departments dedicated to attracting international students at Korean Education Centers located around the world in 2024 to offer more systematic support those wishing to study in Korea.

However, there are growing concerns that some universities, grappling with financial instability due to diminished enrollments, might exploit the national project to attract more foreign students for survival, rather than focusing on efforts to enhance their educational capabilities. Critics say students could be lured by these universities due to a lack of information.

Addressing such concerns, Lee stressed that the project is not focused only on increasing the physical number of international students but also on helping the students map out their career paths and settlement in Korea.

We have already cooperated with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant ministries to check universities management of foreign students, Lee said.

We will take appropriate measures against schools neglecting their duty in this regard, including giving disadvantages in visa issuance.

Lee added that the government is overhauling its online system (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) to offer more comprehensive and accurate information to those wishing to study in Korea.

Education reforms

The minister, who took the office in November 2022, has played a pivotal role in championing education reforms  a key component among the three areas of change pursued by President Yoon Suk Yeol, alongside labor and pension reforms.

However, a series of suicides among school teachers, including a tragic incident where a teacher in her 20s took her own life inside her classroom at Seo2 Elementary School in southern Seoul on July 18, triggered an unprecedented crisis in the education sector, drawing attention to the challenge facing teachers' authority in classrooms.

Although police did not detect any criminal acts, many teachers across the country believe that their deceased colleagues were all under excessive stress due to demanding parents. Teachers held street rallies in Seoul and other parts of the country every weekend from July 22 to demand the government improve protection for teachers.

As the controversy grew, the minister has held dialogues with groups of teachers every week since September in a bid to reflect their voices in forming the government's education policies.

Since December, the dialogue sessions expanded to include parents and students to enhance communication between those involved in the education sector and make positive changes, Lee said.

I will continue to actively accept opinions raised by those in the field to create more practical policies.

The minister stressed that education reforms are an urgent task needed to address three major challenges faced by the country  the demographic cliff, which refers to a major decline in the working population, deepening inequalities including regional disparity, and digital transformation.

He said the government will work to provide world-class education and child care services from birth through graduation from elementary school, in a bid to overcome the significantly decreasing fertility rate that is feared to accelerate the demographic cliff.

In response to the fast introduction of digitalization, textbooks powered by artificial intelligence will be applied to classrooms beginning in 2025, he said.

He added, in a bid to resolve deepening regional disparity, the government will innovate various regulations imposed on local universities and strengthen support for them to induce regional development.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/maines-secretary-of-state-was-targeted-in-a-swatting-call-following-trump-ballot-decision-1115922512.html

Maines Secretary of State Targeted in a Swatting Call Following Trump, Ballot Decision

Maines Secretary of State Targeted in a Swatting Call Following Trump, Ballot Decision

Shenna Bellows, Maines Secretary of State, was targeted in a fake emergency call just one day after her decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the states 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot.

2023-12-31T22:28+0000

2023-12-31T22:28+0000

2023-12-31T22:29+0000

americas

us politics

us

marjorie taylor greene

donald trump

donald trump's indictment

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Maine State Police said they responded to a hoax emergency call at the secretary of states house on Friday night. Bellows lives in the small town of Manchester, which holds a population of less than 2,500 people, according to data from 2020. The town sits just outside of the capital of Maine.An unidentified man called and said he had broken into Bellows home in Manchester. Bellows, 48, and her family were not home at the time of the call. Police checked both the inside and outside of her home, but did not find anyone. Nothing suspicious was found, either, according to reports.Bellows is not the first politician to experience swattingthe intent of which is to get Swat teams, and other first responders, to show up to a residence following a fake phone call to emergency services. Suspects in these cases can be arrested and charged.While it has not been reported what the incentive of the swatting attempt against Bellows was, it followed a conservative individuals decision to post her home address on social media.And it was posted in anger and with violent intent by those who have been extending threatening communications toward me, my family and my office, Bellows said.Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) was the target of a swatting attempt at her Georgia residence on Christmas morning, Greene and local police said. A man from New York called the Georgia suicide hotline claiming he had shot his girlfriend at Greenes home and was about to kill himself. Police are reportedly investigating the incident.Other politicians in the US have been targets of the swatting calls, including: Senator Rick Scott of Florida, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.Maine became the second US state to strike Trump from their primary ballot, following Colorados decision about 10 days prior. The former president has been ruled by the two states as not eligible to hold office under section 3 of the 14th Amendment for his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol.Maines decision can still be appealed to the states judicial supreme court, while the ruling made by Colorados Supreme Court has made its way to the doorstep for the US Supreme Court. On Thursday, Colorado said that with Trump's appeal filed, he will be included as a candidate on the states primary ballot unless the US Supreme Court declines to hear the case, or upholds the states decision. The US Supreme Court is made up of a majority of conservative justices, three of which were appointed by Trump himself.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/marjorie-taylor-greene-swatted-on-christmas-day-1115812394.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/mapping-the-cosmos-a-2400-year-old-ritual-stone-depicts-sky-before-modern-astronomy-1115916256.html

Mapping the Cosmos: A 2,400-Year-Old 'Ritual' Stone Depicts Sky Before Modern Astronomy

Mapping the Cosmos: A 2,400-Year-Old 'Ritual' Stone Depicts Sky Before Modern Astronomy

Archeologists have identified 29 unique carvings on a stone disk that correspond to stars in constellations such as Scorpius, Orion, Cassiopeia and the Pleiades.

2023-12-31T15:38+0000

2023-12-31T15:38+0000

2023-12-31T15:38+0000

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An ancient stone disk, possibly one of the oldest celestial maps ever discovered, has been unearthed at an ancient hill fort in Rupinpiccolo, northeastern Italy. The artefact may reveal the location of a supernova that exploded thousands of years ago and is believed to depict a celestial map of the night sky, according to a study in the journal Astronomische Nachrichten.The etchings on the "ritual" stone disk match patterns of celestial stars from ancient times. Found close to ancient fortified castellieri settlements that thrived from between 1,800 and 1,650 B.C. to 400 B.C. The disk, roughly the size of a car tire, bears chisel marks from its creation over 2,400 years ago.But a marking positioned north of the constellation of Orion intrigued scientists, as it does not align with any recognized star. This symbol could signify a star that experienced an incomplete supernova, resulting in a black hole that remains elusive with present-day instruments but might be discernible using sophisticated astronomy methods.Analyzing the disk, researchers uncovered 29 distinct markings: 24 on one side and the remaining five on the reverse. These patterns correspond to celestial bodies in constellations like Scorpius, Orion, Cassiopeia and the Pleiades.Nevertheless, a unique marker above Orion's northern region puzzled on the stone astronomers because it does not correspond to any familiar star today. This marker might point to a star that experienced a supernova  a star's powerful and luminous explosion  resulting in an elusive black hole that advanced astronomical methods might one day reveal.While the exact age of the stone remains a mystery, its depiction of the celestial sphere seems older than many counterparts. The famed Nebra disk from Germany, considered to be from roughly 1,600 B.C., is one of the earliest known representations of the night sky. However, it has frequently been interpreted more as symbolism than a detailed astronomical chart.The Rupinpiccolo hill fort disk predates "faithful" astronomical maps, suggesting its potential role in tracking seasonal changes for agricultural purposes, which were vital for the survival of the ancient settlement.More in-depth analysis is needed to ascertain the artefact's meaning and uncover its wider implications. The stone disk serves as a reminder of the profound astronomical wisdom of early civilizations and its practical manifestations.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220914/from-techno--signatures-to-astro-archeological-artifacts-search-continues-for-alien-life-1100766853.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/mesa-verdes-petroglyphs-new-window-into-ancient-astronomical-practices-1115618531.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/russia-repels-3-attacks-in-donetsk-direction-ukraine-loses-up-to-300-troops---mod-1115916043.html

Russia Repels 3 Attacks in Donetsk Direction, Ukraine Loses Up to 300 Troops - MoD

Russia Repels 3 Attacks in Donetsk Direction, Ukraine Loses Up to 300 Troops - MoD

The Russian military has repulsed three Ukrainian attacks near the villages of Bogdanovka and Georgeevka in the Donetsk People's Republic in the past 24 hours, where Kiev lost up to 300 soldiers, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

2023-12-31T13:48+0000

2023-12-31T13:48+0000

2023-12-31T13:48+0000

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"Total enemy losses in this direction amounted to up to 300 soldiers, two armored combat vehicles, and four vehicles," the ministry said. A US-made M777 artillery system, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery unit, a D-30 howitzer, a US-made M119 howitzer, and a US-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station were also hit during counter-battery fire, the ministry said. In the Liman direction, Russia repelled one attack by the Ukrainian forces, destroying up to 50 troops, two armored combat vehicles and three pickup trucks, the ministry said. In the Kupyansk direction, the Russian armed forces repelled four Ukrainian attacks, with Kiev losing up to 120 soldiers, two infantry fighting vehicles, two vehicles and a Leopard 2 tank, the ministry said. In the Kherson direction, Kiev lost up to 25 servicepeople, three vehicles and a self-propelled Gvozdika artillery unit, the ministry said. In the South Donetsk direction, Russian forces repelled an attack of Ukrainian assault group, destroying up to 100 soldiers and two vehicles, as well as a German-made FH70 howitzer, an Msta-B howitzer and a D-30 howitzer, the ministry added. In the Zaporozhye direction, the Russian armed forces destroyed up to 75 Ukrainian servicepeople, two armored combat vehicles, three pickup trucks and two D-30 howitzers, the ministry said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231230/russia-repels-2-attacks-by-ukraine-in-donetsk-direction-kiev-loses-up-to-350-soldiers---mod-1115893094.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/russias-lavrov-reveals-to-sputnik-what-will-happen-to-ukrainian-officials-charged-with-war-crimes-1115898472.html

Russia's Lavrov Reveals to Sputnik What Will Happen to Ukrainian Officials Charged With War Crimes

Russia's Lavrov Reveals to Sputnik What Will Happen to Ukrainian Officials Charged With War Crimes

Russias foreign minister sat down with Sputnik on the eve of the new year to discuss the most difficult problems facing Moscow and the planet, from the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East to global strategic security.

2023-12-31T04:25+0000

2023-12-31T04:25+0000

2024-01-01T09:24+0000

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Ukrainian officials accused of war crimes will be tried and punished in accordance with the law, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has assured Sputnik.The foreign minister specified work by Russias Investigative Committee probing more than 4,000 criminal cases brought against roughly 900 individuals, including neo-Nazi leaders, Ukrainian security service personnel, and mercenaries, plus representatives of Ukraines military and political leadership, some of them charged in absentia and placed on an international wanted listing.Based on evidence collected by the Investigative Committee, Russian courts have already sentenced more than 200 representatives of Ukraines Armed Forces to long prison terms for atrocities committed. The same fate awaits all other criminals. Each of them shall receive just retribution, Lavrov said.Gaza CrisisTurning to the crisis in Gaza, which began on October 7 with Hamas' attack on southern Israel and escalated into a major humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory, Lavrov reiterated Russias support for Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, and pointed to the issues standing in the way.One of the obstacles getting in their way remains the lack of Palestinian unity, he said, referring to the conflict between Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organization in the West Bank.Moscows proposals on the convening of multilateral consultations on the matter remain on the table, the Russian top diplomat stressed, adding that the recent, December 20 meeting of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum in Morocco confirmed a unity of opinions between Russia and the Arab World on the issue.Attempted 'Maidanization' of SerbiaAsked further to comment on the political crisis which began brewing in Serbia after snap parliamentary elections earlier this month, which Serbian authorities have characterized as an attempted "Maidanization" of the Balkan nation, Lavrov confirmed that Russias dialogue with Belgrade includes a focus on security cooperation, with Moscow always ready to lend a shoulder to its Serbian friends.In Serbia, people have not forgotten about this either, thanks in part to their own experience, the Russian top diplomat added, alluding to the 2000 "Bulldozer Revolution" coup against Slobodan Milosevic. Apparently, this is why the number of protesters is relatively small  only a few hundred people. People dont trust [political] figures who talk about their opposition to violence, but in reality behave in the exact opposite way, ignoring the will of the people and provoke law enforcement.Moscow assesses the general situation in Serbia as stable at present, with the countrys leadership in firm control over the situation, clearly understanding that that is where their national interest lies, Lavrov said.Bilateral Relations With the USAsked to comment on the shifting political climate in the United States and the possibility of improved relations between Moscow and Washington in the event that a Republican wins next years presidential relations, Lavrov emphasized that Russia will continue to take a careful approach, regardless of who is in charge in the US.Accordingly, he said, arriving at a formula of peaceful coexistence and the possibility of cooperation in some areas will be possible only after Washington recognizes our fundamental national interests and begins to negotiate in earnest. Meanwhile, ruling circles in the US deny the realities of a multipolar world and continue to think in terms of their own superiority and exclusivity.Arms ControlFinally, asked about the issue of strategic arms control, including the possibility of Russia reconsidering its unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground-based nuclear missiles in the 500 to 5,500 km range, Lavrov stressed that an unambiguous signal in this regard was embedded in the language of the moratorium itself.I would like to remind you that our commitment to this moratorium is strictly linked to the potential appearance of US ground-based intermediate-range missiles in the relevant regions near Russia, Lavrov said. Given the characteristics and peculiarities of the use of weapons of this class, the issue of their deployment by hostile countries is a very sensitive issue from the point of view of Russian national security. In the case of the United States, this aspect takes on special importance, given its direct relationship to other factors which influence strategic stability. It is obvious that the creation of additional missile-related risks by Washington will require us to take serious retaliatory measures, he explained.The United States unilaterally scrapped the INF Treaty in 2018. In 2020, it left the 1992 Treaty on Open Skies. Before that, in 2002, it pulled out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, prompting Moscow to dust off Soviet-era plans to develop a new class of hypersonic missiles. The Trump administration threatened to let the clock run out on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in early 2021, with the incoming Biden administration renewing it at the last minute. Moscow suspended its participation in New START earlier this year, citing US efforts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, including by targeting bases containing elements of its strategic deterrent by Washingtons Ukrainian proxies.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231225/russia-charges-ukraines-intel-chief-with-104-acts-of-terrorism-1115803497.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231229/moscow-calls-for-leveraging-all-accumulated-experience-for-solving-middle-east-crisis-1115879642.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231230/serbs-head-to-polls-in-rerun-of-parliamentary-municipal-elections-1115893508.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231228/cause-du-jour-to-yesterdays-news-western-medias-evolving-2023-coverage-on-ukraine-1115862086.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230623/russias-ryabkov-doesnt-rule-out-that-us-will-take-steps-to-withdraw-from-start-treaty-1111420978.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/scott-ritter-belgorod-attack-meant-to-provoke-russian-overreaction-prevent-west-from-dumping-kiev-1115918481.html

Scott Ritter: Belgorod Attack Meant to Provoke Russian Overreaction, Prevent West From Dumping Kiev

Scott Ritter: Belgorod Attack Meant to Provoke Russian Overreaction, Prevent West From Dumping Kiev

24 people were killed and over 100 others injured in the Russian city of Belgorod in a Ukrainian guided missile and MLRS artillery strike Saturday. Russia retaliated by striking decision-making centers in neighboring Kharkov Sunday. Veteran military observer Scott Ritter outlines the calculations Kiev likely made in plotting the Belgorod attack.

2023-12-31T15:50+0000

2023-12-31T15:50+0000

2023-12-31T15:50+0000

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russia's belgorod shelled by ukraine

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The death toll from the attack on Belgorod continues to rise as doctors fight for the lives of civilians gravely injured during Saturdays brazen daylight attack on the city center.The Russian military made good on a promise to retaliate, with the MoD reporting Sunday that its forces had launched missile strikes against Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, Ukrainian Security Service, military and mercenary targets in Kharkov, Khmelnytsky and Zaporozhye.Kraken militants were among the forces targeted during Russias retaliatory attacks, the MoD said.There will also be a response to all crimes. Ukraine will continue to be strengthened, our defense industry will become more powerful, Ukrainian Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak wrote in a cryptic social media post Saturday night, just hours after the Belgorod attack, perhaps referring to the fact that the Vilkha missile launcher believed to have been used to target the city is a Ukrainian-made weapons system. Ukrainian and Western media assured that the Belgorod strikes were aimed only at military targets, and that they were a retaliation to Fridays massed Russian airstrikes across the country.The timing of this, on the eve of a New Year - one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Russia, I think is designed to be both a psychological blow against the Russian people, and in striking such a blow to generate some sort of reaction by the Russian government that would allow Ukraine to create the case or restate the case to their Western allies for the need for continued financial and military support, the former Marine and UN weapons inspector explained.As for Kievs motive, Ritter believes its simple.Russias strikes Friday involved the use of over 120 ballistic and cruise missiles and dozens of drones, with the attacks targeting energy facilities, military airfields, ports, fuel terminals, military headquarters and ammunition depots, including a depot containing long-range cruise missiles sent to Kiev by the UK and France.

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Scott Ritter: Belgorod Attack Meant to Provoke Russian Overreaction, Prevent West From Dumping Kiev Scott Ritter: Belgorod Attack Meant to Provoke Russian Overreaction, Prevent West From Dumping Kiev 2023-12-31T15:50+0000 true PT3M14S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/serbian-president-vucic-says-his-coalition-wins-repeat-elections-1115904504.html

Serbian President Vucic Says His Coalition Wins Repeat Elections

Serbian President Vucic Says His Coalition Wins Repeat Elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday that his Serbia Must Not Stop coalition had won repeat parliamentary and municipal elections.

2023-12-31T01:07+0000

2023-12-31T01:07+0000

2023-12-31T01:10+0000

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The Republican Election Commission (REC), in connection with the complaints about the course of the December 17 ballot, scheduled a repeat voting in the parliamentary election at 35 of about 8,300 polling stations in Serbia, while Belgrade's election commission held a repeat voting in the municipal election at three more polling places. The voting took place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time (06:00 to 19:00 GMT) on Saturday, with over 19,500 people eligible to vote. According to his preliminary data, Serbia Must Not Stop received 69.5% of the votes, while the pro-European opposition coalition Serbia Against Violence got only 12%. Vucic also added that Serbia would continue its path to the European Union while maintaining traditional friendly relations with China and Russia. In addition, Belgrade is not going to introduce sanctions against Beijing and Moscow to satisfy a third party, the Serbian president noted. On December 17, Serbia held parliamentary and municipal elections. Following the vote, supporters of the Serbia Against Violence coalition protested the outcome of the election and blocked traffic outside the REC building in Belgrade for several days last week. On Sunday, demonstrators tried to storm the building. Thirty-eight violent protesters were detained and eight police officers were injured in the clashes. Vucic said in an address to the nation that the unrest was aimed at depriving the Balkan nation of its sovereignty and vowed to protect law and order.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/vucic-calls-violent-protests-attempt-to-deprive-serbia-of-independence-sovereignty-1115790834.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/two-israeli-f-16-jets-launch-missile-attack-on-targets-near-aleppo-1115922282.html

Two Israeli F-16 Jets Launch Missile Attack on Targets Near Aleppo

Two Israeli F-16 Jets Launch Missile Attack on Targets Near Aleppo

Two Israeli F-16 fighter jets, without entering Syrian airspace while operating from the Mediterranean Sea, have struck targets in the area of the Syrian city of Aleppo with six cruise missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria said on Sunday.

2023-12-31T20:29+0000

2023-12-31T20:29+0000

2023-12-31T20:38+0000

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"On December 30, from 17:14 to 17:27, two F-16 tactical fighters of the Israeli air force, operating from the Mediterranean Sea without entering the Syrian airspace, launched an air strike with six cruise missiles on targets in the area of the city of Aleppo," Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the center, told a briefing. There were no casualties as a result of the attack, Kulit added. Kulit also reported that three Syrian servicemen had been injured as a result of a terrorist drone dropping an improvised explosive device in the Syrian province of Latakia. Kulit said that over the past 24 hours in Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone, seven attacks on the positions of Syrian government troops were recorded by the Jabhat al-Nusra* and the Turkistan Islamic Party* terrorist groups in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia and Idlib.*terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231229/russian-forces-destroy-10-air-bombs-3-cruise-missiles-fired-by-israel-on-syria-1115881500.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/two-us-bases-in-northeastern-syria-shelled---source-1115922911.html

Two US Bases in Northeastern Syria Shelled - Source

Two US Bases in Northeastern Syria Shelled - Source

Two US bases in the Al-Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria have been attacked by rockets and a drone, a local source told Sputnik on Sunday.

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"Several rockets have fallen down near residential buildings at the Al-Jabsa oil field in [the town of] Ash Shaddadi, which is occupied by American troops as their military base," the source said. The source added that the US base at Kharab al-Jir airfield in Al-Hasakah has been attacked by a drone. The number of attacks on the bases of the US-led international coalition in Iraq, as well as US troops in Syria, has significantly grown over the past months since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalated on October 7. Shia armed groups operating in Iraq have claimed responsibility for attacks. Washington, for its part, believes that the attacks are carried out by pro-Iranian groups.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231127/four-reasons-us-troops-should-pull-out-of-syria-and-iraq-asap-1115238924.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/us-base-at-gas-field-in-syria-comes-under-rocket-fire---source-1115910378.html

US Base at Gas Field in Syria Comes Under Rocket Fire - Source

US Base at Gas Field in Syria Comes Under Rocket Fire - Source

The US base at the Koniko gas field in Syria's eastern province of Deir ez-Zur came under rocket fire, a source told Sputnik.

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"The American base at the Koniko field in Deir ez-Zur came under rocket fire," the source said, adding that over ten rockets were fired at the base. The US military has 24 military bases in Syria. They have been repeatedly attacked by drones and missiles. Washington blames groups associated with Iran for the attacks and explains their intensification by the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/shia-militant-groups-announce-another-attack-on-us-base-in-western-iraq-1115421792.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/venezuelan-military-remains-on-guard-until-uk-warship-leaves-guyanas-coast-1115910128.html

Venezuelan Military Remains on Guard Until UK Warship Leaves Guyana's Coast

Venezuelan Military Remains on Guard Until UK Warship Leaves Guyana's Coast

Venezuela will continue to deploy its military forces throughout the country until the United Kingdom removes its warship stationed off the coast of Guyana amid a simmering border dispute, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said.

2023-12-31T09:03+0000

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Last week, UK media reported, citing a UK Defense Ministry spokesperson, that the country would deploy a naval patrol ship to Guyana as a sign of support for its former colony in the territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region. On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that he had instructed the armed forces to start "defensive actions" in retaliation for the deployment of the UK warship off the coast of Guyana. The minister added that the military forces were rolled out "not only in the east" but also throughout the country. In early December, Venezuela held a referendum in which almost 96% of the population voted in favor of incorporating the Essequibo region into the country. Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said that Georgetown was considering Caracas' actions to incorporate Essequibo, which makes up two-thirds of Guyana's territory, as a threat to the country's national security and would raise the issue at the UN Security Council. Ali and Maduro met earlier in December in the island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under the auspices of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community in an effort to defuse tensions over the disputed Essequibo region. Following the talks, the Venezuelan presidency said Maduro and Ali had agreed to continue the dialogue to resolve the dispute.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/uk-to-deploy-royal-navy-warship-to-ex-colony-amid-guyana-venezuela-dispute-1115784604.html

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The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) on Sunday delayed its decision to renew licenses of over 140 terrestrial TV stations, citing insufficient time for review.

The broadcasting regulator had initially planned to hold a meeting earlier in the day to renew licenses of 141 stations owned by 34 companies but abruptly canceled it.

KCC Vice Chairman Lee Sang-in said the meeting was delayed due to insufficiency of time to review permit renewals and related conditions.

He added that the commission plans to conclude the review as quickly as possible and that companies will not face penalties due to the expiration of their licenses.

Concerns have been raised within the industry over the possibility of unlicensed illegal broadcasting as the permits of stations, including major networks such as KBS 2TV and SBS, were set to expire on Sunday. (Yonhap)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/watch-russian-tornado-g-mlrs-destroy-ukrainian-camouflaged-artillery-firing-positions-1115907979.html

Watch Russian Tornado-G MLRS Destroy Ukrainian Camouflaged Artillery Firing Positions

Watch Russian Tornado-G MLRS Destroy Ukrainian Camouflaged Artillery Firing Positions

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of Tornado-G MLRS units of the Zapad battlegroup destroying camouflaged artillery positions and military equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the direction of Kupyansk in the zone of the special military operation.

2023-12-31T05:14+0000

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The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of Tornado-G MLRS units of Battlegroup Zapad destroying Ukrainian camouflaged artillery positions and military equipment in the Kupyansk direction in the special military operation zone. According to the Defense Ministry, Tornado-G multiple launch rocket systems crews, upon receiving the orders, moved to firing positions, targeted, and destroyed the designated positions of artillery and military equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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Russian Tornado-G MLRS crews destroyed Ukrainian camouflaged artillery firing positions and military equipment in the Kupyansk direction Russian Tornado-G MLRS crews destroyed Ukrainian camouflaged artillery firing positions and military equipment in the Kupyansk direction 2023-12-31T05:14+0000 true PT1M18S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/west-unhappy-about-vucics-success-in-elections---lavrov-1115905475.html

West Unhappy About Vucic's Success in Elections - Lavrov

West Unhappy About Vucic's Success in Elections - Lavrov

The West is unwilling to accept the outcome of the elections in Serbia and the amount of public support behind President Aleksandar Vucic, which prompted an attempt to "orchestrate an illegal power grab," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik.

2023-12-31T02:57+0000

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"The events in Belgrade are yet another attempt to orchestrate an illegal power grab. Apparently, not everyone in the West is ready to accept the fact that voters in Serbia expressed support for President Aleksandar Vucic and his political course in the elections," Lavrov said. The top Russian diplomat said people in Serbia were mindful of the 2014 coup in Ukraine, which explains why "the number of protesters is relatively small  only a few hundred people." Russia and Serbia aim to develop cooperation in many fields, including security, the minister stated.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/serbian-president-vucic-says-his-coalition-wins-repeat-elections-1115904504.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/xi-voices-confidence-in-chinas-reunification-with-taiwan-1115917290.html

Xi Voices Confidence in China's Reunification With Taiwan

Xi Voices Confidence in China's Reunification With Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed confidence in China's reunification with Taiwan in his New Year's address on Sunday.

2023-12-31T16:00+0000

2023-12-31T16:00+0000

2023-12-31T16:00+0000

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During his speech, the Chinese leader asserted that the reunification of China with Taiwan is an inevitable outcome. His statement struck a more assertive tone than last year, especially notable as the island prepares to elect a new leader in less than two weeks.The Chinese leader also spoke about his country's role on the international stage. In 2023, China hosted the China-Central Asia Summit, the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and other diplomatic events attended by leaders from around the world, Xi added. Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing regards the island as its province, while Taiwan maintains that it is an autonomous entity but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official foreign contacts with Taipei and regards Chinese sovereignty over the island as indisputable. The latest escalation around Taiwan took place in April after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with then-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States. Beijing responded by launching massive three-day military drills near the island in what it called a warning to Taiwanese separatists and foreign powers. In August and September, the Taiwanese armed forces reported multiple sightings of Chinese naval and air patrols in the island's vicinity. On September 18, the ministry reported a record high of 103 Chinese aircraft seen near the island in one day.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/xi-jinping-tells-biden-beijing-will-reunify-taiwan-with-china-1115716094.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/chinas-position-on-reuniting-with-taiwan-solid-as-rock---foreign-ministry-1115743508.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231231/yeah-i-said-that-months-ago-desantis-says-he-would-pardon-trump-if-president-1115906604.html

Yeah, I Said That Months Ago: DeSantis Says He Would Pardon Trump if President

Yeah, I Said That Months Ago: DeSantis Says He Would Pardon Trump if President

On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave his clearest answer yet when asked if he would pardon former President Donald Trump, as president, were Trump to be convicted on any of the multiple criminal charges he faces.

2023-12-31T04:17+0000

2023-12-31T04:17+0000

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On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave his clearest answer yet when asked if he would pardon former President Donald Trump, as president, were Trump to be convicted on any of the multiple criminal charges he faces. The former president faces 91 charges across four criminal cases, including 44 federal charges and 47 state charges, all of which are felonies.The question was posed to the governor, who is running far behind Trump in the 2024 US presidential election, during a campaign event in the US state of Iowa on Friday.And when asked specifically if would pardon Trump as president, DeSantis added: Yeah, I said that months ago.But the governor did not explicitly say he would pardon Trump as president months ago, he only narrowly suggested it during an interview with a right-leaning American news company. During that interview in July he said sending Trump to jail wouldn't be good for the country.Well, what Ive said is very simple. Im going to do whats right for the country," DeSantis said in July. "I dont think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison."Those sentiments echoed comments the governor made in May, when he said he would consider pardoning insurrectionists who took part in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.DeSantis comments come at a time when the former president's GOP opponents are desperately trying to get ahead in a race that seems fatefully decided. A recent primary poll for the Republican party showed Trump with 61.2% of the votes, Ron DeSantis with 11.7%, and Nikki Haley with 11.0%.Haley---who has been nearly tied with DeSantis in the primary polls for weeks---followed suit, and said she would also pardon Trump. The former UN ambassador made her comment at a campaign event in New Hampshire on Thursday."I would pardon Trump if he is found guilty," Haley said in response to a question from the audience. On top of his legal troubles, Trump is facing new challenges. Recently, Maine became the second state to strike the former president from their Republican primary ballot. The decision, made by Maines Secretary of State, came a week after Colorado's Supreme Court made a similar decision, citing section 3 of the 14 Amendment for Trump's role in the January 6 attack.However, Maines decision can still be appealed to the states judicial supreme court. And Colorado Supreme Courts ruling has now made its way to the US Supreme Court. On Thursday, Colorados Secretary of State said that with Trumps appeal filed, he will be included as a candidate on the states primary ballot unless the US Supreme Court declines to hear the case, or upholds the states decision. The US Supreme Court is made up of a majority of conservative justices, three of which were appointed by Trump himself.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231230/maine-strikes-trump-from-ballot-as-unprecedented-rulings-continue-to-baffle-the-us--1115886485.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240101/president-putins-2024-new-years-address-1115916853.html

Watch in Full: President Putin's 2024 New Year's Address

Watch in Full: President Putin's 2024 New Year's Address

In a tradition that goes back many decades, Russia's president appears on television before the nation and gives a short speech summarizing the troubles and triumphs of the outgoing year, and his hopes and wishes for Russia in the year to come. This year was no different. Check out President Putin's full 2024 New Year's Eve speech.

2024-01-01T00:00+0000

2024-01-01T00:00+0000

2024-01-01T03:12+0000

russia

video

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new year

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"Citizens of Russia, dear friends, we are seeing off 2023, very soon it will become part of history, and we must move forward to create the future.Over the past year, we have worked diligently and accomplished much. We have taken pride in our common achievements, celebrated our successes, and stood strong in defending our national interests, our freedom, our security, and our values  pillars that have been and will remain unshakable for us.Most importantly, what united and continues to unite us is the destiny of our Motherland, a deep understanding of the utmost importance of the historical phase Russia is going through; the monumental goals facing our society and the colossal responsibility for our homeland that each one of us feels.We are acutely aware of how much depends on us at this time, on our spirit for the better, on our eagerness to support each other in word and deed. Working for the common good has solidified our society. We are united in our thoughts, work, and struggles, on weekdays and holidays, embodying the essential traits of the Russian people: solidarity, compassion, and resilience.Today I want to address our soldiers, all those on the front lines fighting for truth and justice. You are our heroes. Our hearts beat with yours. We are proud of you and inspired by your courage. I know you feel the love of your loved ones right now, the strong and sincere support of millions of Russian citizens, the support of the entire nation.We have repeatedly proved that we can solve the most difficult tasks. And we will never retreat, because there is no force that can divide us, make us forget the memory and faith of our forefathers, or stop our development.Dear friends, in every era the New Year is a time of bright hope and sincere wishes to bring joy to our loved ones. The coming year 2024 has been declared the Year of the Family in our country. A true big family is undoubtedly a family in which children grow up, where there is attention, warmth, and care for parents, where there is love and respect for each other. It is this kind of family bond across generations that nurtures love for the Motherland and loyalty to the country.I would like to wish all Russian families the best for the coming year. After all, the history of each family shapes the history of our vast, beautiful, and beloved Motherland. We, the multinational people of Russia, determine its destiny. We are one country, one big family. Together we will ensure the safe development of our homeland. The wellbeing of our citizens will be even greater. We are together, and this is the most reliable guarantee for Russia's future. I wish you a happy holiday, my friends! Happy New Year 2024!"

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A rookie trainer makes his debut, a veteran mare has the curtain close on her career and a photogenic pacer vies to be the winningest female in Canada during a rock solid Sunday evening New Years Eve program at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The capital oval has 15 dashes starting at 6 p.m., with 14-year-old pacing mare Tell Me Why facing mandatory retirement when she turns 15 on Jan. 1.

Norris Rogers drives the Joe MacDonald trainee from post nine in race eight of the evening with the tough daughter of Jeremes Jet going into her final start with 35 wins and $94,423 earned from 265 career starts for co-owners MacDonald and Alexis Gass of Cornwall, P.E.I.

Also in race eight, post eight starter Shes Rockandfame will attempt to be the sole holder of the winningest mare in Canada title as she looks for her 16th win of 2023. Shes Rockandfame is currently tied for the honour for owners Michael Arnold of Olds, Alta., and Amy Lakie of Montague, P.E.I.

Ontario pacing mare Arizona currently sits in that tie with Shes Rockandfame after recording her 15th seasonal win on Dec. 28. Shes Rockandfame has propelled trainer Mike Dowling to his best year ever as a trainer in 2023, as her 15 victories boosted his total to 20 victories from just 44 starts. David Dowling is back in the race bike Sunday.

If Shes Rockandfame falls short, she could be joined in a three-way tie for the top spot by Alberta mare Ontheroadtotexas, who will seek her 15th win of the year on New Years Eve at Century Mile.

Up-and-coming horseman Landon Campbell will join in his fathers footsteps as he makes his first career pari-mutuel start as a trainer in race 13. The 16-year-old sends The Lady Sheriff to the starting gate in line to his father Marc Campbell, who will be crowned leading driver at Red Shores Charlottetown for the 14th straight season on Sunday.

Jennifer Doyle heads into the final program of the calendar year with a four-race advantage for top trainer honours at 71 wins. Melissa Rennie and Jason Hughes are tied for second with 67 wins each.

To view Sunday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park.

(Red Shores)
The land John Childears farms near North Platte is sandy, not particularly fertile, less than ideal.

But the value of his land largely lies beneath his feet: the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest in the world.

Childears recently harvested corn at 225 bushels per acre, utilizing center pivots he put in and, crucially, his irrigation wells, including one dug before he bought the land three decades ago.

The farmer says he couldnt even grow corn without those pivots  all his land would be far less valuable rangeland.

Water is what gives life, what allows the deer to be there, what allows man to be there, and what allows men to grow crops, he said.

And, in Nebraska, water is a linchpin of the ag economy.

Childears land is even more valuable today because local water regulators no longer allow additional irrigation wells to be drilled.

The farmer, also an appraiser who has evaluated the value of central and western Nebraska farmland for more than 40 years, says he cant put a price tag on water.

Im a really smart guy, but  I cant tell you what that value is. Except its a heck of a lot, he said.

As out-of-state investors spend big dollars buying up large amounts of Nebraska farmland, some worry about what that could do to the states water resources. Could these landowners claim, strain and deplete the finite resource and leave Nebraskans out to dry?

Regulators, legal experts and farm brokers say that concern is overblown. Landowners dont own the water in Nebraska, they said. Regulators closely scrutinize water use. They dont allow large amounts of water to be transported across property lines or state lines without a permit.

Most acknowledge that out-of-state buyers are attracted to Nebraska land, and that attraction is in large part based on the natural resource beneath it.

Recently, farmland Realtor Steve Linden said hes seen an uptick in interested buyers from states like Oklahoma and Texas  states where groundwater is becoming increasingly scarce.

They just continually do not have any crops, Linden said. They dont have hay for their cattle or pasture for cattle to graze, and so they want to come up here.

Oklahoma and Texas treat groundwater rights as property rights, rarely restricting water use  a free-for-all thats hastened the aquifers decline in some places, said Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

Its what I call The guy with the deepest and biggest well wins, said Edson. That doesnt happen in Nebraska because its not a mineral right  you dont own the water thats underneath your land.

In Nebraska, he explained, landowners instead have the right to use water with restrictions, because state leaders designed it that way decades ago.

Surface water falls under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, while local natural resources districts  a system unique to Nebraska  manage groundwater.

NRD leaders monitor water levels, account for all water usage in their districts and often lay down restrictions.

Some districts have put into place a well moratorium, where no additional irrigation wells can be drilled. Others dont allow a farmer to add more irrigated acres, or limit the amount of water producers can put on their crops. The restrictions have often led out-of-state investors to buy irrigated land that already comes with a well, Childears said, avoiding the drought risk associated with non-irrigated, or dryland, crops.

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has granted a limited number of out-of-state transfers, said Tom Riley, the agencys director. These transfers were meant to help ag producers use water more efficiently, he said, for instance, allowing a center pivot straddling state lines to irrigate land in a neighboring state.

The South Platte NRD is home to three Panhandle counties, Kimball, Deuel and Cheyenne, that attract some of the highest percentages of out-of-state buyers, according to a Flatwater Free Press analysis of farmland sales data gathered by a UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications data journalism class.

South Platte NRD manager Galen Wittrock says those out-of-state buyers do come for the water  but only to use it to farm the land.

The NRD system, its great because within the groundwater controls that we have, we can be proactive and work toward restricting what can and cannot be done, Wittrock said.

Many investors do come to Nebraska knowing the abundance of ground and surface water gives them more yield and offers drought protection, brokers told Flatwater.

Irrigated farmland is worth more than $12,000 an acre on average in eastern Nebraska. In comparison, dryland with no irrigation potential is worth about two-thirds of that price, according to a UNL annual survey.

In the Nebraska Panhandle, where it often rains less than 20 inches per year, irrigation can triple the size of a corn crop  or simply make it possible to grow corn at all, Childears said.

In parts of Nebraska that ban adding new irrigation wells, dryland fields that have the aquifer lying beneath them but cant be irrigated lose roughly 9% of their value, according to initial findings by Aakanksha Melkani, a researcher at the University of Nebraskas Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and the National Drought Mitigation Center.

But a water allocation system, including a cap on the amount of water the landowner can use to irrigate, doesnt appear to impact farmland value, her initial research shows.

In the North Platte river basin in the Panhandle, farmland with access to both groundwater and surface water costs $1,000 to $1,500 more per acre when compared to parcels with only one type of irrigation, said NRD manager Scott Schaneman.

The dual water source has enabled producers to grow a variety of crops such as corn, dry beans, sugar beets and alfalfa. It also holds an appeal to potential buyers, Schaneman said.

I think a lot of investors are really starting to look at the western end of the state saying, Hey, the land prices are still pretty reasonable  and they have the capability of growing 200-bushel corn (per acre) with the water. Maybe this is a place I need to look at, he said.

As western states increasingly grapple with water resource depletion and shortage and eye Nebraska farmland, Melkani said it may drive up Nebraskas farmland value.

Colorado farmers have been paid to fallow their irrigated acres to cut down water usage.

Some of these Colorado farmers have moved to Nebraska or bought Nebraska farmland that gives them access to surface water, said Dan Lindstrom, a Kearney-based attorney specializing in water laws.

In Arizona, the governor terminated a lease with a Saudi-owned company that used groundwater unchecked to grow alfalfa, a violation of their lease terms.

But in Nebraska, NRD managers interviewed by Flatwater said they havent noticed any excessive water use on farms tied to out-of-state owners. Many of these owners employ local operators and farm largely in the same way as others.

In some cases, landowners can sell water rights separately. In some NRDs, a seller with certified irrigated acres theyre not using can strike a deal with a buyer, where the seller gives up irrigation on certain acres and transfers the water rights to the buyer.

Its not like one guy is selling 20 acres of his water, and then  pump it 5 miles to the other guys property. That is not happening, said Central Platte NRD manager Lyndon Vogt. Theyre really selling their right to irrigate that ground.

These transfers dont happen regularly and often involve small plots of land, NRD leaders and brokers said.

And they need approval from NRD leaders. In Vogts district, new irrigated acres cant be transferred upstream for more than a mile, he said.

Sometimes the irrigation rights can be transferred to non-ag use too, Vogt added, noting an ethanol plant in Wood River purchased irrigated acres and dried up a number of acres to offset the plants own water use.

Economic development outfits of several cities, including Gothenburg and Grand Island, also acquired irrigated acres because of growing water demand from industrial use, he said.

Cities in Arizona, Colorado and California have paid farmers for rights to use water.

So far, Nebraska towns have been able to find willing producers to trade their water rights. But municipalities water needs will likely expand as industrial developments and urban residents demand more water, said Dave Aiken, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor and extension water law specialist.

With all the challenges that were going to be dealing with in terms of global warming, we can have a lot worse problems than not being able to irrigate as many acres here and there in Nebraska, Aiken said.
With the arrival of each new year, the world of wine in Armenia continues to blossom and surprise with its diversity and uniqueness. The year that leaves its traces behind fills glasses not only with great wines, but also with rich history, traditions and innovations. NEWS.am STYLE wine columnist Liana Aghajanian summarizes the best and most exciting wines of 2023, which have brought new bright shades and impressions to Armenia's wine scene.

Achievements of Armenian wine masters

This year Armenian wines have been noticed not only by major wine associations and experts. Three Armenian wines have been selected for Carnival's 2023-2024 wine program and are now available in selected bars and restaurants on Carniva liners - this was the first time that Armenian wine will be featured on the liners of a major cruise company. Further, in March this year the American company Waters Edge Wineries presented a rare collection of wines from Armenia, and already in April six Armenian wines received medals at the International Wine Competition in Los Angeles. In addition, throughout the year Forbes magazine devoted several articles to Armenian winemaking and repeatedly mentioned Armenia as a wine country that has every chance to be in the center of attention, as well as included Armenian sparkling wine in the top ten wines of 2023.

The stability of festivals, market development, exhibitions and other events that allow Armenian winemakers to make themselves known - this year was probably the most productive in this sense.

Who distinguished themselves this year?

"The wine market in Armenia in 2023 has been moving forward steadily, persistently and actively. There were a lot of new products, and in terms of new brands and technologies we had a breakthrough," said Lilia Hovsepyan, sommelier of one of the favorite wine places in Yerevan, "Dalan" restaurant. "This year, small family wineries, such as Marnoova, Krya, which have been operating for not the first year, but released a very interesting white wine, Dove Kanyon - the list will be very long!"

As for technologies, for example, carbonic maceration as a certain special technology was introduced to the market by Gevorkian Winery - they released a line of white and red wines Ariats Carbonic Karasi.

The technology refers to the process of fermentation of whole bunches of grapes in an anaerobic environment in tanks filled with carbon dioxide. No matter how you look at it, you want to try it!

Also this year petnat started to be actively tasted, and now the Armenian market can be proud not only of beautiful petnats from Gevorkian, but also of the gorgeous Tushpa Lalvari petnat, the presentation of which fell on the last month of this year. The wine was created by the ancient method of ensestral from hand-picked local Lalvari grapes in the Tavush region. This year Tushpa Winery released 3 types of petnat from Lalvari, Banants and Tozot varieties.

Alexandrea Winery was also noted by many wine experts, this blended wine made of noble Chardonnay and Voskeat varieties, which has won the hearts of many people, is firmly on the first place in the nomination "The Best Armenian White Wine of the Year".

Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and Armenian oak barrels, this wine perfectly balances the citrus and green apple notes from the grapes and the smoky chestnut from the Armenian oak. The wine also won a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Award 2023.

"This summer's premier wine is complex, long, elegant, and summery in a good way!" - this is how wine expert Evgenia Khavtorina described Malahi Wines' Malahi Rose, a Malahi Rose from the Black Areni variety, bottled from just one barrel of 300 bottles, in her Instagram post.

The year that has passed in Armenia has brought something magical and exciting to the country's wine scene. In every vine bush, in every barrel, there was a story of passion and devotion, woven in the magic cloth of wine elegies. This year can undoubtedly be called a landmark year for the Armenian wine industry. Behind every sip lies labor, skill and readiness for bold experiments. The wines presented during this period are not just drinks - they are living narratives about the land, vineyards and winemakers who are able to speak in harmony with nature.

However, this year's discoveries are not only the completed chapters, but also the prospect of new volumes in Armenia's wine annals. It is a beginning that promises something more - a combination of tradition with modernity, the past with the future. It is an inspiration for those who are ready to explore, boldly create and nurture the vines of the future.

Armenia, raising a glass, is preparing for the next act of its winemaking saga. Those who follow the wine picture closely feel that the best is yet to come. This year is just a footprint on the way to the highest peaks of winemaking art.

Liana Aghajanian

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Deputies in Oregon arrested a Vancouver man who they said led multiple police agencies on a chase that began in Astoria, early Friday morning.

Washington County sheriffs deputies responded at 2:28 a.m. to a request for assistance from the Astoria Police Department in locating a driver who sped away from a traffic stop, according to a sheriffs office news release.

Astoria police had tried to pull over the driver of a 2004 BMW for a traffic violation. The driver, later identified by police as Joshua Scheetz, 30, did not stop and sped away toward Warrenton, Ore. Police there said they observed the car driving recklessly at 120 mph. It was last seen headed east on Highway 26 south of Seaside, Ore., the news release states.

Washington County deputies later saw the BMW near the intersection of Highways 26 and 47. When deputies got behind the car, Scheetz again sped away, the sheriffs office said.

Deputies ahead of the BMW used spike strips to slow down the car. Scheetz continued to drive the car on flat tires into Banks, Ore., according to the news release. Deputies eventually used a pursuit intervention technique, or PIT maneuver, on the car before pinning it between patrol vehicles.

The sheriffs office said Scheetz then began ingesting a powdered substance that deputies believed was fentanyl and drinking Mountain Dew to wash it down.

Medical personnel took Scheetz to an area hospital by ambulance.

Once Scheetz was released from the hospital, deputies booked him into the Washington County Jail on suspicion of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, reckless driving, a municipal warrant out of Beaverton, Ore., two counts of recklessly endangering another person and two Clark County warrants.

One passenger in the BMW, identified as Savannah Lalonde, 30, was booked into the jail on a Skamania County warrant. A second passenger was released at the scene, the sheriffs office said.
Cowlitz County commissioners unanimously OKd a tight 2024-25 budget without raising property taxes after finding extra revenue in unbudgeted federal COVID relief funds.

But, while technically allowed despite a roughly $15 million deficit, commissioners warned of the budgets lack of wiggle room.

We have a balanced budget under the law, but there are some inherent risks that we have to be constantly vigilant of , Commissioner Dennis Weber said at the Dec. 19 meeting.

In 2024, the county plans to take in $58 million in general fund revenue, while spending $73 million.

The expenditures include the requirement of a one-month reserve. Weber said accountants often recommend maintaining two to three months worth of salaries in the bank, but the state requires less.

Finance Director Kathy Funk-Baxter said the county can retain 1.5 months of reserves.

The good news is we have sufficient fund balance to balance our budget, she said.

Previously, commissioners asked departments to find an extra $400,000 that would have come from a property tax increase commissioners declined to enact. Funk-Baxter found about $375,000 of American Rescue Plan Act money that hadnt been added to the budget, she said at the Dec. 6 meeting. The ARPA money can be used on projects like water and sewer infrastructure and addressing negative economic effects from the pandemic.

Weber said the county received about $50 million in pandemic relief funds, and has allocated almost all of the $19.6 million left. The deadline to spend the ARPA money, specifically, is 2026.

Funk-Baxter also discovered the county often over budgeted staff overtime, so she lowered that number to save about $135,000 after commissioners made the request on Dec. 6.

Half of the passed budget is comprised of staff salaries and benefits for 586 positions, she added. In 2024, Cost of Living Adjustments were added.

But, while the county is budgeted to be fully staffed, in actuality, said Weber, departments are on average 10-15% understaffed because they cant fill all the positions. At the end of the year, that extra savings is factored into the budget, he said.

Commissioner Arne Mortensen said county costs are going up, often due to state requirements, but the municipalitys ability to collect more money does not rise.

Our costs go up far more than the caps were allowed in our taxation, he said. I dont think thats a problem, but its a reality 

Changes

Commissioners decided Dec. 6 not to vote to determine whether to continue the countys roughly 12-year-old mental health sales tax. Instead, they plan to ask voters whether to continue the tax which mostly aids mental health and chemical dependency issues for people in the criminal justice system. The tax adds a penny to every $10 purchase.

Two additional vehicles were budgeted to be purchased for two additional employees, a county sheriffs office detective and an animal control officer. The county humane society cut its contracted animal control services in 2023, so law enforcement throughout the county are picking up the service.

The county upped water and sewer fees for its roughly 2,000 customers in areas like Toutle and Ostrander by 3% to maintain services. Weber said the county aims to ensure Toutle residents have access to a sewer system, not just septic, as the area grows.

Building and planning fees mostly remained the same, but included reductions in order to make housing more affordable, like creating a fixed fee to build wheelchair ramps.

The state Administrative Office of the Courts is no longer replacing computers, Funk-Baxter said, so about 29 computers were budgeted.

Because of the small growth in sales tax and limited growth in our property taxes, we need to be conservative, and keep monitoring all of our budgets, she said.
Commentary: South Korea's flirtation with NATO is inviting wolf into its house

Xinhua) 17:14, December 31, 2023

This photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows the snow scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

South Korea's flirtation with NATO, who has faced criticism for maintaining a mentality reminiscent of the Cold War era, is inviting wolf into its house.

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- As a Cold War relic, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has faced criticism for maintaining a mentality reminiscent of that period. Therefore, the recent announcement by the South Korean Foreign Ministry to strengthen ties with the military bloc should be taken seriously.

As a U.S.-controlled tool used to instigate confrontation, NATO cannot bring security to South Korea. Instead, by inviting a wolf into its house, Seoul will only harm its strategic interests and endanger regional peace.

NATO, the world's largest military organization, has been known as a political and military weapon for maintaining U.S. hegemony.

The bloc has in recent years steadily expanded its military presence and capabilities in the Asia-Pacific, attracting countries such as South Korea and Japan by marketing security concerns.

The South Korean government has been stepping up trilateral military coordination with the United States and Japan along with security cooperation with major allies, including NATO, said Moon Chung-in, a professor at Yonsei University, in a Hankyoreh newspaper column.

"Ironically, fears about the security situation have only been growing in and around South Korea," Moon said, adding that the current situation foreshadows a return to the precarious security environment of the Cold War era.

This photo taken on April 6, 2022 shows a sculpture and flags at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Many in the region have voiced strong opposition to NATO's attempted expansion into Asia due to the military bloc's track record.

In pursuit of so-called absolute security, NATO has been conspiring to expand its geographical bounds and eat away at the security space of those outside the organization since its inception in 1949.

Despite its claim of being the defender of a so-called "rules-based" order, NATO has repeatedly ignored the United Nations Security Council and waged wars against sovereign states, causing massive humanitarian disasters and economic losses, and displacing tens of millions of people.

For many in the Asia-Pacific, NATO's offensive expansion is an attempt to infiltrate the region for strategic benefits through the troubled pattern of instigating conflicts.

The South Korean administration must realize that expanding collaboration with NATO is inviting trouble. The bloc's expansion into the Asia-Pacific will only exacerbate regional tensions, sparking conflict and potentially a new Cold War.

The Asia-Pacific region should be a place for common development rather than a geopolitical battlefield. Seeking peace, cooperation, and prosperity is the overall trend in the Asia-Pacific and meets the peoples' interests here. The South Korean government should keep that in mind.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
This year's bell-tolling ceremony on New Year's Eve in central Seoul will feature various performances and is expected to draw a crowd of about 100,000 people, city officials said Sunday.

The popular midnight bell-ringing celebration at Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul on Dec. 31 has been held every year since 1953 to ring in the new year, although public attendance was prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's event will start off at 11 p.m. at Bosingak Pavilion, featuring various performances and a parade featuring traditional Korean plays along a 400-meter section of the street running from Bosingak, according to the city officials.

The bell-ringing ceremony at midnight will be immediately followed by the rise of the "Midnight Sun," a 12-meter-radius artifact symbolizing the new year, on the nearby Sejong-daero, a boulevard in central Seoul.

A subsequent K-pop concert on a stage, to be set up on Sejong-daero, will celebrate the start of the new year with performances by popular K-pop bands, including Enhypen, The Boyz and Oh My Girl.

The event will be livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel.

The city will also deploy some 1,100 safety and traffic guards, while the police will deploy some 2,490 officers to ensure public safety. This year's event is expected to draw a crowd of some 100,000 -- double the size of last year.

The city plans for the subway to pass Jonggak Station near the Bosingak Pavilion without stopping from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. the next day as part of crowd control measures.

It said buses and the subway will operate until 2 a.m. for visitors to return home.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo inspected the ceremony locations for safety measures against potential crowd-related accidents, his office said.

Han instructed officials to "thoroughly prepare against crowd-related accidents" particularly during the midnight hours and at the ceremony's conclusion when the risk of accidents is high, according to his office. (Yonhap)
The centennial anniversary for Longview has mostly been a time to look back on the first 100 years of the city and consider how it changed. But the anniversary, and the turn to 2024 at midnight on Sunday, also provides a time to look ahead to Longviews future.

How do you predict where Longview will be in five years, 10 years, or especially 100 years?

Sometimes you just need to look at whats going on on the ground and extrapolate your thinking out, said Bill Fashing, executive director of the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments.

Fashing and other officials who are looking to Longviews future see the citys population continuing to grow, driving the need for major infrastructure changes, while the Longview City Council plans to update their vision for the city next month.

Population growth, bridge replacement

The Council of Governments makes plans for not just Cowlitz County, but the entire region of Southwest Washington. Earlier this month the agency finalized a long-term transportation plan for the area called Moving Forward 2050.

One of the major projects Fashing expects to see over the next few decades is the replacement of the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The bridge was built in 1930 and is coming up on its own 100-year anniversary.

In 1991, a bridge study commissioned by the Council of Governments found there was a need to either build a second bridge near Longview or add lanes to the existing bridge. Fashing said the council planned to spend the next few years dusting that off and creating a new study of options.

This one is safe and well-maintained, but it is reaching an age where the obsolescence of it and the cost of maintaining it eventually gets to the point where itll make more sense to replace it, Fashing said.

The Industrial Way-Oregon Way intersection upgrade, which has stalled out as a major construction project this year, will likely be folded into the bridge replacement instead of remaining a separate update.

In the bigger picture, Fashing said there could be additional construction and expansion along the entirety of Interstate 5 in Cowlitz County. The county could be added into a Cascadia Region of constant urban sprawl stretching from Vancouver, Canada to Portland.

Economists have been talking about this swath of the I-5 corridor for many years now and it is slowly taking hold and becoming a little more of a reality every year, Fashing said.

The expected growth is clear in the population estimates included in the offices Moving Forward report. According to the most recent Census data, the Longview Urban Area  including Kelso and the closest residents of Cowlitz County  includes roughly 70,000 people at the moment.

The COG report projects that number to increase to somewhere between 85,000 and 100,000 residents by 2050. The report said the growth could be even greater if the boundaries of the Longview Urban Area expand to include Kalama, Castle Rock or possibly even Woodland as the whole interstate stretch is developed.

The continued population growth places a lot of pressure on Longview and the rest of Cowlitz County to build additional housing, but the increased connections could also draw more industries and new businesses to invest in the city.

One of the most difficult things in economic development is predicting the next big thing. And usually by the time that happens, were already in the thick if it, said Ted Sprague, president of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council.

Setting new goals for City Council

In order to steer Longviews future, city leaders need to know what goals to aim for. The Longview City Council will work on a long-term strategic plan for the city over the course of a two-day retreat beginning on Jan. 19.

The strategic plan will work off of Our Preferred Future, a vision plan created by the City Council and a public committee in 1994 to tailor a list of goals for Longviews future. The plan was updated in 2007 and set the centennial anniversary as the new goal for improvements.

Some of the specific goals in the most recent plan worked out: internet access in most rural areas, a planned system of bike paths, and strong performances by the Port of Longview. Other goals fell short  like the establishment of a major air carrier at Southwest Washington Regional Airport  or remain an ongoing concern for the city  like reducing crime rates.

There are some things missing from (the plan) now, because times have changed. Like, there was nothing in there about homelessness and housing, Longview City Manager Kris Swanson said.

In the short term, Swanson said the updated plan will be used by city staff to prepare the citys next biennial budget over the course of the year. It will also set broader goals about which areas are currently a challenge in Longview and what improvements the city should focus on.

Individual city departments make their own comprehensive plans, looking six years into the future. The new plan for Longviews Parks and Recreation Department through to 2029 is open for public feedback on the citys website through Jan. 10, with additional time for discussion at a City Council workshop on Jan. 11.
A conservative groups effort to eliminate Washingtons capital gains tax, among other initiatives, took a step forward last week when it turned in a petition with nearly 420,000 signatures to the Secretary of States Office.

The six initiatives pursued by Lets Go Washington are part of a larger effort to push back on legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

The groups goal is to get all six on the November 2024 ballot.

On Thursday afternoon, 424,896 signatures for the sixth and final initiative, which advocates for allowing people to opt out of Washingtons long-term care program established by the WA Cares Act, were turned in. Allowing people to opt out could fiscally undermine the program, according to Jessica Gomez, campaign manager of We Care For WA Cares.

Lets Go Washington, which is being bankrolled by Redmond businessman Brian Heywood, has spent more than $6 million to gather the signatures since June with a mix of volunteers and paid signature collectors.

Im putting this out there for a vote, Heywood said this week. Lets give everybody a vote on these, and if they dont pass, if Im wrong and people dont support these ideas, then the people have spoken.

If the signatures for each initiative are certified, they would move on to the upcoming legislative session, which starts Jan. 8. The Legislature can then adopt, reject or propose an alternative policy.

Rejecting an initiative, or not acting on one, would send it to appear on the general election ballot in November. Or, lawmakers could propose alternative policy, which would place initial and alternative versions of the initiatives on the ballot.

If all six initiatives are certified, it would be the first time the state has seen this many sent to the Legislature for consideration. The historic high was in 1970 when three initiatives on litter control, development and taxes were certified and sent to the Legislature.

Since 2019, Democrats have had a majority in both the Legislature and governors office, which has allowed them to pass progressive legislation. The capital gains tax, for example, is lawmakers effort to introduce more progressive taxing in Washington, which, according to a 2018 report released by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, has the most regressive tax system in the U.S.

In its first year, nearly $900 million was collected from the capital gains tax, which places a 7% tax on profits gained from the sale of stocks and bonds exceeding $250,000, according to the Department of Revenue. The law was previously challenged and, in March, was upheld by the Washington Supreme Court.

Petitions must contain signatures of at least 324,516 registered voters to be certified, which is 8% of all eligible voters in Washington according to the Secretary of States Office.

In 1912, Washington became one of the first states to adopt the initiative and referendum process, providing the opportunity for citizens to make and remake laws directly. The intent was to provide a check over legislative decisions.

Two different types of initiatives can be pursued: initiatives to the legislature and initiatives to the people. Both require the same amount of signatures. Any registered voter can participate in this process to create, amend or repeal state law.

Sponsors of the initiatives have accused Democrats and allied groups of an illegal campaign to block the measures from getting on the 2024 ballot. The alleged tactics by Democrats range from a public hotline to report sightings of petition gatherers, alleged harassment and even cash incentives for paid signature gatherers to leave the state.

Along with the effort to repeal the capital gains tax and give people the ability to opt out of WA Cares, Lets Go Washington also wants to:

Loosen restrictions on when law enforcement officers can engage in vehicle pursuits.

Give parents authority to review public school textbooks, demand notification for medical services and opt their kids out of sex education.

Repeal the carbon-pricing system for greenhouse gas emissions.

Bar cities or counties from adopting an income tax.

The secretary of state will notify the Legislature on the first day of the session about expected initiatives to be presented. Due to the unprecedented number of initiatives, the secretary of state will work with the Legislature to receive funding for more staffing and resources to meet the demand within the required time frame.

Lets Go Washington says it has submitted more than 2.6 million signatures for all six initiatives.

Our aim is to complete all certifications mid-February, Stuart Holmes, Washingtons director of elections, said in an email. It certainly isnt a small order, but we are confident in our ability to achieve this expectation.

The 60-day session is scheduled to end in early March.
Handelsbanken Fonder AB lifted its stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS  Free Report) by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 212,170 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder ABs holdings in Fidelity National Information Services were worth $11,727,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 83.3% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 286 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Neo Ivy Capital Management bought a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. McCarthy Grittinger Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 101.1% in the 3rd quarter. McCarthy Grittinger Financial Group LLC now owns 573 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the period. Finally, Fiduciary Alliance LLC bought a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 85.67% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on the company. Seaport Res Ptn reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Mizuho reiterated a buy rating and issued a $70.00 price objective on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Barclays upgraded Fidelity National Information Services from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $62.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. StockNews.com began coverage on Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $71.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $66.00.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Ellen R. Alemany bought 855 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $53.00 per share, with a total value of $45,315.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 4,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at $243,694. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock.

Fidelity National Information Services Trading Down 1.2 %

FIS stock opened at $60.07 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $55.58 and a 200 day moving average price of $56.01. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $46.91 and a fifty-two week high of $79.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.67 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.

Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The information technology services provider reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by ($0.65). Fidelity National Information Services had a negative net margin of 180.32% and a positive return on equity of 13.89%. The business had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.65 billion. Analysts expect that Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. will post 3.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Fidelity National Information Services Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th were paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.46%. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -5.08%.

Fidelity National Information Services Company Profile

(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.

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Handelsbanken Fonder AB cut its stake in shares of Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG  Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 798,652 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,409 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder ABs holdings in Coupang were worth $13,577,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Coupang by 205.6% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 33,752,146 shares of the companys stock worth $587,287,000 after purchasing an additional 22,708,662 shares during the period. AMS Capital Ltda acquired a new stake in shares of Coupang during the third quarter worth $2,729,000. Junto Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Coupang in the second quarter valued at about $26,459,000. WCM Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Coupang by 80.0% in the third quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,170,147 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,914,000 after acquiring an additional 964,548 shares during the period. Finally, PointState Capital LP grew its stake in Coupang by 74.3% in the second quarter. PointState Capital LP now owns 8,748,709 shares of the companys stock valued at $152,228,000 after acquiring an additional 3,730,744 shares during the period. 72.02% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have issued reports on CPNG. UBS Group cut Coupang from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $26.00 to $18.50 in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. TheStreet cut Coupang from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $21.42.

Coupang Stock Performance

Shares of Coupang stock opened at $16.19 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $28.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 67.46 and a beta of 1.18. The stocks 50-day moving average is $16.21 and its 200-day moving average is $17.22. Coupang, Inc. has a one year low of $12.66 and a one year high of $19.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.89.

Coupang (NYSE:CPNG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $6.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.91 billion. Coupang had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 16.09%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 21.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.05 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Coupang, Inc. will post 0.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In related news, major shareholder Svf Investments (Uk) Ltd sold 30,000,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.39, for a total transaction of $461,700,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 396,156,413 shares in the company, valued at $6,096,847,196.07. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Svf Investments (Uk) Ltd sold 30,000,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.39, for a total transaction of $461,700,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 396,156,413 shares in the company, valued at $6,096,847,196.07. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Tae Jung Kim sold 4,673 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.95, for a total value of $79,207.35. Following the sale, the insider now owns 254,530 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,314,283.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 30,005,613 shares of company stock worth $461,793,777 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 14.90% of the companys stock.

Coupang Profile

(Free Report)

Coupang, Inc, together with its subsidiaries owns and operates in e-commerce business through its mobile applications and Internet websites primarily in South Korea. The company operates through two segments, Product Commerce and Developing Offerings. It sells various products and services in the categories of home goods and decor products, apparel, beauty products, fresh food and groceries, sporting goods, electronics, and everyday consumables, as well as travel, and restaurant order and delivery services.

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Handelsbanken Fonder AB increased its holdings in shares of Moodys Co. (NYSE:MCO  Free Report) by 0.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 44,796 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 287 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder ABs holdings in Moodys were worth $14,163,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Natixis purchased a new position in shares of Moodys during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Clearstead Trust LLC acquired a new stake in Moodys in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Ancora Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Moodys by 4,900.0% during the 1st quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 100 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Moodys during the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Compass Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Moodys in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. 90.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Moodys Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:MCO opened at $390.56 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $357.92 and its two-hundred day moving average is $344.02. Moodys Co. has a 52 week low of $274.80 and a 52 week high of $396.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.51, a PEG ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04.

Moodys Dividend Announcement

Moodys ( NYSE:MCO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The business services provider reported $2.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.08. Moodys had a net margin of 26.42% and a return on equity of 55.27%. The company had revenue of $1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.46 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.85 earnings per share. Moodyss revenue was up 15.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Moodys Co. will post 10.04 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 24th were paid a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 22nd. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.79%. Moodyss payout ratio is currently 37.47%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MCO has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $381.00 target price on shares of Moodys in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Moodys in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $390.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Moodys from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Moodys from $399.00 to $366.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on shares of Moodys from $344.00 to $333.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $358.46.

View Our Latest Analysis on MCO

Insider Buying and Selling at Moodys

In other news, insider Michael L. West sold 2,754 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $338.38, for a total value of $931,898.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 8,396 shares in the company, valued at $2,841,038.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Robert Fauber sold 2,546 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $320.28, for a total value of $815,432.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 60,838 shares in the company, valued at $19,485,194.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Michael L. West sold 2,754 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $338.38, for a total transaction of $931,898.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,396 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,841,038.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 13,811 shares of company stock worth $4,632,601. 0.42% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Moodys Company Profile

(Free Report)

Moody's Corporation operates as an integrated risk assessment firm worldwide. It operates in two segments, Moody's Investors Service and Moody's Analytics. The Moody's Investors Service segment publishes credit ratings and provides assessment services on various debt obligations, programs and facilities, and entities that issue such obligations, such as various corporate, financial institution, and governmental obligations, as well as and structured finance securities.

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Signet Jewelers (NYSE:SIG  Get Free Report) and Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions (OTCMKTS:HESAF  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Signet Jewelers and Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Signet Jewelers $7.84 billion 0.61 $376.70 million $8.26 12.99 Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions N/A N/A N/A $7.84 270.44

Signet Jewelers has higher revenue and earnings than Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions. Signet Jewelers is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Analyst Recommendations

3.5% of Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions shares are held by institutional investors. 4.5% of Signet Jewelers shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Signet Jewelers and Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Signet Jewelers 0 2 2 0 2.50 Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions 0 0 0 0 N/A

Signet Jewelers presently has a consensus price target of $101.00, indicating a potential downside of 5.84%. Given Signet Jewelers higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Signet Jewelers is more favorable than Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions.

Dividends

Signet Jewelers pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions pays an annual dividend of $2.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.1%. Signet Jewelers pays out 11.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions pays out 34.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Signet Jewelers has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Signet Jewelers is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Profitability

This table compares Signet Jewelers and Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Signet Jewelers 6.29% 31.86% 8.10% Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Signet Jewelers beats Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Signet Jewelers

(Get Free Report)

Signet Jewelers Limited operates as a diamond jewelry retailer. It operates through three segments: North America, International, and Other. The North America segment operates jewelry stores in jewelry stores in malls, mall-based kiosks, and off-mall locations in the United States and Canada primarily under the Kay Jewelers, Kay Jewelers Outlet, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, Jared Vault, Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Diamonds Direct, James Allen, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, and Peoples Jewellers names, as well as operates online through its digital banners, James Allen and Blue Nile. This segment also engages in jewelry subscription business. The International segment operates stores in shopping malls and off-mall locations primarily under the H.Samuel and Ernest Jones brands in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Channel Islands. The Other segment is involved in the purchase and conversion of rough diamonds to polished stones, as well as the provision of diamond polishing services. Signet Jewelers Limited is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions

(Get Free Report)

Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions engages in the production, wholesale, and retail of various goods. The company offers leather goods and saddlery, such as travel articles, small leather goods and accessories, saddles, bridles, and a full range of equestrian products and clothing; ready-to-wear garments for men and women; and accessories, including jewelry, belts, hats, gloves, the Internet of Things products, and shoes. It also provides silk and textiles for men and women; art of living and tableware products; perfumes; and watches. In addition, the company is also involved in weaving, engraving, printing, dyeing, finishing, and producing textiles; and purchasing, tanning, dyeing, finishing, and selling precious leathers. It sells its products through a network of stores worldwide. The company also sells watches, perfumes, and tableware through a network of specialized stores. Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions was founded in 1837 and is based in Paris, France. Hermes International Societe en commandite par actions operates as a subsidiary of H51 SAS.

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MaxLinear (NYSE:MXL  Get Free Report) and ams-OSRAM (OTCMKTS:AUKUF  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, earnings, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares MaxLinear and ams-OSRAMs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MaxLinear $1.12 billion 1.73 $125.04 million ($0.04) -594.10 ams-OSRAM N/A N/A N/A $1.30 2.03

MaxLinear has higher revenue and earnings than ams-OSRAM. MaxLinear is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than ams-OSRAM, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Profitability

87.7% of MaxLinear shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 38.1% of ams-OSRAM shares are owned by institutional investors. 11.0% of MaxLinear shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares MaxLinear and ams-OSRAMs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MaxLinear -0.42% 16.19% 9.97% ams-OSRAM N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for MaxLinear and ams-OSRAM, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MaxLinear 0 6 5 0 2.45 ams-OSRAM 1 1 0 0 1.50

MaxLinear presently has a consensus price target of $26.36, indicating a potential upside of 10.91%. Given MaxLinears stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe MaxLinear is more favorable than ams-OSRAM.

Summary

MaxLinear beats ams-OSRAM on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About MaxLinear

(Get Free Report)

MaxLinear, Inc. engages in the provision of communications systems-on-chip solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications worldwide. Its products integrate various portions of a high-speed communication system, including radiofrequency, high-performance analog, mixed-signal, digital signal processing, security engines, data compression and networking layers, and power management. The company's products are used in various electronic devices, such as cable Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, fiber and DSL broadband modems and gateways; Wi-Fi and wireline routers for home networking; radio transceivers and modems for 4G/5G base-station and backhaul infrastructure; and fiber-optic modules for data center, metro, and long-haul transport networks, as well as power management and interface products. It serves electronics distributors, module makers, original equipment manufacturers, and original design manufacturers through a direct sales force, third-party sales representatives, and a network of distributors. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

About ams-OSRAM

(Get Free Report)

ams-OSRAM AG designs, manufactures, and sells LED and optical sensor solutions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia/Pacific. The company operates in Semiconductors and Lamps & Systems segments. The Semiconductors segment offers semiconductor-based products and solutions, such as high-performance LEDs, lasers, and optical sensors for automotive, consumer, and industrial end markets. The Lamps & Systems segment provides lamps and lighting systems for the automotive, industrial, and medical end markets. The company was formerly known as ams AG and changed its name to ams-OSRAM AG in January 2022. ams-OSRAM AG was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Premstatten, Austria.

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Handelsbanken Fonder AB lifted its stake in shares of Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA  Free Report) by 85.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 52,689 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 24,316 shares during the quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB owned about 0.10% of Snap-on worth $13,439,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its position in shares of Snap-on by 96.3% in the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 106 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its position in shares of Snap-on by 57.3% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 129 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co boosted its position in shares of Snap-on by 100.0% in the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 140 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Snap-on by 55.4% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 143 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP boosted its position in shares of Snap-on by 384.4% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 155 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. 83.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Snap-on Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of SNA stock opened at $288.84 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $15.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.68, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.04. Snap-on Incorporated has a 1-year low of $226.68 and a 1-year high of $297.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 3.67 and a quick ratio of 2.62. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $274.44 and its 200-day simple moving average is $270.99.

Snap-on Increases Dividend

Snap-on ( NYSE:SNA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $4.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.44 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $1.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.15 billion. Snap-on had a net margin of 21.21% and a return on equity of 21.20%. The companys revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $4.14 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Snap-on Incorporated will post 18.62 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 21st were issued a dividend of $1.86 per share. This is a positive change from Snap-ons previous quarterly dividend of $1.62. This represents a $7.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 20th. Snap-ons dividend payout ratio is presently 40.39%.

Insider Transactions at Snap-on

In other news, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 21,493 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.40, for a total transaction of $6,005,144.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 708,513 shares in the company, valued at approximately $197,958,532.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 21,493 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.40, for a total transaction of $6,005,144.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 708,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $197,958,532.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Thomas J. Ward sold 1,435 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $289.91, for a total transaction of $416,020.85. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 48,684 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,113,978.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 75,998 shares of company stock worth $21,666,210 in the last three months. Company insiders own 4.20% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently commented on SNA. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Snap-on in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Tigress Financial upped their target price on shares of Snap-on from $328.00 to $336.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and issued a $324.00 target price on shares of Snap-on in a report on Thursday, October 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $298.17.

Get Our Latest Analysis on SNA

About Snap-on

(Free Report)

Snap-on Incorporated manufactures and markets tools, equipment, diagnostics, and repair information and systems solutions for professional users worldwide. It operates through Commercial & Industrial Group, Snap-on Tools Group, Repair Systems & Information Group, and Financial Services segments.

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Shares of Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TSGTY  Get Free Report) crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $34.29 and traded as high as $34.35. Tsingtao Brewery shares last traded at $34.35, with a volume of 855 shares trading hands.

Tsingtao Brewery Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average is $34.29 and its 200 day moving average is $39.68.

Tsingtao Brewery Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of beer products worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Shandong Region; South China Region; North China Region; East China Region; Southeast China Region; Hong Kong, Macau and Other Overseas Region; and Finance Company.

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Valeo Financial Advisors LLC cut its holdings in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Free Report) by 10.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 12,440 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,514 shares during the quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Southern were worth $805,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Southern by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,171 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $223,000 after acquiring an additional 286 shares in the last quarter. Capital City Trust Co. FL acquired a new position in Southern during the second quarter valued at approximately $306,000. Bollard Group LLC raised its position in shares of Southern by 1.0% in the second quarter. Bollard Group LLC now owns 431,500 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $30,313,000 after purchasing an additional 4,082 shares during the period. Cullinan Associates Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Southern by 200.9% in the third quarter. Cullinan Associates Inc. now owns 76,227 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,933,000 after buying an additional 50,897 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elevated Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Southern by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC now owns 24,377 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,712,000 after buying an additional 582 shares during the period. 62.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Southern alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.00, for a total value of $330,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 116,284 shares in the company, valued at $7,674,744. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of the 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 sale, the insider now 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. Also, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.00, for a total value of $330,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 116,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,674,744. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 25,000 shares of company stock worth $1,722,000 in the last quarter. 0.28% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SO has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America upgraded shares of Southern from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $67.00 to $68.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Mizuho dropped their price objective on Southern from $76.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Southern from $66.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Citigroup assumed coverage on Southern in a research report on Friday, December 8th. They issued a buy rating and a $82.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Guggenheim reduced their price objective on Southern from $80.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.00.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Southern

Southern Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of SO opened at $70.12 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $69.59 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $69.20. The stock has a market cap of $76.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.31, a P/E/G ratio of 4.87 and a beta of 0.55. The Southern Company has a 12 month low of $58.85 and a 12 month high of $75.80.

Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.42 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.10. Southern had a return on equity of 10.26% and a net margin of 11.60%. The business had revenue of $6.98 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.38 billion. Equities analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 3.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Southern Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 20th were issued a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.99%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 17th. Southerns payout ratio is 101.08%.

Southern Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

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President Yoon Suk Yeol will deliver a New Year's address live from his office, focusing on people's livelihoods and the economy, a presidential official said Sunday.

Yoon will begin his message at 10 a.m. on New Year's Day and speak for around 20 minutes, according to the presidential official.

"President Yoon will emphasize a government that promptly addresses issues and takes action ... (and) intends to announce his resolve to establish a government that takes care of people's livelihoods," the official said. (Yonhap)
CARBONDALE  Carbondale Chief of Police Stan Reno provided advice Thursday on how residents could stay safe while celebrating New Years Eve weekend, as numerous events are planned in the southern Illinois region.

Reno said one concern the department faces every New Years Eve is celebratory gunfire, especially amid the citys other gun violence.

Its important to remember that any time someone fires a firearm, those bullets have to go somewhere, he said. So even if theyre fired into the air, it doesnt remove the possibility of danger that it poses on others.

Reno encouraged citizens to report celebratory gunfire to the police department, though the police department will not be able to respond to all of those instances.

Thats not something that we allow, he said. But we also have limited resources to respond to all that because its unfortunately become a fairly common practice.

Reno said most instances of celebratory gunfire occur at private residences, but he instructs officers to be vigilant of public occurrences as well, and take enforcement actions when possible.

He said the department specifically instructs officers to take extra precautions with intoxicated armed subjects  perhaps engaging in celebratory gunfire  to avoid armed encounters.

We dont want an armed encounter where somebodys out doing celebratory gunfire, and then it ends up in a shootout with the police offers, Reno said.

Using our de-escalation skills, talking to people and letting them know that number one, hey, its the police thats about to approach us,  he said. We want to give them clear directions and do what we need them to do to make sure that theyre safe and that our officers are safe.

He said the department covers these procedures with the officers ahead of time to make sure that theyre not putting themselves  and the community  in a dangerous situation.

Reno also said intoxicated driving is a major concern every New Years. What we see related to bars is people drinking excessively and then making poor decisions to drive.

We want to remind everybody to drive sober, make arrangements ahead of time to have sober drivers, use rideshares if possible, he said. Just make good decisions so that theyre not putting themselves and others in danger.

Reno said the department will be fully staffed on New Years Eve and ready to respond to any emergencies within the city.

Numerous events are happening in the southern Illinois region over the weekend.

Alto Vineyards is hosting a Paint & Sip event on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Participants can sign up at ProjectHumanX.com.

Tequilas of Carterville is hosting a live music night Saturday at 6 p.m., and Blacktop Junction performs at 8 p.m. at Log Cabin Tavern in Marion.

The Alter Egos New Years Eve Eve drag show will start at 10 p.m. Saturday at Key West Bar & Grill in Carbondale.

The Herrin Civic Center is hosting a Western-themed New Years Eve Western Night at 7 p.m. on Sunday, and The Franklin County Rockin New Years Eve Star Drop will start at 8 p.m. Sunday in the Benton Public Square.
BEIRUT  Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem, during a memorial event for the party Sunday, stated that Israel claims "to have options and plans to return settlers" to northern Israel, but is running out of options and has "to confront the resilience of the resistance against aggression."

"Israel presents various propositions regarding northern Palestine and southern Lebanon, attempting to demonstrate it holds options to facilitate settlers' return to the north safely and to distance Hezbollah and the resistance from the south for reassurance in the midst of this struggle. We say to them that Israel isn't in a position to impose its choices but rather to confront the resilience of the resistance against aggression, refuse the consolidation of the Israeli project, and prevent Israel from achieving its objectives in Gaza, Lebanon, and the region," Qassem said.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting, "We are working to restore security in the north and return the residents to their homes. This currently necessitates the continuation of the fighting there. If we don't achieve it politically, we will achieve it militarily."

According to Haaretz, Israels northern border communities have been emptying since Oct.8, when clashes erupted between Hezbollah and Israel.

The Israeli Defense Ministry also ordered the mandatory evacuation of more than 40 communities there in October and the Israeli army has imposed a no-go Zone within 2km of the border with Lebanon.

'Sacrifices by Hezbollah are significant yet necessary'

Qassem said, however, that "Israel cannot relocate settlers to the north amidst this battle and cannot gain any advantage in this fight or its aftermath. It must first halt the Gaza war to cease hostilities in Lebanon. Persisting in bombing civilians in Lebanon means the response will be stronger and proportionate to Israeli aggression."

"We have decided to be in a state of war and confrontation on the southern front against Israel, but proportionate to the requirements of the battle. If Israel persists, the response will be stronger. Israel's threats hold no value for us."

The party's deputy leader said Hezbollah recognizes that the "sacrifices" its fighters make are significant, "yet they are necessary and essential to defy a perilous project over Palestine and the region."

Since Oct.8, Hezbollah has lost 134 fighters, explaining in their statements that they were "martyred on the path to Jerusalem," without providing further information.

"Al-Aqsa flood will establish a new phase in our region. We'll witness a newer generation more resolute in resistance than the current one," Qassem said, concluding his speech.


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
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has invited people who contributed to attaining this year's key economic goals to Pyongyang for New Year's celebrations, state media reported Friday.

North Korea is preparing to hold celebration events in the capital to mark the start of the new year, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim has invited what the North dubbed hard-working innovators in terms of the country's 12 economic goals to the upcoming celebrations, it said.

Since Kim took power in late 2011, North Korea has displayed nighttime fireworks and held celebratory performances on New Year's Eve.

Last year, the country invited those engaged in the military and munitions sectors as guests of honor to the celebrations. In 2022, North Korea doubled down on provocations by firing a record number of ballistic missiles.

In contrast to major achievements in the military sector, North Korea's economic difficulties have been deepening amid U.N. sanctions imposed due to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. (Yonhap)
PHOENIX  Rejected in prior legal attempts to overturn his election loss for attorney general, Abe Hamadeh now is trying to get a judge to declare Kris Mayes is holding the office illegally.

But even if that happened, it doesnt mean, as he claims in new legal filings, he would automatically replace her.

In court documents, Hamadeh repeats his claims, rebuffed by courts, that Maricopa County improperly included some early ballots in its count of the 2022 election, which Republican Hamadeh lost to Democrat Mayes by 280 votes. That means Mayes has usurped, intruded into or unlawfully holds or exercise the public office of attorney general, he said through attorney Ryan Heath.

Whats different in this new claim is that Hamadeh is asking a judge to order the state to install him as attorney general, an office to which petitioner is personally entitled.

Only thing is, thats not the way the law works.

Arizona does allow someone to file what is known as a quo warranto action seeking a declaration that someone is holding office illegally.

Thats what happened in 1999 in a challenge to the 1998 election of Republican Tony West to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

In a 3-2 ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court found West was illegally elected because he was ineligible to hold the office.

The justices said he broke a state law that prohibits someone who is subject to regulation by the commission from being elected to the agency. West held a commission-issued license to sell securities when he was elected.

That ruling, however, did not install Democrat Paul Newman, whom West had defeated.

Instead, the declaration of the office being vacant meant that Renz Jennings  who had not sought reelection  was reinstated to the post he held before the election. That is based on a section of the Arizona Constitution that the term of any elected officer shall extend until his successor shall be elected and shall qualify.

Jennings, in turn, got to serve until then-Gov. Jane Hull, mandated to name a replacement who had to be a Republican like West, tapped Bill Mundell to fill out the term.

What that means is that even if Hamadeh, using the same legal arguments about election irregularities that have been dismissed in other challenges, manages to have Mayes declared to be holding office illegally, he doesnt get the job as he is asking.

Instead, that would put Republican Mark Brnovich, who did not seek reelection as attorney general in 2022, back in charge of the office, at least for the moment.

But that would be short-lived  only until Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs named a replacement. And that person would have to be a Democrat, like Mayes.

Whether Hobbs could reappoint Mayes, however, remains an open question.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

These are phrases that originated in 2023, or were already is use, but were overused in 2023.

No. 1: The  is broken as in the system is broken, or the IRS is broken, or the whatever is broken. This catch phrase has been applied to everything from immigration, to shipping, to transportation, to elections and many other things that dont break.

The problem: Its not broken if its still working. Things are broken when they dont work at all. What these phrases mean is they are not working as well as anyone would like, and no one can come up with an idea to make them work.

The alternative: The Immigration System is strained to the max (already in use, and will probably be next years worn-out phrase). We need some innovative ideas to deal with this. Or, (the original) needs fixing. Or, better, lets look at possibilities of fixing this.

No. 2: Its an All Hands on Deck moment. It should mean its an emergency and everyone who can needs to respond immediately.

The problem: Not everything can be an All Hands on Deck moment or pretty soon everybody will be on deck all the time and the boat (or whatever) will capsize. This phrase has been used to raise money for next years elections and other things that might happen in the future. The only time this phrase should be used is when the boat you are on is dangerously listing to one side, and you should at least go up and put a life vest on.

Alternatives: We need a lot of people to consider responding ASAP if they can. Or, Heres the real time frame we need to respond in.

NOTE: ASAP (As Soon As Possible) has been in use for some time, but not so much that it needs to be retired, or relegated to the bench for a few innings.

No. 3: Im the victim here! We cant all be the victim. Claiming the victim position means the claimant should be heard before others and given some consideration. Women, or children, (or, men really) suffering abuse should be listened to, and be respected.

The problem: Now, its just used for anyone who feels they didnt get their way.

Alternative: One at a time, but everyone gets heard. Provide a safe and private space for people to express their grievances without fear of being shut down or contradicted.

No. 4: Any and all expressions of antisemitism or Islamophobia. These ideas have been simmering in the shadows for centuries, but made a resurgence in the recent past and grew louder in the past year.

The problem: Making up lies and applying them to all members of a group as a way to justify attacking them. Not long ago, worshipers at a Sikh temple were attacked because they wore turbans and were mistakenly identified as Arabs. Elderly women who looked Asian were attacked on the streets regardless of whether they condoned Chinas trade tactics or were against them.

The alternative: Dont assume someone adheres to any belief because of their looks or ethnic history. Try to see people as individuals not representatives of any group. Helping the needy is always an antidote to hate. These ideas of hate need to face the light of day and be replaced with love and acceptance forever.

Other phrases in use but not overused:

Everybody knows, or everybody thinks  Generally, if someone says this, it is their opinion and they dont speak for everybody.

The fix is in. Again, someones personal opinion, not necessarily widely accepted.

Please, our national dialogue would be better with less use of these phrases. But then, everybody knows that.
Often, when we discuss health insurance, we focus mainly on physical health benefits for operations, hospital visits or medication and dont mention another important component of well-being: mental health.

More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Around the same percentage of Oklahomans (almost 790,000 people) experience a mental illness every year.

This is a topic I hope enters the conversation more, and I want Oklahomans to understand mental health parity and insurance coverage.

What is parity?

First, its crucial to understand what parity is. In this case, mental health parity means mental health coverage under an insurance plan is equal to physical health coverage.

Mental health hasnt always been treated the same as physical health coverage, with this issue addressed by multiple laws over the decades.

In 2008, Congress passed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), which generally prevents group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide mental health or substance use disorder benefits from imposing less favorable benefit limitations on those benefits than on medical/surgical benefits.

In Oklahoma, we passed SB1718 in 2020, which requires carriers in the state to offer mental health and substance use disorder coverage in parity.

Is my plan included under mental health parity?

All fully insured health plans sold to individuals, small employer groups and large employer groups must include benefits for mental health and substance use disorder services.

Self-funded health plans (commonly provided by large employers) arent required to cover these services. If they do include this coverage, it must be provided in parity with benefits for physical illness.

In general, parity rules apply to:

 Private-sector employment-sponsored group health plans with 51 or more workers

 Private plans of smaller employers that started offering health insurance benefits or made major changes to their health insurance plans after March 23, 2010

 Plans sponsored by non-federal governmental employers with 51 or more workers (although self-insured non-federal governmental plans can opt out if they follow certain procedures)

 Most health insurance coverage sold to individuals, including coverage sold through the Health Insurance Marketplace

 Most, but not all, Medicaid managed care programs and all Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs

However, parity does not apply to Medicare fee-for-service or Medicare Advantage plans.

What if my health insurance plan doesnt treat mental health and physical health equally?

Review your health insurance plan and look closely at your benefits. If you determine your insurer does not meet parity but does meet the above criteria, contact us at the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 800-522-0071 or visit oid.ok.gov.

We can help review policies and contact insurance companies on your behalf to ensure compliance with state and federal parity laws. For immediate mental health assistance, call or text Oklahomas Mental Health Lifeline at 988.

Glen Mulready is a former state legislator who has served as Oklahomas Insurance Commissioner since 2019. He was elected to the post in 2018.
Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton 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

Now hiring: Broken Arrow Public Schools is hosting a job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, 701 S. Main, for support staff openings. Applications will be available on-site for openings with the districts transportation, child nutrition, custodial and child care departments.

Back in the saddle again: Classes resume Tuesday for Anderson, Catoosa, Kiefer, Prue and Sand Springs.

Classes resume Wednesday for Allen-Bowden, Bartlesville, Dove Charter Schools, Glenpool, Keystone, Mannford, Pretty Water, Sperry, Tulsa and Tulsa Honor Academy.

Classes resume Thursday for Berryhill, Broken Arrow, College Bound Academy, Collinsville, Coweta, Jenks, Liberty, Lone Star, Mounds, Owasso, Sapulpa, Skiatook, Tulsa Classical Academy, Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, Union and Wagoner.

Stay home day: Friday is a distance learning day for Catoosa Public Schools.

School selection season: Tulsa Public Schools initial 2024-2025 enrollment window opens Saturday at enroll.tulsaschools.org and will remain open through Feb. 16.

TPS will host an enrollment expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the University of Tulsas Allen Chapman Activity Center with representatives on hand from all TPS sites and authorized charter partners, plus 17 district departments and a dozen community agencies, including the Tulsa Health Department, DVIS, Emergency Infant Services and Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. Shuttle service will be available from the Education Service Center and East Central, McLain, Memorial and Webster high schools starting at 8:30 a.m.

Farm art: Student entries for Oklahoma Ag in the Classrooms annual poster and photography contests must be postmarked by Friday. Entry forms and submission requirements are available online at Oklahoma.agclassroom.org/contest

Lets dance: Bartlesville Public Schools Indian Education will host the 19th annual Battle of the Plains youth competition powwow Saturday at the Washington County Fair Building starting at 1 p.m. Competitive dance categories are restricted to students affiliated with a Johnson-OMalley or Title VI program.

School board calendar: The board of education for Woodland Public Schools in Osage County has a special board meeting Tuesday.

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Tim Stanley Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Tim Stanley Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A radiation detector built at Oklahoma State University to help further knowledge of aviation-related exposure recently reached its destination 250 miles above Earth.

The work of a pair of OSU researchers, the SpaceTED detector was successfully installed aboard the International Space Station last month and has since begun transmitting its valuable data back to researchers.

The work itself was gratifying, but to see the launch go successfully  it was like a big weight lifted off my shoulders, said Tristen Lee, a doctoral student who headed the project alongside OSU physics professor Eric Benton.

Known officially as a Space Tissue Equivalent Dosimeter, SpaceTED for short, the unique device is about the size of a childs shoebox. The project was funded by NASA through a special program.

For Benton, its the fruit of efforts that began 16 years ago when he received his first NASA grant.

The shelves in his lab at OSUs Venture 1 Building are lined with earlier prototypes of SpaceTED and other radiation detectors, evidence of his and his students dedication to the work.

Some bad luck kept the goal from being achieved earlier, Benton said.

This one is actually the third built for the ISS, he said. The first one was destroyed. It was on a FedEx truck that was involved in an unfortunate accident that caused the truck and its cargo to burn up.

The second one made it to the space station, he said, but was damaged when it was accidentally kicked by an astronaut.

This time around, Benton and Lee ensured that SpaceTED would be placed in a quieter, less trafficked area of ISS.

The earlier mishaps were disappointing, they said, but they used the opportunities afforded by them to improve the device.

I made a huge list of lessons learned, Benton said. I handed it to Tristen and said, OK, build a better one. And he did.

New batches of data will come in every couple of weeks for Lee to comb through.

We had 38 hours of data in the first batch, which was about 1,700 files, Lee said.

Well put the data through various conversion routines, and it will give us whats called the absorbed dose. This is a quantity used to measure the amount of radiation a person receives  whether its from X-rays at the dentist or space travel.

Benton and Lee hope to see their research serve not just astronauts, but flyers closer to earth. Pilots, flight attendants, military personnel and other professionals who fly frequently receive higher doses of radiation than their counterparts on the ground.

Regulating acceptable exposure is based solely on estimates and computer models, Benton said, but they have not been well-validated with actual measurements.

The work that NASA is sponsoring is largely in support of getting those measurements, he said.

SpaceTED was funded by a NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research award.

While Lee took the lead on SpaceTED, his fellow physics students in Bentons lab are also conducting radiation-related research, building on one anothers knowledge.

Efforts include sending radiation detectors up with high-altitude balloons and working with the OSU rocketry team to launch the devices as high as 13,000 feet above sea level.

Im immensely proud of all these guys, Benton said. Physics provides great hands-on opportunities for students. Its not so much about learning something specific, its about learning how to learn.

Lee enrolled at OSU in 2019 specifically to conduct research with Benton.

With the projects history, Lee wasnt taking any chances this time, he said.

He drove the latest SpaceTED to Houston himself to make sure it arrived safely at NASAs Johnson Space Center for the November launch.

I didnt want anything to happen to it, he said.

Now that its in place and sending back data, Lee can take a moment to enjoy the accomplishment.

It was a feeling of relief and then satisfaction, he said.

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Whatever works: Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole, the Rules Committee chairman as well as a senior appropriator, seemed to suggest that House leaders ignore members who are unlikely to accept spending bills with a chance of passing the Senate and being signed by President Joe Biden.

Most of the people who are complaining about what we did or did not do (on spending bills) arent going to be part of that, anyway; theyre not going to be voting for the bill, Cole told The Hill.

Theres no way we can go to where they want to go and be able to attract the Democratic support that you need.  Weve got to find a way to piece together enough Democrats and Republicans to actually move stuff, he said.

AI-AI-0: Politico said 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas and other members of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee fired a shot across the bow of the Biden administration earlier this month because theyre concerned about a growing alliance between it and the RAND Corp. concerning artificial intelligence oversight and development.

Lucas, the chairman of the committee, and five other members, including senior Democrat Zoe Lofgren of California, vented their concerns albeit in somewhat guarded language in a letter to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

NIST is a fairly obscure adjunct of the White House that has been given the job of setting up an AI Safety Institute, a research and policy operation.

According to Politico, Lucas and Lofgren are concerned about the administrations coziness with RAND, a long-established research organization that has recently become a financial influence of important players in the burgeoning AI industry.

Dots and dashes: Border security negotiations involving U.S. Sen. James Lankford, Democrat Chris Murphy of Connecticut and independent Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona continued via long distance last week, Murphy told Politico.  Cole said he supports changing the House rule that allows one member to force a vote to vacate the speakership but doesnt think it will happen.  Lucas was among ag state lawmakers urging the Biden administration to hold off on importing Paraguayan beef, citing concerns about hoof and mouth disease.  The University of Oklahomas loss to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl cost Cole a box of Bedre chocolates in a bet with that states Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who put up tamales and beer.

 Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World

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A teacher recruitment program with signing bonuses of up to $50,000 did coax some teachers from other states to Oklahoma, but apparently not as many as some believe state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters implied in September.

Documents obtained by the Tulsa World indicate bonus applications for 117 teachers from at least 26 states and one foreign country have been approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

A total of 578 applications have been approved, with the rest going to Oklahomans who had left teaching but returned for the 2023-2024 school year.

It isnt clear how many applications were rejected, either because of eligibility or lack of funds. The OSDE website says the program has been suspended because the allotted funding is gone.

The program was intended to spur recruitment of teachers in certain specialties, both from out of state and the ranks of Oklahomans who left teaching but still held certifications, with a particular emphasis on rural and high-poverty districts.

While it does appear to have helped recruit teachers to such schools as Bowring and Gypsy, the program was most utilized by Epic Charter Schools, which had 35 applications approved, and Edmond Public Schools, with 24.

Twenty applications were approved for Tulsa Public Schools, including the only one for a candidate listing a foreign country  the Philippines  as a previous address.

Other systems high on the utilization list were Putnam City (18) Deer Creek Edmond (15), Norman (15) and Oklahoma City Public Schools (14).

Meanwhile, several districts the documents list as low-performing had few if any applications approved.

The documents obtained by the World were part of Walters and OSDEs response to a legislative subpoena for information on several topics, including teacher recruitment.

Specifically, lawmakers are curious about a September interview with Oklahoma City television station KOKH in which Walters said OSDEs recruitment program, which he described as the largest in the country, and caused over 950 teachers (to) apply to come to Oklahoma to teach.

Among those to question the statement was Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee. When Walters and OSDE did not respond to requests for information from McBride and Common Education Chairwoman Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, they obtained a subpoena for it.

On Tuesday, McBride acknowledged receipt of Walters and OSDEs response and said it was being reviewed.

The documents obtained by the World dont settle the question of whether OSDE actually received more than 950 applications from out of state, or even 950 total. They do, however, provide some data on what Walters says is one of his highest priorities and most important achievements, teacher recruitment.

Launched earlier this year, the bonus program was open to individuals who did not teach full time in Oklahoma public schools during the 2022-23 academic year and were certified in certain specialties, especially early childhood and special education. Those going to rural or high-poverty schools were eligible for add-ons.

The amounts ranged from $15,000-$50,000, depending on certification, years of experience and school.

The bonuses were paid up front but are subject to pro rata repayment if the recipient leaves teaching or the state within five years, except for hardships such as death or debilitating illness.

The department set aside $16 million for the bonuses, but seems to have committed to $17.3 million, based on the list of approved applications.

Not surprisingly, Texas (38) and Kansas (15) led the states contributing to the 117 in-bound teachers. Twelve came from Arkansas, seven from California and six from Colorado.

Results were mixed on gaining or regaining experienced teachers. Of the 117 in-bound teachers, 15 had never taught at all and 23 more had less than five years experience.

At the other end of the spectrum, two teachers reported more than 30 years in the classroom and six others had 20-29 years.

Years of experience data was not available for in-state bonus recipients.

Of the 578 approved bonuses, 186 were for the maximum $50,000. About two-thirds of the in-bound teachers received the max, compared to 105 Oklahoma residents.

All told, Oklahoma has more than 40,000 public school teachers, of which around 4,000 are not certified by traditional means.

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North Korea's total fertility rate is presumed to have been far lower than a U.N. estimate amid a delay in marriages and women's increased economic activities, a report from South Korea's central bank showed Friday.

North Korea's total fertility rate  the average number of children that are expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime  is estimated to have reached 1.38 in the 2010s, down from 1.59 in the 2000s and 1.91 from the 1990s, according to the report by the Economic Research Institute at the Bank of Korea (BOK).

The report was written based on a survey on North Korean defectors who escaped the repressive regime in the years before 2019. A BOK team asked questions about experiences of marriages and child births of their 1,137 relatives and friends in North Korea.

The BOK's projected figure is far lower than the U.N. population fund's estimate of 1.8 for 2023. It is much lower than the replacement level of 2.1 that would keep North Korea's population stable at 26 million.

"A country's birthrate tends to fall when income levels rise. But even though North Korea is a low-income country, its total fertility rate unusually remains very low," the report said.

It cited a delay in marriages in North Korea and an increased number of women engaged in economic activities at market places as the main reasons for the fall in the birthrate. Growing individualism that emerged in Pyongyang and other cities is also attributable to the decline.

Accordingly, North Korea's working-age population, or people aged 15 to 64, is forecast to decline from 2021-2030 and the country's total population could fall, the report said.

In light of this demographic situation, it would be difficult to expect that a potential unification of the two Koreas could slow the pace of a sharp fall in South Korea's working-age population or the South's rapid aging, it added.

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for measures to prevent a fall in the country's birthrate in the first national meeting of mothers in 11 years.

Seoul's unification ministry said Kim publicly mentioned a decline in the birthrate for the first time, an indication that the nation is grappling with the issue. (Yonhap)
A federal appeals court on Saturday cleared the way for a California law that bans the carrying of guns in most public places to take effect at the start of 2024, as the panel put on hold a judge's ruling declaring the measure unconstitutional.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended a Dec. 20 injunction issued by a judge who concluded the Democratic-led state's law violated the right of citizens to keep and bear arms under the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

The three-judge panel issued an administrative stay that temporarily put the injunction on hold until a different 9th Circuit panel could consider pausing the lower-court judge's order for even longer while the litigation plays out.

"This ruling will allow California's common-sense gun laws to remain in place while we appeal the district court's dangerous ruling," California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement.

The measure, which is set to take effect on Monday after Newsom signed it into law in September, was enacted after a landmark ruling in June 2022 by the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court that expanded gun rights nationwide.

The Supreme Court in that case struck down New York's strict gun permit regime and declared for the first time that the right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment protects a person's right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense.

The ruling, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v Bruen, also set out a new test to assess the constitutionality of gun laws by holding they must be "consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation."

California, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States, was among a group of states with similar laws as New York, and following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision moved to revamp its firearms regulations.

Students from Miguel Contreras Learning Center high school in Los Angeles demonstrate in front of City Hall after walking out of school to protest U.S. gun violence, California, U.S., May 31, 2022. Photo: Reuters

Under California's new law, people could not carry concealed guns in 26 categories of "sensitive places" including hospitals, playgrounds, stadiums, zoos and places of worship, regardless of whether they had permits to carry concealed weapons.

The law, Senate Bill 2, also barred people from having concealed guns at privately owned commercial establishments that are open to the public, unless the business's operator posts a sign allowing license holders to carry guns on their property.

A group of concealed carry permit holders and gun rights groups including the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation and Gun Owners of America sued, arguing the new law was unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush, on Dec. 20 agreed and blocked the law pending the outcome of the case.

The law "turns nearly every public place in California into a 'sensitive place,' effectively abolishing the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding and exceptionally qualified citizens to be armed and to defend themselves in public," Carney wrote.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta quickly asked the 9th Circuit to put that injunction on hold pending an appeal, saying that leaving the law blocked would mean that "tens of millions of Californians will face a heightened risk of gun violence."

The Firearms Policy Coalition said in a post on X that unless the 9th Circuit acted again before Monday and lifted the stay, all of the law would take effect. It said a ruling could "come in a few hours, days, or even weeks."

Similar laws adopted by other states have faced litigation as well. A federal appeals court on Dec. 8 ruledthat New York state could bar gun owners from carrying weapons in many "sensitive locations" including parks, zoos, bars and theaters.
Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- The administration in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday announced the establishment of the Department of Food Safety, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam.

-- In 2023, Vietnam's population has reached 100.3 million, with residents enjoying a life expectancy of 73.7 years. This marks an increase of 834,800 people and 0.1 year, respectively, compared to the statistics from 2022, according to data from the General Statistics Office.

-- Gateways to Ho Chi Minh City were crammed with vehicles on Saturday as thousands of people rushed to leave the southern metropolis for the New Year holiday in their hometowns.

-- Two traffic police officers in Da Nang City, central Vietnam used a police car to take a nine-month-old baby who turned blue and suffered convulsions to a local medical center on Saturday. The child, who has innate heart disease, is now in stable condition.

-- Road tours to China sold like hot cakes on the ongoing New Year holiday, causing many Vietnamese tourists to queue up for up to six hours on Saturday for their turns to complete procedures at a border gate in China.

-- Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam was expected to welcome 312 flights with some 56,160 passengers on board between Saturday this week and Tuesday next week.

-- Three people in a family died of suffocation in the hold of a vessel carrying wood chips when the ship was docked for repair in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam on Saturday, the provincial administration reported the same day.

Lifestyle

-- Eighty-three paintings and sculptures of dragons by 71 artists are being displayed at an exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City through February 20 next year to welcome the 2024 Lunar New Year, which is the Year of the Dragon.

World News

-- China will simplify visa applications for tourists from the United States from Jan. 1, cutting the documents required, Reuters reported, citing a notice on the website of the Chinese embassy in Washington.

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Police in Ho Chi Minh City have detained seven suspects in their raid on a Chinese-owned restaurant caught offering prostitution brokerage mainly to foreigners.

The municipal police department said on Saturday that they had arrested Zhang Lei, 48-year-old Chinese man and owner of Fortune Restaurant, located on Tran Hung Dao Street in District 5, on charges of prostitution brokering.

Zhangs six Vietnamese accomplices, including Dinh Thi Thanh Tuyen, Nguyen Huu Chi, Nguyen Quoc Anh, Do Xuan Hoang, Le Thi Diem, and Tran Thi Thuy Lieu, were also detained on the same offense.

The arrests were made when a police team inspected the restaurant, doubling as a karaoke parlor, on December 17 following days of surveillance prompted by a tip-off from the public.

A police officer reads an arrest warrant to Zhang Lei (L), the Chinese owner of Fortune Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, December 17, 2023. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

From the testimonies of the detainees, police officers continued raiding some hotels in the district and caught five Fortune attendants providing sex services for the restaurants guests.

Among the hotels where the restaurants attendants and their guests had sex are Phuong Hoang, Valentine, and others, according to the inspection team.

Investigators revealed that Zhang, assisted by the six Vietnamese suspects, had been running a sophisticated and extensive sex brokerage operation at the restaurant.

This illicit activity involved approximately 200 female attendants who served hundreds of patrons daily, predominantly foreigners, with the majority being Chinese, Malaysian, and Taiwanese, police said.

The attendants facilitated the provision of sexual services to foreign patrons.

The amount of illegal money seized from Fortune Restaurant in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, December 17, 2023. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Following negotiations, they escorted their guests to hotel rooms, charging VND5 million (US$206) for a single sex session and VND12 million ($494) for an overnight session.

In addition to operating as a prostitution broker under the cover of a restaurant, Fortune also offered unlicensed karaoke services, police officers said.

Upon scrutinizing the restaurant's records, investigators concluded that Zhang and his accomplices unlawfully generated VND44 billion ($1.81 million) from their sex brokerage services from February of this year up to the time of examination.

During a search of Zhang's residence, law enforcement seized over VND21 billion ($865,400), believed to be proceeds from the prostitution brokerage at Fortune.

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A patient from Lang Son Province in northern Vietnam sought medical attention for a pain in the right neck and shoulder, only to unexpectedly uncover the presence of an additional rib growing on the seventh cervical vertebra -- a condition known as cervical rib disease that is relatively rare and lacks a known cause.

Lang Son General Hospital on Friday afternoon announced the successful surgical intervention on Vi Thi Th., a 22-year-old technical worker from Lang Son, who resorted to medical attention due to pains in the right neck, shoulder, and arm.

Upon Th.s admission to the hospital, a small 2.5cm tumor was discovered in her supraclavicular fossa, accompanied by a systolic murmur and numbness in the right hand that worsened with movement.

Following a cervical spine computed tomography scan, it was revealed that the spinous process on the right side of the seventh cervical vertebra was overdeveloped, resulting in the growth of an extra rib and compression on the subclavian artery, vertebral artery, and the right brachial plexus.

A medical scan shows Vi Thi Th.'s abnormal bone mass. Photo: Supplied

This condition, commonly referred to as the seventh cervical rib disease, is considered rare, and its cause remains unknown despite ongoing research.

Vi Hong Duc, a professional from the department of neurosurgery - thoracic surgery at Lang Son General Hospital explained that cervical vertebrae do not typically align with ribs.

In Th.s case, the overdeveloped spinous process and the extra rib on the seventh cervical vertebra were pressing on nerve blood vessels, posing risks of anemia, pain, muscle atrophy, and hand paralysis if left untreated.

On December 13, surgeons from the neuro-thoracic department successfully conducted a challenging surgical procedure, lasting one hour, to remove the deformed bone causing compression in the patients right neck.

The surgery, which is not frequently performed in some leading hospitals in Vietnam, marked the first time Lang Son General Hospital had undertaken such a procedure.

Post-surgery, the patients condition stabilized, with no signs of blood vessel or nerve compression, and normal movements were restored to the right hand.

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Road tours to China sold like hot cakes on the ongoing New Year holiday, causing many Vietnamese tourists to queue up for up to six hours on Saturday for their turns to complete procedures at a border gate in China.

Many groups of Vietnamese travelers were waiting in line at Lao Cai International Border Gate in the namesake province in northern Vietnam at 5:00 am on the same day to conduct customs procedures to enter China.

After completing all exit procedures on the Vietnamese side, they continued to face a wait time of up to six hours at Chinas Hekou International Border Gate.

I had no time to enjoy my lunch due to a long wait, Thanh Huong, a tourist from Hanoi, lamented.

Vuong Trinh Quoc, head of the Lao Cai Province economic area management board, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that as of 4:00 pm on Saturday, some 4,000 Vietnamese tourists had completed exit procedures at Lao Cai International Border Gate, while nearly 1,200 people had entered the province.

The higher number of tourists conducting customs procedures to enter China jammed the border gate.

Quoc attributed the long waits and confusion at the international border gate to the construction of a Hekou border gate control house in China that is causing the restriction on the opening of some lanes.

Many groups of visitors wait from 5:00 am on December 30, 2023 to conduct customs procedures at Lao Cai International Border Gate in northern Vietnam to enter China. Photo: Thanh Toan / Tuoi Tre

Hoang Tuyet from Van Nam Group, a travel firm specializing in arranging tours to China, said that on Saturday alone, the tour operator took more than 400 Vietnamese visitors to Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Kunming in Yunnan Province, China.

Tourists on a tour to the prefecture were required to show their travel permit certificate, while those visiting Kunming had to show a passport, Tuyet said.

Many travelers on both tours complained that they had to get in line for five to six hours for their turns to conduct entry procedures.

Road tours to China have become popular with Vietnamese due to low prices ranging from VND3.4 million (US$140) to VND5.1 million ($210) per visitor.

With such affordable China tours, visitors can experience Chinese culture and cuisine. Snow is falling in Kunming, so Vietnamese travelers can enjoy the snowy weather that is rare in their country, Tuyet said.

On Saturday, the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in northern Lang Son Province experienced an increase in the influx of people departing from and arriving in the province.

An official from the border gate said that border guards would be sent to the gate to help clear the crowds, speed up customs, and shorten wait times.

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Many Vietnamese male models competed in several international male beauty pageants in 2023, taking home various coveted titles.

Among them are Huynh Vo Hoang Son, who was the first runner-up at the 2023 Mister Universe Tourism, and Nguyen Quoc Tri, who secured the third runner-up title at the 2023 Mister Tourism World.

Ngo Hoang Linh was named the third runner-up at the 2023 World Fitness Supermodel, while Le Huu Dat claimed the fourth runner-up title of the 2023 Mister Global.

Vietnam has yet to organize any male beauty pageant for models, but it sends many male models to international beauty competitions each year.

Over the past few years, Vietnam's male representatives have participated in varied global beauty pageants, and won lots of remarkable titles.

In 2023 alone, Vietnam saw multiple title-holders return from global male beauty contests.

Huynh Vo Hoang Son (R) was named the first runner-up at the Mister Universe Tourism in 2023. Photo: Supplied

Model Son, recognized as the first runner-up in the grand finale of Mister Universe Tourism 2023 held in Bali, Indonesia, in March, currently serves as a doctor at Military Hospital 175 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Son competed in the beauty pageant to make his dream of being a model and actor come true.

The title encourages him to participate in community-driven activities and promote tourism, he said.

Nguyen Quoc Tri secured the third runner-up title at the 2023 Mister Tourism World. Photo: Supplied

Tri recounted that he was surprised to be named the third runner-up of the 2023 Mister Tourism World, which was held in Brazil in early December.

Tri, 28, works as a master of ceremonies.

With his efforts and determination, model Linh won the third runner-up title of the World Fitness Supermodel in 2023, which took place in Thailand in late May.

He underwent a remarkable transformation, shedding 47 kilograms from his original weight of 132 kilograms to participate in the competition.

Being a part of the contest allowed me to call on people to live positively and be confident, Linh said.

He is a freelance model and fitness trainer in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dat, who clinched the second runner-up title of the first Mister Vietnam in 2019, was named the fourth runner-up in the final of the Mister Global 2023, hosted by Thailand in November.

Model Le Huu Dat (L) won the fourth runner-up title of the 2023 Mister Global and Ngo Hoang Linh was honored as the third runner-up at the 2023 World Fitness Supermodel. Photo: Facebook

Their wins at these international male beauty pageants have highlighted Vietnamese models talent and beauty.

Moreover, the title-holders have played a significant role in showcasing Vietnamese culture and costumes to the world, particularly through traditional and ethnic costume categories.

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4 part UK drama Best Interests, starring Sharon Horgan & Michael Sheen is coming to ABC, and screens in an iview binge from today.

Nicci (Sharon Horgan) and Andrew (Michael Sheen) are proud and loving parents to 13 yo Marnie (Niamh Moriarty) and 17 yo Katie (Alison Oliver)  but it hasnt been easy. Marnie has a rare form of Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and has been in and out of hospital her whole life. When her doctor, Samantha (Noma Dumezweni), decides it is in her best interests to withdraw care, Marnies parents disagree. United in their anger, they prepare to fight the doctors decision. However, with Marnie showing no clear signs of recovery, doubt begins to grow: are they doing the right thing?

While Andrew questions whether it might be time to say goodbye, Nicci wont give up. With their united front cracking, she turns to a religious campaign group for help. However, to garner support for the court case, they need Nicci to go public with the familys story. Meanwhile, caught between her parents, Katie seeks solace in her girlfriend, Hannah (Mica Ricketts).

Nicci embarks on the media campaign, and she and Andrew are driven further apart. This attention has further consequences when Katie is photographed taking Marnies medication at a rave.

The court case is a bruising affair with Samantha particularly savaged on the stand. Hope grows amongst Niccis team for their chances of a surprising victory. However, Nicci must confront the damage this is doing to her family, especially when she and Andrew take their turns on the stand.

After hearing all the opinions on Marnies best interests, the judges verdict arrives. But will their fractured family survive it?

9:30pm Sunday 14 January at 9.30pm on ABC (New Years Day binge on iview).
Esteemed British actor Tom Wilkinson, best known for The Full Monty, Shakespeare In Love and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, has died aged 75.

He died suddenly on Saturday at home with his wife and family.

It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him, the statement from his family read.

Wilkinson won a Bafta for 1997s The Full Monty, and reprised the role of Gerald when a Disney+ streaming series revisited the characters 26 years on.

He received six Bafta nominations in total as well as two Oscar nominations, for Michael Clayton and In The Bedroom.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before his first major screen role in mini-series First Among Equals, based on Jeffrey Archers best-selling novel.

Playing alongside him was Diana Hardcastle. The couple married in 1988, and also went on to play husband and wife in The Kennedys in 2011, and in 2014 action film Good People.

When he portrayed Pecksniff in Martin Chuzzlewit in 1994, Wilkinson said: I looked at it and I thought, I cant get it any better than that. It came out exactly as I meant it to come out. It won a couple of prizes and I thought, I can act, theres no question.

Three years later, he was cast as a former factory foreman who joins fellow unemployed workmates in staging a strip show in The Full Monty.

With more than 130 film and TV credits in total, Wilkinson was as comfortable in period dramas like 1995s Sense and Sensibility and 2013s Belle, as he was playing criminal masterminds in movies like Rush Hour opposite Jackie Chan in 1998, or Guy Ritchies RocknRolla in 2008.

He also earned an Emmy for playing US political figure Benjamin Franklin in 2008 mini-series John Adams and an Emmy nomination as John F Kennedys father Joe in The Kennedys. He played President Lyndon B Johnson in 2014s Selma, and appeared in The Grand Budapest Hotel and Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Other credits included Michael Clayton, Batman Begins, The Patriot, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Gathering Storm, Black Knight, Valkyrie, The Lone Ranger, Denial and Aussie film Felony.

George Clooney said, Tom made every project better. Made every actor better. He was the epitome of elegance and he will be dearly missed by all of us.

Robert Carlyle described him as a huge performer, a real titan of an actor, one of the greats of not only his, but of any generation.

Source: BBC
Joshua and Jacqueline Addo, with their three children. Joshua worked as a financial adviser in his native country of Ghana. After coming to Nova Scotia, he held jobs at a courier company and Costco before landing a job at Nova Scotia Power. (Submitted by Joshua Addo - image credit)

Jacqueline Addo remembers the time two years ago when her husband Joshua confided to her that the stress of adjusting to life in Canada from Ghana was proving too much for him to bear.

He had reached a breaking point, and her own mental health wasn't great.

"I was just a shadow of myself, basically," she said.

Joshua was struggling to find a job in his field as a financial adviser, and had instead worked stints at a courier company and at Costco.

With Jacqueline looking after their children, they were unable to make ends meet on one salary and had to borrow money from family and friends every month to survive.

While Joshua has an administrative job with Nova Scotia Power today, and the couple is finally able to rest a little easier and plan for the future, not all immigrants fare as well.

The stresses caused by the upheaval of moving to a new country  and the often huge chasm between what immigrants are led to expect about life in Canada and the reality  can lead to depression, frustration and a loss of self-esteem, according to experts.

A study released in December by Mental Health Research Canada found that new Canadians are almost twice as likely to express concerns about feeding their families as people born in Canada.

It said food insecurity and isolation from a family and friends support network have been tied to higher incidences of mental health challenges.

In 2022, more than 437,000 immigrants moved to Canada. A record 12,500 of those arrivals came to Nova Scotia, according to a survey commissioned by the province  and that figure could rise, with Ottawa hoping to attract 500,000 newcomers a year by 2026.

The stress of acculturation

Iqbal Chowdhury is a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University whose doctoral research focuses on the mental health condition of immigrants moving to Canada.

Chowdhury, who is from Bangladesh, said his research indicates immigrants tend to have better mental health than their Canadian-born counterparts.

Story continues

Other research suggests people who successfully navigate Canada's immigration system, particularly in the economic class, are healthier because they are well educated, slightly younger than average Canadians and must go through medical screening.

But over time, he said, the mental health of immigrants deteriorates until it matches that of the general population  a phenomenon described as the healthy immigrant effect, or the immigrant paradox. One of the potential causes, he said, is stress associated with the acculturation process.

Iqbal Chowdhury is a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University doing doctoral research on the mental health condition of immigrants moving to Canada.

Iqbal Chowdhury is a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University doing doctoral research on the mental health condition of immigrants moving to Canada. (Ira Clarke)

Another is diminishing self-worth. As part of the immigration process, people are considered based on their training and employment history in their country of origin, and they have the expectation of getting a similar job in Canada, Chowdhury said.

But once they arrive, they often find it very hard to use their previous experience and educational credentials, he said.

"It actually affects their aspiration and affects their self-esteem, and I would say that it also prevents them from developing a social network with their community in Canada," he said.

"When they cannot get a job in the labour market, they find it is really a kind of shame to share with people back home, as well as the community living in Canada."

Chowdhury said mental health is one of the important determinants of social and economic development and progress. If Canada wants to build a productive future generation of immigrants, he said, it is important to study the problems faced by immigrants and take a close look at the resources that are available to improve their mental health.

Career setbacks

It can take immigrants years to work their way back up the career ladder, the Conference Board of Canada noted in a September report it prepared for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

"While the fairy tale of Canada as a land of opportunity still holds for many newcomers, this study points to burgeoning disillusionment," institute CEO Daniel Bernhard said in the report.

"After giving Canada a try, growing numbers of immigrants are saying 'no thanks,' and moving on."

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that it offers preventive and non-clinical mental health support to newcomers through third-party settlement organizations.

It also partners with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to help address the mental health needs of newcomers, the statement said.

Unable to find suitable jobs

According to the conference board report, nearly 15 per cent of immigrants left Canada within 15 years of obtaining permanent resident status. But for some who are now hoping to move elsewhere, the process of uprooting again is not a viable option, particularly if they are older.

Manmeet and Randeep Oberoi sold everything they had and moved from the Indian state of Punjab in 2018 with their two children.

The couple, who are in their 50s, have post-graduate degrees from Indian universities.

Manmeet was a principal at a teaching college and Randeep was a credit manager at a bank.

Manmeet got her Nova Scotia teaching certification and now works as a substitute teacher, but has been unable to find a permanent position.

Manmeet and Randeep Oberoi moved to Halifax from India in 2018

Manmeet and Randeep Oberoi moved to Halifax from India in 2018. (Gagan Oberoi)

Despite taking several banking courses since arriving, Randeep said he is still jobless.

He said they expected it would take some time, maybe up to two years, to find permanent employment.

While the couple are now Canadian citizens, Randeep said he still has no idea how to make inroads in the job market.

Manmeet said the experience has been especially frustrating because she loves teaching and has a wealth of specialized skills.

Manifestations of stress

Carmen Celina Moncayo, a supervisor at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia and a psychologist by training, said the stress caused by the immigration experience can manifest itself in many ways.

"People can develop depression. People can develop anxiety. People can have sleeping problems, eating [problems], irritability," she said.

"Mistrust of themselves, mistrust in the environment  all the ways that our body reflects stress."

Moncayo, who is originally from Colombia, said her association teaches people that what they are experiencing is a completely normal reaction to the feeling of being uprooted.

After more than five years in Nova Scotia, Manmeet Oberoi wonders if the decision to move here was the right one.

"It is very, very stressful," she said.

"Sometimes I don't know how to survive here because, if we don't have the jobs here, then why are so many people coming here?"

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Chrissy Teigen was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Zanzibar. Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Chrissy Teigen first joined the SI Swimsuit family in 2010, when she traveled to the Maldives for a photoshoot with Walter Iooss Jr. The stunning feature earned her Rookie of the Year honors, and the Utah native returned to the fold in 11, this time traveling to the Philippines.

Teigen went on to land the cover of the 50th anniversary issue in 2014 alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge, after their photoshoots in the Cook Islands. The 38-year-old lifestyle entrepreneurs most recent brand feature took place in 2017, when she traveled to Indonesia just a few months after giving birth to her oldest child, daughter Luna. She and her husband, R&B superstar John Legend, are now the proud parents of four.

Teigen has been all over the world with the SI Swimsuit brand, but today were throwing it back to her 2016 feature in Zanzibar. While in East Africa, she modeled several stunning swimwear looks, and also stripped down to nothing but beaded body art (courtesy of makeup artist Joanne Gair) on her lower half for a few snaps. And while some may find the notion of wearing nothing but body art uncomfortable, Teigen noted during her brand feature in 2011 that she was always perfectly at home on the SI Swimsuit set.

Its not hard being naked in front of this group of people, because everyone is so, first of all, warm and welcoming about like a curvy body and a beautiful silhouette, so thats different, Teigen admitted. They appreciate it when you have that arch and when theres some feminine qualities and when you have boobs so its different. Everyones really reassuring of the female, feminine body here so its really nice.

Below are a few of our favorite photos from Zanzibar, captured by Ruven Afanador.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
By Jung Min-ho

North Koreas fertility rate  the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime  may have already fallen below 1.5, a recent study suggests.

According to a report released on Thursday by the North Korea research center at the Bank of Korea, the Norths fertility rate was estimated to have reached an all-time low of 1.38 in the 2010-19 period, a significant drop from 2.69 in the 1980-89 period.

That number is far lower than the estimate of the United Nations Population Fund  1.8 in 2023.

The reason for the gap may lie in the U.N. agencys reliance on raw data provided by North Korean authorities, which is highly unreliable, the researchers said.

Instead of making their assessment based on anything given by the regime, the researchers conducted a survey on 95 North Korean escapees. Given that they may not give the accurate number of their own babies, the scholars studied the family trees of their relatives as well as acquaintances  a total of 1,137  based on interviews.

With that method, the researchers concluded that North Koreas fertility rate has decreased at a much faster pace than estimated by the U.N. The figure fell below 2 to 1.91 in the 1990s and slipped further to 1.59 in the 2000s before hitting 1.38 in the 2010s, the study shows.

They said the number is consistent with witness accounts that having just one child has increasingly become the norm among women born in the 70s and 80s after experiencing a devastating famine from 1994 to 1998 in North Korea.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Middle East

Al Aqsa Mosque Preacher killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza

Israeli warplanes targeted the home of Al Aqsa Khateeb Sheikh Salama, leading to his murder and the injury of several members of his family. Read More

Sunday December 31, 2023 6:57 PM , ummid.com News Network

Gaza Strip: A prominent preacher at Masjid Al Aqsa in occupied Jerusalem and former Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Palestine, Sheikh Yousef Salama, has been killed in the Israeli missile attack on his home in Gaza Sunday December 31, 2023.

According to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA Sheikh Yousef Salama was at his home in the al-Maghazi Refugee Camp in the Central Gaza Strip when hit by the Israeli missiles Sunday morning.

Israeli warplanes targeted the home of Sheikh Salama, leading to his murder and the injury of several members of his family, WAFA news agency reported.

About Sheikh Yousef Salama

Sheikh Salama was born in 1964 in Al-Maghazi refugee camp. His family originated from the Palestinian town of Beit Tima, from where they were expelled during the Nakba in 1948.

He obtained a doctorate in social solidarity in the Islamic endowment and its effects in Palestine, in addition to a masters degree in the Islamic endowment in Palestine.

Besides serving as Imam and Khateeb at Masjid Al Aqsa in occupied Jerusalem, Sheikh Salama held several prestigious positions, including Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Secretary of the Academic Council at Al-Azhar Institute in Gaza. He also served as a lecturer at the Al-Azhar University of Gaza.

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Israeli Occupation Forces are bombing Gaza since Oct 7 following Hamas Operation Al Aqsa Storm launched in response of the Zionist aggression against the Palestinians and provocation by the illegal settlers.

According to Gazas Ministry of Health, 21,822 Palestinians have been killed, and 56,451 wounded in Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza as on December 31, 2023.

Among those killed are as many as 106 media professionals, besides aid workers and staff working for UN, WHO, Red Cross and other aid agencies.

Palestinian and international estimates say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  China

Chinese Journalist Dong Yuyus detention extended by two months

Dong Yuyu is a renowned Columnist and Editor for the Guangming Daily. He was detained on February 21, 2022. Read More

Sunday December 31, 2023 5:50 PM , ummid.com News Network

Beijing: Chinese Journalist Dong Yuyus detention in an alleged espionage case has been extended by two months, a move decried by the National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute.

"We have learned through the family of Chinese journalist Yuyu Dong that his unjust detention has been extended two months. We had expected a verdict Dec. 27, Eileen O'Reilly, President of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, President of the National Press Club Journalism Institute said in a joint statement.

Dong Yuyu is a renowned Columnist and Editor for the Guangming Daily. He was arrested on February 21, 2022 while he was in a meeting with a Japanese diplomat at a restaurant in Central Beijing. He was later indicted on charges of espionage.

This extension will now push Yuyu's detention beyond the anniversary date of his arrest in 2022. He will have been held for two years without being convicted of a crime, the National Press Club said. This is outrageous. He has not seen or spoken to his family during that time. The lack of a conviction and continued detention extensions show this to be a political rather than a legal process, the Chinese press club said.

In the National Press Club demanded from the Chinese government to release Yuyu.

"Great nations do not keep their citizens in prison like this. It is time for China to step up and release Yuyu to his family. Journalism is not a crime, the National Press Club that was founded in 1908 and has 3,000 members representing nearly all major news organizations of China.

Known for writing liberal-leaning commentaries, Dong Yuyu also wrote articles for other foreign publications, including The New York Times Chinese website.

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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Education & Career

PhD awarded by OPJS University invalid: UGC

The UGC at the same time has advised parents and students not to enroll them in any of the PhD Programme offered by the OPJS University, Churu. Read More

Sunday December 31, 2023 1:03 PM , ummid.com News Network

[OPJS University Rajasthan was awarded Education Excellence Award in 2021 (Image: video grab)]

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has derecognized the PhD awarded by the Om Parkash Jogender Singh University, popularly known as OPJS University, located in Churu district of Rajasthan till further notice.

The UGC in a notification dated December 27, 2023 has also barred the OPJS University from enrolling scholars under its PhD Programme.

The decision to derecognize the OPJS University PhD was taken following the constitution of a standing committee by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

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The aim of the UGC committee was to monitor if the universities are following the UGC norms and regulations while awarding the PhDs.

In the first phase, as many as 14 universities were asked to furnish data about the PhD degrees awarded during the year 2018.

It has been observed that despite repeated requests and a show cause notice, OPJS University (Private University), Rawatsar Kunjla, Near Sankhu Fort,Rajgarh (Sadulpur), Jhunjuno Road, Churu, Rajasthan -331303 did neither provide the required information nor attended the meeting, the UGC said in the public notice on Dec 27. This non-adherence by the university has been viewed by the UGC very seriously. Accordingly, it has been decided to debar the university from enrolling scholars under its Ph.D. Programmes with immediate effect till the UGC clearance, the notice said.

The UGC at the same time has advised parents and students not to enroll them in any of the PhD Programme offered by the OPJS University, Churu.

Prospective students and their parents are advised not to take admission in Ph.D. Programme offered by the OPJS University from now onwards", the UGC said. In the absence of the UGC approval, the PhD awarded by the university will not be treated recognized / valid for the purpose of higher education and employment, the UGC said.

OPJS University Rajasthan was awarded Education Excellence Award in 2021. Spread over 32 acres of land, the university was established on August 02, 2013.

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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Views & Analysis

War Mongering and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A misconception concerning the PTSD is that it is associated solely with fear, nightmares and helplessness. As we all know, when fear reaches a certain level, it ceases to be constraining. Read More

Sunday December 31, 2023 1:02 PM , Dr Akhtar Ali Syed

In 2015, Leicester hosted a conference on the psychological effects of war on the people living in active war zones. An Iraqi psychiatrist presented his research on the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in various parts of Iraq, estimating that 50 to 70 percent of the general population suffered from the disorder.

Following him, a British specialist called his estimations ludicrous and inappropriate. The Iraqi and the British specialists were both right. The Iraqi psychiatrist reported on the clinical presentation of Iraqis who had been victims of the worst atrocities committed after the invasion. The British expert sitting thousands of miles away was speaking solely from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (popularly known as DSM).

The clinical picture of traumatised Iraqis did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of PTSD described in the manual. This argument was made while post-invasion terrorism in Iraq was still active, with more than 1.4 million citizens dead in terrorist attacks by the time. However, the same criterion was proven to be relevant to the New Yorkers in 2007.

The PTSD was shown to be four times as prevalent among the New Yorkers. Similarly, 30 percent of the American army war veterans could be diagnosed based on the criteria. The vast majority of them returned after witnessing the sufferings of mostly their victims.

Also Read

Connection Between US Militarism And Mayhem At Home

When 77 percent of clinically diagnosable Palestinian children with PTSD were discovered, only about 20 percent met the diagnostic criteria, the gap between clinical presentation and the diagnostic system became more conspicuous.

Two things stick out in this particular instance. To begin with, why are diagnostic systems failing to account for the human condition, which regularly occurs around the world? People are in pain in war zones, but there is no word for it in the mental health bible.

Individuals are not responsible for suffering in such a way that their suffering qualifies for inclusion in the diagnostic system. It is the responsibility of mental health science to investigate the changing human conditions, establish scientific processes and invent new vocabulary as an old one loses utility.

Second, why does the same standard apply to certain people but not others? Is there a hidden message here? Several years after 9/11, New Yorkers, as well as American soldiers returning from their murderous sprees, suffer from the PTSD, yet Afghans, Palestinians and Iraqis do not. Are the people not affected by the ongoing violence less human? Does the world not need to be concerned about their condition because they do not suffer the same way?

The phrase post-trauma implies that the traumatic incident  for example, seeing a road accident, a robbery or a murder  has come to an end. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that occurs after an event has occurred. One of the symptoms of this disorder is a fear of a recurrence of the same incident. Because of the fear that the trauma will return, the affected person remains hyper-vigilant.

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But what if the worry of recurrence becomes more than a feeling? What if it becomes a terrible daylight reality? What if what happened today will almost certainly happen again tomorrow, and it will almost certainly happen over the coming days, weeks, months, years and decades? Does one still call it post-trauma or perpetual trauma?

What will be the likely state of mind of those who have inherited trauma from their forefathers? Does this human situation have a formal label? None. Is a study being done to quantify the psychological distress of persons who have been the victims of continuous wars? None, to the best of my knowledge.

Complex PTSD, a criterion in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 11), may be mentioned here. However, a thorough examination of the ICD 11 criteria reveals only the addition of three new symptoms to PTSD.

Also, the CPTSD is suggested for use in cases of chronic and ongoing trauma, such as domestic violence. Can you imagine comparing the plight of victims of the 75-year-old Israel-Palestine conflict to the victims of domestic abuse?

Western researchers, however, are capable of doing so because this is the worst incidence of trauma they can imagine. Id like to point out that all active war zones, at the moment, are located far from the United States and United Kingdom. This is why the victims cannot find a space in the mental disorder diagnostic systems.

Also, who is to be held accountable for inflicting the pain and insult on those who are affected if the correct diagnostic criteria are devised and they are appropriately diagnosed? The Palestinians will be able to document their suffering. They will then have an identified disorder to show the world, potentially gaining sympathy against the oppressors.

A misconception concerning the PTSD is that it is associated solely with fear, nightmares and helplessness. As we all know, when fear reaches a certain level, it ceases to be constraining. The individual then no longer fears the consequences and enters the combat mode.

According to a Persian proverb, a cat will turn into a lion if trauma is protracted, continuous and emotionally damaging. When ones life, integrity, modalities of survival and emotional attachments (close family, religion and hometown) are endangered, strong rage and innate aggressiveness emerge and may extend beyond the issue of life and death.

What has been happening to Palestinians for decades and what they have done in reaction is completely understandable from the standpoint of psychopathology. What they are going through will naturally influence how they react. Theyve seen how other options have been turned down and exhausted. Oppressors always have more options than the oppressed. Whether they choose dialogue or dispute, the oppressed have learnt the value of their lives.

[The writer, Dr Akhtar Ali Syed, is a clinical psychologist. He lives and works in Ireland. He can be contacted at akhtaralisyed@gmail.com.]

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HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 30 chaired an annual dialogue with farmers nationwide, with its theme highlighting farmers central role in the development of agriculture, rural economy, and green, sustainable new-style rural areas.

Prior to this event, the Vietnam Farmers' Union had received nearly 2,000 questions from its members addressed to the PM, focusing on such fields as the role of farmers in achieving the target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the promotion of digital transformation in agriculture, and measures for waste management and environmental protection in rural areas, among many others.

In his conclusion at the dialogue, PM Chinh highlighted the consistent viewpoint of the Party and the State on developing agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, as well as the issuance of numerous important and strategic orientations and policies that underscore their role and position in the national development process.

Informing participants on the agriculture sector's estimated GDP growth of 3.83% in 2023, the highest level in many years, and on its trade surplus of approximately US$11 billion from agro-forestry-aquatic product exports this year, the PM also outlined some challenges facing the sector.

He noted that agricultural development still follows a production-oriented mindset rather than transitioning to an economic mindset. There are also shortcomings in rural development planning, environmental pollution issues, and new challenges in rural security and order.

PM Chinh called for the enhancement of the patriotic spirit, self-reliance, and political position of Vietnamese farmers regarding innovation and international integration. He emphasised the need to increase farmers' awareness of the development of large-scale commodity, smart, clean, and safe agriculture, and the application of sci-tech achievements, international integration, and adaptation to climate change.

He requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and localities to promptly direct people to actively implement a project on sustainably growing 1 million hectares of high-quality specialised rice and low-emission growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030.

The PM stressed the importance of restructuring production, strengthening value chain linkages, and connecting production with processing and consumption via the development of various forms of cooperation and partnerships between households and organisations and enterprises.

"We must strengthen linkages, diversify production and supply chains, enhance deep processing, expand healthy competitive markets, and promote the development of green, high-yield, low-emission, and sustainable production," noted the Government leader.

He urged sectors and localities to fully understand the role of farmers, improve the quality of training and consultancy services offered to farmers and rural labourers in production and business, and step up digital transformation in agriculture.

It is essential to concentrate resources on implementing the national green growth strategy for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, with the farming sector required to effectively implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and methane in agricultural production, the PM stressed. VNS
Tran Khanh An

On the side of Nhue River in Ha Noi's outlying rural district of Phu Xuyen lies the millennium-old Chuon Ngo Village, renowned for its mother-of-pearl inlay.

According to the village's historical record mother-of-pearl inlay has been practised here since the Ly Dynasty (11th to 13th century). Truong Cong Thanh, a scholar and army general in the royal court was said to have founded the craft and then taught the villagers the art.

Mother-of-pearl inlay is the practice of inserting mother-of-pearl pieces into wooden objects. The craft involves great precision, as the carving of the wood and the shaping of the inlay to be placed within it must be matched precisely.

The distinctive feature of mother-of-pearl products is their durability through time and their intricate details and sophisticated qualities, making them a gem of traditional craft.

After over a thousand years of ups and downs, Chuon Ngo's mother-of-pearl products have made a name for themselves in both domestic and foreign markets.

Exquisite craftsmanship

To create a mother-of-pearl inlay product, artisans have to go through various working stages, which require a high level of patience, care, and attention to detail.

From the drawing design, they select suitable pieces of clam, oyster, other seashells and then cut them into desired shapes. For a single inlay item, hundreds or thousands of mother-of-pearl pieces may be required.

According to Vu Van Hung, owner of Hung Tam workshop in Chuon Ngo, carving the surface of a wood object and cutting mother-of-pearl from seashells as inlay material is the most challenging step in the process.

"Meanwhile, in the lacquerware technique, the artisans put pieces of mother-of-pearl layer on top of the wood surface, and then cover it with a layer of lacquer paint, Hung said.

Compared to inlaid scenery or natural animals in domestic utensils, conveying the charisma of a person to emanate from the inlay portrait is challenging and requires a talent.

Nguyen Van Lang, artisan

The artisans then use steel knives to carve out the small patterns and trim lines with black powder to highlight the details.

Finally, the wooden object is ground and polished to make the raised patterns come to life.

Due to the level of complexity and details, some products take a considerable amount of time to finish.

A painting with complex details may require months or more to be crafted, said Nguyen Thi Tam, Hungs wife, who is also a craftswoman at the workshop.

Advance techniques

Chuon Ngo workers' craftsmanship has evolved with constant improvement over many generations.

Mother-of-pearl inlay products by Chuon Ngo artisans are not limited to furniture and paintings with traditional scenes. Photorealistic portraits on mother-of-pearl inlay products have created a brand of excellence in the village.

"To create freshness in craft products, many workshops in Chuon Ngo create mother-of-pearl inlay portraits of renowned figures. In particular, the mother-of-pearl portraits of President Ho Chi Minh are warmly received by domestic and international customers," said artisan Nguyen inh Hai.

The most challenging technique, regarded as the pinnacle of mother-of-pearl inlay  carving with black powder to highlight the facial expression of a person  necessitates the craftsman to be an artist as well.

Besides mastering the inlay technique, craftsmen also cultivate knowledge of photorealism to transform inanimate materials into lively portraits.

Nguyen Van Lang is one of the masters of photorealistic portraits in Chuon Ngo.

Compared to inlaid scenery or natural animals in domestic utensils, conveying the charisma of a person to emanate from the inlay portrait is challenging and requires a talent, Lang said. Artisans use a specialised knife to cut the mother-of-pearl inlay material, just like the brush painters use to draw.

Lang is the author of the mother-of-pearl inlay painting that General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong presented to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during the latter's state visit to Viet Nam in December.

The painting portrayed the two leaders enjoying a tea party in Beijing during Trong's visit to China last year.

The artwork took him six months to finish, and inlaying the photorealistic portrait of the two leaders alone took up to a month.

I worked meticulously to create this work of art so that our friendly nation could witness the essence of mother-of-pearl inlay craftsmanship and the excellence of Vietnamese artisans, Lang told Viet Nam News.

My hometown is where the mother-of-pearl inlay craft in Viet Nam originated. No matter where you go, Chuon Ngo Village is home to the most innovative and sophisticated craft. It is sacred, Lang added.

The future

Despite being a thousand-year-old village with renowned craft, Chuon Ngo now faces the challenge of its trade disappearing.

Currently, it is estimated that there are only four large workshops and a dozen households making mother-of-pearl products left in the village. They produce in a moderate amount following consumers' orders, instead of mass-producing like before the pandemic, Hai said.

"Not having enough capital and resources to establish a workshop, many artisans have to receive small orders to work at home. They often do only one single step in the making process, and gradually lose interest in the craft and find other jobs. It is a dying art."

Every day, Lang's workshop is still busy with orders from across the country. However, as young workers become uninterested and the master artisans themselves age, he remains concerned about the possible loss of the ancient craft.

The technique is easy to learn, but craftsmen must have a passion for the work and years of practice to master it. Unfortunately, the younger generation lacks the diligence to continue, Lang said.

Shop owner Hung said that people under 20 rarely bother to learn and practise the trade.

With changes in mindset and lifestyle, young people have chosen new careers and often lose touch with their forebears' traditions.

Young people have more job opportunities with higher income without having to spend so much time and effort training as craftsmen, Hung said.

He told Viet Nam News that the young often pursue higher education and get better work. The industrial zones near the village also attract many labourers.

Authorities are implementing policies to support Chuon Ngo Village to promote the mother-of-pearl inlay craft.

They have organised trade fairs to showcase multiple exquisite handicraft products to customers nationwide, as well as publicize the brand name of the villages products.

I have participated in the Festival of Phu Xuyen District's Craft Villages over the years. More and more customers have heard about the brand name of Chuon Ngo mother-of-pearl inlay, and visited my workshop and ordered products, Hung said.

I hope that as the village's reputation grows and we sell more products, more young people will return to promote this truly exquisite craft. VNS
Tan Hoa Village in Minh Hoa District in the central province of Quang Binh is filled currently with a festive atmosphere as it has been named a "Best Tourism Village" by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

It is the only village in Viet Nam that was selected among 260 tourism villages from 60 participating countries.

Located in the mountainous area, Tan Hoa is endowed with magnificent natural landscapes and unique culture. However, it has also faced many difficulties due to frequent flooding during the rainy season.

The villagers have come up with various measures to adapt to natural disasters, including special floating houses that were built after a disastrous flood in 2010.

Tan Hoa now has about 620 floating houses. Most local households possess at least one. The floating houses have reduced the villagers' concerns during the rainy season, and even become their pride in overcoming adversity and adapting to nature.

Not only providing shelter, such floating houses have also supported locals with stable incomes. From these houses, the villagers have developed a distinctive tourism model by turning them into homestay facilities, which allow tourists to experience life during the flood season.

"Since our family's homestay opened its doors, our life has thoroughly changed. We have a more stable income and therefore the children have the opportunity to attend school and receive proper education," said Truong Xuan Hung, owner of Hung Lien homestay.

Some of the activities that tourists can take part in include fishing from floating houses, kayaking through floods, crossing streams, and exploring caves.

Most homestays are surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and vast grassy valleys, from which tourists can enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes.

The top tourist attraction is Tu Lan Cave, which served as a backdrop for the Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts.

Nestled in the high mountainous area, Tu Lan Cave offers a serene landscape with vast, lush green cornfields that stretch along the Rao Nan River. Besides this, a total of 20 amazing caves adorn the area. Tu Lan is considered the most remarkable.

To explore the Tu Lan Cave system, tourists must trek through magnificent landscapes, including vast grassy fields, lush green valleys, dense tropical forests, and conquer towering hills. They can even swim across underground rivers in the caves as part of the adventure tour.

According to the Quang Binh provincial tourism authority, Tan Hoa received over 63,100 visitors from 2013-2023, most of whom opted to explore Tu Lan Cave while the rest explored Tien Cave.

An owner of a homestay in Tan Hoa Village, Truong Thi Hong Nuong, said local residents have become more aware of the importance of professionalism in tourism since their hometown was recognised by UNWTO.

In addition to professionalising, they have focused on improving infrastructure and culinary experiences to meet the increasing demands of tourists.

Gianmarco D'Alesandro, an Italian tourist said: "We not only got to learn about the culture and people of Tan Hoa, and how they adapt to the weather, but also enjoy the beautiful scenery and many unique dishes with distinct flavours."

According to Ho An Phong, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Binh [the provincial government], Tan Hoa is adorned with multiple scenic spots and hospitable locals, contributing to the peaceful countryside with rustic charm.

Being honoured as one of the best tourism villages in the world is just the beginning of tourism development in Tan Hoa. This prestigious award provides an opportunity for us to step onto the global stage and gradually become a shining tourist attraction in Viet Nam, Phong said.

However, during the process of tourism development, it is crucial for Tan Hoa to preserve the cultural identity of the Vietnamese countryside and avoid disrupting the green living space. Every villager would become an ambassador and guide to introduce the unique identity and culture of the village to tourists."

Vocational training centres in the locality will be encouraged to offer courses on foreign languages, cooking skills and hospitality, thereby gradually improving the quality of tourist service, he said.

Quang Binh authorities plan to develop Tan Hoa into an exemplary weather-adaptive tourism model in Viet Nam in the future. VNS
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Keep it short. That has been the directive from leadership in Indiana leading up to the 2024 legislative session.

But with the approaching 2024 general election and following landmark conservative legislation in recent years, including a near-total ban on abortion, a wide expansion on school vouchers and a law restricting the use of students' preferred pronouns in schools, that might not take place.

It's likely legislation on similar social issues will reach the floor again, even while leaders of the states Republican trifecta say they want a session of fine-tuning policy.

Well have a more limited and focused agenda, House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican, told reporters in November.

Here is what is and isnt expected this year.

The session beginning Jan. 8 must adjourn by March 14 and will be closed to items with a fiscal impact. Indiana holds longer, budget-making sessions during odd years.

The consistent top priority across the statehouse and political aisle this year is improving literacy and education outcomes following significant setbacks from the pandemic. About 18% of third graders did not pass Indianas reading test last year, according to the Department of Education.

Indiana policy is to hold back students who do not pass the test, but GOP lawmakers say exemptions allow students to easily move on to the next grade and want to tighten the regulation. More than 96% of students who did not pass the reading test were advanced to the fourth grade, the education department reported.

Critics say class sizes are at risk of becoming unmanageable and schools will not have the appropriate staff or resources to keep up should legislation cause more students to repeat grades.

Truancy also has been a focus for lawmakers going into the new year. About 1 in 5 students were chronically absent from Indiana schools during the 2022-2023 year, meaning they missed about three and a half weeks of class, according to department data.

Bipartisan concern has been leveled at the cost and availability of early childcare in Indiana. Republican leaders have indicated interest in easing regulations to make it easier to open and operate childcare facilities, while Democratic lawmakers have called for a childcare tax credit.

Daycare is a constant challenge from the Ohio River to the Michigan line, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, said in a speech outlining priorities in November.

Huston also put antisemitism on college campuses in his top priorities in light of the Israel-Hamas war.

He wants to pass a measure to define antisemitism as religious discrimination and provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination. A House bill with the same language died in the Senate during the 2023 session.

"Our Jewish students should know they will be safe on campuses throughout Indiana and not be subjected to antisemitic teaching or materials, Huston said during a speech in November.

Gov. Eric Holcomb plans to announce his agenda in the upcoming weeks. His term will end in 2024 because Indiana law does not allow governors to serve more than two successive terms.

The Republican governor who received widespread attention for his 2023 public health proposal allowing counties to opt in for funding on services, such as chronic disease prevention, has hinted at early education and workforce development priorities for his final legislative session.

Republican leaders have been quiet on a number of hot button subjects on the heels of recent laws that made national headlines. With half of the states senators and all of its representatives up for reelection in 2024, some lawmakers may attempt to raise their profiles with bills addressing topics such as reproduction or gender that have been similarly enacted in other Republican-led states.

Indiana's primary election is May 7.

State Senate Democratic leader Greg Taylor said his party will keep social issues off the table.

Were going to be in a defensive posture, he said at a panel in November.

However, Republicans continue to enjoy supermajority control in both chambers as they have since the 2012 elections.

Hoosiers can expect no movement on two subjects: gambling and marijuana legalization.

Top Republican leaders said gambling measures are off the table after a former lawmaker recently pleaded guilty to accepting the promise of lucrative employment from a casino company in return for favorable action in the general assembly in 2019.

Marijuana legislation is also unlikely to see any movement in the upcoming year, even as Indiana becomes increasingly marooned by pot-friendly states including Ohio, where voters approved adult recreational use in November through a citizen initiative.
Shelling in the center of the Russian border city of Belgorod Saturday killed 21 people, including three children, local officials reported.

A further 110 people were wounded in the strike, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, making it one of the deadliest attacks on Russian soil since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine 22 months ago.

Russian authorities accused Kyiv of carrying out the attack, which took place the day after an 18-hour aerial bombardment across Ukraine killed at least 41 civilians.

Images of Belgorod on social media showed burning cars and plumes of black smoke rising among damaged buildings as air raid sirens sounded. One strike hit close to a public ice rink in the very heart of the city, which lies 25 miles north of the Ukrainian border and 415 miles south of Moscow.

While previous attacks hit the city, they claimed fewer lives and rarely took place in daylight.

Russia's Defense Ministry said it identified the ammunition used in the strike as Czech-made Vampire rockets and Olkha missiles fitted with cluster-munition warheads. It provided no additional information, and The Associated Press was unable to verify its claims.

"This crime will not go unpunished," the ministry said in a statement on social media.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the situation, and the country's health minister, Mikhail Murashko, was ordered to join a delegation of medical personnel and rescue workers traveling to Belgorod from Moscow.

Russian diplomats also called for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council in connection with the strike. Speaking to Russia's state news agency, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Britain and the United States were guilty of encouraging Kyiv to carry out what she described as a "terrorist attack." She also placed blame on EU countries who supplied Ukraine with weapons.

"Silence in response to the unbridled barbarity of Ukraine's Nazis and their puppeteers and accomplices from 'civilized democracies' will be akin to complicity in their bloody deeds," the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier Saturday, Moscow officials reported shooting down 32 Ukrainian drones over the country's Moscow, Bryansk, Oryol, and Kursk regions.

They also reported that cross-border shelling killed two other people in Russia. A man died and four other people were wounded when a missile struck a private home in the Belgorod region late Friday evening and a 9-year-old was killed in a separate incident in the Bryansk region.

Cities across western Russia have come under regular attack from drones since May, with Russian officials blaming Kyiv. Ukrainian officials never acknowledge responsibility for attacks on Russian territory or the Crimean Peninsula. However, larger aerial strikes against Russia previously followed heavy assaults on Ukrainian cities.

Russian drone strikes against Ukraine continued Saturday, with the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reporting that 10 Iranian-made Shahed drones were shot down across the Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv regions.

Local officials reported three people were killed by Russian missiles: a 55-year-old man in the Kherson region, a 43-year-old man in Stepnohirsk, a town in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, and a 32-year-old in the Chernihiv region.

On Friday, Moscow's forces launched 122 missiles and dozens of drones across Ukraine, an onslaught described by one air force official as the biggest aerial barrage of the war.

As well as the 39 deaths, at least 160 people were wounded and an unknown number were buried under rubble in the assault, which damaged a maternity hospital, apartment blocks and schools.

Western officials and analysts recently warned that Russia limited its cruise missile strikes for months in an apparent effort to build up stockpiles for massive strikes during the winter, hoping to break the Ukrainians' spirit.

Fighting along the front line is largely bogged down by winter weather after Ukraine's summer counteroffensive failed to make a significant breakthrough along the roughly 620-mile line of contact.

Russia's ongoing aerial attacks also sparked concern for Ukraine's neighbors.

Poland's defense forces said Friday that an unknown object entered that country's airspace before vanishing off radars, and all indications pointed to it being a Russian missile.

Speaking to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Russia's top diplomat in Poland, Andrei Ordash, said Saturday that Moscow would not comment on the event until Warsaw gives the Kremlin evidence of an airspace violation.

"We will not give any explanations until we are presented with concrete evidence because these accusations are unsubstantiated," he said.
WATERLOO  A new member will be sworn in at the first City Council meeting of 2024.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday due to New Years Day.

Steve Simon, who beat incumbent Ward 2 Councilmember Jonathan Grieder to represent an at-large seat, will be sworn in for his first term.

Mayor Quentin Hart will be sworn in for the fifth time. Belinda Creighton-Smith will be sworn in for her first full term representing Ward 4. Dave Boesen will be sworn in as the Ward 2 councilmember instead of his previous role in the at-large position.

The council agenda is shorter than usual with one public hearing and six resolutions.

C&S Car Company is asking to rezone more than half an acre on South Street from West Sixth and Seventh streets to expand its dealership at 812 Washington St. It is proposing a 6,000-square-foot building on the site for parts sales. The city is requiring fencing and landscaping to separate the business from residential homes.

The council could also approve:

A supplemental agreement of $124,600 to Stanley Consultants Inc. for the 11th Street and Park Avenue bridge replacement project.

A billing agreement between Mayo Clinic Ambulance and Waterloo Fire Rescue.

The appointment of Bradley Baldwin to the position of property safety inspector.

Community schools work to boost student performance by meeting their non-academic needs Community schools work to boost student performance by meeting their non-academic needs Services available to students are as varied as their needs
HASLET, Texas  Worried about his mothers health, Jacob Mabil tried for months to persuade her to let him start the process that would take her from a sprawling refugee camp where she had spent almost a decade after fleeing violence in South Sudan.

He wanted her to come live with him and his young family in the U.S. But before she would agree, she asked for a promise: that he would one day also bring the granddaughters she had raised since they were babies.

Mabil, now 44, said he would do everything he could. But it turned out that he was allowed to petition only for immediate family members. Though his mom joined him in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, in 2020, his nieces remained in Africa.

That always killed me," said Mabil, whose own childhood was ripped apart by civil war in Sudan.

As the U.S. government transforms the way refugees are being resettled, Mabil and his family now have hope that they will be reunited with two of his nieces, who soon turn 18 and 19. The Biden administration opened the application process this month that lets Americans who have formed groups to privately sponsor refugees request the specific person they want to bring to the U.S.

When he was just 8, Mabil was forced to run for his life as soldiers came into his village in what is now South Sudan, setting it on fire as they killed people. He became part of the group of children known as the lost boys, who spent years on their own and walked hundreds of miles to flee violence.

Mabil, who didn't even know his mother was alive until shortly after he arrived in the U.S. in his early 20s, said he wants his sister's daughters to have the same opportunities that he has had.

Traditionally, resettlement agencies have placed refugees in communities, but the push to add private sponsorship as well has come as President Joe Biden works to restore a program that was decimated under former President Donald Trump. The launch at the start of 2023 of the State Departments Welcome Corps program, which allows everyday Americans the chance to form their own groups to privately sponsor refugees, came after a similar endeavor that let U.S. citizens sponsor Afghans or Ukrainians.

In many ways it is, I think, one of the most important things that the U.S. resettlement program has ever done, said Sasha Chanoff, founder and CEO of RefugePoint, a Boston-based nonprofit that helps refugees. It will allow families who are in desperate need to reunite to do so.

With the U.S. hoping to bring in 125,000 refugees this fiscal year, the use of private sponsors expands the capacity of the existing system, said Welcome Corps spokeswoman Monna Kashfi said. She added that the opportunity to apply to sponsor a specific refugee has been greatly anticipated.

We have heard all throughout the year from people who wanted to know ... when they could submit an application to sponsor someone that they know, she said.

Mabil, his wife and his mother have already joined two family friends to form their own sponsor group to start the process to bring over his two nieces, who were placed in a boarding school when their grandmother left Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya for the U.S. One is set to graduate soon and the other has returned to the camp after graduating.

Chanoff said that unaccompanied girls are often in extraordinary danger at the camp and regularly kidnapped and sold into marriage.

Mabils wife, Akuot Leek, 33, is also from South Sudan and spent her childhood traveling from place to place with her family to try to escape violence. She wants the young women to have the same freedom that she had to choose what to do with their lives.

Leek and Mabil began dating after meeting at a wedding in the U.S. and both are college graduates who now work in finance.

Mabil was one of about 20,000 youths who joined an odyssey that took them first to Ethiopia, where they spent about three years before a war there forced them to flee again. The survivors eventually made it to Kakuma, where Mabil spent almost a decade before coming to the U.S.

They had survived bullets and bombs and wild animal attacks and things that you and I cant imagine to get to Kakuma camp, said Chanoff, who met Mabil at the camp.

Leek and Mabil say that once his nieces are settled in Texas, they may work to bring over other family members.

Mabil's mother, Adeng Ajang, said living with her son and daughter-in-law and four grandchildren in their comfortable home has made her very happy. Now, the only stress she has in her life is worrying about her granddaughters.

It was difficult to leave them," said Ajang as her daughter-in-law translated from the Dinka language. It was hard.

Ajang said talks to her granddaughters on the phone often. Sometimes we talk and then we will start to cry, she said.

For Mabil, he's excited and nervous to start the process. This is my last chance, he said.
Michael Bolton

Updated at 18:44

The Minister for Justice said those who set fire to a former pub in Ringsend "will be brought to justice".

Helen McEntee says the blaze in Ringsend in Dublin shortly before 2am was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established.

In a statement released this evening, she said "Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences," after it broke out in a disused pub on Thorncastle Street, that was to be used to house homeless families.

She says no one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.

It's being investigated by gardai and she's encouraging anyone with information to contact them.

As the Irish Examiner reports, the fire broke out at the building, a former pub, in Ringsend, Dublin, before 2am this morning.

Earlier this month, anti-immigrant protests were held at the building in response to false claims that it was to accommodate asylum seekers.

Persistent false rumours had been spread by anti-immigration activists that the building would house asylum seekers and some social media accounts had called for the building to be set on fire.

But the building had actually been taken over by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) for accommodating homeless families.

No one was injured in the fire, and the scene has been preserved for a forensic examination.

It is believed the pub and guesthouse was being considered for emergency accommodation for homeless families.

According to the Irish Times, The International Protection Accommodation Service and Department of Integration said earlier this month that they had not received any proposal for this property and therefore has neither considered nor examined this property for use.

A former hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway was destroyed in a suspected arson attack after been acquired for asylum seeker accommodation.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
By Rebecca Black, PA

It is the responsibility of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland themselves to leave the stage, the chairman of a major peace fund has said.

The Independent Reporting Commission found in its annual report in December that 25 years after the landmark Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, paramilitarism represents a continuing threat to individuals and society.

The International Fund for Ireland helps support a number of groups who work to supports communities impacted by paramilitary groups.

Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) mural in support the of Ulster loyalist paramilitary group, on the wall of a property on the Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Photo: PA.

Fund chair Paddy Harte paid tribute to the risks many take, describing paramilitary groups  both loyalist and dissident republicans  as exercising coercive control in some areas, and taking away hope.

To have coercive control in any community in a modern democracy is not acceptable, he told the PA news agency.

Not only do they exercise coercive control but they also take away the hope that there is a way out.

Were more than more than happy to speak to people who are transitioning and therefore have the credentials to move the paramilitaries out of the space.

But its quite a quite appalling that you as a parent can be told that your child has to go for an appointment for a kneecapping, and sometimes its said in almost a form of acceptance.

Mr Harte said while communities are doing the best we can  the basic bottom line is that paramilitaries have a responsibility to leave the stage.

They can do that. Its not that communities responsibility that theyre there, its not the polices responsibility that theyre there, its not the governments responsibility  its the paramilitaries' responsibility to leave and allow people to have the hope to lead normal lives, he said.

Reflecting on events across the year to mark the 25th anniversary of the agreement, Mr Harte said the unequal distribution of the benefits of the peace process is the challenge now.

He said everyone has a role to play in this over the next 25 years.

It is not just the Executive office and the community sector and all of the people who are in the peacebuilding worlds job to make sure that the peace holds and we build a better future  thats everyones job, he said.

The places that were most affected by the Troubles remain held down. The rising tide doesnt lift all boats  so there has to be positive discrimination in favour of those locations, otherwise those boats will remain down.

And its difficult because the Troubles and the violence that people experienced has deep traumatic effects and left mistrust.

There is an old saying that trust comes towards us on foot and leaves on on horseback, and it left on horseback.

Its coming back slowly on foot so to get those environments to the point where regeneration, better services and better health, more employment is a challenge.

He also said that while there is frustration at the current political impasse that has seen the Stormont Assembly collapsed for almost two years, it is better than the alternative.

We shouldnt lose sight that, as frustrating and challenging, it is democratic, it is playing out democratic challenges and there is infinitely better than before, he said.

Its not the best because people arent being served as well as they should be, however it is political negotiating and not the alternative, but you will eventually run out of trust if you dont negotiate a solution.

Mr Harte said the international eyes on Northern Ireland during the agreement events, the visit of US President Joe Biden and the investment conference showed the level of potential people see.

He paid tribute to Mr Biden as having a very long interest in the peace process, adding that he had been the last senator to speak in support of passing the bill to create the fund in 1986.

During President Joe Bidens visit to Dundalk in Co Louth, he said the president took time out at the Windsor Bar to speak with young people involved in projects supported by the fund.

You could see his interest in young people was palpable, He picked one young guy out, who struggled to get on the programme and was very nervous, and said you look like a guy who likes to keep fit, and he just blossomed and it was an amazing moment to watch, he said.

A person who deals with the most important issues in the world, being able to hone in to a young person.

They were waiting there for five hours, so you could only have admiration for them, still happy to be there and have a very animated conversation with the president of the US which was fabulous.

It was quite a privilege for us and good for the communities we work with to have that access.

Looking ahead to 2024, Mr Harte said the fund is developing some of their programmes with strategic alliances with partners such as Catalyst and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to connect up existing work towards employment

We had been focused on helping people with the challenges they have, that was working well, and we thought there are partners around that can give people a more seamless route to employment, he said.
JIM MILLER

Dear Savvy Senior,

How do I go about canceling a persons social media accounts when they die? My wife passed away a few months ago and her social media accounts are still active.

Sad Spouse

Dear Sad,

Im very sorry for your loss, but this is a smart move on your behalf and one that often is overlooked. Social media is part of many peoples daily lives, but when a person passes away their dormant accounts can become vulnerable to scammers who can hack into them and even steal your deceased loved ones identity.

Heres a run-down of how you can cancel or change many different social media accounts after a loved one dies.

Facebook: If your wife used Facebook, you can either memorialize or delete her account.

A memorialized account serves as a place where family and friends can share memories to celebrate the deceased persons life, with the word Remembering shown next to the deceased persons name. Once an account is memorialized, content the person shared is still visible on Facebook to the audience it was originally shared with, however, the users profile will not show up in public spaces such as people you may know, ads or birthday reminders.

To memorialize your wifes profile simply go to facebook.com/help/contact/234739086860192. Or, if youd rather have her account removed, go to facebook.com/help/contact/228813257197480.

To memorialize her account requires proof of deathvia death certificate, obituary or memorial card, but if you wish to delete the account, youll also need to verify that youre an immediate family member, legal representative or executor, unless youre the legacy contact on her account.

Instagram: The policy on a deceased users Instagram account is the similar to Facebooks, which owns Instagram. You can either memorialize or remove the account at help.instagram.com/264154560391256. But, just like with Facebook, youll need to provide proof of death and relationship to the deceased.

X (formally Twitter): To deactivate an X account, go to help.twitter.com and type in How to contact X about a deceased family members account in the search bar and follow the prompts. After you submit your request, X will email you with instructions for providing more details, including information about the deceased, a copy of your ID, and a copy of the deceaseds death certificate.

YouTube and/or Google: To close these accounts, simply go to support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590 and fill out their form and upload scans of the death certificate and your ID.

Pinterest: To remove a Pinterest account, email care@pinterest.com with the deceased users account username, proof of death and proof of relationship to the deceased.

LinkedIn: To remove a deceased persons LinkedIn profile, submit a request at linkedIn.com/help/linkedin/ask/ts-rdmlp. Youll need to provide the name and URL to the profile; the relationship you have to the deceased; the email address; date of passing; and link to an obituary.

Snapchat: To delete this account, simply login to the account and click Delete My Account and follow the prompts.

Tumblr: Send an email to support@tumblr.com requesting to remove the account of the deceased person with their Tumblr username, proof of their death, and proof of your relationship to the deceased.

If your wife had social media through a company not listed here, go to that companys website for information on how to delete the account.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters after filing President Joe Biden's paperwork to appear on South Carolina's 2024 Democratic presidential primary on Nov. 10, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Harris is visiting Nevada and South Carolina next month, spending time in two of the earliest states on the Democratic presidential calendar with audiences she and President Joe Biden are most heavily courting in the primaries that kick off just a month later.
Instagram Celebrity

The Rolling Stones guitarist has enjoyed an exotic vacation with his wife Patti Hansen and their loved ones to mark his milestone birthday and the festive season.

Dec 31, 2023

AceShowbiz - Keith Richards has been ringing in his 80th birthday - and Christmas - by taking a safari trip to South Africa. The Rolling Stones' former hellraising guitarist jetted off to the country with his wife Patti Hansen, who he married in 1983, to mark becoming an octogenarian on December 18.

"Thank you for your birthday wishes! Merry Christmas from South Africa," he posted alongside an image of himself grinning while wearing a jacket in the colours of the South African flag.

Keith's trip came weeks after it was reported he was planning on jetting off to see wildlife on a safari trip to mark turning 80. A source told The Sun, "Keith isn't afraid of wild beasts and loves seeing them roaming in the wild."

"It's been a dream to do a big holiday with all his family at a luxury resort in Africa and have that once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience all together. He turns the big 8-0 in December and he's hoping to get out before then and live it up in the sunshine and then spend Christmas with his family."

It's believed dad-of-five Keith also took some of his extended family along for the ride.

Keith is also celebrating The Rolling Stones having a hit on their hands with their latest album "Hackney Diamonds". The band's record shifted 72,200 copies in its first week on sale in the UK alone, making it the third fastest-selling release of the year behind records from Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran.

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Instagram Celebrity

The 'Hawkeye' actor drops by a medical facility in Nevada to pay his respect to the staff who helped him after he was seriously injured in a snowplow accident.

Dec 31, 2023

AceShowbiz - Jeremy Renner feels "forever" grateful to the medics who helped him to recover from his near-fatal accident. The 52-year-old actor was taken to hospital on January 1, 2023, after he suffered a near-fatal snowplow accident, and Jeremy recently returned to the hospital in Reno, Nevada, where his injuries were treated.

"Rollin through Reno, NV with joy, blessings, and [pizza emojis] !!!! Stopped by to see kids/superheroes , first responders , and doctors, nurses and staff at Renown hospital Paying my respects and celebrating love, life and the blessings it brings to us all."

"Thank you and this community for keeping me here.. I'm forever in your debt with gratitude #loveandtitanium (sic)," Jeremy wrote on Instagram alongside a photograph of himself riding in a firetruck.

Jeremy was injured when he tried to remove a stranded family member's car from the snow near his home. The "Hurt Locker" star was struck by a snowplough and left "completely crushed" by the vehicle, according to a 911 call made after the incident.

A doctor - who lived nearby - fixed a tourniquet to his leg until the actor was airlifted to hospital, where he was kept in an intensive care unit in a critical condition, before undergoing surgery on his injuries. Meanwhile, in November, Jeremy took to social media to discuss his recovery.

The Hollywood star - who is perhaps best known for playing Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - said on Instagram, "I have been exploring EVERY type of therapy since Jan 14th  everyday. Countless hours of physical therapy, peptide injections, iv drips and pushes, stem cell and exosomes, red light / IR therapy, hyperbaric chamber 2.0 atmospheres, cold plunge, and the list goes on and on. (sic)"

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Japan lodged a stern protest with the Korean embassy in Tokyo and Korea's foreign ministry over a military drill reportedly practising the defence of disputed islands, the Japanese government said Friday.

The two nations have long been at loggerheads over the sovereignty of the group of islets called Dokdo in Korean, which lie about halfway between the East Asian neighbours in the East Sea.

South Korea's defence ministry said in a statement that the country's military has been conducting a routine military drill for the defence of the islands every year.

The islands are controlled by Seoul but also claimed by Tokyo.

This month's drill by Korea marks the fourth under the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol, Yonhap news agency reported.

Seoul and Tokyo have sought to improve relations, amid shared concerns about China's growing might, dogged by historical disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. Yoon has made it a priority to mend ties with Tokyo since taking office in 2022.

Last week, Korea and Japan held high-level economic talks for the first time in eight years. (Reuters)
On November 1, a Banaras Hindu University student who is a resident of a hostel there left her room for the walk inside campus at around 1.30 am. The girl is a student of B.Tech. in mathematical engineering. He met a friend of his on the way. They were both walking together. Suddenly, from nowhere, one motorcycle and three men approached them from behind. They parked their motorcycles and separated from both friends.

First, they forced the girl to take her clothes off; they fiddled with her body and one of them was shooting this video. Then another man took his turn and raped the girl, while one was raping and the other was taking video. Gradually, they ended up beating her for resisting. These guys pushed her friend away so that he could keep him out of the crime scene. The victim was forcibly taken to an isolated area, where she was sexually assaulted. Threats were issued and his phone was confiscated.

They forcibly kissed her and molested her for hours at gunpoint. After raping her one by one, the girl was left behind in bad condition, and the accused fled from the university campus. A friend somehow managed to reach the victim and dropped her back at her hostel.

A day later, hundreds of students protested at the institutes directors office to demand better security on campus. Varanasi Police took two months to trace these rapists. Those arrested are Kunal Pandey of Bridge Enclave Colony Sunderpur, Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel of Jivadhipur Bajardiha. The police have also recovered the motorcycle used in the crime.

After the crime, the police launched a thorough investigation and extracted footage from more than 170 CCTV cameras across the BHU IIT campus. After about two months, with the joint efforts of the Crime Branch and Lanka Police Station, Kunal Pandey and his friend were detained from the Susuwahi area and interrogated. This arrest is an important breakthrough in the case, giving the victim hope of getting justice.

There was a ruckus for many days; the issue of dividing BHU into two parts was heated. After this incident, the students of IIT BHU demonstrated fiercely at the directors office, where the students of BHU supported them. After this, the issue of separating the IIT campus from BHU by raising a wall was raised, and then the students of BHU as well as the professors and alumni got angry and created a ruckus, did many marches, and warned of agitations, terming it wrong, after which the matter went into cold storage.

The accused are Kunal Pandey, Anand Chauhan, and Saksham Patel. All of them are in their 20s and are residents of Varanasi. Days after the incident, another female student of the varsity claimed that he was molested by a driver of the university bus. BHU has become the most unsafe place for female students. The BJPs youth workers have become arrogant and fearless due to the supreme authority of the party. Unfortunately, Hindu girls are attacked by Hindu boys; earlier, the same state in Uttar Pradesh bashed Muslim youth even if they were seen around Hindu girls and these boys are given every right to ride on their whims and fancies.

Its very shameful even to say whats happening at BHU. Students are protesting not for a state-of-the-art laboratory, fully air-conditioned classrooms, or international faculties but for security. They have a very simple demand: a secure campus. Varanasi, which is the electoral constituency of PM Modi, is not bothered to provide safety to female students at Hindu University. What could be the worst fate for Hindu girls here?

Isnt it very fundamental to provide security to students? An atmosphere where one can walk without being scared of harassment or being judged? An atmosphere where we dont distinguish boys and girls and, above all, treat them as students? An environment that promotes overall development for students? If we are not even able to provide this basic safety, I think we are letting down not only ourselves but the whole of humanity. We need to understand that not only the BHU administration is responsible for this whole fiasco but we as a society also need to take collective responsibility. This is not the first time such an incident has happened; BHU was not the first institute where it happened. Every day in the newspaper, we read of cases where someone was harassed, raped, groped, or misbehaved. When the BJP was in opposition, they always attacked the UPA over womens security. Since the BJP came to power, there has been a rise in such crimes against women, but now they are all mute spectators.
Cookie Fix, the Alabama-based bakeshop known for its rotating menu of cookies, will be opening a fourth location in the Birmingham metro area next year.

The new storefront will be located at 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy Suite #109 in Hoover, according to the bakery website. In addition to the location in Brocks Gap, Cookie Fix is set to open two additional shops in Alabama next year-- one in Madison County and one on U.S. 280.

[Read more: This Alabama cookie is so rich, its called The Billionaire]

Cookie Fix currently has four storefronts: the flagship location in Homewood, a location in Cahaba Heights, one in Huntsville and one in Franklin, Tenn.

Amy Jason opened the flagship location of Cookie Fix in 2016. The bakeshop is famous for its rotating and seasonal menu. The staff posts a monthly cookie calendar on the Cookie Fix website. The monthly rundown, however, is just a plan and the selection of cookies may still vary daily. Knox Ashford, the manager of the Cookie Fix shop in Homewood, says developing the bakerys menu is a long process.

A lot of information and data goes into it! Its something that we work on throughout the whole year, taking into account the year before, Ashford told AL.com in a recent interview. Its what sold really well. What were people excited about? What do we think, not necessarily just whats going to sell a lot, but what we do feel gives our menu some diversity.
Spend a few minutes outside of Cookie Fix, the tiny bakeshop on 18th Street South in downtown Homewood, and its easy to see why the store is a beacon of happiness.

On a Tuesday afternoon, downtown Homewood was bustling with holiday cheer as shoppers strolled through the streets with bags, stopping at the stores and restaurants along the boulevard.

Outside of Cookie Fix, a chalkboard listed the days flavors-- from the limited edition Jingle Bell Funfetti to the Billionaire-- the bakerys rich twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie with peanut butter chips, caramel, and marshmallows.

The daily lineup of cookie flavors on the chalkboard outside of Cookie Fix on Dec. 19, 2023 (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

Cookie Fix boasts a lineup of freshly baked cookies, cookie mix, frozen cookie dough, and beverages. (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

The bakerys alluring magic was its aroma. The sweet, buttery scent of freshly baked cookies wafted out, greeting patrons as they opened the front door. Around 3:00, a mother and daughter went into the shop to take a break from holiday shopping.

It smells so good in there! the young girl piped up excitedly.

It does smell yummy, doesnt it! her mother replied.

Minutes later, an elderly couple stopped outside the bakerys storefront.

Oh, this is the cookie place! the man said as his face lit up. Lets go in! Im a visual person.

Amy Jason started small when she opened the first location of Cookie Fix in 2016. The Homewood shop is the bakerys flagship location. Six years later, the cookie brand has three additional storefronts--two in Alabama (one in Cahaba Heights and the other in Huntsville) and one in Franklin, Tenn. And Cookie Fix is on track to open three new Alabama locations in 2024-- one on U.S. 280, one in Hoover, and another in Madison County.

Postcards of Cookie Fix founder Amy Jason on the shelf of the cookie shop's Homewood location. (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

We caught up with Knox Ashford, the manager of the Cookie Fix shop in Homewood, to talk about the Billionaire cookie, planning the Cookie Fix menu, and the bakerys best-selling cookies. Heres an edited version of our conversation below.

Tell me more about the Billionaire cookie.

Knox Ashford: The Billionaire is a really fun option. Mostly because its the only peanut butter option that doesnt have peanut butter in the base. Its our standard chocolate chip base, but then it has peanut butter chips, regular chocolate chips, marshmallows, and caramel. Its kind of a fun mix, not like that full peanut butter taste, but you get the peanut butter, you get the chocolate. Its kind of a little balance of both.

And why is it called the Billionaire?

It kind of just felt right. Its got bunch of fun stuff in it. A lot of variety of different things. Its kind of a rich cookie, so it just felt like a fitting name.

About how many flavors of cookies do you all sell per day?

So per day, anywhere between 12 and 14. If you want to put a number on it, Id say 13 most days. They swap daily, so Id say about 26 to 24 flavors per week. And then those flavors change a little bit every month and then significantly every two months.

Cookies in the case if the Cookie Fix location in Homewood. (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

Lets talk a little bit about daily routines at Cookie Fix. Not just your routine as a manager, but also the routines of the staff. Because you all turn out a lot of cookies a day in such a small space!

Yeah, its a very small space! And so many cookies go through. You know, thousands of cookies a day. We bake fresh all day long. We make the dough in our commissary and bake everything fresh all throughout the day. The bakers come in early in the morning, typically 8 a.m. or earlier and they start baking everything thats going fill up the case when we open and get orders ready. Then, as the day goes on and we sell stuff, we continue baking throughout the day. So, you can always come in almost any hour throughout the day and get a fresh baked cookie, or something thats been baked over the last hour or two. Which is kind of a unique experience for a bakery. Just logistically, were set up really well for that at Cookie Fix.

In terms of the front staff, they come in 30 minutes to an hour before we open. They get everything set up and all of the cookies in the case. They get the signs put out, they write on the chalkboard what the flavors are going to be. They start filling the orders that are going to go on the shelf and stuff. And then throughout the day, theyre doing pretty much everything. They are taking orders, they are filling stuff, they are helping customers and answering questions, and helping them figure out what they need for their bake orders or what frozen dough they want to pick out. Theyre just like a concierge for the customer.

(from left) Staff members Margaret Ann Sanders and Fatima Maldonado at the Cookie Fix shop in Homewood. (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

So, earlier, you said you bake thousands of cookies a day?

Oh yeah, on some days it can be.

For just the Homewood location? Or all of the Birmingham-area locations?

Yeah, for one location! We go through a ton of stuff. We open up each day with aboutIm trying to do the math in my head about 600ish cookies when we open, most days at our Homewood location. And were baking fresh all day long. So, on a regular day, during the year, we do lots of numbers. The holiday season is our busiest time of the year. We can go through just tons and tons of cookies. Lots of things on order. At both stores, just packed full of stuff. And then, there are lots of big corporate orders that we do at our commissary. And those can be huge too. So were just moving through tons of stuff throughout the day.

We spoke about the Billionaire. But what are some of your most popular flavors? I know you have a rotating menu.

So, always and forever, our most popular flavors, number one and number two, are Chocolate Chip and Healthy Peanut Butter. Chocolate Chip kind of speaks for itself, its the one everybody loves. The one everybody grows up getting. Most customers dont leave the door without getting one chocolate chip in their box. And thats here every single day. So people can come in every day, any time of year, and always get a chocolate chip cookie.

And the same goes for the healthy peanut butter. Its something we carry every day, all year long. So, theres a big following for that cookie. Each person can come in every day and get it. And what people love about it is that its healthy relative to everything else in the case. Its lighter on butter and sugar than the other cookies. It is a flourless cookie, so its a gluten-friendly option. Its not certified gluten-free just because o you have to have a certified gluten-free facility if youre going to get that tag, so for people who have light gluten allergies or gluten intolerance, its a really great option for a lot of them. So, that one is always really popular. And despite the healthy moniker, it tastes really, really good.

A tray of Healthy Peanut Butter cookies at the Homewood location of Cookie Fix (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

For people who have never been to Cookie Fix, what cookies should they try?

Can I do a couple that I really, really love that dont get enough shine?

Of course!

The one that you can come in and get in-store is our Magic City, which has walnuts and dark chocolate and toffee. Its just really, really good. Its got a great crunch with it with the walnuts. Its got a little bit of saltiness to it. Its got a nice, rich flavor. I love a dark chocolate. I think that its one of the best chocolate-based cookies that we make. Thats a really good option more people should try. And other one in the case is the Pecan Sandie. Its kind of a shortbread cookie thats covered in cinnamon, it has pecans throughout. Its got kind of like a crumbly texture. Its really, really good. One of my favorites. Another one that we have periodically throughout the year, which I think is secretly one of the best cookies that we make is the Plain Jane. Which, of course, the name doesnt sound particularly exciting, but its like this oatmeal, cream cheese sugar cookie. Its got Sugar in the Raw on the outside. Its got a little bit of a crunch to it. A little bit of a chewiness. Its kind of like the best sugar cookie you ever had.

How do you all plan the menu? Because you put out the menu for the month. Can you give me some insight on how do you plan for that?

Its a long process. A lot of information and data goes into it! Its something that we work on throughout the whole year, taking into account the year before. What sold really well. What were people excited about? What do we think, not necessarily just whats going to sell a lot, but what we do feel gives our menu some diversity. Some intrigue. Things that we personally just really love. All that kind of goes into it. And then making sure weve got seasonal options. Something thats fun that kind of fits the vibe of that season thats going on. All of that kind of goes into effect. Weve been planning for December all year long. But we finalized a couple of months before.

(from left) Jingle Bell Funfetti and Peppermint Crunch at Cookie Fix are two of the limited-edition holiday cookies at Cookie Fix (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

How do you give the cookies their unique shape? Plump in the middle and flat on the edges, but crispy all over? Is that a secret?

Making sure our cookies are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside is a little bit of a secret but mostly a process! A big part of it is, of course, the recipes themselves but also the temperature of the oven and making sure we always bake the dough from frozen! We always tell our customers to make our frozen dough straight out of the freezer and thats a big part of getting that tall mound in the center and that crispy exterior.
A Winston County man is behind bars, charged in the death of his infant daughter.

Shannon Lee Stewart, a 33-year-old Double Springs man, was charged late Saturday night with capital murder, according to Sheriff Caleb Snoddy.

Amasia Faith Stewart, 2-months-old, was taken by ambulance Saturday to Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville. Winston County Coroner Tracey Holley pronounced the infant dead at the hospital.

No additional details have been released.

She was the perfect baby,' her mother, Brittany Scoggins said. She was so happy, always smiling.

The sheriff said additional charges are pending, describing the investigation as sensitive and ongoing.

Please pray for the family, S.O. staff and others involved at this time, Snoddy said in a press release.
The Marshall County Sheriffs Office says a 53-year-old Guntersville woman has been charged with murder related to domestic violence after an incident Saturday night.

The sheriffs office said in a news release that deputies responded to a report of a deceased individual at a residence on Tick Duckett Road, in the Martling area, on Saturday night. The deputies said the preliminary investigation showed there was a domestic violence related incident, between the deceased and a woman.

Investigators charged Krissy Cowen, 53, with murder related to domestic violence. She remains in the Marshall County Jail without bond.

No details about the identity of the victim or the cause of death were reported.

The MCSO said the investigation is ongoing and additional details may be released as they become available.

In addition to the sheriffs office, members of the Marshall County Coroners Office, Marshall County District Attorneys Office, and the Asbury Volunteer Fire responded to the scene.
This is an opinion column

Todays guest columnist is Mike Royer.

I could tell you all about interviewing Jimmy Carter when he was running for President in 1976.

Or, the 20 minutes I spent interviewing President Bill Clinton right after he was first elected.

I think theyre pretty good stories and Id be happy to tell you about the interviews sometime.

Ill never forget spending two days with General Paul Tibbets who piloted the Enola Gay dropping the first atomic bomb helping bring an end to World War II. I was privileged to interview Colonel Hal Moore who led the first battle in the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam in 1965.

But, the interviews that I think about and talk about the most are the ones with people youve probably never heard of. They are everyday folks who challenged and inspired me. Some, literally changed me for the better because of how they lived their lives and the stories they shared with me and our viewers.

I met Dr. Jim Collier, a Birmingham doctor, one time but I think about him every day.

Some of you remember the Anchorage Restaurant in Homewood.

I was coming out of there at lunchtime when a man I knew yelled from across the street; Mike, hang on I need to talk to you. I waited as he jaywalked to where I was and he began by asking me if I knew Dr. Jim Collier, an ophthalmologist over at Brookwood Medical Center. I admitted Id never heard of him and my friend said, Oh, you have to do a story about himhes dying of cancer.

Only a few weeks earlier we had buried a friend who died of cancer and I admit Im not proud of my initial reply. I said that Im tired of hearing about cancer and didnt know if Id want to do a story about someone else facing death from cancer. The friend reached in his pocket and pulled out a small pamphlet called Radical Trust, written by James B. Collier, M.D. I took it, promised to read it, and I did.

It was only 11 pages long, and written the day that Jim Collier was told he only had a short time to live. As soon as I finished reading it I called the Collier home. Dr. Colliers wife Pam answered and said Jim would be happy to talk with you.

The first thing he said when he picked up the phone was, Hey I watch you all the time. You might know thats the nicest thing you can say to a TV person.

I told him how inspiring Radical Trust was and that Id like to come visit him and do a story about his journey. He invited me to come to his home the next day. As I planned to interview him I guess I was thinking that it might be just another interview, a good one, but not any more special than most. I was wrong.

Pam Collier met me at the door and said Jim would be out shortly. She suggested since it was such a pretty day that I might want to do the interview on their patio. I was alone that day and often would shoot stories myself.

In a few minutes Pam pushed Dr. Collier outside in his wheelchair. Strapped to the side of his chair was a green oxygen tank and clear plastic tubes went across his ears and to his nose. I had seen a set up like that before but I hadnt recalled hearing the sound made when Dr. Collier would pause and breathe deeply getting the help from the oxygen that made talking easier. After a sentence or sometimes in the middle of one, he would pause and take that breath that sort of became a cadence and a part of his answers. Many of you are familiar with that sound.

Dr. Colliers answers to my questions were kind and well thought out. I asked him about Radical Trust and how someone facing such serious health challenges could be so positive and encouraging. For Jim Collier it all hinged on his faith.

From Radical Trust: The rest of the story? I dont know. Medically my prognosis is poor. I have no promises, no certainty. But I know Jesus is all I have and all I need. Ive learned to live in the joy of the moment. Ive learned to practice the presence of God.

Dr. Collier was generous with his time and I wanted to use every one of his sound bites in my story. I zoomed my camera in for a close up shot of Dr. Colliers face. I ended the interview with this; Dr. Collier, let me end with this question, what is your prognosis? Not a great question to ask a dying man. I knew he was dying, his family knew that, and so did he.

His eyes left my camera and he look me squarely in the eyes and gave a wonderful answer to a very average or even poor question.

He said; Mike, my prognosis is exactly the same as yours.

You and I are promised this moment right here, nothing more.

He was right, wasnt he? Do you know your prognosis?

Its exactly the same as mine.

When I tell this story, and I often do, I remind people that this story isnt at all about dying. Rather its about living, living today to its fullest.

Knowing your prognosis, means that you know every day is a gift, one to relish and be thankful for.

Im reminded of that every day.

Quote taken from Radical Trust by Dr. James B. Collier, M.D. Buck Publishing Company

Mike Royer is a long-time broadcaster spending more than 35 years on Birmingham television. Before retiring he spent 7 years working with students in the school of communications at the University of Alabama.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Click here to sign up for our newsletter.

Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@amsher.com
Howard Beecher, the chairman of the countys Republican Committee, was surprised by the over 1,100 absentee ballots requested in Sullivan that year, and sent a list of 620 names to the state GOP committee, asking that they be investigated for falsely filing an application to vote here. Beecher suspected that Democrats had imported persons registered in New York City to vote in Sullivan County in an attempt to ensure a victory for Whittaker, and retain a key seat in a desperate battle for control of the Assembly.
Oklahoma spent more than $544,000 for the states National Guard to help secure the U.S. border with Mexico, money that came from a disaster fund typically used for National Guard response to tornadoes and other extreme weather events.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, heeding a call from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, called up the National Guard for a 30-day state deployment in August. More than a dozen Republican governors, who have criticized President Joe Bidens border security policies, sent National Guard members to assist Abbotts Operation Lone Star.

The deployments drew criticism from Democrats because border security historically is a federal responsibility and National Guard soldiers and airmen called up for that role had fewer enforcement powers than U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Stitt joined Abbott and Republican governors from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota at a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Aug. 21. Stitt said he was concerned about illegal drugs like fentanyl being smuggled across the border and people on terrorism watch lists evading authorities at border crossings.

Every state is a border state, Stitt said at the press conference, echoing talking points from fellow Republican governors.

Lt. Col. LeeAnn Tumblson, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Air National Guard, said during the August mission a 50-person contingent of Oklahomas National Guard helped with 969 detections that resulted in 23 apprehensions by law enforcement. They successfully turned back 1,183 migrants without incident, she said.

Costs for the deployment are complicated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security typically pays for state active-duty National Guard deployments out of that agencys State Emergency Fund, said spokeswoman Keli Cain.

Because the Oklahoma deployment used equipment funded by the federal government, the state will have to turn around and reimburse the federal government for those costs, Tumblson said.

The deployment to Texas was under the governors powers to deploy the Guard under state active-duty status. Texas did not reimburse Oklahoma for the costs. Unlike federal deployments domestically or internationally, Guard members deploying under state active duty arent eligible for federal Veterans Administration care if they get injured.

The influx of migrants at the countrys southern border with Mexico stems partly from the expiration of a Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy that had asylum seekers wait in Mexico as their cases progressed through the U.S. immigration court system. A separate pandemic-related health emergency that limited migrant crossings expired in May, putting further pressure on immigration authorities at the southern border.

Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in the spring of 2021 with thousands of state Department of Public Safety troopers dispatched to the Texas border. They were followed by thousands more members of the Texas National Guard. To date, Texas has spent more than $5 billion on the initiative, with some of the money diverted from its prison budget.

Abbott recently signed a Texas law that made illegal immigration a state crime, allowing police to arrest people they suspect crossed the Rio Grande between ports of entry. That law, which takes effect in March, likely sets up a legal challenge from the federal government.

Stitts call up of the Oklahoma National Guard to help with Operation Lone Star included a provision to go back in 2024 with another 50 Guard members if the need arises, Tumblson said.

Stitts office said there are no plans for a second deployment to the Texas-Mexico border.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.
Tajikistan joins list of countries allowed to send workers

By Jung Min-ho

Non-Koreans with E-9 visas will now be allowed to work at hotels in Seoul and other popular destinations for tourists.

The change in visa policy was approved by the Office for Government Policy Coordination on Friday to address labor shortages in the hospitality industry as part of the countrys broader efforts to embrace more foreign workers amid a falling birthrate.

According to the government department, holders of the non-specialized work visa can now be employed at hotels and other types of accommodation facilities in four areas  Seoul, Busan, Jeju and Gangwon Province  as cleaners or kitchen assistants.

The department said it will decide whether to expand the policy to other areas or additional industries after collecting opinions from workers and employers in 2024.

It also added Tajikistan to the list of Koreas partner nations allowed to send workers under the Employment Permit System, through which employers here can hire people by granting them E-9 visas.

Tajikistan has been designated as the 17th partner country after conducting evaluations, the department said in a statement. We have concluded that the operation of a transparent system, in which workers are selected and trained, is possible as the government and public institutions are to take charge of it.

If everything goes well as planned, Korea will begin receiving workers from the Central Asian country from 2025. The department noted it plans to continue to expand the list of partner countries. Currently, all the partners are located in Asia: the Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Timor-Leste, Nepal, Myanmar and Laos.

The permit system was introduced in 2004 to allow small businesses to hire foreign workers in certain industry sectors shunned by Koreans, such as agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, construction and some labor-intense service areas.

The hotel industry was once popular among young Koreans. But the industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the losses of many jobs. The number of tourists began to recover as pandemic travel rules were eased. But many of the workers who left during the health crisis have not returned, causing labor shortages.

According to the Korea Hotel Association, the number of guests staying at hotels nationwide jumped to 44.79 million in 2022, similar to the more than 40 million of 2018, the year before the outbreak. As many employers struggled to find Koreans willing to work, the organization called on the government to allow them to hire more foreigners, which eventually led to the visa expansion measure.

As the number of babies born in the country remains at its record-low levels, calls for more foreign labor are expected to continue increasing.

We have promptly responded to the calls from many industries suffering from shortages of workers, Bang Ki-seon, chief of the coordination department, said. To grasp the situation correctly, we will continue to listen to the voices of employers and workers.
Just a few weeks after launch, plenty of questions remain about whether the private school tax credit program is doing what GOP lawmakers promised. Does it really help families of modest means afford private school?

Oklahoma Voice reporter Carmen Forman reported that about 18,000 Oklahomans had submitted over 29,000 applications for tax credits that range from $5,000 to $7,500. The program has no income restrictions, though families that make less are supposed to get priority access. Funding is capped at $150 million the first year.

About 32,000 children attend private schools, and over 150 private schools had already registered ahead of the application window so their students could apply.

In response to the influx of interest, at least one prominent GOP lawmaker told Forman that hed like to increase the programs cap to $250 million next year.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said he believes theres support from other House Republicans to make it happen. The programs budget is supposed to increase to $200 million in 2024 and $250 million in 2025. McCalls proposal would fast-track those spending plans.

If the program is actually serving the poorest Oklahoma residents, then absolutely, lets talk about raising the cap. But if the vast majority of applicants are wealthy  and with no caps around income, that could be the case  then why should we allocate more taxpayer money?

Before we discuss spending more on private school tax credits, Oklahomans deserve first to know who is applying for them.

Some Oklahomans already questioned lawmakers decision not to implement an income limit for applicants. And there was a swell of outrage when the states millionaire governor initially indicated his family planned to apply. Gov. Kevin Stitt later said his family would not apply.

Its clear that many Oklahoma taxpayers certainly dont have the appetite to subsidize tuition costs for the wealthy and those who can already afford to send their children to private schools.

Hopefully, the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which is overseeing the program, will soon be able to release a statistical breakdown of everyone who has applied by zip code and also income level. Also, it would be great to know how many people trying to sign up are transferring their children to private schools for the first time versus using the tax credit to subsidize a pre-existing private education plan.

Are the funds useful in rural Oklahoma? Are people living in historically marginalized communities and lower-income areas benefiting?

Oklahomans deserve transparency about how their money is being spent and who is receiving it. They also need assurances that the funding from the voucher-like tax credits is being spent wisely.

As participation in the program continues to grow, lawmakers may need to have some tough conversations about instituting accountability and oversight measures on private schools that are accepting these credits.

What guarantee do taxpayers have that private schools receiving state funds are preparing students for success?

Theres also a growing concern that private schools have rolled out policies that make access more difficult in hopes of pulling the maximum benefit from the program.

State Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, told Forman that some private schools have raised their tuition in response. She said shes heard that schools are making decisions about who to admit based on who receives the credit.

News on 6 reported The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has increased its tuition at some schools. The television station said the archdiocese changed its tuition structure at 15 elementary schools and removed discounts previously supported by the school parishes. But it said changes would have come without the tax credit.

Private entities can obviously choose to charge what they want, but a state program probably shouldnt be helping subsidize tuition hikes if the goal of the program is to make private schools more accessible and affordable.

Overall, its great that so many families are interested in the tax credit.

However, its probably prudent to slow down and really take a hard look at whether the program is doing whats intended before we make any substantial structural or funding changes.

After all, private schools only serve a small fraction of Oklahomas youth. Over 700,000 children count on our Legislature to provide them with a free public school education.

It could be easy to get swept away by the enthusiasm surrounding any new program. But that doesnt change the reality that the vast majority of families send their kids to public schools.

Those families rely on lawmakers to make solid decisions and fund their schools well.

Judging from the lagging student outcomes and our ongoing struggles to hire qualified teachers, Oklahoma likely hasnt invested enough in existing public school programs.

We should probably consider figuring out how to do that well first.

Then, we can have a serious conversation about increasing private school funding.
 Afghan refugee students benefit from generous aid while others make do

When fifth-grader Mohammed Faizy walked into his Tulsa school, just months after fleeing Afghanistan, he didnt speak, read or write English.

He faced the prospect of learning the language while adjusting culturally and catching up on the core subjects of reading, writing, science and math.

Although government support of recent Afghan refugees is strong, refugee students from other countries face identical barriers without the same level of federal help.

Across Tulsa Public Schools, 261 Afghan children enrolled in Pre-K through 12th grades about the same time as Faizy, and were thrust into the same challenge. More than 100 additional Afghan students enrolled in Putnam City, Edmond, Stillwater and Jenks Public Schools, state records show.

Federal policy changes since 2020 led to increased refugee arrivals, according to a June report by the Migration Policy Institute. State data shows that as of early November, about 40% of Oklahomas 4,074 refugees supported with federal money over the last three years were school-aged children, mostly from Afghanistan.

But refugees arrived in Oklahoma from more than 20 countries in the past three years, and while schools have resources to help all refugee children, including specialized English Language Development teachers and books translated into various languages, there is federal money available to schools to help Afghans specifically, leaving students from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo without the same level of support.

Since 2020, the amount of money Oklahoma has received from the federal government for long-term refugee support services has increased by 3,142%. What used to be a funding pool of about $830,000 in 2020 grew to $26.8 million this year, state records show.

Of the $16 million awarded to nonprofit and state organizations for refugee support services, $1.3 million went to public school districts in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros and Stillwater.

With few exceptions, that money is restricted to their Afghan students, forcing educators to spend creatively so they can help the most students without violating funding guidelines.

District officials hired additional English Language Development teachers and English-speaking Afghan refugees as family liaisons. They also funded summer school courses for students, training programs for teachers, family social events and field trips.

Toni Hill is a full-time English Language Development instructor at Tulsas Patrick Henry Elementary alongside her colleague, Bethany Henretty, who was hired part-time in light of the recent increased number of English learning students. Together they support 100 children, including Faizy, with in-class assistance on assignments, separate supplemental group classes and at-home tutoring.

Hill works with students in third through fifth grades on reading and writing skills. Henretty helps students in kindergarten through second grade develop very basic vocabulary and pronunciation. Both teachers said overcoming the language barrier early is essential to help students feel safe and like they are in an environment in which they can learn.

Hill said the first weeks and months children from Afghanistan were arriving at Patrick Henry were the most difficult.

During that time, these students were coming in with a lot of trauma, Hill said, We had students that were trying to run out the doors that were not understanding what we were trying to do, that we were friends and that we were here to protect them.

She said its important to consider the students perspectives when trying to teach them.

If I was in a strange country and Im sitting in a classroom and Im hearing all these things and I have no idea whats being said, and Im trying to communicate, wanting people to understand, Id be frustrated too, Hill said.

To help Afghan students, Tulsa Public Schools hired eight Afghan refugees to facilitate communication among the district, schools, students and families.

Two of the refugees are navigators, who help with district-level communication to families. They translate things such as bus routes and any correspondence and documents sent home with students. The other six, known as liaisons, work inside schools and bridge understanding gaps between school staff and students.

Mia Qadri is the refugee liaison at Patrick Henry. Hired last March with federal money, he took the opportunity to use his English proficiency and experience as an educator in Afghanistan to help make life easier for the Afghan students in Tulsa.

Qadri follows a daily schedule, visiting four to five classrooms of various grade levels, and helps Afghan students with their assignments in real-time. He is also on call while on campus, just in case he is needed to help translate when students are being disciplined, or there is an emergency and non-English speaking family members need to be contacted.

He said most Afghan students received an education while living in their home country. The exceptions are some who lived in remote areas.

Especially in south and southeastern Afghanistan, there were no schools, Qadri said. If there were schools, they didnt have buildings, they were studying in tents.

He said Afghan students enrolled at Patrick Henry have made noticeable improvements in their English skills in the past year, and consequently improved in other core subjects such as science and math. One reason is the encouragement they get from their parents, who want their children to take advantage of the opportunity to get an education, he said.

Most of the parents are not educated, Qadri said. So they are happy their kids will be educated and will have a bright future.

Students such as Faizy are on a path to that future, said Patrick Henrys principal Jene Carpenter, during a short tour of some of the classrooms where Afghan students participated seamlessly alongside their peers.

Faizy, who Carpenter said knew only a few English words when he enrolled in Patrick Henry, was reading aloud about how matter can change physically and chemically in Michele Fischers fifth-grade class. All educational materials provided to refugee students, regardless of their country of origin, are in English. While the schools Afghan refugee liaison can help translate some classwork for Afghan students, most translations occur when teachers, counselors, nurses and other school staff need to communicate with parents about their children.

Hill and Henretty agreed that Qadris help has been the most important element in ensuring the success of the Afghan children in the classroom. But of the 100 English learners at Patrick Henry, only 35 are from Afghanistan. The rest are from Latin American, African and Asian countries.

While the school has a robust curriculum to help students from places other than Afghanistan, Hill said, teachers dont have designated liaisons to help them communicate with students or their families. Instead, the English Language Development teachers use over-the-phone translation services, which are less reliable.

We have a special curriculum through National Geographic that we utilize in the classroom to teach the basics of the English language, Hill said. We get dictionaries and books translated in the languages Afghans speak, for example, but we have those same books translated into Spanish, Chinese and various other languages.

Educators at Stillwater Public Schools used federal money to hire three language-interpreting teacher assistants and pay E.L. Achieve, a consulting and curriculum company, for cultural training for teachers to help them build lesson plans that are suited to English learners from Afghanistan.

Stephanie Coca, the districts multilingual program coordinator, said the increased money was immensely helpful. The district has 25 Afghan students and an increasing number of students from Spanish-speaking countries, she said, and the training helps them all.

Professional development is helping teachers present subject matter in a way that acknowledges every student is learning each subjects jargon

Science has a specific language: laboratories, beakers, the scientific method, all those things are new terms for everyone, Coca said. Its looking at your lesson plan, at the language that youre teaching students, and helping them prepare to understand that language and practice it.

She is one of two educators undergoing the training now, but more teachers will get the training as Afghans age and enroll in their classes.

Coca said that while many Afghan students enrolled in Stillwater Public Schools in 2022, and the money to support them provided necessary resources, most refugee students enrolling in Stillwater Public Schools today are Venezuelan.

But the kind of help afforded to Faizy and other Afghan students doesnt extend to them.

Gosh, Coca said. If I could do this for our Venezuelan families, for all of our new families, itd be a game changer.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.










English News China's Sichuan promotes bamboo as eco-friendly substitute for plastics

Alwihda Info | Par pd - 26 Decembre 2023



Recently, Sichuan province issued relevant policies to promote the development of the bamboo industry. These policies further emphasize the need to strengthen technological support and initiate extensive research on the production of bamboo products for daily use, with an aim to substitute more materials with bamboo.

By Song Haoxin, People's Daily "Selling bamboo earned me a net profit of around 200,000 yuan ($27,987)," said bamboo grower Li Kaiming from Tianchi village, Qingshen county, Meishan, southwest China's Sichuan province, while harvesting bamboo that had just matured.



These bamboo were later sent to a bamboo industrial park 15 kilometers away, where they were processed into bamboo pulp paper. The paper manufactured in the industrial park now holds a 30-percent market share of natural-color tissue paper in China.



As the use of plastics is gradually replaced by bamboo, the industrial park is working to establish a new production line of mulch made from bamboo fiber to seize market opportunities.



Recently, a three-year action plan on promoting the substitute of plastics with bamboo was jointly released by China's National Development and Reform Commission and other departments. This has presented new opportunities for Sichuan, which ranks second in China in terms of bamboo forest area, to strengthen and extend the chain of the bamboo industry.



"I was so busy! I never thought that bamboo-related tourism would be so popular," said Nie Zhijun, head of the collective economic organization of Zhaoping village, Baijie township, Naxi district of Sichuan's Luzhou, referring to the tourist boom at a bamboo culture attraction in the village during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday.



It was the first long holiday since the attraction opened, and its business volume more than doubled, according to Nie.

The integration of the bamboo industry and cultural tourism has brought benefits to Naxi district, prompting it to launch 20 provincial-level cultural tourism programs that cover rehabilitation, nature education, floral parks and many other sectors. Tourists flock to Naxi district almost every holiday and weekend.





Taking advantage of this momentum, Naxi has gradually developed a circulation of the bamboo industry in which it grows and processes bamboo, as well as farms and feeds poultry in bamboo forests. Bamboo fungus, black fungus, herbal medicines and chickens are cultivated in bamboo forests to bring extra income to farmers.



"It is important to ensure that the people engaged in the bamboo industry can truly get rich," said an official in Naxi. According to the official, more than 34,500 mu (2,300 hectares) of under-forest cultivation and breeding bases have been established in the district, and the output per mu is expected to increase by over 4,000 yuan.



Statistics show that the total area of bamboo forests in Sichuan province stands at 18.35 million mu. However, the province has long suffered from low bamboo yield per unit area.



There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, about 2 million mu of bamboo forests were low-yield and low-efficiency forests, with poor varieties and insufficient irrigation facilities, resulting in slow growth of bamboo. Secondly, the lack of well-developed transportation and other infrastructure leads to high logging costs, making farmers unwilling to harvest.



According to the Sichuan forestry and grassland administration, 1/3 of bamboo in Sichuan was left unused every year.



"By building roads and standardizing plantation bases, the labor cost for bamboo harvesting can be reduced by half," said an executive of a state-owned forest farm in Guang'an, Sichuan province.



The forest farm divided its 2,250 mu of bamboo forests into 15 small sections, standardized spacing and built operational pathways, thus gradually making mechanized bamboo harvesting possible.



"In the past, a worker could only harvest 1 ton of bamboo per day, but now, with the help of machinery, the number is lifted to 6 to 8 tons," said the executive.



In October 2023, Renhe township in Jiang'an county, Yibin, Sichuan province launched a train for transporting bamboo, which has reduced labor cost per ton of bamboo by 80 percent and made unharvested bamboo forests useful.



To promote the substitute of plastics with bamboo, it is necessary to develop new technologies in bamboo processing and expand new scenarios for bamboo applications.



In 2018, Xingwen county of Yibin developed over a thousand types of bamboo products for hotels, restaurants, long-haul transportation, and home furnishing. It also established China's first comprehensive trading platform for bamboo-made daily necessities.



On Nov. 14, a bamboo technology firm based in Guangyuan completed tests for a clean and environmentally friendly fiber production program that was led by its chief engineer Qiao Guanfang. This program will soon be put into trial operation.



Thanks to new techniques employed, no wastewater will be discharged during bamboo fiber production, and each fiber produced is as strong as two in the past.



Recently, Sichuan province issued relevant policies to promote the development of the bamboo industry. These policies further emphasize the need to strengthen technological support and initiate extensive research on the production of bamboo products for daily use, with an aim to substitute more materials with bamboo.



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I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year even though, as 2023 draws to a close, it seems that the whole world is festering in unhappy souls, to quote Sheldon M. Harnick. I know at times it seems unlikely that 2024 will be better than this one has been, but there are some reasons for optimism. I credit independent journalism, Elon Musk with his fight for free speech on the internet, and the truism that eventually reality bites for my belief that the West may be wising up to the toxic mix of Islamism, traditional anti-Semitism, and Communism. Domestically, I credit the brilliant U.S. Constitution and the good sense of our citizens for my optimism.

Israel

Without much media coverage, there are awful things going on in the world outside of Israel and Gaza. In Sudan, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Libya, Arabs are enslaving, raping, and murdering Africans. In Pakistan, 1.7 million Afghanis, many who have sheltered there for decades, were forced back to their homeland in winter, with few possessions and even fewer prospects for survival. The Ukraine-Russia war is taking an enormous toll on the lives and fortunes of civilians in both countries. This toll of atrocities against civilians is nothing new, as Matti Friedman reports, so its worth your time to read in its entirety. The article was written in 2014 but remains relevant today.

The volume of press coverage that results, even when little is going on, gives this conflict a prominence compared to which its actual human toll is absurdly small. In all of 2013, for example, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict claimed 42 lives -- that is, roughly the monthly homicide rate in the city of Chicago. Jerusalem, internationally renowned as a city of conflict, had slightly fewer violent deaths per capita last year than Portland, Ore., one of Americas safer cities. In contrast, in three years the Syrian conflict has claimed an estimated 190,000 lives, or about 70,000 more than the number of people who have ever died in the Arab-Israeli conflict since it began a century ago. News organizations have nonetheless decided that this conflict is more important than, for example, the more than 1,600 women murdered in Pakistan last year (271 after being raped and 193 of them burned alive), the ongoing erasure of Tibet by the Chinese Communist Party, the carnage in Congo (more than 5 million dead as of 2012) or the Central African Republic, and the drug wars in Mexico (death toll between 2006 and 2012: 60,000), let alone conflicts no one has ever heard of in obscure corners of India or Thailand. They believe Israel to be the most important story on earth, or very close.

Despite the oversize coverage of the fighting in Gaza, the psychopath Yahya Sinwars days seem numbered. The Hamas infrastructure is in rubble, including most of the many miles of tunnels constructed with billions of dollars of foreign aid that was meant to improve civilian life, but was commandeered to aid death-cult forays into Israel. Along with Sinwars demise must come the death of UNWRA, which has been fully exposed as a leading force behind Islamist terrorism in Gaza. The UN and the international press, along with our own major media, have black eyes for their role in the invasion of Israel, the butchery there, the hostage-taking -- all of it. (To take one example of many, it took 83 days after October 7 for the New York Times to finally report on the rapes and mutilations of Israeli women by Hamas.) A number of aid organizations have also exposed themselves as anti-Semites and will in time be as fully discredited. How the western press gets such reporting wrong is detailed in former AP reporter Matti Friedmans account.

In European countries, the huge wave of Islamists and recent immigrants from Islamic countries have joined the stew of right-wing anti-Semites and communists to demand their countries force a cease-fire on Israel (that is, when they are not demanding those countries scrap their own laws and customs and replace them with Sharia law). Germany has banned such demonstrations and deported numbers of the demonstrators, France has threatened to do so, while the UK seems paralyzed to act as the streets of London are swamped with pro-Hamas and pro-Sharia thugs who beset British patriots and deface treasured national symbols. Still, there are leaders in the West whose popularity rose in defiance of these mobs: Italy, the Netherlands, and Argentina seem to prefer rational leaders to cowards and appeasers. In any event, the demonstrators' demand for a cease-fire seems futile. The latest offer of one in return for the hostages was rejected by Sinwar.

Domestic Demonstrations

Almost simultaneously with the October 7 attack, demonstrations were orchestrated by outfits like Black Lives Matter, Students for Justice in Palestine, and my favorite, Queers for Palestine. Many, like the three Ivy League presidents skewered by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, showed they were bamboozled by nonsense like oppressors and oppressed, apartheid, and colonialism to think that From the river to the sea -- a call for the extermination of 7.2 million Israelis (including 2 million Moslem Israeli citizens) -- was, in context, just free speech. This on the very campuses which regularly punished nonsensical microaggressions, but not actual aggression. But the president of the University of Pennsylvania was forced to resign, and serial plagiarist and poor scholar Claudine Gay at Harvard is hanging on by a thread. Likely, along with some more sweeping changes, she will not be in the same position by the end of next year. The pressure is building both at universities and corporations to reduce substantially, if not eliminate entirely, the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bureaucracies which, among other things, have fueled anti-white, anti-male, and anti-Semitic sentiments in both public and private institutions. Slowly but certainly, in my view, the demand for meritocracy will prevail, perhaps impelled by a growing number of lawsuits against outfits which endorse it.

The public rioting and demonstrations -- at least as they attract the leftists among us -- seem to me driven by a hope to repeat in 2024 what worked in 2020. I dont think they will. No longer confined to wreaking havoc among the urban poor, they have seriously overreached, blocking traffic to airports and bridges, and parading about the World Trade Center (yes, pro-Islamists at the WTC). They may get a frisson in their empty lives thinking they are the advance guard of a large following to redo America. Instead, they are royally enraging us. If, like me, you think the Left took advantage of the COVID restrictions to alter established voting practices and make it easier to cheat in 2020, I doubt that will work a second time. In droves, people are refusing to be ordered about by public-health bureaucracies now that we know how poorly they managed COVID and how hard they worked to keep the truth about the disease, its fatality rate, its spread, and its mitigation from being publicly known. Even Francis Collins, head of NIH at the time,

acknowledged in the Covid discussion that the [Great Barrington Declaration which advocated against lockdowns, inter alia] could have been a great opportunity for a broad scientific discussion about the pros and cons of focused protection. But then he blames the declarations authors for short-circuiting debate by trying to change national policy without first consulting public-health officials. Who really shut down that debate? Soon after the declaration was published online, Dr. Collins emailed Dr. Fauci calling for a quick and devastating published take down of its premise. Within a few days, myriad public-health associations attacked the declaration.

Social media were pressured to label such discussions misinformation and posts relating to it were deleted and the posters locked out.

Perhaps in recognition that the old ways of jiggering a national election may not be of use this time around, Colorados Democrat Supreme Court decided to remove Donald Trump from the Republican primary, though it has retreated upon appeal to the Supreme Court, saying hell be on the ballot unless the Court decides in its favor. Maines crazy-eyed Secretary of State has ordered Trump off the ballot, using an argument no stronger than Colorados. Any attempt to justify this as a means of saving our democracy sounds like the nonsense during the Vietnam war that we had to destroy a village to save it.

With something like 7 million illegals in the country now, many of whom have not been vetted, and both parties seemingly tied up in any effort to compel President Biden to turn off the spigot, its hard to predict how this will affect the election. Urban poor Hispanics and Blacks are protesting, and these are voters the Democrats regularly count on. A terrorist attack by any of these illegals will not help those who opened the door to their admission. And the DNCs plan to hold its convention in Chicago, where anti-illegal immigration feelings are very strong, seems a mistake. Will the sight of Democrats fighting each other in what was supposed to be a show of unity around Biden really help drag him into the winners circle?

Anyway, dont give up a hope that next year will be better. It very well may be.
The October 7, 2023 Islamist massacre of Israeli men, women, children and even animals, has had a sobering effect on some possessed of the conceit that all cultures are equally valuable, and none have the moral standing to criticize another. Seeing women serially raped, tortured, mutilated, beheaded, burned alive and kidnapped, seeing babies burned alive in ovens, seeing inhuman atrocities thought no longer possible in civilized humanity so gleefully committed and celebrated, tends to make an impression, at least on those willing to recognize reality. That the demons were not only Hamas terrorists, but ordinary Gazans, supposed victims of Hamas, was just a little more jarring.

Observingassimilating--the anti-Semitic protests in colleges and streets, Americans now know exactly how and why the Holocaust happened.

Could it be that some cultures might be just a littleoff? Not quite right? Is it possible the culture of Hamas, and of Muslims in generaldifferentiate them as Islamists if you preferis not compatible with this centurys morality? With civilization? And isnt it a shame we had no warning of this potential schism in our collective humanity? It turns out we didand do:

Image: Konstantin Makovsky, The Bulgarian Martyresses, Wikimedia commons, Public domain.

Since opening the gates to unfettered mass migration in 2015, at least 7,000 women have been raped or sexually assaulted in Germany by alleged asylum-seeking illegal migrants, an analysis of government figures has found. A report from the Swiss-German paper of record, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, claimed that statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) show that more than one thousand women  mostly Germans  have been sexually assaulted by migrants seeking refuge every year since 2017. Extrapolating from this figure, the paper calculated that therefore at least 7,000 women have been raped or sexually assaulted by asylum seekers since former German Chancellor Angela Merkel ushered in the European Migrant Crisis in 2015 by unilaterally opening the gates of Europe to massive waves of migrants from the Middle East and Africa.

And it was done with such good intentions, with the democrat/Socialist/Communist surety all those Muslim, tribal, men were just like us, civilized, recognizing the humanity and preciousness of women, willing to lay down their lives to protect them. How could it be otherwise since no culture is superior to another; all are equally valuable--just like us? We're all human, aren't we?

Last year, NZZ reported, asylum-seeking migrants were vastly overrepresented in reported cases of rape and sexual assault. Out of the estimated 10,000 suspects, 6,366 were German while 3,679 were foreigners. Of those, 1,115 were asylum-seeking migrants, meaning that while they represented just 2.5 per cent of the population, they were responsible for over 11 per cent of the sex assaults and rapes. This confirms longstanding trends, with migration researcher Ruud Koopmans finding that asylum seekers were five times more likely to be involved in cases of rape and that they were 3.3 times more likely to perpetrate sex crimes as a whole, including sexual harassment and sexual abuse.

The article goes on to note that it took some years to catch on, but plenty of those male immigrants come from societies in which women are not afforded the same rights as in Western nations. Who coulda thunk it? Perhaps anyone who has read the Quran, or studied the realities of those cultures? The Internet might have been helpful in that regard.

The deputy chairman of the German Federal Police Union, Manuel Ostermann, said that the migrants committing sexual assault and rape  mostly against German women  are often already known to the police and sometimes have already been convicted of a crime but remain in the country due to lax deportation standards. Anyone who commits crimes against sexual self-determination must not have the right to remain in Germany, he told NZZ.

And how has that worked out?

The leftist Minister of the Interior, Social Democrat Nancy Fraser, who is charged with protecting the nations borders, refused to be drawn on the issue of mass migration, merely stating: These acts are abhorrent. This applies regardless of the nationality of the suspects.

Except some suspects are clearly more culturally valuable than others.

The issue of sexual violence from migrants has been longstanding in Germany. A string of sex attacks by mostly North African and Middle Eastern migrant men on New Years Eve in 2015, which was brought to international attention by reporting from Breitbart London, saw over a thousand women in Cologne sexually assaulted or raped. The vast majority of the perpetrators never faced justice, with merely six men being convicted of sex crimes in connection to the string of attacks.

It has worked out about as well as you might imagine. But hey, clinging to d/S/C equal culture delusions will only get thousands of your women and girls raped. Its not like theyll be killed or anything.

Oh, wait

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, 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.
With Joe Biden's migrant surge, migrant remittances follow, and some very baleful developments are happening abroad.

The one that stands out is that of Marxist socialist Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua's little dictator, who along with a string of failed leaders before him, impoverished his country in relative obscurity, leaving it the hemisphere's second-poorest after Haiti. The country boasts a per capita income of about $2,200 per year which is lower than even Cubans are paid, and hard as heck to live on even in a low-cost country. A Nicaraguan can live on welfare in the states more richly -- and nearly a half a million of them from that country of 7 million already do. And as poverty has engulfed that country, Ortega then began dismantling political freedoms -- first with stolen elections -- then with making himself permanently electable in rigged elections and appointing his relatives to keep posts. Don't think there won't be more Nicaraguans leaving that place for those reasons -- they're coming, and already are well represented in the current migrant surge.

The migrant remittances tell the story.

In 2021, the State Department reported that Nicaragua took in a 'record' remittance haul of $1.2 billion.

It doubled in 2022.

Now it's doubled again, in 2023. According to a report from Reuters:

SAN JOSE, CALIF.  Nicaraguan migrants sent relatives back home record remittances this year through November, data from the country's central bank showed on Wednesday, fueled by massive waves of migration leaving the Central American nation in recent years. In a statement, the bank noted a record haul of about $4.24 billion in remittances for the 11-month period, 47% more than the amount sent home during the same period last year. The money sent home by Nicaraguan migrants represent a key lifeline for the economy during the latest year of President Daniel Ortega's government, which has been marked by growing unemployment and poverty.

The more people Ortega drives out of his country, the richer he gets. Money is fungible, and as it comes through the banking system, Ortega has use of it same as the migrants do. The IMF notes that migrant remittances amount to assets without liabilities for governments receiving them, the way issuing bonds or printing money would not be. So the more people Ortega can drive out from his country, the richer and more powerful he is going to get. They also tend to 'underdevelop' a country based on its deprivation of human capital.

We see some of this same dynamic going on in Cuba and Venezuela, where two nations that produce little but misery are now rolling in the dough from remittances, stronger than ever with cash rolling in

It's curiously parallel to the last great oil booms and surges seen in Venezuela, where cash rolling in from high oil prices in the early aughts, made Hugo Chavez rich and tyrannical, turning his country from a productive and functioning democracy into a socialist dump.

Migrant remittances seem to be doing the same thing for Daniel Ortega, who's gotten very mean with his newfound wealth indeed -- jailing at least two bishops, kidnapping now 8 priests, shutting down free elections, and instituting an intrusive state snitching system to make Nicaraguans' lives hell in their own country. He's issued arrest warrants for the most improbable people -- a beauty queen organizer whose girl won a big international pageant, a lot of little-guy political opponents, keeping careful tabs on who attends protests. They get charged with treason and plenty have not been heard from since.

What this tells us is that Joe Biden's open borders are doing a lot to destroy these little weak democracies in at least some of these countries, undermining the opposition as they grow impoverished and the state grows rich, but also by taking a pressure point off the regime -- people who would be protesting in the streets are now begging for cash from New York City government officials.

It shows that Joe Biden's open border is a horrible democracy killer.

One more thing he can take a bow for.

Image: Screen shot from 60 Minutes video, via YouTube
The fuse is burning ever closer to a catastrophic detonation in 2024:

President Joe Bidens Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the agency is developing a program that will provide border crossers and illegal aliens released into the United States with photo ID cards. For more than a year, Breitbart News has chronicled how DHS is planning to roll out a pilot program that will give border crossers and illegal aliens photo ID cards, similar to a drivers license, upon their release into the United States interior from the southern border.

This, knowing there is no way to confirm the identity of most, if not all, illegal immigrants. Theyll be giving official government ID to military-aged males from enemy countries, establishing false identities for them. Unless government can be certain of the identification of these cardholders, data entry, storage and retrieval will be chaotic at best. Well be storing false, misdirecting data on ghosts, criminals, terrorists and spies. These will be alternate social security numbers, rendering the real thing essentially meaningless.

What you'll never see if the Biden Administration prevails.

Image: Mass trial at federal courthouse, Pecos, TX. wikimedia commons.org. Public domain.

[The Office of Immigration Program Evaluation] is leading the ICE Secure Docket Card (SDC) project, which offers a uniform, durable card provided to noncitizens upon release, and facilitates reliable access to commonly lost or damaged immigration-related paperwork, the ICE report details: The SDC will be integrated with the Unified Immigration Portal that ICE and [Customs and Border Protection] officers and agents use in the field and the ICE Portal to allow noncitizens access to commonly used documents and services. ICE expects the project to ease ICE personnel workload when encountering noncitizens with the card and decrease the burden on noncitizens when interacting with ICE, including the facilitation of remote reporting for certain low-risk populations. ICE anticipates a limited release in two [Enforcement and Removal Operations] field offices in FY 2024. [Emphasis added]

This is nothing less than normalizing and legalizing illegal immigration. Its establishing a separate criminal class, yet a class that can never be prosecuted for their crimes. Its a blatant flaunting of the law. Blue states will use the cards, without any vetting, to issue drivers licenses, voter registration cards, and all manner of other entitlements. Every card issued is an abetment of a variety of federal crimes, and surrender of our national sovereignty.

In 2024, this could be the spark of the first, second civil war, battleground. Should federal agents and Texas Rangers come to blows

The Biden administration warned Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday that legal action will be taken if the state enforces a new law that allows authorities to arrest, jail, prosecute and deport migrants who enter the country illegally. A Justice Department official said in a letter sent to Abbott that the law was unconstitutional and contrary to the US commitment of ensuring the processing of noncitizens consistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The Mummified Meat Puppet Administration is willfully, daily, violating federal immigration law, surrendering national sovereignty, and exposing Americans to rampant criminality, terrorism and death, yet is determined to ensure that no one raise a finger to enforce the law and protect the country.

SB 4, signed into law by Abbott on Dec. 18, makes illegally entering the US from Mexico a state crime and authorizes police to arrest individuals suspected of crossing the Rio Grande between ports of entry.

The MMPA is so desperate because they know this could dramatically reduce illegal immigration.

Migrants caught illegally entering the country would face a Class B misdemeanor charge carrying a punishment of up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders would be subject to a second-degree felony charge punishable by up to 20 years in prison. SB 4 allows Texas judges to drop charges against migrants if they agree to be deported.

If there is, apart from letter-of-the-law treason, a greater reason for impeachment, its hard to imagine. Bidens handlers willfully refuse to enforce federal immigration law. The system isnt broken, it has been abandoned. Joe Biden is personally responsible for seeing that the lawsall of themare faithfully enforced, but the only remedies are impeachment and refusing to reelect him.

Congressional Democrats/Socialists/Communists are worried. The open border is threatening their reelections. Terrorist actsincreasingly likelycommitted by illegal, d/S/C invited, cardholders could cost their cushy jobs. Theyre surely holding their collective breath on that account. If Biden is impeached on these grounds, its possible there might be enough d/S/C support in the Senate for conviction, particularly if terrorists start slaughtering Americans on American soil, but even that isnt certain.

What is certain, and terribly ironic, is were Biden facing criminal charges, he couldnt stand trial--mental incapacity.

The self-imagined elite are dragging us to destruction. This isnt going to end well.
To hear the mainstream media tell it, far-right extremists outnumber ants. They are everywhere, ubiquitous.

And yet, Ive never met one.

Of course, Ive spent most of my life in the Peoples Republic of Minnesota, so that may have played a part, in all honesty. More likely, however, they are simply not very numerous, tales of their dirty deeds largely apocryphal.

To test this theory, I started frequenting places at which one might expect far-right extremists to show up: gun shows, military surplus stores, Trump rallies, Alabama.

To my surprise, what I found were generally patriotic, articulate, and reasonable folks who take the Constitution, the Bill of Rights  and their freedoms, seriously. But -- contrary to popular belief and progressives own demeanor -- not themselves. Most believe deeply that government has gotten far too large and obtrusive, to the detriment of all. That welfare comes both far too cheaply and with too great a cost. (Meaning too many who could otherwise fend for themselves choose to become dependent on others, shedding their dignity and freedom and often damning succeeding generations to abject dependency, as well. This while devaluing the work others do, by arbitrarily taking more money from them simply because they have earned it.)

Some believe that it is wrong to kill babies for our own convenience -- or to mutilate childrens genitalia and likely render them sterile for life on the backs of a whim, fad, or mental health issue.

Yet most said they understand how others may have differing viewpoints. Virtually all expressed some version of: No decent person wants to harm or incarcerate anyone in the LGBTQ community. They should have the same rights as anybody else, just not more. Civil unions are fine. Some of my friends are gay. Compare those sentiments to those of many progressives and leftists who exclaim, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free! or I wouldnt ever consider dating a Trump supporter!

No matter where I went, far-right extremists werent there.

Which got me to thinking. There have been countless instances of supposed hate crimes and alleged racist actions by far-right extremists in recent years that have been proven to be hoaxes. Why would these hoaxes be necessary if far-right extremists were actually committing racist and bigoted acts in any numbers? The simple fact is: the vast majority of these acts/hoaxes were perpetrated by progressives themselves.

After exhaustivebut fruitlesssearches, I finally came to realize that the idea of throngs of far-right extremists running amok around the country was just as made up as was Hillarys claim of a vast right-wing conspiracy. The truth was just the opposite, in fact. Democrats and their sycophants in academia and the Mainstream Media made it all up out of whole cloth, a la the Steele dossier. It would be much closer to the truth to speak of a vast left-wing conspiracy. Ironically, it turns out leftists lust for power leads them to accuse their opponents of being/doing exactly what they are/do. (Additionally, it should be noted that they will now label anyone to the right of Chairman Mao a far-right extremist.)

That said, I dideventuallycome across someone who could legitimately be given the label far-right extremist. By that time, the discovery was so shocking I decided to name him my Person-of-the-Year for 2023. Not because I approved of his views, but in the same sense that Time magazine has selected some less than savory types over the years to be its Person of the Year -- simply due to the outsized effect they had on those around them -- and the world at large. (For example, Time made Hitler and Stalin its Person of the Year for 1938 and 1939, respectively. You can look it up!)

So, meet Bob, far-right extremist.

Kudos, Bob, you somehow made leftists believe there are untold millions of you! Congratulationsyou are my Person of the Year.

Image: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, via Picryl // no known restrictions
In English, it's the middle finger

In Spanish, it is "el dedo medio."

It means the same thing in both languages.

It sure looks to me that Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez-Obrador just gave the U.S. delegation the finger.

To be fair, you can not blame Lopez-Obrador for being angry with Joe Biden.

Not long ago, AMLO, as they know him south of the border, negotiated a pretty good deal with the Trump administration, i.e., "Remain in Mexico." It worked well because it discouraged migrant caravans. Why would you pay something to bring you to the U.S.-Mexico border if you can't get into the U.S.? The objective is to get into the U.S., not spend time in Mexico waiting for a judge to review your case.

So what do we do now?

First, let's recognize that President Lopez-Obrador leaves office in 11 months. Most Mexican presidents leave office and disappear totally. I believe that AMLO has other plans. He wants to be an international leader of the Third World, and speaking for migrants is a big part of his plan.

Second, AMLO is a leftist, as his love of communist regimes worldwide demonstrates.

Lopez Obrador has become a defender of rogue and repressive regimes that have squandered their economies and triggered mass exoduses. These countries need aid but also policies leading to better governance, as we have outlined in our series The Unraveling of Latin America. Mexico has deported a record number of migrants this year but now says it needs more funding. Last weekend, Mexican officials did nothing to contain a caravan of an estimated 6,000 migrants, a sign they could do more if they wanted to. Right now, a containment policy to control these migrant flows is needed at the southern Mexican border, and Lopez Obrador, who criticized the U.S. for using barbed wire and physical obstacles to contain migrants, should offer cooperation instead of criticism. His quid pro quo proposal does not look like a common strategy, and the U.S. must be ready to pressure him to be a better partner. That will require President Biden to engage directly. Right now, hes on vacation. Thats a mistake when a crisis is at hand. Yes, our president is on vacation. Worse than that, AMLO is not afraid of him. He knows that nothing will happen. There won't be any U.S. taxes on remittances, or economic sanctions, or designations of Mexico's cartels as terrorist organizations. Yes, our president is on vacation. Worse than that, AMLO is not afraid of him. He knows that nothing will happen. There won't be any U.S. taxes on remittances, or economic sanctions, or designations of Mexico's cartels as terrorist organizations.

Trump got AMLO to work with him. Biden can't. As my late Cuban mother used to say "Colorin, Colorado, este cuento se ha acabado," loosely translated to: The story is over and don't expect any changes.
There are some understandings universal to human nature. Perhaps the most ingrained is the will to live, which can prevail only if individuals have the ability, and means, of self-defense. Innumerable traditions around the world were inspired by this survival imperative, leading to the English tradition and common law, and ultimately, to the American Bill of Rights and its Second Amendment.

It's unique among nations--the Second Amendment--not only because it acknowledges, but does not create, an individual right to keep and bear arms, but because no other nation has such a guarantee of the unalienable, natural right, securing the means to exercise that right. Whats truly unique, however, is that while the Second Amendment is arguably based primarily in the right to self-defense, the Founders also found compelling the individual and collective right of every American to rise up, armed as they please and might be, to overthrow a tyrannical government, like the one they had just overthrown.

Contemporary democrats/Socialists/Communists are driven indignantly mad by that historical truth and any that dare utter it. Why, thats treason talk! Thats an affront to our democracy! They virtually never characterize America as what it is: a constitutional representative republic, which forbids the tyranny of the majority they envision and stealthily intend when they defend our democracy.

Yet an iconic Democrat of an earlier time, a man who unquestionably loved America and didnt warp history, Hubert Humphrey, thought, and spoke, differently:

Certainly one of the chief guarantees of freedom under any government, no matter how popular and respected, is the right of the citizens to keep and bear arms. This is not to say that firearms should not be carefully used and that definite safety rules of precaution should not be taught and enforced. But the right of the citizens to bear arms is just one guarantee against arbitrary government and one more safeguard against a tyranny which now appears remote in America, but which historically has proved to be always possible.

Hard times produce hard men and women, and even alter tradition. Israel is a parliamentary democracy. It has no Second Amendment. Its martial tradition was birthed of necessity, and its not uncommon to see reserve and active-duty, off-duty, soldiers, male and female, carrying their issued arms in public. From those common images, Americans, as we tend to do, assume Israel too had widespread civilian armament. If not a Second Amendment, surely their laws allowed average Israelis, under constant threat of terrorist attack, to be armed?

Image: Israeli Defense Forces-Sparse Shade. wikimedia commons.org.

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

By October 8, 2023, we learned in this too, we were imposing American assumptions on the cultures of others. Israeli law made it very difficult for Israelis to own or carry arms of any kind, and the few citizens allowed weapons were limited to 50 rounds of ammo at a time, all of which had to be strictly accounted for. A wanton, barbaric slaughter of greater than 9-11 proportions tends to have a sobering effect:

Five hundred to six hundred Israelis apply for a gun license every day in hopes of being prepared to defend themselves should Hamas attack again. Between October 7 and December 25, according to The Times of Israel, 274,279 Israelis  filed for a handgun license. Contrast that period with the whole of 2022, when just 42,170 Israelis requested a handgun license. Breitbart News noted that private gun ownership was low in Israel at the time of the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack.

Israelis learned to their horror and sorrow the police and army could not protect them. When seconds mattered and stretched into minutes, their protectors were hours away. Communities that had arms survived. Those that didnt, were massacred. They learned, in less than a day, what the founders and rational Americans have always known: no one is responsible for your life, and the lives of those you love, but you. Even Israeli peace activiststhose that survivedvirtual allies of Hamas savages, have begun to see reality.

Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack, Israeli leaders pushed even harder to speed up the process by which Israelis could obtain guns. As a result, the number of gun license applications reached upwards of 3,000 a day in early December. The Times of Israel quoted Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who said, When the war started, we knew that we were right when we said that every place that has a weapon can save a life.

These numbers may sound small, but Israels population is under 10 million, a fraction of ours. Perhaps a change in tradition has already occurred; perhaps a change in law will follow. Whats certain is some realities birth new realizations, and with them other realities, in this case, an ancient, God-given, reality that preserves life.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, 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.
Fifty Fifty to find new members to continue journey with Keena
Didn't Mao celebrate his 130th birthday this week?

That certainly seems to be what they were celebrating in San Francisco, where political goons aligned with Mayor London Breed forced an Asian-American rapper to apologize, in the most grovelly struggle-session way possible, for creating a rap video critical of Mayor Breed, on whose watch the city has turned into a dump. It was as if the Red Guards had marched in.

According to local KRON:

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A civil rights advocate in San Francisco is being accused of threatening San Francisco small business owner Andy Chino Yang. Yang claims Rev. Amos Brown, the president of the San Francisco NAACP, made threats against his business and family. In an Instagram post on Saturday, Yang, along with the organization Asian Justice Movement (AJM), claims Brown came to Yangs business, demanding he apologize for a rap video that blames Mayor London Breed for a rise in crime in recent years. Yang did ultimately issue an apology on Instagram but said he felt forced to do so. Yang and AJM issued a statement on Saturday, specifically calling out Brown, writing in part: We are particularly concerned with the actions by Rev. Brown, purporting to represent the NAACP, which actions have had the impact of pitting the Asian and Black communities against one another. Our communities share a common history of fighting prejudice and hatred. We are stronger when we stand together. Yang and the group are now demanding an apology from the reverend.

What was this -- political muscle, Red Guards, marching in on Yang, and holding a struggle-session with him? Brown is a powerful longtime fixture in San Francisco politics, closely aligned with Willie Brown and his political machine, and now has the title of local NAACP chief. For him to go over to Yang in his place of work over a rap video seems ... beneath him, but does tell us that the powers that be felt that this was important. Yang would have known how powerful and politically connected the famous reverend was.

Yang's grovelly, self-criticism apology, and eew, it's bad, can be viewed on Instagram here.

Yang's political group, Asian-Americans for Justice, gave a more graphic account of what really happened, as compared to the bland KRON report:

Statement from the Asian Justice Movement regarding Rev. #AmosBrown coming to the business of rapper #ChinoYang and making threats against him and his family while saying he was representing @NAACPSF1  AJM is demanding an apology from Brown  pic.twitter.com/pFksiJGwth  The Marina Times  (@TheMarinaTimes) December 31, 2023

The rap that upset them is below, and I agree with the person tweeting that nobody'd care about this thing had city hall not made such a big deal about it.

If youre outraged by how they silenced Chino Yang, retweet his video. Let the censors learn about the Streisand effect pic.twitter.com/qsIvGLkKbp  Maksim Ioffe (@maksim_ioffe) December 31, 2023

I'd be more curious about how an Asian-American managed to do such a good imitation of a black rapper, how many of those rap videos did he have to watch to get all the moves and gestures and inflections down pat and why he spent so much time on it. The political criticism was pretty much a nothingburger, nothing we haven't heard from anyone else in that miserable, badly managed city. I would not have even noticed it.

They take their rap very seriously over in those halls of power in the city by the bay which tells us more than we would have liked to know about them.

More to the point, the musclings tell us a lot about how that city works and why it's starting to decline like Detroit amid all its poop maps, fleeing residents, bums taking over, rampant drug dealing, shoplifting, absent police, and out-of-control crime. Brown, as of now, has refused to apologize, and according to KRON, he said Yang was to blame, as he should have told the good reverend that he was feeling threatened.

Only his subjective feeling, see. Sound believable?

There obviously is a corrupt political machine there that is watching everyone, particularly Asian-Americans, who have demonstrated their own political strength with the booting of far-left district attorney Chesa Boudin more than a year ago.

Now that this ruling political machine has gotten its apology, it has only roused the Asian political organizations even more with this disgusting attempt to play Red Guard on a hapless Asian-American. The Asians, if they've ever had any experience in China, are going to recognize this pattern. Odds are, the wannabe Red Guards will now awaken a sleeping giant.

Asian-Americans are flexing their political power these days in San Francisco, and this was obviously an effort to shut them down. It's ethnic politics of the same kind we saw in Los Angeles, when the Latino machine was caught on tape badmouthing the black political machine over there and a couple of them lost their jobs for it.

This should serve as a wake up call to anyone not paying attention that their tactics are ugly and they mean to force everyone in that city into line, no criticism allowed, despite the abundance of things to criticize.

As for this disgusting political machine that won't apologize, there is likely no way out from this exposure, and in a non-Biden world, they'd be good candidates for a DoJ civil rights violations investigation. It may take an election to get it and get them out of there. What a nasty business.

Image: Twitter screen shot
History is not always written. Sometimes its carved. Sometimes its embroidered.

In a museum in Bayeux, in Normandy, is such a piece of commemorative worka 70 meter stretch of fabric embroidered with figures and scenes that tell one of the most famous stories in British historythe Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century by William, Duke of Normand,y who became the King of England in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings. The Bayeux Tapestry was made soon after the battle, and tells the story from the point of view of the victors. Surprisingly, the tapestry was made not in France but in England.

Despite its name, the Bayeux Tapestry is not a true tapestry as the images are not woven into the linen cloth, but embroidered with different colored wool. The tapestry was produced in several panels separately and then sewn together to create one long piece of narrative.

The story begins with Edward the Confessor sending Harold, Earl of Wessex, a powerful English aristocrat, to Normandy to pledge loyalty to Duke William. After a small mishap, Harold eventually meets William and agrees to accompany the Duke of Normandy on a campaign against Conan II, Duke of Brittany. William and Harold successfully defeats Conan, and Conan is taken prisoner. In return for his loyalty, William knights Harold and makes him take an oath on saintly relics. Although the nature of the oath was not explained in the tapestry, we know from other sources that Harold had promised William the throne of King Edward.

Edward the Confessor meets Harold.

A year later, King Edward dies and the English nobles declare Harold as the new King. A comet is shown shooting through the sky, a sign of bad things to come.

Betrayed by Harold, William prepares for invasion, and orders a large fleet of ships to be built. The invaders soon cross the English Channel and start pillaging the English countryside. Williams and Harolds forces eventually meet at Hastings. The battle is portrayed in considerable detail. The English soldiers are shown fighting on foot, whilst the Normans are on horses. As the battle scene progresses, things get bloodier with troops being slaughtered and dismembered corpses littering the ground. King Harold is eventually killed and the remaining English troops flee the battlefield. The last section of the tapestry is missing. It likely shows the coronation of William.

The death of Harold.

The Bayeux Tapestry contains many minute details that has been a source of fascination among historians for it offers them a glimpse into life in the Middle Ages. There are castles, churches, houses, ships, scenes of medieval banquets and coronation, hunts with falcons and hounds, and all manner of clothing, armour and weapons.

For a long time it was thought that the tapestry was commissioned by Queen Matilda, Williams wife. However, modern analysis reveal that the tapestry was most likely commissioned by William's half-brother, Bishop Odo, who became Earl of Kent after the Conquest, and when William was absent in Normandy, Odo was the regent of England. Odo himself appears prominently in the tapestry, despite playing little role in the Conquestone of the reasons why historians believe that Odo had a hand in the creation of the tapestry.

The coronation of Harold.

By the late Middle Ages, the tapestry was displayed at Bayeux Cathedral, which was built by Odo and dedicated in 1077. For the next seven centuries, the Bayeux Tapestry remained in the Treasury of Bayeux cathedral and was then moved to a number of different locations in the city and throughout France before ending at the former Seminary of Bayeux.

Although the Bayeux Tapestry is a fascinating piece of medieval artifact, its not unique. Wall-hangings commemorating heroic deeds were common in the 10th and 11th centuries among the English and Normans. Mural paintings imitating draperies still exist in France and Italy and there are 12th century mentions of other wall-hangings in Normandy and France. The Bayeux Tapestry is remarkable for being the only surviving example of medieval narrative needlework.

Harold swearing oath on holy relics to William.

The Bayeux Tapestry on display in Bayeux, Normandy. Photo: Hans Splinter/Flickr
The wife of Julian Assange has paid tribute to campaigning journalist John Pilger as a consistent ally of the dispossessed.

Stella Assange, whom the WikiLeaks founder married while in prison, was among those who called the ITV documentary maker one of the great journalists.

Pilger had pushed for the release of Assange, who has been in the high-security Belmarsh Prison in London since he was removed from the Ecuadorian embassy, and criticised his friends imprisonment.

John Pilger has died aged 84, his family has announced (Ian Nicholson/PA)

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) also called the 84-year-old documentarian, who died on Saturday according to his family, a giant of journalism.

On X, formerly Twitter, Stella Assange wrote: Our dear dear John Pilger has left us. He was one of the greats.

A consistent ally of the dispossessed, John dedicated his life to telling their stories and awoke the world to the greatest injustices.

He showed great empathy for the weak and was unflinching with the powerful. John was one of Julians most vocal champions but they also became the closest of friends.

He fought for Julians freedom until the end. We are all Spartacus if we want to be, he wrote in his last published piece. This was John, challenging us until the end. Lets always seek to rise to the challenge. Thank you, dear friend.

Next year, the High Court will hear Julian Assanges final appeal against being extradited to the US, where he fears a sentence of 175 years.

Our dear dear John Pilger has left us. He was one of the greats. A consistent ally of the dispossessed, John dedicated his life to telling their stories and awoke the world to the greatest injustices. He showed great empathy for the weak and was unflinching with the powerful. https://t.co/4ENQMwq5Os pic.twitter.com/L986CI3MlJ  Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) December 31, 2023

Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the NUJ, said: John Pilger was a giant of journalism who in his reporting career witnessed momentous historical events such as the assassination of Robert Kennedy and the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Biafra.

He was also a pioneer of television as a vehicle for investigative journalism, producing groundbreaking work across the BBC and ITV.

The NUJ member was also a most redoubtable supporter of progressive campaigns creating work that was the embodiment of journalism that managed to be simultaneously fair and balanced, whilst unequivocally on the side of the underdog, according to Ms Stanistreet.

Pilger worked to bring to light atrocities in Cambodia, the thalidomide scandal and various conflicts.

Senior BBC journalist John Simpson wrote on X: Very sad to hear of the death of John Pilger. I was fond of him, and I think it was mutual, even though we disagreed on many things over the years.

#NUJ pays tribute to John Pilger, who has died aged 84. Michelle Stanistreet: John Pilger was a giant of journalismand a guiding star for generations of aspirant reporters." https://t.co/eyuVdQfIMB  NUJ (@NUJofficial) December 31, 2023

But I admired the force of his writing, even when I often didnt support what he wrote, and he was always warm when we met.

Pilger had been outspoken about his views on American and British foreign policy.

Lindsey German, of the Stop the War Coalition, who have organised pro-Palestine protests, called Pilgers death a very sad loss to the whole movement.

She added: He was a fearless and honest journalist who was a major critic of western imperialism, and whose experience of covering successive wars gave him a real insight into who benefits from the horror of war.

He was a great friend of the anti-war movement in Britain and lent his powerful voice to a number of campaigns.

Stop the War has also claimed that Russias invasion of Ukraine was partially caused by Nato expansion in eastern Europe.
Investigative journalist John Pilger has died aged 84, his family has announced.

The Australia-born documentary maker was known for his work covering the aftermath of Pol Pots regime in Cambodia and also looked into the Thalidomide scandal along with his war correspondent work.

A statement to his X, formerly Twitter, page on Sunday said: It is with great sadness the family of John Pilger announce he died yesterday 30 December 2023 in London aged 84.

His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world, but to his family he was simply the most amazing and loved Dad, Grandad and partner. Rest In Peace.

Pilger worked for the Daily Mirror, ITVs former investigative programme World In Action and Reuters.

In 1979, the ITV film Year Zero: The Silent Death Of Cambodia revealed the extent of the Khmer Rouges crimes and Pilger won an International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences award for his 1990s follow-up ITV documentary Cambodia: The Betrayal.

Pilger also made the 1974 documentary Thalidomide: The Ninety-Eight We Forgot, about the campaign for compensation for children after concerns were raised about birth defects when expectant mothers took the drug, for ITV.

He received Baftas Richard Dimbleby Award for factual reporting in 1991.

Former Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow wrote on X: John Pilger was a great and steadfast journalist  I am sad to learn of his death at 84.

Former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan also recalled bringing Pilger back to the paper to write an editorial that was illustrated on the front page with a mock up showing then-prime minister Tony Blairs hands with blood on them in 2003 before Iraq war.

Morgan wrote on X that the front page story aged well and called Pilger a brilliant firebrand journalist and ferocious holder of the powerful to proper account.

Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, said: John was a giant of campaigning journalism.

He had a clear, distinctive editorial voice which he used to great effect throughout his distinguished filmmaking career. His documentaries were engaging, challenging and always very watchable.

It is with great sadness the family of John Pilger announce he died yesterday 30 December 2023 in London aged 84. His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world, but to his family he was simply the most amazing and loved Dad, Grandad and partner. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/j90QTAPgzC  John Pilger (@johnpilger) December 31, 2023

He eschewed comfortable consensus and instead offered a radical, alternative approach on current affairs and a platform for dissenting voices over 50 years.

Johns films gave viewers analysis and opinion often not seen elsewhere in the television mainstream. It was a contribution that greatly added to the rich plurality of British television.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Johns family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

John Pilger. I miss you my friend, what a great man you were. We will carry you in our hearts forever, you will always be there to give us strength. Love R.  Roger Waters  (@rogerwaters) December 31, 2023

Pilger also campaigned for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been embroiled in a lengthy battle against extradition to the US, and put up the cost of his bail.

Former Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters, who has also supported Assange, paid tribute to Pilger.

Waters wrote on X: John Pilger. I miss you my friend, what a great man you were. We will carry you in our hearts forever, you will always be there to give us strength. Love R.

On X, WikiLeaks called Pilger a ferocious speaker of truth to power, whom in later years tirelessly advocated for the release and vindication of Julian Assange.

It added: Our world is poorer for his passing.

During his career, Pilger made a series of remarks criticising American and British foreign policy, and the treatment of Indigenous Australians.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote on X: I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Pilger.

John gave a voice to the unheard and the occupied: in Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Chile, Iraq, East Timor, Palestine and beyond. Thank you for your bravery in pursuit of the truth  it will never be forgotten.

Pilger has also expressed controversial views on Russia and its president Vladimir Putin.

John Pilger after receiving the Richard Dimbleby Award at the Baftas. (Adam Butler/PA)

In 2018, Pilger also expressed that the attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and ex-police officer Nick Bailey were a carefully constructed drama in an interview with Russia Today (RT).

The UK Government and Scotland Yard believe members of a Russian military intelligence squad carried out the attack nearby Salisbury.

Pilger told RT: This is a carefully constructed drama as part of the propaganda campaign that has been building now for several years in order to justify the actions of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), Britain the United States, towards Russia. Thats a fact.

In 2014, in the Guardian he also said Putin is the only leader to condemn the rise of fascism in 21st-century Europe and last year spoke to the South China Morning Post where he called for scepticism on the reporting about the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

His most recent documentaries include The Dirty War On The NHS, broadcast on ITV in 2019, and The Coming War On China, broadcast in 2016 on the same channel.
Good progress is continuing to be made in negotiations to transform some of Northern Irelands peace walls which separate communities.

More than 100 barriers remain and range from high concrete walls to gates and fences to buildings, and are owned by a number of bodies, from the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and private bodies.

They were erected from the 1970s in response to attacks and disorder during the Troubles.

The International Fund for Ireland support programmes in areas divided by peace walls working with local residents to support changes or in some cases removals.

Fund chairman Paddy Harte said there has been major progress in a number of areas including the opening of a gate at Flax Street in north Belfast as well as talks around a barrier at Adam Street, also in north Belfast.

He also pointed out that while it is often quoted that more barriers were built after the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998 than before, no new barriers have gone up since 2008.

While there are about 100 remaining, mostly in Belfast, there has been lots of progress, at Black Mountain, the gate being opened at Flax Street, he told the PA news agency.

We have in Moyard where there was a run down playground at a peace wall, now social housing is going up.

In greater Whitewell a wall has been reimaged, and it looks like what normally should be there.

He also described major gains in Londonderry where a wall has substantially come down, while at North Queen Street in north Belfast a wall which was right up against houses has come down.

There are quite a number of successes. Like everything success is contagious and as good stories come out, there are more signs of movement, he said.

Mr Harte said they first started collecting statistics around peace walls in 2017 when 68% of people wanted peace walls down, which went to 76% in 2019 and 83% in 2022.

I qualify that by saying that brought down in the lifetime of our children or grandchildren, he said.

So our challenge, as in the stakeholders and the groups, is to do whatever we can not to pass that on to the next generation, that whatever we can do in our lifetime is the challenge, because that is to say we want our children and grandchildren to be safe but were also passing on the only visible symbol of division and sectarianism, and we have an obligation not to leave it to the next generation, where we possibly can.

Its a big challenge and its a difficult thing but we need to set ourselves that.
It is the responsibility of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland themselves to leave the stage, the chairman of a major peace fund has said.

The Independent Reporting Commission found in its annual report in December that 25 years after the landmark Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, paramilitarism represents a continuing threat to individuals and society.

The International Fund for Ireland helps support a number of groups who work to supports communities impacted by paramilitary groups.

Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) mural in support the of Ulster loyalist paramilitary group, on the wall of a property on the Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast (PA)

Fund chair Paddy Harte paid tribute to the risks many take, describing paramilitary groups  both loyalist and dissident republicans  as exercising coercive control in some areas, and taking away hope.

To have coercive control in any community in a modern democracy is not acceptable, he told the PA news agency.

Not only do they exercise coercive control but they also take away the hope that there is a way out.

Were more than more than happy to speak to people who are transitioning and therefore have the credentials to move the paramilitaries out of the space.

But its quite a quite appalling that you as a parent can be told that your child has to go for an appointment for a kneecapping, and sometimes its said in almost a form of acceptance.

Mr Harte said while communities are doing the best we can  the basic bottom line is that paramilitaries have a responsibility to leave the stage.

They can do that. Its not that communities responsibility that theyre there, its not the polices responsibility that theyre there, its not the governments responsibility  its the paramilitaries responsibility to leave and allow people to have the hope to lead normal lives, he said.

Reflecting on events across the year to mark the 25th anniversary of the agreement, Mr Harte said the unequal distribution of the benefits of the peace process is the challenge now.

He said everyone has a role to play in this over the next 25 years.

It is not just the Executive office and the community sector and all of the people who are in the peacebuilding worlds job to make sure that the peace holds and we build a better future  thats everyones job, he said.

The places that were most affected by the Troubles remain held down. The rising tide doesnt lift all boats  so there has to be positive discrimination in favour of those locations, otherwise those boats will remain down.

And its difficult because the Troubles and the violence that people experienced has deep traumatic effects and left mistrust.

There is an old saying that trust comes towards us on foot and leaves on on horseback, and it left on horseback.

Its coming back slowly on foot so to get those environments to the point where regeneration, better services and better health, more employment is a challenge.

He also said that while there is frustration at the current political impasse that has seen the Stormont Assembly collapsed for almost two years, it is better than the alternative.

We shouldnt lose sight that, as frustrating and challenging, it is democratic, it is playing out democratic challenges and there is infinitely better than before, he said.

Its not the best because people arent being served as well as they should be, however it is political negotiating and not the alternative, but you will eventually run out of trust if you dont negotiate a solution.

Mr Harte said the international eyes on Northern Ireland during the agreement events, the visit of US President Joe Biden and the investment conference showed the level of potential people see.

He paid tribute to Mr Biden as having a very long interest in the peace process, adding that he had been the last senator to speak in support of passing the bill to create the fund in 1986.

During President Joe Bidens visit to Dundalk in Co Louth, he said the president took time out at the Windsor Bar to speak with young people involved in projects supported by the fund.

You could see his interest in young people was palpable, He picked one young guy out, who struggled to get on the programme and was very nervous, and said you look like a guy who likes to keep fit, and he just blossomed and it was an amazing moment to watch, he said.

A person who deals with the most important issues in the world, being able to hone in to a young person.

They were waiting there for five hours, so you could only have admiration for them, still happy to be there and have a very animated conversation with the president of the US which was fabulous.

It was quite a privilege for us and good for the communities we work with to have that access.

Looking ahead to 2024, Mr Harte said the fund is developing some of their programmes with strategic alliances with partners such as Catalyst and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to connect up existing work towards employment

We had been focused on helping people with the challenges they have, that was working well, and we thought there are partners around that can give people a more seamless route to employment, he said.
A weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of England and Wales for New Years Eve while revellers in other parts of the UK have been urged to pack a rain jacket for the countdown.

Gusts of 50-55mph are likely across wide areas, with potential for gusts of 65-75mph for the most exposed coasts and hills on the southern coast of England and in South Wales, the Met Office said.

Strong gusts will also drive squally showers across the area, bringing hail and the risk of thunder.

The warning is in place until 12am on Sunday, with some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport possible, forecasters said.

Scattered, blustery showers are expected to develop across the country throughout the day, possibly thundery along southern coasts, but some brighter spells are possible between showers.

In Scotland, Edinburgh will be cloudy but is expected to remain dry on Sunday evening for Hogmanay celebrations.

Borders and central belt regions will experience primarily dry conditions on Sunday, with brighter morning spells. Winds are expected to ease, becoming light and variable.

The south can expect drier conditions on New Years Day, with some isolated showers.

 Yellow weather warning issued  Strong winds across southern parts of England and Wales Sunday 1000  2359 Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/iUNkW0TBtX  Met Office (@metoffice) December 31, 2023

Temperatures around southern Scotland will become increasingly unsettled, with showers merging into more extended periods of rain and hill snow at times.

Meteorologist Craig Snell said: A blustery day especially across the south and the very far north east of the UK, and with the winds coming in from the north-west a cooler feeling day compared to Saturday but still just reaching double figures in the south.

Then into the evening as we begin to approach midnight for many parts, Northern Ireland, England and Wales we continue to see some further showers, so certainly recommend a rain jacket if you are planning to be about around midnight.

For Scotland it should turn a little but drier here and with some lighter winds, it will turn quite chilly too, so maybe a thicker jacket here as we approach midnight.

Then for the rest of the night very little changes really, still the risk of some further showers, showers may well return across parts of Scotland too as we start the New Years Day morning.
The late actor is survived by his son, Robert, and his wife, Oscar-nominated costume designer Anthea Sylbert

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Richard Romanus

Richard Romanus, the actor best known for his roles in Mean Streets and The Sopranos, has died, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. He was 80.

He died Dec. 23 in a hospital in Volos, Greece, his son, Robert Romanus, told the outlet. No cause of death was given.

Romanus was known for his tough-guy roles including Michael Longo in 1973s Mean Streets. In the Martin Scorsese-directed crime drama, Romanus played a loan shark who gets into a memorable confrontation with Johnny Civello (Robert De Niro).

Warner Brothers/Getty Richard Romanus in 'Mean Streets.'

Related: Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2023

Scorsese, 81, recalled the iconic bar scene in Andy Dougan's Untouchable: Robert De Niro, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Something had happened between Bobby and Richard because the animosity between them in that scene is real, and I played on it. They had gotten on each others nerves to the point where I think they really wanted to kill each other, the writer-director recalled in the 2011 biography. I kept shooting take after take of Bobby yelling all these insults while the crew was getting very upset.

According to Romanus, De Niro, 80, was upset with him because he saw him laugh.

By laughing I was saving face, he said. He thought I should be fuming, but he had no control over my reactions. Sometimes the reaction you get from your acting partner is not the one you want. Then you simply have to react off that. But in this scene I laughed organically.

Added Romanus: I thought Bobby was very funny when he was doing that stuff. And he looked ridiculous.

HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection Richard Romanus played the estranged husband of Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony Sopranos psychiatrist, in 'The Sopranos.'

Romanus also appeared in three episodes of another iconic crime drama, The Sopranos, as the estranged husband of Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony Sopranos psychiatrist, from 1999 to 2002, per IMDB.

Some of his other television credits include Charlies Angels, Mission: Impossible, MacGyver, The A-Team, Hawaii Five-0 and Strike Force. He also starred in several made-for-TV movies including Night Drive, Gold of the Amazon Women, More Than Murder and Ghost of a Chance.

His final role was Ben Ishak in 2003s The Young Black Stallion, a prequel to the 1979 Disney classic The Black Stallion.

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Getty for Costume Designers Guild Richard Romanus, Goldie Hawn, Anthea Sylbert and Kurt Russell

The late actor is survived by his son, Robert; his wife, Oscar-nominated costume designer Anthea Sylbert; and his younger brother Robert Romanus (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Fame), according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Romanus and Sylbert, who tied the knot in August 1985, co-wrote and produced two Lifetime movies, 1998s Giving Up the Ghost and 1999s If You Believe, which earned them a WGA nomination, per the outlet.

More than two decades ago, the couple moved to the Greek town Skiathos, and were declared honorary citizens of the town in 2021, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Romanus also published three books, all set in Greece, starting in 2011: Act III: A Small Island in the Aegean, Chrysalis and Matoulas Echo, per his Amazon author bio.

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In 2011, when I started writing my almost weekly column, I wrote about my first visit to Bethlehem which occurred in the late '60s. That memory persists and I share it (lightly edited) with you today:

"The sky was amazingly clear, filled with stars. I looked for one that stood out above the rest but couldnt find one: I was about 2,000 years too late.

It was my first Christmas in the Holy Land, and I was in Bethlehem.

Hospitality.

The night was cold. Crisp and cold. I pulled my blankets close and snuggled closer to the fire. A cup of hot, sweet tea warmed my hands. I was spending the night in the hills outside Bethlehem with Palestinian shepherds encamped with their sheep, as had generations of Canaanite, Jewish, Christian and Muslim shepherds before them.

Robert Azzi

Beyond our camp I could see the twinkle of lights in Bethlehem, and aside from the occasional murmurs of speech from my companions, and a dog barking, all was silent.

Silent Night.

I had come to Bethlehem to take photographs on behalf of UNWRA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency that worked with Palestinians displaced during the 1948 and 1967 wars. My visit predated my embrace of Islam. As a Christian, I was fully in thrall of Lukes Gospel, of the history and tradition that surrounded the birth of a Jewish baby, Jesus, a Palestinian boy born in an animal stall to an unwed teenage woman, a boy believed by Christians to be an Incarnation of God who would come to also be revered by Muslims as the most important prophet after the prophet Muhammad.

Mary and Joseph were citizens of a land oppressed through occupation by Rome. Indeed, according to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod felt so threatened by news of Jesus that he ordered the slaughter of an unknown number of children in a futile attempt to kill the Christ child.

Jesus, born in Bethlehem, was a Semite. He was probably dark and swarthy of olive skin complexion - like mine - with dark, short, curly-hair.

The next day was Christmas Eve, and I moved from the shepherd's fields to Manger Square, where I met Abdul Majid and his family, who had invited me via a missionary friend, into their home.

Hospitality.

The Abdul Majids lived in one large room, unheated, tall ceilings, dark, damp and cold, and a small fire, used for both heating and cooking, was tended day and night by all members of the family.

There was a small Christmas tree in the middle of the room, with meager decorations and real candles waiting to be lit.

They welcomed me as they would long-lost family, gave me more sweet tea, showed me a corner where I could unroll my sleeping bag and apologized for not being able to give me privacy other than a screen.

We became family and in coming years, whether I could visit them or not, I sent them support and presents to supplement Abdul Majids meager income as a day laborer.

Holy Night.

They lived around the corner from Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, which on Christmas Eve filled with Arab and Israeli dignitaries, diplomats, pilgrims from foreign lands and special guests. A little space was reserved for local Palestinians like Abdul Majid and his family. As a guest and photographer, I had permission to wander at will but, during the Mass, amidst its beautiful chanting and incense, I sat with the Abdul Majids, embraced by their hospitality, their love of Jesus and the miracle of His birth.

Be kind to parents, and the near kinsman, and to orphans, and to the needy, and to the neighbor who is of kin, and to the neighbor who is a stranger, and to the companion at your side, and to the traveler.  Quran 4.36-37

Hospitality.

I had travelled to Bethlehem from Beirut via a series of what are called service taxis; five-passenger taxis, to the Allenby Bridge, where I crossed the Jordan River and entered the Occupied West Bank. Along the way drivers and passengers alike had welcomed me, fed me and entertained me for countless hours across a foreign landscape: never once was a tent flap closed in my face.

I encountered my first Israeli that year at the Allenby Bridge. I was nervous. The IDF guard was polite, curious and courteous and, as requested, put my entry stamp on a separate card rather than in my passport so I could re-enter Arab countries. When I told him I was going to Bethlehem he handed me back my passport with a cheerful, Merry Christmas.

Such a lifetime ago.

A lifetime worth remembering, especially considering the war crimes and other inhuman circumstances today being endured by Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.

This year, in response, I decided to join in solidarity with the Christian communities in Palestine who have cancelled all Christmas celebrations - communities deciding to dim the lights of Bethlehem in solidarity with the Palestinians across the Holy Land resisting ethnic cleansing and genocide.

For years - until this year - I have displayed at Christmas the most wonderful creche, a magical creation made by New Hampshire ceramic artist Jane Kaufmann. I've been displaying it for years, each year being a bit different, occasionally adding figures to it; a fourth wise person, odd sojourners, a photographer, a couple of extra angels and some animals that wandered by and joined the community - some years I erected an apartheid wall to prohibit the wise men from reaching baby Jesus.

It's a wonderful work of art and for years it's given me and my family and friends much pleasure.

This year, after setting it up, I decided, as this is no longer a season of pleasure or joy to the world, no longer of silent nights, holy nights, I packed it all up and put it back in storage.

Today there is no joy in a world where 1,900,000 innocent civilians are internally displaced, where 2,000 pound bombs are being dropped on innocent civilians, where over 21,000 people in just 11 weeks have been killed, where over 40% of the population is facing starvation.

There is no joy in bearing witness to "Christ in the Rubble," to witnessing a creche in Bethlehem of baby Jesus wrapped in a keffiyeh on a pile of rubble.

Where the faces of children who look like Baby Jesus haunt our waking hours and dreams.

I couldn't do it.

Robert Azzi, a photographer and writer who lives in Exeter, can be reached at theother.azzi@gmail.com. His columns are archived at theotherazzi.wordpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Azzi: Bethlehem: Christmas remembered; Christmas canceled
Lord Cameron has told Irans foreign minister that the country shares responsibility for preventing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea after the US said its navy sank three boats targeting a container ship.

Four boats from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen fired at the Maersk Hangzhou and got within metres of the vessel as US helicopters fired back, the US military said.

Several of the armed boat crews were killed, the US Central Command (Centcom) said. No-one was injured on the ship.

This mornings atrocious attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis were an unacceptable and outrageous act designed to destabilise global trade. The Houthis must end their illegal campaign against merchant shipping and stop all violent attacks immediately. https://t.co/cYqGnNJkmd  Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 31, 2023

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the UK Foreign Secretary said he had spoken to Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on New Years Eve about the attacks which threaten innocent lives and the global economy.

I made clear that Iran shares responsibility for preventing these attacks given their long-standing support to the Houthis, Lord Cameron said.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps condemned what he described as an outrageous bid to disrupt global trade.

This mornings atrocious attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis were an unacceptable and outrageous act designed to destabilise global trade, he said in a post on the social media platform.

The Houthis must end their illegal campaign against merchant shipping and stop all violent attacks immediately.

The Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou reported that it had already been hit by a missile on Saturday night while transiting the Southern Red Sea and requested assistance, Centcom said in a statement.

I spoke to @Amirabdolahian today about Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which threaten innocent lives and the global economy. I made clear that Iran shares responsibility for preventing these attacks given their long-standing support to the Houthis.  David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 31, 2023

In another statement, Centcom said the same ship issued an additional distress call about a second attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.

The attackers fired small arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou, getting to within about 65ft (20m) of the vessel, and a contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, Centcom said.

US helicopters responded to the distress call and returned fire after the small boats crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.

The helicopters sank three of the four boats, killing the crews, while the fourth boat fled the area, Centcom said.

No damage to US personnel or equipment was reported.

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports.

They say their attacks aim to end Israels air and ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip following the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7.

On Saturday, the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East said Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

A Royal Navy destroyer earlier this month joined international efforts to deter attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

HMS Diamond joined American and French warships in an US-led task force dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D) said she received death threats in the wake of the lawsuit that was filed in her state that eventually led to former President Trump being kicked off the ballot in her state.

Within three weeks of the lawsuit being filed, I received 64 death threats. I stopped counting after that, Griswold said on X Saturday, the platform formerly known as Twitter. I will not be intimidated. Democracy and peace will triumph over tyranny and violence.

Griswold also linked to a HuffPost article from last week in which she discussed her fears about violence on behalf of the former president. In the article, she also noted that it wasnt her that filed the lawsuit, but a watchdog organization named Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

Griswold recently praised her Maine counterpart, Shenna Bellows (D), for her decision to kick Trump off of the ballot in the Pine Tree State Thursday under the 14th Amendment.

I do think Secretary Bellows is brave and courageous, Griswold said in an interview on MSNBC about the Maine secretary of state (D). She is the first individual, by herself, having to make this decision.

On Thursday, Bellows said she had concluded that the former president over the course of several months and culminating on January 6, 2021, used a false narrative of election fraud to inflame his supporters and direct them to the Capitol to prevent certification of the 2020 election and the peaceful transfer of power.

Bellows said on Friday that she has received threats in the wake of her decision to remove Trump from the ballot.

I was prepared for the possibility of threats, and I really appreciate law enforcement and the people around me who have been incredibly supportive of my safety and security, Bellows said during an appearance on CNN. My safety and security is important, so is the safety and security of everyone who works with me and we have received threatening communications.

Those are unacceptable, Bellows continued.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Security measures have been increased in Cologne with about 1,000 police officers deployed - INA FASSBENDER/AFP

German police have arrested three people suspected of planning a New Years Eve terrorist attack on Cologne Cathedral, which was reportedly to be carried out in a car loaded with explosives.

Officers had first been informed of an attack planned for Christmas Eve and patrolled the cathedral with machine guns until New Years Eve, when they intercepted the group.

The detainees, who are all Tajik, had planned to use a car as their means of attack but in which way is not known, said Cologne police.

Officers had deployed sniffer dogs to search the underground parking of the cathedral for explosives but did not discover anything suspicious.

The suspects were detained in the cities of Duisburg, Herne and Dueren in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and their apartments in these areas were also searched.

Officers had deployed sniffer dogs to search for explosives - INA FASSBENDER/AFP

Bild Daily reported in December that the group had allegedly wanted to carry out attacks for Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), an Isis offshoot in Afghanistan.

The group had become involved with an extremist network in Germany, Austria and Spain, according to German prosecutors and the countrys Federal Intelligence Service.

The three suspects are believed to be linked to another Tajik national, aged 30, who was arrested on Christmas Eve, according to Cologne police.

The 30-year-old was also detained by German police on the same day that Austria announced the arrests of another three suspects in Vienna.

Germany has been on high alert in recent weeks over possible Islamist attacks - Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Europe

Peter Neumann, a terrorism expert at Kings College London, said that the network is probably the only Isis offshoot that would currently be capable of carrying out a large, coordinated attack in the West.

Security measures have been increased in Cologne with about 1,000 police officers deployed on Sunday.

Herbert Reul, the German state interior minister, said: Terrorists and their networks are currently very active and are trying to regroup. Police are out and about with all their strength and capabilities.

However, Mr Reul told residents that they were safe to go ahead with new year plans, as revellers began celebrating.

Mr Reul added: Islamist terror is still a threat on German streets. However, it would be wrong to panic. I say: Celebrate. Behave yourselves. Take care  and enjoy the transition into the new year.

Officers had first been informed of an attack planned for Christmas Eve and patrolled the cathedral until New Year's Eve - CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Germany has been on high alert in recent weeks over possible Islamist attacks, with the countrys domestic intelligence chief warning in late November that the Israel-Hamas war had increased the risk of such assaults.

Germany issued a ban on Hamas activities and organisations linked to the group in the wake of the militants attack on Israel that killed about 1,140 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The deadliest attack by Islamist extremists in Germany was carried out by an Isis supporter who rammed a truck into a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016, killing 12 people.

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Kate Vokes, 54, and her son Archie, 22

A British skier and her 22-year-old son killed in an avalanche in France have been named.

The family of Kate Vokes, 54, and Archie Vokes say they are "beyond heartbroken" by the "tragic accident".

The pair, from Manchester, died when an avalanche swept through an off-piste area near the French ski resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains on Thursday.

They were close to Mont Blanc, near the Swiss border, when the avalanche hit at about 15:30 local time (14:30 GMT).

A statement from the family on Sunday read: "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of our beloved, wonderful Kate and Archie.

"Words cannot express how terrible we all feel nor the hole in our lives that has been left by this tragic accident.

"We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family."

Mr Vokes was a personal trainer at Form in Manchester, and in the previous year had achieved his level 1 ski instructor qualification in Canada.

Ms Vokes was chair of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, a director of their family-owned property company Bruntwood, deputy chair of the Royal Exchange Theatre and a trustee of charities Shared Health and Focused Care.

The Royal Exchange Theatre said staff were "absolutely devastated" by the news of Ms Vokes' death. In a tribute posted on Facebook, it described her as "remarkable" and "our dear friend, colleague and tireless supporter".

Also paying tribute on social media, the Shared Health Foundation said it was "shocked and saddened" by the "tragic news".

The Bonneville public prosecutor's office say that a manslaughter investigation had been opened by police in nearby Chamonix.

Mother and son were said to have been with a guide they had known for years and were part of a group of five people from the same family when the incident occurred.

Local authorities say the avalanche began at an altitude of around 2,300 metres (7,546 feet) and travelled around 400 metres. Officials added it may have been triggered by another party of skiers at a higher altitude.

The mother and son were found after around five hours of searching by 20 first responders and two helicopters, Bonneville prosecutor Karline Bouisset explained in a previous statement.

Contrary to previous reports, it is now thought the guide accompanying the family was not wearing an avalanche beacon. The devices are used to locate those in the snow.

Saint-Gervais mayor Jean-Marc Peillex said: "It's terrible what happened", the Associated Press reported.

"A family is decimated, and we are very sad in Saint-Gervais."

A Foreign Office spokesperson said previously: "We are supporting the family of two British people who died in France and are in contact with the local authorities."

Around 110 people are caught in avalanches every year in France, leading to about 30 deaths.
'That was your plan, to move into the house broke': This Charlotte woman just bought a $330K house  but now has very little money for furniture and a fridge. Here's what Dave Ramsey told her

Homeownership is a big part of the American Dream, but lately the housing market has been a source of nightmares. According to an April 2023 survey by Clever Real Estate, 93% of Americans who purchased a home in 2022 or 2023 had regrets about their decision, and 58% said they overpaid.

Financial guru Dave Ramsey spoke to a concerned buyer in a recent episode of The Ramsey Show."

That was your plan, to move into the house broke, he told her after hearing her dilemma.

Dont miss

The caller, Amy from Charlotte, North Carolina, was set to close on a home worth $330,000. She said she made a $60,000 down payment to seal the deal and was wondering how to finance the furnishing of her new home without going into debt. She said she doesn't even own a bed or refrigerator.

She added that she has roughly $20,000 in emergency savings, but Ramsey and his co-host did not want her to spend it all on furniture. You close on a $330,000 house. You spend your last $20,000 furnishing it. The next day something is going to go wrong and you have no money, said Ramsey.

A sobering 27% of homebuyers said their financial situation deteriorated after closing the deal, according to the Clever Real Estate survey.

Ramsey gave her a simple plan to furnish the house without borrowing money.

Start with the basics

Ramseys first piece of advice was to buy the basics: a mattress, a bed and a used fridge. He recommended a budget of $5,000 for these essential items. Thats going to leave $15,000 in your emergency fund, he said. That way, if you have an emergency, you dont lose your home.

To be fair, $15,000 is a sizable cash buffer for emergencies. JPMorgan Chases analysis of customer checking and savings accounts found that households in the top quartile of income had median balances around $9,000. Meanwhile, 63% of American workers would struggle to handle a $500 emergency, according to a SecureSave survey reported on by CNBC.

Simply put, Amy would be in a better position than most Americans even if she spent $5,000 on the basics. Ramsey, however, would have preferred a wider cash buffer. You took it all the way to the edge, kiddo, he told Amy. You left no margin in this deal.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now cash in on prime real estate  without the headache of being a landlord. Here's how

Accumulate over time

Amy said she earns roughly $5,000 a month through a combination of regular income and military veteran disability payments. Ramsey told her to gradually buy all the other items for her house with a portion of this income. Youre going to cash flow furnishing this place out of your income, he recommended.

Steadily purchasing a few items every month should allow Amy to manage her cash flow efficiently. A few hundred dollars on a used dining table or refurbished vacuum cleaner shouldnt break the bank. Go to the rich end of town and go to the garage sale, suggested Ramsey. You can buy a $9,000 leather couch for $500  because the [rich] lady redecorated and didnt like the color [of the couch] anymore.

Dont depend on someone youre not married to

Amy said the plan is for her boyfriend to pay part of the mortgage when they move into her new house, but Ramsey recommended they keep their finances separate. "I don't recommend that you ever buy a house or depend on someone that you're not married to to pay for your house," he said.

Although Amy said she would own the house, it's worth noting that Ramsey has never been a fan of co-ownership, unless its between a married couple. The reality is that the high cost of homeownership has pushed more people to consider co-buying. Fifty-three million Americans currently live in properties they co-own with someone they are not married to, according to CoBuy, a platform that helps facilitate such transactions. It estimates that such co-buyers will account for 26.7% of all U.S. home purchases in 2023.

These arrangements can be cumbersome to deal with if the friendship or relationship falls apart.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
As the end of 2023 inches closer, so do the controversies that surround some of South Dakota's most influential people, affecting everything on a scale reaching from local school board politics to potentially the White House.

And with a new legislative session days out and the first election of 2024 a few months away, how elected leaders respond to what Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County residents want as a whole will be top of the list for people to watch as the new year unfolds.

The Argus Leader has laid it out for you. Here are the top South Dakota people to watch in 2024.

Politics: Gov. Kristi Noem and her future ambitions

Its no secret that Gov. Kristi Noems political ambitions lay beyond South Dakota. Throughout the past year, she has traveled to other states and went so far as to Paris, France, to introduce herself to audiences at a variety of conservative conferences. Her stump speech topics remain the same: growing up on a ranch, the values her late father instilled in her and her approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are the appearances and the work Noem has done at home enough for the second term governor to land on former President Donald Trumps shortlist for vice president if he nabs the GOP nomination in July?

Maybe.

She told Newsmax in September she would consider a spot on Trumps ticket in a heartbeat. She encouraged the six other Republicans running for the presidential nomination to throw their support behind Trump after a recent Des Moines Register poll found 50% of Iowa Republicans supported him. And during Trumps September rally in Rapid City, Noems remarks seemed like an audition for the No. 2 spot as she endorsed the former president. While Noem and Trump shook hands, the screen above briefly flashed to Trump-Noem 2024, foreshadowing a possible running ticket.

Gov. Kristi Noem introduces Donald Trump during his event at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

Noem has her homework cut out for her at home though if she wants to be seen as a governor who can get things done consistently, and not as a one-hit wonder because of her approach to COVID-19 that included trusting people's personal responsibilities or her criticisms of the ChineseCommunist Party. Noem found many of her 2023 legislative policy recommendations dead in the water.

More recently, Noem has been focused on matters of the state, including asking the South Dakota Supreme Court to issue an advisory opinion about the state's conflict of interest clause within the state Constitution. She's also the face of the Freedom Works Here workforce ad campaign, encouraging people to move to South Dakota. But Freedom Works Here has drawn the scrutiny of lawmakers when it came to the campaign's the bidding process, the Ohio ad firm that won the bid and tracking the success of the campaign.

Noem will be looking for legislative success and support when she lays out her policy priorities on Jan. 9 in Pierre during her State of the State address.

 Annie Todd, Argus Leader state politics reporter

Education and sports: Girls on Sioux Falls' gymnastics team  and in the gymnastics lawsuit

Last year, almost a dozen girls who wanted to be known only for their gymnastics prowess were soon known as the girls who got their sport cut, the girls who called out the Sioux Falls School District and its board for cutting their sport, and the girls who sued the district over losing their favorite pastime.

Those girls, and their parents, will continue to make headlines next year as the lawsuit, Title IX complaint and districts appeal of a preliminary injunction that allowed the gymnastics season to continue, goes on to unfold in the new year.

The Lincoln High School gymnastics team huddles together.

Thats on the macro level. On the micro level, as the grown-ups and lawyers argue elsewhere, the girls who wanted to play this year had to start their season from scratch with little time between thinking they wouldnt get to flip, tumble and turn this year and being told they had to get ready for their first competition.

Their ability to turn things around in such a short time, and whether that pays off in competition, will also be worth paying attention to in the new year.

The girls parents will also continue to make news as they stand up for their daughters in court.

 Morgan Matzen, Argus Leader education reporter

Education: School board candidates

Terms for Sioux Falls School District Board of Education vice president Marc Murren and member Kate Serenbetz end June 30.

Whether Murren and Serenbetz will run again, and whether any other individuals enter the race, will be a big-ticket item for local elections in early 2024. City councilor Pat Starr has expressed interest in running as well.

Marc Murren (left) and Kate Serenbetz (right) will see their school board terms expire June 30, 2024.

Anyone who runs for those two open school board seats will be running for a two-year term. This change is part of the districts plan to transition to four-year school board terms after the passage of House Bill 1123 in 2023 allowed school boards to increase terms from three years to four years to combine school elections with other local elections, like city council.

Typically, school board elections see a turnout about five times smaller than the turnout of city elections. Transitioning to elections every two years can save the district as much as $50,000 every other year, district officials estimate.

The 2024 election will consist of two two-year terms, 2025 will see two three-year terms and 2026 will see three four-year terms. Then, all subsequent elections beginning in 2028 will alternate between two and three four-year terms.

April 9 will be the big day at all the citys polling places. Candidates can start circulating and filing nominating petitions on Jan. 26 until Feb. 23. Voter registration is due March 25.

Who is chosen by the citys voters will say much about the future of the Sioux Falls School District, its transparency going forward and the priorities of city residents.

The individuals chosen to serve will have a chance to shake things up on a board that's usually in lockstep with the district administration it leads, to decide the district's multi-million dollar budget, to regularly meet and correspond with Superintendent Jane Stavem, to advocate for the city's students and to question major and minor district decisions.

 Morgan Matzen, Argus Leader education reporter

County government: Auditor Leah Anderson

The Minnehaha County auditor was making waves even before she was sworn in earlier this year, ousting Ben Kyte from the role after running a campaign centered on election integrity and endorsed by figures who claim election fraud is occurring across the country.

Andersons time in the office has won her a small army of supporters, who attend county commission meetings to accuse officials of conspiring against Anderson, to decry what they call secret vote counting and to accuse commissioners of treason by proxy.

Minnehaha County Leah Anderson

Many of them, including recently-hired elections coordinator Mike Mathis, are associated with South Dakota Canvassing Group, a group that calls for hand-counted elections with a ban on machines, mail-in voting and ballot harvesting.

But as April 9, the date of Andersons first election as auditor, draws closer, other elected officials are increasingly losing their patience with her.

More: Commissioner: Minnehaha County auditor's performance 'unprofessional' and 'embarrassing'

Members of the Minnehaha County Commission, Sioux Falls City Council and South Dakota Democratic Party have all criticized her for a Dec. 4 call in which Anderson allowed nearly two dozen of her supporters to secretly listen in on a discussion between members of the South Dakota Secretary of States Office, the countys elections vendor Election Systems & Software and Anderson herself.

That was very unprofessional, and not the way we do business, and quite embarrassing to the county, said Commissioner Joe Kippley at a Dec. 19 meeting, when he floated the idea of excluding Anderson from a proposed salary increase.

Andersons response to the criticism has been that she works for the people, and that shes receiving pushback for asking questions about the security of the elections shes charged with overseeing.

And with four months until the election, its nearly certain that plenty more sparks will fly.

 Trevor Mitchell, Argus Leader city government reporter

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Kristi Noem, Leah Anderson among Argus Leader's people to watch in 2024
Elon Musk and Leo KoGuan Getty

Leo KoGuan is a major Tesla shareholder and regularly touts his big buying sprees of the stock.

But the one-time, self-proclaimed Elon Musk "fanboy" has since soured on his leadership.

"Elon abandoned Tesla and Tesla has no working CEO," KoGuan tweeted in December 2022. "Tesla needs and deserves to have working full time CEO."

Leo KoGuan is perhaps best known as an Elon Musk "fanboy," who built a massive stake in Tesla during the pandemic and consistently fires off tweetstorms about the EV maker.

As of January 2023, was was also sitting on a net worth of $3.8 billion according to Forbes, and dumped the majority of his other stocks to amass more than 22 million shares of Tesla.

But while KoGuan remains "stupidly loyal" to Tesla and continues to buy up shares, he has recently soured on Musk, who has turned his attention to Twitter after taking it over last year.

"Elon abandoned Tesla and Tesla has no working CEO," KoGuan Tweeted on December 14, 2022. "Tesla needs and deserves to have working full time CEO."

He didn't respond to Insider's requests for comment.

KoGuan, 67, was born in Indonesian, went to school in the US, and now lives in Singapore. He is the chairman and founder of the IT provider SHI International, which touts clients like AT&T and Boeing among a list of 20,000.

He started the firm in 1989 after graduating from New York Law School in 1985 and earning a masters degree in international affairs from Columbia University in 1982. SHI began as a software reseller, and the New Jersey-based company is now one of the largest privately held firms in the US, according to Forbes. SHI had $14.3 billion in sales last year, up from more than $12.1 billion in 2021.

KoGuan has stepped away from SHI's day-to-day operations, with ex-wife Shai Lee in the role of CEO. He is now more focused on philanthropy  and Tesla.

He once met Musk at SpaceX's headquarters in 2019 and told Forbes in 2021 that he's "Elon's fanboy." In fact, he's the third-largest individual shareholder of Tesla behind Musk and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index.

And even as shares have plummeted 70% from their highs, KoGuan is still buying. But in recent months, he has dismissed some Musk fans as cult followers and expressed some buyer's remorse.

He took to Twitter on January 7 and said he thought Musk was "killing" both the company and shareholders, adding that he wouldn't have invested in the company had he known Musk would sell so much of his own stock.

Still, KoGuan is confident Tesla can succeed regardless of who is in charge and often shifts between differing messages of his support. At times, he has called Musk "irreplaceable" and said he believes in Musk 100%, but has also seemed to mock him as "the one," describing Tesla as a one-man show with a toothless board of directors.

Last month, he said "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn if Elon stays or leaves Tesla," adding that a hands-on executive similar to Apple CEO Tim Cook is needed. "I plan to invest more $billion bc Tesla will be the biggest company with or without Elon."

This story was originally published in January 2023.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Todd Fry - Getty Images



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A new study claims that the Gunung Padang site in Indonesia is a prehistoric pyramid from up to 27,000 years ago.

The study authors site ground-penetrating technologies as the main source for the conclusion.

The archaeological community, however, is questioning the findings and the paper is now under investigation.

The Djoser pyramid in Egypt is known as the oldest in the world at 4,700 years old. A new paper published in Archaeological Prospection calls that record into question with the strong claims of a prehistoric pyramid in Indonesia that is up to 27,000 years old. Not everyone is buying the research, however, and now the journal has launched an investigation into the study.

Im surprised [the paper] was published as is, Flint Dibble, archaeologist at Cardiff University, told Nature, which first reported the investigation into the paper. Dibbles questions pertain not so much the data from the Gunung Padang site, but rather to the conclusions drawn by the authors.

The papers authors write that they have compelling evidence of a complex and sophisticated megalithic site. Using seismic tomography, the researchers have come to believe that hidden cavities or chambers exist, showing the presence of multi-layer constructions.

There could be other explanations.

The Gunung Padang site in West Java, Indonesia, includes a raised earth site. If underneath the soil lies human-built caverns and rooms, it would offer up not only the oldest known pyramid by thousands of years, but also the oldest known use of stone masonry. This would completely undo previous beliefs surrounding civilization advancement in the Paleolithic era.

These findings offer valuable insights into the construction history of Gunung Padang, the authors wrote in the paper, shedding light on the engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations during the Paleolithic era.

To arrive at their conclusions, the authors used ground-penetrating technologies to uncover what they believe are four layers of construction that include rooms throughout differing phases of build. The first layer is dated to 27,000 to 16,000 years ago, and was done by carbon dating the soil drilled from the site. They also believe that the technology shows sculpted stoneworkmeticulously sculpted, to be exactand the arranging of rocks in a planned way.

But theres two giant question marks. Does all this technologyand no visual evidencereally show the work of human (or hominin) hands, or could the ground have shifted over thousands of years, forming layers that left voids in the soil? And what does it mean that no researchers have found evidence of human activity in that area dating that far back, let alone any record of known organized settlements or societies?

Dibble, according to Nature, claims that the natural movement and weathering of rocks can sculpt stone and roll down hills to make it appear planned. But Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, geologist at the National Research and Innovation Agency in Indonesia and study co-author, told Nature that the stones were neatly arranged, shaped, and too large for easy natural transportation. Dibble counters that theres no evidence to believe that the rocks were shaped by humans.

Then comes the dating. Bill Farley, archaeologist at southern Connecticut State University, told Nature theres been no evidence that an advanced civilization existed at that site during the last ice age. And while soil samples may well be from 27,000 years ago, without the telltale signs of human activity (such as charcoal or bone fragments), theres no reason to believe that there was any sort of large settlement in existence during that timeespecially in Indonesia. The oldest known complex societies with settlements, which would be required to build pyramid-type structures, is 9,000 years old and located in modern-day Turkey.

The looming question marks on the paper have been enough to warrant another look by the publisher. A deeper investigation into the paper may also spark a more intense scrutiny of Gunung Padang.

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World bauble with New Year's sparkling lights behind

The countdown is on! Can you believe its almost time to say farewell to 2023 and hello to 2024? Before you know it, youll be counting down the seconds until the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve alongside your loved ones as tiny bits of colorful confetti fall from the sky and coat the ground beneath you. For that brief moment, time will stand still as you reflect on the previous 365 days and start dreaming about the next 365 days (or 366 days thanks to the leap year) that are now ahead of you.

Its truly one of the most joyous and magical times of the year, so its no wonder people in countries all across the world love to celebrate it. Its a day that everyone can look forward to, no matter how old you are or where you live.

However, do you know what the first place is to cross over into 2024? If you guessed the United States, guess again! The U.S. is actually not even close to being one of the first countries to do so. Crazy, right? Well, thanks to the fact that there are 38 different time zones, it takes 26 hours for the New Year to officially encompass every single one of them. Thats why were listing out a few of the first regions that will get to say Happy New Year!, below. So if you ever want to plan a New Years Eve trip somewhere, keep these places in mind!

Related: What's the Last Place in the World To Celebrate the New Year?

What's the First Country To Celebrate the New Year?

The first place to ring in the New Year is Kiritimati Island, which is part of the Republic of Kiribati. The small region is also known as Christmas Island, which is in the worlds farthest forward time zone, making it 19 hours ahead of places like NYC.



Kiritimati Island celebrates New Years so early compared to the United States that almost a whole day will have passed before all of the mainland US will have made it to 2024. In fact, when Kiritimati enters New Year's Day at midnight and it officially becomes January 1, 2024, the local time in New York will just be 5:00 a.m. EST on December 31, 2023.

Related: Closing Our Eyes While Opening Our Hearts30 Transformative New Year's Prayers

What Other Locations Celebrate the New Year First?

Keep reading to see who else is among the first to celebrate the New Year. The list below shows some of the areas that follow right behind Kiritimati Island. We also included what time it is in the United States (in EST) when the clock strikes midnight in these locations.

1. The Chatham Islands (which are part of New Zealand) is the second place to celebrate New Yearsjust fifteen minutes after Kiritimati Island. When the clock strikes midnight there, its only 5:15 a.m. EST on December 31 in the United States.

2. About 45 minutes later, other places in New Zealand, like Auckland and Wellington, as well as cities like Nuku'alofa in Tonga celebrate. Its just 6:00 a.m. EST on December 31 when that happens.

3. When its 7:00 a.m. EST, its January 1st in Fiji and in some of the most eastern parts of Russia.

Related: Huh? Some People Swear By Blowing Cinnamon Into Their Homes on the First of the MonthHeres Why

4. Around 8:00 a.m. EST is when its officially New Years in most of Australia, including Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

5. A half hour later at 8:30 a.m. EST is when Australians in Adelaide, Broken Hill and Ceduna will flip their calendars to January.

6. Places like Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, along with the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, say Happy New Year! when its 9:00 a.m. EST.

7. The northern territory of Australia is the eighth place to ring in the New Year. Its only 9:30 a.m. EST on December 31 when that happens.

8. At 10:00 a.m. EST, the clock strikes midnight in Japan and South Korea.

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